Obituaries

Donald Bertrand of Middletown, died Wednesday August 9, 2023 at his home in Middletown, New Jersey. He was 82 years old. 

He was born in The Bronx on May 5th, 1941, the son of William and Helen (nee Harrison) Bertrand. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marjorie (nee Hofmeister) Bertrand; sons Andrew (Lauren) and Matthew (Elena). He was the beloved pop-pop to grandchildren Harper, Tucker, Ethan, and Oliver and the brother of Raymond and the late Marie and Gary.

Donald graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and Iona College. At 19, he began his career at the New York Daily News, initially working as a copyboy while attending Iona during the day. That career would span five decades including time as suburban editor, coverage of City Hall and overseeing the Daily News’ expansion of their coverage into the borough of Queens. For Donald, the defining moment of this extensive career was coverage related to September 11^th and the days that followed. 

Vatsala Muralidhara passed away at Riverview Medical Center on Thursday evening, August 3. She was born in Karachi, British India, on August 10, 1936. The daughter of a government scientist, Vatsala lived throughout India during her childhood. She attended Catholic secondary schools and then continued her studies at Delhi University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in zoology. She was a top student, earning many prizes for her academic studies.

After her work as a journalist, Vatsala married Ranya, an organic chemist, in 1967, and immigrated to the United States. She settled first in Skaneateles, NY and then moved to New Jersey, where she lived for over fifty years. She and her husband raised two children, and for many years, their well-being was her primary focus as a stay-at-home mom. Her home in Fair Haven was full of colorful art, her extensive collection of elephant figurines, and the smell of gourmet cooking. She was a prodigious reader and also loved traveling in Europe and visiting museums.

“If you knew him, you loved him.” Thomas F. (“as in Frank”) Bruno, 82, a life-long resident of Little Silver passed away suddenly on August 3, 2023, with his loving wife Kris by his side. Tommy was born to parents Lucy and Thomas Bruno at Riverview Hospital on July 19, 1941. His birth was a complete surprise to his parents and older brothers Fred and Anthony, when he arrived some time after his twin sister Antoinette. He attended Markham Place School and Red Bank High School before receiving his Associate Degree from Brookdale Community College and attending Rutgers University.

Tom served six years in the NJ National Guard Reserves after training at Fort Dix. His ultimate desire was to become a Little Silver Police Officer and his dream was fulfilled when he was appointed as patrolman. He served 32 years rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Department for eight years before retiring in 1995. Chief Bruno also served on the Little Silver Fire Department beginning in 1963, rising to the rank of Chief in 1972. At the time of his death, he was an exempt member with over 50 years of service. With a true calling and passion for helping others, Tom also served on the Little Silver First Aid Squad. His dedication to the betterment of his community was unwavering and inspiring. As the LSPD said “his impact will be felt for generations to come.” He was a dedicated colleague, caring mentor, and good friend to many, bringing joy on and off duty.

Joseph F. Cichalski, 79, passed away on August 2, 2023 after a fulfilling life. Born in New Brunswick, NJ, Joe grew up in South River. He was a graduate of South River High School, class of 1962, earned a BA degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a master’s degree from Kean University.

Joe began substitute teaching shortly after graduation and found his calling. Over the next 37 years, he taught grades 3-6, both as a regular classroom teacher and as a basic skills math specialist, where he was known as “Math Man” to his colleagues and students. Joe’s humor and patience served him well in his career. He loved his work and his students, and he retired from the Manalapan-Englishtown School District in 2006.

Joe’s passions can be summed up as: Family, Friends, Fishing, and Football. He and his wife, Joan, settled in Little Silver and enjoyed 47 years there raising their two children. Joe served on the Little Silver Board of Education for 12 years and was a volunteer at the library for many years. He was also a frequent volunteer at Embury United Methodist Church, especially at their pie makes each fall.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frances I. Pisani on July 30th 2023.  She was 70 years old. Born in Brooklyn NY and residing in Monmouth County for the past 39 years.  She leaves behind her loving husband Vincent of 50 years and her three sons and family: Stephen and Wendy Pisani; Christopher and Caralyn Pisani; Joseph and Lauren Pisani; and her eight beautiful grandchildren; Avery, Michael, Carter, Chase, Andrew, Preston, Elizabeth and Joseph.  Frances is predeceased by her parents Catherine and Frank Quaranta and her sister Christina.

It is with profound sadness the family of Barbara C. Arnone announces her passing. She was called to heaven on July 27, 2023 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Dr. Michael J. Arnone and her devoted sons and daughter - John (Jean), Suzanne, Mark, Paul (Dawn), and Michael (Dawn Marie). She will be lovingly remembered and adored by her eleven grandchildren and great grandson. Barbara was predeceased by her brothers Thomas and Donald and cherished her life-long friendship with her sisters Lois and Maureen (Wayne) and her sisters-in-law Peggy and Donna.

Barbara and Michael graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1950. The high school sweethearts married in 1956 and settled in Red Bank where they proudly raised their family which was always their first priority. Through the years she worked side by side in Michael's dental practice located in Red Bank. Upon entering the dental office, she would always greet patients with a smiling face. As her husband always said "Babs, you are my right arm." Barbara encouraged Michael's political endeavors and she was his number one supporter.

Barbara Bates, age 66, passed away suddenly on July 5th, 2023. Born in Red Bank, New Jersey on December 23, 1956, she was the daughter of Reverend John Bates and his wife, Bette Bates.

She was a graduate of Middletown High School North and Stockton State College. Her professional life was long and continuous until her unexpected passing. She was employed for over 25 years with Plymouth Rock and later Urology Associates.

Margaret White Hughes, 77, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2023.  Margy was born in New York City to Patricia and Paul White.  Shortly after, they moved to Fair Haven, NJ where she was raised.  She attended Rumson Fair Haven High School and then went on to Mount Holyoke College.  At a party just before starting college, Margy met Kevin Hughes, a student at Dartmouth College, who would later become her husband. He wrote her a letter just after she arrived as a freshman on the Mount Holyoke campus, invited her to a dance, and they were together ever after.