Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home

12/31/2025

Brandon Patrick Beards

Brandon Patrick Beards, a devoted husband, father, son, and respected logistics manager, passed away on December 29, 2025, at RWJ University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, at the age of 41. Born in New Jersey on December 3, 1984, Brandon brought joy and positivity to everyone who crossed his path.

Brandon was the heart of his family, tirelessly working to provide, protect, and create a life filled with love and stability for his loved ones. His personality was characterized by kindness, strength, and a remarkable ability to uplift those around him. He had an irreplaceable presence and was known for being jolly and optimistic about life. Those who knew him fondly remember how he lit up a room with his infectious spirit.

Sports played a significant role in Brandon’s life. A passionate sports fanatic, he reveled in watching games alongside his son and daughter. He proudly cheered for his favorite teams—the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish—and shared this enthusiasm with his family. His love for sports extended into coaching, as he took great pride in mentoring both his son and daughter in baseball and softball. He was active on the Flemington-Raritan Baseball Board and served as a coach for the 8U All-Star travel team, where he was able to share not only his knowledge of the game, but his love for teamwork and camaraderie.

Above all, Brandon loved his family. He was the best husband ever to his loving wife of 12 years, Candice Mae (DeCanto) Beards, and the best dad ever to his beloved children, Kylie Mae and Kainen Richard Beards. He is also survived by his devoted parents, Richard and Melissa (Oetjen) Beards, along with several extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A memorial gathering to honor Brandon will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, located at 147 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822. A Mass celebrating his life will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, situated at 81 Seymour Avenue, Edison, NJ 08817. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please strongly consider donating to a GoFundMe that has been set-up to ease the burden on his wife and kids. Please click the link below if you wish to donate:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-brandon-beards-support-his-family

As family and friends come together to celebrate the life of Brandon Patrick Beards, they will remember a man who impacted their lives with his unwavering positivity and deep affection for family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend, husband, father, and son.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit his memorial page at www.holcombefisher.com.

View Brandon Patrick Beards's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/30/2025

How do you want to be remembered? Artisan, craftsman or __________?

12/30/2025

Funeral services don't have to be somber. In fact, seeing the significance of a life lived reminds us all how beautiful and impactful a single life can be. A funeral service helps survivors find meaning and purpose in living, even after the loss of a loved one.

12/29/2025

William H. Sladden

William H. "Bill" Sladden, age 60 years, long-time Flemington, NJ resident, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

*A more comprehensive obituary, written by the family, will be forthcoming. Please check back to this webpage periodically for updates*

Born in Flemington, NJ, September 9, 1965, he was the son of the late William F. and Margaret (Horn) Sladden.

Bill was a 1983 graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School. He was currently employed as a foreman for Strober Roofing & Maintenance.

Among his survivors is his wife, Rhonda (Hunt) Sladden, of Flemington, NJ.

Cremation services took place privately under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

View William H. Sladden's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

John Jiin Hwang

John Jiin Hwang died peacefully on December 25, 2025, at his home in Readington, NJ, surrounded by his family. He was 94 years old.

John delighted everyone with his enthusiasm, generosity, and persistence. He was born in Huangjinduan, a small farming village in Hunan Province, China. As a teenager in 1949, during the Chinese Revolution, he left his home alone and made his way to Taiwan with the help of his eldest brother. The post-war years were difficult; he worked odd jobs to get by and survived with the help of teachers, friends, and others. He believed deeply in education and ultimately graduated from Cheng Kung University as a Bachelor of Science. Seeking opportunity, he moved to the United States and obtained his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from the City College of New York. He had a long career as a professional engineer, working in New York and travelling to jobs across the US and overseas in Ghana and Trinidad. He was proud to have climbed to the top of every single bridge around Manhattan Island.

He made many lifelong friends and was deeply grateful for the help he received along the way. He freely helped others too. In high school, he saved a child from drowning, and later as a young man he rescued two others from drowning as well. Whenever he could, he sent money back to his family in Taiwan and China. By paying for their educations, he changed the lives of many family members. After he retired, he found more ways to help others. Saddened by vegetables left in the fields after a harvest, he started collecting excess produce to distribute to food pantries and senior centers. Whether delivering vegetables to food pantries or meals to seniors, he would introduce himself with a laugh as "Johnny Walker."

John was a loving husband and exuberant grandparent, and wholeheartedly supported the dreams of his children. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nai-Wen, his son Gordon, his daughters Angela and Dale, and four grandchildren, Jessica, Jared, Roxanne, and Mabel.

Funeral arrangements and cremation services were under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St, Flemington NJ 08822. For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name may be made to the Flemington Area Food Pantry, PO Box 783, Flemington NJ 08822.

View John Jiin Hwang's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Elizabeth S. Kohler

Elizabeth S. Kohler, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on December 17, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished above all else. Known affectionately as Liz, she was born in Buffalo, NY, to the late William and Elizabeth Schnellbach on May 30, 1930.

Liz grew up in Buffalo and graduated from Bennett High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She began her career teaching 2nd and 3rd graders, sharing her warmth and care with countless children. In 1960, Liz married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Kohler, and together they built a home filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. Her daughters, Ann and Karen, were her pride and joy, and Liz poured her heart into nurturing their dreams and celebrating their accomplishments.

Liz’s love for music and her generous spirit led her to decades of volunteer service. She gave tirelessly to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the League of American Orchestras, serving as president of the NYSOL from 1982 – 1986 and later as a member of the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra from 1986 - 1992. Her leadership and dedication earned her recognition and respect and honored her with membership on the League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council. Liz also extended her compassion to those in need through her work on the Board of Trustees at Alternatives Inc., helping individuals and families facing developmental challenges and homelessness.

Dick’s career as an international businessman afforded Liz the joy of extensive travel throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These journeys enriched her life and deepened her appreciation for culture and beauty around the world.

Following Dick’s retirement, Liz and Dick relocated from their home in Murray Hill, NJ, to their beloved Cedar Lane Farm in Delaware Township, NJ. Residing there for 50 years, they built a thriving horse breeding business, Cedarn Stables, which produced numerous successful racehorses. Liz took immense pride in the farm and in supporting Ann and Karen’s competitive showing of American Saddlebreds, Morgans, and Hackney Ponies—a passion that brought the family countless cherished memories. Together, Liz and Dick worked tirelessly to preserve the quality of farm life in Delaware Township, ensuring that the rural character and traditions they loved would endure.

Liz is survived by her daughters, Ann Kohler of Bronxville, NY, and Karen Kohler of Greenwich, CT, as well as her niece and nephews, Martha, John, and George Gesegnet. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard; her sister, Beverly Gesegnet; and her nephews, Christopher and Cameron Kohler.

Liz’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and devotion—to her family, her community, and the causes closest to her heart. She will be remembered always for the grace and care she brought to every chapter of her life.

Graveside services and burial in Barber's Burying Ground, Delaware Township, NJ are private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

View Elizabeth S. Kohler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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Thank you for placing your trust in us and allowing us to walk alongside you through the dark days of grief. It is an honor to cry with you, laugh with you, and hear the cherished family stories that will bring you comfort for years to come. Be blessed, take care of yourself, and let us know if you need anything at all.

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