Bernard Cooke

Bernard Cooke, age 87 passed away in his sleep Saturday June 1, 2013 at home in Princeton. Known as “Barney” to family and friends, he is pre-deceased by his son Brian Cooke following a long cancer battle. Barney is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary (Kiefer) Cooke; daughter Lisa Cooke; son Kevin Cooke, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth; grandson Duncan Cooke; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law Christa (Cooke), Jonathon Laureano, Heather (Cooke), Jeremiah Mann; great-granddaughters Olivia Laureano and Zoey Mann.

Born March 31, 1926 in Hightstown, Barney was the youngest of five children. A self-made businessman, Barney established many companies that evolved into Interior Design Associates serving Princeton University for over 60 years. Barney served as president of the Princeton Jaycees and as a Princeton YMCA board member. As a family man, Barney was always involved in sports activities with his children.

An expert scuba diver, Barney was co-founder of Princeton Aqua Sports. Diving adventures inspired world travel for the Cooke family. Also a bicycling enthusiast, Barney completed ‘Ragbrai’ across Iowa, and other interesting tours. Spending time in Barnegat Light and skiing in Telluride, Colo. were favorite vacation destinations with ‘the gang’ of good friends and family.

A gifted gardener, Barney cultivated a stunning array of azaleas highlighting the Cooke property on Rollingmead. For years, Barney’s family project of adorning a tall evergreen with collected sports equipment was a favorite ‘Christmas Tree’ spectacle.

With respect for Barney’s wishes, he was cremated. A private gathering is being arranged for friends and family.

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Rosetta Galella Mennella

Rosetta Galella Mennella, 89, of Princeton died Thursday, July 4, 2013 at Vitas Hospice Inpatient Unit at Kennedy-Stratford.

Born in Muro Lucano, Italy she resided in Princeton since 1961. She was a member of St. Paul’s Church. She was a well-known seamstress in the Princeton community. She adored and raised all of her grandchildren. She made the best pizza in town.

Wife of the late Pasqualino Mennella, she is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law Louis and Tatiana Mennella, Jerry Mennella, Frank and Carla Mennella; two sisters Teresa Galella, and Amelia Araneo; four grandchildren Lara and husband Michael Michaud, Jenna and husband Anthony Peluso, Danielle and husband Jeremy Branson, Jennifer Mennella; and one great-grandchild Sophia Michaud.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue with clergy from St. Paul’s Church officiating. Burial followed in Princeton Cemetery.

Calling hours were held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2013 at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton.