With profound sorrow and deep love, we announce the loss of our beloved son and brother, William Westapher Richards, affectionately known to many as Will, who passed away at the age of 19. William brought immeasurable joy, kindness, big smiles and laughter into our lives and anyone who ever crossed paths with him.
Robin A. Thompson (née Bickell), age 65, of Oakhurst, NJ, passed away unexpectedly at home from cardiac arrest on August 2, 2025.
Robin was born in Jersey City, NJ, and grew up in East Newark. She graduated from Harrison High School (Class of ’77). After graduation, she and her parents moved to Keansburg, NJ, where she attended Monmouth University, earning bachelor degrees in Elementary Education, Speech and Theatre (Class of ’81). Before starting her professional career, Robin worked as a bartender at various nightclubs—an early reflection of her vibrant and outgoing nature.
Carolyn Elizabeth McMullin (McTague), a lifelong resident of Atlantic Highlands and Little Silver NJ, died peacefully at home on July 31, 2025. She was surrounded by her adoring family, including her four daughters, two sisters and grandchildren.
Born in Jersey City, NJ in 1937 to Dr. Robert and Edna (Larsen) McTague, Carolyn grew up in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Her father was the town’s doctor and mayor, while her mother taught in the local schools and served as president of the Atlantic Highlands board of education.
Mary Frances Croft of Rumson, NJ passed away on July 25, 2025 at home after a long illness. Mary was born on September 28, 1946, in Jersey City, NJ. She grew up in West New York, NJ and graduated from St. Joseph's High School and Berkeley School, New York City in 1966. She immediately began her career at Cowles Communications (LOOK magazine) and continued to work with the Cowles family and foundation long after LOOK magazine ceased publication. At her time of death Mary was still working for the Cowles family.
Kathleen Dwyer, age 62, formerly of Rumson, NJ passed away the morning of July 20th after a tough fight with endometrial cancer.
Kathleen worked for the New Jersey State Park Service for over 35 years. Originally working for Twin Lights Lighthouse, she relocated to Cheesequake State Park and ultimately retired in May of 2024.
Visionary Leader Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Her Community.
Deatra W. Gabriella, Age 80, former president of the New Jersey Association for Life Long Learning (NJALL) and longtime Director of Community Education at South Toms River Elementary School, passed away in June 2025.
She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Rocco Gabriella, a professional athlete and rockstar, who passed away just six months earlier. Deatra is survived by her sister Debbie; her son Michael and his wife Rose; and her two cherished grandchildren, John and Rose.
Deatra grew up in Long Branch, NJ, with her mother Vonita, father Jack, and sister Debbie. She often spent time with and spoke fondly of her extended family, including Aunt Posy, Aunt Peggy, Aunt Red, Diddy, Gagoo, Gert, Alice Marie and her cousin Susan and Mary Eileen. Deatra worked tirelessly to put herself through college—holding early morning jobs, attending classes during the day, and studying late into the night. A natural leader, she became president of her sorority, Alpha Phi Delta, at Upsala College. There, she formed a lifelong friendship with her roommate of four years, Carolyn Lineback. Deatra graduated with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Russian, and was fluent in both languages.
Patricia McCann, 60, a beloved wife, mother, and Oma passed away on July 14th 2025. Born in Suriname and moved to Brooklyn NY with her parents and siblings as a young child, Patricia attended Fort Hamilton High School and settled in New Jersey to raise her family. Patricia dedicated much of her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her four children and greatly enjoyed becoming a grandparent. She adored her grandchildren and spending time singing and reading to them. Patricia was a wonderful storyteller and her warm personality sparked many friendships which she cherished deeply. She could often be found cuddling with her dogs watching her favorite shows, or playing games. She also found joy in spending time with family, traveling, and listening to her favorite music.
William “Bill” Roach Jr., a man of deep intellect, quiet wonder, and boundless affection, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, at the age of 95.
Bill had a lifelong love affair with the mountains. Whether hiking the Blue Ridge, trekking through the Adirondacks, or climbing the great fourteeners of Colorado, he found both solace and adventure in the wild. He was not simply an outdoorsman—he was a keen observer of nature, especially passionate about botanizing, always pausing to study the plants and flowers that others might overlook.
Rosemary (DeAngelo) Rauh of Lincroft, New Jersey, entered eternal life on July 5, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1953, to Thomas and Katherine, she was the fourth of their six children, Phyllis Fusco (Artie), Patricia Cox (Walter), Thomas DeAngelo, Grace Sapienza (Michael), and Dorothy Tang (Raymond).
Paul F. Baeri, of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. He was 76 years old.
Paul was born in Brooklyn, NY, the beloved son of Louis and Lilian (née Napoli) Baeri. He spent his early life in Brooklyn before moving to Morganville, NJ. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1966 and went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 1970.
Paul enjoyed every minute of his 40-year career as a self-professed “Wall Street geek.” He worked in fixed income trading and sales at Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Bank of New York, Gleacher & Cantor Fitzgerald. He had more dear friends in the business than most people have in a lifetime, and he was especially proud of those that he mentored early in their careers.
