On January 24, 2022, Susan S. Fleming (nee Sanker) age 78, of Haddonfield, joined her loving parents John and Margaret Sanker in heaven; Susan was the Beloved wife of Colin M. Fleming; Loving mother of Colleen Fleming of Haddonfield and Matthew (Elizabeth) Fleming of Haddon Heights; Cherished grandmother of Olivia Marie and Stone Xavier; Dear sister of Carol (Paul) Ignosh and Christina (James) Maglich.
Susan’s family will hold a funeral service on Friday, February 4, 2022, at Grace Church of Haddonfield, 19 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. The viewing will be held from 12-12:45 pm followed by her Funeral Service at 1:00 PM. Interment at Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery. For the health and safety of all, and at the request of the family, vaccines and n95 masks are required for attendance. Flowers may be sent to the church or donations may be made in memory of Susan to the Pittsburgh Zoo. www.pittsburghzoo.org/donations/
Robert W. "Bob" Shaffer
Pastor, community leader and advocate, dies at 92
Of Berea, KY, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on January 25, 2022. He was the loving and devoted husband of Carol Phillips Shaffer for 62 years.
Born in 1930 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Rex and Catherine Shaffer.
At the age of 13, Bob determined to spend his life serving others. In 1963, he and his father took a bus to the March on Washington, where they heard Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Spurred by those early experiences, Bob went on to be a relentless servant leader and impactful social entrepreneur.
After graduating from Williamsport High School, where he was a high-scoring running back, Bob earned degrees at Wheaton College and Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1964, in response to a call for ministers to go to Mississippi to assist in voter registration, he worked in Hattiesburg, Mississippi during the time that three young civil rights workers were murdered and buried in a Mississippi dyke. He returned home and recruited more people to go to Mississippi.
Sargent Shriver, the Director of The Office of Economic Opportunity, noted Bob’s efforts and chose him as one of twenty specialists to lead anti-poverty programs in the nation’s poorest counties. Bob chose the Cumberland Valley of Kentucky, where he helped to found Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp. Now over fifty years old, it has been one of the most successful War on Poverty programs and helped create or maintain 25,000 jobs in rural Kentucky.
Bob was a community organizer par excellence and had a hand in launching countless initiatives and programs in Kentucky and New Jersey, where he was on the board of the Fair Share Housing Center. His advocacy, strategy, and negotiation skills were matched by his passion and courage. Anti-poverty advocates faced many threats, and he recalled moving his mattress to the bathroom in one motel room because he feared someone might shoot through the windows after a contentious meeting. He told of a colleague who always left a toothpick on the hood of his parked car, to make sure someone didn’t try to rig it with a bomb.
After 20 years of government service, where he supported Head Start programs in the mid-Atlantic area, Bob and Carol moved from Haddonfield, NJ to a farm on Red Lick in Estill County, KY in 1991. There, they lived and worked among the people they had come to love during their early years. He retired from farming at 78 and moved to Berea, KY. At a young age, Bob had oriented his life around faith. He recalls that the message of God’s unconditional love was like a sparkling mountain spring for a thirsty hiker. For nearly 30 years after moving back to Kentucky, he served as an interim pastor at Presbyterian churches in the Berea area, including Winchester, Mt. Sterling, Whites Memorial, and Union Church in Berea.
His commitment to giving a voice to the unheard burned bright within him. In his last years, he emerged as a spokesperson for a citizen’s group to prevent Ashland Oil, Inc. and Waste Management, Inc. from dumping radioactive soil in the Estill County Landfill. Determination, skill and peaceful protests compelled the corporations to abandon their plans.
Bob always had a smile on his face and a kind word to encourage others. He believed that things could and would get better. He practiced long faithfulness in the same direction – whether through his warmth, his faith, his activism, or his love for his family.
In addition to his beloved wife, Carol, Bob leaves to cherish his memory five children: Stephen Patrick Shaffer (Starr) of Weddington, NC; Beth Marcellite Schlitt (Mark) of Haddonfield, NJ: Daniel Efrem Shaffer (Dinah) of Richmond, VA; Collin Winfield Shaffer of Richmond, VA; and Robert Benjamin Shaffer of Berea, KY. He was Grandad to 15 grandchildren: Clare Shaffer (Brendan) of Greenville, NC; Rex Shaffer (Mady) of Asheville, NC; Samuel Shaffer of Weddington, NC; Raymond Schlitt (Bia) of Richmond, VA; Helene and Robert Schlitt of Haddonfield; William, Catharine, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Elaine Shaffer of Richmond, VA; Camryn Shaffer (Amber) of Berea, KY; Aaron, Kierstin and Kaitlin Shaffer of Berea, KY. Bob was also Great Grandad to Atreyu Thornton, of Little Rock, AR. Bob also leaves behind two much-loved sisters, Beverly Gast of Whitemarsh, PA and Patricia Shaffer of Williamsport, PA. He was pre-deceased by his older sister, the flautist, Elaine Shaffer Kurtz.
The family will gather privately at this time with plans to host a larger memorial in weeks to come, to further celebrate Bob’s rich life that touched so many. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Bob may be made to the Fair Share Housing Center, 510 Park Blvd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 or online at www.Fairsharehousing.org.
Frederick John Mattison
Age 85 of Haddonfield, NJ
On Jan. 16, 2022, age 85; Of Haddonfield, NJ; Predeceased by loving spouse Dale Stauth; Father of Michell Maine; Dear Uncle of Jeffrey Peltz, Gregory Peltz, Debbie Peltz-Comb, Carol Hamasaki, Scott Harris, William Hicks, Jon Hicks, Chuck Hicks and the late Bill Harris, Jimmy Carr and Janet Repco; Great Uncle of many. He was pre-deceased by his 5 sisters: Elizabeth Mattison-Martin, Miriam R. Harris, Louise Mattison, Virginia Hicks & Patricia Peltz.
(Nee Scott) On January 21, 2022, age 93 of Sewell, NJ transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior. Odessa, was the beloved wife of Robert R. Brooks for 67 years and the loving mother of Robin Taylor (James Justin) of Fairfax Station, VA and Sandra Elaine Brooks, M.D., MBA (Garth Beache, M.D.) of Philadelphia, PA. Odessa was also the devoted grandmother of Sydney C. Beache, M.D., Kendall N. Beache and Jared A. Taylor. She is survived by her brother John Henry Scott Jr.
After graduating from Atlantic City High School, Odessa attained her degree in Business Accounting, successfully sat for the civil service exam and served as a federal government employee for several years prior to meeting the love of her life Robert R Brooks. They were married in 1954 after Robert’s tour of duty in the military and moved to Camden where they began their family. They later moved to Willingboro New Jersey, worked for the school system and raised her children. In 1974 they moved to Rochester NY where Odessa cared for her family, and worked as a financial accounting secretary for Allstate until her retirement in 1995. A fervent servant of the Lord, Bob and Odessa Brooks have been members of First Baptist Church of Haddonfield for more than 25 years. Prior to the pandemic, Bob and Odessa had season tickets to the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia and the Broadway Theatre in Pitman NJ and enjoyed date night nearly every Friday at the local Uno’s and movie theater. On Sundays after church Odessa could be found reading the New York Times, doing the crossword puzzle. Odessa also volunteered at the Kennedy (Now Jefferson Health) Hospital for more than 23 years.
With an eye toward helping chart a path for our underserved youth, she partnered with Urban Promise Ministries’ youth providing spiritual and financial support.
Odessa’s passion for the human spirit was demonstrated at the age of 19 when she was published in an essay in a local magazine.
Prior to the pandemic, Odessa enjoyed shopping and visiting with family and friends and was an avid collector of Michelle and Barack Obama memorabilia. During the pandemic, she kept her family and friends spirits up with phone calls, letters, and unique cards.
Odessa was a remarkable woman with a quick smile and known for her fashion sense, interest in world events and concern for others. She will be gone from our presence but will remain in our hearts forever.
On Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 11 AM, Odessa’s Service at will be available via Zoom. Please email kainmurphy@comcast.net to request the code. All are invited to attend her Graveside Service on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 12:15 PM, at the Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery, 124 Kings Hwy E., Haddonfield, NJ 08033. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Odessa may be made to Urban Promise, Inc. www.urbanpromiseusa.org/donate
Albert B. Luecke
Age 79; Long-time Haddonfield Resident
On January 18, 2022; Age 79; Long-time Haddonfield resident; Beloved husband of 50 years to Diane (nee Douthett); Loving father of Tracy Bateman of Haddonfield and Steven (Gwen) of Cinnaminson; Cherished grandfather (Pappy) of Christopher and Nicholas Bateman and Sam Luecke.
Al began his career as an Engineer for Stone & Webster and Flour Daniel. He later opened his own contracting business which served Haddonfield for over 30 years. Al was very involved in the Haddonfield community where he enjoyed helping others. Al was a local volunteer and was involved in Boy Scout Troop 65 and Explorer Post 65. He was an avid fisherman and loved antiques, especially toys. Al was a member of the 65 Club and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
His family will greet friends on Friday, January 21, 2022, 10-10:45 AM at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where his Funeral Service will follow at 11 AM. Interment is Private. For the safety and well-being of all, it is asked that those attending the services wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Albert may be made to The Salvation Army – KROC Center, Attn: Benjamin Ovadia, 1865 Harrison Avenue, Camden, NJ 08105 or via online donations at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/camden-kroc/give/
Thomas A. DeFiore
Age 78 of Hammonton, NJ
On January 15, 2022, Tom went home to God; Age 78; of Hammonton, NJ; Beloved husband of Michelle (nee Negro); Devoted father of Tommy and Dianna; Loving brother of Len (Maryann) DeFiore of Bethesda, MD and Maria (Mike) Frain of Deptford, NJ; Dear brother-in-law of Bill Tyers, Mike Eck, Joe Negro, Connie Wrage, Mike Negro and Donna Ingemi; Treasured uncle of many nieces and nephews; fun-loving to all his wonderful cousins.
Tom is a 1961 graduate of West Catholic Boys HS, earned his undergrad at Drexel Univ. and his Master’s Degree at Univ. of Penn-Wharton School. He spent much of his career working for the Naval Air Defense System in Warminster, PA and the FAA in Pomona, NJ as an Aerospace Engineer. In retirement, Tom reconnected with his love of Opera, which he acquired from his parents. Tom was very involved in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus Padre Pio Council 14191 and proudly served as the Bingo Caller. He was a very active member and a spokesperson for the Active and Retired Federal Government Employees Association (NARFE). Anyone who knew Tom knew that his love and devotion to his family, Michelle, Tommy and Dianna, were foremost in his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tom’s family will have a private Mass of Christian Burial due to Covid precautions and a desire to protect everyone. His family plans to have a Celebration of Life at a later time, where all will be invited. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tom may be made to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, 226 French St, Hammonton, NJ 08037; St. Joseph Academy, 328 Vine St, Hammonton, NJ 08037; Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140; and/or St. Jude Hospital for Children, www.stjude.org/memorialgifts.
On Jan. 15, 2022, age 90, Beloved husband of Margaret “Peggy” (Nee Heald); Loving father of Joey Hartmann of Gibbsboro, Eddy Hartmann (Teresa) and Kimmy Hartmann Lindemuth (Eric), both of Lititz, PA; Cherished grandfather of Zach & Emily Hartmann and Lia & Eva Lindemuth; Amazing great grandfather of Madison & Lincoln Hartmann; Dear brother of Eric O. Hartmann (Sandy); Treasured Uncle of Jeffrey (Marisa), Linda (Rich), Jill, Beth (Roger) and Great uncle of several great nieces & nephews.
Joe graduated from Haddonfield Memorial HS, Class of ’49, after which he enjoyed working with the “Y boys”. He proudly served in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War in the North Sea and then graduated from Rutgers University, Class of ’58. He was a Social Worker then started his teaching career at Cole School in Cherry Hill. In 1969 he was Hired by the Eastern Camden County School District. It was at Eastern that he began teaching & coaching and became legendary for his impact on baseball & his players. He also served as Mayor of Gibbsboro starting in 1989.
Coach Hartmann’s family will have a private church service due to Covid precautions and Coach’s desire to protect everyone. All are invited to his Graveside Service on Saturday, Jan.22, 2022 at 12 Noon at Cedar Grove Cem., 43 Clementon Rd W, Gibbsboro, NJ 08026. Additionally, the Hartmann family would like to invite everyone to join them on July 2, 2022, 11 AM, to Celebrate Coach Hartmann’s life with a day of baseball, food & fun at the Joe Hartmann Baseball Field in Gibbsboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in honor of Coach Hartmann may be made to the Walter Reed Society (www.walterreedsociety.org)
William H. Carroll
Age 91, Long-time Haddonfield Resident
William H. Carroll, 91, a long-time resident of Haddonfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2022.
Bill was born and grew up in West Medford, Massachusetts. A graduate of Lowell University, he was a designer and executive in the textile industry for more than 50 years. Bill managed numerous textile mills and created a variety of fabrics from car seats and corduroys to blue jeans. He received many awards for his cutting-edge designs and innovative patterns.
Bill was also a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps. Throughout his life, he served his community in many different positions. He was a councilman in Yardley, Pennsylvania and a member of the planning committee in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
He was a devoted husband to the late Adele M. (née Battaglini) and a devoted father of the late William Michael Carroll and the late Joseph Thomas Carroll. He was predeceased by his brothers John and Paul Carroll.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Rita (née Vittese), and her children Stephen Battaglini and Cynthia Battaglini.
Bill’s family will greet friends on Tuesday, January 18th, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Avenue, Haddonfield, New Jersey 08033 where his Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am. His interment will follow at the Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to Interfaith Caregivers, PO Box 186, Haddonfield, New Jersey 08033.
Jesse Roger Erwin
Age 79, Of Haddonfield, NJ
On December 24, 2021; Age 79; Of Haddonfield, NJ. Beloved wife of Mary Anne (nee Markowski); Loving father of Robin (Bob) Stubbs and Jill (Austen) McGee; Cherished grandfather of Brandon Penman and Ryan & Michael McGee; Dear brother of William (Marianne) Erwin and Corita Swanson. Also survived by his beloved Bichon’s Maya and Chester.
Jesse proudly served in the US Army 1961-64 in Germany, with the United States Military Liaison Mission in Potsdam, and continued as a reservist through 1967. After returning home from the military, Jesse joined the family business, Erwin Assoc. Engineering Co. He worked as a surveyor and soon became owner. Jesse was a 52-year member of the Burlington Country Club where he met and formed lasting friendships. Jesse will be missed by all who knew him.
All are invited to Jesse’s Graveside Service on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Brig. Gen. William C.Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. Those planning to attend must arrive no later than 10:45 AM, the service will start promptly at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jesse may be made to Delaware Valley Bichon Rescue, PO Box 2411, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077.
Janice L. Winter
Age 74 of Haddonfield, NJ
On December 31, 2021; Age 74; Of Haddonfield, NJ; Beloved mother of Stephen Kitching (Laura) of Lafayette Hill, PA and David Kitching (Joyce) of Audubon, NJ; Loving grandmother of Daniel, Anne, Charles, Francis Xavier & Stephen, Jr.; Dear sister of Lynne Kirlin (James) & Denise Snyder (Jeff); Cherished cousin of Booth Durham (Sandy), Gwen Hoffman (Harry) & Mark Durham (Chris); Aunt of Paige & Ryan Kirlin and Drew Snyder; Close Friend and In-Law of Bob and Joyce Weinbrenner.
Janice, the oldest of 3, was a graduate of Collingwood High School and worked as a legal secretary. She was a beautiful woman who loved the Jersey Shore. Janice had a deep passion for animals but her greatest joy in life were her grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Services for Janice will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Janice may be made to the Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043. www.awanj.org.
