Category Archives: Obituaries

In Memoriam: Native Rumsonite, RFH Grad, Volunteer, Judy Hoyt Dorn, 78

Native Rumsonite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate, volunteer and area dental hygienist, Judy Hoyt Dorn, of Ocean Township, formerly of Little Silver, died peacefully at home on Jan. 11 after a long illness.

She is remembered in many capacities, from school to work to church to family and to animals.

Judy Hoyt Dorn
Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home

“Judy was known for her warm personality and giving heart, regularly putting herself before others. Over the years, she volunteered with the Little Silver First Aid Squad; at the Red Bank Salvation Army; and as a Reading Buddy at the Red Bank Primary School. A member of the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson for her entire life, Judy enjoyed the fellowship and faith the church community shared. Her hours of volunteer work with the church and its community reflect the strong faith she carried throughout her life. She loved tending her flower and vegetable gardens, and summer after summer she shared bushels of veggies with friends and family. She treasured time with her many friends, whether playing tennis, enjoying the beach in Sea Bright, or just sharing a cup of (black) coffee and breakfast …
Whether caring for family pets, thrilling at the sight of a hummingbird at her deck feeder, or trying to pet every dog she met on a trip to Alaska, Judy’s heart embraced all creatures, especially those who needed love the most. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, ready smile, and wonderful hugs.”

Loved ones of Judy Hoyt Dorn in her obituary

More about Judy …

After graduating from RFH, Judy graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene program.

Throughout her career as a hygienist, she worked for several local practices, most recently with Drs. Gardiner and DiTuri, formerly of Fair Haven, now in Shrewsbury.

“Judy’s greatest role was as a wife, mother, and grandmother,” family said in her obituary. “She was a Brownie troop leader, room mother, PTO president, and RBR booster. She rarely missed a chance to cheer on her daughters – and, later, grandchildren – at sporting events, recitals, school programs, or graduations. She and the warm home she created served as the hub for family events of all kinds, most notably her epic Thanksgivings for extended family. Judy adored her four grandchildren, who knew her as Pipsie, and they could always count on her for birthday parties, pool time, or simply having fun playing, baking, or reading.”

Judy was predeceased by: a sister, Sarah B. Robison; and a brother, Andrew Hoyt.

She is survived by: her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Daniel W. Dorn, Jr.; three appreciative daughters, Cassandra Dorn (Donna Maerz), of West Long Branch; Nancy Smith (Michael), of Little Silver; and Sarah Wichilfil (Steven), of Ocean; four grandchildren, Avery and Hoyt Smith and Ada and Fin’ian Wichilfil; her sister, Cornelia Drew, of Mount Pleasant, SC; and eight nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 5, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson, with a celebration of life to follow at The Raven and the Peach, Fair Haven.

Donations to commemorate Judy’s life can be made to the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls (ahsppz.org).

— Edited obituary provided by family via Thompson Memorial Home

Remembering Sunshine: Fair Haven-Raised, RFH ’85 Grad, Kay Corson Zierold, 55

“One of the greatest, kindest, funniest, most loyal, honest, and definitely one of the loudest, stars has moved on …
Even the sun couldn’t stand to
face the day without her.”

Kitty McNally on her lifetime friend, Kay Corson Zierold

The sun looked for her. The horizon went dark. Its ball-of-fire compadre could no longer be found, shining, warming those close on Earth. That’s how the sudden death of one girl seemed to friends. That girl.

Continue reading Remembering Sunshine: Fair Haven-Raised, RFH ’85 Grad, Kay Corson Zierold, 55

In Memoriam: Former Longtime Rumsonite, Prominent Area Developer, Vincent J. Russo, 93

Former longtime Rumsonite, Forrestdale School wood shop teacher and prominent area developer, Vincent J. Russo, passed away peacefully at his Oceanport home, “in the care of his faithful caregiver of eight years, Kofi Kubi,” on Jan. 3. He was 93.

Continue reading In Memoriam: Former Longtime Rumsonite, Prominent Area Developer, Vincent J. Russo, 93

Remembering Longtime Fair Havenite, Jeweler Horner Williams, 88

“A primary attribute of fine jewelry is its unaltered beauty as time passes on, and through the years a finely designed precious gem acts as the catalyst to remind us of grand occasions past and ties and ages together.” ~ Horner Williams

A gem is what longtime Fair Havenite and area jeweler Horner S. Williams was to the many whose lives he touched, whether it be with the creation of a piece of fine jewelry or his refined gentlemanly presence. With the first announcement of his passing on Dec. 31 at 88 through now, messages of condolence and appreciation have flooded social media saying so, in so many words.

Continue reading Remembering Longtime Fair Havenite, Jeweler Horner Williams, 88

Remembering Rob Bruce; Fair Haven-Raised RFH ’77 Grad, Pop Culture Icon Found Dead

“We’re all kinda the same guy. Everyday hustling and digging through our warehouses and storage units full of trash and treasure. I guess it helped us realize the real treasures are the days we have with people we love … Our little Jersey circle is a little less colorful and crazy now.” ~ Justin Skyler Daniels, friend of Robert Bruce, on his Facebook page

The year 2021 ended with the sudden death of Fair-Haven raised Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Class of ’77 graduate Robert “Rob” Bruce, a more recent decades-long Red Bank resident known as the area’s pop culture icon.

Continue reading Remembering Rob Bruce; Fair Haven-Raised RFH ’77 Grad, Pop Culture Icon Found Dead

In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, Boxwood Gardens Floral Designer, Liz Miltenberger, 91

“Those who knew Liz felt blessed to travel life’s journey with her. Her bright smile, ‘energizer bunny’ spirit, impromptu dances, incredible demonstrations of flexibility, and overall love and silliness will truly be missed.” ~ family of Liz Miltenberger

Longtime Little Silver resident, Elizabeth Morgan Miltenberger, also know as Liz and Biz, died peacefully on Dec. 22 at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. She was 91.

Continue reading In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, Boxwood Gardens Floral Designer, Liz Miltenberger, 91

In Memoriam: Fair Havenite Lucille Reifsnyder Herr, 97

Fair Havenite Lucille Reifsnyder Herr passed away peacefully on Dec. 14. She was 97.

Lucille Reifsnyder Herr
Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home

“She was a caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Among other things, she enjoyed her family, traveling, theatre, golf and
socializing with friends.”

Loved ones of Lucille Herr in her obituary

Lucille was born on Feb. 4, 1924 in Lebanon, PA. After high school, she studied at Rider College before marrying Edwin F. Herr Jr. and raising three sons, Edwin III, Christopher and Douglas.

Lucille is survived by: her three sons, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

A private ceremony will be held at a future date.