Jeffrey M Offord

“I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people’s accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man’s failures.” – Earl Warren. Although it’s true that Jeff loved sports, and working as the Eagles beat writer for the Burlington County Times was his dream job, it is perhaps also reflective of his compassionate nature. He always strove to care for those around him. After his father’s death, he was fast to help take care of his mother; moving himself and his wife to live with her. When it came to his nieces and nephews his time was never too valuable to spend with them; when they vacationed in South Carolina or LBI they were all welcome, he was always up for getting them into an Eagles game and he even introduced most of the to their first Geno’s Cheesteak. Even his pets were a testament to his considerate ways. When a national scare regarding commercial dog food surfaced he took to making his own, his cats seldom went without his attention and he even took measures to make sure his pet fish was never lonely. rnOn the job his attitude remained the same. Those he covered often considered Jeff a friend first and journalist second. Any time he had the chance he loved to write about his hometown of Riverside. But whether he was covering Cunningham, McNabb or Vick it was never obvious to the reader that he was a Dolphins fan and believed Dan Marino was the finest of all quarterbacks. And despite being a whole-hearted animal lover, Jeff was fast to forgive our current #7.rnSports gave Jeff more than a career and pastime, it was during a high school volleyball tournament where Jeff would meet his future wife, Mary Jane (nee Fenimore). The two high school sweethearts were married shortly after Jeff finished college. He is also survived by his sister, Spinalba Collins (John) of Palmyra, and was predeceased by his parents John and Spinalba. He is the son-in-law of Mark and Bette Fenimore of Delanco, brother-in-law of Kathi and Mike Rossi of Riverside and Bette Lou and Dean Grob of Riverside and is the uncle of: Krystin, Joe, Emily, Shaun, Kristy, Alexis, Mark, Heather, Jake, Kolleen, Anthony, Brendon, Michaela, Abigal, Amanda, TJ, Kaleigh, Michael, Brian, Ryan, Bridget, Shawn, Shannon, Patrick and Kasey. Jeff was always proud to share his home with his cats, Zena and Meeki, his dogs, Gizmo and Princess and his fish, Q.rnCome celebrate Jeff’s 47 wonderful years Friday from 6-8 PM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, and Saturday from 9 AM at the Zion Lutheran Church, Riverside, where the service will be at 10. Interment private. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the John Walton Scholarship Fund C/O Wayne Richardson, Burlington County Times 4284 Rt. 130 North, Willingboro, NJ 08046.rn –