Category Archives: People
Obituary: Mary K Kirwan
Mary K. Kirwan (nee Fenerty), age 81 of Pennsauken, passed away at her home on July 18, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the beloved wife of 58 years of Walter “Wally;” devoted mother of Kevin, Katie McAninley (Chuck), Kristie Enoch (Don), and Brian (Kim); loving grammie of Colleen, CJ, Ryan, Bailey, Patrick, Maeve, Brendan, Drew, Aidan and Quinn; dear sister of Bill (late Kathy), Dennis (Harriett) and the late Timothy. She was also the beloved daughter of the late William and Helen Fenerty.
Mary K. was a math teacher at Sacred Heart Academy in Philadelphia; she later worked as a substitute teacher at St. Peter’s School in Merchantville and then as an aide in the Pennsauken School District. She enjoyed her many summers on the beach in Sea Isle City and Ocean City and attending thousands of events for her children and grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on Monday, July 24, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, July 25, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Falco/Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. at Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church, 43 W. Maple Ave., Merchantville, NJ. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill.
Obituary: Robert Blessinger
Robert E. Blessinger, age 57 years of Pennsauken, passed away on June 21, 2023.
Beloved husband of Ann R. (nee Piescor). Devoted father of Seamus, Grace and Breandan Blessinger. Cherished son of Walburga (nee Herron) and the late John Blessinger. Dear brother of the late John Blessinger. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Rising Basketball Star Headed To Notre Dame
Pennsauken’s Hannah Hidalgo, a talented 18-year-old basketball player hailing from the Bloomfield section of town, is making waves in the world of basketball. Having started playing the sport at the tender age of four, her passion for the game has only grown stronger over the years. Now, the senior at Paul VI is on the cusp of embarking on an exciting journey at the University of Notre Dame.
Pennsauken’s Officer Brewer Makes Hollywood Debut In “Big George Foreman”
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
“Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World,” is now in theatres. Movie goers will be treated to not only a biopic on the amazing life of the world famous boxer, but see a stellar performance from Pennsauken Police Officer and Township native Charles Brewer, Jr. The son of former IBF super middleweight champ Charles “The Hatchet” Brewer, Charles the younger fell into a role in the upcoming film purely by happenstance.
Local Artist Transforms AAP Pages Into Vibrant Paintings
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
I’ve often imagined what people do with their old copies of All Around Pennsauken after excitingly reading them cover to cover. Archiving the issues for posterity’s sake aside or depositing them directly into the recycling bucket, I’m sure they’re repurposed as packing material, used to cover windows, line bird cages, or assist puppies during the house training process.
Then there’s Jason Sanders. A Pennsauken resident living in the Bloomfield section of town, the talented artist uses the 10” x 10” pages as canvas for his paintings.
Obituary Of Constance M. Gaetjens
Constance “Connie” M. Gaetjens (nee Mulherin), age 70 years of Pennsauken, passed away on April 12, 2023, with family at her side.
Beloved wife of Howard R. for 49 years. Devoted mother of Samantha Muller (Steven), Adam Gaetjens (Michelle), and the late Howard Gaetjens. Loving grandmother of Emma, Owen, Eli, Wyatt, AnaMair, Greyson, and Sophia. Dear sister of Penny Chew, Marie Lepera, Kathleen Mulherin, and the late Jack Mulherin, Beth Bower, Sean Mulherin, and Jennifer Costa. Caring aunt of many loving nieces and nephews and dogmom of her pups Max, Mimi, and the late Cooper.
Connie worked as a local crossing guard for many years. She was the PTA President at Amon Heights School in Pennsauken. Connie loved trips to the casino, bingo, and decorating for every holiday. She enjoyed making art, especially murals and stained glass. If there was a party, she provided her famous deviled eggs and yummy potato salad.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 5:30-6:30 PM at the Falco, Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road, where a Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society Southwest New Jersey, P.O. Box 469, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.
Pennsauken Resident Earns Eagle Scout Rank
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
After years of preparation and months of planning, lifelong Pennsauken resident Gio Marinelli has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Pennsauken Native Hired As NCNW President And CEO
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) announced that Pennsauken native Shavon Arline-Bradley was hired to serve as the organization’s first president and chief executive officer.
“We are excited to have hired Shavon as our new president and CEO. She is an extraordinary communicator, and her expertise in the areas of public health and social justice is impressive,” said Dr. A. Lois Keith, newly elected board chair of NCNW. “She will exceed expectations because these are the areas in which NCNW would like to continue, as we bridge the generational gap.”
Artist Dressler Smith To Speak On March 10
Dressler Smith, a longtime Pennsauken resident and lifelong artist, will be speaking at the Lyceum Hall Center For The Arts, 432 High St., Burlington, on Friday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend.
Smith is a painter, author, and colorist with a focus of depicting tranquil landscapes, inspired by “the beauty of things created by God and not by man.” Her work has been purchased by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, the late Coretta Scott King, as well as former Eagles quarterback Randle Cunnigham.
For more information, visit LyceumHallArts.com/exhibits.
Pennsauken Teacher Publishes Children’s Book
Lisa D. Swint has been teaching language arts in the Pennsauken School District for 23 years; and after decades of using her original writing to teach literary devices such as alliteration and onomatopoeia, she recently published her first children’s book, “Tucker Took the Train.”
Illustrated by Bill Smith, “Tucker Took the Train” is a fun tongue twisting story of Tucker the turtle, who is taking a very special trip from New York City to South Carolina. This book is a catchy read-aloud that highlights East Coast landmarks and various animal species found throughout the area.
“Tucker Took the Train” is available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com. And check out Ldswint.com for more info on Tucker!
