Robert Dugan, Evesham police officer

Robert Dugan Sr., 72, of Marlton, who retired in August 2001 as an Evesham Township police sergeant after 31 years on the force, died of kidney failure Monday, Aug. 25, at home.

Mr. Dugan grew up in West Philadelphia and graduated from St. Thomas More High School in 1960.

He served as a Navy clerk on a ship stationed off Cape Canaveral, Fla., that "would go out and recover" experimental missiles fired toward the Atlantic, his wife, Donna, said.

"They loved that part" of their duty, she said.

Mr. Dugan then worked in the Grays Ferry Yards of the Pennsylvania Railroad "for maybe six years" and after 1968 for its successor, the Penn Central.

He joined the Evesham police force in January 1970.

"He always enjoyed helping people," his wife said, so small-town police work was a good fit.

"He started the bicycle safety program," she said, in which "children could get a small license plate" for the bikes, and advice on how to handle traffic, too.

"It was a good incentive for the children," she said.

Mr. Dugan was a member of South Jersey Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 56.

Besides his wife of 51 years, Mr. Dugan is survived by son Robert Jr., daughters Donna and Maggie, and eight grandchildren.

Viewings were set from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Bradley Funeral Home, Route 73 and Evesham Road, Marlton, before a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church, 100 Willow Bend Rd., Marlton.

Donations may be sent to the Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, N.J. 08043, or to www.awanj.org.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bradleyfhmarlton.com.