Chief Joseph E. Bramble III

You don’t build a business. You build people, then people build the business. Success is no accident. It’s very hard work, perseverance, learning, and most of all Sacrifice. Joseph E. Bramble, III, naturally manifested an entrepreneurial spirit. He was a tenacious leader, “gritty” and “matter of fact”. He may have been stubborn, but his generosity exemplified his character. Joe was deeply rooted in his community and humbly committed himself, by rolling up his sleeves and doing whatever he need to do to, “make it work” in Gloucester.

When my time comes around, Lay me gently in the cold dark earth. I will die with memories, impact, and accomplishment. Not dreams and aspirations. Firefighters never die, they burn forever in the hearts of those whose lives they’ve saved. On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, After 87 years, Joe Answered his final alarm. Rest easy Chief, we’ll take it from here.

Some men see things as they are and say why. Joe had seen things as they were and said why not? Joe was born in Camden and had spent his formative and family years in Gloucester before retiring to Sicklerville then West Deptford. Joe left school early and made a career working at Food Fair, Pantry Pride, then Thriftway in Brooklawn. He was self-made. Alongside his wife, Joe was the owner and operated Brambles Cold Cuts, for over 50 years, on the corner of Somerset and Burlington. Success began in a small store with a small refrigerator. He was very proud of being one of the oldest, first-generation businesses in Gloucester. Joe had a strong work ethic and work was his hobby. “Poppa Skins” was firm about keeping his corner clear.

The Brambles were a big part of Gloucester Little League where Joe coached and sponsored baseball teams for over 25 years. Mr. Bramble was a longtime member and Firefighter with Pine Grove Fire Co., for over 25 years. Joe had served his community and the company as President and as Chief. Through his leadership, Pine Grove grew with two expansion additions and secured Sunday Bingo at the firehouse, which was unheard of at the time. Joe had been very fortunate and was full of fun. He was a heluva dad who enjoyed playing softball with the fire co. spending time on his boat and traveling. Work only comes after success in the dictionary. Joe was able to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

Mr. Bramble is the widower of his late wife, Shirley (nee Calhoun), and is the father of; Shirley & her late husband Jerry Murphy, Joseph, IV & his late wife Patricia, and Anthony & his wife Mary. He is the proud “Pop Pop” of Adam (Candice) Baker, Amanda (Anthony) Cardone, Tiffany (Bob) Glassman, Jerry Murphy (Melissa) Anthony Bramble II (Janicqua) , Kimberly (Pat) Plumley, Kaitlyn Virgen (Sal), Brianna Murphy (Andrew), Leanna Bramble, Bethany (Cal) Groome, Julie Bramble (Gio), Joseph Bramble V, and great grandfather of; Brenden, Kyla, Lucas, Arianna,  Cameron, Rylie, Caden, Ethan, Bobby, Kylie, Kendra, Ryan, Roman, Julian, and Camila. Mr. Bramble was predeceased by his sisters, the late, Charlotte Augustino and the late Mary “Aunt Jule” Capasso. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his companion and friend Elda as well as his faithful fury friends, Abbey & Daisy.

Relatives, friends, neighbors, and our community’s firefighters are invited to gather with the Bramble family. We’ll come together to take comfort in each other, share some old pictures of the store, stories from the firehouse, and our own, favorite, heartfelt stories on Wednesday evening between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm and again on Thursday morning between 10:00 am and 11:00 am at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes 700 Powell St. Gloucester City where a remembrance ceremony will be celebrated by Pastor, Reverend Joe Marlin at 11:00 am. A graveside tribute and the witness of love’s reunion will immediately follow at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org 808 S. Sheridan St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 or Shriners Children’s Hospital www.shrinersphilly.org 3551 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19140.

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