May 2024 Issue

SHUTE— Ruth A. Shute (nee Fullam) age 94 years of Swedesboro passed away on March 24, 2024 in Inspira Hospital, Mullica Hill.

She was born in Philadelphia and travelled all over South Jersey as she was growing up. She attended Paulsboro High School and met her husband in Repaupo. Mrs. Shute was a hard worker and worked until she was 80 as a security guard for Mobil Refinery in Paulsboro. She loved life as well as a good Dirty Martini.

She is survived by her children, Linda Shute of West Virginia, Jeffrey and Aimee Shute of Gibbstown; her grandchildren, Eric, Cassidy, Allaina and Savanna and her sister, Mary Jane and Art Johnson of Millville. Mrs. Shute was predeceased by her son, Gregory Shute.

Funeral Services will be private. Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

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AHLMAN — Kimberly Ahlman, 52, of Swedesboro, passed away on March 28, 2024 with her family at her side. Kim is in the loving hands of God.

She was born in Youngstown, Ohio and was raised by Joseph and Charlotte Frederick who encouraged her to achieve her dreams. She graduated with honors from Youngstown State University with an engineering degree.

She made an impact on all those around her. As a Principal Architect at Verizon with over 30 years of experience, she designed and consulted with many Verizon clients and developed solutions to meet their operational requirements. She was well-respected and loved at Verizon.

Kimberly planned many family history trips to places such as Paris, France and Germany, and also trips within the USA.

Her greatest achievement was raising her twin sons, teaching them necessary skills for their future and preparing them for their next adventure in life with a well rounded education and basic skills.

She is survived by her loving husband Todd Ahlman and her twin sons, Jason and Michael; her parents Joseph and Charlotte Frederick; her two sisters, Cynthia Frederick and Pamela Nehring and her husband David and her brother-in-law Theodore Gustafson.

Please send donations to Good Samaritan Hospice Care in New Jersey https://www.samaritannj.org/

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MAXIE — Michael Ryan Maxie age 39 years of Mickleton passed away suddenly on March 28, 2024 in his home.

Mike was born in Woodbury, raised in Gibbstown and lived in Mickleton since 2000. He was a graduate of Kingsway Regional High School and worked for Norman Smith Enterprises in Paulsboro. Mike was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and devoted Uncle. He always wore his Eagle Jersey on game days for good luck.

He is survived by his parents, Richard Sr. and Carla Maxie of Mickleton; his brothers, Rich Jr. and Candell Maxie of Gibbstown, Christopher and Renee Maxie of Mickleton; his nieces, Alexa and Chloe; his nephew, Carson and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Services were held in the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, 228 W. Broad St., Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

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WATERMAN — Brian Waterman, 35.

Most would need 100 years to accomplish what Brian lived in his 35. His intelligence shone brightly early on. Brian could sight read at age 3. Of course, his intellect was complemented by his sensitive side. Depending on the situation he could either be the quietest person in the room or the most talkative; part of his nature that he valued everyone else’s knowledge as much as sharing his own.

He had thousands of songs inside of him; many found their way out. Self-taught in guitar and piano, his solo shows featured not only his original songs, but songs written for that performance. Brian shared his listening experiences with his father; eclectic but leaning avant garde.

He learned the culinary arts, spending countless hours creating dishes drawn from his 300 digital cookbooks. His mom may have introduced him to cooking but she’d quickly become his sous-chef. Also famous for his birthday cakes, Brian baked the cake, and Hilary decorated it.

He traveled far and wide to find the best craft beers, even signing up for subscriptions to get access to rare brews. If his television was on, he’d probably be checking out some Formula One; a fan of both the Red Bull and Ferrari teams. He loved films as well. An essay in high school gained him admission to the Junior Guild for the Academy Awards, and he wrote both film and music reviews.

He had traveled extensively through the years, including a month stint in Costa Rica, but found the most solace in Acadia National Park. He knew his time with his daughter was limited, so Brian sought to make every day count, piquing her interest in learning while heading off to parks with Esme on the back of his electric bike gathering sticks, weeds, flowers and memories.

From the days of his youth, he’d find a way to make you smile; a funny quip here and there and popping out of a corner to scare you when you least expected. As a deeply spiritual person, he left no stone unturned, investigating everything from crystals to yoga, but finally returning to his Catholic Faith.

He was raised in South Harrison Township, graduated from Rutgers University and had a career in cognitive science, studying the brain to both help others and understand himself. He kept a watchful eye on the news, somewhat distraught by the current climate but hopeful for a just future.

A 10th grade Brian would meet an 8th grade girl named Hilary. They’d reconnect at the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest in 2014, explore the world, marry, collaborate and be blessed by a daughter, Esme. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Mary Ellen; his siblings: Jim (Sarah), Stewart, and Emily (Stephen Wielechowski), his wife, Hilary; daughter, Esme, and a bevy of aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.

Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich.

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GAITHER — Anna Gaither, 90.

Anna Whittaker Gaither was born on April 27, 1930 in Atlanta, GA, the daughter of the late John Phillip Whittaker and Alva Brown Whittaker. She was from Voorhees, NJ and passed away peacefully on Sunday April 7, 2024 at the home of her daughter in Aberdeen, Maryland.

Anna attended Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated as the Valedictorian of her class. She graduated from Spelman College in 1950, majoring in Biology and Math and was a Cum Laude graduate. She was awarded the “Lewis Prize” for the student most proficient in the sciences. One of Anna’s professors told her father she had the “most brilliant mathematical mind he ever taught.” She taught math for three years in the Atlanta School District and took graduate courses at Atlanta University.

When Anna returned from Germany, her professional career began in Jersey City, NJ as a Chemical Literature Researcher in New York City. Shortly after she moved to Swedesboro, and she landed a job with the E.I. DuPont Chemical Company in Gibbstown as the first African American Chemist from 1961-1970. She did literature searches, technical writing and translations from German to English. Later she worked part-time at DuPont for the Textiles International Marketing Information Service, which was a publication for the Textile Fibers Department.

In the community of Swedesboro, Anna served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Welfare Secretary for the Salvation Army, member of the Women’s Progressive Club and Chairperson of the American Cancer Society Fund Drive.

After taking some time off, Anna changed careers to become a high school math teacher for the Burlington City Public School District. For 25 years, she taught basic math skills, algebra, geometry, and SAT math prep courses. Upon retirement Anna’s students dedicated their yearbook to her as a “special tribute” for her loyal and dedicated service to them. She always reassured them, “If you put in the work, you will be successful.”

Anna joined the South Jersey Links in 1965. She was a Platinum member having served almost every office including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer for over 10 years and Financial Secretary. As a dedicated member Anna chaired many fundraisers that included Atlantic City Card Parties, South Jersey Dinner Dances at Auletto’s, Gloucester County Annual Art Show, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the Susan Taylor Luncheon.

Anna attended many national assemblies and area conferences throughout the country including Atlanta, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

She also served as a Past President of the South Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. that continues to thrive as an organization dedicated to nurturing children, our future African American leaders in the South Jersey community.

She became a member of the Living Word Bible Fellowship Church in Blackwood, NJ around 1990. While there Anna participated in the vacation bible school, the choir, and was active in the Women’s Fellowship.

Anna was known for her soft-spoken voice and witty sense of humor. She was a devoted mother to her children by encouraging their academic success and attending their school functions. She was an avid reader and her hands were rarely still; she was an excellent seamstress, loved cooking, planting her annual pansies in the backyard and also shared cuttings from her night blooming cereus, which originated from her mother’s home in Atlanta. The thrill was watching it bloom at nightfall, which was short-lived and very fragrant.

She also loved attending plays in Philadelphia with her dearest friends. One of Anna’s joys in life was her family history, and in 2000 she hosted a Whittaker, Darden, Moody, Perry reunion in Voorhees, NJ.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Bright Star Caregivers; Kehinde, Nasuma, Tanesha, Mariah, Tonya and Oscar. Their thoughtful and loving care was given from February 2023 to April 7, 2024. They always gave tender loving care to our Mom as though it was their Mom.

Anna was preceded in death by her father John P. Whittaker, mother Alva B. Whittaker, son Cornelius W. Gaither, and sister Dr. Edna M. Lockert. She is survived by her daughters Carol G. Clark of Aberdeen, Maryland, Carmen G. Taylor of Montclair, NJ and son Reginald C. Gaither of Camden, NJ, Grandsons Offie E. Clark and Brandon G. Taylor, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students and many friends who will miss her dearly.

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SCUDERI — Russell S. Scuderi, age 80 of Clarksboro passed away at home on April 3, 2024.

Born in Woolwich Township to the late Joseph Scuderi and Angelina (nee Zappala), he graduated from Swedesboro High School Class of 1961.

Russell served in the U.S. Navy and retired from Hunstman Polypropylene, formerly Shell Chemical, where he was a process operator. He enjoyed trips to the casinos and in his spare time was an avid golfer and bowler.

He enjoyed hunting and was a member of the Woodbury Antlers. Russ also enjoyed going on cruises with his wife, notably one trip to Alaska. He also coached baseball and softball for his son and daughter.

Russ is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gail E. Scuderi (nee Walton); two children, Michael Scuderi and Christina Jaworski; two grandchildren, Michael Ricci and Jeffrey Jaworski; and brother-in-law, Sam Puglisi. He was predeceased by his brother, Alfred Scuderi and his wife Anna; and two sisters, Josephine Fisher and her husband Fred and his sister Ann Puglisi.

As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.

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WEBER — Thomas Weber, Sr., 82.

Dave was the oldest of eight children and always held his family close to his heart and especially enjoyed these last months, living with his three youngest grandchildren.

Dave was also there for his community. He was a firefighter for the Woolwich Fire Department for many years, one of the first EMT’s in the county, one of the first EMT instructors in the county, a life member of the New Jersey Fire Association and a founding member of the Logan Township Ambulance Association. In 2017, Dave was recognized by Logan Twp Parks and Rec for over 13 years of service to this committee and board.

He retired from the Heavy Equipment Operators Union (IUOE Local 825), was a Teamster in his early years, was proud to own and operate Luke’s Hauling, and most winters found him snow plowing. His EMT skills came in handy as the infield supervisor at Bridgeport Raceway from the days of its inception and saved more than one life during his racetrack days.

His life was centered around family, including his family’s annual crab fest that brought friends and family alike together at his mother’s home for some food and fun. He loved the outdoors, hunting, snowmobiling and four wheeling especially up in Maine.

Dave had a soft spot for his pets that included numerous dogs named Max and even a cat over the years. And, most of the time when he was indoors, he had his eyes on the outside checking out the birds and the squirrels.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday were for Bobby popping over for a breakfast sandwich and Wawa coffee. Dave was always up for some cards, Pokeno and a slew of other games that started with playing pinochle with his parents and later with Judy and Bob.

He was blessed to meet Rita at the racetrack many years ago and enjoyed 38 years of marriage together. He is survived by his children, Michele (Wayne) Davis, Jan (Matthew) Weisman and David (Gina); 7 grandchildren, Martina, Jaade, Mason, Gavin, Avery, Abigail, Luke, Owen and Mia; and his siblings, Anne (Michael) Madara, Carolyn Ravelli, Stephen (Janice), Joseph (Mario), Therese Haaf, Melissa and Kathleen. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary (Gerlack) Weber.