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Harry Newcomb
b.1915 d.1995

Harry Newcomb Jr., 80, who began working as a youth in the Port Norris A&P as a clerk and eventually became the owner of Newcomb’s Market there, died Thursday at his daughter’s home in Cherry Hill.

A lifelong Port Norris resident, Mr. Newcomb’s market was best known for its high-quality meats. When the A&P store where he clerked closed and was purchased by the late Harry Chance, Mr. Newcomb stayed on as a clerk and eventually was made a partner in the business. In the 1960s, he expanded the business by purchasing a building once used as a car dealership. He retired and sold the business in 1980.

An active member of the First United Methodist Church in Port Norris, Mr. Newcomb was a member of the administrative board and chairman of the outreach committee. He was a former trustee, Sunday School superintendent and former chairman of the church building fund.

“He was a very devout Christian and believed in discipleship . . . and that’s what he did all about town,” said Bill Riggin, a longtime friend.

His daughter, Lynne Sherman of Cherry Hill, recalled that “he went out and helped out just about anybody. He even cut the grass for many of the widows . . . and always did jobs around the church.”

In his youth, Mr. Newcomb was considered an outstanding third baseman who was very quick and had a strong throwing arm. He was a graduate of the former Port Norris High School and then attended Ursinus College for one year, playing baseball at both institutions. Later, he would play third base in the Port Norris Oyster League.

An avid fisherman, Mr. Newcomb knew the waters of the Delaware Bay and had owned a small outboard motor boat for many years. He often could be found on the bay three or more times a week, until three years ago, when his health started failing.

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Newcomb is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen Carroll Newcomb; two granddaughters, Lauren Sherman of Cherry Hill and Stacy Ruth of Burlington Township; and a great-granddaughter.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. today in the First United Methodist Church, North Avenue and Main Street, Port Norris, where funeral services will begin at noon. Burial will be in Haleyville Cemetery, Haleyville.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to either the First United Methodist Church, R.D. 1, Box 42, Port Norris, N.J. 08349 or to Samaritan Hospice, 214 W. Second St., Moorestown, N.J. 08057-2372.

By S. Joseph Hagenmayer, INQUIRER CORRESPONDENT Posted: October 09, 1995