U.S. Navy Veteran From Cherry Hill Honored By Gov. Murphy

CHERRY HILL, NJ — On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy put the spotlight on a U.S. Navy veteran from Cherry Hill who died after a battle with the coronavirus in January.

Donald Agren, 79, died on Jan. 23 after a battle with COVID-19, finally succumbing to pulmonary fibrosis, according to his online obituary. He served honorably on the USS Charles H. Roan, DD-853 from June 1958 to June 1964.

“When his days at sea ended, he returned to New Jersey to become a union carpenter,” Murphy said during a news conference. “Everyone who knew Don will remember him for his kindness, his sense of nature and his dedication to his faith.”

Agren was a retired carpenter from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 393 in Camden.

Each week, during his twice-weekly COVID-19 news conferences, Murphy highlights three New Jersey residents who died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Before shining the spotlight on Agren, Murphy said he spoke to Agren’s son, Andrew.

Agren is also survived by his sons, Stephen Agren, of Sarasota, FL; and Paul Agren, of Browns Mills, NJ. He is also survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne; sisters Doris and Martha; and his grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Oliver, Isaac, Keira, and Brendan.