NICHOLAS — Helen A. Nicholas (1955-2016) Helen A. Nicholas was born to Catherine and James Nicholas in Ridley Park, PA. Growing up with younger brother John and older brother Jim, Helen was ahead of her time, considering her athletic talent. Helen could not understand why she could not get a baseball uniform and play on a little league team, when she could hit a ball further than most of the boys in the neighborhood.
Helen attended Saint Madeline Grade School and Cardinal O’Hara High School, where her athletic prowess and academic skills earned her a place in the O’Hara Hall of Fame, which recognized student athletic achievement. Helen also played guard on the women’s varsity basketball team while attending Purdue University. In her senior year at Purdue, Helen was named the female Athlete of the Year. Helen also pursued athletics outside of the academic arena, playing semi-pro softball and an outstanding round of golf.
In addition to athletic talent, Helen had a thirst for knowledge and attained degrees in Psychology, Industrial Engineering and a Doctorate of Juris Prudence. In her 33 year career working for the US Postal Service, Helen made use of her Law degree by rising to the rank of Deputy Managing Counsel, handling Equal Employment Opportunity litigation. Helen’s thirst for knowledge enabled her to grow and create in the fields of photography and cooking.
Family and friends were one of the most important parts of Helen’s life. She continued to help out her Mom after her Dad’s passing, remained close with her brother John and sister-in-law Annmarie and nephew Rob, often hosting barbeques or traveling to Lancaster for shopping. She adored her niece Amy and nephew Michael, children of her brother Jim and sister-in-law Linda, who live in the Chicago area. Helen was the favorite relative of many family members. For Sue’s two nephews, Joshua and Matthew, “Auntie Helen” made the boys sparkle with delight at every turn, by demonstrating her love for the boys through carefully planned and executed adventures for every occasion.
Friends were also important, and Helen had many. She was always able and willing to listen, advise, and follow through with kindness and helpfulness in any way that she could.
Helen passed away at her home in Swedesboro, under the loving care of her spouse, Susan Arnold. In their 21 years together, Helen and Sue enjoyed traveling, discovering and frequenting fine restaurants, playing golf, exercising at the gym, and owning and loving a few cats and a wonderful Labrador Retriever. Sue was the love of Helen’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Utah no-kill animal shelter at bestfriends.org or to the charity of your choice.
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MONGIELLO – Mary T. Mongiello (nee Faenza), 94, formerly of South Philadelphia, Springfield, and Pedricktown, died Nov. 15 in Wallingford, PA. Born in Philadelphia, she was a seamstress, homemaker and widow of the late Frank Mongiello and sister of the late Lillian Galantino. Mary was a member of the Upper Darby Senior Citizens and is survived by her children, Frank (Carol) Mongiello and Sandy Byers, six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was received with open arms by her loving great grandson, Russell A. Leone, who passed way in December of 2013.
Services were held at the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Donations in Mary’s memory to the Russell A. Leone Wrestling Scholarship Fund, c/o Fulton Bank, 22 Village Center Drive, Logan Twp., NJ 08085 or ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), 300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 would be appreciated.
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McGALLIARD — Margaret A. McGalliard (nee Wersits) age 101 years of Clarksboro died Nov, 26, 2016 in Shady Lane, Clarksboro. Mrs. McGalliard was born in New York City and was a 1933 graduate of Paulsboro High School. She worked as a supervisor for the IRS in Camden and was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. John’s Church, Paulsboro. Mrs. McGalliard enjoyed embroidering and knitting in her free time.
She is survived by her nieces, Barbara and Jerry McCullough, Nancy and Harold Johnson, Mary Pardon, Joan and Michael Hallahan and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Mrs. McGalliard was predeceased by her husband, Jack S. McGalliard, her brothers, Frank, Joe and Alex Wersits; her sister, Barbara Guest; her nephew Jay Wersits and her niece, Pat Haney.
Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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MORINA — Mary R. Morina, (nee Dalfonso), 96, of Clarksboro, formerly of Paulsboro, passed away Dec. 1, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Joseph. Devoted mother of Carmel (Claudia), Joseph (Darlene) and the late Angeline Kelly, and the late Paula Cameli. Loving grandmother of 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Morina enjoyed crocheting, puzzle books and soap opera TV.
The family requests memorial donations to Shady Lane N.H Recreation Department, 256 County House Rd, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. To express condolences visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com.
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CASELLA — Anthony Casella, 79, of Swedesboro. Tony spent most of his life on Asbury Station Road in Swedesboro, growing up on Casella Bros. family farm. During his childhood, he unknowingly met his future wife Barbara when she and her family lived just down the street. He was 8 and she was 5. Barbara and her family relocated to California and later to Louisiana. Their parents stayed in touch through the years and the two reconnected when they were 18 and 21. Wedding bells rang and Tony and Barbara started their life together on Asbury Station Road. They were later blessed with two sons, John and Anthony. Through the years, Tony and Barbara raised their family, enjoyed snowmobiling through the farmlands, (and the local roads). Additionally, Tony was the Philadelphia Eagles biggest fan. In fact, he had season tickets for his whole family for many years as he felt he could help the Eagles best by giving the team his “personal opinion” from within the stadium. He and his wife then turned their entrepreneurial spirits to Murphy’s Market and later Anthony’s Hallmark, both staples of the community. His family expanded when his eldest son John and his wife Sandy blessed them with two grandchildren, Anthony Jay and John Jr. Tony’s son Anthony and his wife Suzanne blessed them with two grandchildren as well, Anthony Jr. and Alena.
Through all of his years, Tony’s culinary expertise always was a favorite of friends and family and no one ever left hungry. He also maintained his “green thumb” throughout his life as he always had an expansive garden to harvest from, including retirement, when he and Barbara moved to Country Gardens in Sewell. His new neighbors quickly realized this by the expansive potted garden that sprouted every year on their patio.
Tony and his wife quickly made friends where he enjoyed bocce matches when it was warm and everyone knew that when it snowed, it was time to go to Tony’s for his homemade pizza. Tony traveled extensively with his wife exploring many countries and cities across five continents and especially loved cruising on at least 15 cruises.
He is survived by a sister, Angela Harding and was predeceased by parents John and Lena, and a brother Samuel.
Donations in lieu of flowers to: Freedom Service Dogs (freedomservicedogs.org) or American Cancer Society.
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SORBELLO — Joseph F. Sorbello, 78 of Mullica Hill, passed away Dec. 9, 2016 at home. Born in Swedesboro, he was a life resident of Mullica Hill. A graduate of Woodstown High School, Class of ’57, he was a farmer and chemical operator at Monsanto Chemical Co. in Bridgeport.
Joe was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, a bowler for the former Buddys Tavern, a member of the Raccoon Club, an avid hunter, fisherman and Nascar Fan. He volunteered his talents at Converys Auto Body in Swedesboro and was a self taught Mr. Fix-It, and there was nothing he couldn’t repair.
Joe is survived by his wife, Shirley (nee Press), his daughters, Ms. Felicia Di Ienno and Miss Sherri Sorbello, his granddaughters, Danielle and Sara Gullo and his siblings, Frances Passeri, Alfina Rainear and Benny Sorbello. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfio and Alfia Sorbello and siblings, Anna Cocove and Samuel Sorbello.
Arrangements by the Cheega Funeral Home, Swedesboro. Contributions in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Culbert Rd. Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 would be appreciated.
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SLOAN — Dorothy May Sloan, 91, of Logan Township. She found a home not only in Logan Twp., but also at the Living Hope Worship Center. Dorothy knew the Good News and shared it with her family: “I read the back of the book and we’re the winners.”
A young Dorothy was introduced to an usher at the movies. She and the late Paul were blessed with six children: Paul (Mandy), David (Marie), Rich (Mary), Darryl (Charlene), John and the late Susan Allen; 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. But most said she was everyone’s grandmother. She is survived by her brother, Walter Birney.
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MADDEN — Jean Madden, of Logan Township. Living life her way, Jean Madden, formerly of Carneys Point but now living with her daughter in Logan Township, passed away on Dec. 10, 2016. Jean had retired from Southgate Nursing Home and had volunteered at many of the local thrift stores. She was also a member of the River Church in Penns Grove.
She is survived by her children, Mick Harrison and his wife Terri, Dawn Drabold and her husband Harry, Jean Susnick and her husband Sam, Bob Madden, Jr. and his wife Chris, and Keenan Madden and his wife Valerie; siblings, Ann Dayton and John Keenan; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her husband, Robert Sr. and siblings, Helen Bronson, Kay Rushon, Sally Pickles and Jim Keenan predeceased her.
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NOTHDURFT — John E. Nothdurft, Sr., age 88, died Dec. 14, 2016, after a long illness. John was a lifelong resident of Swedesboro, graduating from Swedesboro High School in 1945 and Lafayette College in 1949. He then returned to Swedesboro to work for his father’s insurance and real estate agency, John G. Nothdurft & Son, Inc.
On April 22, 1950, John married Kathleen Jaeger, his high school sweetheart. He and his wife enjoyed 66 years of marriage and raised five children.
John joined the Woolwich Fire Company in July 1952 and dedicated his life to protecting the community, serving as fire chief, line officer, chaplin, and treasurer. He also served as secretary for the Gloucester County Fire Chief Association. He remained as active as much as his health allowed with his beloved fire company until the end.
John was a charter member of the St. Francis Council #7526, Knights of Columbus, was a member of the Bishop Stranski 4th Degree Council, Past Grand Knight of the St. Francis Council, and served as council treasurer. He was the first president of the parish council of St. Joseph’s Church and an usher.
He was a member of the Swedesboro Board of Health and Registrar of Vital Statistics, a member of the Swedesboro Historical Preservation Advisory Commission, and a court clerk for the Swedesboro-Woolwich Municipal Court.
He was also one of the first organizers of the Swedesboro Day Celebration, and an original member of the Swedesboro Business Association, as well as a charter member of the Swedesboro Investment Club. He was a member of the former Swedesboro Loan & Building Association, treasurer of the Swedesboro Democrat Party, a member of the Swedesboro Election Board, a member of the Woodbury Antlers Deer Club for 65 years and served as their treasurer, and a member of the Indian River Council of the Redman’s Organization of Lower Delaware.
John loved his family, playing golf, woodworking, gardening, and enjoyed time spent at their vacation home in Lewes, DE.
John is survived by his wife Kathleen, five children: Patricia (Daniel) Yulo, Mary Ann (Tom Barnett) Nothdurft, John (Debra) Nothdurft, Jr., Karen (Les) Viereck III, and David (Lesley) Nothdurft; 14 grandchildren: Jennifer (Daniel) Lay, Daniel Yulo, Karoline (Joseph) Guerin, Alexandra Barnett, John Nothdurft, Sarah Nothdurft, Jason Nothdurft (fiancé Rachel Sprock), Kathleen Viereck (fiancé Eric Jones), Lauren (Thomas) McLoughlin, Mark (Darla) Viereck, Kaitlyn Nothdurft (fiancé Max Lubin), David Nothdurft, Megan Nothdurft (fiancé Evan Felser), Matthew Nothdurft; seven great grandchildren: Sebastian Lay, Anneliese Guerin, Hailey, Hannah and Wesley McLoughlin, Hunter Jones, and William Viereck.
John is also survived by his sisters Ann Zayac and Mary Shiveler and predeceased by his brother Wilbert and sister Betty Hunt.
Donations to the Woolwich Fire Company, 1517 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ 08085, would be a fitting remembrance.
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ROSE — Deborah Leigh Rose (Stout) age 61, of Mullica Hill passed away Dec. 21, 2016 at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Vineland.
Deborah was a resident of Mullica Hill for 22 years. Deborah had been a teacher for 39 years. She taught 2nd and 3rd grades at Sewell School in Mantua Township for 38 of those years before retiring in 2015. Deborah loved teaching and took great pride in her students and their accomplishments in life.
Deborah loved trains and to go for rides, her Mother’s Day always included a ride at the Strasburg Railroad. She liked to travel and was always willing to stop to see something that looked interesting along the road, county fairs, flea markets, car shows, antique stores and anything historical. Deborah enjoyed spending time at Pennsylvania Live Steamers Train Club, chatting with old friends and making new ones. Being the teacher she was she was always willing tell people about the workings of the club and the trains.
She was very proud of her son Zachary and all that he has accomplished in his life. Seeing him go to the state bowling tournaments for special Olympics’ for many years and winning gold and silver medals in his division. Deborah loved all types of music and enjoyed going to concerts with her son and husband.
Deborah loved animals of all kinds, from the deer and turkeys in the back yard to her family dogs. She was very proud of Delia and the therapy work she does with special needs children. Deborah enjoyed life and the world around her and she made many lives better for being here. Always liking to read, and always had a book nearby, her last chapter just came too soon. Beloved wife of David T. Rose, also survived by their son Zachary O. Rose, beloved dog Delia, and her sister Carol (Cummings) Schibinger, and many dear friends.
Donations can be made to PAWS for People. P.O. 9955, Newark, DE 19714 www.PAWSforPeople.org Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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