Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

Lorianne (Lori) O'Connor

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we bid farewell to a remarkable woman, Lorianne (Lori) O’Connor passed away on February 3, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Lori was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the lives of all who were fortunate enough to be in her circle. She left behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and inspiration.

Lori was born and raised in Cedar Grove, NJ, spending time at the Jersey shore where she developed a lifelong love for the coastal lifestyle. She was a visionary who navigated a path less traveled. After studying at Fordham University, Lori found her passion in the financial world. In an era when few women succeeded on Wall Street, she fearlessly carved out her niche in “the pit”. She furthered her career by moving to Paris for years, mastering the language and the culture. Her intellect and hard work combined with a determination to succeed allowed her an early retirement that few can enjoy.

Phyllis J. Edwards

Phyllis J. Edwards, age 80, died on January 28, 2024 without pain, at home with her loving husband, George, by her side.

She was born in Park Ridge, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.

Phyllis worked for the Eatontown Branch of the AAA Auto Club in New Jersey as a Travel Agent for 37 years. Phyllis had traveled to China, Australia, Alaska and other locations in her Travel occupation.

Joseph Berardi

Joseph Berardi, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away on January 29, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories. Born on September 24, 1956, in Staten Island, NY to the late Anthony and Anna Berardi. Joseph lived a life filled with compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his family.

Joseph was a hobbyist enthusiast, who collected model trains, R/C model airplanes, and enjoyed golfing. In his later years, Joseph was a monitor in The Villages (Florida) woodworking shop, where he enjoyed woodworking and painting. He was also an RV enthusiast, and loved to travel the East Coast with his wife. He never met a hobby he didn’t like!

George E. Mieloch

George E. Mieloch, age 74, former Lieutenant of the Shrewsbury Police Department, passed away on December 14th, 2023.

Patricia (Patty) vom Lehn Overman

Patricia vom Lehn Overman, (Patty) of Red Bank, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Born in Cincinnati, OH to Stanley and Doris vom Lehn, Patty lived most of her life in the Monmouth County, NJ area.

Patty married her late husband Bill in 1961 and they were married for 58 years until his passing in 2019. She is survived by their three children: William, Steven, and Kristin as well as her brother Garry. Patty taught in both the Rumson and Fair Haven school systems for 30 years giving hundreds if not thousands of children their first lessons in Math and Reading. After retiring from teaching, Patty immersed herself in other pursuits, among them: Garden Club, Family and Child Services, Bible study at St. Georges, attending The Two River Theater and also enjoyed going to the beach and playing Dominoes with friends.

Anne (Pat) Hall Sawmiller

Anne (Pat) Hall Sawmiller, 93, of Red Bank, NJ, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024. She grew up in Long Branch and lived in Little Silver before moving to Red Bank. She worked for the Tinton Falls Police Department until she retired from there.

Pat was a 58-year member of Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, where she served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher and receptionist.

Bonnie Jean Taylor

Bonnie Jean Taylor, 92, from Hiwassee, Virginia passed away peacefully at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ on January 21, 2024.

Born in 1931 she was the third of six children (Carl, Gaye, Agnes, Hattie Marie, and Keith) of Laddie Bell Graham and Ernest Bruce Taylor, also of Hiwassee, all of whom predeceased her.

After attending Draper High School, she married her beloved husband of over 60 years Stanley Taylor (deceased) with whom she had two children, William E. Taylor (deceased) and Patricia Abigail “Gail” Moliver.

Bonnie was a member of the Pulaski Primitive Baptist Church in Newbern. She was a spiritual, principled and hardworking person. She was charitable to those less fortunate than herself. Bonnie had a successful career at Klopman Mills where she rose to the rank of the company’s first female quality control inspector. In her 34 years of employment, she missed one single day of work only because the local police informed her that the road to the plant was closed because of icy conditions and she was forced to return home.

Barbara G. Shannon

Barbara G. Shannon (nee Galvin) passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2024. She was born in Jersey City, NJ and resided in Wanamassa, NJ for the past 49 years. Barbara spent her childhood in Jersey City NJ . She was born to the late Cyril Jerome and Veronica Teresa (nee Lawlor) Galvin on August 21, 1936, in Jersey City. Barbara graduated from St. Michael’s High School, Jersey City in 1954 and received a BA at Lady Cliff College, Highland Falls, NY in 1958.

She married the late Major John D. Shannon (US Army) in 1959. They lived the Army life staying in Georgia, Germany, California, and Texas, and finally calling Wanamassa, NJ their home for the last 49 years.

Harvey C. Tilton, Jr.

Harvey C. Tilton Jr. from Rumson, New Jersey passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 22, 2024 at the age of 89.

Harvey was born in 1934 in Rumson to Elizabeth and Harvey Tilton, Sr. It is here where he grew up, attended the town schools, helped with the family business, spent time fishing and crabbing on the river from his backyard, made lifetime friendships and shared many incredible stories with everyone he came in contact with. Harvey liked to work on cars so those who were friends with him in his younger days knew of his exciting drag racing days and his amazing race cars. Throughout Harvey's life he very much enjoyed softball, clamming, gun club, crabbing, bowling for the firehouse league, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

David L. Monier

David L. Monier, 86, peacefully passed away at his Oceanport home on January 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Debbie, and their four children: Scott (spouse, Jill), Phillip, Kirsten (spouse, Edward), and Kathryne. David is also remembered by his four cherished grandchildren: Morgan, Emma, Hayden, and Tashi.

Born in Rahway, NJ, David was a graduate of Westfield High School in 1956. Following three years of military service, he pursued higher education at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.

Frank D'Arpa

In loving memory of Frank D’Arpa, born February 3, 1950 and peacefully passed away on Sunday January 21, 2024.

Frank was born in East Orange, NJ and raised in Elizabeth, NJ. He served in the United States Army as a Medic during the Vietnam War, and a recipient of National Defense Service Medal. He was an Electrician and retired as Electrical Inspector for the City of Elizabeth.

Frank enjoyed volunteering his time giving back to the community by volunteering at the hospital, and local soup kitchens, as well as involvement in multiple charities.