In Memoriam

Ron Cottrill

Ronald E. “Zeke” Cottrill, 82 of Bordentown, passed away on Thursday December 8, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. Ronald was born in West Virginia and had lived in Trenton before moving to Bordentown 31 years ago. He had a successful career with the United States Air Force and had served proudly.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he continued to work and stay busy. He first worked for Armored Car Services and Brinks and then took a job doing security for Burlington Coat Factory and then Nade Auto Auction. He was a member of the Florence VFW and also Volunteered with the Franklin Fire Company #1 in their Fire Police division.

He was predeceased by his parents Payge and Audra Cottrill and a brother and sister-in-law Raymon and Bonita Cottrill. He leaves behind his wife Dorothy Cottrill, a son and daughter-in-law Ronald P. and Angela Cottrill, a daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Timothy Drabick, 2 sisters Judy Swager and Karen Santowasso, 4 grandchildren Joseph, Danyl, Antonio, and Isabella and 4 great grandchildren, Jaylyn, Isaac, Zoe and Callen.

Bill Stricker

Bill Stricker passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2020, at home with his loving family by his side. He was 75. Born in Mount Holly, N.J., son of the late William and Mildred (Allen) Stricker, he was a lifelong resident of Columbus, N.J. Bill was a police officer for Mansfield Township, retiring after 27 years of service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He is survived by his wife, Karen Langton Stricker, and his children, Megan, Matthew and Kyle Stricker. He is also survived by his in-laws, Gene and Lisa Langton, Brian and Nancy Langton and Judi and Fred Straffe; his nieces and nephews, Nicole, Corey, Haley, Kelsey, and Jesse; and cousins, Jean Myers, Lynn Bagley, Jay DuBell and Gail Mowrey.

Daniel Duclos VanMater III

Daniel Duclos Van Mater III, born on July 1, 1937 in Neptune, NJ to Daniel Duclos Van Mater Jr. and Sarah Van Mater, passed away unexpectedly while vacationing in Budapest Hungary on July 23, 2019. Dan graduated from Millbrook High School in Raleigh, NC & studied at North Carolina State College. A long-time resident of Columbus, NJ he was herdsman for the family owned dairy farm, Crescent Farm Inc. Dan also worked for Red Star Trucking for years from which he retired. He was currently employed part time by Pinelands Nursery to deliver plants to surrounding retailers. 

Dan was a life-long member and former volunteer fireman for Franklin Fire Company Station 331 in Mansfield Township for many years. He was also a long-time member of Mansfield’s Fire Police Squad. An avid sportsman, Dan was a member of the NRA, NJ State Federation of Sportsmen and the Burlington County Federation of Sportsmen. He was past president of the Burlington County Federation and a member of the Board Directors for more than 40 years. He also served as a delegate to the Sate Federation for more than 15 years. Dan was appointed by NJ’s Governor to serve on the NJ State Fish and Game Commission and did so for 9 years. In 1972, Dan was heavily involved with introducing wild turkeys from Virginia to the woodlands of NJ. Dan was an avid game hunter and enjoyed many expeditions within the continental US and Alaska. He was a member of the Kinkora Buck Club. Last year he enjoyed a hunting trip with his son and grandson in Missouri creating lifelong memories. Dan and his wife Kathy traveled extensively in the US and also abroad.

Dan was a gentle, quiet soul who loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a hard-working dedicated man and a wonderful role model for his children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and dear friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathryn Jane (Miller), his children, Daniel Duclos Van Mater IV, wife Denise, daughter Jennifer Elizabeth Van Mater and partner David Dimon, grandchildren, Daniel Duclos Van Mater V and Gabrielle Alexis Van Mater, his sister Betty Jane Mathews, brothers; Charles, wife Margaret, Peter, wife Patricia and Roberts, wife Lynda, as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in law, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. Dan was predeceased in death by his parents Daniel Duclos. Jr. and Sarah Van Mater.

Robert R. Reeves, Sr.

Robert R. Reeves Sr. of Columbus passed away into God’s loving and eternal care on Monday, March 5, 2018, at home surrounded by his family. He was 90. Born in Columbus, he was a lifelong resident. Mr. Reeves retired in 1980 as an electrician, first for Wilson Electric in Florence, and later for Wills and Styles Electricians in Medford. He also owned and operated his own farm in his earlier years. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Columbus, The Pioneer Gun Club in Chatsworth and a 50-year member of the Franklin Fire Co. in Columbus. His favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing and he was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret (Stanton) Reeves; his son, Charles John “Chuckie” Reeves; his brother, John Reeves; and his sister, Bettie Wedell. He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Marion (Walder) Reeves; his daughter, Donna Don Harrington (Mike); his son, Robert Reeves Jr. (Nancy Gilbert); as well as a daughter-in-law, Maureen. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Carrie Elliott, Kenny Don (Amanda), Courtney Randolph (Davey), C.J. Reeves (Tamzen), Caitlyn Reeves, Randi Reeves, Jenna Reeves, and Dr. Heidi DeLeon (John); his seven great-grandchildren, Averie Elliott, Aiden Don, Asher Don, Andrik Don, Marek Reeves, Kellan Reeves and Sura DeLeon; as well as many extended family members and their families. 

Arthur Taylor, Jr.

Arthur Harry Taylor, Jr., age 81, of Southampton NJ and formerly of Columbus NJ, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, November 24, 2017. He was born in Trenton, NJ to the late Arthur and Agnes Taylor (nee Sanford). Arthur owned a tractor repair and sales business for over 32 years in Columbus. After that, he worked as a mechanic for Mount Laurel Twp. and then as a facilities director at NBCRHS until retirement. He served for many years as a volunteer with the Franklin Fire Co. and at the Mansfield Twp. Ambulance Squad. Arthur enjoyed camping with his family and friends, cooking, eating, fishing, hunting and working. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed.

Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Clara Taylor of Southampton NJ; his daughters Diane Petroni and husband Terry of Columbus NJ, Lorraine Spooner and husband Mac of Mechanicsville NY; his stepdaughters Sheila Schmidt of Florence NJ and MaryLou Moore of Pemberton NJ; 14 grandchildren: Wendy, T.J., April, Angela, Danny, Nick, Adam, Michael, Heath, Patrick, Megan, Jessica, Amanda, A.J. 15 great-grandchildren: Tori, Isaac, Avery, Elyse, Korbin, Raina, Tanner, Sierra, Paxton, Ethan, Remington, Lany, Shaun, Lillian, Julie; his sisters Barbara Anseth (Marvin) of New Hampshire and Emily Lange of Wisconsin; former son-in-law Rudy Schmidt of Roebling NJ; and several nieces, nephews and friends. 

Calvin C. Mowrey

Calvin C. Mowrey of Columbus passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the Samaritan Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mount Holly. He was 78.Born in Winslow Township, PA. Mr. Mowrey was a longtime Columbus resident. He served in the US Army and after his discharge he owned and operated Mowrey’s Exxon/Mobile in Mansfield Township. Calvin was a member of the Pioneer Gun Club, the Franklin Fire Co # 1 in Columbus and was a former member of the Mansfield Township Ambulance Corps. He later worked part-time at Goodenough farm. He was a weekly competitor at East Windsor Speedway and loved hunting and fishing. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gail (nee DuBell); 2 daughters: Shari (William Jr.) Bauma of Jacksonville and Lydia (Mark) Biondi of Turnersville; 5 grandchildren: Stephanie, Geoffrey, Gregory, Marlisa & Michelle; and 2 great-grandchildren, Alexander & Jaxon. The brother of the late Esther Pifer, he is also survived by 2 sisters: Janice (Darl) Allison and Gloria (James) Turner, and many nieces and nephews.

Peter Sedor

Peter Sedor passed away peacefully on Friday January 13th 2017 at Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice in Voorhees. Born in Passaic NJ, he resided in Wallington, Winslow Township and Bordentown before moving to Mansfield Township. Peter was employed with the State of New Jersey as an Assistant Fire Chief at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital retiring after many years of dedicated service. He also served in Bordentown and Mansfield Township fire departments. Peter’s life was being a fireman and his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed by many.

Son of the late Peter and Philomena Sedor, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Anita L. Sedor, he is survived by his sons Peter J. Sedor Jr. (Tammy) and Frank B Sedor and (Lesa) his grand children, Patrick, Addison, Matthew, Zachary, Kyle, his great-grand children, Brianna and Kaylen, and an ex-daughter-in-law, Barbara Sedor, his brother Richard Sedor (Arlene) and many close friends.

Donald T. George

Donald T. George passed away Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016 at the Masonic Village of Burlington. He was 77. Born in Camden, NJ, he had resided in the Columbus area for over 65 years. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and had worked for Delaware Valley Distributors and for NADE/Manheim for the last ten years. Don was a member and past Fire Chief of the Franklin Fire Company No. 1 of Mansfield Township, a long-time member of the Bordentown Elks Lodge #2085 and the Kinkora Buck Club.

Son of the late Harry and Carolyn George and brother of the late Albert George, he is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lucille DeMarco George; his daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Nouri Tabatabai of Doylestown, Pa. and Carol and Thomas Lawrence of Columbus; his son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Amy George of Springfield Township; his brother and two sisters-in-law, Harry and Mary L. George and Leah George, all of Columbus; his brother-in-law, Manuel DeMarco and his wife, Frances, of Bordentown, N.J.; his grandchildren, Dana Garron and her husband, Matt, Lisa Vrettos and her husband, Niko, Bryan Beaver and his wife, Jaki, Lindsey Lawrence, Kayvon and his fiancé, Brette, Kimia and Kamren Tabatabai, and Mylee and Sienna George; four great grandchildren, Zannis, Emily, Carolina and Elliot; and several nieces and nephews.

Angelo B. Brugno

Angelo B. Brugno Sr., 69, of Columbus died on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at Samaritan, Mount Holly, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Trenton, Angelo resided in Hamilton for most of his life before moving to Columbus in 2009. Angelo retired in 1998 as an investigator with the Mercer County Improvement Authority. He previously retired from General Motors with over 20 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the Numismatic Association. He served as fire police for Franklin Fire Company No. 1 Station 331 and the Burlington County Fire Police Association. Son of the late Bernard and Theresa (Chalela) Brugno, Angelo is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Pontani; a son and daughter-in-law, Angelo and Tracy Brugno; a daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Jeff Devlin; stepchildren, Michele and Doug Goodenough, Dennis G. and Valerie Pontani, Michael Pontani; sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Walter DeAngelo; eight grandchildren, Ashley, Gabriella, Joey, Dylan, Abbey, Paityn, Ashley, Brooke; great-grandchild, Violett, and nephew, Christopher A. DeAngelo and his wife, Heather.

Richard Archer

Richard L. Archer (Dick, PD, Grandad, Reds, Dr. Dick), 74, of Columbus peacefully passed away on April 14, 2014, with his daughter, Valerie, holding his hand, at the Masonic Home of New Jersey in Burlington. He was a graduate of Bordentown High School and the Bordentown Military Institute, past chief and administrator of the Mansfield Township Ambulance Corps, and past chief of the Franklin Fire Company. Richard and his wife were volunteers for the ambulance squad for many years and would answer calls at all times of the day and night. 

He was one of the first NJ certified paramedics in 1977, serving Burlington County through 2006 when he retired from Virtua Health Systems, and president of the Burlington County First Aid Council from 2000 to 2007, where he was also an AHA and EMT instructor. Richard was one of the personal pilots of Mr. Amerada Hess, Hess Oil Co., and as Mr. Hess got older he flew as his personal paramedic as well as pilot. When Richard suffered a heart attack in flight in 1999 and landed in Cedar Rapids, Mr. Hess sent his private plane to fly Richard and family home following quadruple bypass surgery.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy A. (nee Flurer) Archer; Richard Archer (son), Gail (daughter-in-law) and Julius and Nicholas (grandsons); Carol Archer (daughter), Sierra, (granddaughter) and Lily and Haven (great-granddaughters), Dakota (grandson), Valerie Belardo (daughter), Angelo (son-in-law), Angelo III and Nico (grandsons), Diane Archer Snyder (favorite daughter), Jeff (son-in-law), Croix (grandson), David Archer (son), Laura (daughter-in-law), Hunter and Haylei (grandson and granddaughter), Dawn Richardson (daughter), Greg (son-in-law), Zachary and Ryan (grandsons); his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jean Archer, and his nieces, Rebecca and Andrea and their children; his brother-in-law, Jack Flurer and his niece, Michelle Flurer and nephew, Christopher Flurer and their children. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Milton Leon Archer, and his sister, Patricia Spencer. Our father was an amazing, kind, giving, intelligent, funny, loving man whose life touched many people across the world. We were lucky to have had him in our life and are eternally thankful for all of the many friends he made during his lifetime.

Wilmer S. Carty

Wilmer S. Carty of Columbus passed away on Friday, July 6, 2012 at home. He was 95. Born and raised in Hedding, Wilmer moved to Columbus 70 years ago. He was a graduate of Bordentown High School. Wilmer retired from Stevenson Lumber Yard, where he was employed as a carpenter for 42 years. He was a member of the Hedding United Methodist Church. He was a founding member of the Mansfield Township Ambulance Corp. Wilmer was a former treasurer and chief of Franklin Fire Co. 331, Vice President of the Planning Board and secretary to the Board of Fire Commissioners. He was also a former member of the Township Committee and served as Mayor. He was a member of the Mansfield Township Senior Citizens and the Columbus Cemetery Association.

He was the husband of the late Etta Carty, and father of the late Loretta Bukosky. He is survived by two daughters and three sons-in-law: Jean and Dave Myers of Jacksonville, N.J. and Lynn and Robert Bagley of Montvale, N.J. and Robert Bukosky of Morris Plains, N.J.; six grandchildren: Tracey Myers of Conshohocken, Pa., David Myers Jr. (Renee) of Lumberton, N.J., Kelly Wihbey (Jeff) of South Glastonbury, Conn., Kevin Bagley (Danielle) of Brewster, N.Y., Barry Bukosky (Jennifer) of Flanders, N.J. and Brian Bukosky (Debbie) of Denville, N.J.; seven great-grandchildren: Jordan and Taylor Myers, Kaitlyn and Jonathan Wihbey, Thomas and Alyssa Bukosky, and Michael Bukosky.

Herbert H. DuBell

Herbert H. DuBell, a self-employed plumber of Columbus, NJ passed away Tuesday May 8, 2012 at 55 years old. Born in Trenton he was a life-long resident of Columbus. He was a graduate of Northern Burlington Regional High School class of 1975. Herbert was a licensed plumber and in 1980 continued the plumbing business that was started by his father. He was a life member of Franklin Fire Co. #1  having joined in 1978 and serving as Chief from 1994-1997, and trustee. He was also a member of the Burlington County Chiefs Association and an Exempt Member of the New Jersey Fireman’s Relief Association. He was an avid outdoorsman, and was a member and vice president of the Wychwood Gun Club.

Son of the late Roger and Doris DuBell, and was predeceased by his sister Diane Brockway, Herbert is survived by his wife of 32 years Jeanie Vaughn DuBell; a son Herbert H. DuBell Jr., daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Tyler Huckleberry of Columbus; brother-in-law Bill Brockway of Columbus; his father and mother-in-law, Richard and Tillie Vaughn of Wrightstown, and several nieces and nephews.