Obituaries for June 2026

Let us pray for our dearly departed clergy and religious whose Masses of Christian Burial were held in June.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

Deacon Michael DeRoberts

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 27 at St. James Church in Springfield, New Jersey, for Deacon Michael DeRoberts. He died on June 23 surrounded by his loving family. Deacon DeRoberts was 70.

Son of the late Michael DeRoberts and Alvera nee Camberlango, he was born in Summit NJ and graduated from Summit High School. Deacon DeRoberts received a wrestling scholarship to St. Francis University in Loredo, PA. After two years, he transferred to Seton Hall University. He met his wife Anna in 1975 and they married in 1977.

Michael worked as a mail carrier for the Summit Post Office until he retired in 1988. He also started his own business as a tax accountant and practiced for over 45 years until he retired in 2026 due to his health. He was ordained as a deacon in the Catholic Church on June 1, 2002, and served as a chaplain in the Union County Jail until it closed.

Deacon DeRoberts served at St. James Parish in Springfield until 2007 then moved to Our Lady of Lourdes until 2023, returning to St. James until his retirement due to his declining health. He loved being a deacon and serving. He always said that the Holy Spirit worked through him.

As a deacon, he was honored to marry both of his daughters and baptize all of his grandsons. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, lifetime member of the Summit First Aid Squad, a member of AA and GA and was always willing to share the hope and strength he received from both programs

Deacon DeRoberts was predeceased by his parents and his brother Frank DeRoberts (Sheila). He is survived by his wife Anna; his daughters, Danielle Marie and Lauren Ur (Tommy); his grandsons, James Daniel, Xander Michael, Andrew Thomas, Matthew Nicholas and Vincent Michael; his brother Kenneth DeRoberts (Linda); his brother-in-law Nicholas Secco; and his Uncle Louie. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Father John Richard Doherty

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 13 at Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in North Arlington, New Jersey, for Father Richard Doherty. He died on June 10. Father Doherty was 88.

Born in Jersey City, he was the son of Margaret and Thomas Doherty. Father Doherty was ordained to the priesthood in 1964 and celebrated his first Solemn Mass at St. Bridget’s Church in Jersey City. He served God’s people for more than sixty years with compassion, humility, humor, and unwavering faith.

His first assignment was at St. Thomas More Parish in Fairfield. He later served in several parishes across northern New Jersey, including St. Bartholomew the Apostle Parish in Scotch Plains, where he served as Parochial Vicar.

Father Doherty later served as pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Bayonne, where he became a beloved figure not only within the parish but throughout the broader Bayonne community, even serving as the Grand Marshal in the 2003 Bayonne St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He was known for his open-door ministry, his concern for those in need, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Longtime chaplain to the Bayonne, Scotch Plains and Fanwood Fire Departments, he stood beside firefighters and first responders during moments of celebration, tragedy, and sacrifice. On September 11, 2001, Father Doherty made his way to lower Manhattan in an ambulance out of Bayonne. While ministering alongside first responders at Ground Zero, he was struck by debris from one of the collapsing towers. Though injured, he continued the work that had always defined his priesthood: bringing prayer, comfort, and hope to those facing unimaginable loss.

Father Doherty will be remembered not only for his service but also for his joy, profound faith, genuine kindness, and a sense of humor that never failed to brighten a room.

He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret (née Fitzsimmons) and Thomas Doherty; his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Rosalie Doherty; and his sisters, Margaret Doherty and Patricia Doherty. Father Doherty is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, James and Nancy Doherty; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Father Robert G. Laferrera

A Mass of Christian Burial was held June 9 at St. Justin the Martyr Roman Catholic Church in Toms River, New Jersey for Father Robert G. Laferrera. He died on June 3, surrounded by family. Father Laferrera was 76.

Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Father Laferrera graduated from Essex Catholic High School in Newark in 1967. He attended Iona College and later earned a master’s degree in religious studies from the University of Notre Dame. Entering the Irish Christian Brothers, he began a vocation centered on faith, education, and service.

After completing his formation, he devoted nearly twenty years to Catholic education, teaching and mentoring young men at Essex Catholic High School in East Orange, Iona Preparatory School, and All Hallows High School in the South Bronx.

Answering a deeper call to ministry, Father Laferrera left the Christian Brothers and entered Immaculate Conception Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1988 and faithfully served the Church for more than three decades. His assignments included St. Michael’s Church in Palisades Park, Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City, St. Mary’s Church in Dumont, and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Roseland, where he served until his retirement.

Following his retirement, Father Laferrera settled in Toms River.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Philip P. and Eileen Laferrera and his sister, Judith Ann Laferrera. Father Laferrera is survived by his brother, Philip P. Laferrera Jr. and his wife, Patricia J.; his sister, Joan M. Albanese and her husband, John Sr.; and his brother, John Laferrera. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Sister Amelia Lamendola, SC

A Mass of Christ Burial was held on June 8 at Holy Family Chapel in Convent Station, New Jersey for Sister Amelia Lamendola, formerly Sister Maria Cordis. She died on June 2 at Complete Care at Saint Vincent’s in Cedar Grove. Sister Amelia was 88.

Sister Amelia was born in Jersey City, the daughter of John and Jennie (nee Raimondi) Lamendola. She entered the Sisters of Charity on August 20, 1957, and was a dedicated member for 68 years. Sister Amelia received a BS degree in elementary education from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown. She also received a master’s degree in guidance from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Sister Amelia faithfully served in the ministries of education and social services in New Jersey. She was an elementary school teacher at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School in East Orange, Sacred Heart School in Vailsburg, and St. Clare School in Clifton. Sister Amelia was also a guidance counselor at St. James School in Newark, St. Michael’s School in Newark, and St. Aloysious High School in Jersey City. She served as director of guidance at Sacred Heart Academy in Hoboken and as a teacher of religious studies at Lacordaire Academy in Montclair and Sacred Heart Academy in Hoboken.

Sister Amelia’s commitment to care for vulnerable and marginalized young people and adults her to ministries which were focused on alleviating suffering and distress. She served as residential counselor at Triad House in Ewing, and as program director, assistant director, and acting director of the House of Faith in Jersey City, which serves those without homes. Sister Amelia advocated on the State and local levels for affordable, safe housing for those most in need

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Virginia Sansevere, her brother Phillip, and nephew Charles Sansevere. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and a great grandniece and great grandnephew.

Sister Carol Ann Lockwood, SC

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on June 16 at Holy Family Chapel in Convent Station, New Jersey for Sister Carol Ann Lockwood, SC. She died on June 10 at Complete Care at Saint Vincent’s in Cedar Grove. Sister Carol Ann was 70.

She was born in Jersey City, the daughter of John and Ruth (nee Armstrong) Lockwood. She entered the Sisters of Charity on April 11, 1985, and was a dedicated member for 41 years.

Prior to entering the congregation, Sister Carol Ann graduated from Douglass College/Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a B. S. degree in home economics, and she taught that subject at Park Ridge High School in Park Ridge. After entering the Sisters of Charity, Sister Carol Ann received an M. A. degree in education from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, and an M. A. degree in theology from Seton Hall University in South Orange.

She served both as a teacher and director of Saint Mary’s Child Care Center in Elizabeth and as education director of the York Street Project in Jersey City. Sister Carol Ann taught at Saint Patrick’s School in Jersey City, as religious studies teacher at Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township, and as campus minister at Holy Angels Academy, in Demarest. She also served as teacher and director of admissions at Caritas Academy, in Jersey City. At the time of her final illness, Sister Carol Ann was a religious studies teacher at Saint Vincent Academy in Newark.

She served the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity as director of candidates. In 2005, Sister Carol Ann was part of the Sisters of Charity Haiti Mission Team.

Sister Carol Ann was predeceased by her parents and her aunt, Janet Patten. She is survived by her sisters, Christine (Michael) McPartland, Jan Lockwood, and Monica (Kenneth) Nycom, her brothers Michael (Debbie) and Jack, along with many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Sister Jean Ruppel, SC

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on June 9 at Holy Family Chapel in Convent Station, New Jersey for Sister Jean Ruppel, SC. She died on June 2 at Complete Care at Saint Vincent’s in Cedar Grove. Sister Jean was 92.

She was born in East Orange, the daughter of William and Mary (nee Binn) Ruppel. She graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown with a BA degree in social studies and a minor in elementary education. Sister Jean entered the Sisters of Charity on March 6, 1953, and was a dedicated member for 73 years.

For sixty-five years she ministered as an educator. Sister Jean was a teacher at Holy Name School in East Orange, Saint Anne School in Jersey City, Saint Thomas School in Bloomfield, Our Lady of Lourdes in West Orange, Sacred Heart in New Brunswick, Sacred Heart in Vailsburg, and Saint Peter in Belleville.

Sister Jean served at Our Lady of Lourdes twice. During her second tenure, Sister Jean taught until the original school closed. It reopened as Mount Carmel Guild Academy, dedicated to serving the needs of students with special needs. She then began a 16-year ministry as a teacher assistant and later served as a volunteer; she remained close to parishioners and staff until her passing.

Sister Jean was also part of the House of Prayer Experience at Convent Station and Sacred Heart in New Brunswick. The mission of this community was to share the love of God and promote spiritual renewal for individuals and families. Sister Jean also served as a staff member at Mother Seton Residence in Montclair.

As someone who loved to be by the water, she spent many summers volunteering at Maris Stella Retreat and Conference Center in Harvey Cedars, NJ on Long Beach Island. There she cared for the flowers and assisted in any way that was needed.

Sister Jean was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Mary Lou Ruppel. She is survived by her cousins Paul Ruppel and Lesley Weiriech.

Sister Mary Jo Ward, SC

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on June 10 at Holy Family Chapel in Convent Station, New Jersey, Sister Mary Jo Ward, SC. She died peacefully on June 3 at Catherine of Siena Health Care Facility in Caldwell surrounded by her family. Sister Mary Jo was 94.

Born in Jersey City, she was the beloved daughter of Thomas and Edna Anne (nee Healy) Ward. Sister Mary Jo was a resident of Newark, where she faithfully served others through her ministry, volunteer work, and commitment to her community as a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth for 76 years.

Sister Mary Jo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station. She devoted herself to the education of children across New Jersey, serving as a teacher at Saint Peter School in Jersey City, Saint Mary Elementary School in Dumont, Saint Charles Borromeo School in Newark, Saint Patrick School in Jersey City and Public-School No. 38 in Jersey City. She also served as an administrator and house parent at St. Mary Residence for Children in Newark, where she provided guidance, stability, and loving care to children in need.

Following her years in formal ministry, Sister Mary Jo continued her life of service as a volunteer with Cicola, David, Kaufman, MD, in West Orange. She was also deeply involved with her parishes, Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange and Saint Joseph’s in Maplewood, and was an active participant in the Cursillo movement, helping to inspire and strengthen the faith of others.

One of her most cherished ministries was hosting children from Northern Ireland through The Children’s Project, which brought young people to America during the summer months to escape the violence and unrest of “The Troubles” in their homeland. She welcomed these children with open arms and a loving heart, offering them peace, safety, and unforgettable memories.

Sister Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, James Ward, and Thomas Ward (Gloria); and her nephew-in-law, George Masseo. She is survived by her nieces, Colleen Iodice (John), Eileen Masseo, Patricia Ward, and Gabrielle Ward, and by many grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews; and her cousins James, Mora; and many other loving cousins and extended family members.