GELLURA, ROSE

(nee Fornito). Went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2007; Born and raised in Camden, formerly of Lindenwold, Audubon and Wildwood; age 86 yrs
Beloved wife of the late Thomas Salvatore Gellura Sr. Devoted mother of Salvatore (Dorothy),Rose \’Chickie\’, Michael (Karen), Jean (Dean) Allen, Tina (Timothy) McNulty, JoAnn (John) Coverly, Anthony (Jane), Donna, and the late Thomas S. Jr. Loving grandmother of 40 and great grandmother of 58. Dear sister of the late Carl, Lena and Jean. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Saturday from 9 AM at the FALCO/CARUSO & LEONARD PENN-SAUKEN FUNERAL HOME, 6600 North Browning Road, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill. Info, condolences and guestbook at
www.carusocare.com

Fire News NJ Editorial

 

The past month has been a difficult one for the volunteer fire service. Newsday, a Long Island newspaper, has been running articles that have twisted facts, which are depicting the fire service in a negative light. Slow response times were blamed for two fatal fires, when in fact the delay was a direct result of a four-minute hold up by the homeowners in reporting the fire. In New Jersey, a three-alarm blaze ripped through five multi-family homes. Fire officials are blaming this tragedy on cuts that forced the closing of two Bayonne firehouses. In New York City, eight children lost their lives in a tragic fire, despite a four-minute response time by the FDNY. A closer look at this fire revealed that space heaters were being used to heat the home, no working smoke detectors were present, and the occupant called her husband before she called 911. This reminds us that response time is not always the determining factor at a tragic fire. 

Let\’s face it, the fire service does an excellent job in protecting life and property. Unfortunately, we are not perfect. When we deal with factors that are out of our control, we cannot expect to win every battle. However, the fire service does perform its duties well, despite cuts in funding and in some cases negative representation from the media. 

What can we do to insure the continued service that our department provides to our communities? The answer is to be an active, keyword ACTIVE, volunteer firefighter. According to Dr. Harry Carter, MIFireE, CFO, an internationally known municipal fire protection consultant, author, lecturer, and veteran New Jersey fire officer, \”Studies by the National Volunteer Fire Council speak to the fact that volunteers are a resource that must be nurtured and supported.\” Dr. Carter believes we must act now and strengthen our volunteer fire service.  

Spring is a time of rebirth. The flowers are starting to bloom, the grass is starting to turn green, and fire departments are once again becoming visible to the public. We should encourage our neighbors to stop by the firehouse to see if they may want to become part of the organization. Company officers should be encouraging their members to respond every time that they hear a call. Every call? Is this possible? It has always been my practice that if I am home or within my community and my pager goes off, I simply go to the call if I am able to. No excuses! We volunteered to be firefighters and EMS responders. Despite what anyone else might think, our community and our department need us. Let this spring be the starting point to rejuvenate our commitment to our department. Do not worry about what others in our department do. We can make a difference in our department by setting examples for everyone to follow us. Do not let the lack of motivation be the reason that the media uses against us when the occasional call does not go the way we would like it to go. Our supporters on Capitol Hill are fighting a constant battle to make sure we have the tools needed to protect our community. We need to join them in promoting the fire service by making sure that we are active members in our department. 

By DON BENEVENTO

GLOUCESTER CITY-It\’s already been a magical season for the Mt. Ephraim Senior Little League team which, for the first time in the 55-year history of participation, has won the town\’s first district championship.

However, the District 14 champion Hawks now face an uphill battle in a bid to win the South Jersey Section 4 championship following their 5-1 loss Wednesday to North Cumberland, a setback that has thrown Mt. Ephraim into the losers\’ bracket.

\”The big bats didn\’t come through for us,\” said Mt. Ephraim coach George Gies, whose team will now move on to South Vineland Saturday to play the winner of tonight\’s game between Stratford and Monroe Township. \”But we gutted it out, and we were in there for a little while.\”

The winner of Saturday\’s game will play North Cumberland on Monday at Franklin Township, hoping to win and force a deciding game for the sectional title. North Cumberland, the District 3 champion, now needs only one win to wrap up the crown.

Gies believes his players will get another look at North Cumberland, which used solid pitching from Chet Godfrey and a three-run homer from Barry Larro in the second inning, to secure the win.

\”We\’re a small town and this is a big step for everybody in this town,\” he said. \”I think our kids were starting to feel the pressure. But after about the fourth inning, I think we started to believe we could win. I think we\’ll probably get another shot at them on Monday.\”

On Wednesday, Mt. Ephraim fell out of contention early, even though it seemed North Cumberland could never apply the knockout blow.

North Cumberland jumped on top against starter and loser Mike McHugh with a run in the first inning when Godfrey singled, moved to second and third on wild pitches and scored on an RBI single by Larro.

In the second inning, North Cumberland loaded the bases on a single by Gary Fischer, a double by Daren Overstreet and a walk to Jimmy Pattitucci.

At that point, Gies changed pitchers, bringing in left-hander Don Eaise, who got an out without a run scoring on a fielder\’s choice. But Godfrey hit a long sacrifice fly, and Larro hit a home run to left to extend the lead to 5-0.

\”He threw a fast ball outside, and whatever he threw, I was looking to drive the ball and hit it hard,\” Larro said. \”I was trying to do my job and bring in runs.\”

However, Eaise gave up nothing after that, in giving his team a chance to come back.

For his part, Godfrey was rarely in trouble, and he gave up no earned runs.

Mt. Ephraim got its only run in the fourth inning with the help of three of errors.

The Hawks had their best chance in the top of the second, while still trailing only 1-0. With one out, they had runners on second and third following a Scott Simonds double and a single and stolen base by Wil Hamilton. But Godfrey got a strikeout and a ground out to get out of that jam.

\”I was working my spots, and when a couple of kids hit the ball we had great defense to back us up, Godfrey said. \”The infield and outfield did great, and I just tried to pitch my best.\”

Godfrey eventually gave way to Fischer, who pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning.

FOSTER, EDWIN J. SR.
On July 17, 2007, age 87 of Mt. Ephraim NJ.
Beloved husband of the late Marie A. (nee Norton) and the late Dorothy (nee Nowinski). Devoted father of Edwin J., Jr. and Daughter-in law Susan Foster of Tabernacle NJ. Loving grand father of Dr. Dennis and (Jacky) Foster of Fairfield, VA. Beloved brother of Patricia (Jerry) McCreery of Audubon Park, Cyrene (Frank) Slegona of Camden, Maine and John Foster of Bellmawr Park. Also many loving neices and newphews. Also dearest neighbors Bill and Judy Evers, and Joann Gavin.
Mr. Foster was a World War II Army Veteran who took part on D-Day. He was also a member of the Runnemede V.F.W. Post # 3324. He was an avid Phillies Fan and enjoyed working with model trains.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his viewing Friday evening 7pm-9pm and Saturday from 9am-10am at the
MAHAFFEY-MILANO FUNERAL HOME
11 E, Kings Hwy
Mt. Ephraim, N.J.
(856)931-1628
Funeral service Saturday 10am at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Expressioins of sympathy & condolences may be sent to www. milanofuneralhome.com

Courier-Post Staff

Tri-County-West Deptford hit three home runs in the first inning and outslugged Golden Nugget 16-12.

Adam Tussey, who hit two, led off the game with a home run. John McMullen, Nick Dalasandro and Ryan Murray also homered for West Deptford. Dustin Roach hit three home runs for Golden Nugget.

Deptford scored six times in the fourth inning and three more times in the sixth to down Dandrea 9-3. Derrick Reagan had two hits and two RBIs for Deptford.

Conlin Baseball got its second game-ending home run in a week, a two-run shot by Paul Painter, to defeat Moorestown 8-6.

Matt Schiecher pitched two innings of shutout relief to pick up the win.

Matt Longo went 4-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI and scored twice to lead the Rough Riders over Bellmawr 4-1. Brian Spicer hurled a three-hitter for the win.

Senior American Legion: Gary Derhagopian homered in both games as Mount Laurel swept a doubleheader from Pennsauken 9-5 and 7-3.

Matt Tiagwad helped the cause in the opener, hitting two solo homers and a double.

West Deptford pounded Gloucester Township 15-5 putting the game away with seven runs in the top of the seventh inning. Dave Guiliani had a two-run home run and drove in three runs and Casey Havers hit a three-run homer to lead the West Deptford attack.

Garden State: Josh Weber hurled a two-hitter, striking out eight, and Mike Maxwell and Jack Schulze each slugged home runs as Woodstown blanked Collingswood 11-0. 

Senior Little League: Ethan Rhinehart hurled a three-hitter and Nick Ura was 2-for-3 and knocked in three runs as unbeaten Glassboro shut out West Deptford 10-0 in a District 15 game.

Junior Little League: Monroe Township remained unbeaten in Section 4 with a 16-10 win over Pitman.

Ryan Ilgenfritz had four hits, scored three runs and drove in two for the winners.

Monroe Township plays the Gloucester-South Vineland winner on Friday at Franklin Township.

Little League 11: Waterford broke open a tie game with seven runs in the top of the sixth inning to remain unbeaten in District 21 with a 15-8 win over Franklin Township. Winning pitcher Chris Huster also went 3-for-3.

In another District 21 game, Berlin Boro scored seven runs in the second inning and held on to defeat Franklin Township 8-6. Jake Quinn was 3-for-3 for the winners, including a fifth-inning solo home run.

Matt Brown drove in four runs with two doubles and picked up the win as Haddon Heights advanced to the playoffs in District 14 with a 15-5 win over Barrington.

Haddon Heights will play undefeated Erial, which beat Gloucester 10-5, Thursday. Hunter Brody hit a three-run home run in the first inning and Ryan Boyle added an RBI triple in the fourth for Erial.

Little League 10: Haddonfield scored in every inning and advanced to the District 13 semifinals with a 14-11 win over Willingboro.

Charlie Clarke had two doubles and drove in two runs and Carter Fichter also had two hits and drove in two runs to pace the Haddonfield attack.

see Gloucester City LL scores Lakeview Hottest Team in Tri-County

More Notebook Sports

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, July 21, at Saint Rose of Lima R.C. Church, 4^th Avenue at Kings Highway, Haddon Heights for Mrs. Ruth Cleary (nee Schneck) , of Haddon Heights, who passed away on Tuesday, July 17^th , 2007. She was 87.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Saturday at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM.

Mrs. Cleary was a resident of Haddon Heights for 46 years. She was the founder and owner of Short Stuff Store on Station Avenue in Haddon Heights. Ruth owned this second hand children\’s consignment store for seven years and was so proud to help many children and families in the area. She was very outgoing and loved to socialize in front of her store; and was considered to be a social asset to the community. Ruth was a member of the Widows and Widowers (WOWS) in Cherry Hill. She enjoyed dancing and driving around Haddon Heights in her red convertible.

The loving wife of the late James F. Cleary, she is survived by her devoted children: Ruth Ann Flynn Dubb (Dr. Jeffrey Dubb) of Philadelphia, PA, Patty Gibboni of Haddon Township, Kathy Cleary Underwood (Jimmy Underwood) of Gloucester City and Jim Cleary of Haddon Township. Beloved adopted mother of Richard (Sis) Powers of Croydon, PA. Dear companion of Captain Joe Stasney of Cherry Hill. Devoted grandmother of 8 and great-grandmother of two.

Cremation and Inurnment are private at the request of the family. There will be no evening viewing and no viewing at the funeral home. The family requests no flowers for the viewing. Memorial Donations are preferred in Ruth\’s memory to the Alzheimer\’s Association: 3 Eves Drive, Suite 310, Marlton, New Jersey 08053. Please write in the memo of the check Ruth Cleary. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through the funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Ruth Cleary.

MOTSON, MARGUERITE T.
(Nee Tobin), of Collingswood and formerly of N. Myrtle Beach, SC, on July 1, 2007, age 79 years.
Beloved wife of the late Walter Z. Motson. Devoted mother of David Motson and his wife Joyce of Cherry Hill and Sudie Burbage of Franklinville. Adoring grandmother of Abby, Eric and Kevin Motson and Laura and Gregory Burbage. Also survived by the Mary Jane (Albert) Schillenger Family and the Marion Tobin Family.
Mrs. Motson was a retired Principal and Elementary Teacher for the Collingswood Board of Education. Marguerite had been a member of the Collingswood Library Commitee and St. John\’s RC Church. Marguerite attended Camden Catholic High School, graduated University of Pennsylvania, BS Mathematics, and Temple University, MA Education.
Mrs. Motson and her late husband retired to N. Myrtle Beach, SC in 1981 where she was an avid golfer and an active member of Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church.
Mrs. Motson and her husband returned to Collingswood in 2003 to be close to family.
Memorial Service, Saturday, July 21, 2007, at 11 AM in Collingswood Manor, 460 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. Family and Friends will gather at 10:30 AM. Entombment and Memorial Mass in Our Lady, Star of the Sea RC Church, N. Myrtle Beach will be held at a later date.
The family suggests donations in Marguerite\’s memory to Our Lady, Star of the Sea RC Church Building Fund, 1100 8th Avenue North, N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. Arrangements by BLAKE-DOYLE Funeral Home, Collingswood.

LYONS, JAMES R. (MIDDY)

On July 16, 2007 of Bellmawr. Age 75. Beloved husband of the late Jenny B. (Nee Martino). Beloved father of Barbara Rettig of Bellmawr and James R., Jr. and his wife Teresa of Blackwood. Dear grandfather of Barbara Kammam, Kevin Rettig, Megan & Jill Lyons. Loving great grandfather of Jenna & Erica Kammam, Karlee Rettig and Gio Piliero. Mr. Lyons was a Life Member of the I.U.O.E. Local 825. Middy was ageless and loved by many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing Thursday evening from 7 to 9pm and Friday morning from 8:15 to 9:15am at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Mass Friday 10am at Mary Mother of the Church, Bellmawr. Interment New St. Mary\’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to Condolences@Gardner FuneralHome.com

DEL DUKE, JOAN M.
(nee Tischner) On July 16, 2007 of Audubon, NJ age 75 yrs. Beloved wife of the late John V. Del Duke.
Joan is survived by her 5 loving children: Mark J. (Barbara) Del Duke of Cherry Hill, Michael J. (Carol) Del Duke of Erial, Kathleen M. (Gary) Mullins of Woolwich Twp, Lisa A. Del Duke of NYC, Matthew J. (Allison) Del Duke of Audubon; a brother John J. Tischner, III of Dunedin, FL; 2 sisters, Patricia A. Berger of Pennsauken, and Ann C. Johnson of Cherry Hill; also 10 grandchildren.
Prior to her retirement from F.W. Dodge-West Jersey Architects in Cherry Hill, Joan was a Secretary for Paul VI High School, Guidance Dept. She was a resident of Audubon for the past 46 years and a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, Holy Maternity Church.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Friday morning from 9-10:45AM at Holy Maternity Church, 431 W. Nicholson Rd, Audubon, NJ 08106. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM.
Interment New St. Mary\’s Cemetery, Bell-mawr. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan\’s memory may be made to Holy Maternity Church. Arrg. by Henry Funeral Home, Audubon.

BERRA, JUNE W.
(nee Walker) Age 89 years, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, formerly of Haddon Heights and Westmont, died peacefully, Monday, July 16th, at her daughter\’s home in Toms River surrounded by family.
June was born in Buffalo, NY and grew up on Staten Island, NY. She lived in Haddon Heights, for over 44 years, and Westmont before moving to her daughter\’s home in Toms River in March. June worked as a Bookkeeper for many years and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Haddon Heights until her move to Toms River.
She was adored by her family for her kindness and wonderful sense of humor. June has a long and loving marriage to James Berra, who died in 2005.
She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Palmer, Haddon Heights, and Nancy and John Gregory, Toms River. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Tiffani Wagner, Andrew Victor, Robert Victor, Jesse Rankin, and Chelsea Gregory, and 4 great grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 7th and Green Sts, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035. Contributions may be made in her memory to the church at the above address or to Compassionate Care Hospice, 600 Highland Drive, Suite 624, Westhampton, NJ 08060. Funeral arrangements by DUBOIS FUNERAL HOME, 700 S. White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ.