Obituaries

Joseph Anthony Biagianti, 79, of Keyport, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Bayshore Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 8, 1947, Joe was the beloved son of the late Agrecio and Connie Biagianti. He was raised in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where he developed a lifelong commitment to service and community. He graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science and began his career with Bedle Funeral Home in Keyport, where he compassionately served families during their times of greatest need.

Joe believed that serving others was one of life's greatest callings. That commitment began in his youth when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and continued throughout his life in countless ways. He was a proud member and Past President of the Keyport Kiwanis Club, a member and Past President of the Keyport Board of Education, a dedicated member of Raritan Hose Fire Company No. 2 and the Keyport Fire Department, Inc., and a Scoutmaster for the multiple Boy Scout troops over the years. He was also a founding member of Jesus the Lord Knights of Columbus Council #12232 and a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Janet Ann Keelen, the beloved matriarch of the Keelen family, went home peacefully to our Lord on July 10, 2026.  She was a cherished daughter, niece, aunt, cousin and friend who touched many lives through her love, generosity and friendship.  

Janet was born in Newark, NJ and grew up surrounded by a large extended Irish family.  She attended St. Peter’s School (Newark, NJ), St. Ann’s School (Keansburg, NJ) and graduated from Middletown Township High School (Leonardo, NJ) maintaining many close friendships with her classmates up until her passing. Janet played varsity basketball and was a member of the reunion committee for over 50 years.  After high school graduation, Janet worked at Fort Monmouth as a Program Analyst, receiving many promotions and accolades throughout her long employment there.  Janet relished her time working at “the Fort”, however retired early to be the fulltime caretaker for her ailing mother.

Marian “Mitzi” Copperthwaite, age 62, of Red Bank, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.

Born on December 18, 1963, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Mitzi spent her life in Monmouth County. She earned a bachelor’s degree and enjoyed a successful career in finance, working as a Floor Clerk for La Branche Company on Wall Street in New York City before her retirement.

Marilyn Bernice Siegler passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born on March 29, 1935, on Staten Island, NY, Marilyn was the daughter of Herman and Jeanette (Heller) Bergwerk. Her childhood was rooted in the close-knit Jewish community of Silver Lake. She attended Curtis High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree from Rutgers University—an academic path that shaped her career as both an educator and a caregiver.

Kelly Spencer was born on August 12, 1979, at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Colleen McKittrick Spencer (now Colleen Roth) and Richard Spencer. Kelly left us suddenly and tragically on July 3, 2026.

Kelly spent her childhood in Union Beach, New Jersey, where she attended Memorial School. At an early age, she discovered a passion for dance, enrolling in dance school in Red Bank. There, she developed her skills in style of dance and performance. She later attended Red Bank Regional High School, where she continued to excel in the performing arts, appearing in numerous stage productions through both the school and her dance studio, performing in ensemble pieces as well as featured solo roles.

Barry Frederick Semple, 89, of Shrewsbury, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Barry was born on August 26, 1936, in Bridgeton, NJ, the son of Bridgeton’s Police Chief, J. Fred Semple, and Gertrude Semple. A standout athlete at Bridgeton High School, he played football, baseball, and basketball before going on to earn a teaching degree in Education from Trenton State College, and later a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Brian David Notter, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2026. Born and raised in West Islip, New York, Brian was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Constance "Connie" Notter (née Salvato), his father, David Notter, and his mother, Joyce Notter (née Wright). He is survived by his daughters, Alison Burke and her husband, William Burke III, and their son, Wesley; Jacqueline Sarkis and her husband, Thomas Sarkis, and their children, Elizabeth and George; his brother, Randall Notter and his wife, Jennifer Polo; his sister, Carol Notter; his mother-in-law, Jacqueline Salvato (née Green); his brothers-in-law, Louis Salvato and Larry Salvato. He also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

Lester A. Carbone, 96, longtime Red Bank resident, kindhearted soul, and all-around great man, passed away peacefully at the New Jersey Firemen’s Home in Boonton, New Jersey, on July 3, 2026. Lester was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on January 18, 1930, and the family later moved to Little Silver. He attended St. James Elementary School and Red Bank Catholic High School, Class of ’49, where he lettered in baseball, earned All-State honors, and played for the Red Bank Towners. He entered the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and, appropriately, the Good Conduct Medal.

Lester and the love of his life, Jane Dombroski, began dating shortly after high school, married in 1952, and settled in Red Bank to raise their family. Following his military service, Lester worked for General Motors and later for the U.S. Post Office in Red Bank and Shrewsbury, retiring in 1985. Throughout his life, he served as an usher at St. James Church, worked as a part-time electrician, and was a dedicated volunteer firefighter with Red Bank Union Hose Company No. 1 from 1953 to the present. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Lester enjoyed golf, the Yankees, international travel, and was a loving and devoted husband—especially during Jane’s illness. He is now reunited with her in Heaven.

 James D. Finley, Jr., known as Dan, died quietly on June 16, 2026. He was 83.

Dan was born in Akron, Ohio, on March 30, 1943. After his father returned from military service, the family eventually settled in Middletown, NJ.

Dan is predeceased by his parents, James (Jim) and Nancy Finley, and by his beloved daughter, Gretchen. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne, his son, Jed (Brighid), his brothers, Fred and Bill (Becky), nieces and nephew, and several cousins.

Miriam Lorch Peterson, 94, of Colts Neck, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with loved ones by her side. A retired elementary school teacher, she started her career teaching three grades in a two-room schoolhouse in Cheesequake. She also taught in Woodbridge Township schools, and the last twenty years before retirement in Colts Neck schools.

Raised in Woodbridge, she married her beloved husband Erwin “Pete” Peterson in 1949 and enjoyed sixty-one years together until he passed away in 2010. They started married life in Rahway and Colonia, moving to Lincroft in 1967, eventually settling in Matawan in 1991 before moving to Colts Neck last year.