Category: OBITUARIES

James H. West, of Hamilton, formerly of Mount Ephraim

James H. West, on February 27, of Hamilton, formerly of Mount Ephraim. Age 87.

Beloved husband of Patsy (nee Dodd) for 50 years. Devoted father of Penny Lynn West. Loving brother of Arthur West, Marion Scheurich (George), Harry West, Janet Mathis, Robert West (Deliah), and the late William West, Doris Winther, Joseph West, and John West. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

James was in the graduate class of 1953 from Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf and worked at Pepsi-Cola in Pennsauken for 24 years.

There will be a viewing 9:30am to 11am Wednesday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Funeral service 11am at the funeral home.

Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ memory to the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf 320 Sullivan Way, Ewing Township, NJ 08628.

Maureen D. Auletto, of Audubon Park

Maureen D. Auletto (nee McCormack), on February 28, of Audubon Park, formerly of Gloucester Township. Age 68.

Proceeded in death by Bernard and Gloria (nee Oelenschlager) McCormack. Devoted mother of Danielle Hennessy (John), Renee Auletto (Frank Olsen), and Nicole Auletto. Loving mom mom of Desiree

(Andy), Brittanee, Johnny, Danny, Georgia, and Jaidyn. Great granny of Giani, Lorenzo, Angelo, Drew Keith. Former wife of Daniel Auletto for 38 years. Devoted sister of Bernie McCormack (Micki). Loving aunt of BJ (Nicole), Colleen (Jeff), Sean, and many other nieces and nephews. Lifelong and best friend of Anna Damerau.

There will be a viewing 9am to 11am Tuesday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE, 126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, NJ 08078 (856-939-2095).

Entombment New St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Bellmawr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maureen’s memory to the Animal Orphanage 419 Cooper Road Voorhees, NJ 08043.

Rev. Howard E. Muhlbaier, Retired Catholic Priest; Teacher and Alumnus of Gloucester Catholic HS

Rev. Howard E. Muhlbaier

Cherry Hill – Rev. Howard Edward Muhlbaier, retired Catholic Priest of the Camden Diocese passed away on February 22, 2020 at St. Mary\’s Villa in Cherry Hill, with devoted friends and caregivers by his side, at age 81. Rev. Muhlbaier was born on June 16, 1938 to Sebastian Muhlbaier and Dorothy Kennedy Muhlbaier. He was raised in Swedesboro, NJ and was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School class of 1956. He continued his studies at Saint Charles College, Loyola College and Saint Mary Seminary having received his Master\’s in Theology. Father Muhlbaier was ordained May 22, 1965 in Camden, NJ by Archbishop Damiano.

First assigned as parochial vicar at Incarnation in Mantua, Rev. Muhlbaier went on to serve the parishes of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Pitman, Saint Andrew the Apostle in Gibbsboro, St. Maurice Church in Brooklawn and Saints Peter and Paul in Turnersville. From 1992 through 2000, Rev. Muhlbaier was the pastor of Assumption Parish in Atco. He then served as a chaplain at the former Kennedy Hospital in Washington Township until 2008. His final assignment was senior priest at St. Andrew the Apostle. From 1965 through the 1980\’s, Rev. Muhlbaier served on the faculty of Gloucester Catholic High School, Paul VI High School and St. Joseph\’s High School in Hammonton.

In addition to his parents, Father Muhlbaier is predeceased by his brothers, Sebastian, Charles, Vernon, Norman, Esq. and James. He is survived by his brother, John \”Jack\” Muhlbaier of MD; sister-in-laws, Patricia Muhlbaier and Anna Muhlbaier, as well as dear friends, Ritamarie and George Simmons and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Viewing will take place at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St Joseph\’s Church, 130 Broad St., Swedesboro. Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan will celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph\’s Cemetery, Swedesboro.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Gloucester Catholic High School Alumni Fund, 333 Ridgeway St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please memo, Rev. Howard E. Muhlbaier.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Rev. Howard E. Muhlbaier. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142

Joseph R. Natale, Jr., of Glendora, formerly of Mt. Ephraim

On February 28, 2020, of Glendora; formerly of Mt. Ephraim. Age 78.

Devoted father of Joann Natale. Dear brother of Rita Iacovelli (Jerry) and Bill Natale (Joan). Loving companion of Marion Bennett. He was a loving grandfather. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joseph proudly served with the US Air Force and worked for the US Postal Service in Mt. Ephraim for 30 years. Joe enjoyed spending his summers with his family in Wildwood.

There will be a viewing from 7pm to 9pm Tuesday evening and from 8:15am to 9:15am Wednesday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Funeral Mass 10am Wednesday at Holy Child Parish, St. Teresa RC Church, Runnemede.

Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Alfred W. Strater, of Runnemede. Age 85.

Alfred W. Strater, on February 26, 2020, of Runnemede. Age 85.

Beloved husband of Joann (nee Baitinger) for 62 years. Devoted father of Gary (Donna), Gordon, and Jennifer Giumarello (Samuel). Loving grandfather of 7 and great grandfather of 1. Dear brother of Joseph Strater and Pearl Cox. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Alfred proudly served with the US Air Force.

There will be a visitation from 10am to 11am Monday at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Memorial Service 11am at the funeral home.

Interment is private at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 E. Clements Bridge Road, Runnemede, NJ 08078 or Runnemede Senior Citizens Club, c/o Lee Mikulski, 24 S. Read Avenue, Runnemede, NJ 08078.

Columbus Buffetta, of Brooklawn; WWII Army Vet, Campbell Soup Employee, age 92

Columbus Buffetta had an immeasurable work ethic. He dedicated his life to his family and his Lord. He was witty and self made who took pride and pleasure in the simple beauties of life. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time at his home in Brooklawn with his family. On Friday February 21, 2020, after 92 years he was called away, but only to return home to the Lord.

“Buff” was born in Camden and had spent his formative years there. His home had contributed to the manpower of our great nation, upholding the ideals of our American freedoms during WWII in the U.S. Army. Early on he and his family owned and operated a variety store in Camden before settling his family down in Brooklawn. Columbus made a career as a machinist, at Campbell’s Soup in Camden and enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family camping and bicycling. Columbus will fondly be remembered as a kind hearted good samaritan who was always helpful with an outstretched hand.

Mr. Buffetta is the widower of his late wife Dolores (nee Williams) and is the father of Louis and his wife Joan, Richard, Dino & his wife Frances, Anna Maria & hier husband Russell Hall and Matthew Buffetta. He is the proud grandfather of 16 and great grandfather of 25. Mr. Buffetta is also survived and will be sadly missed by his sisters Gloria Parisi and Anna Sharp. “Buff” was predeceased by his siblings; Theodore, Leonard, Enrico, Mary & Louise.

Relatives, friends and neighbors are invited to join the Buffetta family on Friday morning between 9:00 and 11:00 am at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes 700 Powell St. Gloucester City where a remembrance ceremony will begin at 11:00 am. United States Army military honors will immediately follow at Eglington Cemetery & Mausoleum in Clarksboro. #crerancelebration #heartfelt

Helen E. Comber (nee Karschies) of Runnemede

Helen E. Comber (nee Karschies) of Runnemede, formerly of Barrington. Age 84.

Beloved wife of the late Richard Sr. Devoted mother of the Richard Jr. (Betsy), Frank (Diane), Mark (Barbie) and Helene (Matthew). Loving grandmother of 17 and great grandmother of 9. Dear sister of Hildegard Lipschutz and Elizabeth Gilles. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation from 9am to 11am Monday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Memorial Service 11am at the funeral home.

Inurnment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Obituary: Elizabeth Hiddeman, of Stratford

Stratford –  On February 17, 2020. Age 96. Services and Burial will be private.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Elizabeth Hiddemen. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN–HEALEY FUNERAL HOME,

Gloucester City Ph: 856-456-1142

George \”Mickey\” D. Graham, Jr. of Gloucester City; Retired Mailman, Korean War Army Vet., Rams Alum

Surrounded by his loving family, at home, on February 21, 2020. Age 88. Lifelong resident of Gloucester City. Loving husband of 54 years to Theresa A. Graham (nee McQuaid). Loving father of Theresa Graham Hughes and her husband, Robert, Patricia Graham

McCahill and her husband, Kevin and Christine Graham. Cherished Poppy of Christopher, Daniel and Patrick Hughes, Kevin, Matthew and Thomas McCahill and Frank and Kimberly King. Predeceased by his sisters, Sarah Graham Leidvanger and Helen Graham Laskey. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Mickey was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic class of 1949, where he was the editor and chief of the yearbook committee. He continued his studies at Drexel University before proudly serving our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Mickey was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 38 years in Bellmawr and Gloucester City. He was a member of the Gloucester City Senior Citizens Association. Mickey will be remembered for his vast knowledge and love of sports but most all the love he gave to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday morning, February 27, 2020 from 9:45 AM to 11:45 AM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon in the church. Interment with U.S. Army honors will follow in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Msgr. Lucitt’s Needy Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 87, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please memo, George D. Graham, Jr.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of George D. Graham, Jr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN–HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph:856-456-1142

Kathleen Coll (nee Gamble), of Blue Anchor, formerly of Bellmawr

Beloved wife of Stephen. Devoted mother of Stephen and the late Timothy. Survived by Alicia McHugh and her children Emma, Olivia and Mia. Loving

Kathleen Coll (nee Gamble) age 63

sister of Charlotte Connuli (Frank), Edward Gamble (Beth) and Maria Gamble. . Daughter of Edward(89)and Charlotte Gamble(87). Dear Aunt of Frankie Connuli, Jaquie Gamble, Billy Stewart, Katie Stewart, Michele Beck, Patty Ann Siligato and Mario Barel. Sister in law of Patty Ann (Jimmy) Lyons and Margaret (Jimmy) Barel.

Kathleen was a loving and dedicated Wife, Mother, and friend. She treasured her family and friends, and embraced every moment spent with them. In addition to being a kind and selfless woman, she had a vivacious personality, a contagious smile, and beauty that radiated from within. She was known for her ease in frequent conversation, and her willingness to help those in need. She enjoyed taking trips to the shore, as well as walks through the woods to enjoy the simplicity of nature.

Kathleen was also a music enthusiast which went hand-in-hand with her love for dancing and the Arts. She was an active member of The Compassionate Friends Network, and proprietor of the Tim’s Light Foundation. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing, love, and faith. She will always be remembered for the joy she brought to all of those that knew and loved her.

There will be a viewing from 12pm to 1pm on Friday at

GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Funeral Service 1pm at the funeral home.

Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Although flowers are welcome, donations may be made to help the family with funeral expenses.