All Obituaries

James J. Schmidling Jr., 84, of Forked River, NJ, died March 24, 2026. Jim grew up in Boonton and spent much of his time fixing up cars, and listening to Yankee games. He graduated from Bayley Ellard High School in 1960 and then moved to Towaco where he volunteered with the Montville First Aid Squad. In 1968, Jim moved down the shore and began his 33-year career with PepsiCo. Jim was devoted to his family, friends, and his garden, where he could frequently be found. He enjoyed taking bus ...

Vincent Michael Trotter, 34, born in Lakewood, New Jersey. Resided in Manahawkin, New Jersey, passed away on April 13, 2026, in a tragic accident. Born on October 21, 1991, Vincent lived a life centered around love, family, and devotion to those closest to him. Vincent was the beloved son of Tina and Scott Trotter, a devoted husband to his wife; Tiffanie, and a proud and loving father to Giovanni, Landon, Tyson, and Aleiah. Being a father was Vincent’s greatest joy—he poured his ...

Andrew “Andy” Yuhas, affectionately known by many as “Buzz,” passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Born on October 4, 1939, in Old Forge, PA, Andy spent much of his life throughout New Jersey, ultimately making Forked River his final and most cherished home. He also spent several happy years in Fort Myers and Naples, Florida, enjoying the sunshine and nearby beaches. In November of 1960, Andy married the love of ...

Lorraine M. Van Mater, lovingly known as “Rainy,” passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 70, after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. Born on January 2, 1956, in Kearny, New Jersey, Lorraine spent much of her life in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, where she built a life centered on love, family, and lasting friendships. Rainy was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Brian Van Mater, with whom she shared 35 wonderful years of marriage. She was a proud and loving ...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank “Chip” Crepezzi, age 54. Chip was born in Tennessee and later made his roots in Forked River, New Jersey, where he was a cherished member of his community. Chip was a dedicated mail carrier a job he loved deeply, serving his neighbors with a warm smile every day. His greatest pride, though, was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, and their three sons, Jake, Jayson, and Brody. Chip also leaves ...

Colleen Abramo (nee Helmer) passed away on Sunday morning, March 22nd after a long illness. Born in Texas, she moved to New Jersey as a young girl, married Alfred Abramo of Union City in 1954, and resided in Hudson County, with a two-year relocation to Colorado from 1967 to 1969. (Shout out to the Vail family!) In 1975 the family moved to Hopatcong, and, in 1994, relocated to her final address in Forked River. In her younger years, Colleen was a homemaker, lovingly caring for her three ...

James Patrick Kennelly, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at his home in Forked River NJ. Jim was born on January 2, 1938 in Bayonne, NJ, the son of John and Helen Kennelly. He attended St. Patrick High School where he met the love of his life, Marianne Zlotek, of Elizabeth NJ. The two of them were selected to participate in a radio show together and the rest is history. They were married for 68 years and together raised five children. Jim was a beloved husband and ...

Robert James Gundersen Jr., born August 7, 1948, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital on March 21, 2026. Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his beloved wife of three years, Geraldine Reason; his six children; his sons-in-law and daughters-in-law; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his ...

Michael R. Stefanick, Sr. age 102, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026 peacefully at home in Forked River. He had been a resident of Lacey Township since the 1980's. Michael was born on October 29,1923 in Linden, New Jersey. He served in the US Army VI Sixth Core 3rd Infantry at the Battle of Anzio in WW II and he was stationed in Italy and South Africa throughout his career. Michael is a two-time recipient of the Purple Heart and he also received two Silver Stars for his ...