Longtime Haddonfield resident, medal-winning Navy man passed away Sept. 19.
Joseph Gabriel Burcher, long time resident of Haddonfield, West Cape May, Berlin, and recently of Moorestown passed away at age 94, on Sept. 19, 2018.
Joseph was the son of the late Edgar and Theresa Burcher, devoted husband of Vida M. (deceased), beloved father of Joanne Burcher of Longmeadow, MA, Mary Menaquale (Michael) of Moorestown, NJ, Bonnie Kenselaar (Bob) of Maplewood, NJ, Christopher Burcher of Haddon Township, NJ, Amy Otto (Steve) of Haddonfield, NJ and the late infant son, Joseph Burcher. Cherished grandfather of Jake, Lydia, Matthew, Sarah, Ben, Rachel, Ian, Caroline, Rebecca, and Olivia. He is survived by brothers Paul (Cherry Hill, NJ) and Vincent (North Cape May, NJ) and sister Rita Goggin (Bradenton, FL) and many devoted nieces and nephews.
Joseph was a longtime resident of Haddonfield and professor emeritus (Early Childhood Education) of Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). His passion as an educator first began as a teacher in the Philadelphia public schools. An alumnus of Temple University (Bachelors and Masters degrees), he also attended Drexel University and was an alumnus of Haddon Heights High School and Berlin public schools.
He enlisted and served honorably in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946, excelling in the Aircrewmen Gunners Course, and receiving several medals. He is the co-author of the book Remembering South Cape May. A true Renaissance man, Joe had an insatiable curiosity about the world, and loved sharing his knowledge of the sea, nature and science, literature, music, art, cooking and sports. He was instrumental in bringing the soccer program to Haddonfield.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, October 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Avenue., Haddonfield. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, October 15 at 9 a.m. at Christ the King RC Church, 200 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 300 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joseph’s name may be made out to The Nature Conservancy for the South Cape May Meadows Preserve and mailed to The Nature Conservancy, 200 Pottersville Road, Chester, NJ 07930.
