William J. McDevitt, of Laurel Springs; Korean War Air Force Veteran

A long-time resident of Laurel Springs, NJ and previously of Collingswood, at the age of 87, passed away at home on December 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Loving and

devoted husband of 62 years to Evelyn H. McDevitt (nee Dillin). Son of the late Blanche and William McDevitt of Philadelphia, PA. Loving father of William (Joann), John (Jacqueline), Robert (Susan), Joseph (Michele) and Barbara McDevitt. Cherished grandfather of Matthew (Samantha), Michael Sr., Ryan, Shawn (Krista), Jessica, Robby, Daniel, Joseph and Brandon. Cherished great-grandfather of Summer, Michael Jr. and Liam. Predeceased by his two sisters, Barbara Dudash and Patricia Cotter.

William proudly served our country as a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as an electrical supervisor for Boeing in Ridley Park, PA and as a copier technician at several companies.

At his request, funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053. Please memo, William J. McDevitt

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of William J. McDevitt. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN–HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph:856-456-1142

Dawn DiGiacomo Loved Life; Died Too Soon

by William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 29, 2019)–—Funeral services for Dawn DiGiacomo will be held this afternoon starting 4 PM to 6 PM at McCann-Healey Funeral Home 851 Monmouth

Dawn DiGiacomo

Street., Gloucester City.

Dawn was a lifelong resident of Gloucester educated in the local Catholic School system, She graduated from Gloucester Catholic in 1987.

Her husband Vince DiGiacomo said he and Dawn were together for 32 years.

He said that Dawn wasn\’t sick for very long. \”She was having trouble walking, her knee kept giving out. It got so bad she couldn\’t walk. She was admitted

to Cooper Hospital and underwent a battery of tests. At the end of two weeks the doctors said she either had Stage 4 lung cancer or it was a parasite that was causing her problems. We looked at each other and said if we have a choice we will take the parasite. But, as you know it didn\’t work out that way\”

Vince said she was released from the hospital and for the next month as an outpatient she underwent two weeks of chemo and another two weeks of radiation.

\”After the treatments she was at home when she got a terrible pain in her ribs.

We thought she pulled a muscle and went back to the hospital.

Why doctors were examining her she told me not to stress out, go get a coffee. When I came back later she was in a different room and hooked up to all these machines. She had a breathing tube inserted in her trachea. We never had a verbal conversation again after that day. That was the last time I talked with her. \”

At one point she died but doctors were able to revive her after 8 minutes. \”She was never the same after that,\” Vince said.

\”The cancer

spread into her back and into her brain. The doctors said she had 50 lesions on her brain.\”

Dawn loved spending time down the shore. She was into crafts and would gather seashells from the beach her husband said. \”She would make wreaths out of the shells and give them to friends as a gift. She also liked crabbing and fishing. One of the places she like was Champagne Island which was near the North Wildwood Marina. We would head out there in our pontoon boat and spend the day. She loved to garden. She always had to have some kind of water feature like a pond around the garden. Dawn died too soon, she loved life,\” he said.

Besides her husband Dawn is survived by her children Derick and Ashley Fowler, Amber DiGiacomo, Vincent DiGiacomo, Jr. and Dominick DiGiacomo. Cherished grandmother of Brianna, C.J., Maximus and Derick, Jr. Cherished daughter of Earl T. Fowler, Sr. and the late Louise A. Fowler. Beloved sister of Michelle and Thomas Quinn, Stephanie and John Bryszewski, Kimberly and Michael Morrell and Earl Jr. and Kelliann Fowler. Beloved daughter in law of Amelia Fountain and sister in law of Aldy and Tina DiGiacomo, Georgeanne and John Fagan and Nicole and Doug Rathbone. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and her beloved dog, Opie.

Tomorrow, Monday, December 30

a viewing will be held from 9:45 to 10:45 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM in the church. Entombment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum, Hurffville.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to Animal Welfare Assoc., 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ 08043. Please memo, Dawn M. DiGiacomo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mcannhealey.com

under the obituary of Dawn Marie DiGiacomo. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City, NJ. Ph: 856-456-1142.

Dawn DiGiacomo, 51, of Gloucester City; GCHS Alumnus

Helen B. Johnston of Collingswood; Teacher at Collingswood and Cherry Hill Schools; GHS Alum

Helen B. Johnston

COLLINGSWOOD NJ –Helen B. Johnston (nee Hughes) Born August 1, 1920, passed into the loving arms of the Lord at age 99 on December 24, 2019 at her home in Collingswood, NJ. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Helen grew up in Gloucester City, NJ and was the class Salutatorian as she graduated from Gloucester City High School in 1938.

Following graduation, Helen was a bookkeeper for several companies including Photo Developing Co. in Camden, NJ and Amburgo Co. and Ridgewood Paper Co., both of Philadelphia. During World War II, she volunteered as a Nurse\’s Aide at Cooper Hospital, Camden and Fort Dix Army Hospital.

After graduation from Glassboro State College in 1958, Helen taught 2nd grade in Collingswood for 10 years and Cherry Hill for 15 years. During this time she taught every student in her class with love and dedication and was the recipient of the \”Miss Peach\” award presented by the Courier Post newspaper in 1958. To further her professional skills during this time, she continued her education with courses at the University of Pennsylvania.

She was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church where she was active with the Altar Guild and several other church ministries. She was a life member of the NJEA and NEA teacher organizations. She enjoyed traveling in this country and overseas, reading, doing arts and crafts, bird watching and classical music.

Helen was predeceased by her parents Charles C. and Helen M. (Turnier) Hughes, her brothers Charles, Robert and Wesley Hughes and her husband, William J. Johnston, Jr. She is survived by their daughters Barbara L. Nichols of Hamilton and East Windsor, NJ, Donna L. Johnston, Esq. of Seattle, WA and Wendy Lu Brown of Lancaster, PA, her beloved grandchildren Jamie Leigh and Scott Jay Nichols, as well as sisters-in-law Agnes Lake and Dot Johnston. In addition, many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews will miss her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Saturday, January 4, 2020, 11 AM to 1 PM at the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, 820 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Memorial Service will follow at 1 PM. Inurnment will take place in the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Garden, Haddon & Fern Ave., Collingswood, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial donations be sent in her name to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Rd. #100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (

www.diabetes.org

) or Grace-St. Paul Episcopal Church 3715 East State St. Extension, Mercerville, NJ 08619.

Recording Artist CC Miles Named Youth Ambassador for Food Bank of South Jersey

PENNSAUKEN, NEW JERSEY – With a focus on increasing awareness of the impact of food insecurity and the importance of healthy eating in the youth community of South Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jersey announces recording artist CC Miles, 18, will serve as Youth Ambassador 2020.

Recording artist CC Miles

As Youth Ambassador 2020 for the Food Bank, Miles will bring the message of food insecurity and hunger awareness to regional schools, communities and organizations, as well as work directly with the Food Bank of South Jersey’s Health & Wellness and Community Engagement & Impact teams to distribute information and resources to support healthy eating, nutrition awareness and an understanding of the many faces of food insecurity in South Jersey communities today.

“I am honored to support the Food Bank of South Jersey’s mission to spread food insecurity awareness and health and wellness strategies and eating habits to young people throughout South Jersey,” CC Miles shares. “Nutrition is a very important topic for me, personally, and I can see no better way to share my enthusiasm for healthy eating and proper nutrition while, at the same time, assist young people in South Jersey in understanding the disaster of everyday hunger that impacts so many children, families and entire communities.”

Currently, in Camden County alone, there are 17,200 food-insecure children, 24% of whom are currently ineligible for federal nutrition programs, and 76% of whom are currently income-eligible for nutrition programs – at least, as of today.

Overall in Camden County alone, the total food-insecure population is over 60,000. Food insecure populations in Burlington, Gloucester and Salem counties are equally sobering. Burlington County currently has 41,680 food-insecure residents, of which 10,960 are food-insecure children. Gloucester County holds 8,180 food-insecure children in a total food-insecure population of 26,860 individuals. Suffering the impact of rural hunger, the less populated farmlands of Salem County shows 8,080 food-insecure individuals, of which 2,550 are children – all of which may live more than 10 miles from the nearest grocery store.

“We are delighted to appoint CC Miles our Youth Ambassador for 2020,” reports Fred Wasiak, CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. “The message of food insecurity and its impact on children throughout our region is a vital point of understanding for today’s youths – awareness can, and will, create power and change in the effort to end hunger in South Jersey.”

ABOUT CC MILES

Recording artist and songwriter CC Miles has released three albums in less than five years, with her most recent album,

Almost

, released in August 2018. Popular on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify, CC engages her growing

Instagram

and

YouTube

followers with new releases and original music between touring the country performing live in Nashville, New York, throughout the United States and internationally, including performances in Italy. Whether on stage, on tape, or on-screen, 18-year-old recording artist CC Miles invites everyone into her world. By way of candid lyrics, genuine charm, and undeniable charisma, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist imparts a storytelling sensibility on impassioned and irresistible pop. Driven by her voice as a writer and augmented by personal instrumental prowess, she shines through each side of every song. At first listen, you might just feel like you know her. CC Miles was born and raised in Medford Lakes, New Jersey. For more information, visit

www.ccmiles.com

ABOUT FOOD BANK OF SOUTH JERSEY

Marking its 35th year in 2020, the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. Throughout 2019, FBSJ distributed 14 million pounds of food, including 75,000 after school snacks, over 200,000 summer meals and more than 15,000 senior food boxes, as well as serving 95 health and wellness programs to more than 6,000 residents. Providing community impact through local support, FBSJ ensures that local donations stay local. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. To learn more, visit

www.foodbanksj.org

Francis A. \”Frank\” Zappa, World War II Navy Veteran; Iron Worker; Liberty Clowns Member

The greatest measure of a man is not measured in the crucible of imperfections, but rather, in the metamorphoses of what he becomes. Francis A. \”Frank\” Zappa was a man of strength and conviction. He was stern, argumentative and preferred to just do it himself. But, when Frank was needed, he was wise, dependable and unconditionally offered himself to the matter at hand. Mr. Zappa was a renaissance man who was accomplished in the kitchen, the garden, the dance floor and had been a part of the

Philadelphia Mummers Parade as a comic in the Liberty Clowns.

He was born in the cradle of Liberty, South Philadelphia. \”Mum-Town USA\”. During these formative years he had contributed to the manpower of our great nation serving as a coxswain in the United States Navy. Frank defended the ideals of our American freedoms during World War II in the American and Pacific Theaters aboard the troop ships; SS Robin Wentley, SS Cape Canso, SS Dashing Wave and the cargo ship SS R. Mansfield. The world in which we live equally distributes talent. But, it doesn\’t equally distribute opportunity. Opportunities are often disguised as hard work. Frank had driven a taxi through the city, owned and operated his own Barber Shops in Yeadon, Pa., Riverside and Delran. He made a career as an ironworker at G.H. Steel Co in Broomall, Pa.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Frank pressed lady luck in the casinos at the craps table, enjoyed fishing, hunting and telling stories of the \”big one\” that got away. Some memories never leave your bones. Like the salt in the sea; they become part of you – and you carry them. We\’ll meet again. Don\’t know where, don\’t know when. But we know we\’ll meet again.

Mr. Zappa was the widower of his late wife of 64 years, Mary (Sassano), and was the father of Sandra and her husband, Peter Genzano, Barbara Adams, and Stephen and his wife, Mary Jane Zappa. He was the proud grandfather of seven and great grandfather of seven. Frank was the brother of the late Dominic Zappa and Rose Thomas, and is also survived and will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews. Mr. Zappa\’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you and sentiment of gratitude to Dr. Kathleen Heintz, everyone at MD Anderson and the Cooper Heart Institute for all of their care and concern.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019 at the Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes, 400 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, N.J. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Cinnaminson. Interment New St. Mary\’s Cemetery & Mausoleum, Bellmawr, N.J.

Linda J. Bauman (nee Southward) of Bellmawr; Employed by Botte Insurance

Linda J. Bauman (nee Southward), on December 29, 2019, of Bellmawr. Age 66. Beloved wife of Bob, Devoted mother of Danielle Borbon (Froilan) and Renee. Loving grandmother of Nicholas and Gavin. Dear sister of Brian and Kevin. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law and her best friend Terri Sherlock.

Linda loved to bowl and crochet. She worked for Botte Insurance Company. Linda loved helping people and spending time with her family and grandkids.

There will be a visitation from 8:15am to 9:45am on Friday at St. Joachim Parish, Annunciation BVM Church, 601 Browning Road Bellmawr. Funeral Mass at 10am at the Church. Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made in Linda’s memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center. 2 Cooper Plaza, Camden NJ 08103.

William Todd Roberts, 62 of Gloucester City

William Todd Roberts

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ–On December 22, 2019. Age 62. Of Gloucester City. Loving and devoted husband of Joanne Roberts (née Rosati). Loving father of Shawn M. Roberts (Jennifer), Steven C. Roberts, Todd Roberts Jr. (Dana), Lawrence Orsino 3rd (Rachel) and Rose Clark (Kenneth). Cherished grandfather of Lacey, Izabella, Mackenzie, R.J., Quinn, Lawrence 4th, Aiden, Bianca, Steven and A.J. Beloved brother of Dianne Bodenhorn, Andrea Lee (Rick) and Steven Roberts.

Todd was born in Anderson, Indiana to the late E. Max and Ruth Roberts. He worked over 30 years as a scale technician for Industrial Weighing Systems in Pennsauken and Thermoseal in Gloucester City. Todd was a proud member of the Original Garden State Corvette Club for many years. He also enjoyed vacationing to Riviera Maya and spending time at the campground with his family and friends. He loved animals, especially his dog Brutus, his “best friend”.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Sunday, December 29

from 10 to 11:30 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, where his funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to Msgr. Lucitt’s Needy Children’s Fund, PO Box 87, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please memo, William Todd Roberts.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of William Todd Roberts. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City, NJ. Ph:

856-456-1142

Linda D. Sherry, 72, of Haddon Township; West Deptford School Educator; GCHS & Chestnut Hill College Alum

Haddon Township – Linda D. Sherry (nee Dewey) age 72 passed away December 23, 2019. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Raymond A. Sherry, her son, Beau (Shanon) Sherry, and her daughter, Kristen (David) Kandel, and was predeceased by her son, Sonny. She was the proud grandmother of Brady, Lucah and Reese Sherry, and Cole, Logan and Riley Kandel. She also leaves a dear sister, Diane Nastinski, sister-in-law, Laraine Clements, brother-in-law, Martin J. Sherry and cousins, Sharon and Sandy.

A graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School and Chestnut Hill College, Linda became an educator who spent most of her career in the West Deptford School District. She derived great satisfaction and joy as an educator and helping children. In addition to her hobbies of doll-making and crocheting, she enjoyed the theater, movies, dancing and TV dramas. Her family brought her great happiness; she especially relished time with her grandchildren. She was a very independent woman of exceptional loyalty.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation, Saturday 11:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. at EVOY-BANASZ FUNERAL HOME, 129 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights NJ. Her Service will follow at 12:30p.m.

Dawn DiGiacomo, 51, of Gloucester City; GCHS Alumnus

Dawn DiGiacomo

Gloucester City – On December 25, 2019. Age 51. (nee Fowler). Loving and devoted wife of Vincent J. DiGiacomo. Loving mother of Derick and Ashley Fowler, Amber DiGiacomo, Vincent DiGiacomo, Jr. and Dominick DiGiacomo. Cherished grandmother of Brianna, C.J., Maximus and Derick, Jr. Cherished daughter of Earl T. Fowler, Sr. and the late Louise A. Fowler. Beloved sister of Michelle and Thomas Quinn, Stephanie and John Bryszewski, Kimberly and Michael Morrell and Earl Jr. and Kelliann Fowler. Beloved daughter in law of Amelia Fountain and sister in law of Aldy and Tina DiGiacomo, Georgeanne and John Fagan and Nicole and Doug Rathbone. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and her beloved dog, Opie.

Dawn was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High school class of 1987. She enjoyed her time down the shore, especially being on the beach.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Sunday evening, December 29

from 4 to 6 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. On Monday morning, December 30

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to Animal Welfare Assoc., 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ 08043. Please memo, Dawn M. DiGiacomo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Dawn Marie DiGiacomo. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City, NJ. Ph: 856-456-1142.

Video: How Did Political Boss George Norcross Acquire Waterfront Land in Camden City at Such Low Prices?

The tower, located on the Camden City waterfront, is owned by George Norcross and two other partners who received a $245 million tax break

(image courtesy of David L. Lewis/WNYC)

CNBNews.net

CAMDEN CITY, NJ (December 26, 2019)–

NJTV NEWS interviewed a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer who wrote an investigating article about South Jersey Political Boss George Norcross and his quest to buy up properties along the Camden City waterfront. How did George Norcross obtain acres of land along this prime section of waterfront at prices under the appraised value?

What is known is Norcross and his friends used tens of million in state-approved incentives to obtain the properties. The

Delaware River Port Authority and Camden Redevelopment Agency held interests in one of the properties, which was

appraised at $2.3 million in 2015

. Public officials

agreed to sell it to Liberty for $800,000

. After the sale, Liberty gave Norcross and his business partners an option to buy the property — which they eventually did, for $350,000 — or 15 cents on the dollar of the appraised value when it was held by public agencies.

The \”Inky\” confirmed hearsay that federal prosecutors in Philadelphia are carrying out their own investigation into the controversial New Jersey program.

Michael Hill,

NJTVonline.org

News correspondent talks with Catherine Dunn, one of the lead reporters on the story in the video below.

video source

https://www.njtvonline.org/

How power broker George Norcross and friends got waterfront land for cheap

Both the Delaware River Port Authority and Camden Redevelopment Agency held interests in the land, which was

appraised at $2.3 million in 2015

. Public officials

agreed to sell it to Liberty for $800,000

And while Norcross and his partners aren’t allowed to build on the parking lot for five years, they could develop it by 2023 if they choose.

The series of transactions also underscores the influence and reach of the Mount Laurel-based law firm Parker McCay, led by George Norcross’ brother Philip.

CONTINUE

Taking Down The South Jersey Political Mafia

You may think we live in a state run by democratically-elected officials, but the reality is closer to a system of political corruption that would surprise most Americans. The truth is, the mafia is alive and well in New Jersey and it controls the political machine in the state. This isn’t the Cosa Nostra of the old days, but an even more sinister cabal of powerful men working to consolidate power and enrich themselves at the cost of the taxpayers.

George Norcross has been called the most powerful unelected person in New Jersey. He controls nearly every elected Democrat in South Jersey including party chairs, state senators and assemblymen. Even if you get elected outside of his control, you will get nowhere in the party. Norcross and his team have done a masterful job of consolidating power in a relatively short period of time; only a few decades. They have insured that you can’t get elected without his support, and if you do, and you don’t play ball, you will be sidelined to political Siberia. Without his endorsement and the cooperation of Senate President Steve Sweeney, you won’t get on any committees. You won’t get resources. You won’t get money for staff. You will be irrelevant.

Consequently, the candidates you find on your ballot have been hand-chosen by Norcross and his political organization. The Democratic Party is beholden to his

CONTINUE

How The Norcross Political Machine Muscled In On Camden City\’s Prime Real Estate, NJ\’s Poorest Community

But the Norcross brothers had other ideas.

The most powerful political family in the state had spent months helping to engineer the tax break law. George E. Norcross III, a prolific Democratic fundraiser and power broker, had championed the idea among lawmakers; his brother Philip Norcross, a lawyer and lobbyist with deep ties to local and state government, wrote parts of the legislation; and a third brother, Donald Norcross, then a state senator and now a member of Congress, had co-sponsored it. Once the law passed,

the Norcrosses’ allies, business partners and clients

took advantage.

published

Gloucestercitynews.net

December 26, 2019