Introduction
CHARLES M. GALASSO SR. began working as a guard at the Camden County Jail in 1944. He rose through the ranks to retire as Warden in 1972.
When the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled, Charles Galasso and his wife, the former Stella E. DePhilippo, were living at 273 Ablett Village. By 1956 the Galasso family had moved to 3023 South Atlanta Road in Camden’s Fairview section, where they resided into the 1960s. The family had moved to Cherry Hill by 1977. Sons Daniel Galasso and Michael Galasso joined the Camden Fire Department in 1968 and 1969, respectively.
Last a resident of Cherry Hill, Charles Galasso Sr. passed away on June 5, 2008.
New Fire Fighters
From Left: Jerry Watson, Daniel Galasso, Camden County Jail Warden Charles Galasso Sr., William Huelas, Captain John D. Huelas (in civilian clothes), Chief of Department Edward Michalak
Remain at Large
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner —
LAKELAND, N.J. (AP)—Three escapees from the Camden County, N.J., prison annex remain at large while three other escapees have been returned to custody.
The six overpowered two guards and made their getaway from the minimum security facility near Lakeland. Warden Charles Galasso described the men as possibly dangerous.
Three of the prisoners were recaptured in the Lakeland area a few hours after the escape.
Six Escape From N.J. Prison
Benton Harbor News-Palladium —
LAKELAND, N.J. (AP) — Six prisoners described as possibly dangerous overpowered two guards early today and escaped from the Camden County Prison Annex.
Authorities said the guards, Charles Mellon and Eugene Evans, were handcuffed inside the medium security cellblock. They were reported not seriously hurt.
Hunters Capture Escapees
Billings Gazette —
LAKELAND, N.J. (AP) — Hunters armed with rifles captured three of six prisoners who overpowered two guards and escaped Friday from the Camden County Prison Annex.
The hunters, who had heard about the break, held the escapees at bay until police arrived at the scene two miles from the prison.
Warden Charles Galasso said the prisoners had overcome two guards, who did not have firearms, and fled from the medium security cellblock on foot. The guards were left handcuffed in the cellblock.
He said one prisoner feigned sickness to get a guard’s attention.
Galasso said the men still at large were Charles Long, 30, of Camden, N.J., Alvin Parker, 24, Ablion, N.J. and Stanley Roberts, 20 Camden. Jay Carpenter, 23, of Williamstown, N.J., Francis Mahon, 24, Philadelphia, and Mearie Miller, 20, Camden, were returned to the prison.
They were found by hunters in a sanitary landfill. Police said Carpenter slipped away from the hunters, but was caught nearby about 20 minutes later.
Twelve Sworn In As City Firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
Twelve men were sworn in today to implement the second phase of a 42-hour work week for Camden city firemen.
The new firemen, three of them following their fathers into public service, were administered the oath by Fire Chief Edward V. Michalak.
The men will begin basic training at the city's fire academy immediately, Michalak said, in order to begin their duties in January.
They are part of a total complement of 24 who will be used to allow some of the department's firemen to begin a 42-hour work week.
So far one-third of the department have been working the new schedule, approved by voters last November.
An additional 12 men are expected to be appointed within the next few weeks. The entire department is scheduled to work 42 hours by January, 1970, when the third phase of the plan goes into operation.
Three of the men appointed today represent second generations to work for the city or county. They are: Jerome J. Watson, 21, of 935 Beideman Ave., whose father, Donald, is a former city police chief; Daniel J. Galasso, 26, of 3023 Atlanta Road, whose father, Charles, is warden of the Camden County jail; and William H Huelas, 22, of 320 E. Bettlewood Ave., Oaklyn, whose father, John, is a captain in the city fire department.
In addition, twins Ronald J. and Robert G. Boyle, 22, of 1127 N. 33rd St. were included in the group.
Others appointed were: George S. Szychulski, 22, of 1412 Mt. Ephraim Ave.; Glenn H. Moore, 23, of 142 Chestnut Ave., Woodlynne; Marvin W. Bendy, 28, of 250 S. 3rd St., Gloucester; Samuel Battle Jr., 21 of 1121 Kaighns Ave.; Ronald Angemi, 22, of 1306 Merrimac Road; Robert C. Welch, 28, of 1475 Ormond Ave.; and George R. Abbey, 25, of 1 Oak Walk.
Galasso, Charles M., Sr.
Camden Courier-Post —
GALASSO, CHARLES M., SR.
“Charlie,” on June 5, 2008, of Cherry Hill, formerly of Camden. Age 93.
Beloved husband of Stella E. (nee DePhilippo). Devoted father of Carole Masciantonio (the late Joe), Daniel Galasso (Pat), Michael Galasso (Eileen) and Charles “Chuck” Galasso, Jr. Dear brother of Mary Colanduno, Jean Neri (Mike) and the late Joseph Galasso, Lena Colangello and Angie Simboli. Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Galasso was a correctional officer with the Camden County Sheriff’s Dept. Appointed in September of 1944, he rose through the ranks and served as the Warden of the County Jail until he retired in 1972 after 28 years of service. He was a member of the NJ County Warden Association.
There will be a viewing from 8:30 to 10:30am Tuesday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Service 10:30am at the funeral home. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill.