Obituaries

Diane Letcher Shaw of Fair Haven, NJ, died peacefully attended by her two daughters, on Thursday, June 30, 2022. She was 93.

Diane was born on March 7, 1929, in Interlaken, NJ. She was the daughter of the late Vyvyan Paul Letcher and Elsie Judd Letcher. Diane graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. After traveling abroad Diane settled in New York City working in advertising.

She was married to Edward Benedict Shaw for twenty-six years and had three children, Frederick, Barbara and Elizabeth.

Diane was an active member of St. George’s by the River for over 60 years. She served on the altar guild and chaired the Cantebury Fair. She was on the board of the Monmouth County ASPCA and the Auxiliary League. Di was the life of the party, an avid gardener, a passionate animal lover, a competitive bridge and tennis player, opera buff, crossword puzzle whiz and a worldwide traveler.

Karl D. Kolarsick II of Daniel Island, SC passed away on June 26, 2022 at the age of 70 surrounded by love.  Karl was born in 1952 to Dr. Albert J. and Patricia Kolarsick and raised in Shrewsbury, NJ.  He was proud to have graduated from St. James Grammar School (‘66), Christian Brothers Academy (‘70), and the Daniels College of Business at University of Denver (‘75).  In 1980, after years of managing other independent restaurants, Karl and his brother, Albert, purchased Eggimann’s Tavern in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, which Karl proudly owned and operated until his retirement in 2006.

James F. Butler, Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on July 3, 2022. He was a life-long resident of Fair Haven, recently relocating to Rumson. Jim was a second generation Fair Havenite whose grandparents settled there in the 1890’s. He was a proud “Casey” graduating from Red Bank Catholic in 1954. He served in the Army Reserves in the late 1950’s. In 1961 Jim married Josephine Phillips of Red Bank and raised their 3 children in Fair Haven. Jim was employed by the Red Bank Register where he worked in the press room and after retiring, started his own painting business.

Jim’s dedication to Fair Haven was demonstrated in many ways throughout his life. He served on the Recreation Commission, coached baseball for many years, volunteered at the annual 6^th Grade Stokes trip and ushered at The Church of the Nativity for over 40 years. He was most proud to be part of the Fair Haven Fire Company, where he was a member for 56 years and was given the distinguished honor of being named a Life Member. He held many offices including past President, President of the Relief Association, Chairman of then Fireman’s Fair personnel and many other committees.

Barbara Bevacqua, age 81, left us on 07/03/22. She was born in Trenton New Jersey on 08/26/40. Barbara was a proud RBR ‘59 graduate and resident. Barbara was predeceased by her parents Frank and Virginia Coniglio and her husband Michael F. In 1983. Barbara was predeceased by brothers Robert Seaman and Sammy Coniglio and survived by Lucille Koponosh, Frank Coniglio and Walter Coniglio. Barbara was a caring mother especially devoted to her family.

Dr. Allan DeGiulio, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his five beloved children and his wife of sixty-one years, Elizabeth, on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022. Allan grew up in foster care, and at age 17 joined the US Army serving in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. He went on to earn a BA from Hunter College, a MA from Rutgers University, and a PhD from New York University. He was a professor, college president, and non-profit community leader.

For the last 30 years, Allan served the underserved at Greater Bergen Community Action; work that he was most proud of. He dearly loved his five children, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Allan loved to travel, but he never traveled alone; he was accompanied by his grandchildren on every adventure. Growing up in the Bronx, he developed a love for the NY Yankees that continued until the end of his life.

Joseph F. Patsco, 85, passed away peacefully on 6/30/22.  Born in Scranton, PA, he was a proud veteran who served in the US Army during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, NJ and went on to earn an associate’s degree in construction management from NJIT. Joe raised his family in the home he built in Elizabeth, NJ where he was a successful and respected General Contractor, and his work was featured in builders’ magazines. During his retirement, he spent most of his time enjoying fishing, competing in fishing tournaments, captaining deep sea charters, and wintering in Florida where he could relax and fish every day he could.

Newtown, PA- Charles Donald Holsey Jr. "Don" peacefully passed away on 6/29/22, at 74 years old.  He was born in Jersey City, NJ, to Charles Donald Sr. and Pearl Holsey, has 2 older sisters, Jane and Ellen, and resided in Monmouth County, NJ for most of his life.

Don is survived by his three sons, Kevin, Ryan and Patrick, his daughter in-law, Danielle, and two grandsons, Austin and Everett, all of whom he loved very dearly. 

Other than time with his children, his main passion in life was golf. He was a local golf professional in his younger years. He really enjoyed teaching his sons how to play golf, and was a constant presence at all of their sporting events.  He always looked forward to regular family vacations to Disney World and the beach with his children.  Don also sold Mercedes Benz at Contemporary Motor Cars in Little Silver for over 35 years.  Growing up on a horse farm in Middletown, NJ, he was an animal lover, in particular, a family dog was always a staple in his life. 

Carol A. Phillips, 83, of River Plaza, (born in Albany NY) formally of Shrewsbury, died peacefully at home on Wednesday June 29, 2022 surrounded by loving family members.