Subscribe
84°
NJ Detective Dies After Cancer Battle
Jared Halpern, a detective in the Evesham Police Department, died on Monday, Aug. 3 after his second battle with rare germ cell cancer, law enforcement said.
Halpern is being remembered as an exceptional police officer who served Evesham with honor, integrity and compassion.
"He was a trusted mentor, a loyal friend, and the kind of person who always put others before himself," the Evesham Police Department said. "His professionalism, unwavering commitment, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him."
Halpern is survived by his wife, Jillian and his two young children…
NJ Dad Dies Suddenly At 44: Remembering George Moscoso
A New Jersey community has raised nearly $20,000 to support the family of George Robert Moscoso, a 44-year-old father of two who died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 29, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for his family.
The fundraiser, organized by Jennifer VanGlahn for Lisa Moscoso, says George's death left behind his daughters, 12-year-old Camila and 8-year-old Olivia, while their mother, Lisa, now faces funeral expenses and financial hardship. According to the campaign, George's longstanding health challenges meant he had very limited life insurance, and his death left the family …
Carpenter Dies Surfing With Son At Jersey Shore, 56
Kevin F. Kennedy, of Toms River, died after suffering a medical emergency while surfing with his son, Jack, according to a GoFundMe launched for his family. He was 56 years old.
"Kevin left this world doing what he cherished most—surfing in the ocean, a lifelong passion that brought him peace and joy," Margaret Rizzo, who organized the GoFundMe wrote. "His final moments were spent in the water, with his son Jack beside him, and the ocean's salt and sand still clinging to him—a poetic farewell that echoed his deepest wishes."
Kevin, Kristina, and Jack Kennedy
GoFundMe photo
Kenn…
NJ's Bobby Tarrant Dies Suddenly, 40
A New Jersey family is mourning the unexpected loss of Robert John "Bobby" Tarrant, who died on Tuesday, July 21. He was 40 years old.
A GoFundMe created by Reilley Bonilla had raised more than $10,000 as of Friday, July 24, to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially riding ATVs and dirt bikes, participating in water sports, and working in construction, according to his obituary on the Synowicki Funeral Home website and the fundraiser. Friends and family said he built lasting memories with those closest to him and was known for his loyalty, ge…
NJ Siblings Killed In Boat Crash Laid To Rest
Two New Jersey siblings killed in a weekend boating crash are being laid to rest.
Mya Golabek, 9, and Sigmund Golabek, 7, of Forked River have been identified as the two victims killed in a boat crash in Barnegat Bay on Sunday, July 19, as first reported by NJ Advance Media. Their obituaries (Mya's and Sugmund's) were shared by the Riggs Funeral Home
At 9:09 p.m., Tidewater Custom 280, a 30-foot vessel, struck an Intercoastal Waterway channel marker, causing two children to be ejected into the water, according to Charles Marchan, a spokesman for New Jersey State Police.
The children w…
Heartbreak After Newark Mom, Teacher Dies At 33
A Newark teacher and devoted mother is being remembered after her death at 33, as loved ones rally to support the young son she leaves behind.
Julianny Lantigua, affectionately known as "Juju," died on Thursday, July 2. She was a fourth-grade teacher at the Park Elementary School in Newark.
"Ms. Lantigua was a caring educator, a devoted mother, and a cherished member of the Park Elementary family," the school said in a Facebook tribute. "Her kindness, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of so many students, families, and colleagues, and she will be deeply missed."
A GoFundMe …
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…
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…
Death Of Bergen County's DJ Pumma Spreads Heartbreak Through NY/NJ Music Scene
The New York and New Jersey music scene is mourning the death of Sehui Won, better known as DJ Pumma, following a battle with cancer. She was 45 years old.
Won, a Fort Lee resident originally from South Korea, died peacefully May 14 surrounded by loved ones, according to a tribute shared on her obituary page.
View this post on Instagram
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Sehee,” her family wrote. “She was a kind and caring person who touched many lives with her warmth, strength, and ge…
'Fantastic Son': Services Set For NJ Student, Aspiring Engineer, Struck, Killed By BMW
Jackson Mueller, who was struck and killed by a BMW driven by another juvenile in Brick on Monday morning, May 19, is being remembered as a beloved son and brother, according to his obituary from the O'Brien Funeral Home website.
An honors student who was set to complete his freshman year at Brick Memorial High School, Mueller was set to attend MATES, a specialized STEM school in the fall, his obituary reads. An aspiring engineer, Mueller was an officer in the National Junior Honor Society and the treasurer for student council at Veterans Memorial Middle School, according to his obituary.
A…
Wayne Mom, Popular Hair Stylist Kelly Hannigan Dies, 57
Kelly Ann Hannigan, a Wayne hairstylist, business owner, and devoted mother, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, May 17, according to her obituary published by Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home. She was 57 years old.
Born in New York City, Hannigan moved to Elmwood Park with her family in 1970 and later raised her sons in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, her obituary reads. After graduating from Paramus Catholic High School in 1987, she pursued cosmetology and eventually worked at Hans Maxem’s Salon in Westwood before opening Hair Trendz with her sister Terry in …
NJ High School Track Runner Dies, 18
Mekkai "Kai" Fontus, a junior at High Point Regional High School in Sussex, died on Saturday, May 16 at 18 years old.
An avid gamer, weightlifter, and skateboarder, Mekkai was raised in Newton before moving to Montague in 2021, his obituary reads. As a sophomore, he ran the 100-meter dash in 11.95 seconds and had a pasion for anime, Beyblades, Pokemon and cars.
A GoFundMe launched for Mekkai's foster family had raised more than $15,000 as of press time.
"Mekkai was a young man who meant so much to so many people in our community," it reads. "His passing has left his family, friends, a…
Family Of NJ Toddler, Mother, Aunt Killed In Merritt Parkway Hit-Run Start Fundraiser
A New Jersey community is rallying around a family after a toddler, her mother, and her aunt were killed in a fiery Connecticut hit-and-run crash last week. Loved ones are now asking for help bringing the child’s body home to Guatemala while her father remains in ICE custody.
The crash happened just before 5 a.m. May 10, on the Merritt Parkway near Exit 36 South in Stratford, according to Connecticut State Police.
Police said 2-year-old Yanelet DePaz died alongside Maria E. Vasquez Chacon, 29, and Joselyn Vasquez-Chacon, 25, all of Trenton, New Jersey.
Loved ones created a&…
Legendary Bartender, Jersey Shore Nightlife Fixture Dave Quisumbing Dies
Dave Quisumbing, the Jersey Shore bartender, entrepreneur, and nightlife fixture known to thousands as “DQ,” has died.
UPDATE: Dave Quisumbing Was "Quietly Struggling" Before Losing Fight With Depression
Bar Anticipation in Lake Como announced Quisumbing’s death in a tribute shared Monday, May 18.
Quisumbing, known to many as “DQ” and the inventor of the Speed Tin, had more than 42,000 Instagram followers and worked at several well-known New Jersey hospitality venues.
His biography on the Speed Tin website says he was a first-generation Filipino American, the youngest of four siblings, an…
Woman Killed In Garden State Parkway Crash Was Hardworking Restaurant Employee: Campaign
Katherine Andrade-Portillo, a 27-year-old Long Branch woman was killed in a car crash on Sunday, May 17, when the vehicle she was riding in burst into flames on the Garden State Parkway, authorities said.
A GoFundMe fundraiser campaign has been established for the family of Portillo, who worked at Don Beto's, a Salvadorian restaurant in Long Branch.
"Katherine was a loving, hardworking, and beautiful person who always brought joy, love, and kindness to those around her," Edward Hernandez, who organized the fundraiser said. "She will be remembered for her big heart, her dedica…
