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.
A celebration of life service will be held on June 19 at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Donations may be made to the Swedesboro Memorial Day Fund.
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CARROZZA — Benedict Carrozza.
A man of many words, large smiles and a big personality. When Dick entered a room, you knew he was something special. From his striking white hair, charming presence and loving character, you knew he was someone not to be forgotten. He was easy to talk to and even better at listening to what you had to say.
He was a proud son of Sheepshead Bay, and a true Brooklyn gentleman that loved cheering for the Yankees, Giants and enjoying the occasional Nathan’s hot dog at Coney Island. Besides anything New York, Dick loved to work hard which showed over the years of his successful careers at discount retail stores like Jamesway and Bradlees as well as opening up his own sunglass store called Shades.
Some other things Dick enjoyed doing included ballroom dancing with his wife Lois, listening to Frank Sinatra, and sitting down while reading a good book. Dick or Grandpa D as some of us know him was a true family man and had a loving heart.
Early on in life Dick was happily married to the late Edith who gave him two beautiful children, Chris and Debra and were able to share a 23 year marriage before her passing. Years later Dick met Lois who was doing inventory at one of his stores, and it didn’t take long for him to fall head over heels for her. From Lois’s beautiful looks and captivating personality, they got married and shared 32 loving years together.
Our beloved Benedict Carrozza is survived by his wife Lois, his children Chris (Yolanda) and Debra, his grandchildren Alex, Benjamin, Christian, Danielle, Mikayla and Tyler (Aubrey) as well as a great grandchild, Logan.
A celebration of life service was held at Daley Life Celebration Studio in Swedesboro.
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CANOSA — Arlene Canosa, 92.
Arlene was the kind of woman you never forgot – quick-witted, warm-hearted, and always on the move. She was very strong, positive, and determined, facing every challenge with a fierce New Yorker spirit that defined her life.
She was never idle. Whether she was managing a store or chasing down a deal, Arlene poured energy and intention into everything she did. She grew up in Babylon, New York, and carried that vibrant energy with her for life.
For five years, she volunteered as the manager at King’s Things in Swedesboro, where she brought order, creativity, and a spark that transformed the store. Under her leadership, the place ran like clockwork, every shelf and every detail had her touch.
Her business skills extended beyond the thrift store. Arlene proudly ran her own hot dog wagon for many years, and she always kept plenty of Yoo-hoos on hand for those visits from her grandchildren, a tradition that became just one of many joyful memories she gave them.
For many years, she also attended craft fairs, selling her own beautiful creations, which showcased her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Arlene’s love of gardening was another passion. Her green thumb kept her very busy tending to vibrant flower beds and thriving plants that brought beauty to her home.
Arlene met the late Rocco through friends, and the two spent over 50 wonderful years together. When their children were young, winters meant packing up and heading north to their camper in Vermont. There, the family spent weekends barbecuing in the snow, skiing down slopes, and making the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
In the late 1990s, after her son Johnny and his family moved from New York to South Jersey, Arlene followed, quickly falling in love with the area. It wasn’t long before some of the other family members followed, settling nearby and staying close, just as she liked it.
Later in life, Arlene found her true calling, being a grandmother. She didn’t just spoil her grandkids with Yoo-hoos, she spoiled them with love, time, traditions, and warmth.
Her home was a place of welcome, her heart always open. She made everyone feel like family, because to her, everyone was.
Arlene is predeceased by her husband Rocco, her mother Anna, her sister Jeannie, and her brothers Clyde and Westley. She is survived by her children Johnny, Cindy, and daughter in-law Chris, her grandchildren Michael (Cynthia), Lauren (Billy), Brian (Caitlin), Kelly (Brandon), and Anthony, her five beautiful great-granddaughters (who called her GG), Keira, Gabriella, Vivienne, Avery, and Madelynn, and her great-grandson Liam.
A celebration of life service was held at Daley Life Celebration Studio in Swedesboro. Donations may be made to: Tunnels to Towers Foundation
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SIMMERON — Dolores E. Simmeron, loving wife, mother, businesswoman, and author passed away at her home in Woolwich Township on May 15.
Born and raised in Sewell, she attended Pitman High School, Class of ’52. She obtained her degrees at New York City School of Business and New York City School of Interior Design. Until 2005, she owned and was an agent at Century 21.
Dolores was also an author, having her book published under her pen name “Dolores James” and it was titled, Survived to Love Again.
Dolores had a special place in her heart for children suffering with medical ailments. Whether it was medicine or surgery, if they needed help, she was there and took care of all expenses without any recognition. Families were not made aware of her generosity.
She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, two sons, Charles Jr. and James. Dolores is survived by her best friend and care giver, Nick Tamburello.
Funeral Services were held at the Cheega Funeral Home in Swedesboro.
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ZANE — Donald Zane, of Woolwich Township.
A Celebration of Life for Donald Herbert Zane was held in May. Donald served as chief of police for 30 years with honor and respect.
Many mourn his loss including his wife Barbara of 39 years, daughter Christy Lee, son Brian Paul, grandchildren, sister Eileen, friends Debbie and Rocky, nieces and nephews and friends in the organization Quiet Birdmen USA.
