Find Your Daily Voice
47°
NJ Murder Victim April Duncza Remembered As Professional With 'Creative Brilliance'
April Duncza, the 39-year-old New Jersey woman believed killed by her ex-boyfriend is being remembered for her creative brilliance and professional success.
Duncza, a Nebraska native, was found during a welfare check at a home on Paul Street in the Fords section of Woodbridge with serious head trauma around 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said.
She was later pronounced dead and her ex-boyfriend, Kevin Bacon, 46, of Keanesburg, has been charged with murder, Ciccone previously announced.
Duncza's obituary on the Higgins Home for Funerals website…
North Hunterdon HS Grad Blake McGuire Dies At 27: 'Free Spirit'
Blake Kyle McGuire, of Bethlehem Township, died at his home on Friday, Nov. 17, his obituary says. He was 27 years old.
Born in Edison, Blake graduated from North Hunterdon High School in 2014 before attending Raritan Valley Community College.
He is being remembered as a “free spirit” with a passion for art and music, who loved to make others laugh with his one-of-a-kind sense of humor, his obit reads.
"I had Blake as a student and always enjoyed him," a former teacher wrote on Facebook. "He always made me smile."
Blake is survived by his parents, William and Susan McGuire; sisters, Kelly…
‘Truly Beautiful, Inside And Out:’ Alexa Brown Of Phillipsburg Dies At 16
Phillipsburg is mourning the loss of a lifelong resident and beloved teen.
Alexa Marie Brown, “Alexita,” died Thursday, August 24 at age 16.
Born in Phillipsburg, Alexa was known for her wide range of hobbies, including cheerleading, softball, and basketball, in which she became “a competitor on and off the court” with the help of her father, her obituary says. She played on several basketball teams, including the Steele Hill Bulldogs, Steele Hill Warriors and Team Jenkins.
“She was feisty, tenacious and quickly recognized as a tough defender,” reads her memorial, adding that the talented …
Housemate Admits Killing Nj-born Sculptor In Maryland
A Maryland woman has admitted to killing her 92-year-old sculptor roommate, a New Jersey native, and attempting to make it seem like a natural death, authorities said.
Julie Birch, 27, has pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of East Orange native Nancy Ann Frankel, whom she first attempted to suffocate, then strangled to death during an incident in July 2021, Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said.
Montgomery County Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a Spruell Drive home on July 28, 2021, in Kensington, to conduct a death inve…
Morris County Native, Devoted Mom ‘Found And Created Beauty Everywhere She Went,’ 39
Beloved Morris County native and devoted mother of two Kristen Anna Strong White died on Saturday, Dec. 24 aged 39.
Kristen lived in Rochester, NY, at the time of her passing, but “always carried a torch for Mendham, NJ, her childhood home,” her obituary says.
Kristen was an artist and teacher with degrees from both Syracuse and St. John Fisher.
She was known for her adventurous spirit and creative soul that was always seeking new friendships and connections.
Kristen also loved traveling and seeing the outdoors — her favorite place to visit was the Elm Lodge on Canandaigua Lake, “the site…
‘Beautiful Soul:’ Lehigh Valley Native, College Student Destini Czaplinski Dies At 28
Lehigh Valley native and beloved college student Destini Lee Czaplinski of Bethlehem died on Friday, Sept. 30 at the age of 28.
Born in Allentown, Destini was currently studying to earn her Medical Billing and Coding certification through Auburn University, her obituary says.
Destini also attended Emmaus High School, Salisbury High School, the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Agora Cyber Charter School, PA Learners Online, Stream Academy, Pennsylvania Distance Learning Cs, and Bucks Online, her Facebook page says.
Described as generous and loving, Destini was an artist who had a pass…
Support Rises For Daughters Of NJ Native, Devoted Dad Who Died After Valiant Cancer Battle, 38
Support is on the rise for the daughters of New Jersey native and beloved father Joseph Thomas Kobialka, who died after a valiant battle with cancer on Monday, April 25 at the age of 38.
Born in Somers Point, Joseph grew up New Gretna before recently moving to Georgetown, Delaware, where he lived at the time of his death, his obituary says.
Joseph was known for his love of nature and the outdoors, including fishing, trapping, and photography, according to his memorial.
He also had a passion for media and creating art.
Above all, Joseph is remembered for embracing his role as a caring and …
Lambertville Artist, Beloved Dad Seriously Hurt After Being Hit By Truck While Cycling
Community support is surging for a Lambertville artist and beloved father of two who was seriously hurt after being struck by a pickup truck while cycling.
Myles Cavanaugh, a 47-year-old contemporary artist, cyclist and father of two, was struck by a pickup truck during a bike ride on Oct. 19, according to a GoFundMe launched for his ongoing expenses.
Cavanaugh suffered serious injuries in the accident, according to the campaign, created by Colette Sexton, who describes the father as a “good friend, fellow artist and cycling buddy.”
“I am hoping he will make a full recovery over time, but …
‘Strong Shining Light:’ Lehigh Valley Native, Performing Arts HS Grad Alexander Hille Dies, 24
Lehigh Valley native and performing arts high school graduate Alexander M. Hille died at his home in Catasauqua on August 23. He was 24.
Born in Carrollton, Texas, Hille later moved to Bethlehem, where he attended the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts and graduated in 2016, his obituary says.
Hille worked at Walmart in Bethlehem and in the past held positions at CVS, Hotel Bethlehem, and Driftstone Campground, his memorial says.
In his free time, Hille loved all types of art, from acting to writing and drawing. He was known, above all, for being a good friend.
“He was a good …
Morris County Native, Artist, Skateboarder Michael Imperante Dies, 27
Morris County native, artist and skateboarder Michael A. Imperante died suddenly at home on April 21. He was 27.
Born in Denville, Imperante lived in Bloomfield at the time of his death, his obituary says.
Imperante manifested his creativity through drawing, writing and other art forms and enjoyed skateboarding, his memorial says.
Imperante was also known for his one-of-a-kind spirit, wit, perspective and imagination.
“His struggle is over and for those of us left, ours will begin,” his memorial reads.
“You will be missed Michael, we will keep you with us, always in our hearts.”
Impera…
North Jersey Native, Musician Marc DiCianni Dies After Battling Diabetes Complications, 30
North Jersey native, artist and musician Marc Louis DiCianni died March 30 from complications of diabetes. He was 30.
Born in Denville, DiCianni grew up in Sparta and spent time in California before moving to Burlington, Vermont, his obituary says.
DiCianni was known for his relentless love of all things music. He often attended live shows, composed and performed his own songs and created art inspired by his own music, his memorial says.
“Marc was a selfless and generous soul, frequently contributing to a variety of charitable causes and always living for others,” reads his obituary.
“Mar…
Warren County Native, Hiker Katie Lynn Kain Dies, 29
Warren County native and hiker Katie Lynn Kain died March 2 at the age of 29.
Kain attended Warren Hills High School and lived in Washington at the time of her death, her obituary says.
She loved hiking and spending time outdoors and most recently worked as a cashier, her memorial says.
Kain also enjoyed reading, art and spending time with those she loved.
Kain is survived by her father, Edward Emerich; stepmother, Michelle Emerich; brother, Joseph Emerich; sisters, Sarah Emerich and Natalie Emerich; grandmother, Janet Emerich; aunts, Maryann Emerich, Debbie Banasiak, and Judy Ramos; part…
Loved Ones Turn To Community After Popular Tenafly Artist, Jeweler, 86, Is Hit By SUV
They don’t come more independent than Sarko Ekhsigian, a talented 86-year-old jeweler, artist and staple of the Tenafly community who was nearly killed when an SUV hit him last month.
It’s hard for many to imagine him not walking around town, exchanging smiles, or hopping the Sunday bus to Central Park, where he so loved to draw, sketch and paint.
Ekhsigian grew up in Jerusalem. He loved to paint but took up jewelry to support himself, creating designs that included medallions and amulets for Orthodox Greek patriarchs to wear on their robes.
Ekhsigian had to start over when he got to the U…
Warren Hills HS Grad Erin Van Note, 31, Leaves Behind Young Son
The community is rallying for the son of Washington mom Erin Van Note, who died on Oct. 11 in Pennsylvania (scroll down to donate).
Born in Livingston, Erin graduated from Warren hills High School in 2006, her obituary says.
"Erin was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing, singing, music, and poetry and being with her family," her obituary says.
"She enjoyed the outdoors, nature and cooking. She was a kind, compassionate and free soul who would light up any room with her smile, her laughter, and her vibrant personality."
Erin Van Note, 31, formerly of Washington.Erin Lyman (Facebook)…
