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.
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
Mary A. Tucker
Age 88 ~ Longtime Haddonfield resident
(nee Toolan) On Oct., 18, 2023; Beloved mother of Jean (Terence) Edwards of Haddonfield, NJ and the late Gerard Tucker; Cherished grandmother of Matthew (Kristyn) Edwards, James Edwards and Caitlin (Alex) Takacs; Loving great grandmother of Sage, Olive & Violet and Dear sister of the late Kathleen Toolan.
Mary’s family will receive friends of Wednesday, Oct. 25, 10-10:45 AM, at Christ the King RC Church; where her Funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM. Interment, private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Mary may be made to Interfaith Caregivers, P.O. Box 186, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, https://www.ifchaddons.org/donate
Pasquale F. Alberto, Sr.
Age: 88 of Somerdale, NJ
Passed away on October 15, 2023. Pasquale was the Father of Diane O’Neill (Pete), Jane Ring (Greg), Linda Thomas (John), Patricia Kriebel (Bill), Pasquale Alberto Jr. (Lisa) and the late Ellen Alberto; grandfather of Shawn O’Neill (Sylvia), Heather Raffensperger (Jason), Eric Ring (Danielle), Mark Ring (Kiley), Janelle Zander (Harry), John Paul Thomas, Tiffany Thomas and the late David Thomas (Samantha), Katelyn Kriebel, Tyler Kriebel (Laura), Wesley Kriebel (Cody), Carlo Alberto and Vienna Alberto; Great grandfather of Randy, Christopher, Richard, Riley, Jimmy, Thomas, Andrew, Kamryn, Colton, Kendall, Adalynn, Mason, Raya and Emerson. Pasquale was brother to Josephine Porretta (the late Joseph), Richard (Marie), the late Thomas (Theresa), Doris Spera (David) and Anthony (Patricia).
Pasquale was a butcher for most of his life, learning as a young man from his father at their shop in Philadelphia and eventually starting his own company where many family members and friends were employed throughout the years. Pasquale enjoyed cooking and hosting large family gatherings. He enjoyed watching football and for several years was a season ticket holder for the Philadelphia Eagles. Pasquale loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He affectionately referred to each of his daughters as “Sugar”.
Pasquale’s family will greet friends on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 10-10:45am at Kain-Murphy Funeral Service, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ; where Pasquale’s Funeral Service will immediately follow at 11am. Interment will take place privately at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Berlin, NJ on a later date.
Frank J. Stiefel III
Age 69, longtime Haddonfield and West Windsor resident
On October 7, 2023, age 69, longtime Haddonfield and West Windsor resident; Beloved husband of the late Tracy Stiefel; Loving father of Frank J. IV (Holly) of Portland, OR and William of Laramie, WY; Cherished son of Frank J. II and Genevieve; Dear brother of Christine, Virginia, Jeanne, and Joanne. Frank spent every day in service to his family, friends, and community. He cared deeply for those he knew well, while consistently opening his doors to those he met along the way.
Frank’s storied career in the pharmaceutical industry connected him to lifelong friends, colleagues, and his wife Tracy. He was known and respected across the industry and around the world for his sharp mind, big heart, and generous mentorship. Outside of work, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels and supported the Hands Together charity. Wherever he saw an opportunity to help, Frank stepped up to the plate, working hard without question. Before launching his professional career, he graduated from Davidson College, where he remained a proud and active alumnus throughout his life.
Frank had an intrinsic love of sports, especially the game of golf, and he shared this love with his family and friends. He rooted on his Yankees and Giants while nurturing and supporting the athletic pursuits of his children. His work and spirit of exploration led him around the world, cultivating a global perspective and enthusiasm for new places. Never shy to crack a joke, or share a smile, Frank could brighten any room. He was well-loved for his wit and intelligence. The music never stopped for Frank and he continued to see his favorite artists perform live throughout his life. His heart was most full when together with family and friends, his beloved dogs, sharing a day on the beach, or sitting down to a delicious meal. He would have sacrificed anything for those he loved. His loyalty and commitment knew no bounds. Frank’s soul held faith in God and he remained wholly grateful for the beauty he found on earth.
Frank’s family will receive friends on Thursday, October 26th, 9:30-10:45 AM at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Wood Lane & Wayne Ave., Haddonfield, NJ; where his Service will follow at 11 AM. Interment, private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Frank may be made to The Humane Society of the United States.
Nicholas A. Baker
Age 70, a pillar of the Haddonfield community and longtime resident
Passed away on October 14, 2023. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Nick grew up in Mt. Vernon, New York and later attended Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he met his wife Maureen. Eventually, they moved to South Jersey where they raised their family and he shaped lives as a teacher and coach at Haddonfield Memorial High School, working for the district for almost 50 years.
Nick was the beloved husband of Maureen (nee Stephens); loving father of Courtney (Ryan) Baker-Williams and Colin (Jennifer) Baker; doting grandfather of Finn, Teagan, and Caden Williams; dear brother of Quinton (Margaret), Paul (Debbie), and Stuart (Jean) Baker; brother-in-law of Steven (Barbara) Stephens, and the late Robert (Theresa) Stephens. Nick will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.
More than his remarkable legacy as a cross country and track coach, Nick was a devoted husband, an incredible father and Papa, and a steadfast friend. His commitment reached beyond his family to an extended family that he built of thousands of young individuals whom he taught, coached, and mentored over the years. Nick’s advocacy for the sport he adored was tireless, but it was his profound impact on those around him that truly defined his life.
The family warmly invites friends and loved ones to continue contributing to the heartfelt notes and memories on his CaringBridge site’s ‘well wishes’ that Nick and his family treasured during his final days. Please share your reflections at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nickbaker. Your stories and messages of love will continue to be a comforting reminder to family and friends of the profound impact Nick had on so many lives.
Nick’s family will receive friends on Thursday, October 19th from 5-8pm and again on Friday, October 20th from 9:30-10:30am both at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave. Haddonfield, NJ; where his Funeral Mass will follow promptly at 11am. Interment, private. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nick’s name may be made to the Haddonfield Educational Trust, PO Box 178, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (www.haddonfieldeducationaltrust.org/ ; hadedutrust@gmail.com ), to continue Nick’s legacy of nurturing growth and commitment to the community he cherished.
Phillip J. Marone, M.D.
Age: 93 of Haddonfield
On Oct. 11, 2023, age 93, of Haddonfield, NJ; Beloved husband of Carmela (nee Manfredo); Loving father of Phillip Marone (Tara), Denise Marone and Peter Marone (Gina); Devoted grandfather of Peter, Christopher, Lucia & Phillip and Dear brother of Vincent Marone, Peter Marone, the late Theresa Manco and the late Theodora Valaitis.
In 1953, Dr. Marone graduated from Philadelphia School of Pharmacy and Science. Dr. Marone graduated from Thomas Jefferson Medical School in 1957; where he also completed his residency as an Orthopedic Surgeon and had an accomplished career spanning decades. As a dedicated surgeon he was always learning new techniques. He mentored generations of Jefferson medical students, residents and physicians. Additionally, Dr. Marone was the Philles Team Physician from 1972 – 1999. In 2000, he became the Associate Dean of Alumni Relations. In 2007, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Public Health from Jefferson.
Dr. Marone’s family will receive friends and Family on Tuesday, Oct. 17th, 9-10:45 AM, at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ; where his Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM. Interment, Calvary Cem., Cherry Hill, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of the Phillip J. Marone, MD Scholarship or the Phillip J. Marone, MD, MSPH and Carmela Marone Endowed Scholarship at Thomas Jefferson University. Donations may be made online at www.giving.jefferson.edu or sent to Jefferson Office of Institutional Advancement, 125 S. 9th St., Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Please note “Marone Memorial” in the memo line.20
