OBITUARIES

Charles J. “Doc” Tomasello Sr., 85, of Hammonton died February 12, 2008 at the Wm. B. Kessler Memorial Hospital.
Born in Hammonton, he was a resident all his life. Doc, as he was known to everyone, was a second generation vintner and president of Tomasello Winery Inc. for many years. During his 60 years at the winery he produced many thousands of gallons of wine and was instrumental in conjunction with Cornell University’s Geneva Agriculture Experiment Station in planting the first generation of French-America Hybrid grape vines in his vineyards for commercial wine production. Many of these varieties are now widely planted throughout the United States. He enjoyed his grandchildren immensely and his love of wine and food.
Surviving him are: wife, of 55 years, Peggy (nee Billings); sons, Charles Jr. and his wife Lisa, Jack and his wife Catherine all of Hammonton; grandchildren, Brian, Sean, Kara Tomasello; sisters, Sue Keschner of Hammonton, Frances Slack of Ship Bottom.
Relatives and friends attended a Mass of Christian Burial on February 15 at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church followed by burial at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Foundation of Wm. B. Kessler Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 437, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements made by the Marinella Funeral Home.

Russell B. Ruggerio “Bo”, 69, died February 16, 2008, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Md.
Born in Hammonton, he was a graduate of Hammonton High School in 1957 where he enjoyed football and being “class clown.” He had owned the Dutch Bar on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Md. for 30 years. He also owned numerous other boardwalk shops through the years including The Water Balloon Game and the Kitchen Restaurant Complex in downtown Ocean City. He owned a taxi business, laundry mat, pawn shop, and was active in the Delmarva Racing and Pacers at Ocean Downs. He was a parishioner at St. Mary Start of the Sea Catholic church in Ocean City and had served on the board of directors for Atlantic National Bank. He was an active real estate developer of the Golden Beach in downtown Ocean City. The Golden Surf at 82nd Street and recently involved with Amy Rothermel and Susan Davis and family in the development of the Belmont Towers in downtown Ocean City. Bo was most proud and enjoyed his numerous often private philanthropy activities. He will be remembered warmly for his generosity and kindness by many from his annual Christmas parties.
Predeceased by: father, Joseph Ruggerio. Surviving him are: 96 year old mother, Nancy Alizzo Ruggerio, whom he was most proud that they remained together in each others loving care; several close employees, Mary Jane Swift, Virginia Jones, Sharon Jones, Don Marini, Ruth Egger, and numerous other employees and close friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on February 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 17th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Bo Ruggerio Fund, 1324 Belmont Avenue, Suite 401, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Arrangements made by the Burbage Funeral Home in Maryland.
 

Dorothy Franchetti (nee Sarappa), 89, of Hammonton, died February 15, 2008, at Innova Care in Hammonton.
Born in Waterford, she worked as a seamstress for W.B. Kessler Clothing Co. She enjoyed cooking, baking, reading books and gardening. Dorothy was an avid patron of the Hammonton Library but mostly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandson.
Predeceased by: husband, Albert; parents, Giovanni and Maria (nee Palma) Sarappa; brothers, James, Gennaro; sisters, Bessie Massara, Nancy Fogletto, Angelina Wright, Jennie Iulianetti. Surviving her are: son, Albert and his wife Bonnie of Elm; daughter, Marlene Franchetti of Maple Shade; grandchildren, Eric of Winslow Township, Ryan and his wife Deone of Atco, Irene of Woodbridge; great-grandson, Jaiden.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing tonight from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on February 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the Marinella Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Church. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Foundation of W.B. Kessler Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 437, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements made by the Marinella Funeral Home.
 

Rose Collins (nee Maiuro), 91, of Elizabethtown, Ky., died February 12, 2008.
She was born and raised in Elm.
Predeceased by: husband, Clarence. Surviving her are: brother, Louis Maiuro and his wife Helen of Berlin; sisters, Angie Mortillite of Hammonton, Louise Gelabert of El Paso, Texas; many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends attended funeral services on February 16 at the Marinella Funeral Home followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Berlin.
Arrangements made by the Marinella Funeral Home.
 

George J. Tidwell Sr., 74, of Hammonton, died February 15, 2008, at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Philadelphia, he was an area resident all his life. George was a graduate of St. Joseph High School. He was a supervisor for Whitehall Laboratories for over 37 years. An avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams, he also enjoyed working around his yard while smoking his pipe. He enjoyed his best friend, Shane, his black labrador retriever.
Surviving him are: wife, Erma (nee Fortis); sons, George J. Jr. of Takoma Park, Md., Michael and his wife Julie of Sea Girt, Brian and his wife Carol of Hammonton; grandchildren, Drew and Brett; sisters, Ruth Hale of Egg Harbor, Florence Hansberry of Blue Bell, Pa.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing today at 9 a.m. at the Marinella Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Church. Burial will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Martin de Porres Church, 129 Park Avenue, Hammonton, NJ 08037 or the Hammonton Rescue Squad, 300 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements made by the Marinella Funeral Home.

George Edward Giacchino, 85, of Moorestown, died February 13, 2008, at The Evergreens in Moorestown.
Born in Philadelphia, he resided in Vincentown most of his life before moving to The Evergreens five years ago. He was a 1943 graduate of Villanova University, graduating second in his class receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering. George was honored with a commendation from the government for being part of the team that developed the first fuel injection system for jet airplanes. He retired as an engineer from the State of New Jersey in Trenton 20 years ago. He was a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Moorestown.
Predeceased by: wife, Eleonore L. (nee Dietz) Giacchino; sister, Rita Scarcelle. Surviving him are: brother and two sisters-in-law, Carmen T. and Phyllis Giacchino of West Chester, Pa., and Ruth Eni of Moorestown; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Entombment will follow at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George’s memory to the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Giacchino Lecture Endowment, 925 Chestnut Street, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, Pa 19106.
Arrangements made by the Mathis Funeral Home.

Patricia A. Joyce (nee Graziano), 58, of Hammonton, died February 16 at Kennedy Hospital in Turnersville, Washington Twp.
Born in Philadelphia, she graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and Newark State College. Patricia had an enjoyment, a passion and commitment for teaching special needs students. She taught for 35 years at the former John S. Helmbold Education Center in Corbin City and the Atlantic County Special Services school district in Mays Landing. She was a former member of the Hammonton Drug Alliance for which she received a Volunteer of the Year Award in 2003.
Surviving her are: parents, Charles and Rita Graziano; daughter, Erin Michelle; son, Patrick Charles; former husband and friend, Dennis; loving and best friend, JoAnn Lecates; various loving relatives in the Graziano, Ialacci, Monastra and Joyce families.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on February 21 from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on February 22 at the Landolfi Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church followed by entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery mausoleum in Mays Landing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Atlantic County Special Services School District Education Foundation, 4805 Nawakwa Boulevard, Mays Landing, NJ 08330.
Arrangements made by the Landolfi Funeral Home.

Eugene F. Kelley, 83, died February 14, 2008, at his daughter’s residence in Moraga, Calif.
Born in Wilkinsburg, Pa., he was a resident of Hammonton since 1962. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of Knights of Columbus 3rd degree Pallotti Council and 4th degree Pallotti Assembly. Eugene was an usher for St. Joseph’s R.C. Church and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was employed by First Federal Savings and Loan, Atlantic City Expressway as a toll collector, and Septa as a bus driver for 20 years.
Predeceased by: wife, Dorothy. Surviving him are: sons, John and his wife Kathleen of Hammonton, George of Cliffside Park; daughters, Regina Kelley of Blackwood, Myra and her husband George Kapoulas of Moraga, Calif.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing February 22 from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on February 23 at 8:30 a.m. at the Marinella Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church. Burial will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Hammonton Rescue Squad, 300 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements made by the Marinella Funeral Home.

William “Smokey” Thibault Jr., 85, of Nesco, died February 17, 2008, at home.
Born in Nesco, he was a lifelong resident there. Mr. Thibault was a United States Army Veteran of World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of Veteran of Foreign Wars Post in Mullica Township and he was a lifetime member of the Nesco Volunteer Fire Company. Before retiring, he worked for the maintenance department at the New Jersey State Police Barracks in Hammonton. Prior to that he was road foreman for the Mullica Township Public Works.
Predeceased by: parents, William and Virginia Thibault; sisters, Virginia Ware, Anne Berninger; brother, Charles Jerry Thibault. Surviving him are: sister, Mary Bell of Nesco; numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing at Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street, Hammonton, on February 21 from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on February 22 from 10 – 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Batsto-Pleasant Mills Cemetery.
The family requests donations to the Wm. B. Kessler Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 437, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements made by the Carnesale Funeral Home.

James Thomas Hunter, 94, of Newtonville, died February 14, 2008, at home.
Born in Pendleton, S.C., he lived in this area for more than 50 years. He was a retired cement finisher for Camden Lime Co. Mr. Hunter was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church where he was a Deacon Emeritus. He was also a member of the male senior church choir.
Surviving him are: wife of 40 years, Evelyn (nee Jones); daughter, Asma Abdulmakil “Betty;” stepdaughters, Valeria K. Battle, Bertha F. Henson, Lorraine S. Spivey, Portia Evelyn Deal; stepsons, Paul Edward Whiting Jr., Reginald H. Whiting; 29 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing today at 10 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ninth Street, Newtownville. Burial will be at Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery.
Arrangements made by the Carnesale Funeral Home.

Helen Tomasello, 86, of Mullica Township and formerly of Hammonton died February 12, 2008, at home.
Before retiring, she was owner of Tomasello Farms in Hammonton. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, looking for wild mushrooms, working on her farm and going to the casinos.
Predeceased by: husband, Frank R. Tomasello. Surviving her are: sisters, Elizabeth Schmidt of Hammonton, Tillie Vallese of Somers Point; nieces, Jody Roesch, Jana Vincitore, Jonay Dogan; great-nieces, Brandy Roesch, Aubrey Sage; great-nephew, Robert Roesch Jr.; great-great-nephew, John Husta; great-great-niece, Jenny Husta. She was the great-aunt and guardian of Donna Husta, Dara Scozzafava, Arthur H. Kuppel. She was loved by many friends and family members who will miss her dearly.
Relative and friends attended a Mass of Christian Burial on February 16 at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church followed by burial at Egg Harbor City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AtlantiCare Hospice, P.O. Box 1626, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.
Arrangements made by the Carnesale Funeral Home.

Lillian Harmon, 90, of Buena Vista Township, died February 14, 2008, at the Wm. B. Kessler Memorial Hospital.
Born in Wendall, N.C., she was an area resident for 50 years. Lillian graduated high school in North Carolina School Systems. She worked as a saleswoman for Frank Mazza & Son for 30 years. She was a member and co-treasurer of the Seniors of the Newtonville Area and a greeter for First Presbyterian Church of Vineland.
Predeceased by: husband, Daniel Harmon; son, Fredrick L. Watkins. Surviving her are: daughters, Betty Johnson, Barbara Watkins; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements made by the Marinella Funeral Home.