Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home

09/03/2026

Barbara Ann Shuba

Barbara Ann Shuba, devoted wife for 60 years, cherished mother and gram, kind hearted friend, and beloved teacher for 38 years, was called home to the Lord peacefully on September 2nd, 2026 at 6:00 PM with her devoted husband, Ernie and her adored children, Patrick and his wife Tammy and daughter Kathleen along with other family members at her side. Barbara was 84 years old.

Born in Wilkes Barre (Hanover Township) Pennsylvania in 1942 to Paul and Marie Shea, Barbara's life was a testament to love, loyalty to family and friends, and service to others. She battled breast cancer for almost six years with a determination to defeat it, especially after being in remission twice.

Barbara was a resident of Flemington, Hunterdon County, New Jersey for 54 years. She was a proud graduate of Misericordia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. Barbara enjoyed a 38 year career as an elementary teacher in the Branchburg Township School District in Branchburg, New Jersey, where she retired in June 2006. In 1989, Barbara was one of the early recipients of the annual New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award. She received a $3000 grant for her school, at the time, Old York School, which she shared with her teacher colleagues to buy items for classrooms.

Barbara's teaching experience spanned several primary and elementary school grades...kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. One year, it even involved being a pre-first grade teacher for students who needed extra time to mature before being in grade one.

Barbara had a special love for books and enjoyed reading many novels during her retirement years. She also enjoyed poetry which she shared with her many students. One of her former students went on many years later to nominate her for the publication Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2000 edition. “The best teachers in America selected by the best students” according to the award letter.

Above all, Barbara was an extraordinary, compassionate person who was always looking to lift others up, offer encouragement, and help in any way she could. She cared deeply about the people in her life and gave freely of her time, attention, and her heart. In 1964, she met the love of her life, Ernest (Ernie), while they were both first year teachers. In June 1966, they were married and initially lived in Somerville and Raritan before buying their first and only home in 1972 in Raritan Township, where they have resided for 54 years.

Some of Barbara’s most cherished times were those spent with immediate and extended family at their vacation home located in Pocono Lake, PA. In addition, she thoroughly liked their annual summer trip to Long Beach island, New Jersey. One of her favorite sayings was “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!”

Barbara is survived by her husband Ernest R. Shuba, son Patrick and his wife Tammy, daughter Kathleen Herring (Joseph Schmuckler), grandchildren Nicholas, Brittany, Christopher, Timothy, Caroline, Emma, four nephews and one niece. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Peggy Phillips, Joan Shea and USAF Major, Pauline (Polly) Johnston.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959 or to the American Cancer Society.

Her family will receive relatives and friends for a public visitation on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. A private funeral service at the funeral home followed by interment in St. Magdalen Cemetery will be held Friday morning September 11th.

A public celebration of her life will take place at Dolce Restaurant, 161 Main St. in Flemington at 11:30 am on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

View Barbara Ann Shuba's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/03/2026

We understand that during a time of loss, families want to work with someone who cares and goes the extra mile. At Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, we strive to do just that with dignity, respect, and professionalism. We are fully committed to this community and are dedicated to helping families through the grieving process with kindness and compassion. Come see the difference for yourself! Call us today or visit www.holcombefisher.com.

09/03/2026

Mark C. Blaire

Mark C. Blaire, age 66 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, New Jersey. He was born on September 15, 1959, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mark grew up in Santa Monica, California, where he developed a love of surfing, boating, and skiing. A strong-willed man with a deep appreciation for both work and family, he carried those qualities throughout his life.

A proud United States Air Force veteran, Mark served from 1979 to 1987 and was mainly stationed in Germany. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge. His years in the Air Force reflected his sense of duty and commitment, qualities that remained with him throughout his life. Following his military service, he lived in Connecticut in the 1990's and had made Hunterdon County, New Jersey, his home since 2003.

In his professional life, Mark was employed as an Environmental Engineer and served as the Northeast Area Environmental Manager for CMC Steel in Sayreville, New Jersey. He took great pride in his work and earned the respect of his peers and colleagues through his dedication and professionalism.

Mark found joy in many of life’s simple and enduring pleasures. He loved driving and fixing his Toyota, took pleasure in putting many miles on his vehicles. He was also an animal lover, especially devoted to dogs. Above all, he loved his family and always showed up for them. He especially cherished attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals, and he was lovingly known to them as “Grandpa” or “Skippy.”

He is survived by his wife, Lori (Castoro) Blaire, his partner in marriage for 27 years. He also leaves behind his children, Ashley Blaire Gomez (Oscar), Ryan Blaire, Meredith Lorig (Steven), and Ian Rogow (Kathryn). Mark was a proud grandfather to Emme, Greyson, Pierce, Willa, Hazel, Theo, Kyra, and Charlie, each of whom brought him great happiness.

He is also survived by his mother, Kristin Blaire Chanin; his sister, Stephanie Paige (Frank Fazekas); his brother, Gregory Blaire (Suzanne) and their children, Emily and Matthew; and his sister, Tara Cantone (John). He will also be remembered with love by his in-laws, Cindy and Jeff Wagner, along with their children and grandchildren. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Jeffrey Chanin, who died in 2001.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a funeral service on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Following the service folks are invited back to the family home for a luncheon. The address will be announced for those attending the service. Interment, with military honors, will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the family plot in Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport, Connecticut 06880.

Mark C. Blaire will be remembered for his strength, his devotion to those he loved, his pride in his work and service, and the joy he found in family, travel, and the everyday moments that mattered most. His memory will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

View Mark C. Blaire's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2026

Virginia M. LoMonaco

Virginia M. LoMonaco, née Little, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, in Raritan Township, New Jersey, at the age of 98, she was daughter of the late Ernest F. and Lillian M. (Oakhem) Little.

Born on January 29, 1928, in Boston, Massachusetts, Virginia lived a life centered on home, family, and the quiet comforts that brought her joy. A proud homemaker, she created a warm and welcoming household and took special pleasure in caring for those she loved. She liked to cook for her family, especially Italian favorites, and found happiness in decorating her home for the holidays, making each season feel festive and full of heart.

Virginia had a deep love for animals and opened her home to many over the years. She loved all animals, cared for several dogs, took in many stray cats, and even had a monkey named Christopher for a short time. For more than 35 years, she lovingly cared for her parrot, Charlie, a lasting companion in her life. In quieter moments, she enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and other classic crooners, reading mystery and horror novels by favorite authors such as James Patterson and Stephen King, listening to Coast to Coast AM on her transistor radio, and settling in to watch a good horror movie. She also enjoyed a cold glass of Budweiser beer.

Those who knew Virginia will remember a woman who was private and who kept close to herself and her family. Her Catholic faith was important throughout her life and remained a steady presence to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Maria Votta of Flemington, New Jersey; her sons, Michael (Annette) LoMonaco of Long Island, New York, and Frank LoMonaco of North Carolina; as well as her eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind the love and memory of the family circle she cherished so deeply, and the many moments shared around her table, in her home, and in the everyday routines that meant so much to her.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Anthony LoMonaco, her brother, Ernest 'Chubby' Little; her close friend, Norma; and her son-in-law, Dominick Votta. Their memories remained part of the story of her life and the bonds she held dear.

A viewing will be held on September 12, 2026, from 12:00 noon a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St, Flemington, New Jersey 08822. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton RC Church, 105 Summer Road, Readington Township, New Jersey 08887. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Virginia's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or by clicking the link below. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

Virginia will be remembered for the home she made, the family she loved, the animals she cared for, and the simple, enduring pleasures that filled her days. Her memory will remain a comfort to those who knew and loved her.

View Virginia M. LoMonaco's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/31/2026

Malvena R. Nickel

Malvena R. Nickel, née Bahrt, passed away on August 28, 2026, in Flemington, New Jersey. She was born on January 18, 1948, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late William G. and Kathryn (Breslin) Bahrt.

Raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Malvena graduated in the Class of 1966 from Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth. After graduation, she attended the Nancy Taylor Secretarial School, now known as Taylor Business Institute, where she was featured in an ad for the school. Diagnosed with polio at the age of 2, she was cared for at Children’s Country Home in Mountainside for several years, which is now Children’s Specialized Hospital. Malvena was a poster child, for the March of Dimes, that was featured in the Newark Star Ledger newspaper. She always met life with a quiet strength and resilience, and those who knew her will remember a woman who was selfless, always thinking of others before herself.

Malvena worked for several years as the Executive Secretary to the President (Sol Zausner) of Zausner Foods Corporation. She also brought great care, skill, and creativity to her work at home, using her craft and sewing skills to create handmade Christmas ornaments that she sold to various boutiques, and craft shows throughout NJ and PA for nearly 20 years. Crafting, sewing, and needlecraft were among the pursuits that brought her joy and reflected the patience and talent she shared so generously.

She found happiness and peace in life’s simple and familiar comforts: working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles, watching episodes of Seinfeld on television, making memories with her three grandchildren, and listening to the country music stylings of Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, as well as 50's and 60's classic rock. She was an avid and proficient piano player; with a love of music, she instilled in her son. She enjoyed attending plays and Broadway shows with her sisters in NYC and going to local Teaberry’s Tea Room with the important women in her life. A woman of strong faith, for many years, she taught CCD from her home, offering her time and guidance to others in a way that was deeply characteristic of her caring spirit.

Above all, Malvena will be remembered within the circle of her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Peter F. Nickel, of Ringoes, NJ; by her son, Jeffrey Nickel, and his wife, Kara L., of Flanders, NJ, their three children, Connor, Kayleigh, and Kassidy; by her older sister Mary Clare Levins and her husband, Peter J., of Pewaukee, WI; by her younger sister, Genevieve Polsky, of Mountainside, NJ; by her sister-in-law, Susan Bahrt, of Nazareth, PA; by her brother-in-law, Richard Nickel, of Middlesex, NJ, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Malvena was preceded in death by her brother, William “Billy” Bahrt, of Nazareth, PA; by her brother-in-law, Ronald Polsky, of Mountainside, NJ; by her brother-in-law, Bruce Nickel, of Middlesex, NJ, and by her sister-in-law, Linda Nickel, of Middlesex, NJ. Her memory will remain a lasting blessing to those who loved her and to all who were touched by her kindness. Malvena loved and cherished her family and longtime friends, but her three grandchildren, Connor, Kayleigh, and Kassidy were her world, and she loved them to "the moon and back!"

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey 08822, followed by a funeral service at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. A graveside service will then be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Ann’s Cemetery, 549 St. Anns Road (Woodside Road) Freeland, Pennsylvania 18224.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in honor of Malvena and her life, may be made to the following organizations and by clicking the links below (“Hit make a donation and then select in memory of Malvena Nickel.”:

Children's Specialized Hospital Long Term Care Center - 150 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105

View Malvena R. Nickel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/31/2026

When you lose a loved one, the decisions you face can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time.

That's why our team is here for you. We can help you find a local cemetery that reflects your wishes, your traditions, and your budget. Whether you're honoring family preferences or searching for a resting place close to home, we'll provide the guidance you need to find the perfect place for your loved one.

For a list of local cemeteries near you, visit www.holcombefisher.com/local-cemeteries.

08/31/2026

08/30/2026

All around us, people are hurting, and today is about acknowledging and honoring their struggle. Be aware of the people around you and the battle they may be facing. Freely spread kindness and compassion throughout your day, everywhere you go!

08/28/2026

Have you decided to preplan for your funeral wishes but aren't sure how to talk to your family about it? This article discusses tips and talking points for sharing your funeral wishes with your children and loved ones.

Not sure how to tell your family about your funeral plans? Here are 7 steps to having a positive conversation about your final wishes.

08/27/2026

And God said, “I will send them without wings, so no one suspects they are angels.” 🪽 🪽 🪽

Happy (belated) National Dog Day 2026!

Pictured below are the dogs of Holcombe-Fisher: Hank & Winnie

Comment below with a photo and name of your beloved canine companion!