Obituary of Francis T. Dearlove

Francis Thomas Dearlove, age 81, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 6, 2018. Franny was born on February 25, 1936, to Henry and Marguerite Dearlove. He spent his childhood in Verga with his parents and sister, Dolores, and attended the Verga School and Paulsboro High School. On June 4, 1956, Franny married Elizabeth Lopez. They settled in West Deptford and raised three children: Randall, Paula and Thomas. During these busy years he worked hard to provide for and protect his family. He worked for many years for RCA, then enjoyed driving a tractor trailer, often taking his father on trips with him. Eventually, Franny was employed by West Deptford Township as the Housing Inspector. This was a fitting end to his working years because he had served the township in many capacities, including 30 years on the Planning Board and also as Assistant Zoning Officer. He also was actively involved in the West Deptford Democrat Club for over 35 years. In 2004, Betty and Franny moved to Avalon, where they cared for Betty's parents and enjoyed life on the water. But Franny was always at heart, a son of West Deptford, and kept up with all of the township happenings. Franny loved fishing and spent many happy hours on his boat with his sons and friends. He also had a life-long interest in auto racing, and was a regular at the Bridgeport Speedway for many years. With his sons, he traveled to the Indianapolis 500 race. His interest in automobiles and trucks inspired a collection of miniature trucks. As Franny's health failed, he was lovingly cared for by his wife of 61 years, Betty. In the face of many physical hardships, his cheerfulness and joy in simple pleasures of life never wavered. Franny was predeceased by his parents and sister and will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth and by his children, Randall Dearlove of Avalon Manor, Paula Dearlove of Mantua, and Thomas Dearlove and his wife, Catherine, of Wilmington, DE. His two granddaughters Honor Elizabeth and Audrey Grace, of Wilmington, were the joy and light of his life. The family would life to especially thank the staff of Cresthaven Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility for the devoted care of Franny in his last years. Relatives and Friends are invited to Franny's viewing on Friday from 10AM-12PM at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096. Funeral service to follow at 12PM. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ. Donations in Franny's memory may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.bcrf.org or 60 East 56th St., 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022. share the memories … share love … ShareLife® with McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME at www.mcgfuneral.com.