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.

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.

Harry W. Hofflinger, Sr. of Westville

Harry W. Hofflinger, Sr.

On December 24, 2019.

Age 72, of Westville. Born in Woodbury, he was the son of the late Harry M. and Mary T. (Bowe) Hofflinger. Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia R. (Butler) Hofflinger, his loving children, Sharon Hofflinger (Gill), Harry W. Hofflinger, Jr., Joe Brown, Dawn Colofranson (Tony), Janet Goetz (Pete); 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brothers, Bob Hills (Diane), Barry Hills (Vicki), Brian Hills (Sean) and his sisters, Karen Jones, Barbara Robbins, Regina Morrison and Karen Hills. Harry was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Colleen Brown; brothers, Roger and George Hills and his sister, Ruth Nail.

Harry worked for many years as a Pipe Insulator for the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He was a parishioner of St. Mary’s R.C. Church, liked hunting, fishing and was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan. He was a family man who loved spending time with his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 31st, at 11 AM in St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, where family and friends may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville, NJ

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Harry to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN

38105. Please write: Harry W. Hofflinger in the memo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Harry W. Hofflinger, Sr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City

Ph: 856-456-1142

Kristi Lee Smith, age 46, of West Deptford

WEST DEPTFORD NJ–On December 21, 2019.

Age 46, of West Deptford. Born in Woodbury, she was the daughter of the late Roy L. and Patricia L. (Daugherty) Rogers. Kristi is survived by her beloved sons, Daryn Reed Smith (Karen) and Levi Mason Sparks; her brothers, Anthony J.

Monahon, Charles E. Monahon, Jimmy M. Monahan; sisters, Cheryl Ginipro (Mike), Patty Monahan and her step-father, Edward Tilton. Kristi also was predeceased by her sister, Robin Monahan.

Celebration of Life and Sharing of Memories will be held on Saturday, December 28

from 4 to 8 pm at the Elks Lodge, 57 West Main Street, Penns Grove.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Kristi to the Robins Nest, 42 South Delsea Drive, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Please write: Kristi L. Smith in memo.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Kristi Lee Smith. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

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.

Florence Geissler, age 93, of Voorhees NJ

On December 23, 2019.

Age 93. Of Voorhees. Burial private Laurel Lawn Cemetery, Bridgeton. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

: Gloucester City

www.mccannhealey.com

Ph: 856-456-1142

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

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

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.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.

Michael J. Gillen, Volunteer Member of Brooklawn Fire Dept/EMS; Past Member of Brooklawn Board of Ed

Michael J. Gillen

BROOKLAWN NJ–On December 23, 2019. Age 54. Of Brooklawn. Loving and devoted husband of 27 years to Margaret “Peg” Gillen (nee Spates). Loving father of Andrew and Mikaila Gillen. Cherished son of Elsie Gillen and the late George J. Gillen. Beloved brother of Cheryl Graham (Dave), Robin Sobieski (John), Kathy Bairstow (Rich) and George “Skip” Gillen (Ann). Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Mike was born in Philadelphia and formerly resided in West Collingswood Heights. He was a graduate of Haddon Township High School class of 1985. Mike was a 20-year life member of the Brooklawn Fire Company, having served as past president and former captain. Mike was a member of the Brooklawn EMS and a former member of the Brooklawn Board of Education for over 10 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday morning, December 30

from 10 to 11:45 AM at the Brooklawn United Methodist Church,

213 Maude Ave., Brooklawn,

where his funeral service will be held at 12 Noon. Committal prayers and last call service will take place immediately following in front of the Brooklawn Fire Company. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brooklawn Fire Company, 100 S. Wilson Ave., Brooklawn, NJ 08030. Please memo, Michael J. Gillen.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

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

Obituary: Charles C. Beswick Sr., Gloucester City

Charles C. Beswick Sr., of Gloucester City passed away Friday, December 20, 2019, at the age of 76. Born in Camden, Charles was a longtime South Jersey resident and retired Union Pressman. He was a dedicated member of the Gloucester City VFW Post 3620 for many years. Charles was also a member of the Gloucester City Sportsmen Athletic Club, American Legion, and the Free and Accepted Masons.

He is survived by his previous spouses, Sara Beswick, Kathy Bagley; four loving children, Charles Beswick Jr. (Mary Ann), Janice Steeg, Michael Beswick (Chrissy), Nicole Beswick; eleven cherished grandchildren; twelve beloved great-grandchildren; two caring brothers; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Charles was predeceased by one brother and his loving companion, Mary.

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 2-6 pm at the Gloucester City VFW Post 3620, 27 N. Burlington St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the VFW. For condolences please visit www.gaskillbrown.com