Mrs. Dowding, 66, of Manalapan died Jan. 12 at home. Born in Brooklyn, she lived in Atlanta, Ga., for five years before moving to Manalapan 35 years ago. She was a member of Emley’s Hill United Methodist Church, Cream Ridge. Mrs. Dowding was a supervisor of consumer affairs at Foodarama Supermarkets, Freehold. She was predeceased by a son, Joseph Keith, in 1977. Mrs. Dowding is survived by her husband, Joseph; two daughters and a son-in-law, Robin and Bruce Blaisdell of New Egypt, and Christine Dowding of Denver, Colo; a sister, Eileen Clerkin of Queens, N.Y.; and two grandchildren. Arrangements were made by Freeman Manalapan-Malboro Funeral Home, Manalapan. A funeral service was held at Emley’s Hill United Methodist Church, Cream Ridge, followed by interment at Old Tennent Cemetery, Manalapan.
Rita Valente
Mrs. Valente, 86, of Manalapan died Jan. 18 at home. She was born in Passaic and resided in Clifton and West Paterson before moving to Manalapan 35 years ago. Mrs. Valente was a member of Servants of God at the Marian Center in Freehold and a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold. She was predeceased by her husband, Arturo, in 1985. Mrs. Valente is survived by three brothers, George Dericks of West Paterson, Edward Dericks of Fair Lawn, and James Dericks of Whiting; four sisters, Doris Dowling of Glen Rock, Florence Kessel of Virginia, Margaret Fisher of West Paterson, and Teresa Dericks of Massachusetts. Arrangements were made by the Freeman Manalapan-Marlboro Funeral Home, North Manalapan. A funeral Mass was offered at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Servants of God at the Marian Center of Freehold.
Robert J. O’Shea
Mr. O’Shea, 78, of Freehold died Jan. 17 at home. He was born in Newark and lived in Freehold for the past 30 years. Mr. O’Shea was head custodian at the Manalapan High School before his retirement 13 years ago. Prior to that, he was employed at 3M, Freehold Township. Mr. O’Shea was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion, Post No. 54, Freehold. He is survived by his wife, Anna Zidonis O’Shea; two sons, Robert O’Shea, Paramus and Michael O’Shea, Loveland, Colo.; two stepdaughters, Toni Nevelinski, Jacksonville, Fla., and Nancy A. Ward, Ocala, Fla; a brother, Joseph O’Shea, Matawan; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Arrangements were made and funeral services were held at the Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold. Interment followed at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arnytown.
Fred J. Walcsak
Mr. Walcsak, 85, of Manalapan died Jan. 9 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in Elizabeth, he had resided in Manalapan for the past 30 years. He retired 23 years ago as the senior customs inspector for U.S. Customs Service, Elizabeth, where he worked for more than 20 years. A World War II Marine Corps veteran with the 5th Marine Division, 28th Marine Regiment, who received the Purple Heart award, he was present when his battalion raised the American flag on Iwo Jima. He was a member of the Cpl. Philip A. Reynolds Detachment, Marine Corps League, Freehold, and had served as the past commandant. Mr. Walcsak was predeceased by two sisters, Helen and Eleanor. Surviving are two sisters, Dorothy Richtmyer of Toms River and Marie Fakes of Brick; and a companion, Edna of Manalapan. Marine Corps League services were held at Freeman Funeral Home, Freehold, followed the next day by graveside services at Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island, N.Y. Memorial donations may be made to the Philip A. Reynolds Scholarship Fund, Marine Corps League, P.O. Box 885, Freehold, NJ 07728.