Obituaries

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.

It is with a broken heart that we announce the sudden passing of Jonathan Charles Burden on December 1, 2025, at his home in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Jonathan was born on January 7, 1969, in Red Bank, NJ, to Mary Lou and Charles Burden. He graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1987 and earned his chiropractic degree from Life College in Marietta, Georgia, in 1997. Jonathan was previously employed by North East Sport and Spine and most recently worked as a first responder.

John T. Bruns, 89, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away Friday, December 12, in Columbia, MD. Born in Elizabeth and raised in Colonial Terrace, Ocean Township, John lived in Shrewsbury for 55 years before briefly residing in Tinton Falls and Columbia, MD.

He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Dale Sohl Bruns, in 2003, and by his parents William and Frances Bruns. He is survived by his daughter, Tracey Geary, Columbia, MD, his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Sarah Bruns, Saline, MI, his grandsons Ryan Geary, Brooklyn, NY, and Kyle Geary, Columbia, MD. He is also survived by his companion of many years, Cleonice (Lee) Hausser, Somerset, and his son-in-law, Thomas Geary, West Long Branch.

It is with great sadness, we announce Carmela Garthwait (nee Gambacorto), 87, of Red Bank, NJ passed away on December 18, 2025 peacefully surrounded by family.

She was born in Long Branch, NJ on October 6, 1938 to the late Tina and James Gambacorto, Sr. Carmela was raised in Red Bank and graduated from Red Bank Catholic in 1956 before working for NJ Bell then becoming a renowned professional seamstress while devoting most of her time to her children.

Beverly Blanchet Reiss, 90, of Little Silver, passed away at home on December 19, 2025.

A devoted mother, Beverly was predeceased by her eldest son Theodore Kransz Reiss (d. 1972) and eldest daughter Ruth Margaret Reiss (d. 1997).  She is survived by her daughter Heidi M. Reiss, son Carl A. (Anne) Reiss and grandsons Carl and Jack Reiss.