Obituaries

Harry Robert O’Hara, 81, of Fort Pierce, Fla., with family in Point Pleasant, died on May 19 at his home.

Harry was born in Irvington and has been a resident of Florida for the past 25 years, coming from Point Pleasant Beach. Prior to retirement, he was a manager of handicap services for AT&T in New Jersey. Harry was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy.

Harry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Schneider O’Hara; sons Kevin O’Hara and Thomas O’Hara, both of Point Pleasant, and William O’Hara of Brick; daughters Jan O’Hara of Lancaster, Pa., Kathleen O’Hara of Lititz, Pa., and Susan Wilson of Point Pleasant; brother James O’Hara of Fort Pierce, Fla.; and 12 grandchildren.

Services were private.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105; www.stjude.org.

An online guestbook is available by visiting www.yatesfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Yates Funeral Home & Crematory, Port St. Lucie Chapel.

Robert L. Shank, 87, with family in Point Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, May 14, after a brief illness at Hope Hospice in Ft. Myers, Fla., with family at his side.

Born in State Line, Pa., he served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He attended American University in Washington, D.C. Bob was an X-ray technician at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he met his wife of 61 years, Joyce H. Reinig of Point Pleasant, who was also serving in the Navy.

They returned to Joyce’s hometown to raise their family. Bob was an entrepreneur starting in real estate sales. In 1954 Shank Construction was created. As a local home builder, he brought joy to families, fulfilling their dreams. He served as president of the Point Pleasant Board of Education during the planning and approval for the high school.

In 1968 Bob and Joyce built “The Townhouse,” a retirement home for independent seniors. The Townhouse remained a family operated business even after Bob and Joyce retired in 1978 to Clearwater Beach, Fla. They enjoyed boating, golf, and traveling the world during their golden years. In 1999 they moved to a golf course community in New Port Richey, Fla.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Ft. Myers, Fla.; four children, Marla Davidson of Tampa, Fla., Debra [Robert Nagle] of Fort Myers, Fla., Robert [Dorothy] of Point Pleasant, James [Linda] of Largo, Fla.; a brother, Charles Shank of Clearwater Beach; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Contributions may be made in his name to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Ft. Myers, FL, 33908.

Benjamin H. Wittich, 16, of Brielle with family in Lavallette, passed away on Monday, May 20 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune with his parents by his side.

Benjamin was born in Red Bank and raised in Monmouth County and California. Benjamin was a sophomore at Manasquan High School. He was an avid fisherman, loved to snowboard, enjoyed comedy, science, history and discussing politics.

Benjamin is survived by his parents George and Lisa [nee Shannon] Wittich and his brother Jack Wittich all of Brielle; paternal grandparents Joe and Mary Ann Popper of Lavallette; maternal grandparents John and Rosemary Shannon of Massachusetts. Benjamin is also survived by scores of loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call today, Friday, May 24 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan.

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to POAC Autism Services 1999 Route 88, Brick 08724-1098.

To send condolences to the family or obtain directions to the funeral home please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.com.