City of Long Branch January Calendar
January 6, 2025
NJREP’s 2025 Season of Hot New Plays
January 7, 2025
John J. Donohue 67, of Long Branch, passed away on January 1, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
John had a distinguished career in law enforcement, retiring as a Detective Lieutenant from the Asbury Park Police Department in 1999 after many years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, he embraced various roles, but none brought him more joy than becoming a grandfather. John cherished every moment with his grandsons, Domenic and Devin, taking them on countless adventures—skiing, motorcycle rides, and spending summers at “Pop’s Summer Camp.” His love for his family, especially his daughter and grandkids, was a central part of his life.
A man of boundless energy and adventure, John lived life to the fullest. From skydiving to skiing, he was always seeking new thrills. He even took on a second career as a ski instructor in Colorado, a role he took great pride in. John was also an avid traveler, often seen on the road riding his prized Harley Davidson or pulling his RV, and he enjoyed many cruises around the world. He had a deep appreciation for good food, great company, and sharing laughter with friends. Above all, John loved to live big, and he did just that throughout his life.
John was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His door and heart were always open. Whether offering advice, support, or simply a listening ear, John had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and cared for.
He was predeceased by his parents John and Margaret Donohue as well as his youngest brother, Robert Donohue. Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Rose and Tony DeMarzo of Long Branch; his grandsons, Domenic and Devin; and his four siblings, Tom Donohue, Mary Hull and her husband Chuck, Chrissy Whalen and her husband Frank, and Mike Donohue, and his nieces and nephews
In accordance with John’s wishes, a private cremation will take place at Holy Cross Crematory, Jamesburg. To share a favorite memory or send condolences, please visit www.woolleyboglioli.com.
Gerard James Veritas, aged 83, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Red Bank. Born on January 25, 1941, in Jersey City, he lived a life marked by devotion to his family and service to his community.
Gerard served honorably in the United States Navy, dedicating himself to his country with the same vigor and commitment he applied to every area of his life. After his military service, he embarked on a career that included significant roles such as a Computer Tech/Card Reader at RCA in Jersey City, NJ, and later as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at the New Hope Foundation in Marlboro, NJ. His professional life was characterized by diligence and a deep desire to help others.
A devout member of St. Dorothea’s Roman Catholic Church in Eatontown, Gerard’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing strength and comfort through his many years.
Gerard was a caring, loving, and intelligent man, cherished by those who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Viola Veritas; his son, Michael Veritas and his wife, Kathleen; his daughters, Debbie Veritas and her husband, Buddy Sponenberg, and Jean Pauciello and her husband, Jim. Gerard’s legacy also lives on through his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta and Bernard Veritas, and his brother, Howard Veritas.
Visitations will be held at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 4:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to attend the interment on Wednesday, January 8th at 12:15 pm at Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Riverview Medical Center, c/o Margaret Valenti-Nurse Manager Oncology, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
Gerard’s life and memory will be honored in the hearts of his family and community forever. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerard J. Veritas, please visit our floral store.
Beverly M. Engler, 74 of Johns Island, SC died at her home on December 30th.
She was a Retired Registered Nurse working in the Emergency Room at several Monmouth and Middlesex County Emergency Rooms.
Beverly’s happy place was her log cabin in the Masthope Mountain Community in Pennsylvania, where she and her family would spend many happy days together. Her most cherished times were spent with her grandchildren Jordan & Zachary. She enjoyed traveling and had done a cruise to Alaska for her 60th birthday. Recently she traveled with her sisters to see Mt. Rushmore.
The holidays were always a favorite time of year, she particularly enjoyed baking her Christmas cookies and listening to Mariah Carey’s Christmas music. Beverly was a fan of the Ohio State Buckeye football team and her favorite professional team was the Kansas City Chiefs, and her favorite player was Patrick Mahomes. Beverly enjoyed lemon drop martinis along with Long Island iced teas.
Beverly was pre-deceased by her brother Gerald Engler.
Surviving is her daughter and son-in-law, Joy and Tom Hueston Johns Island; three sisters, Barbara Baloga, Patty and her husband Kurt Bender and Lisa Moores; her two grandchildren, Jordan and Zachary Hueston; and her granddog, Pearl; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation Wednesday, January 8th, 2 to 6 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. With respect to Beverly’s wishes a private cremation will take place at Holy Cross Crematory, Jamesburg.
Lori Jeanne (Cremona) Soto of Long Branch, New Jersey passed away in her home on December 27th, 2024 at the young age of 63. She suffered a long battle with epilepsy from the age of 6 until her passing. She was born October 30, 1961 in Saddle Brook, NJ to the late Leonard and Marie Cremona.
She spent her life living in Upstate New York where she had 3 children. She then moved back to New Jersey where she met the love of her life who she later married on January 27, 1994. She was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold who would help anyone who needed it! She was one of the strongest women we have ever known with a little of her Italian fire.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years Ruben Soto, two of her children Kevin Dutcher (Kayla) and Jessica Dutcher, three bonus children Margaret Wagner, Ruben Jr., and Noel Soto, as well as 7 grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers and sisters Tom, Lynn, Curt, Wendy, and Lisa. She is predeceased by both her parents and her eldest son Nigel Bruce Dutcher Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epilepsy Foundation by visiting the web at https://give.epilepsy.com/page/33651/donate/1?locale=en-US. or by mail with a check to Attn: Donor Services Epilepsy Foundation 3540 Crain Highway Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716.
The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lori Soto, please visit our floral store.
Robert Czeslaw, 71, of Long Branch, suddenly passed away on Friday December 27,2024, at Monmouth Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends.
Born in Jersey City, during April of 1953, to Audrey and Sylvester, Robert lived most of his life in Long Branch. After attending Long Branch High School, Robert gained knowledge of carpentry, by learning to frame houses in Western Monmouth County. Over time, Robert became an expert within his trade, having never received formal vocational training. Some major accomplishments include overseeing projects such as the Coast Guard Housing and second Sea Gulls’ Nest at Sandy Hook, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, The Lakewood BlueClaws Ball Park, and the refurbishment of Hangars 5 and 6 at Joint Base McGuire. Robert also provided craftsmanship for extended family members and friends. In 2011, Robert proudly retired from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Union Local 254. Not one who enjoyed the idleness of sitting around for too long, Robert picked up a hammer to use his skillsets once more. He spent the next seven years as the Lead Carpenter restoring a manor on the bluffs of the Navesink River for a private couple.
Robert had a passion for the outdoors. Growing up several blocks from the Atlantic, he developed an appreciation for the beach and ocean. Like his father before him, the thrill of fishing had set its hook. As the self-proclaimed best angler in the family, no weather could deter Robert. He would often tell others, “The fish don’t know it’s raining.” Robert was a capable angler who caught his share of fluke, salmon, and tuna. But chasing after striped bass during the fall run brought him the most excitement. He enjoyed the challenge of the hunt! Spending many crisp nights on the tip of a jetty casting a set group of bombers. With the largest striper he ever landed, being 39LBS on Cottage Place.
To describe Robert as an avid sports fan is an understatement. He followed the New York Rangers and Yankees but lived for the Pittsburgh Steelers. When he was a teenager, the Steeler’s black and gold uniform had caught his eye. After the Championship Dynasty of the Steel Curtain, Robert’s faith in the Steelers never faltered. A superstitious fan, he wore the same weathered jersey with a terrible towel resting over his left shoulder, and a statue of Jack Lambert placed to the left of the television. The highlight of his fandom was a trip to Pittsburgh for a home game against the Dallas Cowboys during the 2008/2009 season. The Steelers not only came from behind to win that day but became Superbowl Champions as well.
More than anything else, Robert will be remembered as an everyday guy, who was a devoted family man and friend. Regardless if one had last spoken to Robert a week, or year prior, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Robert was predeceased by his parents Sylvester and Audrey, younger brothers Ian and Anthony, and older sisters, Michele, Yvonne, and Jackie. Surviving are his wife of nearly fifty years, Kim Marie, their sons, Jason and Ryan, his brothers William and David, his partner Bob Grisanti, and sisters Sylvia, her husband Ron Rella and Elaine, and her husband John Callery. Also surviving are Robert’s brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws; Brian and Gayle Dougherty, Barbara Dziedzic, Gregory and Teresa Cattanach, Eugene and Patricia Rinaldi and his many nieces, nephews, and friends. If Robert went out of his way to help you, to honor that friendship, perform an act of kindness unto another, or consider donating to the Monmouth County SPCA.
In accordance with Robert’s wishes, there will be no funeral. In place, a celebration of his life shall transpire at a later time.
Cheryl A. Gregory (née Juliano), aged 69, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. Born on July 26, 1955, in Long Branch, NJ, she graduated Long Branch High School and spent her entire life in the Long Branch and Ocean Township areas.
Cheryl spent 26 years working at Fort Monmouth as an Accounting Technician and later as a Budget Analyst. Beyond her professional endeavors, she shared her musical talents as a cantor at Holy Trinity Church in Long Branch, NJ and St. Thomas More in Manalapan, NJ.
She was a loving wife, step-mother, step-grandmother, and a cherished friend to many. Her passion for crocheting benefited thousands. Her handcrafted port pillows and chemo caps brought comfort to countless patients at local hematology/oncology practices throughout Monmouth County.
She is survived by her step-son, Sean M. Gregory and step-granddaughters, Alyssa and Katie Gregory. Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank J. Gregory, and her parents, Sandra and Vincent Juliano.
A visitation will be held at Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch, NJ, on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 6 pm until time of service at 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cheryl’s memory to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation via the web by visiting Donate to Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation.
The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cheryl A. Gregory, please visit our floral store.
Francis A. “Bucky” Grimm, Jr, born February 16, 1943 died on December 26th at the Monmouth Medical Center.
Mr. Grimm lived most of his life in Long Branch. He graduated from Long Branch Senior High School in 1961 and then attended Upsala College in 1962. After becoming a bank teller at New Jersey National Bank in Deal, Mr. Grimm enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964 and served as an Air Police K-9 Officer. He served in Vietnam at Da Nang Air Base in K-9 Security in 1966-67, he was honorably discharged from active duty in 1968.
In 1968 he began working on the New York & Long Branch Railroad as a tower man, joining the International Brotherhood of Railway, Airline & Steamship Clerks Union and served in the local as the Recording, Financial, Secretary, and Treasurer for 5 years.
In 1975 he became a Volunteer Fireman, joining the Elberon Engine Co. of the Long Branch Fire Department. He served as Captain in 1980 and 1984. In 1980 he was awarded the Golden Helmet Award as the outstanding student from the L.B.F.D. Training division. In 1991 he became Secretary of Elberon Engine Co. serving until December 2010. He also served as Secretary of the Trustees of the L.B.F.D. Fireman’s Relief Assoc. from 2003 until 2010.
In 1983 he became a Federal Firefighter at Fort Monmouth and served as the Secretary of Local F103 for 5 years. He retired from the Department as a Driver/Operator in 2003. After retiring from the Fire Dept. He became a member of the Emerald Society of Monmouth County.
Bucky was a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 12 in Monmouth County and served as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was an active member of the VFW Post 2140, Long Branch. In 2000, Mr. Grimm helped found the United States War Dog Association and served as the Association’s Treasurer. The U.S. Was Dog Association raised, $100,000.00 by 2006 and dedicated the War Dog Memorial at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel.
For many years Bucky operated the Glenwood Cemetery, where he spent countless hours caring for the property. He loved to eat seafood and enjoyed many nice meals at Rooney’s, Bahr’s, Sitting Duck and Nunzio’s restaurants, his favorite meal was always Salmon and his favorite dessert was ice cream. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and was a season ticket holder for the New Jersey Devils.
Bucky loved music, following Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Stevie Nicks and Allison Kraus.
He was pre-deceased by his parents Francis A. “Bucky” Grimm, Sr. And Ella S. Grimm; his brother Tod D. Grimm and his sister Ella E. Boyington.
Bucky is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lenore Townsend Grimm; their children, Paul and his wife Susan Grimm, West Long Branch and Melissa and her husband Omar Hernandez, Long Branch; his brothers, Noah and wife Lori Grimm, and William Grimm; five grandchildren, Barbara, Parker, Ella, Sophia and Oliver.
Visitation was January 2nd, 4 until 7 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Funeral services Friday, January 3rd, 11 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, West Long Branch.
Rocco F. Raimondi, Jr., 90, a lifelong resident of Long Branch, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
He owned J&R Foods in Long Branch from 1968 until 2006. Prior to that he owned a bowling alley and bar in the Highlands. He was a communicant of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in West End, Long Branch.
He was predeceased by his parents, Rocco and Yolanda Raimondi; sister, Michelina Raimondi and brother, Dr. Joseph Raimondi.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Claire; son, Rocco Raimondi III and his wife Eva; 2 granddaughters and sister, Mary Gallo.
Services are private by the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Paula Perentesis, 92, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of her late husband, Peter Perentesis, with whom she shared 66 joyful years of marriage.
Born in, Epirus, Greece, on September 8, 1932, Paula was the daughter of the late William and Sotiria Pappas. She immigrated to the United States in 1948 with her brother, and settled in New York City. Paula worked as a secretary in Manhattan for several years before moving to Yonkers, NY, with her family. There, she helped her husband operate the Parkside Diner until their retirement, after which they moved to Palm Harbor, Florida. Paula and Peter shared a love of travel, visiting Greece and many other European countries throughout their lives.
Paula is survived by her loving son George Perentesis and his wife, Helen Demetriades of Colts Neck, NJ, and her adoring daughter, Valerie and her husband, Nikos Kolivodiakos of Madison, CT. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Jennifer and her husband Anthony Burrows, Jeffrey Kolivodiakos, and Penny and Costa Demetriades, as well as her great-granddaughter, Georgia Burrows.
Paula was a devout member of the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Yonkers, NY. In recent years, Paula attended several Greek Orthodox churches in the Palm Harbor area. Paula was known for her faith, kindness, and generosity.
Funeral services were January 2, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Ave, Ocean, NJ 07712. A brief visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 AM, prior to the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. George Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Neptune, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paula’s honor to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
William E. Blanchfield II, 79, of North Myrtle Beach, SC, formerly of Ocean Township, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
Born to William and Julia Blanchfield, Bill grew up in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. He lived in Ocean, NJ for over 40 years. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry as an owner of E & K Agency.
His professional achievements were many, but he was equally known for his passionate pursuit of golf, having played all 243 championship courses in NJ. He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed retirement with his wife, Cornelia. Bill cherished his family and friends, and his warm presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Marsha Noel, and his parents, William and Julia. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia, and her daughters, Alexis and Tracy; his son, Billy, and wife, Erin, and their daughters, Lexi and Sammi; his daughter, Lynda, and her husband, Paul, and their son, Benjamin. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers, Richard, Fred, and Bob.
In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
David Wallace Alcott Jr. “Wally”, 79, of Eatontown, passed away on Sunday December 29, 2024 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He was born in Newark, NJ to the late David and Margaret (Fink) Alcott. After graduating from High School he worked as a machinist in his father’s engineering and industrial design firm. His main career was as a computer programmer in major telecom companies for over 35 years.
Wally had a talent for playing the classical guitar and flamenco and could be found playing his guitar with complete contentment. He was a train buff and favored the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Wally was a Freemason, becoming a mason in 1967. He rose through the ranks and earned Worshipful Master at Washington Lodge No. 9 in Eatontown.
He often went down by the water, enjoying fishing or a casual conversation with a stranger. He welcomed people of all walks of life, treating everyone the same and just enjoying great conversation with them. His selflessness reached everyone as others happiness was his happiness. Memories of trips to Collingswood for pickles and teaching his grandchildren to drive are just a small piece of the cherished time we had with him.
His dedication to his family was strong, but his undeniable adoration and love for his wife Yvonne, of 55 years, was the most prominent to everyone who knew them. A man of everyday greatness, who had a pleasant demeanor and a great laugh. His absence will be felt deeply.
He is predeceased by his wife, Yvonne Alcott. He is survived by his loving children, David W. Alcott III, Stephen Alcott (wife Kimberly), Andrea (wife Katherine), his cherished grandchildren, Justin (wife Mirella), Julia, Austin, Amelia, Aidan, Shane, Caitlyn, Megan, Brendan and Brielle.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at the Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Rd., Tinton Falls, NJ 07712 on Saturday January 11, 2024 from 1-4 pm with a Masonic service beginning at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Wally’s memory to the American Heart Association.
Leonard J Kauffman, 77, a cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on 1/2/25 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He was born in Chester, Pa. to the late Alex Kauffman and Gertrude Rosenthal Kauffman. As a teen, he moved to Ocean Twp. NJ along with his parents and siblings.
After graduating high school, he became involved in his family’s businesses. For the last twenty-five years he and his son-in-law, Michael partnered a local HVAC and Sheet Metal Company. Leonard was a lover of animals and vintage cars. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He exemplified an astonishing work ethic and generously gave his time, sage advice and witty humor to all who knew and loved him.
Leonard was predeceased by his parents, sister Renee Naim, and brother Stephen Kauffman. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Williams, her husband Michael Williams and grandchildren, Gregory and Amanda. His sister, Brona Cohen, her three daughters and grandchildren. Leonard is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their children.
A celebration of Leonard’s life will take place at a date to be determined.
Robert Stephen Federocko “Bob” – Bob entered into rest January 1, 2025. Born and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey, he was the youngest child of Stephen and Anna Federocko. He graduated from Bayonne High School in 1956 and served as a munitions specialist in the U.S. Air Force, receiving a medal for good conduct. Bob earned both a Bachelor’s (‘66) and a Master’s (‘67) in education from Jersey City State College. He and his wife, Jane (Martin), married in July of 1967 and settled in Eatontown, where they raised their son and daughter, met lifelong friends, and continued to live until 2024. Bob taught Language Arts at Long Branch Middle School from 1967 – 1999, served as the director of the Monmouth Adult Education Commission (MAECOM) night school for 25 years, and was a proud member of the New Jersey Education Association. He remembered many of his students long into retirement, and often reminisced about his years as an educator.
Bob enjoyed taking long road trips during his summers off and in his retirement. He loved old Westerns and John Wayne movies, and the regal stature of bald eagles.
Bob was predeceased by his parents and two older sisters, Evelyn Federocko and Marie Bodayle. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane, his daughter Chris Ann Rider-Mammel and her husband, John, and son Stephen Federocko and his wife, Jennifer. “Pop-Pop” and his legendary comments and stories will be missed by his five grandsons: Zach Rider and fiancée Ashley Lyons, Chase Rider and girlfriend Hope Cahill, Kirby, Connor, and Gavin Federocko.
Bob is also survived by his nephew Billy Bodayle, sister-in-law, Alyce (Martin) Syp, nieces Karen (Syp) Betkowski, Wendy (Syp) Mulcahey, and his 7 great nieces and nephews.
Visitation hours will be from 3 – 6 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025. A short prayer service and eulogies will begin at 5, at Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes a donation to Operation Creekside, which supports families affected by military suicide (operationcreekside.org), or a charitable organization of your choice.
