Obituaries

Jul 13, 2025

Robert Thomas Frucci, Jr., 39, died on July 13, 2025.

Born and raised in Belleville, New Jersey to the late Jeanne “Sue” Marino and Robert Sr., he was a lifelong Belleville resident graduating from Belleville High School in 2004.

Rob may have been an only child, but had enough friends and cousins that he was never alone. His mother moved them back...

Jul 7, 2025

Margaret Miller, age 97, died at home.

She was born in Woodbridge, NJ, the daughter of John and Caroline McGowan. She was raised in Elizabeth, then resided in Edison for 31 years and then Toms River for 20 years before moving to Somerville.

For many years, she was a secretary and...

Jul 6, 2025

Malcolm D. Forrester III (“Mal”) of Whitehouse Station, NJ passed away on July 6, 2025.

Born and raised in Elizabeth, the first born of six to the late Malcolm D. Jr. and Winifred Forrester, nee Grall, he graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1955. During his high school career, he wrestled for the Elizabeth YMCA...

Jul 2, 2025

Alice Maria Iglesia passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated professional, she leaves behind a legacy defined by the quiet strength, joy, and resilience with which she lived every day.

Born on November 23, 1928, in...

Jun 27, 2025

Karen Magliaro, 74, died peacefully on June 27, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with heart complications.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Joseph Chubb and Lucille Chubb Vecci, Karen was raised in Raritan, NJ, where she graduated from high school in 1968.

She built a successful career in...

Jun 8, 2025

Kathleen Lynn Phillips, 72, died peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on June 8, 2025, a day shy of her 73rd birthday.

Born and raised in Somerville to the late George and Clara Albright nee Horner, she was a graduate of Somerville High School before going on to attend Muhlenberg Nursing School.

Jun 7, 2025

John Burr, 77, of Dunellen, NJ passed away on Saturday, June 7th, 2025.

John was born in the Bronx, New York on December 22nd, 1947, to Alfred and Miriam Burr. He was the third of seven children. He is survived by Kathy Burr, and his son Jason Burr. He was predeceased by a younger son Joshua Burr. He is...

Jun 1, 2025

Robert “Bob” Koster, 84, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025.

Born in Queens, NY to the late Alrich and Elizabeth Koster (née Mulligan), Bob was raised in Elmont and graduated from Sewanhaka Central High School. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman. Upon his honorable discharge, Bob began...

May 30, 2025

Madeline Anne Etzold, 86, died peacefully on May 30, 2025.

Born in Plainfield to the late Stephen and Evelyn Tripka, she was raised in Garwood and was a graduate of Johnathan Dayton Regional High School.

She went on to work for Merck as an Administrative Associate and stayed with the company...

May 22, 2025

Dr. Alisia Duma, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in Zhashkiv, Ukraine, to the late Eva Dombrovska and Stanislav Kotovich, Alisia lived a life guided by intellect, purpose, and deep family devotion. She earned her master’s in science degree from Kyiv State University...

May 10, 2025

Dolores B. Sartin, née Atkinson, died peacefully on May 10, 2025.

Born in Plains, PA to the late Joseph and Mary Atkinson, née Romanchick, she was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Plains PA, class of 1946. Dolores (Dorie) grew up working at her uncle’s pharmacy in town where she met a local boy,...

May 9, 2025

Richard G. Bello, 62, passed away on May 9, 2025.

Born and raised in Jersey City and son of the late Richard and Anna Bello. He was a graduate of Marist High School in Bayonne, finishing in the top 10% of his class. Richard went on to get his undergraduate degree in Economics from Rutgers...

Apr 23, 2025

Caroline Pienta, 96, died on April 23, 2025. A lifelong lover of family, the outdoors, books, and her hometown teams, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and unforgettable memories.

She was born in North Tonawanda, New York but eventually moved to New Jersey and graduated from Lodi High School in 1947....

Apr 22, 2025

Christopher Munley, 70, died peacefully on April 22, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.

Chris Munley was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and spent most of his life in Raritan and Somerville, New Jersey, where his presence left an indelible mark on the community he loved and served.

A master...

Apr 22, 2025

James Douglas Sfisco, 64, of Somerville, NJ, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 22, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Somerville, James was a proud product of the community he adored. Born and raised in town, he graduated from Somerville High School in 1978, where he made a name for himself as a...

Apr 17, 2025

Lane Sue Britten, nee Le Vine, 67, died peacefully on April 17, 2025 surrounded by the love of her Husband and Daughter.

Born in Paterson and raised in Fairlawn, she went to live in Key West Florida, where she graduated high school. Lane was a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelors in...

Apr 14, 2025

Richard Henry Van Ness, 62, died on April 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Somerville to Harry and Claretha (Robinson) Van Ness where he remained a lifelong resident.

Richard worked for Somerset County Roads and Bridge Division, and after 29 years of service retired in November of 2024.

...

Apr 8, 2025

Howard John Maybin, 71, died peacefully with family by his side, on April 8, 2025.

Born in Jersey City to the late Howard “Buddy” and Bridget “Biddy” Maybin (nee Kelly), he grew up in Middlesex and then North Plainfield, where he attended North Plainfield High School. While in high school, he worked at a local...

Mar 28, 2025

Gordon W. Ferry, 68, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in New Brunswick to the late William and Elfrida Ferry, Gordon grew up in East Brunswick and graduated from East Brunswick High School. He then attended Teterboro School of Aeronautics before proudly serving his...

Mar 27, 2025

Patrick J. McCarren, 90, died on March 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, he was the son of the late Patrick and Anna McCarren (née Karpinsky). A proud graduate of the Class of 1953, Patrick enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years before being honorably...