Obituaries
Giorgio Scotto Di Vetta, 53, of Hammonton died on September 9, 2020 after a courageous battle with a brief illness.
Born in Monte di Procida, Naples Italy, Giorgio came to the United States in 1981 at the age of 14. He worked at Brother’s Pizza for many years eventually buying the business with his brother Geremia in 1997. He was a force in the kitchen and the king behind the pizza counter. He treated all his customers like family. His delicious food, infectious smile and big expressive eyes will be remembered by all who knew him.
Giorgio is predeceased by his father, Mario Scotto Di Vetta. Surviving are his mother, Filomena Scotto Di Vetta (nee Petrone); his loving wife of 30 years, Lori (nee Colasurdo); his son, Mario (Katie-Lynn); his beautiful granddaughter, Olivia; his sister, Anna Maria (Mike); his brother Geremia (Giuseppina); his sister-in-law, Joann Casey (Domenic); his beloved Brother’s Pizza family; his nieces, nephews, great-nephews in N.J. and many cousins and relatives in Italy.
A viewing was held on September 14, 2020 at the Marinella Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial followed at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish St. Joseph Church Third and French Streets Hammonton, N.J. A burial was held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hammonton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of South Jersey 550 Mickle Blvd, Camden NJ 08103.
Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.
Alexander Edward Rodi Sr., 92, of Hammonton died on August 20, 2020.
He was born on June 8, 1928 in Philadelphia to Anthony Rodi and Grace Privitera. He grew up on a farm in Hammonton with his brother Dominic Rodi of Ventnor, N.J. After graduating from Hammonton High School in 1946, he attended LaSalle College, graduating in 1950. He joined the Air Force in 1950 and was commissioned in 1952. On December 29, 1951 he married his high school sweetheart, Pauline Merlino (2/1/1929 – 8/16/1974).
After spending time in the Air Force, he was discharged in 1953. He attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1954-1958 to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. He graduated in 1958 and completed his family practice residency at Art Centre Hospital in Detroit from 1958-1959. He practiced in Orlando, Fla. for several years before moving to Hammonton to start his own family practice.
He was committed to making an impact in the lives of others through medicine, not only caring for his patients but contributing to the betterment of health care in the civilian and military communities. Quality assurance in the medical profession was very important to him.
He acted as the President of Alliance of Physicians—a philanthropic organization. He was the president of the Healthcare Quality Strategies, formally the “PRO” for several years, president of PCOM’s alumni association from 1991-1993, Chief of Staff at Kessler Memorial Hospital in Hammonton from 1975-77, and again from 1984-85. He is a lifetime member of New Jersey Osteopathic Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, and American College of Family Physicians.
He also remained in the US Air Force Reserve as a Senior Flight Surgeon from 1967-1982. His last post was as the Chief Medical Officer of the Eastern Division of the USAF-Reserve.
In 1974, he suddenly and unexpectedly lost his wife, Pauline. Pauline’s brother, Maj. Carl S. Merlino, also predeceased him in 1972 after being killed in the Vietnam War. In 1977, Alex married Alice Crum Minck and they spent 35 years together. He continued to practice medicine, hold professional offices, and travel extensively while dancing every chance he got. Alice predeceased him in 2012.
In 2016, he left Hammonton to retire full time in Fort Myers, Fla. He continued to work part-time and travel. In 2019, after some serious health setbacks, he moved to Norfolk, Va. to be close to his family during his final years.
Alex was someone who could do anything he put his mind to. He loved learning and was reading medical journals and political commentaries until his eyes no longer allowed him. Challenging his mind was a lifelong activity and he believed education was extremely important for all. His mind stayed sharp until the very end. Being a physician, dancing and traveling were passions of his and he was fortunate enough to do all of these things until the last year of his life.
He is predeceased by his wife, Pauline Merlino (1974) and his brother-in-law, Carl S. Merlino. In 1977, Alex married Alice Crum Minck and they spent 35 years together. Alice predeceased him in 2012. Surviving are his brother, Dominic (Kathleen) and his children, Alexander Rodi, Jr. (Kristin), Lucinda Rodi Edwards (Michael), Steven Rodi (Martina), Stephanie Rodi Frantz (Frazier), Nancy Rodi Rodriguez (Edwin), Susan Brenner (Ron), Betsy Taylor and Micheal Minck (Pam). He is also survived by his nineteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Alexander Rodi, Sr. will be cremated and buried with Pauline, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hammonton. A memorial tribute will be held at a later time in 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.
Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.
Arlene M. “Bunny” Capelli (nee Mottola), 83, of Hammonton died peacefully at home with her family by her side on September 8, 2020.
Born in Hammonton she was a lifelong resident. She was the owner of Arlene’s Dress Shop in Hammonton for many years and then she went to work as a cosmetic merchandiser for Proctor & Gamble. She was formerly a member of the Hammonton Women’s Civic Club and the Chamber of Commerce; she currently is a member of the Hammonton Lions Club. Bunny enjoyed stained glass work, and traveling, especially her two trips across the country on a bus.
She is predeceased by her husband, Anthony “Buddy” Capelli; her parents, Louis and Catherine Mottola; her brother, Louis Mottola; and her brother-in-law, Peter “Sonny” Capelli. Surviving are her two sons, Michael L. Capelli (Angela) and David J. Capelli; two grandchildren, Anthony Capelli (Jacinta Wright), and Rosalina Capelli; two sisters-in-law, Madeline Capelli and Sandra Mottola; her longtime companion, Bob Hitman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service was held on September 11, 2020 at Victory Bible Church, Hammonton. An entombment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hammonton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Bible Church, 816 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home, Hammonton.
Marie A. Anastasia (nee Micklasavage), 87, formerly of Folsom, N.J. died on Tuesday September 8, 2020.
Marie was born and raised in New Philadelphia, Pa. and graduated from Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing with her RN degree. She went on to work as a Supervisor of the dispensary at Alcoa Aluminum in Cressona, Pa. She was a member of the Folsom School PTA, Folsom School Library and Reading Volunteers, Folsom School Science Fair Judge. She was also a past member of the Folsom Environmental Commission, Veterans Memorial Commission and Folsom Republican Club. She was also a member of the Pottsville School of Nursing Alumni Association and was a proud to have served as an RN for many years both hospitals and in industrial medical setting. Marie enjoyed music and had an extensive eclectic music collection. She also enjoyed cooking and gardening, especially tending to her rose garden. She followed current events and enjoyed serving as a long time Election Day poll worker. She was also an avid reader and writer, especially poetry. She was a lifetime scholar and loved learning and books of all kinds.
She is predeceased by her husband, Jack Anastasia; her parents, Michael and Anna Micklasavage; brothers, Michael, Joseph and Vincent Micklasavage; and sister, Anna Williams.
Surviving is her daughter, Maria K. Anastasia of Boise, Idaho; her sister, Helen Blasko of Tamaqua, Pa. and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A viewing and funeral service was held on September 12, 2020 at the Marinella Funeral Home, Hammonton. A burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at a later date, to be determined by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing (formerly Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing) 420 S. Jackson St. Pottsville, PA 17901, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.
Marie V. Friedley (nee Galardi), 98, died peacefully on Sept. 8, 2020 in Bowling Green, Ky.
Born and raised on Ninth Street by Second Road in Hammonton, Marie worked in the Philadelphia Ship Yard wiring ships during World War II. She moved to Michigan in 1952. She was a stay at home loving mother. Later Marie was a sewing machine operator at G.M. Fisher Body Division. Marie loved gardening, oil painting, working out at the gym and at home with Jack LaLanne, long walks and playing card games. She enjoyed doing activities with her grandchildren. Marie reupholstered furniture, made drapes, some of her own clothes and mended everyone’s clothes. She was always helping around the house.
Marie is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Edward G. Friedley and her great grandson, Payton A.A. Byers. Surviving are her sons, Ronald Friedley and Robin C. Friedley; her grandchildren, Nicole Kaminski, Amber Graham, Lucy Friedley and Robin Friedley. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Ashton, Braxton, Matthew and Weston Graham, Miah Beckman, Robin W. Friedley and Wyatt J. Hill and many loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 at Greenmount Cemetery, Hammonton.
Arrangements made by the Carnesale Funeral Home, Hammonton.
Robert H. Mazza Sr., 73, of Hammonton, died on Tuesday September 8, 2020 at the Kresson View Center in Voorhees, N.J.
Born in Hammonton where he resided all of his life, he worked as a millworker for Viking Yachts in New Greta prior to retirement.
Surviving are his wife, Ann Marie nee Gregorio; sons, Frank A. and Robert H. Jr (Sherry); daughters, Marie (Paul) DiMeglio and Margie (Al) Nicholas; brothers, Leon, Butch, Jack and Billy; his sister, Marie; and eight grandchildren.
Funeral and Cremation will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements made by Landolfi Funeral Home.
Asuncion Rivera, (nee Neris), 79, of Mullica Township, N.J. died peacefully on September 11, 2020.
She was born May 23, 1941 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She moved to New Jersey in 1974. Upon moving to New Jersey she worked in the food service industry at Resorts Hotel and Casino, as well as the Hilton Hotel and Casino. Asuncion was a hardworking and dedicated mother to her four sons. Asuncion was a fighter to the very end and will be remembered for her courage and strength. Her faith and never-ending love for her friends and family was inspirational. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is predeceased by her husband, Candido Rojas Rivera. Surviving are her four sons, Gerald Rivera of Oxon Hill, Md., Julio Rivera of Atlantic County, N.J., Javier Rivera (Veronica) of Galloway, N.J., and Guillermo Rivera (Maria) of Jessup, Md. She was also the beloved grandmother to Monique Korte, Anthony Joseph Rivera, Marcus Gerald Rivera, Erica Alexis Rivera, Dominic Guillermo Rivera and Arielle Elise Rivera, and great grandmother to Anthony Joseph Rivera, Jr.
Funeral Services will be held at noon on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton, N.J. where a viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hammonton.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home.
