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Motorcycle Passenger Killed In I-287 Crash Was HS Valedictorian Who Battled Rare Illness
A woman killed in a motorcycle crash last month on Interstate 287 is being remembered as a fearless leader, athlete, and scholar who never let her rare illness define her.
Tonya Reetz, 35, of Neshkoro, WI, died after being ejected from a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on northbound lanes in Bernards Township when the bike was involved in a crash on Saturday, June 21, Sgt. Charles Marchan said.
Reetz’s family says she lived a full and driven life — even while managing Bernard-Soulier Syndrome, a rare blood disorder. According to her obituary on the Leikness Funeral Home website, she “…
Sonia Castro, NJ Mom Who Endured Tragedy With Grace, Dies
Sonia Castro, a North Jersey mother and grandmother who spent her life putting family first while battling a rare genetic condition, died on Thursday, June 26, her family said.
Her death comes just six months after she lost her own mother to cancer, and nearly 12 years after the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Kiara, in 2013, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by her family.
“Sonia’s life was a powerful testament to strength and unwavering love,” writes Aida Castro, who launched the campaign to support Sonia’s surviving children and grandchildren.
She was the proud mother…
Mount Pleasant Father Dies Suddenly At 52: 'He Was Active, Strong, Never Missed Day's Work'
A heartbroken family is asking for the community’s help after the sudden death of a hardworking Westchester County husband and father who died of a massive heart attack at just 52 years old.
Lush Lumaj, a devoted father of two from Mount Pleasant, died on Sunday, June 29, after suffering an unexpected and fatal heart attack, according to a GoFundMe launched by his niece, Julie (Xhuljana) Bacaj.
"Lush’s passing was completely unexpected. He was active, strong, and never missed a day’s work," Bacaj wrote.
Born in Vermosh, Albania, Lumaj was remembered as a hardworking man who embo…
Community Rallies Around Family Of Chester Navy Vet, Father Of 4 Killed In Tragic Crash
Robert Jones was a man of quiet dignity and big heart, his loved ones said. Someone who was always ready with a joke, a smile, or a helping hand.
Now, after the 63-year-old father of four was tragically killed in a head-on crash earlier this month in Westbrook, his family needs the same support he freely gave.
“Bob was an amazing man,” said family member Shannon Smith. “He was quiet, lighthearted, and unassuming. He served his country in the Navy. He earned his master's degree without fanfare so that he could provide for his family. He was a very hard worker. Above all, he was a family man.…
Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful'
Westchester County is mourning the loss of local legend Herman S. Geist, a World War II hero, legal trailblazer, and the first-ever Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, who died at age 100.
Geist, an important figure in Westchester County public service, died on Saturday, June 28, according to his obituary.
Born on April 5, 1925, Geist lived an extraordinary century — a life defined, Westchester County officials say, by integrity, leadership, and a relentless commitment to community.
From the frontlines of World War II, where he served as a US Army lie…
Waldwick's John ‘Jack’ Schultz, Softball Coach, Dad, ALS Volunteer, Dies At 45
John “Jack” Schultz died after a long and courageous battle with illness, his family said.
Schultz, 59, spent months in intensive care before his passing, according to a GoFundMe launched by his brother, Kevin. As of Sunday, June 29, the campaign had raised more than $24,000 to help cover his medical and funeral expenses.
Schultz, who lived in Waldwick and Spring Lake, was known for his cutting wit, warm smile, and unwavering loyalty to the people and teams he loved, including the Yankees, the Giants, and Don Bosco, his family wrote in his obituary with Vander Plaat Funeral Home.
A dedicat…
Atlantic City Waitress Maddie Eberhardt Dies Suddenly, 26, Leaves Behind Devastated Family
A 26-year-old woman from Toms River has died suddenly, leaving behind a devastated family, countless friends, and a heartbroken community, loved ones said.
Madison “Maddie” Eberhardt passed away on Monday, June 23, according to her obituary with Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home.
“Maddie was a kind, sensitive, and caring soul who touched the lives of everyone around her,” wrote Kerri Platt, organizer of a GoFundMe campaign launched to help with funeral expenses. “She brought light and warmth wherever she went.”
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Ramsey HS Grad Youssef Nissan Dies, 25
Youssef “Joseph” Nissan of Ramsey died Saturday, June 21, at age 25, according to his obituary with CC Van Emburgh Funeral Home.
Born in Ridgewood, Youssef graduated from Ramsey High School in 2018 and earned his psychology degree from Rowan University in 2023, his obituary reads.
"Youssef brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and light into the lives of everyone who knew him," the obituary continues. "From an early age, he was known for his adventurous spirit, his kind and compassionate heart, and his remarkable ability to make others feel truly seen, heard, and loved."
A GoFundMe camp…
Sudden Death Of Religious Educator’s Brother Sparks Grief in Tight-Knit Briarcliff Parish
A tight-knit parish in Westchester County is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Ian Richards, a graduate student, poet, and artist remembered for his gentleness, creativity, and deep empathy.
Richards, the younger brother of Kevin Richards, Director of Religious Education at St. Theresa’s Parish in Briarcliff Manor, died unexpectedly in a swimming accident in Maryland on Saturday, June 21, according to a newly launched GoFundMe organized on behalf of his grieving family.
The fundraiser, which had raised more than $14,000 as of Wednesday, June 25, aims to help hi…
Pastor's Daughter, 21, Killed In Great Sacandaga Jet Ski Crash Remembered As 'Caring, Talented'
Tributes are pouring in for a young woman who died following a jet ski crash on Great Sacandaga Lake in Fulton County.
Grace Clark, 21, was killed when the jet ski she was operating collided with a pontoon boat just north of the Broadalbin Boat Launch on Monday evening, June 23, according to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Clark’s passenger, a 29-year-old man from Schoharie County, survived the impact and remains hospitalized at Albany Medical Center. Nobody on the pontoon boat was injured.
A preliminary investigation found that the boat was traveling at about 20 miles per hour, while …
Ridgewood Dads Unite After Sudden Loss Of One Of Their Own
The night before he died, Octavio Gonzalez was more full of life than ever.
He spent the evening laughing with one of his closest friends, Ahmad Oloumi, who said nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
“He was no different,” Oloumi said. “His typical jovial self.”
Which is why the news of Gonzalez’s sudden passing the next day, Sunday, June 22, came as such a shock.
Now, in the wake of his death, Oloumi and Ridgewood’s Dads’ Night, a nonprofit made up of fathers from two of the village’s elementary schools, have launched a GoFundMe to support Gonzalez’s wife, April, and their children, M…
Plainfield Teacher, Soccer Coach Joseph Colodne Dies Suddenly, 46
Multiple New Jersey school and soccer communities are mourning the sudden loss of Joseph “Joe” Colodne, a longtime educator and coach known for his passion, mentorship, and heart.
Colodne, of Fanwood, died unexpectedly Wednesday, June 18, loved ones announced. He was a history teacher at Plainfield High School and an assistant women’s soccer coach at Kean University.
“Joe was so many things,” said Kean women’s soccer head coach Brian Doherty. “A great coach, great mentor, great friend and more than that, just a great person.”
“He was more than just a coach in our program. He was an educato…
Joppa Teen Dies Suddenly Weeks Before Birthday: 'She Touched So Many'
A bright and loving Maryland teen who lit up every room is being remembered by those closest to her after her unexpected death at just 16 years old.
Lily Grace Elwood, of Joppa, died on Monday, June 9, just weeks shy of her 17th birthday.
Elwood was described as a kind, generous, and joyful soul by her family and friends, who say she touched countless lives in her short time.
Lily Elwood
GoFundMe
She was the beloved daughter of Christopher Robert Elwood and Tracey Lee Elwood, devoted sister to Karleigh, and cherished by her boyfriend, Jaden Riley, as well as a wide circle…
Lynn Hamilton, ‘Sanford And Son,’ ‘The Waltons’ Actress, Dies At 95
Lynn Hamilton, best known for her roles on The Waltons and Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 95.
Hamilton passed away in Chicago of natural causes, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson.
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She was surrounded by grandchildren, loved ones, and caregivers, he said.
Born Alzenia “Lynn” Hamilton-Jenkins, the legendary actress leaves behind a five-decade legacy in film, television, theater, and modeling.
She was widely recognize…
