Obituaries

Paul Frieze, a renowned advertising production leader and creative force from the “Mad Men” era, passed away, August 26, 2025, at age 89.  Paul had a distinguished career spanning 50 years. He held executive vice president roles at top advertising and direct marketing agencies in New York City.  In 2001, combining his business acumen and creativity, Paul founded his own firm, PBF Graphics Inc., serving as CEO.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Anita Hope Thorne Rochelle-Keyser of Middletown, on August 6, 2025, at the age of 100.  She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, and friend to many.

Born to Zelma de Guerin Seaton and Lester Mason Thorne on October 12, 1924, in East Keansburg, NJ, Anita was the fifth of nine children.  Her older brother Horace Marvin Thorne, was the first Congressional Medal of Honor recipient in Monmouth County, NJ.  Thorne Middle School in Port Monmouth is named in his honor.  The Thorne family is one of the oldest families in Monmouth County dating back to 1748.  Anita was the last surviving member of the Thorne family.

Thomas Allmond Kennedy of Little Silver, formerly of Wilmington, DE, Brooklyn, NY, and Rhosllanerchrugog, Wales, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at home. Thomas was born in Brooklyn, New York, where he resided with his parents, Samuel and Sarah Kennedy.  A few years after Thomas’ father passed away in 1945, Thomas and his mother moved to Wales where he spent several years enveloped in a warm and loving extended family.  He held Wales close to his heart for his entire life.

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, uncle, cousin, and friend, Philip S. Nuttall, who left us on August 12, 2025. Phil’s gentle spirit, keen intellect, and quiet strength will be forever cherished by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Born and raised in Middletown, Philip’s life was rooted in community and family. He attended Middletown High School, where his curiosity and love of learning were evident to all who knew him. Eager to better understand the human mind and spirit, Philip pursued his studies in Psychology at Wagner College, earning his degree and embarking on a lifelong journey of discovery and compassion.

Read the Obituary at the Philadelphia Inquirer (Different obituary than what is listed below). 

Jonathan M. Storm, 78, influential television critic; kind, sardonic curmudgeon; bon vivant; gambler; devoted husband; and a man who loved life, his family and his many friends, died August 4, 2025, in Red Bank, NJ, peacefully, of complications from treatment of metastasized melanoma, with which he had lived gracefully, enthusiastically, and appreciatively for almost six years.

He was a very funny man, a generous mentor, and a precise wordsmith who would have loved editing down the immense first paragraph of this obituary.

Lisa Anne Hewitt McLean was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, sister, and “Nana,” whose kindness and love touched everyone who knew her. She was the beloved wife of Harold McLean, cherished daughter of Burbon and Anne Hewitt, and sister to Robert. She was the proud mother of Kristoffer McLean and Megan McLean, and a caring stepmother to Craig McLean and Courtney MacKenzie. Her most treasured role was as grandmother to Paige, Kennedy, and Brooks Chiafullo, who brought endless joy to her life.

Charles “Chuck” E. King Jr., 71, of Little Silver, NJ, passed away on August 10, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. Affectionately known as “The Crab King,” Chuck was born in Red Bank and remained a lifelong resident of the area.

A graduate of Red Bank High School (Class of ’73), where Chuck was active in sports—playing softball and wrestling. He served his country in the National Guard, specializing in tank recovery. Chuck went on to work for the Red Bank Water Department before joining the Fair Haven Public Works Department, where he retired as a foreman after 25 years of dedicated service.

John B. Blackburn passed away on August 10^th in his home at age 71, his loving family by his side.

In 1954, John was adopted at age 4 months by his loving parents, Betty and Ildon Blackburn of Colts Neck, NJ. He joined his sister, Rachel, at the family farm.  He attended Colts Neck schools and for high school, John went to Williston Academy in Massachusetts. He graduated from Monmouth College with a BA in German languages, and Rutgers University with a Masters in German language and literature. John spoke 6 languages fluently, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. He taught ESL for both Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University. He traveled the world with his wife using his language gifts.

Nancy Simonetti passed away peacefully, and surrounded by her children, on August 5, 2025, at her home in Middletown, NJ. She was a loving wife, mother, and Nana (grandmother and great-grandmother). In her 102 years, she was a kind and bright light to many friends and strangers who were lucky enough to cross her path.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Pasquale Simonetti, her son-in-law William Nurthen II, her brother Philip Genovese, and her stepsister Marie Esposito. She is survived by her children Donna Nurthen, Philip (Diane) Simonetti, Patrice Simonetti, and Joseph Simonetti; her grandchildren William (Jennifer) Nurthen III, Ann (John) Harlow, Nancy (Jenelle) Nurthen, Kara (Parker) Gibson, Kathleen (Scott) Strongarone, Jeanne (Kevin) Jones, Patrick Nurthen, Alexandra (Rich) Ingordo, and JR (Jamie) Klagues; and her great-grandchildren Emma Knight, Caroline Harlow, Lily Nurthen, Jack Harlow, Julia Nurthen, Matt Harlow, William Nurthen IV,  Paul Nurthen, Grace Gibson, Lucy Jones, Wyatt Gibson, Haley Jones, Mila Strongarone, Miriam Nurthen, Charlie Ingordo, Brendan Jones, Elizabeth Ingordo, Michael Nurthen, and Adora Klagues.