Obituaries

Ruth Carolyn Klump

Ruth Carolyn Klump was born in Easton, PA on July 11, 1930 to Theodore Frederick Hoppe and Ruth Caroline (Gillen) Hoppe. She passed peacefully following a lengthy period of Parkinson’s Disease and related illness on April 28, 2025 at the extraordinary age of 94.

Known as Carolyn, she was ahead of her time in many ways. She attended NYU at just 16 years old, class of 1951, where she earned a teaching degree, though she would have preferred to follow in her father’s footsteps as an engineer or architect which was not a woman’s field at the time. She taught elementary school in Bayville, NJ for decades, earning recognition as New Jersey Teacher of the Year. She received her Master’s Degree from Georgian Court, and also volunteered as an adult literacy tutor. Carolyn and her late husband, Robert Wesley Klump, were very active in the Beachwood Yacht Club. She had been President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and wrote a brief history of BYC.

Sean Patrick Conway

Sean Patrick Conway, 60, passed away on April 27, 2025, in Neptune, New Jersey. Born on September 17, 1964, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Sean lived a life marked by dedication to his family, a passion for learning and laughter, and a deep love for animals.

He was a proud graduate of Middletown High School South in the Class of 1982.  Sean earned a degree in Culinary Arts from Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing, NJ, and later expanded his expertise by graduating from DeVry University with a degree in IT Sciences. His educational journey reflected his diverse talents and willingness to embrace new challenges.

John Kelly Weaver

Our beloved John Kelly Weaver, 68, of Little Silver, New Jersey, passed away on April 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of more than 35 years, Barbara Weaver; their children, Lauren Stralo (son-in-law Erik) of Easton, Pennsylvania, William and Reilly Weaver of Little Silver, New Jersey; and his precious granddaughters, Cecelia Jeanne and Quinn Poppy. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Weaver (wife Laura) of Dacula, Georgia; Laura Mattson (husband Ken) of Mahwah, New Jersey; and Beth Peterson (husband Phil) of Cape May, New Jersey, along with many close extended family, lifelong friends, and colleagues.

Janice Claire Kane

Janice Claire Kane, of Rumson, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 21st, after a brief illness. 
 
Janice was born in 1936 in Queens, New York. She fondly remembered her childhood as a self described "city girl,” able to navigate any destination in New York City—often while wearing her treasured roller skates. She graduated from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School and attended St. John's University. Janice had a wonderful experience at St. John's, where she blossomed into a beautiful, charming, and intelligent young woman. She was thrilled to be crowned "Miss St. John's” of 1956, a tremendous honor at the time, recognized by many local New York newspapers. It was at St. John's that Janice met the love of her life, the man who would become her husband of fifty-two years, Tom. 

Bernard M. Reilly

Bernard M. Reilly, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend has passed suddenly at the age of 78.
 
Bernard was born in East Orange and grew up in Union. He was a graduate of Archbishop Walsh High School in Irvington, Seton Hall University, and Rutgers University Law School. 
 

Cheryl Ann Johnston (Koelsch)

Cheryl Ann Johnston (Koelsch), age 80, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025. Born on July 19, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky, and a longtime resident of Monmouth Beach, Cheryl lived a life full of purpose, compassion, and unwavering support for the people she loved.

A proud graduate of Monmouth University, Cheryl earned her degree in Finance with honors, Magna Cum Laude, a reflection of her sharp intellect and tireless work ethic. She went on to have a successful career as a financial analyst at AT&T, where she was respected for her precision, insight, and dedication.

Anthony Joseph Cavallaro

Anthony Joseph Cavallaro, lovingly known as Tony, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of 89. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tony was cherished by all who knew him for his warmth, humor, and generous spirit.

Born on March 27, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey, Tony spent the majority of his life in his beloved home state. He later moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, where he enjoyed retirement and community life, before returning to New Jersey in 2015 to be closer to family and lifelong friends.

Tony is survived by his daughter, Lisa Cavallaro (Thomas White); his stepchildren, Eric Peduto (Stephanie), Michael Peduto (Alison), and Stephanie Peduto; and his adored grandchildren: Ava Rose, Massimo, Emily, August, Joseph, and Andrew. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rita, with whom he shared many happy years.

Thomas "Tommy" Edward Ekleberry

Thomas Edward Ekleberry, lovingly known as Tommy, passed away on April 11, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on November 6, 1951, in Newark, NJ, he was the beloved son of the late Robert Gene Ekleberry and Dorothy Gibson.

Tommy spent his early years in Red Bank before his family moved to Fair Haven in 1960—the town he called home for the next 45 years. He attended St. James Elementary School and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. His passion for food led him to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he honed the skills that would become the foundation of a life dedicated to bringing people together through his cooking.

Dr. Hendrik “Hans” Jan Zweerink

Dr. Hendrik Jan Zweerink, 86, known to most as Hans and to the lucky few as “Opa,” passed away peacefully on April 13 at home under hospice care due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Hilversum, the Netherlands, Hans’ early life was shaped by the hardships of World War II and the German occupation of his country. After completing his education including college in Holland, he applied to Cornell University’s graduate food science program on a whim, and was accepted. That same year, he left Holland by boat, arriving in New York with a suitcase, a thick Dutch accent, and a tenacious spirit.

Charlotte A. Brodfuhrer

Charlotte A. Brodfuhrer of Little Silver, NJ, and most recently from Tinton Falls, NJ  moved on to Heaven April 9, 2025, through her faith and confession of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. 

Charlotte was born in East Norwalk, CT to Alfred L. and Willa C. Jackson in August, 1932. She grew up and attended schools in Norwalk where she was active in scouting and boating. After graduating from Norwalk High School, she completed her Nursing degree from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing, NYC, in 1953. She practiced nursing in CT, NYC,  and Red Bank, NJ. 

Dr. Robert C. Conklin

Robert C. Conklin, age 73, passed away April 10, 2025 at home with his family after undergoing a year of treatment for cholangiocarcinoma.

Dr. Conklin was a graduate of Cathedral High School in Trenton, St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Rutgers Graduate School of Management.

Dr. Conklin practiced pathology and nuclear medicine before working in the reinsurance field. He was a vice president and medical director at CNA before becoming a medical director for Fasano Associates for 20 years.
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Bruce S. Thompson, Owner & Manager, NJ LIC #3740

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