Meredith Dobbs
Meredith passed on December 25, 2024. He was a devoted husband to the late Margaret Elaine (nee Jungclaus); He is survived by his children Kenton (Maureen) Pauro, Russell (Kristine) Zoppina, and Pamela (Harold) Martin. Devoted friend Gordon (Kim) Smedley; grandfather to Gregory (Dawn) Martin, Kurt Martin, Eli (Danielle) Martin, Troy (Michelle) Martin, Tonya (Andy) Mariotti, David Martin, Vanessa (Ed) Kehoe, Daniel (Katherin) Pauro, Jonathan (Mary) Zoppina, Joshua Zoppina and Jacob Zoppina and many great grandchildren; dear cousin of Rich Grimsley and Caretaker Vicky Cesarano. Meredith will also be missed by his farm family, many cousins, and close friends.
Meredith was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Lawrence and Sara Dobbs, and his siblings, Lawrence and Sara.
His signature look of cowboy hat and boots got him recognized everywhere, even on the ski slopes of Utah. To his students, he was Mr. Dobbs, but if you knew and loved him and were part of his extended family, he was Mert or Pop Mert. Mert was often found around the fire, smoking his pipe with his favorite Paladin black cherry tobacco, offering sage advice and stories of his life. He grew up on Signey Run Farm. He was the devoted son of Sara or Clem as he affectionately called her, helping her with the farm and its chores. He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed an active outdoor life. He was a scout master, camp counselor, member of the DeMolay and Order of the Arrow.
He joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea. When he came home, he went to Glassboro State teacher’s college and received his degree. He was a teacher for 36 years, most of those years spent at Samuel S. Yellin school in Stratford, New Jersey. When he retired, he continued to substitute teach until he was 80 years old.
Mert was a musician and played three instruments, he also was a conductor for the orchestra while in college. He loved animals and owned many dogs and horses throughout the years. Along with being an avid Horseman he enjoyed boating and water skiing, owning a home on the Mullica River for many years.
Mert also excelled at snow skiing. He skied all over the world. He was a National Ski Patrolman teaching children to ski and running the ski club at Yellin school. He taught his children and grandchildren how to ski, ensuring the passion would be passed down.
He loved his tiny town of Hi-Nella, N. J. Serving on council and then as its mayor for 12 years. He was president of the South Jersey Mayors Association in 2016 and passed his love of politics on to the next generation.
He leaves a hole in our hearts and will be missed by many.
Meredith’s family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, January 10th, 2025, 9:30-11:00 AM at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ. All are invited to his graveside service, Friday Jan. 10th at 1pm at B.G. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cem. 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Meredith’s name may be made to https://www.pawsofwar.org/donate