Long Branch Celebrates Italian Heritage Month
October 17, 2024Long Branch Columbus Day Parade a Big Hit With The Town
October 18, 2024Mary Jane Celli, Ed.D., 90 of Long Branch passed away peacefully Sunday, October 13th.
She was born in Hartford, CT to the late Dorothea Fraser Baxter and J. Welles Baxter. She was a resident of Long Branch since 1959 and served as a Councilwoman for thirty years. Dr. Celli was very active in the community and loved serving her constituents. She received the Louis Libutti Award for community service with her fellow Council members.
She retired from Forth Monmouth, New Jersey as a federal executive having served for 38 years. She worked as a Supervisory Program Analyst in the Program Manager, Satellite Communications.
She was a Korean War veteran. She served in the US Air Force and is a lifetime member of JWV Post 125, American Legion Post 346, VFW Post 2140, and KWVA Chapter 216. She was very proud of her military service and having served her country.
Dr. Celli was a distinguished graduate of Brookdale Community College and served on their Advisory Board. She furthered her education at Kean University with a degree in Business Administration. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a Masters degree in Public Administration and later received a Doctorate in Education Leadership with honors from Temple University, all while working full time. She also was a graduate of the London Business School.
She was an honorary member of Neptune Hose Co. #1, Atlantic Hose Company, Phil Daly’s and the Oceanic Fire Co., all Long Branch. Many of her activities in the community were as a member of the Coastal Drug Alliance Committee and serving as the liaison to the Long Branch Senior Center. She was a member of the Long Branch Rotary Club. She served as a Trustee at the Monmouth Family Health Care Facility, on the New Hope Board of Trustees and was a Director at the First Atlantic Federal Credit Union, a trustee of the Long Branch Historical Association and the Long Branch Historical Museum (Church of the Presidents).
Dr. Celli was a Past President of the Woman’s Club of Long Branch, Inc., and the Holy Trinity Seniors. She was also Past President of the New Jersey Federation of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) and Past President of Chapter 411, NARFE. She also was a former member of the Long Branch Planning Board and the Long Branch Free Library Board of Trustees.
Dr. Celli was very active in her church and served as a Lector, Eucharist Minister, a member of the Holy Trinity Rosary Altar Society and a bereavement minister. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a member of Long Branch Pop Warner and an Ice Hockey Mom.
Dr. Celli was predeceased by her husband and former Long Branch Councilman Michael G. Celli, Sr. in 1998 and her daughter-in-law Catherine Celli in 2024. She is survived by one son, Judge Michael G. Celli, Jr. along with several nieces and nephews.
Visitation Thursday, October 17tth 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Mass of Christian burial Friday, October 18th 10:00 am at Holy Trinity RC Church, 408 Prospect Street, Long Branch. Burial to follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch. Donations may be made in Dr. Celli’s memory to Long Branch Recreation Christmas Toy Drive, 344 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740.
Keith Michael Scarpino passed away on October 15, 2024, at the age of 67 in Jackson, New Jersey. Born on December 26, 1956, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Keith was a beloved figure known for his kindness, loving nature, and great sense of humor. He cherished his family and friends deeply, bringing joy and laughter into their lives.
Keith had a successful career in the culinary arts. He was the head chef at Monmouth University for over a decade, where he was admired for his culinary skills and creativity. Additionally, Keith ran his own catering company with his cousin, Linda Lucia, showcasing his passion for food and his entrepreneurial spirit.
Outside of his professional life, Keith had a talent for drawing, often capturing the beauty of life through his artwork. His artistic skills were another avenue through which he expressed his creativity and connected with those around him.
Keith is survived by his brother Richard Scarpino, nephew Evan Scarpino, and cousin Helen Lucia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Rosemarie Scarpino, and his grandparents, Gerald and Arlene Russomano, as well as Ernie and Louise Scarpino.
Keith’s legacy of love, laughter, and culinary excellence will be remembered by all who knew him.
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 Keith Michael Scarpino, please visit our floral store.
George K. Bicking, 84, of Holmdel, died on Monday, October 14, 2024.
George was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Dorothy and George A Bicking. He was raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY attending and graduating from Fort Hamilton High School. George began working after high school in Manhattan. He served his country honorably in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. George and his wife married, and while in college for his bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College, they began their family. Eventually, George and his family settled in Hazlet, and then Holmdel. He was the founder/owner of Garden State Securities in Manalapan.
George enjoyed fishing, especially on the trips with his family. He also enjoyed building 3D boat puzzles, watching Seinfeld, Jeopardy, Jaws, and old Westerns. Most of all, George loved the company of his family.
George is survived by his loving wife Carolee Bicking, and his children George and his wife Karen Bicking of Bridgewater and Cara and her husband Brian Giardelli of Hazlet, his sister Pamela Hall and her husband Russell, and beloved grandchildren Brendan, Tyler, and Aria.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17 from 4pm – 8pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, October 18 at 11am at St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel.
For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of George, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com
Philip L. Tomaine Jr., lovingly known as Phil, of Long Branch, passed away on October 10, 2024 at the age of 65.
Phil leaves sisters Phyllis V. Tomaine (David E. Tuells) of Boston MA, Vivian Tomaine Penta (Anthony Penta) , nephew Landon Penta of Lincroft NJ and partner Trish Walsh of Long Branch. He also leaves many cousins and good friends in the Long Branch area. He is predeceased by his parents Philip L. Tomaine, Sr and his mother Vivian Guaranda Tomaine.
Phil lived in Long Branch his entire life, attended Holy Trinity Roman Catholic School and graduated from Long Branch High School. He worked for Waterford Crystal, Wall NJ and A&D Landscaping West Long Branch in earlier years. More recently, he worked at Monmouth Medical Center during and after the covid years. He was very active in Long Branch Community volunteer work such as Long Branch House of Hope, Ezekiel’s Wheels, and St. Luke’s Food Pantry. Phil was also a Long Branch Hometown Hero for his volunteer work during covid. He will be greatly missed by all.
A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Phil’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or via the web by visiting https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now.
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 Philip L. Tomaine, Jr., please visit our floral store.
Helen M. (Wainright) Meyer, 95, passed away October 13 at Jersey Shore Medical Center. She was a resident of Tinton Falls, and formerly lived in Oceanport and Middletown. Born November 19, 1928, in Long Branch, she was a graduate of Long Branch High School.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Robert S. Meyer, in 2012. They married January 28, 1951, and she followed him to Frankfurt, Germany, when he served during the Korean Conflict before returning to the Jersey shore.
Mrs. Meyer was an accomplished golfer, having played for many years with her husband at Old Orchard Country Club. Together, they traveled throughout the U.S. and played golf at numerous well-known courses.
Mrs. Meyer worked for a number of years in the records department of Monmouth Memorial Hospital. She was a communicant of St. Dorothea’s Church in Eatontown.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by brothers Robert “Rip” Wainright, Daniel Wainright and Joseph Wainright, sisters Hazel Butler, Myrtle Pieper and Frances Wilson. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Services will be private.
Michaeline I. Odom, affectionately known as Mike, passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a sudden decline in her health on October 6, 2024, at the age of 79 in Long Branch, NJ. Born on March 24, 1945, in Perth Amboy, NJ, and raised in Carteret, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Irene Hila. She was also predeceased by her sisters Doris Newshafer and Bernadine A. Blair, her beloved husband Bentley “Butch” R. Odom Jr., her father and mother-in-law Remell and Bentley Odom Sr., and her brothers-in-law Daniel and Andre Bellinger.
She is survived by her goddaughter Brendaly (Isaac) Portillo, her god-grandchildren Eliel and Annabelle Gomez of Pennsauken, NJ, Thomas Odom Sr. of W. Long Branch, Greg Odom (Marie) of Freehold, Donald Odom (Arlys) of Newark, DE, and Thomas Odom Jr. (Sarah) of Toms River, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Michaeline was a well know educator in the City of Long Branch Public School District and she is remembered for the love of teaching those students with special needs for over 35 years and becoming department chair. Michaeline also wore a few other hats in her career. In the 1970’s she was appointed assistant head teacher of the districts alternate school, that was based at the Iama. Simultaneously, she became the cheerleading advisor at the Middle School only to move up through the years to the varsity squad coach. She was also a member of various committees within the district as well as the state level. In the late 90’s she took on the position of the districts Work/Study Coordinator which was a program funded by the state to help students at risk. In this roll she worked with students who had dropped out of school or were in jeopardy of dropping out and needed to work and continue their education. She was a blessing to many of those who knew her personally – she will be greatly missed.
In her spare time she loved to travel to Atlantic City with Butch, spend time with her family, read the newspaper, play word games and pamper herself to a nice relaxing day at the salon. Michaeline has requested all services to be held privately and at a later date her family will be holding a Celebration of Life. Details to follow.
Her parting words to all were: “To all those who knew her and dear to her to do something special for someone. Be kind to each other – love one another.”
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 Michaeline I. Odom, please visit our floral store.
Mary A. Ellis, 85, of Rumson passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 13th.
Margaret R Riebesell, 91, of Elberon, Long Branch, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
She was born in Jersey City and lived in Plainfield before moving to Elberon over 50 years ago.
She worked in the credit department at Central Jersey Bank in Freehold for many years before retiring.
She was communicant of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in West End, Long Branch and a member of the Rosary Altar Society.
She was predeceased by her husband, Christian; her parents, Ottavio and Antoinette Marmora and her siblings, Antoinette Marmora, Anne Yaccarine, Vincent Marmora, Dolores Graniero, Rita Samuels and Anthony Marmora.
Surviving is 4 children, Mari Ann Weinberg and husband Eric, Debra Sabbia and husband Joseph, Rita Russomanno and husband Michael and Christian Riebesell and wife MaryAnne: 8 grandchildren, Danielle Knight, Deirdre Arakanchi, Joseph Sabbia, Raina Beraud , Michael and Nicole Russomanno, Samantha and Marisa Riebesell and 9 great-grandchildren, Christopher and Cameron Knight, Eli Arakanchi, Juliana and Donovan Beraud, Miles and Amelia Sabbia and Michael and Mia Russomanno, 2 sisters, Lydia Solari, Mary Sause and a brother, Ottavio Marmora.
Visitation wasuesday at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral Mass will be offered at noon Tuesday at St. Michael’s Church in West End, Long Branch. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in West Long Branch. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Sandra Elias, 86, of Ocean Township, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, October 6 th,2024 after losing her battle with an aggressive cancer. She was born October 15 th, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Sam and Tilly. She was previously married to Joseph Elias, the father of her 4 beautiful children. She later remarried Mathew Bregoff in 2001, who preceded her in death.
Sandra graduated high school and started her family young. She pursued secondary school later while raising her kids as a single mom where she eventually obtained a PhD in clinical psychology. Sandra worked at helping
troubled young men and then eventually opened a private practice as a psychologist.
Sandra enjoyed the ocean, nature, boating and in her younger years camping. She also adored all that is Mickey mouse and Disney world.
Sandra was active in the life of her church at United Methodist Church in Oakhurst, NJ. She sang in the choir and loved meeting with her Miriam Circle ladies. She also was active in the Monmouth County senior group
participating in the walking group, aerobics and other activities. She had a special late-life companion, Marty Wirth, that she traveled, danced and enjoyed life with until she passed.
Much loved mother of son David Elias married to Susan Elias, daughters, Davra Elias (deceased), Dawn Elias married to Doug Breen, Dale Cupo married to John Cupo and a step daughter Andrea Thompson. She passed
on a rich heritage of how to have a strong work ethic, love and acceptance of others and the joy of being adventurous.
Her living legacy includes numerous grandchildren who love her dearly and whose memories are filled with adventures with grandma, especially the beach and Disney trips. No trip was complete without singing along to some of grandma’s favorite childhood songs. Kirsten Diane, Michael Elias, Ryan Richard, Emily Michelle, Jacob Joseph, Danielle Rose, Benjamin Joseph, Jamar Kyle, Mariah Lynne, Alexander Cooper and Murray James will never forget her tenacity, wit, silliness, grace and undying love for them. Great grandmother of Kira Esther, Liam John, Avery Emmanuela, Augusta Cleopatra, and Zuri Truth with 2 more great grandbabies on the way.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 103 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, New Jersey 07755 (732) 531-1150 on Saturday, November 16th at 1:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easter Seals of N J http://easterseals.com/. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Kathleen “Kathy” Bruno Celli, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Born on March 29, 1945, raised in Asbury Park, NJ, Kathy was the eldest child of Jersey Shore football coach William “Butch” Bruno and Patricia Bruno, teacher and community leader. From a young age Kathy demonstrated the kindness, strength, and intelligence that would shape her life and career.
Kathy began her education at Holy Spirit Grammar School in Asbury Park and graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1963. She followed her calling to help others and pursued a career in nursing, graduating from St. Francis Nursing School in 1965. Her passion for healthcare led her to earn an MBA from Monmouth University in 1985. She served in senior leadership roles at both Monmouth and CentraState Medical Centers. At the age of 51, Kathy’s career took a new direction when she became a health administration leader for the Long Branch School District. Over her 25-year tenure, she touched countless lives, dedicating herself to the well-being of children and their families. She served as a strong advocate for children’s health services, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that they received the care and attention they needed to thrive. Kathy’s achievements in both healthcare and education were recognized with numerous awards.
She was the recipient of CentraState President’s Award, candidate for Monmouth County Woman of the Year; the CentraState Nursing Council Award; Laboratory Corp President’s Award-Northeast region; The Long Branch Veterans of Foreign War Community Service Award and the recipient of The Latino American Association of Monmouth County. Kathy’s greatest pride and joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother to her only son, Matthew, whom she raised with her husband Charles. Their bond was extraordinary, and she found immense joy in seeing Matthew grow into the man he became. When Matt met and married Nicole, Kathy welcomed her into the family with open arms and love. Her love for her family only deepened with the arrival of her grandson, Little Matt, with whom she shared a special relationship. She was especially proud that he chose Monmouth University as his undergraduate home, a place that held personal significance to her.
A lifelong fan of football, Kathy especially loved watching Notre Dame and the Pittsburgh Steelers games, a passion passed down from her father. On the day she passed, Notre Dame had a bye week, needless to say she wasn’t thrilled. Kathy also struggled to truly love the Mets. She became a fan of the NHL at age 75 and adopted the Houston Texans as a team to root for… as long as they didn’t play the Steelers. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Butch and Patricia Bruno, her brother Bill and brother-in- law Kevin Glass. She is survived by her son Matthew, his wife Nicole, her beloved grandson Matt, former husband Charles; her sister Mary Pat Napolitano (Steve), and her brothers Peter Bruno and Jimmy Bruno. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews Ralph, Amy, Kimmy, Kyle, Eric, Gia and Christy, along with their spouses and children as well as her favorite cousin Sister Elizabeth Dalessio, MPF and dearest friend Violet Peters. A special thank you to Dr. Angelo Chinnici, nurses and medical assistants on Mehandru Pavilion 5th floor. She was one of you. Kathy’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to those she loved and served will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation was Oct. 11 at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 am Saturday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Asbury Park. Burial will follow at St.Catharine’s Cemetery in Wall. Please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com for condolences.
Mary Ida Jones, of Neptune, , transitioned into heaven, peacefully, in her sleep on Friday, September 6, 2024.
Mary, affectionately known to family and some lifelong friends as “Sis” was born to the late Philip Marshae Webster and Maria (Copeland) Webster on October 16, 1938. Mary was the oldest of five girls and embodied all the traits of being the first born — she was feisty, sassy, funny, and daring! She was always proud to tell the story of how, as a young girl, she ran away from home to marry the love of her life, Oris “Bill” Jones. Mary and Oris’ love story spanned over fifty-five years, until he was called home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2012. Mary and Oris were the very proud parents of their only son Jason.
As a young girl, Mary was educated in the Monmouth County New Jersey school system. Upon leaving high school, Mary became a Licensed Practical Nurse and retired after working over thirty committed and dedicated years at several New Jersey hospitals. Before becoming ill, Mary attended, and was a faithful member and Deaconess of Second Baptist Church in Long Branch for over sixty years. Mary enjoyed singing in the senior choir and she often sang solos and duets along with her husband Oris. Mary was a free-spirited person; she wasn’t a respecter of status or position. She enjoyed chatting, joking, and laughing with all in whom she came in contact.
Mary traveled with her granddaughters on many road trips. A highlight that she often spoke of was the trip to DiLexus’ pageant in Florida, as she had never been to that state. She would travel again to Florida to go to Disney World with the girls in 2022. She was one of DiLexus’ and Jailiah’s biggest fans, she went to countless events and always expressed how proud she was of them. Amongst her many travels, Mary had the opportunity to live in Louisiana for a period of time. While living in Louisiana she was lovingly called “Nana” and “Aunt Mary from NJ;” she enjoyed living in the “south” with so many family members that cared for and loved her; but she would be quick to remind that she was a “Jersey Girl.”
Mary is preceded in death by three sisters, Rebecca Webster, Dorothy Gaskin, and Shirley Echols and a dear nephew, Rickie Webster.
She leaves to mourn, her son Jason; granddaughters, DiLexus Michelle, Jailiah Alexandria, and Angel Perro; two sisters, Irene Hundley of Washington, State, and Marjorie Tittle of Pennsylvania; very dear friends Ethel & Andrew Hughie, Louise Coyne, Betty Lester, and Dale Cofer, many in-laws, and a host of great grands, great-great grands, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and friends. Mary will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
Lisa Denise Bell, daughter and one of four siblings to the late Ruby Bell and Edward Anderson, was born on March 13, 1965, in Long Branch, New Jersey and entered eternal rest on October 1, 2024.
Lisa was born and raised in Long Branch, New Jersey and remained there throughout her adulthood, as well as raising her family there. Lisa attended Long Branch High School, where she played basketball and later received her High School Diploma. Lisa was employed as a dietitian and worked as a Certified Home Health Aide during her young adulthood. Later in life, Lisa switched careers and became a Switchboard Operator for many years at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, New Jersey. Lisa then moved onto becoming an Administrative Assistant for the Long Branch Housing Authority. Throughout her various careers one thing was always consistent, Lisa was known for always being there to lend a helping hand and listening ear to her colleagues.
Lisa adored her mother and took pride in protecting and caring for her in aging years. Lisa was very passionate about DIY arts and crafts and shared this special hobby with her late mother, Ruby.
Lisa loved to travel and meet new people and enjoyed trying different foods at restaurants. Lisa’s biggest inspiration and joy was being a grandma to both of her grandsons. She helped her daughter, Jasmine to make sure they had what they needed in life and spoiled them tremendously every chance she had.
Lisa is preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Bell, her father Edward (Chunky) Anderson, and her sister, Bernadette Bell.
Lisa leaves to mourn her son Berkeley Edward Hutchinson, lll (Elizabeth, NJ); her daughter Jasmine Ladina Bell (Long Branch, NJ); her sister, Uvette Dowdell (& Eddie), Hephzibah, GA.; her Grandsons Elijah (Bam) Rucker and Chase (the Great) Cosby. She is also survived by two aunts Pearl Bell, Hepzibah, GA and Betty Wedner (Ernest), Long Branch, NJ; one Uncle James Bell (Gloria), Pembrooke, FL; her closest cousin, Sarah Ivory, Winchester, VA; along with 2 nieces, 2 nephews, a host of cousins and lifelong friends. In addition, many close colleagues that were like family.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following: Jasmine Bell @ $freshfacephoe, Berkeley Hutchinson @ $bhutch1010, Uvette Dowdell @ $CoolCash126 or Zelle to 706-495-5866. VISITATION was Monday 10-14-2024, Lawson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 243 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Born on August 24, 1926, in Jersey City, Alice was known for her dedication to family; her selfless and compassionate nature; her intelligence, warmth, humor, and beauty; and her wide circle of friends.
Hoboken, Gregory Mauriello of Ludlow, VT (Janet), Mark Mauriello of Long Branch (Joanne) and Thomas Mauriello of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren, Nicholas Kelly (Sara), Claire Kelly (Robin), Todd Mauriello (Diana), Daniel Mauriello (Lindsay), Alice Johnson, Letizia Mauriello,
Natalie Mauriello and Cornelius Kuhn-Larson (Bridget); and five great-grandchildren, Dominic Mauriello, Marco Mauriello, Nicholas Mauriello, Alistair Liu and Sylvie Liu.