Eleanor Young

Eleanor Mary Parke Young, of Rocky Hill, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023 in Hunterdon Medical Center, Flemington, NJ, at that grand age of 96. Born December 30, 1926, she was daughter to Myrtle and William V. Parke of Princeton, NJ. Eleanor was the second oldest of five children.

A longtime resident of both Princeton, NJ, and Rocky Hill, NJ, Eleanor Young enjoyed her last 12 years residing in Irvington, VA, Elkridge, MD, and Ringoes, NJ, with loved ones.

While attending Princeton High School during the height of WWII, she began working as a Switchboard Operator on Nassau Street at Bell Telephone Company. On April 11, 1947, at the age of 20, Eleanor Parke married Otto T. Young Jr., her hometown sweetheart. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage of nearly 30 years before Otto’s
untimely passing.They were blessed with their three daughters and continued to reside in Rocky Hill.

Eleanor was an avid dancer. The family cherished her story of auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes, but she realized city life was not for her. Eleanor carried her talent for dance through life, quickly finding the dance floor to jitterbug, tap dancing in her basement, and in later years becoming a Philadelphia Mummer with The Happy Days String Band. She graced parades with elaborate feathered costumes and white gloved hands. She entertained with the best of them, and kept everyone on their toes with her endless energy. Given the opportunity when asked, Eleanor would always “Rather Be Dancing.”

While keeping an impeccable home, Eleanor dedicated much of her professional life to Mid Atlantic Hospital Association, as assistant convention manager, and to Church World Service CROP, where she managed the Rocky Hill office.She retired in 1997 and remained in her hometown of Rocky Hill, enjoying and maintaining her spectacular peony garden and beloved koi pond. She enjoyed winter trips to Florida, and “tootling” to Ringoes, Baltimore, and Phoenix to visit family.

Eleanor was a member of the Rocky Hill Reformed Church, Rocky Hill Fire Department Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Red Hat Society, and The Princeton Soroptimists Club. While living in Irvington, VA, Eleanor volunteered at the local food pantry and thrift shop. She took pride in the level of support she and her colleagues provided to the local community. She was a gifted letter writer and enjoyed putting pen to paper and sharing her heartfelt thoughts. She always remembered everyone’s birthday and prided herself by sending musical greeting cards to great-grandchildren and loved ones. She scripted beautiful letters adorned with a rose sticker by her signature making everyone feel loved. Christmas morning was not complete without her annual Christmas poem and lovingly decorated envelopes nestled in the Christmas tree.

Eleanor’s grandchildren have fond memories of playing dress up at her vanity, and enjoying sweet Lipton iced tea and Entenmann’s chocolate cake on her patio. It became a tradition for her to take grandchildren for their driver’s tests in her blue Buick Skylark, and give personalized handmade photo albums on their 18th birthdays. Eleanor’s sweet tooth was legendary. She perfected the peanut butter and jelly bean sandwich, always had Juicy Fruit gum in her handbag, taught her great-grandchildren to expect Dove chocolate on her bedside stand, and never turned down a piece of cake.

Eleanor is survived by her daughters Carolyn (Benjamin) Embrey-Foose of Show Low, AZ, Deborah (late Theodore) Cook of Elkridge, MD, and Beverly (Robert) Cramer of Ringoes, NJ; and grandchildren Larry (Leslie) Embrey of Tacoma, WA, Peter (Cathy) Cook of Frankfort, IL, Melissa (Aaron) Fetterolf of Millers, MD, David (Kellie) Cramer of Hopewell, NJ, and Kristin (Adam) Boozer of Elkridge, MD. She also leaves 14 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Bowen, Hannah, Eleanor, Rebecca, Tadd, Whitaker, Temperance, David, Austin, Koal, Declan, Liam, Kaitlyn; and great-great-grandchild Oliver.She was reunited in Heaven with her loving husband, Otto; grandson, Scott; brothers, William, Garrett, Allen; sister, Ruth; and son-in-law, Theodore Cook.

Eleanor wore many hats and adorned many titles. She was lovingly referred to as Mom, Mom-mom, Gigi, and Aunt Elle. She never closed a written letter or shared a personal greeting without a heartfelt hug and, “I love you a bushel and a peck.”It was Eleanor’s signature. She was truly a spectacular woman, and lived a beautiful, rewarding life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a gift or donation be given to a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ. Calling hours will be held, preceding the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Burial at Rocky Hill Cemetery, Montgomery Avenue, Rocky Hill, NJ, immediately following.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

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George W. Johnson

George W. Johnson, 78, of Princeton died Monday, July 3, 2023 at home. Born in Princeton, he was a lifelong Princeton resident. George was a graduate of St. Paul’s School, the Hun School of Princeton, and was a proud  student at  Lehigh University and was a member of the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity. George was an electrical contractor in the Princeton area his whole life. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Church, a life member of the Mercer Engine Company No. 3 Princeton Hook and Ladder, the Squatters Club, the Lion’s Club of Princeton, and the Harrison Athletic Club. George loved and was very active in flag football.

Son of the late Reuben and Cecelia (McCloskey) Johnson, brother of the late Thomas H. Johnson, brother-in-law of the late Martin F. Nestor, friend and brother-in-law of the late Jeff Lowe, he is survived by his wife of 57 years Catherine (Nestor) Johnson; a son George W. Johnson Jr.; a daughter Brooke A. Johnson; a sister and brother-in-law Margaret “Peggy” and Flavio Fener; three sisters-in-law Josephine Johnson, Lee Nestor, Marta Lowe; three cousins Missy Bruvik, Caroline Clancy, Sue Bruswitz; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by dear friends Noel Sabatino and Doug Hoffman.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, condolence cards can be sent to PO Box 288, Princeton, NJ 08540.

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Arlo Dean Duba

Arlo Dean Duba died in Gunnison, CO, June 27, 2023, at the age of 93. He was born in 1929 in Platte, a Czech community in rural South Dakota.

Arlo met Doreen at the University of Dubuque where they were both studying. They were married in 1954. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1955. After completing his Ph.D. at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1960, he took a position at Westminster Choir College as Chaplain and Associate Professor of Religion. In 1968, he did post-doctoral research at the Liturgical Institute of Paris. In 1969, he was appointed Director of Daily Chapel Worship and taught worship and liturgical studies in Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1982 he was called to be the Professor of Worship in the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary where he was also the Dean. He was active in the North American Academy of Liturgy, Societas Liturgica, and the Association for Reformed & Liturgical Worship. Dr. Duba’s works continue to guide and renew the practice of worship and give voice to scripture in congregational singing.

Arlo is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doreen E. Duba; his children Paul (Karen) Duba, Bruce (Susan) Duba, John (Carrie) Duba, and Anne (Steven) Duba-Maack, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alvera Duba, and his siblings Ralph Duba and Eldora Duba Beeman. He donated his body to the CO State Anatomical Board.

Memorial contributions may be made toward the Arlo Duba Fund at Princeton Theological Seminary at giving.ptsem.edu or PO Box 821, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08542.

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John Ross Lasley

John Ross Lasley, aka “Big Bad John,” longtime resident of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. John had a long, happy, adventurous, and eventful life. His nickname BBJ was a result of his lifelong journey filled with endless humor and pranks amidst his deep love for his friends and family. He was a motorcyclist, a pilot, a skier, a scuba diver, a fisherman, and an avid reader of the New York Times. John had endless stories about his many adventures, some true.

Here are the facts: John was born in New Haven, CT, on April 15, 1927, the first child of Ross Art Lasley and Harriet May Kingsley Lasley. During his childhood, he lived in Boston, New York City, Westport, CT, and Pelham, NY. He attended Pelham Memorial High School before moving with his family to a Flemington, NJ, farm where John became proficient at milking the cows. That was a job he performed each morning before taking the bus to Somerville High School. After two years, he transferred to Valley Forge Military Academy, graduating in 1945. John then joined the Navy and served at Great Lakes and Corpus Christie, TX. Following his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at Yale University, leaving after two years to join Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as a roustabout. According to John, his parents were delighted that he left Yale to join a circus. Such was the sarcasm of Big Bad John.

After his circus experience, he worked as a management consultant for his father’s company, R.A. Lasley Inc., in the Chrysler Building in NYC. There, John met Katharine Parker, of Onancock, Virginia, who was smitten because “his tie was askew.” They married and had four children: Janet, Martha, David, and Tom. During the early fifties, John commuted to NYC, returning home every night to build his house on Cherry Valley Road in Princeton. He and Katharine worked well past dusk many nights. The completed house was where John and Katharine lived for most of the 59 years of their marriage. It was where their children grew up and where BBJ passed away.

In 1956 John went to work for Opinion Research Corporation in Princeton and retired as senior vice-president 29 years later. At that point he opened an office in Princeton for the Wirthlin Group. Finally, in 1994 John really retired.

Through the years John was very active in the community, serving as Executive Director of the Princeton All-Star Fishing Team, Chairman of the Board of Nassau Savings and Loan, Nassau Club President, Rotary Club President, Executive Director of the Jaycee Football Classic, a Director of the Medical Center at Princeton, Chairman of the Princeton Borough Transportation Committee, member of the Elmo’s Eels, and much more. The Princeton Chamber of Commerce once named him Man of the Year. John enjoyed fishing, gardening, Dixieland jazz, fireworks, and cooking.

After Katharine died, John (at the age of 84!) went on match.com. That led to meeting Dottie Batho whom he married in 2013. They found much happiness and love together, and enjoyed entertaining and traveling, taking over 20 trips and cruises, along with many other adventures.

John outlived his first wife Katharine, his daughter Janet, his brothers, Bob and Jerry, and his sister-in-law, Anna. He is survived by his wife Dottie; his children Martha, David, and Tom (Meg); his son-in-law Marc (Sue); his stepchildren Emily, Peter, and John; his grandchildren Jake, Cory (Mike), Woody (Brittany), Caylin (Steve), Charlie, Q, Ever, Cage, and Tru; his great-grandchildren Edward, Archer, Serenity, and Ivy; his step-grandchildren Christina, Victoria, Amanda, and Lilly; his nieces and nephews Johnny, Sue, Roberta, Kate, Dan, Barbara, Susan, Alison, Beth, and Ross; his sisters-in-law Joan, Judy, and Elizabeth; his brother-in-law John; special friend Sam DeTuro; and many other great friends.

Facts are only part of BBJ’s story. It was his engaging personality, amazing adventures and deep relationships that tell the rest of the story. If you want to share a story about John or post a tribute, please go to aloiafuneral.com. When a date is determined, that website will announce the details for a Celebration of John’s Life. We hope you will join us.

If you wish to make a contribution in memory of John, please contribute to NAMI Mercer in Hamilton, NJ, namimercer.org, an organization which meant a great deal to John and his first wife Katharine.

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Keith T. Larini

In loving memory of Keith T. Larini, who peacefully departed from this world on June 2, 2023, at the age of 70. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Keith is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Jean Larini, who was not only his partner in life but also his source of strength and joy; his two children Todd and Michaela Larini and Jennifer and Jason Spencer; his grandchildren  Sophia, Vincent, and Anthony Larini, Finley and Barrette Spencer; as well as a brother Ken and Maggie Larini and sister Kim and Dom Sferra and nieces; and countless friends.

Keith was born in New Jersey and later became a resident of Princeton, where he established and successfully ran his own painting and construction company.

In 2001, Keith and Jean stumbled upon the enchanting island of St. Croix, USVI and instantly knew they had found their future home.

With determination and perseverance, they made their dream a reality and moved to St. Croix in 2015. Embracing the island life, Keith found solace in being near, in, and around the water. He quickly became an active member of the island community, forming lifelong friendships and cherishing every moment spent in paradise. Keith’s infectious joy was evident as he proudly showcased the beauty of St. Croix to visitors from the states and beyond.

Keith’s departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his memory will forever reside in the hearts of his loved ones. He was a firm believer in celebrating life and always encouraged those around him to embrace each moment.

As Keith would often say, “Let’s get the party started.” Let us raise our glasses and toast to Keith, a remarkable individual who lived life to the fullest and brought immeasurable happiness to those fortunate enough to know him. Cheers to Keith.

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Phyllis M. Chase

Phyllis M. Chase, 79, of Princeton, passed away on July 9, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving
family. 

Phyllis was born in Elyria, Ohio, but lived in Princeton for the past 48 years. She worked as the travel coordinator for Princeton University for 29 years and was active in Princeton University athletics, known to coaches and athletes through the years. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She was kind, thoughtful, and had a smile that would light up a room. She influenced many people in the community and was loved by all who knew her. 

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Bryce S. Chase; four sons Cory Myers and partner Laura Marks, Kevin Myers, Mathew Myers, Bryce Chase Jr. and daughter-in-law Amy; and daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Marshall Haegley. She had 10 grandchildren, Bryce M., Court, Mandisa, Irene, Chase, Sophia, Ashton, Amber, Alyssa, Arianna; sister Gail Barney and her partner Sonny Erb; nieces Erin Carpenter and Kristen Barmeu. She had great friends, the “tennis ladies” Maryann, Linda, Bel, and Altina, and her protégée Kim. 

She was predeceased by her parents Robert and Genevieve (Zechman) Murphy. 

Please join us at her Memorial Visitation Thursday, July 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ (matherhodge.com).  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’ name to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Box 872, Trenton, NJ 08605-0872 (trentonsoupkitchen.org).