Obituary of Stephen J. Lombardo

Stephen Lombardo peacefully passed at sunset, with his wife and sons by his side Thursday, April 28, 2011. Born at home in Salem to the late Julia and Stephen Lombardo, he was a lifelong Salem resident. Steve was the last proprietor of Lombardo's Market located at the end of 5th Street. The "store" as the family referred to it sold groceries, cold cuts, sandwiches, and kerosene. The store exemplified the hometown establishment by providing butchered meats on premises and home-deliveries. After closing the business, Steve became a USPS mailman. Steve worked multiple line and supervisory roles during his time with the post office. Shortly after retiring as the Deepwater, NJ, postmaster, Steve joined RK Chevrolet in Vineland, NJ. This put him back directly in his element - working directly with people. The consummate salesmen, he took pride in helping the business and its customers. More than pleased to help any customer, he felt fortunate to build quality relationships with individuals which often extended into providing services for generations of family members. A life that passed sooner than expected, he took great joy in spending time with his family, especially his two granddaughters. His time spent watching his granddaughters' sports was turning him into a budding girls softball enthusiast. His lifelong passion was hunting which he took full advantage of during his recent second retirement. Hunting fulfilled his personal interests of being outdoors, spending time with his sons, friends, and the enjoyment from the pursuit of the hunt. He is survived by his wife, the former Janice Pedrick to whom he had been married to for 47 years; sons Stephen Lombardo and wife Kelly of Elsinboro; Michael Lombardo and wife Cherie of Pilesgrove; and adored grandchildren Alexandra and Grace Lombardo, sister, Annette Catalano of Pennsville and a brother Santo "Sam" Lombardo of Swedesboro. He is predeceased by a sister, Josephine Palmieri and a brother Joseph Lombardo A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday May 3rd at the St. Mary's RC Church, Salem. Friends may call Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Laughrey Funeral Home Pennsville. Burial will follow at the First Baptist Cemetery, Salem.