Obituaries

William Raleigh Smith

Mr. Smith, 77, of Red Bank, died Jan. 29, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was a chief petty officer, retired, U.S. Navy. He began his career in the Navy in 1946 stationed at the U.S. Naval Lighter, Lakehurst, assigned to hauling blimps that were landing. He served with the Navy during World War II and in both the Korean War and Vietnam War. His medals include the World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, Purple Heart, and American Defense Medal. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Joan A. Murphy Smith; two stepsons and wives, Jeffrey and Kathy Loder Murphy, and Kerry and Diane Murphy; a brother, Joseph J. Smith; and four grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. Interment was at Holy Cross Burial Park, East Brunswick. Arrangements were by Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to Meridian Health Foundation, 4900 Route 33, Neptune 07753.

Ruth A. Patterson

Miss Patterson, 91, of Red Bank, died Jan. 5, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. Born in Red Bank, she was a lifelong resident. She was employed at Prudential Insurance Co., retiring in 1978. She was a communicant of St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. She volunteered at Riverview Medical Center for 20 years. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert E. and Eleanor F. Patterson; three nephews; a grandniece; and a grandnephew. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at. St. James Church. Burial was at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. Arrangements were by John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank.

Doris M. Burns Fleck

Mrs. Fleck, 82, of Union Beach, died Feb. 5, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. Born in Newark, she resided in Union Beach for 50 years. She was a dining room service attendant at Bell Labs, Holmdel, where she was employed 10 years. She was also a homemaker. She was a communicant of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Union Beach, and a member of its Altar Rosary Society. She was an avid bowler and bowled on several different leagues. Mrs. Fleck was predeceased by her husband, Arthur F. Fleck; a brother, George Burns; and a sister, Elizabeth Murphy. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Cathy Fleck of Hazlet; three daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and John Hill of Red Bank, Mary and Robert Drechsel of Maplewood, and Doris and John Kane of Middletown; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Holy Family Church. Interment was at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Keyport. Arrangements were by Day Funeral Home, Keyport.

Lawrence E. White

Mr. White, 75, of Moneta, Va., died Jan. 23, 2007, at Rocky Mount Hospital, Virginia. Born in New York City, he resided in Red Bank, Middletown and Little Silver before moving to Moneta eight years ago. Mr. White served as president of the Red Bank YMCA for several years. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of the Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club, Moneta, and was a former coach for River Plaza Lincroft Pop-Warner Football and River Plaza Little League Baseball. Mr. White is survived by his wife, Margaret; three sons, Clifford of Westfield, Ind., Brian of Wentzville, Mo., and Stuart of San Francisco; a daughter, Katharine White Mulvey of Middletown; a sister, Frances Knoerdel of Venetia, Pa.; and 10 grandchildren. A family memorial service will be held at Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Va., in July.