Photo courtesy of McCann-Healey Funeral Home - Gloucester City
Gloucester City, New Jersey
Jun 11, 1944 – Jul 13, 2013 (Age 69)
On July 13, 2013. Age 69. Of Gloucester City. Loving Son of Mary Elizabeth (nee Tesmar) and the late Lewis Israel Atkinson. Cherished Brother of Dorothy M. (Edward) Holpak, David J. (Marcia) Atkinson, Joanne (David) Howey and the late MaryBeth Merryfield. Beloved uncle of George, Lewis, Dacia, Tanya, Michael, Christina, Rachael, Eddie and David.
Lewis was born in Philadelphia, PA and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic Grammar School in South Camden on June 14th, 1959. He graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School on June 3, 1963. Lewis proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force from November 25, 1964 and was made a Sgt. and a SSgt. on September 1, 1973. He was skilled at map-compiling and was an analyst for the U.S. Air Force. Lewis was honorably discharged on January 28, 1976 from March Air Force Base in Riverside County, California. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies in August 1976 from Chapman College in Orange County, California.
He earned a teaching certificate in Social Studies from Glassboro State College. Lewis had a true passion for teaching and a believer in children to learn. He taught United States History, World History and Economics at Camden County Technical High Schools for 25 years in Sicklerville. Lewis was a substitute teacher at the Camden County Technical High School Pennsauken Campus and taught adult evening high School at Camden County Technical High School for 20 years. He served as the advisor for the school newspaper and student council for 5 years. Lewis served as the advisor for the "Voice of Democracy" speech contest sponsored by the VFW for 5 years. He coached the track and field team for 8 years. Lewis retired from teaching on October 1, 2003.
Lewis was devoted to his Roman Catholic faith and was a lifelong devoted parishioner of Saint Mary's R.C. Church in Gloucester City where he served on Parish Council, President for 2 years, Lector , Extraordinary Minister, Usher at 11:30 am Mass, taught Religious Education and was on the Church Finance Council. Lewis was very involved in the planning of the Christmas Pageant in Advent and the Church Seder Meal during Lent.
He was also a Third-Degree member of the Gloucester City Knights of Columbus Council # 674 since 1992. He was a member of the Curcio Movement and the Monday Evening Novena and Prayer Group. Lewis attended yearly retreats at Saint Joseph's in the Hills (Men of Malvern) in Malvern, PA for the past 8 years. He attended retreats at Trappist Monasteries in Berryville, Virginia; Spencer, Massachusetts and Louisville, Kentucky.
Lewis enjoyed traveling to most part of the United States of America and lived in the State of New Jersey, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida and California.
Relatives, friends, former teachers, former students and members of the Knights of Columbus are kindly invited to attend his viewing on Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Saint Mary's R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM in the church. Interment with U.S. Air Force Military Honors New Saint Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr.
Family prefers in lieu of flowers memorial donations in Lewis' memory to Saint Mary's R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please write in memo: Lewis Atkinson.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Lewis Robert Atkinson.
Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142
While serving with the US Air Force in the late 1960s, Lew was a founding member of the Bolivar Shagnasty Jug Band where he played a mean hose-a-zoo. He is pre-deceased by Ron MacKay the band's harmonica player. Surviving band members Bill Kunkle, Joe Souza, Joe Jachne and Sam Falzone will keep him in their thoughts and remember the many fun times they shared together making music.
Sam Falzone
January 07, 2014 | Burlington, VT
I have many fond memories of Lew Atkinson at CCTS as a colleague and friend. He was always pleasant to talk to and welcomed all. He touched many students lives and will be missed!
anna guida
August 13, 2013 | Sewell, NJ
I worked with Lew at CCTS and was fortunate to be able to call him my friend. He was a great teacher and was loved by staff and students alike. He will be missed.
Kim Hultgren
August 02, 2013
Mr. Atkinson was one of my favorite teachers from CCTS. He helped me realize my love for history. I was saddened to hear about his passing. Class of 1999
George Fayter
July 30, 2013 | Weymouth, MA
Mr. Atkinson was my first history teacher at CCTS! One o my favorites!! I will never forget how he had us head our papers and class assignments and makin sure we only wrote in the margins!
Aimee McMackin
July 28, 2013 | Quinton, NJ
I have fond memories of Mr. Atkinson and am saddened to learn of his passing. He always encouraged me and believed in me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. From a former CCTS student, Class of 1996
Lisa Jones
July 28, 2013 | Sicklerville, NJ
so sorry for your loss..he was my teacher many moons ago..1988 :) he was an amazing person who made some of us want to learn
christine taylor
July 24, 2013 | Betlin, NJ
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Lou at CCTS, and we would talk a lot about life and the world. Lou always had a smile and a good sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. With Deepest Sympathy!
Cecilia Allor
July 18, 2013 | Runnemede, NJ
I was so sorry to hear of Lew's passing. I worked with him at CCTS, and always like him. He was a sweet man, a big ol' Teddy Bear. So sorry for your loss.
Elaine Ratliff
July 17, 2013 | Millsboro, DE