Charles F. Shay Sr. passed away peacefully at home on April 15 surrounded by family. Born on January 6,1941 at Monmouth Medical Center, and after a short drive up Ocean Avenue, Charley’s many years were spent in Rumson, New Jersey. Charley attended Holy Cross Grammar School and Red Bank Catholic High School. He graduated from Monmouth College, completed graduate school at Rutgers University, and attended the Rutgers Doctorate Program. While at R.B.C., Charley earned Varsity letters Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He married in 1965 and shared a wonderful life with his wife of 61 years. Charley loved the town of Rumson. He was a beloved educator, brought about the Environmental Science Program at Stokes State Forrest, was appointed the leader of Rumson Community Education, and created other educational programs at Forrestdale Middle School. Charley served as Chief of the Oceanic Fire Department, was President of the Library Board, President of M.C.A.S.B.O., and President of the Root beer and Checker Club.
Obituaries
John R. Watson, a man of immense warmth, sharp wit, and unwavering dedication to his family, passed away peacefully in his bed on May 22, 2026, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Throughout his journey, John faced his health challenges with the same grace, dignity, and quiet resilience that defined his entire life.
Marjorie Anne "Grammy" Abson (née Gibson), 82, a beloved teacher, devoted family member, and cherished friend, passed away on May 19, 2026, in Neptune, New Jersey.
Born on September 9, 1943, in Summit, New Jersey, to Royal H. Gibson Sr. and Anne Jacoby Gibson, Marjorie cultivated a lifelong love of learning and community. She was raised in Rumson and attended Kent Place School in Summit before earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hood College and her Master’s degree from Monmouth University. She married her English sweetheart Roger C. Abson in April 1970 and settled in Fair Haven shortly thereafter, beginning her teaching journey in the Long Branch School District. Soon after, she began teaching middle school math at the Rumson Country Day School and Knollwood School in Fair Haven. She celebrated Pi Day every 3/14 with pies for her classes as she always looked to find ways to make math approachable and fun. Even after retiring from Knollwood, she continued to share her love of teaching as a substitute teacher in Oceanport and Fair Haven schools. She never passed up a chance to tutor a student in Algebra or for the SAT to help them be the best student they could be. She was proud to stay in touch with her “kids” years after they had graduated from middle school, even being invited to high school and college graduation ceremonies and wedding receptions.
David “Dave” Manley passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026.
He is pre-deceased by his parents, Jack Manley and Margaret Ely Manley. Dave was raised in Summit, NJ. Dave proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he built a successful career with Prudential Insurance where he worked for twenty-five years.
Rosemary Louise Walters died peacefully at home on the morning of May 4th, 2026 with her trusted aide Annette Ramsey and close friend and assistant Tracy Thompson by her side.
Rosemary was born 20 June 1935 in White Plains, Westchester County, New York to James Edward Walters and Edith Eileen Walters, née Hiler. She was the third of four children, Joan and James were the oldest and have predeceased her, Rosemary’s younger brother, William ‘Bill’ Walters, resides in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Shortly after celebrating her 104th birthday, Ruth Matena passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026. She was a firecracker of a woman, who taught her son, grandsons and great-grandsons to be respectful and proud and her daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters to be strong and fierce in their own right.
She was born in Union City, New Jersey on May 11, 1922 to John and Teresa Steck, where she lived until she married Philip Matena in 1945. They moved to Chicago while he served in the Navy, and upon their return to New Jersey, they resided in Middletown until Philip’s passing in 2011. The Middletown house served as the central heart where Ruth and Philip birthed and raised their four children: Ruth, Janet, Philip and Barbara.
Alfred James Golden, 91, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026. Born on August 22, 1934, in Jersey City, Alfred was raised there and carried throughout his life a deep love of family, loyalty, and hard work.
Alfred attended William L. Dickinson High School before continuing his education at Saint Peter’s University, where he studied accounting and earned his CPA. His dedication to education and strong work ethic became defining qualities throughout his life.
We are sad to share the news that Barbara Lipton, art historian, adventurer, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died in Red Bank, N.J. on May 1, 2026. Born in Newark, N.J. to Joseph and Grace Barrett, Barbara graduated from Weequahic High School at the age of sixteen. She attended the University of Iowa, where she majored in English and received the first of an impressive number of (unaccepted) marriage proposals. She then earned a master’s degree in art history at the University of Michigan.
Stephen J. Pribula, 84, of Middletown, New Jersey, passed away on May 8th, 2026, three days before he would have turned eighty-five.
He came into the world on Mother's Day, 1941. His mother called him the best gift she could have hoped for, and he spent the rest of his life fulfilling her belief.
Stephen was the Valedictorian of Delbarton School’s Class of 1959. He would go on to earn his degree from Princeton University in 1963, with a special certificate from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs; and his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1966, where he was named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. After Columbia he went directly into the United States Air Force, serving from 1966 to 1972 as a Titan II missile officer at McConnell Air Force Base, and a Judge Advocate at Torregon in Spain. During his time as Liaison Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, he held the historic distinction as one of the last American officers remaining after the base closure. At the end of his service term, he was appointed as a military judge and obtained the rank of Captain.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Zemann, who passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 69. Born Mary Belmonte in South Amboy, N. J., Mary most recently resided in Red Bank, N.J. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in South Amboy and Caldwell College in Caldwell, N.J.
Theodora “Teddy” Bowers Clifford, 79, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. She was a woman of remarkable warmth, wit, and grace, whose curiosity about the world and genuine interest in the people around her left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Teddy was born in Newark, New Jersey, to John Hamilton and Theodora (Scott) Bowers. She was raised in Rumson, New Jersey and received her early education at Holy Cross School in Rumson and Eden Hall in Philadelphia before earning her degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service — a fitting foundation for a woman who would spend her life engaging the world with intellect and open-hearted curiosity.
She married and raised four daughters and one son in Fair Haven, New Jersey, a community she deeply loved and called home for decades. Her children were among her greatest sources of pride, and she poured into them the same energy and spirit that defined everything she did. Teddy raised her children to think freely, live independently, love learning and to honor the dignity of every person they encounter.
