Obituaries

On December 22, 2023, John Francis Horan, having lived an extraordinary life of 100 years was called home to God. Born on November 1, 1923, in Jersey City, NJ John was raised by his parents John and Mae (nee Daly) Horan along with his siblings Bette, Don and Pat. He attended Snyder High School, Jersey City graduating in January 1942. He had a long career as an information technology systems analyst working for Western Electric, Pathmark, Time Inc. and Church Pension Group from which he retired.

In order to support his mother and siblings, following the death of his father, John took a job at Western Electric in Kearny NJ. John was drafted and inducted into the Army in June 1943. Following basic training at Camp Croft, South Carolina, John applied and was accepted into the elite Aviation Cadet Training program. He learned to fly at Winthrop College, Rock Hill, SC and later was moved to the West Coast Army Air Corps Training Center in Santa Ana, California. However, John’s dream of being an Air Cadet was cut short, as ground troops were needed. In late April 1944, John received orders to report for reassignment to the infantry.

Walter D. Wilson, Sr, 90, of Lincroft, NJ, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Walt was born the youngest of seven to Lillian and Austin Wilson in Applegarth, NJ. He was a long-time resident of Fair Haven before moving to his farm in Freehold Township.

Walt proudly served in the United States Army, 10^th Mountain Division during the Korean War. He was a Free Mason.

Walt was an accomplished wood worker and built many custom-built homes in Monmouth County.

Joseph F. Cabrera of Atlantic Highlands, NJ passed away on December 20, 2023 at home with his beloved wife Katie by his side.

Joe was born June 10, 1947 in Manhattan, NY to Felicita and Angel Luis Cabrera, the fourth of six children. In addition to many youthful adventures throughout New York City, he also fondly remembered time with his family on his uncle’s dairy farm in Puerto Rico. He attended and graduated from Immaculata High School and later obtained a bachelor’s degree from Baruch College of the City University of New York. In the spring of 1980, he met the love of his life, Katie Mulheren, when they were both working at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. This past June, they were thrilled to celebrate 40 years of marriage.

John Francis “Jack” McNeil was born on June 26, 1932, in Red Bank, NJ and passed away December 10, 2023. He was raised by his parents John and Bertha, and his beloved older sister Eileen.  Jack lived his entire life in the Red Bank area. He attended St. James Elementary School and Red Bank Catholic High School. He then attended St. Peters College in Jersey City, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing in 1954. He had a long career in the life insurance industry working for Marsh and McLennan, John Hancock, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Donald Smith Associates and Union Labor Life Insurance Company.  After his retirement, Jack worked for Arrow Limousine, John Zollner class rings and Realty Appraisal Company. 

Jack enjoyed sports all of his life. He became a passionate fan of the Knicks, Mets and New York Giants.  Jack played football, basketball and baseball and lettered in all 3 sports for the RBC Caseys. He continued his love of sports by playing softball with Sal’s Tavern, The Knights of Columbus and The Tribe of Little Silver. Jack also developed a fondness for golf and enjoyed playing with his friends at local county courses.  He traveled with members of the Little Silver Fire Department for yearly golf trips to Florida. 

Harriet Ellen Best Sweeton, aged 90 years, of Ocean Grove, NJ passed away at home on Dec 10, 2023. Born June 11, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA to Harry and Tina Best. Raised in Devon, PA.

Harriet graduated in 1951 from Friends Central Quaker School in Overbrook, PA before going on to study Music Education at Temple University. She loved music and had the “voice of an angel”. During her time at Temple University, she sang under the direction of Elaine Brown including performances at Carnegie Hall. She attended concerts at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, including the Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy, and Arthur Rubinstein. Harriet studied piano from an early age and played classical piano beautifully on her Baldwin Baby Grand Piano. She loved Brahms, Chopin and Rachmaninoff and other Romantic composers. She sang with a number of local choirs for many years including the Monmouth Civic Chorus and the Shrewsbury Chorale. She also sang with church choirs including Tower Hill Presbyterian Church and Trinity Episcopal Church in Red Bank, NJ for many years.

Norman Cornelius Heinle, Jr, beloved husband, brother, father, and “Grand Norm,” peacefully passed away on December 3, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family and overlooking his long-time home on the serene waters of the Navesink River.

“Norm,” as he was fondly referred to by all who knew him, including his ten grandchildren, was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1943 to Marie Karl and Norman C. Heinle. The eldest of eight siblings, Norm’s educational journey included Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Benedict's Prep, and St. Bonaventure University before earning his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). His dedication to learning and intellect propelled him into the world of business, where he joined and eventually acquired Datamatics Management Services, Inc. Under his stewardship, the company flourished for 50 years. Norm's passion for teaching led him to mentor at Rutgers University and FDU, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many, including those within the Datamatics family and several of whom worked by his side for decades.

Robert L. Bogart age 76 of Holmdel passed away peacefully at home on December 2, 2023.

Bobby was born and raised in Monmouth County. He was born in Riverview Hospital and was raised in the River Plaza area, attending Middletown High School, graduating in 1965. While attending high school he met his one true love, Margaret Ann (Macdonald), and they were married for 54 years. Bobby was a retired union electrician Local 400 in Wall Township.

Philip J. Lanigan, age 71, of Shrewsbury, NJ passed away Friday, December 1, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born March 20, 1952 in Waltham, MA. He graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School. Phil was co-owner of Lanigan Associates, Inc. in Tinton Falls for over 40 years.

Laura Anez, age 66, of Little Silver, NJ passed away on December 1, 2023. Laura came to this country in 1980. Initially, she worked in factories but one day by chance she noticed an advertisement for Middlesex County Community College for the Nursing Program. With a Polish-American dictionary in one hand, and a textbook in another, she completed the program successfully and went on to become a licensed Practical Nurse.

To further her career, she attended Brookedale Community College, where she studied Nursing and achieved an Associate’s degree, enabling her to take the exam to become a Registered Nurse. All the above while working full time. Shortly thereafter, she was hired at Riverview Medical Center (now Hackensack Meridian) in Red Bank. At Hackensack Meridian, she eventually became a Certified Critical Care Nurse and later, she worked in Surgical Day Stay. November 30^th marked her 36^th Anniversary of her career at Hackensack Meridian.

Shirley A. Jenkins, age 80, of Eatontown, NJ peacefully passed away on November 30, 2023.

Born in Long Branch in 1943 to Leslie P. and Kathleen Stout. She was a graduate of Red Bank High School Class of 1962. She married Robert Jenkins at St. James Church, Red Bank in 1964.

Shirley was a homemaker most of her life however, she also worked at the Hosiery Mill in Shrewsbury, and the Rowan Controller Company in Red Bank repairing circuit breakers. She also worked as a housekeeper for two doctors in Holmdel and Matawan. She was a parishioner of St. Dorothea's Church, Eatontown for over 50 years.