Dennis T. Chance, 75 years, of Laurel Springs NJ, passed away suddenly on July 11, 2022. Son of the late Ronald J. and Elizabeth M. (née Beaston) Chance. Husband of Suzanne Chance (née Malcolm). Loving father of Kelly Fowler (David), Denise Gaskill (John), Kristen Komer, Matthew Chance (Maria), Daniel Komer (Laura), Megan Morgan (Zach) and Erin Chance (John). Dear brother of Bonnie Deery (Ted), Ronald Chance (Barbara), Gerald Chance, Patrick Chance (Kathy), Jack Chance (the late Marie), Mary-Esther Sherman (Chet), Diane Straub (Robert), Doris Chance and the late Theresa DiVivo (John) and Rosemary Casey. Cherished grandfather of Ryan Fowler, Cole Fowler, John David Gaskill, Brielle Chance, Collin Chance, Emerson Chance and Faye Morgan. Dennis dedicated his life to his country, community, and most importantly his family. He was a proud US Navy veteran. He was stationed at the US Naval Station, Treasure Island, San Francisco, California; He served aboard the USS Oriskany as a Seaman-Fireman from 1965-1967 during the Vietnam War. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon returning from the service Dennis served as a Berlin Borough Firefighter as well as a Berlin Borough Police Officer starting in 1972. He retired as Police Chief 25 years later serving from 1986-1997. Some of the greatest accomplishments under his leadership were, doubling the amount of patrolman, the Camden County Police Academy high speed trainer, and he helped transition the department to a computer-based system. While serving as the Police Chief, he was elected as the President of the NJ Police Chiefs Association, as well as the President of the FOP Lodge 56. On May 3, 2012 Dennis was sworn in as a life time member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. After his retirement, he started Chance Investigative Services. Shortly after, he became a Health Inspector for Camden County. He then was elected as a Berlin Borough Councilman from 2010-2012. In his later years, Dennis had a passion for helping veterans. He worked with Singley, Gindele & Rinaldi Attorneys at Law as a Veteran Service Volunteer. He enjoyed this work immensely and it gave him a new passion for life. He loved his family, grandchildren, and many close friends. He loved to travel, was a history buff, loved trains, baseball, coins, and knew someone everywhere he went. He loved people and served them his entire life. He always found the best in humanity and was always a dreamer. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday evening July 18, 2022 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM and Tuesday morning from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE, BERLIN NJ 08009. Funeral mass 11:00AM at St. Simon Stock Parish Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin NJ 08009. Interment will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions to either the Vietnam Veterans of America at 8719 Colesville Rd., Ste 100, Silver Springs MD 20910 or the FOP Lodge 56 at 235 Pine Ave., W. Berlin NJ 08091—-
Angelina F. Gervasi
June 16, 2021
Angie was one of the original members of the Ladies Auxiliary and always there to help. It was her hard work and dedication that started the post and she worked tirelessly on many dinners and fundraisers. At the end of the night Angie was the last one to sit down, making sure everything was cleaned and stored in its proper place. May GOD bless you and your entire family; you will be missed by all.
John L. Rigby
Oct 26, 2019
John was a proud Veteran of WWII serving in the US Navy. He was a wonderful person and well liked by all members of the Post. John was always there with is late brother Paul to help fix anything that was broke. John was able to come to the 75th Anniversary D-Day Dance help on June 6, 2019 where the members got to spend time with him and his family laughing and remembering old times. He will be truly missed!
John was a proud Veteran of WWII serving in the US Navy. He was a wonderful person and well liked by all members of the Post. John was always there with is late brother Paul to help fix anything that was broke. John was able to come to the 75th Anniversary D-Day Dance help on June 6, 2019 where the members got to spend time with him and his family laughing and remembering old times. He will be truly missed!
Herbert Krug
Oct 19, 2019
Mr. Krug was a proud Veteran of WWII and served with the 5th Air Force in the SW Pacific Theatre. He was a past commander and our Quartermaster for many years. A true Patriot and friend!
TSgt KEITH HERMAN
US Air Force
(Retired)
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no one can steal"
You will be so missed at ANMAC Post 6253
Keith loved his family and especially his wife Jackie Herman. His parents Ron and JoAnn Herman his children Meghann & Elizabeth Herman and Step-son Mark Rodriguez; his sisters Traci Maciow (Peter) and Lesli Davis (Darren) his grandchildren Mark and Brayden Rodriguez. Keith was a proud member of the USAF retiring with the rank of TSGT and a member of Berlin VFW Post 6253 where he was recognized as an outstanding Quarter Master.
AIM HIGH AIRMAN!!
"We will not tire, We will not falter, We will not fail."
Santi (Jim) Evangelisti
October 13, 2015
Jim was in the US Navy and served in the Korean War.
He was a very active member of the Post, serving as
Post Commander and the Hall and Bar Chairman.
Jim always had a smile on his face when he greeted you and if he didn't you ran the other way.
He never got upset but if he was heading your way and the twinkle in his eyes was dull you knew
something wasn't right and he was the man to fix it.
Not much ruffled his feathers which was the sign of a true leader.
You will be truly missed!!!
Herb Seidman
May 19, 1927 - June 7, 2015
Herb was a life member and the Post Adjutant for many years and attended every event the
post had and volunteered to do any job or task without complaint.
He was the best toast maker in the post and he made sure he told us very chance he could.
Toast will never taste the same.
He retired as Technical Sgt (E-6) from the United States Air Force after 22 years where he was
a Crew Chief on a number of aircraft but his favorite was the C-141.
Herb served in two wars - World War II and the Korean War.
John Gregory
June 30, 2014
WWII US Navy Aviation Machinists Mate
John was awarded the Victory Medal and American Theatre Medal for his service to our country. He was a
life member of the post and a man with a unique ability to see the brightest side of every conversation.
Two sayings John told a group on St Patricks Day:
You can always tell an Irishman, but you can't tell him much.
God is good, but never dance in a small boat.
To Johns children
WHO IS THAT MAN WITH THE GENTLE FACE, WHO IN HIS YOUTH KEPT A HECTIC PACE,
TO PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY ALL THAT HE COULD, WHO IS THAT MAN SO GIVING AND GOOD?
WHO IS THAT MAN WITH THE READY SMILE, WHO ALWAYS TOOK TIME TO SIT FOR AWHILE?
HE WAS THERE WHEN HIS FAMILY NEEDED HIM, WHO IS THAT MAN WITH THE GRAY IN HIS HAIR?
WHO IS THAT MAN WHO ENCOURAGED US ALL, AND HELPED US UP WHEN WE TOOK A FALL,
SPENDING A LIFETIME EXTENDING HIS HAND, WHO IS THAT KIND, COMPASSIONATE MAN?
WHO IS THAT MAN WHO WE ALL ADORE, THE MAN WHO THESE WORDS OF DEVOTION ARE FOR?
I'LL TELL WITH ALL OF THE LOVE THAT I CAN, 'YOUR DAD' IS THAT TRULY EXCEPTIONAL MAN!
PAUL RIGBY
US NAVY Veteran serving in the Philippines Islands during WWII in the Advance Base Repair Unit.
Paul was a member of the Post Color Guard and never missed an event where he demonstrated his pride and dedication to the Post and all Veterans.
Paul was the nicest man you could ever meet. He always had a beautiful smile and a kind word to say when he greeted you. He definitely was the Go-To man in the post whenever carpentry work needed to be done. He fixed the large interior doors to the hall that so many others tried to fix. He came one day with his brother John and we never had an issue with those doors again.
Here's to you John; our friend and comrade you will be so sorely missed.
US NAVY Veteran serving in the Philippines Islands during WWII in the Advance Base Repair Unit.
Paul was a member of the Post Color Guard and never missed an event where he demonstrated his pride and dedication to the Post and all Veterans.
Paul was the nicest man you could ever meet. He always had a beautiful smile and a kind word to say when he greeted you. He definitely was the Go-To man in the post whenever carpentry work needed to be done. He fixed the large interior doors to the hall that so many others tried to fix. He came one day with his brother John and we never had an issue with those doors again.
Here's to you John; our friend and comrade you will be so sorely missed.
JOSEPH RASO
Joseph W. Raso, was a United State Army Veteran who served during World War II and
a Life Member of our post .
Joe was always at the fundraisers with a helping hand and fresh vegtables from his garden or corn stalks for decorations. He always made sure the hall was cleaned up and ready for the next party. Joe was an active member of the Friendly Fifties Dance Club that met every Friday night at the post where he always greeted every woman with the big smile saying - "Hello Pretty Lady".
Joe our dear friend; you will be sadly missed.
a Life Member of our post .
Joe was always at the fundraisers with a helping hand and fresh vegtables from his garden or corn stalks for decorations. He always made sure the hall was cleaned up and ready for the next party. Joe was an active member of the Friendly Fifties Dance Club that met every Friday night at the post where he always greeted every woman with the big smile saying - "Hello Pretty Lady".
Joe our dear friend; you will be sadly missed.
LeRoy R. Huster
US Army Korean War veteran and true partriot. LeRoy was a life member of the Post;
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen,
unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen,
unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
ROY SCHMIDT
November 3, 2012
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Roy Schmidt.
Roy was a US Navy veteran who served in the Korean War, and a life member of our Post.
He was always there to lend a hand and volunteer his time; be it;
cooking for every Post fundraiser or the annual Memorial Day Breakfast.
Roy was the go-to-guy for anything dealing with Berlin. He was instrumental in bringing the traveling Vietnam wall to Camden County, a member of the Berlin Cemetery Board of Directors, President of the Long-A-Coming Historical Society, life member of the Berlin Fire Co, life member of NJ State Fireman's Relief Assn and a member of the Society for Preservation of Antique Motorized Fire Apparatus. He was an avid supporter of the historic Berlin Hotel being moved to its present location and a positive influence ensuring the restoration project went as planned.
Roy is predeceased by his lovely wife Edythe P. Schmidt.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory;
no one can steal
Roy was a US Navy veteran who served in the Korean War, and a life member of our Post.
He was always there to lend a hand and volunteer his time; be it;
cooking for every Post fundraiser or the annual Memorial Day Breakfast.
Roy was the go-to-guy for anything dealing with Berlin. He was instrumental in bringing the traveling Vietnam wall to Camden County, a member of the Berlin Cemetery Board of Directors, President of the Long-A-Coming Historical Society, life member of the Berlin Fire Co, life member of NJ State Fireman's Relief Assn and a member of the Society for Preservation of Antique Motorized Fire Apparatus. He was an avid supporter of the historic Berlin Hotel being moved to its present location and a positive influence ensuring the restoration project went as planned.
Roy is predeceased by his lovely wife Edythe P. Schmidt.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory;
no one can steal
Walter C. Adair Sr.
Walter was a Navy Chief Petty Officer Aviation Machinist Mate and past post commander (life member) that was truly admired by everyone he came across. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor shortly after the Japanese attack that started the USA involvement in World War II. He served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea Torpedo Bomber squadron which was involved in many battles in the South Pacific.
Walter was a family man that made it known his family always came first.
His main focus in life was his beautiful wife Charlotte and their seven children
Although we didn't see Walter as much as we'd like in the last few years;
his name and generous nature will echo through the post hall for years to come.
Farewell Comrade
God looked around His garden and found an empty place.He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best.He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb,So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace be thine". It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone,For part of us went with you The day God called you home.
Walter was a family man that made it known his family always came first.
His main focus in life was his beautiful wife Charlotte and their seven children
Although we didn't see Walter as much as we'd like in the last few years;
his name and generous nature will echo through the post hall for years to come.
Farewell Comrade
God looked around His garden and found an empty place.He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best.He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb,So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace be thine". It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone,For part of us went with you The day God called you home.
LOUISE STAGLIANO
Louise was the President of our Ladies Auxiliary for over 40 years. She was a icon in the post and around town. When Berlin Borough had it's 50th Anniversary Ceremony in 1976 Louise was right there in the middle organizing and giving of her time so generously. She was the Chairman of the State Bicentennial Commission, Historical Society Trustee and even dressed in colonial dress for the flag presentation. She ran the Bicentennial Ball gala and found time to host the Wright-Bodine Tavern tours. All this while raising her son Richard. Louise coordinated and ran the District 7 Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen. This is a small list of the things she did out of pure pride and dedication. So many projects and programs would not have happened had she not spearheaded them.
You will be so dearly missed our friend!!
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
You will be so dearly missed our friend!!
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
DOMINICK J. (Mickey) CHELLEMI Jr
Mickey serviced in the US ARMY in the Korean War and was a Life Member.
He was always there with a good joke and left you with a smile on your face.
Your sense of humor and good nature will be missed.
If tears could build a stairway, and memories were a lane
We would walk right up to heaven, and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.
But now we know you want us, to mourn for you no more.
To remember all the happy times, life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten, we pledge to you today
A cherished place within our heart, is where you'll always stay
Farewell Comrade
Mickey serviced in the US ARMY in the Korean War and was a Life Member.
He was always there with a good joke and left you with a smile on your face.
Your sense of humor and good nature will be missed.
If tears could build a stairway, and memories were a lane
We would walk right up to heaven, and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.
But now we know you want us, to mourn for you no more.
To remember all the happy times, life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten, we pledge to you today
A cherished place within our heart, is where you'll always stay
Farewell Comrade