Obituaries

With deep sadness, and pride in a life well-lived, we announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Robert E. Kelly, who died on Oct. 26, 2025, at the age of 94.

Robert was born on June 2, 1931 in Jersey City where he spent his youth hopping rides on PT boats, serving beers at the Democratic Club poker games and jumping off the bridge over Newark Bay. His teachers at St. Petersburg Prep would be surprised to know that the kid who couldn’t sit still and liked to cause trouble would grow up to be a fantastic writer who read the Wall Street Journal and New York Times everyday.

At 17, he joined the Marine Corp reserves and at 19 was shipped across the globe to Korea where he endured a war that would stay with him his entire life.

Jason (Jay) Halikias, 54, of Rumson, New Jersey, passed away on October 19, 2025. Born and raised in Garden City, New York, Jay graduated from Loyola University of Maryland and spent his entire career on Wall Street; he was an Executive Director in Compliance at Oppenheimer & Co.

Mr. Raymond Frank Johnson, affectionately known as "RayRay" & “Raybe," passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Holmdel, New Jersey, at the age of 73. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Ray lived a life marked by brilliance, curiosity, creativity, and deep conviction.

Ray’s academic journey began at the Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ, during the 1970s, when it was an all-boys institution. He later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Rider College. A gifted student with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Ray excelled in every subject he pursued, especially those he was passionate about. His intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the classroom—he was a lifelong reader who devoured books with the intensity of a scholar and the joy of a true enthusiast. To further his professional aspirations in Computer Engineering, Ray pursued numerous continuing education certifications, demonstrating his relentless drive to learn and grow.

Karen Hugus, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. She was 80.

Born in 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, Karen was known throughout her life for her immense generosity, quick wit, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She met the love of her life, Paul Hugus, in Freehold, New Jersey, and the two were married in 1964, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of love and partnership.

Garrett (“Gary”) A. Corson III, 84, of Neptune passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 after a long illness. Born in Long Branch and raised in Lincroft, he attended Lincoln Technical School. Gary married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Dorothy Mazza, in 1961.  They had two children, Joseph and Audra, and built a wonderful life.

 While words can hardly capture the impact of his life, we remember Gary’s kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit. He was a proud husband, father, Pop Pop, co-worker, uncle, friend and volunteer firefighter. Always a sports fan, Gary was an enthusiastic supporter of the Monmouth Regional High School Falcons, while his children, Audra and Joseph, were high school athletes. He continued his support for over 30 years while Audra coached multiple sports and when his grandchildren participated in school activities and sports.

Jane Rose Aldridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 5, 2025, surrounded by her five children who were the light of her life. Born in Queens, New York, she was the middle daughter of Edward and Mary Rose. Jane graduated from Saint Joseph’s College for Women in Brooklyn, NY and then taught Kindergarten. She married William F Aldridge, a Marine Lieutenant from Baldwin, NY. They were stationed at Camp LeJeune, N.C. where they started their family. After their second child was born, they returned to Wantagh, New York and eventually had five children, four sons and one daughter. They later moved to Massapequa, NY and then to Middletown, NJ.  Jane was a loving and devoted mother, active in her church confraternity always with a radiant smile and a warm touch.

Eleanor J. DePonte, 99, of Red Bank passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Born in Long Branch, she was the youngest child of Frank and Angelina DeSantis. Eleanor was a graduate of Long Branch High School. She worked as a sales associate at the Bon Ton in Asbury Park and in later years, after her children were grown, at Alexander’s in Monmouth Mall.

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Robert T. Kirk of Tinton Falls NJ. Robert, known as “Bob” passed away on September 9, 2025 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. Bob was born in Elizabeth, NJ on October 3, 1938. He was the son of the late Charles A. Kirk and Winifred M. “O' Connor” Kirk. His brothers Alfred and Charles Jr. Kirk, and his sister Geraldine Crandall preceded him in death. 

Surviving is his loving wife and best friend, Janet. Together they celebrated over 60 years of marriage. Bob also leaves behind his sister-in-law Robin Galeota and her husband, Rich. His nephew Kevin. His niece Kristen and her two children Kaylynn and Nicholas. Brother in laws, Joseph and Richard Bruno, along with many other relatives and friends.