Kurzawa Funeral Home

12/28/2025

Zorro "ZZ" Julian

**In Loving Memory of ZZ**

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved ZZ, who left us peacefully in his sleep on December 7, 2025. ZZ was a remarkable companion, a true survivor who weathered the trials of Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Rescued from the waters of Staten Island's Raritan Bay, he found his way to a pet adoption event in central New Jersey, where his journey to our family began.

At that event, my son and I were drawn to ZZ and his kindred spirit, a charming orange boy cat named Charlie, who had also endured the storm's devastation. Both estimated to be around 1.5 years old at the time, they quickly became inseparable foster brothers, and ultimately, cherished members of our family.

ZZ was more than just a pet; he was a gentle soul who brought warmth and joy into our lives. His love for cuddling was unmatched—he had a special way of wrapping himself around our necks or curling up on our chests as we drifted off to sleep. ZZ followed me everywhere around the house, always keeping a watchful eye. I can still picture him lounging by the kitchen window, basking in the sun, or gleefully chasing laser pointers and foam balls with my son. His well-behaved nature and curiosity made every moment with him a treasure.

As time passed, we noticed the changes in ZZ. He began to lose weight, and his once vibrant energy started to wane. We knew it was a hard journey for him, but he faced it with grace, continuing to fill our lives with love until the very end.

Although ZZ may no longer be with us in the physical sense, his spirit lingers on. I often hear his gentle meows echoing in our home, and I will forever cherish those deep, loving gazes he gave us. He may have been small in size, but his spirit was enormous, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.

ZZ, you will always be our sweet little darling kitty, and your memory will be cherished eternally.

We love you dearly, ZZ, and will keep you in our hearts and souls forever.

With love,

Your family,

Susan, Jesse, Kira, and TaiTai

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12/27/2025

Gerard "Jerry" Sherry

Gerard L. Sherry, age 88, a lifelong resident of New Jersey, entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 26, 2025, after a long illness. In his final months, he was blessed to receive compassionate care from many dedicated medical professionals, for which his family remains deeply grateful.

Born in Kearny, Jerry moved to Old Bridge with his family in 1941. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1961 and proudly served for two years as a military policeman stationed at Fort Monmouth. During his service, he met the love of his life, Dottie, and they were married in 1966.

Jerry trained as a tool and die maker and spent 18 years working at Engelhard Industries in Newark. Over the course of his career, he also worked for Johnson & Johnson, Hyatt Bearing, and several other companies before completing his professional journey at General Motors in Linden. He retired in 1999 at the age of 62.

A loyal friend and generous neighbor, Jerry was part of a lifelong group of friends known as the “Cliffwood Beach Boys,” with whom he remained close throughout his life. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and was known as a skilled handyman who could fix anything, no matter how big or small. Jerry was a devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in South Amboy for more than 60 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Jean; his brother, Arthur; his sisters, Rosemarie Fernico and Nathalie; and his beloved son, Steven Gerard.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Dottie; his daughter, Lisa, and her significant other, Albert Moore; his son, Michael, and his significant other, Leigh Schubert; as well as many cousins, dear friends, and the remaining members of the "Cliffwood Beach Boys."

Friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Kurzawa Funeral Home, 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879. A 10 AM funeral mass will be offered at Sacred Heart Church, South Amboy, NJ on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. A funeral procession will follow to Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ 07031.

Jerry will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering willingness to help others.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Blood Cancer United. https://bloodcancerunited.org/get-involved/ways-to-give

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12/24/2025

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12/18/2025

Paula Ann DeToro

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our sister Paula DeToro 60 of Old Bridge, on Thursday, December 18, 2025 with her family by her side.

Born in Perth Amboy, NJ then resided in Old Bridge NJ. Paula worked for Merry Maids and was very well liked by her clients. Paula was all about family. Ohana is our motto. Whether it was hanging out in her brother’s backyard, dancing in her brother’s kitchen, taking vacations or getting tattoos as long as she was with her family. Paula enjoyed sports. From playing when she was younger to routing for the NY Giants when she was older, she gave her all. Paula enjoyed life to the fullest and we will forever carry joyful memories of her in our hearts.

Paula was predeceased by her parents Francis and Barbara (Adamcik) DeToro; her puppy dogs Onyx and Jake; Koda (fur nephew)

She is survived by her brothers Frank DeToro Jr., Anthony DeToro and his wife Jayne and their children Julianna Desfosse and Jeffrey Desfosse; Pat and Mary Ann Gentile and their children Christopher Gentile, Patrick and Ciena Gentile and their children Annabelle and Patrick III; Joyce Crawford (Jayne and Mary Ann’s mother).

Friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4pm to 7pm at the Kurzawa Funeral Home 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879. In lieu of flowers please make donations to ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/ or Robert Wood Johnston Cancer Institutehttps://cinj.org/giving/ways-give on Paula's behalf.

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12/11/2025

Josephine P. Tramutolo

The beloved Josephine Patricia Tramutolo age 90 of Sayreville, NJ died peacefully Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

She was born June 14,1935 in Newark, NJ to parents, Salvatore and Rose (Ricciardelli) Cerligione. Graduated Central HS. She later married Libro Tramutolo and had two wonderful sons. Started working for Newark BOE until she retired. It wasn’t long before she realized she was not one to sit at home, and began her 2nd career working for the Spotswood's Division of Aging until age 90. Josephine fully enjoyed going to the casinos, dining and an occasional show. She loved her friends and she loved her family.

Survived by her son Angelo Tramutolo, her daughter in law Michele Tramutolo her beautiful granddaughters, Brianna Tramutolo and Victoria Tramutolo.

Preceded in death by her husband Libro Tramutolo and her son Salvatore Tramutolo.

Friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 3pm to 6pm at the Kurzawa Funeral Home 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879. A catholic prayer service will be offered at 5pm on Sunday at the funeral home. The following morning the family will receive friends at the Holy Cross Cemetery 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ 07031 for an 11am burial.

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12/08/2025

Gary R. Malinowski

Gary Malinowski, 64 a lifelong resident of Sayreville, NJ, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, peacefully in his home.

Gary was born in South Amboy, and was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He was a fixture of the community he called home for his entire life, anyone who knew Gary knew he carried a lightness that made every room easier to be in. Gary was the most easygoing person you’d ever meet, funny without trying and witty in a way that always caught you off guard. His sense of humor wasn’t just part of who he was, it was how he connected, how he showed love, and how he made even the hardest days feel a little softer.

A lifelong sports fanatic, Gary could talk for hours about the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Red Sox, and he collected memorabilia with extreme passion. Most recently, Gary worked in maintenance for the Sayreville Board of Education. Gary leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and memories that will be told and retold for years. To know him was to feel at ease, calm, patient and light, exactly the way he lived his life. He will be deeply missed by his family, and all who knew him.

Gary is predeceased by his parents Walter and Amanda Malinowksi.

He is survived by his brother Robert Malinowski, and his wife Esther, cherished uncle to Daniel Elrose and Jeffrey Elrose, showing up always with loyalty, patience, and love. Gary is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4pm to 7pm at the Kurzawa Funeral Home 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879. A 10am funeral mass will be offered on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, South Amboy, NJ. A funeral procession will follow where he will laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parlin, NJ

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12/03/2025

Helen Valentino

Helen (Wolff) Valentino, 80, of Sayreville, New Jersey, passed away surrounded by her family on November 23, 2025, at JFK Medical Center, Edison.

Born on June 18, 1945, in Newark, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Madeline (Clauss) Wolff and Martin G. Wolff. She grew up in Newark with her brother and sister.

She married Arnold Valentino in May 1968. After a short time in Newark, they settled in Sayreville. They shared 52 years of marriage until Arnold’s passing in 2020.

She was a private person who preferred the comfort of home, but she expressed her love in clear and unmistakable ways—especially through food and the generosity she showed to her grandchildren. She also cherished her friendship with Lucille Perez of Springfield, New Jersey, her oldest and longest friend, whose companionship remained meaningful throughout her life.

She was an exceptional cook whose homemade tomato sauce with sausage and meatballs and her pot roast with brown gravy and noodles, all prepared from scratch, became a lasting family favorite. She hosted countless dinners and holidays, always preparing far more food than needed. No one ever left her home hungry.

She worked for many years as a real estate paralegal, and before that dedicated herself to raising her children as a stay-at-home mother.

She is survived by her daughter Renee Block and her husband Frederic Block of Sayreville, New Jersey, and their daughters Julia, her fiance Alex Gaspar, and Hailey, along with Hailey’s boyfriend Ivan Selody; her daughter Sharon Mamone and her husband Paul Mamone of Freehold, New Jersey, and their children Vincent, Valentina, and Anthony; and her daughter Dana Roccanova of Brick, New Jersey, and her family. She is also survived by her sister Margaret C. Wolff of North Arlington, New Jersey, Margaret’s husband Joseph J. DeFranco, and their daughters Angela and Christine; her niece Michelle Just Williams of Florida; her sister-in-law Donna Wolff of Williamstown, New Jersey; and her brother-in-law Richard Valentino and his wife Gail Valentino of Florida. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Arthur Wolff.

Cremation will be handled by Kurzawa Funeral Home, 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services or visitation

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12/03/2025

Chester A. Suchcicki, Jr.

Chester A. Suchcicki, 83, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Brandywine Senior Living in Howell, NJ.

Chet was born in Helmetta, NJ, the son of the late Chester Suchcicki and Dorothy Holtz Suchcicki. He attended Sacred Heart grammar school and Saint Mary's High School in South Amboy. He lived his life in the surrounding areas of Middlesex County, South Amboy, Sayreville, Old Bridge and Monroe Township. He retired from E.R. Squibb & Sons where he was employed as a mechanic for the majority of his working career. Chet loved playing golf most days after his retirement with friends, family and foursomes usually at his favorite spot Rossmoor Country Club in Monroe Township. Ending the day with a few beers was what he enjoyed to do.

Chester is survived by Judith Suchcicki, 3 sons, Robert of Monroe Township, Raymond and his wife Antoinette of Sayreville, and Randy along with Josh Hogle of Georgia. 4 grandchildren, Kevin and his wife Brenna of Pennsylvania, Raeanne, Thomas and Christa of Sayreville, and also 2 great granddaughters Selah and Joanna of PA. Also his beloved sister, Theresa Raynor and her husband Butch of Florida, along with a host of many cousins, nephews and friends. He is also predeceased by a very close friend Rita Reisert.

Cremation is private. Burial will be at Sacred Heart cemetery at a later time.

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11/25/2025

Norma Villegas

Norma Rodas de Villegas, de 80 anos fallecio.

Norma nacio en Guayaquil, Ecuador. Fue contadora y ama de casa toda su vida. Ella disfruto mucho de pasar tiempo con sus amigas, pasear, cocinar e ir de compras. Ella era orgullosa de su hija, ser esposa, y de sus nietos y bis nietos.

Le sobreviven su hija Danae Villegas-Fernandes y yerno Joao Fernandes, sus nietos Tatiana y Juan Tirado, Tamara y Coleman Brooks, Samantha Depietro y Fabricio Fernandes, sus bisnietos Emmanuel y Eleyna Tirado, Carter, Zendaya y Zailee Brooks, su hermano Manuel Rodas y muchos queridos sobrinos.

Ya fallecidos sus padres Hipolito Rodas y Olga Sanchez, su esposo Manuel Villegas, su hijo Donny Fabricio Villegas, sus hermanas Blanca Rodas de Bonilla y Maruja de Villalba.

Norma Rodas Villegas, 80, has passed away.Norma was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

She was an accountant and housewife her entire life. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her friends, traveling, cooking, and shopping. She was proud of her daughter, being a wife, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter Danae Villegas-Fernandes and son-in-law Joao Fernandes, her grandchildren Tatiana and Juan Tirado, Tamara and Coleman Brooks, Samantha Dipietro and Fabricio Fernandes, her great-grandchildren Emmanuel and Eleyna Tirado, Carter, Zendaya and Zailee Brooks, her brother Manuel Rodas, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Previously deceased are her parents Hipolito Rodas and Olga Sanchez, her husband Manuel Villegas, her son Donny Fabricio Villegas, and her sisters Blanca Rodas de Bonilla and Maruja de Villalba.

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11/11/2025

We acknowledge all those who have been selfless and brave, standing stronger than others to protect what we have had up to now. Let us not forget those who are still with us, especially those who gave their lives so we can be free.

11/08/2025

Martha Gatz

With deep sorrow and sadness we announce the passing of our beloved aunt Martha Gatz, a lifelong resident of South Amboy, NJ who peacefully entered into eternal peace after 100 years of life on Wednesday November 5, 2025.

Martha was a deeply devoted lifelong member of the Sacred Heart church in South Amboy and found great joy in faithfully participating in many church events and societies, including her proudest honors was the Crowner in the Virgin Mary crowning ceremony celebrated in May 1952.

Martha enjoyed many hours sharing her enthusiastic laughter with her friends and family.

She will be remembered for her warm heart and kindness that she shared with everyone who came to know her.

She is predeceased by her loving parents Valeria (Wisniewski) and John Gatz , her sisters Tekla Glebocki and Helen Pirre, her brothers Eugene (A WWII Purple Heart recipient) , Stanley and Jack.

She leaves behind many nephews and nieces .

Friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 4pm to 6pm, and on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 morning from 8:30am to 9:15am at the Kurzawa Funeral Home 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879. Followed by a 10am mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 531 Washington Avenue South Amboy, NJ 08879. A burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parlin, NJ.

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11/02/2025

We remember those who have left us.
The hurt always stays but remembering them always allows them to live forever in our hearts.