KELLEY FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons

Albert O. Hickman, age 74, died peacefully on January 14 with his loving wife and children at his side. Al was born in Woodbury and grew up in Clayton until moving to Pitman. He was a 1967 graduate of Pitman High School. He served in the National Guard from 1969-1975. Al began his career working for ACME Markets while in high school, working his way up to managing several stores before leaving Acme to operate his own Tastykake route for 15 years until retiring. He then worked as a manager at the IGA in Elmer until he retired again but continued working there part-time. Al truly enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren and cheering for the Phillies. He also enjoyed visiting his favorite vacation spots, the house on 24th Street in Ocean City, NJ and Disney World. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Karen E. Hickman (nee Williams), children Albert C. (Leslie), Jeffrey (Stephanie), Lori (Andrew) Johns, 16 grandchildren Andrew, Meghan, Amanda, Christopher, Joseph, Therese, Joshua, Mary Catherine, Isabella, Sophia, Thomas, Emilia, Kaitlyn, Sarah, Abigail, Luke, great grandson Torben, a second grandchild on the way, mother Elizabeth Van Houten, siblings Michael (Susan) Hickman, Larry (Michele) Hickman and sister Lynn (Paul) Homan. He is pre-deceased by his father, Albert M. Hickman and in-laws Howard and Alma Williams. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, January 23 after 9am in the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave., Pitman, NJ. Funeral service will be at 11am. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital or Funny Farm Animal Rescue in Mays Landing, NJ.

Charles H. Weatherby, age 69, died on December 31, 2023 at his lifelong home in Washington Twp surrounded by family. Charles graduated from Washington Twp. High School in 1972 and earned his Bachelor's Degree in History from Juniata College in 1976. He began his career with his family business selling John Deere Farming Equipment. Charles later owned and operated Superior Laundry in Washington Twp for many years. Once retired, he was a man of many trades, including limo driver and stay-at-home dad. He was a member of the Pitman United Methodist Church and enjoyed boating, golfing, farming, family trips, and sweet treats. His greatest pride was watching his daughter, Kaitlyn, become a Deaflympian and Doctor of Physical Therapy, and his son, Tyler, obtain his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He had the honor of walking his daughter, Kelly, down the aisle, and spending time as PopPop to her son Logan. Predeceased by his parents Elinor (Laning) and John H. Weatherby. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years Mary Katherine (O'Mara), children John H., Kelly (Diony) Presinal, Tyler, Kaitlyn and grandson Logan Presinal. Friends may greet the family after 9am on Saturday, January 6, 2024 in the Pitman United Methodist Church, 758 N. Broadway, Pitman, NJ. Funeral service will be at 11am. Interment Bethel Cemetery. Those desiring may make a contribution to the Gift of Life Donor Program at www.donors1.org or USA Deaf Swimming at https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/donate/United-States-Deaf-Swimming

Job Titles:

• Manager / Owner / N.J. Lic

Job Titles:

• Funeral Director / N.J. Lic

Jennifer Budd Wright joined the funeral home in 1998, the same year that she finished at Mercer County Community College and received her license.

Jennifer Karen Martin (Walker), age 46, died after a battle with cancer on January 14, 2024. Raised in Haddon Township, she graduated from Haddon Township High School in 1995. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Scranton University in 1999. She continued her education at Rutgers University earning her Master's degree in Adult Education and later earned her Master of Arts in Writing from Rowan University. Jennifer was an English professor at Salem Community College for 11 years. She provided extensive service to the college and to professional organizations including the New Jersey Association for Developmental Education, the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges, and multiple literacy groups. She received Salem Community College's Academic Excellence Award and the prestigious Community College Faculty Fellowship for study at Princeton University. She was loved by her students and colleagues. Jennifer was an active member of the Church of the Incarnation where she was a catechist for many years and contributed to the pre-Cana program. Survived by her husband of 21 years Matthew Patrick Martin, children Kathleen Anne Martin, Patrick Walker Martin, Jason Thomas Martin, parents Donna (Shipe) and Howard Walker III, brothers David (Jodi) Walker, Marc Walker, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Friends may greet the family 6-9 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024 in the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ and 10-10:45 am on Saturday, January 20, 2024 in the Church of the Incarnation, 240 Main St., Mantua, NJ followed by a funeral mass at 11 am. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, Swedesboro. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Salem Community College Scholarship Foundation, salemcc.edu/scc-foundation in honor of her commitment to lifelong learning and to her students.

John "Jack" Russell McDermott, 74 years of age, passed away on January 15, 2024. Jack was born on July 19, 1949, in Newark, New Jersey, to Dorothy and Russell McDermott. He attended St. Bridget School and Bowe Middle School. In 1967 he graduated from Glassboro High School. He then attended the University of Delaware receiving his Bachelor's Degree. Jack continued his education at Temple University for Dentistry and graduated with honors in 1975. He owned and operated his own dental practice in Glassboro and then in Pitman for 42 years, and he retired in 2017. He loved his work being a dentist always caring and concerned about the needs of his patients. He lived in Pitman before moving to Mullica Hill in February 2012. Jack loved playing the piano, which he did for many years. However, the trombone was his #1 instrument! Recently, he also began playing the euphonium. He was a member of the Hobo Band and the Bonsal Blues Concert, March and Dance Band for 30 years. After retiring, he joined a few other bands: Buddy Gale Band, Golden Memories Band, Silver Tones, Brass and Beat, and the Starfleet Band. Jack is survived by his wife of 20 years, Louise (Sambuca), his sons Andrew and Jake McDermott, his stepsons Shane (Amy) Magee, Eric J. (Amie) Crain, Sr., and his grandchildren Nina and Paris Magee, Eric J. and Gavin Crain. He was predeceased by his parents Dorothy Mary (Rhodes) and Russell Joseph McDermott, and his sister Patricia Blong. Family and friends are invited to Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ, on Monday morning of January 22, 2024 at 8:30am - 10:30am to honor the life of John "Jack" McDermott. Following at 11:00am, there will be a mass for Jack at St. Bridget University Parish Church, 125 Church St. Glassboro, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee at www.stjude.org.

Sebastian Erick Vergani (AKA El Chino), age 19, passed away on February 5th at his home in Turnersville, NJ. Born in Edison, Sebastian moved to Turnersville at a very early age where he was raised and went to school. He graduated from Washington Twp. High School Class of 2022 and was attending Rutgers University. He was a dedicated student, making Dean's list every semester he completed. Sebastian loved all music and had a special place in his heart for Jazz. He was a talented saxophone player. At his young age he was writing and producing various genres of music. He had a love and passion for fishing that started at a young age. However, this past year, he spent his summer and fall focused on freshwater fishing; he spent his free time going to nearby lakes bringing anyone that would come along with him. Sebastian was knowledgeable about many sports, but his passion was Soccer; from playing in local teams as a kid, to watching and following European, South American, and American leagues; he could talk for hours about soccer players, teams and matches. One of his life's highlights, was watching his favorite team, Argentina, win the World Cup. His passion for soccer converged with his love for video-games. His favorite video-game was FIFA. His friends and family would tell you no one could beat him at this game; it must have something to do with over a decade of playing every FIFA game. Chino valued his Peruvian and Argentine heritage; always learning and enjoying the culture and the family stories. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. You could often hear his beautiful and contagious laugh when he was with his cousins and friends. Sebastian is survived by his parents Ariel and Ericka (Gordillo) Vergani, his sister Gabriella and his Maternal Grandmother Teresa (Huapaya) Gordillo. He is also survived by 4 Aunts, 3 Uncles, 11 first cousins and many extended family member and friends. We find peace in that fact that Sebastian will join his grandparent who preceded him; Pedro and Italia (Minacapelli) Vergani and Jose Gordillo.

Theresa M. Paulson, age 95, died on December 28, 2023. Theresa graduated from Camden Catholic High School in 1947. Theresa lived over 36 years in Pitman before moving to Sewell where she lived for 20 years. Theresa moved to Pitman with her family when he parents opened Chris's Quaker Store. She later worked as a floral designer for Rosebud Florist in Pitman for many years, retiring in 2003. She enjoyed going on bus trips to the casinos, bowling and attending shows at the Pitman Theater. She was predeceased by her husband George C. Paulson, Sr. Survived by her children Diana (Alan) Capaccio, Christopher (the late Linda) Rose, George C. Jr. (Patricia), grandchildren David, Chris, Ann Marie, Jennifer, Alisha, Aaron, great grandchildren Raven, Tristan, Nova, Andrew, Brady, Ivar, Atlas, Layla, Jace and many nieces and nephews. Friends may greet the family after 9:30am on Saturday, January 6, 2024 in the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral service will be at 11am. Entombment Hillcrest Mausoleum.