New Jersey
Cara Bluth, 45
Died February 20, 2021.
George Hess Educational Complex, Landing, NJ
Vice Principal
luth, Cara Marie Josephine Surace, – 45, of Ventnor, NJ, left us on Feb. 20, 2021 after a short battle with COVID-19.
Cara made every room brighter just by entering it. From her soul, she exuded joy, laughter, and love. She loved celebrating with her family and friends, caring for all animals, gardening, and exploring our connections to each other through reiki, meditation, and more. Cara was a much-loved member of the Hess School community, part of the Hamilton Twp. School District, where she served as a vice-principal. She loved her job working with students and staff and dedicated countless hours to serving her school community. Cara previously taught first grade at Chelsea Heights Elementary School in Atlantic City and she had many fond memories of the students and staff there.
Cara was a graduate of George Washington University and after graduation, she spent ten years in the hotel industry in the DC area. Upon her return to Atlantic County, she entered the field of education and earned her MA in Educational Administration from Stockton University.
Cara is survived by her husband, Scott, and her two beloved pets, Leroy, an English bulldog, and Eli, a mischievous cat. She was the beloved daughter of John and Joetta, beloved daughter-in-law of Doris and Mark, and the sister of Erica Rose Schaffer (Kevin) and J.C. Surace (Jessica). Under the mentorship of her Aunt Ginger Palmero, Cara was the fun, loving, and devoted aunt to Erica’s children Frankie, Leo, and Luci and J.C.’s children, J.C. and Lexi. She is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins as well as her lifelong friends, DC posse, Chelsea Family and Hess Family. Cara’s numerous friends and family members are devastated by her loss but are comforted by the many happy memories of Cara. You could not know her without recognizing the light and love she projected.
A celebration of her life will be held on June 20, the summer solstice, one of her favorite holidays and a fitting reflection of the joy and sunshine she brought into all of our lives. Cara was an abundance of joy and everyone who knew and loved her counts themselves lucky to have experienced her magic.
In keeping with her love for animals, Cara’s family encourages donations to the Humane Society of Atlantic County, the National Zoo in Washington, DC, where she volunteered and had a particular love for the panda bears, or any animal rescue organization you support. At a later date, a scholarship will be set up in Cara’s name, more information to follow. Condolences at www.radzieta.com
Patricia Waters, 58
Died January 7, 2021.
John E. Riley Elementary School, South Plainfield, NJ
Pre-kindergarten
Patricia (Campanelli) Waters, 58, passed away at JFK Medical Center in Edison on Thursday, January 7, 2021 after complications from COVID-19. Born in Plainfield to the late John and Ann (Fugman) Campanelli, Patti has been a lifelong resident of South Plainfield where she and her family have deep roots.
Patti is a graduate of the South Plainfield Class of 1980 she went on to earn her degree in Economics at Rutgers University. She began her career as a Pre-K teacher in 1986, here in her hometown and has left a lasting impression on many of the children and families she has taught. As a Preschool teacher, Patti spent most of her career working for the South Plainfield Board of Education at Future Stars, and most recently working at Riley Elementary School Pre-K.
She is a member of the NJEA. She was a member of the SPHS Marching Band Music Boosters. She loved to read mystery novels, do crafting, scrapbooking, decorating the house for every holiday, going to the beach, being pampered at the nail salon, watching Hallmark movies, beating her husband at mini golf, watching reality shows, watching her children play sports and attend marching band competitions. Patti leaves behind her husband; Scott; son, Matthew and daughter, Stephanie. Also surviving is her Father-in-law Thomas Waters, her sister-in-law Sharon McCabe (Waters), husband Bernard McCabe, nieces Heather Leavy (McCabe) and husband Thomas Leavy, Shannon McCabe and nephew Kevin McCabe. She also leaves behind her loving friends and students. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the families’ desire of safety, Patti’s funeral will be private. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.
Cristina Crowell, 51
Died January 27, 2021.
Plainfield Public Schools, Plainfield, NJ
Elementary, Testing Coordinator
On January 27, 2021 we lost a shining light of love and grace, Mrs. Cristina Crowell. Cristina’s 51 years were filled with fun and optimism for the future. Cristina’s best moments always included her family, friends, students and work colleagues. Cristina’s biggest wish – for everyday to be a beautiful beach day! Cristina was born on June 15, 1969 in Newark, NJ and lived in Union before moving to Colonia 22 years ago. She was an alumnus of Mother Seton Regional High School and Kean University having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1991. A dedicated educator, Cristina’s passion for helping the children of the Plainfield school district was exemplified in her elementary classes and most recently as testing coordinator for the school district. Broadway shows and live music were a favorite pastime for Cristina. Above all things, Cristina was most devoted to her family. A fierce advocate for her children, nieces and nephews, Cristina held their needs before her own and never failed to express her love and appreciation for all of her family. Cristina’s smile and kind demeanor will be missed by all.Cristina was a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend and was blessed to have her time with all. Cristina left us much too early and leaves us missing her love,companionship, guidance and compassion that we thought we could share for decades to come. Cristina leaves her legacy as a role model for what we can each achieve through kindness and consideration for the value of all people.
Cristina is predeceased by her late mother, Evelyn Nunez. Cristina is survived by her fatherTony Nunez, her loving husband of 23 years, James Crowell, her two children, Jimmy Crowelland Emily Crowell, her brother Anthony Nunez and her sister Terri Nunez Drubel and herhusband James Drubel. Also survived by three nieces, Lindsay, Julia and Maddi and threenephews, Tommy, Anthony and Robby. Visitation will be held at The Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home, 275 West Milton Avenue, Rahway,NJ on Saturday, January 30 from 3:00-6:00 pm.
Catherine Villani, 49
Died January 18, 2021.
St. James Elementary School, Red Bank, NJ
Preschool
Catherine “Cathy” Villani, 49 of Shrewsbury passed away on Monday, January 18th 2021 at home from Covid complications.
Cathy was born in Neptune at Jersey Shore Medical Center. She grew up in Wall and upon marriage she settled in Red Bank and raised her family in Shrewsbury. She was a graduate of St Catharine’s Grammar School, St Rose High School and received her BS degree with honors from Rosemont College, she then continued her education at Monmouth University where she received her Master’s degree in Elementary Education.
She began her career in education as a Director of Instruction at Yellow Duck Preparatory School in Manalapan, continuing onto Learning Tree Preschool in Red Bank as an administrator and teacher. Her most recent employment was at St James in Red Bank as a Pre-K teacher. Her passion and love for the kids over the many years was immense. She found such joy in touching little lives and gave every piece of her heart while working with them for over 25 years.
Cathy loved her family and friends fiercely with so much unconditional love. She brought her beautiful smile everywhere she went and radiated happiness and joy to all who knew her. She always had a gift to love, care for and nurture. She touched many lives with a generous and selfless spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of beautiful memories with everyone she knew. Cathy was a loving and beautiful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
She is predeceased by her sister Lauren Michelle Coll. Surviving is her loving husband of 20 years, Mark Villani, her three amazing sons Matthew (18), Ryder (16) and Nicholas (10). Her devoted parents, Mary Anne Libonati Coll of Wall Twp. and Christopher Thomas Coll III of Wall Twp. Her sister Kimberly Brehm and her husband John of Wall, her brother Christopher Thomas Coll IV and wife Paula of Orlando, Fla. Her nieces and nephews whom she adored as if they were her own: Cassidy, Christopher T. V, Jessica, Kelly and Megan. She had many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom she adored and loved so dearly. She loved her furry family canine “Izzy” so much. She was truly grateful for the care and shared custody of her furry canine nephew “Kota” with the Happy Tails Veterinary Hospital family for all the love and care he’s received.
Cathy had a strong faith and her pure joy was spending good times with her amazing family and friends. She loved working with children, the beach, photography, good food, tan feet, Ray Ban’s, Navy & White. May we all live life as Cathy did: Abundantly kind, overwhelmingly generous with remarkable grace.
There will be a private mass due to COVID-19 restrictions at St Catharine’s Church in Spring Lake at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 6th 2021, with a procession to St Catharine’s Cemetery, Sea Girt for the burial service. The funeral mass will be live streamed for family and friends to watch: St CatharineSt Margaret Parish | StreamSpot or you can go to www.StCatharine-StMargaret.org , then look for the ” Watch Mass at St. Catharine Church here” icon and then click. The service will be archived as well for future viewing.
In lieu of flowers, The Villani Education fund has been set up through gofundme.com for Cathy’s sons. Fundraiser by Kari Rallo : Villani Education Fund (gofundme.com)
To offer online condolences to the family please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com
Sheree Coccaro, 62
Died January 8, 2021.
Thomas Wallace Middle School, Vineland, NJ
Security Guard
Sheree (Scarpa) Coccaro, 62, of Vineland, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2021 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland. Sheree was born in Vineland to Charles J Scarpa and Gerri Brown. She graduated from Millville High School in 1976. In 1980, she married the love of her life Peter F. Coccaro III; together they had two children Peter IV and Kaelin.
For over 26 years Sheree work for the Vineland Board of Education at various schools as a security officer, most recently at the Wallace School in Vineland. She enjoyed so much in life mostly her family and two grandbabies Angelina and Peter. Family was her world. Sheree loved cooking, scrapbooking, and camping, taking family pictures, weekend trips to Lancaster, PA and summer vacations to Sea Isle City with her family. One of her favorite things she loved to do was her nightly wine gatherings on the patio with her dear friend Helen Ann.
She is survived by husband of 40 years, Peter F Coccaro III; her daughter, Kaelin Coccaro (John); son, Peter F Coccaro IV (Brooke); granddaughter, Angelina Coccaro; grandson, Peter F Coccaro V; father, Charles J Scarpa; mother, Gerri Brown; sister, Carrie Dalton (Darrell); stepbrothers, Rusty Brown and Elmer “Butch” Brown; stepsister, Debbie Ryan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her stepfather Elmer Brown; her grandparents and her in-laws.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360. At the families request donations in memory of Sheree may be made to: the charity of ones choice in support for relief of COVID-19. To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com
Stephen Daniels, 50
Died December 31, 2020.
Dr. Paul Rafalides School, Jersey City, NJ
Boiler Operator
Two employees of the Jersey City Public Schools have died of COVID-19, the district confirmed.
Willy Emanuele, a 66-year-old bus driver died Dec. 30, followed by Stephen Daniels, a 50-year-old boiler operator at School 33 who died the next day, district officials said.
“Sadly our district lost two friends and valued colleagues this past week,” Superintendent Franklin Walker and Board of Education President Mussab Ali said in a joint statement.
“Our district grieves not only the passing of such tremendous individuals but also for the loss that their families have suffered. Our hearts and prayers go out to them at this difficult time.”
Emanuele and Daniels are the second and third district employees to die of the virus since the pandemic began. Treasy Brown, a crisis intervention teacher, died of the virus in the spring, Deputy Superintendent Norma Fernandez said.
Since March, when the pandemic started, 129 school district employees have contracted the coronavirus.
Just this week Ferris High School was closed to staff members when the district learned through contact tracing that a visitor tested positive for COVID-19, district spokeswoman Norma Fernandez said. The staff is expected to be back in the building Monday.
Fernandez said both Emanuele and Daniels were working up until the time they got sick, although it’s unclear where they contracted the virus, she added.
“With these two deaths we’re very saddened because in the span of a week we lost two friends and valued colleagues for many individuals in this district,” Fernandez said.
Daniels’ sister, Tamera, said he is survived by three sons, two brothers and two others sisters.
“He loved his family dearly,” Tamera Daniels said. “He was always the life of the party.”