Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

Barbara L. Harwood

In loving memory of Barbara L. Harwood of Red Bank who passed away at the age of 93 years in her home of 67 years.

Barbara, also fondly known as “Twinkle”, had a beautiful spirit that delighted in life, always ready to listen and offer words of comfort and encouragement. Her passion for others, positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor drew all to love her.

Nature was a part of her soul and her backyard was a continual feast and haven for the birds, deer, chipmunks, squirrels, woodchucks, raccoons, skunks and fox.

Linda Fay Brown

Surrounded by family, Linda Fay Brown joined her God above on Monday, 11/15/2021, at the age of 66. Born in Long Branch, NJ, she recently moved to Lakewood's Leisure Village after residing in Colts Neck.

Linda grew up in Shrewsbury and was a Red Bank High School graduate. She attended nursing school in Orange, NJ, and settled in her first nursing job at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch. After moving to Indiana in her 20's, her greatest dreams were fulfilled when she became a pediatric nurse in the burn unit at Riley Children's Hospital and at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent in the pediatric intensive care unit. She loved all children and saw pediatric nursing as her calling. Linda was a woman of deep faith in God and, to all who knew her, she was a caretaker whether she was in a hospital room or at home with family and friends.

Nalini "Zana" D'Alotto

Nalini Theresa D’Alotto, aged 54, passed away on November 15, 2021. She was born the youngest of 7 to Deonarain and Kunti Rhambarose on May 11, 1967, in Cumberland Village, Guyana.

It can be hard to stand out in a group of 7. Not for Zana, as she was known to her friends and family. Her vibrant spirit endeared her to everyone she met. Even those she met for only a brief time. Her childhood, like most of her life, was spent with family. Talking and laughing and gossiping, of course. But always together. As the family emigrated to the United States over the years they always found space to fit one more in their new home of Queens, NY. It started with her brother Dalchand and sister Surogni. And then came her parents Deonarain and Kunti and the remaining children Ramchand, Mohini, Harrichand, Premchand and the baby of the family, Nalini. She finished up her high school years in Queens and in 1988 she attended Baruch University. That was where she met Lou and their beautiful love story began. They started dating in July of 1989 and by October Lou had already proposed. In three months they had planned two weddings. One traditional Hindu wedding and one wedding in a church just like Zana always wanted.

Arthur J. Mura

Arthur J. Mura of Fair Haven, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the age of 92. Raised in Garfield, NJ, Arthur graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1947. He was a U.S. Army Veteran in which he proudly served his country during the Korean War. Shortly after his discharge, Arthur began his career as an Insurance Salesman. His exemplary work ethic and continued education rewarded him with many successes. He devoted 30+ years working at New York Life, followed by Mullaney Insurance, then eventually became self-employed under Mura Insurance Services. He was devoted to his clients and continued advising them just months before he passed.

Arthur was a loving, bright, and remarkable man who was greatly admired for possessing life’s greatest virtues. He was a lover of food, the Giants, and the Yankees. He was tech-savvy and remained physically and mentally fit, which made it hard for anyone to identify his age. Most of all, he was happiest at home, spending time with his family and dogs.

Marion Leigh Phillips

Marion Leigh Phillips, 80, of Red Bank, NJ passed away peacefully with her three children by her side on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

Born in Long Branch, NJ, Marion grew up in Little Silver, NJ with her parents George W. and Marjorie E. Ryser, identical twin Sister Marjorie, and two Brothers George and Philip. Childhood was devoted to her twin Sister and their horses on the small family farm where she acquired a love of animals, nature, music, and gardening. A 1960 Red Bank High School graduate, Marion began her career in the service industry employed by the United States Selective Service System, Red Bank, NJ. While there, she was recognized by the United States Government for saving thousands of documents during a flood which inundated the Selective Service System’s offices on Broad Street. Married to R. Bruce Phillips from 1961 to 1982, residing in Holmdel, NJ where they raised their family and together launched Holmdel Police Department from their home. As their three children matured and Holmdel Police Department established a permanent headquarters elsewhere; Marion became employed as VP of Jafcee Security Agency in Mercerville, NJ and subsequently California Plant Protection, Van Nuys, CA. Marion and Bruce parted ways in 1982.

Deborah S. Connolly

Deborah S Connolly, 81, of Fair Haven New Jersey died peacefully at home on October 27, 2021 surrounded by her family. We will remember Debby most for her sunny disposition, kind and gracious manner, and the positive influence she had on the lives of many people, young and old. She will be missed by many.

Nonnie, as she was known to her grandsons, was born to James A. Traver and Erma Homeyer Traver in Buffalo, New York. She and her brother Ron were raised in Tonawanda, New York. She attended Tonawanda High School and earned a BS at Albany State Teachers College SUNY ALBANY, class of 1961, where she was a member of the Beta Zeta sorority.

Debby met Jack Connolly in Crystal Beach, Canada and they married in February of 1963. They started their family in Kenmore, New York where they lived for 5 years. In 1970 they moved to Fair Haven to raise their children Betsy and Susan. Debby served on many groups including Newcomers, Fair Haven PTA, volunteer teacher at Nativity Church, sang in the folk choir and was a substitute teacher.

Margaret B. Scott

Peg Scott lived a full life, with a strong determination to remain young and active until the end. On 10/27/2021, she finally yielded to the inevitability of growing old, and passed on at the age of 94.

Her desire to die peacefully in her own home surrounded by her family was granted. She is survived by her brother, Robert Bailey (Beth Schenck Bailey), and her daughters, Meredith Brown, Cindy Herndon (Fred Herndon), and Susan Reghi Kelsey (Ralph Kelsey); grandchildren, Jennifer Brown Chim (Khanh Chim), Meg Herndon (Marshall Gagne), Pam Herndon, and Nathaniel Herndon (Lauren Stephens Herndon), Danielle Reghi (Abe Hawkins) and Malia Reghi. She had seven great grandchildren (Isabella, Addison and Emma Chim, Thomas, Simon and Clare Gagne; and Liliana 'Awa Reghi).

Jeffrey Hall Dobken, MD, MPH

Jeffrey Hall Dobken, MD, MPH, age 77, passed peacefully Tuesday, October 26th, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family, after a 6-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Jeffrey would be described by many as a renaissance man of the highest caliber— Doctor, Certified Bioethicist, Professor, Writer, Public Health Expert, Lifelong Athlete and Ultramarathon Runner. Loving father, husband, brother and healer… A true intellect and community leader, Dr. Dobken’s Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Practice “The Respiratory Group” is where he poured his heart and soul, caring for the beloved residents of Monmouth County (and beyond, some traveling 2 hours each way, weekly) for 35+ years. He was a deeply caring, kind, and witty physician who is accredited with saving a number of lives. His thorough attention to detail and desire to heal left his patients feeling fulfilled and deeply attached. Nothing stopped him from doing the right thing. He extended the same compassion and wisdom to his family.

Suzon (Suzi) Ziegler Mathis

On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Suzon (Suzi) Ziegler Mathis passed into eternal rest. Suzi was born to the late Samuel J and Kathleen S Ziegler at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, PA in 1940. She was raised in Ocean Grove, Ocean Township and Interlaken, NJ.

Suzi graduated from Long Branch High School in 1958 and Glassboro State College (Rowan University) in 1962. In 1974 she married Lester H. Mathis and they made their home in Little Silver since that time.

She taught first, second and third grades at the Garfield School in Long Branch, NJ, retiring in 1994 after 32 years of dedicated service to her students. An avid devotee of cross stitch and needlepoint the walls of her home were filled with her work. She also was an amazing jewelry creator. But her main joy in retirement was the collecting of Dolls and stuffed animals which graced the entire home. Her emphasis was on Lee Middleton and Laura Tuzio Ross creations. Many pleasant hours were filled with attending to the care of her dolls.

Judith D. Wolf (Nee Barrett) "Judy"

Judith D. Wolf (Nee Barrett) “Judy” of Rumson, NJ passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2021. Born in Perth Amboy, she was raised in Keyport with her seven siblings and two loving parents. Judy graduated from Keyport High School in 1964.

Judy married the love of her life; William in 1975, they spent 38 amazing years together. Together they raised their two sons in Shrewsbury before moving to Rumson in 1995. Judy was a constant help and companion to her husband in the early days of their company, Motion Systems Corporation.

Judy was a homemaker, amazing gourmet cook and enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. She was especially fond of the New York Times Crossword puzzles. In fact, she was a near professional placing first in The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in 2017. She was also an avid reader of personal family history, and enjoyed leisure reading. Judy loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. “Grammy” will be dearly missed. She is now laughing and dancing with her husband in heaven.

Dr. Frederick Charles Blades

Dr. Frederick Charles Blades, a much beloved ophthalmologist in Red Bank, NJ, for over 40 years, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021. He was 78 years old. To honor this man, a Memorial Gathering will be held at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ, on Saturday, October 30th from 9am-12pm. All visitors must wear facial masks.