Ralph Barbara
Ralph Barbara died peacefully at home on Aug. 6. He was 84. Born in Newark, he lived many years in Kearny before moving to Toms River in 2006. His cremation is private; however, there will be a memorial service on Saturday Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny.
Ralph was a retired construction union delegate in Clifton.
Ralph is survived by his wife Doris (nee Brand), his children Louise Dorst, Linda Hagerman, Ivan Barbara and Stacy Gilchrist, his sisters Carmella Halleck and Concetta DeJesso and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Brandi.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children Hospital would be appreciated.
Kathleen B. Briese
Miss Kathleen B. Briese, 80, died on Sept. 8 at her home in Kearny.
Arrangements were by the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was offered at St. Stephen’s Church, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thiele-reid.com.
Kathleen was born in Kearny and was a lifelong resident.
She was employed by Prudential in Newark for many years before retiring in 1990. Kathleen was a proud member of St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny where she taught CCD and was a member of the St. Stephen’s Seniors. She adored Schuyler School in Kearny and served as a teacher’s aide there for many years. Living next door to the school, she would always be seen outside talking to parents in the morning who were dropping off their children for the school day and again in the afternoon when they returned to pick them up the children. She always offered words of encouragement and will be missed by the parents, children and staff.
She was the beloved aunt of William VanVliet (Margaret), Heather Felty (Dale); great aunt of William and Daniel VanVliet, Tammy Plumadoro and Michael Dellaciopia and great-great-aunt of Benjamin VanVliet, Cameron Heinz and Amanda and Kaitlyn Felty.
Cecilia V. Murphy
Cecilia V. Murphy, 87, passed away Sept. 12 at home. Born in Queens, N.Y. she grew up in the Bronx before moving to New Jersey and spent some time in Harrison. She has resided in Piscataway since 1989.
Cecilia retired in 1989 from Prudential Insurance Company in New Providence. Mom was a product of the Depression and as a result she was a hardworking woman with a strong work ethic. She was the best role model any child could wish for. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church and Our Lady of Fatima Church and was active in the Piscataway Senior Center, participating in their Bocce Ball team. Her most cherished role was being a grandmother.
Cecilia is survived by her children, William Murphy of New Fairfield Conn., Kevin Murphy and his wife Donna of Rockaway, Cecilia Mueller and her husband Harry of Piscataway and Colleen Conroy of West Orange; her sister Marion Scholz of Piscataway; her grandchildren, Ryan, Brian, Andrew, Meghan, Erin, Allison, Matthew, Harry and Kaitlyn and her great-grandson Samuel.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. at the Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway, followed by a 9:30 a.m. funeral liturgy at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, Middlesex. Entombment will be in Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cecilia’s name to Embracing Hospice Care, 2101 Rt. 34 South, Suite B, Wall. NJ.
Charles Thompson
Charles Thompson, 48, of South Orange, formerly of East Newark, died on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Funeral services were under the direction of the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. A funeral service was held from the funeral home. His interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
For information or directions, please visit www.mulliganfuneralhome.org.
Born in Kearny, Charles was the founder and pastor of Freedom Ministries Worldwide, Newark, where he served for the last decade.
Charles is survived by his mother, Theresa (nee Cleary), his father Bill, a sister, Diane DeFilippo, and his brothers Dave and his wife Tara, and Bill. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.
For those desiring, donations may be made to Anchor House, 1041 Bergen St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11216 in memory of Pastor Charlie.
