Frank J. Stiefel III 

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 26^th, 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

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 19^th from 5-8pm and again on Friday, October 20^th 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.

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. 17^th, 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

For an interesting look at the timeline of Dr. Marone’s work at Jefferson, please follow this link: www.issuu.com/jeffersonfoundation/docs/14-0426_bulletin_fall_v4/16

Carmella F. MacNamee

(nee LoCasale) Passed away on October 12, 2023. Carmella was the devoted wife of the late James MacNamee; Cherished mother of Diane (Pete) O’Neill, Jane (Greg) Ring, Linda (John) Thomas, Patricia (Bill) Kriebel and the late Ellen Alberto; adoring grandmother of Shawn (Sylvia) O’Neill, Heather (Jason) Raffensperger, Eric (Danielle) Ring, Mark (Kiley) Ring, Janelle (Harry) Zander, John Paul Thomas, Tiffany Thomas and the late David (Samantha) Thomas, Katelyn Kriebel, Tyler (Laura) Kriebel & Wesley (Cody) Kriebel; Great grandmother of Randy, Christopher, Richard, Riley, Jimmy, Thomas, Andrew, Kamryn, Colton, Kendall, Adalynn, Mason, Raya and Emerson.

Carmella was a banker for over 20 years before retiring as the vice president of Glendale Saving Bank in Voorhees, NJ. Carmella enjoyed hosting large family gatherings, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren and long walks outdoors. Carmella also had a keen eye for fashion.

Carmella’s family will greet friends on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 10-10:45am at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where Carmella’s Memorial Service will immediately follow at 11am. Interment at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Berlin, NJ.

Margaret “Peggy” J. McDermott

(nee Taylor) on Oct. 7, 2023, beloved wife of the late Vincent T. McDermott, Jr. M.D.; Cherished mother of Merri (Kevin) Griese, PJ McDermott, Vincent (Haidee) McDermott III, Maura McDermott, Marlene McDermott and the late Katey McDermott; adoring Mom-Mom to Meredith (Chris) Lauber, Kevin (Courtney) Griese, Jr., Connor Glennon, Katey Griese, Marina Glennon, Nick Griese, Maggie McDermott, Hunter McDermott, and Taylor McDermott. Mom-Mom-Mom to Max and Teddy Lauber; dear sister of Frank Taylor Jr.

Peggy grew up in North Caldwell, NJ and graduated with honors from St. Michael’s Nursing School in Newark in 1962, where she met her partner in crime, Vince, and began a very full life together for the next 60 years.  Peggy’s nursing career spanned over 40 years. She was a floor nurse at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, a school nurse at Bancroft and retired as the Director of Infection Control at Lourdes. She ushered in and raised a new awareness for hand sanitizing protocols that are today recognized as the standard. After retiring, Peggy volunteered her time and knowledge at Project H.O.P.E. and Community Health Practice and traveled with Vince extensively, hitting every continent. Peggy was also the quintessential “mom”.  She made raising 5 children look easy, she coached soccer, softball, was a swim official and shuttled her children & their friends everywhere in “Peggy’s Pick Up.” She also was the Past Pres. of Wedgewood Swim Club, the Our Lady of Lourdes Ladies’ Auxiliary, Christ the King School Board and was one of the founders of the St. John of God School in Westville.

Peggy was everybody’s friend. She lit up a room with her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, and lightning-quick wit.

Peggy’s family will receive friends on Thursday, Oct. 12^th, 6:30-8:30 PM at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ 08033.  All are invited to her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Oct. 13th at 11am at Christ the King R.C. Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033. Interment, New Saint Mary’s Cem., Bellmawr, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Peggy McDermott may be made to Harvard Brain Tissue Research Center, c/o McLean Hospital, Development Office, 115 Mill Street, MS 126, Belmont, MA 02478-1064.

Allan R. Ritchie

On Sept. 24, 2023; Beloved husband for 69 years of Virginia “Ginny” (nee Carter); Devoted father of Susan (Thomas) Mancinelli of Haddonfield, Philip (Theresa) of Mechanicsburg, PA and Steven of Christiansburg, VA; Cherished grandfather of Rebecca (John) Kirvan, Sean Glines, Matthew Mancinelli and Marissa Ritchie; Loving Great-Grandfather of Penelope, Clementine & Gwendolyn Kirvan.

Allan was born in Philadelphia, PA and spent his early years there. He graduated from Olney HS, continued his education receiving an undergraduate degree from Drexel Univ. and his Master’s from Lehigh Univ. both in Civil Engineering.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Germany as a First Lt.  Allan worked for Modjeski & Masters Engineering Consultants in PA, designing bridges and roadways for over 30 years. He opened and managed the first office for the company in NJ.  He loved traveling, especially on cruise ships, vacationing in the summer at the Jersey Shore (OC) and golfing.  Allan was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, the 65 Club and Rotary Club of Haddonfield.

Allan’s family will greet friends on Saturday, Oct. 14^th, 10-10:45 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield, 20 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where Allan’s Memorial Service will follow immediately 11 AM. Interment in First Presbyterian Memorial Garden will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Allan’s memory can be made to The First Presbyterian Church at the address listed above.

Patricia Woods Auer

On September 20, 2023, age 70, of Queensbury, passed away at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family, who were privileged to be loved by her and humbled to have learned from her each day of her life.

Born in Peterborough, NH, as the first child of Edward and Barbara Woods, she moved with her parents and siblings to Chestertown, NY, in 1962. She was a graduate of Chestertown Central School and then earned her bachelor’s of science in nursing at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY. She paved a path into the field for her three sisters, each of whom also became nurses. During college, she worked in the summers as a nurse’s aide and licensed practical nurse at the Westmount Infirmary and Hallmark Nursing Center, but also spent time waitressing in Schroon Lake, where she met her future husband, Douglas Auer. They married in 1975 and began their life together in Connecticut, where she started her public health nursing career, holding a combination of school nurse teacher and community health roles, focusing on maternal child health and pediatrics, including providing care to elementary and middle school special education students with complex health needs. She earned a master’s degree in counseling at Fairfield University, and was also a Certified Childbirth Educator.

In 1986, Pat and Doug returned to upstate New York, settling in Queensbury, where she began a distinguished tenure that would span 32 years in leadership roles at Warren County Health Services. After 11 years as a supervising public health nurse and preventive services coordinator, she was appointed Director of Public Health in 1997. Her responsibilities included oversight of clinics, maternal child health, home care, early intervention and preschool special education services, communicable disease control, the WIC nutrition program, and health education. She steered the agency through management of countless emergencies and challenges impacting both year-round residents and tourists visiting the area, including measles, West Nile, norovirus and E. coli outbreaks, and human and animal rabies cases. In all her work, she focused on making systems and services more accessible to patients, clients, and families.

Pat also served for 15 years on the Queensbury Union Free School District Board of Education, which she led as president through many district transitions and impactful projects. She also served as an appointed member on numerous New York State health committees and tasks forces, and in a variety of board member and advisory posts for Washington Saratoga Warren Essex Hamilton BOCES, Warren County Head Start, Warren County Department of Social Services, Community Maternity Services, and the Southern Adirondack Childcare Network, among others.

Even as she dedicated herself to others through her health care career and community service work, she put her daughter and son first. She never missed their sporting events or other activities, logging many hours in the hottest indoor swimming pools and the coldest ice skating rinks to watch them compete. She honored and supported all their interests and ensured their home was a place their friends and teammates could always be welcome and comfortable. She made the work-life balance juggle look easy and set an example that remains uncommon even today. When her granddaughter, Clara, was born in 2010, she opened a whole new part of her heart to forge the most special relationship with her little “Starlet.”

Pat did not believe in the word “boss,” but she gained the respect of all that worked for and with her, modeling a calm, caring professionalism even in unexpected situations, and especially when the community’s health and safety were at risk. She always looked for the “ounce of positive,” no matter the situation. She was flexible and considerate of all points of view, but when needed, had skills of advocacy and persuasion that never failed to hit their mark, punctuating lock-tight arguments with her signature closing salvo, “Where do you disagree?”

Pat was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Douglas, of Queensbury, her daughter Holly and her husband David Gaulin of Haddonfield, NJ, her son Garrett, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, her granddaughter, Clara Gaulin of Haddonfield, NJ, four siblings, Sandra Purcell (James) of Niskayuna, Katherine Serlin and Nancy Brodeur (Claude), both of Malta, and Edward (Meg) of Saratoga Springs, as well as seven nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held this fall for friends and family. Memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Southern Adirondack Childcare Network at 37 Everts Avenue
Queensbury, NY 12804 (www.saccn.org).

William “Bill” E. Reifsteck

On Sept. 17, 2023, Beloved husband of Mary (nee Snyder) and the late Eleanor “Ellie” (nee Harshman); Loving father of William E. Reifsteck, II (Catherine), of Newport Beach, CA; Carla J. Donegan (Michael Kinney) of Delanco, NJ, and Bruce Reifsteck (Carol), of Holland, PA. Dear stepfather of Karen Alden, James Donahue, and Jonathan Donahue (Jessica). Cherished grandfather of Christopher Nicholas Reifsteck, Shannon Carroll Reifsteck (Adam Braeckman), William E. Reifsteck III (Brie), Jack Donegan (Molly), Charlie Donegan, Casey Donegan and Robert Reifsteck.

Bill was born in May of 1931 in Haddonfield, NJ where he spent much of his youth. He graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1949 and enrolled in the ROTC program at Indiana University where he met his wife, Eleanor Harshman. Bill spent most of his service in the Army Corp of Engineers in Orléans, France, where he and Ellie married. Upon completion of his military service and his undergraduate and law school studies, Bill and Ellie settled in Haddonfield where they raised their family and grew a loving and supportive 56-year marriage.

Bill was a respected attorney and spent his entire career practicing in South Jersey. He was a director of Equity National Bank and past president of Bank Credit Associates of New Jersey. Although he was a humble man, Bill received many professional honors, including admission to the US Supreme Court in 1969.

Very civic minded, Bill generously donated his time and talent as Haddonfield zoning board solicitor, borough solicitor and commissioner. He and Ellie also served as Treasurers of the Haddonfield Celebrations Association from 1968 through 2001.

In 2015, Bill received a cherished gift – a second chance at love. He and Mary Donahue married and spent his final years traveling and making memories with their beloved families.

Bill’s family will receive friends Friday evening, Oct. 6th, 6-8 PM at Kain- Murphy Funeral Home, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033. There will also be a viewing Saturday morning Oct. 7^th, 9:30 AM at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 AM.

Memorial donations in honor of Bill may be made to Orchard Friends School, 405 Linden Ave, Riverton, NJ 08077 (www.orchardfriends.org/giving)

Helene N. Alles

Helene (nee Neutze) Alles, 102, former longtime Haddonfield, NJ resident passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, September 15, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Robbinsville, NJ where she resided for ten years.

Devoted wife of the late Thomas V. Alles; Helene is survived by her two children, Nancy A. Munn (Jack) of Robbinsville, NJ and Thomas V. Alles, Jr. of Eastampton, NJ; and three beloved grandchildren, David and Steven Munn and Mason Goettelmann, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Born in Camden, NJ, Helene was the daughter of the late Judge Frank F. Neutze and Anna Schoellkopf Neutze and sister of the late Frank F. Neutze Jr.

Helene grew up in Haddon Heights, NJ and graduated from Haddon Heights High School. She spent one year at Friend’s Central School; graduated and headed off to Cornell University as an English major. She was a proud graduate of the Class of 1943. After graduation, she continued her ties with Cornell by writing a column for the “Cornell Alumni Magazine” for the Class of 1943, for 27 years. She also worked as a translator after college and in later years a transcriber for court reporters.

Marrying in 1947, Helene and her husband Tom, moved to Haddonfield in 1954. Helene lived on Oak Ridge Drive for 59 years and was the last of the original residents to leave the neighborhood.

Blessed with a huge, fun-loving personality and keen sense of humor, Helene made friends wherever she went. Dubbed “Class Clown” and “Life of the Party,” Helene brightened any room she entered. She brought much laughter to our lives with her sharp wit.

One of Helene’s greatest joys was correspondence. She loved “to play with the mail!” If you knew Helene, you were probably getting a birthday card…for the rest of your life! Helene enjoyed writing to celebrities and political figures of her time as well. Many wrote back. She framed those letters and autographed pictures and made a unique gallery wall in her home.

She was a whiz at needlepoint and gifted many in her circle with a framed keepsake. Helene was a poll worker in Haddonfield for many years and enjoyed politics. Helene was a huge Kentucky Wildcat fan and loved following college basketball and watching “March Maness” with her family every year.

Helene, and her husband Tom, spent their early retirement years traveling; taking many trips abroad, but by far, Helene’s favorite lifelong vacation spot was Ocean City, NJ. She spent many happy days in Ocean City with her parents, then her husband and children and eventually introduced her grandchildren to the family tradition of vacationing in Ocean City. She leaves us all with many cherished memories of wonderful days “down the shore.”

First and foremost, Helene’s focus was family. She filled our lives with love and laughter. She made time for everyone, always. Helene was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers and staff at Comfort Keepers Robbinsville for all of their support during Helene’s final years. We would also like to thank Swan Hospice of Lakewood, NJ for their compassionate care in Helene’s final months.

Helene’s family will receive friends on Monday, September 25^th at 10am at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ 08033. A brief funeral service will be held there at 11am followed by interment at Haddonfield Methodist Cemetery in Haddonfield, NJ. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Helene’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. (act.alz.org)

Carol A. Gercke

Carol Musnick Gercke, wife of John R. Gercke, died on September 10, 2023 after a courageous battle against cancer. A 1966 graduate of Rosemont College, she and John married and moved to Haddonfield, NJ where they raised their family and became active members of Christ the King community where Carol taught CCD and served as a Eucharistic minister. Carol taught 2nd grade for 16 years in the Stratford school district, where she enjoyed life lasting friendships with teachers, parents, and students.

She is predeceased by a son, John Jr. and survived by her husband, John, four children, Julie Yunaska (Douglas), Francis Gercke (Jessica), Anne Marie Dickinson (Kevin), and J. Christopher Gercke (Amanda). She is also survived by her sister, Stephanie Karpell Folie (Michael), 9 beautiful grandchildren (Katelyn, Jonah, Jack, Jayne, Daphne, Cecilia, Edith, Gracie, and Max), as well as many loving sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Carol’s family will receive friends on Friday, September 22^nd from 10-10:45am, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, NJ 08008; where her memorial mass will follow at 11am. Interment, Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or MD Anderson Foundation.