James F. Ventresco
Mr. Ventresco, 72, of Long Branch, died April 25 in Long Branch. Born in Long Branch, he was a lifelong resident of Long Branch. He was a meat specialist and director of operations for 20 years at Shop Rite, West Long Branch, and 10 years at Wakefern Food Corporation, Edison, retiring 15 years ago. He served in the National Guard Reserves. He was a parishioner, usher for 25 years, and member of the Holy Name Society at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch. He was a member of Long Branch Elks Lodge No. 742, Long Branch Fishing Club, and Long Branch Ice Boat and Yacht Club. He was an avid fisherman. He was predeceased by a daughter, MaryLynn Ventresco in 1980; and two brothers, Nicholas Ventresco and Thomas Prosser. He is survived by two sons, Joseph N. Ventresco and James T. Ventresco, both of Long Branch; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kathryn Grimsgaard of Eatontown, and JoAnne and Peter Bolzau of Point Pleasant; and four grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch. Interment was at Mount Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch. Arrangements were by Damiano Funeral Home, Long Branch. Memorial donations may be made to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 710 W. 168th St., New York City NY 10032.
Lolita Mijares Gongora
Mrs. Gongora, 75, of Red Bank, died April 14 at home. Born in the Philippines, she moved to the United States in 1955. She was employed in the housekeeping and dietary departments at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, for several years, retiring in 1998. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. She was a member of the Fil-American Club, and received her bachelor of science degree at Luzon University. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Simon; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Simon Gongora Jr. of Clifton, Dave and Diane Gongora of Shallotte, N.C., and Patrick Gongora of Red Bank; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Theresa Holland of Bonita Springs, Fla., Esther Anstine-Smith and James Van Cleave of Stafford Va., Ruth Sallie and Stan Tillman of Rumson, and Magdalene and James Hutton of Barnegat; seven brothers, Cesar Mijares of Morristown; Aristoteles Mijares of Ocean Township; Rufino Mijares of Quezon City, Philippines; Daniel Mijares of Orlando, Fla.; Angel Mijares of Neptune; Rizal Mijares of Eatontown; and Catalino Mijares Jr. of Mililani, Hawaii; four sisters, Donatela Parajas of West Park, N.Y., Remedios Odon and Aurora Regaspi, both of Ocean Township, and Angelina Corpuz of Neptune; and eight grandchildren. A Mass of the Resurrection was at St. Anthony’s Church. Interment was at Clover Leaf Park Cemetery, Woodbridge. Arrangements were by Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank 07701; or Lighthouse Christian Academy, 400 Beach Ave., Manahawkin 08050.
Mitchell Spaanstra
Mr. Spaanstra, 44, of Union Beach, died April 30 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. Born in Long Branch, he was a lifelong resident of Union Beach. He was predeceased by his parents, Antoinette Rubino Spaanstra and Edward Spaanstra. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Edward A. and Margaret Spaanstra of Union Beach; and a nephew. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home, Keyport.