Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home & Cremation Service, LLC

01/13/2026

Debra A. Vermeal

Debra Anne Vermeal 66 of Spring City, Tennessee, formerly of Lakewood, New Jersey, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Rhea Medical Center in Dayton, Tennessee. She was born January 17, 1959 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late John Juskiewicz and Mary Tucholski.

Debra retired from the State of New Jersey Division of Taxation and Revenue after 25 years. She enjoyed doing crafts and playing video games.

Survivors include her children, Michele (Mark) Hanna of Spring City, Tennessee, Christine (Chiam) Sonnenblick of Toms River, New Jersey and her sons, John Knueppel and Christopher Knueppel of Archdale, North Carolina; her sisters, Rosemarie Sica of Manahawkin, New Jersey and Cecilia Juskiewicz of Lakewood, New Jersey; her grandchildren, Joseph, Vincent, Tia, Roxanna, Erik and Maya; great granddaughter Elowyn. She was also survived by her nephews Robert and Steven and her niece Stephanie.

A memorial gathering will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:30am to 11:30am at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Her Mass of Christian burial will follow, 12:00pm at St. Mary Of The Pines Church, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

View Debra A. Vermeal's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

Paul "Jerry" G. Schettig

Paul G. “Jerry” Schettig of Whiting, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ, at the age of 93.

Jerry was born on March 18, 1932, in Piermont, NY, to parents Gustave and Mary (nee Palkovic) Schettig, and often spoke of an idyllic childhood growing up on the Hudson River. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War as an electrician on the USS Berry DD/DDE-858. Jerry married the love of his life, Joan Loser, on November 27, 1954. They lived in Tenafly, NJ for 48 years before retiring to Manahawkin, NJ. He was employed by NJ Bell, later Verizon, as a lineman, installer, switchman, and finally, a switching supervisor when he retired. Jerry was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Tenafly, NJ, and St. Mary of the Pines in Manahawkin, NJ. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a union representative, and a Boy Scout leader. Jerry was an adventurer: a skilled diver, skier, skydiver, and cross-country motorcyclist. He was always the life of the party, and loved photography, music, dancing, airplanes, and history. He could build anything, and there wasn’t a household tool that wasn’t meticulously organized and labeled. Jerry was warm, generous, and selfless; a man who showed up at your door to help during times of need or sorrow.

He is predeceased by parents Gustave and Mary Schettig, his brothers Fred “Buddy” Schettig and Gustave Schettig; his sisters Gloria Hannafin and Caroline Schettig; and his son, Jerry.

He is survived by his wife Joan, his daughters, Eileen (Kevin) and Marianne, his grandchildren; Jesse (Crystal), Christopher, Michael (Sarah), Andy, Jenna, Jetika (Chris), Travis, and Myles (Emily), his great-grandchildren; Lila, Mia, Jerry, Marie, and Kaiya, and his nieces and nephews; Laurie, Mark, Danny, Michael, Steven, Jackie, Luke, Guy, Pam, Cathy, Peggy, Michael, and Maureen.

The family extends a special thank you to everyone at Crestwood Manor who lovingly cared for Jerry over the last three years. Their kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Mary of the Pines Church, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin, NJ.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity that speaks to your heart.

View Paul "Jerry" G. Schettig's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

William "Scott" Flynn

William “Scott” Flynn, 80, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, in Barnegat Twp., NJ.

Born in Camden, NJ and predeceased by his parents, William Martin and Margaretta Dorthy Flynn, and his brothers, Michael and Kelly Flynn, and his wife Barbara Edith Goldacker Flynn in 2024.

Scott raised his family in Surf City and Warren Grove, NJ. Scott had many accomplishments in his life and considered his family to be the greatest of them all. He was proud to pass on his favorite hobbies and skills to his three boys and grandchildren such as hunting, fishing, and carpentry. He retired after years of operating heavy equipment; dredging intercoastal waterways across the east coast and local sand quarries.

Scott is survived by his children, Michael Flynn and his wife Joyce Marie, Stephen Flynn and his fiancée Kimberly Doty, and David Flynn and his wife Melanie. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren; Brittany Marks, Michael, Sarah & Stevie Flynn, William, Lauryn & Matthew Flynn, Ryan & Evie Flynn, his two great grandsons; Landon and Chase, as well as his sister Billie Lee and his nieces and nephew.

There will be a private family gathering to celebrate his life.

Arrangements were entrusted to Maxwell–Tobie Funeral Home.

View William "Scott" Flynn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/11/2026

Rosalie Calandriello

Rosalie Calandriello, age 96, of Whiting, NJ passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Visiting will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026 at St. Mary's Church, 747 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ 08005 from 11am until her Mass of Christian burial at 12 noon. Entombent will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 283 Beachview Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to The American Heart Association at www.heart.org

View Rosalie Calandriello's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/06/2026

Thomas Francis Temme

Thomas Francis “Tommy” Temme of Philadelphia Pa. and Surf City, NJ passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. at the age of 78. Tommy was born on May 14, 1947, to Dorothy Callahan Temme and Francis W. Temme, Sr. in Philadelphia, Pa. where he was raised and lived most of his life.

Tommy attended St. Athanasius grade school and Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia followed by Manor Junior College in Florida. Tom spent most of his career in the printing industry, working for the Winchell Company, Hahnemann Hospital and Canon Business Solutions throughout his career.

From an early age, Tommy enjoyed spending summers with his extended family in Surf City, NJ., where his great grandfather, Thomas Callahan was its first Mayor. He loved being around boats and enjoying spending time on the bay. He was introduced to sailing at a very young age, following in the footsteps of his father Frank and older brother Fran. At a young age, he began racing sailboats at the Surf City Yacht Club where his father was Commodore in 1963. He was an active member of the club for most of his life, served as Junior Commodore in 1965 and earned many sailing awards and titles over the years. He loved sharing his passion for sailing with others and was often found at the end of 23rd street or in the Yacht Club boat yard discussing sailing, telling stories or teaching and introducing the sport of sailing to others.

Tommy is predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Francis W. Temme Sr., his sister Dorothy Robinson and his brother Francis W. Temme Jr. He is survived by his sister-in-law Judith Temme of Gettysburg, Pa., his nieces and nephews Susan (Russell) Malta of Ocean Twp., NJ, Timothy (Patricia) Robinson of Newtown, Pa, Mark Temme of Surf City, NJ, Patricia Geary of Huntington Valley, Pa., and Andrew (Julie) Temme of Fairlawn, NJ. He is also survived by 8 great nieces and nephews and 7 great-great nieces and nephews and many other extended friends and family members who will miss him greatly, including his cousin Diane German who faithfully cared for him in recent years.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. An additional memorial visitation will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ, 08008 on Monday, January 12, 2026, 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 Tommy’s memory to the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services or to https://reclamthebay.org

View Thomas Francis Temme's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2026

Richard S. Smetanka

Richard “Rick” S. Smetanka, age 69, of Manahawkin, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at home surrounded by his family and good friends/caregivers, Levan and Lia Amirejibi. The family would also like extend a special thank you to his previous caregivers who cared for him for 3 years, Myrna, Cassie, Monica, Caitlyn and Miguel.

Born July 21, 1956 in Trenton, NJ, he lived in Trenton prior to Manahawkin where he resided since 2020. A 1974 graduate of Hamilton High School West, he went on to further his education at Mercer County Community College. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Department Of Transportation, Trenton, NJ for 36 years as Project Engineer. An avid fisherman, Rick loved being on the water, watching his NY Giants with a glass of Merlot, and good food.

He is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Madeline “Tink” Callahan Smetanka, both of Trenton, NJ.

Rick is survived by his two brothers; Michael Smetanka and his wife Patricia of Bonita Springs, FL., and Robert Smetanka and his wife Bonnie of Manahawkin, NJ, his aunt Dolores Neuman of Ewing, NJ, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 10am until his blessing service, 11:45am at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

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

12/30/2025

Serafin E. Burset

Serafín E. Burset, JR. 82, of Barnegat, New Jersey, passed from death to life on December 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on April 8, 1943, in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, Serafín was the beloved son of Carlos Burset and Santa Binet. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a cherished friend to many.

Serafín was known for his kind heart, generosity, and understanding spirit. He took great pride in serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. A true teenager of the 1950s, he enjoyed crooning the songs of the era on the streets of Brooklyn. He married his high school sweetheart, and together they attended many sock hop dance nights in the school auditorium. He loved his many pets throughout the years, and his greatest joy was always his family.

He is survived by his children, Mary, Michael, Susan, and Debbie. His grandchildren—Suzanne, James, Madelyn, Joseph, Jason, Jessica, David, and Rebekah —will miss him dearly. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Alex, Emily, Delia, Logan, Kaiden, Aria, Layne, and the newest addition, baby Kai.

He is further survived by his extended family through marriage to Kathleen, including her son Ian; granddaughters Janel, Nikki, and Bobby; and great-grandchildren Major, Ali, Mariah, Jionni, and Ava. He is also survived by his siblings, Carmen and Linda, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his common-law wife, Kathleen Gunn; his eldest son, Paul Burset; and both of his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home.

Serafín Burset will forever be remembered for taking up his cross and leaning on Jesus until the very end, with grace and dignity.

“I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.“ — 2 TIMOTHY 4:7

View Serafin E. Burset's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Gilbert Thomas Kankowski's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Robert Alan Cutrona's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Gary Charles Martell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Mary "Connie" Laverty's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.