Obituaries

With heavy hearts, the family of Mary Ellen McCann, a longtime resident of Rumson, New Jersey, announces her passing on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend was 85 years young. 

Mary Ellen Howland was born to Hartson and Mary Gilligan Howland on October 16, 1939, in Neptune, New Jersey. The Howland roots reached deep into the history of Monmouth County, a fact she took immense pride in. But her lineage extended far beyond just Monmouth County, intertwining with the very history of America itself.  Her ancestor, John Howland, was one of the earliest American settlers, arriving on the Mayflower in late 1620. The story of young John Howland has been recounted in several books, most notably “The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower.” The Howland name was woven into the earliest tapestries of America and the early colonies.

Lucille Lusk Puth age 96 of Rumson, NJ passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Lucille was born in Orange, New Jersey to the late Charles and Mary (Cocozza) Lusk. She graduated from Montclair State University in 1950 where she was one of the first females to graduate with a degree in mathematics. 

Post graduation, she immediately started her career teaching high school mathematics. She then married her husband, the late Edward C. Puth Sr., on June 30, 1951 in Irvington, NJ. When Lucille wasn’t teaching or tutoring, she was out on the sail boat with her husband or spending time with her family. Lucille and Edward were married for 42 years. 

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dolores Maggiore, age 83, on the morning of January 15, 2025.

Dee always lived life to the fullest. She was a free spirit who would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Her warmth, kindness, and loving nature touched all who knew her. She loved spending time with her family, especially her children, William and Lisa, and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Michael Patrick Bernardi, 72, died on January 8, 2025 after a long illness.

Michael was a native of North Bergen, New Jersey, spending much of his life there. He moved to Belford 22 years ago.

A graduate of North Bergen High School, he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in business at Jersey City State College. Michael worked in data processing during the early years of computer technology. He also specialized in office management, and retired from his position in the security department at United Parcel Service in 2010.

Sally A. Strehl, age 84, of Shrewsbury, NJ passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024. Sally grew up in Bergen County, NJ, attended Douglass College and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She worked as a social worker in the Monmouth County area.

Maureen D. Hintelmann passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025 at Riverview Medical Center. Maureen was raised in Sea Bright, NJ. She graduated from Sea Bright Grammar School and Red Bank Catholic High School (Class of ‘59). She continued her education at Montclair State University graduating with a teaching degree, and later Monmouth University where she earned a Master’s degree in Administration. Maureen met the love of her life, Tom Hintelmann, while working a summer job at Sea Bright Beach Club. They married in 1965 and raised their family in Red Bank.

Peter G. Stumpf died suddenly in Long Branch, NJ on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the age of 67. He will be remembered by the quick wit, contagious laughter and the music that enriched the lives of everyone around him. 

He was born to Rita and George Stumpf in Brooklyn, New York, where he enjoyed a lively and vibrant childhood. Peter married the love of his life, Jeanne, in 1983 and they have enjoyed 41 years of marriage. To everyone that knew them, it was obvious that Peter and Jeanne belonged together.  They intentionally built a life with love and family at the center. Peter truly cherished parenthood and was thrilled to welcome a granddaughter in 2023.

Joseph Michael Rafferty died peacefully at home on January 7, 2025. He was born on October 22, 1935, to Michael and Elizabeth Rafferty in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from St. John’s University and served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps.

Joe met the love of his life, Marilyn Maloney, when they were 16 years old. They were married in 1958 and resided in Brooklyn and Long Beach, NY before settling in Fair Haven, New Jersey where they raised their children. Joe and Marilyn enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Europe with family and friends – a Rafferty family trip to Ireland in 2000 being a highlight. After retirement they traveled across the country visiting their children and grandchildren. They were married for 54 years until Marilyn’s death in 2013.

Joyce Baker, 92, of Oceanport passed away peacefully at home Sunday morning, Dec. 29, 2024. She grew up in Red Bank and was a graduate of Red Bank High School followed by nursing school. Upon graduating, she worked as a Registered Nurse in the Red Bank area. Later, she held a real estate agent license, working with several local brokerages.

Madeleine Cox of Oceanport, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on January 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving children.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Philip and Grace Smeds, Madeleine embodied compassion, strength, resolve, and resilience. Her selflessness and caring nature touched everyone who knew her, and her devotion to her family, friends, and faith knew no limits. Having children settled in different parts of the country, Madeleine dedicated her life to growing meaningful and loving relationships with her children and grandchildren. Her children will remember her fierce approach to life and her unwavering love and support. Her grandchildren will forever remember and cherish her “Nanny hugs.”   When Madeleine was not doting on her family, she enjoyed reading, activities at the senior center, and spending time on the beach.