Obituaries

James Williamson

Mr. Williamson, 70, of Long Branch, died June 25, 2007, at St. Barnabas Hospice at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. Born in Jersey City, he resided in Hazlet and Kearny, prior to relocating to Long Branch eight years ago. He was predeceased by his father, James Williamson; a brother, Clark Williamson; and two nephews, Douglas and Christopher Williamson. He is survived by his mother, Constance Williamson of Keansburg; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Mary Ann Williamson of the Colonia section of Woodbridge; a sister-in-law, Vida Williamson of Neptune; his companion, Diane Dziesinta; a nephew; and a niece. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to Ladacin Network, 1701 Kneeley Blvd., Wanamassa 07712.

Kenneth R.Pelton

Mr. Pelton, 72, of Middletown, died June 30, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. Born in Rahway, he resided in Westfield prior to relocating to Middletown 42 years ago. He was an employee benefits specialist at American Brands, New York City, for 30 years, retiring in 1989. He served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a former president and director at the Council of America. An avid stock driver, he was a former owner and driver of stock cars at Wall Stadium. He enjoyed running, and completed the New York marathon. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol Hunnemann Pelton; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Lee and Carolyn Pelton of Toms River, Dave and Cindy Pelton of Wayne, Pa., Kevin and Arline Pelton of West Long Branch, and Steve Pelton of North Charleston, S.C.; a twin brother and sister-in-law, James and Rose Marie Pelton of South Plainfield; a brother-in-law, Art Hunnemann of Camden, Del.; and nine grandchildren. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106, New York City, NY 10087.

Lydia Ann Pawluk

Mrs. Pawluk, 67, of Salisbury, N.C., died June 24, 2007, at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury. She was born in Neptune and had lived in Jackson and Freehold before moving to Salisbury in 2005. Prior to retiring in 2005, Mrs. Pawluk was employed for many years as a school bus driver for the Howell Township Board of Education. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward Pawluk; and a son, Kenneth Hunt. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Susan Hunt of Midlothian, Va., and Daniel and Cathy Hunt of Greenville, S.C.; a daughter, Cynthia Hanson of Salisbury; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Edward and Carolyn Burkett of Salisbury, Joseph Burkett of Alpine, Calif., and Thomas and Gaylene Burkett of Dublin, Calif.; a sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Nick Altamura of Long Branch; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. A funeral service was held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township, followed by interment at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arnytown.

Gene A. Fitzgerald Sr.

Mr. Fitzgerald, 70, of Neptune City, died June 17, 2007, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Born in Long Branch, he resided there prior to relocating to Neptune City one year ago. He was a construction worker at Thomas Proctor Co., Long Branch, for 15 years, and an employee at the recycling plant for the city of Long Branch for 10 years. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Margaret Cazella Fitzgerald; a son and daughter-in-law, Gene and Terry Fitzgerald of Hazlet; two daughters and sons-in-law, Maryann and Ray Gabriel of Spotswood, and Elizabeth and Rick Ebner of West Long Branch; and six grandchildren. Entombment was at Woodbine Mausoleum, Oceanport. Arrangements were by Laurel Funeral Home, West Keansburg section of Hazlet.

Laura E. Weld

Mrs. Weld, 82, of Eatontown, died June 21, 2007, at home. Born in Altoona, Pa., she had resided in Fair Haven and Scobeyville before moving to Eatontown in 1978. She was predeceased by her husband, Everett V. Weld Sr., in 1997, and a son, Everett V. Weld Jr., in 1999. She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Gronostajski of Freehold; a granddaughter; and a great-grandson. Services were held under the direction of the Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold. Memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter, 200 Middlesex Turnpike, Iselin 08830.

Lois L. Nicola

Mrs. Nicola, 67, of Long Branch, died June 26, 2007, at Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation, Red Bank. Born in Brewer, Maine, she resided in Brick prior to relocating to Long Branch two years ago. She was a housekeeper at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. She was predeceased by her mother, Irene Gonyer. She is survived by a son, David J. Nicola of Long Branch. Entombment was at Woodbine Mausoleum, Oceanport. Arrangements were by John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1132, Fairfax, VA 22088-1132; American Cancer Society, 801 Broad St., Shrewsbury 07702.