Category Archives: Obituaries

Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime Red Bank Resident, Maria Caterina Vespa, 90

Longtime Red Bank resident, Maria Caterina Vespa, passed away peacefully in Red Bank on July 22. She was 90.

Born on Sept. 1, 1934, in Sant’Andrea Jonio, Italy, Maria Caterina was the daughter of the late Antonio Varano and Marianna Samà and the loved mother of Mariateresa Vespa and Anna Christensen.

“A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Maria Caterina immigrated to the United States and made her home in Red Bank, where she built a life rooted in dedication, resilience, and care.

“She worked diligently for local garment manufacturers and later at Riverview Medical Center in Environmental Services until her retirement in 1999.

“Maria Caterina was known for her tireless work ethic and her pride in everything she did. Generous, amiable and hardworking, she had a gift for nurturing life and creating warmth. She was a familiar and well-loved presence among coworkers, neighbors, and her fellow Italian-American compatriots in the community. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, and her faith was an integral part of her life …

“Maria Caterina will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and the love she poured into everything she did. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she leaves behind.

“Mamma, your help, love and strength will always live in our hearts.”

Loved ones of Maria Caterina Vespa in her obituary

Maria Caterina was predeceased by: her beloved husband of 42 years, Settimio Vespa (1998); her cherished daughter, Maddalena “Mina” (DeSanctis) Vespa (2007); grandson, Neils Christensen (2014); and her siblings, Vincenzo, Andrea, and Vittoria Varano.

She is survived by: her devoted daughters, Mariateresa Vespa and Anna Christensen (Neils); her loving granddaughter, Monica Christensen Ryan (Chris); grandson, Sandro Anello; her treasured great-grandson, Jasen Ryan; her sister, Teresa Varano (Lijoi); and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Prayers and donations can be made to St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home

Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime Rumson Resident, Mary Frances Croft, 78

Longtime Rumson resident, Mary Frances Croft, passed away at home on July 25 after a long illness. She was 78.

Born on September 28, 1946, in Jersey City, Mary grew up in West New York, NJ. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and Berkeley School, New York City in 1966.

After graduation, “Mary began her career at Cowles Communications (LOOK magazine) and continued to work with the Cowles family and foundation long after LOOK magazine ceased publication. At her time of death Mary was still working for the Cowles family. 

“Mary loved to travel and took many trips to see Europe, Canada, and the USA.  Some of her favorites were Nantucket, Cape Cod and the National Parks. She spent her early travel years tent camping with family and friends and later in a camper with her sister and her beloved golden retrievers.”  

Loved ones of Mary Frances Croft in her obituary

Mary is survived by: her beloved sister, Betty; her brothers, Donald and Walter and sister-in-law Rose Mary Croft; her nieces, Jennifer Lehman and Vanessa Croft; her nephew, Christopher Croft; and two grand-nephews and a grand-niece.  

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, from 3 to 6 p.m., with the prayer service at 5:30 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701. Donations welcomed to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home

Obituaries, Opinion

Tim Cronin: A Rocker’s Legacy of Connection & the Life Celebration to Come

Gathering for Tim Cronin on June 22
Photo/Susan Culbert

It was just over two weeks ago that a capacity crowd gathered at The Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch to honor 63-year-old iconic rocker Tim Cronin, of Ribeye Brothers, Monster Magnet and Jack’s Music Shoppe fame, and raise funds to help ease any hardships in his battle with ALS.

Continue reading Tim Cronin: A Rocker’s Legacy of Connection & the Life Celebration to Come →