Anthony (Tony) J. Persichilli

Anthony (Tony) J. Persichilli, 76, of Pennington, NJ, died on July 24 of complications from a fall.

Born in Trenton on January 10, 1943 to the late Giovanni and Angelina (Bel Forte) Persichilli, he is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judith M. Persichilli; his sister and brother-in-law, Salma and Frank Popovich; his brother and sister-in-law, Dominick and Joan Persichilli; sisters-in-law, Leanne Mella and Toni M. Tracy; brother- and sister-in-law James and Tara Mella; and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother, August Persichilli.

Tony graduated from Ewing High School Class of 1961 where he served as Class President. He continued his education at Rider University receiving both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees. Tony worked at AT&T for 31 years in various Human Resources positions and was Vice President of Human Resources for Prudential Financial in Newark for five years prior to his retirement.

Tony was a dedicated public servant having been elected to the Pennington Borough Council in 2004 and for three consecutive terms as Mayor from 2006 until December 2018 when he retired as the longest serving Mayor in the history of Pennington.

Tony volunteered his time generously and was a member of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and the American Heart Association, and served on the Board of St. Francis Medical Center Foundation and the Development Committee of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. In recognition of his service and generosity, Tony was the recipient of the 2013 Mercer County Light of Hope award from Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, and the 2014 Spirit of St. Francis Award from St. Francis Medical Center. Tony was also a member of the Trenton Country Club.

Tony will be remembered and missed by a wide and wonderful circle of friends, and he was a faithful attendee of the Friday Lunch Group, a highlight of his week. Tony’s family would like to especially acknowledge the friendship, support and assistance of Judy and Bob Rottkamp, Juliana and Wendell Pribila, and Skip and Janet Hutchinson.

A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Tony’s life was held on Monday, July 29, 2019 at St. James Church, Pennington, NJ.

Private entombment was at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Hamilton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Tony’s memory be made to St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, 601 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08629 or to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, 383 W. State St., Trenton, NJ 08607.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.poulsonvanhise.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, Lawrenceville, NJ.

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Mercedes Woods

Mercedes Woods, a lifelong resident of Princeton, NJ, peacefully passed away on her birthday, July 19th at the Princeton Care Center. Her beloved family, hospice service, and care staff were with her.

Mercedes will dearly be missed by her sisters: Gwendolyn Woods East of Utica, NY, and Johnetta Woods of Princeton, NJ. All of her loved ones, family, and friends will truly miss her gracious spirit and vibrant smile.

For additional information regarding Mercedes, please contact the family by email at evilineblk@aol.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

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Gregory L. Staats

eeGregory L. Staats, 71, of Princeton Junction, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on July 23rd at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro, NJ. Born in Somerville, NJ, on August 1, 1948, he grew up in Princeton, going to Valley Road School and Princeton High. He did a one year tour in Vietnam while in the Army. He attended Mercer County Community College, and graduated from Stockton College with a degree in Special Education.

Son of the late Vincent and Audrey Staats; predeceased by his oldest brother Vincent; survived by his youngest brother James Staats and his wife Josephine Ferraro residing at 938 Terrace Blvd, Ewing, NJ 08618; sister-in-law Sarah Staats; his life partner Elaine Staats and her two nieces, Vanessa Campbell and Jennifer Gregg; three nephews, Adam Staats and his wife Jessica Trombetta of NJ, Jonathan Staats of SC, Stephen Staats of WV; and a niece, Jessica Muller of NC.

He liked playing cards, bicycle riding, motorcycles, playing Frisbee, and bird watching. Some of his favorite places were the Jersey Shore and Block Island. Greg was a true dog lover. Nothing made him happier than having a canine companion by his side.

He was always helpful and generous. He was a kind, great, and wonderful man, a faithful friend, a loving brother, and an upstanding human being.

A short service with be held graveside at Princeton Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 2 for close family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mather- Hodge Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, people may donate to either the Disabled Veterans at dav.org or the HumaneSociety.org or to a charity of their choice.