Obituary of Joseph G. Razze

Joseph G. Razze, age 88, left this earth on December 12, 2018. Born in Ewan in 1930 to parents Joseph and Violet Razzi (the "i" is not a spelling error – his mother had her reasons), Joe would spend his entire life there. He graduated Glassboro High School in 1948, later marrying his sweetheart Jackie before shipping off to the Korean War on the USS Sabine; where he would serve from 1951-1955. On his return, Joe was employed by EI DuPont (Repauno) for just over 24 years. He left DuPont in 1968 to create what would become his passion, the Elk Township Police Department. Starting as a part-time "hobby" in 1968, Joe would become the first full time Officer in 1971 (Badge #1), retiring as Chief of Police in 1991. While in the workforce, "Chief" as known by his friends (as well as others) was an active member of the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police (and we know he loved to give those wallet cards) and owned the Ewan Gun Shop. In his retirement, Joe was as member of the Ewan Methodist Church (past President of the Board of Trustees), a member of the Ewan Fire Company (past treasurer), and a Freemason (former Florence Lodge 87). Until his later years, he was an avid pilot, restorer of old cars, and member of the Salem County Sportsman's Club. Joe will be missed by his wife of 67 years Jackalene M. (nee Buckalew), children Gary J. (Janet), Douglas S., Scott C. (Cindy), grandchildren Janine, Danielle, Christopher, Matthew, Andrew, great granddaughter Marie Eleanor, brother Michael (Sandy), sister Jane (the late David), his nieces and nephews and their children and his beloved cat Snowy. Friends may greet the family 9:30-11am on Monday in the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral service will be at 11am. Interment Richwood Cemetery. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.