2009
VIRGINIA H. CZYZ, 94, of OCEAN GROVE, died Saturday, January 3, 2009 at the Manor by the Sea, Ocean Grove. Mrs. Czyz had worked as a registered nurse at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch for more than 30 years, retiring in 1982. After retirement she volunteered there. She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Asbury Park and a member of the ladies auxiliary of the VFW Post 1333. Mrs. Czyz was a veteran of the US Army, serving as a nurse for five years, two of those years being in the Panama Canal Zone. Surviving are a cousin, Sharon Maffeo of Harrisburg, PA, and a niece and nephew Joseph and Linda Kulick of Bradley Beach. A funeral service was held on Wednesday January 7th at 11:00 AM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, with interment following at Forest Green Memorial Park, Marlboro. Friends were invited to call at the funeral Home on Wednesday from 9 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 308 First Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 would be appreciated.
To send a condolence message to the Czyz Family, click here. Please use “Condolence” and the decedent’s name in the Subject Line of your message. Top of the Page [16345]
DIANE GRIFFIN, 54, of OCEAN GROVE, died Monday, January 5, 2009 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She had completed four nursing courses and was well known for volunteering at local hospitals. Surviving are her brother, Kevin W. Griffin and his wife, Wendi, of Howell, her companion, Phil Meklin, two nephews, Kevin and Michael Griffin, and a niece, Mellisa Griffin. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Saturday afternoon, January 11th after 1:00 PM. A funeral service was held at 3:30 PM at the funeral home.
To send a condolence message to the Griffin Family, click here. Please use “Condolence” and the decedent’s name in the Subject Line of your message. Top of the Page [16421]
HELEN VIRGINIA “Ginny” OLIVER, 83, of BELMAR, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, January 11, 2009, at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She had worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Mohammed Huq until retiring. Prior to that she was the secretary to the Director of Nursing at Jersey Shore Medical Center. Mrs. Oliver was a graduate of Neptune High School, class of 1939 and then served during WWII in the Women’s Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arms Branch, stationed at Roosevelt Field, NY. She then attended the University of Toronto. Mrs. Oliver was a member of the First Baptist Church of Asbury Park and prior to that she was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Ocean Grove, where she sang in the choir. Later she became a member of Hamilton Methodist Church, Neptune. She also sang in the Ocean Grove Auditorium Choir. In her younger days, she enjoyed fishing and was an avid gardener. She was the president of the Neptune Community Adult School from 1967-1969. Born in Ocean Grove, she had lived in Neptune, Brewster, MA then Tequesta, FL before moving to Belmar 15 years ago. She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Helen Atkinson Shibley and by her sister, Audrey Huehnerbein. Surviving are her daughters, Susan Mazorlig and son-in-law, Paul, of Neptune and Barbara Oliver of Belmar and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church, Third & Grand Avenues, Asbury Park on Friday morning, January 16th at 10 AM with burial following at the Atlantic View Cemetery, Manasquan, N. J. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9.
PETER J. LOMBARD, 80, of Ocean Grove, died Wednesday, January 14, 2008 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Mr. Lombard was a laborer for a local union in Perth Amboy. Born in Newark, he lived in Edison before moving to Ocean Grove in 1991. Surviving are his wife, Dolores A. Lombard, a daughter, Dawn M. Blumenthal of Ocean Grove, a sister, Lee Martin of Belford, NJ and a granddaughter, Jocelyn Blumenthal of Ocean Grove. A funeral service was held on Saturday January 17th at 10:00 AM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, with interment following at Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls.
JOSEPH V. HERRON, 81, of BRADLEY BEACH, died Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. He had worked as an accountant for General Motors, Linden, for 33 years retiring in 1985. Mr. Herron served as captain of the Carteret First Aid Squad, a member of the New Jersey State First Aid Council, and was a 2008 nominee for the “Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award” from the NJ EMS Awards Program. He was involved in the Boy Scout Troop 86. Mr. Herron was a communicant of the Church of the Ascension and a member of the American Legion Post 337, both Bradley Beach. He was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Herron graduated from Saint Mary Elementary and High School, Perth Amboy and Seton Hall University, South Orange. Born in Perth Amboy, Joseph lived in, raised his family and served the community of Carteret before moving to Bradley Beach in 1977. After moving to Bradley Beach, he was elected to the Board of Education. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Therese Herron in 2006; a son, Timothy in 1985 and his brother, Neal, of Texas, in 2000. Surviving are four daughters: Sister Nancy Herron, RSM of Lakewood; Mary Kazlauskas and her husband, John of Woodbridge; Jane F. Herron of Carteret and Jude Brennan and her husband, Robert, of Glendora; four sons, Michael and his wife, Pattey of Wrightstown; CW5 Joseph Durick, US Army, Ft. Belvoir, VA; Christopher of Medical Lake, WA and Gerald, of Bradley Beach, a sister, Margaret Mary Herron of Perth Amboy; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at the Ascension Roman Catholic Church, 501 Brinley Avenue, Bradley Beach on Thursday, January 22nd at 10:00 AM with burial following at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, N. J. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate Mass Cards, or donations to the Bradley Beach First Aid Squad, 725 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720.
ARTHUR A. LIOTTI, 63, of LONG BRANCH, died Thursday, February 19, 2009 at home. He had worked as a general contractor until retiring. Mr. Liotti was a former police officer with the Ocean Grove Police Department and an exempt member of the Washington Company of the Ocean Grove Fire Department. He received his bachelors degree from Monmouth University, West Long Branch and was a veteran of the Viet Nam War, serving with the United States Marine Corps. Born in Newark, he lived in Ocean Grove and Shark River Hills before moving to Long Branch one year ago. Surviving are a son, Arthur J. Liotti and his wife of the Dominican Republic, two daughters, Kelly Liotti of Tinton Falls and Janice L. and her husband, Robert E. Gill, of Eatontown, a brother, Daniel Liotti of Toms River, his mother, Mary Liotti of Neptune, his grandchildren Tiffany Bailey, Robert E. Gill and Riley T. Gill and his former wife, Connie Twiss Liotti. A memorial service was held at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Monday evening, February 23rd at 7:00 PM. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the American Cancer Society, 801 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, N. J. 07702 would be appreciated.
JEAN L. CLAYTON, 60, of MILFORD, DE, formerly of Manasquan, died Sunday, February 22, 2009 at home. She had worked as a file clerk for the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office until retiring in 2002. Born in Ocean Grove, she had lived in Manasquan before moving to Milford seven years ago. Surviving are two sons, Alex Skuby and his wife, Kristy, of Milford, DE and Ian Skuby and his wife, Chelsea, of Brick Township, a daughter, Lisa Skuby of Milford, DE, a brother, Carey Clayton of Neptune, two sisters, Elinor N. Ashfield of Lewes, DE and Judy C. Dusche of Concord, NC and three grandchildren, Bret Skuby, Hana Skuby and Cade Skuby. A funeral service was held at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Thursday, February 26th at 12:00 Noon with burial following at Atlantic View Cemetery, Manasquan. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to PANCAN.org for pancreatic cancer research would be appreciated.
FRANCESCO FIRRITO, 68, of WALL Township, died Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the Jersey Shore Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Giovanna, of 45 years; three children, Linda, Frank and Rich; five grandchildren; and one sister, Gianna Cascone, who resides in Italy. A wake was held on Monday, March 9, 2009 at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.; and a Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 10:00 AM at Holy Innocents Church. Neptune. In lieu of flowers, a donations to the Lung Cancer Society would be appreciated.
ROBERT L. SCHEIDER, of TINTON FALLS, died Monday, April 6, 2009 at the Renaissance Gardens, Tinton Falls. Mr. Scheider had worked as an iron worker for Union Local #11, Newark, before retiring. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army. Born in West New York, NJ, he lived in Jersey City, North Arlington and Lyndhurst before moving to Tinton Falls in 1998. He was predeceased by his wife, Anna Grader Scheider in 1991. Surviving are three daughters and sons in law, Patricia and Roger Guidetti of Howell, Sandra and Donald Danner of Brick, and Susan and James Foti of Basking Ridge, five grand children, Michael Guidetti, Lorianne Foti, James Foti, Danielle Foti and Jennifer Whitaker and a great grandchild, Madison Whitaker. Memorial services were private. The Ocean Grove Memorial Home, Ocean Grove, was in charge of arrangements.
LINDA D. POPP, 62, of OCEAN GROVE, died Tuesday April 7, 2009 at home. She was the director of Personnel for Monmouth County Human Services, Freehold before retiring. Ms. Popp received her MBA from Monmouth University, West Long Branch. Surviving is her brother John W. Popp, III and his wife, Mary, of Beachwood and her aunt, Irene J. Yannone, of Hoboken. Services and burial at Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Neptune were private.
JOSEPH HARRY HUGGINS, of Orlando, FL, formerly of NEPTUNE, died Wednesday, April 8, 2009 in Orlando. Born March 21, 1923 in Neptune, Mr. Huggins resided there for 84 years until moving to Orlando in 2007. He graduated from Neptune High School and enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corp during WWII. He served in Europe with the Fifteenth Air Force as a B-17 radioman / gunner. Mr. Huggins received numerous decorations for valor and a Purple Heart for wounds received during air combat. After the war, Joe returned to Neptune and married Jean Matter of Asbury Park in 1946. They were married for nearly 62 years. He later earned BA and MBA degrees from Monmouth College (now Monmouth University). Joe was a longtime civilian employee of the Department of the Army’s Electronics Command at Fort Monmouth where he helped develop avionics for military aircraft. He had been the Post Commander of Ocean Grove VFW Post 2233 and later became a member of Asbury Park VFW Post 1333. He was active in the Neptune American Legion Post 346 where he was a member of the color guard. Joe loved the Jersey Shore and wintering in Florida following his retirement. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his son, Stephen Huggins and his wife, Elizabeth Huggins of Orlando, FL, his daughter, Patricia Meehan and her husband, John Meehan of West Chester, PA and four grandchildren, Sarah and Lindsay Huggins and Eric and Elise Meehan. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Tuesday, April 14, from 10:30 AM with services beginning at 11:30. Internment followed at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Hospice of the Comforter, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 or online at www.hospiceofthecomforter.org. would be appreciated.
FREDERICK WALTER HERBST, 87, a longtime summer and later a permanent resident of OCEAN GROVE, died on Good Friday, April 10, 2009. Born on July 8, 1921, in Hoboken, Fred was the proud 1944 valedictorian graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. He went to sea during World War II, serving on a number of ships as an engineer. Fred also graduated from the Newark College of Engineering where he received a mechanical engineering degree.
He married Marie Nixon on August 29, 1947. After the war, Marie and Fred started a family and he began his engineering career at the International Nickel Company in New Jersey. He later transferred with INCO to Huntington, West Virginia for several years before returning to Ocean Grove and joining J.R. Smith, Inc. as its General Manager. He played a major role in leading and developing the company for 27 years, including engineering their move to Montgomery, Alabama, where he lived for many years before retiring and returning again to Ocean Grove. Fred gave freely of his time in many volunteer efforts, including The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where he was recognized as Montgomery’s Volunteer of the Year. He was active with Ocean Grove’s Boy Scout Troop 41, Neptune High School Musical Theater, the Ocean grove Citizens Patrol and most recently, the Jersey Shore Arts Center.
A member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Fred also gave generously to many deserving causes in Ocean Grove. A longtime member of the Ocean Grove Fishing Club, Fred cherished his time on the pier, fishing, talking with friends, and especially teaching kids how to fish on Tuesday mornings for many summers. He was predeceased by his brothers, August and Edward, and by his sister, Martha. He is survived first and foremost by his loving wife of 61 years, Marie Nixon Herbst, by his daughter, Cynthia, and son-in-law, Allan Chapman of Ballston Spa, NY, by his son, Eric Herbst, and daughter in law Denise Keller of Bellville, Texas and by his grandchildren, Carrie Chapman of Brooklyn, James Ingram Chapman of Albany and Jaclyn Herbst and Andrew Herbst, both of Bellville, Texas. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Louise Nixon and his brother, Herb, both of Ocean Grove. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, on Tuesday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, with Rev. Walter Quigg officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Jersey Shore Arts Center, PO Box 55, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.
DAVID ANGUS SUTHERLAND, 74 of OCEAN GROVE, died Saturday, April 11, 2009, at the MediCenter, Neptune City. A graduate of Newark College of Engineering, he had worked as an engineer for Westinghouse in Bloomfield, NJ and Phillips Lighting, North Brunswick, NJ until retiring. Mr. Sutherland was a veteran of the Untied States Army, First Infantry Division, with whom he served during the Korean War and he was a member of the American Legion, Post 346, Neptune. Born in Kearny, he had lived in Pompton Plains before moving to Ocean Grove in 1977. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Greer Brown Sutherland in 1999. Surviving are two sons, Robert William, of Raleigh, NC and James Sinclair of Brick Twp., and a daughter, Susan E. Sutherland-Weller of Wall Twp., a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Phyllis Sutherland of Ocean Grove and Maryland, a sister-in-law, Catherine Ayers of Pompton Plains, two grandsons, William Sutherland-Weller and Sammy Sutherland, a granddaughter, Mary Sutherland, many nieces and nephews and his devoted caregivers at the Medicenter. Friends and family were invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 25th at 10:00 AM at the Presbyterian Church on the Hill, Ocean Township. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Medicenter Employee Fund, 2050 Sixth Ave. Neptune City, NJ 07753.
To send a condolence message to the Sutherland Family, click here. Please use “Condolence” and the decedent’s name in the Subject Line of your message. Top of the Page
DARLENE JOHNSTONE, 59, of OAKHURST, Ocean Township, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Meridian Subacute Rehabilitation, Wall Township. She was born in Englewood, NJ. Darlene married her husband, John, in 1975 and they lived in Eatontown before moving to Oakhurst 30 years ago. Her greatest joys in life were her family and friends. She will be remembered for her belief in the power of a positive attitude, as well as for the time and energy she devoted to supporting others, as an active member of support groups at Monmouth Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, The Wellness Community in Tinton Falls, the Monmouth and Ocean Neuropathy Support Group, and while working at Genesis Jersey Shore Center as a receptionist. She reached out to help neighbors and people she encountered in every situation, making many friends who became part of her family. Surviving are her husband John W. Johnstone; three sons, Scott F. Johnstone of Oakhurst, Jeremy S. Johnstone of Elkton, MD and Michael M. Johnstone of Browns Mills, NJ; a daughter Heather N. Johnstone of Oakhurst; a brother, Roger Nadalin of Florida; her stepbrother, Paul Taliaferro of Florida; and her grandchildren, Kristopher and Tyler Johnstone. A memorial celebration of her life was held on Saturday, April 18th at 11:00 AM at the Manchester Inn, 25 Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove. Interment was on Monday, April 20th at 10:00 AM at Woodbine Mausoleum, 14 Maple Ave, Oceanport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wellness Community, 613 Hope Rd, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07724 or online at http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/jerseyshore/ .
ROSE ABATEMARCO VERRILLI, 85, of OAKHURST, died Thursday, April 23, 2009 at The St. Barnabas Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Long Branch. She was a homemaker, loving wife and mother. Her culinary skills were unsurpassed and brought immense enjoyment to her friends and family. Mrs. Verrilli was a communicant of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Deal, and a member of the Senior Friendship Club of Ocean Township. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she moved to in Wanamassa in 1948 and then Bradley Beach in 1954 before moving to Oakhurst in 1960. She was predeceased by her husband, John L. Verrilli in 1998. Surviving are her son, John M. Verrilli of Oakhurst and her daughter, Paulette Verrilli of Toms River. Relatives and Friends were invited to call on Sunday April 26th from 1:00 - 5:00 PM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Monday, April 27th at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Deal, with entombment following at St. Catharine’s Cemetery, Wall Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740 would be appreciated.
EMMA T. SCHUNKE, 92, of TINTON FALLS, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the Renaissance Gardens, Tinton Falls. She was a homemaker. Emma loved her life at Seabrook Village, participating in many activities, especially playing mahjong. Born in Mt. Vernon, NY, she lived in River Edge for 46 years before moving to Seabrook nine years ago. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold V. Schunke in 1986, by her granddaughter, Christine May in 1980, by her brother, Edgar Sturken and her sister, Anne Carlson. Surviving are a son, John J. Schunke of Wayne, a daughter, Barbara A. Schunke and her husband, Fred Williams of Mantoloking, seven grandchildren, Patricia Ververs and her husband, Ken; Patrick J. Schunke and his wife, Kristin; Michelle Lutkowski and her husband, Peter; Jill Pami and her husband, Robert; David J. Schunke, Jacob J. Schunke and Matthew J. Schunke and seven great grand children, Jacob Ververs, Ryan Ververs, Tyler Lutkowski, Anna Schunke, Emma Lutkowski, Taylor Pami and Brendan Ververs. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at the Holy Innocent’s Roman Catholic Church, West Bangs Avenue, Neptune on Wednesday morning, May 27th at 10:00 AM with burial following at the Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Tuesday evening from 7-9. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Care Alternative Hospice, 70 Jackson Drive, Cranford, NJ 07016 would be appreciated.
ANTHONY “Tony” HUGHES, of Bradley Beach, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, surrounded by his family. Raised in Interlaken, he resided in Bradley Beach for the last 46 years. He was the former owner of T. H. Hughes Inc., and was a longtime employee of Acme-Petro Oil. He served his community in many ways, with the Bradley Beach Police Department, as a former captain of the Bradley Beach Fire Department, as vice president of the Bradley Beach Board of Education and as the borough code enforcement officer. He was a member of the Church of the Ascension, and was loved by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his daughter, Laurel Eichhorn, and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret; his children, Cindy and Jim Leefe, Jeff and Debbie, Michael and Rose, and Gregory Hughes; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Tom and his wife Dot; and many other relatives and friends. A Memorial Mass was held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 19 at the Church of the Ascension, Bradley Beach.
ELSIE E. SPOHN, 86, of OCEAN GROVE, died Sunday, June 28, 2009, at the Manor-by-the-Sea, Ocean Grove. She had worked for Steinbachs Department Store, Asbury Park until retiring and later, at the Salvation Army Retired Officers Home in Asbury Park. Miss Spohn was a soldier in the Salvation Army, Asbury Park Citadel Corps. She was predeceased by her parents John and Elsie Dean Spohn. A graveside service conducted by the Salvation Army was held on Wednesday, July 1st at 11:00 AM at the Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY, with burial following.
BARBARA LYNN CAMPBELL MAZZA, 62, of Wilson, NC, formerly of Ocean Township, died Sunday, June 28, 2009. She was predeceased by her son, Craig Charles Mazza in 1997. Surviving are her husband, Charles Bernard Mazza, Jr., a daughter, Shannon Mazza Roberson and her husband, Grant, of Wilson, NC, a son, Scott Mazza and his wife, Lancie, of Richmond, VA, her sister, Patricia DiGiovanni and her husband, Leonard, of Monroe, GA, six grand children, Ashley Mazza, Jacob Mazza, Taylor Roberson, Zachary Roberson, Mackenzie Roberson and Hayden Roberson, and many friends and extended family. Relatives and friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Sunday, July 5th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. A communion service was held on Monday, July 6th at 11:00 AM at the St. James Episcopal Church, 605 Fourth Avenue, Bradley Beach, with interment following at Fairview Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern NC, 3803-B Computer Drive, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27609 (online at www.eastncwish.wish.org ) or to MADD of North Carolina, 5104 Western Boulevard, Suite B, Raleigh, NC 27606 (online at www.madd.org/NC ) would be appreciated.
JOHN M. O’BRIEN, 80, of OCEAN GROVE and New York City, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2009 after falling victim to Alzheimers Disease eight years ago. A long glorious career as the Chief of Communications officer on the luxury liner SS Constitution enabled John to travel the world where he met his life long love, Connie, in her home town of Naples, Italy. Left behind to carry him in their hearts are his three daughters, Rose Anne, Arlene and Lorraine and her husband, Roy, his son Jeffrey, two grandchildren, Evan and Emma, and many loving friends and extended family.
HOWARD J. O’NEIL, 95 of WALL TOWNSHIP died Sunday, July 19, 2009 at home. Mr. O’Neil worked at AT& T Headquarters in New York City until retiring. He was born in New York City and was a graduate of New York University. Surviving are his wife, Mabel H. O’Neil. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 22ND at 10:00 AM at Monmouth Memorial Park, 4201 Route 33, Tinton Falls, with burial following. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Meridian Hospice, Monmouth Shores Corporate Park, 1340 A Campus Parkway, Neptune, NJ 07753 would be appreciated.
GEORGE M. WILSON, 79, of ASBURY PARK, died Thursday, August 6, 2009 at Care
One, Wall Township. He was a driver for Coast Transportation, where he drove special needs children. Prior to that, he was the owner of the Aamsure Insurance Agency in Belmar for many years. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Fraternal Order of Masons. Born in Orange, he had lived for many years in Belmar and Asbury Park. He was predeceased by his son, Glenn, in 1989. Surviving are his daughter, Georgene Farmer and her husband, John, of Ashland, Oregon, his sister, Dorothy Spero of Lake Como, two nephews, a niece and nine great nieces and nephews. Friends were invited to call on Wednesday after 11:00 AM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove. A funeral service was held at 12:00 noon. Interment followed at Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls.
JAMES G. HANDFORD, 83, of OCEAN GROVE, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2009 in his residence. He was born on March 23, 1926 to James L. & Isabel Handford in Orange, NJ. Jim was the oldest of two children, and is survived by his sister, Mary Streich. He graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ and enrolled at Rutgers University. He was drafted into the US Army and served with the 3rd Armored Division in France, Belgium & Germany and was discharged August 8, 1946. When Jim returned from the war, he re-enrolled at Rutgers University, where he majored in history, graduating in 1949. He then enrolled at University of Montana, earning a masters degree in history in 1953. Around 1960, he met P. Myrtle Kowaluk while she was working in the hospital in Long Branch, NJ. They were married on December 9, 1961. Around 1958, Jim purchased the Ocean Grove Nursing Home, which the couple owned and operated until around 1980.
Jim was a Loyal Son of the Rutgers University and a devoted Rutgers football fan. He was also a member of the Asbury Park Rotary Club, the Hudson Essex Terreplane Car Club, the Historical Society of Ocean Grove, the Ocean Grove Fishing Club, and the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. Jim’s passion for history was evident in his many collections including postage stamps, Hudson cars, Rutgers and WWII memorabilia. Jim leaves his loving wife, Myrtle of 48 years. He was a very special uncle to James and Jon Streich of Orlando, Florida. Stories of his life will be passed down generations through James & Jon to their children, Anderson Streich and Matthew Streich, respectively.
A funral service was held in Jim’s memory at the Belmar Presbyterian Church at 9th Avenue and E Street on Thursday, August 27th, at 10:00 AM and a celebration of Jim’s life was held at the family home at 19 Ocean Avenue in Ocean Grove following the service. Jim will be laid to rest in at Siloam Cemetery in Vineland, NJ on Friday.
BEATRICE F. ALBANO, 84, of Ocean Grove, died Monday, August 31, 2009 at the JFK Hartwyck at Edison Estates, Edison. Mrs. Albano was a homemaker. Born in Brooklyn, she had lived there before moving to Ocean Grove more than 45 years ago. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur DeVito in 1989, by a daughter, Catherine DeVito in 1970, and by her son, Vincent, in 2004. Surviving is a daughter, Beatrice M. DeVito of Brooklyn, NY, two sons, Alexander DeVito of Coco, FL and Michael J. DeVito of Haworth, NJ, twelve grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at 10:00 AM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue with interment following at the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Neptune. Friends may call on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home.
DORIS J. “Dottie” GILBERT, 80, of Ocean Grove and Bradenton, Florida died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Mrs. Gilbert was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Ocean Grove and the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Bradenton, Florida where she adored Pastor Charlie. Mrs. Gilbert loved Ocean Grove, especially the auditorium and attending Sunday services at the Boardwalk Pavilion. To those who knew her, she seemed younger than her 80 years. She was an avid golfer and a member of the El Conquistador Golf Club in Bradenton. She was born in Ocean Grove and lived there before moving to Florida in 1986, returning to Ocean Grove for the summers. She was predeceased in 1997 by her beloved husband, former Neptune Township Police Chief Walter L. Gilbert. She is survived by her two daughters with whom she shared a very special bond, as “The 3 Gilbert Girls”, Jacquelyn Pio and her husband, Douglas, of Capitola, CA and Robbin J. Gilbert Mazzeo and her husband, Vincent, of Shark River Hills. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Tuesday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM . A funeral service was held on Wednesday in Ocean Grove. Interment followed at St. Catharine’s Cemetery, Wall Township.
ANNA HELEN “Ann” PISCIOTTO, 77, of WANAMASSA, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 after a five year battle with cancer. Ann was graduate of Asbury Park High School, class of 1950. In 1951 she began a 42 year career with the Department of the Army at Ft. Monmouth, retiring in 1993 as a technical information specialist and editor. She was born in the family home in Wanamassa and lived there her entire life. She was predeceased by her parents, Tony and Addie, and by her brother, Louis. There is no surviving family, but many close and dear friends looked after her, particularly during the later part of her illness; Page and Paul Fisher, Marge and Lenny Pearce, Linda Stapinski, Judy Lubowitz, Leona “Lee” Lee, Marie Saragusa, Jay and Cheryl Colfer, Chuck and Judy Wren, Betty McKnight, Mickey McSwieney, Myrna Weinstein, Dr. Arthur Topilow, Dr. Joseph DelSordo and Dr. Kamera Patel. Most of all her beloved dog and sweet companion, Robi, brought her happiness and comfort to the end of her days. Friends were invited to call on Saturday at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove from 10:00 AM. A funeral service began at 11:00 AM . Interment followed at Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Cancer Society, 801 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 would be appreciated.
LYNDA A. TANNER, 63, of BELMAR, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She was a loving wife and mother, as well as a devoted care giver for her mother-in-law, Muriel Tanner and for her late mother, Marjorie Hutchinson and father-in-law, Reginald Tanner. Mrs. Tanner was a tax preparer for H&R Block, Neptune for 19 years. Born in Neptune, she lived in Oakhurst before moving to Belmar 40 years ago.
Surviving are her husband, Robert E. Tanner; her sons, Michael Garofalo and wife, Michelle, of Howell, and Anthony Garofalo and wife, Angie, of Neptune; her daughter, Lori Burdick of Brewerton, N.Y.; her stepsons, Robert, James, Timothy and Michael Tanner, all of Florida and stepdaughter, Cindy, also of Florida. Lynn was exceptionally proud of her seven grandchildren, Michael, Anthony, Mitchell, Susan, Carmine, Alexander, and Ava Garofalo; and her 21 additional step grandchildren and dozens of close nieces and nephews. A celebration of Lynda’s life was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at the home of Anthony and Angie Garofalo.
NELLIE DIGGS JONES, 85, a longtime resident in the Neptune/Asbury Park area, died Monday, October 12, 2009, at JSUMC, Neptune, after living with Alzheimer’s Disease. A graduate of A.P.H.S., she was employed by and retired from Fort Monmouth. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Chet Jones; a daughter, Louisa McBee; a sister, Lillie Gibson; and a brother, Nathan Diggs. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Collins; two sisters, Clair Clark and Marjorie Freeman; a brother, Jeremiah Diggs; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, relatives and friends. Friends were invited to meet the family on Friday, Oct. 23rd at the VFW Hall in Neptune, to celebrate her life.
JOEL WEICHELBAUM, 88, of NEPTUNE CITY, died Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Mr. Weichselbaum was a bookkeeper for Jackson Township for 18 years before retiring in 1993. Prior to that, he was a radio operator at Ft. Monmouth, where he intercepted Japanese codes. Mr. Weichselbaum was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II with the Military Sealift Command for 23 years as a Radio Officer on vessels such as troop ships, freighter and research vessels of the Untied States Navy. He was recognized by the Department of Defense for his service during the cold war. Mr. Weichselbaum was a life member of the Deborah Hospital Foundation. He was predeceased by his daughter, Angelika Heitmann, in 2003. Surviving are his wife, Irmgard Rerup Weichselbaum, his son, John Rerup, of Bradley Beach, a cousin, Edward Goldsmith of Jackson, his grandchildren, Anna and Felix Heitmann of Hamburg, Germany and a close family friend, Cindy Knapp of Freehold. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Wednesday, Oct. 28th after 10:00 AM. A funeral service was held at 11:00 AM with interment following at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Deborah Hospital Foundation, 20 Pine Mill Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015, or online at www.deborahfoundation.org, would be appreciated.
ARTHUR A. LePORI, 97, of TOMS RIVER, formerly of Califon, NJ, passed into the hands of the Lord on October 25, 2009. Arthur graduated from Rutgers University in 1934 and had completed his masters degrees at Columbia University and Rutgers University. A dedicated professor of mathematics, he taught mathematics for 67 years in NJ at various schools, including Westfield HS, East Orange HS, West Essex HS, Rutgers University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Newark College of Engineering, Montclair State, NJ Institute of Technology, and at the Delbarton School. He was a member of the NJ Education Association and a past president of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NJ. Known to his family as “Poppy,” he loved his family first and foremost. He was pre-deceased by the love of his life, his wife of 74 years, Barbara Burns Le Pori, and a sister, Helen Knapp. He leaves a daughter, Barbara Parks, of Ocala, FL and a son and daughter-in-law, Arthur and Lynn Le Pori of Toms River, NJ, two sisters, Marie Hibbard, of Sundown, NY and Erma “Dee” Cole, of Seattle, WA. and grandchildren, Major Lynn L. Grosvenor, US Army, Leigh A. Grosvenor, Everett A. Le Pori, Laura Cheshire and her husband, Brent, Keith Larkin and his wife, Joy, and three great grandchildren, Colin Larkin, Abigail Larkin, and Brandon Cheshire, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service for family and friends was held at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 247 Old Turnpike Rd. Califon, NJ, on Nov. 4th at 11:00 AM.
LAWRENCE W. LEONARD, 73, of BRIELLE, passed away, Monday, November 9, 2009, at home. He was born in Jersey City on November 4, 1936, the son of the late Lawrence and Dorothy Leonard. He was the oldest of thirteen siblings. Mr. Leonard was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He served from 1954 to 1958 as an aircraft jet engine mechanic and then worked as a wave solderer for Perkin Elmer in Oceanport until retiring in 1997. An avid fisherman, he was a long-standing member of “The Over the Rail Gang” fishing club of Manasquan. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Schmidt-Leonard in 1982, and a long-time companion, Greta Biters, in 1997. Surviving are a son, Michael A. Leonard of Colorado Springs, CO; three daughters, Michelle A. Bullard of Brielle, Diane Ungerer of Port St. Lucie, FL and Linda Stanford of Toms River, 11 grandchildren Jessica, Matthew, Joseph, Mark, Jennifer, Scott, Lee, Larry, Allison, Nick, LaQuisha, and seven great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Saturday afternoon, November 14th from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. A memorial service was held at 4:30.
EILEEN R. DALE, “My Little Pumpkin,” 80, of NEPTUNE, died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the Neptune Rehabilitation and Care Center. Mrs. Dale was a homemaker and enjoyed playing bingo. Surviving are her husband, James A. Dale, her daughters, Janice Marshall of Neptune City, Arlene Collington of Washington State, her son Rodger Johnson of Ocean Grove, five grandchildren, Dwayne, Crystal, Tanya, Denny and Selena, and eight great grandchildren, Anthony, Dwayne, Jr., William, Clinton, Alyssa, Marissa, Deseria and Carmine. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday. A memorial service was held at 7:00 PM.
NANCY LEE ERRICO, 58, of OCEAN GROVE died Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She was a receptionist for the SPCA. Mrs. Errico attended Monmouth College and earned an associate degree. Born in Livingston, she was a resident of the shore area for 39 years, moving to Ocean Grove three years ago. Surviving are her husband, Pat Errico, a son, Patrick Errico of Asbury Park, two brothers, George Phelan of Boca Raton, FL, and John Phelan of Livingston, three sisters, Marion Litterst of Falmouth, MA, Virginia Reilly of Greenwood Lake, NY and Julie Boss of Vernon, NJ and a granddaughter, Sarah Errico. She was a kind and loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother who had great compassion for all animals. Services were private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall Street, Eatontown NJ, 07724 or online at www.monmouthcountyspca.org would be appreciated.
RICHARD W. “Dick” BRACE, 84, of OCEAN GROVE, died Wednesday, December 2 2009 at the Geraldine Thompson Care Center, Wall. He was a member of Local #9, Plumbers and Pipe fitters, Englishtown, before retiring. Mr. Brace was a Veteran of the US Navy, serving during World War II. He loved playing golf and enjoyed many trips to Disney World with his family. He was a member of the Eagle Hook and Ladder Fire Company of the Ocean Grove Fire Department. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty, in 2007, by his daughter Judy Ryan and by his granddaughter, Nikki Buonocore. Surviving are a daughter and son in law, Barbara and Guy Buonocore of Neptune City, three grandchildren, Lori Dorick, Rich Ryan, and Guy Buonocore, Jr., a great granddaughter, Jessica Dorick, a niece, Suzanne Tilton, and two nephews, Richard LaBarre and his wife, Bonnie, and Guy LaBarre. A funeral service was held at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Monday, December 7th at 12:00 Noon with interment following at Glendola Cemetery, Wall Township. Relatives and friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 - 5:00 PM.
FELICIA CALESSO, 84 of OCEAN GROVE, died Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She was a loving wife and mother, exuberant cook and creative soul. Born and raised in New York City, NY, she lived in Whippany, NJ with her husband Giulio and their daughters before moving to Ocean Grove ten years ago. Surviving are her daughters, Diane Calesso of Ocean Grove, Debra and her husband, Joseph SanFelice, of Ocean Grove, and Corinne Calesso of Dobbs Ferry, NY, her brother, William Zito and his wife, Edna, of Valrico, FL, four grandchildren, Michelle Meyer, Theresa SanFelice, Devin Meyer and Joey SanFelice, two great grandsons, Isiah Meyer and Charlie Nuara. Friends were invited to join the family in a celebration of her life at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Saturday, December 5th from 1:00 - 7:00 PM and in the Chapel Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, 70 Whippany Road, Whippany on Monday December 7 at 11:00AM at a Mass in her honor. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Whippany.
JOAN C. HABICH, 92, of ROCKVILLE, MD, formerly of Bradley Beach, died Monday, November 30, 2009, at the Collingswood Nursing Home, Rockville, MD. She had worked as a nurse’s aide at the Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune until retiring in 1980. Mrs. Habich was also employed by the Francis Asbury Manor, Ocean Grove. She was a soldier in the Salvation Army, Asbury Park Corps, a member of the Holiday Spa of Ocean Township and the A. A. R. P. Born in New York City, she had lived in Bradley Beach and Asbury Park before moving to Rockville. Surviving are her son, Ronald Habich of New Haven, CT, three granddaughters, Leslie Reed of Rockville MD, Christina Resende of Homestead, FL, and Diana Rogers of Olney, MD and seven great grandchildren, David, Michael, Darby, Derek, Kierstin, Maddex, and Leah. A graveside service was held at the Hamilton Methodist Cemetery, Old Corlies Avenue, Neptune on Friday, December 6th at 1:00 PM with burial following. There were no calling hours.
DOROTHY MAE TWIDLE of OCEAN GROVE, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 10, 2009. She was born in East Orange, N.J. on November 21, 1914 and moved to Ocean Grove as a young girl. She graduated from Neptune High School in 1932 and went to work for the Jersey Central Power & Light Company. Upon marrying, she became a homemaker, briefly lived in Belmar and raised 4 children in Ocean Grove. In her later years she worked as the church secretary at the First United Methodist Church in Belmar and at the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Bible Bookstore. She loved Jesus, and in all she did, she proclaimed him as her Lord and Savior. She was a marvelous cook and enjoyed entertaining, Bible studies ,the Knicks, good preaching, church music and swimming in the ocean. She loved her family and friends dearly. In her later years, she lived in the Francis Asbury Manor and the Manor-by-the-Sea nursing home and received wonderful, loving care from the staff in both facilities. She was loved by all and will be missed dearly. She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford “Tweet” Twidle, a brother, Stewart, of Florida, her daughter, Karen Sager, and her grandson, Jeffrey Sager. She is survived by her son, the Reverend Dr. Richard Twidle and his wife, Judy, of Ocean Grove; her daughter, Susan Twidle of Rhode Island; her son, Stephen Twidle and his wife, Susan, of Ocean Grove; five grandchildren to whom she was known lovingly as “Mom-Mom”; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Anne Jacobsen of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews. A private, family burial took place on Saturday, December 12th at the Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, December 27th at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Embury and New York Aves., Ocean Grove. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations marked “Fellowship Fund” be made in Dorothy’s name to the United Methodist Homes of NJ Foundation, 3311 State Rte. 33, Neptune, N.J. 07753-9926 or at www.umh-nj.org .
MARY LOUISE BUSH, 82, of OCEAN GROVE, died Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the Manor-by-the-Sea, Ocean Grove. She was a file clerk for the St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for 21 years, retiring in 1992. Miss Bush was a member of the Calvary Roseville United Methodist Church, East Orange. Born in Guilford, CT, she lied in East Orange before moving to Ocean Grove in 1998. Surviving are her friends in Ocean Grove and several cousins in Texas. Friends were invited to call at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30. A funeral service began at 10:30. Interment was Wednesday at Alderbrook Cemetery, Guilford, CT. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Calvary Roseville United Methodist Church, 400 Main Street, East Orange, NJ 07018 would be appreciated.
PAUL TORTOMASI, 85, of NEPTUNE , died Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Mr. Tortomasi was a salesman for the Penn Furniture Company, Neptune before retiring. Mr. Tortomasi was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II and the Korean Conflict and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2639, Neptune and the Sons of Italy . He was predeceased by his wife, Theresa Scicchitano Tortomasi in 1981, by his daughter Barbara Marie Procopio, by his granddaughter, Brianna Purgatorio, by his brother Vincent Tortomasi, and by his parents, Salvatore and Maria Louisa Tortomasi. Surviving are his son, Salvatore, with whom he lived, his daughters and sons in law, Georgina and Richard LaCour, of Neptune, Francine and Richard Simonsen of Wall Township, Jean and Ronald Potts, Mary and Robert Purgatorio and Rosalie and Felix Picone, all of Neptune and his sister, Anna Pizzitola and her family of Sicily. He was a loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Monday morning, January 4 at 10:00 AM , with interment following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Neptune. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 - 6:00 PM.
JEANNE ANN SNYDER, 56, of OCEAN GROVE, died Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the King Manor Care Center, Neptune. Miss Snyder was employed by the ARC of Monmouth Work Opportunity Center for 29 years, before retiring due to illness. She bowled with the Shore Lanes Bowling League for 22 years and was active with the Friends of Special Children. Jeanne enjoyed aerobics, dance, swimming, square dancing and participating in the Special Olympics. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Ocean Grove, and was a member of its Woman’s Society. When she was younger, she was active in the Youth Programs of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting young peoples programs at Thornley Chapel. She was a Girl Scout and a Sunday School member. Born in North Bergen, NJ on February 11, 1953, she was predeceased by her father, H. Hudson Snyder in 1983. Surviving are her mother, Emy Lou Ruhle Snyder, her sisters, Lynn McGrath of Friendsville, TN and Merril Megill and her husband, Chip, of Ocean Grove, her nephew, Nicholas J. Megill and her niece, Morgan A. Megill, both of Ocean Grove, and her longtime friends, Steven Kamuda and Patty Bennett. A funeral service will be held at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove on Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM , with interment following at the Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Food Pantry at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 80 Embury Avenue, Ocean Grove, or to the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, designated for Thornley Chapel, 54 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 would be appreciated.
