Honoring Your Loved One
For Over 55 Years
Mine Hill, Mr. John H. Gunther Jr., 84, died on Monday, October 27th, 2025. He was born on November 26, 1940 in Dover, NJ and grew up in Randolph, NJ before moving to Dover and Long Valley before moving to Mine Hill for 40yrs.
After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the army and served as a Field Artillery Specialist during the Vietnam Era. Upon completion of his service, he went onto working for Picatinny Arsenal where he worked in the Transportation Department driving explosives until his retirement after 37 years. John, loved NASCAR, loved the outdoors and his garden, which he would share his bounty with others. He was an avid weather observer. He loved his Yankees. He was a member of the NARFE & William J. Ryan, Chapter No., 424.
He is predeceased by his wife Daisy D Gunther of 47 years, his parents John and Daisy (Hand) Gunther, his daughter Sharon Lesko, Allentown and Grandson Brendan Goldman, West Monroe, NY. He is survived by his remaining 3 children; Mark Morrison, Flanders, Bonnie Gunther, Mine Hill, NJ and Deborah Mifsud, Hopatcong, NJ, 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held graveside at Locust Hill Cemetery on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 11:00am. Arrangements are being made through Davis and Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ. (973-584-7264).
Bernards Township, Mr. Robert Francis Ames, 84, died on October 25, 2025 at his home. He was born in Plainfield, NJ and lived in North Plainfield, before moving to Bernards Township in 1958. He was the owner and operator of a Used Car Lot in Plainfield.
He was predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Robertof Flemington, nephew Ted Hildum Ames and is survived by his brother Richard Ames of Scotch Plains, NJ, and sister Priscilla Hildum of Rochester, MI. He also leaves his nephew Geoff F Ames of Succasunna, NJ nieces Valerie Giacomo of Denville and Vicki Terelle of Flemington, nephew Ted Hildum of San rancisco, CA, Nephew Rob Hildum oBend, Oregon, and Nephew David Hildum of Cambridge, MA.
Friends may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 on Tuesday, November 4th, from 4 – 6 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at 5 pm at the Funeral Home.
Joseph “Joe” Raymond Morodan passed away on October 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Tewksbury to Julius and Camilla Morodan, grew up in Belleville, and later moved to Succasunna to raise his family.
“Hilltop,” he would say every time he picked up the phone — a cheerful echo of the gas station he owned for decades and a small, steady reminder of a life built on hard work. He carried that same spirit into everything he did — loyal to his family, supportive of his friends, and always ready to lend a hand or share a story.
Joe was the kind of man you could tell anything to — kind and endlessly giving. He cared for his wife of 50 years, Sylvia (predeceased), in ways no one else could, and his love for her never faded. According to Joe, they never had a fight… that he won.
Their home was a place of refuge — filled with warmth, food, and unconditional acceptance. There was always so much love at the Morodans’. Joe and Sylvia built a life that welcomed everyone, but their hearts belonged most to their daughters, Nicole and Jennifer. In the early years, Joe drove them to school in everything from tow trucks to limousines, depending on which car he was road-testing that day. Later, he’d wait up in his recliner until the girls made it home safe.
To his three grandchildren — Riley, Hailey, and Chloe — he was Poppy. Poppy would do anything for his girls, always making sure they were spoiled beyond measure.
To many people, he was simply “Uncle Joe.” When his niece, Michelle, opened her bagel shop in Mount Arlington, he was there from the start — fixing, lifting, encouraging. He poured (and drank) a lot of coffee, swept floors, and ate more than his share of bagels, earning himself the namesake Uncle Joe sandwich. In that shop, surrounded by laughter and customers who loved him as much as family did, he became everyone’s uncle.
Joe had a love–hate relationship with the New York Giants. “This is what they do,” he’d say as they went from a near shutout to losing the game, shaking his head. He loved family trips to Wildwood, gambling runs to Atlantic City, and Jersey corn, peaches, and tomatoes in the summer. He could eat pasta for every meal, sit on the porch for hours with Rocky and Little Joe sipping a glass of vino, and was happiest surrounded by food, laughter, and the people he loved. Whether he was making zeppoles with Sylvia or sharing one of his classic sayings — “It is what it is,” “Let me tell you something,” or the unforgettable “I’m falling through my a$$” — Joe brought humor and heart to every situation.
Even in his final years, when life grew difficult, Joe never stopped giving. He remained the same generous soul who welcomed everyone — the friend who sat at hospital bedsides, the man who bought too much pasta and Rao’s sauce, and the one who always said yes when someone needed help.
Joe leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and love — carried on by his daughters Nicole (and Rich) Fachet of New Providence, NJ, and Jennifer (and Avery) Kowalski of Wallingford, CT; his grandchildren Riley Kowalski, Hailey Fachet, and Chloe Fachet; his many nieces and nephews, including Scott Smith, Michelle (and Eric) Fowler, Talia and Gregory Colananni; great-nephews Anthony and Bailey Smith, Stephen and Nicholas Fowler; great-niece Sierra Smith; sisters Anne Holl and Barbara Melillo, and the countless people lucky enough to have known him.
We find peace in knowing that Joe and Sylvia are together again — making zeppoles, watching the Giants blow another lead, and shaking their heads, saying, “This is what they do.”
A memorial service and mass will be held at St. Therese Church,151 Main St, Succasunna, NJ, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10 am. In honor of Joe, please donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com)
Luther Donald Hellyer, 70, died on October 9, 2025 at the Morristown Medical Center. He was born in Morristown and grew up on Walnut Hill Farm in Gladstone, NJ. He moved to Succasunna 43 years ago. He was a lifelong landscaper, gardener, and farmer. Most recently employed by Fischer-Thompson Beverages in Flanders, he enjoyed his yard and garden, his fishpond, his dog, playing golf, and most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Luther is survived by his wife of 43 years Robin (Sebastian) Hellyer, and by his children: son Jesse Hellyer and wife Christine, daughter Kaitlyn Hellyer and Colin Burns; his grandchildren Charlotte, Cecilia, and Jonathan Hellyer; his sisters Rebecca Barbieri and Catherine Hoffman, his step-mother Maryellen Hellyer, and his dog Maggie.
The one and only original “Luth” was a light like no other. His childlike wonder, curiosity, and unique sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. His family will miss his regular sayings or “Luth-isms” most of all. Luth loved with his entire being and was equally beloved by all.
Friends may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ (973-584-7264) on Monday, October 13th, from 10 – 12 noon. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 12 noon, at the Funeral Home, followed by the interment at the Flanders Hillside Cemetery.
Mendham, New Jersey. Mrs. Elizabeth Patricia Melroy, 102, died on October 4, 2025 at the Holly
Manor Center in Mendham. She was born and raised in Dover, New Jersey and lived in Kenvil most
of her life before moving to Hackettstown and Mendham. She was a retired telephone operator for
NJ Bell Telephone in Netcong and a member of Saint Theresa’s RC church in Succasunna. She was
also a volunteer at the Hackettstown Methodist Church. While at Holly Manor, she enjoyed
socializing with her friends, listening to audio tapes and crocheting.
She was predeceased by her husband, Walter M Melroy in 1977. She is survived by her daughter,
Patricia Dale Heffelfinger and her husband Louis Cofrancisco, two granddaughters; Kelly and her
husband John and Irene and her husband Mark, and by her four great grandchildren; Britney,
Audrey, Madison and Jacob.
Friends may visit at Davis and Hepplewhite funeral home 96 Main St. Succasaunna, NJ
973-584-7264 on Friday, October 10 from 10 to 12 noon. The funeral service will be held on Friday
at 12 noon at the funeral home, followed by the intermittent at Locust Hill Cemetery in Dover.
Linda A. Gallitano
January 27, 1943 – September 25, 2025
Roxbury Township
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Linda A. Gallitano, on September 25, 2025, at the age of 82. A devoted mother, grandmother, and recently great-grandmother, Linda’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and creativity.
Born and raised in Flushing, NY, Linda spent 30 years in Elmwood Park, NJ, followed by another 30 in Manahawkin, NJ, before settling in Ledgewood, NJ in 2023 and more recently to the Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Randolph. Her journey through life was marked by grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to her family.
As a single mother raising three young daughters, Linda was a tireless provider and a constant source of love and encouragement. Despite long work hours, she never missed a school play, a parent-teacher conference, or a late-night heart-to-heart. Her home overflowed with laughter, warmth, and the beauty of her handmade quilts and paintings.
Linda was a woman of many talents and passions. An exceptional cook, she eagerly took classes to master new cuisines and techniques, always sharing her culinary discoveries with loved ones. Her artistic spirit shone through her vibrant paintings, which adorned her home with color and life. Her love of quilting was a cherished gift she passed down to her grandchildren—whether through lovingly crafted baby quilts or patient lessons during family visits.
Later in life, Linda met her soulmate, Gene, and together they modeled a marriage built on mutual respect, adventure, and tenderness. Their bond flourished as they traveled the country in their motorhome, discovering small towns, national parks, and hidden gems. Whether parked beside a quiet lake or swapping stories under the stars, their journey was one of deep connection and shared wonder. As members of the Gateway Winnies motorhome club, they formed lasting friendships with fellow travelers.
Even after retiring from her office job, Linda continued to share her kindness with the world. As a school bus aide, she greeted each child with a warm smile and gentle presence, turning daily rides into moments of comfort and joy. The children adored her, and her impact was felt far beyond the bus route. Her friendships with Mary, Marilyn, Judy, Bob, and Del brought laughter and cherished memories.
Linda was predeceased by her parents, Ann (née Warnells) and Frederick Hensel; her husband, Eugene Gallitano; her daughter, Marina Carrillo-ZiZack; and her brother, Frederick A. Hensel. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Ann Vitz (Timothy) and Loren Sheridan (Jay); her son-in-law, Ronald ZiZack; seven grandchildren—Gregory Vitz (Nicole Vogel), Jonathan Perske, Amanda ZiZack, Bryan Vitz, Olivia Maita (Greg), Keith Vitz, and Grace Sheridan—and one great-grandson, Brooks Maita.
Linda’s legacy is one of love—for her children, her craft, her partner, and the world she embraced with open arms. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in every quilt stitched with care, every recipe passed down, every brushstroke of color, every mile traveled, and every child who smiled because of her gentle heart.
In lieu of flowers we request that a donation be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/donate/ in memory of Linda Gallitano. Friends may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 on Wednesday, October 1st, from 5 – 8 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Thursday, October 2nd, at 10 am, at St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna.
Mercedes T. McGann
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.”
-from Proverbs 31
Mercedes T. McGann, age 98 of Lawrenceville, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025.
Mercedes was born in Bronx, NY on February 16, 1927, and was the daughter of the late Matilda and Theodore Soldati. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Gregory McGann, after 44 years of marriage, and her sisters Helen Mangano and Lorraine Dore. She is survived by her seven sons and spouses, Stephen and Helene of Glen Allen, VA, Kevin and Mary Jane of Randolph, NJ, Thomas and Luanne of Washingtonville, NY, Gregory and JoAnn of Lynchburg, VA, Andrew and Patricia of Mechanicsville, VA, Joseph and Kari of Stockton, NJ and Christopher and Christine of Lawrenceville, NJ: twenty-four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mercedes is also survived by her sister Dolores Torre, her brother-in-law Patrick Dore, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mercedes grew up with three sisters in the Bronx. She studied dance, especially ballet and had aspirations of being a Rockette, much to her Italian father’s chagrin. She loved New York City. Her first job was with the Electrolux Company in Manhattan. Mercedes and Greg met, married, and ascribed to the principle of “be fruitful and multiply”. When their two-bedroom, one bath apartment became a little crowded with five sons, the family moved to NJ finding a home in Succasunna, and Judy Road was never the same.
Mercedes welcomed all to her special home on Judy Road in Succasunna, NJ. New Sunrise Park was filled with so many dear friends and their families, and Judy Road was family to Mercedes, especially the neighbor girls who became her adopted daughters. Over the years Mercedes loved taking trips to Ocean Beach at the Jersey Shore. She loved the outdoors, walking every chance she had, and had an insatiable love of reading. Her love of history was topped off by her trip to Normandy Beach in France while vacationing with family. Her love of family brought her great joy. All who knew Mercedes will cherish wonderful memories of her including Christmas ravioli, thin gravy, the world’s greatest meatballs!, and her incredible love for others. She will be dearly missed and joyfully remembered.
Mercedes was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Succasunna for many years. While living in Succasunna, she enjoyed her work over the years at the Roxbury Medical Group, County College of Morris, and Picatinny Arsenal where Generals stood at attention when she walked by.
Visitation will be held at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 07876 on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 4 – 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church, 151 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876 on Tuesday, September 30th at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Succasunna Presbyterian Cemetery, 99 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Vanguard Landing in honor of Mercedes’ grandson, Konor McGann, at the following link: Vanguard Landing
The family would like to thank the staff at Brandywine Assisted Living in Princeton, NJ for their kindness and care, and of late, the staff at The Lawrence Rehab Hospital and Healthcare Center.
9/22/25 1:00pm
Kenneth Steve Mills passed quietly on Saturday, September 20th at his home in Jefferson, NJ. Kenneth was born at Dover General Hospital.
Ken played soccer when he was young; graduated from Mt. Olive High School; Weichert Real Estate School and held a NJ Real Estate License. He enjoyed the beach, travel, camping and was employed by Walmart Corp. in Newton and the Jefferson WAWA.
Ken was proud of his heritage and traveled to Scotland to visit relatives. His happy places include the NJ shore, Rehoboth Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Ocean City, MD. He also enjoyed spending a lot of time with his grandfather in the cab of the locomotive. His grandfather was the locomotive engineer.
Ken was predeceased by his Grandparents: Kenneth and Mabel Mills; Steve Stecko and Jessie (Livingston) Stecko and Uncle Walt Weglinski. He is survived by his father: Les Mills (and Julie); mother: Diane Stecko Russo; sister: Carrie Gilbert (and Mike); niece: Casey; nephew: Mike, Jr.; Uncle: Steve Stecko (and Ellen); aunts: Barbara Kerr, Donna Stecko Weglinski; stepmother Suzanne Taylor and several cousins.
Friends may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 973-584-7264 on Friday, September 26th, from 10 – 12 noon. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, at 12 noon at the Funeral Home, followed by the interment at the Union Cemetery in Hackettstown. The repass will then be held at the Black River Barn, Sussex Turnpike and Rt 10, Randolph, NJ
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