Ralph J. Mears

Norfolk – Ralph J. Mears, 90, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 28, 2017, after a valiant battle with Cancer. Born in Saxis, VA, he was the son of the late Amy Mears-Kerrick and Paige S. Mears.

Ralph is survived in Life by his beloved wife, Sandra L. Mears; sisters, Sue Dagmans and Ann Brokke; son, Andrew Mears; daughter-In Law, Pattie Mears; grandchildren, Victoria Richardson and husband, Josh Richardson, Katherine Scherf and husband, Tylor Scherf, Joshua Mears; great grandchildren, Ava Richardson and Everly Scherf. He was preceded in life by his sister, Helen Jean Evers; brother, Edward Lloyd Mears; and his son, Ralph J. Mears Jr.

Ralph was a hardworking, honest man who served his country proudly and honorably in World War 2 as a United States Marine. He served aboard the USS Franklin as an Aircraft Gunner. He was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded on two separate occasions due to his ship being attacked by bombers during the war. After the war he worked in Brooklyn, N. Y. for a sheet metal plant. He moved back to Norfolk and started a career with the Norfolk Police Department, which he enjoyed serving his community for 33 years. His proudest moments were the 23 years he served as a Homicide Detective.

Upon his retirement in 1988, he spent most of his time at the American Legion Post 35 in the Ocean View section of Norfolk. Besides spending time at the Post he enjoyed sports and visiting with family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 35, 850 W. Ocean View Ave Norfolk, Va. 23503 at 12:00 noon on Sat., Oct. 7th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.hdoliver.com

Robert Seton Ryan

AGE: 93 • Madison

Robert Seton Ryan, 93, of Madison, died with his family by his side on November 7, 2017. Mr. Ryan was a lifelong resident of Madison and leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Margie Ryan, and four children: Mary Elizabeth, Robert Seton, Joseph Arthur and Kate Keefe. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Grace, Clare, Abby, Brent, William, Peter, Ben, Jack, Jim and Sophie.

Mr. Ryan was a decorated World War II Veteran who enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. He served aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13) and was a survivor of the March 29, 1945 attack on the ship where more than 800 crew were lost.

Following the War, he earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering from Tulsa University. His first job took him to the oilfields of Wyoming, where he met the love of his life, Margie Ann Riehl, at a church dinner. He worked at Stanolind Oil as a Petroleum Engineer, then joined First National City Bank in New York where he served as a Senior Credit Officer and Executive Vice-President. An enduring member of St. Vincent’s Parish in Madison, he was part of the extended clan of Ryans, including his Father and Mother, Francis J. and Ida May Keefe and The Reverends Msgrs. John R. and Leo P. Ryan. Robert was deeply loved by his family and friends who remain eternally grateful for his companionship, intellect and extraordinary love.

A wake will be held at Burroughs, Kohr and Dangler at 106 Main Street, Madison on Friday, November 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent’s in Madison on Saturday, November 11, at 10 AM. Floral arrangements should be sent to Burroughs, Kohr and Dangler or St. Vincent’s Martyr.

Zeuren, Ronald M.
Ronald M. Zeuren, of the Caldwells, New Jersey and The Villages, Lady Lake, Florida passed away at 1:35 a.m. on November 18, 2017 with his loving family by his side.
Ron, age 90, was born in Derby, Connecticut on October 27, 1927. He was the beloved husband for 66 years of Patricia (Frawley) Zeuren, and son of the late William and Nora (Monahan) Zeuren.
He served in the Navy from 1945 to 1948 and was assigned on the U.S.S. Franklin. He attended Shelton, Connecticut High School and Bridgeport University.
Ron was a Sales Representative for Sponge Rubber Products Company in Shelton, CT and then joined Sponge Cushion Company of Morris, IL as an Eastern Sales Manager.
He and his family moved to North Caldwell, NJ in 1959 and were involved in many community activities. Ron was a coach for the Viking Football Team, served on the Recreation Committee and the Skating Pond Committee, and was involved in the planning of the Liberty Field facilities.
Ron was a Eucharistic Minister at Notre Dame Church and was a volunteer at St. Augustine’s Church in Newark, NJ in their soup/food kitchen.
When retired, snowbirds Ron and “Patsy” lived for 15 years in The Villages, Fl. He was an avid golfer. He particularly loved vacationing on Long Beach Island with the family.
He was a member of the Caldwell Knights of Columbus, The Caldwell Old Guard, West Caldwell Seniors and was on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Flooring and Carpet Club.
Ronald leaves his beloved wife Patricia and cherished children, Debra Wefferling (Lawrence) of North Caldwell, NJ, Laura Andrighetti (Wayne) of North Haven, CT, and Amy Swendeman (Earl) of Vernon, NJ. Granddaughers Meghan Blackstock, Julia Wefferling, Kelly and Allison Swendeman. His sister, Jean Far of Shelton, CT and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at Codey & Jones Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Avenue, Caldwell, New Jersey on Tuesday, November 21st from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Notre Dame Church, North Caldwell, NJ on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the family plot at Mount Saint Peter’s Cemetery, Derby, CT. To extend condolences or share a memory, please visit www.codeyjonesfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the West Essex First Aid Squad or the Gary Sinise and Wounded Warrior Project at garysinisefoundation.org.