Laird T. “Buck” Stratton

Mr. Stratton, 68, of Rumson, died Nov. 26 in Rumson. Born in South Amboy, he resided in Middletown prior to moving to Rumson 27 years ago. He was a contractor and self-employed at Stratton Construction, Rumson, for 47 years, retiring in 2002. He enjoyed horse races at Monmouth Park, Oceanport, and several sports. He was predeceased by a daughter, Victoria, in 1964. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ellen Little Stratton; a daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Paul Zick of Perth Amboy; three sons and daughters-in-law, Stark and Jillian Stratton, and Rick and Joan Stratton, all of Rumson; and Gene and Audrey Stratton of Middletown; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Christina and Joseph Grimley of Oceanport, Carol and William Creed of Whiting, and Patricia and Fernando Peguero of Georgia; a brother, William Stratton of South Amboy; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to Rumson First Aid Squad, 1 Wilson Circle, Rumson 07760.

Harold S. VanBrunt

Mr. VanBrunt, 85, of Rumson, died Nov. 28 at home. He was a lifelong resident of Rumson. He was employed at New Jersey Natural Gas Company for 37 years, retiring in 1986. He served with the U.S. Army Air Force in the South Pacific during World War II from 1942-45. He was a lifelong member and deacon at Rumson Presbyterian Church, and was also a member of the church’s bowling team for several years. He was an exempt member of the Rumson Volunteer Fire Department. He was an avid golfer. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie in 1994; and a brother, Chester in 1992. He is survived by a son, Harold VanBrunt of Ashburn, Va.; two daughters, Susan Donato of Middletown, and Debbie Hughes of Rumson; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Rumson Presbyterian Church. Interment was at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to Rumson Fire Department, East River Road, Rumson 07760.

Robert Edwards

Mr. Edwards, 85, of West Allenhurst, died Dec. 11 at home. Born in Yonkers, N.Y., he had resided in Rumson and Tenafly before moving to West Allenhurst. An engineer and industrialist, Mr. Edwards founded and built EAC Industries, a supplier of electronic and communications products to the U.S. Armed Forces, in 1958, and Radiofone Corp., one of the largest radio paging operations nationwide, in 1971. He held a number of patents on components and processes in the electronics industry. He also directed the design and engineering of a New York-area cellular system, which eventually became the Federal Communications Commission-approved system for that market. Mr. Edwards was predeceased by four brothers, Morris, Nelson, Philip and George Edwards. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Maroselli Edwards; a son and daughter-in-law, Marc and Linda Edwards of East Windsor; two daughters and a son-in-law, Jennifer Edwards Kaye and Jeffrey Kay of West Allenhurst, and Barbara Fredericks of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Adele Arslan of Red Bank and Rose Fiegel of Ocala, Fla.; and seven grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank, followed by entombment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Sea Girt. The John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1034 Salem Road, P.O. Box 4028, Union 07083.

Philomena Andolfi

Mrs. Andolfi, 89, of Keyport, died Nov. 26 at the Geraldine Thompson Nursing Home, Wall Township. Born in Holmdel, she had resided in Matawan before moving to Keyport 50 years ago. Mrs. Andolfi was a homemaker. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Keyport, where she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society. She was predeceased by her husband, John Andolfi, in 1978; and five brothers, Patrick, John, Michael Amelio and Dominick Eovino. Mrs. Andolfi is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony and Patricia Andolfi of Old Bridge, and John and Susan Andolfi of Frenchtown; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Eovino of Matawan and Lorraine Eovino of Tinton Falls; and five grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, followed by interment at the parish cemetery. The Day Funeral Home, Keyport, was in charge of arrangements.