Obituaries

Long time Fair Haven resident James “Jim” Wilson passed away on February 16, 2025 in the comfort and care of his wife and caregivers. He was 91. Jim was born in 1933 in a small village in east Ayrshire, Scotland, graduated from University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and emigrated to Canada and then to the US for job opportunities and to start a new life with his wife, Sybil. He attended graduate school at New York University and eventually settled in Fair Haven where he and Sybil raised their family on the idyllic cul de sac of Grange Walk. A mechanical engineer, Jim was a distinguished member of technical staff at Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, NJ.

Ilene Eugenia ('Jean') Berich, 97, of Little Silver, NJ passed away peacefully this Monday, March 3, 2025.

Born April 13, 1927, in Rahway, New Jersey she was the daughter of the late Oscar Andul and Eugenia Roesch. Jean graduated from Rahway High School. Thereafter, she pursued other studies. During WWII, Jean worked for Merck Pharmaceuticals.

Paul D. Hatch, 47, beloved and devoted son, friend, brother, and uncle passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 21, 2023, in Little Silver, NJ. It was an incredible, profound loss, of a good soul where so much seemed hopeful and possible.   

Born in Montclair, NJ on July 3, 1976, Paul was affectionately called the family’s “Bicentennial baby” and perhaps this timing accounted for his becoming an avid military history enthusiast. He enjoyed reading books and magazines from his favorite armchair and traveling to battlefields near and far: from American Revolution and Civil War sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania; to the World War battlefields and memorials in Belgium and France. His endless curiosity, and ability to recall historic events, people, and dates were truly remarkable.  

With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend Ernest (Ernie) A. Trunzo, who left us far too soon but filled our lives with immeasurable love and joy. Born with cerebral palsy, he faced challenges, but he was never defined by them. It was his abilities and positive attitude that made him the heart of our family. The bond he shared with his father was the greatest of all. They were each other’s purpose in this world; the purest source of love, strength and resilience. 

William Arthur Poyner of Tinton Falls, NJ passed away on February 15, 2025 at the age of 97.

Born in Newark, he grew up in Belleville NJ. He was the son and only child of Mary Elizabeth Roe and Albert Lynn Poyner. Art accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior during his High School years and for the 97 years of life that the Lord Blessed him with, he was active in both church, community and school activities. Upon graduation Art was accepted into Stevens Institute of Technology and earned a degree in Civil Engineering in 1951.

Art served in the Army during Korean War from 1952 – 1954 stationed in Iran working in communications and strategy. He was awarded the Medal of Meritorious Honor. He returned home and married Mary Elizabeth Whitfield on August 3, 1956, whom he met at Church Youth Group. Together they raised 3 children, Marilyn, David and Scott. Art worked as an Engineer at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, fondly known as Bill by co-workers.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Keith J. DeVita, 59, of Shrewsbury, NJ. Born in Newark, NJ on October 3, 1965 to Michael DeVita and the late Carol DeVita (nee Oschwald). Keith lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to his family.

In 1993, he married the love of his life Sharon Featherstone and moved to Shrewsbury, NJ where they built a beautiful family. A dedicated and loving father, he cherished every moment with his 3 children. They were his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

We mourn the passing of our dear sister, Lois K. White, who died peacefully in her sleep the morning of February 21, 2025, at the age of 73 after a brief illness.

Born Lois Theresa Kaselow on June 16, 1951, in New York, New York, she spent the majority of her formative years in Amsterdam, NY.  She advanced her education obtaining Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Lois was a life-long learner, and she never stopped in her career and personal life. She was an avid reader.

Dorothy “Dottie” R. Forde passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at the age of 78.  

Born Dorothy R. Scally on February 17, 1947, in Brooklyn New York to Raymond and Dorothy Scally, she was one of three siblings.  Dottie worked in as a secretary for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for several years.  Dottie then moved to Staten Island where she took on her most loved position as a mom to her three children.  In fact, Dottie believed so deeply in the role as a mom, her daily prayer was “please God, do not take me until my children are raised.” Eventually, Dottie would move to Middletown, New Jersey to be closer her children and grandchildren.