GANOR — Mary T. “Snooks” Ganor (nee Kohn), on March 19 of Mullica Hill. Age 84. Beloved wife of Richard W. Ganor. Devoted mother of Mary E. Ganor-Hadfield, Richard S. Ganor, David N. Ganor (Kimberlee) and Michael E. Ganor. Loving grandmother of Alyssa, Brittania, Christian, and Samantha. Dear sister of Betty Johnson, Annamarie Richman, and the late Nicholas Kohn, Jack Kohn and Joseph Kohn.
A life celebration for Mary will be held once life returns to normalcy. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com.
—
SHARP — Irving L. Sharp, of Mickleton, formerly of Swedesboro, passed away at his home, with his family by his side, on March 19. He was born to Leslie and Gladys Sharp in Swedesboro. Irv became an Eagle Scout in his youth and played Little League with the Pieltowners. He graduated from Swedesboro High School in 1951. He was one of the greatest athletes to come from our area. After graduation he went on to play pro baseball for the Southwestern League in Clovis, New Mexico where he excelled at second base. His high school prowess earned him a spot in the South Jersey Hall of Fame in 2003. In his later years he loved playing golf, bowling and was on a senior softball team with the guys. Drafted into the Army from 1953-1956, he served as a Presidential Honor Guard.
He was a lifelong member of Bethesda United Methodist Church serving as a Trustee and, with his gift of gab, made everyone feel welcome. He organized the Bethesda Golf Open for many years. Irv earned a living as an insurance agent going house to house to collect premiums. Customers knew he wasn’t just interested in a check, he made many a friend along the way. Swedesboro could not ask for a better citizen. On his morning walk he would carry a bag and a stick and pick up trash along the way. Irv’s suits were always pressed, shirts starched and shoes polished. Never a hair out of place and always standing tall. He spoke with confidence but listened with purpose.
As a dad he was not known as being strict, but his hugs let his daughters know they would always be safe. Whether taking a hike in the woods or swimming in the ocean after lifeguard hours, the girls knew Dad had it under control. Of course, he really found his calling as a grandfather. His face beamed with pride at the mention of any of his grand or great-grandkids.
The handsome Irv saw a pretty girl walking down the street. He’d holler “Hey”. The young Jean Kerswell made it clear she didn’t like being addressed as “Hey.” Irv smiled and talked around her initial response. They’d share a 62 year marriage blessed by two daughters, Terri Overbey and Carol (Larry) Gardiner; grandchildren, Garrison, Cameron (Kelsie), Benjamin (Abbie), Caitlin and Grant; great grandchildren, Teddy and Sammie and son in law, Doug (Betsy) Overbey.
Immediate family will celebrate his life in a private service due to government restrictions.
—
STEINMETZ — Laura Steinmetz (nee Pursglove), 61, of Clarksboro, passed away on March 24. She was a beloved mother whose priority in life was her children.
Laura was a Senior Specialist Government Relations Officer for the American Red Cross and worked for the organization for over 15 years. She spent much of her adult life volunteering her time for several non-profit organizations as well as her local municipalities. Laura was devoted to serving the community and her presence will surely be missed, especially in Gloucester County.
Laura is survived by 2 sons Adam and Christian Steinmetz; daughter Victoria Steinmetz; brother Frank; 2 sisters Margie and Elizabeth and her loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on a future date under the direction of DAVIS & WAGNER FUNERAL HOME Woodbury, NJ. Memories and condolences may be shared online at daviswagner.com.
—
FABRIZIO — Warren D. Fabrizio, 83, of Mullica Hill, passed away March 25.
Warren was the beloved husband for 57 years of the late Helen E. (nee Davidson) Fabrizio, having predeceased him in 2014. Loving father of David C. (Kelly) Fabrizio, Richard J. (Charlotte) Fabrizio and Marianne (Wally) Eachus, devoted grandfather of Tiffany (Carl), Kimberly (Chris), Eric (Karlie) John (Rachel) and Erica (Joey), great-grandfather of Luke, Liam, Jackson and Joseph, and dear brother of Vivian A. George. Mr. Fabrizio was also predeceased by his parents, Carl and Gertrude May (Heineke) Fabrizio, and sisters Elaine Morgandale and Virginia Virtue.
Warren resided in Mullica Hill since 1965, a businessman having several companies which finally became Warrens Hardware in Mullica Hill and was a devoted member of the community. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors and mountains, gardening, but most endearing to Warren was his family and the interaction with customers and friendships made through his many business ventures.
A celebration of Warren’s life will be announced at a later date. Thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family at www.FERTIGFUNERALHOME.com.
—
PRICE — Elizabeth “Jane” Price (nee Owen) age 77 years of Mt. Royal died March 27 in Inspira Hospital, Mullica Hill.
Jane was born in Woodbury and lived in Mt. Royal most of her life. She was a homemaker. Jane was the past treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mt. Royal Fire Company. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, bowling, sewing, painting ceramics, and was an avid reader. She also really enjoyed cooking for her family and playing games on the monthly girls’ night.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John W. Price; her children, Beth Price and Greg and Debbie Price; her grandson, Josh Price, all of Mt. Royal; her brother, Bill Owen and his companion Liz Vanek of Pitman; her sister, Ruthann Phillips of Paulsboro, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jane was predeceased by her parents, Wilda and Herbert Owen Sr.; her sister, Barbara Lodge, and her brother, Herbert Owen Jr.
The Price family understands that with the precautions being taken at this time you will not be able to be with them at the service. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in Jane’s memory to the General Fund of Zion Community Church, 242 Kings Hwy., Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
—
SWIFT — Betty J. Donofrio Swift (nee Sammons) passed away on April 2 in her home. Betty was born in Gibbstown, NJ to Elmer “Slim” and Charlotte Sammons (Griggs), along with her older sister Edna (Bob) Askew. Betty was born in her Grandmother’s home in Gibbstown, which she loved. She graduated from Broad Street School and Paulsboro High School. Betty’s fondest memory of high school was her position as Drum Majorette for the Paulsboro High School Marching Band. Betty also attended P&B Beauty School. She worked for DaMar Salon and Gino’s House of Beauty.
She married Thomas J. Donofrio and had seven daughters, before his death. Christina (Dave) Simmler, Monica (Gary) Volovnik, Rosemary (Kim) Lee, Kathy (Joe) Martin, Bernadette (Phil) Contreras, Beth Donofrio, and Jean (Steve) Walko. Betty then married Edward M. Swift for 54 years. Edward had three children with his first wife Mary (Hess). Chris Swift, Kathleen Guzzo, and Regina (Mark) Gotchel. Betty and Ed then had three children of their own Mike, Mollie (Chris) Hutchinson, and Laurie. Betty had 23 grandchildren, great grand-children and a plethora of nieces and nephews, which she enjoyed spending her time visiting.
Betty was on the East Greenwich Board of Health for 37 years, Board of Elections for over 40 years, and the Shady Lane Advisory for many years. Betty was a devoted Catholic and gave her time as a Eucharistic Minister for many years, which she loved with all her heart. Betty’s burial was private.
Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. A Life Celebration and formal Catholic mass will be scheduled at a later date. Please send donations to the Shady Lane Recreation Committee or Incarnation Church. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
—
STOWMAN – Jack B. Stowman, 93, of Heislerville ,died April 9 at Inspira Hospital, Vineland, NJ.
Among many other things, he was a Retired Educator, and a World War II Navy Veteran. Jack was born local in Maurice River Township on June 26, 1926; the son of the late H. Bennett and Adda Lee Stowman. He graduated young from Millville High School and immediately signed up for the U.S. Navy in June 1944. He served on the Destroyer Miles C. Fox in the Pacific Theatre as FCO 3rd class in the “then secret” radar technology. He was part of the invasion fleet headed toward Japan; only to be stopped by the dropping of the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Pop always said “it was a horrible thing; but by using the weapon, President Truman at the time saved millions of both American and Japanese live”. After naval discharge in 1946, Jack went to Rutgers University and graduated in 1950 with a BS Degree; Agriculture was his major. He later went on for his Masters at Rutgers, while working.
Jack married Alda Thompson in June 1950. He was hired by Swedesboro High School that summer as their Agriculture Teacher; combined with the Veterans “On the Farm” program. He went on in Swedesboro High, teaching Ag and Auto-mechanics; among other skills, and moved into the brand new Kingsway Regional H.S. in 1963; adding “Bus Maintenance” and other functions to his duties as an educator. Back at that time, before all the modern “special educational” programs he would help many students who were struggling with standard curriculum; to excel in areas that gave them great opportunity in life. Dad was “Pre VOTEC” before it became the norm. Jack retired from Kingsway in June 1981; and moved back from Swedesboro to Heislerville.
Jack and Alda attended both Swedesboro and Heislerville Methodist churches; as well as South Seaville Camp Meeting when in summer sessions. Jack was active in the Heislerville church in many functions.
During his long life, Jack loved: cars; duck hunting; fishing; teaching; road trips with family; playing horseshoes at Pinebrook; and “helping other people”. Jack had Christ as his Savior and recently longed to be taken home to be with Jesus and see his wife again.
Jack is survived by son Ben (Connie); 5 grandchildren, Ben Jr., (Debbie), Yvonne Leatherwood, Ian, Isaac (Debra), and Rachael Wojcik (Phil); and 5 great grandchildren, Tai, Jessica, Cael, Riley, and Noah.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heisler Memorial U.M.C. P.O. Box 227 Heislerville, NJ 08324. To email condolences and or tributes please visit www.hoffmanfuneralhomes.net.
—
SIMMERMAN — Dr. H. Martin Simmerman, 83, passed away at his home from complications related to Parkinson’s disease on April 12. “Marty” was born on January 23, 1937, in Woodbury, NJ, to his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Harold Simmerman; his brother, Steven, followed shortly thereafter. Upon completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Delaware, Marty earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (Salus University) in Elkins Park, PA. Together, the father and both sons practiced family optometry in Gloucester County for decades.
An avid outdoorsman, Marty and his wife of nearly 40 years, Pam, loved nothing more than being active and out in nature together. Hunting, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and trail riding, as well as competition silhouette, trap, skeet, and sporting clays, were among their favorite pastimes. Marty’s daughters also remember his love of music, both his listening to it and playing it for them on his guitar. To all, he is remembered by his dry sense of humor, contagious smile, and the twinkle in his eye.
Marty is survived by his wife, Pam, and their many horses, dogs, and cats; his daughters, Shelley Addy (Bill) and Marcy Ireland (Mike); grandchildren, Jessica Spangler, Charles Spangler Jr., Bryan Addy (Savannah), Jason Addy, Jenna Stephan (Sean), Michael Ireland, Jr., and Victoria Ireland; and his brother, Steve, and his family.
To remember him, donations may be made in his name to the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley (https://lebdv.org/ or 401 N. 3rd Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, PA, 19123-4101), so that those who cannot afford needed corneal transplants will be given the gift of sight. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
—
