Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

George Eugene “Red” Robinson

It is with a heavy heart; we announce the passing of George Eugene “Red” Robinson. He was a loving husband of 45 years and devoted father and cherished grandfather, who departed us on March 23^rd, 2025, at the age of 68.

Red was born on August 10^th,1956 in Bronx, NY, where he later moved with his family to Hazlet, NJ. He graduated Raritan High School in 1974, and furthered his education with studies at Brookdale Community College and Lincoln Tech. He then went on to work at General Motors in Linden for 15 years working on the assembly line. In 1987, he left GM and started a new career at the Oceanport Post Office as a letter carrier. He worked at the post office for 33 years, retiring in December of 2020. During his time in Oceanport, he was also an Auxiliary member of the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Fire Department as a volunteer.

Benjamin (Ben) Pickett Wilson

Benjamin (Ben) Pickett Wilson, 21, passed away suddenly on March 17, 2025 in Cancun, Mexico while on spring break with friends. Born in New York City on April 28, 2003, Ben was the son of Janet and James Wilson of Fair Haven, NJ.

Ben was raised in Fair Haven, NJ where he graduated from Rumson Country Day School and Rumson-Fair-Haven Regional High School. In 2021, Ben was admitted to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and later selected to participate in its Business Honors Program. He was also recognized as a Founders Scholar every semester. Ben’s exceptional academic performance and competitive drive landed him a coveted slot in the business school’s highly regarded Investment Banking Workshop. Following his junior year, Ben was a summer intern at Greenhill & Co. in New York City and was excited to begin working there as an analyst after graduation.

Howard "Les" L. Hathaway III

Howard L. Hathaway III, better known as “Les”, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025 at his residence. He was born in Long Branch, NJ and settled in Red Bank in 1993.

The joy of Les’ life was his beloved wife of 35 years, Judith Hathaway. Together, they traveled the world, hosted dinner parties, and spent countless hours with friends at the Monmouth Boat Club. He was also a devoted and loving father to his son, Timothy Hathaway.

Steven R. McLean

Steven Ross McLean of New Smyrna Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025 at the age of 76. He was born in Long Branch, New Jersey to Harry and Leah (Coudrier) McLean and lived in Shrewsbury and Red Bank. He attended Shrewsbury Grammar School, Saint James Grammar School and Red Bank High School.

He started his career at Wall Lincoln Mercury and then moved on to Rittenhouse Lincoln Mercury as a parts and sales manager. Steve married his high school sweetheart Carol Lynn Satter in 1970 and they started their life together in Little Silver. They retired in 1998 and moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Sandra (Sandy) Sue Wells

Sandra (Sandy) Sue Wells (77) passed away March 9, 2025. Born August 5, 1947, Sandy was a longtime resident of Little Silver, NJ, which she took great pride in and continued to support the community throughout her life.

Sandy was born to John Ferrogiari and Gayle (Matheny) Ferrogiari in Sault Sainte Marie, MI. They soon relocated to Asbury Park, NJ where she and her sister, Pat, attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. In 1955, they permanently moved to Little Silver, NJ where her father opened The Sugar Bar luncheonette, where Sandy and her sister helped and supported the family business. Sandy graduated from Markham Place School and Red Bank High School (Class of 1965), before earning a teaching degree at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, in 1969.

James "Jim" Wilson

Long time Fair Haven resident James “Jim” Wilson passed away on February 16, 2025 in the comfort and care of his wife and caregivers. He was 91. Jim was born in 1933 in a small village in east Ayrshire, Scotland, graduated from University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and emigrated to Canada and then to the US for job opportunities and to start a new life with his wife, Sybil. He attended graduate school at New York University and eventually settled in Fair Haven where he and Sybil raised their family on the idyllic cul de sac of Grange Walk. A mechanical engineer, Jim was a distinguished member of technical staff at Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, NJ.

Ilene Eugenia ('Jean') Berich

Ilene Eugenia ('Jean') Berich, 97, of Little Silver, NJ passed away peacefully this Monday, March 3, 2025.

Born April 13, 1927, in Rahway, New Jersey she was the daughter of the late Oscar Andul and Eugenia Roesch. Jean graduated from Rahway High School. Thereafter, she pursued other studies. During WWII, Jean worked for Merck Pharmaceuticals.

Paul D. Hatch

Paul D. Hatch, 47, beloved and devoted son, friend, brother, and uncle passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 21, 2023, in Little Silver, NJ. It was an incredible, profound loss, of a good soul where so much seemed hopeful and possible.

Born in Montclair, NJ on July 3, 1976, Paul was affectionately called the family’s “Bicentennial baby” and perhaps this timing accounted for his becoming an avid military history enthusiast. He enjoyed reading books and magazines from his favorite armchair and traveling to battlefields near and far: from American Revolution and Civil War sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania; to the World War battlefields and memorials in Belgium and France. His endless curiosity, and ability to recall historic events, people, and dates were truly remarkable.

Ernest (Ernie) A. Trunzo

With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend Ernest (Ernie) A. Trunzo, who left us far too soon but filled our lives with immeasurable love and joy. Born with cerebral palsy, he faced challenges, but he was never defined by them. It was his abilities and positive attitude that made him the heart of our family. The bond he shared with his father was the greatest of all. They were each other’s purpose in this world; the purest source of love, strength and resilience.

William Arthur Poyner

William Arthur Poyner of Tinton Falls, NJ passed away on February 15, 2025 at the age of 97.

Born in Newark, he grew up in Belleville NJ. He was the son and only child of Mary Elizabeth Roe and Albert Lynn Poyner. Art accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior during his High School years and for the 97 years of life that the Lord Blessed him with, he was active in both church, community and school activities. Upon graduation Art was accepted into Stevens Institute of Technology and earned a degree in Civil Engineering in 1951.

Art served in the Army during Korean War from 1952 – 1954 stationed in Iran working in communications and strategy. He was awarded the Medal of Meritorious Honor. He returned home and married Mary Elizabeth Whitfield on August 3, 1956, whom he met at Church Youth Group. Together they raised 3 children, Marilyn, David and Scott. Art worked as an Engineer at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, fondly known as Bill by co-workers.

Danny "Dan" William Seslar

Dan Seslar, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old.

Born in Ohio, Dan was a devoted family man who touched the lives of everyone he met. He was the rock of our family, offering unwavering love, guidance, and strength. His kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.