NICKERSON — Joseph Nickerson III. Joe was born April 14, 1937, to Joseph Nickerson Jr. and Lottie Anna Dick. He lived his entire life on the same block in Swedesboro and was known to all as Joe Nick.
In the summer of 1960, while racing cars with friends (perfectly legal back in the day), he saw a pretty, blonde-haired girl sitting in a car. He took that opportunity to walk to the car, lean into the window and say “Baby, I’m going to marry you”. And marry her, he did. Joe and his wife Priscilla were married for 62 years. Throughout the years they showed way more displays of affection than their four children could stand. They were truly in love for the entirety of the sixty-two years they spent together.
In his younger years he worked at the Auction Block in Swedesboro loading trucks, a laborer for Erdner’s, an antenna installer for Marino’s in Clarksboro with his brother-in-law and friend, Gerry. As an adult he was a lab technician for DuPont, and finally a member of management at Mobil Oil in Paulsboro where he was the oldest retiree on record.
His work ethic was second to none. In the words of a co-worker and family member, “Old Joe Nick was quite a character. Amazingly smart. I got to work with him at the plant and watch everyone go to your dad with questions or advice. Everybody went to Joe Nick…young engineers too. He was considered a genius. It was something to witness.”
Joe was an ardent and impressive builder of model airplanes and cars and participated in numerous model contests held by Dupper’s Hobby Shop on Kings Highway. And he was always the go-to for his kids when car troubles arose. He could build and fix anything.
Joe and Priscilla traveled the world. Via a work opportunity with Mobil Oil, dad and mom relocated to New Zealand for a few years making many friends and acquaintances. They spent many summers at their shore place in North Wildwood, where he dutifully accompanied his wife to sit in the hot dirt; otherwise known as the beach to the rest of us.
Joe also served his country for 10 years as a member of the New Jersey National Guard. During his tenor, he received decorations and citations as an expert marksman and was a Chemical Operations Sergeant.
Joe is survived by his wife Priscilla (Clevenger), four children: Eleanor Stokes, Kathleen (Mario) Correa, Joseph Nickerson IV, and Loretta Nickerson. Four grandchildren Ashley Stokes (Gary) Pizzichillo, Kyle Stokes (and their father Glenn W. Stokes), Nichole Correa and Gina Correa. He is also survived by three great grandchildren Giuliana, Antonino and Gianluca Pizzichillo.
Joe was one of nine children and is survived by his siblings, Rosie Shute, Charlotte Spencer, Bill Nickerson, and his very favorite sister Gertie Gentile. Joe is predeceased by sisters Dorothy, Joan, Shirley, and Eleanor. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews with a special shout out to Gerry Michaels Jr., Kurt Dillion, Allison Thomas, Janeen Seagreaves and all the Gentile kids.
—
WINTER — Evelyn Winter. Evelyn Winter (Nee Jones), age 86, lived in Woolwich Township all her married life. She was born in Swedesboro, grew up in Pedricktown, and graduated from Penns Grove High School Class of 1954. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Willard; son, Wayne; daughter, Wendy Beckett; parents, Raymond and Ethel (Brenneis) Jones and brothers, Alan and Raymond Jones. She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Donna Coco (Russell) of Staley N.C. and Brenda Buechler (David) of Woolwich Township; son-in-law, Dean Beckett; brother, Harold Jones of Pedricktown; grandchildren: Cliff Beckett (Stephanie), Russell Coco (Alexis), Nicholas Coco (Joanne), Jeremy Coco (Cassandra), Jennifer Beckett (Keith), Brett Beckett (Presley), Harley Buechler and Zachary Buechler; great grandchildren: Chloe and Colin Beckett, Rett and Asher Coco, Rose Coco, Astrid and Kailyn Coco; step-great-grandchildren, Nick, Sophia and Kailynn and one new great grandbaby.
Evelyn was a member of Bethesda U.M.C of Swedesboro and a life member of Swedesboro Eastern Star 115. Before marrying Willard, she worked at D.O.D., Pedricktown. She retired from cafeteria duty as manager and server from South Harrison Elementary School and Kingsway Regional High School. She was past president of Swedesboro PTA and Swedesboro-Woolwich Ladies Fire Auxiliary. She was the first president of the KRHS Football Boosters Association, Woolwich Township Welfare Director and Director of Public Assistance. She was a Swedesboro Girl Scout Leader, a member and vice president of Swedesboro Library Board of Trustees, a volunteer and former treasurer of Kings Things Christian Thrift Store, and a member and treasurer of JEMS Sunday School Class at Bethesda U.M.C.
Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich. Donation to the Woolwich Fire Company, 1517 Kings Highway, Swedesboro or the Wayne Winter Scholarship Fund, c/o Kingsway Regional High School 201 Kings Highway, Woolwich 08085 will be appreciated.
—
THOMPSON — Carolann Thompson, 62. Come tough times, everyone relied on Carol’s strength. She was ornery, but always the fun flavor of ornery: smirk on her face and a half a can of Miller Lite in front of her. The consummate prankster. No one ever had more fun at a wedding: Carol loved disco, but she’d dance a style all her own, knock a few people over to catch the bouquet and make her patented monkey calls from time to time. If she thought it was getting boring, she’d put a couple of balloons under her shirt and get the party going again.
In her early years she dreamt of being a veterinarian. Not a shock that her Mullica Hill home was a home to 7 turtles, 2 pheasants, a goose, three dogs, 2 goats and a bevy of other creatures she happened upon. And they were all spoiled: her rabbits had several condos and her goats had a heater and jackets. She was a pickup truck kind of girl who’d rather push a Toyota than drive a Ford.
Her favorite place was the beach for a little peace and solitude. Fishing, of course, was in her D.N.A; she had inherited the trait from her father. And when she drove her truck on the beach, she’d spend much of her time hauling out the other trucks that didn’t know what they were doing.
In Cape May she’d wander the sand bars looking for fun creatures to entertain her. Crab get-togethers were her thing: a few solid hours of cracking shells. She had no fear of snakes, won more than her fair share of arm-wrestling matches (she was buff in earlier years) and could dock her boat without breaking a sweat. And she felt naked without her white Haines T-shirt. If her T.V was on she’d be checking out the Hallmark Channel. Carol cheered harder than anyone for the Eagles and she was fixated from kickoff to the last snap; best not text her when the game was on.
Carol worked as a research scientist for AstraZeneca, graduated from Paulsboro High School and was originally from Gibbstown. She met a pretty girl named Ranae Pollicino in high school; they’d spend 42 years as life partners. She is survived by her sister Ronda Bast (Thomas) and her nephews, Andrew and Joshua Hurst.
—
FITZPATRICK — John T. “Jack” Thomas Fitzpatrick of South Harrison Township, passed away on Aug. 22, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of Ann Fitzpatrick and the devoted father of Bartholomew Fitzpatrick and Kurt Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by his brother Tom Fitzpatrick and was the brother of the late Gerald “Jerry” Fitzpatrick Jr., the late Barbara “Babs” Biehler, and the late Richard “Dick” Fitzpatrick.
Jack was born on March 15, 1936 in Shamokin, PA, and was raised in Gloucester City, NJ, where he attended Gloucester Catholic High School and worked as a lifeguard at the Gloucester City pool. He graduated from St. Jerome’s College in Kitchener, Ontario, and then spent four years in the Air Force. While on leave in Ocean City, NJ, he met Ann Grabowski on the beach. They married in 1963 on the day after JFK was assassinated and were married for 59 years.
Jack was a successful salesman and small business owner. He was the proprietor of Select Business Forms and Select Print and Copy. In 1971 he moved with his family to South Harrison Township. While there, he served on the school board from 1974-1979 and then served as the mayor of South Harrison Township.
He was a football official, a little league coach, and soccer coach. In his later years he regularly visited the NJ Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, NJ, to see residents who didn’t get any visitors. Jack was also a member of the American Legion Post #0072 in Brooklawn, NJ.
Jack had the ability to talk and engage with anyone he met and was well liked by many. He often said that marrying Ann was the best thing he ever did, and he enjoyed his final years relaxing in his home with her. He said his epitaph would be “veni, vidi.” I came, I saw.
Condolence and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of John T. Fitzpatrick.
—
SPITHALER — Jean Spithaler, 71. Jean was a Swedesboro gal through and through. She knew everybody from today as well as back in the old days and could tell you who had lived in every house.
Jean kept a watchful eye on the town from her porches over the years and knew all the gossip. She was the neighborhood mom who had babysat or raised half of the area. She’d worked just about everywhere: the school cafeteria, as a crossing guard, as a beautician, and for the dress factory. Her hands were always in motion, either acting as seamstress and tailor for her family or producing a bevy of crafts.
She was a wiz in the kitchen: she made a mean broccoli salad, tater tot and hamburger casserole, cinnamon buns, pound cake and lasagna. She was an Irish girl who could cook Italian with the best of them. The secret may have been the basil and rosemary that came from her garden; she’d take her cane and chair over to her garden to make sure they were growing to her liking. And she was probably at her best during the holidays; she cooked the whole meal with all the dressings regardless of how many people were coming.
If her T.V was on she’d be checking out a little Rachel Ray, watching game shows or getting some more ideas for her home on HGTV. Jean was a 1969 graduate of Kingsway; the first class that had gone all the way through the school.
She’d meet a handsome guy named Steve and share a 51-year marriage blessed by children, Kelli Gandy (Alan), and Stephen Jr (Lori); and later by grandchildren Kaitlyn, Zachary, Tyler, Jason and Alexandra. She was the sister of the late Patricia Spithaler (Marty), David Kelly, Jeff Kelly (Peggi), the late Howard Kelly, Robin Gardiner (Bob), and the late Mark (Alivia Strawn).
Donations to National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org) will be appreciated.
—
WILSON — Owayne R. Wilson of Woolwich Township, passed away on Aug. 5, 2022, at Cooper University Hospital, Camden NJ.
He was born in Annotto Bay, St. Mary, Jamaica. He attended Gideon Early Childhood & Educational Centre in Buff Bay, Portland and Mico Practicing Primary and Junior High School in Kingston. At the age of 10 years old, he migrated to the United States of America with his mother and became a U.S. citizen. He resided in Orlando, Florida where he attended Orange Center Elementary School
He continued to perform excellently in all his academic and extra-curricular activities, and was awarded the F.A. Johnson Scholarship for academic excellence. He was awarded certificates of excellence for outstanding performance in College Club, Art, Peer Mediation and Perfect Attendance. He loved to write songs and sing.
He joined the choir at school, and was awarded Best Songwriter and Singer. He continued to sing not only at school, but he began attending Kingsway Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida where he joined the youth choir. He loved attending church, as his passion was worshiping and singing for the Lord.
He relocated to New Jersey with his mother, where he attended middle school #18, and continued to perform on the school choir. He was awarded the Choral Award for Vocal Performance. He also participated in the Justice for All – a Memorial to the Holocaust and Global Civil Injustice at school, and received a Certificate of Achievement. At the age of 14, Owayne told his mother that he would like to be baptized after receiving a vision of the rapture, where the angels came and took him to Heaven. He was baptized at Church of Jesus Christ the Lord in NJ where he continued to attend with his mother
After graduating from middle school, he attended Plainfield High School. He continued to perform on the choir at school, as well as the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) where he learned discipline and perseverance. He worked summer jobs at Six Flags Great Adventure Team Park in Jackson, NJ.
He also worked at Subway Restaurant and Office of the Mayor in Plainfield, NJ. He transferred from Plainfield High School to Job Corp Academy in Edison, NJ where he received vocational training. He then relocated to NY where he worked at Good Shepherd Services.
Owayne usually alternated between NY and NJ. In 2021 he returned to NJ to be closer to his mom and sisters.
He enjoyed music, songwriting, singing, dancing and socializing with families and friends. He was a compassionate and kind soul. He made great friends because he was social. He loved to show mercy to others and helped them. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7). He is survived by his mom, Gertrude (Trudy), dad, Errol (Ninja), sisters, Hervianna, Cristann, Rahesa, Kimeisha, Kireya, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew, and other relatives and friends.
Services were held at the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Donations can be made at https://enoughtribulations.com/make-a-donation/
—
COYLE — James F. Coyle, 81, of Logan Twp. passed away at home on Aug. 28, 2022. Born in New York, he has resided in Logan Twp. for the past 44 years coming from Philadelphia.
He was an Air Force Veteran serving during the Cuban Crisis. While in Philadelphia, Jim worked for the US Postal Service for 25 years and was a Philadelphia Firefighter for nine years before being injured on duty.
He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, he loved his Church and loved attending Mass. Jim was a member of the Gibbstown VFW #5579 and enjoyed golfing. An honest gentleman with a good sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Maryanne, his daughter, Mary Jo Palumbo (Danny), and his son, James C. (Donna) Coyle, grandchildren, Shannon and Allison Coyle and Alessandro Palumbo and his fur baby, Tony.
Donations in his memory to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tn 38105 or on-line at www.stjude.org/donate would be appreciated.
—
ZEISLOFT – Beverly A. Zeisloft (nee Edwards), 77, of West Deptford passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles D. Zeisloft, their 3 children Wendy Harvey, Charles Zeisloft II (Maria) and Kirsten Boninfante. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Ruth) Edwards.
Beverly was the youngest of six children, born in Hazelton, PA, raised in McAdoo, PA and attended Hazelton High School. In her younger years, Beverly volunteered at the Naval Hospital of Philadelphia, during the Vietnam War, working with amputees. She also belonged to the High Fever Follies dance group.
Beverly was a master homemaker. She had an eye for decorating, crafting and was an avid reader. She loved traveling to Florida and Ocean Grove, NJ. Loved spending time with her granddoggie Mila and her 5 grandchildren (Shawna, Eric, Charles III, Vincent and Chrissy) and great grandchildren (Angel and Peyton).
In her later years, she loved the challenge of jigsaw puzzles that she’d complete and frame as art. Beverly loved to listen to music and sing along to entertainment where she resided, in Woodbury, NJ.
Funeral services were held at the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro. Contributions to St. John of God, 1145 Delsea Dr. Westville, NJ 08093 would be appreciated.
—
PICCIANO — Louis J. Picciano Jr., 68, of Mullica Hill passed away on Sept. 5, 2022. He is survived by his wife Leonora (Mazzola); his two daughters, Laura and Natalie Picciano; his mother, Marie (Melone) Picciano and two sisters, Linda Chalmers (John) and Kathy Berns (Chris). His father, Louis J. Picciano Sr., predeceased him.
Lou had a full life and a successful career. Born in Camden and raised in Gibbstown, Lou attended St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School and then graduated from Paulsboro High School in 1972. He went to Drexel University and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he worked as an engineer for a few years before co-owning his own business, Sharp Design Inc., in Thorofare.
After operating and growing his business for over 15 years, he sold it to Jacobs Engineering and would continue to work for them as part of their Mid Atlantic division until his retirement. Throughout his career, Lou was an active member of the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers, serving on the Executive Committee for seven years and as President from 1998-1999.
Despite the demands of his profession, he always found time to volunteer at his daughters’ school as part of the PTA and finance committees, and logged hundreds of hours videotaping dance and piano recitals and acting very happy about it. A man of strong faith and charity, Lou was a dedicated member of his parish and specifically enjoyed volunteering his time with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, which responds to the local community’s needs related to food security, housing programs, job training, and social services, while seeking longer term pathways out of poverty. He served as the parish chapter’s Treasurer and was the first President of the southern NJ District. Lou also enjoyed fostering his faith through attending the annual Men of Malvern Epiphany Group retreat in Malvern, Pa every January for 37 years.
Lou’s family ties and Italian heritage was at the core of who he was and what he valued. He and his wife Leonora were members of the Sons of Italy Alighieri-Garibaldi Lodge #494, sharing countless memories of dinners and festivals with friends. Most importantly, Lou enjoyed his role as the family winemaker, taking on the tradition from his father and grandfather and sharing his passion with family and friends (and anyone else who popped in) through his annual backyard Wine Fest. Other cherished hobbies included listening to Sid Mark’s weekly Frank Sinatra radio show, cataloging family photos and extended family trees, and taking meticulous care of his lawn.
The family encourages you to consider donating to The American Red Cross Blood Services program (https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/) or donating blood to your local chapter in Lou’s memory. Donations of red blood cells and platelets gave Lou the gift of more time, and it is vital to raise awareness of the importance of blood donors for Leukemia patients.
—
DeSIMONE –Elizabeth (Eileen) DeSimone was born on Oct. 9, 1930 in Bridgeport. She was the oldest of five daughters of Walter A. Heilman and Veronica W. Heilman who predeceased Eileen. She attended the Paulsboro School System and was a 1948 graduate of Paulsboro High School. She was a member of the Paulsboro High School Band.
Following high school she enrolled, studied, and graduated from the Abington Memorial School of Nursing. Shortly thereafter she married her loving high school sweetheart Sam who through her strength, love, and support became the Honorable Samuel G. DeSimone, A.J.S.C.
During their 64 year marriage, Eileen and Sam enjoyed the companionship of travelling throughout the country and the world as well as raising their seven children: Elizabeth Ann Costill (Kenneth); John G. DeSimone (Madelyn Alfano); Thomas A. DeSimone (Victoria); David M. DeSimone (Vanessa); Margaret Eileen Brace (William); Mary Catherine Woodland (Edward); and Sara Jane Taylor (William). Eileen and Sam traveled to many places, which included the Republic of Georgia, Italy, Germany, Bosnia, England, Ireland, Alaska, including the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, just to name a few of their destinations.
While Sam’s legal career evolved, Eileen not only enjoyed raising her seven children, but she participated and was proud to be a part of the former Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and was elected to the Kingsway Regional High School Board of Education, where she served as the Board President leading the Board from 1974 thru 1994. Eileen also enjoyed being a member of The Little Red School House Committee as well as assisting Sam with his participation in the Gloucester County Boys and Girls Club.
As the years progressed, Eileen’s children married and began to raise children of their own. Eileen’s family grew to 21 grandchildren, namely: Albert, Veronica, Katie, Michael, Gaetan, Samantha, Alex, Rebecca, Zack, Nathanael, Emily, Elise, Stephanie, Kimberly, Chris, Kyle, Adrienne, Julie, Rachel, Sara Paige, and Megan; and 20 great grandchildren, namely: Brandon, Evelyn, Lizzy, Alex, Liv, Mabel, Olivia, Amelia, Jackson, Mia, Avett, Hadley, Lane, Mitchell, Cole, Ada, Violetta, Owen, Ethan, Alana, and one on the way. With this extensive family, Eileen and Sam enjoyed many birthdays, weddings, christenings, and family gatherings surrounding themselves with their family and many friends they made throughout their marriage and with their involvement in community activities.
In reflection Eileen once said, I have been the most fortunate person having lived a great life. She now leaves her family and friends to be reunited with her beloved husband, Sam.
Contributions can be made to: Guardian Angel School, 150 South School Street. Gibbstown, New Jersey 08027.
—
ANGELINI — Edward Angelini, “Ed”, 74, of Mullica Hill, formerly Gibbstown, and retired employee of Mobil Oil Corporation, passed away on Sept.18, 2022.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, William and Bruna, and brother Robert. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria, his brother William, treasured son Edward and his 3 fur babies, Willie, Lenny and Izzie and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ed served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for four years.
Ed was an entrepreneur owning and operating an Antique shop and Deli in addition to selling Real Estate. Taking care and working in the yard was his pride and joy. He poured his heart and soul into keeping his property pristine. When he wasn’t in the yard, he was in the kitchen cooking. He especially loved his time at the shore, playing horseshoes and socializing with great friends.
Everyone who knew Ed always said he was a great listener and always made you feel welcomed into his home. Ed was full of positivity and happiness. And even after just a single conversation, folks would say “you couldn’t meet a nicer guy.”
He was devoted to the Family Rosary and his faith and wasn’t shy about sharing it. He was a light to all. You could always count on Ed for prayers. He was his wife, Maria’s soulmate, best friend and loved dearly by her. He will be missed immensely by all.
Donations may be made in memory of Ed to Relevant Radio, 680 Barclay Boulevard, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 or EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, Al 35210.
—
SORBELLO — Jennie Louise Sorbello, age 69, of Woolwich Township, formerly of Wilmington, DE, died Sept. 20, 2022 at Accent Hospice surrounded by her family.
Jennie attended St. Matthews Catholic School, Conrad High School and Vidal Sassoon Cosmetology School. She enjoyed showing off her talents as a hairstylist and worked for Mr. Larry’s for many years.
In order to have more regular hours Jennie started working at CSC Comtech as an office assistant. She worked her way up to sales and became a top performer at CSC. Jennie eventually left CSC and started her own successful personnel recruiting business, JS & Associates, placing permanent and contract programmers into employment positions in the managed healthcare industry.
While Jennie was proud of her professional accomplishments, she was most fulfilled spending time with her family. She enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband Frank to places like California (including wine country!), Aruba, Mexico, Florida, the Rockies for skiing, the Delaware Beaches, and most of all to Italy. She loved her daughters and grandchildren (who could do no wrong in her eyes) endlessly.
Jennie was predeceased by her parents Thomas Malatesta and Anne Celano Malatesta and brother Thomas Richfield. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Frank; daughters Annene Burgos (Francisco) and Theresa Beach (Sean); granddaughter Kayla Sorbello who Jennie and Frank raised since childhood, Justyn and Dominic Burgos, and Owen, Ava, and Ethan Beach; brothers John (Joanne), Mike (Marie), Roger (Patti), and Jim (Valerie) Malatesta; sisters MaryAnn (Charlie) Malewski, and Antoinette (John) McBride; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family suggests donations in Jennie’s name to Abramson Cancer Center, Development Office, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
—
ROSENTHAL — Mark E. Rosenthal, 63, of Clarksboro, passed away peacefully with family on Sept. 27, 2022.
Mark was a loving husband and caring father, a joyful Pop Pop, a loyal brother, uncle, and a true friend.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an Aircraft Mechanic and remained a patriot for his entire life. Renowned for his intuitive understanding of mechanical devices, he served as a mentor to many young, aspiring technicians throughout his career as a Millwright.
Driven by devotion to his family with eternal love for his wife, there was nothing he would not do to provide for his loved ones, who will miss him dearly.
Share the memories … share love … ShareLife at www.mcgfuneral.com.
