25-Year Firefighter April Lubenetski Of Walnutport Dies Of Occupational Cancer
A beloved firefighter who served multiple departments across the Lehigh Valley has died in the line of duty after a nearly year-long battle with occupational cancer, authorities announced on Monday, May 20, 2025.
April Lubenetski, 51, of Lehigh Township, passed away at 8:28 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, surrounded by family and fellow first responders at St. Luke’s Brian D. Perin Hospice House in Lower Saucon Township. Diagnosed with stage 4b cancer in August 2024, she continued serving her community as long as she was physically able.
April’s passing has been declared a line-of-duty death, attri…
Cecil County Harley Crash Kills Rider, Leaves Woman Critical: ‘He Lived Life To The Fullest’
A sunny spring ride on a Harley ended in tragedy in Maryland, leaving one rider dead and his passenger fighting for her life, according to state police and loved ones.
Two Cecil County families are grieving and bracing for what comes next after a beloved motorcycle rider was killed and his passenger critically injured in a crash earlier this week.
Velmer “Toot” Huff Jr., 63, of Elkton, died on Monday, May 12, after he and Tara Hammond, 43, of North East, were hit while riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in Elkton, Maryland, according to Maryland State Police.
The crash happened just aft…
Franklin Lakes Dad Jossy Thomas Dies, 44: 'The Guy That Was Supposed To Win'
Jossy Thomas of Franklin Lakes died on Saturday, April 26, 2025, following a courageous battle with illness, according to his obituary from the Vander Plaat Funeral Home website. He was 44 years old.
Thomas was Head of Trading at QTrade Capital Partners, where his sharp mind and strategic vision earned him respect and admiration," his obituary reads. He previously worked at UBS Investment Bank. Thomas earned his MBA from NYU Stern and a bachelor's degree in computer science from Stony Brook University, the obituary says.
Born in Queens and raised in Hicksville, NY, Thomas is …
Final Ride Will Honor Cranford Motorcyclist Killed In Crash
Family, friends, and strangers across North Jersey are rallying around the loved ones of Michael Mendonca-Lopez, the 23-year-old motorcyclist killed in a Passaic County crash over the weekend.
A wake will be held for Lopez on Wednesday, April 30, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at August F. Schmidt Memorial Funeral Home in Elizabeth, according to his obituary. His memorial service will begin the following morning, Thursday, May 1 at 9 a.m., at the same location.
Michael will then take his final ride to Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, escorted by fellow bikers with PISC Motards Motorcycle Club.
Lo…
Roxbury Native, Powerlifter Killed In Motorcycle Crash In Florida
Lorenzo Kuryla, a Roxbury native, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Florida last week, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family. He was 27 years old.
This is the Last Picture I was able to take together with my little brother Lorenzo Kuryla before he passed away from a... Posted by Nicholas Pagliaro on Friday, April 18, 2025
Kuryla's father, Joe, owns The Shipping Grounds at 276 E. Main St. in Denville.
"Many of us know Joe from his iconic black hat and perpetual smile that one is always greeted with upon entering the Shipping Grounds," Andrew Allen, who organi…
Fire Victim, Retired Highway Supervisor From Beacon Remembered: Here's When Services Will Be
The Dutchess County community is mourning the loss of Eugene “Gene” Murphy—better known as “Murph”—a retired highway department supervisor who died in a devastating house fire.
Murphy, 81, died at his home at 9 Alice St. in Beacon on Tuesday, April 15 after a fast-moving fire broke out just after 6:20 p.m. Three other relatives were injured in the blaze, including his 15-year-old great-grandson, who was left in critical condition with severe burns at Westchester Medical Center, as Daily Voice reported.
Murphy, a lifelong Beacon resident, was born on October 24, 1943, and worked …
Jessica Gillen, Owner Of Pic-a-lilli Inn, Berlin Native, Dies At 45
Jessica Gillen, a Berlin resident, died on Tuesday, April 8 at the age of 45, according to her obituary from the Leroy Wooster Funeral Home.
Gillen helped run the Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong, dedicated to preserving its legacy, her obituary reads.
"Loved by many, her radiant smile lit up the restaurant and bar, welcoming guests and making friends of strangers," her obituary reads.
Very sad day for me. I lost an amazing person in my life today. ❤️❤️❤️I love you 💔 Jessica Gillen Posted by Anne Marie Harbold on Wednesday, April 9, 2025
In her free time, Gillen enjoyed the beach, drivi…
