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.

In 1948 she married the love of her life Peter DePonte, whom she met through Peter’s sister Rachel when he came home on leave from the Coast Guard. Together they resided in Red Bank where they raised their family. She was a fantastic cook and her family and friends could never get enough of her mouth-watering meatballs and her delicious Christmas cookies, both of which were always in demand. She loved shopping, playing bingo, going to the racetrack and casino trips to Atlantic City, but most of all, the weekly poker games with her family, at which no one could ever bluff her.

Eleanor was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter; her son Peter James (“Butchie”); her parents; her brothers Felix, Henry and Edward DeSantis; and a sister Frances Crompton.

She is survived by her daughter Judy (Edward) White of Red Bank; her son Jeffrey (Donna) DePonte of Toms River; seven grandchildren Edward, Kimberly, Michael, James, Rachel, Peter and Catherine; nine great-grandchildren, Isabella, Peter, Scott, Colbie, Anna Marie, Alex, Anthony, Vincent and Adam; and one great-great grandson Luke.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1st from 4-7 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 2nd at 10 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River.