Subscribe
84°
NJ Detective Dies After Cancer Battle
Jared Halpern, a detective in the Evesham Police Department, died on Monday, Aug. 3 after his second battle with rare germ cell cancer, law enforcement said.
Halpern is being remembered as an exceptional police officer who served Evesham with honor, integrity and compassion.
"He was a trusted mentor, a loyal friend, and the kind of person who always put others before himself," the Evesham Police Department said. "His professionalism, unwavering commitment, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him."
Halpern is survived by his wife, Jillian and his two young children…
East Brunswick Acura Director Dies Suddenly At 44; Nearly $20K Raised For Daughters
A New Jersey community has raised nearly $20,000 to support the family of George Robert Moscoso, a 44-year-old father of two who died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 29, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for his family.
The fundraiser, organized by Jennifer VanGlahn for Lisa Moscoso, says George's death left behind his daughters, 12-year-old Camila and 8-year-old Olivia, while their mother, Lisa, now faces funeral expenses and financial hardship. According to the campaign, George's longstanding health challenges meant he had very limited life insurance, and his death left the family …
Carpenter Dies Surfing With Son At Jersey Shore, 56
Kevin F. Kennedy, of Toms River, died after suffering a medical emergency while surfing with his son, Jack, according to a GoFundMe launched for his family. He was 56 years old.
"Kevin left this world doing what he cherished most—surfing in the ocean, a lifelong passion that brought him peace and joy," Margaret Rizzo, who organized the GoFundMe wrote. "His final moments were spent in the water, with his son Jack beside him, and the ocean's salt and sand still clinging to him—a poetic farewell that echoed his deepest wishes."
Kevin, Kristina, and Jack Kennedy
GoFundMe photo
Kenn…
Bobby Tarrant Of Carteret Dies Suddenly, 40
A New Jersey family is mourning the unexpected loss of Robert John "Bobby" Tarrant, who died on Tuesday, July 21. He was 40 years old.
A GoFundMe created by Reilley Bonilla had raised more than $10,000 as of Friday, July 24, to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially riding ATVs and dirt bikes, participating in water sports, and working in construction, according to his obituary on the Synowicki Funeral Home website and the fundraiser. Friends and family said he built lasting memories with those closest to him and was known for his loyalty, ge…
NJ Siblings Killed In Boat Crash Laid To Rest
Two New Jersey siblings killed in a weekend boating crash are being laid to rest.
Mya Golabek, 9, and Sigmund Golabek, 7, of Forked River have been identified as the two victims killed in a boat crash in Barnegat Bay on Sunday, July 19, as first reported by NJ Advance Media. Their obituaries (Mya's and Sugmund's) were shared by the Riggs Funeral Home
At 9:09 p.m., Tidewater Custom 280, a 30-foot vessel, struck an Intercoastal Waterway channel marker, causing two children to be ejected into the water, according to Charles Marchan, a spokesman for New Jersey State Police.
The children w…
Carteret School Aide Dies, 55
A Carteret school aide known for her laughter, generosity and devotion to her family has died at 55.
Ernestina Cruz died on Saturday, June 27, at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, according to her obituary on the Chubenko Funeral Home website.
Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Cruz moved to Carteret in 1987 and spent years working as a teacher's aide for Carteret Public Schools.
She was known for her generous spirit, strength and lively personality. She loved making people laugh, cooking Puerto Rican meals for family and friends, hosting gatherings, dancing and listening to music, but not…
First Responder, NJ Volunteer Maria De Almeida Dies
Maria De Almeida, a first responder and longtime volunteer, died on Thursday, June 25, and is being remembered for her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Throughout her life, De Almeida dedicated herself to community service, volunteering with organizations including A.C.P. of Kearny, Casa de Ribatejo, the Ironbound Ambulance Squad, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Eastward Community Center, the Montana Community Center, the Rick Barbosa Foundation, Roseville Avenue Presbyterian Church, and the Newark Police Department's mammogram program, according to her obituary on the&n…
NJ Graphic Designer Dies After Brain Cancer Battle, 37
Lauren Hope Vigilante, of Middletown, died on Monday, June 15, after battling brain cancer, at 37 years old.
A GoFundMe set up to support her last November detailed her harrowing diagnosis.
"Two years ago, Lauren was living in New York City, working as a talented graphic designer, chasing her dreams, living life on her terms," her brother Robert wrote. "Now, she’s back home with our parents who care for her every moment. She can’t walk, talk, or move. The vibrant, independent woman we love is trapped in a body that won’t cooperate and it breaks our hearts every day."
The fundraiser was mea…
Bereaved Family Mourns 23-Year-Old Killed By NJ Rip Current
A Forked River man who died after being caught in a rip current off Long Beach Island is being remembered for his kindness, laughter, and generous spirit.
David Maldonado-Ocelotl, 28, was swimming with friends off East 21st Street in Ship Bottom when four people were caught in a rip current at approximately 2:28 p.m. on Friday, June 5, according to the Ship Bottom Police Department. He was found in the water, unconscious and not breathing, and pronounced dead at the hospital.
A GoFundMe organized by Ruby Ramirez for the Ocelotl family had raised nearly $17,000 as of Tuesday, June 9.
"David…
'Fantastic Son': Services Set For NJ Student, Aspiring Engineer, Struck, Killed By BMW
Jackson Mueller, who was struck and killed by a BMW driven by another juvenile in Brick on Monday morning, May 19, is being remembered as a beloved son and brother, according to his obituary from the O'Brien Funeral Home website.
An honors student who was set to complete his freshman year at Brick Memorial High School, Mueller was set to attend MATES, a specialized STEM school in the fall, his obituary reads. An aspiring engineer, Mueller was an officer in the National Junior Honor Society and the treasurer for student council at Veterans Memorial Middle School, according to his obituary.
A…
Family Of NJ Toddler, Mother, Aunt Killed In Merritt Parkway Hit-Run Start Fundraiser
A New Jersey community is rallying around a family after a toddler, her mother, and her aunt were killed in a fiery Connecticut hit-and-run crash last week. Loved ones are now asking for help bringing the child’s body home to Guatemala while her father remains in ICE custody.
The crash happened just before 5 a.m. May 10, on the Merritt Parkway near Exit 36 South in Stratford, according to Connecticut State Police.
Police said 2-year-old Yanelet DePaz died alongside Maria E. Vasquez Chacon, 29, and Joselyn Vasquez-Chacon, 25, all of Trenton, New Jersey.
Loved ones created a&…
Carteret's Dave Quisumbing, Nightlife Fixture, Inventor Of Single-Hand Shaker, Dies
Dave Quisumbing, the Jersey Shore bartender, entrepreneur, and nightlife fixture known to thousands as “DQ,” has died.
UPDATE: Dave Quisumbing Was "Quietly Struggling" Before Losing Fight With Depression
Bar Anticipation in Lake Como announced Quisumbing’s death in a tribute shared Monday, May 18.
Quisumbing, known to many as “DQ” and the inventor of the Speed Tin, had more than 42,000 Instagram followers and worked at several well-known New Jersey hospitality venues.
His biography on the Speed Tin website says he was a first-generation Filipino American, the youngest of four siblings, an…
Woman Killed In Garden State Parkway Crash Was Hardworking Restaurant Employee: Campaign
Katherine Andrade-Portillo, a 27-year-old Long Branch woman was killed in a car crash on Sunday, May 17, when the vehicle she was riding in burst into flames on the Garden State Parkway, authorities said.
A GoFundMe fundraiser campaign has been established for the family of Portillo, who worked at Don Beto's, a Salvadorian restaurant in Long Branch.
"Katherine was a loving, hardworking, and beautiful person who always brought joy, love, and kindness to those around her," Edward Hernandez, who organized the fundraiser said. "She will be remembered for her big heart, her dedica…
Carteret's Jose Serantes, Newark Airport UPS Worker, Dies Suddenly: 'Friend To Everyone'
Jose M. Serantes, a lifelong Carteret resident and longtime UPS employee at Newark Liberty International Airport, died suddenly on Monday, May 11, at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy with loved ones by his side, according to his obituary on the Synowiecki Funeral Home website. He was 57 years old.
A 1988 graduate of Carteret High School, Serantes worked for UPS at Newark Liberty for 35 years, his obituary says. He was also a familiar presence at the Carteret Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars halls, where he spent time with close friends. He loved to travel and especia…
6-Year-Old NJ Boy Dies: 'We Will Always Love You'
Abner Beau Estival Jiron Piedra, a 6-year-old Somerville boy, died on Sunday, May 3, according to his obituary from the Cusick Funeral Home.
Abner was a student at Van Derveer Elementary School. A GoFundMe was created for Abner's family in the wake of his passing.
"Abner was a charming, special boy, full of love for others," his uncle Manuel Jiron, who organized the campaign wrote. "Though he was only six years old, he left us with many memories that we will carry in our hearts forever. We will always love you, Abner."
As of Friday, May 8, more than $16,000 has been raise…
US Marshals Arrest Suspect In Slaying Of Young Mom In Atlantic City: Prosecutor
A 26-year-old Atlantic City man was arrested and charged following a fatal shooting, authorities announced Friday, May 1.
At 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, officers responded to 2202 Hamilton Ave. and found Jaylou Marlenne Pineda Lopez, 22, with a gunshot wound, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said. She was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
Franklin Felipe De La Paz was arrested on Thursday, April 30 by members of the Atlantic City Police Department, Pleasantville Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, auth…
Retired NJ Turnpike Worker Dies After Cancer Battle
A local family is seeking support after the death of a longtime NJ Turnpike worker who passed away following a battle with cancer.
William Francis Mullins, Jr., of Clifton, died on Thursday, April 23, at the age of 70, according to his obituary from Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home.
Born on August 1, 1955, in Jersey City, Mullins grew up in Union City and graduated from Emerson High School before earning his bachelor’s degree, his obituary says. He had lived in Clifton since 1982.
He retired after a 35-year career as a toll collector with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority in East Brunswick, wher…
22-Year-Old NJ Man Dies Suddenly, Leaves Legacy Of Autism Advocacy
A New Jersey family is mourning the loss of a 22-year-old man whose life helped spark advocacy and change for those with profound autism.
Justin McCafferty passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 15, close family friends said in a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser had raised more than $20,000 as of Sunday, April 19.
Diagnosed with profound autism at a young age, Justin found happiness in simple moments, including time with family, meeting new people, and playing with his favorite musical toys, according to his obituary by the D'Elia Funeral Home webiste. He was known for his affe…
NJ Mother Of Two Dies After 13-Year Cancer Battle
Ramona Fogelstrom, a Manalapan resident, died on Thursday, April 2 in Marlboro after battling cancer for 13 years, according to her obituary from the Bedell Pizzo Funeral Home website.
Born in Germany, Fogelstrom later worked as a paraprofessional for the New York Board of Education, her obituary reads. She is survived by her husband, David, her children, Ethan, 17, Liam, 15, her parents Susanne and Joseph and her sisters, Jessica and Jennifer, according to her obituary.
"Ramona brought warmth, strength, and light into the lives of all who knew her," her obituary reads. "Ramona will be r…
