Obituaries

Robert P. Hershkowitz, MD of West Long Branch, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Jersey City and had been a resident of West Long Branch for the better part of 47 years. A graduate of Muhlenberg College and Hahnemann School of Medicine, Bob had been a practicing Internist in Long Branch for over 45 years.

Surviving are his loving wife, Elaine; children, Scott, Brian, and his wife Nycole, Dawn Adamo and her husband John, Eric Grissom and his wife Casey; sisters, Diane Salzberger and Shelley Mandy; sisters-in-law, Sharon Hershkowitz and Pat Boden; and grandchildren, Ellie, Matthew, Kate, Gavin, Hannah, Ingrid, Emily, Avery, Ava, Reilly, Cooper; several nieces and nephews; and his furry friend Fluffy. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Bernie and Harriet (Nadelhaft); brother, Jerry; and brother-in-law, Paul Salzberger.  

Beloved wife, mother, grandma and dear friend, Mary Thompson passed away peacefully at her home in Red Bank, NJ, on March 18, 2021. Born in the UK in 1945, Mary came to the US as a baby and grew up on Staten Island.

Always interested in the well-being of others less fortunate, she spent her career fundraising for the Society for Seamen’s Children and Community Resources, both nonprofit organizations providing services to disadvantaged children and adults.  In addition, she embedded herself in her community, volunteering wherever she could put her many talents to good use, most recently Atlantic Highlands and Red Bank.

She had a love of gardening and was happiest with her “hands in the dirt” creating beautiful gardens both at home and in town.

Elizabeth C. McKenty (nee Lisa Guenther) left us unexpectedly on March 9, 2021, just shy of her 60^th birthday. Born in Red Bank, NJ, Lisa lived in Neptune Twp. for the past 20 years with long-term friend & companion Donald “Skooter” Garbarine. Predeceased by parents, Betty (Connors) & William E. Guenther, Lisa leaves behind her four siblings, Linda Conklin (Douglas) of Rancho Murieta, CA; Gregory Guenther (Victoria) of Savannah, GA; William Guenther (Gail) of Fernandina Beach, FL.; and Bruce Guenther (Nan Marie) of Tinton Falls, NJ; her seven nieces and nephews, Christine, Catherine, Eric, Anna, Will, Laura & Caitlin, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lisa was a loving, caring, talented individual who always saw the good in everyone she met. A graduate of Montclair State College (1983), Lisa had several career paths, the latest of which was as a substitute teacher. An avid baker, Lisa often dressed in pink and had a great smile. She loved the change of seasons and the holidays. Most of all, she loved her family. Lisa, you are missed, and we will think of you often as we carry your memory forward.

Donald J. White passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2021. He was born in Midland Park, NJ, and lived in Ridgewood and Rumson before moving to Shrewsbury.

Don graduated from Ridgewood High School, Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University Graduate School of Business. He served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant (jg) aboard minesweepers during the Korean War.

Don had a long fulfilling career in finance and was a private investor. It began when he joined the trust department of Bankers Trust Company. In 1966 he was Founder, Director and Vice President of William D. Witter, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange firm specializing in investment research for institutions. Subsequently, he served as Vice President of Chase Manhattan Bank, serving in the Middle East Division of the International Department, New Jersey National Bank and United National Bank. In 1988 he joined Central Jersey Bank where he was Vice President in charge of trust investments until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts.

Sara Rita Mackin died March 4, 2021, her 56th birthday, in her home after complications from a stroke 3 years ago. The youngest daughter of Nancy Lee and Edward H Mackin Jr., both deceased, Sara loved and is survived by her partner of 21 years Brian Meyer; her brother Edward Mackin and his wife Wendy, her brother Charles Mackin and his wife Missy; sister Olivia Trible and husband Preston, sister Valerie Brooks and husband Bill; 3 Nephews and 6 Nieces; her Aunt Mary Catherine von Glahn; 3 Cousins and 1 Grand Niece.

Yolanda M. Romano (nee Luciano) left us on March 5, 2021, at the age of 100.  She was born in Newark, NJ and resided in Toms River for 25 years before moving to Shrewsbury for the last 7 years of her life.  Yolanda was a proud 1938 graduate of Bloomfield High School.  Yolanda and her husband Chester raised their 2 children in Bloomfield and resided there for 42 years.  Yolanda was employed by Bamburgers, National Newark and Essex Bank, and Midlantic Bank for years before retiring in 1985.  Yolanda was known by her family as an amazing cook.  She also enjoyed traveling, watching game shows, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Noah Taylor Peters, 11, a sixth-grade student at Thorne Middle School in Middletown, died suddenly at home on March 5^th. Born in Red Bank, Noah lived in Middletown his whole life.

Noah had a sweetness and big-heartedness about him that was so endearing. He loved meeting new people, and no one was a stranger for long. There was no age barrier if Noah was interested in engaging with you. He loved his family and liked giving them gifts, especially homemade ones.

Noah was fortunate that he lived in a place that’s close to the water. He loved going to the beach and swimming in the waves, learning to surf, and beachcombing for shells and other treasures on the shore. He also enjoyed fishing and crabbing with his grandfathers and kayaking with his grandmother.

Thomas N. Brounley of Fair Haven, NJ passed away peacefully in his sleep February 14, 2021. He was 82 years old. Born to Richard and Barbara “Babs” Brounley, he spent his early childhood in Little Silver, NJ with his twin brother Dr. David W. Brounley of Cincinnati, OH and older brother Richard of Florida.  He was a graduate of Monmouth University and was employed with the US Department of Treasury for 41 years.  

Tom enlisted in the Coast Guard and served as a reservist for 8 years.   He joined the United Methodist Church of Red Bank, NJ where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Murphy.  Tom and Kathy were devoted to each other and in his final years, Kathy became his everything. They were married and had 58 years together.  Tom and Kathy moved to Fair Haven where they raised their daughters Laurie and Amy.  

Joan C. Senese, 62, of Shrewsbury died on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at her home.

Born in Plainfield, she grew up in Metuchen and lived for many years in Middletown.  She attended East Carolina University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.  She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church at Red Bank, where she served as a deacon and an elder.  She was a perennial volunteer, most recently with the Monmouth County SPCA.  She loved spending time with her family and her many friends.  She was known for caring for her loved ones and her community with generosity and humor: sharing a listening ear, homemade meal, and handmade card.