Arthur R Bancroft

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In the Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln said, “...The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us.” Arthur R. Bancroft’s home and heart greatly contributed to the manpower of our nation. He upheld the ideals of our American freedoms in the United States Marine Corps and championed the community’s veterans, never forgetting what they did here, remaining dedicated to the great tasks, the great men and women, and the work before him. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter his words, but to live by them.

Just after 2300 hours, 10 May 2025, day was done. Gone was the sun. A fading light had dimmed Art’s sight. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh… After 85 years, we retired Art’s flag, giving thanks and praise for all of his days.

Art’s reveille sounded during the late summer of 1939, echoing from New London, CT. His formative years were spent in Oaklyn, where he remained a lifetime neighbor, raising his family and actively contributing to his community. Art graduated from Collingswood High School, Class of 1958, and was inducted into the Collingswood High School Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the 1957 Cross Country Champions. Art entered the United States Marine Corps in 1958, where uncommon valor was a common virtue. The only easy day was yesterday, but he was “always Faithful”... Semper Fidelis. Following his honorable discharge, Art married his sweetheart in 1961. He and his family had become an active and reliable part of the Oaklyn community. Art had coached Oaklyn Little League Baseball from 1973 - 1981, volunteered his time as a member of the Oaklyn Ambulance Squad between 1968 and 1985, as well as the Oaklyn Special Police between 1969 and 1975.

Mr. Bancroft made his career as a Communications Technician working for NJ Bell, later becoming Verizon. He contributed his time to the Verizon Bell Pioneers, a volunteer organization that provided ramps and playgrounds for special needs children, and continued his working years as a Veterans Service Officer for the Camden County Dept of Veterans Affairs. Art was an active congregant of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Oaklyn, where he served as Usher and was a member of the Marine Corps League # 1775 in Oaklyn, where he had been a part of the Memorial Day Color Guard.

Art was the kind of father and husband who never let you off easy, a ball buster through and through, he had a sharp tongue and a quicker wit, always ready with a sarcastic comment or a playful jab. But underneath was a man with a heart of gold. He’d give you the shirt off his back, and possessed a sense of humor that could light up a room, the kind that could turn even the most ordinary moment into something unforgettable. He teased because he loved, pushed because he cared, and loved with a quiet, unwavering loyalty that ran deeper than words.

Art was an avid bowler who even had a perfect 300 game. He loved the Phightin' Phils, our Super Bowl Champion “Iggles”, Flyers, and Sixers. He enjoyed quality time fishin’ on the boat with his brother-in-law Ray, and was an avid card and poker player who loved to get in the game and never leave. One day we will know how lucky we were to have known his love with wonder, not grief.

Mr. Bancroft was established in love during the early fall of ‘61. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy (nee Shemeley). Art will be deeply missed by his children; Mark & his wife Nancy J Bancroft, Scott & his wife Kim Bancroft, and Tracy Ann Bancroft. He is the proud grandfather of Matt Bancroft & his fiancée Kimberly Walters, Luke & his wife Kelly Bancroft, Finn Hassman, and Mason Hassman. He is the great-grandfather of his only great-grandchild, Theodore Arthur Bancroft. Mr. Bancroft was predeceased by his late siblings; Elwood Westmore, Robert & his wife Joan Wetmore, Alfred Bancroft, Shirley Faunce, his father, Raymond Bancroft, and his in-laws, Cora & Robert Shemeley. Art is also survived and will be sadly missed by his in-laws, Bonnie & her husband Ray Hunt, Nancy C. Bancroft, and Thelma Westmore, as well as his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family in Poconos, NC, and Alabama.

Relatives, friends, neighbors, comrades, and veterans are invited to gather with the Bancroft family. We’ll come together in tribute and thanksgiving to celebrate honor, valor, and life in faith on Friday morning between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes 400 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, where a memorial ceremony will begin at 12:00 pm, Pastor, Rev. Charlie Kinch, officiating. In honor of those who sacrificed, in tribute to those who served, and in gratitude for those now serving, a graveside tribute and United States Marine Corps honors will immediately follow at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill.

A visitation between 2:00 and 6:00 pm will be held at Congregation Beth El, 8000 Main St., Voorhees, NJ 08043.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Bancroft’s memory can be made to the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 21 Cedar Ave., Oaklyn, NJ 08107, or the Wounded Warriors Project by clicking the link below.

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