Thomas A. Chevalier

Mr. Chevalier, 86, of the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, died Sept. 21 at Care One at King James, Middletown. Born in Newark, he resided in Atlantic Highlands and Verona before moving to Port Monmouth 60 years ago. He was a transportation supervisor at Earle Weapons Station, Colts Neck, for 36 years, retiring in 1977; a mechanic at Sears and Roebuck, Middletown; a bus driver at Blue and White Bus Co., Leonardo section of Middletown; and a member of the Special Police for the Middletown Township Police Department. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, New Monmouth section of Middletown. He was a life member of Port Monmouth First Aid Squad, member of the Middletown Elks Lodge No. 2179, Belford section of Middletown, and a Boy Scout leader for Troop 88, Middletown. He also coached Pop Warner Football for the Middletown Eagles. Mr. Chevalier was predeceased by two brothers, James in 2005, and David in 2004. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Madeline G. Jensen Chevalier; four sons, Thomas Chevalier of Port Monmouth, Richard Chevalier of Highlands, Harry Chevalier of Ocean Gate, and Michael Chevalier of Forked River; a daughter, Lesly Chevalier of Brick; three sisters, Frances Minton of Red Bank, Dolores Chevalier of Florida, and Mary Hauck of Shrewsbury; a brother, Robert Chevalier of Whiting; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. A funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Mary's Church. Arrangements were by the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.

Ruth Grossman

Mrs. Grossman, 101, of Florida, died Sept. 30 at Hospice by the Sea, Boca Raton, Fla. Born in New York City, she resided there and in Long Branch for more than 35 years, prior to moving to Florida three years ago. She was a member of Temple Beth El, Ocean Township, and former member of Long Branch Hadassah. She was also a member of the former Congregation B'nai Sholom, Long Branch, where she was named its first "Woman of the Year." She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard in 1973; and a sister, Helen Koenigsberg. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Doris and Stuart Friedman of Boca Raton, Fla., and Sally and Zeldon Rose of West Long Branch; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Funeral Chapels, Ocean.

Elizabeth T. DeZao Laird

Mrs. Laird, 88, of Ocean, died Sept. 23 at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. Born in Orange, she resided in West Orange and Middletown before moving to Ocean in 2005. Mrs. Laird was employed at New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. for 30 years, retiring in 1983. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of New Jersey. She was predeceased by her husband, Police Officer Daniel Beebe Laird, in 1946; a son, Daniel A. Laird; a grandson, Paul Laird; two brothers, John DeZao and James DeZao; and a sister, Rose DeGennaro. Mrs. Laird is survived by a daughter and son-in-law with whom she resided since 1969, Elizabeth "Beebe" and James Foster of Ocean; two sons and daughters-in-law, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Patrick and Lisa Foster of Ledyard, Conn., and John and Carol Laird of Pennsylvania; a daughter-in-law, Anne Marie Laird of Montana; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Burial took place at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. The John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown, was in charge of arrangements.

Frederick William Hilfiker

Mr. Hilfiker, 69, of Holmdel, died Sept. 20. Born in New York City, he resided in Rumson, before moving to Holmdel. He was a retired senior partner at Beauchamp & Co., New York City. He was also a specialist at the New York Stock Exchange for more than 42 years. He is survived by his wife, Arline Jackie Hilfiker; his children, Richard Hilfiker of Middletown, Diane Yurish of Amherst, N.H., and Scott Hilfiker of Holmdel; a daughter-in-law, Ainsley Hilfiker; a son-in-law, Steve Yurish; and five grandchildren. Arrangements were by Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362.

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