CRANE — Paul W. Crane, Sr. 82 formerly of Woolwich Township, passed away on March 25 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Marlton, NJ.
Born in Philadelphia, he resided in Woolwich Township for 48 years. He came from Upper Darby, PA. He was an Air Force veteran and employed as a ramp supervisor for TWA retiring in 1999.
Paul had attended St. Joseph’s Church, St. Claire of Assisi Parish, enjoyed fishing, golfing, collecting stamps and coins and an occasional trip to Atlantic City, but most of all his weekly chess night with his grandsons.
Paul was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Sally A. Crane, his grandson, Stephen Abbonizio and his son-in-law Brian Penot. He is survived by his children, Kimberley Crane, Jennifer Penot, Paul (Joanna) Crane and Stephen (Anna) Crane. His grandchildren, Paul Pike, Alyssa Abbonizio, Brian Penot, Jr., Sabrina Crane, Ryan Crane, Rylie Crane, Luke Crane, Nicholas Penot, Evan Crane, Emma Crane, and Chase Penot. His great-grandson, Ryker Pike. Also, his sibling Elizabeth Seczech, Patricia Pascetta, Frances O’Brian and John Crane.
Arrangements were handled by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Donations in his memory to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, 120 N. Delsea Dr., Clayton, NJ 08310 would be appreciated.
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BAKER — Ralph H. Baker Jr., aged 95, passed away on March 16 in Ocala, FL. Ralph is survived by daughters, Diana (Victor) Cintron and Kathleen Barquet and son, Ralph “Chip” (Sheri) Baker and by sisters, Roberta Schneider and Rae Hoglen. He is also survived by eight beloved grandchildren: Katherine (Stan) Cintron-Lue, Belen Barquet (Miguel) Mota, Emily Barquet Baker (Justin) Little, Gabriel (Catherine) Cintron, Jorge Barquet, Carolyn (Willy) Rullan, Michael (Tara) Cintron and Diana Laura Barquet-Baker. Ralph was great-grandfather to Cameron, Bryce, Leila, Julian, Kali, Eva, Gabriel, Elijah, Luca, Stone, Stark, Sebastian and Ana Sofia. Ralph was pre-deceased by wife, Carolyn D. Baker, daughter, Reverend Laura Jane Baker, sister, Phyllis Privett, brother, William Baker and son-in-law, Jorge Barquet.
Born October 14, 1929 in Philadelphia to Roberta Mae and Ralph H. Baker, Ralph spent his early years on a farm near Altoona, PA and grew up in Philadelphia. As a youngster, Ralph worked selling newspapers and shining shoes. He recalled strategizing to best locate his shoeshine set-up to meet the soldiers coming home from World War II.
Ralph moved to South Jersey where he attended Swedesboro High School. There he played football and basketball and met his future wife, Carolyn Dawson, in freshman English class.
Ralph served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and then in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1947 until November 1952. While home from Europe on leave from the Army, he married Carolyn in January 1952 and returned to duty in Austria, Germany and Italy. In later years, he served with the 1175th Army Reserve Transport Unit A based in Pedricktown, NJ.
Ralph earned his high school diploma via the “GI Bill” at Temple University High School, his Bachelor of Science (Physical Education/Biology) at Temple University, his Master of Science at the University of Michigan and 30 additional credits in Guidance at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University).
Ralph was on the swimming and soccer teams while at Temple University and worked as Intramural Assistant/Athletic Trainer while at Michigan.
Ralph taught at J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School, Pennsauken High School and at Kingsway Regional High School in Swedesboro. Over the course of his career, he taught seventh and eighth grade Math and Science, Biology, Driver’s Education and Guidance.
His children recall making weekend visits with him to the biology lab at Kingsway on weekends to feed the snakes and fish. Baker also cared for an iguana that someone named Ralph.
During his teaching career, he also coached track, basketball and football and served for two years as Kingsway’s Athletic Director. Ralph coached Kingsway Regional High School’s Dragon Swim Teams from 1983 until 1999. On March 22, 1999, Ralph Baker was inducted into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame,
Most summer “vacations” were spent lifeguarding. He particularly cherished the memories of his lifeguarding days at Lake Narraticon in Swedesboro from 1960 until 1969. Locals may recall the whistle and the “Take Ten” command and the rescue board no one was allowed to touch.
Ralph actively served in the Swedesboro Kiwanis and played cards with family in Upper Darby and Swedesboro Raccoon Club members. He was a co-owner of the Swedes Sport and Hobby Shop for a few years.
Especially dear to his heart was participating in the Swedesboro Memorial Day Services for many years. He enjoyed road trips to Michigan, Florida and various soccer fields across South Jersey. On his many trips to Puerto Rico, Ralph was notorious for striking out on his own to explore the beauty of the island while his family was at work and school.
In his late 80s and early 90s, he also made trips to Texas for weddings, baby showers and just to be spoiled for a while. He was a member of Centre Square Union United Methodist Church and helped with many events there including Bicentennial celebrations, a study of the life of John Wesley and annual Pre-Advent suppers.
Ralph spent his last two and a half years in Ocala, Florida. Despite significant health challenges, he was able to enjoy quality time with daughter Kathleen and family. He passed peacefully with son Chip, Kitty and grandchildren by his side.
His celebration of life service was held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Donations may be made to the Swedesboro Memorial Day Fund.
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PLATZMAN — Cameron R. Platzman, 28, of Swedesboro, passed away while at work on April 2. Born in Huntington Beach, CA, he has resided in Swedesboro for the last three years. Cameron was a fitness manager for Edge Fitness Clubs in Voorhees. He enjoyed body building, fitness, wellness and hockey.
He is survived by his father, Gary Platzman and his fiancée, Teresa. Arrangements were made by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro.
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MUHLBAIER — Karen Ann Muhlbaier, 64 of Woolwich Township, passed away at home on April 5. Born in Camden, she was a Woolwich Township resident for most of her life.
She was a graduate of St. James High School, Class of ‘83, worked at the former Prudential Insurance Office in Woodstown and a receptionist for ProMedica in Deptford for five years. She had attended the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua.
Karen Ann enjoyed doing embroidery and needlepoint and won state and national recognition for her work. She was a member of the Lamplighters Embroidery Guild, Woodstown, a charter member of the Salem County Genealogy Assoc., the Gloucester County and Salem County Historical Society, the Harrisonville Grange #26, the Gloucester County and Pomona Grange #8 and was the NJ State Grange.
Karen Ann was predeceased by her father, Vernon E. Muhlbaier and is survived by her mother, Anna, and siblings, Mari L., Brenda R., Helen E. and Vernon J. Muhlbaier, along with numerous cousins.
A viewing was held at the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Contributions in her memory to the Salem County Historical Society, 83 Market St., Salem NJ 08079 or the Gloucester County Historical Society, 17 Hunter St, Woodbury, NJ 08096 (www.gchsn org) would be appreciated.
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ZAYAC — Ann Zayac, 88. Ann was Swedesboro through and through. Born at Mae Haffey’s, she lived most of her life on East Avenue and was a Swedesboro High School Graduate Class of ’55.
Her door was always open. People found their way to her home during their toughest times. Some said she was strong willed. Others called her stubborn, but everyone knew she was independent.
Late in years, you’d find her doing all the things she shouldn’t be doing such as pulling weeds, mowing her lawn, snow blowing, tending to her flower garden. Of course, it may have been that she just loved the outdoors, especially enjoying a round of golf with her husband or pulling up vegetables from his garden.
She had a fondness for animals, included dogs and cats over the years, but the birds and squirrels in her care were also her pets. She was talented behind the stove; a great baker especially when it came to Christmas cookies.
Quiet times found her in her sewing room, hemming the grands’ homecoming dresses and doing a little cross stitch and needlepoint. As a mom she was kind of a softie, carting her kids all around South Jersey to sporting events; originally to see her husband play but to her kids’ games as they got older.
Ann kept life fun and jovial, often leading sing-alongs with the family while she sat behind her piano. She was a huge fan of QVC which meant presents for everyone and the added bonus of being on a first name basis with her UPS driver.
She worked as a secretary for many attorneys and the Kingsway Guidance Offices but found her real calling late in life as a grandmother with lots of sleepovers, root beer floats, Luigi Water Ice and a cabinet full of treats next to her couch. Of recent, she often spoke of her trips to New York to visit with them.
She read just about anything she could get her hands on. It was fitting that she was on the Board of the Swedesboro Library. And she was active for many years at Bethesda Methodist Church where she was a trustee and active in the Eastern Star.
Swedesboro High earned her more than just a diploma. It’s there that the pretty Ann Nothdurft would meet a handsome boy, the late Joseph Zayac. The two would marry and share a 46-year marriage blessed by four children: Joseph “Jay” (Hope), Beth Sellet (Chuck), the late JoAnn Puitz and the late Mark; and later by grandchildren Nichole, Heather, Sara, Mark, Kyle, Kim and Emma; and great grandchildren Annabelle, Evelyn and Hunter.
Donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (donorservices.alz.org) or The American Heart Association (heart.org) will be appreciated.
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O’CONNOR — Ronald Joseph O’Connor, 66, of Mullica Hill, passed away peacefully on April 3 in the comfort of the home he built and loved, just as he had wished.
Surrounded by his devoted loving companion and his three daughters, Ron’s departure on the anniversary of his beloved late wife Ada’s passing felt like a divinely timed reunion with his sweetheart of 43 years.
Born on September 16, 1958, in Chester, PA, Ron was the son of Joseph Patrick O’Connor and Eleanor M. Kirby. A hardworking and successful man who could fix or build anything, Ron poured his energy, vision, and integrity into his businesses and life over the years, Ron’s Home Improvement and The Finished Basement Company, creating opportunity, security, and growth for his family. Through his dedication, he built a legacy of love, strength, support, and unwavering commitment to his family.
Ron and Ada raised their family in South Harrison Township, filling their home with laughter, resilience, and love. A lifelong learner, Ron had an immense knowledge of history and politics and loved engaging in conversations with everyone. Beyond his wisdom was also his spark of playful humor to remind us to laugh and smile.
To his six grandchildren, Ron was simply “Pop-Pop”, the biggest cheerleader, generous gift-giver, and proud art display curator. He attended every milestone, from school events to sports games, often manning the chains at his grandson’s football games with pride and joy.
Ron cherished his friendships and the simple pleasures of life: a good stogie, a Bombay Sapphire martini or a scotch, hearty conversations over a great meal with friends, and fond memories of Ada’s home-cooked meals.
His gift of gab was legendary, whether offering wisdom, a genuine listening ear, or heartfelt advice, Ron made everyone feel heard and valued. His guidance and compassion touched countless lives.
A fortress of strength with a heart of gold, Ron was a safe haven for many, even offering his home as a place of comfort and rest for those he cared for. His spirit of generosity and deep love will be deeply missed.
Ron is reunited in eternal peace with his beloved wife, Ada, and leaves behind a family who will carry his legacy forward with pride: his four children. Ronald J. O’Connor II, Ada Jenness (Jon) Keller, Erin K. O’Connor, and Heather H. O’Connor, and his six cherished grandchildren Sevin, Nolan, Avalynn, Ada, Jon, and Dawson. He will be deeply missed by many friends, friends who became family, and loving family members.
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LORD — Edwin L. Lord Jr., 60.
Eddie lived for sports. He was a passionate fan of the Phillies and Eagles. When the Phils hit a homer, he’d send pics of him ringing his miniature Liberty Bell. If he didn’t like what he saw, he’d be posting his displeasure on Facebook.
He played third base for Kingsway (Class of ’83) following in the footsteps of his hero, Mike Schmidt. He had learned to play the game under his father’s tutelage when he coached Little League. He kept a small group of friends his whole life through, competing with many of them in baseball fantasy leagues.
If his television was on, he’d probably be checking out some wrestling (WWE). He loved the music of the 80’s, especially Journey.
Nothing made him smile more than the sight of his nieces and nephews. They had a way of getting him out of his shell. He learned to cook from his parents and was terrific behind the stove. His neighbors loved his dishes from afar, the smells wafting down the hallways, though his mother found his tastes to be a little on the spicy side.
In high school he worked for several area farms and later for True Value in Swedesboro and Walmart.
He is survived by his siblings, Mark (Robert) Lord-Schell, Jacquelyn (Kenard) Lloyd, and William; his aunts, Emily Bunton and Catherine Hemphill; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin L. Lord Sr. and Mary P. Lord.
Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio. Donations to American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) will be appreciated.
