Spotswood Funeral Home Obituaries

Introduction to Spotswood Funeral Home

Located at 475 Main Street, Spotswood, NJ, 08884, Spotswood Funeral Home is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the community for years. With a commitment to providing personalized and dignified funeral services, Spotswood Funeral Home has established itself as a beacon of hope and support during difficult times.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

Spotswood Funeral Home has a long history of providing exceptional funeral services to families in need. Their experienced and dedicated staff understand the importance of creating a meaningful and memorable farewell ceremony that honors the life of the deceased. From traditional funeral services to cremation options, Spotswood Funeral Home offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Sondra Smith - June 14, 1939 - April 11, 2022

Departed: 04/11/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Sondra Smith, 82, of Monroe Township passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022 at her home.

Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, Sondra lived in Old Bridge Township and Arizona before settling in Monroe Township. Sondra had many hobbies including sewing, decorating her home, shopping at the Freehold Mall, researching the latest skin care products, cooking, cleaning, baking chocolate chip cookies, buying lipstick at MAC Cosmetics, reading, watching HSN, and spending time with her family. She never missed a family member's birthday and if your picture made it on her refrigerator, you were considered lucky! Her two great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved sneaking them treats and learning all she could to help understand her great-granddaughter's autism. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Predeceased by her son Stanley R. Smith in 1977 and her siblings Max and Donald Beckerman and Elaine Young, Sondra is survived by her husband of 64 years, Stanley Smith; her daughter Paulette Lebow and her husband Mort; a sister, Barbara Tell; a brother, Howard Beckerman; grandchildren Kimberly Tarriff and her husband Justin, and Christopher Mistretta; great-grandchildren Patrick and Brianne Tarriff, and; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 14th at 1:00 PM at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in East Brunswick, under the direction of Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, Spotswood.

Donations honoring Sondra's memory may be made to Parents of Autistic Children at www.poac.net.

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Deborah Todd Parunak - July 02, 1952 - April 04, 2022

Departed: 04/04/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Deborah Todd Parunak, 69, of Essex, Connecticut, passed away, in the presence of her  family on Monday, April 4th, after a complex and prolonged illness.

Deborah was born July 2, 1952, in New York City to Sydney Kramer of Radostów Średni, Poland and Jeanne Kaplan of New York City.  Deborah attended high school at the Stockbridge School, in Stockbridge Massachusetts, and graduated college from Boston University.  She briefly attended the Boston University Law School until an auto accident terminated her studies.  She returned to New York City where she worked for Pitney Bowes as a sales rep, and Citibank and Lehman Brothers where she was a systems analyst. She met her future husband, John, at a Sadie Hawkins Day party while both were working at Citibank. Deborah and John were avid sailors and from the helm of their sloop, Star Ship II, explored the waters between City Island, New York, and Nantucket. In 1987, they moved from New York City to their favorite port-of-call, Essex, Connecticut.  There they were married on the upper deck of the Essex Yacht Club by Justice of the Peace, Jean Hanor, whose claim to fame was, prophetically, “marriages that lasted forever.”

Deborah became interested in canine behavior in 1988 after obtaining her first pet, an independently minded female Rottweiler named Rambo. She studied canine behavior with Jack and Wendy Volhard and was among the earliest members of Ian Dunbar’s dog behavior consulting society APDT.  Until her prolonged illness began, she taught canine obedience using the Volhard Behavioral Training Methods in her own school, Canine Compliance.

Deborah loved dogs and sailing, but even more, she loved her large and extended family.  She was forever grateful and felt blessed that she had the good fortune to participate, even if for too brief a time, in the lives of her nieces and nephews.

Deborah is predeceased by her older sisters, Louise Axelrod of Tarrytown, New York and Elenore Ogilvie of Middletown, Connecticut.  She is survived by her husband, John, and a legion of nephews and nieces whom she loved as her own children. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved mother-in-law, Orianna Van Dyke Parunak, at the Reform Church Cemetery in Spotswood, New Jersey.  A Celebration of Deborah's Life will be held on Saturday, May 14th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Spotswood, NJ. In memory of Deborah, she would want you to hug your children and remind them just how important they are.

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Adolph “Paul” Stenftennagel - December 08, 1926 - March 22, 2022

Departed: 03/22/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Adolph “Paul” Stenftennagel, 95, of Spotswood passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at his home.

Born and raised in West New York, Adolph also lived in West Milford before settling in Spotswood in 1956. He served honorably as a staff sergeant in the United States Army during WWII, where he was a communications chief in the Pacific Theater of Operations while stationed in Japan. After his service tour, Adolph became a sheet metal worker for more than 40 years with Local 25 of the Sheet Metal International Association of Northern NJ, retiring in 1990. He was a long time Communicant of Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood and, the Spotswood VFW Post 4589. He enjoyed boating, trips to Atlantic City, gardening and family vacations at the Jersey Shore. To Adolph, family was very important, so was being there to help others when they needed a hand.

Predeceased by his wife Genevieve in 1996 and his granddaughters, Jessica and Elizabeth Stenftennagel, he is survived by his sons, Roy Stenftennagel, Gary Stenftennagel and his wife Elizabeth and Paul Stenftennagel and his wife Patrice; his grandchildren, Lauren, Rachel, Gary Paul, Alexis, Ashley and CJ; his great-grandchildren Noah, Jill and Jesse, and; his great-great-grandchildren Nevaeh and Tre.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday, March 26th from Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood, followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial from Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood. Interment will be in Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 25th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

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Patricia C. Swensen - October 03, 1953 - March 21, 2022

Departed: 03/21/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Patricia C. Swensen.

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William Lecorchick, Jr. - July 23, 1950 - March 15, 2022

Departed: 03/15/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: William Lecorchick, Jr., 71, of Spotswood passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at his home.

Born in Steubenville, Ohio, Bill was raised in Albany, New York before settling in Spotswood in 1979. Bill served honorably in the United States Army as a Special Forces Green Beret Paratrooper during the Vietnam era. An innovator in the construction field, he was a master carpenter and owner of Legends Home Improvements of East Brunswick for many years and a member of the North American Deck and Rail Association. Bill was active in his community as a member of the Middlesex County Rotary Club and the Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus Council 4907 in addition to being a Communicant of Immaculate Conception Church. He was also a loving husband and father and a doting Pop-Pop to his 10 beloved grandchildren.

Predeceased by his father William Lecorchick, Sr. and his brother Dennis Lecorchick, he is survived by his wife of 49 years Nadine Lecorchick; his children William Lecorchick, III and his wife Monica, Thomas Lecorchick and his wife Keri, Kevin Lecorchick and his partner Adriana Lopez, Katrina Larsen and her husband Thomas and Christine Lecorchick and her partner Tim O'Brien; his mother Elvira Lecorchick; his siblings Karen Falzo and Paul Lecorchick, and; his grandchildren Kyle, Shealyn, Zack, Corinne, Nick, Griffin, Devyn, Tommy, Morgan and Joey.

Funeral services will begin with a 10:30 Mass of Christian Burial from Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood, on Monday, March 21st, followed by interment in Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 20th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

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Teodora Carrero - January 15, 1928 - March 14, 2022

Departed: 03/14/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Teodora Carrero, 94, of Old Bridge passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2022 at her residence.

Born and raised in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, Teodora came to live in Brooklyn, New York in the early 1960s and settled in Old Bridge in 2018. She was a loving, caring wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed sewing, watching soap operas, cooking Saturday dinners for her family and caring for her pets.

Predeceased by her husband Conrado in 1992, her daughter Teresa Santana and her siblings Francisco and Marianita Nunez, she is survived by her children Martha Lebron and her husband Pedro, Carmen Velez and her husband Luis and Norma Colon and her husband Victor; her sister Teresa Nunez, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 18th, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood. Cremation will be private. A committal of ashes will take place on Saturday, March 26th at 2:00 PM at Fernwood Cemetery, Forsgate Drive, Jamesburg.

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Una P. Makson - February 01, 1921 - March 11, 2022

Departed: 03/11/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Una P. Makson, 101, of Spotswood passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 11, 2022.

Born in Spotswood, Una was a lifelong resident of the Boro. During WWII, she served in the United States Army WACs as a medical technician and practical nurse at a field hospital. She was a long time member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Spotswood and enjoyed helping with their Altar Guild and Thrift Store. For many, many years, Una enjoyed Mother's Day weekends at Cape May with her daughters. She enjoyed playing the piano and spending time outdoors. Most of all, she loved spending time with all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by her husband John in 2007 and her brothers Joseph and Clarence Beebe, she is survived by her daughters, Joanne Makson and husband Elmo Ocasio and Irene Scaplen; her grandchildren Frank Scaplen and his wife Michelle and Sean Scaplen and his wife Nicole, and; her great-grandchildren Victoria, Frankie, Samantha, Sadie and Wyatt.

Funeral services will begin with a 10:00 AM Requiem Mass on Wednesday, March 16th, from St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Spotswood followed by committal in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 15th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in St. Peter's Church.

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Donald J. Hart - June 11, 1958 - March 02, 2022

Departed: 03/02/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Donald John Hart, 63, of Old Bridge passed away at his home with his family at his side on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Born in New Brunswick, Don was a lifelong resident of Old Bridge. Donnie was a loving dedicated dad and husband, a hard working outdoorsman, an extraordinary “Pop," and a fierce friend. He had deep fondness for sports, especially the Oakland Raiders and the New York Yankees, rock music like Van Halen and AC/DC, and sharing coffee with his daughter’s, friends and family. He has been employed by the Freehold Regional High School District for 25 years and has made so many beautiful and genuine friendships throughout the years. Working for the schools meant so much to him and it helped shape him into a wonderful man, coach, and father. There was room in his heart for everyone. He was a very easy friend to make and his smile and laugh and he could light up the entire world. Don had a strong personality and was not afraid to voice his unfiltered opinions. It was only HIS unfiltered opinions that seemed to make sense. He wasn’t scared to disagree. He protected and defended the ones he loved, stood by his word, and never compromised his integrity for anyone. His energy was infectious. Until his last day, Don was valiant and strong and he made everyone so proud.

Predeceased by his wife Tammy in October 2021, his mother Sally Hart and his sister Wendy Hart, Don is survived by his daughters Kristin Hart and her other half Corey Ford and Stephanie Hart and her other half Michael Martinez; his father Donald W. Hart, his siblings Sally Smith, Brenda Hart and Blake Hart, and; his grand children Riley Rose, Payton Dakota, Noah Gabriel and Mackenzie Jade. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 8th, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood. Cremation will be private

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Rose Vitale - May 11, 1921 - February 25, 2022

Departed: 02/25/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Rose Vitale, 100, formerly of East Brunswick, passed away peacefully at Parker at River Road, Piscataway, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 25, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna Oresto.

Born and raised in Brooklyn Heights, New York, Rose moved to Spotswood in 1949 with her husband Nicholas and their children. They later moved to East Brunswick, where they raised their family. After Nick passed away, she moved into The Waterford, in East Brunswick. Rose was a homemaker who loved to cook, bake, sew, knit, and crochet, and was a devoted wife and mother. She worked for Loehmann’s in East Brunswick as a sales associate. She was also a founding member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Predeceased by her husband, Nicholas Vitale in 1999 and her siblings Frank and Victor Oresto, Lucy Sinito, Isabel Montalto, and son-in-law Robert J. Harrison, she is survived by her five children, Marie Harrison, of Allentown, PA, Joanne (John) Zangrando of East Brunswick, Thomas (Susan) Vitale of Oak Hill, VA, William (Arlene) Vitale of Piscataway and Andrea Vitale (Kim), of Larchmont, NY; sister Marguerite Messineo of Manorville, NY; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will begin with an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, March 3rd at Immaculate Conception Church, 23 Manalapan Rd. Spotswood followed by internment at Holy Cross Burial Park, 840 Cranbury South River Road, Jamesburg.

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Jamie Sorenson - August 06, 1985 - February 24, 2022

Departed: 02/24/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Jamie Sorenson, 36, of Winslow Township passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

Born in Edison and raised in Woodbridge, Jamie settled in Winslow in 2018. A graduate of Woodbridge High School, Jamie continued her education at the award winning Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, NY. She was a talented chef and she was a very artistic and a talented painter. She was also a very kind and caring person. Jamie worked as a chef for several restaurants in and around South Jersey.

Predeceased by her father David Sorenson in 2012, she is survived by her mother Elizabeth Sorenson of Monroe Township and also her step-mother Kim Sorenson of Somerset, and; her sisters Jennifer Thuring and Ashlee Sorenson.

Cremation was private. The family will receive friends at a Celebration of Jamie's life on Saturday, March 5th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood.

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Maryann Wong - July 28, 1950 - February 17, 2022

Departed: 02/17/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Maryann Wong, 71, of Monroe Township passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 17, 2021.

Born in New Brunswick, Maryann was raised in East Brunswick and lived there until 2002 when she moved to Spotswood. She settled in Monroe Township in 2016. She worked as a hairdresser for many years at Carousel Hair Salon in East Brunswick and also as a waitress at the former Twin Joy Restaurant, also in East Brunswick. She enjoyed cooking, dinner with her friends and holiday gatherings with all of her family. She also enjoyed antiquing, her trips to Gettysburg, PA to collect country furnishings and attending afternoon teas, regimentary reviews and chapel services at the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA during the spring and fall.

Predeceased by her parents Walter and Olive Hulak, she is survived by her husband of 39 years Albert Wong of Monroe Township; her daughter Sherry VanDemark of East Brunswick, and; her sisters Olive Hansen of South River and Elizabeth Jamison of Florida.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Wednesday, February 23rd, at 11:00 AM for a final farewell to Maryann at Spotswood Funeral Home at 475 Main Street, Spotswood. A private cremation will follow.

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Maida Medina - June 28, 1939 - February 17, 2022

Departed: 02/17/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Maida Medina, 82, of East Brunswick passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick.

Born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Maida came to live in New York City in 1950, settling in East Brunswick in 1970. She was a hairstylist for many years and was the owner of Mr. Dan's Hairstylist in Plainfield for 20 years, retiring in 1992. Together with her husband, she traveled around the world, especially among the Caribbean, where she actually visited every one of the islands. She enjoyed spending time with her extended family, especially her nieces and nephews and, she loved tending to her flower gardens.

Maida is survived by her husband of 60 years, Antonio Medina of East Brunswick; her siblings Lidia Varas, Arcadio Hernandez and Yoland Vercher, and; many nieces and nephews.

A visitation with a blessing will be held on Thursday, February 24th, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon, at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood. Interment will follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Old Bridge Turnpike, East Brunswick.

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Grace M. Pickering - April 11, 1924 - February 11, 2022

Departed: 02/11/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Grace Matts Pickering, 97, of Spotswood, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022.

Born and raised in South River, Grace lived in New Brunswick for many years until retiring to Florida in 1977. She returned to New Jersey in 2019 to live with her daughter in Spotswood.During her high school years, Grace was an all-star 3rd base player for the South River Rockettes. She retired in 1977 from E.I. DuPont of Parlin, where she worked for 27 years. After her retirement, she went back to school to become a certified nursing assistant and continued on in that position for 10 more years. She enjoyed camping and fishing, visiting casinos and playing lottery scratch-offs. She was an avid crafter and enjoyed crocheting afghan blankets for all of her grandchildren as well as others. Grace was the life of every party with her singing and dancing.

Predeceased by her husband of 67 years, James V. Pickering, Sr. in 2011, her son James V. Pickering, Jr. in 2020 and, her siblings, Florence, Blanche, William, Charles and George, she is survived by her children Mary Jane Bielen and husband Robert of East Brunswick, Joanne Laposa and partner Ron Putek of Fairfax, VA, Grace Fryzowicz and husband Travis of Spotswood and Dennis M. Pickering, Sr. and wife Ellen of Trenton, FL; her grandchildren Michael J. and Robert Bielen, Tracie Smith, Travis Fryzowicz, Amy Miller, Tara Laposa, Marcy Fisher, James B., Dennis M, Jr., Joseph J. and Patrick N. Pickering, and; sixteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will begin at 9:30 AM, Wednesday, February 16th, from Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood, followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial from Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood. Interment will be in Holy Cross Burial Park in South Brunswick following our Mass. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

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Jessica A. Kogut-Lezark - November 14, 1988 - January 28, 2022

Departed: 01/28/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Jessica “Jaye” Ann Kogut Lezark, 33, of Milltown passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 28, 2022, surrounded by her husband, Rob, her parents, Jim and Deb, sister, Bernadette, and cousin, Carleen, after a courageous bout with ovarian cancer.

Born in New Brunswick, Jaye was raised in East Brunswick.  After graduating East Brunswick High School in 2007, she received her BA in communications and photography from Rutgers University in 2011.  She immediately started her company, Jaye Kogut Photography and subsequently settled in Milltown in 2017.

For over a decade she was a premier New Jersey wedding photographer.  In addition to her talent as a photographer she was also a talented guitarist, singer, and published songwriter for over 2 decades, which included a brief tour in Nashville.

Jaye traveled the world capturing some of the most important moments in people’s lives and, from 2011 thru 2019, she took time to improve the lives of others through fitness as a certified Zumba Fitness Instructor.

In her too-short visit on this earth Jessica touched thousands of lives. A free spirit, she used her bright smile and comedic personality to touch everyone’s heart and bring warmth and laughter to a room.

While Jaye so beautifully captured the love and laughter of countless others, she too was surrounded with both, most importantly, that of her husband, Robert Craig Lezark, whom she married on October 10, 2020.  She and Robert enjoyed several adventures and hobbies together, including archery, fishing, gardening, golf, snowboarding and very importantly, their fur babies, Bo, Dakota, Binx, and Scout.

In addition to her husband, Jaye is survived by her mother, Deborah Kogut, of Princeton, her father, James Kogut, of North Brunswick, her sister, Bernadette Kogut, and Bernadette’s daughter, (Jaye’s niece), Lily Lohrer, both of Miramar, Florida.

Jessica Ann is now at peace, being able to continue her travels pain-free.  She is, and always will be, greatly missed.

Cremation was private under the direction of Spotswood Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Jessica's life will be announced at a later date on her personal and professional social-media platforms.

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William E. Chillscyzn, Jr. - December 26, 1963 - January 24, 2022

Departed: 01/24/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: William E. Chillscyzn, Jr., 58, of Englishtown, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022 at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge.

Born in New Brunswick, Bill was raised in South River and settled in Englishtown in 1994. He worked as a chef/bartender in various restaurants throughout the Middlesex and Monmouth County area for many years prior to his retirement. He was an avid fan of the New York Mets and Giants and the New Jersey Devils. He loved music, playing the drums and cooking. Above all else, Bill loved spending time with his family as family was everything.

Predeceased by his mother Judith Chillscyzn in 2014, he is survived by his daughter Amber Chillscyzn of Whitehall, PA; his father William E. Chillscyzn, Sr. of South Brunswick Township; his sister Carol Oates and her husband Joseph of Neptune, and; his nieces and nephew Kaitlyn, Joseph and Fallon.

Cremation was private. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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Joseph D. Marchitto - February 15, 1948 - January 16, 2022

Departed: 01/16/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Joseph D. Marchitto of Monroe Township died peacefully with his beloved wife Marianne by his side on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at the age of 73.

Joe was born in Jersey City on February 15, 1948, to Dominic and Rose Marchitto. He was the eldest brother of 12 siblings. He graduated from James J. Ferris High School in Jersey City and went on to attend Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. He retired from the United States Postal Service after many years of dedicated service. Joe was a caring husband and father, who cherished his family and friends. Those who were close to Joe knew he had a passion for horse racing and was a lifelong New York Yankee and Jets fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking, gardening, and loved to keep up with current events.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, brother Carmine, brother-in-law John Nelan, and son-in-law John Jakubowski. He is survived by his wife Marianne of 40 years; daughter Adrienne Jakubowski and grandchildren Alexandra, Madison, and Christian; daughter Heather Stankiewicz, son-in-law David Stankiewicz, and grandchildren Malorie and Camryn. He is also survived by his siblings, JoAnn Ambrozia (Michael), Carolina Brown (Ken), Rosemarie Mohsen (Diaa), Theresa Ryan (Patrick), Maria Nelan, Michael Marchitto, Christina DeFelice (Nicholas), Dominic Marchitto, Josephine Dragotti (Jeffrey), and Anthony Marchitto (Barbara) and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin on Friday morning with a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial from Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood. A private cremation will follow. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, January 20th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood. Due to the current state of the pandemic, the family has requested that all those attending the service at the Funeral Home please wear a mask.

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Stephen C. Lemanski - March 31, 1935 - January 13, 2022

Departed: 01/13/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Stephen C. Lemanski, 86, of Spotswood, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Born and raised in Jersey City, Steve settled in Spotswood in 1984. He served in the United States Army from 1954 until 1956 and was stationed in Japan. On returning home from the service, he went on to work with Public Service Electric and Gas Company as a Lineman. Steve retired in 1993 after 37 years with the company. He was a long time communicant of Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood. Steve enjoyed hunting, trout fishing and horses, including riding English saddle style. During his high school years, he was an accomplished fencer.

Together with his wife, he enjoyed traveling throughout the western United States and Scotland, where he enjoyed tours of various breweries and single malt distilleries. He was a history buff, an avid reader and he enjoyed watching Jeopardy and old classic western movies on TV. He also spent many mornings enjoying breakfast with his old work buddies in Spring Lake. But above all else, Steve was a loving husband, father and grandfather and his family, who will miss him dearly, was everything to him.

Predeceased by his brother Edward J. Lemanski, he is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Betty Lemanski; his children Lisa Malachowski and her husband Robert, Linda Vitale and her husband Michael, Stephen J. Lemanski, Donna Doran and her husband Anthony, Joyce Lazar and Sharon Drumetski and her husband Leonard, and; his grandchildren Kevin, Courtney, Kyle, Fiona, Leonard Jr, Justin, Zachary and Jillian.

Cremation was private. A Celebration of Steve's Life will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Spotswood Funeral Home from 10:00 AM to 12 PM.

Donations honoring Steve's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Martin Wever - December 05, 1959 - January 10, 2022

Departed: 01/10/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Martin Wever, 62, of Monroe Township, passed away at his home on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Marty settled in Monroe Township in 2004. For the last six years, he was an IT Manager for First Republic Bank of New York and prior to that he had worked for CitiBank and Bank of New York for more than 20 years. He was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood and for many years he was active in the Immaculate Conception School Fathers Club. He was an avid sports fan and he especially enjoyed watching the New York Yankees and Giants together with Rutgers Basketball and Football. Marty was also a fan of classic rock music of the 70's and 80's.

Marty had a heart made of pure Irish gold. In his youth, he volunteered with the New York Special Olympics and worked on the board of Lifespire, a charity dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities. Every year, he would donate blood to the local blood drives to help save the lives of those in need. He not only helped people, but animals in need, having adopted countless animals from rescue shelters over the years who he loved dearly. He was also well known for his great sense of humor and made sure everyone was always having a good laugh. He loved looking at the stars on a clear night and was always fascinated with astronomy. When he lived in NYC, he was a favorite customer of the Tiny Nut Tavern where he made countless friends and stories that he would tell for the rest of his life. He loved watching movies with his daughter every weekend and the hallmark channel with his wife every day. He made breakfast for his family every Sunday and made the best egg sandwiches anyone could ever have. No matter what, you could always depend on him in a time of need and he will always be remembered for the great things he has done for everyone in his life.

Predeceased by his parents, Leo and Teresa Wever, he is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Kathleen Wever of Monroe Township; his daughter Kaitlyn Wever of Monroe Township, and; his siblings Leo, John and Kathy Wever and Maura Zecca.

Funeral services will begin with a 10:30 Mass from Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, January 17th followed by a private cremation. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 16th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood.

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Dr. Vivian Chen Yang, MD - May 25, 1937 - January 05, 2022

Departed: 01/05/2022 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Dr. Vivian Chen Yang, 84, of East Brunswick passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

Dr. Chen was born in her parents’ apartment on 44 Mulberry Street in Chinatown, New York City in 1937. Her parents, Forman Chen and Phoebe Pong, had immigrated to United States in 1911. Her family moved to Morris Plains, New Jersey where they had a small farm and restaurant. She played the clarinet in her high school band and had a job in a movie theater.

She was awarded an academic scholarship to New York University where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1958. With the aid of another academic scholarship she enrolled in the New York University School of Medicine. In 1962, when she graduated from medical school, in her class of 120 doctors, there were 10 women. She was the only student of Asian descent in her class. She completed her medical internship and ophthalmology residency in New York City.

She was board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1971 and became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1973.

After completing her medical training in 1966, she moved to New Jersey where she established the first ophthalmology practice in East Brunswick. At the time, the town was still quite agricultural and undeveloped. She converted one garage in her home into an office with one examination room and began her private practice. As her practice grew,, she moved her practice to its current location off Cranbury Road. She continued practicing Ophthalmology for 40 years after which she managed the office.

Predeceased by her husband, Stephen Yang, in 2011, she is survived by her two sons, Preston H. Yang and Kenneth E. Yang, M.D., with whom she shared her medical practice, his wife, Nisha Malik, M.D. and her grandchildren, Adrienne and Natalie Yang.

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Priscilla "Penny" Rigler - April 28, 1950 - December 13, 2021

Departed: 12/13/2021 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Priscilla “Penny” Rigler (Armstrong) 71, of Millstone Township passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021 at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold NJ.

Born and raised in Jersey City,  Penny was the youngest of 6 children.

She is predeceased by her beautiful daughter Billie-Jo, her parents Stephen & Lola Armstrong  & 2 siblings Hugh Jackson & Barbara Curran.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, William “Bill” Rigler, and sisters, Dorien Downes (NJ), Morien Armstrong (FL), & Sandra Van Horn (NC).

For 30 years Penny was employed by Carter-Wallace, Inc., she was the first female chemical operator which was a male-dominated field during her tenure. When Carter-Wallace closed shop, she worked an additional 15 years  with Grainger, Inc.  Penny was a dedicated employee and a hard-worker.

She adored her many German Shepard and Alaskan Malamute dogs, especially her show dog Bigfoot and her most recent  Malamute, Prince.

Shopping was one of her favorite past-times, she was always dressed to the nines and loved having her hair, makeup and nails done.

Penny loved to dance & sing to many genres of music, Journey being one of her favorite. She loved spending time with her nieces (Le Le and Candice), and visiting with their families, she never left their houses without proclaiming – “I had a good time… a good time!”

The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, December 18th, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood, followed by a private cremation at Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Penny’s memory by sending a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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John Sakevich, Sr. - March 20, 1939 - December 10, 2021

Departed: 12/10/2021 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: John Sakevich, Sr., 82, of Monroe Township passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 in Monroe Township.

Born and raised in Scranton and Dixon City, Pennsylvania, John lived for many years in the Grasmere section of Staten Island, New York before settling in Monroe Township one year ago. He retired many years ago from the former Bowery Savings Bank of New York where he worked for 35 years. John was an avid photographer and he enjoyed watching many sports events. He also looked forward to his trips to visit family in Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his children, Donna Lucci and John Sakevich, Jr., both of Monroe Township.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 12th, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood. A private cremation will follow.

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John R. Jakubowski - April 08, 1965 - December 10, 2021

Departed: 12/10/2021 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: John Robert Jakubowski, 56, formerly of Skillman, NJ passed away suddenly at his home in Delray Beach, FL on Friday, December 10, 2021. His loss was completely unexpected and his family is shocked and deeply saddened.

John was born in Bayonne, NJ and raised in Jersey City, NJ. In July 2021, John settled in Delray Beach, FL with his family. For over 20 years, John was part of Elliott Investment Management in New York City, NY, where he most recently held the executive role of Construction Investment Manager. He was passionate about real estate and oversaw the renovation and development aspects of Elliott’s investments, including new towers in the Manhattan skyline. His work ethic and commitment to detail was second to none, and he had a knack for relating to partners and professionals at all levels, from junior level construction assistants to large development company CEOs.

John graduated from Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, NJ and then attended Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. Anyone who knew John knew he was a caring and generous husband and father. He cherished his family and friends and would do anything for the people he loved. He had a deep love of sports and over the years coached his children’s lacrosse, basketball, and soccer teams in Montgomery Township, NJ. He was a dedicated New York Yankee and Miami Dolphin fan. He loved music, traveling, the beach, wine, movies, and television. From skydiving to jet skiing, John was always passionate about trying new things and embarking on exciting adventures.

Predeceased by his grandfather Chester Jakubowski of Bayonne, NJ, John is survived by his wife Adrienne and children Alexandra, Madison, Christian, and their dog Rosie of Delray Beach, FL; his siblings Tim Stepnowski and family of Monroe Township, NJ, Patty Cestone and family of Little Falls, NJ; his uncle Ron “Pop” Jakubowski and aunt Anne Jakubowski of Monroe Township, NJ; his cousins Stacy Levier and family of Monroe Township, NJ, Leslie Gasparini and family of New Hope, PA.

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Christopher Charles Farina - June 17, 1975 - December 02, 2021

Departed: 12/02/2021 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Christopher Charles Farina, 46, formerly of Monroe Township passed away suddenly at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida on Thursday, December 2, 2021. His loss was completely unexpected and his family is shocked and deeply saddened..

Chris was born in Ithaca, New York and raised in Monroe Township. In 2018, Chris settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was employed as a restaurant manager in St. Petersburg. Chris graduated from Monroe Township High School and then attended Middlesex County College in Edison. Anyone who knew Chris knew the kind, loving person he was as a caring brother, son, dedicated employee or a reliable friend. He cherished his friends and family and would do anything to help or protect them. He loved sports, reading, cooking, Star Wars and comedy. He was always willing to learn new things or embark on some new adventure.

Predeceased by his father David D. Farina, Chris is survived by his mother Ann L. Farina of Warren, OH; his siblings David J. Farina and wife Amy of Bordentown, James Farina and wife Rosa Rodriguez of Warner Robins, GA, Maria Farina of Austintown, OH and Stacy Farina of South River; his many nieces and nephews, David Farina of Canfield, OH, Danielle Rose of Cleveland, OH, Tyler Farina of Warren, OH, McKenzie and Ethan Farina of Warner Robins, GA and Kaya and Tesla Lipman of South River; his aunt, Josephine Romine of North Carolina, his uncles, Austin Romine of Pennsylvania and Charles Farina of Delaware, and; several cousins.

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Denise Ann Gillespie - December 03, 1950 - November 28, 2021

Departed: 11/28/2021 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Denise Ann Gillespie (Smith), 70, of Old Bridge Township passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Saint Peter's University Medical Center, New Brunswick, NJ.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Denise married James Gillespie and started a family in Gerritsen Beach. She then resettled in Old Bridge Township in 1987 as her family grew. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and wife. Family was the heartbeat of her life. She was a patient, selfless, funny, caring person and an amazing mother of eleven children. She especially treasured being "Nanny" to her 24 grandchildren. For 21 years, she worked as a noon hour supervisor at the McDivitt Elementary School in Old Bridge Township where some of her children and grandchildren attended. Denise loved the beach and spent many days on the New Jersey Shore beaches of Spring Lake and Long Beach Island. She loved her many friends and was always quick to make a new friend out of a stranger wherever she went. Denise was a very proud American who also cherished her deep Irish heritage. Predeceased by her parents, John and Agnes Smith and her siblings John “Jackie” Smith and Patricia McAuliffe, she is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, James J. Gillespie; her children Denise Bradley and husband Gary, James Gillespie and wife Christine, Christopher Gillespie and wife Crystal, Timothy Gillespie and wife Michelle, Michele Haviland and husband Daniel, Tara Denworth and husband Jeffrey, Thomas Gillespie and fiancée Aisling Melillo, Erin Rybek and husband Christopher and, Sean, Patrick, and the bright light of her life, John Gillespie; her siblings Elizabeth Ann Volpe, husband Peter and daughter Jaclyn and Michael Smith and wife Desiree, and; her grandchildren Kelly, Colleen, Ryan, Julianna, James, Natalie, Owen, Aidan, Scarlett, Quinn, Luke, Brady, Jane, Jack, Molly, Kennedy, Emmett, Charlotte, Hannah, Theodore, Emma, Sophie, Olivia, and her future grandchild due in April of 2022

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Mary Grace Squitieri - August 20, 1961 - November 19, 2021

Departed: 11/19/2021 (Spotswood)

Obituary Preview: Mary Grace Squitieri, 60, of Old Bridge Township, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge.

Born and raised in Bayonne, Mary Grace settled in Old Bridge earlier this year. She was known for her great sense of humor and her generosity with everyone she loved. She enjoyed dancing, time spent with her family, watching the New York Giants, playing the New Jersey Lottery and, her trips to Atlantic City's Casinos.

Predeceased by her father Gabriel Squitieri and her sister Debra Petrecca, she is survived by her son Anthony Squitieri; her mother Jean Squitieri; her sisters Linda Gutowski and Michele Nagy, and; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation was private. The family will receive friends at a Memorial Service of Remembrance on Saturday, December 4th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home 475 Main Street, Spotswood.

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Personalized Funeral Services

At Spotswood Funeral Home, every family is treated with dignity and respect. Their team takes the time to listen to your needs, concerns, and wishes, ensuring that every detail of the funeral service is carefully planned and executed. From selecting the perfect casket or urn to choosing music, flowers, and other elements that reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased, Spotswood Funeral Home's staff is dedicated to creating a truly personalized and meaningful experience.

Cremation Options

Spotswood Funeral Home understands that cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families. That's why they offer a range of cremation options, including direct cremation, memorial services, and traditional funeral services with cremation. Their staff is knowledgeable and experienced in guiding families through the cremation process, ensuring that every aspect is handled with care and respect.

Pre-Planning Services

Spotswood Funeral Home believes that pre-planning is an essential part of ensuring that your final wishes are respected and honored. By planning ahead, you can spare your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. Their pre-planning services allow you to make informed choices about your funeral arrangements, including selecting a casket, choosing a burial site, and even setting aside funds to cover funeral expenses.

Facilities and Amenities

Spotswood Funeral Home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families and friends to gather and pay their respects. Their spacious chapel can accommodate large gatherings, while their visitation rooms offer a more intimate setting for smaller groups. Additional amenities include ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a selection of refreshments.

Community Involvement

Spotswood Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the community they serve. Through partnerships with local organizations and charities, they strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them. Whether it's supporting local food banks or participating in fundraising events, Spotswood Funeral Home is dedicated to being a good neighbor and a responsible corporate citizen.

Contacting Spotswood Funeral Home

If you're facing the loss of a loved one or simply want to plan ahead for the future, Spotswood Funeral Home is here to help. You can reach out to them by phone at [insert phone number], or visit their website at [insert website URL]. Their staff is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer support during difficult times.

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, accomplishments, 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 sense of closure and help to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend of the deceased writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or crematorium may assist with writing the obituary or provide a template for the family to use.

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 (if applicable), and surviving family members. It may also include hobbies, interests, achievements, and other personal details.

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 short paragraph.

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 make it more meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

The process for submitting an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Typically, you will need to provide the written text and any accompanying photos, along with payment for the publication fee (if applicable).

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication or platform. Some online platforms offer free or low-cost options, while traditional newspapers may charge several hundred dollars or more.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, it is possible to write your own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life is celebrated in the way you want. However, it's essential to keep it updated and share it with your loved ones so they know where to find it.

What if I don't have any information about my loved one's life?

If you're struggling to gather information about your loved one's life, consider reaching out to other family members, friends, or acquaintances who may be able to provide insight. You can also look through old photographs, letters, or other memorabilia for inspiration.

Can I include humor or personality in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased. Including humorous anecdotes or quirky traits can make the tribute more engaging and memorable.

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

When dealing with sensitive or difficult information, such as a contentious relationship or a tragic circumstance surrounding the death, it's essential to approach the topic with tact and compassion. Consider seeking guidance from a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased and continue their legacy.

How long after the funeral should I wait before publishing an obituary?

The timing of publishing an obituary varies depending on cultural and personal preferences. Some families prefer to publish immediately after the funeral, while others may wait until after the burial or memorial service.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

In some cases, yes. If you want to republish an obituary on a special anniversary or birthday of the deceased, many publications and online platforms allow this. Be sure to check their policies beforehand.

What if I need to make corrections or changes to an already published obituary?

If you need to make corrections or changes to an already published obituary, contact the publication or online platform directly. They will guide you through their process for making revisions.

Can I create a digital archive of my loved one's obituary?

Yes! Many online platforms offer digital archiving options for obituaries. This ensures that the tribute remains accessible for years to come and can be shared with future generations.

How do I share an online obituary on social media?

Most online platforms provide easy sharing options for social media. Simply click on the share button and select the desired platform (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) to share the obituary with your network.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including meaningful quotes or song lyrics can add depth and personality to the tribute. Choose something that resonates with your loved one's values or spirit.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're struggling to write an obituary or need additional support, consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member. Funeral homes and crematoriums may also offer assistance with writing the obituary.

How do I ensure that my loved one's obituary is accurate and respectful?

To ensure accuracy and respectfulness, proofread the obituary carefully before submission. Ask multiple people to review it as well to catch any errors or omissions.

Can I include links or attachments in an online obituary?

This depends on the online platform's policies. Some may allow links or attachments (e.g., videos, audio files), while others may not. Check their guidelines before submitting your tribute.

What if I need additional guidance or support during this process?

DON'T hesitate to reach out to professionals in the funeral industry, such as funeral directors or bereavement counselors. They can offer valuable guidance and support during this difficult time.