LEATHERWOOD — Warren G. Leatherwood, 87, of South Harrison passed away on May 24.
Born in Waynesville, NC., Warren was the son of Bernard and Bure McGaha Leatherwood. He retired from DuPont Chambers Works after 35 years and prior to that had served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After retiring from the plant, he started farming and quickly became known for his asparagus and strawberries. Spending hours in the fields tending to his plants and pulling weeds by hand is when he seemed the happiest. He attended the Baptist Church in Mullica Hill, was a member of the DuPont Veterans and would often spend time at night playing his guitar and singing.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gladys (Knorr): children, Kathryn McNamara and her husband William, Frank Leatherwood and Daniel Leatherwood: siblings, Lena Price and Genny Presnell; grandchildren, Clint Leatherwood (Emily), Jamie Andres, Maricia Chiarelli (Marco), Ryan McNamara, Matthew McNamara and Chelsea Ann Leatherwood and great grandchildren, Marciano, Meadow, Marcelo, Zoe and Matthew. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by seven siblings.
The family has suggested that donations can be made to the Mullica Hill Baptist Church, 18 S Main St., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062.
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OLIVERA — Alicia C. Olivera, 86, of Logan Township passed away peacefully at her home.
Born in Villalba, Puerto Rico, she resided in Logan Township since 1977. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, Swedesboro. In earlier years Alicia worked as a Nurses Aide, a Social Worker and at VWR Warehouse. She enjoyed an occasional trip to the casinos and her talents included knitting sweaters and creating lap cover size to full bedcover quilts.
She was the wife of the late Angel Olivera, Sr. for 64 years and is survived by her children, Myrta A. Guerra, Angel Jr. and his wife Mary and Ruben and his fiancée Theresa DiMitri. Her siblings, Pilar and Porfirio Cintron, 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held at the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro.
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RATLIFF — Joseph A. Ratliff, age 65, of Swedesboro, departed this life on May 25. He is survived by many loving family and friends.
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BURLINGAME — Joy Burlingame, of South Harrison Township, passed away on May 26 at Inspira Hospital in Vineland.
Joy was born on October 18, 1937 in Salem, NJ. She married Walter Burlingame, Jr. on October 5, 1957 and has been happily married for 61 years. They have resided in South Harrison Township for nearly 60 years raising their children and enjoying the small town experience.
Joy spent her life as a homemaker, raising her four children, Walter (Judi), Greg (Cindy), Dennis (Sheri), and Mollie (Jeff) and enjoying her 12 grandchildren, Ashly, Jeffrey, Tyler, Jonathon, Ryleigh, Madison,Greggy, Raygen, Zack, Rexx, Cailon, and Reed and 4 Great Grandchildren, Brayden, Jarred, Mia, and Emersyn.
Joy loved spending her time with her children and grandchildren, whether it was watching them play a sport, teaching them how to bake, watching a silly movie, feeding them whatever they wanted, or just hugging and kissing them. Joy was known for her chocolate chip cookies and strawberry jelly, that she always was giving away to family and friends.
You would always see her working elections each year, catching up on the news of everyone who voted. Joy enjoyed the beach, sitting by her pool, taking care of her flower gardens, visiting with family and friends, and holding her husband’s hand wherever they were.
Donations can be made in honor of Joy to a charity of your choice.
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THOMPSON — Albert R. Thompson age 84 years of Mickleton, died May 31 in his home.
Mr. Thompson was born in Philadelphia and raised in Clarksboro. He was a veteran serving in the United States Navy. Mr. Thompson retired after 23 years of service as a Construction and Project Supervisor with Monsanto in Pedricktown. He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Gibbstown.
Mr. Thompson enjoyed raising animals on his gentleman’s farm in Swedesboro, and also restored three homes. He also liked to go country dancing.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Green of Slatington, PA, Mark and Kimberly Thompson of Washington Twp.; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchild; his sister, Dorothy and John Hunt of Lebanon, PA and his brother, Robert and Joan Thompson of Harrisburg, PA. Mr. Thompson was predeceased by his wife, Mae Thompson.
Services were held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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CATONE — Fortunata ‘Tina’ Catona, 94, of Logan Township.
Never any doubt where her priorities were: Tina reminded her family that she loved them at least a hundred times a day. She was a tiny lady with a huge handbag: it held everything her grands had given her and a record of all the family accomplishments that she could show anyone she bumped into.
Her home smelled of Meatballs, Sausage and Stromboli and she cooked for the holidays for her entire neighborhood. Though she’d walk a couple miles a day to do piece work as a seamstress she had enough energy to make sure all her girls’ friends had homemade pizza. Her charisma made people love her right off the bat and it even landed her on national T.V. during a dance competition, flirting with the great Bruno Collins. But she was really meant to be a Nona: toys stacked to the ceiling spoiling the grandkids with everything in sight.
Through her father, the young Fortunata would meet a nice boy from the United States. The late Philip didn’t speak much Italian; Tina didn’t speak much English, but their love saw them through. Their 56-year marriage was blessed by two daughters, Mary Catona and Tina (Bill) McNamee and later by grandchildren: Katie (Eric), Billy (Christine) and Philip; and great grandchildren: James, Ava and Emma and one more, Lorenzo is on the way. She is survived by her sister Aida and was predeceased by siblings, Lina, Tita, Mimmo, and Caterina.
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GRASSO — Angelina “Angie” Grasso (nee Maccarone) of Monroeville, NJ passed away peacefully on June 6, surrounded by her family at 83 years of age.
Angie was the “cream of the crop” from Swedesboro and will be fondly remembered as an amazing woman who was the heart of her family, with an incredible sense of humor, loving spirit, and positive attitude toward life. She and her husband, Tom, enjoyed a wonderful marriage filled with love and laughter that they shared with their two children, daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren. Angie and Tom were the owners of Grasso Farm in Monroeville, which produced a cornucopia of vegetables for family and friends.
Angie’s true spirit was exhibited in her love of music, the arts, poetry, writing, drawing, and tending her beautiful garden. Angie enjoyed having her family together, sharing meals, and creating memories that will be cherished as her legacy.
Angie was the beloved wife of more than 57 years to Gaetano “Tom” Grasso; loving mother of Carmelo (Janice) Grasso and Santina Grasso; cherished Nana of Brittany, Deanna, Alexandra, Christina and William; dear sister of the late Joseph Maccarone, Catherine Garozzo, Samuel Maccarone and Mary Chila. Angie also leaves behind brothers and sister in-law; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053.
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CESARO — James W. Cesaro, 86, affectionately known as JW Ryder, of Mickleton, died June 7. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol A. Cesaro, his parents, James and Eleanor, two brothers, John and William and by granddaughter Baby Girl Cesaro.
James was born and raised in Philadelphia and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge he worked for EI DuPont until his retirement in 1985. James and Carol traveled the world until her passing in 2005. Thereafter, James continued his travels with his family and enjoyed life to the fullest. He knew everything and could fix anything and always shared his opinion especially if you were wrong.
He is survived by his three devoted children, Christine A. (Brian) Mullis, James W. (Michelle) Cesaro III and Michael D. Cesaro. He also is survived by his two granddaughters Jamie Cesaro and Erin Mullis; four nieces and one nephew. The family expresses its heartfelt appreciation for the excellent care and attention provided to James during these last four years.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111. For condolences visit www.boucherfuneralhome.com.
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MURDOCK — Edward J. Murdock, 54 of Logan Township, passed away suddenly at home on June 8.
Born at Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, PA he has resided in Logan Township for the past 28 years. A graduate of Kingsway Regional High School, Class of ’82, Ed served in the Air Force and was a Production Manager for Liberty Electric Power Plant, Eddystone, PA.
He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, a man who loved life, was an avid concert fan and enjoyed outdoor sports. The Washington Redskins were tops in his book, and of course his lovable companions, Maximus and Bella. Disney with his family was a place where he could be a kid again.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Gina (nee Capri), his beloved children, Jarrod and Paige. His mother Alma (Nee Duke), siblings, Larry Jr. (Lisa) and Janet (Keith) Robbins, mother-in-law, Lucy Capri, Sister in law, LuAnne Capri, Brother in law – Russell (Kim) Capri, nieces, Ali and Rachel and Nephews, Matthew and Kevin. Ed was predeceased by his father, Larry Sr. (2008).
Arrangements under the direction of the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME Swedesboro. Contributions in his memory to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis Tn, 38148-0142 or online at www.stjude.org would be appreciated.
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TROTH — Marie R. Troth, 92. As a mom she was in motion; Marie took her kids camping at Parvin State Park where she boated and fished all day. And she was off to Vermont skiing in the winter: they stayed at a lodge owned by the von Trapp Family. Of course, in every activity she’d mix in a little competition: Marie loved winning. Her whole life she was a patriot and volunteered at the U.S.O as a young woman.
She was born and raised in Philly. At the 6th street community center she’d learn lots about life including fencing. Earlier years found her working as a secretary at H.A. DeHart and Sons. Marie had a habit of overcoming the odds; all the experts said she’d never return to work following her accident in 1983. Marie proved them wrong staying at DeHart until she retired in 2000.
Besides fencing, the community center paid off in other ways. It’s there the young Marie Erickson would meet the late Floyd. Their marriage was blessed by two children, Lisa Adams (Eugene) and the late Eric; two grandchildren and a great-grandson. She is survived by her sisters, Marjorie Widmayer, Dolores Sivers, and Anna “Nan” Johnson. Donations in lieu of flowers to U.M.C. Foundation, 535 North Oak Ave., Pitman 08071 will be appreciated.
