Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

Carmen S. Garduno

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

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)

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 "Jim" G. Giannell

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

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.

LaVanche "Lee" E. Weber

LaVanche Eleanor Walker Weber, known to one and all as “Lee”, age 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 23, at home, with her children by her side.

Lee arrived on January 1, 1927, the 3rd of 4 children born to Helen Marie Rothacker Walker, and Charles Herbert Walker of Newark, NJ.

A graduate of Weequahic High School in 1944, she started working while still in school at Bamberger’s as a gift-wrapper. After her formal schooling ended, Lee found work as a showroom model in Manhattan’s fashion district. She then went on to become assistant to bathing suit designer, Carolyn Schnurer, and later was hired by Kimberly Knitwear. In later years she was involved in the creation and production of the first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues.

Rosemarie Mondello

Rosemarie Mondello, of Lincroft, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family, on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the age of 77. She was born September 1,1947 in Brooklyn, NY, to Adam and Catherine Legeno (DeMola). She lived in Lincroft, NJ the majority of her life with her family and loving husband Richard.

Rosemarie graduated from Lafayette High School, class of 1965 and then continued her education at the New York City Community College, graduating with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. She then started her career as an executive legal secretary at a prominent Madison Avenue International Law Firm in Manhattan, NY. After a few years of working, Rosemarie left to devote her time to caring for her children as a stay at home mother.

John R. Donohue

John Robert “Bob” Donohue died in the morning on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Monmouth Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old.

Born on March 26, 1935 on Staten Island to Joseph and Nellie Donohue, Bob spent his childhood with his older siblings Alice, Joseph, and Margaret on Davis Avenue. Bob attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and St. Peter’s High School. His Catholic school education enriched his life immeasurably, which continually left his family and friends marveling at all the Latin phrases he remembered. He also enjoyed playing sports growing up and in adult life; in particular baseball at Walker Park, basketball at the Downtown Athletic Club in Manhattan on his lunch hour, and … tennis.

Elizabeth S. Bond

Elizabeth S. Bond, 81, passed away on September 9^th, 2024, at home in Middletown, NJ. Born on December 21, 1942, in Budapest, Hungary, she became a US citizen and lived in several communities in the Monmouth County area for most of her life. Known for her kindness and gentle smile, she was a warm presence to all that knew her.

Elizabeth dedicated many years of her life to the jewelry industry, working at Reussille’s Jewelers in Red Bank and later serving as manager of Ballew’s Jewelers of Sea Girt until her retirement. She was sought after for her expertise in the field.

Sandra R. McCowan

On September 11th 2024 our beloved mother, Sandra R. McCowan, passed away surrounded by her family. Born in Columbus, GA, she was a devoted military wife and mother, raising her children with strength and honor.

Sandra earned her degree in accounting, and she worked as such for the government until her retirement with the closing of Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey. Sandra was a member of Monmouth County Cotillion, and she was a devout member of Emanual Baptist Church in Tinton Falls.

Alfred David Giuliani, Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our very loved dad, Alfred David Giuliani, Sr. who left us on August 22nd at the age of 90. He was born November 3,1933 in NY and was a long-time resident of Lincroft NJ.

He loved his family deeply. He had a smile that lit up any room, a kind heart and a very generous spirit. He was a great cook, loved making homemade ravioli with his family and loved Frank Sinatra. He danced even better than he cooked. He had a passion for flying. He flew private planes, seaplanes and helicopters. He even flew Santa Claus into the Atlantic Highlands Marina by helicopter to the delight of many children (including his own). He was the proud owner of Giuliani Contracting Company in Atlantic Highlands along with his father Isidorio and brother Giuseppe.