David J. Storms

David J. Storms, of Lindenwold, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 86. Born in Vincentown, the son of the late David and Ida (nee Carson) Storms. David Joseph Storms was born at home in Lumberton, NJ, on December 29, 1935. The house on Main Street cost approximately $600, indoor plumbing was not included, but that never stopped him. Going to school was an outlet that allowed him to flourish in not just academics, but also sports. He lettered in three sports; baseball, football, and basketball. One day a scout for the Philadelphia A’s was looking to recruit a rival pitcher. During that game, Dave was unstoppable and hit everything the young pitcher threw. The scout changed his focus to Dave and pressured him to try out for the professional ball team. Dave told the scout that he was not good enough for the major leagues but tried out anyway. Sure enough, he was right; he was not good enough, but what a great story. Upon graduation, Dave was offered a scholarship to West Chester University. Instead, he joined the work force with Public Service Electric and Gas. When asked why he did not go to college, he stated that he was poor for so long it felt good to have a few dollars in his pocket. He worked at PSE&G for over 40 years with a brief interval to join the military. Dave joined the Army and was stationed in Italy. There he married his high school sweetheart Betty Jane Summers. The two of them toured Europe for 15 months before coming back to the States. In 1958, Levittown, NJ, or better known as Willingboro, NJ, was a new town with newly constructed home. Together Dave and Betty bought their first home where they raised their three boys: Michael, Gary, and Mark. His time in Willingboro was spent in part as a baseball little league coach and a Boys Scout leader. After 24 years of marriage, Dave and Betty parted ways. At this time Dave wasn’t sure about the whole dating scene and wondered, “Who would ever want a 44-year-old man?” Well, apparently a whole lot of women. Dave, to use an old term, was a gigolo. However, after a few years of the singles scene, Dave settled down and married Carole Walsh. Carole has two children, Pamela and John, and the two families joined together for over 35 years. During those years, Dave and Carole enjoyed over 65 cruses and over 55 weeks at Sandals, Jamaica. Ironically, Betty lost her husband the same year Dave lost Carole. These losses though difficult in their own right, brough Dave back to Betty. They came full circle and started dating at the age of 85. While they didn’t have “The Happy Ever After” ending, David had a life well lived. He passed away in the little house that Betty built. While it wasn’t Dave’s house, it was his home in the end. He is survived by his children, Mark (Theresa) Storms, Michael (Mary) Storms, Pamela (Bruce) Mazurek, and John (Stephanie) Walsh; grandchildren, David (Nicolette) Storms, Thomas Storms, Shannon Storms, Jacquelyn (Matt) Harter, Brandon Storms, Connor Storms, Ryan Storms, Tyler Storms, Sophia Mazurek, Violet Mazurek, and Hillary Mazurek, Megan (Pete) Yanefski and Hope Walsh; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Michaela, and Dave; and former spouse, Betty Hartke. He is predeceased by his wife, Carole, son, Gary Storms, a grandson, Tanner Storms, and a sister, Ida May Rye. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Monday, December 19 from 6-7 PM at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Serenity Hospice (www.serenityhospicenj.org).

David J. Storms

December 29, 1935 - December 15, 2022