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 ...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Carol L. Kennett, lovingly also known as “Mema” to many on April 27, 2026 at the age of 79. Carol was born on January 28, 1947 in Somerville, NJ, she grew up in Toms River, NJ, and later found her home in Bayville, NJ in 1975. She was the beloved wife of the late Alan Kennett, sharing 56 years of love and marriage together. She was truly a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her. Her warmth, laughter and ...

Paul Michael Evans, 66, of Beachwood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, to his parents, Samuel P. Evans and Myra A. MacInnis Evans. He was raised in Point Pleasant, where he later met the love of his life, Kathleen. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family in Lacey Township. Paul dedicated over thirty years of his career to working for Verizon before ...

Charles H. Layton, 72 of Jackson, NJ, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, April 16, 2026.  He was born in Toms River, NJ, to his parents Julia Marie Fisher and William Ketchem Layton. Charles employment consisted of construction and his love of landscaping throughout his life. Charles loved hunting, fishing, playing football, basketball, and hanging out with his brother, sisters, and many cousins. Charles and his brother William Layton, Jr., had a great love of NASCAR ...

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 ...