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By William E. Cleary | CNBNewsnet DANTE'S INFERNO- An aerial view of the fires burning during the Newark riots in 1967. The first thing we noticed as we drove down the turnpike ramp into the largest city in the state was the thick smoke that blocked the sun and purged our nostrils. In the distance, we saw buildings burning. The sounds of sirens from fire engines and police cars could be heard echoing from every direction. (Photo courtesy of NJ.com) +++++ NEGRO STORE owners wrote SOUL BROTHER on their windows with the hope that the rioters wouldn't loot their businesses. Newark police officers were seen early in the morning before sunrise walking down the business center, shooting out those windows with a shotgun. (Pinterest photo) +++++ NEWARK, NJ (August 1, 2024)(CNBNews)--Although the Newark riot in 1967 happened 57 years ago, the memory of that time is still fresh in my... Read more →

RAMBLINGS photo GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (April 16, 2024)(CNBNews)--The 1997-98 Gloucester Catholic Boys' Basketball team was highlighted in the Alumni section of the winter-spring issue of the RAMBLINGS. That season, the Rams dominated the Tri-County Royal Division and finished as the 15th-ranked team in South Jersey according to the final rankings by Courier Post. Their impressive record of outscoring their opponents by nearly 12 points per game is the 10th highest point difference in the program's history. There's no denying that this team was a force to be reckoned with, and their achievements speak for themselves. The coach of the team was Pat Murphy, assisted by Joe Reardon, Tom McNelia and Jack Dykie. ROSTER: George Bakey, Dave Burke, Rob Campbell, Matt DeMarco, Nick DiGrazio, Casey Fahy, Kevin Keating, Kevin Kelly, Pat Kirschner, Sam Budesa, Dan Burkhardt, Mike Collarin, Dawan Jackson, Matt Ryan, Keith Tartaglione, Greg Burke, Josh Copskey, and Casey Murphy. Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (MARCH 7, 1967)--Funeral services for Joseph R. Harvey, 87, a member of the Gloucester City Police force from 1915 to 1918, will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Etherington Funeral Home, 700 Powell Street, Gloucester City, where friends may call tomorrow night. The burial will be in New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ. CNBNews graphic file A retired engineman for the Gloucester City water works, Mr. Harvey, died Sunday in Camden County General Hospital, Lakeland. He was active in early 1900 as a pitcher and first baseman for the Gloucester City Athletic Chub. He resided at 722 Powell Street, Gloucester City. Surviving are his wife, Sarah M.; a son, Lieutenant William J. Harvey of the Gloucester City Fire Department; two brothers, two sisters; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Article Clipped from Courier Post published date Tuesday, March 7, 1967 Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 12, 2023)(CNBNews)-Gloucester Catholic’s football team, year 1962. Photo source: Gloucester City News. First row: (unknown) (left to right) Dan O’Brien, Bill Murphy, Tony Bertolino, (unknown) Jay Wolf, John Cassidy, Bill Savidge, Bob Dacierno, Terry McCarty, Manager Donald Bicking. Second row: Coach George Murphy, Father Anderson, Tom Worrell, Charley Serpente, John Cafagna, Hugh Vogel, Bill Gross, Gary Garzynski, (unknown) (unknown) Ricky Hancock, Coach Bob McQuillan. Third row: C. Baetzel, Ed Pirrotta (unknown), Cliff Coolidge, Carl Latina, Lou Atkinson (unknown, Ed Poole, Frank Kelly, Lou Pirrotta, (unknown) (unknown) Coach Tom Goldschmidt. Fourth row: Bob Frizell, (unknown) Joe Thomas, Woody Dooley, Joe Logan, (unknown) Jim Doherty, unknown, Jim DiCicco, Sheridan, unknown, Nick Pillegi, Jim Pierce, Rich Sherrer Missing from photo HEAD COACH Joe Murphy ====================================== GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 2, 2023)(CNBNews)--We are currently republishing articles and photos from the Gloucester City News, which were published when the Cleary family... Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 4, 2023)(CNBNews)--We are currently republishing articles from the Gloucester Gloucester City NEWS Archives City News, which were initially written when the Cleary family owned the newspaper. George F. Cleary Sr. worked as a reporter for the paper from 1948 to 1950, and soon after that, he and his wife, Mazie Cleary, acquired the paper. In 1968, William E. Cleary Sr. began his career as a reporter. Ten years later, in 1978, he was named editor of the Gloucester City News and the Camden County Record. In 1984, he and his wife, Connie J. (Sarlo) Cleary, became the proud owners of the weekly publication. Even after the Clearys sold the paper in 2003, William wrote a weekly column until 2013. It is important to note that in 2006, William launched CNBNewsnet. This daily blog covers news in South Jersey and the Philadelphia region, focusing on the communities... Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 2, 2023)(CNBNews)--We are currently republishing articles from the Gloucester City News, which were initially written when the Cleary family owned the newspaper. George F. Cleary Sr. worked as a reporter for the paper from 1948 to 1950, and soon after that, he and his wife, Mazie Cleary, acquired the paper. In 1968, William E. Cleary Sr. began his career as a reporter. Ten years later, in 1978, he was named editor of the Gloucester City News and the Camden County Record. In 1984, he and his wife, Connie J. (Sarlo) Cleary, became the proud owners of the weekly publication. Even after the Clearys sold the paper in 2003, William wrote a weekly column until 2013. It is important to note that in 2006, William launched CNBNewsnet. This daily blog covers news in South Jersey and the Philadelphia region, focusing on the communities of Audubon, Brooklawn, Bellmawr,... Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 2, 2023)(CNBNews)--We are currently republishing articles from the Gloucester City News, which were initially written when the Cleary family owned the newspaper. George F. Cleary Sr. worked as a reporter for the paper from 1948 to 1950, and soon after that, he and his wife, Mazie Cleary, acquired the paper. In 1968, William E. Cleary Sr. began his career as a reporter. Ten years later, in 1978, he was named editor of the Gloucester City News and the Camden County Record. In 1984, he and his wife, Connie J. (Sarlo) Cleary, became the proud owners of the weekly publication. Even after the Clearys sold the paper in 2003, William wrote a weekly column until 2013 that was published in THE NEWS. It is important to note that in 2006, William launched CNBNewsnet. This daily blog covers news in South Jersey and the Philadelphia region, focusing on... Read more →

Pictured are some of the people who attended the meeting held in October 2007. Unlike previous years, this gathering is now open to both males and females. (photo credit CNBNews) GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (SEPT. 27, 2023)(CNBNews)--Please join us for the Annual Ray Ford-Leon Harris gathering at Elizabeth's Ballroom, which is located at 419 Highland Blvd, on SUNDAY, October 15th, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Former athletes and fans from Gloucester High School and Gloucester Catholic High Schools, regardless of gender, are sincerely welcome. There is a nominal fee of $10, which covers the cost of food and beverages. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances that you won't want to miss! GLOUCESTER HEIGHTS, NJ (October 2007, Old Timers meeting)(Top L. to R.)--Chalie Tourtual, Ron Henefer, Marty Sherry, Bob Bevan, (Below: L. to R.) Fred Williamson, Al DiGiacomo, Bill McFredricks photo credit CNBNews ================================== RELATED: Ray Ford's... Read more →

Did the Gloucester Concerned Citizen’s group prevent a train wreck that could have been as bad as the recent one in Ohio? In the late 1970s, a group of “concerned citizens” led by Bob Bevan and Louisa Llewellyn protested about the conditions of the railroad crossings throughout Gloucester City, NJ. Tank cars filled with toxic and poisonous chemicals traveled from DuPont’s Chemical Plant in Pennsville to Camden City and beyond on poorly maintained tracks. After a month of contracting Conrail and state and federal politicians with no response, Mr. Bevan and Mrs. Llewellyn decided to take action by placing a baby coach on the tracks at Monmouth Street, surrounded by 50 citizens who refused to allow the train to move until a written agreement made by Conrail and our congressman that repairs would start immediately.. When the average citizen joins in a common cause, it’s amazing what can be done!... Read more →

COMMENTARY William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet Albert Countryman first worked for the Gloucester City News in 1991. One of his first assignments was to write an article about the development of the City’s Waterfront. When he returned to work on the paper in 1999, I asked him to do another article about the same topic. The purpose was to see what progress had been made with the redevelopment plans in the eight years he was away. Gloucester City News Archives 1950-2006 That article was sent to me recently. There was no name just the article. After reading his story, I felt it bears repeating. I won’t comment on it, I think it speaks for itself. A Flashback to August 1, 1991, when a then young reporter published a story on the front page of the Gloucester City News with the headline "Waterfront Development Plan Controversial”. In it, city officials... Read more →

The front page of report (CNBNews graphics file) William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 15,2018)--The City of Gloucester City is celebrating the 150th Anniversary of its incorporation this year. Gloucester City was incorporated by the New Jersey Legislature act on February 25, 1868, from the remaining portions of Union Township, which was then dissolved. Additional territory was annexed in 1925 from Centre Township and in 1927 from Haddon Township.[20] The city's name derives from Gloucester, England.[21][22] Gloucester City was founded by the Swedes in 1623 and named Fort Nassau. It is said to be the eighth oldest community in the United States. It is rich with a historical heritage unmatched by any other place of its size in the nation. In 1776, the town hosted General Lafayette, and other notables of the Revolutionary War, during the famous "Battle of Gloucester." In 1773, Betsy Griscom was married... Read more →

(GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ)(June 22, 1994)--George F. Cleary Sr., 80, who started as a reporter and became the owner, publisher, and editor of the weekly Gloucester City News from 1950 until he retired in 1984, died Sunday at his Gloucester City home after a long battle with diabetes and Parkinson's Disease. Raised in Gloucester City, Mr. Cleary was one of the city's biggest boosters and was active in civic affairs. "He was a good hard working person," said Walt Burrows, scholastic sports editor for the Courier-Post and an associate of Mr. Cleary since the 1950s. ''He was one of the top men in town and was widely respected. He was very dedicated to the city and always used the newspaper to support the city. And he was very supportive of the city's two high schools and sports programs." Mr. Cleary served on the Gloucester City Board of Education from 1949 to... Read more →

First published in the Gloucester City News (newspaper) on July 28, 1988 GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ In today’s mobile society, finding four friends who have regularly met as a social group for the past 45 years since graduating from high school together is very unusual. They were close friends before graduating with the class of 1943 and vowed to keep that friendship intact for as long as possible. “It just doesn’t seem possible that 45 years have gone by,” says Jean Brennan Warren. “We don’t feel any older, and we don’t even look much different.” Since graduation, they have faithfully met at each other’s homes once a month on a rotating basis, almost without missing a month. They do take time off in June and July for family vacation plans. Jean still resides in Gloucester City, where she was born and raised. For the past 20 years, she has taught the... Read more →

First appeared in the Gloucester City News (newspaper) on January 30, 1986 Gloucester High School's basketball team, having divided a pair of games last week, finds itself in a position of having to win two of its next three games to qualify for state tournament play. The Lions took a 6-7 record to Carneys Point this past Tuesday to face an improving St. James' team. A win would've given them a 7-7 record, with games against Glassboro and Schalick remaining before next Tuesday's cutoff date for the tournament. Glassboro visits the Lions tomorrow night (Friday), and Schalick travels to Gloucester for an important game next Tuesday. If the Lions weren't victorious against St. James, its tournament hopes would appear bleak heading into the Glassboro games. "I think we can beat Glassboro," said Burke, "but it would take a maximum effort on our part. We would have to play better than... Read more →

Previously published in the Gloucester City News 1986 GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (1986)--"For the first time in 16 years, the citizens of Gloucester City will realize a decrease in their local purpose tax. On top of this, our administration plans to implement over $200,000 in capital improvements this year," commented Independent Mayor Robert Bevan at last Thursday's budget meeting. "City departments will be upgraded, the city's parks and playgrounds will be improved, and streets will resurface. "The future of Gloucester City looks bright thanks to the new systems that council put into effect this year. I want to thank members of the council, especially those on the finance committee, for their hard work on this year's budget, " said the mayor. The new budget, which passed unanimously, increased approximately four percent and totaled $5,920,490 or $225,235 more than the 1987 figure of $5,695,255. To be raised by local taxation is $1,758,289... Read more →

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... Read more →

by Connie Cleary Woods/Staff reporter Silvio Ferrari, 58, an advertising salesman for the Gloucester City News died December 23, 1992, in West Jersey Hospital, Camden, after a short illness. “He enjoyed his work which was evident by how he did his job,” said Bill Cleary, Editor & Publisher, of Gloucester City News. He would go out of his way to service his customers, and he treated each one as a personal friend. A soft-spoken man he always greeted you with a smile and loved to laugh. Without a doubt, he will be missed by all of us who knew him.” Previously he was a salesman for 25 years for the Patterson Dental Company in Philadelphia. A resident of Oaklyn, Mr. Ferrari was a borough councilman from 1976 to 1978. He is survived by his wife Joan R.; two sons, Silvio and Christopher, and two daughters, Joan Rafferty and Rebecca Ferrari,... Read more →

Published in the Gloucester City News, May 30, 2002 Robert R. Richards, an outstanding baseball pitcher in his youth, died after a brief illness on May 19, 2002. He was 60 years old. Bob "Reds" Richards Reds, as he was known by his friends and family, played on the 1954 Gloucester City Little League All-Star Team. That team was only one win away from competing in the Little League World Series before it lost. Incidentally, Reds received his nickname from his bright red hair. Mr. Richards continued his success on the pitcher mound for four years at Gloucester Catholic High School. Upon graduation in 1960, the Milwaukee Braves signed him to a major league contract. (The Milwaukee team was called the Braves in 1960). But shortly after signing the contract, he hurt his arm and had to retire from his dream of playing in the “big leagues.” Reds were sharp-witted... Read more →

by Connie Cleary Woods/Staff reporter Gloucester City News, February 2002 Louis H. Barber, “The Glassman,” of West Deptford, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 18, 2002, at the age of 97. You could say Mr. Barber started recycling before many communities. He made a living for 20 years, collecting used bottles and newspapers weekly from businesses and residents in Gloucester City and nearby towns. He then would take the tons of glass and newspapers to the junkyard. The Glassman had a strong resembelance to the Jazz Trumpet Player Louie Armstrong Mr. Barber retired from the defunct Armstrong Cork, where Holt Cargo is today, unloading ships. He was a likable man who had great wit and would greet friends and strangers with a big broad smile and a hardy laugh. He sounded a lot like Louis Armstrong, the famous jazz trumpet player and singer. He was a regular at Jim's Pizzeria,... Read more →

EDITOR'S NOTE-(Gloucester City, NJ)(October 4, 2022)--The Cleary family owned the Gloucester City News, Inc. (GCN) for 57 years (1948 up until 2005). Over the next several weeks, we will post articles that appeared in the paper from that period on ClearysNoteBook (CNBNewsnet) (https://www.gloucestercitynews.net). The Internet became a reality in 1983. For many years, the Internet was mainly used by government groups and scientists, but in 1995, commercial Internet access started to be sold to consumers. As a result of our effort, the stories we will be publishing will now be available on the World Wide Web. If you have an obituary or a news article published in the Gloucester City News from the period mentioned that you would like to share with the world, send it to [email protected]. Gov. Florio To Attend Brooklawn Post 72 Legion Banquet Published in the Gloucester City News January 2, 1992 The Honorable James J.... Read more →

EDITOR'S NOTE-(Gloucester City, NJ)(October 4, 2022)--The Cleary family owned the Gloucester City News, Inc. (GCN) for 57 years (1948 up until 2005). Over the next several weeks, we will post articles that appeared in the paper from that period on ClearysNoteBook (CNBNewsnet) (https://www.gloucestercitynews.net). The Internet became a reality in 1983. For many years, the Internet was mainly used by government groups and scientists, but in 1995, commercial Internet access started to be sold to consumers. As a result of our effort, the stories we will be publishing will now be available on the World Wide Web. If you have an obituary or a news article published in the Gloucester City News from the period mentioned that you would like to share with the world, send it to [email protected]. +++++ Stiles Award Presented To Green & Campbell (1st row) Anne, Michaeleen, Karen Stiles. (2nd row)Jim Goldschmidt, Bob Bevan, Mike Campbell, Shawn... Read more →

EDITOR'S NOTE-(Gloucester City, NJ)(October 8, 2022)--The Cleary family owned the Gloucester City News, Inc. (GCN) for 57 years (1948 through 2005). Over the next several weeks, we will post articles that appeared in the paper from that period on ClearysNoteBook (CNBNewsnet) (https://www.gloucestercitynews.net). The Internet became a reality in 1983. For many years, the Internet was mainly used by government groups and scientists, but in 1995, commercial Internet access started to be sold to consumers. As a result of our effort, the stories we will be publishing will now be available on the World Wide Web. If you have an obituary or a news article published in the Gloucester City News from the period mentioned that you would like to share with the world, send it to [email protected]. Elwood Thom-Trowbridge; He Enjoyed Helping People By Connie Cleary Woods/Staff Reporter Published in the Gloucester City News January 2, 1992 Elwood E. (Butch)... Read more →

EDITOR'S NOTE-(Gloucester City, NJ)(October 4, 2022)--The Cleary family owned the Gloucester City News, Inc. (GCN) for 57 years (1948 up until 2005). Over the next several weeks, we will post articles that appeared in the paper from that period on ClearysNoteBook (CNBNewsnet) (https://www.gloucestercitynews.net). The Internet became a reality in 1983. For many years, the Internet was mainly used by government groups and scientists, but in 1995, commercial Internet access started to be sold to consumers. As a result of our effort, the stories we will be publishing will now be available on the World Wide Web. If you have an obituary or a news article published in the Gloucester City News from the period mentioned that you would like to share with the world, send it to [email protected]. +++++ Pupil Enrollment in Gloucester City Public Schools Continues to Decline by Connie L. Cleary Gloucester City News November 20, 1980 Dr.... Read more →

By Connie Cleary Woods/Staff Reporter MEMORIES (CNBNewsnet)--Looking for some information in an old Gloucester City News we came upon this photo of Michael Kaye, who became a police officer in Gloucester City in 1982. Twenty-seven years later in 2009, Officer Kaye had risen to the position of Deputy Police Chief and retired from his position with $100,000 extra in his pocket along with fringe benefits. The following explains how he and former Police Chief William Crothers walked away from their jobs as rich men. It should be noted that neither man did anything wrong to obtain the monies they received. The funds came from a settlement the twosome received as a result of a lawsuit filed against the City in 2009. The deputy chief is the husband of former Democrat City Councilwoman Jean Kaye. GLOUCESTER CITY NJ(Published by CNBNews Monday, September 21, 2009)-Former Gloucester City Police Chief William Crothers and... Read more →