Obituary of Alfred S. Tharp

Alfred S. “Bucky” Tharp, Jr., 74, of Stow Creek Township died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at his home. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marilyn Gehring Tharp and his daughter Wendy. Born in Vineland, Bucky was the son of the late Alfred S. Tharp and Elizabeth Dunbar Tharp. Bucky was a devoted father first and foremost. He treasured his daughter Wendy and embraced every moment with her. For over 35 years he was a dedicated educator at Hopewell School in science and technology. He had a wonderful personality and always made people around him laugh. He was well loved by his friends, fellow teachers and students alike. He cherished his time at Hopewell School and was the teacher monitor for safety patrol, chaperoned school dances and participated in several other student activities. During the summer months he worked at Oakland Farms in Hopewell Township. Bucky was a very active person in all aspects of his life. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed traveling to Missouri for hunting trips. He was physically fit and ran almost daily. As busy as Bucky was, he never missed one of Wendy’s field hockey games and many times rode his motorcycle up to Eastern College where she was a student to see her play. His beautiful landscaped yard is a testament to his patience and understanding. He was a member of the Quinton Sportmans Club and raised pheasants and Brittany Spaniels. Bucky had been a resident of Stow Creek Township since 1975, prior to that he had lived in Newfield. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Bucky enjoyed re-connecting with his buddies that he served with in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. Several years ago he attended the “Grunts at Mumfs” Reunion to see all of them in person. He was an active member of the Veterans Association that meets monthly in Vineland. In addition to his wife, Marilyn, and daughter Wendy (Bob Carman); he is survived by two sisters, Barbara Cornatzer (Russell) of Buena and Betty Engstrom of Vineland; sisters in law, Rhoda Saul of Newfield and Beth Mills of NY and brother in law, Bill Mills of NY; and several nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald Saul and his sister, Janet Magliocco. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12th at PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Township from 9:30AM until the time of private funeral services at 11AM. Unfortunately, due to current regulations associated with the COVID-19 healthcare crisis, we are limited to 50 people within the funeral home at a time. We greatly appreciate your understanding. For loved ones who cannot attend the services, we will be offering a live stream and recording. More details to follow. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral services at Cohansey Baptist Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join us for food and fellowship at Cohansey Baptist Church, 714 Roadstown Road, Bridgeton. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.padgettfuneralhomes For those who wish to attend the services virtually use the zoom meeting information below. Join Zoom Meeting https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91525257030?pwd=aWpxVlRYV3NvR28xWkU0UEZjUzBkUT09 Meeting ID: 915 2525 7030 Passcode: 437108 One tap mobile +13017158592,,91525257030# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,91525257030# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 915 2525 7030 Find your local number: https://fsu.zoom.us/u/ac7lK8C5Mz