Honoring Your Loved One
For Over 55 Years
Byram Twp. Mr. Roger C Rousch, Jr, 69, died on July 21, 2024 at his home. He was born in Morristown and grew up in Landing. He lived in Landing at Lake Rogerene for many years and was also a resident of Byram Twp for 35 years. He was a 1974 graduate of Roxbury High School and later joined the U S Marine Corps. He worked as a truck driver for the Teamsters Union Local 408 in Union City for many years, and previously worked for Garden State Asphalt in Hackettstown for 23 years.
He is survived by his son Andrew A (and his wife Anna) of Lake Rogerene. He was the son of the late Roger C Rousch, Sr and Mary Ann (Schilling) Rousch.
Friends may visit at the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Wednesday (July 24th), from 4 – 6 pm. A repast will follow at the Stanhope American Legion Hall.
Roxbury Township, Mr. Stephen R. Shulkowski, 86, died on July 21, 2024, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover, NJ. He was born in Jersey City, NJ as the only child to Steven and Anna Shulkowski, and raised in Bayonne, NJ. After graduating from St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country on the USS Newport News until 1959. Following his military service, in 1962 he met the love of his life, Mary Jean. They were married in 1963 and lived in Kearny, NJ, where they had three children. In 1976, Steve and his family moved to Roxbury, NJ, where, as a parishioner of St. Therese R C Church, he would live until he was called home to heaven.
Steve was a graduate of Rutgers University and spent his entire 40-year professional career working in Information Technology at AT&T in various locations across Northern New Jersey. Even though he enjoyed a successful career, Steve’s most important priority in life was his marriage and family. Steve and Mary Jean were blessed to share an unconditional love from the moment they met at the High Hat in Bayonne on Mary Jean’s 19th birthday. They didn’t know it at the time, but they were about to embark on a special and unique 61-year love story, characterized by support, compassion, respect, and humor. They were an inseparable couple who modeled true loyalty and dedication to their children and others.
Steve had a passion for travel, and after seeing the world during his time in the Navy, he and Mary Jean enjoyed many travel adventures including wonderful trips to their favorite place, Aruba. Back home, he loved coaching and watching his kids play sports and could recall every detail of every game he ever saw. Steve also enjoyed spending time on his deck, sipping cosmos with Mary Jean, and hosting pool parties with his children, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Later in life, Steve became the proud grandfather to his 11 grandchildren and loved hosting them at the family house, often enjoying late night snacks and conversations around the kitchen table on Ridge Road. He had a special and unique connection with each of his children and grandchildren who all loved him so much. With a warm and authentic nature, Steve always had a smile on his face. He never hesitated to strike up a conversation with friends and strangers alike and brought joy and happiness to all around him.
Steve was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he earned Third Degree Knight status. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and a volunteer at the Atlantic Federal Credit Union.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Jean (Spiotto) Shulkowski, and by his children Stephanie (Carmen) Gambone, Stephen (Deborah) Shulkowski, and Amy (Joseph) Cusack, and grandchildren Valerie (Ryan), Stephanie (William), Dominic (Karley), Natalie, Max, Aurelie, Quinn, James, Victoria, Abby Lena, and Jackson.
Friends may visit at the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Thursday, July 25th, 2024, from 4 – 7 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10 am, followed by Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/).
Roxbury Township, Mrs. Eleanor J Begraft, 94, died on July 11, 2024 at the House of the Good Shepherd Home in Hackettstown. She was born in Dover and lived in Succasunna for many years. She then moved with her husband to Spring Hill, FL in 1997 and later to Hackettstown in 2017.
Eleanor graduated from Roxbury High School in 1948 and Orange Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. In 1972 she received her bachelor’s Degree from Jersey City State College. Eleanor retired from Roxbury High School, where she was a school nurse for 25 years. Previously she was a Registered Nurse at Greystone Hospital.
Eleanor was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Ferro Monte Chapter, in Ledgewood, NJ. She was also an avid golfer and a member of the Timber Pines Country Club in Spring Hill, FL, and the Dunes Women’s Golf League in Brooksville Florida Gap Country Club in Pennsylvania.
She was predeceased by her husband Edward, of 63 years, in 2014, her parents; Alfred H Garrigus and Mary S Garrigus, sisters; Rose White of WI, Ida Pavao of NJ, Marilyn Finn of CA, brothers; Richard Garrigus of TX, and Alfred Garrigus of NJ.
She is survived by her sons; Craig Begraft and his wife Debra of Kenvil, NJ and Scott Begraft of Andover, NJ, grandchildren; Kevin Begraft (and Jennifer), Sean Begraft and Ashley Kryznefski (and Michael), and by her great grandchildren; Audrey Begraft, Kelsey Begraft, Benjamin Kryznefski, and Samuel Kryznefski.
Friends may vis it at the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Friday, July 19thfrom 4 – 7 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 20th, 2024 at 11 am, followed by the interment at the Succasunna Presbyterian Cemetery.
Roxbury Township, Mrs. Dolores Irene Cracraft Kiminkinen, 82, died on June 26, 2024 at the Morristown Medical Center. She was born in New Castle, PA on October 20, 1941 and was the daughter of the late Francis (Cocky) Edith (nee Lot) Cracraft.
Dolores graduated with honors from Union Township High School and received a four year scholarship from the Carbon Limestone Company where her father worked. She attended Slippery Rock University starting at the age of 16. She then became President of her sorority Alpha Episilon Delta and was honored to become a member of Mu Kappa Gamma, honorary music fraternity and the Gamma Theta Upsilon, honorary Geography Fraternity. She graduated in 1962 with a B S in Education.
She began her teaching career with the Wilmington Area Jr. School System in the New Bedford Building. She taught third grade from 1962 – 1965. She completed her Master’s Degree in July, 1965 from the Westminster College.
She married her husband Larry David Kiminkinen on August 1, 1964. They moved to Succasunna where they bought their only home on their first Anniversary. Dolores began a long teaching career for the Randolph Township School System from 1965 – 2003. She had 35 years of service.
Dolores had 2 daughters; Darce Lesko (and her husband Craig) of Blakeslee, PA and Darla Kiminkinen of Forked River, NJ. She also leaves her 4 grandchildren Ashlee (and Lex) Lamoreaux, Zachary and Alexa Lesko and Krystyanna Levine, her 2 great grandchildren; Rhiannon and Finn, and her sister Darlene Cracraft of Edinburg, PA.
Dolores was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna where she formerly sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and belonged to the Esther Circle. She was also a member of the Morris County Retired Teachers Association, the NJEA, NEA, AARR, and was a former member of the Dover Women’s Club.
She was an avid snowmobiler and was a safety instructor for many years with her husband. Dolores loved to read, travel, play cards, dance, and be involved with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Friends may visit at the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Sunday (June 30th), from 2 – 5 pm, and on Monday (July 1st) from 7 – 9 pm.
The Funeral Service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna at 11 am on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. The interment will then follow at the Church Cemetery. All are then invited to a luncheon with her family in the Church Hall.
George Kenneth Finckenor, 93, of Mount Arlington, NJ, passed away on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024.
Growing up in Jersey City, NJ, George lost his father at 8 years old and learned quickly what it meant to be resourceful and grateful for the opportunities that came his way. The younger of two children, he graduated from Saint Peter’s University with BA. After serving in Baltimore as an officer for the Army Chemical Corps, George returned to New Jersey to earn his MBA from Rutgers University.
George had a long and colorful career following the birth of technology and computing in our country. He spent most of his career working in NYC, feeding his adventurous spirit and loving the diversity of characters, food, and culture. Later in life, George took the civil service exam and ended his career working for the State of NJ. Though not officially a police officer, his role was considered “law enforcement”, a status that he enjoyed to the fullest! Throughout his life, George was a fan of the arts. In his retirement, he indulged that love by taking painting, photography, and sculpture classes.
George was a prolific storyteller. As part of the Greatest Generation, he regaled his family and friends with stories of the colorful characters of Jersey City. He relished reminiscing about being a young man making his way in the golden age of our country – when regular guys hung out in the local bar and fun was good, clean fun. He was a competitive game player and silent, but deadly Scrabble player, spending many afternoons playing with his son and wife. He enjoyed bridge and poker, and played decades-long games of backgammon and gin rummy with his wife of 60 years, Gloria. He traveled the world with Gloria, visiting dozens of countries. In January 2000, at the age of 69, George traveled solo to Antarctica, fulfilling his life goal of visiting every continent on our planet.
Generous and kind, George mentored and counseled several men getting back on their feet and was always moved to give to those in need. He was a devout Catholic and lived the Christian values of kindness, generosity, empathy, and forgiveness – always assuming the best in others and supporting those around him. George was an active community member, giving his time, energy, and knowledge to Fayson Lakes, his parish, and serving on the inaugural board of his community in Mt. Arlington.
As he aged, the greatest story George told was the marvel of his own life. He spoke over and over about his gratitude, luck, and wonder of being a “poor kid from Jersey City” who built a life surrounded by love, blessings, and a beautiful family. Clear on how blessed he was, he lived the last years of his life steeped in gratitude for his beautiful wife, family, home, and legacy.
George Kenneth was predeceased by his son, George Edward, and his brother, Larry. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Finckenor; his daughters, Mary, Karen, and Christine Finckenor; his sons-in-law, David Morris and Keven McDonald; his beloved grandchildren, Teagan and James Morris; and many loving extended family and friends.
Services honoring George’s life will be conducted on Saturday, July 13th. Visitation and remembrance will be held at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St, Succasunna, NJ 07876 from 9:00-10:30 am followed by a funeral mass at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 am, both in Succasunna, NJ.
If you are moved to honor George, in lieu of flowers, the Finckenor family requests that donations in his memory be made to Fountain House or the Market Street Mission.
Roxbury Township, Mr. Fred Pisorchik, Jr., 86, died on June 21, 2024 at his home with his family surrounding him. He was born in Newton, NJ and moved to Landing, NJ in 1968. He served in the U S Army from 1960 – 1966. He then worked as a butcher for Ronetco Shop-Rite for many years and retired in January 2005. He was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna.
Fred is predeceased by his mother – Violet (Dunfee) Pisorchik, father – Fred Pisorchik, Sr., sister – Barbara (Pisorchik) Naughright and brother – Russell Pisorchik.
Fred is predeceased by his foster mother – Katherine (Koenderman) Potten, father – Eugene A. Potten and brother, Eugene Potten.
He is survived by his wife Georganne (Howell) Pisorchik of (60) years, his children, Kim E. (Pisorchik) Smith & Kenneth Smith, Jr., Fred Pisorchik, III and his grandchildren, Kenneth Lee Smith III & Amanda Wager, Maura Sage Smith & Thomas Tusinac, and Sean Clarence Smith.
He is also survived by his foster siblings, Susan (Potten) Lumbert, Dennis Potten, Cathy (Potten) Patrie and Linda (Potten) Pilch.
Fred was blessed with many nieces and nephews from both families and many extended family and friends, too numerous to mention.
He graduated from Roxbury High School in 1957 after enjoying the great sports of Track, Football and Wrestling. Based on his love of his sports background in High School, Fred and his dear friend, Bill Babus went to every sports event imaginable within the surrounding area of Roxbury. As such, they were awarded the “Friend of the Gaels 2012-2013” for the support of athletic programs.
Georganne & Family were incredibly blessed and grateful for Fred’s (two girlfriends) Nurse, Helen Primavera and Aide, Anita Jainarine. The care and support from these two women was compassionate, devout and steadfast.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna – 99 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876 or VNA of Northern, New Jersey (Hospice) – 175 South Street, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960.
The Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 20, 2024 followed by a lunch in the Church Hall at 1:00. Interment will be held at 3:30 at Beemerville Cemetery – County Road 519, Wantage, NJ (Sussex County) – directions will be available if needed.
Arrangements by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com).
Mt Arlington, NJ Mrs. Joanne Elizabeth Hughes, 85, died May 31, 2024, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover. She was born in Tuxedo, NY, and lived in Succasunna before moving to Mt. Arlington. She was a retired Special Education Teacher for the Dover District Schools for 30-plus years. She was also a member of the NJEA. She enjoyed and participated in the Roxbury Senior Citizens Club as past president and treasurer.
Joanne was dedicated and involved in her church of trustees in High Bridge, NJ. Her love for her family and baseball filled her time as a faithful grandmother and Yankee fan.
Joanne is survived by her son, Jeffrey Andrew Hughes, and daughter, Janett D. Hughes-Rougeau, who will continue to cherish her memory. Joanne is predeceased in death by her husband, John B. Hughes, and by her two children, Joseph C. Hughes, and John B Hughes Jr. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
A memorial service to honor Mrs. Joanne Elizabeth Hughes’s life will be held at the High Bridge United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The church is at 36 Church Street, High Bridge, NJ 08829. We invite all who knew and loved Mrs. Hughes to join us in celebrating her life.
Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876. 973-584-7264
Ronald Jolly was born on November 7, 1936 in Paisley, Scotland and died at home in Toms River, NJ on May 24, 2024. He was the son of Alexander and Roseanne (McCann) Jolly.
Ron grew up in Scotland during WWII, surviving Hitler’s bombings over Scotland by hiding in a shelter his father had dug out for the family before going off to war. His father served in France with the British Army. Ron’s mother was conscripted to work long hours in a factory making communication equipment and bombs while Ron and his brothers fended for themselves. There was often little to eat at home.
Ron’s father returned from the war to work in the Paisley textile mills while his mother raised Ron and his three brothers. His parents worked hard, never drove a car or owned their own home. Ron had a traditional Scottish education and then trained to become a barber and hair stylist. At 17 Ron joined the British Army and was stationed in Malaya for 3 years, earning medals during the Communist insurgency.
Upon returning home to Scotland after his Army service, Ron joined the rest of his family in emigrating to the United States. Residing in North Arlington and Kearny NJ, Ron worked for Minute Man Missile for about 15 years. Later he enjoyed working as a night manager for the then popular bar and restaurant “Eagan’s” in Kearny. Eventually, he saved enough money to buy a small house in Toms River, where he moved and took care of his elderly widowed father.
Ron married Rhea E. Gualandi on September 10, 1994 at the Union Church in Seaside Park, NJ. On January 18, 1996 he became the proud father of daughter Rosemary R. Jolly whom he helped raise and care for while attending to male patients as a home health aide. He loved being a “Mr. Mom.”
In keeping with Scottish tradition, Ron enjoyed telling long stories about his early life in Scotland, his family and friends and life in the British Army. Ron was also devoted to breeding and raising canaries, gardening and the care of his dogs.
Ron is survived by his wife Rhea and daughter Rosemary; his sister in law Anna Gualandi and husband John Mason and sister in law Paula (Gualandi) Capogna, wife of the late Tony Capogna; and nieces Erica (Mason) West and Teresa (Mason) Leder, and nephew Michael and wife Alesha Capogna and grand nephew Dean Capogna.
Ron is survived by his brother John and his wife Josephine and Josephine’s sister Sarah Maloney. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister in law Alexander and Audrey Jolly, who are survived by their daughter Laura, her husband Frank Muschkat and their son Alexander. Also surviving are Alexander and Audrey’s son Kyle. Ron was also preceded in death by his brother Thomas Jolly, who is survived by his wife Beate and their son Todd.
Ron will be laid to rest at a graveside ceremony for relatives and friends in First Presbyterian Cemetery in Succasunna, NJ at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 28.
Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264. (davishepplewhitefh.com)
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Davis and Hepplewhite have been making it as simple as possible for grieving families to create meaningful tributes for their loved ones for over 50 years.
