J. Drew Beebe Sr.
Mr. Beebe, 53, of Middletown died Sept. 1 at the St. Barnabas Hospice, Long Branch, following a battle with cancer. Born in Paterson, he resided in Totowa and Tinton Falls prior to moving to Middletown 20 years ago. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Middletown. He was a teacher at Brick High School the past two years. Prior to that, he taught in Belmar and Toms River, and in the Diocese of Trenton for 23 years. He was also caretaker at Twinlights Historic Lighthouse, Highlands. A recent nominee to Who’s Who in Education, he was also named Environmental Teacher of the Year twice by the Monmouth County Soil Conservation District, Freehold. His memberships included the New Jersey Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for educators. He was predeceased by his father, John Edward Beebe, and a sister, Lynne Vezzosi Tector. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marie Busch Beebe of Middletown; his son and daughter-in-law, J. Drew and Shari Beebe Jr. of Franklin Park; two daughters, Rebecca Buffin and Meredith Beebe, both Middletown; his mother, June Beebe of Toms River; his sister, Gayle McKnight of Middletown; and one granddaughter. A funeral liturgy was offered at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, New Monmouth. Burial was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to Georgian Court College, 900 Lakewood Ave., Lakewood 08701.
Joseph W. DeScenza Sr.
Mr. DeScenza, 83, of Brick, died at home on Sept. 14. He was born in New York City and lived in the Bronx and Bayside, both New York, before moving to Sea Bright and then Fort Pierce, Fla. He settled in Brick 14 months ago. Mr. DeScenza was a supervisor for the New York City Transit Authority, retiring in 1982. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Astoria in the South Pacific during World War II. He and his wife, Rena, were avid bocce players and champions of Spanish Lakes in Fort Pierce. Mr. DeScenza was predeceased by a brother, Patrick. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rena Carbocci DeScenza, of Brick; a daughter and son-in-law, Rose Ann and Robert O’Neill, of Brick; four sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Emily DeScenza of Middlesex, Robert and Margaret DeScenza of Naperville, Ill., David and Nancy DeScenza of Sea Bright, and John and Patricia DeScenza of Sea Bright; and 10 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at D’Elia Funeral Home, Route 70 and Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m., with visitation from 2-4 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Meridian Hospice, 4900 Route 33, Suite 200, Neptune.
John Kowalchik
Mr. Kowalchik, known as "Big John," 83, of the Parlin section of Sayreville died Sept. 7 in St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark. A son, Richard J. Kowalchik, died in 1989. Surviving are his wife, Frances Hyszczak Kowalchik; two daughters, Carol A. Mellow of Hillsborough and Christine Butka of Brick; and five grandchildren. A Mass was offered at Sacred Heart Church, South Amboy. Entombment was in Sacred Heart Mausoleum, Parlin.
Bernard Raymond
Mr. Raymond, 95, of Old Bridge, formerly of Brick and Union, died Sept. 2 in Reformed Church Home, Old Bridge. His wife, Marguerite Raymond, died in 1973. Surviving are a son, Charles Raymond of Scotch Plains; a daughter, Patricia Steiner of Milltown; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A Mass was offered at St. Peter’s Church, New Brunswick. Interment was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church, New Brunswick, or to Care Alternatives, Cranford.