Obituaries

Norman R. Harvey, 91, of Princeton, NJ, and Kennebunk, Maine, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024. Born on August 17, 1933, in Rahway, NJ, Norman met the love of his life, Gail Molitor, when she moved across the street. Childhood friends, they began dating after college and married in 1961, sharing a lifelong bond of love and devotion.

Norman graduated from Cornell University in 1955. He was awarded a full scholarship from a generous benefactor for being the salutatorian of his high school class. The education he received at Cornell was life-changing, and he remained a proud alumnus throughout his life. He made lifelong friends as a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Marie F. Cottrell, 90, of Rumson, died peacefully on December 26, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones following a life devoted to her family, friends, and community.

Born in Brownsville, Texas, Marie was one of eight children, lovingly known as the “peacemaker” in the family which, along with traditional social graces, endeared her to all who knew her. Marie married her lifelong partner, James H. Cottrell, in 1954 and followed her husband wherever his work took the family from North Carolina to Louisiana and Alberta, Canada before ultimately settling in Rumson, NJ in 1964 near James’ familial roots.

Eileen Catherine O’Donnell (nee: Raftery), a beloved Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend to all she met, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 25^th, surrounded by her son Thomas, his wife Christine and her two adoring grandchildren, Hailey and TJ.

Daughter of the late William Raftery and Catherine Raftery (nee: Simpson), born in Jersey City, NJ. A beloved Mother to Thomas and his wife, Christine Conway-O’Donnell, and the late William “Bill” O’Donnell, a cherished Grandmother to Hailey and Thomas Jennings (“TJ”) O’Donnell. A loving sister to the late Kathleen Greene (nee: Raftery) and her husband LTC Edward E. Greene (US Army – RET). Aunt to Barbra Davis (nee: Greene), and her children Joseph and Devlin, and the late LTC Michael J Greene (US Army) and his widow Kate Greene (nee: Feyrer) and their children Owen and Liam.  

Rosaria "Nella" Pugliese (nee: Bellizzi), a beloved mother/grandmother/wife passed away peacefully on December 26^th at 88 years of age.  Born in San Basile, Italy, she was the cherished daughter of Vincenzo and Caterina (Bellizzi).

A devoted wife to the late Andrew Pugliese, she was a loving mother to John and wife Donna, and Cathy (Pugliese) and husband Tom Sivo. She was a cherished grandmother to Jacqueline Pugliese and husband David Paulen, Andrew Pugliese, and Matthew Sivo.

Nella led a fulfilling life, she enjoyed knitting countless blankets, scarves and hats for those in need of warmth and for babies in the local NICU. She will be remembered for her caring of others.

Charles Berglund Perrine of Shrewsbury, NJ passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 20th, 2024 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Charlie was born and raised in Fair Haven, NJ and was a resident of Shrewsbury Borough for the past 4 years. He graduated high school from Christian Brothers Academy (class of 1998) and received his B.S. degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and his M.B.A. in Finance from Rutgers Business School. Charlie was a Vice President in the Enterprise Risk Management Department at Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH). He was head of Operational Risk coverage for the firm’s Investment Management division. Prior to BBH, he worked in risk consulting at KPMG in the Financial Services Risk, Regulatory, and Compliance Advisory practice. Charlie began his career in financial services at ICAP, where he spent a decade on the commercial mortgaged-backed securities (CMBS) desk, brokering cash and synthetic CMBS. 

Ronald Henri Shiftan, a distinguished financier, visionary leader, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Friday December 13th at the age of 80 surrounded by his family. Born on July 30, 1944, to Ernest and Carolla Shiftan at the French Hospital in Manhattan, Ron spent his formative years in Scarsdale, New York, alongside his younger brother, Tommy, who was born in 1946.

Ron graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1962 before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Virginia, graduating in 1966. His academic journey continued at Columbia University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1969. His time at Columbia included a defining moment in May 1968, when student protests erupted, leading to the occupation of Hamilton Hall. Ron was appointed by the administration to chair the student disciplinary committee tasked with resolving the aftermath of the protests—a testament to his poise and leadership at a young age.

Garry M. Allers, 82, of Fair Haven, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home on December 5, 2024. Born on July 9, 1942, he was a lifelong resident of Fair Haven, where he will be deeply missed by his many friends and neighbors.

Before dedicating his career to public service with the Borough of Fair Haven's Department of Public Works, Garry and his beloved wife, Jeanette, enjoyed a fulfilling career in the food service industry. They worked at several well-known Monmouth County restaurants, including Charlie Brown's, What's Your Beef, and Lock Stock and Barrel. Garry often shared fond memories of their time in service, including their travels to Las Vegas to work in casinos and their memorable trip to the famous Brown Derby in California to learn the secrets of their renowned blue cheese dressing. Both Garry and Jeanette were dedicated to their work and took great pride in their profession.

Patricia Ann Rainville of Red Bank, NJ, devoted mother and cherished Nana to her 11 grandchildren, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, leaving a legacy of love and kindness. Her Catholic faith was a guiding light, deeply influencing her values and actions. Patricia's love for her faith was only surpassed by her love for her family, and her greatest joy was becoming Nana. Known for her generous spirit, she always gave to others and uplifted those around her. Patricia's warm smile and compassionate heart will be missed by all who knew her.

Carol R. Wade passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024 at Brandywine Assisted Living in Shrewsbury NJ where she has resided for almost five years. Carol lived in Little Silver for most of her entire married life.

She and her husband Art, purchased a new home in Crest Village in 1951 as one of the original homeowners of the neighborhood.

Carol was born in Orange NJ to Edwin and Elisabeth Reed. She graduated from Montclair High School in 1947 and attended six weeks of college before coming home and marrying her husband Arthur S. Wade, her neighborhood sweet heart.

After a summer filled with extended family and friends, Douglas Demarest Mercer, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was the son of the late Henry D. and Catherine S. Mercer and was born in Passaic, New Jersey in 1935.

Doug graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy with honors and then joined the family shipping business, States Marine Lines between 1964-1980. States Marine had been founded in New York in 1930 by his father Henry D. Mercer. The company grew into a worldwide break-bulk shipping company, which at its peak had a fleet of 100 vessels, managed by 500 shoreside employees, plus a worldwide agency network. Initially, Doug learned the business by sailing as a Third Mate. He progressed up the ladder and assumed the presidency and then became CEO for the last ten years of his 25-year tenure. During this period, Doug also served on several boards, including Moore McCormack Resources, Maremont Corporation, and Paine Weber’s Family of Funds.