Thompson Memorial Home

Jean Haviland Denise Rue

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Jean Haviland Denise Rue, mother of three sons, grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of five, passed away at age 90. She was preceded in death by her husband, former mayor of Fair Haven, William Conover Rue, Sr.

Jean was born at Riverview, during the depth of The Depression in 1933, on the day of the first presidential fireside chat by FDR. She was the only child of Edgar Vanderveer Denise and Dorothy Katherine Haviland. Jean was born prematurely weighing in at only 3 lbs and 14 oz. Doctors told her father that neither she nor her mother would survive; both women would live into their 90s.

Jean grew up in Fair Haven. She was a fount of Fair Haven history. Her father served 17 years as the mayor and her husband, Bill, would later serve as mayor and borough administrator. She grew up on the banks of the Navesink River, loved the area and lived all her life there. Jean was a proud graduate of Rumson High School (before it became regionalized) and furthered her education at Centenary College, graduating in 1953.

Ione Joan Perry

Ione left us as she wanted. Surrounded by family, bathed in a sea of love, safe in the knowledge that we would be o.k. ! Sad…but ok.

Born and raised in Red Bank, Ione was the second of 4 children to Edith (Albert) and Charles Blake. Family was very important to Ione and she always made sure family knew they were loved. She met and married the love of her life, Ernest (June) Perry. They were married on March 17th 1962. They settled in Tinton Falls and raised 3 boys.

Ione was known all over for her amazing cakes and cookies. She often told stories of the assembly line she set up in her tiny kitchen to make sure everyone in the family got a box of holiday cookies! Weddings, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, it didn’t matter the occasion Ione would make a cake……..and not just any cake ! The best cake you EVER tasted!

David W. Feeney

David Wesley Feeney, age 84, a long-time resident of Rumson, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2023 (Easter Sunday) surrounded by family. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 1, 1938. He, his mother Katherine Barr, and his two brothers Gerry and Bill Feeney moved to Belmar, New Jersey when he was in grammar school. Dave was an exceptional high school student, athlete, and football player. He attended Asbury Park High School where he was a leading member of a state-champion football team and named First Team All-American. But more importantly, this is where he met, the cute cheerleader and the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsy” Shamel.

After graduating from high school, Dave was recruited by many top college football programs. He committed to playing football for Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York because it was located within 20 miles of Elmira College – the school where his high school sweetheart and future wife, Betsy, planned to attend college. Dave was an offensive guard, linebacker, and three-year varsity letterman in football (1957-58-59)at Cornell University. He was selected as an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press in his final season while playing offensive guard. Additionally, Dave was chosen as a Coaches All-Ivy first-team pick. The American Peoples Encyclopedia named him to its All-Ivy Scholastic first team in 1958. Dave was Captain of the Cornell Football Team and was awarded the Pop Warner Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player. Although Sports Illustrated featured him as “one to watch,” he believed his greatest accomplishment was marrying Betsy in the summer between his junior and his senior years at Cornell. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree at Cornell University in 1960. Prior to his college graduation, Dave and Betsy started what was to become a large and growing family with the birth of their first child – a daughter – Shawn Feeney.

Timothy J. McGrath, Jr.

Our husband, son, brother, and father, Timothy J. McGrath Jr. has passed on to heaven on April 10^th 2023.

Tim was born in Summit, NJ to Timothy J. McGrath Sr. and Joan C. McKeon.

Tim loved building model railroads and military models. He had a strong love and passion for his dogs. Like his models, he was meticulous in all of his work. Following in his father’s footsteps, later in life he started Devon SC, a low voltage company servicing fire/smoke burglary and CTV equipment. IBEW #164 is where Tim started his career.

Roger J. Fitzsimmons

Roger J. Fitzsimmons, 91 of Little Silver, NJ passed away peacefully at his home on April 7th, 2023.

Roger graduated from Blessed Sacred Grammar School in East Orange NJ, Seton Hall, Preparatory School in South Orange, and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana in 1952. Following his graduation in 1952, Roger served as a pilot in the US Navy for four years.

In July of 1954 he married Patricia Riely, his college sweetheart and who he lovingly referred to as “my bride” and best friend their entire marriage.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Roger and Pat settled in Livingston, NJ where Roger started a career in banking working the Trust Division at the Howard Savings Bank in Newark, the Union County Trust Company in Elizabeth. In1966, he moved on to Monmouth County National Bank in Red Bank, which is now Wells Fargo, where he was Senior Vice President. That is when he and his family settled in Little Silver. While working, he continued his bank education. He was a graduate of Northwestern Trust School and Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University.

William Joseph Colmorgen

William Joseph Colmorgen, age 57, of Red Bank NJ went home to the Lord on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Bill was born on April 7, 1965, and was raised in Colts Neck NJ. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Harry, his mother Mildred, his sister Charmaine Alfaro (Richard), and his niece Elizabeth. He is survived by his brothers, Garrett (Martha) and Harry Jr (Dawn), niece Jessica and nephew Harry III (Sara).

A classically trained organist, Bill was passionate about his music. He studied music at Boston University and performed from a very young age in concerts and private events.

Frederick “Bud” Rose

On April 8, 2023 Frederick “Bud” Rose, age 90, argued his final case before the Supreme Court of Heaven. As usual, he won, and they admitted him to eternal peace.

Bud had 2 passions, his large and loving family, and the practice of Law, both of which he protected and defended fiercely for more than 60 years. In his personal life and career, his sense of right and justice were always peppered with his warmth and humor.

Barbara R. (Nally) Walter

Barbara R. (Nally) Walter, 88, of Seabrook Village, Tinton Falls, NJ, formerly of Oceanport and Shrewsbury, wife of the late Ronald G. Walter, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Jersey City, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Martin Nally and Ruth Kirk. Barbara graduated from the St. Louis Academy, Elizabeth, NJ and was a flight attendant for Capital Airlines before marrying the love of her life, Ron. Barbara played tennis and loved traveling with family and friends - her most recent trip was a transatlantic crossing with family just a few months before she died. Her greatest love was her family. She adored each and every one of them and was especially proud of the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great granddaughter. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Audena “Dena” Walter Reger (Jeff) of Shrewsbury, NJ; Tracy Walter Ferry (Bill) of Little Silver, NJ; Matthew Walter (Homeira) of Monmouth Beach, NJ; and Wendy Walter Campolattaro (Brian) of Rumson, NJ; her nine grandchildren: J.D. Reger (Reema Ghazi) and Will Reger; Audena and Thomas Ferry; Teague, Pari and Leela Walter; Mara and Tessa Campolattaro; great granddaughter, Sophie Reger; and her sister and brother-in-law, Audena and Donald Syracuse, Summit, NJ, along with her nieces and nephews.

Rosario "Roy" Elmo

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rosario Elmo, who left this world on March 24, 2023 at the age of 69, in Manahawkin, New Jersey. Rosario was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. His passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Rosario was born on July 29, 1953 in Passaic and grew up in Fairfield where he was a talented high school athlete in both wrestling and football. He eventually settled in Barnegat, where he raised his family and developed countless friendships over the years.

Susan Kolarsick Kelly

Susan Kolarsick Kelly, age 72, passed away in late March at the Shrewsbury home where she spent her childhood and in which she raised a loving family of her own. Born in Newark in August, 1950 to her parents, Dr. Albert J. and Patricia Kolarsick, Susan was the third of seven children. She attended St. James Elementary School and Red Bank Catholic High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Manhattanville College in 1972. She taught middle school mathematics in Little Silver for more than 30 years, making an indelible impact on the thousands of students, faculty, and staff that came through Point Road Elementary and Markham Place Middle schools before retiring in 2006. While employed as a teacher, Susan earned a master’s degree in school administration from Rutgers University.

Barbara Joanne Ruzicka (nee Brooks)

Barbara Joanne Ruzicka (nee Brooks), age 85 recently of Middletown, New Jersey, formerly of Summerville, South Carolina and Little Silver, New Jersey, passed away on March 21, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barbara was born in Rahway, New Jersey. Having lived in Red Bank, New Jersey most of her life and graduating from Red Bank High School in 1955, Barbara was proud of her Red Bank roots as her family settled in Red Bank in the early 1900’s. Barbara then married the love of her life, Steven Ruzicka, also of Red Bank in 1957. Their love story has lasted 65 years. Barbara was an active member of the Little Silver Volunteer First Aid Squad and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Red Bank. She is predeceased by her parents, Dorothy Johanna (nee Mazza) Brooks (2001), Edward James Brooks (1964) and Brother, Lawrence Edward Brooks (2008). Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Steven Ruzicka, their children Lisa A. Colmain (Husband Edward), Deirdre J. Rice (Husband Todd) and Laura J. Scalzo (Husband Louis), 6 grandchildren, Christopher and Cooper Colmain, Megan and Zachary Rice, Alyssa and Nicole Scalzo and 2 great-grandchildren, Johanna and Emma Contreras (Megan) with two additional great-grandchildren due in August and September, 2023.

Obituaries