MORINO — Joseph Morino was born Jan. 27, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, son of Amilcare and Lena Morino, and brother of Aurelia. Joe (aka Joey) grew up on 92nd Street and graduated from St. George Academy. He passed away on Dec. 6, 2022.
Joe majored in economics at St. Francis College and served our nation in the Army National Guard and as a Reserve of the Army. He loved playing street hockey and enjoyed playing and teaching the accordion.
While attending the St. Patrick’s Day Dance at St. John’s in 1958, Joe met a pretty girl named Kathy. When Joe asked Kathy to dance, he said: “Are all the girls at Franklin K. Lane as pretty as you?” A few years later they were married on December 30, 1961, they shared a 61-year marriage together, and were blessed with two children, Kathie Ann and Christopher.
Joe and Kathy enjoyed traveling. They went to Bermuda and Puerto Rico for their honeymoon, enjoyed 36 wonderful days in Europe in 1963, and loved going to Montauk Point and staying at Gurney’s Inn.
After marrying his beautiful Kathy, Joe continued his education obtaining a master’s and post-master’s degree in Elementary Education and Specialization in Reading. He spent the next 35 and a half years teaching, both in the classroom and as a reading specialist.
During his teaching career, Joe spent various nights, weekends, and summers managing the family restaurant Sloppy Louie’s, a Lower Manhattan seafood mainstay located in the South Street Seaport. This was a family endeavor, with many relatives working in the restaurant during its 68 years.
The restaurant doors were closed in 1998, but Joe wasn’t ready to retire again. He then took a job as the principal of a private Christian school where he worked for several years and finally retired for the last time in 2006.
Joe had a great love for music; he played the piano and keyboard but is most remembered for playing the accordion. You can always count on Joe to grab the accordion to sing happy birthday and do sing-a-longs at parties. He even took his Cordovox accordion on the road for a season and played weddings and other events as Joe the One-Man Band. Many years later he focused on playing the keyboard and enjoyed playing at home and at church each week.
Joe was also a big fan of baseball and hockey. After his favorite team the Brooklyn Dodgers left for Los Angeles, he joined his wife as a Yankees fan, and always shared fond memories of attending Yankees games with his family.
There was a hockey rivalry in their home too; Joe’s daughter Kathie was a fan of the Rangers, and he, the Islanders. Joe eventually switched allegiances to the Rangers and was in the stands with his son, Chris, when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994.
Joe touched the lives of so many people through his words, music, teaching, prayers, love, and encouragement. He was a great man of faith and spent countless hours reading and studying the Bible, leading studies, preparing messages, and praying for church members, family, and friends. Dad/Uncle Joey loved teaching his daughter, son, nieces, and nephews how to read and count (2+4=6).
Joe brought everyone so much joy through his music, especially singing the old standards, and he will be most fondly remembered by the beautiful sound of his accordion.
Joe is survived by his wife Kathryn, daughter Kathie and son-in-law Brian, son Chris, nieces and nephews Donna (Jim) Devine, Lynn (Frank) Chiappetta, John (Karen) Santangelo, Craig (Tracy) Nehlsen, Keith Nehlsen, grandnieces/nephews, and his “grandkids” Sunshine, Hemi, Snuggles and Max.
Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Swedesboro. The family would appreciate donations to the Lighthouse Mission (Bellport, NY) in memory of Joe.
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STINNETT — James Orlin Stinnett. On Dec. 16, 2022, James Orlin Stinnett, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 85.
Jim was born on Jan. 4, 1937 in Morehouse Missouri, to Aldean (Clark) and Orlin Eugene Stinnett. Starting in 1957, he joined the United States Army, 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class and served until his Honorable Discharge in 1959.
Jim received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Benjamin Franklin University in 1963. He embarked on a 60 year career holding positions including Branch Manager, Client Services Manager, Marketing Director, Controller, Chief Financial Officer and President.
On Aug. 22, 1959, Jim married Grace Mary Mastri, and they raised four sons, Sonny, Glen, Sam and Chris. After Grace’s death in 1998, Jim met Rose Luscan in 2003, and together they shared a wonderful life for 20 happy years until his recent passing.
Jim’s life was a life of service, service to his family, service to his community, service to the organizations of which he was a member and service to his country.
Jim always made time in his life to support his family’s interests and wellbeing. He worked hard, developing two distinct successful careers, and the needs of his family never went unmet. Despite sometimes long working hours, he never missed a son’s game, never missed a family gathering, never was unavailable for advice and counselling.
Jim’s time at St. Christopher’s Hospital in Philadelphia, PA let him see firsthand the needs of the community that his workplace served and gave him a deep appreciation for the impact that charitable works can have. He committed his time, skill and energy to the betterment of the conditions of the people he saw in need, including as President of the Lighthouse Community Center.
Jim encouraged his family to also participate in his service work. His good example was invariably impossible not to follow, and he was always joined on Christmas mornings at the Arch Street United Methodist Church to serve Christmas morning breakfast to the homeless of the community. Jim also volunteered at the Grace Café on Sunday mornings.
Jim was always proud of his military service to our country and placed great value on military service. He was always appreciative of those who have served and who actively serve. He spoke at times about the military service of other family members, and how some of them heroically gave their last full measure of devotion to our country.
Jim lived his life fully, without fear. Following his retirement, he learned ballroom dancing and sailed around the world twice as a Cruise Line Gentleman Host. His dancing prowess and his southern gentlemanly charm served him well not only in his role as a Gentleman Host but also in capturing the heart of the woman who would become his wife, Rose Luscan, whom he met at the Stardust Ballroom in Pennsauken, NJ.
Jim and Rose shared many adventures together. They cruised the seas, shot pool, played bridge, golfed, participated in the New Jersey Senior Olympics and walked many miles in their hometown.
In the end, it can be said with absolute confidence that Jim was a good man who lived a good life, and that every life that he touched was better for having his presence in it.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife Grace, his father Orlin, his mother Aldean, his sister Sandra, his brother Gerald and his son Glen.
He is survived by his wife Rose, sister Geraldine (Bill), his sons, Sonny (Laura), Sam and Chris, his step-children Chrissy Fuchs (Dave), Dave Luscan (Leighann), eight grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Donations to Arch Street United Methodist Church (archstreetumc.org) or a charity of your choice will be appreciated.
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CHRISTIAN — Robin Christian, 66. Her joy was serving the Lord, and doing for others: Robin had that habit of putting everyone else first, especially in her prayers. Even in her toughest moments, she asked the Lord’s help for the rest of the flock.
If she was baking, you’d best keep your fingers out of her creations as they were most likely intended for someone else. Tough to do though: she baked with the best of them. Robin would bribe her kids with apple cider slushies to go with her to Mood’s to pick berries for her pies. No different when it came to her cross stitching; her art was lovingly created with meaning for each recipient.
As a mom, she always let her kids know that she loved them. She was always present for swim meets, baton-twirling parades, soccer games and a variety of other events for her kids.
She worked as an R.N. at Riddle Hospital but found her real calling when she was promoted to Mom-mom. While she wasn’t so into babysitting, she enjoyed every minute with her grandchildren including Turtle Days by the pool and gatherings at the lake. She could be found with the grands surrounding her like baby birds looking for a “squirt” of whipped cream into their mouths.
She had a love for animals: as her kids left the nest, she’d replace them with dogs, and she had a soft spot for the squirrels in the yard. She found the Lord in 1979 and spent the rest of her life supporting missions. This includes sharing her faith with her family, a variety of missions trips and a faithful member of Living Hope.
A handsome guy named Darrel blew the transmission on his car while out racing. The 11th grader was forced to ride the bus to get to Clearview. He spotted a pretty 9th grader named Robin.
Their marriage was blessed by four children: David (Amy), Stasia Reynolds and Pete Sorel, Bethany Kiefer (Jason), Deborah DeSanto (Robert) and an honorary son, the late Greg Davis (Jennifer); dogs: Charlotte (Mom’s girlfriend) and Chloe, and additionally by 12 grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Margo Rybyzynske and family.
In Robin’s honor donations may be made to Convoy of Hope (http://bit.ly/3GF8QyR)
Select the “Fund” drop-down and choose “Convoy of Hope.” Enter the desired amount, then enter “Robin” in the “Short Text” area. Thank you for your generosity.
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CENTONZO — Karen Centonzo, 59. Her ever-present smile could light up a room. Things may have been going great or they could have been going really bad, but you’d never know from her demeanor.
Karen was caregiver for her family and friends; she took care of their needs way before her own. If her T.V was on she’d be checking out some old shows (Family Affair, I Love Lucy). And she was a Nascar fan (Dave Blaney, Ryan Blaney and Kenney Schrader.) She cheered for the Philly teams with one exception; she had a soft spot for Peyton Manning. She was a 1981 graduate of Kingsway and worked for CVS as a pharmacy tech. She is survived by her husband, John Centonzo; her son, Kevin Borrelli; her father, William Barber; her sister Dawn Salus (Gary); 3 nieces, one nephew and one great niece.
Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich. Donations to American Cancer Society (Cancer.org) will be appreciated.
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OLSEN — Edward Olsen Sr., 79. His favorite days were at the track. Since 1972 you’d find Ed in the same seat on the top row at Bridgeport Raceway; and you’d be smart to stay out of his spot. “Ready yet? Ready yet?” he’d ask with excitement before heading over. Over the years he was on a few pit crews, and he recently got the thrill of watching his great-granddaughter race. And he visited more than his fair share of tracks around the country (Daytona, Dover, Syracuse.)
Probably the culmination of a lifetime of being a car guy; he loved Mustangs from the days of his youth and he could turn a wrench with the best of them. He retired as a truck driver from Stella Contracting.
He met a pretty girl named Madelyn at Clementon Park. They’d share a 58 year marriage blessed by three children, Edward (Anna), Mike (Loditta) and Lynn (Dave) McAlister; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He was the brother of Robert (Maureen), Kay Rumford, Richard Merkle (Sylvia), Harry (Darlene) Merkle and Elsie Foley. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward H. Olsen and Helen E. Merkle and a brother, Joseph Merkle.
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CICERO — Martha Anne Cicero, born Feb. 27, 1941 and died at home on Jan. 8, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
Martha was born in Jersey City, NJ and lived in several north Jersey cities before moving to Keansburg in 1954. She was a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School and Brookdale Community College.
She spent 30 years working both as the parish office manager at St. Mary’s, Colts Neck and as a tax preparer, teacher and office manager at H&R Block. Additionally, she spent many hours volunteering in her children’s schools, teaching RE classes and various other projects.
In her spare time, Martha loved entertaining family and friends. She would spend hours creating wonderful meals (she was quite the chef), hosting family parties for all occasions and even had the occasional theme party as an excuse to get everyone together.
She was always happy to welcome anyone in her home and would insist they stay for dinner as there was always plenty to go around. She taught her family that there was always room for one more. This open door policy also extended to her children’s friends who would often stop by to visit even when her children weren’t there.
Martha always loved the beach and centered her vacations around water. For years, the annual family vacation was time in Cape May, spending her days with a book in her hand with her feet in the sand.
This love of the ocean was expanded when she and her husband, Bob, discovered cruising on their 30th wedding anniversary. Cruising became a passion, and they went on dozens over the years sailing to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Bermuda and the Caribbean. She organized many trips for friends and family, enjoying a trip this past summer with a group of 15, including 4 generations of family, to Bermuda. She has definitely passed along a love of cruising to her family.
She loved nothing more than spending time with her family. She married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Cicero in 1962 and spent years living in Freehold, Jackson and Swedesboro. Spending family time was always a priority, whether it was as a young family of four, visiting with her extended family, or watching her granddaughters and now her great-grandchildren and their antics.
Her great-grandmother spied a handsome boy waiting at the bus stop. After high school Martha and the late Bob began dating. Their symbiotic marriage was blessed by a daughter, Elizabeth (Kenneth) Riley, Swedesboro, and a son, Robert (Jennifer) Cicero, Jackson; and later by granddaughters, Rebecca (Brendan) Coughlan, Swedesboro, Kaitlyn (Kurt) Pflugfelder, Swedesboro, Rosetta and Victoria Cicero of Jackson, and the lights of her life — the greats — Ellie and Jack Coughlan and Maddie Pflugfelder. She is also survived by many extended family and friends who will miss her greatly.
Donations in lieu of flowers to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (chop.edu) or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (mskcc.org) will be appreciated.
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BECKETT — Gregory Beckett. From Aug.5, 1976, until Jan. 19, 2023, Gregory Scott Beckett lived life to the fullest.
Greg was born and raised in Bridgeport by his parents, Dorothy and David Beckett, Sr. He graduated from Kingsway Regional High School where he was a proud member of the Dragons soccer team, track team, and, of course, a Mr. Kingsway contender. Greg went on to earn a degree in Journalism from West Virginia University where he also earned the title of most passionate Mountaineer to ever live.
Along his journeys through New Jersey, West Virginia, and Delaware, Greg collected friends as if they were baseball cards. To list them all by name, could fill a phonebook. These packs of friends were bound together by a singular glue – the love, generosity, sense of humor, care, and compassion of their friend Greg.
From the Kingsway boys to the Mountie Men, the March Madness maniacs, to the Eagles gang, and whole swaths more, there was not a single better friend in any of these groups than Greg. These friendships accompanied him to Eagles games (where he’s worn the same exact outfit in his exact same exact seat for decades), to West Virginia football and basketball games, and to the annual NCAA basketball tournament trip.
Greg’s love of music was as wide and varied as his friend groups. From the Smashing Pumpkins and DMX to the Foo Fighters, John Denver, Wu-Tang, Biggie & Pac, Coldplay, Jonny Cash, Pearl Jam, and some obscure superband that no one has ever heard of, Greg’s playlists might give you whiplash. But the tunes were always spot-on, and his collection of concert t-shirts and ticket stubs could fill racks.
Above all of these friends though, is his best girl, Lexi Lou – the most spoiled dog in South Jersey, who never repeated an outfit, was treated to her nightly dogster ice cream treats, and traveled exclusively on his lap in the front seat or by being carried like the princess she is. Greg regularly sent treats, gift cards, snacks, and sandwiches to Lexi’s daycare facility as a thank you to the staff who cared for her. Talk about a lucky pup.
Greg is survived by his parents, Dot and David, for whom he would do anything. Greg inherited his mother’s impeccable sense of style and was always dressed and pressed with never a single hair out of place. From his father, he inherited beautiful eyes, incredible work ethic, and some serious dance moves.
He would do anything for his family, but especially his mom and dad – even through his loving teases and nicknames.
Greg is also survived by his older brother, Dave (Marie). As his first best friend, and eight years his senior, Dave was happy to teach Greg many life lessons, some that could have probably waited a few years.
Dave didn’t miss a single moment of Greg’s life. From micro soccer games to the Kingsway Varsity field, he was there beaming with pride at his baby brother. Their bond only grew stronger as men, into their shared passion for Philadelphia sports, tailgating, quoting movies, cracking endless inside jokes, and bringing each other to tears of laughter.
The best gift Dave ever gave to Greg was his niece Kelsey (20) and Kyle (16), the pride and joy of Greg’s life. You will be hard-pressed to find a better uncle, and if you do, he better be wearing a Barney costume in 100 degree weather like he did for his Kelsey’s birthday party.
He didn’t miss a dance recital or Nutcracker performance when she graced the stage, and he was most proud of her current success as a sophomore at the College of Charleston, where he recently visited her.
Then there is his “jabroni” Kyle, who has quickly morphed from his sweet baby nephew to “one of the boys.” From sharing texts about all manners of sports, soccer plays, music playlists, and the newest Nike kicks, the friendship and bond they have forged will never be broken.
Greg was ecstatic to watch his Kyle don a Dragon’s jersey as a member of the Kingsway soccer team and was tracking stats and sharing Kyle’s accomplishments with anyone who would listen.
Greg struck gold more than a year ago, when he met a love worth waiting for, his partner in life, love, and fun, Giovanna. Being matched up by close friends, the spark was more like a firecracker, and the love was so strong it was felt by anyone who shared a room with them.
Greg and Giovanna brought two amazing extended families together in the Becketts and the Muracas, but perhaps most importantly, forming a beautiful family together with Brianna (11) and Giuliana (8). Brianna, Giuliana, and Lexi quickly became inseparable sisters, and together Greg and Giovanna were truly building la dolce vita together in their home in Gibbstown, NJ. Bonded by their mutual love of music, concerts, entertaining and hosting friends and family, and enjoying life, they have managed to fit a lifetime of love into their time together.
Country roads have taken him home, but he will live on in our hearts for all time.
Friends may consider a donation in his name to support the Kingsway Dragons Soccer team by mailing a donation in his memory to: Kingsway Goal Club, 2 Intrepid Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080 or for additional payment options, may inquire via email to: KGCsoccer@hotmail.com.
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POLLIS — Elizabeth Mary Adams Pollis was born on Feb. 23, 1935 to Francis and Violet Faunce Adams. Elizabeth, also known as Betty, Bet, Mom-Mom, Betty Boop and Grandmom Boat, spent her early years in Philadelphia with her sisters Eleanor (predeceased) and Dolores Adams Burke of Cinnaminson, NJ.
Elizabeth married the love of her life George Pollis Jr. on Oct. 9, 1954. George, a talented vocalist and guitar player, entertained regularly in a popular band (The 4 Jacks). Betty could always be found by his side dancing and singing the night away.
Additional hobbies included jitterbug/reggae dancing, bowling, traveling, church and neighborhood activities. Betty could also be heard cheering boisterously for her hometown Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies throughout the years.
The couple was blessed with four children: Karen Sindoni (Anthony, predeceased ) Dolores Turse (Albert), George Pollis and Michael Pollis (Paula). The family settled in Colwyn, PA, and the neighborhood was never quite the same. Friends were quickly made and many parties & “ Good Times” rolled on Tribet Place.
Betty enjoyed many summers at the Colwyn Swim Club and involvement with the Colwyn Comet’s Sports Program, including her years as President of the Colwyn Comet’s Women’s Auxiliary. She was very involved & supportive with her children’s many activities.
The family summers were spent primarily at Lake Laurie Campground in Cape May N.J which quickly became Betty’s “Happy Place!” The sights, sounds and activities of the quaint seaside town enveloped her throughout her life, and she would frequently return there even after her move to Stuart, Florida.
With four children, a husband, dog named Bebe and a household to run, Betty eventually took on more employment and over the next decade she worked at Wanamaker’s Crystal Tea Room, delighting customers with her vibrant personality. She then went on to be employed in different aspects of real estate and property management companies.
After George’s passing in 1986, Betty continued her property management career and continued to be involved with her children and growing number of grandchildren. In 1994 her sons George and Michael moved to Florida, and shortly thereafter Betty followed. To her delight she acquired a beautiful condominium in the very active community of Pierpoint in Stuart, FL.
Over the next 25 plus years Betty was a force to be reckoned with. She took on numerous roles in her local church of St. Joseph’s Parish including the Columbiettes, Bingo and various community services for those in need.
Pierpoint was filled with her vibrance and zest for life as she was never far from horse racing night, potluck picnics, the Strawberry festival, card games and the Holiday Shows where she starred in many lead roles (Rudolf, Alvin the Chipmunk, Christmas Angel.)
Her family continued to grow with a total of 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, Betty would summer back in her beloved Cape May along with additional trips across the globe including a memorable trip to Poland with her sister, Dolores.
There were some quiet moments which might include listening to her “boyfriend” Johnny Mathis or viewing another episode of Murder She Wrote & Columbo. Betty loved watching the waves roll in at Stuart Beach, but even more so enjoyed riding those waves boating with her sons and their families.
She delighted in the delicacies of many local restaurants with friends and of course, if live music was involved, Betty was there. Living in an island environment, her love of Jimmy Buffet and Reggae quickly became favorite additions to the big band sound she grew up with and the songs performed by her husband’s band. She loved following her son George’s Reggae Band “The Reel Ting.” Her favorite song embodied her life’s mantra “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.
As her health declined, she recently moved back to the northeast and settled with her daughters in Swedesboro. Her last few months were filled with fabulous hairstyles by her daughter Karen, theater, shopping, pedicures, holiday festivities, church services and, of course, her trips to Cape May. She passed into His eternal glory, surrounded by family on Jan. 5, 2023.
A life well lived and an eternal life with our Lord, Elizabeth Mary Adams Pollis is survived not only by her children, but also her 10 grandchildren (Sarah, Troy, Bethany, Laura, Alaina, Lindsey, Austin, Griffin, Siena, Georgie.) She is preceded in death by her Beloved Grandson Jason. She is also survived by her 8 great grandchildren (Owen, Ella, Benny, Quinn, Cameron, Nathan, Beau and Teddy) many loving nieces, nephews, and her Beloved Grand Dog Tucker.
She will live on through her well-known songs, jingles and phrases that we pass on to our children and theirs, like “round ball” (most of which are too inappropriate to put into writing, but feel free to ask anyone from the family). Elizabeth Mary Adams Pollis would be the first to tell you “Don’t miss a moment” and “I love you Fifty Million Skillion.” “See you later alligator, in a while crocodile!”
Donations to St. Jude’s Hospital (Stjude.org) will be appreciated.
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RICH — Joan Rich, 82. Be it a foster child in need of a mother, a homeless person in need of a meal or a person with no roof over their heads, many a person in cold situations knew Joan’s warmth. And she gave generously to all kinds of causes: St. Jude, Operation Smile and prison fellowship amongst others.
She prayed the rosary every night and enjoyed religious shows on her T.V. Joan kept in touch with everyone on the phone so much that her hands took the shape of her smart phone. She loved to dance, the music from the 50’s (Platters, Elvis) and heading down to Miami for some fun in the sun.
She was the wife of the late Edward; mother of Patricia Dunn (James) and the late Michael; grandmother of 8 and great grandmother of 7. Joan is survived by her brother Charles Jerla and her sister, Betty Young. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Joseph Jerla.
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DiBELLA — Joseph DiBella, 75, went home to be with his Lord on Jan. 19, 2023 after a 43-year battle with MS. He was also a 35-year cancer survivor.
Joe was a farmer, and a life-long resident of Woolwich Township. When he was able, he loved working in the fields, hunting, playing the guitar, singing and spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching old western shows, the news/weather, his Sunday sermons and a good football game.
Joe was very sentimental and loved talking about the good ole days. He was liked by many as he tried to make others feel important and encouraged them with his great charisma. Joe also liked to rhyme at times and shared many old Italian sayings and proverbs.
Joe graduated from Kingsway High School in 1965 and often recollected on the good times he had there. He was class treasurer, FFA treasurer, sang in the choir and played in school dances and other events with his band, “The Silvertones.”
It is also where he met and then married his sweetheart, Josie. He went to Delaware Valley College, but had to return to the farm early to help his elderly father. He was a previous member of Calvary Baptist church, where he was Sunday school superintendent, musician, choir member, and gave special attention to the senior citizens.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Alfina (Tomarchio) DiBella and his sisters Rose (Klenk), Sandy (Agresta) and Faye (Difilippantonio). He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine (Zammarrelli) who cared for him these many years, who he greatly appreciated and his reason for hanging on. He is also survived by his sons Al (Cristy) and Will (Julie), who he was very proud of, and his grandchildren Jake, Kerri, Kylie, Gia and Mae, who he loved dearly.
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LERCH — Charles E. Lerch, 82, died peacefully on Jan. 26, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Known as “Butch” to his family, Chuck was born on June 23, 1940 in Harveys Lake, Pa. to Charles F. and Jennie Lee Lerch, and was the eighth of nine children.
Soon after his birth, the family moved to Clarksboro. Chuck graduated from Swedesboro High School and was a standout four-sport athlete. The first in his family to attend college, he received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University where he was a star halfback on the football team and captain his senior year. He later earned a master’s degree from Glassboro State College.
Chuck was a lifelong educator, starting as an English teacher and serving as a driver education teacher, department chair, vice principal, curriculum director, and director of secondary education. He was head football coach at Kingsway High School, an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania, and also coached his sons’ midget football teams.
He had a positive impact on countless students, athletes, and colleagues in South Jersey. He retired first to Mountain Top, Pa., and later moved to Myrtle Beach.
His stint as head football coach at Kingsway epitomized his character, skills, and personality. Chuck’s teams had winning records in five of his six years at the helm and would routinely pull off upsets through a combination of preparation, strategy, teamwork, and trickery. He earned the respect and loyalty of his players by never playing favorites and maintaining a positive attitude.
As a father, Chuck instilled values of responsibility, toughness, hard work, and fair competition. He was a source of pride and security, a dependable sounding board, and an unwavering supporter of his sons.
Chuck is survived by his sons Chuck and Michael Lerch; brothers Walter and Ronald Lerch; sister Lillian Kier; grandchildren Caroline, Cassandra, Anna, and Ellie Lerch; and stepchildren Kay Sollenberger, Gay Corley, and Cyndi Carpenter. He was predeceased by his wife Kay Margo Lerch, sisters Mary Flanagan and Isabella Frye, and brothers Robert, William, and Joseph Lerch.
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LaSCALA — Loretta LaScala, 80, of Logan Twp. Loretta liked everything just so: her hair, nails and makeup were always perfect; not a speck of dust in her home. As a mom she was accepting of anything her kids wanted to do, but she spoke her mind if she thought something was wrong. And just be sure to be at her table by 4:45.
She made the best peanut butter fudge and banana pudding and the Kentucky girl learned to cook Italian with the best of them. She worked as a waitress early in her life and recalled it as if it had happened the week before.
But, of course, she found her real calling late in life: a grandmother for the ages. And maybe it wasn’t just her offspring. She would light up at the sight of any baby. Everyone knew not to call her or schedule anything for 3 p.m., Loretta would be checking in on her friends at General Hospital. She collected porcelain dolls and loved Tastycakes and Pepsi.
Through friends she’d meet a handsome guy named Phil. They shared a 39-year marriage. She is survived by her children, Darlene Monaco (Tom), Tammy Lee (Whitey), Bobby Chew (Julie), Michael LaScala (Lauren) and Amanda LaScala (Ian); grandchildren, Kyle, Kristen, Stephanie, Danielle, Shawn, Cooper, Breanna and Henry; great grandchildren, Teddy, Piper, Audrianna, Max and Scarlett; her brother, Ruie, her sister, Loisjean and her best buddy, Tink the dog.
Interment, Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich.
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SINER — Miriam Elsie (Wirehouse) Siner, of East Greenwich, passed from this life to Life Eternal on Jan. 31, 2023, at Inspira Medical Center in Mullica Hill at the age of 89.
She was born in Philadelphia on Sept. 20, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Foster and Elizabeth (Schumann) Wirehouse. Miriam was a devoted wife and mother.
She enjoyed travelling and spending time with her family. Miriam was the loving wife of John Andrews “Jack” Siner, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage. She is also survived by four children; M. Elizabeth (Betty) and her husband Richard Snyder of Red Lion, PA, John and his wife Tamera Siner of Mullica Hill, Martha and her husband Robert Gilliam of Clarksboro, and Joel and his wife Tracey Siner of West Deptford. She was the loving Nana to Timothy Snyder, Nathaniel Snyder, Andrew Snyder, David Snyder, Joshua Siner, Peter Siner, Emmerich Ditzel, Zachary Gilliam, Hannah Siner, Hope Siner, and Halle Siner. Miriam had nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Doris Myers, and grandson Philip Siner.
Contributions may be offered to: CRU-give.cru.org (Designate Acct 1023030).
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MEDDICK — Steven Meddick Jr., 38 He was a proud sneakerhead. Steve often bought two pair: one for display and collecting, the other for his feet. He was all about his family. No better times than being with them in the Wildwoods playing a little mini golf or hitting the driving range.
He was a Kingsway graduate and worked for Prestige Photography by Lifetouch. Maneuvering subjects into perfect positions brought him out of his shell.
Of course, he found his real calling as an uncle and godfather to Gabe. Steve passed on his love of soccer. If his T.V. was on, he’d be cheering for the Eagles and the Phillies.
He was the son of the late Steve Sr. and is survived by his mother, Renetta Meddick, his sister, Erin Meddick, his brother, Brian Meddick and his nephew, Gabriel.
Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich. Donation to Steve’s Go Fund Me (https://gofund.me/2439feec) or the American Heart Association will be appreciated.
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REITER — Ann Reiter, 76. Ann worked for the Department of Defense in Procurement but found her real calling late in life as a grandmother. She loved having her grandkids bike over to her home to hang out and play some cards and board games.
Ann always looked great. You never saw her in the same outfit twice, mostly thanks to her being a fan of QVC. She cooked everything, especially Italian, and usually had a pot of gravy going. She enjoyed the occasion Rum and Coke and had a thing for Tom Selleck.
Her friendships were cultivated for a lifetime especially her best friend, Jill Shoop. She cheered for the Flyers, Phils and Eagles and loved all kinds of music from Whitney Houston to Chicago to Pink.
She was the mother of Jeff (Gina) and the late baby Jessica; grandmother of Max, Alyssa and Julia and is survived by siblings, William, and Martha.
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HOLLINGSHEAD — Mary Cloud Hamilton Hollingshead, 83, passed away on Feb. 5, 2023 in Clarksboro with her beloved husband of 61 years, Wickliffe Hollingshead, at her side. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mary Cloud Bosworth and William Henry Hamilton of Denver, Colo. Her proudest accomplishment was her family, including her two sons Wickliffe Stewart Hollingshead, II (Janet) and William Keith Hollingshead (Eileen); five grandsons Austin Martin, Hunter Quinton, Nolan Peaslee, Ryan Martin, and Matthew Stewart Hollingshead; four step grandchildren Eric, Alyssa, Brian and Lauren Salera; and sister Adnée de Mobrey Hamilton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Bosworth Hamilton Ammons.
Mary Cloud was born and raised in Denver, Colo. and spent summers in Bourbon County, Ky. with her grandparents on their 9-generation family-owned farm. She lived in Norfolk, Va. while Wick served in the Navy before moving to Southern New Jersey.
She graduated from Graland Country Day School, East High School, and Mary Baldwin College where she met her future husband on a blind date. Her Graland teachers instilled in her a deep and lasting curiosity of history, and her biology studies in college stimulated an interest in genetics.
This educational foundation led to a life-long fascination of historic preservation and family genealogy. Her roots trace back to some of the Founding Families of America. She loved her rural setting on the first road in America with views that reminded her of Kentucky, and she delighted in learning about the historical significance of the Delaware Valley.
Mary Cloud loved people and parties, and she sparkled at social occasions. She was among the first class of debutants at the Denver Symphony Ball, and she continued to dance miles across the globe with Wick throughout their marriage. She was kind and generous to her many friends, had an adventurous spirit, and enjoyed traveling. She and Wick planned grandparent trips with each grandson to share the wonders of the real West she knew and always loved.
Mary Cloud was active in numerous charitable organizations and was a hard-working committee member. She served as past President of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Jersey, Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century, and President of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She also belonged to the Junior League of Philadelphia and Garden Club; National Society Daughters of 1812; Welcome Society of Pennsylvania, Descendants of Founders of New Jersey; Society of Daughters of Holland Dames; Swedish Colonial Society; and Daughters of the American Revolution.
