OBITUARIES

Greater Media Newspapers prints obituaries as a free community service, at no charge to the families of the deceased or to the funeral homes that provide the information.

GEORGE D. SCHMIDT JR., 80, of Highlands died July 1 at New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home, Menlo Park section of Edison. Born in Newark, he relocated to Highlands in 1957. He was a welder and sheet metal mechanic, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Highlands. He served with the U.S. Marines during World War II. His memberships included the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 6902, Highlands, and the Sons of Norway Noreg Lodge No. 466, Marlboro. He was predeceased by his wife, Martha Schmidt in 2000. He is survived by two daughters, Georgina E. Grumbach of Long Branch, and Linda Storzieri of Highlands; his son, Richard Schmidt of Bethlehem, Pa.; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

GERARD "JERRY" GARIFINE, 95, of Long Branch died July 28 at home. Born in Stockton, he was a lifelong resident of Long Branch. He was the proprietor of Jerry’s Garage, Long Branch, retiring 25 years ago. He was a communicant of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch. His memberships included the Long Branch Benevolent Protective Order of Elks No. 742, and the Long Branch City Bowling League. He was predeceased by his wife, Anna E. DeStefano Garifine, in 1986; two brothers, Angelo and Roy Garifine; and three sisters, Reba Spalletta, Rosie Garifine and Carrie Setrin. He is survived by two sons, Michael Garifine of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Gerard "Noonie" Garifine Jr. of Long Branch; two sisters, Helen Autolino and Josie Manzi, both of Long Branch; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, followed by interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch.

ANN S. KIELY of Deal died Aug. 3 at home. Born in Monmouth Beach, she lived in Long Branch prior to moving to Deal in 1959. She was predeceased by her husband, John F. Kiely Sr., in 1966. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, John F. and Carolyn Kiely Jr. of Rumson; her daughter, Kathleen Kiely Stafford of Columbus, Ohio; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch. Interment was at Woodbine Cemetery, Oceanport.

DONALD V. PEASE, 84, of Middletown died Aug. 1 at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune. Born in Middletown, he was a lifelong resident. He was a self-employed craftsman for 50 years. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, New Monmouth section of Middletown. He was predeceased by his wife, Carrie Coder Pease, in 1972. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Steven Mamchak of Eatontown; two brothers, Edward Pease of Keansburg, and Harold Pease of Virginia Beach, Va.; his grandson, Robert Ender of Middletown; two nieces, Mary and Colleen Witz; and two nephews, Robert and Richard Pease. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to Middletown Historical Society, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo 07737.

LEON A. STROLLO SR., 73, of Sea Bright died July 26 at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune. Born in Long Branch, he resided there 50 years, and in Ocean Township for 20 years prior to moving to Sea Bright. He was a retired from the Long Branch-New York Railroad having worked there as a traffic manager for 18 years. He previously worked for Stearns Transportation for 19 years. He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II, as well as the Signal Corps. His hobbies included football, and he was a lifelong New York Giants fan. He is survived by two sons, Angelo Strollo of Eatontown, and Leon A. Strollo Jr. of Sea Bright; his brother, Carmen Strollo of Florida; and his sister, Margurite Bossone of Brielle. A funeral Mass was offered at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, followed by interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease and Information and Referral Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick 08901.