Obituary of Gary Ralph Sunkett, Sr.

A Partial Look into the Life

Gary Ralph Sunkett, Sr.

We are sad to announce that Gary Ralph Sunkett, Sr., age 81 years of Sicklerville, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, at The Veteran’s Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Gary was Born on April 11, 1943, to the late Mamie (née Adams) and Golden L. Pete Sunkett, Sr. He was the second of eight children from this union.

Gary grew up in Camden, NJ, and attended various schools located in the Camden City School System. While attending Camden High, his interest in sports grew as he played football, baseball, and basketball. After graduating from Camden High and throughout his life he was honored to wear their sporting attire in the “purple and gold” colors. Following graduation, Gary continued to play basketball in The Harold A. Stretch Memorial Basketball Tournament, previously known as the Camden YMCA. He also played baseball through the sponsorship of local community businesses.

While furthering his education, Gary attended Norfolk University in Norfolk, VA, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served nationally and internationally and received an honorable discharge. Continuing his interest in public service, Gary applied, was accepted, and served in the Camden City Police Department for over thirty years. During that time period, he attended the Police Academy, was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and then advanced from Patrolman to Detective. His tenure in the Police Department included receiving the Official Commendation of Merit Award, and several examples of his performance and accomplishments were acknowledged and published in the “NJ Law Enforcement Handbook” and the “NJ Courier Post.” When he retired from the Police Department, he became a Security Officer at the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in Camden, NJ.

Gary enjoyed writing newsworthy stories that were frequently published in the Editor’s section of the NJ Courier Post. He was an avid fan of many sporting events, especially football and baseball along with women’s and men’s basketball. He also enjoyed playing and listening to the “Oldies,” especially the “Four Tops,” “Temptations,” the “Spinners,” “Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes,” and other past groups and single artists. He liked playing checkers and various card games, frequently watched televised card games, and played the NJ state lottery. He welcomed the challenges of friends and acquaintances in sports and music trivia, and he won most of the time!  People who held these and other interests were his family, friends and his community. They were important to him. He was committed to congregating on a regular basis and lending a helping hand “whenever and wherever” possible. He was a contributor and attendee of numerous Unity “Centerville” Day celebrations, a yearly event that takes place in Camden, NJ. Gary also attended many music concerts in Sicklerville, NJ.

He met the “love of his life,” Edith (Edie) M. Simpson. She had recently become a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Cooper Hospital and Gary was new to the Camden City Police Department. They dated for some time then separated, but always remained as friends. Gary and Edie re-kindled their relationship and became a committed couple in the late 1980’s. Since then, they remained together until and during his time of death.

During a previous relationship Gary Ralph Sunkett, Jr. (Gary Ralph Sr’s. only child) was born, on November 15, 1977. Gary Ralph Sr. is survived by his fiancé and loving life-long partner: Dr. Edith (Edie) M. Simpson, his son Gary Ralph Sunkett Jr. (Maya), one Grandchild: Noah; two Grand Step-Children: Jadaen and Siani, one God-daughter: Wendy Venable (Larry), two sisters: Sandra and Sylvia A. Sunkett; three brothers: Golden Jr. (Sonny), Guy and Gordon (Pete) Sunkett (Tracy). Along with many relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Gary Ralph Sr. is pre-deceased by one sister: Audrey Sunkett and two brothers: Gregory G. (Gwen), and Glenn Sunkett; and two sisters in law: Lucille (Golden Jr.) and Arnetta (Glenn).

Gary was a force of nature, warm, vibrant, and full of life. Gary’s energy, generosity, and kind spirit, known to many, will be missed.