William Jacob Beegle '43

Obituary

William “Bill” Jacob Beegle, 101, a longtime resident of Blairstown, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Bill was the son of Floyd Elias and Grace Isabel (Webbe) Beegle and was born at home in Blairstown on May 12, 1924. He graduated Blairstown High School class of 1943 with his classmate and future wife Elizabeth “Betty” Latteman. They were engaged at the Blairstown Footbridge and married at the Presbyterian Manse on March 18, 1945, becoming a quintessential couple of the World War II era. In 1949 they moved to Washington, NJ where they raised their four children. After living briefly in Colorado, they moved back to their beloved Blairstown in 1972 where they made their home ever since. Bill and Betty were recognized as the Longest Known Married Couple in Warren County, having been married for 78.5 years.

In his youth Bill dreamed of aviation and at the age of nine or ten would walk several miles to a hangar at what would later become the Blairstown Airport. He was fascinated by airplanes and would walk that distance regularly to simply hand the mechanics their tools and learn about the planes. When Bill was a young teen, his father took him to the airport for a paid ride in a Stearman airplane. He could barely peep his head over the edge of the open cockpit to see the ground below. This was Bill’s first flight and after this experience he was truly hooked on flying. As soon as he turned eighteen, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps to join the war effort of WWII. He went on to become a pilot and earn his wings as a Second Lieutenant flying a B17 Flying Fortress bomber. After the war he joined the Givens Belet American Legion Post #258 where he held the title of adjunct. Bill’s love of aviation carried on throughout his life and was shared with his son Jeff, granddaughter Christie, son-in-law Gene and grandson Michael.

During his high school years Bill and his brothers Bob and Chip were very involved with Boy Scout Troop 140 where Bill earned the rank of Star. His troop helped to salvage a C-47 transport plane that had crashed on the Blue Mountain above Walnut Valley. (Later he was also a scoutmaster with the troop). He worked at Blair Academy in his young teens, first as a caddie on their newly established golf course (mid 1930s). He then went to work in the Blair kitchen, working in the early morning hours before school, then attended classes at Blairstown High School and returning to Blair to work an additional shift after school. With this long day he still managed to take part in sports, scouting, studying and helping at home. Special time was spent at Paulina Dam fishing and swimming, as well as bike rides to nearby towns.

Bill was well known as master mason and builder, first owning “Beegle Bros. Construction” with his younger brother Chip. Evidence of Bill’s stone and brick work is celebrated throughout the region including Newton Hospital, Hunterdon Hospital, Blair Academy, Hot Dog Johnny’s, Oakwood and Bel-Pike bowling lanes along with many private homes and landmarks. Bill took pride in his work and had great integrity in making sure the work was done right. He coupled this work ethic with his artistic skill creating “works of art” with his stonework. With some much-appreciated family help, he built the homes that he and Betty lived in most recently. One home he built at age fifty and the other at age seventy-five. His legacy of building is carried on through his son Bill, nephew Larry Van Syckle, and grandson Jason. Prior to his retirement, he worked at Hoffman La Roche (HLR) in Belvidere as a chemical operator. Retirement didn’t slow him down; he continued masonry jobs and worked as a ranger at Apple Mountain Golf Course.

Favorite hobbies included bowling, golf, hunting, traveling, woodworking, playing cards (especially UNO) and spending time with family. He built and co-owned Oakwood Lanes in Washington, NJ, where his team qualified for national championships taking them across the US. In his retirement he was president of the Senior League at Bel-Pike Lanes and at the age of 95 was the oldest active bowler in Warren County. He was president and founder of the famed Red Sock Society. Bill helped to organize the annual Cal Kemp Memorial Golf Tournament through HLR and once shot the pinnacle of the golf world – a hole in one! There were many golf outings that he enjoyed with his son Bill, grandson Eric and grandson Michael, along with best friend Al Schmidt. Bill and Betty enjoyed traveling the United States in their RV exploring the American countryside with their dear friends the Schmidts. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown and the Lion’s Club in Washington, NJ.

Bill’s time with his family was very special to him. He was just the most loving and caring father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother, and son. He was always willing and excited to help family and friends with their home improvement projects. Most importantly he treasured every interaction with his beloved family and friends, and he was very proud of his family’s accomplishments. He will forever be a role model for his family.

We will miss his sparkling blue eyes, big smile, booming voice, along with his wonderful way of bringing joy and making us all laugh. “Hasta la vista baby” as Dad would say when leaving. When folks would tell him “See you next time “he would reply “thanks for the warning.” We love you so dearly Dad.❤️

Bill is survived by his four children: William D. (Kathe) of Pinehurst, NC; Jeffrey (Jeanne) of Raleigh; NC, Donna Melnyczenko of Bethlehem, PA; and Christine Beegle of Blairstown, NJ; sister Ellen “Honey” Costa of Cape Coral, FL; nine grandchildren: Kevin (Dana) Beegle, Eric (Jeanine) Beegle, Jason (Kelly) Beegle, Kim (Christopher) Ply, Christie (Jeff) Karrels, Tara (Emmett) Kluxen, Michael (Jennifer) Bryan, Christine (Jason) Melnyczenko, Alyson (Nate) Barrall; fifteen great grandchildren: Kyllie, Tyler, Brenna, Kaden, Sadi, Ethan, Allison, Mackenzie, Megan, Joseph, Colin, Alexa, Olivia, Hazel, and Nolan along with many, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he joins his loving wife Elizabeth, his siblings: Elinor (Paul) Lowman, Robert (Audrey) Beegle, Marion (Gilbert) Van Syckle, Gordon “Chip” (Ann) Beegle, Joan (William) Ouram, and brother-in-law Donald Costa along with his son-in-law Eugene Melnyczenko, nephew Fred Beegle, niece Diana Lowman, nephew James Latteman and his Latteman in-laws.

Donations can be made in Bill’s honor to the Blairstown Ambulance Corps., PO Box 389, Blairstown, NJ, 07825

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William, please visit our Tree Store.

Events

Visitation

Thursday, October 9, 2025

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Newbaker Funeral Home

200 Rt.94

Blairstown, NJ 07825

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Service

Thursday, October 9, 2025

12:00PM

Newbaker Funeral Home

200 Rt.94

Blairstown, NJ 07825

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Service

Thursday, October 9, 2025

2:00PM

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Belvidere Cemetery

161 Pequest Road

Belvidere , NJ 07823

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Shirlie A Shaffran,'56

Obituary

Shirlie A. Shaffran, 86, of Frelinghuysen Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, surrounded by love. Born on January 20, 1939, to Michael and Frieda Sydrock, Shirlie lived a vibrant life filled with joy, music, and deep connections with those around her.

In the 1960s, in the heart of Times Square at a record store, Shirlie met the love of her life, Nicholas Shaffran. It was a serendipitous meeting that blossomed into 55 years of unwavering love and partnership. Their life together was like a song—Shirlie, the melody, and Nicholas, the lyrics. A life of harmony, laughter, and devotion, she was truly his muse.

A longtime member of the Methodist Church in Blairstown, NJ, Shirlie found strength in her faith and joy in her community. She was known for her warmth, her spirited sense of humor, and her incredible cooking—especially her homemade pierogies and her beloved tomato sandwiches.

Shirlie had a lifelong love for music and musicals, often spending evenings enjoying classic shows and songs. She adored watching cooking shows, particularly those of Julia Child, and found inspiration in the kitchen through them.

A passionate Barbie doll collector, Shirlie frequented doll shows and cherished each addition to her growing collection. Her enthusiasm for her hobbies was only matched by her excitement for her high school reunions, where she reconnected with old friends and shared fond memories.

Shirlie lived a full, rich life—a life that touched many through her kindness, creativity, and warmth. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband Nicholas, cousins Tony Robert Sydrock (Theresa), Elizabeth S. Dunning (David), and Rebecca S. Andruss (William)

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM at Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, NJ. Immediately following will be the burial of ashes which will take place at Pequest Union Cemetery, 36 Cemetery Road, Great Meadows, NJ

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Roger H. Whitford, Sr. '58 

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Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roger Whitford Sr., a devoted father and grandfather. Roger was a proud lifelong Operating Engineer at Local 825. Once retired, his true love was making hay.

A man who never sat still, he spent his days tending to the fields making hay. If you couldn’t find him there, he would either be in the Blairstown Diner or driving all the back roads making sure Blairstown was okay.

He was loved, he was respected, and he will never be forgotten.

Roger is survived by his son Roger Whitford Jr, daughter-in-law Joann, and his grandson Michael, spouse Richard & granddaughter Amanda. Stepchildren Steve, Barb & Paul, Greg & Erin; step grandchildren, Crista, Kim & Terry, Brian, Emily & Justin, Taylor & Wayne, Braeden & Kelcie & step great-grandchildren Cory, Owen, Jackson, Lilyana, Mae, Ada & Edy.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, from 4-7PM at Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, NJ. A second visitation will be held from 10-11AM on September 13, followed by a service at 11AM at Newbaker Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Cedar Ridge Cemetery, Blairstown, NJ. 

A Special Note of Gratitude:

Our family would like to extend our deepest thanks to Tony & Debbie Pirrello for the extraordinary care, compassion, and love they showed Roger over the years.

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-Marjorie Hendershot Cook '40

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Obituary of Carla Maines Vitale '65

April 6, 1947 - July 7, 2025

Carla Christine Vitale, 78, of Columbia, NJ, passed away at her home on July 7th 2025. Born on April 6th in Newton Memorial Hospital, to the late John and Anna Hanke Maines. Carla grew up in Hardwick Township, New Jersey.

Carla graduated from Stroudsburg School of Cosmetology and worked as a Hairstylist in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, for a number of years.

Carla is survived by her son, Joseph Vitale, and wife Heather. Grandchildren Adrianna, Ian, and Sean, and her sister Eileen Maines Duffy. Carla is predeceased by her husband, Joseph, and her parents.

Throughout the years of her life, Carla had a great love of animals, big and small. She took great pleasure in socializing with her friends and family as often as she could.

Relatives and Friends may visit on Friday July 11th from 6-8PM. A graveside service will be held on the Saturday July 12th at 11 AM at Cedar Ridge Cemetery, Route 94, Blairstown, where Carla will be buried with her husband, Joseph Vitale. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Newbaker Funeral Home. 

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Josephine "Jay" Labar '60

Josephine "Jay" Labar, 82, of Blairstown, NJ, passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Josephine "Jay" Labar, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on August 25, 1942, in Newton, NJ, to the late John G. and Carmel (Fazio) Shuster, Jay was a fixture in the Blairstown and surrounding communities for many years.

At 21, Jay married the love of her life, Jerry, with whom she shared a beautiful 61-year partnership. Together, they built a family and a legacy of love, support, and community service. Jay was known for her vibrant spirit and her unwavering dedication to her family, always attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s games and events to cheer them on—only missing them when she was unwell.

Jay was deeply involved in the greater Warren and Sussex counties, dedicating countless hours to local organizations and causes. She was a charter member of the Search and Rescue Teams of Warren County, a Board member of the Cedar Ridge Cemetery Company, and was an active member of the Blairstown Athletic Association. Her love for her community extended to her involvement with the North Warren Band Parents and Baleville Congregational Church in Hampton Twp, NJ.

In her free time, Jay enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting, and organizing—activities that she cherished as opportunities to express her love for others. Her enthusiasm for life was also evident in her passion for line dancing, where she found joy in both the movement and the camaraderie of fellow dancers.

A dedicated worker, Jay spent many years in sales at Blue Ridge Lumber in Blairstown, an administrative role at the UMC of Blairstown, as well as an administrative assitant at the former Aldersgate Camp Conference and Retreat Center in Swartswood, NJ.

Jay is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; a son, Robert Labar and his wife, Donna; a daughter, Teresa Labar and her significant other, Johnny Lewellen; her grandchildren, Robert Labar Jr. and his wife, Erin, Matthew Labar, Derreck Mott, and Aaron Mott and his wife, Jessica; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Brennan, Cody, and Alexandra. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will continue to carry on her memory.

She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Lucy "Cookie" Kise.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3-6 PM at Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94, Blairstown (GPS Columbia), NJ. A funeral service will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with an assembling time at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jay’s memory to the Search and Rescue Teams of Warren County, PO Box 280, Blairstown, NJ 07825, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, NJ.

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Earl M.H. Burge '61

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Earle M.H. Burdge, 81, of Knowlton Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. Born on July 5, 1943, in Newton, NJ, he was the beloved son of the late Albert C. Sr. and Gertrude (Hunt) Burdge.

A proud lifelong resident of Knowlton Township, Earle built his home there in 1972 and remained devoted to the community and landscape he loved. He was the owner and operator of Earle M.H. Burdge Interior & Exterior Painting and Paper Hanging, through which he served Warren County with pride and craftsmanship.

Earle was a dedicated member of the Knowlton American Legion, actively contributing to the spirit and values of the organization. After retiring, he fully embraced his identity as a self-proclaimed “Mountain Man.” He spent his days outdoors—cutting and stacking cords of wood, enjoying the peace and rhythm of nature that brought him so much joy.

He is survived by his sons, Jeff and wife Kim, and Dennis Burdge; his cherished grandchildren, Jacob and Emily Burdge; and his loyal canine companion, Romeo.

Earle will be remembered for his work ethic, his love of the outdoors, and his deep roots in the community. His legacy lives on through his family and the home and life he so lovingly built.

There are no services at this time. Earle has been entrusted to Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Earle’s name to:

Blairstown Ambulance Corp.

P.O. Box 389

Blairstown, NJ, 07825

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Obituary of Robert Lewis DePuy Jr. '70

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Robert “Bob” Lewis DePuy, 74, of Mt. Bethel, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on March 26, 2025. Born on September 20, 1950, in Newton, NJ, Bob was the son of the late Robert L. DePuy Sr. and Thelma (Hill) Sipley.

After graduation from Blairstown High School in 1970 and serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, Bob returned to the town he loved. A true Blairstown native at heart, his career spanned from Park Garage to Darst Tree Service to Blairstown Public Works, where he eventually rose to become the head of the department and served as Emergency Management Coordinator for Blairstown township.

His dedication to the community extended beyond his job; Bob was a proud lifetime member of Blairstown Hose Company #1, serving as Past Chief, and always willing to lend a hand when needed.

Bob's passion for the outdoors was evident in everything he did. Whether fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, Bob was happiest when he was surrounded by the great outdoors. His adventurous spirit and love for life left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his beloved children, son Travis (Crystie) and daughter Allison (Russell); his stepdaughter Kimberly Clark (Evan); his sister Donna Nodzak (Jim); his brother Thomas DePuy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Eileen, who passed away in 2009.

A visitation in Bob's honor will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ. Burial of ashes with military honors will follow at Stillwater Cemetery in Stillwater, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob's memory to Blairstown Hose Company #1, P.O. Box J, Blairstown, NJ 07825, an organization that was dear to his heart.

Bob's legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for his family and community will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert, please visit our Tree Store.

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