Lottie L. Bonkoski
Mrs. Bonkoski, 95, of Robbinsville, Washington Township, died Oct. 24 at home. Born in Riverhead, N.Y., she had been a Robbinsville resident since 1978. A homemaker, she was a member of St. John’s Church, Allentown, where she also belonged to the Altar Rosary Society. She was active in both the Washington Township and Allentown Senior Citizens and enjoyed gardening, fishing, cooking and going on bus trips. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles H. Bonkoski. Surviving are three daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet Kittstein, Irene and Fred Punk, and Carol and Joseph Michnisky; two brothers, Raymond McKay and Frank McKay; two sisters, Jean Aliff and Frances Dooley; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. John’s Church, followed by interment at Princeton Memorial Park, Robbinsville. Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Church, 1282 Yardville Allentown Road, Allentown 08501.
Alton “Shorty” Hileman
Mr. Hileman, 88, of Millstone, died Oct. 17 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in Ford Cliff, Manor Township, Pa., he had been a longtime resident of South Brunswick. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired from Automatic Sprinkler System and was the owner of Barber’s Camping Center, South Brunswick, for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the South Brunswick Lions Club for more than 20 years. Mr. Hileman was predeceased in April 2001 by his wife, Olive (Stivason) Hileman. Surviving are a son, Richard (Dick) Hileman of Millstone; three daughters, Judith Voorhees of South Brunswick, Marcia Hamrysky of Warrenton, Va., and Ruth Kazanski of East Windsor; two brothers, Andrew Hileman and James Hileman, of Ford City, Pa.; a sister, Thelma Hobbs of Millstone; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Services were private, with M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, Monmouth Junction, in charge of arrangements.
Alvin R. Smith
Mr. Smith, 91, of Allentown, died Oct. 24 at his daughter’s home. Born in the Hamilton Township area, he was a graduate of Allentown High School who was a lifetime, self-employed dairy farmer in Upper Freehold Township. He was an exempt member of the Hope Fire Company No. 1, Allentown, where he held many offices, including past chief, past president, secretary, trustee, and member of the fire police and the International Fire Chief Association. He was the last remaining charter and life member of the Allentown First Aid Squad, for which he served as president, vice president, captain, trustee, chaplain and delegate to the 9th District. He also served as a chaplain and mobilization coordinator for the 9th District of the New Jersey State First Aid Council (NJSFA). He was a member of the Allentown Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, as well as a member of the Yardville Jr. Dairy 4-H Club. In addition, Mr. Smith was honored by the Masonic Temple in 1978 as Man of the Year. He received tributes as well from various organizations for his dedication as a volunteer in the Allentown and Upper Freehold community. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He was predeceased by his wife, Caroline Bates Smith; a close friend, Ruth Bates; and a brother, Edmond Smith. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Dale Smith of Denver, Pa., and Richard and Cynthia Smith of Bloomsburg, Pa.; five daughters and two sons-in-law, Alice Stanhope, Abigail Smith, Ruth and Syl Bertagni, and Carol Floyd, all of Allentown; and Helen and Robert Smith; a sister, Elinor Hancock of Belleview, Wash.; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held at the Hope Fire Company, with the Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson officiating. Interment was at Allentown Presbyterian Cemetery. Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Allentown First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 252, Allentown 08501; or the Hope Fire Company No. 1, 82 Route 526, Allentown 08501.