Greater Media Newspapers prints obituaries as a free community service, at no charge to the families of the deceased or to the funeral homes that provide the information.
MARY E. GESUALDI, 76, of Middletown died Jan. 22 at home. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., she resided in Keansburg and Hazlet prior to moving to Middletown 10 years ago. She was an executive secretary for United Jersey Bank (formerly Peoples National Bank), Keyport and Red Bank, for 20 years, retiring in 1988. She was predeceased by her husband, Nicholas Gesualdi, in 1996; and her son, Paul Gesualdi, in 2001. She is survived by her daughter, Anita Orlacchio of Middletown; her brother, Anthony Gesualdi of Red Bank; two sisters, Nancy Valentine and Ida DiMuro, both of the Bronx; and three grandchildren. A funeral service was offered at St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church, Holmdel. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
GEORGIA J. BATES, 101, of Red Bank died Jan. 15 at home. Born in Sequin, Texas, she lived in San Antonio, Texas, prior to moving to Red Bank in 1942. She was a dietary aide at Patterson Army Hospital, Fort Monmouth, retiring in 1970 on her 70th birthday. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. She was a member of the National Association of Federal Retired Employees, Washington, D.C.; and the Red Bank Senior Citizens Association. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas A. Bates in 1981; and her former husband, Edward James in 1951. She is survived by her daughter, Yvette Andrews of Red Bank; and three grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the New Jersey Association for the Deaf and Blind, 24K World’s Fair Drive, Fairfield 08873.
ROBERT J. COTE, 47, of Atlantic Highlands died Jan. 15 at Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Brick. Born in Red Bank, he lived in the River Plaza section of Middletown prior to moving to Atlantic Highlands five years ago. He was a roofer for General Roofing Contracting, Red Bank, the past 20 years. He was predeceased by his father, Edmund Cote Sr.; and two brothers, Edmond Cote Jr. and Thomas C. Cote. He is survived by his mother, Ella V. Smith Cote of Atlantic Highlands; and his brother, Richard C. Cote of Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd., Brick 08723.
EDWARD MICHAEL STEINER, 44, of Hazlet died Jan. 17 at Rahway Hospital. Born in Staten Island, N.Y., he was a lifelong Hazlet resident. He was an assembler for General Motors, Linden, for 22 years. His memberships included the North Centerville Volunteer Fire Company, and the Sunday Night Mixed Masters Bowling league, both Hazlet. He was predeceased by his mother, Alice Steiner in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Kinney-Steiner of Hazlet; his father, John Steiner of Hazlet; two daughters, Elizabeth Steiner and Michele Steiner, both of Hazlet; his son, Robert Steiner of Hazlet; two brothers, John Steiner of Virginia Beach, Va.; and William Steiner of North Miami, Fla.; and three sisters, Mariellen Steiner of Roanoke, Va.; Carolyn Newman of Red Bank; and Dawn Carter of Vermont. Interment was at Cedarwood Cemetery, Hazlet. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 2550 Route 1, North Brunswick 08902-4301.
JOSEPH SESTITO, 72, of Little Silver and Punta Gorda, Fla., died Jan. 7 at his Florida home. Born in Red Bank, he was a lifelong resident before moving to Little Silver and Punta Gorda. He was employed by the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1991. Prior to that, he worked in security at East Brunswick Mall; and was a police officer for the Red Bank Police Department from 1954-81, as well as undersheriff of Monmouth County 1981-83. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a communicant and usher at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. He was a member of the New Jersey PBA. His youth activities included coaching Red Bank Little League, and Pony League; and assistant troop leader for both the Webelos and Boy Scouts Troop No. 8 at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. He was predeceased by two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rose Furiato Sestito of Little Silver; two sons, Dr. Joseph Sestito Jr. of Rumson, and John Sestito of Little Silver; his sister, Rose Lang of Las Vegas, Nev.; and his grandson, Joseph Sestito III. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. Interment was at Fair View Cemetery Mausoleum, Middletown.
BENNETT "BUD" YERVES SR., 73, of Highlands died Jan. 18 at home. Born in New York City, he lived in the Elberon section of Long Branch prior to moving to Highlands 15 years ago. He was a building inspector for the township of Middletown for 13 years, retiring in 1999. Prior to that, he was vice president of Thompson Industries, Eatontown and Arizona. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Claire Yerves, in 1997; and his son, Dennis Yerves Sr., in 1992. He is survived by six sons and three daughters-in-law, Tom Yerves of Elberon, Gerry and Debbie Yerves of Wall, Tim and Cindy Yerves of Highlands, Kevin Yerves of Highlands, Mick Yerves of Sea Bright, and Buddy and Rhonda Yerves of Freehold; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kathleen Yerves of Highlands, and Peggy and John Verange of the Navesink section of Middletown; 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Interment was at Bay View Cemetery, Leonardo section of Middletown.