Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

JoAnn F. Graves

JoAnn was born on October 7, 1936 and passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023, knowing her loving family was by her side offering her love and comfort in her final days. JoAnn was a lifelong resident of Southern and Central California, only briefly residing in Red Bank, NJ.

JoAnn was born and raised in South Pasadena, CA. The oldest of six children and the last one to leave this earth. JoAnn had a variety of careers, from the medical field to interior design. She continued working until she was 80 years old. She owned and operated a clothing boutique prior to retiring to Paso Robles, CA. Once in Paso Robles, CA she continued part-time work in interior design as well as the beauty industry. She had a larger-than-life personality and lit up every room with her storytelling skills. She was an amazing country cook, a self-proclaimed foodie, a sports enthusiast and a fan of rock n roll. It wasn’t uncommon to have lunch with her and start talking about what she was whipping up for dinner. She was a lover of high fashion and was known for her sense of style, flaming red hair, perfectly put together outfits and was never seen without lipstick.

Lesley Gable Fitzgerald

Lesley Gable Fitzgerald, 43, of Tinton Falls, passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 1, 2024. Lesley was born on May 23, 1980 in Atlantic City, NJ to George and LouAnne (nee Donahue) Gable. She grew up in Cape May, NJ. During her youth, she was involved in dance, field hockey, softball and cheerleading. She graduated from Lower Cape May Regional High School Class of 1998. She attended West Chester University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 2003. During her time in college, she was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and involved in many philanthropic events. In 2013, she obtained a Master’s degree in School and Mental Health Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania, in which she was the most proud.

Doris Winifred Reid

Doris Winifred Reid, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024 in Middletown, NJ. Doris Reid "Winnie" as she was affectionately known, was born on January 23, 1939 in Orange, NJ to Maurice and Doris Russell.

In 1957 Winnie graduated from West Orange High School. She attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Montclair, NJ. Winnie went on to work as a secretary at Ciba Pharmaceuticals in Summit, NJ.

Winnie married James Henry Reid on December 15, 1962. Winnie and James were high school sweethearts. They were blessed with six children: Thomas, David, Eric, Vicky, John and Bonnie.

Winnie was an active member of North Orange Baptist Church, Saint Cloud Presbyterian in West Orange and Tower Hill Presbyterian Church in Red Bank, NJ. She spent many years teaching Sunday school and summer youth activities.

Christopher G. Beronio

Christopher G. Beronio, also known as Bam Bam, passed away January 3rd, 2024 at the age of 54 in Red Bank, NJ. He was born in Belleville, NJ. Christopher, a devoted husband, is survived by his wife Sue and their many fur kidz. He is also survived by his mother Diana Beronio Macaluso and his sister Joan Beronio Muanez and her husband Juan. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Beronio. Christopher also leaves behind his Nephew Sean and Nieces Hanna, Kaitlyn, Isabella and his God Daughter, Anna.

Christopher graduated from Red Bank Regional High School and then joined the Navy where he served as Petty Officer 3rd Class during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. He then went to Chubb Institute where he earned his Technical Support Experience Diploma.

Janet R. Bischer

Janet R. Bischer, 75, passed away at her home in Middletown on January 2, 2024 after a long illness. The timing was not shocking, as Janet, a summer-loving Leo if ever there was one, loathed the month of January and the prospect of checking out before slogging through yet another 31 days of “The January Blahs” was probably too tempting to pass up.

Janet was raised in the Ridgewood section of Queens, N.Y., graduating from Grover Cleveland High School in 1966 and attending steno school before working as a secretary at Bankers Trust in lower Manhattan. It was a fateful career move: Not only did she make a tight-knit group of girlfriends there, she also met the love of her life and future husband, Bob.

Virginia T. Dunn

Virginia T. Dunn, 89, of Middletown passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2023, with family by her side. She was born in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, NY on November 26, 1934, to Harriet and Duncan O’Brien. An only child doted on by her adoring parents, Ginny graduated from Bayside High School, later earning her Associates at Averett College, and attending Barnard College.

It was as a student at Bayside High School that Ginny met her future husband, Frank (“Mike”) Dunn at a YMCA dance. In June 1956, these former high school sweethearts married and immediately left (with their dog Buffy) for Mike’s Marine Corps basic training. The following six years saw them move many times from North Carolina to Virginia to New York to Georgia and back again as they welcomed four daughters: Kathleen, Patricia, Judy and Diana.

Theodore "Ted" J. Moss III

Theodore Joseph Moss III, known as Ted, 72, of Little Silver, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 30, 2023. He left this world surrounded by the love of his family and friends after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Ted was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Ted and Marguerite Moss. He retired from a long career with the United States Postal Service as the Post Master in Neptune. Ted is predeceased by his parents, Ted and Marguerite Moss. He is survived by his wife, Connee Moss, with whom he enjoyed 50 years of marriage; his children, Kelsey Moss, Ellie Moss and her husband, Sam Stamler, T.J. Moss and his wife, Kelly Moss, a granddaughter, Ivy Marie Stamler, and four siblings, Kevin (Patricia) Moss, Brian (Carla) Moss, Carolyn (Jeff) McDaniel, and Marianne (Tom) Dunn.

Eleanor "Em" Jones Lawes

Eleanor Jones Lawes, 99, of Little Silver, passed away December 28th peacefully in her sleep at home after a day surrounded by family. She was fondly known as “Em” to friends and “MeMe” to her family. She grew up in Interlaken and Little Silver, NJ. In grammar school she met Donald E. Lawes Jr. who became the love of her life. They were happily and lovingly married for 59 years!

Peter Carl Culos, Jr.

Peter Carl Culos, Jr., age 95 of Red Bank, NJ passed away on December 27, 2023. Peter was born on February 8, 1928 and lived his early years in New York city until moving to, what was then, the suburb of Linden, NJ. At Linden High School, Peter excelled at football and helped lead the Linden Tigers to 2 state championships in 1945 and 1946. He went on to play college football at Chattanooga University. Peter had to leave college before he completed his degree when his father, Peter Culos Sr., became sick. Peter had to take over the running of his father’s business, Linden Tile Company, while his father recovered.

Gerda Lembcke Overgaard

Gerda Lembcke Overgaard 89, of Red Bank, NJ passed peacefully December 26^th, 2023. She was born to Karen and Jens Lauridsen January 10, 1934 in Randers, Denmark. She spent her childhood living under German occupation in Jutland. An ardent student with a competitive streak, she graduated at the top of her class from the Randers Realskole and the Holstebro Handelsskole.

Gerda emigrated with her husband Ole Overgaard to the United States in 1968 and settled in Rumson for many wonderful years. She was always hospitable and kind and opened her home to many travelers and other souls in need. Their little ranch in Rumson was often referred to as “Hotel Denmark.” Gerda had a love of travel, art, fashion, and cooking. Eager to share her Danish cuisine and customs, friends and family would fill her home on Christmas Eve, eating aebleskiver, drinking juleglog, dancing around the tree, and generating maximum hygge. She was always dressed elegantly with matching jewelry and cheetah print was her favorite neutral. Her small stature belied an enormous strength of character. She met all her life’s challenges with grace and cheerfulness.

Joseph John Sergewich

Joseph John Sergewich, born February 28, 1922 in Union Beach, NJ to John and Stella Sergewich, passed on Christmas Day at the age of 101. He was one of the last surviving veterans of WWII. As a member of the 77^th infantry, he crossed the Pacific, fighting in major battles on Guam, the Philippine islands and Okinawa. He received the Bronze Star Medal and many campaign ribbons for his bravery, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Returning to Shrewsbury, NJ after the war he married Etta nee Etta Thorne. He also got his first and only job at New Jersey Bell Telephone Company earning $25 a week. He retired in 1983 after 37 years of service advancing to Supervisor of the linemen.