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Thursday, dec 12
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Community Support
News
NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support
Kayla Davis knew almost immediately that she wanted to join AEPhi at Rowan University. The sisters were warm and welcoming, and their tight-knit bond stood out to her, she said. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” said Davis, 20, a Little Egg Harbor native and junior exercise science major. Now, as Davis faces an unimaginable challenge—a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer—her sorority sisters are returning the kindness she brought to their sisterhood, rallying around her with unwavering support. As of Friday, Nov. 15, just five days after diagnosis, more than $12,000 had be…
Police & Fire
NJ Correctional Officer Seriously Hurt In Parkway Motorcycle Crash With Deer, Campaign Says
A senior officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash with a deer on the Garden State Parkway last week, according to a campaign for his recovery and state police. Joel Hernandez, 54, of Fair Lawn, was riding his motorcycle home after work when he collided with a deer on the Garden State Parkway North near milepost 150.7 in Bloomfield, New Jersey State Police Trooper Sgt. Charles Marchan said. A GoFundMe campaign organized by William Sullivan says Hernandez suffered internal bleeding and multiple broken bones, requiring…
Obituaries
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire
Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York. Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death. Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Business
Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken
It's the end of an era for a deli in Hoboken. Losurdo Brothers, Tony's Bakery, will be closing permanently on Sunday, Dec. 8, the deli shared on Instagram. "It has been an incredible 50 years serving the people of Hoboken and beyond," the deli wrote. "To our loyal customers and supporters - Thank you. Your belief and trust in us have been the driving force behind our every step. We are so very proud to have been a part of your family gatherings holidays, special events and daily lives. While this chapter ends, we are grateful for the friendshi…
Police & Fire
'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign
A 31-year-old man was arrested after police say he was cursing at children and then attacked a nanny in a Hoboken park on Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween, according to police and the nanny's family. Officers were called to Church Square Park around 12:30 p.m. where a man later identified Troy Timberlake had been cursing at children and elderly people, Hoboken City spokeswoman Marci Rubin. Timberlake then began hitting people, including a woman identified by a local family on a GoFundMe campaign as "B." "A deranged man assaulted her in broad daylight in front of many people and kids," the…
Police & Fire
Jersey Shore School District Offers Support After Student Hospitalized In Apartment Fire
A Monmouth County school community was rallying to support a family whose child was severely injured in an apartment fire, officials said. A Wayside Elementary School student was in stable condition at a hospital, Township of Ocean School District superintendent Kelly Weldon said in a letter to families on Monday, Oct. 28. The child was injured in a two-alarm fire at the Middlebrook at Monmouth apartment complex. Weldon said the district has counselors in its schools to support students. "Please join me in keeping this family and all Ocean families impacted by this fire clos…
Sports
Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death
Nutley's wrestling community is mourning the loss of Marc DellaVolpe, who is being widely remembered as one of the most passionate, supportive, and knowledgeable parents on the sidelines. DellaVolpe, 47, of Nutley, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 17. "He was very supportive of his son, Louis, and traveled all over the place [for his matches]," said 10-year Nutley youth wrestling coach Michael Blanchard. Blanchard's son is the same year as DellaVolpe's son, Louis, and the two have been wrestling together since first or second grade. They both just started as freshmen at Nutley High Scho…
Obituaries
College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery
A Toms River police officer who was part of the department since she was a girl died after tonsil surgery, according to a fundraising campaign. Ingrid Rivera-Zuniga, 21, died on Saturday, Oct. 5, her obituary from Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services said. She was a Class I special law enforcement officer with the Toms River Police Department. According to a GoFundMe page, Rivera-Zuniga had a difficult recovery from tonsil surgery. She was hospitalized with meningitis and suffered two strokes. The GoFundMe had raised more than $29,700 from at least 453 donations as of Wednesday, Oct. 9. …
News
NJ St. Joe's Student Critical After Struck By Car Walking From Class In Philly
A St. Joseph's University student from New Jersey remains in critical condition one week after he was struck by a vehicle, according to a GoFundMe launched to help his family. Russell Hollister, a junior student whose social media pages show he hails from Denville, NJ, was struck by a 2021 Mazda CX-5 traveling south in the 200 block of City Avenue in Philadelphia at 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, as Lower Merion Township police told Daily Voice. Hollister was crossing the "midblock from the west to the east side of City Avenue," Operations Commander Captain E…
Business
Morris County Deli To Close After Nearly 60 Years
An institution in Morris County is closing its doors after nearly 60 years Burrini's Olde World Market, which opened in 1966, announced it is closing next month. "This decision was not made lightly," the deli wrote on social media. "Throughout the years, we’ve shared in your joy during weddings, birthdays, and graduations, as well as offered support during life’s more difficult moments. Your loyalty and love have been our greatest reward. "Unfortunately, due to ongoing economic challenges and depleted capital reserves, we can no longer continue operations." Dear Valued Customers…
Police & Fire
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says
Support is on the rise for four girls mourning the loss of their 40-year-old mother, who authorities said was stabbed dead by her husband this weekend in New Jersey. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Rosana Rodriguez's daughters had raised more than $10,000 as of Sunday, Sept. 22, more than 24 hours after she was found lying on the kitchen floor of a Perth Amboy home with stab wounds next to her husband, Wellington Leonard, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Officers were called to the Bertrand Avenue home around 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ci…
Obituaries
College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Max Dryerman said his final goodbyes to his parents and his younger sister. The college student from Woodcliff Lake lost his entire immediate family in a crash on the Garden State Parkway over the weekend. A joint funeral service was held for David and Michele Dryerman, both 54, and Brooke Dryerman, 17, Tuesday morning at Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley. A burial service followed at Sharon Gardens on Lakeview Avenue, in Valhalla, NY. Max, whose LinkedIn shows he's studying engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, launched a GoFundMe page to help put himself t…
Police & Fire
Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (
Update
)
Football communities in South Jersey were left reeling following a post-scrimmage crash that left a coach and 9-year-old player dead on Thursday, Sept. 12. A GoFundMe campaign identifies the athlete killed as Easton Beisler, who played for Upper Township. Vineland police previously said a boy identified only as E.B. was riding in an SUV that collided with motorcyclist Addiel Ortiz, 31, at Maple Avenue near Becker Drive at around 5:53 p.m., Vineland police said. Ortiz was riding a Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle east on Maple when the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse heading…
Police & Fire
Asbury Park Artist With 'Light-Filled Soul' Critically Stabbed On Labor Day: Fundraiser
An Asbury Park photographer was critically injured when she was stabbed while walking with a friend on Labor Day, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page said Andrea Laign was the victim of the afternoon Asbury Avenue stabbing on Monday, Sept. 2. The fundraiser called her a "beloved member of our creative family" in the city. The GoFundMe had raised more than $4,200 from at least 59 donations as of Thursday, Sept. 5. "It is devastating that this sweet, talented, light-filled soul is a victim of such a violent crime," wrote Michaela Murray, the fundrais…
Police & Fire
Man Killed Former HS Soccer Player In Central Jersey Hit-And-Run, Prosecutors Say
A Red Bank man was accused of killing a pedestrian and leaving the scene of a crash in Shrewsbury, authorities said. Jose Rodriguez-Jimenez, 40, was charged with second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident under certain circumstances, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Aug. 23. The charge came after 23-year-old Mariano Codallos-Tepepa of Brick Township died in a crash on Monday, Aug. 5. Shrewsbury police responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive male lying in the right northbound lane of Shrewsbury Avenue just after 2:45 a.m. Codal…
Police & Fire
Popular Sea Isle Taco Shop Gutted By Fire
A popular Sea Isle restaurant was destroyed by a fire Wednesday, Aug. 14. A Facebook post shared on behalf of Casa Taco owner Victor Loaeza says that the restaurant suffered a roof collapse in the blaze just after 5 p.m. "Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and this time it’s ours to face," the post reads. "The most important thing is that everyone is safe. We can’t thank our fire departments and emergency personnel enough for their quick response and bravery. Your support means more to us than we can express." Conshy Bakery shared footage of the fire. Dozens of patrons commented i…
News
Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County
Her name was Carmela Polimeni, and her family is nowhere to be found. The 92-year-old Leonia resident died at CareOne at Cresskill on July 17, Aree Booker, the executive director of Eternity Funeral Services LLC in Englewood tells Daily Voice. UPDATE: Funeral Home Awaits Payment For Carmela Polimeni's Service Month After Her Death "Nursing homes are supposed to have arrangements pre-planned, next of kin, etcetera," Booker said on a call with Daily Voice Tuesday, Aug. 13. "But it seemed like [CareOne] dropped the ball." That leaves Booker scrambling to locate Polimeni's next of kin. So far…
Obituaries
Former New Jersey HS Soccer Player Mariano Codallos Dies, 23
Mariano Codallos-Tepepa, a 23-year-old Brick resident and former high school soccer player, died on Monday, Aug. 5, according to his obituary on the John E. Day Funeral Home website. A 2019 graduate of Middletown North High School, Codallos-Tepepa was passionate about music and devoted to his family, his obituary says. An avid fan of the New York Yankees, he was dedicated to his faith and was a longtime parishioner of Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Red Bank and became a brother of of the Cursillo de Cristiandad, according to his obituary. He is survived by his parent, Crisoforo …
News
Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers
A police officer with roots in the New Jersey borough that he serves is battling cancer, and his chief is asking for prayers. James "Jimmy" Ciampi, of the Fairfield Police Department, was described by FPD Chief Anthony Manna as a "young, bright, and dedicated" officer. Ciampi is unable to come to work and remains focused on battling cancer, Manna said. Ciampi began his career with FPD as a Class II Special Officer in October 2016. A year later, he became a full-time officer. In 2022, Ciampi was assigned to the Essex County Auto Theft Task Force for six months "where he excelled at helping…
Police & Fire
Man With 'Fierce Love' For Family, Motorcycles Died In Central Jersey Crash: Fundraiser
Authorities have identified the Freehold man who was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle in Howell Township. Aaron Aponte, 28, died from his injuries in the crash on Tuesday, July 9, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. It happened at the intersection of Fort Plains Road and Jerry’s Lane at around 4:53 p.m. Investigators said Aponte was riding a Honda GL 1100L motorcycle north on Fort Plains when he tried to go around a curve in the road. He fell and slid with his motorcycle across the road into oncoming traffic. A Honda Odyssey crashed …
Business
Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location
Guerriero Gelato is continuing to downsize. A month after announcing the closure of its location in Morristown, the gelateria announced it will be closing its Montclair location in October after 10 years. "This is very emotional for us," the company wrote on social media. "This was the first shop we built out ourselves. We made friendships that will last a lifetime." The eatery said while the Montclair store remains popular, they cannot keep up with rising taxes, rent, cost of living, labor and food. "We hope that we can all make progress against the ridiculous cost of living a…
News
Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation
What was supposed to have been a relaxing trip for one New Jersey family apparently visiting their grandparents in Texas quickly turned into a nightmare. While snorkeling in San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park in Texas, Ernest Manchin, 82, of Dripping Springs, TX, went under water and did not re-emerge, CBS7 says citing state police. Moments later, Gary Wong, 56, of East Brunswick — Manchin's son-in-law — went under, too. Both Manchin and Wong were rescued from the water but ultimately died at an area hospital, the outlet says. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Wong’s…
News
Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor
The dump truck driver accused of passing through a stop sign in a fatal crash in Cumberland County has been formally cited, authorities said on Tuesday, July 2. Lamaas Arthur, 55, of Port Norris, received citations for disregarding a stop sign and careless driving, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. The crash was on Thursday, June 20 in Commercial Township. No criminal charges had been filed as of Tuesday. New Jersey State Police said that Arthur had "numerous motor vehicle violations." Brandy Woolson, 43, of Port Elizabeth, a mother of four, was killed in the …
Business
Free T-Shirts, Hoagie-Building Competition To Celebrate Wawa's Newest Central Jersey Store
A Wawa is opening in Monmouth County and the convenience store chain will celebrate its 60th anniversary along with the new location, officials said. The new Wawa will be open at 3052 Route 35 in Hazlet on Thursday, June 27, the company said in a news release. The store will officially open at 8 a.m. and a grand opening ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. The first 100 customers will get free "In My Wawa Era 60th Anniversary" t-shirts. After a ribbon cutting, the store will have the "Hoagies for Heroes" sandwich-building competition between police officers and firefighters.…
Obituaries
NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15
Collin Zavoda, a 15-year-old student athlete at Bridgewater High School died unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, according to a campaign launched for his family. A native of Edison, Zavoda moved to Bridgewater in 2013 and was active in the community, playing baseball and hockey, his obituary on the Bridgewater Funeral Home website reads. An avid hockey fan, Collin also worked as a hockey referee, according to his obituary and helped lead his club hockey team to a championship. The rising sophomore was also an active Boy Scout who enjoyed fishing, boating and skiing, his obituary rea…
Police & Fire
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County
Two homes were heavily damaged by a three-alarm fire that started in a garage in Middlesex Borough, authorities said. On Friday, June 14, at 2:40 a.m., the Middlesex Borough Police Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 832 West Second Street. Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that a garage was fully engulfed in flames. Prior to the fire spreading to 836 West Second Street, officers were able to safely evacuate the occupants of both residences, Middlesex police said. The Middlesex Fire Department, assisted by firefighters and equipment …
Police & Fire
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says
Brian Werthmann is in the fight for his life and the community is coming together to help. Werthmann, a sergeant in the Summit Police Department, recently underwent an 8-hour surgery to remove a large acoustic neuroma from his brain. While surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumor from his brain, Werthmann has experienced complications including paralysis on the left side of his body, partial blindness and the inability to walk without assistance. A fundraiser has been created by the Summit PBA to assist Werthmann, his wife Cristina and their two daughters. As of Wedne…
Obituaries
NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property
If you're from Andover, you knew Joey Luchetti. He was the one driving the Joe Veg trucks. Big, silver cross necklace. And a personality larger than life. The lifelong Andover resident, 60, died on Friday, May 31, when his 1963 Pontiac veered off of Yates Avenue, local police said. The car went down into a culvert and Luchetti was ejected into a wooded area, just behind his house, where he died. "On his own property," said friend of 40 years Joe Pepe, of Fredon. "That's how close to home he was." Joe Veg famously lived on Luchetti Way, a roadway named after his mo…
Lifestyle
Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood
Monica Pidhoreki, a.k.a. The Ice Cream Lady is one of the most popular people in Maywood Pidhoreki, whose ice cream truck is a fixture in town is a regular at Maywood Rochelle Park Girls Softball, sponsoring a team and banner in the league and is a regular at birthday parties and events in the community. Pidhoreki recently suffered a residential fire which left her displaced and her new ice cream truck destroyed. GoFundMe A fundraiser has been set up to assist her and get her back on her feet. As of Thursday, May 23, more than $2,800 has been raised. "We would like to now support her, l…
News
Hamilton 'Community Pillar' Game Shop Needs Help To Stay Afloat, Campaign Says
A game store in Hamilton is raising money to stay in business after 15 years. Its owner borrowed $250,000 after suffering a stroke and Family Fun Hobbies needs to raise money to pay off those loans, according to a GoFundMe campaign. "We aren't just a store though. We like to think of ourselves as a pillar of our community," Miranda Suarez, the store's general manager, wrote on the GoFundMe page. The store hosts daily events for different games: Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Warhammer 40,000 battles, Magic: The Gathering tournaments, Disney's Lorcana League, family board game nights and…
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