Obituary of Irvin "Wayne" Atha

Irvin “Wayne” W. Atha, 88, of Stow Creek Twp. passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at his home following a brief illness. Born in Clarksburg, WV to the late Myrtle Pauline Anderson and Irvin E. Atha, he was the husband of Melba Garcia Atha. In 1954, Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy and served for 20 years. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his service he was awarded the VAQ Sailor of the year and taught Jet Theory. During his time in the Navy, Wayne met and married his wife, Melba of 67 years and together they raised three children. Following their move to New Jersey in 1974, he worked at the Cohansey Yacht Club, Bridgeton Dye and Finishing and later owned and operated Atha's Machine Shop. Wayne was a car enthusiast and his hobbies included; racing slot cars for which he won many awards. He even built a 20 foot slot car track in his basement. Wayne was a member of the American Legion Post #82 Millville. He is survived by; his wife of 67 years, Melba Garcia of Stow Creek; three children, Julie Brown, Robert Atha (Kathi) and Brian Atha (Tammy); his grandchildren, Amanda Brown (Patrick), Ryan Atha (Milena) and Robert Atha (Sarah) and Laura Truitt (Elliot) and his great-grandchildren, Andre Atha, Cedric Atha, Saraphina Atha and Adriana Atha. He was preceded in death by; his sisters, Ruth Coleman and Betty Matheny; granddaughter, Eryn Atha and his son-in-law, Marty Brown. Memorial services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM prior to the services. Inurnment will take place at Cumberland County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Hopewell Twp. at a later date. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.