Age 90 - of Collingswood, formerly of Haddonfield, NJ
Henry Burk Sullivan, formerly of Haddonfield, NJ, passed away from complications of coronavirus in Collingswood, NJ on April 20, 2020 at the age of 90.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Miriam Clare (nee Fenerty); his devoted children: Mimi Sullivan Hyde (Andrew), Christine Miller (Robert), Gerald (Abigail), Joseph (Dianna), and John (Mirela); and cherished grandchildren: Sean, Andrew, Matthew, and Isabella. Also survived by two brothers: Philip Sullivan and Roger Sullivan, and many nieces and nephews, along with their families.
Burk, as he liked to be called, spent his early years in Philadelphia. He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Bernard College in Alabama, a master’s degree in English from Villanova University, and a doctoral degree in English education from Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
After teaching for several years in Pennsylvania, Burk and his family moved to Haddonfield in 1960. He served as chairperson of the English Department at Cherry Hill High School West from 1961 to 1966 and as founding chairperson of the English Department at Cherry Hill High School East from 1966 to 1970. He was subsequently a professor of English and philosophy at Gloucester County College (now Rowan College of South Jersey) from its opening day until his retirement in 1998.
Burk was dedicated to his students and to the pursuit of the liberal arts. He was also a skilled cabinetmaker, amateur sculptor, and avid organic gardener.
As a longtime member of Christ the King RC Church in Haddonfield, NJ, Burk served as president of the parish council and as co-founder and policy chair of the regional parish school board. He sang in the church choir for over thirty years.
He loved the Jersey shore and in the past decade spent many happy days with family and friends in Ventnor.
Because of COVID-19 constraints, a private graveside service was held on April 22, 2020 at the family plot in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham, PA. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Please refer back to this site for updates.
MARY M. SHUSTED
Age 89 of Haddonfield, NJ
Mary McCrystle Shusted, 89, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2020 in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Mary was a longtime resident of Haddonfield where, for many decades, she was active in community affairs, was a vibrant asset to her husband Tom’s many political campaigns, relished her successful career in residential real estate, and raised her large and grateful family. Her older sister Eleanor McCrystle Stimac, who also passed away just a few weeks ago, was always mesmerized by Mary’s significant people skills, having often said: “That girl could really work a room!”
Mary was born in Haddon Township, New Jersey, on August 15, 1930. She attended Collingswood High School, where one of her classmates was the future Hollywood star Michael Landon. After high school, Mary immediately began working at the RCA headquarters in Camden. She soon met her future husband, Thomas J. Shusted, at the Oaklyn Dancette in Oaklyn, NJ and they were married in February of 1954. While raising her five children, Mary still found time to pursue her studies at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), from which she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1981. The couple enjoyed 50 years of marriage together, until Tom’s passing in March of 2004.
Over the years, Mary was the backbone of Tom’s political career, which began when he was appointed the first full time Camden County Prosecutor, and continued through to his many years of civic service as Director of the Camden County Board of Freeholders and later as a member of the New Jersey State Assembly. The well known rumor (not verified but believed by many) was that Tom never lost a campaign in large part because Mary was always at his side as his most visible and most vocal supporter.
As Mary and Tom were raising their family, one of their favorite family activities was traveling the U.S. to tour the nation’s great National Parks. Over the course of ten years or so, the family of seven managed to visit Yosemite, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and several other park destinations. The family also spent many summer vacations at the Seabrook Island Resort near Charleston, South Carolina. Mary’s constant message to her children was “Make sure you get out and experience life, be active!”
Mary was actively involved in her children’s schools and PTAs, served on the Haddonfield Planning Board, and frequently volunteered at Contact, a mental health hotline. After raising her children, she embarked on a successful real estate career, spanning more than 20 years, and eventually retired from Lenny Vermaat & Leonard in Haddonfield at the age of 79. Mary was an avid competitive bridge player, enjoyed golf and tennis, and was a longtime member of the Tavistock Country Club.
Mary was very proud of her Irish heritage. During a trip to Ireland many years ago, she and Tom found themselves in need of directions from a local resident. Rather than just pointing them in the right direction, the resident said: “Let me walk you there myself!” Reflecting on this experience, Mary believed that the friendly reaction of their Irish acquaintance was a clear indication of how she herself was influenced by her heritage. “No wonder I have such a love of meeting new people and enjoying their company,” she once said, “I’m Irish!”
Mary died peacefully at Brandywine Senior Living in Haddonfield. She was the wife of the late Thomas J. Shusted and the beloved mother of Thomas J., Jr. (Rita) of Cherry Hill, NJ, Mark J. (Noel) of Roseville, CA, John P. (Sandra) of Newtown Square, PA, Anne S. Barker (William) of St. Davids, PA and Erik C. (Rory) of Johns Creek, GA. She was the loving grandmother of 11 (Paul, James, Garrett, Ryan, Christine, Caroline, Sam, Kiera, Cole, Thomas and Luke), and the sister of the late Eleanor Stimac. For the past 14 years, Mary thoroughly enjoyed the company of, and shared many wonderful experiences with, her longtime companion, Ray Hofmann.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Mary may be made to The Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society, 20 Church Street, Camden, NJ 08105 (www.sjcscamden.org)
Mary’s family is planning a Memorial Mass in the Fall of 2020. Please check back to this website for updates.
Gregory H. Curry
Age 61 of Cherry Hill, NJ
On April 19, 2020; Age 61; of Cherry Hill, NJ; Loving husband of Carole (nee Marchewski); Devoted father of Caroline and Conor; Dear brother of Mari (Lawrence) Rice and Robert (Jodi) Curry; Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his dear cousins and friends.
Services for Gregory were held privately due to COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gregory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Joanne (Giovanna) De Simone
of Haddonfield, formerly of Philadelphia
(nee Iamurri) of Haddonfield, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away on April 17, 2020. Born October 13, 1930, daughter of Oswald and Josephine (Giunta) Iamurri. Beloved wife of Joseph De Simone for 65 years. Devoted mother of Joseph, Jr., and Dominic (Maria). Loving grandmother of Lauren, Jessica and Joseph De Simone. Services held privately.
Marlene “Mollie” B. Lindner / Mandle
Age 88 of Collingswood,NJ formerly of Haddonfield, NJ
(nee Behrens) On April 15, 2020; Age 88; of Collingswood, formerly of Haddonfield, NJ. Mollie was predeceased by her parents John and Wilhelmiene Behrens of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and her sisters Ellen Hippensteel, (Honesdale, Pennsylvania), and Joan Grimm, (Haddonfield, New Jersey). She was predeceased by her first husband, Girard Lindner, (Red Bank, New Jersey), and her second husband, Robert Mandle, (Haddonfield, New Jersey). She is survived by her son, John Lindner, (Lebanon, Oregon), and her daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Greer, (Gibbsboro, New Jersey). Additionally, she is survived by her seven grandchildren Heidi Quiring, (Lindner), Kristy Lindner, Lori Lindner, Katie Lindner, Kevin Greer, Christine Rockwell, (Greer) and Steven Greer. Mollie is survived by five great grandchildren, Elliot, Harper, Kaylee, Kiera and Jamie.
I am writing here about an AMAZING woman who we lost today to the Covid-19 virus; I hope I do her justice. My mother, Mollie Mandle, (Mollie Lindner, Mollie Behrens), lived her life full of adventure, creativity and a glass or two of wine. She touched so many people throughout her life and I hope this posting will reach some of those individuals. My mother did face challenges after losing her first husband, then years later her second husband, and after that her California boyfriend. She kept going through all this adversity. COURAGE. After my father died, she went to work; the first woman on our block in Haddonfield to work outside of the home. Her degree in fashion design from Moore College of Art led her to designing children’s clothing that were sold in the big Philadelphia department stores. She left that work to find a job at a school so she’d have the same vacations as her school aged children. PERSISTENCE. Bancroft School in Haddonfield benefitted immensely from her creative talents as their art teacher. She always found ways for the students to succeed! DEVOTION AND PATIENCE. Anyone remember the string art the children did? Anyone remember the floats for the July 4th parades in Haddonfield; she found ways for the students to make them too! Anyone remember the instructional tools she and two colleagues/friends created and got published? CAREER MINDED. She was also a director at the Bancroft Camp in Maine. She managed campers, staff, families with ease! She rode a horse in full headdress on a special day recognizing Native Americans. Oh, and there’s an after-hours picture of my mother raising her glass of wine as the schooner pulled away into the bay! And, those lobster dinners hosted in her rented house! The best! ENJOY LIFE. My mother’s sense of adventure led her to worldwide travels. She met her California boyfriend on a cruise in the Mediterranean. She loved the city of Paris as much as she loved the wilds of Manchu Picchu. And, oh, then there’s her time in Ireland; she always wanted to be Irish. My mother did not like the shore as the sun made her freckles pop; so every summer we camped throughout New England among the mountains, lakes and ocean. John, remember that huge army tent we put up, took down, put up, took down and so on! ADVENTUROUS. My mother had many loves in her life. She dedicated most of her adulthood to raising my brother and I. Such love and sacrifice. She so loved her grandchildren, it was a joy to see them together! Each grandchild loved her so much in return, helping fill her life. And then came the great-grandchildren; blessed once again! The men she loved; it made me happy to see her find such happiness. She deserved it! LOVE IMMENSELY. I know there’s so much more, the symphony, making costumes for Plays and Players, her love of the beauty in Arizona and the Southwest, her ability to sew absolutely anything, her miniature scenes in egg shells…and those who knew her know I could go on and on. I’ll end here, my dear amazing mother. May you, in heaven, gently rest in the arms of those who love you and went before you.
A Celebration of Life Gathering to honor Mollie will be held at a later date. Please refer back to this website for updated information.
Rosalind Gagliardi Schade
Age 89 of Voorhees, NJ, formerly of Ormond Beach, FL, and Doylestown, PA.
Rosalind Gagliardi Schade (Roz) passed away on April 12, 2020, while in hospice care at Lions Gate continuing care community, due to complications from pneumonia. She is survived by her beloved husband Franklin Schade, children Suzanne Gulbins (Dan), and Michael (Rachel), and grandchildren Philip, Timothy, Taylor Gulbins (Rachel) and Baely Gulbins, and siblings Elaine Campbell (Gordon), Dr. Joseph Gagliardi, and Richard Gagliardi.
Roz was born in Philadelphia, PA to Antoinette and Dr. Joseph Gagliardi. She grew up in South Philadelphia, attended Girls High School and spent summers with her family in Ventnor, NJ. She attended Tyler School of Art at Temple University where she excelled at ceramics and painting and met her future husband Frank.
Roz earned a Master of Education from SUNY New Paltz while raising a family and teaching full-time. She taught special education children for BOCES in Yorktown, NY for 17 years. Roz never shied away from a challenge and was involved with several political and volunteer efforts throughout her life, many related to freshwater conservation. She was talented and passionate about home renovations, decorating, cooking and entertaining.
The family spent summers at their cottage on Dale Island in Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith, NH. Roz took charge of overseeing the wild blueberry bushes on the small island – enlisting her children, grandchildren, and guests to help pick the berries for her homemade blueberry muffins, pancakes, and pies.
A memorial service will be planned for the fall of 2020. Please refer back to this website for updated information.
Gerald Allen Smith
Age 91 of King of Prussia, formerly of Lancaster, PA and Haddonfield, NJ
Gerald Allen Smith (Jerry) of King of Prussia, PA, formerly of Lancaster, PA, and Haddonfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife Judy (nee Baggs), as well as his daughter Susan Beriau (Scott) and son Peter (Kim). He was the devoted grandfather of Katharine and Andrew MacJarrett, as well as Olivia Smith. He was the great-grandfather of Jaylee MacJarrett. He was predeceased in death by his brother Merle and his son, Gerald Andrew Smith.
Born in Orange, NJ, Jerry grew up in Westfield, NJ, graduating from Admiral Farragut Academy. He then traveled west to enroll at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He was an active member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity while in Ames and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Jerry remained a Cyclone for life, following the school’s teams and visiting the campus for the last time in 1997.
Upon returning to New Jersey, he met his wife Judy, and they married in 1955. After briefly living in Cherry Hill, they settled in Haddonfield where they spent the next 35 years raising a family and enjoying friends in the town they truly loved. Jerry was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church on Kings Highway. He spent his most memorable times, however, on the west side of town – on the tennis courts at the Haddon Field Club.
For decades, Jerry played doubles every Saturday morning – without fail – once the weather turned in the spring. He cherished his tennis friends at the Field Club, and he taught both of his sons to play tennis there. He won many titles there, including the Gut Buster Tournament as well as multiple Father-Son championships. Tennis was Jerry’s oasis – he loved the sport and played well into his 70s.
Jerry’s interment will be held privately in light of the restrictions on gatherings and will be attended only by immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jerry can be made to the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR), 60 Vera Cruz Rd., Reinholds, PA 17569.
Mario Joseph Loperfido
Age 81 of Ocean City, NJ formerly of Merchantville and Haddonfield
Mario Joseph Loperfido of Ocean City, NJ, formerly of Merchantville and Haddonfield, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine Mary Loperfido; his three children, Patti-jo Loperfido Gear (Tim), Joseph (Amy), and Gabrielle; five grandchildren, Olivia, Mario Joseph, Timothy, Aziz, and Sophia; sister Gloria Jenkins (Raymond); a close-knit circle of cousins; and many beloved nieces and nephews. His brother Vito predeceased him in April 1984.
Mario was born in Camden, NJ to the late Joseph Loperfido and Pasqualina (Pat) Martino Loperfido. He graduated from Camden Catholic High School in 1956 and from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1962 where he was an active member of the KSU fraternity. He established Eagle Business Forms in 1971 and worked there until he retired to Ocean City, NJ.
Mario, known for his warmth and deep friendships, will be dearly missed by friends and family.
Private Catholic burial at Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill, NJ. Mourners may visit the graveside to pay their respects after the burial while respecting the constraints of social-distancing as outlined on the Calvary Cemetery website.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Mario’s life will be scheduled at a later date, please check back to this website for updates.
Patricia Keil Tarditi
Age 72 of Cherry Hill, NJ ~ formerly of Berlin, NJ
On April 7, 2020; Age 72 of Cherry Hill, NJ, formerly of Berlin NJ; Devoted mother of Dustin (Cheryl) of Haddonfield; Loving grandmother “Grandma Pat” of Cameron & Gavin; Dear sister of Jack (Barbara) Tarditi, David (Joanne) Tarditi, Rebecca (Michael) Greenblatt, and Paul (Elizabeth) Tarditi; Aunt of many beloved nieces and nephews.
Pat grew up in Spray Beach (LBI) where she was a Brownie, Girl Scout, Rainbow Girl, sang in the Youth Choir of Beach Haven Terrace Methodist Church, and was a competitive sailor at the Spray Beach Yacht Club. She graduated from Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, and was an Alumnae of Wesley College in Wilmington, Delaware. While Pat had many avocations, she was an accomplished surfer and was successful in several local and regional competitions in her youth.
Pat is a former resident of Spray Beach NJ, Haddonfield NJ, and Daytona FL where she lived for many years, becoming involved in rescuing retired racing greyhounds. While hundreds of retired racing greyhounds were rescued through her efforts and advocacy, her greatest pride was in her grandsons.
Recently, she lived in Berlin, NJ and was a licensed Para-Legal with the law firm Stanshine & Sigal in Philadelphia, PA.
After suffering a stroke in 2016, Pat moved to Avista Healthcare in Cherry Hill, NJ, where she made many more friends and joined Christ Our Light Catholic Church in Cherry Hill NJ. Her love, wit, and spirit will be sorely missed.
Special thanks goes to the staff and volunteers of Ascend Hospice and Avista Healthcare.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Patricia may be made to: Greyhound Angels Adoption, 2688 S Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ 08094, www.greyhoundangelsadoption.com/.
Patricia’s family will have a memorial service at a later date. Please check back to this website for future updates.
John T. Heizer
Age 87 of Haddonfield, NJ
John T Heizer, longtime Haddonfield resident, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2020, at age 87.
John was born in Martins Ferry, OH. As a child, John’s family moved frequently. When he was a teenager they settled in Hyde Park, a Cincinnati suburb. In high school his sister introduced him to his future wife, Joanne. After earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, John moved with Joanne to S. Jersey to work for RCA in Camden, finally settling in Haddonfield to start a family. After 25 years, initially as an audio engineer and, later, branching out into many areas of electronics, John left RCA and went on to work for several smaller companies before finally establishing a successful engineering contracting business.
Ever since shortly after arriving in Haddonfield, John has been a dedicated and well-loved member of Haddonfield Friends Meeting. During his early years at the Meeting, John was an active member of the Peace and Social Concerns committee. During this period he counseled conscientious objectors, and participated in protests in Camden against racial segregation of apartments and in Washington D.C. against the Vietnam war. His concern for political and social justice issues continued the rest of his life.
John had a fondness for quirky poetry, music, Les Misérables, community theatre, building and flying remote-controlled planes, French bread-baking, and all things technical, sharing his passions for photography, hobby computing, and a considerable LP collection with his sons. Later in life, John and Joanne discovered their shared love of English Country Dancing, for many years dancing with groups around the region as well as holding their own regular weekly dances at the Friends Meeting House. John enjoyed meeting people and was always ready to help anyone who asked. One example is his becoming a sponsor of a disabled member of his AA group with whom he had become friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joanne, and his sons David of Los Angeles, Ca., Kevin of Haddonfield, and Alex of Kansas City, Mo., and is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Janet.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in John’s name to Haddonfield Friends Meeting, 47 Friends Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
There will be a memorial service at Haddonfield Friends Meeting at a later date. Please check www.KainMurphy.com for information updates.
