Richard A. Middleton

p>Richard A. Middleton, Dick, age 81 years, of Franklinville, died September 18 surrounded by his family. Born in Brooklawn, N.J., he was a long time resident of Westville, N.J. and had lived in Franklinville for 30 years. He was a graduate of Woodbury High School in 1947 and served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician Mate 1st Class during WWII. He was employed by PSE&G as a Chief Lineman for 43 years, retiring in 1991.

Dick was very active in the Masonic Lodge, joining the Florence Lodge #87 F&AM in 1968 and served as the Past Master of the Pitman Lodge #197 in 1997. He was currently serving as Secretary, starting his term in 1998. He was a member of the Pitman Eastern Star #57 and served as the Worthy Patron in 1987 to 1988. He was an advisor for DeMolay, Franklin W. Homer Chapter in Woodbury. For 20 years, he served as the Gloucester County Director for Safety Services of the American Red Cross. Dick was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, then serving as Scout Master for Troop 50 in Runnemede and was a Scout Commissioner for Camden County.

Survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary E. (nee Sayers), daughter Cynthia L. Sweeney, of Glassboro, and son Gary J. (Kelly) of Florida, grandchildren Michaela J. Middleton, of Florida, Daniel A. and John R. Sweeney, of Pittsgrove Twp., and sister Elizabeth J. Snoke, of Woodbury.

Friends are invited to call on Monday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave., Pitman, N.J. Masonic Service at 8 p.m. Funeral service will be at the Apostle Lutheran Church, 4401 Rte. 42, Turnersville, NJ 08012, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, where friends may call after 9 a.m.

Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, N.J. Those desiring may make a contribution to Pitman Lodge #197, 512 Albert Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071 or the Apostle Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.