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Joseph Frank Anastasia, age 81, of Bluffton, SC, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025 after a brief illness.
Born on August 28, 1943, in Long Branch, NJ, Joe was the beloved son of Frank and Julia (Strollo) Anastasia. He was known for love of golf, cooking, gardening, traveling, and biking. He was proud of his Italian heritage, and he touched the lives of many through his career as a high school history teacher at Long Branch High School. Joe lived in Long Branch until his retirement in the mid-1990s, then moved to Hampstead, NC and lived there for several years. In 2008, he relocated to Bluffton, SC. Joe was a graduate of Glassboro State College in NJ and earned a Master’s Degree from West Virginia University.
He is survived by his companion of 20 years, Elsa O’Connor, his sister, Joyce Gallo, nephew Frank Crisci (Laurie), niece Dana Dominy (Ross), stepson Brian McKevitt (Monica), as well as many dear friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Carol Anastasia. Joe will be remembered as a devoted spouse and partner, loving uncle, “Cowboy” to his friends, and “Papa Joe” to Ellie and Maddie McKevitt and Aedan and Arielle O’Connor.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 2 from 12:30 pm until the time of service at 1:30 pm at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave., Long Branch NJ. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. All who knew and loved Joe are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Joe’s memory.
Joe will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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 Joseph Frank Anastasia, please visit our floral store.
Henry “Hank” Debski, 90, of Middletown, died on Wednesday, May 14.
Henry was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to the late Julia and Anton Debski. He was an alumnus of Brooklyn Technical High School, and upon graduating, attended Pratt Institute, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. Finally, he received his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from NYU. Henry was a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Bell Labs andlater Bellcore. For 49 years, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus; his current council was located in Freehold, NJ.Henry was also a dedicated volunteer at the Church of St. Leo the Great, helping out the yearly carnival for thirty years, calling out Bingo numbers on Bingo nights, and much more.
In his younger years, Henry was an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He enjoyed doing work around his home. From soldering to woodworking, he was very handy. He also likedwatching old movies and listening to classical music. Most of all, Henry loved spending time with his family.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara Debski and his five siblings Helen, John, Frank, Charles, and Jennie Debski.
Henry is survived by his children Gregory Debski and wife Rita,and his daughters Jennifer Rafieyan and Suzanne Debski; and his 5 grandchildren, Christopher, Daphne, Adelaide, Carsonand Bronwyn and great grandchild, Gretchen.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, Henry’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to The National Kidney Foundation (http://www.kidney.org)
For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Henry, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com
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Dolores Healey Kolodjeski, 88, Tinton Falls, died peacefully in the comfort of her home on Monday, May 19, 2025. Born in East Orange, she grew up in Orange & West Orange and attended the Academy of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station before graduating from St. Michael’s Nursing School, Newark NJ.
After several years as a dedicated nurse serving multiple departments at University Hospital at Rutgers’ Newark Campus, she married her devoted husband of 61 years, Stanley. The two relocated to Deal, NJ and there they raised their family, and cherished long summer days full of community and camaraderie at the Phillips Avenue Beach Pavilion. She continued her nursing career in the medical office of her brother-in-law, Dr. Michael Doyle. Prior to moving to Tinton Falls, the couple also resided in Interlaken.
Dolores was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, the daughter of Irish immigrants Anna (nee’ Morahan) and Malachy Healey, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate her background and culture. She was a member of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Foundation and helped organize several fundraising initiatives. Dolores and Stanley were also founding parishioners at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church, Wayside NJ, and participated in many different aspects of the Church community.
She is survived by her loving husband, Stanley, her three sons: Andrew (Laura) of Shrewsbury NJ, Daniel (Kim) of Bluffton, SC, and Craig (Erin) of Arlington, VA, and seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her two sisters: Ann Healey Rayder Dlouhy and Teresa Healey Doyle, and her daughter Sheila Kolodjeski.
Visiting Tuesday May 27, 2025, 10:00-11:00am and Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Church of St. Anselm 1028 Wayside Road Tinton Falls, NJ 07712 followed by interment at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery, Wall N.J. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Ronald “Ronnie” Murtagh, aged 86, passed away, after a courageous 5-year battle against Alzheimer’s Disease. Ronnie passed away peacefully at home in Delray Beach, FL on Friday, May 16, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ronnie was 1 of 13 siblings, him and his wife Kathleen, immigrated to Long Branch, NJ in 1966. Ronnie was the produce manager of Foodtown in West End for 36 years. After retiring from Foodtown, Ronnie spent his winters in Delray Beach, FL. He loved Monmouth Park, gardening and walking the Long Branch Boardwalk.
He is survived by his loving children, Karen (Eric) Bento, Mary (Patrick) Donnelly, Jacqueline (Thomas) Jeffrey, Ronald Murtagh, Jr., and David (Annmarie) Murtagh. Ronnie was a proud grandfather to Crystal (Anthony), Jaimeann (Steve), Amanda (Sergio) Julio, Alyssa (Patrick) Kennedy, Eric Bento, Amy Bento, Ashlynn Murtagh, and Keegan Murtagh and great-grandfather to Trystan, Nicholas, Ryan, Ruby, Rowen, Killian, and Capri. He also leaves behind his siblings, Valerie (Jim) Henry, Sylvia (Billy) Stranex, and Kenneth (Lorraine) Murtagh, along with many nieces and nephews. Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Murtagh.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm at Damiano Funeral Home located at 191 Franklin Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740. Funeral, Saturday; 10:00am at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Woodbine Mausoleum in Oceanport. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a written remembrance or story to share and can be emailed to storiesofronnie@gmail.com
We would like to thank everyone at PACE Delray for all you did for our father and grandfather. You all treated him with dignity, respect and love in the final 18 months of his life.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Murtagh, Sr., please visit our floral store.
Richard W. Hankins 78 of Howell, N.J. went home to His Lord Jesus on Thursday, May 15, 2025 with the love of his life, Sandi at his bedside. Rick was born in Neptune, N. J. Rick and Sandi were married for 32 years and their love for each other was evident to all. They owned many homes and settled in the Equestra Community in Howell, N.J. Rick was considered the rock and spiritual mentor of his family.
Rick attended Shore Regional High School, Rutgers University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He joined Bell Labs in March of 1970 as a Member of Technical Staff and was promoted throughout his career many times. He became Vice President of Service Delivery Systems and retired from that position in AT&T after a distinguished 30-year career on May 5, 2000. Rick was a role model technical leader. After retiring from AT&T Rick became Executive Administrator for Shore Christian Church in September, 2000 until 2007. Rick and Sandi enjoyed owning a beautiful vacation home in Vermont, traveling to Europe and in the U.S, playing golf and most of all just spending time together and with family. In 2017 Rick became the Chief Financial Officer for Shore Christian Church. Rick loved serving the Pastors and the church in many capacities for over 36 years, but most of all he loved teaching the Faith and Healing School with Sandi for the last 15 years which touched hundreds of lives.
Rick was pre-deceased by his son, Richard Michael Hankins, his parents Sylvia and James Dillon, and Father Frederick Hankins. He is survived by the love of his life Sandi, sister Beverly Shearstone and Richard, niece Natalie Frato and Ron, nephew Jason Skislak and Katie, and grand-niece Lola Meeker Skislak, sister-in-law Rose Arthur and Mark, sister-in-law Jill Rizzo.
Rick will always be remembered for his love and devotion to his wife Sandi, his love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and his service and devotion to Pastor Isaac and Shore Christian Church. Most of all Rick will be remembered for his unwavering walk of faith in God’s Word.
Visitation will be held at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch, N.J. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 pm with the funeral service to follow on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport, N.J. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rick’s name to Jersey Shore Dream Center, 3600 NJ-33, Neptune, NJ 07753 Web: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/jersey-shore-dream-center-inc or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 Web: http://www.stjude.org/. The family invites you to leave a note of condolence by selecting the tribute/guestbook link.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard W. Hankins, please visit Damiano floral store.
Rose Ann Letson (nee Curcillo), 90 years old, formerly of Oceanport, and most recently of Ocean Township, passed away peacefully on May 14th in the presence of her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Francis Letson, Jr., her daughter, Dianne Frances Letson, her sister Angelina Owens and her brother Frank Anthony Curcillo. She is survived by her sons Michael J. Letson, Allenhurst, and Thomas F. Letson, Hazlet; her daughter and son-in-law Tricia Ann Krietzberg and Curtis Krietzberg, Colts Neck; and her daughter Rosanne Letson, Tinton Falls. Rose was a grandmother to six: Christopher Letson, Lily Krietzberg, Ian Krietzberg, Josh Krietzberg, Sam Letson and Abigail Letson, and a great-grandmother to Caden Letson, whose parents are Christopher and Georgie Letson.
Rose was born the second of three children on August 10th, 1934 to Italian immigrants Adeline and Joseph Curcillo in Long Branch. Her family also lived for a short time in Monmouth Beach before moving to Elberon where her father worked as the gardener on a large estate. Rose worked as a camp counselor at a local hotel and as a babysitter in her younger years. A graduate of Long Branch High School, Rose went on to Monmouth Memorial Nursing School where she began a career as a Registered Nurse and met friends for life with many of her fellow nurses. She worked at Monmouth Memorial Hospital, now Monmouth Medical Center, as the Assistant Supervising Nurse of the O.R., and also nursed in the nursing home setting.
On New Year’s Eve in 1955, Rose met Thomas Letson, a former Navy man and merchant marine, on a blind date and they fell deeply in love. They married on May 10th of 1958. Rose and Tom were deeply devoted to each other and to their family, going on to raise five children, one of whom, Dianne, had severe disabilities. Rose was more than just a devoted mother to Dianne, but would later become her primary caregiver and her best friend when Dianne became ill at the age of 4. Dianne, who sadly predeceased Rose in 2018 at the age of 58, loved her mother like no other.
As the years went on, Rose would also become a caregiver to her darling Tom as she helped him deal with the challenging physical effects of Multiple Sclerosis. Despite being needed at home to care for both Dianne and Tom, Rose found time to attend football games, wrestling matches, and theatre productions, and also took positions as a school nurse for both Harbor School in Eatontown and Meridian Academy in Colts Neck. Prior to retiring, Rose worked as an Infant Room teacher at Smart Start Daycare Center in Fair Haven, a job that brought her much joy.
Rose was an avid gardener for most of her adult years, and tended a garden that produced a huge harvest of vegetables and fruit. She learned how to can and preserve tomatoes for the best tomato sauce, and she would store enough grape, raspberry and fig jelly to last throughout the winter. Everyone’s favorite Christmas gift was a jar of Rose’s homemade jelly. She served many years as the Recording Secretary for the Monmouth Memorial Nursing School Alumni Association, for which she planned an annual reunion for her dear nursing friends that continued until 2024. And in her retirement, Rose worked the elections in Oceanport Boro where she enjoyed catching up with all of her friends and neighbors.
Fascinated by her Italian heritage, Rose delighted in cooking Italian dishes and listening to the opera, and was thrilled to have visited Italy once in her lifetime. Rose was a devout Catholic, and in her later years looked forward to regular weekly visits from the Eucharist Ministers from St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Tinton Falls, who would later become her friends.
Rose will be known for her fierce love and devotion to her family, her thoughtfulness and generosity with her friends, and her absolute pride in her work as a nurse, a field with a single purpose to help those who cannot help themselves. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all those who knew her.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 18th, from 2 – 5 p.m. and Monday, May 19th, from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. A funeral mass will follow on Monday, May 19th, at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch with interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Rose’s family kindly requests donations to be sent to the ARC of Monmouth, 1158 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712.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 Rose Ann C. Letson, please visit our floral store.
Ryan John Larsen, 46, of Holmdel passed away at his home on Tuesday.
Ryan was born in Berkeley, California and raised in Alameda, California. He would graduate from Alameda High School and then from California State University Sonoma, then moving to LA to begin working in the film industry. It was there that he would meet the love of his life, Nora, the two would marry in 2008 at the Disney Rose Garden. They had their son in 2009 and in 2011 moved to New Jersey where Ryan continued working in the film industry in New York City. He would then transition his career to the medical field to help others eventually moving to work for the YMCA.
Ryan loved mission style burritos, the WWE, the Raiders, horror movie conventions, the Grateful Dead, music and a good pair of black Converse Allstars.
Ryan is predeceased by his Step-father Colonel Albert Freedman.
Ryan is survived by his wife Nora Larsen; his son Brody; his parents Daniel Larsen and his wife Carol and Janis Freedman; his sister Sarah Purdy and her husband Graham; his in-law’s Richard and Eileen; his brother-in-law Kurt; his step brother Robert and his wife Kelly Freedman; his nieces and nephews Isabella , Zoe, Mia, and Noah; and his beloved dog Hazel.
In Lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in memory of Ryan to his YMCA, where he was instrumental in helping so many children at his before and after school site. https://give.ymcanj.org/team/590495
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 17th from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel NJ, 07733.
Sidney “Bo” M. Cooperstein, 73, of West Long Branch, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025. He was born in Long Branch and lived most of his life in West Long Branch.He was a driver for Clayton Concrete in Edison before retiring. After a short retirement he returned to work for the Borough of West Long Branch DPW.
He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Cooperstein; his sister, Marcia Sullivan and brother, Arty Cooperstein. Surviving are his ex-wife, Rosemary Cooperstein; sons, Jeffrey and Steven Cooperstein; brother, Keith Cooperstein; and 2 grandchildren, Logan and Lucy.Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to. Glioblastoma Research Organization. For condolences please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of John Gallon, who left this world on May 12, 2025, at 81. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Natalie Siegel Gallon of over 30 years (on 10/10/2010). John’s life story is defined not by the obstacles he faced, but by the strength and courage he confronted them. Born on March 22, 1944, in New York, John spent much of his life in hospitals due to his inability to use his legs, yet his condition never defined him—his spirit did. For John, every challenge was an opportunity to defy the odds. Despite the pain, limitations, and constant battles, he lived life on his terms. His determination, humor, and unwavering optimism became a beacon to those around him. Even in the most challenging circumstances, John never lost sight of the joy of living, the beauty of connection, and the importance of family. Although much of his life was spent in hospitals, John’s world was far larger than any room could contain. He had an unshakable desire to explore, learn, and engage with life. He found ways to stay connected with his passions, whether through puzzles, painting, coloring, or enjoying a Mets game on TV. His heart was a constant reminder that life is not about what we cannot do but how we choose to make the most of what we have. John married the love of his life, Natalie, in 1971. Together, they built a life across various locations in New York and New Jersey, despite both being confined to wheelchairs.
Dominick Pio Calabrese, 94, of Tinton Falls, passed away on Saturday May 17, 2025. Dominick was born in Bronx, NY and spent the bulk of his formative years in Long Branch, NJ. He was the youngest of four children, born to Dominick and Theresa Calabrese.
On February 12, 1951, at the age of 20, Dom left college in his junior year, where he was majoring in Spanish, to enlist and serve with the United States Army, during the Korean War. After completing his basic training, he was assigned to the Army Language School in Monterey, CA, where he graduated in 1952 with a diploma in Russian Language. He then served with distinction, as part of the Army Signal Corp, stationed in West Germany. Upon his discharge, he continued his studies at Montclair State Teachers College (now Montclair University), and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education, with a minor in Spanish and Music. He began his career in 1955, where he taught Spanish and English at the Toms River NJ public school system and spent his summers, lifeguarding. From 1958-1966, he taught Russian and Spanish at the Pascack Valley Valley Regional High School in NJ. During that period, he developed a state approved curriculum for teaching a 4-year Russian Language Program in public schools — the first of its kind. While working as a teacher, Dominick continued his education in the Masters program at Middlebury College, VT, graduating in 1961 with a M.A. in Russian, Soviet Area Studies, Spanish and Music. Residing in Vermont, he also worked as a tennis instructor.
While in the Army, Dominick met his future bride, Jean. His bunk mate and close friend, Garrett Collins, would reluctantly introduce him to his sister — who just happened to live only a few miles away, in a neighboring shore town. In 1952, they married while Dominick was stationed in Monterrey, CA at the Army Language School. When he returned from his Army service, Dom and Jean started their family in 1956, resulting in four children, thru 1966.
In 1966, the family moved from Woodcliff Lake, NJ to Tinton Falls, NJ where Dominick took a teaching position and later rose to Supervisor of the Foreign Language Department at Monmouth Regional High School, teaching both Russian and Spanish. His teaching style was innovative. He was very interactive, animated and used storytelling, as a method to engage and enthuse his students. Not surprisingly, he also acted in some of the school’s plays and was a drama club favorite. In the late 1960’s, Dominick took an additional position of Lector at Monmouth University, where he helped mold future language teachers, over the course of two decades.
Dom also worked for the NJ Department of Education, leading workshops in Methods and Techniques, in teaching foreign languages and use of Language Laboratories. Also during this period, he served as a Chairman of the Russian Reading Comprehension Committee, developing the M.L.A F.L. cooperative exams; developing and evaluating Russian listening comprehension tests for the College Entrance Examination Board.
Dominick retired from teaching in 1990 and enjoyed an active retirement — becoming a fixture at the Red Bank YMCA, running marathons in NYC, swimming competitively in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Long Branch, NJ, (where enjoyed swimming as a child) — amongst many of his activities. In addition to being a parishioner, he devoted himself to serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and taught Sunday School at Saint Dorothea’s RC Church. Dominick had the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on his community during his many years of service — both secular and religious. In his professional life, he accomplished his goals and was content with his achievements.
He loved the outdoor lifestyle and could not wait for the summer months. Whether it was going to the beach or working outside. At home, Dom enjoyed taking care of the gardens, grounds and his wife’s last creation of a Coi pond. He was often seen maintaining the property, mowing the grass, pruning trees and shrubs — all while making time for his daily commute to the “Y”— well into his late 80’s.
Dominick was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean Calabrese (nee Collins), his parents Dominick and Theresa Calabrese (nee Ciancone), and his siblings Vincent, Lucy and Gigi (Louis). He is survived by his children Gregory and his wife Nancy, Michael, David, and Laurie and her husband Murphy; his grandchildren Rachel and Brian; his niece, Joann, her husband Todd and their son Nick.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory, to the charity of your choice.
