Rodney Winston Kruse, aged 91, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, in his hometown of Long Branch, New Jersey. Born on April 8, 1933, in Long Branch, NJ, Rodney led a life marked by dedication to his community, love for his family, and a passion for life’s many joys.
Rodney’s career was distinguished by his role as a bank president, where his leadership and integrity were hallmarks of his professional life. His commitment to service was evident in his involvement with the Army, where he connected with fellow service members and upheld the values of duty and honor.
A graduate of Monmouth College, Rodney remained involved with his alma mater, serving on the college board and contributing to its development. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his professional achievements and his ongoing commitment to community service.
Rodney was a man of many interests, including gardening, taking walks, and being handy around the house. However, golf was his passion, and he could often be found on the greens, enjoying the game almost every day. His love for travel and good food also brought him great joy, especially when shared with his family.
A devout member of Elberon Memorial Church, Rodney’s faith was a central aspect of his life, guiding his actions and his approach to community service.
Rodney was preceded in death by his wives, Marie Kruse and Augusta Kruse. He is survived by a loving family: son Greg Kruse; daughter Cynthia Farmer; stepson Stephen Isaksen; stepdaughter Ingrid Haase and her husband, Donald; step-grandchildren Christina Brady, Melinda Murton, Jeremiah Murton, and Ava Murton; and step-great-grandchildren Ethan Brady and Carter Brady.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 18, from 5pm to 7pm at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave., Long Branch, NJ. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, 9:30 am at the funeral home with the service to begin at 10 am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown.
Rodney’s life will be celebrated and remembered for the profound impact he had on those around him and the community he cherished. The Damiano Funeral Home is assisting the family during this time. Rodney Winston Kruse’s legacy of joy, service, and leadership will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
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 Rodney Winston Kruse, please visit Damiano floral store.
Dylan Alexander Katz, 15, of West Long Branch, died on Friday, February 7.
He was born at Monmouth Medical Center on August 24, 2009 to Darlene and David Katz. Dylan was raised in Long Branch before moving to West Long Branch, and was attending Shore Regional High School. He enjoyed working as a dog walker for his neighbors and friends.
Dylan loved animals, cooking, shopping (especially at whole foods), electronics, and a good salmon roll. Most of all, Dylan loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving parents, his siblings Nina Areyan of Princeton, and Kyle Katz of West Long Branch, his grandmothers Lucy Katz and Hilda Duke, his uncles Rob and Mike Katz, cousins Simon, Zack, and Elliot, and his best four-legged friend, Homer.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 12pm – 1pm at Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. A funeral home service will be offered at 1pm. Burial to follow in Beth Miriam Cemetery, Neptune.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, Dylan’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to the Monmouth County SPCA (www.monmouthcountyspca.org)
For messages of condolences, or to share a favorite memory of Dylan, please visit his page of tribute at www.woolleyboglioli.com.
Michael Joseph Smith, 73, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, formerly of Oceanport, New Jersey, passed away on February 8, 2025. Born in the Bronx, Michael dedicated many years of service in the Newark Fire Department, before retiring as captain in 2004- a role that showcased his bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of the community.
Educated at Star of the Sea Academy and Long Branch High School, Michael’s early life was marked by a profound dedication to excellence and community service, values that he carried throughout his life. He spent many years volunteering for the West End Engine Company of the Long Branch Fire Department. After retiring from the fire department, he relocated to Murrells Inlet, where he enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of the coastal community.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Gail Smith; his son, Daniel Smith and his wife, Kathy; his grandson, Bo Smith; his sister, Barbara Metzler; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cindy and Greg May. He was preceded in death by his parents, Trudy and George Smith, and his brother, Robert Smith.
Michael’s life was a testament to his strength, compassion, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of service and courage will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16 from 3-5 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. Funeral Monday 9:30 am at the funeral home followed by a 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church in Long Branch. Interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. 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 Michael Joseph Smith, please visit Damiano floral store.
Eloise S. Caldwell, 93 of Long Branch, died at her home on Friday, February 7th.She was born in Atlanta, Georgia and referred to herself as a “Georgia Peach.” A southern girl became a northeast girl. She attended Asbury Park High School and moved to Germany, where she completed high school and nursing school, while her father was stationed there.
Eloise lived most of her adult life in Long Branch, she enjoyed gardening, baking brownies for her family and crocheting. She was an avid reader and loved all the Danielle Steele books. She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed watching football every weekend.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, John Caldwell; her daughter, Christine Burgado and her former husband Louis Riozzi.
Surviving are her children and their spouses, Ellie Cintron and Ralph of Berlin, NJ, Maureen Ewing, of Long Branch and Louis and Kim Riozzi of Manchester; her 7 grandchildren Ralph Cintron (Lydia), Andrea Smith (Michael), Vanessa Valenzuela (Elvi), Michelle Ewing, Tony Ewing (Lauren), Jared and Antonio Riozzi; her 11 great-grandchildren Ciera, Kirah , Kyree, Tyler, Madison and Breanna, Gianna, Thomas, Christian, Nadia, and Eva ; and 1 great-great-grandchild Kruz Valentino.
Visitation Saturday, February 15th, 9:00 am until the time of her funeral service at 10:00 am at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Entombment will follow at Woodbine Mausoleum, Oceanport.
To share a favorite memory or send a message of condolence please visit, Eloise’s page of tributes at www.woolleyboglioli.com.
Robert Irwin Solomon, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at 61 years old surrounded by loving family in his home on February 12, 2025. Rob was born on November 25, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up in the Canarsie neighborhood. Rob graduated from Rider College in the winter of 1986 with a degree in K-8 Education and a minor in Journalism. In 1989, Rob married Judy (née Wiener) and they moved to Freehold, New Jersey. While living there, they welcomed their son, Alex, in 1997, and their daughter, Carly, in 2000. In 2002, Rob and Judy moved to Judy’s childhood home in Ocean Township, New Jersey, where they raised Alex and Carly.
Mr. Solomon found his home at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School in the East Windsor Regional School district, teaching there for over 30 years. At Kreps, Rob primarily taught seventh grade math and coached softball, soccer, basketball, baseball, and wrestling. Coach Solomon led his teams to a combined, record ten undefeated seasons, with eight as head coach. Rob was involved in the Ocean Township community. He coached his children’s numerous recreational sports teams, including the Ocean Township Youth Baseball (OTYB) league. Rob’s passion for sports did not end with coaching. He had a decorated career as a pitcher in a number of men’s modified fastpitch softball leagues, which began during his time at Rider and lasted over 30 years. The “Rob Solomon Cy Young” award was named in his honor after the end of his softball career. Rob was an avid fan of the Raiders, Rangers, and Mets, specifically Tom Seaver. He adopted Seaver’s number 41 during his softball career and he became known as “Solly 41”. Rob spent his summers at Summer Fun and Ivy League Day Camps as part of their leadership teams.
Rob is survived by his wife of 35 years, Judy (née Wiener), his son Alex and daughter-in-law Madison, his daughter Carly and her boyfriend Brendan, his parents Donald and Myra, his brother Barry and sister-in-law Lori Beth and nephew Scott, and his brother Steven and sister-in-law Lori Sue.
Funeral services are to be held on Friday, February 14 at 11:00 AM at Congregation Torat El, 301 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst, NJ with the burial to follow at Agudath Achim Cemetery, 2432 West Bangs Avenue in Neptune, NJ. Shiva will be observed at Judy’s home on Saturday February 15th at 6:30pm and from Sunday, February 16th through Tuesday February 18th at 1:00pm. Each night, services will be at 7:00pm. Donations in Rob’s memory may be made to the Joan Dancy and PALS Foundation at ssl.charityweb.net/joandancyandpals.
Richard “Rich” Pirraglia, 73, of Long Branch, died on Monday, February 10.
Rich was born and raised in Brooklyn to the late Marie and Dominic Pirraglia. He was a graduate of James Madison High School, and went on to receive his Master’s degree from Wagner College. Rich began his career as a teacher’s assistant, and eventually retired as special education teacher for PS 37R, Staten Island. He and his wife began their family in Brooklyn, and raised their kids in Staten Island before moving to Middletown 12 years ago, finally settling in Long Branch.
Rich understood how to get the most out of life, he had several hobbies ranging from photography, painting, technology, cooking, and many, many more. On a quiet day, he liked to relax by putting on some rock and roll or ME TV for an Old Western movie. Most of all, Rich loved spending time with his family.
He is predeceased by his parents.
Surviving is his wife Marie Elena Pirraglia, his daughters Jesse Ann and her husband Chris Tucci of Keyport, and Dominique and her husband Thomas Femia of Keyport, his siblings Peter, Maria, and Don Pirraglia, 3 grandchildren Holly, Penelope, and Jackson Richard, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 4pm – 8pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 14th at 9:15am at the Church of St. Catharine’s, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. Burial will follow at Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, Rich’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude’s (www.stjude.org)
For messages of condolences, or to share a favorite memory of Rich, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com
Tracey Ebinger It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tracey Ann DeMarzo Ebinger, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. Tracey went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the age of 53, surrounded by her family.
Tracey was preceded in death by her mother, Rosemarie DeMarzo, and her father-in-law, James Ebinger. She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael J. Ebinger, of 30 years, her son Nicholas, Mother-in-law Linda Ebinger and her siblings: John (and spouse Neva), Lucille (and significant other Tony), and Anthony (Doc). She is also survived by her brother-in-law Todd (and spouse Theresa) and her sister-in-law Beth (and spouse Justin). Tracey was a dedicated aunt to many nieces and nephews; John IV (and spouse Stephanie), Annamarie, Anthony Jr. (and significant other Rose), Christina, Jessica, Brandon, Danny, Sarah, Megan, James, Jamie, Abbie, Carter, and her great nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Long Branch High School and the Stuart School of Business Administration, Tracey was known for her steadfast dedication to her work. She spent 25 years with a local service company before embracing a new and challenging role with the City of Long Branch.
Tracey’s legacy is one of kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love. Her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and unyielding support for her family and friends made her a cherished presence in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. She was an avid roller skater, crossword puzzle and bingo enthusiastic. Above all, Tracey cherished the time she spent with her family and many friends.
Her warm spirit and remarkable sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Tracey was, in every sense, a woman of great heart and passion—traits that will be remembered and cherished by her family and friends for years to come.
Tracey’s passing leaves a profound sadness, but her memory will continue to provide comfort, and her love will endure in the hearts of everyone she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her infectious spirit will never be forgotten. Her passing leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at The Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 5-8pm. Funeral Thursday; 9:30am from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian celebrated at 10:30 am Holy Trinity Church, Long Branch. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect Street, Long Branch, NJ 07740. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.
Tracey, your light will forever shine in our hearts.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tracey DeMarzo Ebinger, please visit our floral store.
Dominick G. Termini, 71, of Hazlet, passed away on Sunday, February 9 at his home.
Mr. Termini was born in Brooklyn to his parents, Philip and Josephine Termini (nee Orlando). He graduated from Bishop Lauchlin High School in 1971.
One of Dominick’s passions in life was baseball and was a starting pitcher for Long Island University’s Blackbirds,then on various clubs thereafter. While playing baseball he also studied business administration at LIU’s Brooklyn campus. He had a career as a postal worker for the United States Postal Service, Matawan Branch for 30 years. In 1982, Dominick and his beloved wife of 47 years, Christine, moved to Hazlet from Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. They were parishioners at St. Benedict’s Church in Holmdel for 42 years and Dominick volunteered at the food pantry in his retirement.
Dominick loved sports and was an avid NY Mets, Islanders and Jets fan. Exercise was vital in his life and hebecame a devoted runner. Known for putting other’s needs before his, Dominick donated blood and platelets at the Central Jersey Blood Bank and set numerous milestones with his donations. Most will remember Dominick from his smile at the Post Office or his daily jogs throughout the neighborhood.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Termini (nee Opulente), his Children, Dominick Termini and his wife Alexandra, Rosalie Bonaventura and her husband Vincent; his siblings, Fred Termini, Anthony Termini, Andrew Termini, Vita Sanfilippo, and Philip Termini; and his grandchildren, Serafina, Adriana, Marcella, and Gianna.
Visitation will be held from 2pm – 5pm on Friday, February 14th at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 15th at 10am at the Church of St. Benedict, Holmdel.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, Dominick’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to the VNA Health Group (www.vnahg.org)
For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Dominick, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com
Patricia Ann Monahan With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Patricia Ann Monahan on February 4, 2025, at the age of 95. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Patricia’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
Born on January 19, 1930, in New York City to Joseph and Mary Ayres, Patricia was a woman of strength, grace, and quiet wisdom. Her days were filled with simple joys—family, drawing, card games, Irish music, and books. She also loved to travel, especially to Ireland. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her quiet strength, and the way she made everyone feel at home in her presence.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Daniel Monahan, with whom she built a life filled with love and family. She was also preceded in passing by her cherished children, John Monahan and Rosemary Strickland, her son-in-law Joseph Strickland as well as her granddaughter, Patricia Strickland, and siblings, Marie O’Reilly and Joseph “Buddy” Ayres.
Patricia is survived by her loving children, Susan Cronin, Daniel Monahan and daughter-in-law Terry Monahan who will continue to honor her legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering love. She was a guiding light to her family, always offering support, laughter, and a comforting presence. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Michele Pigna (husband Aldo), Sean Strickland (partner Heather), Amy Arlequin (husband Raul), Brian Cronin (wife Daniella), Matthew Cronin, Dana Slade, Erin Cronin (husband Steve), and Megan Monahan. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Aldo, Alex, Sean, Jack, Nicholas, Conor, Sophia, Michael, Keira and Callum who brought her endless joy and pride. She came from a big Irish family and is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 10:30 am at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in West End, Long Branch. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 800 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.
Rest peacefully, Patricia. Your love lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know you.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Ann Monahan, please visit our Damiano store.
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And faith, hope and love abides, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13; 12-13.
James P. Hicks, 60, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 at his residence. Jim was born on October 3, 1964 in Kinnelon NJ. The son of Mary Ann (Marnie) and Harry Hicks. He graduated from Kinnelon High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Jim is predeceased by his mother Mary Ann Hicks. Jim was a loving son, brother, uncle and husband. Jim is survived by his wife Colleen Hicks, his father Harry Hicks, his sisters, Nina Webb, Susan and her husband Steve Jernigan and his brother Harry Jr. and his wife Luanne. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jim was the manager of the coffee shop at Fort Monmouth until the Fort closed. He also managed the Right Stuff Café at the Monmouth Courthouse.
Jim enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends. He loved skiing, weight training, swimming, walks on the beach. A fan of audio books, and all genres of music.
Services will be private. Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home is taking care of the arrangements.
Oscar Valdes Muñoz, 54, passed away on February 6, 2025, in Long Branch, New Jersey, surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. Born on March 2, 1970, in Mexico City, Mexico, Oscar was known for his generous spirit, loving nature, exceptional listening skills, and contagious smile. These attributes made him a cherished friend and invaluable family member.
Oscar was deeply involved in the family-run painting company, where he applied his craftsmanship to his professional life and personal interests. An avid cook, craftsman, and wine connoisseur, he thrived on engaging actively with life, participating in obstacle course races, running, and cherishing moments spent with family and friends.
He leaves behind his mother, Olga Muñoz Reyes; father, Juan Valdez Frias; and siblings, Juan Valdes, Sergio Valdez, Olga Patricia Valverde, and Sylvia Valdez. His nieces, nephews, and godchildren loved and adored him equally. His presence enriched the lives of all who knew him, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
The arrangements for Oscar are being handled by Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch, NJ. His life will be remembered and celebrated by all those he touched with his kindness and dedication.
The family will be holding a celebration of life gathering at a later time and date.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Oscar Valdes Munoz, please visit our floral store.
Nicodemo (Nicky)came to America in the 1950’s, in his 20s. Like every immigrant he came to try to make a better life for himself and settled down in Bensonhurst Brooklyn.
After a few years in America, he wanted to settle down and marry but no one was quite good enough for him here in America, so back he went to his hometown in Mammola Calabria and found his wife Maria. In three months, they met, got engaged and married and made their way back to America. They never left each other side since. This December they were married for 57 years.
They had two children, Son Carmine and daughter Marilyn. He worked as a presser for Oscar De Laurenta in White Plains Bronx for several years.
In the early years, he passed most of his time with his brothers Joe, Guissy, his youngest brother Louie, brother in law Tony and his cousin Rosario. They all played pinnacle together almost every weekend, while his wife Maria along with his sister Philomena and sister in laws Nancy & Janet would be preparing food, while his kids and all his nieces and nephews would be running wild. It was chaos, but they all embraced it.
Has his children got older he was then blessed with five grandsons, NICO his 1st grandson who took his name and had his heart, LENNY who was his rock who carried him to the very end, CARMINE his handsome blue eyed boy who he was extremely proud when he opened his business, ANTONINO his gorgeous grandson who like him had all the girls turning there heads and his baby NICKY who everyone knew was his favorite and his pride and joy, nobody could ever beat his Nicky duchee. He then looked forward to seeing them all around the kitchen table with a tons of food that his wife Maria would prepare for all of them. He loved them all and was proud of each and everyone of them. He was also blessed that he got to see his eldest grandson, his name sake, Nico get married to his bride Lauren. And over joyed to have met Samantha his grandson’s Carmine girlfriend. He was so happy he got to see them all grow up to be handsome, respectable, and loving young men.
On the 22nd of this month he would’ve been 88 years old. He lived a good life. It wasn’t always easy and sometimes they struggled but his wife never left his side and they always made it through.
He KNEW he was truly BLESSED to have a wife, who dedicated her whole life to him, his children and his grandchildren.
He is now in heaven with his brothers Joe & Guissy, his cousin Rosario and brother in law Tony, they can now continue their pinnacle game, along with his sister Immaculata.
And most of all, his wishes to have his wife Maria promise him that she will continue making those weekend meals for his grandsons, granddaughter in laws and future great grand kids as he asked her to.
Visitation will be Monday, February 17th from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733. A mass of Christian burial will be offered on Tuesday, February 18th at 11:00 AM at St. Gabriel’s RC Church, 100 N Main Street, Marlboro. An entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery Mausoleum.
Bryan M. Linington, 49, of Neptune, passed away on January 28, 2025. He was born in Neptune, on December 7, 1975 and lived in California and Texas before moving back. Bryan attended Red Bank Regional High School & York College PA. He had numerous certifications in IT in which he excelled.
Bryan formally worked as Vice President of IT for Landmark Theaters, Dallas, Tx. and most recently was an independent IT consultant. Bryan loved his summers at Avon beach and working at the Avon Pavilion restaurant. His interests included travel, attending many concerts and seeing the latest movies. His extended family gave him great support and deep affection throughout his life.
Bryan will be remembered for his kind heart and love for dogs. Bryan was preceded by his Grandparents and mother Diane Donovan Linington. Surviving is his father Gary Linington (Kristie), sister Ashley (Ryan) Ludwig, and brother Joseph, nephew Asher, nieces Adley and Ainsley Ludwig. Uncles Robert (Kuniko) Linington, Peter (Jean) Linington, cousins Lisa Linington, Greg (Shana) Linington and Andrew (Heather) Linington). Uncle Michael W. Donovan, Jr.(Rosemarie), Aunt Deborah “Debbie” Crawford (Jack), cousins, John W. Crawford (Dana), Casey Crawford (Melissa Cunningham), Michael W. Donovan III (Rebecca) along with many other family and friends.
Arrangements are being made by Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations can be sent to the ASPCA, Eatontown, NJ.07724. For condolences please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com
