LANGE — George E. Lange, 72, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on July 3 at Christiana Hospital, surrounded by his wife, sons, and daughter-in-law.
Born and raised in Mullica Hill, George was the son of the late Melvin and Cordelia Lange. He lived in Wilmington for many years.
George served proudly in the U.S. Navy for 10 years, then worked as a computer technician for Wang Laboratories and later Blank Rome before retiring after many years in the technology field. He enjoyed fishing, watching Philadelphia sports, and golfing with his sons. He especially valued the time he spent with his family and friends.
George is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Debra Hansen Lange; his sons, Scott Lange and Andrew (Korin) Lange; his grandchildren, Walter and Eleanor Lange; his siblings, William (Peggy) Lange, Larry (Gaylen) Lange, and June Lange; and his niece, Kira (Bryan) Kiehl.
Memorial donations may be made in George’s memory to the United Service Organizations (USO) at https://www.uso.org/donate or the Disabled Veterans Foundation at https://disabledveterans.org/donate.
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HARGRAVE — Beatrice Irene (Richman) Hargrave, affectionately known to family and friends as Rene or Irene, passed away peacefully on July 28 at the age of 89. Born on Nov. 8, 1936, in Woodbury, NJ, Rene was the daughter of the late Charles D. Richman Sr. and Marjorie S. (Green) Richman.
On August 20, 1960, she married James D. Hargrave at the Friends Meeting in Woodstown, NJ, where they built a life centered on family, education, and community. Rene was fiercely protective of her family and farm and would fight tooth and nail to protect them. She was a crack shot and always had her riding crop handy.
Rene graduated from Woodstown High School before continuing her education at Southern
Seminary College and later Michigan State University. As a young woman, she worked at the family business, Richman’s Ice Cream Company, before beginning her career as a high school
teacher. During her years in education, she taught in the Clayton, Penns Grove, and Clearview school districts, where she positively influenced the lives of countless students.
A lifelong horse enthusiast, Rene devoted many years to the Salem County 4-H Horse Program, mentoring young riders and sharing her passion for horsemanship. She was also a proud member of the Oak Tree Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was also a member of the Baronial Order of Magna Charta and The Colonial Dames of America.
Known for her intelligence, independence, and determination, Rene was a memorable presence in the Woodstown community. Friends and neighbors fondly recall seeing her driving her pickup
truck with a broomstick sticking up out of the back — a familiar sight that perfectly reflected her practical nature and unique character.
Rene was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carol S. Richman; and her brother, Charles D. Richman Jr. In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by her sister, Susan G. Allen and nephew Charles Allen; her children, Dr. Douglas Hargrave and wife Megan, Roger Hargrave, and Marjorie (Hargrave) Daniels and husband Jeffrey; and her cherished grandchildren, Hannah Hargrave, Katherine Hargrave, Caroline Daniels, and James Daniels, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Rene will be remembered for her unwavering strength, love of horses, and devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her teaching, mentoring, and enduring example of perseverance and kindness.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity supporting equestrian programs, Gun Owners of America, Hospice organizations or another organization meaningful to Rene’s family. Please visit htlaytonfh.com to leave a note of condolence to Rene’s family. Arrangements are by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Woodstown.
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LEIGH — December 22,1949-July 29,2026. Joseph Herman Leigh, 76, passed away peacefully on July 29. Born in Philadelphia, Joe moved to Swedesboro in 1980. Joe embraced life and cherished his relationships with his sons; Joby (Rebecca) and Joshua. He was so proud of the men they had become. Joe adored his 5 grandchildren, Adam, Shane, Zachary, Harper, and JJ, and remained a constant fan of their individual athletic and artistic pursuits. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Joe is survived by his sister Marianne (Joseph) and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Joe is predeceased by brother, Richard (Joan).
As a young man, Joe served in the Marines, achieving the rank of Sergeant E5 after only three years. Joe was a Vietnam veteran and also served in Japan at Camp Fuji. When stationed at Okinawa, Japan, he climbed Mt. Fuji as part of cold weather training. During his tour of duty, he spent a month in Sydney, Australia and Taipei, Taiwan. He often said that his time serving as a Marine shaped his entire life.
After leaving the service, Joe worked as a union Boilermaker from 1971 through 2005, as a member of Local 28. He was proud of his work ethic and the many projects he completed in his working years. Joe was known as a strong leader in his trade and truly cared for his boilermaker co-workers, developing fond memories of his work life over the years.
Outside of work, Joe enjoyed boating and fishing. He had a treasured community of friends at Farley Marina’s I Dock for over 30 years.
Joe was an avid Philly sports fan. He adored dogs and spent much of his time playing with his beloved pets during his retirement.
In later years, Joe had a loving relationship with his companion, Kathy. He lived a life he was proud of. He was always someone who could be counted on at any time, for any reason and was an exceptional friend to all who knew him. At his death, Joe was surrounded by his family and passed with the dignity that had characterized his entire life. Please remember Joe and his warm-hearted spirit and cherish the memories you had with him.
A celebration of his life was held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro. Family and friends are invited to make a donation in Joe’s honor to the Brookline Lab Rescue: PO Box 638, Warrington, PA 18976. Donate – Brookline Lab Rescue Apparel & Gifts (https://brooklinelabrescue.org/get-involved/donate/)
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RUSSO — Angeline Rita Russo (née Barbagallo), 94, passed away peacefully July 20 leaving behind a lifetime dedicated to her Catholic faith, devotion to family, and cherished friendships.
Born and raised in Swedesboro, Angeline was the daughter of Salvatore and Agatha Barbagallo. She was the beloved wife of the late George Russo, with whom she built a family. Angeline is survived by her three children: Agatha Russo; Natale Russo and his wife, Alice; and George Russo and his partner, Katherine. She was a proud and loving Nana to Gina, Nate II, Brittany, Lindsay, Nicholas, and Alexandria, and a devoted Nan to seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy. Angeline was also the beloved sister of Alfina, and the late Mary, Vernon, and John. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Alfina (widow of Vernon) and Anna (widow of John), and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Angeline dedicated many years of service as a Bell Telephone Company and Verizon operator before retiring. Throughout her life, she was known for her grace, impeccable style, and strong character. Angeline was a well-put-together woman who carried herself with dignity and took pride in always looking her best. She was lovingly remembered for being both strict and caring, always wanting the very best for those she loved.
Angeline found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She looked forward to going out for lunch and dinner with friends, faithfully keeping her weekly hair salon appointments, attending daily church services, picking fruit at Mood’s Farm, staying connected to those she cared about via telephone calls, and gathering for cherished Sunday family dinners. In her later years, she also loved to indulge in daily sweet treats.
Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in the peace of Christ and be reunited with her beloved husband and all those who have gone before her.
Arrangements by Daley Life Celebration, Swedesboro.
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BARR — Lucretia Barr. She knew what was important in life; Lu had that ability of finding out exactly what you needed and would go out of her way to get it.
Her early years were in Torino, Italy before her family emigrated to the United States. They’d settle in Paulsboro and start a new life. Her family was tight knit; she and her sister were put together in the same class even though they were a year apart so they could watch out for each other.
They’d both wind up graduating together and continuing to hairdressing school. Lucretia spent most of her career at Today’s Hair in Blackwood. Recent years found she and her husband moving to Swedesboro and restoring their beautiful home to its former glory. Like most of her endeavors, she was a perfectionist, painting the entire home without spilling a drop. If her TV was on, she’d probably be checking out thrifting shows or enjoying The Three Stooges with Dave. They both preferred Shemp to Curly.
She could cook with the best of them; amazing braciole and a Tiramisu that rivaled any restaurant. She loved classic rock but had a huge thing for Johnny Cash; she owned every CD he ever made. Lu had previously lived in Paulsboro and Mantua before moving to Swedesboro.
A handsome customer in desperate need of a haircut came into her salon and sat in her chair. More than just a haircut, she’d win his heart. The two would share a 40-year marriage of love and laughter. She is survived by her mother, Giusseppa Scordo, her sister, Angela Houser (Mony) and her brother, Joseph Scordo (Andrea) and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were made by Daley Life Celebration, Swedesboro.
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BECKETT — With profound sadness, the family of David Robert Beckett Sr., 78, of Bridgeport, honors the life of a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, following their loss on July 13, 2026.
Born on October 5, 1947, in Camden, NJ, David was the son of Bill and Betty Beckett and beloved brother to his six siblings.
David graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in 1966 and, three days later, proudly joined DuPont Company in Deepwater, NJ. He held various positions throughout the company for the next 43 years, until his well-deserved retirement.
David is survived by Dorothy “Dot” Beckett, his wife of 58 years and his first and only love. Their love story began in the sixth grade and grew into a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and family. Together, he and Dot loved the beach, travel, spending time with friends and long drives in the Corvette, with Otis Redding, Elvis, and other favorites on the radio.
David was quiet but firm, funny, handsome, and flirtatious in a way that never failed to charm the woman who had loved him since childhood. Where Dot is famously outgoing and vivacious, David was her steady balance – the calm to her spark and the partner who loved her completely.
He was a wonderful father who made every sacrifice for his children, and his greatest pride was always his family – his sons, Dave (Marie) and Greg, and his grandchildren, Kelsey and Kyle. Some of his happiest moments were the simplest ones: watching and quoting movies with Dave and Greg, from The Ten Commandments and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly to Star Wars and The Untouchables; listening to Phillies games on the radio; cheering on West Virginia football; and watching NASCAR. With his quiet humor and easy smile, David had a way of turning movie quotes, card games, and afternoons on the beach with his family into memories they will carry with them always.
Kelsey and Kyle were, in every way, the light of their “Op’s” life. He treasured every moment with them – from heated games of Uno, Rummy and Monopoly, to never missing a soccer game or dance recital, celebrating their milestones, sharing in their lives, and simply being together.
Those who wish to, may honor David’s memory with a contribution to the Gregory Beckett Memorial Scholarship Fund online at: https://gofund.me/b4852837f or by check made payable to David Beckett Jr. and mailed to PO Box 146, Bridgeport, NJ 08014.
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FAGELY — Jean Fagely, 77, never met a stranger. Born and raised in South Philadelphia, she was loud, lively, and full of personality, always making sure everyone around her knew she had arrived. Jean loved to dance and enjoyed an ice-cold Coors Light and had a natural ability to strike up a conversation with anyone she met. Jean was a woman of routine and found comfort and joy in the little traditions of everyday life. She looked forward to her monthly nail salon visits with her daughter and her morning coffee from Heritage’s.
She was a provider and a host at heart. Her home was always open, not only to her own children, but to their friends as well. She never said no to anyone and was always ready to make sure there was plenty of food for everyone.
She loved cooking for her family and had a special way of making sure no one ever left her home hungry. Her children and grandchildren could always count on being “stuffed” with food, and for the little ones, there was always chocolate milk waiting.
Her grandchildren held an especially special place in her heart. They lovingly called her “G,” and she was an incredibly active and loving grandmother. She would get down on the floor and roll around and play with them, always patient and engaged. She would have real conversations with them and truly listen. She made each of her grandchildren feel loved, valued, and important.
Family was always at the center of Jean’s world. Some of her happiest memories were made on family vacations to Wildwood, where she loved being surrounded by the people who meant the most to her.
Jean is predeceased by her husband Thomas and her sister Besty. She is survived by her children Caitlin (Shane) Feldman and Tom (Chelsea) Fagely, her grandchildren Declan, Norah, Cormac, Cian, Isla, Sullivan, and Faea, and her sister Barbara (Ed) McGonigle, and brother-in-law Tom McNamara, along with many, many friends.
Her life celebration was held at Daley Life Celebration, Swedesboro.
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STEIN – Rita Stein (nee Foti), 79, of Deptford and formerly of Swedesboro, passed away on Aug. 16.
Beloved wife of Ralph Stein. Loving mother of Carol Ann Widing (Eric) of Cedarville, Tracy Palmer (late Joseph) of Westville, and Michelle Grams (Rich) of Woodstown. Cherished sister of Sara Genna (Andrew) of Florida, Santo Foti (Diane) of Swedesboro, and the late Joseph Foti (Enrica). Devoted grandmother of Ashley, Stephanie, Joey, Jenna, Melissa, Eric Jr., and Abigail. She is survived by 12 great-grandchildren.
Born and raised in Swedesboro, she loved sledding down Mill Hill and skating on the frozen Lake Narraticon in the winter. After marrying her husband, she resided in Deptford, NJ.
She attended Swedesboro High School and graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in 1965.
Rita enjoyed cooking, baking, cleaning, and decorating. She sang in the choir at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westville. Her hobbies included reading, watching movies, and sewing. She loved eating crabs, her cats Bella and Lucy, and spending time with her family. Rita was a medical receptionist for many years before retiring in 2010.
For condolences, please visit www.coubherfuleralhome.com.
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