Published in Courier-Post on Jan. 1, 2015

Joseph H. Bancer
AGE: 92 • Pittsgrove

Joseph H. Bancer, 92, of Pittsgrove passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2014 after a long illness.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph & Tessie Osinski Bancer. His sisters, Jean Wood, Ann Tymuszuk, Blanche Baran and brother Eddie Bancer, all died before him. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Anna Marie (Caruso), devoted children, Joanne Rossa and husband Chuck and Joseph N. Bancer and wife Rose, four grandchildren, Paul Bancer (Deanna), Angela McGuire (Kevin), Katherine Bancer and Joey Bancer, as well as one great grandchild, Cole Thomas McGuire. His loving daughter, Janet B. Nissen, recently passed away this July after a brave battle with cancer.

Joe was a very sociable individual who enjoyed life and those around him. He loved music, especially Glen Miller's "Midnight Seranade", and polka dancing at all the family gatherings. Another one of his favorite tunes was "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" and "When the Saints Go Marchin In". He enjoyed playing the harmonica and the trombone. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he was a self-made man, teaching himself how to fix just about anything. He was the family historian, the "go-to guy" who kept records on everything and who everyone relied on. He also loved to read and watch mini-series like his favorite "Lonesome Dove" and accumulated quite a large book and video library.

After forty-two years, he retired from RCA as a Wireman. He spent many years volunteering at the St. Mary's Home in Cherry Hill showing movies to the residents. Another big part of his life was the U.S. Navy. He first joined during WWII in 1942 and spent 18 months in Japan with the Occupation Forces. After several tours of active duty and a number of years in the Reserves, he retired in 1982 as a Chief Petty Officer RMC3. He was very active throughout the years in the VFW, the American Legion, NERA and the Fleet Reserves, Branch #57. Joe was formerly a member of St. Ann's R.C. Church, Elmer and St. Stephen's R.C. Church, Pennsauken. He was also a Third Degree with the Knights of Columbus, Immaculate Conception Council.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Adams Funeral Home, 64 Broad St., Woodstown, NJ 08098 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 51 Broad St., Woodstown, NJ 08098. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Bancer's memory to the National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230 or to Inspira Hospice, 1138 East Chestnut Avenue, Building 3B, Vineland NJ, 08360. Visitors may sign the guest book at www.adamsfuneralhome.org. The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Bayada, Inspira Hospice and the many friends who helped Joe along on his journey "home". May you rest forever in God's peace.

Adams Funeral Home
64 Broad St. Woodstown, NJ 08098
(856) 769-2220