Dear Bill,

Just a note about today\’s services at the War Memorial monuments. I was very happy to see so many people there, of course more would have been great. The speakers were great, the Gloucester City Choir sang beautifully. The Brownie Troop (can\’t remember #) read a little poem about poppies, they are all so little, but spoke up loud and proud. All organizations showed their pride for our fallen soldiers.

Previous mayors along with the present Mayor and some council members were present. Along with other honored guests.

Unfortunately the Gloucester City High School Band could not be there, the director is very ill and couldn\’t participate. Two of the members, Gabby Spagnoplia and Stephanie Lado, represented Gloucester High, and played taps. They did an excellent job.

All in all the services went well and I thank everyone who attended. Hope to see them all again next year with some additions.

God bless the USA!

Verna Wames

more Memorial Day stories

Dear Bill,

Just a note about today\’s services at the War Memorial monuments. I was very happy to see so many people there, of course more would have been great. The speakers were great, the Gloucester City Choir sang beautifully. The Brownie Troop (can\’t remember #) read a little poem about poppies, they are all so little, but spoke up loud and proud. All organizations showed their pride for our fallen soldiers.

Previous mayors along with the present Mayor and some council members were present. Along with other honored guests.

Unfortunately the Gloucester City High School Band could not be there, the director is very ill and couldn\’t participate. Two of the members, Gabby Spagnoplia and Stephanie Lado, represented Gloucester High, and played taps. They did an excellent job.

All in all the services went well and I thank everyone who attended. Hope to see them all again next year with some additions.

God bless the USA!

Verna Wames

more Memorial Day stories

CUSTODIO, DEACON

Henry, age 87, on May 27, of Bellmawr for 40 years.
Dearly beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (nee Ridgway) for 55 years and loving father of three wonderful daughters, Tina Polito, Pauline and her husband Bob Vogelsong and Betsy Custodio. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Henry was born and raised in South Philadelphia and served in WW II. He worked for the Marine Corp. Headquarters in Phila., when he turned 55, in 1976, he retired to become a permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church.

Actively involved for over 20 years with Mary Mother of the Church, his first deaconate assignment was there and he served for 10 years. Then he was assigned to St. Agnes RC Church, where he has served for over 20 years. Other areas where people have been blessed by Henry\’s compassion and humor are Kennedy Hospital, Turnersville (24 yrs.), St. John of God, Westville (11 yrs.)., Ancora Psychiatric Hospital (17 yrs.), Cooper Hospital (14 yrs.) and Kennedy Nursing Home, Turnersville (14 yrs).

Henry was a volunteer for the Samaritan Hospice for six yrs. and a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent DePaul Society, both of St. Agnes. For over thirty-five years he attended retreats in Malvern, PA, and was known as a passionate and creative spiritual writer. Henry was known for his dedication to service and his consistent good humor and he will be greatly missed by his family, his Church and his friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am, Thursday, May 31, at St. Agnes RC Church, 701 Little Gloucester Rd., Gloucester Twp. The viewing will be Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 9:00pm and after 9:30 Thursday morning at the Church.
The family requests donations be given in Deacon Henry\’s name to St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Agnes, 701 Little Gloucester Rd., Blackwood, NJ.
The services are under the direction of Addison G. Bradley, 856-228-6900.