Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home & Cremation Service, LLC

12/25/2025

12/22/2025

Gilbert Thomas Kankowski

Gilbert Thomas Kankowski, age 69, of Barnegat, NJ passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Born December 1, 1959, in Waukegan, Illinois, Gil lived most of his life in New Jersey, living in Barnegat for the last 40 years. He was employed by Pathmark where he worked as a non-foods manager. He built a life with his ex-wife, Laura Kankowski, for over 30 years, having two children, Thomas and Andrea Kankowski. He worked hard and made a home-cooked meal from scratch every day when he came home from work. He was independent and focused on caring for his family.

He is predeceased by his ex-wife, Laura Kankowski, and his parents, Elizabeth and Eugene Kankowski.

Gil is survived by his daughter Andrea Kankowski and her husband Chris Groschel, his son Thomas Kankowski, his two sisters Denise Kankowski and Kris Megill, his brother Jim Kankowski, and his three grandchildren Christopher, Elena, and Adrianna Groschel.

Memorial services will take place at a later date and announced here.

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12/21/2025

Robert Alan Cutrona

Robert Alan Cutrona, age 88 of Manahawkin, NJ passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 at home with his daughters by his side.

Born in Passaic, NJ, he lived in Lodi, NJ prior to Manahawkin where he resided since 2003. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. Above all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Helen Cutrona, and his wife Marie F. Cutrona (nee Como), in 2022

Robert is survived by his three daughters: Theresa Cutter & her husband Steven, Debbie Cutrona and Marie Koenig & her husband Glenn, his son Joseph Cutrona & his wife Sandy, his 12 Grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. He is survived by many loving nieces & nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, a private service will be held for family.

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12/21/2025

Gary Charles Martell

Gary Charles Martell, age 66 of Little Egg Harbor, passed away unexpectedly on December 17th, 2025. Gary was born on January 3, 1959 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Adeline and Edward Martell.

He is survived by his loving and devoted son; Chase A. Martell, his little sister Christy J. Martell (Justin & Brayden) and older brother Robert C. Martell (Rana & Bobby). And his cat Caleb.

Gary was a great cook, he loved his pets and Elvis Presley. He also loved to joke around and his laughter will be forever missed.

2 Corinthians 5:8: “We should be cheerful because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord”

A graveside service we’ll take place on Monday, December 22, 2025, 11am at Seaside Cemetery, South Drive, 559 Route 9, Marmora, NJ 08223.

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12/17/2025

Mary "Connie" Laverty

Mary Constance “Connie” Laverty (nee Bright) of Surf City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, shortly after celebrating her 93rd birthday.

The daughter of A. Rowen and Mary Bright, Connie was born and raised in Delanco, New Jersey. She and her beloved husband, Thomas, devoted their early years to raising their family of six children. In the 1960s, Connie and Tom established a summer home on Long Beach Island, which in time became their permanent residence. There, Connie embraced the coastal life she cherished so deeply—spending countless days on the beach and boating, enjoying happy hours, playing cards, and, most of all, sharing meaningful time with family and friends.

Connie was deeply devoted to her faith and community. She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Parish in Riverside, New Jersey, and later a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Brant Beach. Through her parish involvement, she faithfully served in Martha’s Ministries and as a Eucharistic Minister. Connie spent many mornings and afternoons at the church and St. Francis Center participating in numerous activities, including the St. Francis Walking Group, Chair Yoga, and Ocean County Healthy Bones programs. She also greatly enjoyed playing Mahjongg, Canasta, and Pinochle.

Her commitment to service extended throughout the community. Connie made reassurance calls for Contact and was involved with the Manahawkin Elks, Beach Haven Yacht Club, South Bay Senior Association, Surf City Library, and the Surf City Firehouse Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a proud member of the Surf City Yacht Club for more than 50 years.

Connie is predeceased by her parents, Rowen and Mary Bright, her husband, Thomas Laverty, her son, Thomas Laverty III, and her sister Jane Bucci. She is survived by her sisters: Claire Goodwin of Delran, New Jersey, and Sue O’Brien of Carver. Minnesota. She is survived by her loving children: Maryanne Tallon of Manahawkin, New Jersey; Steven (Susie) Laverty of Prescott, Arizona; Patrick (Roseanne) Laverty of New York, New York; Dianne (Chris) Long of Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Barry (Solveig) Laverty of Moorestown, New Jersey; and her daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Laverty of Delanco, New Jersey. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Tom (Willow) Laverty, Ryan (Jen) Laverty, Erin (John) Gilbert, Kerry (Nick) Rossi, Kevin Tallon, Sean (Dylane) Tallon, Dan (Dana) Laverty, Stephanie (Steve) Worrell, Stacie Laverty, Kenny Long, Greg Long, Eileen Laverty, Savannah Laverty, and Rowen Laverty; and her adored great-grandchildren: Matthew, Colin, and Noah Laverty; Philip Gilbert; Vaida and Jackson Laverty; Landon Worrell; and Ryan Rossi.

A gathering to celebrate Connie’s life will be held at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home in Manahawkin, New Jersey, on Monday, December 22, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A visitation will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Brant Beach on Tuesday, December 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Connie’s memory to the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services or to Hackensack Meridian Hospice.

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12/13/2025

Mary G. Byrd

Mary Ghazar Byrd passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 13th, 2025, at the age of 95.

Mary lived a full and exciting life marked by courage, generosity and public service. Her vivacious, joyful spirit and bold disposition will be remembered by all who met her.

Mary was born on Tuesday, March 18th 1930 in Beirut Lebanon into an established military family. After marrying and earning her US citizenship she threw herself wholeheartedly into public service and the betterment of her community, as well as service to the poor. Mary was also a faithful military wife, and, along with her husband, Robert, she established the Ocean Acres Civic association and was unanimously voted president two terms in a row. She organized many community events and fundraisers. Through this platform, she was able to rally the community to support Deborah Hospital, and earned Platinum membership, personally raising over $100,000.

Mary received multiple community awards and recognition forher service to the community, dubbed “Marys’ Taxi Service,” she would take the elderly to go food shopping or to medical appointments, bring food to those in need and visit the sick. She won the title of “Mrs. Stafford Township” in 1980 in a gown she made herself to the cheers of an exuberant crowd. She loved gardening, sewing and throwing lavish dinner parties. Her cooking and baking skills were unmatched.

Mary was the loving mother of three children, David, Philip and Donna, loving grandmother to Liberty Dawn, and is predeceased by her husband of 47 years Colonel Robert J Byrd and her son Philip.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 10:00am until her funeral service, 11:30am at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Entombment will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park, Wells Mills Road, Waretown, NJ.

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12/09/2025

Judith Lynn Stoffel

Judith Lynn Busch Stoffel. Born August 10, 1946 in Englewood, New Jersey. Her life was defined by beauty, intelligence, compassion, and overwhelming love for her family and friends. A great beauty inside and out, Judy’s intelligence and compassion were intertwined in her 45-year career as a registered nurse. For the latter part of her career, she used her formidable skills to usher NICU babies and their families through the hardest times of their lives with grace and competence. Judy loved a good book, a good movie, and as much Diet Coke as she could get her hands on. An artist at heart, she wrote poetry and painted landscapes, continually curious about the beautiful world around her.

Her love was always on display in the raising of her four children, Larisa (Jim), Jennifer (Steve), Heather, and Michael (Holly) and 52-year-long marriage to the love of her life, David. They met on a blind date and were inseparable until he went on before her to prepare a place for her in heaven. On December 2, 2025 she was able to finally rest from her long life of physical challenges alongside him in the glory of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Judy’s memory will be treasured by all who loved her, including her brother Jim (Gail), her sister Bette Jean, her brother- and sisters-in-law, Jim, Sara, DB, and Claudia, her 7 grandchildren, Allyson, Ryan, Jason, Luke, Jane, Ethan, and Kyle, and all of her nieces and nephews.

More details will be forthcoming about a memorial service to honor Judy in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Judy’s long nursing career, donations can be sent to the AtlantiCare Foundation, NICU, Judy Stoffel Remembrance at https://www.atlanticare.org/foundation -a-gift giving@atlanticare.org

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12/02/2025

William R. Giaccio

William R. Giaccio, age 79, of the West Creek section of Stafford Township, NJ passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025.

Born October 20, 1946 in Staten Island, NY, William lived in Tuckerton and Parkertown, NJ prior to West Creek where he resided for the last 35 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Prior to his retirement, he was a self-employed builder, owning and operating C. Ruby Contractors, Mayetta, NJ. He enjoyed boating, riding his quad, and working on classic cars, especially Chevy Corvettes.

William is predeceased by his wife Carol Ann Ruby Giaccio, his brother, Peter Giaccio and his sister Linda Giaccio. He is survived by his three sons; Luke Giaccio and his wife Amy, Todd Giaccio and his partner Sandra Heims, and Richard Giaccio and his wife Tina, his daughter Evajean Asroff and her husband David, his two brothers, Thomas McGuire and Jon Lyons, his seven grandchildren; David, Brooke, Bruno, Thomas, Rylee, Nathan and Gabby, and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting hours will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5pm to 8pm with a service 7:45pm, at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Cremation will be private.

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11/27/2025

From our family to yours…..

11/26/2025

Thomas B. Hoesly

September 15, 1941 – November 24, 2025

Thomas B. Hoesly, passed away with his wife by his side on November 24, 2025, at the age of 84.

Tom was born in Newark, NJ, raised in Summit, NJ and was a long-time resident of Summit, Somerset, Manasquan and Manahawkin, NJ. Following high school, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. After serving in the Air Force, he returned to Summit where he owned and operated T.H. Service Center. He was also president of S.T. Realty Co., LLC in Summit. Tom was a man of deep faith. In his many years at his business, he helped, cared for, and touched many lives. He was treasured by many for his kindness, integrity and his wonderful sense of humor. When he retired, his customers wrote letters to the newspaper and to his wife acknowledging his many gifts and were utterly upset that he was leaving. Tom loved playing golf with his son, his brothers and many friends. And he so did love his dogs!

He is predeceased by his sister Dianne Janssen Heinl, and his brothers; Albert, George, William and Robert "Hobie" Hoesly who passed away just last month.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Sharon Hoesly (nee Riley), his son Thomas B. Hoesly Jr. & his wife Marisa, his two daughters, Sandra Hoesly & her partner Donna Meyer and Susann Ericksen & her husband David, his sister Cindy Luciano, his grandchildren; Taylor, Caitlin Emma, Sophie, David & Michael, and his dear adopted family "the Mele's"

All services will be held privately at a later date.

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11/24/2025

Kathryn M. Hutchison

Kathryn M. Hutchison "Kat & Katie" (nee Martin), age 94, of Barnegat, NJ passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Kathryn was born December 28, 1930, to Theodore and Madelyn Martin in North Bergen, NJ. Her childhood memories were in Springdale, PA before moving to Wildwood, NJ. She lived in Edison, NJ for 45 years prior to Barnegat where she resided for the last 28 years.

She was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church, Barnegat where she was very active in ministering to the local nursing facilities. She would play piano for the residents and being a eucharistic minister, she would bring them holy communion. She enjoyed country line dancing, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, and she looked forward to going to McDonald's "everyday" for cheeseburgers.

Kathryn is predeceased by Harry Hutchison II in 1997: she met her sweetheart in the high school band and were married for 48 years, and her sisters, Joan Newell and Bonnie Lilliston.

She is survived by her six sons; Robert Hutchison & his wife Karen, Daniel Hutchison, Harry Hutchison III & his wife Mary, Theodore Hutchison, Joseph Hutchison & his wife Laura and Gerard Hutchison, her three daughters; Diane Hurst & her husband John, Kathy Mitchell & her husband Ralph and MaryAnn Lawrence & her husband Doug, her 18 Grandchildren, her 27 Great Grandchildren, and her many loving Nieces and Nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 1pm to 5pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Her Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:30am on Monday, December 1 at St. Mary's Church, 747 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ 08050. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, New Brunswick, NJ.

Flowers may be ordered here or by calling John’s Riverside Florist, Toms River at (732) 349-5565.

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11/21/2025

Donald R. Black

We are heartbroken to announce Donald Robert Black, 72, passed away suddenly on November 19th 2025.

Don was raised in Belleville, New Jersey and graduated from Belleville High School where he played football. It was there that he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Peg. Together they built their dream house and dream life for over five decades.

Don built a career, first working for St. Johnsbury Trucking and then as a facilities technician for Verizon. He coached soccer and baseball in Nutley for a decade and nearly took his Little League team to Williamsport for the Little League World Series. His team marked the special moment with a baseball signed by all his players which sits on his desk today. He coached both his son and daughter as they grew up.

He spent much of his life “down the shore” in Beach Haven West. He loved fishing, boating, and water skiing. He was an avid runner and walker as he got older. He walked the causeway bridge every day, regardless of the season or the weather. He is widely known as the man locals have seen picking up trash on the bridge every day for the past 7 years. It was one of the small ways he made the community a better place to live.

Don battled heart disease most of his life, but you would never know it. He never complained. He never stopped walking or showing up for the people he loved. He was a selfless individual and put everyone before himself.

Don was also known as Dandy by many and was a quiet man, but when you got through his shell, he became the kindest, funniest man that walked this earth. He was the center of our universe and the glue to our family. Our hearts will never be the same again. Words cannot describe how deeply he will be missed.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin V Black and his mother, Diane DiNorcia Black.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Peg Buckland Black, his son Thomas Black, his daughter, Laura Regan, his grandchildren, Alaina, Morgan, Juliet, Brandon, Sarah, and Kasadee and his great granddaughter, Clara. He is also survived by his siblings Nancy, Billy, Sally, and Diane and their spouses.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Penn Medicine and the doctors who cared for Don with such skill and compassion- Dr. David Callans, Christine APN, Dr. Aditya Parikh, and Ana RN. Their dedication and support mean more to us than we could ever express. We would also like to thank the Stafford Township Police and EMS who responded with such care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please donate to a local food bank in his name or join him in picking up trash over or around the causeway bridge. Enjoy the scenery and think of him.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1pm to 3pm with a Time of Remembrance, 3pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

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