Robert V. Selfridge, ran phone-installation firm

A memorial service is set for Saturday, April 26, for Robert V. Selfridge, 89, a former resident of Haddonfield and Somerdale who for several years operated a telephone-installation company known as Your Friendly Neighborhood Phone Man.

Mr. Selfridge, who served stints in the Marines and the Army, died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday, March 11, at the Brendenwood assisted-living facility in Voorhees.

He was born on June 3, 1924, in Butler, Pa., the third youngest of 10 children of Gurn and Rose Selfridge. He left high school to join the Marines, enlisting on his 17th birthday, according to son Brian. He served for five years and saw action in the Pacific during World War II, including at Guadalcanal.

In 1950, he joined the Army, serving until 1968 and retiring as a sergeant first class. He earned a GED while in the military.

Upon leaving the military, he worked as a "pole man" for New Jersey Bell, repairing and installing phone lines.

"He did a lot of infrastructure work," his son said.

Later he worked for the Maaco auto body company and then for the Cherry Hill School District, he said.

After earning an associate's degree in business at Camden County College in the late 1970s, Mr. Selfridge started Your Friendly Neighborhood Phone Man.

"When 'Ma Bell' dissolved, he started his own company. He was able to install inexpensive and medium-priced phone systems for businesses" throughout South Jersey, his son said.

Mr. Selfridge retired in 1992.

He enjoyed bowling, buffet dinners, and time with his grandchildren, his relatives said.

In addition to his son, Mr. Selfridge is survived by his wife, Susan J.; son Patrick; daughters Linda Covacik and Mary Anne Walker; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service with military honors and a luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Coastline Restaurant, 1240 Brace Rd., Cherry Hill.