15 Essex County Residents Who Will Be Missed: Year In Review

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Though they may have passed away, the inspiration and memories these 15 Essex County residents left behind will surely endure.

Read their stories below.

Philip Roth Was 'Newark To The Core'; Novelist Dies At 85

Newark bids farewell to Philip Roth, "one of the greatest writers of his generation."

West Orange Mourns Teachers' Child After Valiant Cancer Battle

Honorary firefighter Henry Chang, 7, once thrilled classmates by attending school from his hospital bed with a robot avatar. (PHOTO)

Essex County Teacher Fatally Shot While Sitting In Car with Son, Group Says

The Essex County community will honor the memory of Kofi Owens, a married father of 2, with two rallies this week.

Nutley Hall Of Fame Member, Ex-NJ Senator Dies: Carmen Orechio

Official: "Carmen personified what it meant to give back to the community."

Ex-Montclair Resident, Journalist Killed In Annapolis Shooting

A former Montclair resident was identified as one of the victims killed in a "targeted attack" on the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland.

Renowned Newark Poet, Artist Passes Away: Jerry Gant

Newark Arts: "The city has lost an iconic, prolific and inimitable artist."

Essex County EMS Community Mourns Mom Killed In Crash (UPDATED)

Priscilla Godoy, 29, was a Newark resident and volunteered with the West Essex First Aid Squad in West Caldwell.

'Trailblazing' Caldwell Religious Educator Passes Away

Sister Vivien Jennings was a former teacher in Caldwell, Linden, Hoboken, Verona, Montclair and Clark, and ex-president of Caldwell College.

Essex County Stabbing Victim Was 'Hard-Working Student,' Family Says

Akirah Townes of Orange will be remembered as a "great girl," a "hard-working college student" and a person "full of life."

Nutley Cupcake Shop Owner Passes Away

Keith Jaret – the owner and chef of Jaret's Stuffed Cupcakes in Nutley – passed away at the age of 62.

Essex County Couple Killed In Crash, 'Shared Life' For 33 Years

He worked on talk shows, fought fires and was a car fanatic. She was a skilled local bookkeeper and loved to roller skate.

Late Newark Monsignor Helped Transform City After 1967 Riots

A "pioneer in America's community development movement" has passed away: William J. Linder.

Maplewood's Vincent Nardone Passes Away, South Orange Elks Mourn

Vincent A. Nardone, a Maplewood resident, military veteran and "one of the greatest South Orange Elks ever," has passed away.

Montclair Food Pantry Mourns 'Relentlessly Positive' Volunteer

"Patty Strain was known for her positive spirit, her generous heart and a desire to see people at their best."

Ex-Bloomfield United Way Leader Passes Away: Ida Pafundi

Bloomfield lost a longtime member of its nonprofit community when former United Way Executive Director Ida Pafundi passed away.

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