Obituaries
Frank LaSasso Jr., 87, of Hammonton died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.
Born in Hammonton he was a lifelong resident. He was a 1952 graduate of Hammonton High School, where he was a three sport athlete and captain of the football and basketball teams. Frank joined the U.S. Marines after high school and was honorably discharged in 1953. Frank married the love of his life, Bettie Celona on May 8, 1955.
Frank played semi pro football for Hammonton from 1953 until 1964. He was the player/manager of the Hammonton Black Sox. He coached, played and ran the Hammonton City Basketball League. Coached Babe Ruth baseball from 1955-1958 and Little League Baseball from 1966-1976. He coached baseball at St. Augustine in 1970 and at St. Joseph from 1979-1985. He coached the Hammonton Hawks from 1967-1981, and football at St. Joseph from 1976-1981.
Frank is a member of the Hammonton High School and St. Joseph High School Athletic Halls of Fame. He is a member of the Hammonton Little League Wall of Fame and has a field at the Lake Park named in his honor. He was honored by the Hammonton Lions Club as Citizen of the Year. He was honored by the Hammonton Chamber of Commerce and by the National Football Foundation for his contributions to amateur football.
He served the Town of Hammonton as a police officer for 32 years retiring as a Captain in 1993. In Frank’s lifetime as a police officer, coach, father, grandfather and friend he molded and shaped many lives from fellow officers, doctors, lawyers, principals and men who followed him in coaching. He was a master motivator who made everyone do things they didn’t know they could do or were capable of doing. One fellow officer said Frank was the only person he ever feared, but his heart was even bigger than how tough he was. The last four years of his life were made comfortable and happy because of his loving granddaughter, Danielle, his Living Angel.
He is predeceased by his wife, Bettie; his son, Richard; parents, Frank and Mary; his sisters, Marion, Diane and Linda; and brother, Robert (Rollo). Surviving are his three sons, Frank LaSasso III (Marcia), James LaSasso (Lori) and Dante LaSasso (Karen); seven grandchildren, Nicole (Nick), Frank IV (Tiffany), Danielle (Brandon), Michael, Laila, Aaron and Hannah; six great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Ricky, Emma, Rileigh, Frank V; and Gino; one sister, Rosie Scaffidi; and two brothers, Joseph LaSasso (Barbara), and Richard LaSasso (Karen).
A viewing was held on Sunday, November 15, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, November 16, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street in Hammonton. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on November 16 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish Church of St. Joseph’s, 226 French Street in Hammonton. Burial followed at Greenmount Cemetery in Hammonton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hammonton Little League, PO Box 1025, Hammonton, NJ 08037; Hammonton Hawks, PO Box 782, Hammonton, NJ 08037; or to Animal Aid, 200 Springdale Lane, Williamstown, NJ 08094.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Evelyn R. D’Amico, 98, died peacefully at home on Nov. 8, 2020 with family by her side.
She was born in Hammonton on October 8, 1922 to Sam and Amelia (Depascale) DeStefano. Evelyn met the love of her life Angelo D’Amico, known as Jake, at the May Dance. They were married on December 26, 1941 and shared a wonderful life together for 68 years.
Evelyn worked in Hammonton in sales at several popular stores of that era including Arlene’s, The Vogue and Sears. Evelyn and her husband were active members of the Republic Club in which Evelyn volunteered at the polls for many years. She was also a terrific cook. After her husband died in 2009, she enjoyed participating in the Canoe Club at the lake. However, her one greatest entertainment was going to the casino which she continued to do until she was 97-years-old.
Above all else, Evelyn was a devoted mother to her daughter, her grandson, her wonderful nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. They have the fondest memories of her loving support throughout their lives. Evelyn was the last of 11 DeStefano siblings including: Andrew, Mae (Rodio), Ida (Lucca), Joseph, Sue (Previte), Rachael (Zirilli), Michael, Samuel Jr., Theodore (Kennedy), Angelina (Rodio) and Martha (Grasso).
Surviving are her daughter, Jan; her partner, Kris; grandson, Robby; and her beloved nieces, nephews and their children. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Family and friends celebrated Evelyn’s life on November 13, 2020 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street, Hammonton. Funeral Services were held at 1:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial followed in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hammonton.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Jean R. Liberto (nee Sirolli), 92, of Blue Anchor, N.J. died peacefully on Friday November 13, 2020 at the Samaritan Hospice in Voorhees, N.J.
Born in Elm, N.J. she was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Lower Camden Co. Reg. High School. Jean along with being mother to her three girls was also involved in the farm owned by her husband and his brother. Jean also worked at the Elm dress shop and National Garment in Hammonton. Jean was also a seamstress for her girls as they grew up. She was a woman of faith and very involved in St. Lucy’s Church and the BVM Sodality of St. Lucy’s and a member of St. Mary’s Church in Malaga which she sorely missed when closed. After leaving the shops, Jean ran Eddy and Ray’s roadside stand in Blue Anchor until closing. She loved her plants especially her African Violets and Orchids. Spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchild and family brought her so much pleasure in life.
She is predeceased by her husband, Raymond Liberto and parents, Daniel and Rose Sirolli.
Surviving are her three loving daughters, Louise Brimfield (Ronald) of Williamstown, N.J., Bernadette Druding (William) of Blue Anchor, N.J. and Jean R. Weiss (Harold) of New York City and West Palm Beach, Fla.; her grandchildren, Renee Gawlinski (Matt), Lindsey Fandozzi (Steve) and Raymond; her great-granddaughter Mary Jean Fandozzi; two sisters, Gloria Conner of Blue Anchor, N.J. and Midge Scardino of Hammonton; her brother-in-law, Dave Liberto of Hammonton; and many nephews and nieces.
Family and friends attended her Mass of Christian Burial on November 17, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish St. Joseph Church 3rd & French Streets Hammonton, N.J. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Blue Anchor, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan Gift Processing Center P.O. Box 71425 Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425 or Temple Beth-Ell 2815 North Flagler Dr. West Palm Beach, FL 33407.
Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.
Thomas C. Del Rossi Sr., 95, of Hammonton died peacefully at home on November 4, 2020, with his loving wife, Nancy, by his side.
Born and raised in Camden, he resided in Hammonton most of his life. Del Rossi proudly served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant during World War II in the 89th infantry division, and courageously fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Thomas was past owner and president of Bridge Avenue Farms, Inc., former vice president of Diamond Blueberry Inc., and was well known and admired in the farming community. He served as a former president of the North American Blueberry Council, and was a past member of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, VFW, American Legion Post 186, 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, and the Holy Name Society of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Along with his love of farming, he was an avid Philly Sports fan.
Thomas is predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Filomena; brothers, Angelo and Clifford; sisters, Evelyn, Florence, Mamie and twin sister, Rita; brother-in-law, William Bertino; and granddaughter, Nancy DeMarco. Surviving are his wife of 75 years, Nancy (nee Bertino); sons, Thomas (Lois), William (Teresa) and Robert; granddaughters, Lois Del Rossi (Bryan Bammann) and April Cushinotto (Ron); great-grandchildren, Kayla and Dominic Cushinotto; sisters-in-law, Carol LaMonaca (Charles) and Ginny Bertino; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service and Interment will be private. Donations in memory of Thomas may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Arrangements made by Landolfi Funeral Home.
Lily Jean McMahon, 11, of Hammonton died on Monday November 2, 2020.
Lily was a lifelong resident of Hammonton who loved soccer, Minecraft, the beach and trips to Disney World. She loved jumping and giggling on the trampoline and hanging out with her friends. She was the biggest helper around the house when she wasn’t on her new skateboard, and she always made time for her cousins—she’s her little cousin Isabel’s hero. She enjoyed being with her grandparents, sitting with her cat, Jordan (when he wasn’t licking her toes) and watching over her fish, Grunkle Stan and Fred.
Lily loved arts and crafts, so much so that she could cosplay and make her own costumes—her favorites were Todoroki, Denki, Kirishima, Bakugou and Junko.
She is the beloved daughter of Megan (nee Molloy) and Michael McMahon, Jr., loving sister of Aiden Hart and Evan McMahon and cherished granddaughter of Teresa and Thomas Molloy; and Mary Ann and Michael McMahon.
Family and friends visited the McMahon home on November 7, 2020 between the hours of 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. to remember Lily. Condolences may also be shared at www.lpwoosterfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements made by LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home.
Victor Oquendo, 81, of Mullica Twp. died on Friday, October 30, 2020 at AtlantiCare Medical Center in Galloway Twp.
Born in Dorado, Puerto Rico he was a resident of the Hammonton and Mullica area since 1958. Before retiring he worked for Eastern Brewery and Viking Yachts. Oquendo enjoyed fishing, working on cars, gardening and boating, but the thing he loved the most was spending time with his family especially his great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his father, Francisco Oquendo, and his sister, Carman Oquendo. Surviving are his longtime companion, Rosa Martinez; his daughter, Victoria Oquendo - Tolbert (Gerald); his mother, Geralda Garcia; two step-children, Yolanda Laureano and Gustavo Torres; his grandson, Gerald Oquendo (Lauren); three great-grandchildren, Leah, Jaden and Tyler; three brothers, Elbarito Oquendo, Juan F Oquendo and Jose A. Oquendo; and two sisters, Rosa Oquendo and Emilia Oquendo.
A viewing was held on November 4, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street in Hammonton, where funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 124 S. First Road in Hammonton.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Jarod C. Bradley, 49, of the Blue Anchor section of Winslow Twp. died on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Virtua Health Systems in Voorhees.
Born in Philadelphia he was raised in Elm and was a lifelong resident of Winslow Twp. Jarod was a creative carpenter who did hardwood flooring. He also enjoyed fishing, boating and riding his Harley motorcycle.
Surviving are his parents, John C. and Jeanne C. Bradley of Hammonton; two brothers, Jason Bradley (Michelle) and Justin Bradley; two nephews, Justin Jr. and Jason Jr. and one niece, Rachel.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street in Hammonton, where funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hammonton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Chapel, 660 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Dorothy Burkett, 26, of Hammonton died on Thursday November 5, 2020.
Born in Voorhees, N.J. she was a lifelong Hammonton resident. Dorothy was a 2013 Graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Hammonton. She studied pastry arts at Atlantic Cape Community College Academy of Culinary Arts where she earned an associate degree in 2015. Dorothy was an excellent cake decorator and enjoyed doing her craft at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Voorhees. She enjoyed bowling with her fiancée and friends.
Dorothy is predeceased by her father, Hank Burkett; her grandmother, Mary Ann Casadia; and her aunts, Josephine Marandino and Tina Casadia. Surviving are her mother, Maria A. Burkett (nee Casadia); her fiancée, Chris Lupinacci of Stratford; her aunt and uncles, Louann and William Jones; Louis Casadia Jr. and Michael Marandino all of Hammonton; her cousins, Michael, Louis (Kathleen), David (Michele), Christina (Jim), Jennifer (Mike), Louis (Ramnit), Victoria, Vincenzo, Aydin, Nathan, David, Mary Rose, and Ann Grace; and her goddaughter, Tina. Dorothy is also survived by her fiancée’s family, Donata and Michael Lupinacci; Martha Rosier, Andrew Lupinacci; Ashly Lupinacci and her son, Landon Cunningham.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 11, 2020 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, Church of St. Joseph’s 226 French St., Hammonton. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hammonton. Visitations were held at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton on November 10, 2020 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will be held again on November 11, 2020 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Amelia Scardino (nee Onofrio), 94, of Hammonton died on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Lakewood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Plainfield, Ill.
Born to the late Pasquale and Christine (Longo) Onofrio on December 13, 1925, Amelia was a lifelong resident of Hammonton until moving to Illinois in 2010, to live with her daughter. Amelia worked as a sewing machine operator for Modern Clothing Co. and Aggressive Coat Co., both in Hammonton, and as a slot attendant for Sands Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, from which she retired in 2000. She enjoyed traveling, going on cruises and dancing.
Amelia is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Vincent Scardino and her sister, Concetta (Onofrio) Peacock. Surviving are her son, Vincent Scardino (Donna) of Hammonton; her daughter, Brenda Pino (Calvin) of Plainfield, Ill.; one brother, Pat “Sonny” Onofrio (Sandy) of Hammonton; three grandchildren, Susan Ruggeri (Timothy), Michael Scardino (Kathleen) all of Hammonton, and Ken Pino (Tina) of Illinois; and five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Carly, T.J., Ashlynne and James.
A viewing was held on November 7 at 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street in Hammonton, where funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hammonton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Order of Carmelites, 1317 N. Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60561.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Patricia Caruso, (nee Turner), 82, of Hammonton died on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at home with her family by her side.
Born in Camden she was a lifelong Hammonton resident. Pat formerly worked as a medical staff secretary at Wm. B. Kessler Memorial Hospital. She loved antiques and was the owner of Patricia’s Antiques. Pat graduated from Hammonton High School in 1956 and from Pierce School of Business in Philadelphia in 1958. Pat enjoyed her membership and volunteering for the Hammonton Historical Society and MainStreet Hammonton. She made many friends in both these organizations and enjoyed their friendship while maintaining a special bond with her lifelong friends from school.
Pat is predeceased by her husband, Domenic J. “Sonny” Caruso, former Captain of the N.J. State Police and her parents, Spencer and Virginia Turner. Surviving are her four beloved daughters, Kacey Storey and her husband Mike; Kimberly Salvatore and her husband Daryl, all of Hammonton; Karen Lawless of Shamong, Kristy Caruso of Somers Point; her sister, Lee Walker of Greenbank; 11 grandchildren, Megan, Michelle (Anthony), Daryl, Domenic, Jared, James, Spencer, Ryan, Payton, Robby and Gabrielle; one great-granddaughter, Lucia; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, November 13, 2020 11 a.m. in St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, Church of St. Joseph’s 226 French St., Hammonton. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitations will be held Thursday, November 12, 2020 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, November 13, 2020, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Rita A. (nee Chiumento) Matteo, 93, of Flourtown, Pa. died on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
She was born to the late John and Margaret (nee Terilla) on January 26, 1927. Rita was born and spent most of her life in Elm, N.J. She was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Hammonton and was a member of many organizations throughout her life. She was especially devoted to The Blessed Mother. In 2002, she moved to Pennsylvania and resided for 17 years at Bethlehem Village Retirement Community, a place that brought much joy and friendship to her life. Rita enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved cooking and baking, ceramics, doll making and crocheting.
Rita is predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph R. “Bob” Matteo and her brother, Carmen. Rita was the devoted mother of Maryann (Robert Dillon), Joseph R. Matteo, loving grandmother to Mia, and sister of Anthony of Hammonton. She is survived by cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Relatives and friends attended a visitation on November 10, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Her Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m. at Saint Genevieve Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, Pa 19031. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bethlehem Village Retirement Center in Rita’s name at 100 West Wissahickon Avenue, Flourtown, PA 19031.
Arrangements made by Murray Funeral Home.
Nikolaos Georgoulianos, 88, of Hammonton died on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the Hammonton Center.
Born in Greece he moved to Hammonton 50 years ago. He retired from the Vineland School District where he worked in the janitorial department.
Surviving are his wife, Olympia Georgoulianos (nee Mitroudis); three sons, Dimitrios Georgoulianos, Athanasios Georgoulianos and Kostandinos Georgoulianos; one brother, George; two sisters, Maria and Vaia; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church, 430 W. Wheat Road, Vineland, N.J. where a viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Greenmount Cemetery, Hammonton.
Arrangements made by the Carnesale Funeral Home.
Geraldine Anne King, Giordano (nee Celona), 73, of Hammonton died peacefully with her family by her bedside on Thursday, October 29, 2020.
Gerrie was a graduate of Hammonton High School Class of 1964. She enjoyed talking to everyone she met, playing cards, drawing animals, painting flowers, writing beautiful poems and making cute crafts that she would give away as gifts. Geraldine was very proud of her black GTO and made sure everyone knew about it. Gerrie loved all her pets as they were children, but had a very special bond with her dog Dewy. She first worked at her father’s gas station Frank Celona Pontiac, then was an Avon saleswoman, and later retired as a line worker at WhiteHall Robinson. Geraldine’s favorite song was “Die to Live” by Volbeat and would blare the song through the house. She had a gentle and kind soul that would always take the time to listen and help anyone.
Gerrie is predeceased by her sister, Bettie A LaSasso, and her parents, Frank and Geneva Celona. Surviving are her ex-husband, Geoffrey King; daughter, Tina L. DiGirolamo; two sons, Thomas F. Giordano and Frank T. Giordano (fiancé Mary R. Abramek); grandson, Micheal A. Giordano; sister- in -law and brother-in-law, Margie and John Summers; brother-in-law, Frank J. LaSasso; and good friends, Ruth Ferrigno and Connie and Nelson Degrandmaison.
Funeral Services were held November 4, 2020 at 8 p.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton where a visitation was held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
Burnett H. Lacy, 85, of Hammonton died on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Swedesboro, N.J. he graduated from Clayton High School where he excelled in football. Burnett worked in the family owned Lacy’s Dairy in Clayton. He was a union carpenter and a 50-year member of the Clayton Fire Department. He was an avid hunter and also enjoyed golfing and camping.
Burnett is predeceased by his parents, George and Vera (Heritage) Lacy; son, Anthony Lacy; and his brother, George Earl Lacy. Surviving are his wife of over 50 years, Donna(Ambrosia); children, Shelly Paolino (Sal) of Hammonton, Doug Lacy of Malaga, Burnett Lacy Jr. of Pine Hill and Frank Lacy (Louis Pulice) of Somers Point. He is the loving grandfather of Brooke Paolino, Doug Lacy, Nicole Lacy, Heather Adams, Colleen Lacy and Stephanie Paolino.
Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, November 13, 2020 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Marinella Funeral Home 102 N. Third St. Hammonton, NJ 08037. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Burnett’s memory to Holy Redeemer Hospice.
Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.
