Gone Too Soon: Remembering Those Southern Ocean Lost In 2019

Southern Ocean County lost several individuals in 2019. Whether they were known by all or few, they still made an impact.

Here are a few of the people from Southern Ocean County who left us too soon.

Berkeley Remembers Carly For Her Courage, Perseverance, Smile

Carly Fetzer's legacy will forever shine as bright as her smile. Family and the Berkeley community remember Carly for her spunk, courage and perseverance as she enjoyed life and battled a congenital heart defect.

Carly, 18, passed away Friday afternoon at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Carly was a Special Needs Ambassador at the Bayville Elks Lodge and a 2018 Central Regional High School graduate.

Her favorite pastimes included talking on the phone, attending her twin sister Ryanne's softball games and vacationing in Myrtle Beach, S.C., according to her obituary. Carly and the community symbiotically uplifted each other and pushed each other forward.

'Special Person:' Manahawkin Restaurant Owner Killed In Crash

Timothy Kohlheim was already a popular restaurant owner at 36, a sign of the kind of "special person" he was, friends said.

The owner of the Shore Fire Grille in Manahawkin always had a well-thought out plan within minutes, no matter how complex or simple it was to pull off, according to friends.

And Kohlheim would perfect it and always have success.

Related article: A Manahawkin Restaurateur's Legacy And Endless Good Deeds

Barnegat Officer Who Died Off-Duty Was 'A Devoted Family Man'

Alexander Hoffman was a Barnegat police officer, a life member of the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company and a former Barnegat volunteer firefighter. But first and foremost, he was a devoted family man and friend, according to his obituary.

Hoffman, 40, died off-duty Wednesday while working his second job in Lakewood. Authorities believe he suffered a medical episode.

Read more: Grief For Barnegat Police Officer Who Died Off-Duty

'Selfless:' LBI Firefighter, 29, Dies After Battle With Illness

Brooke Amsterdam-Hacker was always the first to help when needed, according to the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company. She served Beach Haven from 2010-14 and "was truly a spark of light on the darkest day," according to the fire department.

Amsterdam-Hacker, 29, died Wednesday. She had been hospitalized and diagnosed with necrosis of the pancreas, according to a GoFundMe supporting her family. GoFundMe organizer Angelina Vaughan-Whited said Amsterdam-Hacker "made an impact on so many of our lives with her selflessness."

'One Of A Kind:' Community Mourns Owner Of LBI Italian Market

Mario J. Aversa fulfilled his culinary dreams, opening Mario's Italian Market on Long Beach Island. Those close to him say he always smiled, brightened lives with his humor and always stopped what he was doing to help a friend in need.

Aversa, 46, died Thursday. A GoFundMe supporting Aversa's family says he died suddenly after a heart attack and complications from diabetes. He leaves behind two daughters — Annalise and Elena Aversa — and their mother, Dawn Aversa.

Aversa was "truly one of a kind," according to Brooke Mesanko, the GoFundMe organizer.

Beloved Manahawkin Man Killed In Fiery Crash

A beloved 64-year-old businessman from New Jersey who loved to fish and ride his motorcycle was killed in a fiery crash this week when his bike was struck by a speeding driver, according to police.

Ralph Napoli of Manahawkin was riding his motorcycle on I-95 in Brevard County, Fla. at about 7:45 a.m. on Sunday when the speeding car rear-ended the motorcycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

'Always Smiling:' Lanoka Harbor FD Remembers Longtime Member

It never mattered how Daniel Inglis Sr. felt. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Station 61 life member always tried to light up the days of everyone around him. Inglis, a life member of the fire department, died earlier this month after a battle with cancer. He was 53.

"Dan, he'd give you the shirt off his back," said Assistant Chief Jack Conaty. "He could be having a crappy day, but you'd never know it. He was always smiling, joking around. If you were having a bad time or day, he'd always try to pick you up and try to make everything better."

Berkeley Woman, 23, Who Was Pursuing Doctorate Is Killed By Van

A 23-year-old woman who was pursuing her doctorate degree was killed after she was struck by a van in Delaware on Friday night, police said.

The pedestrian, Allie R. Zambito of Berkeley, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of her injuries, according to the Delaware State Police.

Zambito was pursuing a master's in anatomy and clinical health science while working toward her doctor of physical therapy degree at the University of Delaware. She graduated from High Point University in 2017, according to the school's website.