Obituaries

Mary Elisabeth Dean, Ph.D., 90, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024, in Red Bank, NJ.

She was born in Englewood, NJ in 1933, to Jesse P. and Marguerite A. (Jossier) Dean. She attended the Academy of the Holy Angels and The College of Saint Elizabeth (AB 1955). She was awarded a fellowship to attend Purdue University (MS 1957), where she met her first husband, Earle W. Orr, Jr., Ph.D. Their first daughter, Mary Siobhan Orr, died in infancy. They later had two more children together. Earle, a professor of economics and a transportation specialist, took a job in Dacca, East Pakistan (now Dhaka, Bangladesh). The family lived in Bangladesh for two years, during which time Mary Elisabeth worked as the Director of Counseling at the Dacca American Society School.

Mary Elisabeth returned to Middletown, NJ with her children in 1964. She got a job as a teacher and then a guidance counselor at Lloyd Road Middle School in Matawan, NJ. She was promoted to Guidance Counselor, Director of Guidance, and finally Director of Career Development for the Matawan-Aberdeen School District (1968-1980). She was also an instructor in the Graduate School of Education at Seton Hall University in West Orange, NJ from 1968-1970.

Carmen S. Garduno passed away on October 10, 2024 after suffering many years from Alzheimer’s.  Carmen was born in Taos, New Mexico on April 19, 1929, the second of the seven children of Ralph and Anita Garduno.  Shortly after her birth, Carmen’s family moved to Akron, Ohio, the state where Carmen spent most of her life.  

Carmen was matriculated at Springfield High School and after attending beauty school, she  began her long working life as a hairstylist.  The profession suited Carmen who enjoyed interacting with clients and coworkers. Later, Carmen moved on to become a switchboard operator at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio.  Carmen spent decades working at the hospital where she loved her work and colleagues.  Once retired, she joined the employment agency of her sister, Adela (Della) Delgado, as an assistant for a few years.  

Paul V. McLean, 72, of Oceanport, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024 at Complete Care in Shrewsbury.  He was born in Long Branch to Harry and Leah (Coudrier) McLean and lived most of his life in Red Bank before settling in Oceanport in 2010. 

Paul graduated from Red Bank High School in 1970 and started his career with the United States Postal Service. He was community-minded and volunteered for the Red Bank Hook and Ladder.  

Jack Ponti (Giacomo Pontoriero), an influential American musician, songwriter, producer, and manager, passed away on October 7, 2024. While widely recognized for his musical genius, it was his boundless love for his family, generosity of spirit, and fierce loyalty that truly defined him.

Born in Newark, NJ, Jack grew up with an ear for music and a heart full of compassion. His early passion for the guitar led him into a remarkable career, where his talent and vision helped shape the sounds of iconic rock bands like Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Nelson, and Skid Row. Jack’s greatest pride, however, was not found in the music industry but in the love he had for his family. Jack’s family was his true legacy, and his love for them was palpable in every conversation, every meal he cooked, and every smile he shared. 

James G. Giannell of Red Bank, NJ, passed away on the evening of Friday, September 27th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born Demitrios George Giannell on November 15th, 1951 in Long Branch, NJ, was a life-long Monmouth County resident.

Jim was a proud Red Banker who graduated from Red Bank High School in the class of 1969 and spent the majority of his life in the borough.  A 1973 graduate of Trenton State College, Jim originally planned a career in education before committing to his career in real estate which he excelled in for fifty years. As president of New Markets Realty LLC, Jim was extremely knowledgeable and helpful to many, especially in the area of commercial and residential real estate. 

Patrick J. Brennan, 86, of Monmouth Beach, NJ, peacefully passed from this life on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Patrick was born in New York City to Edward and Bridget Kenny Brennan, both of whom immigrated from Ireland to New York. After graduating from college, Patrick sought employment at Wall Street, where he remained for 46 years as a bond trader.

Probably no one loved Monmouth Beach more than Patrick. He spent many days at the beach basking in the sun and swimming in the ocean. Sandy Hook was another special place for Patrick where he would drive with his wife observing the seasons.