Obituaries

Charles David Meeker, Jr. (“Dave”), 62, of Delray Beach, Fl, and formerly of River Plaza, NJ, passed away on March 19, 2019, at his home.

Dave was born in Red Bank, NJ to the late Charles David Meeker, Sr. (“Buck”) and Patricia (Watkins) Meeker.  He graduated from Middletown High School North.  Dave worked as an independent construction contractor.  Before moving to Florida, Dave was an active volunteer member of the River Plaza Hose Co in the River Plaza Section of Middletown Township, NJ. 

In Florida Dave was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) Aerie 4476 since 2009 and a former member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) Lodge 1770.  He received special recognition in both organizations for his devotion and service. 

E. Lorraine (Mahon) Donnelly, 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 4, 2019. She fought a long and courageous battle over 17 years recovering from a stroke and other ailments. She was born in Elizabeth, NJ, the daughter of Joseph F. and Mary E. (Donnelly) Mahon.  Lorraine was married to her husband Gervaise and liked to recount how she arranged to meet him while walking out to the garage shared by their adjacent duplex houses in Elizabeth.  They lived in Elizabeth until driving down to the Shore and discovering Red Bank and Middletown and deciding to raise their family there.  She was a long time communicant of St. James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank.

Lorraine loved a party and family, friends and strangers came to enjoy her annual 4^th of July party on the Navesink and watching the fireworks.  Many a friend and stranger over the years can recount being invited to enjoy the best view on the Navesink to see the annual show and being grateful for the graciousness of the invitation. 

Claudia Anne Touhey Bruno, age 78, died surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ following a courageous battle with cancer. From her birth to her death, she nourished people around her with love, faith, and service to her community.  She was born at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton (Boston), MA to Joseph S. and Louise B. (DiSchino) Touhey and was the elder of two children.  As a youth, Claudia cherished family summer vacations in Scituate, MA.  After graduating from high school at the Academy of the Assumption in Wellesley Hills, MA she attended Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN.  In 1961, fate drew Claudia to a college spaghetti dinner where she met Anthony T. Bruno in South Bend, IN. 

Robert E Laveratt, 90, of Ocoee, Florida passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2019.  Bob lived at Inspired Living Assisted Living Facility for the past year and a half.

Bob was born in Jersey City on June 23, 1928. He was a devoted patriot, who served in the Korean War. Bob was well known to spontaneously sing his favorite song, “God Bless America” He lived his adult life in Red Bank, New Jersey, and was a proud member of Steamfitter Local #475 of Warren NJ.

Bob was a true example of a community servant, dedicating 50 years of active service to the Navesink Hook and Ladder, Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department.  In addition to being an Ex-Captain, he served on numerous committees over the years.  Additionally, Bob was a lifetime member of the New Jersey State Fireman’s Relief Association.

Robert B. Zerr, Jr., a lifelong resident of Rumson, passed away on March 29^th at home.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Sharon.  He is survived by his daughter Terri Jo Zerr; his sister Linda Feeny and her husband Vinny; niece Susan and husband Frank Leslie; nephew John Feeny and wife Dianne; sister-in-law Susan Herman and her husband Ronzel; granddaughters Haleigh, Jackie, Lacee, Brandee  and great-granddaughters Macie, Zelda, Emrys, Guinevere.

Bob was known best by his friends as “Bee Zee”.  He served with the US Army from 1956-1962, serving 16 months in Korea.  He was a life member of PBA Local 345, Exempt member of Rumson First Aid Squad, Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association and a member of the Rumson Police Department from 1960-1988, serving the last 3 year as Chief of Police.  Those who knew him well, would agree that he was a humanitarian, a staunch defender of the right and a consummate American Patriot.  He also played softball for many years at Piping Rock in Rumson.  He will be missed

Charles B. Cady, 87, of Long Branch, passed peacefully at home on March 26, 2019 in the loving company of family.

Charles was born in Torrington, Connecticut, attended the school system there, then entered the Gunnery where he graduated in the class of 1951. He later attended Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University majoring in engineering. He honorably served in the United States Air Force in the far east and Washington D.C.

Charles’ main occupation during his working years were with prestigious hydraulics and pneumatic companies throughout the United States. During his last ten years of employment, he became a sales engineer for LuK Inc., in Valley City, Ohio, servicing heavy duty truck manufacturers.

Charlie had a great love of finely crafted sports cars, especially Porsches.  He joined the Jersey Shore Porsche Club in 1971 and was recently honored as one of their longest continuous members. Over the years he acted as a flag man and corner worker at racing events and enjoyed participating in local car shows and concours where he made many wonderful, lasting friendships.

Anne Francesconi Kirman, age 83, of Manchester, NJ passed away on March 29, 2019.  Anne was a former communicant of St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, Red Bank and now attended St. Catherine’s RC Church, North Middletown.

Anne retired as the Secretary and Register of Education at Bell Labs, Holmdel.  She was a member of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, Jersey Shore Chapter for 19 years.

Kenneth McGowan, age 56, loving husband and father to three daughters passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 28th. He was a graduate of MSGR. Farrell H.S. and completed his undergraduate degree at the College of Staten Island, while working full time. Ken received his blackbelt in Vadha Kempo, he was an Eagle Scout and later a Scout Master at Troop 21 in Staten Island.  Ken was an avid Rangers, Giant & Yankee fan. Ken had a great love for the outdoors (fishing, boating, crabbing). He designed and created several large fish ponds on his business and personal property. Everyone who knew Ken recognized that he had a Zest for life and was always the life of the party. He especially enjoyed spending time with his favorite cousin, Audra. (FFC).   On October 10, 1991 he married Lori Dietrich. They raised three daughters, Amanda, Melanie, and Mikaela.

Mary (Maria) Ruela Batista, age 97 of Toms River, NJ died peacefully on March 27, 2019.

Mary was born on January 10, 1922 in Murtosa, Portugal to Felicidade  (Pereira) and Antonio Jose Ruela.  The family migrated to America in 1937.

Mary and her family resided in Carteret, NJ then moved to Newark, NJ in 1942   She continued to live in Newark until she moved to Toms River, NJ in 2012.

She enjoyed traveling, cooking and sewing for her friends and family, babysitting for her grandchildren, and watching sports.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Louis Batista of 48 years, her brother Jose Ruela, and her twin sister Virginia Soares.