Obituaries

Gloria Sharp

Mrs. Sharp, 75, of Manchester Township, died Feb. 26, 2007, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She was born in Rumson and had lived in Long Branch before moving to Manchester 18 years ago. Prior to retiring in 1990, Mrs. Sharp was a sales associate at Sears, Ocean Township, for 20 years. She was predeceased in 1996 by her husband, Jack Sharp, and in 2000 by her longtime companion, Lou Mayer. Surviving are a son, Ronald Sharp of Florida; four daughters, Debra Sharp of Avon-by-the-Sea, Brenda Ward of Florida, Patricia Sharp of Ocean Gate and Linda Potter of the New Egypt section of Plumsted; a sister, Grace Peterson of Belmar; a brother, William McGirr of California; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The Clayton and McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township, was in charge of arrangements, which were private.

James R. Ruppert

Mr. Ruppert, 85, of Middletown, died March 13, 2007. Born in New York City, he resided in Middletown since 1973. He was Deputy Chief at Weehawken Fire Department for 35 years, retiring in 1984. he was also a crossing guard in Middletown. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a communicant of St. Leo The Great Roman Catholic Church, Lincroft section of Middletown. He was a member of Middletown Elks Post No. 2179. He was predeceased by two sisters, Madeline Cole and Frances Ruppert; and two brothers, Lawrence and Vincent Ruppert. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, James F. and Doreann Ruppert of Freehold; a daughter, Ellen Ruppert of Eatontown; a sister, Catherine Warncke of Middletown; and six grandchildren. A funeral liturgy was held at St. Leo's church. Burial was at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arnytown. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.

Vera J. Triana

Mrs. Triana, 66, of Long Branch, died March 3, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. Born in Colombia, she immigrated to the United States in 1963, and resided in Queens, N.Y., and Elizabeth, prior to relocating to the Monmouth County area. She was a bookkeeper at Steak Frites, New York City, for 15 years, retiring two years ago. She is survived by two sons, Michael Munoz of Moorestown, and James Munoz of Zurich, Switzerland; a daughter, Vicky Florez of Howell; her mother, Isabel Perez of Elizabeth; two brothers; two sisters; and six grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. Arrangements were by Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Cervical Cancer Research, 801 Broad St., Shrewsbury 07702.

Charles Straniero Sr.

Mr. Straniero, 79, of Matawan, died March 19, 2007, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. He was born in Hazlet. He was a maintenance worker at Hazlet School District. Prior to that, he was employed at National Lead 30 years, and did home repairs along with his son. He served with both the U.S. Army and navy during the Korean Conflict. He was predeceased by two brothers, Nick and John Straniero. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret; two daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Buddy Vergari of Matawan, and Mary and Tom Jones of Eatontown; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Chuck and Charlene Straniero Jr. of Jackson, and Eddie Straniero of Orlando, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be March 23 from 7-9 p.m., and march 24 from 9-11 a.m. at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 801 Broad St., Shrewsbury 07702; or the American Heart Association, 2550 Route 1, North Brunswick 08902-4301.