GCN Archives (1948-2005): Percy W. Stubbs, the “Mayor of Riverview Heights
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
by Connie Cleary Woods/Staff reporter
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 1990)--Percy W. Stubbs, who was known by some as the “Mayor of Riverview Heights,” passed away on December 10, 1990, at the age of 77. Mr. Stubbs was a lifelong resident of Gloucester City who resided on Thompson Avenue with his wife Gladys. For many years he was a fixture to all those who traveled the busy street through what is known as the Riverview Heights section of the city.
During the spring and summer, he could always be seen working in his yard or sitting out front in the late afternoon. As friends and neighbors would pass by, he would greet each with a wave or a smile. A likable man, many of the travelers would stop for a few minutes to discuss such topics as the weather to local politics.
Mr. Stubbs worked for over 30 years for the Atlantic Richfield Company as an operating engineer in refrigeration. Although he retired in 1978, he kept active by repairing air conditioners and doing odd jobs for anyone who needed his services. “Most of the time he would only charge the people for parts and materials,” said his wife Gladys. “If he had the items in his workshop he wouldn’t charge a dime. Why even neighborhood kids would stop sometimes and ask him to fix their bicycles. He loved helping people.”
In the last year his heart condition kept him from doing as much, said his wife. “It was as if one of his reasons for living had been taken away from him and near the end, he just gave up.”
Published in the Gloucester City News December 20, 1990
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