Philip J. Stevenson

Dr. Philip J. Stevenson (sometimes PJ or Phil), 77, of Princeton, died Friday, June 1 at the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.

Born in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Phil was the second child of Philip George and Mary Stevenson. He was an avid golfer from the age of 10; taught by the then pro of the Royal Portrush Golf Club, his father. Through hard work and intelligence he achieved a Masters of Science from The Queen’s University of Belfast in 1960, and went on to get his Doctorate from the University of Manchester two years later.

In August of 1963, he emigrated to the United States with little more than a suitcase, his wits, and a job offer. He achieved success working for many bio-tech/pharmaceutical companies over the years including: Monsanto, Chemstrand, Chicopee, Johnson & Johnson, Personal Products, and Arquest; first as a research scientist and then hit his stride as an executive. He, along with colleagues, holds the patents for many non-woven materials and manufacturing techniques, focusing on absorbent technology. His bosses would fight over him — at one point he was the vice president of two separate departments simultaneously, unheard of at the time. Phil entered semi-retirement at 55 to focus on what was really important to him: his family, friends, and golf.

Phil married Mary Lou Kohfeldt in May of ’68, who was the absolute love of his life. They weathered the ups and downs of marriage with aplomb, and were best friends ‘til the end; perhaps even more so at the end.

He was a member of the Phoenix Country Club and the Springdale Country Club of Princeton. If there is not a golf course in heaven, he didn’t want to go.

What struck everyone about Phil is his charm and humor. He was trouble. He made quick, life-long friends at all of his places of work and play. He had an unsurpassed popularity in the circles he ran in. He made everyone feel like he was their best friend when with them, but he could give quite a ribbing to those he really loved. Not afraid to flirt or tell an off-color joke when the moment called for it, he was a gentleman from a past era.

He was awesome. He will be missed by many.

Phil died a short 15 days after the passing of his wife, from what was clearly a broken heart. He stated quite plainly that he would not know what to do without her. Hopefully they are together in the hereafter.

He is survived by his two children, Tara Elisabeth and Vance Philip and his daughter-in-law, Katrina Emily; his brothers, Dai and Ramond Stevenson; and his sister, Carol Shields.

Service will be held on Saturday, June 16 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton. A reception will follow.

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James E. Hardiman

James Edward Hardiman, 82, died peacefully on June 10, 2012 surrounded by many friends and loved ones. Born and raised in Perth Amboy, Jim resided within a two-block radius his entire life.

The greatest gift of Jim’s young life was attending Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. He often spoke of that time as a life-changing experience. He was devoted to the school until his passing, serving as a member of the President’s Council for many years and frequently attending fundraisers and alumni events. Jim attended Georgetown University, earned a BS in business management from Seton Hall, and served in military intelligence for the U.S. Army.

Losing his father at an early age, Jim became a provider by managing the family business, Seaman’s Pharmacy (est. 1840). Recognized as a pillar of the community, this popular soda fountain frequently hosted lunchtime meetings that included the patronage of mayors, congressmen, and committeemen.

Jim served as a member of the board of directors of Roosevelt Hospital for thirty years, twenty-five years as president. His tenure yielded services that improved the quality of care for countless patients, including the development of the Barbara E. Cheung Memorial Hospice. Jim’s other accomplishments include establishing the Perth Amboy parking authority and serving as a member for the District Fee Arbitration Committee for the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He was also a lifelong parishioner and faithful trustee of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Perth Amboy.

Services will take place on Thursday, June 14th at 10 a.m., beginning at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Avenue (Route 27), Metuchen, N.J., followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Perth Amboy. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Perth Amboy. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 13 from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m.

Please visit costell-runyon.com to send flowers and condolences.

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Yolanda P. Herbert

Yolanda Patricia Herbert, “Yo,” 61, died on May 31, 2012 at the University Medical Center of Princeton.

Born in St. Kitts British West Indies, she moved to Princeton in the early 1970s and remained in the community for over 40 years.

Yolanda was educated in the Caribbean and was employed for 37 years at the University Medical Center of Princeton as a surgical technician. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Princeton.

Yolanda is survived by her son, Kennedy Herbert; her daughter, Michelle Herbert; her grandchildren, Kajia Herbert, Alex Arroyo and Aayden Herbert; her sisters, Reverend Muriel Barnes and Eileen Elliot; her nieces, Sandra Glasgow Barnes, Debra Barnes, Jascinth Revan, Kathleen Herbert, Sheryl Herbert, and Stephanie Herbert; her nephews, Henry Barnes and Andrew Herbert; and all the family that are too numerous to mention.

A very special thank you to Wavanie Mouko and Janet Nepolitano, for their continuous support and love for Yolanda during her time of need. A thank you to the doctors that took such good care of Yolanda and to her fellow co-workers and staff members at the University Medical Center of Princeton. Her family offers their deepest and heartfelt thanks for the love and friendship offered to their mother over the last 37 years.

A funeral service took place on June 12 at First Baptist Church, John Street and Paul Robeson Place, Princeton. Interment took place at Colonial Memorial Park in Hamilton.

Arrangements are by the Hughes Funeral Home.

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