GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 25, 2026)(CNBNews)–Doing research we found a treasurer trove of Gloucester Catholic yearbooks posted on the Gloucester City Historical Society’s website. The first known yearbook begins with 1936. The Historical Society has every yearbook except 1937, 1938 & 1943. The Gloucester City Library may have those which the Historical Society does not have.
(photo property of George F. Cleary Jr., 1959 GCHS graduate)
The very first person in the front row is my brother George F. Cleary Jr., next to him is Vernon “Buddy” Myers. The photo is of members of the typing class that graduated in 1959, which was copied from George’s personal yearbook. Our mother, Mazie, insisted that George and I learn how to type. Those lessons paid off throughout my life, as it was a necessary skill for a reporter. George became a Morse code expert in the Army. He was stationed in Frankfort, Germany, during the time the Berlin Wall was being built by the Communists in East Germany. He and the pilot of a small airplane would fly over the Wall; George’s job was to decipher the Morse code messages being transmitted between the enemy. He would type those conversations and submit the information to his superior officer.
The Historical Society released the following remarks about the use of the data: “Below are links to yearbooks that have been digitized to date. The copyright status of these books is unknown. Access is provided for personal use only. These yearbooks may contain personal messages. Should you find anything that may be too personal or hurtful, please let us know, and we will attempt to edit out or omit those pages.
William J. Fischer, a longtime resident of Marmora, NJ, former resident of Audubon, NJ, passed away on March 9, 2026 at the age of 83. Bill was born in Southwest Philly to William John Fischer and Mary Agnes Fischer (nee Brown). He was a 1961 graduate of West Catholic High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1970. He was a salesman at Sears & Roebuck for over 30 years before joining his family business, Fairmount Beverage Distributors. He enjoyed performing odd jobs around the house and was a true do-it-yourselfer.
Bill could be found fishing, crabbing and clamming and especially loved his Beesley’s Point Beach. His happy place was in the kitchen cooking for friends and drinking his Coors Light.
William Martin Furman, a devoted husband, father, pop-pop and brother passed away on February 28, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. A longtime resident of Audubon, NJ, Bill was 71 years old.
Bill was the beloved husband of 48 years to Nancy Furman (nee Low). Devoted father to Matt (Dana) and Lindsay and loving Pop-Pop to Preston, Chase, Baylee, Lincoln, Mila, Vaida, Selena and Navy. He also adored his brothers, Rob and Tom and his sister, Liz along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Dougherty Furman and Eunice Mae Jones, his sister, Jacquelyn Ann Furman and his granddaughter, Mila Grace.
Bill grew up in Mt. Ephraim, NJ and graduated from Audubon High School in 1972. He was a devoted sports fan. He never missed a Phillies or Eagles game. He loved going out on his boat and spending time with the people he loved. His greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren grow up.
Donald Thomas Reiter, Sr. (Don), devoted husband, father, grandfather, and United States Coast Guard veteran, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 85 surrounded by family.
Born January 9, 1941, in Darby, Pennsylvania, Don moved to Audubon, New Jersey during his school years– a community he proudly called home for the rest of his life. Don attended Audubon High School graduating in 1958. In high school, Don was a member of the Aces and developed a lifelong appreciation for fast cars.
Following graduation, Don enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He served honorably as a Radioman Second Class, pulled down an Expert Medal on the National Match “A” Course and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. The values of duty, integrity, and service that defined his military career guided him throughout his life. He was also a skilled woodworker and loyal fan of the Phillies and Eagles.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ {CNBNEWS} FEBRUARY 9, 2025.–A new single‑family home is rising in the Riverview Heights section of Gloucester City—on a lot that has been vacant for decades. The property at 16 Stites Avenue sits on a 5,001‑square‑foot lot, and the two‑story home with an attached garage will span 2,986 square feet when completed. The asking price is $500,000.
The Zillow listing promotes the house as a modern build with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a finished basement, and a deck overlooking the backyard. Buyers are offered the option to customize finishes. Taxes, the listing notes, are “TBD.”
The half‑million‑dollar price tag raises a larger question: Is Gloucester City’s housing market now out of sync with the community’s economic reality?
About a year ago, Zillow identified Gloucester City as one of the communities “dangerously close to a housing price correction.” At the time, prices were rising faster than local incomes, investor activity was increasing, and distressed properties were piling up. A year later, many of those warning signs remain.
Recent data shows the city’s median home value hovering between $240,000 and $270,000, depending on the source. Prices have risen modestly, but homes are taking longer to sell—an average of 46 days on the market, compared to just 18 days the year before. Price cuts are becoming more common, and public records show hundreds of liens and dozens of pre‑foreclosures over the past year.
Compared with neighboring towns, Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive markets in the region—yet also one of the most strained. Bellmawr, Westville, and Gloucester Township all have higher home values and stronger demand. Even Brooklawn, the closest comparison, sees homes selling faster and with fewer signs of distress.
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
From the Zillow advertisement:
What’s special
Welcome to 16 Stites Avenue, a thoughtfully designed new construction home offering modern comfort, flexible living spaces, and refined finishes throughout. This impressive residence features three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one half bath, a fully finished basement, and an attached one-car garage, delivering an ideal balance of functionality and contemporary design. Buyers have the opportunity to customize select finishes—please inquire for details.
The main level showcases a bright, open-concept layout that is perfectly suited for both everyday living and entertaining. Abundant natural light fills the living and dining areas and flows seamlessly into the well-appointed kitchen, designed to serve as the true heart of the home. Modern finishes and an efficient floor plan provide both style and practicality. The fully finished basement offers valuable additional living space, ideal for a family room, home office, fitness area, or entertainment space. Upstairs, the private bedroom level features generously sized bedroom
s, including a primary suite with ample closet space and a private en-suite bathroom. Outdoor living is enhanced by a spacious deck overlooking the backyard—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Additional highlights include quality craftsmanship throughout and a layout designed to complement today’s lifestyle needs.
Situated in one of Gloucester City’s most desirable neighborhoods, the home is conveniently located near parks, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, including Route 130 and Route 295, with easy access to Philadelphia bridges—placing Center City Philadelphia just 15 minutes away. This is a unique opportunity to personalize and own an exceptional new construction home. Schedule your private showing today. “Taxes are not $1 and are TBD. Taxes and square footage are the responsibility of the buyer to have verified.”
This comparison shows a clear pattern: Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive towns in the region — yet also one of the most economically strained. Neighboring towns with higher prices have stronger demand, newer housing stock, and fewer signs of distress. Even Brooklawn, the closest match, sees homes selling far more quickly.
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
Burton E. Smith, 87, of Audubon, NJ and formerly of Haddon Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026.
Burton was the beloved husband of the late Elaine Smith, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He was a devoted father to Thomas B. Smith (Lisa) of Audubon, New Jersey, and a proud grandfather to Zach Smith (Katie) and Holly Schneider (Troy). He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Emilia Smith.
Burton is fondly remembered by his special niece, Barb Baumgartner (Marty), and her children, Mike and Jeannine, who held a close place in his heart, as well as by many other nieces and nephews.
Burton found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cheering on the Phillies, listening to 1950s doo-wop music, and spending hours immersed in word searches. He enjoyed casino trips trying his luck at the slot machines and never missed the importance of getting a lottery ticket every Sunday morning, a small tradition he looked forward to each week.
Harry Marker Carnes was born in the mountains of western Pennsylvania to Alexander B. and Harriet F. Carnes during the depths of the Depression when coal and the Railroad were the primary economic drivers of the region. He graduated from Youngwood High in 1950, moving on to Lancaster and Franklin and Marshall College to follow his dream of becoming a doctor. He attended medical school in Philadelphia at Hahnemann Medical College, and interned at Lower Bucks Hospital outside Philadelphia.
Harry met the love of his life, Patricia Carns (yes, Carns) on a blind double date in high school, and they remained together for nearly 70 years, marrying after his graduation from F&M in 1954. They settled in South Jersey where Harry began a small practice, first in West Collingswood, and later in Audubon where Harry continued practicing into his mid 80s. His interest in medical politics led him to becoming President of the Camden County Medical Society, and later the President of the NJ State Medical Society. These experiences made him popular in the American Medical Association for many years.
U.S. planning major military base upgrade in Greenland amid diplomatic crisis, officials say U.S. troops on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, and military strike takes out another ISIS leader.
On January 8, 2026, at the age of 70. Of Audubon. Formerly of Haddonfield and Collingswood. Predeceased by his wives, Donna Marden (nee Savage) and Michele Burch; daughter, Jennipher Marden and his parents, Ernest D. Marden and Anne M. Marden (nee Brown). Survived by his siblings, Timothy Marden (Patty), Robert Phelps (Pat Rutherford), Nancy Smith (Arthur) and Michael Phelps; grandchildren Noah and Elijah, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Saturday afternoon, January 24th, 2026 from 1 to 2:30 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, where his funeral service will be celebrated at 2:30 PM. Interment will be private in Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Ernest K. Marden. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142.
Surrounded by her family, Barbara passed peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Cooper Hospital in Camden, at the age of 86. (nee Saunders) Of Audubon. Formerly of Gloucester City.
Loving wife of the late Francis P. Donaghy, Jr. Loving mother of Marge Gorman (Matthew), Bill Donaghy and Laura Galm. Beloved grandmother of Jennie, Rachel (Erin), Zachary (Brianna), Shane (Amy), Brian, Kyle and Holly. Cherished great-grandmother of Alyssa and Bryce. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her next great grandchild, due June 2026, and will forever be their guardian angel. Dear sister of the late Jeanne Viggiano (Surviving Bob). Also survived by her beloved nieces, Sandi (Rob) and Linda (Steve) and many great nieces and nephews.
