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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…
NJ 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…
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…
College Student From NJ Dies Week Before 20th Birthday As Organ Donor
Sophia Lynn Donath, a college student from Jersey City, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 20 — just one week shy of her 20th birthday, according to her obituary on the Magliaccio Funeral Home website.
Now, more than $10,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe to establish a performing arts scholarship in her memory. A 2024 High Tech High School graduate, she was studying musical theater at the University of Miami while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, according to her obituary.
In her final act of kindness, Sophia became an organ donor, "giving others the gift of life," the GoFundM…
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…
Dad, Bergen County HS Coach Bruce Laughton Dies At 54
Bruce D. Laughton, a Bergen County dad, high school coach, and longtime Ramapo College employee, died peacefully, surrounded by family on June 11, according to his obituary from Becker Funeral Home. He was 54 years old.
Laughton grew up in Park Ridge and later raised his children, Elena and Colby, in Westwood. He coached several of their youth sports teams and spent years coaching high school athletics at Park Ridge High School and Paterson Arts & Sciences Charter School, according to his obituary. He continued supporting his children throughout high school and college, attending ne…
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…
