John L. Sheffield

John Lloyd Sheffield on June 25, 2022 of Washington Township. Age 76. Predeceased by his parents Blaine Sheffield and Laura Ruth Sheffield. Survived by his brother, Robert Sheffield. Devoted Uncle of Christopher Sheffield (Keara), Alexandra O’Connor (Seamus), and Eileen Wisnewski (Eric) and Great Uncle of Shay, Annabridget, Kayla, Amelia, EJ, and Frances.

John graduated from Williamstown High School in 1964 and went on to Rowan University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1970, following a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Albany in 1970. He was a dedicated teacher and principal for many years, including teaching in Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Marlboro Mental Hospital, and Daytop Village. He passionately helped mentor many troubled youths in all of these positions.

John was a lover of animals, landscaping, and family. For many years, he was an active member of the South Jersey Ski Club with ski trips and long distance biking trips that took him all over the country and Canada. John was also a devoted Quaker who worshiped in Haddonfield Meeting for over 30 years.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Haddonfield Friends School.

No memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service is scheduled.

Dr. George E. Piper

George is survived by his loving wife, Diane.  Dear father of Lauren (Michael) Koch of Haddonfield, NJ and loving grandfather of Katie and Michael George. Predeceased by his parents George and Betty (nee Ney) Piper.  Survived by his brother Shawn (Deborah) Piper of Marmora, NJ; sister, Holly Bell of Lewistown, PA; nephews Ryan, Brandon, and Derrick Piper, and Nathan Bell; and niece, Holly Campano.

Born in McVeytown, a small town in Central Pennsylvania, George attended Rothrock High School, where he garnered local fame as a member of the Eagles 1963 PIAA Class C State Basketball Championship team.  He graduated from Davidson College in 1967, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, and received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 1971.

George was the second of two psychiatrists who founded the UMDNJ-SOM Department of Psychiatry (now Rowan University-SOM Department of Psychiatry) in 1983.  As Vice-Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, George assisted the Chairman in the development of the department’s patient services and teaching programs for medical students and residents.

In 1994, George became the Assistant Dean of Graduate Medical Education at UMDNJ-SOM, and then Associate Dean, where he was responsible for postgraduate physician trainees, residency and fellowship training programs, and affiliations with primary and secondary affiliated hospital systems.  He was also responsible for organizing the UMDNJ-SOM Graduate Medical Education training system in the first accredited UMDNJ-SOM Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTI), which received national recognition and acclaim for being the model Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution for the country.

In 2005, George retired from UMDNJ-SOM and entered the field of private practice in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he continued to practice until his recent passing.  He was the consummate professional, who was always available for his patients.  His empathy and kindness were evident in his patient care.

George was a man of integrity. He was empathic and kind to all, including his family, friends, patients, and strangers.  He treated everyone with love, respect, and dignity.

As per his wishes, George will be returned to Jack’s Mountain close to his childhood home in McVeytown, PA, where his remains will be scattered.  Funeral services will be private.

For those who desire, contributions in George’s memory may be made to the McVeytown Presbyterian Church, 5 N. Queen Street, P.O. Box 323, McVeytown, PA  17051

Raymond D. Sooy Jr.

Raymond D. Sooy, Jr., passed away on June 4, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 95 years old. He was born in Camden, NJ and resided in Cherry Hill for 61 years. Raymond is predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Iolene. He is survived by his 5 children, Linda (Vince) Giangiulio of Delaware, Raymond E. (Maryann) Sooy of Cherry Hill, Janice (Robert) Elliott of Lawrenceville, Karen (Warren) Emenecker of Medford, Nancy Sooy (Jim McVeigh) of Marlton; his 7 grandchildren, Vincent R., Lauren, Michael (Neha), Ross (Vanessa), Michelle (Andrew), Raymond A., and Meghan; and 5 great-grandchildren, Vincent, Harper, Christopher, Marigold, and Nora. He is predeceased by dear sister Mary Randolph and parents Raymond D. Sr. and Caroline Sooy.

Ray (aka Skip or Hoot) worked for PSE&G for 41 years. He started as a helper and then became a Lineman/Troubleshooter/Foreman and finally, Division Line Supervisor before retiring in 1988. He was a lifelong avid baseball fan, from Woodrow Wilson High School baseball team captain to many years playing with various South Jersey teams. He cheered the Phillies at Shibe, Connie Mack, Veterans Stadium, and Citizens Bank Park. He enjoyed everything pertaining to cars, planes, and trains. He also loved traveling, either by car to visit the Atlantic City casinos, by plane to Las Vegas, or cruising to warm locations. As long as he had his girlfriend Iolene by his side, every trip was fun. He was a great bowler and avid golfer. He was known to enjoy a drink or two – VO (“Vatican Oil”) and water was his favorite – with a good cigar. He loved listening to Frank Sinatra songs and Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman, and was known to proclaim, “I could get drunk to this song!” After retiring, he enjoyed talking to neighbors as he took daily walks through the neighborhood, spending time with his family, and reminiscing about the good old days with his loyal and cherished PSE&G buddies. The Sooy family would like to extend a special thank you to Ursula, a true angel who helped our mom and dad when they (and we) needed her most. Ray would want everyone to know “old linemen never die, they just phase out.” Love you for all time, Pop. We’ll hear you singing in the wires.

Ray’s family will receive friends on Friday, June 10^th, 6-8 PM at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ; All are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 11^th, 10 AM, at Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church, 43 W Maple Ave., Merchantville, NJ.  Interment, Calvary Cem., Cherry Hill, NJ.  Donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, PO BOX 5066, Cherry Hill 08034 (www.cancer.org), or to Compassus Hospice, 200 Campbell Dr., Suite 106, Willingboro, NJ, 08046.

William H. Tucker

On May 31, 2022; Beloved husband of Monica Drozd; Tom Walrond, Aliena Walrond & Alex Walrond.

Bill was a Professor at Rutgers University- Camden for over 40 years. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Bill’s family and friends are invited to the Celebration of his Life on June 11^th, 10 AM at the Rutgers University Camden Student Center.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Bill may be made to Hopeworks Camden, 808 Market St., Camden, NJ 08102 (www.hopeworks.org) or Cathedral Kitchen, 1514 Federal St., Camden, NJ 08105 (www.cathedralkitchen.org)

Craig H. McElwee

On Monday, May 30, 2022; Age 54; of Cherry Hill, NJ; Son of Rev. Dr. William and Amelia (Amy) McElwee Of Cherry Hill, NJ.  Survived by children Emma, Caitlin and Beckett McElwee; sister Christie L. McElwee (John Lutes) of East Stroudsburg, PA; nieces Brooke & Courtney Lutes and great niece Skyler & great nephew Jaxson Lutes.

Craig attended Drew University, where he was involved in their theater program, and had one of his plays produced. He worked for Go Puff in Cherry Hill as a computer programmer.  Craig was a sports enthusiast; he loved baseball and hockey, and was a goalie in an amateur hockey league.  Craig enjoyed comedy, classical music and was an old movie buff.

Craig’s family will receive friends on Saturday, July 23^rd, 10-10:45 AM at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Rd., Haddonfield, NJ; where his Memorial Service will follow at 11 AM.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Craig may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Philadelphia, www.habitatphiladelphia.org\donate\

Beryl P. Pagnam

(nee Westwood) On May 21, 2022, wife of the late Arthur; Beloved mother of Kathleen Davis (Raymond) of Beeseley’s Point, NJ and the late Michael Pagnam and Loving grandmother of Hilary Reid Davis.

Beryl, an RN, met the love of her life, Arthur Pagnam during WW2.  Arthur brought her to the U.S in 1945 and together they raised two children in Vineland N.J.  They moved to Haddonfield around 1965.

Beryl was a very informed and interesting conversationalist.  She loved her crossword puzzles and was a fierce scrabble player. She loved to travel.  She and Arthur took yearly trips to England, Ireland Paris and the U.S Virgin Islands where they visited family.  Her stories about the British Royal family and her wisdom will be missed.  Additionally, Beryl enjoyed having lunch with friends and neighbors and was a faithful member of Christ the King parish in Haddonfield.

Beryl’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 1, 10-10:45 AM, at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ; Where her Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment, private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Beryl may be made to Interfaith Caregivers, P.O. Box 186, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, https://www.ifchaddons.org/donate because she was so grateful, they helped her remain in her home & be independent.

Janet M. Norcross

(nee McMahon) On May 24, 2022; Age 95; of Charleston, SC; former longtime Haddonfield Resident; Dear wife of the late Edward C. Norcross; Loving mother of Barbara Fertakos (Roy J.) of Chatham, NJ and E. Douglas Norcross (Lois) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Cherished grandmother of Melissa, Joseph, Ryan, Matthew and Lucas; and great grandmother to James.

Her interests were varied as expressed in her many hobbies and in the many groups to whom she dedicated her time. She was a musician who played piano for the Haddonfield Plays and Players and other local theater groups in South Jersey. She wrote musicals for children that were performed on several local stages. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and member of the American Theater Organ Society who played on numerous occasions at the Broadway Theater in Pitman. On a number of notable occasions, she served as substitute organist for Philadelphia Phillies baseball games at Veteran’s Stadium. Through that she established connections that led her to play piano for any number of charitable events the Phillies hosted or were involved in over the years. She was a dedicated member of the Haddonfield United Methodist Church and continued to attend on line even after she moved to South Carolina four years ago. At that church, she was active in many things, including, of course, its musical programs. She was an amateur seamstress who did needlepoint, knitting, sewing and other activities using needles, threads and yarn. Her walls were filled with her paintings. She dedicated her time to charitable and social organizations in Haddonfield and its surrounding area.

Mrs. Norcross’ family will greet friends on Thursday, June 2, 2022, 10-10:45 AM at the Kain-Murphy Funeral Home, 15 West End Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where her Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment at Methodist Cemetery in Haddonfield, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Janet may be made to the Haddonfield United Methodist Church General Music Fund, 29 Warwick Rd., Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (www.haddonfieldumc.org/give)

Phyllis Virginia Edwards

(nee Curran) On May 21, 2022, Age 92 of Collingswood, NJ;  Beloved spouse of the late Jerome Edwards; Devoted mother of Terence Edwards (Jean) of Haddonfield, Marybeth Nelson (Donald) of Syracuse and John Edwards (Katherine) of Marietta, GA; Cherished grandmother of Matthew Edwards, James  Edwards, Caitlin Takacs, Elizabeth DeForest, Virginia Merriam, Meredith Devennie, Gregg Edwards, Erinn Pritchard, Colin Edwards & Danny Edwards; Great-grandmother of Liam, Colin, Emily, Sage, Olive, Violet and Felix; Dear sister of Katherine Klaum, Marcella Buckley and the late Margaret Carver; Treasured sister-in-law of Janet Leydon , Sr. Nancy Edwards and Mary Elinor McCarthy and Aunt to 29 nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Phyllis will be held on Tuesday, May 24^th at 10:15-11 AM at Christ The King R.C. Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:15 AM.  Mass will be live streamed at www.ctkhaddonfield.org   Interment private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phyllis may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation  www.cff.org or the Parkinson’s Foundation www.Parkinson.org

Arr. by Kain Murphy Funeral Services, www.KainMurphy.com, (856) 429-1945

Daniel J. Colombi, M.D.

Daniel J. Colombi, a retired obstetrician/gynecologist who was a longtime resident of Haddonfield NJ, died on May 21, 2022, at age 84.

Dan was born in Philadelphia PA (Saint Donato’s parish) to Mary and Peter Colombi, the first of three children. After St. Thomas More High School (1955), he received a BA degree (magna cum laude) from La Salle College (1959) and an MD degree from Temple University (1963). His medical internship was at Mercy Catholic Medical Center of Southeastern Pennsylvania and his residency was at Temple University’s Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Colombi was certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1969. He held a staff appointment and senior departmental positions at Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia; a staff appointment at West Jersey Hospital (now Virtua) in Voorhees; and a teaching instructor appointment at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Capt. Colombi served with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict, at Clark Air Base, Philippines, and Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. He was acting chief of ob/gyn at both posts.

He was a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (NJ Section chairman 1994-97), the American College of Surgeons, and the New Jersey Obstetrical & Gynecological Society (president 1979-80). He was a member of the Camden County Medical Society, Medical Society of New Jersey, Philadelphia County Medical Society (chairman South Branch 1978), Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Medical Association, Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia, and Phi Rho Sigma Medical Society.

He played a leading role in the enactment of a New Jersey law allowing new mothers a longer hospital stay following the birth of a child – the so-called “48-96 Hour” law (the first in the nation). His advocacy was recognized by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 1997 through its prestigious Community Service Award.

The son of a semi-pro baseball pitcher, Dan Colombi was an avid and knowledgeable baseball fan and had season tickets behind the Phillies dugout for many years. From 1979 to 1981 he was the most prolific contributor (under the pseudonym “The List Doctor”) to the “Lists” feature in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s sports section.

After Dan and Tish Colombi settled in Haddonfield in 1969, Tish became deeply involved in school, community, and church organizations. Dan wholeheartedly supported Tish’s decision to run for a seat on the Borough commission in 1985, but prudently stayed in the background throughout her 28 years as a commissioner and 12 years as the mayor.

A faithful member of the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield, Dan Colombi served the church as a deacon and also led a Bible study group for many years. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 38 (commander 2009) and the Haddonfield 65 Club (president 2007).

Dan Colombi will be remembered for his skill and compassion as an obstetrician and gynecologist (including attending the birth of thousands of babies); for his leadership in the medical profession and his specialty; for his devotion to his faith and his church, and his daily exploration of the Bible; for his love of country, fellow veterans, and the American flag and the freedoms it represents; for his relentlessly inquiring mind, prodigious memory, wit, love of language and numbers (crosswords and sudoku), and beautiful handwriting; for his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball; for his black Cadillac convertible; and for his dignified response to debilitating disease.

He was his loving wife’s biggest fan, his devoted children’s hero, and his adoring grandchildren’s GranDan.

Dan Colombi is survived by his wife, Letitia G. (“Tish”); son Daniel R. Colombi of Concord CA; daughters Tiffany (Fred) Pollack of Haddonfield, Jennifer Colombi of Haddonfield; and Gabrielle (David) Heimerling of Cherry Hill; grandchildren Lexi (James O’Malley), Cole, and Max Pollack; Daniel, Stella, and Leo Heimerling; Avery and Callum Gallagher; and sisters Catherine Creel of Philadelphia PA and Elena Margolin of Downingtown PA.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services (15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ) on Thursday, May 26, from 4 to 7 pm, and to attend a memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield on Friday, May 27 at 10 am. Those attending are asked to wear masks. Interment will be private.

Friends are encouraged to fly the American flag on Friday, in Dan’s honor.

For those who wish to make charitable donations in Dan Colombi’s memory, the family suggests the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield (20 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield NJ 08033); Haddonfield 65 Club (110 Rhoads Avenue); and American Legion Post 38 (129 Veterans Lane).

Hubert J. Connor

On May 20, 2022, age 88, of Southampton, NJ; Beloved father of Robert Connor, Jean Magpiong (David), Joanne Connor (Glenn Davila), Jennifer Connor and the late Michael Connor; Loving Grandad of Amanda & Mark Magpiong, Connor, Samantha & Steven Kennedy and Eleanor Connor and Dear brother of Frank Connor.

Hubert graduated from West Catholic HS and was a proud Alumnus of St. Joseph’s Univ., Class of ’57.  He honorably served in the US Air Force & Reserves for over 30 years and achieved the rank of Colonel.  He enjoyed golfing, was an avid fan of the Phillies and Notre Dame Football.  However, his most cherished times were those spent with his grandchildren whom he adored.

Family and friends are invited to Hubert’s Viewing, Wed., May 25^th, 10-10:45 AM, at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield; where his Catholic Prayer Service will follow at 11 AM.  Interment, private.