Obituaries

William Van Winkle, 92, passed peacefully at home in Little Silver, New Jersey on July 24^th, 2026.

Born July 3^rd, 1934 in Englewood, New Jersey to Helen Wescott and Marshall Van Winkle, Jr., William (Bill) graduated from The Rumson Country Day School, Newark Academy and Lehigh University with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business. 

Bill married Beverly Elsie Peterson in 1956 (and would have celebrated their 70^th anniversary in September). This was the beginning of an extraordinary partnership filled with love, adventure and family.

Bill’s favorite pastime was boats, both racing and cruising, competing in 5 Newport to Bermuda Races, which inducted him into The Gulf Stream Society. Bill was self-taught at celestial navigation using a hand held sextant.  Next to his family, Bill loved his boats which he maintained meticulously. Upon purchasing his Sanderling catboat, he sailed “Whimsy” from South Dartmouth MA to his Little Silver home via the East River. Way too many adventures to mention on his Bayliner “Endless Summer” including the Canada to Key West “Odyssey” (with Beverly) and his Coastal 27 “Prime Time” which he would take to Boca Grande in the winter.

Richard Nachbaur, of Sea Bright, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, at the age of 81.

Richard was born on February 23, 1945, in Hackensack, New Jersey. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Rutherford before attending trade school, where he studied Design Drafting. That education led to a career he truly enjoyed, first as a design draftsman and later as a CAD designer for civil engineering projects. He worked in the field for many years before retiring in March 2010.

Roselyn “Lynn” Azzolina, a devoted mother and grandmother, accomplished writer, registered nurse, and respected member of the Monmouth County community, passed away on July 2, 2026. Lynn was born Roselyn Ann Picone on May 2, 1932, and was raised in West Long Branch, New Jersey. She graduated from Long Branch High School and earned an associate degree in nursing from the Ann May School of Nursing in 1952. After becoming a registered nurse, she worked at Jersey Shore Hospital and Monmouth Medical Center, beginning a life marked by service, compassion, and care for others.

Robert “Bob” Doerr passed peacefully at home on July 15, 2026, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer and related illnesses. He was 84 years old.

Bob was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey where he undoubtedly caused mischief wherever he went. Following his graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, he joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany and quickly rose to the rank of sergeant.

Following an honorable discharge, he returned to New Jersey and became a carpenter with the local union in Elizabeth. In 1966, he married his wife, Patricia “Pat” Reynolds and they started a family. In 1973, “the Doerrs” relocated to Middletown, New Jersey and planted lifelong roots in “Sunken City” where they lived for more than 50 years. They found a close-knit group of friends in Sunken City who quickly became like family. Together, they raised their children, watched them leave the nest, marry, and start families of their own. They celebrated life's milestones, supported one another through times of loss, and embraced every opportunity to spend time together.

Joseph Anthony Biagianti, 79, of Keyport, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Bayshore Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 8, 1947, Joe was the beloved son of the late Agrecio and Connie Biagianti. He was raised in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where he developed a lifelong commitment to service and community. He graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science and began his career with Bedle Funeral Home in Keyport, where he compassionately served families during their times of greatest need.

Joe believed that serving others was one of life's greatest callings. That commitment began in his youth when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and continued throughout his life in countless ways. He was a proud member and Past President of the Keyport Kiwanis Club, a member and Past President of the Keyport Board of Education, a dedicated member of Raritan Hose Fire Company No. 2 and the Keyport Fire Department, Inc., and a Scoutmaster for the multiple Boy Scout troops over the years. He was also a founding member of Jesus the Lord Knights of Columbus Council #12232 and a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Janet Ann Keelen, the beloved matriarch of the Keelen family, went home peacefully to our Lord on July 10, 2026.  She was a cherished daughter, niece, aunt, cousin and friend who touched many lives through her love, generosity and friendship.  

Janet was born in Newark, NJ and grew up surrounded by a large extended Irish family.  She attended St. Peter’s School (Newark, NJ), St. Ann’s School (Keansburg, NJ) and graduated from Middletown Township High School (Leonardo, NJ) maintaining many close friendships with her classmates up until her passing. Janet played varsity basketball and was a member of the reunion committee for over 50 years.  After high school graduation, Janet worked at Fort Monmouth as a Program Analyst, receiving many promotions and accolades throughout her long employment there.  Janet relished her time working at “the Fort”, however retired early to be the fulltime caretaker for her ailing mother.

Marian “Mitzi” Copperthwaite, age 62, of Red Bank, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.

Born on December 18, 1963, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Mitzi spent her life in Monmouth County. She earned a bachelor’s degree and enjoyed a successful career in finance, working as a Floor Clerk for La Branche Company on Wall Street in New York City before her retirement.

Marilyn Bernice Siegler passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born on March 29, 1935, on Staten Island, NY, Marilyn was the daughter of Herman and Jeanette (Heller) Bergwerk. Her childhood was rooted in the close-knit Jewish community of Silver Lake. She attended Curtis High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree from Rutgers University—an academic path that shaped her career as both an educator and a caregiver.

Kelly Spencer was born on August 12, 1979, at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Colleen McKittrick Spencer (now Colleen Roth) and Richard Spencer. Kelly left us suddenly and tragically on July 3, 2026.

Kelly spent her childhood in Union Beach, New Jersey, where she attended Memorial School. At an early age, she discovered a passion for dance, enrolling in dance school in Red Bank. There, she developed her skills in style of dance and performance. She later attended Red Bank Regional High School, where she continued to excel in the performing arts, appearing in numerous stage productions through both the school and her dance studio, performing in ensemble pieces as well as featured solo roles.