William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet
(Gloucester City, NJ)(October 11, 2025)(CNBNews)--John W. Dobleman (photo) died suddenly on October 8, 2015, at the age of 48. A lifelong resident of Gloucester City, NJ, “Square Head”, as he was known, was one of the founders of the Gloucester Cyclones, a traveling softball team for young girls. Asked how he got his nickname, his older brother Ziggy said, “When I first saw him, after he was born, all I could see was his head sticking out of the blanket. I said he had a ‘Square Head’. The nickname stayed with him for the rest of his life.”
A graduate of Gloucester City High School, Class of ’85, John was an outstanding softball player and played for several men’s teams in the area when he was younger.
“Goodbyes are never easy,” said his friend Richard Dolson. ” Especially when your friend is 48. John inspired me 15 years ago to take coaching softball to another level. To leave a player with more knowledge of the game than we found them with. We, together with Ziggy and too many others to name, built a local softball empire. It was his vision. He gave his all. All remembered his on-field antics. From his running, flying splits to motivating the girls by eating a caterpillar! My favorite was his loud, did I say LOUD, motivational chants. My favorite was “Do we want tuna fish or do we want lobster!’ The kids loved him, the umpires loved him! He was so full of life when he had orange dirt under his shoes. So many kids got their start in softball playing for John Dobleman.”
Mr. Dobleman is survived by his children, Samantha, Joshua and Ashlynn Dobleman; grandchildren, Mason and Chase; his siblings, William (Mary Ann), Charles “Ziggy” (Kathy), Linda Zearfoss, Daniel (Bonnie) Dobleman; goddaughter, Jenna and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth Dobleman and his brother, James.
Viewing on Wednesday morning, October 14th, from 10 to 11 AM with Catholic Service to follow at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth, St., Gloucester City. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of John W. Dobleman. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142