(CBS 3) GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. It was a bittersweet Fourth of July in Gloucester City and Mt. Ephraim where residents gathered to commemorate the Fourth of July and observe the fifth anniversary of one of the community\’s greatest tragedies.

July 4, 2002 was a tragic day for the Gloucester City and Mt. Ephraim communities who mourned the loss of three firefighters and three young sisters killed in a house fire.

Five years later family and friends gathered at St. Mary\’s Church to remember innocence, strength and bravery of their lost loved ones.

Mt. Ephraim Chief Jim Sylvester, Deputy Chief John West and Gloucester City Fireman Tommy Stewart died while trying to save sisters Claudia, Colletta and Alexandra Slack from the flames. The home collapsed, killing them all.
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PATTEN, JAMES R., JR.
On July 2, 2007, of W. Collingswood Hts. Age 68.
Beloved husband of 45 years of Loretta (nee Wiercioch). Devoted father of Kimberly Zizzamia and her husband John and Steven J. Patten. Dear brother of George W. Patten and his wife Barbara, Hazel Lentz and Dorothy Patten. Grandpa of John, Jr., Anthony, Victoria and Christopher James Zizzamia and Isabella Patten.
Mr. Patten was a former umpire for the South Jersey Umpire Assoc. He was a Babe Ruth coach in Collingswood and Westmont. Mr. Patten was also a member of the Greater South Jersey Chorus and sang in Holy Maternity\’s Church Choir for 14 years. He was also a real estate licensee with Rohrer-Sayers and a committeeman for the Democratic Assoc.
There will be a viewing from 7 to 9pm Friday eve and 9:15 to 10:15am Saturday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Mass 11am Saturday at Holy Maternity RC Church, Audubon. Entombment Calvary Mausoleum, Cherry Hill.
Family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in Mr. Patten\’s memory to Holy Maternity Church, 431 W. Nicholson Rd., Audubon, NJ 08106.
Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to [email protected].

By Dan Moreland

PCT News

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – More than 300 pest management professionals, industry product suppliers and distinguished guests celebrated Residex\’s 60th anniversary at an elegant gala held at the National Constitution Center in historic Philadelphia last week, an event which also recognized the contributions of Gary Marcucci, a well-known industry figure who is retiring at the end of the year.

Marcucci is a former resident of Gloucester City who graduated from Gloucester City High School in 1960. He and his family reside in Westmont.

Marcucci, who helped plan the event, was unaware he was going to be the guest of honor. \”It was probably one of the best kept secrets in the industry, which is surprising given how quickly news spreads in this industry,\” observed Chris Donaghy, owner and CEO of the Cranford, N.J.-based distributor. \”We wanted to recognize Gary\’s many contributions to Residex and the pest control industry. He\’s had a remarkable career.\”

(Left to right) John Piekarski, Jennifer Marcucci, daughter of the guest of honor, Gary Marcucci and his wife of 39 years, Phyllis. (Photo: Dan Moreland)

Unlike many of his colleagues, Marcucci got a late start in the pest management industry, joining Delsea Sanitation in Camden, N.J. in 1975 at the age of 35. \”I immediately fell in love with the job,\” he said. His affection for the industry continued to grow under the watchful eye of Merle Gardner, owner Sherwood Chemical Co, who became his mentor after hiring Marcucci as a sales representative. \”Every day I thank Merle for the role he played in introducing me to the industry.\”

Gary Marcucci was the guest of honor at Residex’s 60th anniversary celebration at the National Constitution Center in historic Philadelphia. Pictured with Marcucci is \”Ben Franklin\” and Residex owner and CEO Chris Donaghy. (Photo: Dan Moreland) 

One of the most gregarious members of the industry, Marcucci spent most of his career at York Chemical Co. where he developed deep relationships with PCOs along the East Coast, becoming a ubiquitous figure at industry trade shows and educational events, and developing a reputation as a passionate advocate for his customers and the pest management industry. A cycling enthusiast, Marcucci gained national attention when he pedaled from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to Atlanta, Ga., site of the NPMA Convention & Trade Show, to raise money for the Phil Speer Foundation for Structural Pest Control. He raised the single largest donation at the time which was $20,000.

Marcucci joined Residex in 1992, serving as regional manager for the company, which was purchased by Donaghy in 2004. \”Working with Chris Donaghy has been a blessing,\” he said. \”He\’s been very good to me and my family. You couldn\’t ask to work for someone with more class and integrity.\” read more

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OLSEN, JOSEPH A.
On July 3, 2007. Age 76. Of Gloucester City. Due Notice will be given by the McCann-Healey Funeral Home: 851 Monmouth Street (at Brown St.) Gloucester City. Phone: 856-456-1142.

Pictured: from left, Scott Bevan, Ken MacAdams, Jim Coppola, Tim Stevens, Captain Bob Bevan standing.

BAD START—–GREAT ENDING……..Departure time was logged for 5:30 AM, Saturday, June 16^th. The crew’s 35-mile trip to the \”shark grounds\” was one man short. Ken MacAdams phoned from his cell to say he blew a tire on Route 55 in Glassboro and doesn’t know how to use a lug wrench.

State Police helped Ken and he is on his way.

One hour later leaving the dock, the crew hears a loud \”bang\”; turned out to be nothing but a broken spark plug. We have a spare and we are on our way.

Drop bang stick overboard ($200) lost. Fish for five hours and Mr. Marko shows up. At 2 PM Scott hooks up and with teamwork, we land a 120 lb. Mako. Two hours later, \”Old Boy\” Tim Stevens hooks up and once again great team work results in our second Mako about 100 lbs.

Beautiful day on the water and Ken made it home without a flat.

Bay had good flounder biting on Saturday and Sunday. Come on down. Still time to book a trip on the \”Gracie\” with Captain Bob and crew. Call 856-456-5511 or 609-417-3786. see Fishing photo album

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ANDERSON
Ernest J.
Formerly of Mt. Ephraim, NJ died on July 3, 2007 at the age of 83 years. Brother of the late Robert Anderson (sister-in-law the late Rose) and the late Lillian Walker. Survived by two nephews; Robert and James.
Ernest was a founding and lifelong member of the Mt. Ephraim Lions Club.
Viewing will be Saturday 10:00AM-11:00AM at the Earle Funeral Home, 122 W. Church St, Blackwood, NJ 08012, where a service will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will take place at New Camden Cemetery, Camden, NJ. Condolences may be viewed/posted at www.earlefuneralhome. com.

PHILLIPS,Jeanne Theresa -On July 2, 2007. Age 78. Of Gloucester City. Loving Sister of Frances Phillips of Gloucester City, Elizabeth Costello of Barrington, Earl Phillips of West Deptford, Joseph Phillips of Blackwood and the late Robert Phillips. Beloved Aunt of Stephen, Michael, Christopher, Mark, and the late Robert. Dear Aunt to many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Jeanne was a lifetime resident of Gloucester City. She worked at RCA in Cherry Hill. At the request of the family; the viewing, Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary\’s R.C. Church and Interment in New Saint Mary\’s Cemetery are all private. Memorial Donations may be made in Jeanne\’s memory to Saint Mary\’s R.C. Church: Memorial Fund: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through our funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Jeanne Theresa Phillips. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, (at Brown Street) Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142

FIGUEROA, BERNARDINA

On July 2, 2007, of Gibbsboro, NJ. Age 76 years.
Dear mother of Ida L. Roman of Bellmawr, NJ, Daniel (Jackie) of Franklinville, NJ, Ramon of Chicago, IL, Wanda (Israel) Tubens of Cherry Hill, NJ, Daisy Roman of Lindenwold, NJ and Brenda Figueroa of Gibbsboro, NJ. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 4 sisters and 7 brothers.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Saturday 9:00-11:00 AM at the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, Haddon & Lees Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, NJ.

Roeder, Donald A

On June 30, 2007. Age 70, of Stone Harbor, formerly of Haddon Heights.
Loving husband of 39 years to Marie R. Devoted father of Donald (Rose) of West Chester, PA, Carl of Philadelphia, PA and James (Carol) of Swedesboro. Dear Brother of James, Stanley and Barbara Lewis. Beloved grandfather of Andria, Miriam and Regina.
Donald worked as a surveyor at the American Dredging Company in Camden where he rose through the ranks and became President of the Company. In 1992, he formed Roeder Associa-ted Inc., a consulting firm to Dredging Companies.
Relatives, friends and all former co-workers are kindly invited to attend his viewing on Friday from 10 am to 12:15 pm at Saint Rose of Lima R.C. Church: 4th Avenue at Kings Highway, Haddon Heights. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:30 pm in the church. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill. There will be no evening viewing and no viewing in the funeral home. At the request of the family, please no flowers. Memorial Donations are preferred to Saint Joseph\’s Pro-Cathedral School: 2907 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105. Please write in the memo of the check, Donald A. Roeder.
Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through our funeral home website:
www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Donald A. Roeder. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires may be made through: