Obituaries

Mary Helen Mutch Todt, daughter of Helen Lois (Brevoort) and William Warren Mutch, was born in Red Bank, NJ at Riverview Hospital when it was a house with 32 beds on the Navesink River.  Beloved wife of William E. Todt, she filled their lives with joy, optimism, enthusiasm, energy and love.  She passed away on January 13, 2026. 

Teaching English and French 31 years at Red Bank High and Red Bank Regional Schools followed Mary’s positions in Oakland, CA, at the American Air Force base in Chaumont, France, and Punahou School, Honolulu.  She was nominated NJ Teacher of the Year 1978.

The daughter of a college physics professor, Mary grew up in five different college towns from Fargo, ND, to Crawfordsville, IN, graduating from CHS.  She returned “home” eagerly for 74 years to a family cottage between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, on the grounds of the Congregational Summer Assembly, Pilgrim, MI.  Mary’s participation in many CSA activities engendered a lifelong love for swimming, theater, choral music, the great outdoors. She was active in creating the CSA Education Fund and supported regional conservancy programs.

Ronald Vilardi Sr., 85, of Rumson, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. He was born to the late Johanna Rich and John Vilardi. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, Frank Rich, and his brother, John W. Vilardi.

Ron enjoyed a long and dedicated career, working for many years at the Lipton Tea Company before continuing his professional life at GFI Finance in New York City.

A proud Life Member of the Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Company of Rumson, Ron served as President and cherished the camaraderie, friendships, and sense of service that came with being part of the organization.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan (Casey) Vilardi, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion. Ron was a devoted father to his three children: Michael Vilardi of North Carolina, Ronald Vilardi Jr. and his wife, Laurette, of Little Silver and Beth Vilardi of North Carolina.

Barbara Ann Young, 92, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 12^th.  She was born in Buffalo, NY.  Her childhood homes included Buffalo – Kankakee, Illinois – and Pittsburgh, PA.  She attended St Lawrence University, graduating with a B.A.  There she met Jay Perkins, married and had 4 children – Tom, Bill, James, and John, eventually moving to NJ.  She divorced and Married John Young in 1967.  She had a fifth child, David, and enjoyed a wonderful marriage for 42 years until widowed in 2009.  She and John enjoyed traveling the world, sailing as members of Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht club, golfing, paddle tennis, figure skating, but spending time with her family and friends was her greatest joy in life. She and John were members of the Sea Bright Beach Club for 50 years.  In her twilight, she spent 12 years volunteering at the RMC emergency room, where she made many new friendships.  Barbara had the perfect blend of kindness and discipline and was a remarkable mother.  She embodied grace, dignity, courage, and strength in a way that made her a perfect role model.  These qualities afforded her many close friendships that lasted for decades.  Barbara will be missed by many, especially those of us who were lucky enough to be her family.

Margaret Ann (Peggy, Boots) Lancton (nee Lindberg) was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada to Dorothy and Malcolm Lindberg. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, 1/10/2026, at her home in Fair Haven, NJ. At about the age of 9 she and her family moved to the upper west side of Manhattan, where she was raised as an only child. Peggy often roller skated all over Manhattan, especially through Central Park where she would visit her mom who worked as a nurse at Mt. Sinai Hospital. She attended Julia Richman High School, a very large all-girls school on E 67th Street in NYC and graduated in June1948.

She was selected to be a member of the All City Chorus. While Peggy attended high school she tried out and was chosen as a dance teacher at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Manhattan and volunteered as a counselor at The Lighthouse for the Blind. She attended Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, where she met her future husband, Walter, who she married in 1951. They moved to Fair Haven, NJ, in 1953 where she was a President/member of the FH PTA and the Jr. League.

Nancy Wright Gilbertson passed away on January 2, 2026, following a brief but valiant battle with cancer. She was 78.

Born in Mount Holly, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Harry and Eleanor Wright and grew up in Upper Freehold Township, NJ. Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Trenton State College and later received a Master’s degree in Education from Rider College. She taught for several years at New Egypt Elementary School.

Federico (Fred) F. Buonanno Jr., age 94, passed away on December 27, 2025, in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Born in Long Branch, Fred lived his entire life in Red Bank, with the exception of his final 18 months, when he resided at Sunrise at Shrewsbury. 

Fred was a deeply religious man and a lifelong communicant of The Oratory Church of Saint Anthony of Padua. Affectionately known as “Cousin Fred” by family and relatives, he attended Seton Hall University and Rutgers School of Pharmacy.

Esther L. Pavelka, 96, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, John Pavelka.

She is survived by her daughters, Joyce Lehman, Nancy Pavelka, and Jill Pappas, and their husbands; and five grandchildren: Parker Lehman, Julia Luebs, Melanie Luebs, John Pappas IV, and Alex Pappas.

Bridget Raspanti, 73, named after her grandmother Bridgetta, of Highlands, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, 2025. Christmas Eve was Bridget’s favorite holiday, a time for family to gather and honor traditions old and new. She was especially proud of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a tradition she lovingly insisted upon each year.

Frederick Eugene Kulawiec, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on December 22, 2025. Blessed with a long and outstanding life, Fred was 99 years old.

Born in Newark, New Jersey on October 2, 1926, to Antonio and Genevieve (Misiak) Kulawiec, Fred attended St. Casimir School and Eastside High School. Upon graduating high school in 1944, Fred immediately enlisted in the United States Army to support the World War II effort. He served honorably in the Pacific Theater with the 2871st Engineer Utility Detachment.

After Fred returned home from the war, he enrolled at Seton Hall University, where he earned a degree in chemistry. He began his professional career with Sel-Rex Corporation in Nutley, New Jersey, applying his expertise in metallurgy and precious metals. As the company evolved through acquisitions by Hooker Chemical and Occidental Petroleum, Fred’s leadership and vast technical knowledge led him to the role of Regional Manager, where he led the East Coast sales team. Never one to remain idle, even in retirement, Fred worked with his son-in-law at Matty’s Auto Parts and Paint, Inc.

Bernard Patrick Murphy, a deeply committed husband, father, grandfather, and respected orthopedic surgeon, died peacefully at home on December 28, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in Belle Harbor, Queens, New York, Bernie lived a full life shaped by enduring friendships, a distinguished medical career, and a strong commitment to his family. The close-knit Belle Harbor community shaped him early, and the friendships he formed there endured throughout his life. Known for his loyalty, warmth, and generosity of spirit, Bernie remained closely engaged with friends and family wherever life took him.

Family was central to Bernie’s life. He found his greatest happiness in time spent with his five children and his sixteen grandchildren, following their lives with pride and enthusiasm. Whether at the beach, around the dinner table, or on the sidelines of games and events, he was most content when surrounded by family.