TIPS AND SNIPPETS: Growing Up In Gcity, Cleanup of Junk Yard? Train Blocks Traffic

By William E. Cleary Sr.

REMEMBERING THE “GOOD OLD DAYS” — Howard “Butch” Shaffer rolled up from Hilton Head, South Carolina, to meet a few of his childhood buddies at the Brooklawn Diner on Thursday, April 2. For a moment, it felt like Gloucester City in the 1940s and ’50s all over again — a town where everyone knew your name, your father’s nickname, and which streetlight you were supposed to be home by.

Back then, our little community ran on corner stores, church bells, and the kind of front‑porch gossip that traveled faster than any newspaper. World War II was winding down, the Korean War was starting up on the other side of the world, and kids like us were more worried about stickball games, jukebox music, and whether we had enough change for a Coke.

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Gloucester Catholic Yearbooks Added to Historical Society Archive

By William E. Cleary Sr.

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 25, 2026)(CNBNews)–Doing research we found a treasurer trove of Gloucester Catholic yearbooks posted on the Gloucester City Historical Society’s website. The first known yearbook begins with 1936. The Historical Society has every yearbook except 1937, 1938 & 1943. The Gloucester City Library may have those which the Historical Society does not have.

(photo property of George F. Cleary Jr., 1959 GCHS graduate)

The very first person in the front row is my brother George F. Cleary Jr., next to him is Vernon “Buddy” Myers. The photo is of members of the typing class that graduated in 1959, which was copied from George’s personal yearbook. Our mother, Mazie, insisted that George and I learn how to type. Those lessons paid off throughout my life, as it was a necessary skill for a reporter. George became a Morse code expert in the Army. He was stationed in Frankfort, Germany, during the time the Berlin Wall was being built by the Communists in East Germany. He and the pilot of a small airplane would fly over the Wall; George’s job was to decipher the Morse code messages being transmitted between the enemy. He would type those conversations and submit the information to his superior officer.

The Historical Society released the following remarks about the use of the data: “Below are links to yearbooks that have been digitized to date. The copyright status of these books is unknown. Access is provided for personal use only. These yearbooks may contain personal messages. Should you find anything that may be too personal or hurtful, please let us know, and we will attempt to edit out or omit those pages.

Click Here for Gloucester Catholic Year Books Online

Gloucester Catholic Years Books Flipbook

PDF versions of the Gloucester Catholic Yearbooks can be found below.

https://drive.google.com/embeddedfolderview?id=1B68uIO3FEq-klo9MLbHeRY0DpdzCBLG6#grid

The Gloucester City Historical Society is located at 34 N. King Street, Gloucester City NJ 08030

John W. Dobleman, One of the Founders of the Gloucester City Cyclone Girls Softball Team

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.

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JIM NICHOLSON, AN EXTRADITIONARY MAN

Jim Nicholson was once presented with one of lifes great open questions: How would you describe yourself? He died on February 22, 2019.

For some people, that could be an invitation for ego-stroking, a chance to paint the most flattering, fascinating portrait their imaginations can conjure.

Mr. Nicholson answered with the verbal equivalent of a shrug. He was a simple man, he said, not terribly complicated. Nothing much to see here, in other words.

You could fill a phone book with all of the things he left out. Mr. Nicholson was an accomplished investigative journalist and a legendary obituary writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, where he spent 19 years celebrating the lives of men and women who were the true lifeblood of the city the cooks, carpenters, bus drivers and janitors whose stories often went untold.

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Toby Frymire, Outstanding GHS Athlete, Phillies Player, Vietnam War Veteran…UPDATE!

The 1955 Gloucester City Little League All-Stars (Sitting left to right)Ed Ferry, Chipper Miller, Bill Elenbark, Jack Collins, Jay Wolfe, (Second row) Toby Frymire, Tim Callnon, Jim McGee, Wayne Ives, Bob Luisi, (Standing) Coach Laddie Mottram, Bob Bevan, Ed Hlopak, Coach Baile Herrington, Mike Green, Jim McLaughlin, Coach Ray Ford

UPDATE:

CNBNews reached out to Jeff Frymire to update his brother’s obituary.

Toby chose to donate his body to science, a decision reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others. Once this process concludes, he will be cremated. The Frymire family plans to gather for a private memorial service on December 4, 2025, celebrating a life well lived.

He made an indelible mark in the world of commercial real estate in Horsham, PA, where his dedication and passion helped shape the community for many years. Mr. Frymire retired a decade ago. He and his beloved wife, Linda, would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on December 18, 2025.

Having spent the majority of their marriage in the town of Horsham, Toby faced health challenges over the past year. Those problems brought him into hospital rooms, rehabilitation facilities, and eventually a nursing home. Through it all, his warmth, kindness, and lasting legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 19, 2025)(CNBNews)—Toby Frymire, a former beloved resident of Gloucester City and an extraordinary athletic figure in his younger days, passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 82. A proud 1963 Gloucester High School graduate, Toby grew up on Johnson Blvd, across from the Little League field, where his athletic ability was evident at an early age. As an athlete, he achieved incredible feats, including earning 14 varsity letters and becoming the New Jersey State pole vaulting champion.

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Burkhardt Breaks Dad’s Record

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

GHS 400-MEET RECORD BROKEN–Steven Burkhardt, (inset) a senior at Gloucester High School, a star student- athlete at the school broke the outdoor track program’s 400-meet record during the Fast-Times meet at Cherokee High recently. That two decade plus record was held by his father former City Police Lt. Steve Burkhardt, and GHS alum. The lieutenant retired from the department last year.

According to Sun Papers, Burkhardt has already cemented his own Lions’ legacy, following a historic 2021-’22 football season in which he led the state with 33 rushing touchdowns while racking up 2,034 rushing yards, good for the second most in the state. Those touchdowns tied the single-season school record, and helped lead the program to its first playoff victory since 2014 with a 21-14 victory over New Egypt in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 sectional playoffs. read more

Gloucester High School Boys Basketball NJSIAA State Champs; LIONS Win First Sectional Title in 51 Years

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 15, 2022)(CNBNewsnet)–This past week, the Gloucester High School boys basketball team finished its historic run in NJSIAA State Playoffs. The Lions finished the season 21-10 were able to capture the school’s first sectional title in 51 years of our program’s rich history.

This team’s run started with a win over 13th seeded Clayton by a score of 87-67. Leading the Lions in scoring was Jr. Liam Gorman with 33 points. Also highlighted in that game were 1000 point scorer and Senior Captain, Steven Light, who finished with his first career triple-double (24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists). Box Score Below.

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Services Cancelled due to COVID-19:Lynda Lee Keebler, of Gloucester City, age 51

Lynda’s family will hold a private service in the upcoming days. The public visitation which was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the funeral home, has been cancelled. Lynda’s family will hold a public memorial later in the summer so all her beloved family and friends can gather, remember and celebrate the impactful life that she lived.

Love, Laughter, Joy, and Light

A magical, spiritual person who made a deep connection with everyone who crossed her path. Lynda had an amazing and genuine ability to make everyone she met feel valued and loved. She made the everyday seem magnificent and never took one moment for granted. She embraced life and surrounded herself with the beauty of nature at her

enchanted lake house. Whether she was enjoying a cup of tea on her deck or a peaceful moment kayaking on the lake, she always found the pretty in every day.

Lynda’s sweet smile lit up a room and her infectious laughter was contagious. Every person blessed to know her has a favorite “Lynda” story to tell, that ends with, “You just can’t make this stuff up”.

This warrior’s strength and courage was curiously paired with her sweet and gentle heart. She exemplified class and poise in the face of adversity.

Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her loving husband and soulmate Shawn Lepley, her adored parents Frank and Darline \”Doll\” Keebler (nee Ternau), beloved sister Karen Hartman (Robert), and her late brother Frankie Keebler, cherished nephews Frankie Willerton and Joseph Hartman, and her precious dog Zenny. Naturally loved by Shawn\’s extended family especially her nieces and nephews Owen, Chloe, Tierney, Clarke, Reece, Conner, and Kellen. Along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and endeared friends.

Heaven’s Angel, our once Earth Angel, has truly earned her Wings.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, March 21st, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Prayer service immediately following in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Lynda Lee Keebler Scholarship Fund, c/o Gloucester City High School, 1300 Market St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Lynda Lee Keebler. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City. Ph:856-456-1142

John Courter Jr., age 48 of Gloucester City; Bass Guitarist, GHS Alumnus

On Saturday, March 7, 2020 John Courter Jr. passed away at the age of 48.

John was born on September 7, 1971 in Camden, NJ and was a lifelong resident of Gloucester City, NJ. He graduated from Gloucester City High School in 1989.

John had a passion for music. He played the bass guitar in many bands in the South Jersey area. He also loved to hunt for recording albums, always looking for that rare find. His favorite bands included Alan Parsons, Kansas, Rush, Metallica, Black Sabbath, KISS, and especially Ozzy Osbourne. He loved Disney and going to Disney World. His favorite character was Grumpy. He loved the game Pac-Man and was a collector of Pac-Man related collectibles. He was passionate about the Flyers and rarely ever missed a game on TV.

John is survived by his mother Gloria Dunn (John), his father John, Sr., his brother Jeffrey (Bridget), his niece Summer, his uncles Bill Kimmey and Earl Courter, his long time companion Lori Crush, and several cousins.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather in John’s memory at the ICAC Club in Gloucester City on Saturday from 2:00pm-6:00pm, located at 528 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. #crerancelebration #heartfelt

Joseph N. Harris of Franklinville, formerly of Gloucester City, Vietnam War Army Veteran

Joseph N. Harris Sr.

Joseph N. Harris Sr. \”Butch\” age 72, of Franklinville formerly of Gloucester City passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020. Born in Camden to the late Jacob Harris and Louise (nee Hilling), Butch served in the Army during the Vietnam War and continued serving in the Army National Guard for 20 years of service. He was proud of his military service, loved his country and was a member of the Brooklawn American Legion. His passion was traveling to car shows and taking care of his 1969 Firebird. Butch was loved by all who knew him. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren.

Butch is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Patricia (nee Mayhew), his son Joseph N. Harris Jr., (Jacqueline), two daughters, Angela Harris (Dave) and Darlene Voll (William), five grandchildren, Alexis, Jacob, Abigail, Billy and Andrew and his brother-in-law, David McNeil. He was predeceased by his sister, Saundra McNeil.

Family and Friends may visit

from 9:30 am to 11 am on Thursday, March 5th

, at Smith Funeral Home,

47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ

where a Memorial Service will be held at 11. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Wenonah Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to ASPCA,

PO Box 96929, Washington, DC, 20090-6929

or by phone at

1-800-628-0028

. Memories and condolences can be shared at

www.smithfhmantua.com