WILLIAM & PEGGY FISH — A memorial Service to celebrate the lives of William and Peggy Fish has been planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov 13, 2021 at Zion United Methodist Community Church, 242 Kings Highway, Clarksboro.
William (92) and Peggy (88) (nee Morgan), Fish, longtime residents of Swedesboro and married for 70 years passed away within two days of each other, Bill on Dec 26 and Peggy on Dec. 28.
They are survived by their children, Robert and Carol Fish and David and Patricia Fish, Grandchildren Amy and Gary Clarke, Suzanne and Jeff Morris, Dr. Morgan and Katie Fish, Travis and Lexi Fish, Great-Grandchildren, Joshua Conover, Hope Karlesses, Jeffrey Morris, Jr., Eleanor Fish and Jackson Fish and was predeceased by siblings Edwin (Rena) Morgan, Jimmy (Debbie) Morgan and Bill (Diane) Henderson. Bill is survived by siblings, Betty Little (Late Earl), Mary Lou Stetser (Late John) and Jane (Jim) Harre. He was predeceased by siblings Mae (Martin) Marcus and John (Sheila) Fish. And Many nieces and nephews in both the Fish and Morgan Families.
Please wear a mask regardless of vaccination status as per CDC COVID protocol. If you are not feeling well or are sick, please stay home. We want to keep everyone as safe as possible.
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MURRAY — William Murray Sr., 98. Everyone knew his lifelong priority was his family. Bill was widowed as a young man and worked to keep his family intact, cared for and loved.
He spent many a long hour managing area record stores making him the cool, hip dad in the neighborhood. He knew the hot songs, singers and albums and his kids had first crack at the newest records topping the charts. He didn’t mind the long hours, and he was introduced to many an up-and-coming artist looking to promote their careers.
Bill was raised in the Swampoodle section of Philadelphia; home of Shibe Park (Connie Mack Stadium) and was a graduate of Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational School where he studied woodworking. He used his skills mostly in his retirement building sundry items for family and friends. When people walked into a room and said I love that piece, it was most likely one of his creations. His skills also came in handy when he would build some of the best Pine Box Derby Cars.
Of course, he found his real calling later in life: that of a grandfather. He was a built-in babysitter and spoiler in chief. “I’m not here to discipline,” he’d say, “just to have fun.” And the grands loved Pop; seldom more than an inch from his side, usually curled up with him on the floor.
As a young man he enlisted in the Marines; one of the greatest generation who saved the world. He joked that he stayed alive by running from the gunshots. His record told a different story: graduate of the sharpshooter school at Camp Legeune, protecting high ranking officers. He saw five landings in the Pacific: Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, Enewetak and Iwa Jima where he witnessed the raising of the stars and stripes. Until recently he was still meeting regularly with the surviving members of the 4th Marine Division. The secret to living to 98 is swimming. He was proud to say that the YMCA gave him a free membership at 90.
Bill met a pretty girl, the late Gertrude, at a party and had a fortuitous turn in a game of spin the bottle. They’d spend the next few years seeing each other at local dances; she always saved the last dance for him. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Frances (Michael) Fay, William Jr. (Marie) and Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A.; and he was later blessed with 3 grandchildren, Michael, Liam and Chrissie and 5 great granddaughters, Alex, Adi, Stassi, Joee and Penny and there’s twin great granddaughters on the way.
The Murray Family requests that donations be made in memory of William Murray to the Augustinian Fund, Care of the Sick and Elderly, 214 Ashwood Road, Villanova, PA 19085.
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SPEARS — Glendon J. Spears, a resident of Harrisonville, passed away on Sept. 22, 2021. He was 76 years old.
Glen worked as a supervisor in environmental contracting for many years. He traveled across the country throughout his career. He loved animals of all kinds, including everything from horses to cats.
Glen was an avid fisherman and spent many trips with his wife fishing. Together, they went on fishing trips locally and also the Outer Banks, NC and numerous other places. He loved the beach and was a member of the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association and also the North Carolina Buggy Beach Association.
He is the beloved husband of Joyce (nee Hudmon); loving brother of Wayne (Arlene), John (Deb), Albert (Helen) and the late Edna Mae Hickman, Joann Kushall and Tom Justis. Glen also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services are private at the family’s request.
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VESPE — Felicita Vespe, 91, (nee Canzanese) affectionately called Aunt Lee, formerly of Woolwich Twp., Burlington City, NJ and Florida, passed away Sept. 29, 2021 at Jefferson Health Care, Washington Twp., NJ.
Aunt Lee was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and was a former supervisor of the Neuro-pathology lab at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. She loved to travel, enjoyed solving word puzzles, all types of dancing including ballroom dancing and spent 20 years in Pompano Beach, FL with her late husband Rocco.
She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and was predeceased by her siblings, Maria Martinelli, Tecla Musumeci, Silia Azzari, Filomena Musumeci, Eduardo and Ugo Canzanese. Donations in her memory to American Cancer Society, PO Box P, Manasquan, NJ 08736 or at www.cancer .org. would be appreciated. Arrangements by the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME Swedesboro, NJ.
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HERNANDEZ-VARGAS — Marta Hernandez-Vargas, 86 of Carneys Point and formerly of Swedesboro, passed away Sept. 29, 2021 at the home of her son in Carneys Point.
Born in Puerto Rico, she lived in the area for over 40 years. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and a member of the Spanish Choir. She is survived by her son, Frank Vargas. Funeral services were held at the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro.
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CARPINO — Anna Carpino (nee Sellecchia) on Sept. 25, 2021 at the age of 46.
Loving wife of Pasquale “Pat”. Devoted mother of Mario and Lorenzo. Dear daughter of Michele and Christina Sellecchia. Sister of Adriano Sellecchia (Lisa) and Libby Caranci (Anthony). Daughter in law to Mario Carpino and the late Nella. Sister-in-law of Sara Jones (Jeff) and Maria Yannelli (Andrew). Cherished aunt of Daniel Kahler, Stephanie Collin, Antonella Caranci, Nicolas Sellecchia, Emma Sellecchia and the late Ashley Piersig. Anna was a Loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin and friend.
Anna was a genuine person. She put her heart into everything she did for her family and friends, especially children suffering from cancer. She loved spending the summer at the beach and sunbathing. She was given the nickname “Magda” from the movie “There Something About Mary”.
Cooking was a true passion of hers. Everything had to be homemade. Her meatballs and rice patties were everyone’s favorite. She loved to listen and dance to Italian music especially at family parties.
Anna was known by all for her sense of fashion, the higher the heels the better. She was the only person who wore high heel sandals.
Her mission in life after facing the illness of her son was to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Her passion was organizing events to raise money for two very special charity organizations; Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Kisses for Kyle Foundation. Also, Anna was always willing to help others even while facing her own challenges. She has made a lasting impression on the lives of all those who crossed her path.
The family prefers donations to Kisses for Kyle, 3959 Welsh Rd. (Suite 315) Willow Grove, PA 19090 in Anna’s memory (www.kissesforkyle.org)
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JAMES — Sammy W. James, age 80 years, of Clarksboro died Sunday Oct. 3, 2021 in Shady Lane Nursing Home
He was born and raised in Arlington, Texas and after graduation he served in the United States Marine Corps. For 32 years, until his retirement, he worked as a forklift operator for Johns Manville in Williamstown. He was an avid Phillies and Dallas Cowboys fan; enjoyed fishing and also collecting western videos. Most of all, he enjoyed flirting!
He is survived by his children, Lori James of Stuart, Florida, Leann and Del Magee of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Don and Amy James of Woolwich Township; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and his sister, Dorothy James of Arlington, Texas. Sammy was predeceased by his wife, Sharon James and his daughter, Sue Vera.
A Memorial Service was held at the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, 228 W. Broad St., Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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MOHRMAN — Donald Jack Mohrman, 89, of Mullica Hill, passed away on Oct. 6, 2021.
Born in Woodbury, NJ and raised in Glassboro, NJ by parents George and Henrietta (Pascoe) Mohrman. A 1954 graduate of New Jersey State Teachers College in Glassboro, NJ. He was a proud member of The United States Army, serving in the personnel department at Fort Dix.
Don was a 5th grade teacher at Clementon Elementary School for almost 40 years until his retirement in 1996. He served as a member of the Harrison Township Board of Education from 1970-1994 and was the president from 1970- 1990. He was also the president of the Gloucester County School Board Association from 1981-1984.
Don was an avid amateur magician starting in his teenage years. He would perform for organizations and groups around South Jersey. He was a talented woodworker that built his home in Mullica Hill along with his devoted wife.
Don was the leader of Boy Scout Troop #44, as well as a baseball coach for Harrison Township Little League. During retirement he grew to love the game of golf and played bi-weekly with other retirees. He looked forward to the monthly pinochle games with his dear friends.
Going on cruises became another activity that he enjoyed. Travelling to Alaska, around the Caribbean and the Baltic Sea.
Don was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Nancy (Mezger). He is survived by his children, Bret (Karen), Kym Edelman (Don), Greg (Jackie). Also survived by his grandsons, Justin Edelman (Tayler), Cole Mohrman, Aidan Mohrman, Philip Mohrman. great granddaughter, Nola Rose, his brother Jack Mohrman (Cindy), sister in law Kathy Mohrman as well as nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, brother George Mohrman and grandson Joshua Edelman. Memorials and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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BRUCKER — Melvin Carl Brucker age 67, of Mickleton passed Oct. 6, 2021.
Melvin was employed with Raymour & Flanigan as a truck driver. He loved traveling in his RV with his wife JoAnne and spending time with his family. He enjoyed working at the Phillies games and was also a MN Vikings fan. Melvin was a proud Veteran of the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper.
Melvin is survived by his children Dale Brucker, Daniel Brucker, Danielle Brucker, Joelle Gordon and Todd Culp as well as a host of loving siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com
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KIMBLE – Charles H. Kimball IV. Charlie was always there to lend a helping hand, smile on his face and chatting your ear off. He spent many a year turning a wrench as a mechanic. If he got out of the area, he’d most likely be off to Marathon, Florida with a fishing rod in hand, his wife relaxing at the pool.
He found his real calling late in life; that of a grandfather. He taught the grands just about everything from driving to how to make the best potato salad and spent many an hour riding four wheelers and picking raspberries at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Martha; five children, Ryan (Kelly), Courtney (Mike), Adam (Jen), Brett (Krista), and Marc (Deonn); 12 grandchildren and his brother, Larry.
Donations in Charlie’s name to the American Cancer Foundation (cancer.org) will be appreciated.
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ARMSTRONG — Jack Phillip Armstrong “Army”, age 68, died on Oct. 17, 2021. Jack graduated from Kingsway High School in 1972 where he played football. Jack was a pipe fitter with Mobil in Paulsboro.
Survived by his brother James F. Armstrong, sister Janice (William) Geotaski, nieces Caroline Casella, Janice Geotaski and great nephews David Edwards and Chad Casella.
