CIECKA — Marguerite E. Ciecka, 91 of Woolwich Township passed away Aug. 1 at the home of her daughter where she had resided for the past three years.
Born in Philadelphia, she resided in Bensalem before moving to Woolwich Township 17 years ago.
Marguerite was an EKG Technician at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia. She had attended St. Joseph’s Church in Swedesboro. She enjoyed going to the clubhouse, visiting with friends, and playing a great game of Mahjong.
She was the wife of the late John Ciecka and is survived by her children, Maryann (Michael) Murphy, John, Michael (Louise) and Stephen Ciecka. She is the grandmother of three and was predeceased by her siblings, Jane Dwyer and Louis Castagna.
Services were arranged by Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Contributions in her memory to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.
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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 T.V. 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.
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LYNCH — Cindy S. Lynch, born in Clarksboro, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23.
She was a longtime Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Rowan University. She retired in 2008 and moved into her dream home in Vero Beach, Florida where she has been a resident for 18 years surrounded by many good friends. She was a loving mother to her many dogs, especially her Coco.
She is survived by her beloved partner of 24 years, Kate Pohlig, her brother Franklin Lynch (Eileen), her nieces Fawn Gardner and Fern Toth (Ron), great niece Jessica Gardner, great nephew Daniel Gardner and many more relatives and friends. She was a loving mother to her partner’s three children, and “Gammy” to their nine grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her loving parents Novie and Dorothy Lynch.
Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservice.com
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VIERECK — Leslie “Peck” Viereck Jr. Peck lived 99 years with an energy that defined his tenure as a second-generation vegetable farmer in Woolwich Township. He died on Sept. 6, leaving behind a legacy of cultivated asparagus, dedication to family, and frugal spending.
Following his mother’s death when he was 12, he was raised by his father and his sister Jean. It was during this era that Peck earned his reputation for mischief, once famously riding his pony directly through the family home.
He was a man of specific habits and high standards for machinery. He spent a lifetime cultivating 100-plus acres, where his asparagus pack was considered king. His love of farming inspired two more generations to follow him.
Even in his eighties, Peck could be found on a tractor, though he was equally notorious for his “affliction” regarding vehicle front ends. He was convinced every vehicle he ever owned had a pull to the left.
He had a lifelong love of Cadillacs but always dreamed of owning a Town Car. He was most at home outdoors, hunting and fishing during his free time.
He was a man who understood the value of a dollar, often driving 10 miles out of his way to save two cents on a gallon of gas. His favorite haunt was the Golden Pigeon, where the $10 specials were so generous they’d feed you for days.
Peck was affectionately called “Wheels” because he was always going somewhere, whether out with friends or on off season vacations. He hated the cold and sought the warmth of Mexico.
Peck was a graduate of the Class of ’44 from Swedesboro High School and later was a member of the Swedesboro Woolwich Board of Education and held positions on county agricultural boards and Woolwich Township boards.
Peck “looked at” the Phillies every night and spent his later years tuning into Match Game and Password reruns.
He’d meet a pretty girl named Charlotte (Saunderlin) at a local dance. They were married for 62 years and were blessed with four sons. He was a dedicated family man, attending their son’s and grandchildren’s activities and working on the family farm together.
He is survived by his four sons Leslie III (Karen) Viereck, Larry (Stephanie) Viereck, Robert (Jody) Viereck, and David (Marcia) Viereck; grandchildren Kathleen (Eric) Jones, Lauren (Tom) McLoughlin, Mark (Darla) Viereck, Michael (Connie) Viereck, Christopher (Laura) Viereck, Amanda (Angelo) Yurdan, Andrew (Gabriel) Viereck, Joel (Brianna) Viereck, Paul (Jackie) Viereck; step-grandchildren John (Tori) McDonald and Meghan (Eric); 17 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; and special friend Betty Howard. He was predeceased by his wife Charlotte in 2014, their infant son, William, and sister Jean Clendening.
Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio with interment Lake Park Cemetery, Swedesboro.
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BRATCHER — Thomas Calvin Bratcher, 92, of Woolwich Township passed away Sept. 6 at the Atlas Post Acute @ Woodbury Country Club, Woodbury, NJ.
Born in Tarboro, North Carolina, Tommy spent his earlier years in North Carolina before moving to New York where he worked for BOCES of Southern Westchester as a courier for over 40 years.
Tommy retired from Boces and took up residency in Nashville, NC.
While in Nashville, NC, Tommy couldn’t stay retired. He took on a job as a charter bus driver for over 30 years.
Tommy was a member of the Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church where Pastor Sidney Dunston is the senior pastor, Tommy was a member of the church choir and also served as the church bus driver.
Thomas was predeceased by his wife, Elsie Louise Bratcher and is survived by his children, Timothy K. Anderson (Courtenaye), James Anderson, (Jeanette), Diane Johnson, Beverly Warren (Derrick), and Benita Johnson, (Glenn), and 22 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. His sisters, Mildred Jean Toliver, Anita Louise Butler, Dorothy Payne-Pettaway and Laura Bratcher-Williams. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Ann Anderson. A memorial Service was held at Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Monetary donations would be appreciated.
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GRASSO — John R. Grasso, 85, of Clarksboro, passed away Sept. 11. Born in Mickleton, John had lived in Clarksboro for the past 26 years, coming from Woolwich Township. He was a graduate of Glassboro High School, Class of 1959.
Throughout his life, John was a developer/builder, a real estate agent, and very proud of his work as a computer programmer. He was an award-winning wine maker, loved to cook and best known for his meatballs.
John was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, a member of the St. Alfio Committee, President of the St. Alfio Society of Pennsylvania and a past president of the Logan Township School Board. He was a big man with a warm heart and kind word for anyone he met.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Worrell-Grasso, his children, Alfred (Alan), Samuel (Jacki), Thomas (Rebecca) and Katie (Bryan) Arcari, his grandchildren, Olivia, Julian, Joanna Grasso and Ella, Colin and Adeline Arcari. He was predeceased by his siblings, Fred, Thomas, Samuel Grasso and Josephine Tomarchio.
Services were arranged by Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Donations in his memory may be made to: American Cancer Society for Glioblastoma Research, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, Md. 21741 or by phone at: 800-227-2345 and would be appreciated.
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McMANUS — Christopher Thomas McManus, 76, of Logan Township passed away Sept. 12 at Inspira Medical Center, Mullica Hill.
Born in Philadelphia, PA. Chris has lived in Logan Township for the past 32 years, coming from Bridgeport. He was a graduate of West Deptford High School, loved the Eagles and basically all sports and loved his special friend Charlie, his dog.
Chris was a member of the Living Hope Worship Center in Logan Township. He is survived by his sons, Christopher Jr. (DeMaris) and Ryan (Theodora), 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A brother, Timothy McManus. He was predeceased by his wife, Jeannie who passed away in April of 2025, three sons, Ricci Jr, Michael and Joseph Eavacchia.
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CLIFFORD — Linda Sell Hillyer Clifford, age 84 of Upper Pittsgrove, died Sept. 14 in Mullica Gardens in Harrison Township.
Born on January 26, 1942 in Bridgeton, she was the daughter of the late Robert Leroy and Ruby Elizabeth (Sell) Hillyer. Linda attended elementary school in Bridgeton, then Wenonah and graduated from Woodbury High School in 1960.
She married Philip L. Clifford Sr. on November 24, 1962. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodbury, a volunteer with the Pioneer Girls, a member of the Eastern Star – Pitman chapter, a member of the DAR, volunteered with the Children of the American Revolution, was an EMT, and a member of the Magna Carta. She loved horses, dogs, reading, the ocean, and her family!
Linda is survived by her husband of 64 years, Philip; her children, Philip L. Clifford Jr. (Dawn), Kevin M. Clifford, and Linda L. Clifford Gentile; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; her sister, Elizabeth J. Purchase; and her brother, Richard W. Hillyer Sr. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Robert L. Hillyer Jr. Please visit htlaytonfh.com to leave a note of condolence to Linda’s family.
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FAGELY — Jean Fagely, 77. Jean 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. Services were held at Daley Life Celebration studio.
