Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

John Bruce Blackburn

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

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

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.

William Westapher Richards

With profound sorrow and deep love, we announce the loss of our beloved son and brother, William Westapher Richards, affectionately known to many as Will, who passed away at the age of 19. William brought immeasurable joy, kindness, big smiles and laughter into our lives and anyone who ever crossed paths with him.

Robin A. Thompson

Robin A. Thompson (née Bickell), age 65, of Oakhurst, NJ, passed away unexpectedly at home from cardiac arrest on August 2, 2025.

Robin was born in Jersey City, NJ, and grew up in East Newark. She graduated from Harrison High School (Class of ’77). After graduation, she and her parents moved to Keansburg, NJ, where she attended Monmouth University, earning bachelor degrees in Elementary Education, Speech and Theatre (Class of ’81). Before starting her professional career, Robin worked as a bartender at various nightclubs—an early reflection of her vibrant and outgoing nature.

Carolyn E. McMullin

Carolyn Elizabeth McMullin (McTague), a lifelong resident of Atlantic Highlands and Little Silver NJ, died peacefully at home on July 31, 2025. She was surrounded by her adoring family, including her four daughters, two sisters and grandchildren.

Born in Jersey City, NJ in 1937 to Dr. Robert and Edna (Larsen) McTague, Carolyn grew up in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Her father was the town’s doctor and mayor, while her mother taught in the local schools and served as president of the Atlantic Highlands board of education.

Mary F. Croft

Mary Frances Croft of Rumson, NJ passed away on July 25, 2025 at home after a long illness. Mary was born on September 28, 1946, in Jersey City, NJ. She grew up in West New York, NJ and graduated from St. Joseph's High School and Berkeley School, New York City in 1966. She immediately began her career at Cowles Communications (LOOK magazine) and continued to work with the Cowles family and foundation long after LOOK magazine ceased publication. At her time of death Mary was still working for the Cowles family.

Kathleen Dwyer

Kathleen Dwyer, age 62, formerly of Rumson, NJ passed away the morning of July 20th after a tough fight with endometrial cancer.

Kathleen worked for the New Jersey State Park Service for over 35 years. Originally working for Twin Lights Lighthouse, she relocated to Cheesequake State Park and ultimately retired in May of 2024.

Deatra Wenzell Gabriella

Visionary Leader Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Her Community.

Deatra W. Gabriella, Age 80, former president of the New Jersey Association for Life Long Learning (NJALL) and longtime Director of Community Education at South Toms River Elementary School, passed away in June 2025.

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Rocco Gabriella, a professional athlete and rockstar, who passed away just six months earlier. Deatra is survived by her sister Debbie; her son Michael and his wife Rose; and her two cherished grandchildren, John and Rose.

Deatra grew up in Long Branch, NJ, with her mother Vonita, father Jack, and sister Debbie. She often spent time with and spoke fondly of her extended family, including Aunt Posy, Aunt Peggy, Aunt Red, Diddy, Gagoo, Gert, Alice Marie and her cousin Susan and Mary Eileen. Deatra worked tirelessly to put herself through college—holding early morning jobs, attending classes during the day, and studying late into the night. A natural leader, she became president of her sorority, Alpha Phi Delta, at Upsala College. There, she formed a lifelong friendship with her roommate of four years, Carolyn Lineback. Deatra graduated with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Russian, and was fluent in both languages.

Patricia McCann

Patricia McCann, 60, a beloved wife, mother, and Oma passed away on July 14th 2025. Born in Suriname and moved to Brooklyn NY with her parents and siblings as a young child, Patricia attended Fort Hamilton High School and settled in New Jersey to raise her family. Patricia dedicated much of her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her four children and greatly enjoyed becoming a grandparent. She adored her grandchildren and spending time singing and reading to them. Patricia was a wonderful storyteller and her warm personality sparked many friendships which she cherished deeply. She could often be found cuddling with her dogs watching her favorite shows, or playing games. She also found joy in spending time with family, traveling, and listening to her favorite music.

Nancy Ruth Kochanski

Nancy Ruth Kochanski, age 85, of Middletown died peacefully at home on Friday, July 11, 2025. Nancy grew up in Middletown where she lived her whole life and raised her family. Nancy worked as a server at What's Your Beef Restaurant in Rumson for many decades. Since retiring 10 years ago, she loved most of all spending time with her family and friends.