Obituaries

Beryl P. Pagnam

Age 100 ~ Longtime Haddonfield resident

(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

Age 95 of Charleston, SC & former longtime Haddonfield Resident

(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

Age 92 of Collingswood, NJ

(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 24th 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.

Age 84 ~ Longtime resident of Haddonfield, NJ

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

Age 88 of Southampton, NJ

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 25th, 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.

Jeffrey Charles Blank

Age 41

On May 11, 2022, age 41, raised in Haddonfield, NJ and recently lived in NYC for the past 6 years; Devoted partner of Charlene D’Ambrosio; Cherished son of R. Charlene Kronk of Cherry Hill, NJ and Clair R. Blank (Judy) of Haddonfield, NJ; Dear step-brother of Paulette Kohout (Rick), Geoffrey Owens (Diana) and Kevin Owens (Joanna). Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins.

Jeff had a larger than life presence and was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Jeff graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School (‘00) and attended University of Rhode Island and Rowan University.  He was employed by Motion Recruitment; he loved developing client relationships and pairing the right individual with the right job.  Jeff was a standout athlete throughout his athletic career – especially in soccer and was a track State Champion.  His current passion was golf. Jeff loved all things Philadelphia sports- including the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers. He was an avid fan of pro soccer & loved being at the beach.

Jeff’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 18th, 9-10:45 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 in honor of Jeff may be made to the Brad Wilby Memorial Foundation – DONATE | Bwmf (bradwilby.org).

Yuri Karjane R.I.P.

A unique soul who quietly touched everyone around him, William Yuri Ivo Karjane passed on 12/01/21 at age 50 in West Palm Beach Florida, leaving a hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Born in Denville NJ in June 1971 to Patricia and William Karjane, Jr, Yuri is survived by sisters Heather and Colleen (& Mike Finnegan), brother Damian (& Nicole), biological daughter Bella, nephews and nieces Sean and Erin Finnegan, plus Rylan, Callie, Brielle and Declan Karjane.
Yuri loved games and adventure. A lifelong athlete he wrestled for Haddon Township High and co-captained wrestling at The George School (class of 1990). He learned  lacrosse at George School, played at Guilford College (class of 1994), and continued to do so into his 40s. He also fished, surfed, golfed, and played tournament poker.
As an independent cameraman and member of the International Cinematographers Union, for Yuri worked on feature films, television shows, and commercials in Hollywood & Atlanta for 25 years. Recently he worked mainly for Tyler Perry Studios.
As a person Yuri was bright, loyal, thoughtful, creative, resilient, and deeply feeling. As a professional, he was competent, efficient, and fun. An animal lover, Yuri was kind to all walks of life, stranger and friend alike.
Now at peace, his spirit continues to bloom in the next life. God Bless.
Celebration of Yuri’s life—in person and via Zoom—will begin on Sat 6/4/22 at 11:30 am EDT.
Please visit www.yurikarjane.com for details. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to:
The George School, Newtown, PA 18940        215-579-6570     <alumni.georgeschool.org>

Theodore J. Flocco, Jr.

Age 77 of Mt. Laurel, NJ

On May 10, 2022, age 77, of Mt. Laurel, NJ; husband of the late Maria (nee Baldino); loving father of Ted (Janice), Eric (Dana) and Tara (Carlos) Aviles and cherished grandfather (Poppy) of Marissa, Gianna, Ryan, Stephanie, Kevin, Morgan, Anthony, Natalia, Avianna and Adrianna.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, he was married to Maria for over 50 years as he raised his family in Marlton and Mt. Laurel, NJ.  He graduated from Bishop Neumann High School in 1962 and St. Joseph’s University in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.  He received an award in Philosophy at graduation and served in the National Guard after college.  He worked at Ernst & Young as a CPA for 35 years, retiring as a partner in 2001 and he served a term as President of the Philadelphia chapter of the PICPA.  After retirement, he continued to consult with corporate executives, serve on Boards of Directors and was very philanthropic.  He was a long time member of Tavistock Country Club and Galloway National Golf Club. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, playing golf, gardening and watching professional sports.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, May 18th, 6-8 PM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 100 Willow Bend Road, Marlton, NJ 08053 and again on Thursday morning, May 19th, 10-11:15 AM.  His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 AM.  Entombment, Calvary Cemetery in the mausoleum, 2398 W. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in his honor may be made to The Flocco Family Scholarship Fund at St. Joseph’s University (benefitting The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support) – donate electronically at www.giving.sju.edu/Flocco or by mailing a check referencing the Flocco Family Scholarship Fund payable to St. Joseph’s University, Office of Advancement, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131.

Caroline  M.  Rapone

15 February 1961 – 12 April 2022

Originally from Franklinville, NJ, for several years she attended Haddonfield Middle and High School where activities included cheerleading.

The family moved to Spain in 1977 and then to England where Caroline graduated high school and was crowned Queen of the May.  She was very involved in theatrical productions in various countries, the most notable being: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and  Fiddler on the Roof.  Stateside Caroline had worked as a paralegal and production manager in a language translation service. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she was able to manipulate several other languages as well.

Ultimately she married her childhood sweetheart, José Garcia-Guerrera, and settled in Spain before returning to the United States, her most recent residence being Merchantville, NJ.  Caroline had resided in Germany for many years and has two children from a previous marriage with Rolando Rivera, Caroline Rivera and Joseph Rivera (married to Stephanie Luciotti Rivera), including four grandchildren, Carmen, Abram, Vera and Jo-Jo with another on the way. Within her nuclear family, she is survived by her mother, Caroline V Giorgi Rapone; sisters, Nancy Rapone Martin and Norma H Rapone Appleby; and brother, George Rapone.

Fabulous cook, wonderful home decorator, well-honed sense of style and natural comedian.  Bottomless bottles of Baileys in memory of our Cal!

Services were held privately.

Paul J. Sweeney

Age 85 of Haddonfield, NJ

Paul J. Sweeney, loving husband and awesome dad, of Haddonfield, N.J., passed away 9 April 2022, and is survived by wife, Terry, and daughter, Jennifer (Joseph Snodgrass).  Paul loved life and didn’t waste it.  He was equally happy in 115-degree temperatures of Texas and Georgia at the World Shoot, taking a ski run Christmas morning in Grey Rocks or driving home salty and suntanned from day-fishing off a boat at the shore.  He looked forward to entertaining and couldn’t wait to put oysters on the grill or pour a new pint and welcome friends into our home.

Family friend S. Murphy put it best:  “Everyone needs a Paul Sweeney in their lives to know what’s possible and how to do the impossible.”

The Sweeney Family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Paul’s memory, in support of wheelchair sports, to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Attn: Development Dept., 1513 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, and to Hospice of Moorestown VNA, 300 Harper Dr., Moorestown, NJ  08057.