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Frederick A. Hooey, 83; led Pine Hill in one of many jobs

Frederick A. Hooey, 83, of Pine Hill, a former Borough Council member and mayor known around town on a first-name basis, died of colon cancer Thursday, Sept. 23, at Kennedy University Hospital-Stratford.

Frederick A. Hooey, 83, of Pine Hill, a former Borough Council member and mayor known around town on a first-name basis, died of colon cancer Thursday, Sept. 23, at Kennedy University Hospital-Stratford.

Mr. Hooey was an only child who by age 7 knew the responsibility of having a job. He delivered newspapers by bicycle every morning for many years.

"He was a hard worker his whole life," said his wife, Mary Catherine.

Mr. Hooey's long list of jobs over the years included owning a taxi service and luncheonette, founding an ambulance service, and working as a police officer.

In the 1970s, he decided to run for the Borough Council, figuring he could use his public-safety expertise. He served for a few years, and by 1980 he was mayor.

However, Mr. Hooey resigned as mayor in April 1981 over budget cuts he opposed.

"We just had to do away with one patrolman, several girls in the office, a bus for senior citizens and schoolchildren, and no funds for the athletic field," Mr. Hooey told The Inquirer. "You can't do nothing for the people."

Though he remained behind the scenes of many Pine Hill activities, his wife said, he mainly focused on his job as superintendent of the water and sewer department, from which he retired in 1987 after 30 years.

Born in Allamuchy Township, N.J., Mr. Hooey moved with his parents to Pine Hill when he was 2.

On his 17th birthday, in 1944, he signed up for the Navy and was assigned storekeeping duties at a local base. After World War II, he went back to a civilian storekeeping job.

In 1950, he married Mary Catherine Fitzgibbons, whom he had met through a mutual friend.

Mr. Hooey was a longtime member of the Eagle Fire Company.

In the late 1950s, he founded a first-aid squad and ambulance service in Pine Hill. He served as the squad's president for 33 years, his wife said.

At one point during his career, he drove a bus for St. Edward's Parish.

Though he was not a sworn member of the Pine Hill Police Department, Mr. Hooey was a "special officer," who could fill in on assignments such as large traffic accidents, his wife said.

After retiring 1987, Mr. Hooey kept busy woodworking in the winter and fishing in the summer.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, William.

Viewings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, and after 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27, at the Costantino Funeral Home, 231 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin Borough, where a funeral will begin at 10 a.m.

Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin Borough.