Obituaries

Frank J. Bagnato81, of Wanamassa, on  Nov. 7, in Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Born in Jersey City, he graduated from Emerson High School, Union City. An Army veteran, he served during the Korean War.

He was a chemical operator and worked for Pfizer-Quigley Mintex in Old Bridge for 30 years before retiring 19 years ago. He also worked at the Casino in Asbury Park.  He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne Gilmore Haut; his 10 children, Victoria, Carmela, Francis, Joseph, Tina, Robert, Richard, Ronald, Rosemary and Bertram; his sister, Joanne Bagnato, N. Carolina; his uncle, Richard Bagnato, Pittsburgh, PA, his Aunt Dottie; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several cousins. Buckley Funeral Home, Asbury Park, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Disabled Veterans Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.
Joan McDonald Brearley87, of Sea Bright, on October 22, in Long Branch. Born in Teaneck, her father was a leading stockbroker and her mother was an art editor for a national magazine. She grew up surrounded by the leading financiers and artists of the 1930’s and 40’s. Following her graduation from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, she married William J. Brearley. Her husband, a World War II fighter pilot who flew 97 missions and received 14 decorations. Unfortunately his war experience took a serious toll on his health and he died at a young age. Ms. Brearley’s professional career included working as a producer for WOR in New York, assisting to produce such shows as “Lone Ranger” and “Hopalong Cassidy.” Her love of animals led to a prolific writing career. She became editor of Popular Dogs Magazine in Philadelphia. She was an accomplished author, having written 44 hardcover books about animals. In addition to her writing she was a judge for the American Kennel Club and a member of the Monmouth County Kennel Club. She was also the owner of Sahadi Kennels, known for their champion Afghan Hounds.  She earned three degrees from Brookdale Community College and one from Monmouth University. She was a long-time substitute teacher at Rumson-Fair Haven High School, a member of the Shore Regional Board of Education, and Monmouth County representative to the New Jersey School Boards Association. Active in the Sea Bright community, she was secretary of the Sea Bright First Aid Squad, a 12-year member of the Sea Bright Borough Council, and a member of the Sea Bright Partnership. She was also past president of the Monmouth Federation of Republican Women, board member of the Monmouth County Youth Detention Center, member of the New Jersey Advisory Council for Juvenile Justice, and past chairwoman of the Monmouth County Human Relations Commission. She was also well known as one of the area’s leading needlepoint artists, with her work exhibited at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center. She was predeceased by her husband, William J. Brearley, and her parents, Stephen and Lillian McDonald. She is survived by her loving cousins, and hundreds of friends and colleagues from the Sea Bright and greater Monmouth County communities. At her request, no service will be held.
Andrew F. Cirlincione92, of Oakhurst, on November 11, at home surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Newark and moved to Oakhurst 51 years ago. He was a police officer for the City of Newark for 26 years before retiring in 1974. He was instrumental in saving four young children from drowning in the West Side Park Lake in Newark and was awarded a Medal of Merit, Outstanding Feat of Valor from the Newark Lions Club, Heroism in the line of duty from Frontiers International, and the NJ State Fraternal Order of Police awarded for meritorious service for his heroic effort. During his career as a police officer he helped deliver 14 babies.  After his retiring he became a Principal Investigator for Monmouth County Public Defenders in Freehold for 23 years retiring in 1997. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Asbury Park and a past president of the Public Defenders Association. He served in the US Army/Air Force during WW II where he was crew chief of P-51 Mustangs and P-38 Lightnings in England and Germany. He was predeceased by his parents Benjamin and Luella Van Duyne Cirlincione, and his brother Vincent Cirlin. Surviving are his wife of 70 years Mary Bongiovanni Cirlincione, his children Ronald Cirlincione and his wife Trudy, Drew Cirlincione and his wife Mary, JoEllen Petronzi, Nick Cirlincione and his wife Jennifer and Mark Cirlincione and his wife Anne; brother, Charles Cirlin, eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral service at Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, 9 am Thursday, followed by a 10:15 am Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Asbury Park. Burial will follow at Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Nancy J. DeScenza52, peacefully, on Nov. 5, surrounded by her loving family and closest friends. She was born in East Orange, and after the death of her mother, she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Helen and Samuel Bullen in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach. At 16, she graduated from Shore Regional High School, and at age 19, she became the youngest member of the Sea Bright Board of Education. She continued her service to the community by serving on the Shore Regional High School Board of Education, retiring in Sept. 2012 after more than 26 years.  Though she raised four children of her own, “Momma Nance” still had room in her heart to take other children under her wing. She gave her time to many organizations serving local children including Shore Lacrosse and LAX for the Cure and the Monmouth County Food Bank. All who knew her will dearly miss her loving presence. She was a strong woman who courageously fought long and hard against breast cancer for 10 years, and was an advocate for many fighting cancer and their families. She was a supporter of the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation and Friends of Mel Foundation.She was predeceased by her parents, Mark and Lucy; and her brother, John Stern. She is survived by her beloved husband, David DeScenza of 28 years; her caring children, Daniel, Devin, Victoria, and Nicolette; her caring sister, Jane Imbesi; a brother, Robert Stern, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Church of the Nativity, 181 Ridge Road, Fair Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nancy J. DeScenza Scholarship Fund or the Sea Bright Partnership. To leave online condolences, please visit www.thompsonmemorial.net.
Michael J.DiGuilmi, Jr.80, of Long Branch, at November 9, at home. He was an office manager at Luxor Lighting in New York City before retiring. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, a member of the Long Branch Elks, Lodge 742 and was also the past president of the Long Branch Green and White Association. Born in Union City, he lived in Secaucus before moving to Long Branch 41 years ago. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joyce Ann (Erb) DiGuilmi in 2004; his parents; 6 siblings and 4 sisters-in-law. Surviving are his son Michael J. DiGuilmi, III; his daughters and sons-in-law, Doreen and Joseph Valencia, Gina Sims and her fiancé Leonardo Lubrano, Dawn Ciaramella, Bunny and Timothy Wink and Gayle DiGuilmi; a brother, Theodore DiGuilmi; a sister, Anne DiGuilmi; and 12 grandchildren, Anthony and Joseph Miscia; Nikki and Sean Sims; Lyndsey DiGuilmi; Katie and Joseph Valencia; Liz, Megan, Timmy, Daniel and Stephen Wink. Damiano Funeral Home, Long Branch, was in charge of arrangements. The family invites you to leave an online condolence at www.dami anofuneralhome.com.
Thomas J. Dunleavy78, of Oakhurst, on Nov. 8, at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. He was born in the Bronx and lived in Arizona and Long Branch before moving to Oakhurst 12 years ago. He was a plumber for William H. Hogg in Asbury Park for the past 33 years. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and a member of VFW Post 2226, Oakhurst. He was a communicant of St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church, West Long Branch. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Dunleavy. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Helen McMahon Dunleavy; his 10 children, Ruth and her husband Jim Steiner, John and his wife Delia Dunleavy, Brendan and his wife Kim Dunleavy, Elizabeth and her husband Kenneth Bauman, Maureen Dunleavy, Tara and her husband Kristian Bauman, James and his wife Michele Dunleavy, Danny Dunleavy, Eileen and her husband Matthew Hennelly and Grace Dunleavy; brother, Henry Dunleavy; sisters, Mary Schwellenbach and Patricia McGarvie; and 19 grandchildren. Fiore Funeral Home, Oakhurst, was in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
William Fylak84, Ocean Township, formerly of Jersey City, and Milton, Fla., on Nov. 5, at Jersey Shore Univ. Medical Center, Neptune. Born in Jersey City, he was a WWII Army veteran and had worked as an Electronics Technician for Sears in Perth Amboy. He was the dearly beloved husband for 54 years of the late Rita Wiack Fylak. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, William Joseph and Divina of Ocean; son and daughter-in-law, Brian Darrell and Linda of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Lynn Ann of Atlantic Highlands; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was the dear brother of five sisters, Rose Waciak, Mary Sramowicz, Annie Raymond, Katie Williams and Pauline Suppa.
Ruth G. Goellner82, of Oceanport, on Nov. 7, at the Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. Born in East Patterson, she had lived in Eatontown before moving to Oceanport in 1996. She was a member of Reformation Lutheran Church, West Long Branch. She was predeceased by her husband, George, in 1996. Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Robert Conover, of Oceanport and Elaine and Fred Shoe-Ezel, of Roselle Park; a sister, Lois Ehlbeck, of Pa.; two grandchildren, Josh and Kelly; four great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Please visit www.woolleyboglioli.com for a complete biography.
Nicole Angela Gomez19, of Long Branch, on Nov. 30.Born, she was raised in Long Branch and graduated from Long Branch High School in June of 2011. Nicole was a member of the Spirit of the Green Wave marching band, the Westwood Players Ensemble (drama club), National Honor Society, and math club. She was currently a sophomore and EOP student at Rider University in Lawrenceville.  She was double majoring in elementary education and communications, specializing in graphic design. Nicole was also member of Unity Fellowship Church, New Brunswick. Nicole took her last breath and peacefully transitioned at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012. Nicole leaves to mourn her mother, Minister Starlet Gomez; her father, Nicholas Gomez; her grandmothers, Theodora Gomez & Buddy Johnson; her sisters, Jasmine & Andrea Gomez; her brother, Joevanni Gomez, along with 4 stepsisters, adopted sisters & brothers, aunts, uncles and a host of cousins.Lucille Liniewski86, of Wayside, on Nov. 8, 2after a courageous battle with the complications of breast cancer.  She was a communicant of the Church of St. Anselms, Tinton Falls, where her and her deceased husband, Carl were one of the founding members. Lucille was active within her church community and taught Religious Education for many years. She is survived by her four daughters, their husbands, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her brother.  The family asks that you consider a donation to one of Lucille’s favorite charities: The National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, Inc., 2600 Network Blvd., Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034, www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-donations or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Buckley Funeral Home, Asbury Park, was in charge of the arrangements
Helen M. Murphy92, of West Long Branch, peacefully with her family at home on Saturday November 10. Born in Philadelphia, she had lived over 50 years in West Long Branch.  She was predeceased by her husband, Howard, in 1984, and her son, Timothy, in 2001. Surviving are two daughters, Patricia Figorito and Michelle Winters; two sisters, Mary Frances Grinnan and Lillian Mae Staas; six grandchildren, Collen Lynch, Shannon Preston, Sean Winters, Bryan Winters, Casey Murphy and Ashley Murphy; and six great-grandchildren, Shelton Winters, Novelia Winters, Zaria Winters, Terrance Winters, Grace Preston and Samantha Preston. Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave., (corner of Third Ave.), Long Branch, was in charge of arrangements. The family invites you to leave an online condolence at www.damianofuneralhome.com.
Anna M. Pelliccia102, of West Long Branch, on November 9, at Jersey Shore Care Center in Eatontown. Born in Naples, Italy, she lived in Bayonne before moving to West Long Branch 10 years ago. She was a parishioner of St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church, West Long Branch.  She was predeceased by her husband, Pasquale, in 1972. Surviving are her two sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph Pelliccia of Bayonne, and Anthony and Rosemary Pelliccia of Sayreville; a daughter, Sister Angelina Pelliccia of West Long Branch; a brother, Anthony Lagotta, and a sister, Louise Manna, both of Staten Island; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave., Long Branch, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Infirmary, 455 Western Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960 or St. Jerome Tuition Assistance, 254 Wall St., West Long Branch, NJ 07764. Letters of condolences may be sent to www.damianofuneralhome.com.
Dennis Clayton Perry61, of Monmouth Beach, peacefully on Nov. 8, in the Hospice Unit of Monmouth Medical Center with his wife, Vicky at his side. He was surrounded by the love of family and friends who kept a constant vigil with prayers of comfort and support throughout his brief but difficult illness.  Born in the Bronx, and raised in Fair Lawn, he was a graduate of Newark College of Engineering and obtained his Masters Degree from the University of Idaho while in the United States Air Force where he also completed his pilot training in Laredo, Texas. After active duty, he worked for over 30 years as a Captain for American Airlines where he primarily flew International flights. He was predeceased by his parents, Adele and Russell Perry; and in 2001 by his wife of 10 years, Karen Muth Perry. He is survived by Vicky, his loving wife of six years and devoted companion of nearly 10 years; his stepchildren, Thomas Cece and Trisha Kilgour, as well as their spouses, Veelanun Cece and Robert Kilgour who live in neighboring towns; his grandchildren, Donald, Cody, and Grace Victoria Kilgour; and his buddies, Mike Chiaffitella and Dominic Basile. Also surviving are his brother, Russell Perry and his sister-in-law, Jane Perry from Rockaway; his nephew, Christopher Perry and his wife Jackie, as well as their sons, Brendan, Ryan, and Justin from Fair Lawn, NJ; his nephew, Andrew Perry and his wife Laura from Suffern, NY; and Julie Parker, his stepdaughter. Memorials may be made to Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center at Monmouth Medical Center, c/o Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 95 Old Short Hills Road, 1st Floor, West Orange, NJ 07052.
Ralph “Buddy” Puglisiof Wanamassa, on Nov. 8, surrounded by his family. He was born in Long Branch and grew up in Red Bank. He graduated from Red Bank Regional High School. Buddy was the owner of the former Airport Esso and Shrewsbury Shell in Shrewsbury. He was a general manager for over 40 years at Coast Cigarettes and Majestic Amusements in Asbury Park before they moved to Neptune. He retired 4 years ago. He enjoyed cooking delicious homemade Italian meals for his family and friends, the horse racing at Monmouth Park and playing the lottery. With a big smile on his face you could catch him saying that one day he would win it all. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mary Pullaro Puglisi and his brother, John Puglisi. Surviving are his devoted wife of 53 years, Arlene Mandia Puglisi; his cherished daughter, Chrissy Puglisi and her fiance Iliya Hamovic; six sisters, Marie Mullenax, Josephine and her husband Alex Felder, Gloria Collier, Patsy and her husband Tony Casalino, Antoinette Pomphrey and Joann Pavao and her fiancé Vincent Plaia and many nieces and nephews. Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township, was in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Elizabeth Ann Boland Weese84, of Wanamassa, on Nov. 3, at Manor-By-The Sea, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Newark, the daughter of Anna Mulcohy Boland and Joseph Leo Boland. A graduate of Weequake High School, she attended Seton Hall University. After retiring as manager of Peter Cooper Village in West Long Branch, she worked part-time for Customer Service at Monmouth Mall and later for J.C. Penney. She was a volunteer at Jersey Shore Medical Center for many years and also volunteered at Ocean Grove Arts Center. She was a member of the Allenhurst Beach Club where she enjoyed spending the summer months with her friends. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald E. Weese. She is survived by her son, Daniel E. Weese and his wife Marianthe; daughter, Doreen Weese; and her three loving grandchildren Melissa, Tina and Kelly Mazza. She was an active member of The Presbyterian Church on the Hill,  where a memorial service will be held at a later date. To e-mail a condolence message, please visit www.oceangrovememorial home.com. The Ocean Grove Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Leon J. Yarusi75, of Monmouth Beach, on Nov. 7, at Mount Sinai Hospital, NY. Born in Westfield, he was the 12th child of Philomena and Anthony Yarusi. The devoted husband to Paula Hughes Yarusi for more than 47 years of marriage, he was an amazing artist, builder and entrepreneur, who owned and operated The Lemon Tree Salon in Fanwood for over 30 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. He was an avid exercise enthusiast and body builder, he was a scuba diver, boater and fisherman.  He lived his life for his family and created beautiful homes along the Jersey Coast, from Lavallette to Spring Lake and Allenhurst. His current home in Monmouth Beach remained unscathed by Hurricane Sandy, a testament to his craftsmanship. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, John, Dan, Albert, Fred, Eddie and Raymond, and sisters; Ellen Merlo and Rose Gulinello. He is survived by his wife, Paula, and their children, John Yarusi, Jane Burrell and husband Walter, and Joy Brandt and husband Darren; six grandchildren, Ava and Olivia Yarusi, Morgan and David Burrell and Leigh and Elle Brandt, all of Shrewsbury; a brother, Ernest; and sisters, Alice Caruso and Elizabeth Alimonti. John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank at 732-747-0332, was in charge of arrangments.  Memorial donations may be made to the Church of the Precious Blood, 72 Riverdale Ave., Monmouth Beach. Please visit Leon’s memorial website at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.