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…
Monmouth University Coach Dies Unexpectedly: Remembering Louis DiRienzio
Louis DiRienzo, the defensive coordinator at Monmouth University, died at the age of 34, the university announced Wednesday, July 1.
DiRienzo joined Monmouth as a linebackers coach in February 2025 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in January.
A native of Yonkers, DiRienzo grew up in New Rochelle, attending New Rochelle High School, where his father, Lou DiRienzo, Sr. served as head coach. While playing for the Huguenots, he earned All-State, All-County, All-Section and All-League honors.
He played college football at Southern Connecticut State University, getting a degree in…
Clifton Dad, 44, Found Dead Behind Library Mourned
A 44-year-old man whose body was found behind a North Jersey library is being remembered as a devoted father, beloved son and brother as his family mourns the unexpected loss.
Adam Steel, formerly of Clifton and East Rutherford and most recently of Sparta, died on Friday, June 19, according to his obituary on the Warner-Wozniak Funeral Service website.
Clifton police responded to a wooded area between the Main Memorial Library and Route 46 after receiving a report of a possible body on Friday, June 19, Lt. Robert Anderson said. Officers and EMS arrived and confirmed Steel, whom Anderson ide…
Kearny First Responder, Community 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…
'Full Of Life': Family Of Teen Killed In Chaplin Head-On Crash Seeks Help As Community Mourns 2
The family of a Connecticut teenager killed in a violent Chaplin crash alongside another young man is asking the community for help as they cope with the unexpected tragedy.
Geovani "Geo" Aponte Jr., 18, of Willimantic, and Jaiden Pacheco, 20, of North Windham, were killed Friday, June 26, when the car they were in was involved in a head-on crash in Chaplin at the intersection of Willimantic Road and Phoenixville Road, Connecticut State Police said.
The two people on the driver's side of the Hyundai, ages 19 and 18, suffered serious injuries. First responders pulled them from the car, provi…
