Obituaries - Keyport & Matawan, NJ

Services will be planned at a later date.

Joe D. Muzio, 25, of Aberdeen, formerly of Midland Beach (Staten Island), NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 5, 2020. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joe was a 2012 graduate of New Dorp High School in Staten Island, NY. A passionate and talented musician, Joe played the drums and the guitar. He played in many bands, performed in many venues and his talent took him to Alaska and California. Joe was in the process of recording his first official album and even has a song recorded...

Donald “Pete” Rumsey, 71, life-long resident of Keyport, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2019. Born in Long Branch to Donald and Elizabeth Rumsey, Pete was one of seven children. He grew up in Keyport, living in the same house his entire life. Pete served in the United States Army during Vietnam, and upon his return home, devoted his life to carpentry and worked as a contractor. He enjoyed working on his home and helping others with theirs, as well. Also a dedicated volunteer, Pete...

Jean Ann Cotter, 86, of Hazlet for 54 years, passed away Thursday, November 28th surrounded by her beloved family. Jean was born in Manhattan, New York to the late Frank and Anna Vara. Jean was a devoted parishioner of Holy Family RC Church in Union Beach and volunteered in their thrift shop. She worked for many years as a security guard for Bell Labs in Holmdel. Jean was also a member of the Bayshore Senior Center in Keansburg. An avid lover of music, she enjoyed singing and dancing and the...

Elizabeth R. Foer, 73, of Cheesequake Village in Matawan, NJ , formerly of Rutherford, passed away suddenly on November 19, 2019. Elizabeth was born in Newark to Philip and Elizabeth (Burke) Foer. Betsy was a devout communicant of Most Holy Redeemer RC Church in Matawan. She retired as Associate Director in the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office in Newark after many dedicated years of service. Prior to that she taught at Blessed Sacrament School in Newark. Betsy was predeceased...

Jean T. Knapp, of Nazareth, PA, formerly of Matawan, NJ, passed away on November 6, 2019 at Saucon Valley Manor in Hellerton, PA. Jean was born in Matawan, NJ to Robert and Theresa (Jocham) Thixton. She was a graduate of Matawan High School and then went on to earn her associates degree at Centenary College. She was predeceased by her parents, and in 1994 by her husband, William Knapp. She is survived by her children; Jean Stirrup and her husband Frank of Nazareth, PA, William May and...

Salvatore Motta, 92, of Spotswood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Beloved husband of 62 years to Sylvia (nee: Bobe). Devoted father of the late Thomas Motta and his surviving wife Eleanor, Margaret Anderson and husband Richard, Peter Motta and wife Mayra and Salvatore Motta, Jr. and wife Deirdre. Loving grandfather of Lisa (Laszlo) Todor, Christina (Anthony) Pelliccio, Thomas (Elizabeth) Motta, Christopher Motta, Jacquelyn Motta, Nicholas Motta, Celina (Newton) Brown,...

Eric Joseph Greenwood, 41, of Keansburg, passed away suddenly on October 25, 2019. Eric was born in Denville, NJ on June 8, 1978 and has been at his mother’s side ever since. He was a graduate of Kearny High School and attended Brookdale Community College before working in the construction industry. Eric was as kind, polite and loving man who was a friend to many and a brother to those who knew him. He was the only child of Jacque and father to his beloved daughter, Ava, who was his...

Karen Ann Kowal, 63, of Union Beach, formerly of Bayonne, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019. Beloved mother of Jamie Cebula, Michael Cebula and Melissa Cebula. Cherished grandmother of Camren Mitter. Devoted daughter of Rita Kowal and the late Ronald Kowal. Loving sister of Donna Cerreta and husband Gene, James Kowal and wife Joanne and Brian Kowal and wife Linda. Caring aunt of five nephews. Devoted partner and friend of Alex Rovan. Family and friends may visit Sunday, 4-8pm at the...

Margaret Loretta Gillard (nee: O’Brien), 80, a 53 year resident of Hazlet, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. Beloved wife of 58 years of Robert C. Gillard. Loving mother of Barbara Gillard, Margaret Bader and husband William, Anna Gillard, Jeanne Roby and husband Ronald and Mary Gillard. Cherished grandmother of Robert Gillard and wife Meaghan, Christopher Roby and wife Megan, Amanda Bader and fiancé Kyle Roman, Delaney Bader, Antonio Acuna-Gillard, Anna...