Maria Aimee Kovacs
Mrs. Kovacs, 62, of Colts Neck, died Oct. 20 at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. Born in Laredo, Texas, in 1943, she had lived in West Long Branch before moving to Colts Neck. Mrs. Kovacs graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor of science degree in physical education, and served as a health and physical education teacher at Neptune Township High School during the 1960s. She then attended Friends International Christian University, California, and received a master’s degree in biblical counseling and later received a doctor of philosophy degree in religious studies. She was founder and pastor of the Bride of Jesus Christ Church, Howell. She also founded Kingdom Glory International and oversaw churches in Africa, Argentina, India, Brazil and Paraguay. She also authored a book titled “Dancing into the Anointing: Touching the Heart of God Through Dance.” Mrs. Kovacs is survived by her husband, James P. Kovacs; four sons, James P. Kovacs Jr., Glenn Kovacs, Wayne Kovacs and Brandon Kovacs; three daughters; Jamie Routhier, Donna Golden and Lara Whitehead; a daughter-in-law, Katherine Kovacs; and seven grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Monmouth Worship Center, Marlboro, followed by interment at the Old Tennent Cemetery, Tennent section of Manalapan. The Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, was in charge of arrangements.
Hubert S. Walling
Mr. Walling, 84, of Middletown, died Oct. 26 at home. Born in Massachusetts, he had been a resident of Middletown for the past 50 years. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank, and was active in several local civic groups. Mr. Walling was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Elinore “Ellie” Walling, in 2000. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Kelly Walling of Middletown; two daughters and one son-in-law, Gail Walling of Middletown, and Joellen and Edmund Acker of Colts Neck; and four grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church, followed by burial at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 2550 Route 1, North Brunswick 08902; or the American Cancer Society, 801 Broad St., Shrewsbury 07702.
Joseph J. Pettinato III
Mr. Pettinato, of Hazlet, died Oct. 21 at home. Born in Jersey City, he relocated to Hazlet 45 years ago. Mr. Pettinato was the founder of JB Sales & Service Inc. and JB Sprinkler Systems. He served with the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. He was a member of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Union Beach. He was a member of the Monmouth County Bowling Association, where he held several offices and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. He was also a delegate to the New Jersey State Bowling Association. Mr. Pettinato was predeceased by a son, Joseph J. Pettinato IV, in 2003. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joan Burns; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Bonnie Pettinato of Manalapan; five daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Joseph Puccio of Hazlet, Ellen and Jamie Compesi of Garfield, Maryann and Michael Scotti of Aberdeen, Lori and Mark Lear of Morgan, and Joyce and Kevin Murphy of Middletown; a daughter-in-law, Robin Pettinato of Millstone; two brothers, Robert Pettinato of Somerset and Ben Smith Sr. of Matawan; two sisters, Dorothy Tomasello of Margate and Bernadette White of Toms River; 14 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. A funeral liturgy was celebrated at Holy Family Church, followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Keyport. Arrangements were by the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to The ALS Foundation, c/o Dr. Jerry Belsh, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, New Brunswick 08903.