Marion R. Matthews
Mrs. Matthews, 80, of Freehold, died Nov. 13 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in California, she was a part-year resident of Cocoa Beach, Fla., where her mother and sisters lived. She graduated from Jersey City Medical Center and began a career in nursing, retiring in 1993 from the John L. Montgomery Medical Home, Freehold Township. She was an active parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, Freehold. Mrs. Matthews was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy McGreevey. Surviving are three daughters and two sons-in-law, Colleen and Ken Frank of Fredericksburg, Va., Ann and Glen Thomson of Salisbury, N.C., and Mary Ellen Matthews of Freehold; five sons and four daughters-in-law, Thomas and Barbara Matthews of Allentown, Stephen Matthews of Locust, Douglas and Mary Lou Matthews of Liberty, Pa., and Kevin and Kim Matthews and Edward and Janet Matthews, all of Freehold; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, followed by entombment at St. Rose of Lima Mausoleum, Freehold. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad, 18 Spring St., Freehold 07728.
Rose Betty Zackowitz
Mrs. Zackowitz, 82, of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., died Nov. 13 in Florida. Born in Long Branch, she had lived in Englishtown for more than 40 years before moving to Florida. She was a member of Congregation Sons of Israel, Manalapan, and the Daughters of Israel, as well as a longtime member of Hadassah. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack Zackowitz. Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Allan and Mildred Zackowitz of Ellicott City, Md., Martin and Cindy Zackowitz of Plantation, Fla., and Gary and Margaret Zackowitz of Bethesda, Md.; a sister, Gertrude Wertz of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, followed by interment at Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery, Englishtown.
John H. Kafka
Mr. Kafka, 78, of Freehold Township, died Nov. 15 at the John L. Montgomery Care Center, Freehold Township. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., he had lived there before moving to Freehold Township 42 years ago. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was a forklift operator for the Peter J. Schweitzer Co., Spotswood, where he was employed for 25 years prior to retiring 15 years ago. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, Freehold, and a former scoutmaster at the church for Boy Scout Troop 218. He was also an accomplished woodcarver. Mr. Kafka was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Witock, and a brother, Harry Kafka. Surviving are his wife, Julia “Sheila” Londregan Kafka; three sons and two daughters-in-law, John Thomas and Lily Ann Kafka of Jackson, Brian James Kafka of San Francisco, and Glenn Francis and Joanne Kafka of Freehold; a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Norman Vogelsang of Aberdeen; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold Township. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville 07834.
Ronald T. Gasdia
Mr. Gasdia, 82, of Manalapan, died Nov. 11 at home. Born in Newark, he had lived in Irvington before moving to Manalapan 39 years ago. Mr. Gasdia was a shop steward for Local 560 in Union City for 15 years before retiring in 1978. Prior to that, he was a private ticket broker and was treasurer for the Brooklyn Academy of Music for 10 years. Mr. Gasdia was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, Manalapan. He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine, and a son, Frederick, in 1994. Mr. Gasdia is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Berath Gasdia, of Highland Park, Bonny Gasdia, of Englishtown, and Bianca and Nick Vacca, of Manalapan; a brother, Frank Gasdia, of Downey, Calif.; a sister, Eileen Barker, of Turnersville; and three grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Thomas More Church, followed by interment at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arnytown. The Michael Hegarty Funeral Home, Old Bridge, was in charge of arrangements.