Mather-Hodge Funeral Home Obituaries

Introduction to Mather-Hodge Funeral Home

Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, located at 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ, 08542, has been a trusted and respected funeral home in the Princeton community for many years. With a long history of providing compassionate and professional funeral services, Mather-Hodge has earned a reputation for excellence in helping families say goodbye to their loved ones. In this article, we will delve into the history of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, its services, and what sets it apart from other funeral homes in the area.

A Brief History of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home

Mather-Hodge Funeral Home has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Founded by two families, the Mathers and the Hodges, the funeral home has been family-owned and operated for generations. Over the years, the funeral home has undergone changes and expansions, but its commitment to providing exceptional service to the community has remained unwavering. Today, Mather-Hodge Funeral Home is one of the most respected and beloved funeral homes in Princeton, serving families from all walks of life.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Glenn Dy - October 07, 1954 - February 12, 2023

Departed: 02/12/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Glenn “Boloy” Dy, 68, died on February 12, 2023 at Capital Health System at Fuld in Trenton, NJ.

He was born in Sogod, Leyte, Philippines and was a resident of Hamilton, NJ. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineer - Batch October' 1978 at University of San Jose Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines. He worked at SS White Burs, Inc., and was employed for 17 years as a Machine Operator.

He is survived by his estranged wife Messalina; his son Mark; eldest brother Edgar; eldest sister Daisy; brother-in-law Robert; sister-in-law Josephine; nieces Shelly, Aileen, and Dale; and nephews Gary, Aiken, Edison, Ritche, and Shem.

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Kent T. Kilbourne - March 14, 1931 - February 11, 2023

Departed: 02/11/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Kent T. Kilbourne, 91, of Skillman, NJ passed away at home on February 11, 2023.

Kent was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His great work ethic and kind disposition were a driving force for his superb sales skills at Kilbourne & Kilbourne, a four-generation family business founded by his father, and continued by his son Tom.

Away from work, Kent had many interests. He enjoyed learning about the world and different cultures and was an avid runner – always being the fastest in his age group. He had a passion for hiking and camping, and led trips for The Sierra Club. Since 1981, he and his wife Ann spent summers in their home on Nantucket Island.

Predeceased by his parents, Thomas B. and Emma Kilbourne, he is survived by his devoted wife, Ann, 4 children, Dave Kilbourne, Anne Fayen, Tom Kilbourne and his wife Liz Westergaard, and Kate Kilbourne, and 2 cherished grandchildren, Ashe and Peter Kilbourne.

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Karen Laura Harrison - Unknown - February 09, 2023

Departed: 02/09/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Karin Laura Harrison, 87, of Lawrenceville, died Thursday, February 9, 2023. Daughter of the late Bjarne and Laura Olsen, she is survived by her loving son Paul Harrison, her sister Edna Jeffers, twelve nieces and nephews and fifteen great nieces and nephews. Karin was predeceased by her late husband Richard Hastings Harrison, her brother Roy Olsen and her sister Magda Knop. Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Karin resided in Lawrenceville for nearly fifty years. Karin worked for Chase Manhattan Bank for twenty-five years and later worked for H&R Block. She had a wonderful dry wit, was a voracious reader, a skilled Scrabble player and enjoyed shopping. She was also a dedicated member of Stone Hill Church in Princeton, NJ, where she once taught Sunday school. A memorial mass to celebrate Karin’s life will be held at noon on Friday, February 17, 2023, at Stone Hill Church, 1025 Bunn Drive, Princeton.

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Lucy Anne Sharp Newman - March 16, 1934 - February 08, 2023

Departed: 02/08/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Lucy Anne Sharp Newman, 88, of Skillman, NJ passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center of Plainsboro, NJ.

Lucy Anne was born in Somerville, New Jersey on March 16, 1934. She was born the oldest of four children and is predeceased by her parents, John Vincent and Mabel Matilda Sharp.

As the independent person she was, when she was told there was only enough money to send the only boy of four to college, Lucy Anne decided to do it herself. She applied and got into New Jersey State Teachers College at Trenton, now known as The College of New Jersey. She also got a job to pay for her education in the science and math departments as an assistant and also taught piano. Lucy Anne made sure she got an education, as that was most important to her. She spent much of her career prior to her last child being born, serving as a Math and Science teacher in Dover, Los Angeles and Cleveland.

Upon making a family move to Princeton, NJ back in 1963, the family moved to Lawrenceville for 15 years and then to her cherished home “Woodstream” in Skillman, NJ. From there, all three Newman girls attended Stuart Country Day of the Sacred Heart, known for our ringlets and matching outfits. Lucy Anne got involved in anything that involved her three girls and giving back to her community. She served as part of the First Friday group at Stuart, her cherished book club, a member of the Princeton Present Day Club, a member of the Trenton and Princeton Garden Clubs and participated in fund raising for the Princeton Symphony, McCarter Theater, Princeton Ballet, Morven and Trinity Counseling. She became an avid tennis and paddle player later in life at the Bedens Brook and Pretty Brook Country Clubs, enjoying all that athletics had to offer. However, her pride remained in her devotion to her faith and her 30 years of volunteer work at the Princeton Hospital on the oncology floor. Lucy Anne relished the opportunity to be compassionate to others in time of need and to help the families in any way possible.

At home Lucy Anne loved her flowers, woods and her birds. Her home gave her great peace and solace, even in the toughest of times. Loved by her three children and her three “little butterflies” grandchildren as she named them, she shared in all activities from athletic games to ballet performances at McCarter, to birthdays and christenings and sharing her love of music and “parcheesi” with her grandchildren. She brought an energetic twinkle and bright smile to all, even to the end.

She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Andrea Collette Newman and Jeffrey Patterson, Michele Laureen Newman, Pierrette Alyssa and Rod Eric Bradshaw, and her three grandchildren, Madison Alyssa Bradshaw, Emerson Alyssa Bradshaw and Jamison Alyssa Bradshaw.

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Giovanni DiCreddo - September 10, 1937 - February 05, 2023

Departed: 02/05/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Giovanni “John” DiCreddo, 85, of Norristown, PA passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023 at home.

Giovanni was born in Sessano Del Molise, Italy. He immigrated to the United States in the late 1950’s and lived in Princeton NJ where he was employed by The State Of New Jersey as a mason until 1995. Predeceased by his 1st wife Maria Petrecca DiCreddo who passed in 1993 and 2nd wife Maria Esposito DiCreddo who passed in 2022, parents Antonio and Filomena DiCreddo, and sister Carmina Bucci;

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Anna and Michael Valerio, step-daughter Bernadette Esposito Baumann and John Baumann, two sisters Maria Palumbo, Livia Carnevale, and nieces and nephews in the US and Italy.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00AM to 12:00PM on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Mather Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue Princeton 08542. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Mather Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue Princeton 08542. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 1200 Cedar Lane Trenton 08610.

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Edgar Ireland VonSchmidt - February 11, 1947 - February 02, 2023

Departed: 02/02/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Edgar Ireland VonSchmidt, 75, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away on February 2, 2023 at home.

Born in Trenton, NJ, he graduated from Princeton High School, where he met the love of his life, Shirley “Hoot” whom he married in 1966. They then moved to Hamilton, New Jersey and lived there for 52 years raising their two daughters, before moving to Nebo, North Carolina in 2021. He worked for Ford Nassau Conover in Princeton for 42 years, being one of the longest employees ever at the company before it was sold and relocated to Flemington, New Jersey. His main focus was always his family, especially his four grandchildren who all loved and adored him. His other passions included fishing, Eagles football, boating, camping, cycling, racing Garvey boats, telling jokes, reading, decorating gourds, square dancing, and music.

Predeceased by his parents Gladys and Harry VonSchmidt, and brothers Patrick (Patty) and Harry VonSchmidt; he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley VonSchmidt, children Kelly Ann Pike (Jonathan Pike), Jennifer Nalbone (James Nalbone), grandchildren Justin Pike, Morgan Pike, Mathew Nalbone, and Nicholas Nalbone, brothers Jeffrey VonSchmidt, Gordon VonSchmidt, sisters Margaret Ann Haegle, Kimberly Rutan and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Ave., Princeton, NJ 08542. Cremation and burial will be private at Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church Cemetery, West Windsor, NJ.

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Elena Petronio - July 13, 1935 - February 02, 2023

Departed: 02/02/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Elly Petronio, nee Elena Unghy, was born in Croatia (formerly known as Fiume, Italy) in 1935. Her family later emigrated to Genoa Italy, where she met and married her husband, Giorgio. When Giorgio was elevated to a senior management position at Johnson & Johnson in 1979, they moved to the United States and settled in Princeton.

Elly was a frequent traveler to Europe, particularly Italy, and frequently served as a tour guide in Italy for Friends of the Princeton University Art Museum. She was an active bridge player and was, until recent years, an avid tennis player and a member of the Pretty Brook Tennis Club.

Elly was a longtime benefactor of the Institute for Advanced Studies and the New Jersey Symphony and was a generous contributor to various other Princeton charities.

Elly was a devoted member of the Stony Brook Garden Club and established the Elly and Giorgio Stony Brook Environmental Award. She had also been a long-time member of the Nassau Club.

Elly was predeceased by her husband, Giorgio in 2004 and her parents Zlata (Racky) and Zolten R. Unghy.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, February 24, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo, 47 Skillman Rd, Skillman, NJ 08558. Burial of ashes will follow in Princeton Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

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Patricia Teresa Martin Kalvar - Unknown - January 28, 2023

Departed: 01/28/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Patricia Martin Kalvar : Dec 18,1922 - Jan 27, 2023

On January 27, 2023, Patricia Kalvar, a resident of Meadow Lakes, died peacefully at Penn Medical Center due to cardiac arrest brought on by infection and dehydration. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She was an amazing woman- a frustrated actress, larger than life, with a terrific sense of humor and disregard for the mundane. Born in Oklahoma and raised in Franklin, Pennsylvania, to a leading local lawyer active in Democratic Party politics and his wife, she was the third of five children. She moved to Washington D.C. after high school graduation and worked for the FBIS in Washington during WWII as a broadcast monitor and was covering the airwaves when the flash on the D-Day landings was received. Her unusual and definitely unplanned career took her to New York after the war, where she worked for CBS and met and married Robert Kalvar, a former newspaper reporter and U.S. Army Major, who was writing early TV scripts. After a premature baby who did not survive, and two miscarriages, she gave birth to her only daughter. When her husband's health necessitated her return to work in the early 60’s, she joined a casting agency and co-produced the Off-Broadway play “Kiss Mama” in 1964.

In the late 60’s, after moving to Chappaqua, NY, she worked for Citibank in Armonk as a personal and business loan repesentative and and was active in community activities, especially the North Castle Players, producing “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” with them in 1969.

She retired in 1988 to spend her husband's remaining years with him— after his death, she became an active an adored grandmother.

She loved travel, theater, literature and history and was thoroughly knowledgeable about them all, totally self taught. Forthright and honest, she was never reticent about voicing her opinion, but was also happy to hear other points of view and highly valued civil discourse.

She was an extraordinary woman who lived through seismic world changes and events. She is survived by her daughter Margaret Kalvar Bushnell, and two granddaughters, Amy Katherine and Megan Elizabeth. She will be greatly missed.

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Donald E Lowe, Jr. - Unknown - January 27, 2023

Departed: 01/27/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Donald E Lowe, Jr., 66, of Jamison, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Don attended North Central High School, and following graduation joined the United States Army. While in the Army, he served as Combat Engineer, earning sharpshooter status for his outstanding shooting skills. He served his country with pride and was honorably discharged in 1976. After the Army, Don pursued his interest in construction, working alongside his father and learning the carpentry trade. He went on to serve in law enforcement with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department where he earned several merit awards for outstanding service. While working full time as a police officer, Don attended Indiana Wesleyan University at night, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1996 (Summa Cum Laude) and a Master of Science in Management in 1998.

His education, interests and skills led him to pursue a career in Facilities Management, eventually specializing in higher education. In 1999, he earned his certification as a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) and then later as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). Don was a quiet force who excelled quickly and developed a reputation as a strong, ethical, and decisive leader. He was employed at various institutions over the course of his career, including the Indiana Department of Administration, Miami University of Ohio, and finally Princeton University where he served as Assistant Vice President for Facilities Operations, retiring in 2022. While at Princeton, Don was responsible for stewardship of the University’s campus buildings and grounds, leading a 600-person operation with humility, dedication and respect. Don never took people for granted and appreciated the contributions of all, regardless of their role or title. He routinely shared his time to mentor and develop people to be their best.

His leadership style is best described in an award he received from his colleagues at Miami University which reads “Your actions inspired others to strive more, learn more, do more and become more; Through a combination of strategy and character you knew the way and showed the way while taking more than your share of the blame and much less than your share of the credit”. That is how Don will be remembered by his colleagues and friends.

Don was intellectually curious and in his spare time enjoyed studying history and working on carpentry and electrical projects. He also enjoyed going to car shows, visiting the shooting range, watching movies, and searching for the best burger in town. He curated a close circle of friends and colleagues throughout his life and will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Don is predeceased by his son Donald E. Lowe, III, his parents Donald E Lowe, Sr. and Anna Jewel (Grable) Lowe and his beloved and dear friend Sandra K. Gregory. He is survived by many loving and dear friends including Nita Kay Knies and Eva Connolly, and two sisters, Wana Kay Lowe and Linda Lee Newton of Indiana.

The Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, February 3, 2023 at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at the funeral home.

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Michael R. Cortese, D.M.D. - July 28, 1953 - January 21, 2023

Departed: 01/21/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Michael R. Cortese, D.M.D., 69, of Princeton passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton. Michael was born in South Plainfield, NJ, and spent his childhood there. As a young man, Michael reached the prestigious level of Eagle Scout and lettered in 4 sports every year at St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen, NJ. He enjoyed spending his summers at the Jersey Shore swimming, body surfing and lifeguarded in Plainfield.

Michael was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame. While in college, he met his wife Angela, and they were married in 1976. They lived in Ridgefield Park, NJ, while Michael pursued his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry, and their son was born in 1980. After he earned his doctorate, the family moved to Texas, where their daughter was born in 1983. During their time in Texas, Dr. Cortese received his Certificate in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology from the University of Texas Health Science Center M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. The family moved to Princeton in 1987 where he established the facility which would later become Princeton Prosthodontics.

Dr. Cortese was a member of the prestigious American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. He is one of only 360 accredited Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide. He was a member of the American College of Prosthodontics, American Dental Association, Society of Clinical Oncology, New Jersey Dental Association, Osseointegration Society, and Academy of Osseointegration.

Dr. Cortese was a skilled dental artist creating facial and oral prosthetics for patients to be able to function after cancer surgery. He spent over thirty years healing and treating the Princeton community and beyond. His treated all of his patients like family. His staff never left him and Melissa Cowman, his Dental Assistant and Practice Administrator, worked with him side-by-side for over thirty five years. Michael was one of the very first dentists in the US certified by Apollo Health collaborating with physicians to screen, prevent, and reverse Alzheimer's and dementia.

He loved all things Notre Dame, the Jersey Shore, cooking for his family, 60s music, and a good cigar. He proudly coached his daughter's soccer team and other youth sports in the community. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Angela (Morrison) Cortese, son Michael Cortese, daughter Lauren Cortese, his mother Josephine Cortese, three sisters and three brothers-in-law; Terry and Tony Mangion, Joanne and Martin Smith, Pati and Jim Brenn, a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Nancy Cortese, and many nieces and nephews. Michael is predeceased by his father Michael A. Cortese.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Mather Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue Princeton, NJ 08542. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542.

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Robert C. Wyatt - January 14, 1986 - January 20, 2023

Departed: 01/20/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Robert C. Wyatt, of Sicklerville, NJ, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Friday, January 20, 2023. He was 37.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Rob relocated to Southern New Jersey where he has resided since 2006. Rob worked in the customer service and telecommunication industries before finding a home at AdvanSix as a maintenance mechanic and later became an instrumentation technician. Rob had recently enrolled in school to advance his career.

An amazing husband, son, brother and friend, Rob was a presence. Large in stature, with an even larger heart for others, Rob was kind, genuine, and hardworking. Away from work Rob enjoyed spending time with his friends and his wife Christina, playing with his dog Ellie, anime, yearly trips to OBX, playing Dungeons and Dragons, riding his dirt bike, and visiting his family in North Carolina.

Predeceased by his father John Wyatt, Rob is survived by his devoted wife of 3 years, Christina Wyatt; his mother and stepfather Cathy and Nicholas Berardi; his brother Tom Johnson; his nephews Logan and Parker Johnson; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins; he is also survived by his lifelong friends that he considered family. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees Township, NJ at give.awanj.org/give/

Arrangements and care under the direction of the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton, NJ.

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Nancy Johnston Mulford - Unknown - January 12, 2023

Departed: 01/12/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Nancy Johnston Mulford, 85, of Skillman, NJ, died January 12, 2023 at Stonebridge at Montgomery, after a long battle with Alzheimers. She was born October 28, 1937, in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Herbert J. and Gladys Semple Johnston. She graduated from Amundson High School, Chicago, and Park College (now

Park University) Parkville, MO. She spent her junior year of college at International Christian University in Mitaka, Japan. She later attended McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago.

In 1961, she married The Rev. David E. Mulford. They lived in Albany, NY, Chatham Township, NJ, and Vero Beach, FL, while her husband, a Presbyterian minister, served as the pastor of churches in those communities. In 1994, upon her husband's retirement, they moved to Black Mountain, NC, where they lived for 12 years. In 2006, they moved to Stonebridge at Montgomery in Skillman, NJ.

Nancy was an active volunteer in every community in which she lived. While living in Chatham Township, she was active in American Field Service (a student exchange program) and served it as an area representative. She served on Parent-Teacher Association boards and was chair of the Friends of the Library of the Chathams. She was named an Outstanding Volunteer of Morris County, NJ in 1983.

As a member of a Presbyterian church wherever she lived, she served churches as both a Deacon and an Elder. She was also a member and officer of P.E.O., a women's organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for women and belonged to chapters in New Jersey, Florida and North Carolina. In Princeton, she was a member of Nassau Presbyterian Church and the Princeton Women's College Club.

Nancy and her husband enjoyed leading pre-retirement seminars for the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church USA. She managed the Country Store at Stonebridge for many years, providing a resource for those unable to shop independently. Nancy shared her artistic and teaching gifts with many generations of children and adults, and was especially well known for her wonderful classes in creating Pysanky Ukrainian eggs. Her creative talents were endless and live on in those with whom she shared her creations and her talents.

Nancy is survived by her husband, David, of Skillman, son Stephen Mulford of Baltimore, MD, daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Dr. David Youmans of Princeton, NJ, grandchildren Carey and husband Ammar Shallal of Princeton, NJ, Avery and husband Andrew Sellers of Lusaka, Zambia, and Nicholas Youmans and partner Michael Collins of Brooklyn, NY. She is also survived by great grandchildren Zayn and Remy Shallal and Owen Sellers. Her sister, Bonnie Jacobi of Fairview, NC also survives. In addition, she will be missed by a number of foreign students who have lived with the Mulfords and became very much a part of their family: from Sri Lanka, Samatha James, Niloo James Hennings, and June James Bechler and their families: Bambang Gunawan of Indonesia, and Erika Schoonhover-Lovera of the Netherlands.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Nassau Presbyterian Church 61 Nassau Street, Princeton.

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Mary H. Shevlin - March 04, 1952 - January 07, 2023

Departed: 01/07/2023 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: On Saturday, January 7, 2023, Mary H. Shevlin, 70, a beloved wife, sister, and mother, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Mary was born in Indianapolis, IN and raised in Greenwich, CT. Predeceased by her parents Peter and Helen Hearden. She wed the love of her life, Michael, in 1984, going on to have two beautiful children, Luke and Molly.

Mary excelled at motherhood and was the matriarch and rock of her family, through and through. She was an excellent listener, and always knew the right thing to say. She also never missed a special family occasion or her children’s sporting events. She was the biggest cheerleader and unwavering support system to those who loved her. Mary loved spending time with her family and friends. She also loved to listen to music, dance, play board games and watch a good TV binge with her family. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor and a fighter until the end.

She is survived by her loving husband Michael Shevlin of 38 years, son Luke, daughter Molly, sister and brother-in-law Georgiana and Wayne Elias, brother Bob Hearden, brother and sister-in-law Michael and Mary Francis Hearden, and a grand dog Teagan. A Visitation will be held from 5:30-8:30PM on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Mather Hodge Funeral Home 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton 08542. A Roman Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Friday, January 13, 2023, at St. David the King Catholic Church 1 New Village Road, Princeton Junction 08550

Burial will be private. Hotel Recommendations: There are many options in the local area for hotel options. Here is one recommendation below that is nearby to local restaurants and the funeral arrangements:

Rates start around $115 per night. Discounts are available for AAA members, AARP members, and Veterans. Hyatt Place Princeton 3565 US Highway 1 Princeton, NJ 08540 Hyatt.com Celebration of Life Luncheon (following the mass Friday): The Shevlin Family would like to invite everyone to a luncheon celebrating the life of Mary

following the mass at St. David the King Church. The luncheon will be held at The Bog

Restaurant at the Cranbury Golf Club immediately following the service on Friday, January 13. 49 Southfield Road West Windsor, New Jersey 08550 www.cranburygolf.com/restaurant

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Jeffrey Bechler, MD - December 17, 1959 - December 29, 2022

Departed: 12/29/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Jeffrey Bechler, MD, of Princeton passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 29, 2022, due to cancer at the age of 63.

Jeff grew up in California and attended Palos Verdes High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball and met the love of his life, Mary, at a high school dance. He then attended Dartmouth College, majoring in economics and playing baseball. Jeff went on to earn his medical degree from New York Medical College, completed his internship and residency at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and completed a fellowship in sports medicine at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. After three years practicing orthopaedics in San Diego following his fellowship, Jeff and Mary moved to Princeton in 1996, where Jeff joined University Orthopaedic Associates, specializing in sports medicine. Jeff served as the orthopaedic consultant and team physician for Princeton University, enthusiastically standing on the sideline at Princeton football games for over 20 years. Jeff was one of the rare few who joined a passion to a profession, and everyone he met benefitted from it.

Jeff will be remembered as a loving husband and father as well as a friend, doctor, and coach. Those closest to him will fondly recall him for his selflessness, loyalty, and quick wit. Many treasured memories of Jeff have a connection to sports. He had a lifelong love for sports—playing, watching, coaching, and caring for athletes. Many people will remember their interactions around his kitchen table, where friends, neighbors, and athletes would ask his off-the-clock medical advice on their latest injuries. His calm reassurance and special sense of humor made him everyone’s first call.

Jeff is survived by his wife Mary; children Christopher (Olivia), Katelyn, and Scott; father Thomas; brother Scott (Susan); sister Kim; brothers-in-law Bill (Emma) King and Robert (Andrea) King; sisters-in-law Dede King, Tricia (Fred) Kosmo, Debbie (Steve) Killman, Deirdre Neely, Eileen (Mark) Gillis; 19 nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his mother Barbara Bechler.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00am on Saturday, January 7th at Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton. A reception will follow at The Bedens Brook Club in Skillman.

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Wenfang Yu - April 29, 1934 - December 28, 2022

Departed: 12/28/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Wenfang Yu of Princeton, NJ passed away at age 88 on December 28, 2022, after a long-time battle with Dementia.

She was born on April 29,1934 in Liaoning, China. She graduated from Nantai elementary school. She then decided to attend the high school and pursue higher education in Anshan, the city where she spent most of her lifetime.

She married Zhaoqun Zhou in 1963 in Anshan. They would otherwise celebrate their 60 years wedding anniversary In January. Together they built a full and beautiful life with two sons and one daughter. She and our father immigrated to United States in 2000, helping to raise grandchildren.

She was a beautiful and loving person. Within her lifetime, she had helped many around her and had great relationships with all. She loved learning new things including the foreign languages such as Japanese and English. She enjoyed knitting and making embroidery. She had made delightful sweaters, mittens, and hats for her children, grandchildren, and friends.

Throughout her career, she was employed as a chemical engineer in Angang Environmental Institute and retired after 35 years of service. She was smart and detailed-oriented in her work, won many awards and made many friends.

She is survived by her husband Zhaoqun Zhou, two sons, one daughter, a daughter in-law, and a son -in law: Xiaozhe Zhou, Zhi Zhou, Hong Zhou, Wen Zhang and Wenjie Zhao; four grandchildren, Haotian Zhou, Robert Zhao, Alina Zhao and Kyle Zhao; a brother and a sister, Dianfu Yu and Wenrong Yu.

In addition to her parents Dehou Yu and Changan Sun, Wenfang was predeceased by other brothers and a sister.

She and her family are grateful for the incredible care at Princeton Care Center and from Lighthouse Hospice team in the last month of her life, and for all the help from aids, friends, neighbors in Harriet Bryan House and Wishing Well Center over the past few years.

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Dorothe R. McGowan - September 27, 1925 - December 20, 2022

Departed: 12/20/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Dorothe R. (Holonich) McGowan, 97, a long-time resident of Clifton and West Windsor, New Jersey, passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at her daughter’s home in Easton, PA. The mother of five, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of four had a long, eventful and accomplished life.

Dorothe was born and raised in Clifton. She was a graduate of Pope Pius High School in Passaic where she met her husband-to-be, Joseph E. McGowan. It was the classic case of the cheerleader dating the quarterback. Dorothe went on to graduate from Montclair State Teacher’s College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a New Jersey state teaching certificate. The cheerleader and quarterback married when he returned from service in World War II at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Clifton. They moved to Valley Road, became active in St. Phillip’s Catholic Church and began to raise their five children. Dorothe taught for a number of years at School Number Five in Clifton and eventually co-founded a nursery school in the Allwood Section. Testament to her independent spirit, she became "Dorothe with an "e" instead of a "y" in college, to distinguish herself from other Dorothy's.

In 1965, Joseph’s career as a chemist required the McGowan family to move to West Windsor. Dorothe was a homemaker during those years, raising her four daughters and son. Eventually she went back to teaching as a substitute in the West Windsor School System while completing a Master’s Degree in Education at Trenton State College. Later, she studied at Rutgers University for a Doctorate in Education, but left before completing her dissertation to go back to full-time teaching. She finished her teaching career, retiring from the Florence New Jersey Public School System.

In retirement, she and husband Joe traveled the world and her children and grandchildren were subject to many a night of watching slide shows from their trips abroad. Later, after Joe passed, she continued traveling with her sister Eileen and brother-in-law Fred and her West Windsor friends. All told, she visited six of the seven continents.

Dorothe was predeceased by her parents, Stephen and Mary Holonich, her husband, Joseph, her daughter Mary Jo, daughter-in-law Patricia McGowan, sons-in-law Thomas Rose and Warren Lillie, and her sister Eileen. She is survived by her son Michael (Joan) of Ridgewood, NJ, her daughters Karen Rose of Easton, PA, Patricia (Paul) McManus of Franklin, MA and Coleen (Ronald) Lillie-Smith of Northampton, PA; grandchildren Brian (Amelia), Christopher (Brienne) and Trisha McGowan, Nicholas (Crystal) and Willie Rose, Alec McManus, Jordan, Heath and Quinn Smith; and, great-children Makenna, Cameron and Ethan McGowan and Chloe Smith.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 11:00am at St. David the King Roman Catholic Church, 1 New Village Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550. Viewing will be held at 10:00am on Thursday until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at St. Pauls Cemetery, Princeton.

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Philip P. Rayner - March 02, 1969 - December 19, 2022

Departed: 12/19/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Philip Pearce Rayner, 53, of Skillman passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, December 19, 2022.

A free spirit with a gentle and warm disposition, Phil loved his family above all else. He was a fiercely loving husband and father. He had a special ability to bond with children, creating a ridiculous amount of fun with his “no rules” attitude. He was a beloved and committed coach of his daughter’s softball team, the Flemington Flames. Phil found solace in the peacefulness and beauty of nature. He was frequently out hiking in the Sourland Mountains, or spending time at Long Beach Island with his kids. He loved music, hosting weekly jam sessions with his friends in his garage. Phil’s creativity and his gift for carpentry leaves a legacy that lives on in the many projects he completed for his family, friends and clients. There was no mechanical problem that Phil couldn’t solve. An avid sports fan, Phil could often be found cheering for the New York Yankees or Las Vegas Raiders.

Philip is survived by his devoted wife, Zsuzsi Rayner; cherished children Benjamin and Phoebe; beloved son of Pearce M. and Mary Ann Rayner; dear brother to Meaghan Ottesen (Chris) and Tyler Rayner (Joy); and special uncle to Christian and Colin Ottesen, and Evelyn and Pearce Rayner. Philip is also survived by the many good friends he has met along his journey, extended family and his canine companions, (the late Buster) and Jax.

A Celebration of Phil’s Life will be held in the near future.

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F. Kevin Tylus - Unknown - December 16, 2022

Departed: 12/16/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Kevin Tylus, 67, of Skillman died Friday, December 16, 2022 at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center of Plainsboro. Born in Princeton, he was a lifelong resident. Kevin was the Executive Vice President at WSFS Bank and former President of Bryn Mawr Trust Banking Division. He was a member of the Springdale Country Club, Nassau Club, Union League of Philadelphia, Penn Medicine of Princeton Foundation, Board of Trustees of the Hun School and a Board Member of the Gettysburg College.

Son of the late Frank A. and Catherine (Diaforli) Tylus, brother in law of the late Jay Graff, he is survived by his wife of 43 years Virginia (Broderick) Tylus, a son and daughter in law Kevin B and Morgan Tylus, 3 daughters and 3 sons in law Megan and Ian McNally, Lindsy Tylus and Jon Lively, Kelsey G. and Michael Testa, 2 sisters and a brother in law Karen E. Graff, Jennifer and Tim Metzger, and 12 grandchildren Addison, Tyler, Finn, Caroline, Carter, Emerson, Charlotte, Kevin, Laine, Broderick, Ella and Kate.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at St. Paul’s Church 216 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial will follow in the Princeton Cemetery.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton.

Memorial Contributions may be to: Cycle for Survival or The Hun School of Princeton in Memory of Kevin Tylus. »(Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)

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Alfonso Procaccini - January 02, 1945 - December 16, 2022

Departed: 12/16/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Alfonso Procaccini, beloved professor and scholar of Italian literature, whose erudition and insights inspired and charmed generations of students, friends, and family, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, December 16, 2022, in the loving care of his wife, Ariane Vuono. A gifted thinker and renowned raconteur, his intellect and wit were matched only by his unbridled generosity and infectious warmth.

Born in the hilltop hamlet of Pettoranello del Molise, Italy, on January 1, 1945, Alfonso immigrated to the United States at the age of 10 aboard the U.S.S. Constitution. The family, parents Angelo and Ermelina and brother Italo, settled in Kingston, NJ, where Alfonso's love of learning and bonds to the Italian community took firm root. He earned his doctorate in Italian literature in 1975 at Johns Hopkins University and taught at Yale University, before joining the Italian Department of Smith College where he served as a pillar of the campus community for 37 years. Alfonso taught courses on many subjects ranging from Dante's Divina Commedia, Bocaccio, and Machiavelli until he retired in 2018. He raised his three children in the language and traditions of their Italian heritage and introduced countless students to the joys of that culture.

Alfonso was a latter-day Renaissance man. Delighting in pursuits both physical and intellectual, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, painting landscapes and still lifes, translating Dante, listening to music, and going for a passeggiata. He read widely and cultivated the fine art of conversation. A host without equal, he regularly entertained friends and colleagues with tasty regional Italian dishes, stories of his adventures, and the occasional accordion concert. Of all these interests, nothing made him happier than spending time with his family; he was devoted to his parents, wife, and children, who were his best friends, and he adored his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. As a lionized patriarch of gentle, self-mocking mirth, he could offer the sagest of advice in the form of a fable or a homely folktale. His words will long resonate within us.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ariane, his children Piero, Pia (and husband Stan), and Francesca (and husband Marc), his grandchildren Eliza, Brayden, and Aria, his brother Italo, cousins Robert (and wife Laura) and Mariella, sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved.

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William D. Kraft, Jr. - Unknown - December 16, 2022

Departed: 12/16/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: William D. Kraft, Jr., 87, of Cranbury, NJ died peacefully at home on Friday, December 16, 2022. He was the son of the late William David and Thelma V. (Ringlaben) Kraft and brother of the late Sarah Kraft Bond.

Bill grew up in and had great affection for the town of West Hazleton, PA where his family owned a lumber business for several generations. After graduating from Drexel University where he enjoyed many friendships as a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, he went on to serve as a cryptographer in the US Army at forts around the Southern US.

In the late 1950’s when there was only one book in the Philadelphia public library on computers and it was about the bomb sights of WWII, he started work at RCA’s computer group in Camden, NJ on the pioneering BIZMAC. After several years of working on those early RCA machines, he took an opportunity to move to a growing operation in Princeton called Educational Testing Service (ETS). He was at ETS for 31 years as a creative technology person working on many different kinds of systems including those for processing and grading millions of the tests that became standard in schools across the country, like the PSAT, SAT and AP. He was always an innovator and earned several US patents and kudos from colleagues for systems designed for document storage to test taker identification to the essay grading model.

After leaving ETS he became an entrepreneur. He was asked to consult on a problem that the Episcopal Diocese of NJ had in getting the results of their important convention elections in a speedy fashion. He worked with Bishop Mellick Belshaw and church officers to develop a system for New Jersey first using bar code technology then later optical scanning and called it Votescan. Eventually Episcopal dioceses all across the country adopted his system and he spent the next twenty years working with his team to assist those dioceses in their elections.

He was married to the late Miriam Stecker Kraft with whom he had a son William D. Kraft III of Buckingham PA. He has been married to Katherine M. Kish for the last 37 years. He and Katherine enjoyed a very happy marriage sharing interests in business, in technology, in creating a special home and property in Cranbury and in travel to all 50 states in the US and most provinces of Canada in their motorhomes.

His great passion was driving and collecting antique cars like Studebakers and Hudsons. He had an original Ford Mustang convertible bought new in 1988 which he drove with pleasure until 2021. His latest pride and joy was a pristine 1997 Jaguar convertible. He was a member of the Central Jersey Antique Car Club and enjoyed showing his cars and driving in local parades.

He had a wonderful voice and was a soloist growing up and in college and the Army. And as an Eagles fan, both the Band and the NFL football team, he enjoyed this winning season.

In addition to his loving wife and son, Bill is survived by his son-in-law Steve Frahm, his brother Robert H. Kraft and his wife Rebecca Goldfield, his brother-in- law, L. Stephen Kish and his wife Beth and nieces and nephews across the country.

The family would like to thank the physicians of the Princeton Medical Group, the staff at Princeton Medical Center Penn Medicine, the staff of the Gardens of Monroe and Holisticare Hospice, and his wonderful home caregiver.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the Mather Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton, NJ. Valet parking available.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society-Prostate Cancer Research or to the national Alzheimer’s Association for research which Bill supported in honor of his mother.

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Charles Mark Jones - July 06, 1966 - December 15, 2022

Departed: 12/15/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Charles Mark Jones passed away on December 15th, 2022, surrounded by his family after living for four years with a malignant brain tumor.

He was born on July 6th, 1966 at St. Alban’s Naval Hospital in Queens and spent his earliest years on the McChord, McClellan, and McCoy Air Force bases. He went to primary and secondary school in Longwood, Florida and showed an early interest and facility with numbers. He was a product of, and a strong supporter of, public education. Charles had a lifelong love of music. He sang with the Orlando Boy Choir, and at his church, where he also played the trombone. He loved to perform and played Oliver in “Oliver” in grade school, and Pippin in “Pippin” in college.

Charles earned his S.B. in mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he embraced all aspects of college life. He played virtually every intramural sport and filled in on the varsity sailing team. He sang and played bass trombone in multiple performing ensembles, including the MIT/Wellesley Symphony where he met Daphne, his fiercely beloved wife of 33 years. A semester at the London School of Economics led to a lifelong love of travel, Premier League soccer, and yes, economics.

After college, Charles worked as an analyst for Merrill Lynch in Investment Banking, where he quickly added value building and explaining derivative valuation models. He then earned his Ph.D. in Finance at the University of Michigan School of Business Administration. He was an assistant professor of economics at Princeton University from 1994 to 1997. In Princeton, he and Daphne quickly set down roots and started their family. He was an adored friend and favorite dinner partner among their village of incredible friends. At Trinity Church, he sang in the choir (and from the pews with his family) and served on the Finance Committee. He was also on the board of directors of the Princeton Federal Credit Union.

Charles joined the faculty of Columbia Business School in 1997 and was named the Robert W. Lear Professor of Finance and Economics in 2008. His empirical research has helped answer some of the biggest questions in finance, including how stock markets incorporate information and why investors trade. He is best known for his research on short sales, algorithmic and high-frequency trading, market liquidity, and most recently, individual investor trading. His articles have enhanced the understanding of market microstructure, asset pricing, and behavioral finance. He received dozens of awards, fellowships, and research grants recognizing his work.

Charles’s research on short sellers and high-frequency traders changed the way the profession thinks about these traders. His papers show that short sellers play an important informational role in markets, especially during economic and financial crises such as those in 1929 and 2008, despite facing considerable regulatory obstacles and borrowing costs. His studies of high-frequency algorithmic trading show that these traders do not necessarily reduce market liquidity, as was commonly assumed, and can actually improve trading opportunities for others.

His recent article, Tracking Retail Investor Activity (2021) in the Journal of Finance with Ekkehart Boehmer, Xiaoyan Zhang, and Xinran Zhang, develops a novel method for identifying trades by nonprofessionals from transaction data, enabling further study of how individual traders behave and affect markets. He continued to be an avid researcher, working with co-authors on his five active papers into the fall of 2022.

Charles was an exceptional teacher and had a remarkable ability to clearly explain complex financial concepts. His Debt Market class was a popular elective, and he was recognized with multiple teaching prizes. Charles continuously held significant leadership positions at Columbia Business School for more than a decade, including most recently as Senior Vice Dean. He was proud of his wider public contributions; he served as a member of the economic advisory committee of FINRA and as head of the economic advisory board at Nasdaq, and was a visiting economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the New York Stock Exchange. He advised the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Department of Justice on matters related to financial markets.

As much as Charles loved and valued his work, he considered the tight-knit family he and Daphne created his greatest accomplishment and source of joy. Vacations and weekends were called “Camp Charles,” aptly named after the hikes and other adventures on which he would lead Daphne and their three children: Caroline, Andrew, and Elizabeth. He relished time with extended family on his parents’ screened porch in Florida, or sailing on the Straits of Mackinac, and considered the highlight of most any day to be talking and laughing around the dinner table. He loved attending any live performance: orchestral music, theatre, jazz, opera, and ballet, but most especially his children’s many performances.

His profound love of life, and even stronger love of the people around him, were infectious. His smile lit up every room he entered, and his laugh spread warmth and joy. His radiant vivacity was anchored by substance and calm. He was adored by family, friends, colleagues and students, and was charming, genuine, funny, loving and deeply moral. He always saw the best in people, even while holding them to high standards.

He is survived by his wife Daphne, children Elizabeth, Andrew, and Caroline (and her partner Fergus), his mother Alice, his brothers Chris (Elaine), David (Edurne), parents-in-law David and Anabel, brother-in-law Anthony (Laura), a niece and three nephews, and was predeceased by his father Lawrence.

Charles and his family are grateful for the incredible care he received at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and from the Greenwood Hospice team, and for all the love and support from friends and family near and far over the past four years.

We are grateful that his smile and memory continue to fill us with peace and love. A memorial service is planned for 2pm on January 2nd at Trinity Church Princeton.

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Paul Francis Hayden - November 10, 1952 - December 15, 2022

Departed: 12/15/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Paul Francis Hayden of Cranbury, New Jersey died peacefully December 15th, 2022. He was 70 years old.

Paul was full of stories and life. With a wit that made people belly laugh, he loved connection, always taking the extra step to show people that he saw them and they were appreciated. A staunch believer in civic engagement, he taught his daughters the importance of giving back by taking them to volunteer. When delivering food with Meals on Wheels, he would bring each recipient a flower and put it in a vase alongside their best china, and then sit with them while they ate so they might enjoy a moment of happiness and feel like a whole person. These kinds of gestures encapsulate the kind of man he was and the virtues he passed on to his daughters.

Born in Queens, New York and raised in Fords, New Jersey, Paul was the son of Donald and Margaret Hayden and youngest brother to Greg and Kevin Hayden. He was an alumnus of St. Joseph High School of Metuchen and Loyola University (Maryland).

He is survived by his wife Marty Hayden and daughters Jessie, Meg and Sammie also known as his “sweethearts.” He is also survived by his beloved sons-in-laws, Zach Mattheus, Ron Mut and Dave Giancola along with his grandchildren Lucca, Ollie, Bella, Alex and Ruby whom he loved with his whole heart.

Paul was an avid lover of music, books, history, volunteering and coaching, but his greatest love was his family. His legacy is the tight-knit family he created who always felt encouraged, loved and supported. His wit, love, generosity and loyalty will be greatly missed. He is so loved by so many.

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Robert Tignor - November 20, 1933 - December 09, 2022

Departed: 12/09/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Robert “Bob” L. Tignor, 89 years old, passed away after a short illness on December 9 in his home in Princeton, NJ.

Bob, a dedicated father, husband, and scholar, was born in Philadelphia on November 20, 1933. His father, Bob M. Tignor, was the minister of the Yeadon Presbyterian church and his mother, Martha, taught high school Latin. The oldest of five, Bob was a natural leader whose work ethic emerged in childhood – from the classroom to the sports fields to his first job at the Breyers ice cream factory. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster in 1955 and his Ph.D. at Yale University before joining the faculty at Princeton University, where he taught for 46 years until 2006. He was the Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, Emeritus, and a pathbreaking scholar of British colonialism and its aftermath, world history, and the modern histories of Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya. He was also affiliated with the Program in Near Eastern Studies and the Program in African Studies and served as director of the latter from 1970 to 1979.

As a teacher, Bob offered Princeton’s first courses in African history. As a scholar, he immersed himself in the study of the continent, learning Arabic and exploring new historical methods, including ethnographic accounts of the roles of the Kamba, Kikuyu and Maasai peoples of East Africa in the rise and fall of the British empire in Kenya. His research took him to Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, England, and Kenya, countries where he and his family would live during sabbatical years.

His 14 years as chair of the Department of History was considered transformative, as he helped push the intellectual frontiers of the department beyond Europe and North America. He supported the creation of new kinds of courses, in new fields, with connections and support for interdisciplinary international studies, especially in African, Asian and Latin American studies, and initiated graduate and undergraduate courses in world history. He focused on empire and capitalism before either topic was fashionable, writing seven books on African history. His book “Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A History of the Modern World: 1300 to the Present” (Norton, 2002), a two-volume history of the world, is generally regarded as the defining scholarly work in the field and the leading college-level textbook on global history. A full list of Bob’s publications and academic honors are included in the Princeton University obituary. [https://www.princeton.edu/news/2022/12/21/robert-tignor-distinguished-egyptologist-and-historian-wonderful-mentor-and]]

Beyond his own scholarship, Bob was a dedicated mentor to generations of undergraduate and graduate students in modern African history and modern world history. Among his graduate students, many of whom went on to prestigious academic careers, he is remembered for his wry-sense of humor and no-nonsense approach.

The easy athleticism and competitive spirit that Bob showed as a child – from the swimming pool to the basketball court to the football field where he played quarterback on his intramural college team – continued into his adulthood. Among colleagues and friends, he was known as a fierce and fearsome tennis and squash player. His childhood loyalty to Philadelphia sports teams never wavered, and he was equally devoted to his Princeton Tigers as an adult. A passionate spectator, Bob’s game-watching moods ranged from sheer glee to total exasperation. He never shied away from letting the refs know when he disagreed with a call - which was not infrequently - or voicing his opinions when watching games on TV (and sometimes waking up his sleeping children in the process).

Bob was fair, honest, and deeply committed to helping others, most especially through education. Not one to slow down in “retirement,” he continued writing, publishing books on the Nobel-winning economist W. Arthur Lewis, a short history of Egypt, and a biography of Anwar al-Sadat. He also completed revisions of “Worlds Together, Worlds Apart” and wrote a companion volume. Bob continued his work as a member on the Board of Trustees for The College of Wooster, a role that brought him great pleasure. He volunteered as a reader for the blind; worked with struggling elementary school learners in the read-aloud program at a local elementary school, and helped women living in a shelter get their GED. Bob offered adult education lectures to the Princeton community and held advanced group history discussions in his home for a group of motivated high school students.

Among many things, his family will remember his commitment to summer vacations on Cape Cod spanning 60 years and countless trips taking children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the Brewster General store.

Bob’s wife of 66 years, Marian, suffered a fatal stroke on Dec. 15, just six days after Bob’s death. He was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey David Tignor, who died in 2003. He is survived by his brother, Richard Tignor; his sisters, Joan Tiernan and Judy Russo; his daughters, Laura Tignor and Sandra Selby and husband Trevor Selby; four grandchildren, Sam Cobb, Hilde McKernan, Owen Selby and Isabel Selby; and two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Harper McKernan.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd., Princeton, New Jersey, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.

Donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, Thirteen – New York Public Media (WNET/PBS), and The College of Wooster.

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David Mark Scott - Unknown - December 07, 2022

Departed: 12/07/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: David Mark Scott, born October 27, 1960, died on December 7, 2022 in Hopewell, New Jersey. He was employed by QuickChek for many years.

He was a graduate of Georgetown University, black belt in karate, loved photography, and was an avid guitar player.

He was predeceased by his parents, David and Luvenia Scott, and brother, Jeffrey, who passed at age 10. He is survived by his sister, Jill Scott Jenkins, brother-in-law, Joseph Jenkins, and nieces Lauren Pak and Beth Jenkins.

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Valentina A. Tarassov - September 27, 1945 - December 06, 2022

Departed: 12/06/2022 (Princeton)

Obituary Preview: Valentina A. Tarassov, 77, of Princeton Junction, passed away on Tuesday, December 6th at Princeton Medical Center.

The only child of Arcadij and Tatiana Jakowenko, Valentina was born in a displaced person’s camp in Germany in 1945, during their escape of soviet communism.

Married to her loving husband, Victor, for 59 years, they lived in and raised their family in Princeton Junction, NJ. Valentina is survived by her husband Victor, their children Victor and his wife, Kathleen, Sophia and her husband, Joshua, and Alexei, grandchildren Tatiana, Christina and Antonina, and great-grand children, George, Aiden, Madeline, Julius, Harold, Xenia, Tristan, Everleigh, Xander, Gaya and Guillaume.

Valentina was an oncology nurse, caring for patients as a part of Princeton Medical Center. She was a voracious reader, with a favorite dream of being locked away from the world in a grand library. Her creativity was most generously displayed in her culinary efforts, regularly preparing and sharing a delicious variety of dishes for family and friends during holidays, celebrations, and everyday dinners. She encouraged and supported creative efforts, learning and growing, and always hoped for everyone’s peace and contentment and God’s blessings.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Church in Trenton, NJ on Saturday, December 10th at 10:00, followed by burial at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Church in Jackson, NJ.

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Funeral Services Offered by Mather-Hodge Funeral Home

Mather-Hodge Funeral Home offers a wide range of funeral services to meet the unique needs of each family. From traditional funerals and memorial services to cremations and celebrations of life, the funeral home's experienced staff is dedicated to helping families create a meaningful and personalized tribute to their loved one. Some of the specific services offered by Mather-Hodge include:

• Traditional Funerals: Mather-Hodge provides traditional funeral services, including visitations, viewings, and burials.
• Memorial Services: The funeral home offers memorial services for those who prefer a non-traditional approach.
• Cremations: Mather-Hodge provides cremation services, including direct cremations and cremations with memorial services.
• Celebrations of Life: The funeral home helps families plan celebrations of life, which can be held at the funeral home or at an off-site location.

The Benefits of Pre-Planning with Mather-Hodge Funeral Home

One of the most important decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones is to pre-plan your funeral arrangements. By doing so, you can ensure that your final wishes are respected and that your family is spared from making difficult decisions during a time of grief. Mather-Hodge Funeral Home offers pre-planning services, which allow you to:

• Make informed decisions about your funeral arrangements
• Lock in costs at today's prices
• Ensure that your final wishes are respected
• Spare your family from making difficult decisions

The Facilities at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home

Mather-Hodge Funeral Home is situated on a beautiful property at 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ, 08542. The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families and friends who gather to pay their respects. The facilities include:

• A spacious chapel that can accommodate large gatherings
• A comfortable lounge area where families can relax and share memories
• A private meeting room for planning and discussion

The Staff at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home

The staff at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home is comprised of experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to families. From licensed funeral directors to administrative staff, every team member is committed to ensuring that each family receives the highest level of care and attention. The staff includes:

• Licensed funeral directors who have years of experience in the industry
• Certified bereavement counselors who provide support and guidance

Community Involvement and Support

Mather-Hodge Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the Princeton community. The funeral home participates in various charity events and fundraisers throughout the year, supporting local organizations and causes. Additionally, the staff provides educational resources and workshops on topics related to grief support, estate planning, and more.

In conclusion, Mather-Hodge Funeral Home is a trusted and respected institution in Princeton that has been serving families for generations. With its rich history, wide range of services, and commitment to excellence, Mather-Hodge is the perfect choice for families who want to honor their loved ones with dignity and respect. If you're looking for a funeral home that truly cares about its community, look no further than Mather-Hodge Funeral Home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a permanent record of a person's life and legacy.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend writes an obituary, but it can also be written by a funeral home or newspaper staff. In some cases, the deceased person may have written their own obituary in advance.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include details about their life story, accomplishments, and charitable donations.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the person.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department or funeral home for guidance on submitting an obituary. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and payment for publication.

Can I write an obituary for someone who has been deceased for a long time?

Yes, you can still write an obituary for someone who has been deceased for a while. This can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and share their story with others.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed tribute that provides additional information about the person's life.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, humor can be an appropriate way to celebrate the person's personality and spirit. However, be respectful of their memory and avoid anything that might be offensive or inappropriate.

How do I handle errors or corrections in an obituary?

If you notice an error in an obituary, contact the publication or funeral home immediately. They will work with you to correct the mistake and reprint or update the obituary as needed.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or poems can be a beautiful way to add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the person's personality or legacy.

What is the cost of publishing an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication, length of the obituary, and other factors. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, many online platforms and funeral homes offer options for publishing obituaries online. This can be a convenient way to share the news with a wider audience.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary can vary depending on the publication's schedule and deadlines. Typically, it takes 1-5 business days for an obituary to appear in print or online.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, changes cannot be made to an obituary once it has been published. However, some online platforms may allow for updates or corrections.

What is the purpose of including survivors in an obituary?

Including survivors in an obituary helps notify them of the person's passing and allows others to offer condolences. It also provides a sense of closure and finality.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, this is a common practice. Specify the charity or organization you'd like donations to be made to in lieu of flowers.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives, visit your local library or genealogy center, or contact the newspaper's archives department to find old obituaries.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes, social media can be a convenient way to share an obituary with friends and family. You can post a link to the online obituary or share a photo and brief message.

What is the difference between a eulogy and an obituary?

A eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service, while an obituary is a written notice announcing the person's passing and providing biographical information.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituaries in advance as part of their estate planning or as a way to reflect on their life's accomplishments.

How do I handle sensitive or private information in an obituary?

Omit any sensitive or private information that might be hurtful or embarrassing to surviving family members or friends. Focus on celebrating the person's life and achievements instead.

Can I include pets in an obituary?

Yes, many people consider pets to be part of their family and choose to include them in the list of survivors or as part of the tribute.

What if I don't know much about the person's life?

If you're struggling to write an obituary due to limited knowledge about the person's life, consider asking friends or family members for input or seeking out records and documents that can provide more information.