Philip J Mattson His life was about service to the community. PJ graduated from Augusta Military Academy in Fort Defiance, VA and then earned a Junior Business Degree from Goldey-Beacom College. He worked for a short time at DuPont before he was called to serve his nation: April 1968 he was drafted into the Army. His Basic training was at Fort Dix followed by advance training in Fort Leonard Wood where he would become a Combat Engineer. He then had Vietnam jungle training at Fort Sill Oklahoma before shipping off to Vietnam in April 1969. He served 1 year in Vietnam, came home a Sergeant E-5 and received an honorable discharge from the Army. He returned to work at the Chambers Works as an Emergency Response Technician where he worked until he retired in 2003. He had joined the Woolwich Fire Company in 1964 as a reserve and won the Outstanding Reserve award in 1965. In 1966 he became a regular member. In 1980 after serving as 2nd assistant Chief and 1″ Assistant Chief, he became Chief and served for 14 years in this position. He was also the Fire Marshal, State certified Fire Inspector, and the State certified Fire Official for the Borough of Swedesboro. He was never more comfortable than when he was out in nature, shotgun or rifle in hand: PJ was the Captain of the Swedesboro Antlers. He also was the Treasurer of the Woodbury Antlers. His other interest was model railroading. He would open his house for visitations to his railroad every November; it took 10 people to run the operation. PJ was always upgrading. He was awarded the National Model Railroad Association designation of Master Model Railroader. He served as an Officer in the Mid Eastern Region of the NMRA where he rose to be the President. When the VFW Post 10886 was formed he joined and became the Quartermaster for the post. But of all his endeavors he most loved being a grandfather; the only time the grandkids had to be quiet was if he was watching sports: PJ suffered with his beloved Phils, Flyers, and Eagles. He met a pretty girl named Jeanette. The love of his life, they shared a 43-year marriage. PJ is survived by his stepdaughter, Janet Bain; stepson, Martin Graham; 3 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, two great-granddaughters, one great-grandson, and one more on the way. Come celebrate 78 great years Friday, May 5th, 9-11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ 08085. Phone 856-467-0626. There will be an 11 a.m. story time service. Donations in lieu of flowers to Woolwich Fire Company, 1517 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, 08085 will be appreciated.

Peter Mosiondz Jr. June 6, 1946 - April 14, 2023 NMRA Life Member since February 8, 1989 Peter Mosiondz, Jr., on April 14, 2023, of Gloucester Township, NJ. Age 76. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Peter and Julia Mosiondz and was a 1964 graduate of Bishop Neumann High School in South Philadelphia. Beloved husband of Constance E. Mosiondz (née Kaminski) and devoted father to Peter (Kristin), Andrew (Stephanie), Michael (Courtney), and Jennifer, and grandfather to Marissa, Gina, Bryce, Katie, and David. He leaves behind his precious feline friend Boots. Peter served in the United States Army as a medic with the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War in the rank of Specialist 5th Class and was awarded 12 medals and citations, including a Purple Heart for wounds received in battle and a bronze star with "V" device for valor. He was a prolific writer for over 35 years with over 1,200 articles published in numerous stamp, coin, and model railroad publications. He also wrote two widely acclaimed philatelic books. In 2021 he was inducted into the American Philatelic Society's Writers Unit Hall of Fame. He was a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a member of many other fraternal organizations. Pete regularly attended New Jersey Division meets and Mid-Eastern Region conventions. He willingly offered his assistance to the division and at regional conventions manning the welcome/registration table and other duties. He was an avid reader of railroad and model railroad literature and periodicals. The family asks that any donations on Pete's behalf be made in Peter's name to Our Lady of Hope Parish, 601 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012 or the Vietnam Veterans of America, 8710 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Springs, MD 20190 (www.vva.org).

We all look forward to our next meet at Switlik Park. My hope is that the COVID infections will be in decline and the State’s recommendations include voluntary wearing of masks. Only members fully inoculated should attend as the virus still can be transmitted. If masking is voluntary, you can choose your own masking. I expect that some members will still mask for their own safety or that of family members. However, ALL should bring a mask in case the township requires indoor masking.

For layout visits, please bring your mask should the layout host requires masking.

Please monitor the news on the pandemic the week of the meet for any State changes in attendance policies. We may post any changes as late as Friday evening, March 11. The safety of all our members is paramount in our decision making. Thanks for your continuing cooperation.

We will broadcast the meet via Zoom for those unvaccinated, unable to travel or for those with other reasons. We will post the Zoom access numbers during the week preceding the meet. I look forward to seeing many of you in person for a great program and excellent layouts.