Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

Keith Dennis Nowak

Keith Dennis Nowak passed away peacefully in the early hours on Monday, November 25th, at the age of 80, with his wife and two children by his side.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1944, Keith lived a life filled with purpose, passion, and achievement. He rose from humble beginnings on a small family farm to become a remarkable man of many talents and virtues. A voracious reader and lifelong learner, Keith was a dedicated Marine, a brilliant electrical engineer, a successful intellectual property trial attorney, a published writer, a skilled carpenter, an avid sailor, and a friend to all animals great and small—especially his horse, Serene Valor, and his dogs, Shadow, Rusty, Rosie, and Hank. Above all, he was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a doting grandfather.

The Honorable John A. Manginelli

John A. Manginelli passed away peacefully on Sunday surrounded by his family at Riverview Medical Center.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, John attended New York City Public Schools. From his humble beginnings as the child of immigrant parents, John quickly learned the value of hard work as a young boy when he frequently accompanied his father at work on his ice truck delivering ice to households and local businesses.

Ramiro Lara

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ramiro Lara, a loving father, devoted grandfather, and cherished member of his community. Ramiro passed away on November 19th at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering support and profound love for his family and friends.

Born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Ramiro was deeply proud of his Mexican heritage, carrying its rich traditions and values into every aspect of his life. He was known for his strong work ethic and selfless spirit. He always went out of his way to help others without expecting anything in return. Ramiro had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went, earning the affectionate nickname of the “informal mayor of Red Bank” from his family, as he seemed to know everyone in town and always had a kind word for all. He truly excelled at finding and treasuring the good in people.

Arturo Serrano Vázquez

Arturo Serrano Vázquez de 67 años originario de Atlixco Puebla, México. Falleció en paz el 19 de Noviembre de 2024 rodeado se su familia.

Arturo dejó a su amada esposa Felicitas Varela, a sus hijos Mario, Arturo, Daniela, Yazmin y Carmen Serrano. A sus nietos Bryan, Eduardo, Allyson, Alexa, Sophia, Jack, Ellie, Isabella y Camila.

Annette “Ann” Smithson

Annette Smithson, 94, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024 at Jersey Shore Care Center in Eatontown, NJ surrounded by family.

She was born in Perth Amboy, NJ in 1930 to the late Willemma (Smith) and Russell Winters. She later moved to Belford, NJ where she attended Belford Elementary School and Leonardo High School. She was the youngest of four children and was predeceased by her three brothers Arthur, William and Joseph Jensen.

Edward "Ted" J. Leddy, Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ted Leddy, 87, a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend to many. Ted was born in Red Bank on May 10, 1937 to the late Edward and Dorothy (Cooper). He was raised in Red Bank and took great pride in his father’s business, Leddy’s Market. He attended Red Bank Catholic where he cherished playing on the 1955 undefeated state champion football team. Ted went on to graduate from Villanova University in 1959 with a degree in engineering, and was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Pi fraternity.

Ted and his wife, Patricia, raised their four children in Rumson, NJ. He made the long drive daily to Wayne, NJ, where he worked as an electrical engineer at Kearfott for 40 years. He also enjoyed his weekend job for many years at Cerlione’s Lawn and Garden in Middletown, NJ. After living in Rumson, Ted spent years in Red Bank and North Jersey before settling into his special home at Arbor Terrace in Middletown, where he spent the last 17 years surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Bruce Edward Pierce

Bruce Edward Pierce, 76, of Tinton Falls NJ, passed away peacefully in the early hours on Saturday November 16, 2024, at Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ.

Bruce was born in Princeton, Illinois on October 15, 1948, and is predeceased by his parents, Charles Leslie Pierce and Mary Morris Pierce.

After serving his country having been in the United States Army, Bruce embarked on a long and successful career in the title insurance industry, where he proved to be one of the best Title Examiners in Monmouth and surrounding counties in New Jersey. His sharp mind and infectious personality earned him respect and admiration. He made his mark working in both New Jersey and Scottsdale, Arizona, building enduring relationships along the way. Intelligent and witty, he was always primed for a good conversation. Bruce enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether deep sea fishing in the Bahamas or golfing in Arizona. He was exceptionally good at golf and enjoyed one upping his competition on the golf course. You could also find him playing an occasional hand of Texas Hold ‘em, but fly fishing the waters of the Midwest and East Coast brought him the most joy. Bruce will be fondly remembered as we celebrate the Christmas season, his favorite time of year.

Steven W. Ruzicka

Steven Wilhelm Ruzicka, age 90, recently of Middletown, New Jersey, formerly of Little Silver, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024.

Steven was born (1933) in Long Branch, New Jersey. Having lived in Red Bank, New Jersey most of his life and graduating from Red Bank High School in 1952, Steven was proud of his Red Bank roots as his family settled in Red Bank in the early 1900’s. Steven then married the love of his life, Barbara Brooks-Ruzicka, also of Red Bank in 1957. Their love story lasted 66 years until Barbara’s passing in 2023. Steven spent two years in the US Army, was a member of the Little Silver Volunteer Fire Department for many years, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Red Bank and the Year Round Sportsman’s Club. His love for the outdoors and passion for hunting and fishing were his great joys.

Diane C. McVitty

Diane C. McVitty, age 73 of Oceanport, passed away on November 4th, 2024.

Born Diane Davis in Vineland, NJ, on May 20th, 1951, she was a graduate of Vineland High School, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Diane enjoyed classical music and played the piano from a young age. Her favorite band was the Beatles. Diane also enjoyed gardening, and was an expert at crossword puzzles.

Donald Louis Warren

“In all my life, I never heard him utter an unkind word.” This is what people say when they learn that Donald Louis Warren went to his heavenly home on October 28, 2024. Often described as kind, witty, hard working, sweet, handy, photogenic, faithful and always a gentleman, he was a shining light to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Donald, or Don as he was affectionately known, was fiercely devoted to his family. He spent countless hours investing in his children and grandchildren’s passions. He was their biggest fan, always cheering them on at swim meets, baseball and basketball games, musicals, and so much more. He enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball teams and volunteering at summer swim meets. Don was an avid sports fan, and could always be found listening or watching his beloved Yankees, Giants and Duke’s basketball team.

Gloria Ann Doughty

Gloria Ann Doughty (Hoffman) passed away peacefully at Christiana Hospital, Delaware on October 26, 2024. She was 93. She died quickly and peacefully after a very brief illness. She was born and raised in Rahway, NJ on August 19, 1931. She graduated from Rahway High School and worked as an executive secretary for Merck for many years. She met her husband Richard “Dick” Doughty on the beaches of Seabright NJ where he was a lifeguard. They were married for 64 years at the time of his passing in 2020 at the age of 93.