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Obituaries
NJ Exec Dies Walking His Dog, Obit Says: 'Treated Clients Like Family' NJ Exec Dies Walking His Dog, Obit Says: 'Treated Clients Like Family'
NJ Exec Dies Walking His Dog, Obit Says: 'Treated Clients Like Family' John McTague, a financial executive from the Jersey Shore, had died at 51 years old, according to his obituary. The online memorial said McTague died while walking his dog on Wednesday, Jan. 10. He was born in Jersey City and grew up on the Jersey Shore in Spring Lake Heights. McTague's LinkedIn page said he was a senior vice president and certified financial planner at Buckman, Buckman & Reid, a brokerage firm in Little Silver. "He treated his clients like family," McTague's obituary said. "Many of whom received daily phone calls from John, not just about finances and invest…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' 'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty'
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' Sondra Fortunato, an iconic New Jersey entertainer and model known to many as "Miss Liberty USA," has died. Condolences were widely posted online on Thursday, Jan. 11 for the well-known local celebrity from Toms River, including the town's Republican party organization. "Dear sweet Sondra, I first met you when I was about 12 years old. I'm now 66. We girls would see you in Seaside buying the latest fashion's," one mourner wrote. "We were all fascinated by your stunning appearance. You truly were the first Barbie doll!  "As the years went by it was a delight to see you in Toms River wh…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character' Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character'
Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character' Michael Tarsitano, a former co-owner of the restaurant claiming to be "Atlantic City's oldest pizza joint," has died, the pizzeria said. Tarsitano died on Monday, Jan. 8 at 67 years old, according to a Facebook post by Tony's Baltimore Grill.  "There is an incredibly high chance that if you ate a pizza at Tony’s, it was under the direction of Michael and his family," the Atlantic Avenue restaurant said on Facebook. "We send love and light and healing from all of us at the Baltimore Grill." It is with profound sadness that we announce the following. On Monday, January 8th, Mic…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Ocean County Town Leaves Behind 2 Children: Family Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Ocean County Town Leaves Behind 2 Children: Family
Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Ocean County Town Leaves Behind 2 Children: Family A family in Honduras is asking for support after a woman was hit and killed by a car in Lakewood on Monday, Jan. 8. Lakewood police said 28-year-old Ana Gabriella Mayorga-Baires was struck while she was walking at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Erica Road just after 5:30 p.m. She was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead at around 6:15 p.m. A 67-year-old man said he didn't see Mayorga-Baires before hitting her, but he stayed at the scene to wait for first responders. No charges or summonses have been filed, and the crash remains under investigation. A GoFund…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
New Brunswick Dad Crushed Dead By Loading Ramp At Work ID'd By Family New Brunswick Dad Crushed Dead By Loading Ramp At Work ID'd By Family
New Brunswick Dad Crushed Dead By Loading Ramp At Work ID'd By Family Family and officials have identified the man fatally crushed to death by a loading dock at work as a 38-year-old New Brunswick dad. Orlando Feliciano was killed while working at Fenix Parts Rahway on Thursday, Dec. 28, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Feliciano was killed when he was crushed by a loading ramp, Robert Brady of the Woodbridge Police Department tells NJ Advance Media.. Brady did not respond to a phone call by press time. Born in Newark, Feliciano was married to Carmen Mota, and had three children, Isabella, Jeremias and Anthony, according to his…

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by Sam Barron
Obituaries
Former Jersey Shore Town Mayor Michael Brantley Dies At 79: 'Remarkable Public Servant' Former Jersey Shore Town Mayor Michael Brantley Dies At 79: 'Remarkable Public Servant'
Former Jersey Shore Town Mayor Michael Brantley Dies At 79: 'Remarkable Public Servant' Michael Brantley, who was a former mayor of Neptune Township, has died. An obituary posting said Brantley died on Saturday, Jan. 6. He was 79 years old. Brantley also had served on the township committee. Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted his condolences after the former mayor's death was announced. "Michael was a remarkable public servant and will be deeply missed by the Neptune community," said Gov. Murphy. Saddened by the news of former Neptune Mayor Dr. Michael Brantley’s passing.Michael was a remarkable public servant and will be deeply missed by the Neptune community.https://t.co/gEcCze3b…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
Sudden Death Of Jersey Shore Middle Schooler Spreads Shock, Sadness Sudden Death Of Jersey Shore Middle Schooler Spreads Shock, Sadness
Sudden Death Of Jersey Shore Middle Schooler Spreads Shock, Sadness A Monmouth County family is rallying for support after a 12-year-old boy's sudden death. A GoFundMe page said 12-year-old David Pakula died of unknown causes on Friday, Jan. 5. More than $32,000 was raised from at least 421 donations as of Monday, Jan. 8. The memorial fundraiser called Pakula's death shocking. "Our hearts and prayers are with Monika and Darek, David's younger brothers Patrick and Alex, and the rest of the family," the GoFundMe page said. "This unexpected event shocked all of us and left a huge hole in our hearts." An obituary for Pakula said the Morganville boy went to Ma…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
Alex Moy Of Toms River Dies Suddenly, 55 Alex Moy Of Toms River Dies Suddenly, 55
Alex Moy Of Toms River Dies Suddenly, 55 A family is rallying for support after the sudden death of Toms River resident Alexander Moy. According to a GoFundMe page, 55-year-old Alexander "Alex" Moy died suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 30. As of Wednesday, Jan. 3, Moy's GoFundMe had raised at least $3,800 from 18 donations. The memorial fundraiser called Moy a great partner, brother, son, friend, and uncle. "He was always happy and lit the room with his contagious laugh," the GoFundMe page said. "He leaves a huge loss in our family and because of this sudden loss, we ask if you can find it in your heart to donate, so we can r…

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
'She's My Ride' Owner Michele Posthumus Of Asbury Park Dies 'She's My Ride' Owner Michele Posthumus Of Asbury Park Dies
'She's My Ride' Owner Michele Posthumus Of Asbury Park Dies Michele Posthumus, a Wayne native who lived in Asbury Park, died on Tuesday, Dec. 26 at the age of 57, according to her obituary. Born on Feb. 17, 1966, she graduated from Wayne Valley High School and ran two businesses, "Absentee Property Management" and "She's My Ride, her obituary reads.  She enjoyed skiing, golf, swimming and spending time with her dog, Arthur, according to her obituary. Michele will be missed more than many can understand 💜 Posted by Jane Reynolds on Thursday, December 28, 2023 Michele is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, her obituary reads…

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by Sam Barron
Obituaries
'Champion For Women's Empowerment:' NJ Mom Theresa Hester Dies At 55 'Champion For Women's Empowerment:' NJ Mom Theresa Hester Dies At 55
'Champion For Women's Empowerment:' NJ Mom Theresa Hester Dies At 55 Support is pouring in for the family of Morris County native Margaret ‘Theresa’ (Nunn) Hester, a devoted public servant and beloved mother who died on Monday, Dec. 11 following a brief battle with cancer at the age of 55. Born in Morristown, Theresa graduated from Dover High School in 1986 before attending Centenary University, her obituary says. Theresa dedicated her career to uplifting women and families in many different capacities. She worked for the NJ state Division on Women since 1998, both with the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Children and Families. Her wor…

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by Valerie Musson
Obituaries
Mom IDs Daughter, 21, As Victim Of Sayreville Car Crash Mom IDs Daughter, 21, As Victim Of Sayreville Car Crash
Mom IDs Daughter, 21, As Victim Of Sayreville Car Crash Support is on the rise for the family of a 21-year-old woman killed in a car accident days before Christmas. Diana Nicole Marrero Santiago, of South Amboy, died in the Sayreville accident on Friday, Dec. 22, according to her obituary and a GoFundMe campaign. Diana's mom, Aisha, is a chaplain with the Port Authority Police Department, the department said on Instagram. She is raising funds to have Diana buried in her homeland, Puerto Rico. "Diana was a bubbly and beautiful young woman who had unfortunate fatal accident," Aisha writes on the GoFundMe that she launched. "She was my only child …

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by Cecilia Levine
Obituaries
South Jersey School Counselor, Mom Alanna Smallwood Dies Suddenly, 47: 'Ray Of Sunshine' South Jersey School Counselor, Mom Alanna Smallwood Dies Suddenly, 47: 'Ray Of Sunshine'
South Jersey School Counselor, Mom Alanna Smallwood Dies Suddenly, 47: 'Ray Of Sunshine' Support is surging for the family of a 47-year-old school counselor and mom Alanna Smallwood, who died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 12, according to a campaign launched for her family. Alanna is survived by her husband, Greg; children, Gianna 13, Aspen 12, Eva 7; parents Albert and Annette Mussachio; brother Chuck Mussachio; father and mother-in-law Carl and Gerri Smallwood; and countless more friends, relatives, students, and loved ones, her obituary on the George H. Wimberg Funeral home website says. Alanna has been working as a math teacher and school counselor for the&nb…

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by Cecilia Levine