Obituaries

Stanley M. "Stan" Zacharkow

Age: 49 of Cherry Hill, NJ
Passed away on December 16, 2023. Stanley was the devoted husband of Erin (nee Martin); cherished father of Jonathan, Brandon, Gabrielle and Jack; loving son of Stanley and Ali Zacharkow; adoring brother of Matthew Zacharkow and Amanda (Matthew) Perez; son-in-law of Tina (Art) Martin and brother-in-law of Meighan (Michael) Kacelowicz and Kevin Martin; and fond family member to many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Stan grew up in Roebling, NJ and graduated from Florence Township High School.  He dedicated over 20 years working for Verizon.  Stan spent most of his time with family and friends, but most often you’d find Stan on the baseball field. ‘Coach Stan’ was a dedicated and beloved baseball coach for his sons and their teammates.  Spending time on the baseball field, teaching the essence of the game is what Stan missed most after his diagnosis.  Stan will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, fellow coaches and players.

Stanley’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 20th from 5-8pm at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ. All are invited to attend Stanley’s Funeral Mass on Thursday, December 21st at 11am at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave. Haddonfield, NJ; Interment, private. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Stanley’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.

Dr. Glen A. Jacobson

Age 97 of Haddonfield, NJ

On December 14, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Barbara (nee Bowyer) Jacobson and faithful husband of Linda Sue (nee Creamer); adoring father of Lawrence Jacobson and Julie Eckert; cherished grandfather of Aidan Jacobson, Jessica (Vincent Brunick) Eckert and stepfather of Dakota Wright; great grandfather of Bailey Rose and Charlotte; dear brother of Dorothy Coy McDougall and the late Lawrence William Jacobson. Glen also inspired his loving daughter-in-law, Suzanne VanDrunick, to complete her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland.

Born in Greensburg, Kansas, Glen remained a loyal Kansan his entire life. Glen joined the U.S. Navy during World War II served until the war ended in 1945, when he enrolled at Kansas State University. He graduated from KSU and then received his doctorate from the University of Illinois. Glen devoted his professional life to food science research as a dedicated employee of the Campbell Soup Company for over 30 years. As his friends and family will attest, Glen cherished his role helping to improve the lives of others through better nutrition. The annual family vacation to visit his parents in Marysville, Kansas every summer was one of the highlights of his life. His love of music began at an early age as he listened to his father James play the violin, and when Glen received his first trombone it became a passion for him, first as a KSU marching band member and later in life with the Barrington Band and as leader of the Brass and the Beat musicians. Glen was an active and faithful member of his church family for over 50 years, as well as serving as a board member at Volunteers of America and the American Oil Chemists Society.

Glen’s family will welcome family and friends to the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield on Wednesday, December 20, at 1:00 p.m. to be followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. The church is located at 124 Kings Highway East in Haddonfield. Interment at the Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the First Baptist Church.

August "Tony" Anton Glazer

Age: 95 of Haddonfield, formerly of Sheboygan, WI

On December 5 2023, Tony passed away peacefully in his home. Cherished father of Michael (Tanja, Paula), Kathryn “Casey,” Stephen and Joseph (Christine) Glazer; predeceased by children Angela and Anton Glazer; adoring grandfather of Rachel, Christopher, Angela and Kathryn “Katie”; brother-in-law of Sr. Kathryn McTague; stepfather of Karen Fleck and Dawn Kondreck; cherished husband of the late Shirley (nee Heinemann) and the late Angela (nee McTague).

Tony was born in Sheboygan, attended SS. Cyril and Methodius Grammar School and graduated from Central High in 1947. He graduated from Marquette University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Philosophy Degree.

Tony was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marines in August 1951, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in June 1972. He served as an infantry officer in both the Korean War, in which he was wounded, and the Vietnam War. Upon retirement from the Marines, he resided in Cape May, NJ, where he served as senior county probation officer.

Tony and Angela McTague married in May 1954, with Angela passing in June 1988. In 2002, Tony married Shirley Fleck after reconnecting at a high school reunion. Shirley passed in February 2022.

Tony loved tennis, history, reading, sports, going out for breakfast and spending time with his family.

Tony’s family will receive family and friends on Saturday, December 9th from 11:00-11:45 a.m. at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ; where his funeral service will immediately follow at noon. Interment will be held privately by the family at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Cape May, NJ. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Tony’s name may be made to Samaritan https://www.samaritannj.org/giving/ or Deborah Heart and Lung Center (note: HeroCare Connect™ in the comments) https://www.deborahfoundation.org/donate/

Eileen Grosmick

Age 70 of Audubon, NJ; formerly of Haddonfield

(nee Williams) On Dec. 3, 2023; Loving mother of Gary (Shannon) Grosmick of Shamong and Tom (Jennifer) Grosmick of Cherry Hill: Beloved sister of Kathleen Williams of Audubon and Cherished grandmother of Madison Becker of Shamong.

Eileen was employed as a legal secretary for 40 years at Dembo, Brown & Burns LLP in Mt. Laurel, NJ.  Additionally, she was head of the key volunteers for the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines Golf Co.

Eileen’s family will receive friends on both Thursday Evening, Dec. 14th, 6-8 PM and on Friday, Dec. 15th, 10-10:45 AM at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where the Family invites all to participate in Eileen’s Reminiscence Service at 11AM on Friday.  Interment, Woodbury Memorial Park, West Deptford, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Eileen may be made to www.foundation.cooperhealth.org/ (at the Direct My Gift to: dropdown select MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper) or sent by mail to: The Cooper Foundation, 101 Haddon Ave, Suite 302, Camden, NJ 08103 (specify MD Anderson Cancer & Eileen’s name on the memo line).

Walter Theodore Eldredge

Age 86 of Voorhees, NJ

Walter “Ted” Eldredge passed away peacefully on 12/2/2023. Ted was born in Barnstable, MA to parents Walter and Elizabeth Eldredge. Ted received his Bachelor of Education from Lincoln University in Missouri and Masters from the University of Missouri. He proudly served in the US Army. Ted looked forward to being the ‘voice of his base’ had he been stationed overseas since he was a radio broadcaster from his teenage years. Ted remained in the US until his discharge but never lost his love for music and broadcasting. During Ted’s career he was a Station Manager for radio stations WRTI in Philadelphia and WLRN in Miami. Along with his professional accomplishments, Ted was passionate about his commitment to his community, both locally and globally. Ted rose to become the President of The Rotary Club of Miami and the District Governor of Rotary International. Ted was also an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Haddonfield where he was often seen participating in Sunday services. After retirement, Ted continued his community service passions, spending time with family and traveling with his adoring wife, Lucia. 


Ted is survived by his loving family, his wife Lucia; his stepchildren: Cathy (Len), Jim (Jane), Tom (Mary) and Chris (Angela). Ted was also so proud of his grandchildren: Hannah, Ian, Marley, Alex, Madison & Briana.

 

Ted’s Memorial Service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Haddonfield on Thursday, December 7th at 11am, with visitation starting 1 hour earlier. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rotary Club of Miami at https://www.miamirotary.org/ or (305) 443-5787. 

Krista M. Balderman

Age: 40 of Brooklawn, NJ

Passed away on November 28, 2023. Krista was the devoted wife of Brittany Balderman (nee Higginbotham); cherished mother of Emersyn Balderman; loving daughter of Margaret (nee Hadfield) and the late Earl Balderman; dear sister of Kimberly (Jim) Reed and the late Kevin Balderman. Krista will be sorely missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Krista’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 5th from 9:30am – 11:45am at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ; where her memorial services will follow at noon. We ask that you wear your favorite Philadelphia sports team attire, since Krista was a big sports fan.  In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in memory of Krista may be made for the education of her daughter, Emersyn. Please make all checks payable to Brittany Balderman. Please mail checks c/o Kain-Murphy Funeral Services Attention: Balderman Family to 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ 08033.

Irene E. Bado

Age 94 ~ formerly of Haddonfield, NJ

(nee Cardoza) On Nov. 24, 2023, wife of the late Carlos A. and aunt of 6: Mary Jane Silvia, Anne Marie Silvia, Joseph Silvia, Arthur Silvia, Steve Cardoza and Gregory Cardoza.

Irene was a woman of deep faith and lived a very full life. She lived and worked in about 10 countries and was fluent in six languages. Her art collection reflected her eclectic taste. She was a great chef and baker and loved to entertain, especially around the Christmas holidays. She was happy to share her very large collection of Nativity sets from all around the world.

All are invited to Mrs. Bado’s Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, Nov. 29th, 9:30 AM, at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033.  Interment, private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Mrs. Bado may be made to her parish at the above address.

Mary Melson

Age: 99 of Richardson, TX

Mary Burns Melson – Richardson, TX

Navy veteran, nurse and family matriarch Mary Burns Melson, 99, died on November 4, 2023 in Dallas.

Mary was born at Highland Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, to parents Perry and Ura Belle Burns.

She grew up in a loving home on leafy Ockley Drive with sister Marjorie and brother Morris in the Broadmoor neighborhood of Shreveport, and attended A.C. Steere School and Byrd High School.

After she finished high school, her family moved to Danville, Virginia, where she began classes at Averett College. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Mary wanted to enlist but was not old enough, so she volunteered with the Red Cross and Travelers’ Aid.

Mary enlisted in the United States Navy on her 20th birthday in 1944, attended boot camp in New York and became a Specialist (T) Second Class with the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).  She was assigned to Beaufort Naval Air Station in South Carolina and trained as an instructor on the Link Celestial Navigation Trainer, one of the first flight simulators available to Navy pilots, and a primary tool for equipping thousands of pilots with crucial skills they needed during the war.

In this role, she trained many new pilots, but one in particular drew her attention:  Robert D. “Don” Melson.  Since instructors and officers were not supposed to fraternize, she and Don soon began a courtship in secret, aided by a chaplain at the base who allowed them to talk in his office and at church where Don, an organist, was able to practice.

Mary and Don married in uniform at a relative’s home in Statesville, NC, on December 7, 1945, and she received her honorable discharge several weeks later on December 28.   The couple moved to Don’s hometown of Haddonfield, New Jersey, and ultimately settled in neighboring Delaware Township (now Cherry Hill).  Their first son, Robert D. (“Bob”) Jr., was followed by four more children, Mark, Bruce, Carolyn and Mimi.

Mary was an active homemaker and volunteer in the community for many years until she went back to school in her late 40s and received her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  She found fulfilling work as a nurse at several medical offices in Camden County for a number of years.

In the 1970s, Mary developed an interest in cross-stitch embroidery, and soon became very involved in the craft, creating many beautiful pieces that adorned her walls (and now the homes of her children and grandchildren), each one marked in the corner with her initials and the year it was stitched.

In 1985, Mary and Don retired, and later moved to Shreveport so Mary could be closer to her siblings and help care for her mother.  Once back in her hometown, Mary was active at First Presbyterian Church, and volunteered regularly with Meals On Wheels, Highland Hospital and as a tutor at her local elementary school.

Beginning in her 90s, as one of a small group of still-living World War II veterans, Mary was honored for her military service during Navy Week at Barksdale Air Force Base, in several Veterans Day ceremonies and in local news reports.

In May 2017, at age 93, Mary was chosen to take part in Heroes Flight, a program sponsored by grocery chain Brookshire’s that honored veterans for their service with a trip to Washington, D.C.  The group visited war memorials, the Capitol, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

She was proud that her tradition of Navy service continued in the family through her granddaughter CTT2 Geneva Spreen, currently on active duty.  In retirement she also enjoyed sewing, family genealogy, her collection of dolls, patriotic music and events, hearing about family accomplishments and anything with the color yellow.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Don, her brother Morris and her great-grandson Andrew.  She is survived by her sister Marjorie of Richardson, TX, her children Bob (Sharon) of Wernersville, PA, Mark (Judy) of Richardson, TX, Bruce (Kathy) of Cherry Hill, NJ, Carolyn (Ken) of Clearwater, FL, and Mimi (Brian) of Weatherford, TX, along with grandchildren Laurie (Eric) and Lindsay (Chris) of Sinking Spring, PA, Alan (Emily) of Richardson, TX, Liz (Brian) of Loveland, CO, Josh (Kate) of Toms River, NJ, Adam (Lizz) of Moorestown, NJ, Daniel of Orlando, FL, Kimberly of Tampa, FL, and Geneva of Weatherford, TX, along with 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held out of state.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children-Shreveport at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/shreveport.

William J. Tucker

Age: 85 of Haddonfield

William J. “Bill” Tucker, May 18, 1938-October 30, 2023 – Freight Pioneer 

Bill Tucker was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, employer and friend. He is survived by his two sons Jeff (Heather) and Jim (Joan) Tucker both of Haddonfield, and his six grandchildren, Anna, Jacob, Suzanne, James, Kathryn and Megan. Born May 18, 1938, in Norwood, PA to Jacob and Ruth (nee Rudlin) Tucker. He was predeceased by his wife Barbara (nee Foresta), his brother Tom and sister Ann Lang. Bill graduated from Collingswood High School (NJ) in 1956 and was a drum player in a jazz band in Philadelphia, while earning his B.A. from Temple University. After seeing John F. Kennedy on Temple’s campus in 1960, he was moved to join the first class of the United States Peace Corps, serving in the Philippines. He met his wife Barbara while working in Phoenixville, PA and fell madly in love. Their love affair lasted throughout their lives together in Audubon, Delran and Moorestown, NJ.

In 1971, after his father’s death, Bill left a promising career as a computer programmer to acquire his father’s business, Tucker Company Worldwide, now based in Haddonfield, NJ, and is America’s oldest privately held freight broker. He quickly earned his master’s degree in business administration. Throughout his career, Bill cemented a legacy as a leader, a fighter and a trailblazer in the transportation industry.

Bill played a pivotal role in the trucking deregulation movement both nationally and locally, advocating for, and educating those in the industry. In 1978 he co-founded a trade association to guide a fledgling industry through new and turbulent times. Perhaps a few dozen brokers existed then. Today, that trade association has become the preeminent organization representing brokers and forwarders, representing members with annual revenues twice as large as the U.S. beer industry.  Bill later co-created its educational certification program, that has certified thousands of freight professionals across North America. He received numerous lifetime achievement awards and recognitions, locally and nationally.

Few people could outwork, out hustle or out write Bill. He was an enlightened business owner; he built a safe and positive culture at Tucker Company. In his 32 years running Tucker, he consistently demonstrated servant leadership. He cared about his people and subscribed to the same philosophy of Philadelphia’s Hal Rosenbluth’s book, “The Customer Comes Second,” whereby you hire the great people, treat them well, and in turn they will take great care of your customers. Whether you were an employee, a customer or a supplier, Bill sought to build trusting and lasting relationships. Upon his retirement in 2003, sons Jeff and Jim bought and expanded the business he spent three decades constructing.

Bill loved his wife and family, and his six grandchildren held a special place in his heart. A long-time member of Riverton Country Club, he was an avid golfer, sailor, voracious reader and a prolific speaker and industry writer. During and after the Peace Corps, he traveled the world from 1961-63 and his love of travel was lifelong. Bill will be remembered as a kind, friendly and always positive gentleman, who asked you “how are you doing?” and was genuinely interested in how you were.

Mr. Tucker’s family will receive friends on Saturday, Nov. 4th, 10-10:45 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, Moorestown, NJ; where his Funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM.  Interment, private.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association of Delaware Valley (alz.org/delval).

Christopher M. Miller

Age 54 of Lansdowne, PA; formerly of Haddonfield, NJ

Passed away on Oct. 18, 2023; Loving father of Anika Weedon-Miller; Beloved son of Dr. Robert and Frances Miller; Cherished brother of Susan Miller (George Kachirisky) and Sharon Domenico (Darin); Treasured uncle of Ismael, Praise & Khaled Bisong and Elena, Charlotte, Katharine & Andrew Domenico; Great uncle to Zayden Bisong; and dear companion of Melissa Wilcox.

Chris grew up in Haddonfield, NJ where he graduated from HMHS and was known as “Milt.” He attended the University of Delaware, where he played on the golf team, then attended graduate school at Michigan State University where he received a MS in Turf Management. He worked for a few years in turf management, then transitioned to computers and programming.  He worked for several pharmaceutical companies in IT management, and was at his current company, Takeda, for several years.

Chris’ absolute greatest joy in life was his daughter, Anika. He enjoyed driving her to school every day, making her delicious lunches, cooking fantastic dinners, organizing movie nights, cheering her on at her swim meets, making her his special chicken soup, and creating the greatest of father/daughter bonds. He was a dedicated co-parent with his daughter’s mom, Hanne Weedon.

In the past year and a half, he also loved cooking for, running with, and traveling alongside his beloved companion, Melissa.  The love and affection they had for each other was obvious to everyone in their lives.

To appreciate the kind of man Chris was, you needed to look no further than a loaf of his famous sourdough bread, lovingly shaped and stenciled and baked to perfection—the kind of work that takes hours of focus and care and results in the best bread you’ve ever tasted. No family gathering was complete without it, and the arrival of Anika and Uncle Chris with his bread was always a family highlight. In addition to baking, he loved to cook. Some of his specialties included sushi and Indian and Thai curries; others included Uncle Chris’ famous chicken katsu and fish tacos which he made every year during his extended family’s week in Ocean City. He was passionate about recreating favorite dishes for his daughter, parents, family, and friends, surprising them with restaurant-quality meals.

He brought this quality of attention, love, and focus to every aspect of his life. His quiet and gentle nature exuded kindness, and his sharp and dry sense of humor lifted everyone’s spirits. At gatherings and holidays, he engaged in meaningful conversations with adults and then would play with the kids for hours – flipping them around, playing games and sports, knee hockey, and participating in Nerf gun fights. Chris was always a hit with the kids of any family or friend gathering.

His drive, focus, and passion led him to achieve everything he put his mind to. A gifted athlete, Chris excelled at every sport he played: swimming butterfly on the Erlton swim team; playing center field on the Bristows Little League baseball team; playing soccer and golf for Haddonfield High School, and golf for the University of Delaware; bicycling at a Tour de France-level; skiing black diamonds. There was no sport he tried that was beyond his talent and ability. His dedication to his fitness and exercise continued throughout his life and he was in peak physical shape, often biking miles each morning before the average person even woke up. He competed in triathlons and masters swim meets, often winning his age group. One of his greatest joys was helping his daughter train for a triathlon this past summer.

He was also a very talented musician. He taught himself how to play guitar and became an accomplished classical player, often performing for his family and friends. He loved to play music by Adrian Legg and Leo Kottke, and composed pieces of his own as well—playing with amazing skill, grace, beauty, and an always-generous heart.

An avid sports fan, he loved the Phillies and the Denver Broncos. Orange became his signature color, he wore the number seven to honor John Elway and traveled to Colorado every year to see dear friends and his beloved Broncos. He had recently bought an orange car that he described as the car he was always meant to have.

He loved the band Rush and went to many Rush concerts throughout his life. Most of his family and friends cannot hear a Rush song without thinking of him.

He loved trying different beers in the special beer glasses that he collected and sharing new beer discoveries with friends. Gifted to him by his mother, he was a founding member of Kings Road Brewery in Haddonfield.

He cherished dogs and early in his adulthood had two Jack Russell terriers named Duncan (after his college golf coach) and Leggo (after guitar player Adrian Legg), and he adored his daughter’s dog, Luna.

He had many lifetime friends and became an honorary member of their families. More than one of his friends described him as “the brother they never had.”  He and his friend Pat Cotter met when they were five years old and continued their friendship throughout the decades, watching every Master’s golf tournament together, and skiing and golfing in Vermont and out West for many years.  No matter the event, he was a fixture in the Cotter family.

Chris was a true inspiration; a man so full of life and love who gave generously to the world. Those who knew him will miss him and the light he brought into our lives.

Chris’ family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 2nd, 9:30-10:45 AM in the Sanctuary of the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Rd., Haddonfield, NJ, where his Memorial Service will follow at 11 am.  Interment, private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to GoFundMe account to go towards Anika’s educational fund. https://gofund.me/82dd29c2