Obituaries

Barbara P. Salimbene, 86, (Smith) of Barnegat, NJ passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Barbara was born in Newark, New Jersey,and  later relocated to North Brunswick NJ. She worked as a Housekeeping Manager at the Holiday Inn where she was recognized for her superior performance and hard work. Upon retiring she then moved to the Barnegat Area with her husband Roger.  Thereafter, she soon came out of Retirement to work with Starbound National Talent with family and friends.

Henry Dickson Mercer, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully at home in Rumson, New Jersey, on August 24, 2026. The devoted son of Henry D. and Catherine S. Mercer, Henry was born on June 28, 1931, in Passaic, New Jersey; nicknamed, Dick, by his parents. Dick attended Passaic Collegiate School, Montclair Academy, and The Lawrenceville School. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine prior to enlisting in the Navy during the Korean War, where he served from 1951 to 1955. After honorable discharge, Dick obtained his Third Mate license in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He then joined States Marine Corporation, founded in 1930 by his father. States Marine ultimately became one of the United States’ largest privately owned maritime shipping companies. Dick held the position of Executive Vice President and Director. In addition, he was an active private investor until his final days. A further testament to lifelong learning, Dick was an avid reader of multiple daily newspapers and all genres of literature.

Richard “Rick” Flanagan, age 69, of Freehold Township, New Jersey, passed away on August 22, 2026, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Rick was born on July 18, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio, to William and Lucille Flanagan. He pursued a lifelong interest in technology and business, earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University and an MBA in finance from Monmouth University.

Rick built a successful career at Nokia Technologies where he served as a Senior Manager of Intellectual Property and Business Development. His work reflected both his technical expertise and his ability to bring together innovation, strategy and business.

Edward Lester Brett (Ed) of Fair Haven, NJ, died July 20, 2026 at the age of 71.

Born Dec 1, 1954, he lived the majority of his life in his hometown of Fair Haven. A graduate of Rumson-Fair Haven HS class of '73, he was an avid and professional photographer, drummer, and drum major. He was involved with the bagpipe world for over 25 years, spending time with both The Atlantic Watch and Allied Forces Foundation. Throughout his life he pursued many interests, from Boyscouts and Seascouts to fishing, to reenacting with the SCA, earning many awards and accolades in his years of participation. 

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and good friend.  Janet H. DelCiello died peacefully at home on August 17, 2026 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease .  She was born in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City to the late Ethel and Harry Olson.  She graduated from Grover Cleveland High School and married Robert Del Ciello in 1968.  They moved to New Jersey in 1970 where they raised their two sons, Richard and Michael.  In addition to her full-time role as mother, Janet attended Brookdale Community College, became licensed as a registered nurse and worked at CentraState Medical Center. 

 Janet relocated to Westboro, MA, in 1979 and worked as a registered nurse at UMASS Medical Center and continued her education and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Lesley College.  She also began a career in the pharmaceutical industry.  She worked for G. D. Searle, Syntex Laboratories, Bristol Myers Squibb and Forest Laboratories.  She relocated back to NJ in 1992.

Christopher Muka, age 69, of Holmdel, New Jersey, passed away on August 11, 2026.

Christopher was born on December 26, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Leonard Muka and Carolyn Kennedy Muka.

Christopher will be remembered by those who knew him for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. He was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, and he leaves behind many memories that his family will continue to cherish.

Kathleen Ann O’Neill Marass of Rumson passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at the age of 95.

Kathleen spent her early years growing up on Sandy Hook, later moving to Navesink and eventually settling in Rumson, where she raised her family.

Kathleen attended Leonardo High School, graduating at the age of 16 to begin her career. She was first employed on Wall Street in New York City, later working at Fort Monmouth in the Electronic Warfare Department, followed by many years at Shore Area OBGYN, where she served as office manager.

Patricia "Trish" (Connor) DePonti, 73, passed away peacefully after a long fought illness on August 4,2026 surrounded by love ones.  Leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service to her family and community.

Born and raised in Fair Haven, New Jersey, Trish was the beloved daughter of the late James and Dorothy Connor. She was also predeceased by her brothers, James Connor and John Connor.

 In 1982, Trish married the love of her life, Steven. Together they built a beautiful life and made their home in Red Bank, where they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Trish’s greatest role was that of mother to Steven and Matt.

Thomas Francis Hornung passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of honor, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Tom was one of three children born to Andrew F. Hornung and Mae Ridge. From an early age, he possessed a strong sense of duty and patriotism. While still in high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country with distinction.

Regina M. Clayton (nèe Cooke), age 86, of Red Bank, New Jersey passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Regina was the beloved daughter of the late Stephen and Ruth Cooke. At a young age, her family moved to Rumson, where she spent her childhood and formed many cherished memories.

Above all else, Regina was devoted to her family. She shared 67 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, William Clayton, a testament to a lifetime of unwavering love, partnership, and commitment.

She is survived by her loving husband, William Clayton; her son, William Clayton and his wife, Erin, of Rumson; her daughter, Lynn and her husband, Joe, of Freehold; her beloved grandchildren, Kyle, Brianna, Kevin, Mark, Kristen and her husband, John, Gayle and her husband, Todd, and Lesley and her husband, Travers; her twelve treasured great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, James France of Florida; many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a very special friend to the family, Eileen, who was loved as a second daughter.