Obituaries

Christopher Muka, age 69, of Holmdel, New Jersey, passed away on August 11, 2026.

Christopher was born on December 26, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Leonard Muka and Carolyn Kennedy Muka.

Christopher will be remembered by those who knew him for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. He was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, and he leaves behind many memories that his family will continue to cherish.

Kathleen Ann O’Neill Marass of Rumson passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at the age of 95.

Kathleen spent her early years growing up on Sandy Hook, later moving to Navesink and eventually settling in Rumson, where she raised her family.

Kathleen attended Leonardo High School, graduating at the age of 16 to begin her career. She was first employed on Wall Street in New York City, later working at Fort Monmouth in the Electronic Warfare Department, followed by many years at Shore Area OBGYN, where she served as office manager.

Patricia "Trish" (Connor) DePonti, 73, passed away peacefully after a long fought illness on August 4,2026 surrounded by love ones.  Leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service to her family and community.

Born and raised in Fair Haven, New Jersey, Trish was the beloved daughter of the late James and Dorothy Connor. She was also predeceased by her brothers, James Connor and John Connor.

 In 1982, Trish married the love of her life, Steven. Together they built a beautiful life and made their home in Red Bank, where they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Trish’s greatest role was that of mother to Steven and Matt.

Thomas Francis Hornung passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of honor, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Tom was one of three children born to Andrew F. Hornung and Mae Ridge. From an early age, he possessed a strong sense of duty and patriotism. While still in high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country with distinction.

Regina M. Clayton (nèe Cooke), age 86, of Red Bank, New Jersey passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Regina was the beloved daughter of the late Stephen and Ruth Cooke. At a young age, her family moved to Rumson, where she spent her childhood and formed many cherished memories.

Above all else, Regina was devoted to her family. She shared 67 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, William Clayton, a testament to a lifetime of unwavering love, partnership, and commitment.

She is survived by her loving husband, William Clayton; her son, William Clayton and his wife, Erin, of Rumson; her daughter, Lynn and her husband, Joe, of Freehold; her beloved grandchildren, Kyle, Brianna, Kevin, Mark, Kristen and her husband, John, Gayle and her husband, Todd, and Lesley and her husband, Travers; her twelve treasured great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, James France of Florida; many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a very special friend to the family, Eileen, who was loved as a second daughter.

William Van Winkle, 92, passed peacefully at home in Little Silver, New Jersey on July 24^th, 2026.

Born July 3^rd, 1934 in Englewood, New Jersey to Helen Wescott and Marshall Van Winkle, Jr., William (Bill) graduated from The Rumson Country Day School, Newark Academy and Lehigh University with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business. 

Bill married Beverly Elsie Peterson in 1956 (and would have celebrated their 70^th anniversary in September). This was the beginning of an extraordinary partnership filled with love, adventure and family.

Bill’s favorite pastime was boats, both racing and cruising, competing in 5 Newport to Bermuda Races, which inducted him into The Gulf Stream Society. Bill was self-taught at celestial navigation using a hand held sextant.  Next to his family, Bill loved his boats which he maintained meticulously. Upon purchasing his Sanderling catboat, he sailed “Whimsy” from South Dartmouth MA to his Little Silver home via the East River. Way too many adventures to mention on his Bayliner “Endless Summer” including the Canada to Key West “Odyssey” (with Beverly) and his Coastal 27 “Prime Time” which he would take to Boca Grande in the winter.

Richard Nachbaur, of Sea Bright, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, at the age of 81.

Richard was born on February 23, 1945, in Hackensack, New Jersey. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Rutherford before attending trade school, where he studied Design Drafting. That education led to a career he truly enjoyed, first as a design draftsman and later as a CAD designer for civil engineering projects. He worked in the field for many years before retiring in March 2010.

Roselyn “Lynn” Azzolina, a devoted mother and grandmother, accomplished writer, registered nurse, and respected member of the Monmouth County community, passed away on July 2, 2026. Lynn was born Roselyn Ann Picone on May 2, 1932, and was raised in West Long Branch, New Jersey. She graduated from Long Branch High School and earned an associate degree in nursing from the Ann May School of Nursing in 1952. After becoming a registered nurse, she worked at Jersey Shore Hospital and Monmouth Medical Center, beginning a life marked by service, compassion, and care for others.

Robert “Bob” Doerr passed peacefully at home on July 15, 2026, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer and related illnesses. He was 84 years old.

Bob was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey where he undoubtedly caused mischief wherever he went. Following his graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, he joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany and quickly rose to the rank of sergeant.

Following an honorable discharge, he returned to New Jersey and became a carpenter with the local union in Elizabeth. In 1966, he married his wife, Patricia “Pat” Reynolds and they started a family. In 1973, “the Doerrs” relocated to Middletown, New Jersey and planted lifelong roots in “Sunken City” where they lived for more than 50 years. They found a close-knit group of friends in Sunken City who quickly became like family. Together, they raised their children, watched them leave the nest, marry, and start families of their own. They celebrated life's milestones, supported one another through times of loss, and embraced every opportunity to spend time together.