Obituaries

Lara Danielle Scarantino, age 50 of Lincroft, NJ passed away on July 7^th, 2018. Lara was born to Gabriel and MaryAnn Troiano in 1968 and resided in Lincroft, NJ.

Lara is a graduate of St Joseph by the Sea High School in SI, NY and FIT in NY, NY where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion and design.   She had a career in garment sales in the fashion industry until she decided to become a full time mother. Lara is survived by 2 beautiful daughters Hailey & Ava along with her husband Bobby. She is also survived by her mother MaryAnn and three siblings Gary, Marissa, Corinne and her stepmother Karen.

Charles  Bernie Donnelly died peacefully surrounded by family on July 9, 2018. He loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest as an honest, hardworking, wonderful example to his children, grandchildren and friends. Charlie was married to his child hood sweetheart, Eleanor, who predeceased him in 2006.  They were married for 55 years and would have celebrated their 66 wedding anniversary this past 4^th of July.  He met the love of his life when they were 12 and 14 years old in New York City where they both grew up.   Charlie was friends with her brothers and Eleanor used to hang on to the back of his bike on her roller skates for a ride!   Charlie went to St. Monica’s Elementary school where he served as an altar server.  He was always chosen to do early Masses because he was an early riser and dependable at a young age.  He enlisted in the Marines as a teenager and served on the U.S.S. Midway in the Korean War.  He was injured in battle so was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.  The Silver Star is the 3^rd highest personal decoration for valor in combat.  He was awarded these honors by President Harry S. Truman at the White House.

Mary S. O’Brien, age 97, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2018.  Mary was born in Fall River, MA, the last of five children born to Frank and Maria Arruda.  In 1948 she married Robert O’Brien and together they raised their family in Brooklyn, NY.  They later moved to Toms River and then the Middletown/Red Bank area.  Mary was a stay at home mom who loved to bake and cook.  She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Parish in New Monmouth.

Karen A. Tarnecki, 61, passed away at home on June 28, 2018.  Karen was born in Jersey City to Peter and Helen (Way) Osnato.  She was very involved with the Girl Scouts as her daughters grew up and loved summers at the beach.  Karen was a bookkeeper for Forever Changes Inc. at their Billabong store in Shrewsbury.  She was a generous and caring member of her local community.  

Gilbert Louis Fanciullo died peacefully and with unwavering dignity on June 26, 2018, surrounded by his adoring children. He was born on August 30, 1928, and has gone to join his loving wife of 70 years Betty who died exactly one month ago and his brother Saverio and sister Lillian.

He was a loving, devoted, and strong man who always put his four children’s and six grandchildren’s welfare above his own. He maintained control of his own life and destiny until the end. How one dies is a strong personal legacy and Dad's death will serve as a model for all who follow him. We miss him and will admire his life and love forever. In addition to his children and grandchildren he is survived by his brother Bill and countless cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

On Wednesday evening, June 20^th, Pat Freeman completed her life journey. Born to Eugene and Loretta Lally in Orange NJ on New Year’s Eve 1927, Pat was a very independent woman who was always a friend to all. After raising three children, Pat enrolled in college and earned a Business Associates degree at Brookdale Community College in 1978 at the age of 51. She became a Purchasing Agent eventually finishing her career working at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold.

Wanderlust. Nurse. Life lover. These are the words that Shannon Leigh Watts used to describe herself. Anyone who knew her would add Beautiful, Caring, Feisty. She had a smile that could light up a room and a kind heart that touched the life of every person she met, including her many patients. Shannon left us on June 14. Her family will remember her for the funny, smart beacon of light that she was. She was born and lived in Red Bank her entire life. She graduated from Red Bank Regional in 2006 with her certification as a hairdresser and cosmetologist.

Catherine R. Sharkey passed away Wednesday June 13, 2018 at her home in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Born and raised in Harrison, New Jersey, Catherine was a resident of Red Bank for 35 years.

Catherine graduated from Queen of Peace High School and began her career as a civilian secretary with the United States Navy.

Dr. Eugene "Gene" Stephen Simko passed away Tuesday, June 12^th. Simko was an Associate Professor and published author at the Leon Hess Business School and the Faculty Council Chair of Monmouth University, where he recently celebrated 40 years of teaching. 

He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, received a BBA in Economics from Temple University, an MBA in Management Science from Temple University, and a PhD in Strategic Management from Baruch College of the City University of New York. Simko held a commission in the United States Army Reserve, Adjutant General’s Corps, 1/309 78DIV(TNG). His retirement dreams included returning to his beloved West Point to teach for a semester (and don’t you forget: GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!). 

Marlene Hotaling (82 years old) of Shrewsbury passed away on June 12, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born in Mineral Wells, Texas, before moving to Long Branch, New Jersey, as a teenager. She graduated from Long Branch High School and later married Robert “Sonny” Hotaling. Together they had three beautiful daughters: Dawn, Lori, and Christie. After raising her children from home, she went on to work for Shrewsbury as a Borough Clerk. After retirement, she was elected as a council woman.