Deacon Clarence Joseph “CJ” Achée, 97, a World War II Veteran and dedicated deacon in Bridgeton, died Oct. 15.
Born March 29, 1926, in Gulfport, Miss., to Amadeo Joseph and Laura Ledet Achée, he was one of 10 siblings in a French Catholic family. Growing up during The Great Depression, he worked a variety of jobs from an early age.
After graduating from Saint Joseph Catholic School, and Saint Stanislaus Catholic High School in Mississippi, he enrolled in Millsaps College in Jackson.
From June 1943 to December 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters as a gunner’s mate.
Returning home to his wife and daughter, he first attended Tulane University of Louisiana on the G.I. Bill before moving his family to Miami to work as an accountant.
Eventually, the family settled in Upper Deerfield, N.J., where he built a thriving real estate business.
In October 1988, he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Camden by Bishop George H. Guilfoyle, and served the parish and community of Immaculate Conception, Bridgeton (now part of Holy Cross Parish). Among his many ministries was his service to prisoners housed in the region.
“He was remarkably dedicated to his faith and to helping others,” his family remembered on announcing his death.
For several years, he served as chaplain of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1578 (Immaculate Conception Memorial) in Bridgeton.
In 2014, he retired from active diaconate ministry.
Father Matthew Weber, pastor of Holy Cross Parish, succeeded Deacon Achée as chaplain of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1578 in 2016. Father Weber remembered a “man of faith and family who was a good servant leader” dedicated to the Bridgeton community.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, Catherine, and his siblings, Shirley Northrop, Lloyd Achée, Norris Achée, Earl Achée, Laura Bee Oehrle, Theresa Gatian, John Achée and Robert Achée.
He is survived by his sister, Ann Neski, his daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Jack Camp; his son and daughter-in-law, Gray and Suzy Achée; grandchildren, Achée Stevenson (Richard Stevenson), Craig Camp (Allison Camp), Gray Camp (Elle Camp), Richard Achée (Michelle Forrest), Christopher Achée (Suzanne Schroeder) and Elizabeth Achée; and great-grandchildren, Dylan Pope, Caroline Camp, Will Camp, Catherine (Cele) Camp, Jack Camp, Henry Camp, and Teddy Camp.
A viewing is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct 20 at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 West Commerce St., Bridgeton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Oct. 21 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 312 North Pearl Street, Bridgeton. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery at Laurel Lawn in Upper Deerfield Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Holy Cross Parish, 46 Central Ave., Bridgeton, N.J., 08302.
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