William E. Cleary Sr. | Founder/Editor of Cleary’s Notebook News
Gloucester City News photo, August 29, 1974
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 24, 2026)--All good things come to an end, eventually — or so the saying goes. Gloucester City felt the weight of that truth this month when Jean Carr, owner of Carr’s Hardware, announced she was retiring and closing the family business on March 12. With that decision, a remarkable 58‑year chapter in the city’s history quietly came to a close.
The Carr family’s hardware legacy began in 1968, when the family patriarch, Franklin Carr Sr., opened the original store at 520 Monmouth Street in the heart of the Business District. At the time, Garwood’s Hardware stood directly across the street, and several other shops throughout town sold tools, lumber, and supplies. When the business moved to its new location, Frank Jr., owned the business. And, his brothers, Bill and Richard, worked there.
Among them were:
- Gloucester Hardware, owned by Jim Clements, 1300 block of Market Street
- Gloucester Lumber, King and Market Streets, Joe McCully owner
- Marty’s Hardware, 34 N. Broadway
- A small hardware shop at Bergen and Burlington Streets
But Carr’s Hardware became something more than a store. It became a constant.
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A Family That Always Gave Back
Throughout their 56 years in business, the Carr family consistently gave back to the residents of Gloucester City and the surrounding towns. They supported local causes, allowed community announcements to be posted in their windows, and donated supplies to organizations in need. When the business moved to its new location, Frank Jr. owned the business. And, his brothers, Bill and Richard, worked there by his side.
Harry M., who preferred not to use his full name, shared a memory that reflects the trust many residents placed in the store.
“This winter was one of the worst I have ever experienced. I needed rock salt and ice melt after the snowstorms, and I knew if there were bags available, I could find them at Carr’s Hardware.”
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Acme Markets once occupied Carr’s Hardware, 22 N. Broadway. Acme vacated the building and moved to 455 South Broadway, a few blocks away. Today, that building is occupied by CVS Pharmacy.
A New Home, A New Era
The Carr family’s business was outgrowing the building they occupied on Monmouth Street. They were looking for a bigger place, and the former ACME Market fit their plans. The move marked the beginning of the store’s long and successful run at its now‑familiar location.
On Monday, March 23, 2026, workers could be seen clearing out the remaining inventory, loading supplies into a truck parked at the curb — a sight that tugged at the heart of anyone who ever bought a can of paint, a snow shovel, a key copy, or simply stopped in for advice.
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A Message From the Carr Family
The family posted the following message to the community:
“After 51 incredible years in business, Mom is officially retiring.
“We don’t want to do it without her since she is the heart and soul of Carr’s Hardware.
“The decision to close comes with mixed emotions — gratitude for the years of support in our business and a touch of sadness in saying goodbye to something that has been such a meaningful part of our lives.
“What started as a store became a community — friendships and a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. The doors may be closed but the memories will last forever.
“Thank you for allowing us to be there for over five decades. As we close this chapter, we do so with full hearts and deep appreciation.
From the bottom of our hearts,
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Mrs. Jean Carr — Sue and Kathy”
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A Gloucester City Legacy
Carr’s Hardware was never just a place to buy nuts and bolts. It was a gathering spot, a problem‑solver, a neighbor, and a friend. For more than half a century, the Carr family showed what it means to run a business with heart, integrity, and loyalty to the community.
Their closing marks the end of an era — but the impact they made will remain woven into the story of Gloucester City for generations.
The man sitting in the swimming pool display at the store is unknown. We were told that he was a professional model hired by the pool manufacturer. His job, to show the public how to use the pool properly. I know it sounds silly, but that was what we were told. To think he is actually getting paid to do that. We think he should be wearing a swimsuit and flippers on his feet, and maybe a swim mask, but what do we know? What a great smile. What a great job. He reminds us of Mark Spitz, the Olympic gold medalist. There is a famous saying: find a job you like, and you will never work a day in your life. It looks like “he has found that job”. He looks very familar. I think I saw him once on QVC. If you can identify him, comment below.
Above, on the left, is Jean and Franklin (Frank) Carr Jr. The image on the right is Frank’s dad and mom, Franklin and Lillian Carr Sr. Below are more photos of Frank and Jean. All the images are courtesy of the Carr family.
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Frank died in 2001 at the age of 62.
On April 10 2001 Franklin C Jr. of Thorofare NJ. Age 62 yrs. Beloved husband of Jean C. (nee Berenato). Loving father of Franklin C. III of Haddonfield Susan Fitzpatrick of Mantua and Kathleen Giafes of Mullica Hill. Devoted grandfather of John Charlie Nicholas Jeana Grady, Timothy and Evan. Dear brother of William and Richard Carr both of Gloucester City. Mr. Carr has owned and operated Carr’s Hardware Store in Gloucester since 1968. He has also been a vital member of the Gloucester City Rotary Club. He has been a member for 29 yrs. serving as Chairman for all of the Service Committees and having chaired many events for the Club. He also served as President in the 1980-81 year and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Mr. Carr was also a Past President and current Board of Director for the Gloucester City Chamber of Commerce a member of the Gloucester City Small Business Assoc. the National Retail Hardware Assoc. and was a former Officer of the United Mutual Building andLoan Assoc. Mr. Carr was an avid bowler and bowled in the Westbrook Bowling Lane league for 38 yrs. He was also a Marine Corps veteran and a member of the Gloucester City American Legion Post #135. Mr. Carr was a kindhearted civic-minded and giving man whose generosity was felt by many. Relatives and friends are invited to meet Monday from 9:30 to 10:30am at the ETHERINGTON FUNERAL HOME 700 Powell St. Gloucester City NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City. Interment Locustwood Memorial Park Cherry Hill. There will be a viewing Sunday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers family requests memorial donations be made to the Frank C. Carr Jr. Memorial Rotary Scholarship Fund c/o Gloucester City Rotary PO Box 96 Gloucester City NJ 08030.
Bill Carr, passed away at age 72
WILLIAM J. CARR (Feb. 16, 2017)-Catholic Funeral Services were held at McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City for William J. Carr, 72, of Gloucester City who surrounded by his loving family passed away on February 10, 2017.
Loving husband of 46 years to Christine Ann Carr (nee Kenney). Loving father of Cindy Howey (Dan) and William J. Carr (Kristi). Cherished grandfather of Aly, Mia, Payton, Addison, William and Shealynn. Dear brother of Richard Carr (Lynette). Cherished son of the late Franklin and Lillian Carr.
Bill was a graduate of Gloucester High School class of 1964. He worked over 30 years at the family business, Carr’s Hardware and worked for the Superintendent of Elections for Camden County for many years. Bill was a member of the Gloucester City Knights of Columbus council #674.
Interment was in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053.
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From Pen to Paper is a raw, fearless autobiography from a small-town journalist who spent more than half a century telling stories others were afraid to print. William E. Cleary Sr., founder of Cleary’s Notebook News, traces his life from riding along to fires as a boy in Gloucester City, New Jersey, to becoming a reporter who exposed corruption, confronted organized crime, and stood his ground when powerful forces tried to silence him. With no college degree and no protection beyond his integrity, Cleary learned journalism the hard way on the streets, in city halls, and face-to-face with danger.
At the heart of the book is a chilling 1989 undercover investigation into alleged mob connections and the New Jersey State Police, in which Cleary discovered he wasn’t helping expose corruption—he was the target. Woven throughout are deeply personal stories of family, love, military service during the Newark riots, community loss, loyalty, and the relentless responsibility of running a local newspaper while raising a family.
More than a memoir, From Pen to Paper is a tribute to independent journalism, a vanished America of neighborhood newspapers and corner taverns, and the courage it takes to tell the truth when it comes at a cost.
Honest, gritty, and unapologetic, this is the voice of a journalist who never stopped running toward the fire.
