Glen Houston Campbell, 54, of Gloucester City

On January 25, 2026, at the age of 54. Of Gloucester City. Loving father of Sadie Campbell and Craig L. Campbell. Cherished son of the late Samuel and Marie Campbell. Beloved brother of Paul Burns and Veronica Burns. Predeceased by his siblings, Frank Burns, Robin Burns Morgan and Phillip Campbell. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Glen was a hardworking man with a big heart, always ready to help a friend or family member when they needed it. He loved fishing, bar hopping with friends, and listening to music. A devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Glen proudly supported his team. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

At Glen’s request, services will be private.

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Robert A. Plews, Sr., 76, of Gloucester City

Bob Plews passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by his children. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, pride in community, and unwavering support for everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Bob was born to Harry and Marian Plews (nee Rorke) and was a longtime resident of Gloucester City. He was the youngest of five children, growing up with four older sisters with whom he shared unyielding love. They helped shape his character, humor, and strength. He was a proud Gloucester High School graduate and went on to earn his degree from Rutgers University New Brunswick.

Bob’s love for community and teamwork was evident in his many years of service as a Little League board member and devoted supporter of youth sports. The fields meant everything to him; not just for the games played on them, but for the kids, families, and sense of togetherness they represented. He attended the Little League World Series for many years and cherished the many memories he made with his friends. He continued following local sports and loved cheering people on from behind the dugout, courtside and poolside and took immense pride in seeing others succeed, especially his grandchildren.

After his retirement from CSX Corporation, Bob enjoyed driving school buses for Haddon Township and Gloucester City where he made so many connections with coaches, students and athletes. He enjoyed his crew and their regular breakfast and lunches at Dunkin or the diners.

Bob was also an avid Phillies, Eagles and Flyers fan. He loved deep sea fishing, attending concerts, theater and the ponies. Known as the king of dad jokes, Bob also enjoyed trivia, board games, Jeopardy and “occasionally” had the rare opportunity to win when playing his children in these games.

A liver transplant recipient, Bob embodied resilience, gratitude, and determination. He never took a single day for granted and continued to give back in every way he could. Even when he was no longer able to actively volunteer, he followed every story closely: big wins, little wins, and everything in between.

Above all, Bob was a devoted family man. He is survived by the mother of his children, Mary Ellen Plews (Gorman). Loving father of Jennifer DePoder (Rocco), Bob (Diana), Kevin (Linda) and Matt (Adriane). Cherished “Pop Pop” of Cailyn, Jacob, Sophia, Ryleigh, Grace, Dino, Brooklynn, Maddie, Sonny, Josh, Jeremy and Camryn. Beloved brother of Happy Ingeman (late Rev. Peter Ingeman, Lt. Col (ret)), Karen Zirbser (Skip), Linda Tarkett (late Leo) and the late Nancy Taylor (surviving Bill). Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. His pride in his family was constant and unmistakable.

Bob’s story would not be complete without honoring his hero, John, the selfless organ donor who gave him the gift of a new liver in 2002. That extraordinary gift allowed Bob to live 23 more years, blessing him with the opportunity to celebrate countless milestones and create precious family memories. Most importantly, it enabled him to witness the birth of all 12 of his grandchildren.

In true Irish-wake spirit, Bob would want to be remembered with stories, laughter, and togetherness. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Wednesday morning, February 4th from 9:30 to 11:15 AM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, where his funeral service will be celebrated at 11:30 AM.

Interment will be private in Forest Hills Cemetery, Huntingdon Valley, PA where he will be reunited with his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gloucester City Little League, P.O. Box 183, Gloucester City, NJ 08030 or to the Lions Athletics Booster Club, 1300 Market Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030 and their Venmo: @Lionsathleticsboosterclub. Please note on the donation “In Memory of Bob Plews” in the memo. Additionally, if you are not already an organ donor, please consider registering. Your decision could give someone else the same priceless gift Bob received.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Robert A. Plews, Sr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Robert A. Plews, Sr., please click here to visit our sympathy

Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast – POSTPONED

The Gloucester City Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for Saturday, January 31 at Elizabeth Ballroom, has been postponed due to the weather.

Gloucester City Trash collection this week will be delayed

Due to the storm the Monday’s trash collection will be moved to Tuesday.

Gloucester City Municipal Offices Closed Today

Gloucester City Municipal offices will be closed today, Monday January 26 due to inclement weather.

Gloucester City Council Meeting Postponed to Thursday, January 29

Due to the impending weather, Monday’s Council Meeting will be moved to Thursday, January 29th at 7 pm.

“Bo”

Surrounded by and in the loving care of his family, Bo passed peacefully at home on January 20, 2026, at the age of 88. Lifelong resident of Gloucester City. Loving and devoted husband of 65 years to Betty Ann Bobo. Loving father of Michelle Barbarino (Robert) and Gavin Bobo (Linda). Cherished grandfather of Sean Savidge (Gina), Erik, Emily, Nick and Meghan. Predeceased by his siblings, Robert, John, Virginia, Frances, Marie, Jean and Dona. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Bo was a lifelong resident of Gloucester City and a proud graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1955. He went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1961. Following his military service, Bo began his career with the Gloucester City Police Department in 1961, where he proudly served the residents of Gloucester City until his retirement as Sergeant in 1989.

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John “Jack” J. Barrett, Sr., 78, of Gloucester City

Of Gloucester City, NJ. Passed away on January 16, 2026. Age 78. Born in Camden, NJ, he was the son of the late William and Catherine (Valentine) Barrett. Jack was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Rose (Crusco)Barrett on October 4th, 2020. He survived by his son, Michael Barrett (Andrea Pallies); grandson, Edward Barrett: sister, Patricia Barrett. John was also predeceased by his son, John J. Barrett, Jr. on October 6th, 2018.

Jack proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Carpenter during the Vietnam War. He went on to work as a bricklayer for the Bricklayers Union #12 in Linden, NJ. He later worked as security guard at Jefferson Hospital in Cherry Hill and also worked as a nozzleman for the Swim – Mor Pools & American Gunite for 20 years.

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A Chatham Square Tenant Charges CNBNews Editor with Libel

William E. Cleary Sr | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ(February 2008)(CNBNews)—Anthony Parisi, who resided at the Chatham Square Apartment complex, Gloucester City in 2008 filed a charge of libel against William E. Cleary Sr. owner and editor of Cleary’s Notebook News. He alleged that Cleary slandered him by publishing a GCPD crime report. That charge was dismissed by the Judge because Parisi was not present.

Shortly thereafter Cleary, along with Gloucester City Police Chief George Berglund were contacted by the producers of the Judge Greg Mathis televison show. The show is recorded in Chicago. The letter stated that all expenses, including airfare, meals and lodging would be paid for.
The invitation was dropped because Berglund refused the offer.

The Asbury Park Press published an story about Parisi on February 18, 2008. According to that article Parisi and other patients, stated that there was abuse at hospital.

Gloucester City. Parisi, a former patient, is also a former Golden Gloves boxer who is proudest of pictures taken of him posing with the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleaders. But in March 2007, depressed that his boxing career hadn\’t panned out, he spent time in Ancora.Parisi said he witnessed a sexual assault of a young woman while he was in the hospital.

Link: Courier Post

\”They definitely sell contraband to the patients. There are good staff there who try to help people. But there are people there who turn it into an industry, where they make money on the side,\” said Anthony Parisi, 39, a former Ancora patient who now works as a community organizer in Gloucester City.

Gloucester City Fire Department Evaluation; Discipline is Missing; Nine Men Resigned

Note: The article was first published in 2024

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (2024(Cleary’s Notebook News)–The Gloucester City Mayor Dayl Baile and Council hired the Smith Consulting Group of Ocean City, NJ, in 2024 to assess the members Gloucester City paid fire department. The owner, James P. Smith Jr., has 30 years of experience in firefighting and is the Ocean City Fire Chief overseeing 67 department members.

According to the report, the 14-page evaluation was conducted by interviewing all 22 department members to understand their issues, views, perspectives, and ideas for future growth.

After interviewing the members, the evaluator observed that discipline needs to be consistently administered and that officers should be trained to handle infractions. The report mentioned that nine people, or 40 percent, have left the department over the past 11 years.

Smith released 20 recommendations, each placed under a subtitle. For example, under the title DISCIPLINE Smith wrote in part;

1: The department should receive training from a legal expert in managing disciplinary issues in the fire service. All members must understand what is deemed harassment, unacceptable acts, and the value of respect towards peers. The current culture in the department is disappointing, and for many members, it is seemingly void of respect towards their peers.

2:The department must create a set of rules and regulations that is a guide for the department rules and acceptable actions and behaviors.

3: Return to basics for training. If a member needs more time to become proficiendt in a certain skill, they should recieved the proper time and instruction.

4: Organize training with Camden City for hazardous materials and special operations is important. A better understanding of who is responding for the GCFD crew when in Camden is necessary. Once threw with training in Camdem the crew should return to the city immediately.

5: Provide prior knowledege to the shift that training will be upcoming.

6: The department should invest in a records management program to log and record all training.

7: Consider a schedule change from a four platoon system to a three platoon system. This will require a negotiation with the unions. It is more efficient and will provide extra staffing that the members requested.

8. Carrying vacation time from year to year should stop. This would eliminate the unknown of how many shifts the chief need to cover for any given year.

9. If a three-platoon system is enacted, vacation slots should be limited to just one member daily.

10. Sick time usage in 12 hour-blocks should stop. Members may be capable of returning to work in less time, but are forced to stay out for a full 12.

11. Consider merging the two labor unions for the betterment of the department and the community.

12. Consider starting a Community Risk Reduction program to assist the citizens of Gloucester City before emergencies happen.

13. Establish the civil service rank of deputy chief and promote an officer who shows strong qualities of a future department chief. The newly created deputy chief rank salary should minimally be the current fire chief salary.

14. The GCFD must reestablish relationships with all of their mutual aid partners. Training needs to occur with more than just Camden City.

15. The entire department should receive leadership training.

16. The department should rebrand itself. Have a fresh new start and place the hostile acts and behaviors in the past.

17. Some type of sensitivity training needs to occur. The stories from the interviews are disappointing. The members need to be informed of what is unacceptable behavior.

18. Once the local civil service entrance list is exhausted, consider hiring firefighters from the county list.

19. The fire chief salary needs to be raised to attract the best and the brightest to the position.

20. Consideration should be made around Chief Hagan’s retirement that an outside individual hired as a department head may be better than just promoting someone internally to the fire position. Some patience is vital to finding the right person. Internal or external pressure to fill the position should not be entertained.

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