Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

Raymond Frank Johnson

Mr. Raymond Frank Johnson, affectionately known as "RayRay" & “Raybe," passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Holmdel, New Jersey, at the age of 73. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Ray lived a life marked by brilliance, curiosity, creativity, and deep conviction.

Ray’s academic journey began at the Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ, during the 1970s, when it was an all-boys institution. He later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Rider College. A gifted student with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Ray excelled in every subject he pursued, especially those he was passionate about. His intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the classroom—he was a lifelong reader who devoured books with the intensity of a scholar and the joy of a true enthusiast. To further his professional aspirations in Computer Engineering, Ray pursued numerous continuing education certifications, demonstrating his relentless drive to learn and grow.

Karen Hugus

Karen Hugus, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. She was 80.

Born in 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, Karen was known throughout her life for her immense generosity, quick wit, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She met the love of her life, Paul Hugus, in Freehold, New Jersey, and the two were married in 1964, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of love and partnership.

Garrett (“Gary”) A. Corson III

Garrett (“Gary”) A. Corson III, 84, of Neptune passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 after a long illness. Born in Long Branch and raised in Lincroft, he attended Lincoln Technical School. Gary married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Dorothy Mazza, in 1961. They had two children, Joseph and Audra, and built a wonderful life.

While words can hardly capture the impact of his life, we remember Gary’s kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit. He was a proud husband, father, Pop Pop, co-worker, uncle, friend and volunteer firefighter. Always a sports fan, Gary was an enthusiastic supporter of the Monmouth Regional High School Falcons, while his children, Audra and Joseph, were high school athletes. He continued his support for over 30 years while Audra coached multiple sports and when his grandchildren participated in school activities and sports.

Mary E. Krugh

Mary E. Krugh, 89, of Tinton Falls, passed away peacefully after a long and blessed life. She was among the luckiest of people, having married the love of her life, Bob Krugh, in 1965 before becoming the mother of three girls and stepmother to a wonderful son, who gave her 12 grandchildren and a beautiful great-granddaughter. Mary was an accomplished seamstress all of her life, learning at her talented mother’s knee, and passing on that skill to her children and grandchildren. Mary enjoyed drawing and painting, difficult Sudoku puzzles, reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. She was a devoutly faithful person, spending many decades as a parishioner at St. Catharine’s in Holmdel, NJ, before her move to Tinton Falls, where she attended mass at St. James and St. Anthony in Red Bank.

Jane Rose Aldridge

Jane Rose Aldridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 5, 2025, surrounded by her five children who were the light of her life. Born in Queens, New York, she was the middle daughter of Edward and Mary Rose. Jane graduated from Saint Joseph’s College for Women in Brooklyn, NY and then taught Kindergarten. She married William F Aldridge, a Marine Lieutenant from Baldwin, NY. They were stationed at Camp LeJeune, N.C. where they started their family. After their second child was born, they returned to Wantagh, New York and eventually had five children, four sons and one daughter. They later moved to Massapequa, NY and then to Middletown, NJ. Jane was a loving and devoted mother, active in her church confraternity always with a radiant smile and a warm touch.

Angela Roth

Angela Roth beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. Born in Brooklyn NY, she lived a joyful life in Staten Island, NY and Long Branch, NJ. Constantly surrounded by her loving family, she will be greatly missed by all.

All services will be held at the church. Visitation will be on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9 am to 11 am at Holy Cross Church, 30 Ward Ave, Rumson, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11 am at Holy Cross Church.

Eleanor J. DePonte

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.

Robert T. Kirk

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Robert T. Kirk of Tinton Falls NJ. Robert, known as “Bob” passed away on September 9, 2025 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. Bob was born in Elizabeth, NJ on October 3, 1938. He was the son of the late Charles A. Kirk and Winifred M. “O' Connor” Kirk. His brothers Alfred and Charles Jr. Kirk, and his sister Geraldine Crandall preceded him in death.

Surviving is his loving wife and best friend, Janet. Together they celebrated over 60 years of marriage. Bob also leaves behind his sister-in-law Robin Galeota and her husband, Rich. His nephew Kevin. His niece Kristen and her two children Kaylynn and Nicholas. Brother in laws, Joseph and Richard Bruno, along with many other relatives and friends.

Kevin Arthur Spears

Kevin Arthur Spears - devoted son, loving husband, steadfast brother, true friend, loyal and caring father, and terrific grandfather - passed away on September 14th surrounded by family after a short battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Kevin had a wry sense of humor and a friendly way that put people at ease. He loved Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who and all things sci-fi. He was a master of trivial details about history, science and the world. He spent his life loving the outdoors and the creatures he could find there. He had dogs, cats that acted like dogs (according to him), lizards, birds, you name it. As a young boy in Colorado, he dug up a nest of fire ants - ouch! When he was older, he brought home a pregnant snake and delighted at the eleven babies that followed.

Christine Findlay

Christine (Chris) Findlay of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025 at the age of 77. Christine was predeceased in death by her parents, Mary R. Findlay (nee Trube) and George Y Findlay. She is survived by her sister Barbara Wolkiewicz, her brothers Gary Findlay (Beverly), John Findlay (Jeannette), nine nieces and nephews and three great nieces.

Thomas "Tom" John Horn

Thomas "Tom" John Horn, 65, of Atlantic Highlands, passed into eternal rest on February 27, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center, surrounded by those he loved most, including his cherished Aussie shepherd George.

Tom was born in New York, NY, to his late parents E. Michael and Margaret ‘Peggy’ Horn. After several moves, the family finally settled in Rumson, NJ, to be near the ocean they all loved. Tom and his older sister Nancy Anne, of Rougemont, NC, spent their childhood there and attended RFH.