Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

Nancy Venerose

Nancy Venerose, a long-time resident of Aberdeen, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on November 17, 1944, in New York City to Joseph and Anna Tosto, Nancy's vibrant personality and good humor touched everyone she met.

A proud graduate of Cathedral High School in 1962, Nancy's life was marked by a series of adventures and accomplishments. She embraced a range of professions, including a memorable stint as a NYC taxi driver, before making her career at Forest Electric, from which she retired with a wealth of fond memories and friends.

Nancy McDougald Dickson

Nancy McDougald Dickson, 89, of Little Silver, NJ, passed away on July 31^st after a short illness. Nancy was born on September 17, 1934, to Frank Alexander McDougald and Nancy “Nonie” Haight McDougald in New York and spent her formative years in Englewood, NJ. She graduated from the Dwight-Englewood School in 1952 where she was captain of both the Varsity basketball and tennis teams and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. She went on to study Physical Education at Skidmore College where she graduated in 1956.

Donald A. Robinson

Donald A. Robinson, one of the most prominent, respected and admired attorneys in New Jersey, leading principal in law firms bearing his name, passed away Saturday, August 3, at his home in Locust. Ron Riccio, Dean Emeritus of Seton Hall Law School, who was one of Robinson’s partners in his first law firm, remembered Robinson in these words:

"Don was one of the great lawyers in the history of New Jersey. Whether as a fearless advocate for his clients, a mentor of young lawyers, a generous benefactor to disadvantaged kids growing up in inner cities, a believer in the importance of balancing family life and work, or as a creator of programs and institutions that have survived the test of time, Don was a success. He has left an indelible mark for the better on the many lives he touched."

Victoria Maresca

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of beloved wife and mother, Victoria Maresca, who died on August 2, 2024, at the age of 80.

Born Victoria Ellen Pucci on February 22, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY, where she grew up, she later moved to Sorrento, Italy, where she met the love of her life, Massimo Maresca. They soon married and returned to the NY area, eventually moving to Rumson, NJ, where they have been long-time residents. She was a dedicated wife to her husband Massimo, and a devoted mother to her children Madeleine and Erika.

Patricia Conlon Otersen

Patricia Conlon Otersen, age 86, of Brick, NJ passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2024 with family by her side. Patricia was born on May 17, 1938 in Jersey City, NJ. Patricia graduated from Snyder High School, Jersey City, where she started her family. Patricia and family moved to Middletown in 1964.

In 1976, she began a career in banking, retiring in 2014 as a Branch Manager and V.P. at Bank of America. She spent many years as a dedicated member of the Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club in Aberdeen, NJ.

Umberto "Bert" G. DiFiore

Umberto G. DiFiore (Bert), age 83, of Keansburg, NJ passed away suddenly on the morning of Thursday, July 25, 2024. Bert is reunited in heaven with his beloved parents, Arthur DiFiore and Angela (Cosentino) DiFiore, his grandparents, his nephew, Sean Barna, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He loved his large Italian family, and they loved him. Bert will always be remembered for his outgoing and friendly personality. He was a special man, a "people person".

Thomas C. Hermida

Thomas C. Hermida (81) of Red Bank, NJ, a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, departed this life on Sunday, July 28, 2024, with his family at his side.

Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY. He was of Irish and Spanish descent and very proud of his heritage. He was raised in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, educated at St. Anselm’s, St. Ephrem’s and Fort Hamilton High in Brooklyn and Jersey City College in NJ.

Tom had endless stories of his years growing up in Bay Ridge and developed many lifelong friends. He and his family spent summers at Lake Mohawk, Sparta, NJ.

Elizabeth Stewart Tanis

Elizabeth Stewart Tanis, age 91, of Lincroft, NJ passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at home peacefully with her family by her side. She was born July 26, 1933 in her family home to Leslie and Margret Stewart, as the 106^th resident born in Lincroft.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband, of 65 years, and her two sisters and brother. As a child she received many awards for her animals at the Fair and Pet Show held at Brookdale Farms in Lincroft. She was most proud of her first-place award that was pinned on by Eleanor Roosevelt with a “Wilke” button.

James Beardsley

James Beardsley passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, remembered for his unwavering kindness, generosity, curiosity and love for his family.

Jim spent his childhood in Red Bank, NJ. He attended Rumson Country Day School in NJ, St. George’s School in RI and Princeton University in NJ. Jim and his wife, Jennifer, raised their family in Monmouth County, NJ. Jim had a successful career in menswear at Burberry’s International, Norman Hilton, Cardinal of Canada, and Fhm Clothing Manufacturing Inc. He and his wife retired to upstate NY to renovate their honeymoon “Round House”. They lived there until 2016, when they returned to NJ to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Paul B. Pritchard

Paul B. Pritchard, 89 passed away peacefully at his Fair Haven home on July 13, 2024 surrounded by his family. Paul was born in Buffalo NY on April 21, 1935 to Elmer and Pauline Pritchard. He was predeceased by his three siblings and son Frank. He is survived by his wife Pat of 65 years (the love of his life and best friend- so he used to say), son Tyson (Spouse Seana) and Rodney. He was known as Paulie to his five grandchildren to whom he took great pride and pleasure; Amie and Dylan, Brett and Brynn, and Charlotte Nagy. Paul was a graduate of Kenmore High School and went to Penn State University graduating in 1958.

Helen Milmore Essex

Helen Milmore Essex a treasured mother, a grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024. Helen was born August 4, 1927 in Brooklyn NY to the late Mary (Smith) and Thomas Milmore.

She is survived by a loving family, a sister Barbara (Durant) Cogger, daughters Lyn (Mike) Avale and Dori (Joe) Meoni, grandchildren Michael Vincent (Kim) Avale, Devin Avale, Matthew Meoni, and Jenna (Patrick) Shea, great grandchildren Riley & Shane Avale, Adara and Juliette Shea, and many nieces and nephews who will all remember her dearly as “The Queen of 4th of July”.