Obituaries

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

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

Age: 89 of Haddonfield

(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

Age: 83 of Haddon Twp.

(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. 12th, 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

Age 92, Longtime Resident of Haddonfield

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. 14th, 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

Age 70 of Queensbury

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).