Obituaries

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.

Kevin Arthur Spears - devoted son, loving husband, steadfast brother, true friend, loyal and caring father, and terrific grandfather - passed away on September 14th surrounded by family after a short battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Kevin had a wry sense of humor and a friendly way that put people at ease. He loved Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who and all things sci-fi. He was a master of trivial details about history, science and the world. He spent his life loving the outdoors and the creatures he could find there. He had dogs, cats that acted like dogs (according to him), lizards, birds, you name it. As a young boy in Colorado, he dug up a nest of fire ants - ouch! When he was older, he brought home a pregnant snake and delighted at the eleven babies that followed. 

Christine (Chris) Findlay of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025 at the age of 77.  Christine was predeceased in death by her parents, Mary R. Findlay (nee Trube) and George Y Findlay.  She is survived by her sister Barbara Wolkiewicz, her brothers Gary Findlay (Beverly), John Findlay (Jeannette), nine nieces and nephews and three great nieces.     

Thomas "Tom" John Horn, 65, of Atlantic Highlands, passed into eternal rest on February 27, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center, surrounded by those he loved most, including his cherished Aussie shepherd George.

Tom was born in New York, NY, to his late parents E. Michael and Margaret ‘Peggy’ Horn. After several moves, the family finally settled in Rumson, NJ, to be near the ocean they all loved. Tom and his older sister Nancy Anne, of Rougemont, NC, spent their childhood there and attended RFH.

John J. “Jack” Readie, age 86, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at home, while holding his daughters’ hands. Jack was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Winfield Park, NJ, but called Red Bank home for more than 60 years.

Thanks to the good fortune of alphabetical-order seating, Jack Readie found himself sitting directly behind Elizabeth Quartararo at Roselle Park High School. From that day through 58 years of marriage, Jack and Liz were inseparable true loves, until she passed in 2018.  

Jack put himself through nearly two years at Rutgers University by working 40 hours a week, while attending classes and being on the wrestling team. When his father needed help in his butcher shop, Jack set aside his college dream and joined the business. Under Jack’s leadership, he transformed the struggling shop into Readie’s Fine Foods, a thriving retail food market and catering business on Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Jack owned Readie’s Fine Foods for 42 years, many of them working side-by-side with Liz. He was an honest retailer, fair to customers and good to his employees. He quietly donated food to many who were hungry in the community, and he developed lifelong friendships with customers and fellow business owners.

Richard B. Huff, 86 of Fair Haven, NJ passed away on August 23, 2025 surrounded by loving family. Richard was born to Gardner and Helen Huff in Chicago, IL. He then attended Purdue University, IN. The Boilermakers and Delta Epsilon Fraternity remained an enthusiastic part of his life. Following graduation, Richard enlisted in the US Army, which brought him to Fort Monmouth NJ. 

Paul Frieze, a renowned advertising production leader and creative force from the “Mad Men” era, passed away, August 26, 2025, at age 89.  Paul had a distinguished career spanning 50 years. He held executive vice president roles at top advertising and direct marketing agencies in New York City.  In 2001, combining his business acumen and creativity, Paul founded his own firm, PBF Graphics Inc., serving as CEO.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Anita Hope Thorne Rochelle-Keyser of Middletown, on August 6, 2025, at the age of 100.  She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, and friend to many.

Born to Zelma de Guerin Seaton and Lester Mason Thorne on October 12, 1924, in East Keansburg, NJ, Anita was the fifth of nine children.  Her older brother Horace Marvin Thorne, was the first Congressional Medal of Honor recipient in Monmouth County, NJ.  Thorne Middle School in Port Monmouth is named in his honor.  The Thorne family is one of the oldest families in Monmouth County dating back to 1748.  Anita was the last surviving member of the Thorne family.