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

Simple Summer: The RFH Musical Mom Connection on the Dock

“This is me not crabbing on the dock during a concert! Thanks to everyone who came out to listen to The Band of the Two Rivers season finale!” ~ Joanne Formisano

Extra Fair Haven Dock signage signaling a ban on fishing and crabbing during concerts and other restrictions
Photo/Joanne Formisano

No one was crabby about it, just fishing for some music. Call it a simple summer note of musical appreciation and RFH connection. An RFH Performing Arts Society mom took center dock to play to her own tune of musical talent with the Band of the Two Rivers on Wednesday.

Continue reading Simple Summer: The RFH Musical Mom Connection on the Dock

Retro Hot Rumson Summer Coolness

Summer sunning in Rumson with the Slocum family. Photo/courtesy of Jo Ann Slocum Mazzucca
Summer sunning in Rumson with the Slocum family.
Photo/courtesy of Jo Ann Slocum Mazzucca

Back in the day, Rumson summers weren’t all about going to the beach club from dawn ’til dusk.

For some, it was as simple skipping the packing up of the family, not to mention the cost, and just laying a blanket out on the lawn and catching some rays while the kids played.

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Retro Rumson Renegades in the Park

Kid congregation at Victory Park in the 1960s
Photo/courtesy of Ed Pomphrey, Rumson historical archives

It’s just plain campy! There’s nothing like a nice summer day replete with some bubble-blowing, power-posing, bathing suited, short-sporting kids on a mission to make some summer fun — at camp … or something like it.

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Old News: RFH’s ‘Damn Yankees’ Summer Theatrics

Leave Lola and the Devil out of it. Whatever RFHers want, RFHers get …

And, back in the summer of ’75, they wanted summer stock theater. And they got it — a brutally fun load of it crammed into five dramatic dancing, singing, acting weeks among RFHers.

Continue reading Old News: RFH’s ‘Damn Yankees’ Summer Theatrics

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