Local Obituaries

Fran was a dedicated Federal employee for nearly 33 years working initially for the Department of the Navy in Bayonne, and later for the Department of the Army at Fort Monmouth and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. At the Pentagon, she was a vital member of a special unit tasked with preparing contingency plans for nations worldwide. Her exemplary service earned her numerous awards and citations for outstanding performance. She retired in 1995.

Outside of her professional life, Fran was a faithful attendee at St. Michael’s Church in West Long Branch, New Jersey. She had a passion for baking, particularly known for her cookies, and took great pride in her role as a homemaker.

Fran is survived by her husband, Hal, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Frances, in 1984, and her brother, John, in 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Michael’s Church, 800 Ocean Avenue in Long Branch followed by the entombment at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Fran B. Stein, please visit our Damiano Tree Store.

Gerald Goldsmith, 75, of West Long Branch, NJ passed away July 23, surrounded by his loving family.

Better known as Gerry, he was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised both in Brooklyn and the Bronx.  A smart kid and hard worker, he achieved good recognition through high school and earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, College of Engineering, before graduating with a Degree in Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

His world became incredible the moment he met the love of his life, Linda in high school in the Bronx.  After high school and college, they married and enjoyed 53 years together.  In addition to the loving marriage, they worked together side by side in their podiatric practice of 38+years serving the West Long Branch community and expanding their friendships with the fantastic patients that so fortunately encountered Gerald’s bedside ma

nner and Linda’s charm.  Never looking at the clock and wanting to get a complete history and hearing about every activity of kids and grandkids or the family vacations, the medical practice was more of a friendly catch-up.  And if the practice didn’t seem like enough, he wanted to help the elderly community in Monmouth County serving those at multiple nursing homes almost every night for 30 years.

Gerald’s joy was striving to give to his children, Michael and Amy, everything that he could.  Whether it was bedtime stories/good night songs, helping with homework, practic

ing sports, watching favorite programs, or taking the family on vacations to the Concord in the Catskills, Wildwood, Disney, or a surprise Broadway show, the love showed in the smallest of gestures.  The smiles on family photos and movies could take you back to the experience of those loving moments.  Fast forwarding through high-school and college graduations and the pride of his children achieving as adults in their own fields made him the proudest man on earth.

Gerry’s single greatest hobby was sharing every free moment with his family, especially Linda who some could say both were attached at the hip to each other.  Anyone who met them could recognize what soulmates meant. Gerry loved listening to ballads and other love songs and whisper to Linda: “they wrote that about us.” and take each other for a little spin of dancing with his head on her shoulder.  Love was always in his heart, and you could feel the warmth as he shared it with you.

And the shame in life is fragileness.  Health cutting short the medical practice not being able to retire properly with the conversations of his friends who were secondarily patients.  Not getting the golden years that apparently are not promised to everyone.  Fighting incredibly against a disgusting disease that never went into slumber for even a moment.  Always having to fight for 8 long years in active treatment, but always still the kind sweet loving man that could light up a room.  And anyone who knew him, he wore his heart on his sleeve and was willing to cry and bear hug anyone.

Gerry is survived by his family and friends.  If you knew him whether for 50 years or 5 minutes, you were his friend because he had an open heart for everyone he came across.  Keep your heart open to the possibility of love and friendship.

Thank you to the countless medical professionals and staff at the various facilities specifically, Hackensack University Medical Center – John Theurer Cancer Center, Monmouth Medical Center BBR2 and BBR4, and Monmouth Hematology – Vantage Point.

Services for Gerry were privately held.

Gerry kept private the last 8 years, so any remembrances via card or online would be appreciated so he and his family can feel the kindness come back full circle, and that this community was everything that he loved. The family asks that any donations be made in his memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society, to end these terrible diseases. For messages of condolences, please visit the page of tributes at wbhfh.com

Gerry – We love you and will always miss you!  The world lost a righteous soul on earth.  Going to miss those hugs and smiles.

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David Daniel Tennant, beloved husband to the late Aileen Looney and loving father to Andrew, Brendan and Siobhan, died peacefully Friday 9 August 2024 at the age of 86 at Jersey Shore Medical Center with his family at his side.

David was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on September 1, 1937, the first of David and Elizabeth Tennant’s four children. His parents had emigrated to the United States from Scotland in the 1920s and David took immense pride in his Scottish heritage. As a child, he visited Glasgow and Edinburgh every summer. He attended Henry Snyder High School and also studied at Saint Peter’s Prep, and worshiped every Sunday at Sacred Heart Parish Church.

In his youth, he cultivated passions for sports and the arts, immersing himself in jazz, especially the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. He was a regular at Birdland on West 52nd St. When he wasn’t listening to the music that would become the soundtrack to his life, David was watching and playing sports. In high school, he was an all-county first baseman and his team’s MVP. His love of baseball and proficiency with public transportation led him to spend his weekends riding the trains to the Polo Grounds, Yankee Stadium and Ebbets Field. Never a follower, as a kid he cheered not for any of the teams in the area, but instead developed into a fan of Detroit’s teams: the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings. Bobby Layne, Al Kaline and Gordie Howe were his heroes.

David studied U.S. history at Rutgers—and remained a history buff—and then served in the United States Army, at Fort Dix, and during the Bay of Pigs crisis at Fort Monmouth. David had a passion for hard work and was fascinated by the world of public transportation—so it made perfect sense that he would build a career with the Port Authority. For forty years, he worked for the PA, rising from laborer on a track gang, to motorman, all the way up to Train Master in the towers and retiring in 2002 as a conductor.

In the fall of 1963, David met Aileen Looney of Dublin, Ireland, who just six months earlier had moved, by herself, to the United States. It was the beginning of a 60-year romance. They were married on August 26, 1967, at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, in Bluebell, a Dublin suburb. Soon they were back in the United States, living in Hazlet, New Jersey, and starting their family. Eventually, he and Aileen would have three children: Andrew, Brendan and Siobhan. David would dedicate himself to raising them, alongside Aileen. It was the great adventure of his life. He worked tirelessly to support his family, taking on extra shifts, never declining overtime opportunities, which made it possible to send the children to Catholic schools. But he still found the time to be there for all the important—and not so important—moments in their lives. He missed nothing, not because he felt obligated to be present, but because it made him happy.

After his children left home to attend college, David found a way to continue caring for others, volunteering with Monmouth County ARC, where he and Aileen worked with the physically and mentally challenged. For nearly 25 years, they delivered bread weekly to the less fortunate at the Bayshore Food Pantry. Through it all, David’s faith was his foundation. For half a century, he was a loyal communicant of St. Benedict Parish in Holmdel, attending daily masses and rosary readings with Aileen.

David spent time at virtually every hockey rink, soccer field, basketball court, baseball field and horse farm in the Northeast, logging thousands of miles on the Turnpike and Parkway, 287 and 95, across Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey to see his kids’ and then his grandkids’ competitions. He also visited many of the pantheons of pro sports, including Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and the Montreal Forum, typically to see his favorite teams in action. In adulthood, they were the New Jersey Devils, New York Giants and Seton Hall Pirates. He had season tickets to the Devils and Giants for more than 30 years—and he was fortunate enough to see them win seven championships combined since 1986. His baseball team, The Mets, of course, who haven’t won any championships since 1986. Sadly for his children and grandchildren, David passed on to them his passion for the Mets.

David was a walker. Most weekdays, he would walk for miles, alone, at beaches and on boardwalks up and down the Shore. He loved walking the St. Mary’s waterfront in Black Rock, Connecticut. He walked to the library, alone, where he would immerse himself in American history, from Stephen Ambrose or Gary Wills. On Saturday mornings, though, he never walked alone, cheering with Aileen for Liverpool, and also Celtic. At home, he enjoyed Jeopardy—where his knowledge of the past made him unbeatable—and playing his old albums, loudly, on his 1957 phonograph, often to the consternation of his “bride.”

As a Scots-American, David never shied away from donning the kilt and sporran—and he was loyal and loving to his extended family back in the old country, as well as his brothers and sister in the United States. He traveled widely, here in North America and abroad, highlighted by a trip to the Holy Land for his 50th wedding anniversary. He loved his grandchildren Declan, Breac, Saoirse and Roan—and he loved animals, especially his rescue dogs Killian, Dublin, Shannon, Ronan and Molly.

David was a master listener—as Aileen’s husband, he had no choice—but after patiently waiting to chime in on a topic, he would typically deliver the witty last word. He was sarcastic and funny; kind and compassionate; warm and sympathetic to the less fortunate; courageous and strong; dignified and devoted to his faith and community; and he was unfailingly kind to anyone in need. It was the simple things that made him genuinely happy. A good hot dog. A slice of New Haven pizza. A proper Guinness or “fresh” Stella. The time he spent with his family. David was a caring and giving soul. He was everyone’s favorite Dad.

He is predeceased by his devoted wife of 55 years, Aileen; his parents David and Elizabeth; his brother James; his sister-in-law Maureen; his brother-in-law Louis DellaTorre; and his son-in-law Douglas Drewry. David is survived by his son Andrew and daughter-in-law Mary, of Fairfield, CT, his son Brendan and daughter-in-law Susan of Springfield, N.J., his daughter Siobhan Drewry of Neptune, N.J.; his siblings Richard Tennant of Troy, N.Y., and Eleanor DellaTorre of North Bergen, N.J.; and his beloved grandchildren Declan, Breac, Saoirse and Roan.

David’s story will be told and we will celebrate Big D’s life at Visitation Friday August 16 from 4pm – 8pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, August 17 at 10am at St. Benedict Church, Holmdel, NJ.

David and his family wish to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for him at Yale Smilow Cancer Center in New Haven, CT, especially Dr. Jill Lacy and her team, plus the doctors and nurses at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ and Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, David’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his name be made to his favorite causes: The V Foundation for Cancer Research (www.V.org), the Monmouth County SPCA (www.monmouthcountyspca.org), or The ARC of Monmouth (www.arcofmonmouth.org).

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Tober, who departed from this life on the 7th of August, 2024, at the venerable age of 81. Born on January 22, 1943, Joyce was a lifelong resident of Long Branch, New Jersey, and her departure marks the end of an era in the hearts of all who knew her.

Joyce’s presence was a beacon of light and warmth in her community, and her memory will be enshrined in the hearts of her loved ones and friends. Guided by her enduring spirit and deep-seated kindness, she made an indelible impact on those around her.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Harry J. Tober, Jr.; her sons and daughters-in-law, Tito and Pam Oliveras, John and Luciana Oliveras; her grandchildren and their spouses, Samantha and Brian, Elizabeth and Gregory, Isaiah, Lucy, Carissa and Heather; her great-grandchildren, Caleb, Harper, Ella, Layla, Brielle, Tyler, McKenzie, Laciee, Cameron and Aunbriee.

In the spirit of Joyce’s giving nature, the family suggests that those wishing to honor her memory do so by embodying the compassion and generosity that were the hallmarks of her life.

Joyce’s legacy is one of love, family, and community service. Her family takes solace in the joy she brought to their lives and the knowledge that her spirit will continue to guide them. May she rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joyce’s honor to the Monmouth County SPCA by visiting https://monmouthcountyspca.org/ or by mail to 260 Wall Street, Eatontown, NJ 07740.

The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Damiano Tribute/Guestbook link .

Colin Michael Truax, aged 36, of Ocean Township, NJ, passed away on August 4, 2024. Born on August 21, 1987, in Long Branch, NJ, Colin was the beloved son to Charles and Rosemary Truax. He was the big brother to his sister Giana Truax and was a beloved Uncle to his niece Ariana Villafuerte who he adored.

Colin graduated from Ocean Township High School, and continued his education by earning an Associate’s Degree from Brookdale Community College. He also studied at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Colin’s professional life was marked by his last position in the hydroponics industry, where he was involved in the manufacturing of organic strawberries and tomatoes. He was proud of becoming a certified forklift operator and valued the skills he gained.

A star athlete, his young life was a game of innings and outs, home runs, stolen bases, slap shots to the net in hockey, to which he played with vigor and passion. A prolific writer, poet and artist, his adult life was filled with many deep thoughtful articles and poems.

Colin’s personal life was filled with love for Family, sharing close bonds with his grandparents Cosmo and Domenica Renzella, Doris, Charles, and Rae Truax, all of whom preceded him in death. He also had a special connection with his Uncle Rich Renzella and the Family pets, Tony and Cleo.

Remembered for his smile and humor, Colin made a lasting impact on everyone around him. He is survived by his parents, sister Giana, niece Ariana, and Uncle Rich.

His life and memory will be celebrated by all who knew him, leaving a legacy of joy and community spirit.

The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Colin Michael Truax, please visit Damanio floral store.

Alfred J. Cerafice, 82, of Ocean Township, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Sloan Kettering in New York City.

He was born in Brooklyn and lived there before moving to Ocean 51 years ago. He began a career in the flooring business when he was 19 years old. Then became the owner of A&B Wholesale Carpets in Ocean Township after his wife and he moved to Ocean for 33 years before retiring in April 2024 when he needed to focus on getting better.

Alfred was a man who knew how to enjoy life. He found a story in everyone he met and never hesitated to share his. After a long career of hard work he learned to take life slow whether that be playing a round of golf with his friends or sitting at the pool with his wife sunning. Al knew what it meant to nourish the soul and to him that meant he loved good food, good wine and even better company. He cherished every moment he got to share with his family. He loved his whole family very dearly especially his grandkids and great grandkids. Most of all he loved his Barbara whom he gushed over till the end like he was still a kid falling in love. They spent 53 beautiful years together.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Rose Cerafice. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Barbara; his children, Thomas (Cecilia) Cerafice, Dina (Pat) Snider and Michael (Chuok) Cerafice; grandchildren, Anthony (Ashley) Cerafice, Loren Cerafice, Stephen (Lauren) Snider, Celeste (Brandon) Allen and Hunter and Taylor Cerafice; great-grandsons, Solomon and Cassius Cerafice; brother, Thomas (Geraldine) Cerafice; nieces and nephews, Gregory (Ruben), Darlene, Dawn (Joe), Dayna and Thomas, Jr.; brother-in-law, Howard; sister-in-law, Abbe (Greg) O’Brien.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 10 am until 1 pm Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township, please dress in your best golf outfits. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.

Carolanne Sabatini Macaluso, 88, of West Long Branch, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born in Madison, NJ and lived inElizabeth, Kenilworth, and Neptune before settling at the Jersey Shore.
She was a graduate of Cranford High School and was awarded a scholarship to Montclair State Teachers College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Physical Education. She was most active in college and community events, sang with a jazz band, and was a member of Sigma Delta Pi sorority. Upon graduating in 1957, Carol was chosen for “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.”

She began her teaching career at Roselle Park High School. She also taught at Wood-Ridge High School and spent the remaining years of her long teaching career at Ocean Township schools. During her career she returned to Montclair State to complete a second Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. In 1973, she earned a Master’s degree in Student Personnel Services and became a guidance counselor at Ocean Township High School until her retirement in 2000. In her retirement, Carol remained an active member of the retired NJEA, MCEA, and NEA teachers’ organizations. Carol was an active member of several organizations in her community including a member of the board for the Friends of the West Long Branch Library, a communicant of St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church, a recreation soccer coach, and President of the Shore Regional Booster Club.

She enjoyed a myriad of interests which included a love of reading, gardening, travel, music, theatre, and all manner of sports. She was a loyal friend and was fortunate to have a devoted circle of friends who loved and supported her throughout her life.

Carol is predeceased by her mother, Irene Trezza Sabatini, her father Jerry Sabatini, her daughter MaryEllen Macaluso, former spouse Russell Macaluso, and brother Jerry Sabatini.
She is survived by her son Tim, his wife Anita and three beloved grandchildren Thomas (TJ), Antonio (Tony), and Lily Rose. She is also survived by many loving cousins, nephews, and nieces of the Sabatini, Macaluso, Trezza, and Paulucci families.

For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.

Meredith L. Fox, 73, of Ocean Township, passed away surrounded by family on August 12, 2024 at home. She was born in Plainfield, NJ to the late Reginald and Mary (Dymock) Lowe.

Meredith spent her childhood and adolescence in Chatham, NJ. She started her college career at Cazenovia College in New York and then completed her Bachelor’s degree at Boston University. She worked as an Art Teacher for Hackettstown School District for over 30 years. She was a talented watercolor artist and her creative home decor was extraordinary. She was a resident of Denville, NJ before settling in Ocean Township in 2018.

Her greatest joy in life was her daughter Alyson and her grandsons. She played a huge role in their lives. Whether it was helping them get ready for school in the morning to make the bus or cheering them on at Ocean Township’s sporting events. She was their biggest fan! She also cherished her huge family, loved a good time, and never forgot a birthday! In her spare time, she could be found reading books, biking or playing pickle-ball. Meredith enjoyed music and her favorite band was the Rolling Stones. Every year, Meredith looked forward to baking Christmas cookies with her daughter, Alyson and her grandsons.

She is predeceased by her husband, Gerald and her brother, Jay Lowe. Surviving is her loving daughter, Alyson and her husband Ronnie Collins, her cherished grandsons, Aiden and Brody Collins and her dear brothers and sister in-laws, Matthew and Ann, Gregory and Laurie, Randolph and Terri, Darren and Patty and Christopher and Michelle Lowe.

Also surviving are her nieces and nephews, Jennifer and Ian, Daniel and Robin, Sarah and Brendan, Elliot and Ovgu, Erik and Zandy, Jonathan and Caitlin, Michael, Tess, Kate, Kristina, Brendan and Matt, Ryan and Lauren, Tyler, Maureen, Abigail and Christopher, her great nieces and nephews, Colton and Keaton, Bowen, Hailey, Rylin, Miller, Mila and her sister in laws, Betsy Birch and Patricia Gale and their children.

A private celebration of Meredith’s life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen or a Charity of your Choice.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Meredith L. Fox please visit our Bongarzone Sympathy Store.

Michael Joseph Lomazzo, 87, of Eatontown, passed away at home on August 8, 2024. He was born in Connecticut to the late Sam and Jenny (Yovino) Lomazzo. Michael, known as “Mr. Mike” had a passion for golf and was a horse racing enthusiast.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheryl Stoothoff Lomazzo, his loving sons, Michael Lomazzo and his wife Michele and Christopher Lomazzo and his wife Jessica and his cherished grandchildren, Michael Lomazzo and Kayleigh Lomazzo. Also surviving are his dear sisters; Pam Alford, Janet Chavalier and Donna Toth.

All services are private and under the direction of the Bongarzone Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Michael’s memory to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael Joseph Lomazzo please visit our Sympathy Store.

Ricardo Hilario, 94. of Eatontown NJ, passed away peacefully, on Friday August 2, 2024, at home with his loving family by his side. He was born and raised in Bautista Pangasinan Philippines, and came to the United States in 1996 settling in Eatontown NJ. before coming to the United States, he worked as a payroll clerk for the Philippine Plywood Corporation, a lumber company for over 50 years. Ricardo and his late wife Anita enjoyed entertaining their friends where they engaged in singing and dancing. He also enjoyed the beach and fishing.
He was predeceased by his wife Anita Guerrero Hilario in 2016, his parents Ignacio Bugarin Hilario and Francisca Galsim Hilario, his sons Ceasar Hilario and Edgar Ricardo Hilario Jr. Surviving are his children; Adora Dalupan (Emmanuel), Belinda Hilario, Daisy Hilario, Ferdinand Hilario (Josephine), Gina Hilario Millamena (Winston), Josephine Manejable (Felix). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ricardo Hilario please visit our Bongarsone Sympathy Store.