Category Archives: People
Obituary: John M. Coyle
John M. Coyle, age 81, of Merchantville, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2024.
He was the loving husband of 60 years to Mary Ellen (nee McDermott); devoted father of Patty (Paul Hoffman), Loretta (Tom Huslin), Jay (Pam Colozzi) and Joe (Chanin McDowell); proud grandfather of Christian, Jessica (Wade Kennedy), Kristen (Brandon Traino), Olivia, Joseph, Cora and Kathleen and great-grandfather of Lilly Felicity; beloved brother of Linda (Peter Moller); brother-in-law of Doris Matlack; and cherished cousin of many. John is pre-deceased by parents Marie (nee Muldowney) and Colonel John J. Coyle of the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, where John was born and raised.
John was a graduate of Merchantville High School and long-time active parishioner of Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church in Merchantville, NJ. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with St. Peter’s Knights of Columbus Council #6735. John had a very successful 40-year sales career in Fleet Management with Holman Enterprises’ ARI branch. He served seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves 915 MASH unit at Fort Dix as a Medic and Platoon Leader, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.
John had a strong work ethic which he is proud to have passed down to his children and grandchildren. His fierce love for his country and devotion to his Catholic faith were always evident in his generosity of time and talent.
Blessed to travel often with his wife and children, John and Mary’s favorite repeat destinations included Hawaii and Ireland. A decades-long resident of Merchantville, John was a proud homeowner for many years in The Gardens neighborhood of Ocean City, NJ, which he generously shared with his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and classic war movies, and “furrvently” devoted to lap cat, Princess, and porch cat, Tux.
Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., and Friday, September 27, 2024, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Falco/Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church, 43 W. Maple Ave in Merchantville, NJ 08109. Interment will follow at New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr, NJ 08031.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Peter Church at the above address.
Pennsauken Native Returns To “Halloween Wars”
Pennsauken native Al DiBartolo returns to Food Network to compete in season 14 of “Halloween Wars,” the show where “teams of pumpkin carvers, cake bakers and sugar artists, captained for the first time ever by former champions, will showcase their ghoulish talents for a chance to win a sweet cash prize.”
“Very excited to be back on Halloween Wars Season 14 on food network starting September 22nd!!,” posted DiBartolo on social media. “The talent is incredible and I’m honored to be among the best in cake, sugar, and pumpkin once again!!”
DiBartolo, known locally as the talented baker who helped run his family’s business that was a Collingswood landmark for decades before closing in 2023, will be part of “Death by Deco” team, joining pumpkin carver Matt Thorup and sugar artist Rebecca Wortman.
Al is a veteran of the Food Network show, having won season 6 as part of the “Sugar Psychos” team. He has also competed in “Holiday Wars” and “Food Network Challenge” on Food Network, “Next Great Baker” on TLC, and “Stab That Cake” on Cooking Channel, among others. Season 14 of “Halloween Wars” debuts on Food Network on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 9:00 p.m.
Obituary: Danny Rodgers
Daniel Joseph “Danny” Rodgers, age 46 of Pennsauken, passed away suddenly at his home on Sept. 6. He was born in Willingboro, N.J., on September 20, 1977.
Danny is the beloved son of Daniel F. and Agnes (nee Schlindwein) Rodgers; dear brother of Colleen, Timothy, Michael (Lisa), and Katie Rodgers; cherished uncle of Makayla, Daymon, Ethan, Patrick, Kacey, and Allie Rodgers. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and friends.
Danny was a huge Notre Dame football, Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time in Ocean City, N.J.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Thursday, September 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Falco/Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Rd., where a Funeral Service will be held at 8:00 p.m.
Obituary: Mabel Henry
Mabel I. Henry, of Pennsauken, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, at her home. She was 79. A longtime Pennsauken resident of over 50 years, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Mabel was the wife of the late James Henry and daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Mavers; she is survived by her loving children, James Henry Jr, Susan Helsel (John); four cherished grandchildren, John, Elias, James, and Rachel; and a caring sister, Betsy Nickerson.
Mabel’s funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Gaskill Brown Funeral Home, 33 West Maple Ave., Merchantville. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.
Obituary: David E. Richardson
David E. Richardson, affectionately known as “Big Dave,” age 60, of Berlin, NJ, formerly of Pennsauken, passed away on July 25, 2024. He was born in Atlantic City, NJ. David worked as a heavy equipment operator for Camden County Highway Department and retired in 2011. He loved cars, fishing, and off roading. David was a huge advocate for rescue dogs and adored his adopted four-legged best friends. He will be deeply missed.
Obituary: Maryanne Merritt
Maryanne K. Merritt (nee Martin), age 81 years of Pennsauken, passed away on May 9, 2024.
Maryanne was the beloved wife of John R. Merritt; devoted mother of Jennifer Dolan (Adrian) and Elizabeth Merritt (Tim Simmons); loving grandmother of Norah, Julia, Amelia, and Madeleine; and dear sister of Eileen Paul (Joseph) and the late Claire Martin. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Obituary: Thomas E. Francesconi
Thomas E. Francesconi, from Pennsauken, formerly of Camden, passed away on May 6, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Loving husband of Marie (Nardi) for 56 years. Devoted father of Thomas (Maria), Rosemarie (Austin) Duus, Valerie (Charles) Wigginton, and Joseph. Devoted grandfather of Victoria, Cecilia, Thomas, Charlie, Caroline, Joseph, Bella, and Giolina. Brother-in-law of Dorothy Francesconi and Barbara Nardi. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Pennsauken Native To Appear In Upcoming Amazon Prime Film
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken native Bryan Parks, a local actor and voiceover talent, will be appearing in La Salle Productions Inc.’s upcoming film, “Oculus,” on Amazon Prime, where will be playing the role of Doctor Walker.
“Oculus” tells the story of Zia Lainey; shattered by the loss of her son, she awakens inside the afterlife of the Oculus, transforming her into Zylah, Leader of the Suits. As she navigates this enigmatic realm, Zylah grapples with her new-found identity and desire for revenge, all while seeking solace and understanding for her own grief.
A graduate of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2004 who grew up on Highland Ave., Bryan always had an interest in acting, but was initially unable to pursue it as a career.
“It came to a point where I was unable to afford to go to acting school,” explained Parks, who is also set to appear in the film “The Security Guard” next year. “I worked various odd jobs, got my associate degree from Camden County College, auditioned for various TV and movie roles, only to be picked over. In 2023, I met director Will La Salle, who cast me in his film. I’m so thankful that I never gave up on my mission to get into acting, and hope my story inspires others to continue their dreams.”
“Oculus” is available on Amazon Prime beginning on April 30.
Obituary: Antonio Diaz, Jr.
Antonio “Tony” Diaz Jr., of Pennsauken, passed away suddenly on February 28, 2024, at 42 years.
Tony was the beloved son of Antonio “Tony” Sr. and his wife Diane Diaz (nee Serrano); loving father of Kaili Jolie Diaz, Jocelyn Lani Diaz, Elisandra Carmen Diaz, Dianna Nydia Diaz and Toni Aurora Diaz; dear brother of Jessica ( Kevin) Diaz – Bass and Veronica Diaz; cherished grandson of Carmen Elena Nevarez and the late Carmello Nevarez, and Carmen and Gregorio Serrano; caring uncle of Arianna Bass, Isaiah Bass and Evangelise Banks. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Tony loved spending time with his family, he especially liked to go fishing and crabbing with his girls. He also loved visiting Lake George, NY. In his free time, he loved bowling. He was a huge football fan, and his favorite team was the New York Giants. Lastly, he played craps and slots at the casino.
Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation and funeral on Wednesday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. at Falco Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home, 6600 Browning Rd. in Pennsauken. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Mary Queen of All Saints, 4824 Camden Ave. in Pennsauken. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the future of his children: https://gofund.me/51dda5ab.
Obituary: Anthony Leone, Former Tax Assessor
Anthony Leone passed way on February 23, 2024. He was 87 years old.
Anthony was the beloved husband of 64 years to the late Rosemarie (nee Zinicola); devoted father of Anthony and Diane (Louis) Kelly; loving grandfather of Anthony Philip and Danielle Marie; and dear brother of Nancy Loperfido, Catherine Broome and Robert (Bonnie) Leone. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Leone was employed for over 30 years as a tax assessor with the Township of Pennsauken. He was past president of UNICO and was a longtime active parishioner and head usher at St. Stephen’s Church in Pennsauken.
Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation and funeral on Friday, March 1, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Falco/Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Stephen, 6300 Browning Rd., Pennsauken. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Anthony’s wife Rosemarie to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
