Drunk Driver Who Killed Gloucester Twp., NJ Restaurant Manager Receives Light Sentence

The drunk driver who took the life of a beloved Gloucester Township, New Jersey restaurant manager has been sentenced for her crime.

A warm, friendly greeting. Someone who walked around from table to table to see how guests were enjoying their meals. That's how I think of Frank Bersani, Jr., the longtime General Manager of Cotardo's Italian Restaurant in Clementon.

Beloved Gloucester Twp., NJ Restaurant Manager Killed in Crash

Bersani, Jr., who lived in Laurel Springs and worked at Cotardo's for 40 years, was struck and killed in a drunk driving accident July 28, 2023. He was 56.

According to NJ.com, the accident happened at the intersection of Ganttown Rd. and Egg Harbor Rd. in Washington Twp. when an allegedly impaired driver ran a red light and plowed into Bersani's SUV. Julia R. Scanlon, of Sewell, was arrested at the scene and charged with reckless vehicular homicide, strict liability vehicular homicide, and assault by auto.

Bersani was reportedly taken to Cooper University Hospital for medical attention, but he did not survive.

Sewell, NJ Woman Sentenced for Causing Deadly Drunk Driving Accident

This week 37-year-old Julia R. Scanlon learned her fate for causing the deadly three-vehicle accident and it includes jail time.

A judge sentenced Scanlon to just five years in prison on the charge of vehicular homicide from reckless driving, NJ.com reports. She could be out though in four years and three months.

There's no report as to whether Scanlon plead guilty or was found guilty of the charges.

Donations Being Raised in Memory of Clementon, NJ Restaurant Manager Frank Bersani, Jr.

Shortly after his untimely death, a fundraiser in memory of Frank Bersani, Jr. was established on GoFundMe.com. It is still accepting donations to benefit the further education of his two kids.

Get our free mobile app

Life is so unpredictable and precious and can change in an instant. I can't tell you how much Frank's presence at Cotardo's is missed. Those who've dined there over the years, like me, know what kind of spirit he brought to the restaurant. My thoughts remain with his family, friends, and co-workers this week as the person responsible for taking his life received her punishment.

Ever wonder what police in NJ consider to be 'distracted' driving? See below.