Page 2 • Wednesday , April 17 , 2024 • The Hammonton Gazette OBITUARIES
James C . Gazzara
James C . Gazzara , 74 , of Hammonton passed away on Saturday , April 13 , 2024 with his family by his side . Born in Camden he was a lifelong Hammonton resident . He retired as a sergeant with the Atlantic County Corrections Department . He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War . He was an avid bike rider , artist and martial artist .
Jim is survived by his wife , Daisy Gazzara ( nee Valentino ); his daughter , Elena Meade and her husband Ray ; his grandson , Xavier Alexander Meade ; his sister , Kathleen M . Gazzara ; and her daughter , Jessica Gazzara Taylor ; and his brother , Joseph L . Gazzara , Jr .
Funeral Services will be held Saturday , April 20 , 2024 , 11:30 a . m . in Calvary Chapel 660 S . Egg Harbor Road , Hammonton where a visitation will be held from 10 a . m . to 11:30 a . m . Burial will follow in Greenmount Cemetery , Hammonton . In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Jim ’ s name may be made to Last Salute 256 Aschwind Ct ., Galloway , NJ 08205 .
Police make arrests
HPD , from Page 1 Carpo was the investigating and arresting officer .
On April 8 at 6:30 p . m . in the 200 Block of Rt . 206 , there was a motor vehicle stop , which resulted in a warrant arrest and a possession of cocaine , Friel said .
Carpo conducted a motor vehicle stop for speeding and an expired registration .
The driver , Michael Rogala , 42 , of Vineland , N . J . was found to have an outstanding superior court warning out of the Atlantic County Sheriff ’ s office , Friel said .
He was placed under arrest , and a search of his person revealed two small plastic baggies containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine .
Rogala was transported to police headquarters for processing and charged with the following criminal and motor vehicle summonses : possession of CDS cocaine , speeding , driving while suspended , failure to possess his insurance card , failure to possess registration , unregistered vehicle and unlicensed driver .
Rogala was transported to Atlantic County Justice Facility on the NCIC warrant , and he will be appearing at Atlantic County Superior Court on the new charges .
Carpo was the investing and arresting officer .
On April 10 at 1:44 p . m . at South First Road and Eighth Street , Officer Leslie Sabatini stopped a vehicle for speeding and unregistered vehicle .
The driver , Kevin Wooton , 65 , of Hammonton was found with an open container of alcoholic beverage and advised Sabatini that he had been drinking , Friel said . Wooton was placed under arrest , transported to police headquarters for processing and charged with following motor vehicle summonses : driving under the influence , unregistered vehicle , open container of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle and reckless driving .
He was released as per John ’ s law pending court appearance in Hammonton Joint Municipal Court .
Sabatini was the investigating and arresting officer .
On April 11 at 3:39 a . m . at North White Horse Pike on Pine
Road , Officer Alexandra Mardell stopped a motor vehicle for maintenance of lamps .
Upon speaking with the driver , Ashley Karolyi , 35 , of Absecon , the officer observed an odor of burnt and raw marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle , Friel said .
Mardell observed a burnt cigarette containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in the center console . Karolyi was placed under arrest , transported to police headquarters for processing and charged with following motor vehicle violations : driving under the influence , open container of marijuana in vehicle , careless driving , unregistered vehicle , reckless driving , refusing to submit to testing and maintenance of lamps .
She was released as per John ’ s law pending a court appearance in Hammonton Joint Municipal Court .
Mardell was the investigating and arresting officer .
On April 12 at 8:26 p . m . at Prime Block of S . White Horse Pike , police were dispatched to a retail establishment in reference to a report of a male subject slashing tires .
Police encountered George Gonzalez , 52 , of Egg Harbor City walk up to a vehicle and slash passenger side , front and rear tire .
Gonzalez had been caught as an accused attempting to shoplift under rung merchandise at the retail establishment , Friel said .
The value of the item was under $ 50 . Gonzalez was located by police , placed under arrest , transported to police headquarters and charged with the following criminal charges : criminal mischief , possession of weapon for unlawful purpose , resisting arrest , obstruction , shoplifting and shoplifting by under ringing .
He was released pending court appearance in Atlantic County Superior Court .
Officer Matthew Heiser was the investing and arresting officer .
This report is comprised of arrests and investigations made by the men and women of local enforcement . All suspects and arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law .
‘ The Rising ’ honors Baglianis
RISING , from Page 1
SJA ’ s mission is dedicated to exactly that . As stated on their website “ Saint Joseph Academy inspires young men and women to lead lives of integrity and achievement by following our guiding principles of Faith ,
Family , and Future .”
“ The Rising affords us the opportunity to honor our tradition as we build a new legacy , allowing us to deliver our mission of Faith , Family , and Future to many students and families in the future ,” Cappuccio said .
Craig Richards / THG
Kayla Smith works a Rooster Tail while Teddy DeLaurentis uses a Bettle Spin on April 14 at Hammonton Lake . The two from Hammonton joined several others who were at the lake enjoying the warmer weather .
HRC celebrates 40 years
GALA , from Page 1 viduals and their efforts in advancing the HRC mission .”
Many communities across the U . S . have struggled with the decline of their downtown districts , losing not just a physical space but also a vital part of their identity . However , initiatives developed and launched by the HRC and Hammonton Main- Street program have breathed new life into these areas , reinvigorating business climates and fostering a renewed sense of community pride .
The HRC , through its MainStreet program , has strategically focused time , energy and resources on revitalizing centralized businesses , leading to a broader community-wide resurgence in commerce . For four decades , HRC ’ s efforts have revitalized Historic Hammonton ’ s business landscape .
Mica McCullough , MainStreet Hammonton Executive Director , reflected on the gala ’ s significance : “ Our first gala coinciding with HRC ’ s 40th anniversary and the Main Street Program ’ s 31st anniversary was truly special . It allowed us to celebrate past revitalization efforts , acknowledge ongoing contributions and look ahead to a collaborative future .” The gala highlighted HRC ’ s vision for Downtown Hammonton as a vibrant , community-centered district offering unique retail experiences , authentic dining and cultural celebrations . Through partnerships with local entities , HRC aims to make downtown a destination for all , fostering a dynamic environment for shopping , dining , working , and leisure .
Moreover , vibrant downtown areas often enhance resident engagement , offering bustling retail destinations , entertainment events and pedestrianfriendly environments . Rehmann noted , “ A strong MainStreet and downtown area create a foundation for a strong overall community , ultimately benefiting Hammonton as a whole .”
With a successful gala and ongoing support , Downtown Hammonton ’ s transformation is well underway , promising a bright future for this historic community .