Mr. Mares, 40, of Eatontown died Dec. 6 at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. Born in Los Angeles, he resided in Hollister, Calif., before moving to Eatontown in 1988. Mr. Mares was a construction worker in the area. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Geraldine Roy Pride and Sheldon Pride of Eatontown; five brothers, Tom Mares of Kona, Hawaii, Mark Mares of Union, Alan Mares of Eatontown, Shannon Pride of Hollister, and Keith Pride of Lancaster, Calif.; three sisters, Sherry Smith-Kennedy of Maui, Hawaii, Jill Mares-Mosele of Vicenza, Italy, and Joy Ruiz of Hollister; and several nieces and nephews. The Braun Funeral Home, Eatontown, is in charge of arrangements. A gathering of remembrance will take place Dec. 13 from 1-3 p.m. at the Mares residence, 39 Park Ave., Eatontown. Memorial donations may be made to Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown 07724.
Catherine Chobany McCracken
Mrs. McCracken, 84, of Long Branch died Nov. 17 at the St. Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. Born in Summerhill, Pa., she resided in Long Branch for 60 years. She was a banquet waitress at the Channel Club, Monmouth Beach; Old Orchard County Club, Eatontown; and Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank, for 50 years, before retiring in 1986. She was a member of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Red Bank. Mrs. McCracken was predeceased by a son, Gregory, in 1986. She is survived by her husband, Arthur McCracken; a son and daughter-in-law, Alexander and Lisa McCracken of Rumson; a daughter, Mary Barbero of the West End section of Long Branch; two brothers, Andrew Chobany of Uniontown, Pa., and William Chobany of Norristown, Pa.; a sister, Barbara Olyenik of Portage, Pa.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Entombment was at Woodbine Mausoleum, Oceanport. Arrangements were by Damiano Funeral Home, Long Branch.
Joseph C. Cooney
Mr. Cooney, 78, of Hazlet died Dec. 6 at home. Born in Newark, he resided in Orange prior to moving to Hazlet 34 years ago. He was a clerk at Railroad Express Inc., Newark, for several years, retiring in 1974. He was a communicant of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Union Beach. Mr. Cooney was a member of the Hazlet Board of Education. He was a coach for the Hazlet Youth Athletic League and was an avid bowler. He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine Cooney, in 1993; four brothers, Al Cooney, Peter Cooney, James Cooney and William Cooney; and two sisters, Alma Cooney and Agnes Cooney. He is survived by four daughters, Noreen Sturgeon of Highlands, Joanne McMenamie and Cynthia Cruz, both of Jackson, and Margaret McGinnis of Long Branch; four sons, Joseph Cooney of Middletown, Patrick Cooney of Dunellen, John Cooney of Lake Ariel, Pa., and Paul Cooney of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home, Keyport. Interment was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.
Gloria Sarpa Brennan
Mrs. Brennan, 80, of Oceanport died Dec. 2 at home. Born in Jersey City, she resided in Sea Bright and Rumson prior to moving to Oceanport six years ago. She was a member of the Rumson and Sea Bright Seniors Citizens clubs, Sea Bright Home School Association, and Women’s Auxiliary at St. Alphonso’s Retreat Home, West End section of Long Branch. Mrs. Brennan was predeceased by her husband, William Brennan Sr., in 1997; a sister, Mary Marino, in 2001; and a brother, Thomas Scarpa, in 1976. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, William L. and Susan Brennan Jr. of Atlantic Highlands; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Don Vaughan of Oceanport, and Maryann and David Olson of West Long Branch; three sisters, Josephine LoRocco of Red Bank, Jean Singagliese of Hoboken, and Katherine Mellone of Las Vegas; and seven grandchildren. Arrangements were by Damiano Funeral Home, Long Branch. Memorial donations may be made to John F. Campoli, His Love Ministries, P.O. Box 433, Allenhurst 07711.