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Arthur Swift

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July 1, 2020

​Arthur Swift, resident of Piscataway, passed away July 1, 2020 at RWJ Hospital Somerset in Somerville, NJ. He was 81 years old. Swift was born in Brooklyn, grew up in Manhattan and was an Army veteran. He worked at AT&T for nearly 30 years and owned his own telecommunications company. Swift loved New York Mets baseball, the beach and his family.

 
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children Arthur, Peter and Victoria, his brothers Bob and Gerry, his grandchildren Gabriella, Savannah, Connor and Henry, his daughter in law Carolyn and son in law Matt.
 
Visitation will be held at Cusick Funeral Home in Somerville, NJ on Tuesday, July 7 from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 am Wednesday, July 8 at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville, NJ.


Florence Stanton

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Florence Stanton (nee Iannuzzo) at the age of 90, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2020 in her home surrounded by her loving family.  At her request, no service will be held.

Born and raised in Old Boston, PA she moved to New Jersey living in Newark, Parsippany, Bayville and Whitehouse Station.

She worked 
for 22 years in the Parsippany Board of EducationSchool system, as a Secretary at Eastlake Elementary, Brooklawn Jr. High and Knollwood Schools, retiring in 1990.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking and her beloved grandchildren.

Florence was pre-deceased by her husband Frank (Tauchy) Stanton in 2010, her sisters Rosemary Galli and Ann Farrell.
Florence leaves behind many loving family members including her sons, Rick, Ron and his wife Nancy, Cindy Stanton, her grandchildren Ronnie Stanton and wife Ashley, Jenna Stanton, Christine Mattamira and her husband Joseph Mattamira and Amanda Stanton, and her sisters, Marie O’Donovan and Joan  Pellegrini.

Alice Burke McIntyre

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Bridgewater
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Alice Burke  McIntyre, 91 years young, of Bridgewater NJ,  passed away peacefully in her sleep at RWJ Hospital Somerset in Somerville, NJ on Thursday, July 16, 2020.  She was a caring, fun-loving, compassionate mother, grandmother Aunt & friend.

Alice was born on June 6, 1929, to John & Mary Himes of Philadelphia,PA. She attended Little Flower High School then went on to graduate with a nursing degree from St. Joseph’s Hospital’s School of Nursing. She held  many different positions as an RN throughout her career.  Initially as  a hospital Floor Nurse, later for the Somerset County Visiting Nurses Association, and lastly as the school nurse for St Ann’s in Raritan, NJ.

She was married to Bill Burke for 26 wonderful years, and with him raised 4 children In Somerville NJ until his untimely death in 1978. After Bill’s passing she married Jim McIntyre. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Bill Burke, her husband Jim McIntrye  , her son Jack Burke, daughter Marianne Burke, and Grandson Daniel Burke. She is survived by sons Bill (Trisha) Burke of Chester Springs, PA, Vince (Judy) Burke of Hillsborough, NJ, and 5 grandchildren, Patrick, Natalie, Adam, Matthew and Michelle. 

She was involved in many different clubs and organizations:  Altar Rosary Society, The  Hibernians, the Red Hats Club. She was an avid card player and a huge Yankee fan. She enjoyed vacationing with her family in Woodloch Pines in the Poconos and in Ocean City, NJ. She dedicated her life to helping others. She prided herself with taking care of her elderly patients with the VNA and then taking care of their children in later years. She was energetic, compassionate, loving and always had a positive attitude. The world is a better place because of her and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10am on Monday, July 27 at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville and Final Prayers concluding at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Union Ave., Somerville after Mass..If you would like to make a donation in Alice’s name, please consider the American Diabetes Foundation.

David Miller

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Bridgewater, NJ

​​On Thursday, July 16, 2020,   David Miller, loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend entered into eternal rest at the age of 78 after a short battle with cancer.
 
David went through the Somerville School System and was employed by the Vitrified Products Company in Somerville.  He entered the U.S. Army in February 1964 and completed his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ.  He was then stationed at Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia where he completed his training.  He was selected to participate in the Presidential Escort of the Inaugural Parade held in honor of President Johnson.  He was also selected to be a member of the National Honor Guard, which entailed, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the National Monument in Washington, D.C.  These responsibilities included maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the U.S. Army and the Nation while keeping a constant vigil at the National Shrine.  He was honorably discharged in 1970 after obtaining the rank of Sargent E-5.
 
In 1967, David joined the Somerville Royals semi-pro baseball team of the Montclair Garden State League.  Shortly thereafter, he took over the Somerville Royals and the team was renamed, the Somerville Raiders, where he became player and coach.  The Somerville Raiders were a very athletic and competitive team, winning many championships across New Jersey.  He also played and coached The Ville touch football league out of Sayreville, NJ for many years.
 
In 1968, David married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Rodgers and resided in Somerville, NJ.  In 1974, David and his family moved to Bridgewater (Hobbstown), NJ.
 
This is where his legacy began…David meant so much to so many.  He was a father figure and mentor to all he came in contact with.  He enjoyed teaching and coaching basketball, football, baseball, tennis and even golf; David enjoyed all aspects of each sport.  He attended as many games, special events, and graduations he could to show his love and support.
 
Some of his favorite sayings were, “The second Tuesday of next week”, “Alright good people”, “Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today”, “You going to get a whoppin’”, They’re not here to defend themselves”, “I’m going to send you to the moon” among many others.  And if you don’t already know, he was an avid Giants and Mets fanatic.  He was their #1 Fan.
 
For many years, David worked for Twin County Groceries until they closed in 1999.  He retired after working for Toys R Us in 2011.  Upon retirement, he worked for Greenbook GMC. 
 
David was predeceased by his siblings, Molly Bell, Evelyn Gray, Ruth Johnson, Paul Miller, Philip Miller, James Miller, Elizabeth Gaines, Ester Talley, William Miller, George Miller, Elouise Jones, Naomi Lauri and his parents, Claude and Edith Miller.
 
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth (Betty), his four children, Vicki Leonard (Kenny), Robin Taylor, David Jr., and Lance (Dreana), four sisters, Anna Murdock, Hannah Avant, Mary Williams and Sarah Ashley, 10 grand- and 4 great-grandkids and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, relative and friends.

August 11th, 2020

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Manville  

​     Patricia “Trish” O’Keefe passed away suddenly, on August 10, 2020. Trish was  born on May 6, 1963 in Somerville, NJ to the late Marie and Nicholas O’Keefe. She was a graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan High School West in 1981 where she was a softball superstar.

     She was an avid Mets fan and lover of all pets. She is predeceased by her brother Nicholas O’Keefe, Jr. and is survived by her brothers Brian O’Keefe, Thomas O’Keefe, his wife Misty, Robert O’Keefe, his wife Lucinda, Edmund O’Keefe, John O’Keefe and her sisters, Regina Levash, Ellen Melitski, her husband Michael, Barbara Kujawa and her husband Robert. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who she loved like her own. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

​     In lieu of flowers please donate to the ASPCA in her honor as there was never an animal she met that didn’t deserve a treat or two or three…

​     Services are private.

Gertrude C. Spine

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Formerly of Somerville

Gertrude Catherine Spine (nee, Winiski), 93, beloved Mother and  a longtime resident of Somerville, NJ, passed away August 12, 2020 in Bethlehem, PA.

Gertrude, known as Trudy to her friends, was born in Somerville, NJ, where she lived for most of her life. She was a 1945 graduate of Somerville High School. After graduation, Gertrude enrolled in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps and studied nursing at St. Peter’s General Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.

She married Charles J. Spine (d, 1995)  her high school sweetheart, in 1950, and together they raised their family in Somerville.

All who knew her will remember her dedication and love for her family. She burst with boundless pride at the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gertrude remained vibrant and active during her entire life.  Due to Covid quarantine restrictions she even learned how to use FaceTime and Kindle on an iPad.  She read voraciously, often finishing multiple books a week.  The thing that she hated most about the virus lockdown was not being able to get her hair done, and she complained mightily about that. Thankfully, she was recently able to resume getting her hair done every Friday — always a highlight of her week.

Surviving are two sons, Robert of Asbury, NJ and Thomas of Londonderry, NH; and a daughter, Marianne Niemiec of Manville, NJ.   There are no public services planned.

Lillian Patricia “Pat” DeCicco

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Lillian Patricia “Pat” DeCicco, 85, of Hillsborough, passed away on August 12th at Morristown Memorial Hospital.

Pat was born in New Brunswick, NJ to John and Julia Speak on March 17, 1935. She was the youngest of seven children. She married Douglas DeCicco of Rocky Hill on January 19, 1959 and had four children: Dean, Victoria, Joanne, and Douglas Jr. She loved her family very much. 

Pat lived most of her life in Hillsborough Township and worked as a full-time receptionist for the Hillsborough Township Municipal Building. Many Hillsborough residents knew Pat because she happily greeted and helped direct people who entered the building.  

She was a generous person with a big heart and was the most doting grandmother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and loved them more than anything. She got such pleasure spending time with her grandchildren: Erica, Justin, Nicole, Elizabeth, and Natalie. She loved talking to her grandchildren about school, sports, and their interests. 
 
Pat is preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Speak and her six siblings.

Pat is survived by her husband Douglas, her children: Dean (his wife Bernadean), Victoria (her husband Mark), Joanne (her husband Michael) and Douglas Jr. (his wife Mary Agnes).  Her grandchildren Erica, Justin, Nicole, Elizabeth, and Natalie. and her step grandchildren: Jarod, Colin, and Ashley Gaffney, and Stevie Siladji. 

Visitation for immediate family only, will be held 10:00 Monday, August 17th at Cusick Funeral Home, Somerville, NJ. A private burial will follow at the South Branch Branch Reformed Church Cemetery. 

​Patricia Anne Cullen

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​Patricia Anne Cullen born October 30, 1948 in West New York, NJ, went home to be with the LORD.  She lived in Franklin Park, NJ.  She was the daughter of Vera (nee De Nero) and Philip Herb.  She was raised in North Branch, NJ.  She graduated from Immaculata High School in Somerville, NJ and Orange Memorial School of Nursing in Orange, NJ, achieving a Registered Nursing degree.
 
She began her career in Copley Hospital in Morrisville, VT and settled at Saint Peter’s University Hospital as an Emergency Room staff nurse where she used her skills of triage, immediate assessment.  She grew to achieve many certifications in other departments, running a busy orthopedic surgery office and also assisting as a scrub nurse in the operating room.  Her preferred jobs were working with children in Pediatric Conscious Sedation and Radiology Oncology.  She developed and facilitated the Pediatric Special Procedures unit, and for these delicate tasks, always kept a “patient-first” mentality.  She retired from St. Peters in 2015.
 
Tricia loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with family and friends.  She always attended niece’s and nephew’s life and academic milestones, athletic events and shows.  She made all celebrations special by baking or cooking remarkable food.  Her hobbies included traveling to Ireland and Italy as well as spending summers at the Jersey shore.  She had a special place in her heart for her dogs, Mollie, Bridget, and Suri.
 
Tricia is survived by her father, Philip J. Herb of Somerville, NJ.  She is predeceased by her mother, Vera.  She is survived by her siblings Michael Herb and his wife, Pam, Thomas Herb, Jane Healey and her husband James, and Susan Herb and her husband Gary Best.  She has 13 nephews and nieces. 
 
A memorial will be held in the future where we will remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of Patricia Anne Cullen.


Robert Craig Jr.

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Bridgewater

Please join with the friends and family of Robert "Bob" Craig to honor him in a Celebration of Life. Bob passed away on May 7th, 2019, in Bridgewater.  He was a special person we dearly miss.  The celebration will take place on Saturday, September 12th,1:30PM, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville,NJ.

If you would like to share some memories of Bob, we urge you to do so at that time, thank you.

​Vincenzia L. Baldini

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North Plainfield/Somerville

Vincenzia "Vinnie" Baldini, 94, died September 10. She was born and raised in North Plainfield and moved to Somerville in 2003 and has been a resident of Hillsborough since 2018. "Vinnie" was a Service Representative for New Jersey Bell,Plainfield, now Verizon, for 40 years, retiring in 1982.

A member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and a former member of St. Joseph's Altar Rosary Society and the North Plainfiled Senior Citizens. Her parents Joseph and Letizia (Buracco) Baldini as well her siblings Angelina Benassu, Fulvia Haurey, Anna Chisari and Louis Baldini predeceased her. Surviving are her nieces and nephews.

​A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Tuesday, September 15, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville. Entombment to follow at Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, South Plainfield. Visiting prior to Mass beginning at 9am at the Cusick Funeral Home, Somerville.

George B. Schofield

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George B. Schofield
Martinsville


George Bernard Schofield 88, passed away peacefully at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Somerville on September 17, 2020.  
                                                       

Born in Bound Brook to George and Mae Schofield on March 5, 1932, he raised a family in Martinsville,  NJ and enjoyed spending summers at his Point Pleasant shore home.              

After graduating from St Peters High School in New Brunswick, he spent his college years at New Hampton Prep and Niagara College, before proudly joining the U.S. Navy. Following his tour in the Navy, George entered into the family business, Geo. Schofield Co., Inc, with his father. He spent his career continuing to build the business into a thriving natural stone distribution company that continues today, with multiple locations in seven states.

His retirement enabled him to focus his time on family and community, where he spent 15 years as a proud volunteer of the Martinsville Rescue Squad, driving for the team up until he was 87 years old. He was so very proud of the work and dedicated members that he served with at the Squad. His retirement years were anything but slow; he planned out each week keeping active with golf, boating and following his beloved grandchildren’s athletic schedules.                           
 
George is predeceased by his brothers James and Robert Schofield, his mother Mae and father George Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, with whom he recently celebrated his 62nd anniversary, and his four children , Brian, Kevin, Patricia, and Paul. His eight grandchildren, Steven, Kyle, Nick, Bridget, Raine, John, Deirdre, and Ellie will be left with many fond memories of all the time the were able to spend with him.
 
His family, friends and business associates will miss him dearly, but his mark on this world will be forever felt and remembered by all he touched. Well done George!

Visiting hours 5pm-8pm on Monday, September 21, at the Cusick Funeral Home, Somerville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Tuesday, September 22, at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 1890 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in George's name to Martinsville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 296, Martinsville, NJ 08836.

John J. “Sonny” Bunsco, Sr.

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John J. “Sonny” Bunsco, Sr.
Raritan Borough

​John J. “Sonny” Bunsco, 91, passed away peacefully, September 30, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Somerville, he was a lifelong resident of Raritan.

Sonny was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army having served during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge, he worked as a truck driver for many years before retiring from that occupation.  He was subsequently employed as  a maintenance worker for the Somerset County Park Commission for several years. He was a member of VFW Santa Moretti Post 280, Raritan and The American Legion Post 12, Somerville.

Over the years, Sonny and his late wife Marie enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, hosting summer barbecues at their residence. He cherished visiting with his son Dennis, who predeceased him in May 2020, and his daughter-in-law Linda and granddaughters, Taylor and Sarah Bunsco, always helping them in their home. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and soon-to-be great-grandfather who will sadly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Sonny’s family would like to acknowledge all the family members and friends who assisted with his care during the past year.
Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife Marie in 2003, two sons, Kenneth and most recently, Dennis and his sister, Mary Karwoski. 
Surviving are her loving sons, John J. Jr. and Robert, both with whom he resided, his caring daughter-in-law Linda Bunsco, his cherished granddaughters, Sara, Taylor and her companion Hernand, and soon-to-be great-granddaughter Noelle Denise, his sister Connie Hambel his sister-in-law, Donna Giordano and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 
Visitation hours will be Saturday, 10am-12pm at the Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876, followed by a 12 noon prayer service. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the VFW Santa Moretti Post 280, Raritan, NJ 08869, 908-526-4419.

Shaun J. McFarland

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Shaun J. McFarland
Somerville

Shaun J. McFarland age 61 died on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 with loving family by his side. Shaun was born September 21, 1959 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

He is survived by his brothers Dennis, Kevin, David and their wives. Shaun adored Susan his wife of 26 years and was very proud of children Daniel, Diana, Taura, son-in-law Joey, and granddaughter Alenys.

Shaun was a 1978 graduate of East Brunswick High School, a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades #711 from 1983 to 1993. In 1976 he entered into the family auto repair business with his parents, and brothers, at the Foothills Exxon Station on Route 28 in Bridgewater.  The family opened Bridgewater Carwash, formally known as Pit Stop-n-Wash in 1993, where behind the register he was the person who represented the McFarland family business.  Always quick with a joke, laughing, friendly and well liked by all. He devoted his time and energy to making his customers happy and was appreciated by everyone around him.

Shaun was an avid New York Giants fan and loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He enjoyed home renovation projects, watching old westerns, listening to music, especially the Beatles, camping, swimming in the ocean and relaxing at Seacrest beach. Throughout the years he allowed Susan to rescue many pets and loved them all dearly. He often said “there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.”  Shaun was a genuinely generous, kindhearted soul and would help anyone in need. He will truly be missed by many.

He is predeceased by his father Jack and mother June McFarland.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday October 24, 2020 at the Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, New Jersey, beginning at 6 pm and concluding with Shared Memories at 8pm.

​In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the ASPCA https://secure.aspca.org or Humane Society https://secure.humanesociety.org

​Frank Butler Reilly, Jr.

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Frank Butler Reilly, Jr. died peacefully on October 24, 2020 at the age of 75. He was born October 9, 1945 in Montclair to Kathleen O’Connell Reilly and Frank Butler Reilly, Sr.

Raised in West Orange, New Jersey, Frank was a graduate of West Orange High School and a member of the West Orange Athletic Hall of Fame. He earned his B.S. in Accounting from St. Peter's University and his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. He served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army before earning his L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Frank was an attorney with Gibbons P.C. in Newark, NJ where he was a longtime Partner in the firm’s Corporate Department. Frank joined Gibbons in 1979 and helped to build the Corporate Department into one of the region’s most well known and highly respected corporate practices. Frank focused his own practice on regional, national, and global merger and acquisition transactions. He also handled corporate finance transactions and, in recent years, wide-ranging energy project developments and investments. He often represented tax-exempt organizations, including his longtime service as external General Counsel for the Institute for Supply Management, Inc. Throughout his nearly fifty-year career, he was the recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Frank was an active alumnus of St. Peter’s University where he served on the Board of Trustees, past Chairman of the Board of Regents, and was the recipient of the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996. He was also active in all of his children's schools, including the Delbarton School where he served as a Trustee of the Scholarship Committee; Kent Place School where he served as President of the Athletic Association; and served as a member of the Parents Committee of Middlebury College, Colgate University, and Hobart College.

Frank’s greatest accomplishment is his close-knit family. He was immensely proud that his legacy is the love of his five children, his daughter-in-law, his three sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren. He made an impression on everyone he encountered and will be remembered for his ever-present smile, infectious laugh, patience, volunteerism, love of a dance floor, family toasts and unlimited time for those whom he loved.

​He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard Reilly.

Frank is survived by his wife of forty-eight years Cathy; his children Shannon Fidyk (Chris), Brian Reilly, Courtney Stafford (Grove), Patrick Reilly (Evan), and Kerry Bennett (Rob); his siblings Kathleen George (Andy), Daniel Reilly (Kathy), Eileen Morton (Bob), Robert Reilly (Marge), and Marian Cardace (Tom); his sister-in-law Vivienne Reilly; and his brother-in-law and best friend Raymond Flood (Phyllis). He is also survived by his grandchildren, to whom he was their beloved “Daideo”, Lulu Fidyk, Kitt Fidyk, Reilly Fidyk, Hazel Fidyk, Grove Stafford, Graham Stafford, May Stafford, Patrick Reilly, Virginia Reilly along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Frank was a long time member of the Essex Hunt Club in Peapack, NJ and the Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club in Beach Haven, NJ, the latter of which he served as Past Commodore and as a Trustee. He and his wife were also recipients of the club’s Commodore’s Cup in recognition of their many years of service to
the club.

A private service for the immediate family will be held in Summit, NJ and a celebration of his life will be held by the family in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Frank’s name to St.
Peter’s University, 2641 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ.

Joseph V. Moran

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After staying JoeMo Strong for 18 months, Joseph V. Moran’s cancer journey ended peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 5, 2020. He was 58. The love and prayers shared by all of Team JoeMo meant so much to Joe and supported him to the very end.
 
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Susan (Cunningham) Moran, his devoted children Kevin Moran, Olivia Moran Kamm (Tyler Kamm), Kayla Moran and Hannah Haynes, Mollie Haynes & Jack Haynes. #sogreat2be8
 
He is also survived by his faithful parents Robert & Annette (Madonna) Moran, siblings Michael Moran (Suzan Moran), Valerie DeVelasco, and Steven Moran (Ken Malian), Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Danny & Aunt Sheryl, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his in-laws, George Cunningham, the late Patricia B. Cunningham, Virginia Van Wicklin, Fred Van Wicklin, David Cunningham & Chris Thibeau.
 
Born and raised in Somerville, NJ, Joe was a proud ‘80 graduate of Immaculata before earning three degrees from Villanova University (V’s Up!). He eagerly jumped into the energy consulting field, most recently as executive consultant at ESTA International. He was sought after on new projects for his deep experience but also for being a great colleague.
 
Sue and Joe were a perfect team who brought people together and shared the love they had for each other with everyone around them. Joe was the family guide, the anchor. A piece of Joe can be found in all of his children: his work ethic, understanding of numbers, reciting every line of his favorite movie Elf, excitement for sports, embracing every moment, every problem has a solution, and the importance of family. So Great 2 be 8 was Joe’s greatest joy, source of pride, and love.
 
Joe had kindness for all and a passion for life—making Wildcat fans of his family through Villanova basketball games, tailgating, stumbling upon tiki bars, sitting under an umbrella at the beach, attending countless concerts, turning any word or phrase into a burst of song, taking daily trips to the grocery store, cooking his famous Chicken on the Stove and Sunday Night meatballs, eating nightly bowls of ice cream, having morning coffee with his wife in bed—the simple things in life.
 
Joe loved having a good time surrounded by family and friends embodied by one of Joe’s favorite song lyrics “But this family table's held together by love that never dies”. Joe’s table always had room for one more. He also cherished the quiet moments with those he loved. Everybody that met Joe, fell in love with his gentle soul.
 
Joe’s courage and strength during his cancer battle were unwavering and heroic. Joe, Sue and the family were supported by many medical “angels” along the way, notably Dr. Louise Connell, Ms. Kristina Savoly, and Ms. Olivia Toscano of Memorial Sloan Kettering. But most especially our dear friend Dr. Jimmy Pellicane, who walked every step with us.
 
The family would be honored for your support to Heart Works (19 Morristown Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920) or to the Unitas Caritas Immaculata (P.O. Box 8556, Somerville, NJ 08876) two organizations that have deep meaning for the family.

Joe’s family will receive friends and loved ones at Cusick Funeral Home in Somerville NJ on Monday, November 9th from 4:00PM-8:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10th at 9:30AM at the Church of the Immaculate Conception also in Somerville NJ.


Jean Dolores Pascale

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Jean Dolores Pascale
West Windsor

Jean Dolores Pascale , nee Giovannina (Jenny) Orlando, passed away at her home in West Windsor, New Jersey on Wednesday, November 4th.Never has there been a mother more loving and devoted to her children and grandchildren. Right up to her last days, she remained interested in all that concerned them and never missed an opportunity to brag about each one. We will miss her cheerful phone calls, especially on our birthdays when she would call with a “singing telegram, a tradition she continued right up to her 101st year.  

Her keen interest in the people and world around her kept her young at heart throughout her long life. She read the newspaper daily, saving articles of interest for family and friends. She loved singing, watching football (especially Notre Dame), playing bridge, traveling and square dancing with her husband Connie.

Born before women’s suffrage, she took the right to vote seriously and diligently completed her ballot as soon as it arrived this year.

Always a woman of great faith, she loved the Mass and prayed the rosary daily. In her 95th year, she began studying Scripture and read from the Bible every night before bed. 

The daughter of Italian immigrants, she took pride in her heritage and delighted in serving the amazing Italian meals she prepared to all who came to visit her. She met her future husband at the Festival of St. Rocco in her hometown of Raritan, NJ, while he was working at his family’s sausage and pepper stand. They raised their children in Bridgewater, NJ and later moved to Denver, CO with the Johns-Manville Corporation, where they spent 15 years before returning to the East Coast for retirement.

Prior to marrying in 1947, she worked for the federal government in Manville, Newark and New York City. She often told of riding the train to work on Park Avenue wearing white gloves and high heels.  Always gracious and beautiful, she remained stylish to the end.

She is predeceased by her husband, Carmello Connie Pascale; parents, Pasquale and Rose Orlando; sister, Emma; and brothersLouis (Gino), Philip and Richard.

Her memory will survive in the hearts of her children, Connie M. Pascale , William R. Pascale (Donna), and Brenda Pascale Loury (Kirk); and her grandchildren, Andrew, Leilani, Lelia, and Michael Pascale; Christopher MaujeanVincent and Daniel Pascale; and Nicholas, Thomas and Marisa Loury; 10 great grandchildren; and, many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30am on Friday, November 20, at the Immaculate Conception                  Church, 35 Mountain Ave., Somerville, NJ. followed by burial of her ashes at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Somerville.      

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, 383 West State St., Trenton NJ 08607-1423.     

​JOAN (ORECCHIO) KONRAD

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BRIDGEWATER, NJ 

​Joan (Orecchio) Konrad 81, passed peacefully at home, in Bridgewater, NJ, Friday, October 30, 2020. 

Born on February 22, 1939, in Somerville, New Jersey to Rose Cicero, Joan enjoyed her early life amongst a very close knit family of her beloved mother, Rose, grandmother Josephine, sister Dolores and many wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins.  Joan began classical ballet lessons at age five locally and then went on to study in New York City with Nina Straganova, Danish Ballerina, Boris Novikoff, Director of the Russin American Ballet Company and Jack Stanley.  Joan also studied advanced modern dance techniques at The New School For Social Research (NYC) in co-operation with The Choreographers Theatre.

In 1952, mother Rose, sister, Dolores and Joan opened the Dee Dee And Joan School Of The Dance in Somerville, New Jersey.  Miss Joan, age 16, formerly began her extraordinary career by teaching classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance, acrobatics, ballroom dancing, Hawaiian dancing and baton twirling in 1955.  She had professional stage and television experience for many years as well.  Miss Joan went on tour with the Roxyettes, in the summer of 1956 and often referred to being a Roxyette, as one of the greatest experiences of her dance career.  She was first a member and then later became vice president of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists Dance Educators of America. 

Joan was a graduate of Barbizon School of Modeling, N.Y.C.  Joan graduated in 1957 from Somerville High School, Somerville, NJ.  Miss Joan began studying drama/acting at Showcase Theatre For Actors, New York City under teachers Sylvia Leigh and Mark Justin, in the late 1960's through the early 1970's. Joan was also the key choreographer of Toot '66, a musical satire, that was presented by the Somerset County Fairgrounds, in August of 1966.

On August 12, 1967, Joan married her love, Martin L. Konrad. They had a beautiful church ceremony and then they went on a fabulous honeymoon to Hawaii. They lived in an apartment in North Plainfield, NJ for over five years and then settled permanently in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

In September of 1973, Joan and Martin became parents to their only child, Melinda, who they adopted as an infant, at age four and half months old, from Seoul, South Korea. She was always a very devoted, nurturing, very loving, doting, supportive and irreplaceable Mother to Melinda. In December of 1990, she became a grandmother to her cherished, precious grandson, Tyler.  Miss Joan had 362 students during the peak of her career and taught generations of thousands of children, teenagers and adults. She loved and was especially passionate about directing, choreographing and brilliantly creating her spectacular dance recitals with fantastic themes and genres of dance, that were shown at several different high school auditoriums over several decades. Joan continued to excel and enjoy her career as a ballet/dance/drama teacher, while relocating a few times and continued to remain open for new and long term students, in her home in Bridgewater, NJ, until her retirement at age 77, in 2016, after sixty-one years of profound and inspirational work. Miss Joan lived a very happy, fulfilling, successful, family/friend/student/teacher oriented life. She truly had her dreams come true, during the course of her lifetime.

Joan Orecchio Konrad is a very celebrated, respected, precious figure in her community of Somerset County, NJ and will always be very highly regarded, loved and deeply missed by all her family, friends and students. Miss Joan and her family gratefully thank each and every student and their families for the immeasurable joy, happiness and enrichment that she had been blessed with, in her life, through being a ballet/dance/drama teacher. All of her students over many years have provided her with a genuine and amazing legacy of being an outstanding teacher.

Joan, is predeceased by her beloved Mother, Rose Cicero and many loved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Surviving Joan, is her ex-husband, Martin Konrad of Bridgewater, NJ, daughter, Melinda Konrad and son-in-law Kenneth M. Dyal, of Hilliard, Florida, grandsons Tyler Konrad and Christopher Huggins, sister, Dolores Orecchio Amodea, many nieces, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30am on Saturday, November 21, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville followed by the burial of her ashes at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Somerville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joan's memory to Alzheimer's New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068. The Mass will be available Virtually. You may contact  Joan's family for more information.


Sandra Sesay Amupitan

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Sandra Sesay Amupitan was born Sandra Dee Field to Mary Kay Field and Kenneth Davis. She died on October 19 at RWJ University Hospital, New Brunswick. Mrs. Amupitan was born and raised in Somerville New Jersey, and attended Somerville Public schools, she then went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University in 1982.    While attending Seton Hall she met Elroy Honore who she married in 1986. From this glorious union two beautiful babies were born. The first Hanifah born in March of 1988 and the second Zakiya born just 11 months later in February 1989. In 1996 Sandra remarried. Adding her husband Ozzay Sesay a son Unisa and daughter Hawa to the family.

Sandy or Sanj as she was affectionately called worked for the Somerville board of Education as a teacher’s aide for a couple years but then went on to work in Social Services as a Program Director in Group homes for 26 years. She has spent most of her life helping people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of their lives. She has also worked for shelters and juvenile detention centers helping children and families by providing recourses and counseling to help them better adjust in society. 

 
Sandra is a lifelong member of St. Thomas AME Zion Church in Somerville but found the lord for herself during a life-threatening situation, while on a family vacation in San Diego California in 1991. Since that day Sandra has walked with Jesus every step of the way. Sandra has always been a prayer warrior praying for friend’s family and loved ones as well as strangers at the drop of a dime. She believes there is always time to have a little talk with Jesus.


In 2005, Sandra was called to take the leap from talking to the lord on behalf of the people to Speaking to the people on behalf of the Lord. She served as a Local Preacher from 2007 to 2011.  Rev Sesay received her Certificate in Christian Ministries from New York Theological Seminary and, was ordained as an AME Zion Deacon in 2011 and Elder in 2014 by Bishop Louis Hunter, Sr.  Rev Sesay served as a Supernumerary Minister from 2011 to 2019.  She was appointed the Pastor of St. Thomas AME Zion Church on May 26, 2019 by Bishop Dennis V. Proctor.  She proudly served the Lord and the members of her church with love, gratitude and perseverance.  On this date she was also appointed as District Prayer Coordinator for the Jersey City District North Eastern Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.  She considered it a blessed privilege to serve the Lord and the church.


Unfortunately, Rev Sesay’s beloved husband Ozzay passed away in 2010.  Finding love again, she married Lanre Amupitan.  


During Rev Sesay-Amupitan’s life she was called on by many in her family.  Whether for prayer, laughter, counseling, nurturing her many younger family members, she always answered the call.  She was a ray of sunshine that positively influenced many in all walks of life.  Rev Sesay enjoyed traveling and had just recently spent a joyous time visiting Jamaica. To know Sandra was to love her. Her wonderful sense of humor will remain with us forever. She loved God, her family, her friends and life itself.  


Left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughters Hanifah and Zakiya Honore, her loving grandson Clarence Makai Middleton Stepson, Unisa Sesay (wife) Step daughter, Hawa Sesay  a host of Cousins and loving family members and many many friends. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.


​As per Sandra's wishes there will be a memorial in her honor in the near future. Details TBD

 

Cheryl Lalevee Kovach

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CHERYL LALEVEE KOVACH
Hillsborough
 
Cheryl Lalevee Kovach of Hillsborough, NJ passed away on November 21 at home after a valiant battle with cancer.  
Born in Bethesda Maryland, she grew up in Irvington NJ.  After graduating from Irvington High School in 1964, she attended Paterson State College in Wayne, NJ. Her home was in Hillsborough, NJ, where she wed Edward Kovach and raised their three children there.

​Cheryl worked for 24 years as a medical office manager and was a certified M
edical Assistant.  She was active in a number of organizations and an active member of her community. She was a member of the American Association of Medical Assistants, a past President of Hillsborough Fire Co. #3 Ladies Auxiliary, member of Hillsborough Senior Citizens Chapter B and Central Jersey Traveling Seniors. She also was a long time member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hillsborough where she ran many social functions at the church.

She belonged to Hillsborough Rec Senior Floral Design for 12 years, water aquatics for 13 years and recently enjoyed the pen and ink art class.

​Cheryl loved country music and attended numerous country music events including cruises with many 
wonderful friends.  Cheryl spent much of her time with her lifelong best friend Carolyn Seppelt who she loved like a sisterAnyone who knew Cheryl knows that she was also passionate about animals.  She always loved and cared for at least two dogs who were part of her family. Her devoted German Shepherd Gabby was one of her best friends.
She is survived by her husband, Edward S. Kovach; her son Greg, his wife Kathy and granddaughter Brooke of Cary, NC; her daughter Tami Epting and granddaughters Kaylee and Savannah of Pearland, TX and her son Wes of Coopersburg PAShe is predeceased by her parents Ruth and Rudolph Lalevee, her brothers Wayne Lalevee Sr. and Bruce Lalevee and her son-in-law John Epting
Visiting hours on Tuesday, November 24, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Cusick Funeral Home, Somerville.Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, November 25, at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Neshanic Cemetery, Hillsborough. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Cheryl Kovach to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center at 575 Woodland Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940 or The Seeing Eye at 1 Seeing Eye Way, Morristown, NJ 07960. 

Christian A. Smith

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Christian A. Smith of Toms River, NJ passed on November 28, 2020 due to complications of COVID19.

Chris was born and raised in Somerville, NJ.  After graduating from Immaculata High School in Somerville, he then attended Rider University and graduated with a BS in Industrial Management followed by a career in Sales Management.
Chris loved being around his family and friends while also enjoying boating on the Barnegat Bay and spending time at the beach. He also loved basketball and coached for St. Mary’s CYO in Stafford Township, NJ.

Chris is survived by his children, Chris Smith Jr., Kelly Smith, Melissa Lewis, Matt Mazepa, Erin Kelly and Lindsey Smith. Chis is also survived by his sister Kate Meade and brother Drew Smith. Chris is pre-deceased by his father Arthur E. Smith, the former Mayor of Somerville, and his mother Kathleen C. Smith both of Somerville.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday December 4th at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church followed by burial at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Somerville, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Christian Smith to St. Mary’s Parish of Stafford Township (https://stmarybarnegat.com747 West Bay Avenue, P.O. Box 609, Barnegat, NJ 08005).            


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