Last year we lost two past presidents and a serving board member of JCAA. We remember past presidents Tom Siciliano and Bruce Smith and Sue Rothermel who was serving as the Recording Secretary and the JCAA Club Representative for the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. Below is Bruce Smith’s obituary and an article that Mark Taylor wrote honoring Tom Siciliano. I have also included information from NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs about Sue Rothermel.
Becoming an officer for JCAA means that you get on my speed dial and become part of the JCAA family. When you become vice president and then president, the contact is daily. At the end of each entry, I will add my personal recollections.
Bruce Smith
December 2, 1933 - November 23, 2022
It is with the heaviest of hearts to write that Bruce Smith of Ocean Township, our beloved Husband, Dad, and "Poppe", has passed away. He was born in Bridgeton, NJ, to Walter and Catharine Smith. He graduated from Penns Grove HS in 1951, being one of only five men left in his class. He truly wanted to be the last one standing. He attended McDonough Military Academy and served his country in the US Army… a true patriot to the end. He went on to Rutgers, graduated in 1958, and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
An extremely smart, proud, hard-working man who always provided well for his family. He was self-employed in the flexible packaging industry for 25 years. After retirement he had a few boats that were named "MY TERN" at the Atlantic Highlands Marina and fishing became a huge passion. His favorite day of the year was the winter solstice hence the days would get longer leaving more time for his love of fishing. He was also a big part of the Sandy Hook Bay Anglers where he gave a lot of his time and knowledge.
He leaves behind his wife, of 65 years, "his Becky" Betty Lou (Meinzer), his daughters, Daun Smith-Graham, Kelly Butler (Craig) and Jill Lynch (Bill) and five grandchildren Erin, Cheyenne, Chad, Karlee, and Bonnie.
Tom Fote – Bruce Smith was a great addition to JCAA. He started coming representing Sandy Hook Bay Anglers. As he became more involved, he became vice-president and then president. Since he was a geologist, Bruce added the thinking of a scientist to decisions JCAA needed to make. He was comfortable attending meetings that included scientific discussions. When we needed someone to staff a booth, Bruce was always available and would bring friends to help. He was a smart man, and he was a good sounding board for any ideas. Bruce’s early years in Fortesque made him a valuable resource in understanding that part of the state.
Tom Siciliano
In case you missed the article that Mark Taylor wrote about Tom Siciliano
As I mentioned a few articles ago, we lost a great individual named Thomas Siciliano, Jr. He was 79 when he passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022. When I say “we”, I mean all of us in the recreational fishing community. Tom was very passionate about things he cares about. Tom is not the person to just talk about things a little; he went all the way. He would do his research on topics and investigate and verify the facts. I would say he developed this trait while serving in the United States Army and later as a chemist for Lehn and Fink.
Tom was involved in many of the recreational fishing clubs here in New Jersey. He was involved with these clubs like everything else he did; all in. He served as president in so many of them and board members in all. To name a few of these they are Hudson River Fishermens Association, Bergen County Saltwater Anglers, Manasquan Fishing Club, Point Pleasant Fishing Club, Jersey Coast Anglers Association. Tom was involved in other environmental groups and children’s organizations too; Clean Ocean Action, Barnegat Bay Partnership and the Sunshine Foundation. I’m sure I missed a few. There are numerous stories about Tom and what he has done in each of these groups.
If you knew him, it was a great honor and if you didn’t you missed out. Our prayers go out to Tom Siciliano’s family for their loss. For the memory of Tom for all he has done for us, we should all get more like him to keep his spirit alive.
Tom Fote – Tom Siciliano was also a scientist, a chemist. He provided much needed insight into the workings of chemical companies. When Tom and I disagreed, I learned a great deal. Tom also was proxy for me when we were involved in the Marine Fish Conservation Network and at the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program. He was very involved in the MATES program in Ocean County serving as a judge for their contests. He received the highest JCAA honor when he was selected as the Sportsperson of the Year. It was my honor to nominate him for all his hard work and his volunteering for JCAA.
Sue Rothermel
Sue passed away over the Labor Day weekend. Her son called me with the sad news. He followed up a call that she wanted no wake or funeral ceremony. She was cremated as per her will.
Sue was invited to the State Federation as a representative of the NJ Horse Council. At that time, we were promoting the 150-foot reduction rule and Sunday bow hunting. The horse people were opposed to both of those Bills. Frank Virgilio met with the horse council and had them change their status and met Sue.
She continued to attend the state meetings as a guest and later joined the Monmouth County Federation as a club delegate from the NJ Horse Council. She soon started to attend the Federation Central Region meetings which lead her to the elected position of Central Region Board of Directors. She was the recipient of the Federations 2015 prestigious Keith Griffiths Award and the 2017 Jeannette Vreeland Award. Sue was an member and advocate of the NJOA and attended many of their functions including manning their booths at different Shows and Expos. If she wasn't at the NJOA booth you could find her at the UBNJ or Federation booths.
As a Federation member she went to as many functions, county meetings in the central region, and as many club Breakfasts and Dinners she could afford to attend. She was a weekly attendee at the Black Knights Bow Benders Thursday night shoot, she worked their food concession at their fundraisers, had many friends and tried her luck at archery. I believe that at the time of her death she was the sitting president for the NJ Horse council.
Tom Fote – I first met Sue attending meetings of the NJSFSC and NJ Outdoor Alliance. Sue needed two crutches to get around but that never stopped her. She became NJSFSC representative to JCAA and became a valuable voice for many issues. When we needed a recording secretary, Sue volunteered. Sue would also help staff the booths in Atlantic City and at the Saltwater Expo. She was generous with her time and her thinking.
In closing, JCAA lost three valuable members who worked through their 70’s and 80’s. This year it has become increasingly difficult to staff a booth without them. We need younger anglers to follow their example in caring about the environment, hunting and fishing. We need you.