Obituaries

Robert “Rob” Graffeo

Robert “Rob” Graffeo, 61, of Rumson, New Jersey, passed away on June 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Rob was a devoted husband and father, proud grandfather, visionary technology executive, trusted mentor, philanthropist, and cherished friend whose impact was felt far beyond the organizations where he worked. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he helped shape the evolution of technology within the financial services industry and was an early pioneer in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Milena Bruno

It’s with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Milena Bruno. She led quite an incredible life after being born in Zadar Croatia.

She spent time in Rome Italy as a translator for refugees across the continent as she was fluent in many European languages. She subsequently immigrated to the United States and began working as a seamstress and eventually a fashion designer before she met her husband Albert. They were married for 59 wonderful years and she gave up a very promising career in fashion design so she could stay with her children. 

Patricia A. "Pattie" Lyons

Patricia A. "Pattie" Lyons, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all, passed from this life peacefully on June 14, 2026 at the age of 66. She was at home and surrounded by the family she loved with all her being.
 
Pattie was born in Cherry Point, NC on April 3, 1960 to Charles R. and Catherine H. Leutz.  When her father retired from military service, the family relocated to Fair Haven and later Rumson, NJ, where Pattie attended Holy Cross Elementary and Rumson-Fair Haven High School.  She obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Lehigh University, and a Masters Degree from Western Michigan in Blind and Low Vision Rehabilitation, the foundation for her professional career.  Inspiration for a life of service to the blind came to Pattie through the example of her uncle, Carroll Ault, a man with rapidly failing vision, who was a logging high-climber for 20 years, topping 200-foot trees in the Pacific Northwest, after which he fashioned a career in Blind Rehabilitation.

Joan K. Curran

Joan K. Curran, 91, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, after a sudden illness. Her passing was unexpected, but she passed with peace, dignity, and the love of her family around her.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. She was a strong Italian woman with a gentle heart — the kind of woman who never complained and always put others before herself. Those who knew her will remember her warmth, kindness, quiet strength, and deep love for her family.

Joan adored her husband, Tom Curran, a United States Marine and Korean War veteran, who passed away in 1990. She spoke of him lovingly every day after his passing, and her family takes comfort knowing she is now reunited with him. Their love and the values they lived by helped shape the life of their only son, Tommy, who feels blessed to have been raised by such loving and strong parents.

Barbara T. Alexander

Barbara Alexander, 85, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Barbara carried with her the strong values, faith, and resilience that would define her life. While attending College Misericordia, she enjoyed spending time with friends and embracing life's adventures. One afternoon, while out on a joy ride around the Wilkes-Barre Square, she spotted a handsome basketball player from nearby King's College. Turning to her friends, she confidently declared, "See him right there? I'm going to marry him one day." That young man was Nicholas A. Alexander.

Joan A. Sciortino

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, Joan Angela Sciortino (LaViola), age 87, on June 7, 2026.  Our Mom was a true warrior, battling cancer for over 12 years with unwavering courage and grace.  Never giving up, always fighting; the strongest person we have ever known. She was the heart of our family, known for her warm heart, kindness, generosity and tireless dedication to her family.

Joan was born in Jersey City on December 14, 1938 to her late parents D. Richard and Josephine LaViola. Her family settled in Highlands and then Atlantic Highlands. Together with her late husband Philip, she helped establish the family business (Tackle Box Inc.) while raising 5 children.

Robert S. Lanfrank

Robert “Bob” Lanfrank, beloved husband, father, grandfather, barber, businessman, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026 at the age of 85.

Born to the late Robert Alfred Lanfrank and Evelyn Lanfrank, Bob dedicated his life to his family, his community, and the profession he loved. At just 17 years old, he began his career at Cardner’s Barber Shop in Red Bank. By the age of 20, he had purchased the shop and remained its proud owner and barber for the next 65 years. Even in the final weeks of his life, Bob’s dedication to his craft never wavered, as he continued working and serving his loyal customers.

Gerald Lawrence Cook

Gerald Lawrence Cook of Monmouth County, New Jersey passed away peacefully on May 28th, 2026 at the age of 85.

Gerald was born on December 29, 1940, to Geraldine (Howland) and Frederick Cook. He was the youngest sibling and is survived by his brother, Frederick Cook and was predeceased by his sister, Margaret (Cook) Koch. He is also survived by his beloved cousins, Maureen Carter, Susie Delaney, and Peggy Lelivelt.

Gerald was known by many names: Cookie to his closest family, Wawa to his loving nephews Robert and Stephen Cook, Uncle Jerry to his many nieces, nephews, and grandnephews, and Jerry to his friends. But the name he carried with the greatest pride was Professor Cook.

Margaret Prefer

Peggy Prefer passed away peacefully Sunday at Riverview Medical Center in the presence of family.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she lived the majority of her life in Sarasota, FL with her late husband and love of her life George. After George passed in 2021, she moved to New Jersey and lived with her son, Kevin.

Peggy dedicated her life to making her family feel loved, she made a house a home. Outside of family life Peggy enjoyed making many friendships throughout her life. She enjoyed talking to family and friends often.

Bonita Kay “Bunny” Resley Harrison

Bonita Kay “Bunny” Resley Harrison, age 78, passed peacefully from glioblastoma, surrounded by family and friends, on May 30, 2026, at her home on Sycamore Lane in Rumson, NJ.

She was born in Hagerstown, MD on April 3, 1948, the daughter of Floyd Robert Resley and Barbara Isabelle Jones Resley, both of whom predeceased her.

Charles F. Shay Sr.

Charles F. Shay Sr. passed away peacefully at home on April 15 surrounded by family. Born on January 6,1941 at Monmouth Medical Center, and after a short drive up Ocean Avenue, Charley’s many years were spent in Rumson, New Jersey. Charley attended Holy Cross Grammar School and Red Bank Catholic High School. He graduated from Monmouth College, completed graduate school at Rutgers University, and attended the Rutgers Doctorate Program. While at  R.B.C., Charley earned Varsity letters Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He married in 1965 and shared a wonderful life with his wife of 61 years. Charley loved the town of Rumson. He was a beloved educator, brought about the Environmental Science Program at Stokes State Forrest, was appointed the leader of Rumson Community Education, and created other educational programs at Forrestdale Middle School. Charley served as Chief of the Oceanic Fire Department, was President of the Library Board, President of M.C.A.S.B.O., and President of the Root beer and Checker Club.

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Bruce S. Thompson, Owner & Manager, NJ LIC #3740

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