Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

John R. Donohue

John Robert “Bob” Donohue died in the morning on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Monmouth Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old.

Born on March 26, 1935 on Staten Island to Joseph and Nellie Donohue, Bob spent his childhood with his older siblings Alice, Joseph, and Margaret on Davis Avenue. Bob attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and St. Peter’s High School. His Catholic school education enriched his life immeasurably, which continually left his family and friends marveling at all the Latin phrases he remembered. He also enjoyed playing sports growing up and in adult life; in particular baseball at Walker Park, basketball at the Downtown Athletic Club in Manhattan on his lunch hour, and … tennis.

Elizabeth S. Bond

Elizabeth S. Bond, 81, passed away on September 9^th, 2024, at home in Middletown, NJ. Born on December 21, 1942, in Budapest, Hungary, she became a US citizen and lived in several communities in the Monmouth County area for most of her life. Known for her kindness and gentle smile, she was a warm presence to all that knew her.

Elizabeth dedicated many years of her life to the jewelry industry, working at Reussille’s Jewelers in Red Bank and later serving as manager of Ballew’s Jewelers of Sea Girt until her retirement. She was sought after for her expertise in the field.

Sandra R. McCowan

On September 11th 2024 our beloved mother, Sandra R. McCowan, passed away surrounded by her family. Born in Columbus, GA, she was a devoted military wife and mother, raising her children with strength and honor.

Sandra earned her degree in accounting, and she worked as such for the government until her retirement with the closing of Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey. Sandra was a member of Monmouth County Cotillion, and she was a devout member of Emanual Baptist Church in Tinton Falls.

Alfred David Giuliani, Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our very loved dad, Alfred David Giuliani, Sr. who left us on August 22nd at the age of 90. He was born November 3,1933 in NY and was a long-time resident of Lincroft NJ.

He loved his family deeply. He had a smile that lit up any room, a kind heart and a very generous spirit. He was a great cook, loved making homemade ravioli with his family and loved Frank Sinatra. He danced even better than he cooked. He had a passion for flying. He flew private planes, seaplanes and helicopters. He even flew Santa Claus into the Atlantic Highlands Marina by helicopter to the delight of many children (including his own). He was the proud owner of Giuliani Contracting Company in Atlantic Highlands along with his father Isidorio and brother Giuseppe.

Leo Daniel Sugg Jr.

LEO DANIEL SUGG JR, 58, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, after a lifetime filled with love, dedication, and quiet strength. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, Leo's presence brought kindness and grace to everyone who knew him.

Born in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Leo was a proud native of the state. He graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Shamokin before continuing his education at Penn State University, where he earned a degree in accounting and developed a lifelong passion for Nittany Lions football. He was also a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, where he built friendships and honed leadership skills that would serve him well throughout his life.

Dominic Anthony Trocchia, Sr.

Dominic Anthony Trocchia Sr., 94, of Little Silver, New Jersey, passed peacefully in his sleep on September 8, 2024. Born on May 29, 1930, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Dominic was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived a life full of love and dedication. He was a proud graduate of Red Bank High School Class of 1948, where at 15, he met the love of his life, his beloved Marie. Despite not being old enough to drive, he would walk three miles in the snow to visit her. Their 73 years of marriage and 77 years together were a testament to their enduring love, always holding hands wherever they went.

Maria Rita Colella

Maria Rita Colella, beloved mother and Nonna, died peacefully at Care One in Wall New Jersey on Monday, September 2nd at the age of 86.

Born in the town of Mistretta in Sicily she was the youngest child and only daughter of Paulo and Vincenza LoPrinzi. In her mid 20’s Maria moved to New York City where she met and married her loving husband Donato Colella on June 6, 1971. Maria and Donato moved to Gravesend in Brooklyn, New York where they raised their two boys. In her early 40’s Maria suffered a major stroke while at home with her young sons. She was temporarily paralyzed and unable to speak. She overcame all of the obstacles put in front of her and willed herself to get better to be there for her family. This is one example of the determination and love she had for her family, especially her children. The family moved to Middletown, New Jersey in 1989. After their sons were raised and had moved out of the house Maria and Donato moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida where they spent the better part of 10 years until their return to New Jersey to be closer to family.

April Katherine Anderson

April Katherine Anderson, 79, of Fair Haven, NJ passed away on September 3, 2024 of complications after multiple strokes.

April graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, MI, where she was a National Merit Scholar and excelled in Art and Mathematics. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Wayne State University of Detroit. After graduation, she moved to New York and worked for the Link Group of General Precision in Pleasantville on programming for the Apollo Lunar Mission Simulator. Subsequently, she worked as a computer programmer for IBM in the Office Products Division.

Marilyn Lucille Lentz

Marilyn Lucille Lentz was born December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, in Detroit Michigan to parents Lucille Stewart and Raymond Rudolph Lentz. She attended Cody High School, Oakland Community College and Oakland University. Her family was active at Hope Memorial Lutheran and Resurrection Lutheran churches where she began her singing career. Marilyn went on to sing with St. Matthew's UMC, Grosse Pointe UMC, St. John's Episcopal, Dearborn Chorale Arts, Madrigal Club of Detroit and The Choralaires. She also followed her aunt into the phone business working at Directory Assistance for Michigan Bell.

Marilyn moved to Denver Colorado in the late 70's where she continued her work with Mountain Bell. It is in Colorado that she actively pursued her vocal career appearing in the Gilbert & Sullivan Theatre productions of Mikado, Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore. She was also an original member with Opera Colorado with Nathaniel Merrill and Louise Sherman, in Tales of Hoffmann, Turandot, La Boheme, Othello, Tosca and Il Trovatore. She soloed at Central Christian and First UMC Boulder where she performed the role of Mother in Amdahl and the Night Visitors. Marilyn also performed with Antonia Brico in many concert and opera performances.

Susan G. Johnson

Susan G. Johnson, 67, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a hard fought, courageous battle with cancer. Her vibrant spirit and relentless determination in fighting her disease was an inspiration to all those around her.

Susan was born to Michael and Kathy Gabco in New London, CT. The oldest daughter of five siblings, she spent her childhood in Waterford, CT, where she developed a passion for dance at an early age. She pursued her craft at the Boston Conservatory of Music where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After graduating, she moved to New York City where she continued to study dance. She loved the city life and made friends amongst dancers, actors and other aspiring performers. From there, she moved to Pelham, NY, where she first worked for the Steffi Nossen Dance in Education Foundation and then went on to teach at other dance schools around Westchester and in Greenwich, CT. While living in Pelham she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob). They relocated with Susan’s daughter, Christine, to Avon, CT and were married in 1987. The following year they welcomed a son, Rob, and lived in Avon for several years before moving to Shrewsbury, NJ in 1992.

Donna A. Applegate

Donna A. Applegate, 75, a native of Holmdel, NJ was a beloved wife, mother, and Grammy. A positive light to everyone she encountered, Donna was the foundation of her family. She was fun-loving, supportive, open, and generous of spirit.

Donna was a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School and went on to serve as a clerk at Prudential Insurance in Newark, NJ. In 1975 Donna left Prudential in order to start her family.

She was an active volunteer with many committees and organizations including Girl Scouts and the Holmdel School System. Donna took pride in making her home a joyfully welcoming place for friends and family, and for anyone who needed a seat at the table. She enjoyed CBS Soap Operas, board games and puzzles, antiques, magazines devoted to home décor, and perhaps most of all loving her grandchildren.