Memorials
We are saddened as we look on this list.
We were hoping to see each one of these smiling faces one more time.
We wanted to hear their story.
This list reminds us of one of the reasons we are putting effort in coming together once again.
We were hoping to see each one of these smiling faces one more time.
We wanted to hear their story.
This list reminds us of one of the reasons we are putting effort in coming together once again.
Navy Veteran, Dentist, HCHS Graduate, Lived in Flemington
Dr. Brian J. Olmstead, a former Flemington resident, passed away on May 28, 2023, in Chester, Maryland at the age of 73.
Dr. Olmstead graduated from Hunterdon Central High School, Muhlenberg College and Georgetown University Dental School. After graduation from Georgetown, he served as a dental officer in the United States Navy at Camp Pendleton, California. He practiced dentistry in Maryland for many years.
A true Renaissance Man, he was an Eagle Scout, an avid golfer who enjoyed skiing with his son, an amateur astronomer who drove from Maryland to South Carolina in 2017 to photograph the total eclipse of the sun and was on a never ending search for the perfect shark's tooth on the beaches of Florida. At Hunterdon Central, he was a member of the school band, a cross country runner, a member of the track team and a varsity wrestler coached by the legendary Russell K. Riegel.
He was predeceased by his mother, Helen D. Olmstead, and by his father, Dr. Edwin V. Olmstead who was the first pathologist at the Hunterdon Medical Center when it opened in 1953.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan Olmstead of Ellicott City, Maryland, three grandchildren (Annie, James and Samuel Olmstead) and by two brothers, Christopher D. Olmstead of Atlanta, Georgia and Dr. Edwin J. Olmstead of Plymouth, Massachusetts, both former residents of Flemington and graduates of Hunterdon Central High School.
Dr. Brian J. Olmstead, a former Flemington resident, passed away on May 28, 2023, in Chester, Maryland at the age of 73.
Dr. Olmstead graduated from Hunterdon Central High School, Muhlenberg College and Georgetown University Dental School. After graduation from Georgetown, he served as a dental officer in the United States Navy at Camp Pendleton, California. He practiced dentistry in Maryland for many years.
A true Renaissance Man, he was an Eagle Scout, an avid golfer who enjoyed skiing with his son, an amateur astronomer who drove from Maryland to South Carolina in 2017 to photograph the total eclipse of the sun and was on a never ending search for the perfect shark's tooth on the beaches of Florida. At Hunterdon Central, he was a member of the school band, a cross country runner, a member of the track team and a varsity wrestler coached by the legendary Russell K. Riegel.
He was predeceased by his mother, Helen D. Olmstead, and by his father, Dr. Edwin V. Olmstead who was the first pathologist at the Hunterdon Medical Center when it opened in 1953.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan Olmstead of Ellicott City, Maryland, three grandchildren (Annie, James and Samuel Olmstead) and by two brothers, Christopher D. Olmstead of Atlanta, Georgia and Dr. Edwin J. Olmstead of Plymouth, Massachusetts, both former residents of Flemington and graduates of Hunterdon Central High School.
Singer-songwriter Aug 10, 1950 - April 21, 2023 On Friday, April 21, 2023, Michael C. Kratzer, 72, of Whiting, NJ, passed away at Deborah Heart & Lung Center in Browns Mills, NJ. Born in Trenton, NJ on August 10, 1950, he was the son of the late Alfred and Margaret (Agin) Kratzer. He grew up in Hunterdon County, NJ and graduated from Hunterdon Central High School in 1968. Michael was a talented singer-songwriter who spent years as a traveling troubadour. In addition to numerous venues in NJ, he performed his music for audiences in such places as Boston, MA; Bar Harbor, ME; across the Poconos in PA; Key West, FL; Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM. Those who saw him will remember his strong baritone voice and outlaw county persona. Later in life, Michael was part of a home restoration company comprised of fellow musicians. The successful enterprise completed work for numerous estates in the Princeton, NJ area. He retired in 2017. He is survived by his life partner, Marianne Kovack; her son Keith, and his wife Gilat; and beloved grandsons, Kai and Etan; brother Guy Kratzer; brother Alfred Kratzer, his wife, Desiree, and nephew, Chase; and many cousins. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Final arrangements are under the direction of Hancock Funeral Home LTD, 8018 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA.
ALLAN LAYTON OBITUARY
Hunterdon County Fire Marshall, life member and former chief of the East Whitehouse Fire Department, die-hard Notre Dame fan Allan R. Layton, 72, of Whitehouse passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at his home. He was born in Somerville on January 29, 1950, the only child of Allan A. and Miriam Ruth Quinn Layton. He was a lifelong resident of Whitehouse. Allan was the Hunterdon County Fire Marshall for 12 years until 2005 when the position was discontinued. He also served as the Fire Official for Tewksbury Township and Califon Borough. He had taught fire training classes at the Hunterdon County Fire Academy. Following his duties as Fire Marshall, Allan became a bus driver for Readington and Branchburg school systems, and lastly, for The Midland School until his retirement in 2020. Mr. Layton was a volunteer firefighter and life member of the East Whitehouse Fire Department for many decades having served as chief, president, and as a longtime secretary until four months ago. He was an avid baseball and softball player and later served as an umpire. He also was a bowler and bowled on several leagues in earlier days. He enjoyed stock racing and travelled all over to watch races. He once served on the pit crew at Flemington Speedway. He was a die-hard Notre Dame fan and enjoyed Nascar and constructing and collecting model cars. Allan was predeceased by his father, Allan A. Layton on April 14, 2011 and by his mother, Miriam Ruth Layton on June 2, 2018. Mr. Layton is survived by three sons, Allan R. Layton, Jr. of Flemington, Adam F. Layton of Whitehouse Station and Michael J. Layton and his wife, Amy, of Stockton; and two grandsons, Gavin and Stanley Layton. Relatives and friends may visit at the Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Bedminster on Wednesday, December 28 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 2:00pm. Interment at Bedminster Reformed Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the East Whitehouse Fire Department, P.O. Box 151, Whitehouse, NJ 08888. Layton Funeral Home 475 Main Street Bedminster, NJ 07921 (908) 234-0766
Published by The Hunterdon County Democrat from Dec. 27 to Dec. 29, 2022.
In trying to renew contact since the 50th Reunion, June 2018, we have learned that more classmates have passed.
Barry James Blazovic, most recently from Melbourne FL, passed away July 2018.
No obituary found.
Barry James Blazovic, most recently from Melbourne FL, passed away July 2018.
No obituary found.
Jacki Hiltey Hiller passed on February 10, 2022
Nancy Jo Godown, age 71 years, of Ringoes, NJ passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022, at Merwick Care and Rehab Center, Plainsboro, NJ.
Born in Doylestown, PA on June 12, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and M. Elaine Holcombe Kadezabek. She had resided in Hunterdon County, NJ all her life.
She was formerly employed as a bookkeeper for George Cortes, Bob Grom, and Argis Engineering.
Her family remembers her as a loving wife and sister. Additionally, she is remembered as a “trooper”, who “battled for years” and never gave up.
She was predeceased by her sister, the late Linda Dilts.
Surviving is her husband of 51 years, Robert “Bob” D. Godown; her siblings; Patricia Rynearson, of Ringoes, NJ, Betty Kadezabek, of Ringoes, NJ, and Robert Kadezabek, of Holland Township, NJ; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was also a member of The Amwell Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. All memorial contributions in Nancy’s name can be made there to The Amwell Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxillary, PO Box 76, Ringoes, NJ 08551 (email: avlax48@gmail.com).
Arrangements and cremation services will be private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.
For further information or to send online condolences, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.
Born in Doylestown, PA on June 12, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and M. Elaine Holcombe Kadezabek. She had resided in Hunterdon County, NJ all her life.
She was formerly employed as a bookkeeper for George Cortes, Bob Grom, and Argis Engineering.
Her family remembers her as a loving wife and sister. Additionally, she is remembered as a “trooper”, who “battled for years” and never gave up.
She was predeceased by her sister, the late Linda Dilts.
Surviving is her husband of 51 years, Robert “Bob” D. Godown; her siblings; Patricia Rynearson, of Ringoes, NJ, Betty Kadezabek, of Ringoes, NJ, and Robert Kadezabek, of Holland Township, NJ; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was also a member of The Amwell Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. All memorial contributions in Nancy’s name can be made there to The Amwell Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxillary, PO Box 76, Ringoes, NJ 08551 (email: avlax48@gmail.com).
Arrangements and cremation services will be private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.
For further information or to send online condolences, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.
James Edward Johnson, age 72, of Readington Twp., NJ passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp., NJ.
He was born on July 29, 1949 in Somerville, NJ. He was a lifelong resident of Hunterdon County. He spent his childhood in Lebanon where the Round Valley Reservoir is located before moving to Readington Twp.
He was the son of the late Chester and Helen Condrin Johnson.
James was the husband of Sharon L. Schnettler Johnson, celebrating 47 years of marriage.
He was a graduate of Hunterdon Central High School as well as the College of Emporia in Kansas.
He worked for Agway in Flemington, NJ for many years and also Hildebrant Nursery in Oldwick, NJ.
James was an avid knife collector.
Survivors in addition to his loving wife include two sons; Nicholas Johnson of Blacksburg, VA and Mark Johnson of North Hanover Twp., NJ. One granddaughter; Riley Johnson.
All services will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home in Lebanon, NJ.
Beloved mother, grandmother & sister, former Jerseyan, 71 Barbara C. Gaulrapp, 71 of Liverpool, NY formerly of Baldwinsville, NY was called home early on Christmas morning. Born on September 7, 1950 in Somerville, NJ, she was the daughter of the late William and Constance Kries. She was also predeceased by her husband, Roy Gaulrapp. Barbara is survived by her sister, Joanne (Bob) Harris of Geneseo, NY, her daughter, Marsha (Ryan) Beckley of Cicero, NY, her two sons, Jeffrey (Courtney Razzante) Gaulrapp of Baldwinsville, NY and Timothy (Morgan) Gaulrapp of Cicero, NY, along with her eight grandchildren. Barbara was a homemaker for most of her life, the church secretary at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and retired as an administrative assistant with James Square. She enjoyed singing in the church choir as well as being a member of the church council. She loved her weekly TOPS meetings as well as creating scrapbooks of her grandchildren. Services will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 in Baldwinsville, NY. She will be laid to rest at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Flemington, NJ on January 6, 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or https://donate3.cancer.org.
John J. Mirota, age 71 years, of Flemington, NJ passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, in the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ battling complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Born in Jersey City, NJ, of Irish American descent on August 2, 1950, he was the son of the late Joseph and Stefania Mosch Mirota. He had resided in Hunterdon County almost all his life, outside of attending college in Kansas where he studied business at the College of Emporia.
He worked as an expeditor for Unisys Corporation in Raritan Township, NJ, logistics for Foster Wheeler Corporation of Clinton, NJ and ended his career semi-retired at Walmart of Flemington.
John was an avid chess player and music lover. He especially enjoyed the Beatles and attending outdoor concerts. He also enjoyed going down the Jersey Shore to Belmar and playing company softball. Finally, his children remember him as a family man through and through, who cherished spending time with his family.
Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Daniel Mirota and Mariela Zeledon, of San Jose, CA; his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Mirota Fenton and Trevor Fenton, of Little Rock, AR; as well as his grandson, Tristan Mirota.
A Catholic Funeral Mass, under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, will take place on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 10:30 AM in St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment next to his parents will follow immediately after mass in Rural Hill Cemetery, Old Highway 28, White House, NJ. There are no public calling hours.
Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Knights of Columbus – Jubilee Council 3294, 105 Mine St, Flemington, NJ 08822.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.
For further information or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.
Gregg J. Buck Obituary
December 4, 1950 - February 8, 2021 (70 years old)
It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Gregg J. Buck of Saint Petersburg, Florida, born in Derby, Connecticut, who passed away at the age of 70, on February 8, 2021. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Gregg J. Buck to show support.
He was loved and cherished by many people including : his parents, William Jennings and Helen Buck (Small); his brothers, Gerald and George Buck; his daughters, Lauren Brown, Stephanie Buck, Victoria Buck and Julie Buck; and his grandchildren, Grayson Cain, Nathan Shafer, Fiona and Abigail Brown.
Janet M Barnes
February 2, 1950 - January 30, 2021
Janet M. Barnes, 70, of Harmony Township, NJ passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021 in New Eastwood in Easton.
Born February 2, 1950 in Elizabeth, NJ she was the daughter of the late Steven and Dolores (O'Kane) Murin.
She was in the accounts payable department with Quick Chek in Whitehouse Station, NJ before retirement. She enjoyed gardening, baking and sewing. She also really enjoyed game shows, especially the "America Says Game".
Janet is survived by a son Paul Barnes of Harmony Township; a daughter Tracy Frable (husband, Marvin) of Bangor, PA; a brother Steve Murin of Hillsborough, NJ; three granddaughters Autumn Handelong (Joshua), Brandy Frable and Amanda Ehrman; and 3 great-grandchildren, Jack, Gunner and Faith. She is predeceased by a daughter Jody.
Funeral services are private. There are no calling hours.
https://www.wilmingtoncares.com/obituary/larry-howard-teets/
Larry Howard Teets
April 20, 1950 - March 20, 2020
Larry Howard Teets 69, passed away at home on Friday, March 20, 2020.
No services planned at this time.
Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the ? Post a Condolence? tab below.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403
Beverly Hockenbury Van Dyke
Beverly Louise VanDyke, 70, of Tulsa, Oklaoma, passed on March 7, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on June 25, 1949 in Glen Gardner, New Jersey to John and Herma Hockenbury. Beverly was the last sibling of the family, two sisters and three brothers, Cathy, Margie, John and Robert Hockenbury and Allan Payne.
Beverly is survived by husband, Howard of 51 years; two sons, Craig and Keith Van Dyke; 3 grandchildren, Heather, Austin and Derek; 2 great-grandchildren, Isabella Rose and Jordan Ray.
Beverly put her love and attention into her family and in particular, grand and great-great grandchildren. She also very much enjoyed fishing.
Beverly worked for many years as a waitress, starting when still in high school. She also worked for 10 years as a home health aide until retiring in 2008 due to health issues. She was a 1968 graduate of Hunterdon Central High School, Flemington, New Jersey.
Beverly Louise VanDyke, 70, of Tulsa, Oklaoma, passed on March 7, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on June 25, 1949 in Glen Gardner, New Jersey to John and Herma Hockenbury. Beverly was the last sibling of the family, two sisters and three brothers, Cathy, Margie, John and Robert Hockenbury and Allan Payne.
Beverly is survived by husband, Howard of 51 years; two sons, Craig and Keith Van Dyke; 3 grandchildren, Heather, Austin and Derek; 2 great-grandchildren, Isabella Rose and Jordan Ray.
Beverly put her love and attention into her family and in particular, grand and great-great grandchildren. She also very much enjoyed fishing.
Beverly worked for many years as a waitress, starting when still in high school. She also worked for 10 years as a home health aide until retiring in 2008 due to health issues. She was a 1968 graduate of Hunterdon Central High School, Flemington, New Jersey.
Gerald Wayne Childers
March 7, 1950-October 29, 2018
March 7, 1950-October 29, 2018
Beverly Hills, Florida
Obituary for Kathleen E. Bush
Kathleen E. Bush, age 68 years, died Friday, November 30, 2018, at CareOne at Somerset Valley in Bound Brook NJ. She was a lifelong resident of Hunterdon County NJ.
Born March 20, 1950, in Trenton NJ, Katie was the daughter of the late William Dilts and Ruth (Young) Oceanak. At one time, she was the Hunterdon County Dairy Princess in the late 1960s.
She received her Master's Degree in Library Science from Rutgers University and worked as an Educational Media Specialist for the Franklin Township (Middlesex County) School system and retired from the Hillsborough Public School System in 2011.
Katie was a wonderful cook, preparing many family meals that will not be forgotten and spending time with her “Dessert Club” looking out for the next favorite ending to a good meal. She and her late husband, Bruce, traveled throughout the United States, taking memorable trips to Alaska and the western parts of the country, and the unforgettable times at the beach in Mystic Islands NJ. She loved collecting antiques, especially those from the former Bush Dairy in Flemington, and many colorful and unique teapots from around the world.
Some of Katie’s favorite pastimes included completing jigsaw puzzles and playing a great game of bridge with friends. She was an avid reader of anything she could get her hands on and was a frequent local book club member.
In addition to her parents, Katie was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Bush in 2018, her son Matthew in 2015 and her son Christopher in 2014, as well as her brother Russel Dilts, her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Charles Bauman, her brother-in-law, Robert F. Bush, and her in-laws, Robert and Dorothy Bush. She is survived by her granddaughter, Jocelyn Bush, her sister-in-law, Joyce Dilts, and her nieces, Tonya Gruchacz and Dawn Dilts, as well as her nephew, Bill Dilts.
A memorial service officiated by the Rev. James DeVries will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be private in Three Bridges Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday morning from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Katie’s name may be made to the Flemington-Raritan First Aid & Rescue Squad, PO Box 686, Flemington NJ 08822.
For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.
Bruce A. Bush, age 68 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 in the Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ.
Born in Somerville, NJ, June 2, 1950, he was the son of the late Robert F. and Dorothy Trimmer Bush.
Bruce worked for many years in the Shipping and Receiving Department of Johanna Foods.
An avid musician, Bruce played the bass guitar and trombone in many bands, including Fragile, Bandito, 519 South, Kicks, Blackjack, Shotguns, and the Mojo Gypsies, as well as the Blues Brothers Tribute Band.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sons, Matthew Bush in 2015 and Christopher Bush in 2014, and his brother, Robert F. Bush, Jr., in 2013. Surviving are his wife, Kathleen Dilts Bush; a granddaughter, Jocelyn Bush; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 4 PM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be private in Three Bridges Cemetery, Three Bridges, NJ. Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 2-4 PM in the funeral home.
Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.
Sadly, another name and face is added to this page:
John Karol Figa, Sr., age 68 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.
Born in Somerville, NJ, January 3, 1950, son of the late Leslie and Emily Joan Figa, John was a lifelong area resident.
A 1968 graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, John entered the United States Air Force upon graduation and served until 1972, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.
Upon his return, he entered Trenton State and earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He later would go on to earn his PMP (Project Management Professional) designation, of which he was most proud.
After graduation, John went to work for Davis-Standard as a Project Manager and worked there until retiring in 2016. He loved his work, and it provided him the opportunity to travel around the world working on various projects.
Additionally, he was the owner and operator of “The Hobby Shop”, located in the Flemington Shopping Center for many years.
John will be remembered not only for his strong work ethic, but also for his community involvements. He served on the Raritan Township Committee; as a Coach for Flemington-Raritan Baseball (where he was instrumental in getting lighting for the fields); and was a longtime communicant of St. Magdalen Church. He also enjoyed games of change and his poker face was legendary!
Most of all, John will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was the rock of the family, and had the patience of a Saint.
Always supportive, he was the one who would listen and give sound advice on almost any matter. He always pushed his children to live up to their potential, and always reminded them that no dream was out of reach.
Surviving three heart attacks, John developed lung cancer two years ago and the way he approached his diagnosis with hope, resilience, and always with positivity, will never be forgotten by all who knew him and will be forever inspired by him. He would want anyone reading this to remember and live by these words, ” Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us day by day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and forever dear.”
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, William Michael Dostal.
Surviving are his wife of forty-four years, Beverly Anne Dostal Figa, whom he married on September 29, 1973 at St. Magdalen Church on Park Avenue; his children, Victoria Anne and her husband, Christopher Loveless, John K. Figa, Jr., and Kevin William Figa; his grandchildren, Emily, Ryan, Megan and Payton Figa; a brother, Leslie Figa; a sister-in-law and her husband, Victoria and Charles Wilson; a sister-in-law, Mary Dostal; several extended family members; and many friends.
Family and friends may gather to celebrate John’s life on Monday, September 24, 2018 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Walter Wilktorek will follow the gathering beginning at 11:00 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, NJ.
Inurnment with full military honors will follow at St. Magdalen Cemetery, 99 North Main Street, Flemington, NJ.
Cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ was private under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Family Licensed Care Team.
Please visit John’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.
We also want to remember those we lost before graduation.
Robert Larsen
Larry Luster
Ken Zyck
