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.
Local Memorial Day Events Pay Tribute To Fallen Heroes
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Every May, a variety of meaningful events lead up to Memorial Day, an important remembrance of those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Health And Wellness Fair This Saturday
Pennsauken Public Schools will host its annual Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 27, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Rd. This popular event is designed to promote and provide valuable resources to individuals and families as well as the local community.
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.
Camden County Announces Acts For 2024 Summer Parks Concert Series
Information Provided By The Camden County Board of Commissioners
The Camden County Board of Commissioners is excited to announce the return of the Summer Parks Concert Series for 2024. The concert series will enliven and amplify the green spaces throughout the 2,700 acres of parkland in the county and provide something for everyone.
Andy Kubert, Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, Bryan Hitch Headline Talented Comic Creators Attending FAN EXPO Philadelphia
Manapul, Tomasi, Ottley, Cho, Lee, Platt, Wos Also Among Top Artists, Writers Populating Artist Alley at Pennsylvania Convention Center, May 3-5
A vast array of talented comics artists and writers, spanning more than a half century of work and encompassing dozens of the most popular franchises in the history of the medium through the present, will be on hand as FAN EXPO Philadelphia today announced the Artist Alley headliners for the convention, set for May 3-5 at the Pennsyvlavnia Convention Center. Among the superstar writers and artists are Andy Kubert (“Batman: The Dark Knight III,” “X-Men”), Geoff Johns (“Geiger,” “Junkyard Joe”), Jason Fabok (“Rook: Exodus,” “Batman: Three Jokers”), Bryan Hitch (“Redcoat,” “The Ultimates”), Francis Manapul (“The Rocketfellers,” “The Flash”), Peter Tomasi (“The Rocketfellers,” “Hornsby and Halo”), Ryan Ottley (“Invincible,” “Amazing Spider-Man”), Frank Cho (“Liberty Meadows,” “Wolverine”), Jae Lee (“Seven Sons,” “Stephen King’s Dark Tower”), Stephen Platt (“Moon Knight,” “Wolverine”), and Joe Wos (“Mazetoons,” “Charlie the Tuna”).
Just about every franchise imaginable will be well represented, and comics fans will revel in meeting the creators who have made them possible. Q&A’s, interactive demonstration sessions, autographs, commission opportunities, and more make the experience a can’t-miss for comics lovers.
Annual Pennsauken Shredding Event On April 13
The Pennsauken Environmental Commission is hosting its annual shredding event at the Park Avenue School Campus, 8201 Park Ave., on Saturday, April 13, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
This paper-only shredding event is solely for Pennsauken and Merchantville residents, not businesses; those who attend must bring an I.D. Items for shredding should be placed in the rear of the vehicle, such as a trunk, truck bed, or an unoccupied back seat.
Things that can be shredded include anything that has your signature, account number, social security number, etc., as well as any type of medical or legal information; documents can range from bank statements and credit card offers to tax forms and utility bills. No commercial paperwork, please.
This is not a recycling event; also, items such as hardcover books, magazines, etc. will not be accepted.
These events are extremely well attended; residents are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to arrive. For more information, visit “Pennsauken Township Environmental Commission” on Facebook.
Focusing On Three Hundred And Sixty-Five “Unbirthdays”
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Put away the party hats, leave the streamers at home, and pop the balloons. I’m officially skipping my birthday this year.
I turn 50 this month. FIFTY! And I am not a happy camper. Generally, 50 of something is pretty good. Fifty bucks? Great! Fifty baby sea otters? Totes adorbs. But 50 birthdays? KILL IT! KILL IT WITH FIRE!
New Owners Of Meadowbrook Food Center Keep Family Tradition Alive
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
With a deep-rooted family tradition that got its start at Philadelphia’s iconic Italian Market, DiPascale’s, more commonly known as Meadowbrook Deli, made its home in Pennsauken in 1959 along Union Ave., converting a warehouse by peach orchards into a series of stores. Run by Bobby and Stephen DiPascale in 2000, the deli opened a complementary produce market in the same shopping center. And while there have been a variety of changes over the past five years, the Meadowbrook brand continues to thrive. Today, another family with Pennsauken roots is the brand new custodian of this local institution.
