Obituaries

Lisa Anne Hewitt McLean was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, sister, and “Nana,” whose kindness and love touched everyone who knew her. She was the beloved wife of Harold McLean, cherished daughter of Burbon and Anne Hewitt, and sister to Robert. She was the proud mother of Kristoffer McLean and Megan McLean, and a caring stepmother to Craig McLean and Courtney MacKenzie. Her most treasured role was as grandmother to Paige, Kennedy, and Brooks Chiafullo, who brought endless joy to her life.

Charles “Chuck” E. King Jr., 71, of Little Silver, NJ, passed away on August 10, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. Affectionately known as “The Crab King,” Chuck was born in Red Bank and remained a lifelong resident of the area.

A graduate of Red Bank High School (Class of ’73), where Chuck was active in sports—playing softball and wrestling. He served his country in the National Guard, specializing in tank recovery. Chuck went on to work for the Red Bank Water Department before joining the Fair Haven Public Works Department, where he retired as a foreman after 25 years of dedicated service.

John B. Blackburn passed away on August 10^th in his home at age 71, his loving family by his side.

In 1954, John was adopted at age 4 months by his loving parents, Betty and Ildon Blackburn of Colts Neck, NJ. He joined his sister, Rachel, at the family farm.  He attended Colts Neck schools and for high school, John went to Williston Academy in Massachusetts. He graduated from Monmouth College with a BA in German languages, and Rutgers University with a Masters in German language and literature. John spoke 6 languages fluently, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. He taught ESL for both Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University. He traveled the world with his wife using his language gifts.

Nancy Simonetti passed away peacefully, and surrounded by her children, on August 5, 2025, at her home in Middletown, NJ. She was a loving wife, mother, and Nana (grandmother and great-grandmother). In her 102 years, she was a kind and bright light to many friends and strangers who were lucky enough to cross her path.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Pasquale Simonetti, her son-in-law William Nurthen II, her brother Philip Genovese, and her stepsister Marie Esposito. She is survived by her children Donna Nurthen, Philip (Diane) Simonetti, Patrice Simonetti, and Joseph Simonetti; her grandchildren William (Jennifer) Nurthen III, Ann (John) Harlow, Nancy (Jenelle) Nurthen, Kara (Parker) Gibson, Kathleen (Scott) Strongarone, Jeanne (Kevin) Jones, Patrick Nurthen, Alexandra (Rich) Ingordo, and JR (Jamie) Klagues; and her great-grandchildren Emma Knight, Caroline Harlow, Lily Nurthen, Jack Harlow, Julia Nurthen, Matt Harlow, William Nurthen IV,  Paul Nurthen, Grace Gibson, Lucy Jones, Wyatt Gibson, Haley Jones, Mila Strongarone, Miriam Nurthen, Charlie Ingordo, Brendan Jones, Elizabeth Ingordo, Michael Nurthen, and Adora Klagues.

Hugh E. Hayes II, of Monmouth Beach, NJ passed away peacefully August 3^rd, 2025, at Monmouth Medical Center after a brief illness. He was 63.

Born in Milwaukee, WI, Hugh and his family moved to Middletown, NJ in 1969, when he was seven. He was a 1980 graduate of Middletown South High School, and a 1985 graduate of St. Leo College. Hugh worked on the New York Cotton Exchange for several years while living in Hoboken. He later moved to Monmouth Beach and worked for the Monmouth County Park System at Shark River Golf Course until 2021. Hugh was a loyal brother and a proud and beloved uncle. While he was a big sports fan, especially the Giants, Yankees, Monmouth University basketball, and Notre Dame football, his most passionate rooting interest was in the lives of his nieces and nephews, who he loved dearly. Hugh was an active “Friend of Bill” for the last 15 years, helping many of those he encountered on his path of recovery. He was a faithful and dependable dog sitter and had a special connection with Mugsie, Missy, Lulu, and Ralph.