Obituaries

Tara A. Donovan, 51, of Manasquan, died Monday Aug. 30 at her home.

Tara was born in Staten Island, and lived in Bayonne before moving to the shore area 20 years ago.

She is survived by her daughter; Amy Shilling, her mother and father; Regina and Gerard Quigley of Toms River, her sisters and their husbands; Kathleen and Clifford Arnold - Jacksonville, Fla., Patricia and Horace Fern, Toms River, Joan and Art Pozner, Carmel, N.Y., Eileen and Hung Nguyen of Hawaii, Diane and Ozzie O’Keefe of Manasquan, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to St. Jude’s Childrens hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Denis Catholic Church, Manasquan.

Jersey Shore Cremation Service, Wall, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at jerseyshorecremation.com.

John C. Plisky, 71, of Lakewood, formerly of Manasquan, died Friday Aug. 27, at his home.

Born in Elizabeth, he lived in Linden, Manasquan for 30 years, and Point Pleasant for 12 years, before moving to Lakewood 2 months ago.

Mr. Plisky owned and operated John C. Plisky and Associates, in Brielle, for the past 30 years.

Mr. Plisky is survived by his wife, Diane [Meyer] and is also survived by two sons, John M. of Howell and James R. of Wall. He is also survived by one daughter, Jennifer Vido of Bel Air, Md., two sisters, Marilyn Blacker of Scotch Plains and Joan Kissel of Long Island, seven grandchildren, Henry and Samuel Vido, Matthew, Mark, Morgan, James Jr. and Thomas Plisky.

The Neary-Quinn Funeral Home, Manasquan, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Cape May Bird Observatory, 600 N. Delsea Dr., Cape May Court House, 08210-1324 or by calling 609-861-0700.

For more information or to post a tribute, visit www.neary-quinnfuneralhome.com.

Donald F. Lord, 87, of Fairway Mews, Spring Lake Heights and formerly of River Edge, returned to his Eternal Home on Wednesday Aug. 25 at his home, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family. Born on Nov. 13, 1922 in Bronx, N.Y., he was a graduate of Fordham Prep and Manhattan College. Upon entering WWII, Mr. Lord served his country as an officer in the United States Navy aboard the USS Harrison in the South Pacific, where he received medals for the European/Africa/Middle Eastern campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign,American Campaign, China Service and Occupation Service in Asia. After serving his country, Mr. Lord joined the FBI as a special agent in Washington, D.C. He was later transferred to the New York Office until his retirement in 1977. He was extremely proud of his commitment and was devoted to the FBI. Whenever asked about cases, smiling, he would use the proverbial quote, “If I told you, I would have to kill you.”

After his retirement, Mr. Lord formed a partnership as a government consultant, specializing in private investigation and security issues for the Department of the State. After moving to Fairway Mews in 1980, Mr. Lord became involved with the community serving on the local board of directors; was an avid golfer; one of the original FWM “Sharks” winning numerous awards and always known as a “true gentleman.” For many years he volunteered in various positions at Jersey Shore University Medical Center helping those in need. Mr. Lord was a dedicated Catholic and was a communicant of St. Catharine R.C. Church, Spring Lake, where he attended Mass every Sunday and Holy Days. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and by all who knew him.

Mr. Lord was predeceased by his first wife Irene [Foy] Lord and his brother Robert Clarkson Lord, of N.Y.C.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia [Murphy] Lord; his children, Christopher Lord and his wife, Cholpon, Gypsum, Colo.; John Lord and his wife Christina, Amherst, Mass.; his loving daughter, Patricia Lord, Sarasota, Fla.; granddaughters, Caroline and Clair Lord, Amherst, Mass; his sister-in-laws, Mary Jane Lord, Sarasota, Fla. and Greta Foy, Austin, Texas; his step-children, Denise Clayton and husband Jeff, Manasquan and Debra Bianco and her husband Robert, Pawtucket, R.I.; his step-grandson, Kyle Clayton and 23 nieces and nephews.

The Neary-Quinn Funeral Home, Manasquan, was in charge of arrangements. Entombment was in St. Catharine Cemetery, in Wall.

For more information or to post a tribute, please visit www.neary-quinnfuneralhome.com.

Helen J. Reynolds, 92, of Waterloo, Wisc., formerly of Manasquan, died Thursday, Aug. 26 at Columbus Nursing and Rehab.

Helen was born in June 1, 1918 in Red Valley, the daughter of David and Nellie [Rose] Johnson. She married James A. Reynolds on May 14, 1938 in Manasquan. Helen worked as a savings and loan officer before retiring to Florida. She was a member of Waterloo United Methodist Church, The Grange, Square Dance Club and volunteer fire department auxiliary in New Jersey.

She was also an active volunteer with Hospice, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and Habitat for Humanity, all in Florida.

Survivors include: son James [Bobbi] Reynolds of Waterloo; daughter-in-law Nancy Reynolds of Brick; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and also a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband James in 1978; son Nat in 2001; two brothers and one sister.

Memorials to Waterloo United Church would be appreciated.

Pederson Funeral Home, Waterloo, is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.pedersonfuneralhomes.com.

Elysabethe Helen Opdyke McClellan, 92, of Ocean Grove, with family in Wall, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, at Manor by the Sea, Ocean Grove.

She was born in Asbury Park on Aug. 29, 1917 and raised in Asbury Park. Elysabethe graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1935 and graduated from Hood College in Frederick, Md. with a B.A. in art history. After college she worked as a laboratory technician at Monmouth Medical Center, in Long Branch. She met and married the love of her life, Ora X. McClellan, in 1942. In 1947, they designed and built a house in Deal Park. They lived and raised three children in the house. She and her husband owned and worked together at Shore Awning in Avon for many years. In 2005 she moved to Four Seasons in Lakewood with her daughter, Ruth Ann. She enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, gardening, swimming and reading.

She was predeceased by her parents Chester and Ruth Opdyke, a brother Chester Opdyke, Jr. and her husband Ora X. McClellan.

Surviving are her brother William Opdyke, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; her three children Ruth Ann McClellan of Lakewood, Nancy McClellan Dee of Islamorada, Fla. and Michael and Laurie McClellan of Wall. Elysabethe is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan. Interment was in Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls. Flowers may be sent to the graveside and donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 678 Fifth Street, Lakewood, 08701. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.orenderamilyhome.com.

Johanna A. Langella, known as Lovey, with family in Manasquan, died on Aug. 25.

Born and raised in Bayonne as the youngest of nine, Lovey met and married the love of her life, Jack Langella. Together, they lived in Bayonne before moving to Cranford to raise their two sons, Jack Jr. and Chris. Lovey and Jack Sr. were members of St. Michael’s Church in Cranford, and Lovey was active in the Rosary Society. She was a member of the Echo Lake Country Club. She was a special lady who will be missed by many.

Lovey was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Jack Sr.; her parents, Theodore and Isabella Lough; and her siblings. She leaves her son, Jack Jr. and wife, Barbara of Manasquan; and son, Chris and wife, Deborah, of Brielle. She is also survived by grandchildren, Thomas; Ian and Petra; Michael and Christy; Dean and Cecelia; Lindsay and Thomas Dryer; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving staff of Waterford Glen for taking such great care of Lovey.

The O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall, was in charge of arrangements. Burial was private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lovey’s name to Seton Hall Prep Scholarship Fund, 120 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, 07052. For more information or to send condolences, visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.

Michael Donald Halpin, of Spring Lake Heights, died on Aug. 25.

Don was a retired sales representative for Exxon Corp. He was an Army Corps veteran of WWII.

Born in Jersey City, Don was a graduate of Seton Hall University, South Orange. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, Alhambra, and a lifetime member of the Manasquan Elks Lodge. Don was also a member of the “Hudson South” club.

Don and his wife Ann Marie were active participants in St. Catharine’s Church, Spring Lake and for 30 years they worked on the Candlelight Ball committee. They were chairmen of the last Candlelight Ball held at the Essex and Sussex Hotel in 1985.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Ann Marie and his sister Jean Curry.

He is survived by his son, Jay and his daughter-in-law, Carol, his granddaughter, Caitlin and great-granddaughter, Angeliana. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Lynn, Ronan, Jay and Tom Curry. He will be dearly missed by Aurea O’Neill and the Bowden and Carmody families.

The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Mencel and Dr. Mark Sisskin for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jersey Shore Medical Center Hospice in Don’s name.

The O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall, was in charge of arrangements. Burial was in St. Catharine’s Cemetery, Sea Girt.

Nancy [nee Green] Smith, 84, of Spring Lake Heights, and a longtime resident of Newark died Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Burnt Tavern Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Brick. Mrs. Smith had been employed as a clerk for the city of Newark for over 35 years before retiring in 1991. She was a faithful Communicant of St. Catharine — St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake. Born and raised in Newark, Mrs. Smith has lived in Spring Lake Heights since 1991.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Anna O’Leary Green and her husband, James Smith in 1991.

Surviving is her devoted son, William H. Johnston and his wife, Michele, of Spring Lake and her two beloved grandchildren, Patrick and Anne Johnston.

The O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall, was in charge of arrangements.

Burial was in St. Margaret’s RC Church, Spring Lake.

Committal will be at the convenience of her family.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Central Jersey Chapter, 740 Broad St., Shrewsbury, 07702.

For further information or to send condolences to the family visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.

Frank V. Hermo, 76, formerly of Nutley and a resident of Fairway Mews, Spring Lake, died suddenly on Aug. 25, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.

Mr. Hermo was born in Jersey City and raised in Union City, was a graduate of St. Peter’s College, Jersey City and resided most of his adult life in Nutley.

He served the nation in the U.S. Army and was stationed in England when he met his beloved wife, Mary Anna Scott, who predeceased him in 2002. They were married for 45 years and centered their lives around their three children.

He was an active member of the Nutley community who served on the board of education for 15 years, constantly assisted his wife with her duties as director of the Community School, and served as Cub Scout Scout Master.

After his retirement from Equifax and the Passaic Valley Water Authority for the State of New Jersey, he retired to Fairway Mews, Spring Lake where he became an avid golfer and served as director of the Sea View Two Board.

His Tuesday morning men’s golf group will miss his pleasant and positive attitude, even when his game was not up to “par.” In addition to golf, Frank was addicted to his daily newspaper’s crossword puzzle, reading mystery books, traveling the world, and relaxing on Manasquan Beach with his family.

As a dad and grandpa, there are few words that we can find that completely encompass him. He was devoted, loving, proud and supportive. He was everything a father and grandfather should be. He constantly spoke of his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments, no matter how small. Our family will always remember his great big bear hugs, infectious smile, story telling, and genuine concern and love for us.

Mr. Hermo was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Anna [Scott] Hermo, and is survived by his sons, Scott F. Hermo and Andrew J. Hermo and his wife Sofia, his daughter Elizabeth A. Sposato and her husband James, his brother, Joseph Hermo, his sister, Mildred Fischer and his eight grandchildren, Scott Jr., Emily, Michael, Zackary, Samuel, Daniel, Douglas and Gregory.

Funeral arrangements were by the S.W. Brown and Son Funeral Home, Nutley. Interment was in East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mary Anna Hermo Scholarship Fund for Education, c/o Community School, 100 Vincent Pl., Nutley, 07110 in his memory.