Obituaries

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.

Francis X. Davis, Jr. , “Frank”, 76, of Rumson, NJ passed away on November 2 from progressive heart failure.

Frank grew up in Fair Haven, NJ and lived in Rumson for the last 40 years.  He attended Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft and went on to St. Joseph’s College, Indiana, where he earned a degree in psychology. It was there where he met his loving wife of 54 years. 

Frank spent most of his working life at Verizon as a director of network engineering. During much of that time, he also served as a captain in the National Guard.  After an early retirement from Verizon, he started his handyman business and thoroughly enjoyed that second career and his connection with the community.  His Boat Ramp Oldtimers “membership” was the highlight of many of his afternoons. 

Rita Maria Bank passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday November 26, 2023, just one day short of her 64th birthday.  

Rita was a hospice nurse for many years, offering care and kindness to her many patients throughout out her career which, she found immensely rewarding and fulfilling.  Rita worked for a period of time for the Visiting Nurses Association of New Jersey who gave her the same comfort in her time of need.

 

In grade school, he met his best friend Mario Crupi’s sister Rosemarie, they eventually fell in love, married in 1961, raised three children, and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.