Category Archives: People
Instagram DM Turns Into “I Do” For Pennsauken Natives On Valentine’s Day
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
A DM on Instagram a little over a year ago turned into “I do” on Valentine’s Day when Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista married longtime Township natives Julian Perez and Leticia Rosa in a special ceremony at the Municipal Building.
The newlyweds hung in similar circles with mutual friends, but never met. Julian first reached out via Instagram, where the two 26 year olds hit it off.
Pennsauken Florist Helps Design Float For 2024 Rose Parade
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken native and professional florist Rick Cuneo recently completed the biggest project he’s ever undertaken: the floral design for Cal Poly and California State Polytechnic University in Pomona’s 75th float entry in the 2024 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.
“It was really an unbelievable opportunity to work on this,” said Cuneo, a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, the oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. “It’s amazing to see how it all comes together in just a matter of days.”
Pennsauken Veteran Highlighted On PBS
Longtime Delair resident Edward Hill is one of four World War II veterans featured in the premier episode of “Here’s The Story” on PBS.
The documentary takes viewers on a journey across the state of New Jersey, where the “Here’s The Story” met with these remarkable individuals. Their stories not only shed light on the harrowing experiences of war, but also offer a window into their upbringing, shaping the lens through which they experienced one of the most pivotal periods in history.
Stephen Mucha Passes Away At 102
Longtime Pennsauken resident Stephen Mucha passed away on October 18, 2023, at the amazing age of 102. Often seen at the Pennsauken Municipal Pool performing with his wife, Carol Ann Copper, the veteran and devoted family man left an indelible mark on his community.
Obituary: Thomas R. Rapa
Thomas R. Rapa passed away on Sept. 28 at the age of 77. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Margaret Rapa (nee Campbell); loving father of Lauren Rapa Guzzo (Louis) of Marlton, N.J.; Patrick Rapa of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Michael Rapa (Christina) of Philadelphia, Pa. Thomas was also the dear brother of Maryann Rapa of West Deptford and the late Joseph Rapa (Robert Jones); son of the late Joseph and Margaret Rapa; and proud pop-pop of Ava Guzzo, Julia Guzzo, and Luca Rapa.
Obituary: Linda Maritza Rubiano
Pennsauken resident Linda Maritza Rubiano passed away on Aug. 29 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 47.
A native of South America, Linda’s family came to the United States in search for a better life. She moved to Pennsauken in 2005 and was proud to call New Jersey her home. Linda was involved in her church, as well as several organizations that helped the environment and disenfranchised people, including the Sierra Club, Food and Water Action, and Eastern Service Workers Association. She also served as an alternate for Pennsauken’s Environmental Commission beginning in 2021.
Linda leaves behind her mother, Maria Rubiano; son, Joaquin Martinez; sister, Emperatriz Rubiano Atkins; brother-in-law, Brad Atkins; and nephews, Marco A. Mitchell and Abraham Atkins. Her presence enriched their lives in countless ways, and her memory will continue to be a source of inspiration and love.
Linda’s Mass of Christian Burial, was held on Sept. 8 at Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church in Merchantville, N.J. Interment was private at the request of her family.
GoFundMe Helping Pennsauken Resident After Medical Emergency
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Family and friends are raising funds to help a Pennsauken resident recover after a serious medical emergency.
Vincent Iannuzzi of Pennsauken suffered a massive stroke while driving to work along Maple Ave. on July 27. The sudden loss of consciousness resulted in Iannuzzi crashing his vehicle, resulting in other serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries. He is currently at the Trauma Center at Cooper University Hospital, where he is receiving intensive medical care.
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.
