Obituaries

John Van Kirk Jr.

Mr. Van Kirk, 85, of Little Silver, died March 12, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. He resided in Middletown prior to relocating to Little Silver in 1951. He and his wife owned and operated John Van Kirk & Son Monuments, Middletown. He served with the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF) under the command of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II. He was a lifelong member and trustee of First Baptist Church, Red Bank. A graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, he was a member of the Loyal Sons of Rutgers. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Lupton Van Kirk; a son and daughter-in-law, John Lupton and Wendy Van Kirk of Stratford, Conn.; a daughter, Carol Anne Van Kirk of Middletown; and three grandchildren.

Gloria Mary Woodruff Champlin

Mrs. Champlin of Middletown died March 16, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. Born in Elizabeth, she resided in Middletown most of her life. She was a director at Middletown Senior Center for 34 years, retiring in 1998. She was predeceased by her husband, William E. Champlin in 1985; and a brother, John X. Woodruff in 2006. She is survived by a daughter, Marjorie A. Champlin of Middletown; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jon and Bernadette Champlin of the Belford section of Middletown, and William and Mary Anne Champlin of Manchester; and three grandsons. A funeral service will be March 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marty's Roman Catholic Church, New Monmouth section of Middletown. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements are by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Church building Fund, 26 Leonardville Road, New Monmouth 07748.

Donald E. Clayton Jr.

Mr. Clayton, 54, of Hazlet, died March 17, 2007, at home. Born in Newark, he resided in Irvington prior to relocating to Hazlet 30 years ago. He was a locomotive engineer for Amtrak, and the local chairman for BLET, New York Division II. He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Donald Clayton. He is survived by a son, Donald E. Clayton III of Brick; a daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Patrick Farrell of Hainesport; his former wife, Diana Clayton of Brick; a sister, Donna Kozlow of Holmdel; two brothers, Rory Clayton of Hazlet, and Gary Clayton of Holmdel; and a grandson. A funeral service will be March 21 at 9:15 a.m. at Day Funeral Home, Keyport. Interment will follow at Shoreland Memorial Gardens, Hazlet. Memorial donations may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., New York City, NY 10016; or Jersey Shore Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 1945 Corlies Ave., Neptune 07754.

Nancy A. Genovese Smith

Mrs. Smith, 50, of Union Beach, died March 12, 2007, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. Born in East Orange, she resided in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown 25 years prior to relocating to Union Beach five years ago. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed time with her family. She was predeceased by her father, Gennaro Genovese; a son, Justin Cody Smith in 1996;a sister, Maria Genovese; and her stepfather, Joseph Ennis. she is survived by her husband of 30 years, Edward Smith; a daughter and son-in-law, Heather and James Wierzbicky; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Annie Smith; her mother, Lena Genovese-Ennis; four sisters, Elvita, Marilyn, Jeannie and Lisa; and a grandson. A memorial service will be March 24 at 2 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Middletown. Arrangements are by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.

Ruth "Diddy" M. Layton Sappah

Mrs. Sappah, 82, of Keyport, died Feb. 28, 2007, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. Born in Keyport, she was a lifelong resident. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Union Beach First Aid Squad. She was predeceased by her husband, George C. Sappah Jr. in 2003. She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and John Kennedy of Keyport; Nancy and Richard Maag of River Bank, Calif.; Patricia and Steven Witt of Modesto, Calif.; and Mary and Lee Gashlin of Bayville; two sons and one daughter-in-law, George and Eleanor Sappah of Keyport, and John Sappah of Maplewood, Minn.; two brothers, Melvin Layton of Florida, and Earl Layton of Lakewood; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home, Keyport. Memorial donations may be made to Keyport First Aid Squad, Atlantic Street, Keyport 07735.

Robert L. Moran

Mr. Moran, 60, of Middletown, died March 13, 2007, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he resided in East Rutherford, prior to relocating to Middletown 20 years ago. He was a service contract manager at SAF Marine, Iselin. He is survived by his wife, Victoria Berberich Moran; two sisters-in-law, Grace Berberich and Helen Haldeman; and a niece and a nephew. A funeral liturgy was held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Middletown. Burial was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.

S. Ted Antholis

S. Ted Antholis, 67, of New York City, died Feb. 25, 2007, in New York City, following complications from multiple sclerosis. He served as a Commissioner and Vice Chairperson on the NYC Commission on Human Rights from 1977-90, and in 1988 was recognized for exceptional contributions to revisions in the NYC Human Rights Law. Prior to that, he served as executive director at PRIDE, a rehabilitation group in the late 1970s. The introduction of designated seating on MTA subways cars for the elderly and handicapped are attributed to his efforts. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1968. Given a 10-year prognosis due to multiple sclerosis, he set upon a year-long mission to travel around the world. He was accepted into the Circumnavigators Club in 1983, having met its requirement to circumnavigate the globe. He was a member of MENSA since 1950. He enjoyed fine wine and gourmet food. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Helen Z. Antholis of Middletown, and a niece, and a nephew. Memorial donations may be made to the Mount Sinai Development Office, Box 1049, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574.

Wayne T. Clarke

Mr. Clarke, 43, of Middletown, died March 12, 2007, at home. Born in New York City, he resided in Middletown most of his life. He was a sous chef at Inlet Café, Highlands. Prior to that, he was a chef at Navesink Café, Red Bank. He was predeceased by his grandfather, William Midura; and his paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Doreen Clarke; his parents, Carol and Thomas Clarke of Tampa, Fla.; a brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Denise Clarke of Howell; a sister and brother-in-law, Megan and Rob Clarke-Turek of Orlando, Fla.; his grandmother, Mary Midura of Toms River; and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown 07724.

William F. Sickles Sr.

Mr. Sickles, 88, of Union Beach, died March 12, 2007, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. He was a lifelong resident of Union Beach. He was a retired employee of Jersey Billets Company, Parlin, where he was employed more than 20 years. He was predeceased by two brothers, Percy and Alec Sickles. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Clara Tunis Sickles; six daughters and two sons-in-law, April and Robert Burlew of Keyport, Cheryl Ingram of Keyport, Patricia Sheehan of Middletown, Jeanette Simon of Middletown, and Barbara and David Frey, and Carol Ohman, all of Colorado; a son and daughter-in-law, William F. and Lorraine Sickles Jr. of Colorado; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Eileen Sickles of Hazlet; a sister, Hazel Castagna of Nebraska; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Interment was at Rosehill Cemetery, Matawan. Arrangements were by Bedle Funeral Home, Keyport.

Eleanor M. Riddett

Eleanor M. Riddett, 83, of Freehold, died March 13, 2007, at home. Born in Yonkers, N.Y., she was a 1943 graduate of Commerce High School, Yonkers. She was employed at the Monmouth County Microfiche Department, Freehold, prior to her retirement in 1989. She was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold, and a former member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4374 Auxiliary, Freehold. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond George Riddett in 1980 and siblings, John and George Kolesar, Mary Zedler, and Anne Matusik. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Christine Riddett, Warners, N.Y.; a daughter and son-in-law, Orr and Patrick Westerkamp, Matawan; two sisters, Ethel Fedorczak, Shrub Oak, N.Y., and Lucy Rambulski, Boynton Beach, Fla.; and three grandchildren. The funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold Township. Memorial donations may be made to the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, P.O. Box 300, Garrison, N.Y. 10524-0301 or the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad, 18 Spring St., Freehold 07728.

James R. Ruppert

Mr. Ruppert, 85, of Middletown, died March 13, 2007. Born in New York City, he resided in Middletown since 1973. He was Deputy Chief at Weehawken Fire Department for 35 years, retiring in 1984. he was also a crossing guard in Middletown. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a communicant of St. Leo The Great Roman Catholic Church, Lincroft section of Middletown. He was a member of Middletown Elks Post No. 2179. He was predeceased by two sisters, Madeline Cole and Frances Ruppert; and two brothers, Lawrence and Vincent Ruppert. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, James F. and Doreann Ruppert of Freehold; a daughter, Ellen Ruppert of Eatontown; a sister, Catherine Warncke of Middletown; and six grandchildren. A funeral liturgy was held at St. Leo's church. Burial was at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arnytown. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.

Doris Mary Battaglia

Mrs. Battaglia, 81, of Jackson, died March 14, 2007, at home. born in New York City, she resided in Aberdeen 30 years, prior to relocating to Jackson 2 1/2 years ago. She was a retired secretary at American Food Machinery Company, New York City. Prior to that, she was a substitute teacher and lunch mother at St. Mary's church and School, Queens, N.Y. She was a communicant of St. Benedict's Roman Catholic Church, Holmdel. She was a member of the church's Saints and Sinners Club. She is survived by her husband, Joseph; a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Christine Battaglia of Freehold Township; and two grandchildren. A funeral liturgy was held at St. Benedict's Church. Entombment was at Holmdel Cemetery. Arrangements were by Freeman Funeral Home, Freehold.

Mary M. Collins McIsaac

Mrs. McIsaac, 94, of Hazlet, died March 14, 2007, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. Born in New York City, she resided in Staten Island, N.Y., and Holmdel, prior to relocating to Hazlet eight years ago. She was a retired employee in the accounting department at an insurance agency. She was predeceased by her husband, John McIsaac in 1956; two daughters, Margaret "Peggy" McIsaac and Marie McIsaac; and two sons, Robert McIsaac and Gerard McIsaac. She is survived by two daughters, Claire McIsaac and Veronica Nicolaisen, both of Orlando, Fla.; three sons, John McIsaac of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Ronald McIsaac of Staten Island, N.Y.; and James McIsaac of Chatham; a brother, Martin Collins of Staten Island; two sisters, Margaret Schindler of Staten Island, and Lillian Seher of California; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home, Keyport. Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton OH 44720.

Annette M. Mochen Jaskowiak

Mrs. Jaskowiak, 85, of Hazlet, died March 15, 2007, at Bayshore Health Care Center, Hazlet. Born in South Amboy, she resided there prior to relocating to Hazlet in 1987. She was an operating room aide at South Amboy Memorial Hospital for 22 years, retiring in 1983. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Sayreville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4699, Deborah Heart & Lung, Perth Amboy, and Hazlet Senior Citizens. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur in 1987; and a daughter-in-law, Edna in 2000. She is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Arthur of Bayville, and John and Betty of Hazlet; two granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home, Parlin.

Jane H. Hendrickson Bartlett

Mrs. Bartlett, 87, of Matawan, died March 16, 2007, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. Born in New York City, she resided in Lakewood for 25 years, and Red Bank, prior to relocating to Matawan. She was a salesperson at Village Furniture, Lakewood, for 10 years, retiring in 1990. Prior to that, she was employed at Wynkoop Antiques & Interiors, Red Bank. A former outboard racing champion during the 1940s and 1950s, she was a member of the Antique Power Boat Association, and Antique Outboard Motor Club Inc. She is survived by two daughters, Katherine Bartlett of Midlothian, Va., and Susan Trautvetter of Aberdeen; and three grandchildren. Interment was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home, Keyport.

Anne Gavornik Geissler

Mrs. Geissler, 98, of Holmdel, died March 16, 2007, at Bayshore Health Care Center. Born in Guttenberg, she resided in Florham Park prior to relocating to Holmdel six years ago. She was a seamstress for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union for more than 30 years, retiring in 1973. She was predeceased by her husband, George S. Geissler; a brother, John Gavornik; and two sisters, Marie Keller and Susan Benkert. She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, George and JoAnne Geissler of Orefield, Pa., Wayne and Patricia Geissler of Hazlet, and Roger Geissler of Norwood; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Burial was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to Visiting Nurses Association of Central New Jersey, 141 Bodman Place, Red Bank 07701.

Alexis Frances Sadowsky

Miss Sadowsky, 53, of Middletown, died March 17, 2007, at William B. Kessler Memorial Hospital, Hammonton. She was born in New York City. She was a packer at Monmouth County Workshop, Long Branch, for eight years. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and William Sadowsky. She is survived by a sister, Carol Gould of Middletown; three nieces; a nephew; two great-nieces; an aunt; and several cousins. Burial was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.

Helen M. Kozlowski Przemielewski

Mrs. Przemielewski, 93, of San Jose, Calif., and formerly Toms River, died March 3, 2007, at Edgebank Borden Care Home, San Jose. Born in Jersey City, she resided in Toms River prior to relocating to San Jose 15 years ago. She was a retired clerk typist at Newark Housing Authority. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward S. Przemielewski. She is survived by a son, Edward Przemielewski of San Jose, Calif.; a daughter, Barbara M. Mele of Hazlet; a brother, Chester J. Kozlowski of California; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Keyport. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home, Keyport.

George T. Lazur

Mr. Lazur, 79, of Middletown, died March 8, 2007, at home. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., he resided there and Hazleton, Pa., prior to relocating to Middletown 43 years ago. He was employed in the contractual service department at JC Penney, New York City, for 21 years, retiring in 1987. Prior to that, he was employed at Sears, Middletown, for two years. Following retirement, he was a jury escort at the Freehold Court Building. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a communicant of, and Eucharistic Minister and lector at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Middletown. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus Vince Lombardi Council, Middletown, where he served as former Grand Knight, State Master of Ceremonies, and district deputy. He was predeceased by a sister, Marie Lubin; and a brother, Bernard Lazur. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Klein Lazur; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Linda and John DeNicola of Holmdel, Patricia and William Carpenter of Forest Hills, Md., and Elizabeth J. Worsham of Toms River; two brothers, Joseph Lazur of Shickshinny, Pa., and John Lazur of Hazleton, Pa.; a sister, Anna Brogan of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. A funeral liturgy was held at St. Mary's church. Entombment was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.