LEO DANIEL SUGG JR, 58, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, after a lifetime filled with love, dedication, and quiet strength. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, Leo's presence brought kindness and grace to everyone who knew him.
Born in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Leo was a proud native of the state. He graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Shamokin before continuing his education at Penn State University, where he earned a degree in accounting and developed a lifelong passion for Nittany Lions football. He was also a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, where he built friendships and honed leadership skills that would serve him well throughout his life.
Obituaries
Dominic Anthony Trocchia Sr., 94, of Little Silver, New Jersey, passed peacefully in his sleep on September 8, 2024. Born on May 29, 1930, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Dominic was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived a life full of love and dedication. He was a proud graduate of Red Bank High School Class of 1948, where at 15, he met the love of his life, his beloved Marie. Despite not being old enough to drive, he would walk three miles in the snow to visit her. Their 73 years of marriage and 77 years together were a testament to their enduring love, always holding hands wherever they went.
Maria Rita Colella, beloved mother and Nonna, died peacefully at Care One in Wall New Jersey on Monday, September 2nd at the age of 86.
Born in the town of Mistretta in Sicily she was the youngest child and only daughter of Paulo and Vincenza LoPrinzi. In her mid 20’s Maria moved to New York City where she met and married her loving husband Donato Colella on June 6, 1971. Maria and Donato moved to Gravesend in Brooklyn, New York where they raised their two boys. In her early 40’s Maria suffered a major stroke while at home with her young sons. She was temporarily paralyzed and unable to speak. She overcame all of the obstacles put in front of her and willed herself to get better to be there for her family. This is one example of the determination and love she had for her family, especially her children. The family moved to Middletown, New Jersey in 1989. After their sons were raised and had moved out of the house Maria and Donato moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida where they spent the better part of 10 years until their return to New Jersey to be closer to family.
April Katherine Anderson, 79, of Fair Haven, NJ passed away on September 3, 2024 of complications after multiple strokes.
April graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, MI, where she was a National Merit Scholar and excelled in Art and Mathematics. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Wayne State University of Detroit. After graduation, she moved to New York and worked for the Link Group of General Precision in Pleasantville on programming for the Apollo Lunar Mission Simulator. Subsequently, she worked as a computer programmer for IBM in the Office Products Division.
Marilyn Lucille Lentz was born December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, in Detroit Michigan to parents Lucille Stewart and Raymond Rudolph Lentz. She attended Cody High School, Oakland Community College and Oakland University. Her family was active at Hope Memorial Lutheran and Resurrection Lutheran churches where she began her singing career. Marilyn went on to sing with St. Matthew's UMC, Grosse Pointe UMC, St. John's Episcopal, Dearborn Chorale Arts, Madrigal Club of Detroit and The Choralaires. She also followed her aunt into the phone business working at Directory Assistance for Michigan Bell.
Marilyn moved to Denver Colorado in the late 70's where she continued her work with Mountain Bell. It is in Colorado that she actively pursued her vocal career appearing in the Gilbert & Sullivan Theatre productions of Mikado, Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore. She was also an original member with Opera Colorado with Nathaniel Merrill and Louise Sherman, in Tales of Hoffmann, Turandot, La Boheme, Othello, Tosca and Il Trovatore. She soloed at Central Christian and First UMC Boulder where she performed the role of Mother in Amdahl and the Night Visitors. Marilyn also performed with Antonia Brico in many concert and opera performances.
Susan G. Johnson, 67, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a hard fought, courageous battle with cancer. Her vibrant spirit and relentless determination in fighting her disease was an inspiration to all those around her.
Susan was born to Michael and Kathy Gabco in New London, CT. The oldest daughter of five siblings, she spent her childhood in Waterford, CT, where she developed a passion for dance at an early age. She pursued her craft at the Boston Conservatory of Music where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After graduating, she moved to New York City where she continued to study dance. She loved the city life and made friends amongst dancers, actors and other aspiring performers. From there, she moved to Pelham, NY, where she first worked for the Steffi Nossen Dance in Education Foundation and then went on to teach at other dance schools around Westchester and in Greenwich, CT. While living in Pelham she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob). They relocated with Susan’s daughter, Christine, to Avon, CT and were married in 1987. The following year they welcomed a son, Rob, and lived in Avon for several years before moving to Shrewsbury, NJ in 1992.
Donna A. Applegate, 75, a native of Holmdel, NJ was a beloved wife, mother, and Grammy. A positive light to everyone she encountered, Donna was the foundation of her family. She was fun-loving, supportive, open, and generous of spirit.
Donna was a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School and went on to serve as a clerk at Prudential Insurance in Newark, NJ. In 1975 Donna left Prudential in order to start her family.
She was an active volunteer with many committees and organizations including Girl Scouts and the Holmdel School System. Donna took pride in making her home a joyfully welcoming place for friends and family, and for anyone who needed a seat at the table. She enjoyed CBS Soap Operas, board games and puzzles, antiques, magazines devoted to home décor, and perhaps most of all loving her grandchildren.
Paula Morton, 68, of Tinton Falls, NJ passed away at home on Sunday, August 18th, 2024, after a two and half year courageously fought battle against lung cancer. Born in Red Bank, NJ, Paula grew up happily with three older brothers on the shores of the Navesink River in Fair Haven, NJ, where she attended local schools. She graduated from Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School in 1974, and recently attended their 50th high school reunion.
Paula attended Brookdale Community College, first training as a Medical Secretary, then proudly completed her degree to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. In that capacity, she worked for over 35 years at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, earning many accolades for her exceptional work ethic and compassionate patient care. She then took her nursing skills to Chaplin Hill Nursing Home in Red Bank, followed by private duty nursing until her retirement in 2021.
Alton Dean Kenney former First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor, passed away at home on August 18, 2024. Born in 1948 in Jersey City, he ultimately settled at the Jersey Shore and became an avid sailor. He was a loving father and dedicated brother, uncle, colleague, and friend.
Mr. Kenney earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilkes University in 1971. No stranger to success, he was a part of the five-season run where the Colonels won 32 consecutive football games. He was named a Division III, All-American athlete. He completed his juris doctor at Seton Hall University in 1975 and was admitted to practice law that same year. He began a career with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office that lasted for 30 years and included service under Prosecutor and later Superior Court Judge, James M. Coleman, Prosecutor and later Superior Court Judge, Alexander D. Lehrer, and Prosecutor John Kaye. He was admitted to practice law before the United States District Court, the Circuit Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ann Roemmele who was born on July 12, 1945. Ann passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune NJ.
Ann loved many things in life including traveling with her husband, photography, the arts, music, reading, her volunteerism with many organizations, and the causes she deeply believed in.
Nancy Venerose, a long-time resident of Aberdeen, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on November 17, 1944, in New York City to Joseph and Anna Tosto, Nancy's vibrant personality and good humor touched everyone she met.
A proud graduate of Cathedral High School in 1962, Nancy's life was marked by a series of adventures and accomplishments. She embraced a range of professions, including a memorable stint as a NYC taxi driver, before making her career at Forest Electric, from which she retired with a wealth of fond memories and friends.
Bruce S. Thompson, Owner & Manager, NJ LIC #3740
