In loving memory of our members who have ridden their last mile.
Gone, but not forgotten.
Joseph F. Stragella
“Biker Joe”
January 14, 1947-February 1, 2024
Joseph F. Stragella, 77, of Hazlet, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2024. He was fondly known as Biker Joe. Joe was born in Sommerville, New Jersey on January 14, 1947. He grew up in Union Beach and settled in Hazlet in 1953 where he raised his family. Joe was currently working in the Hazlet Cosco offering generator sales to local families.
Joe was pre deceased by his loving parents August and Carmella Commercio Stragella. He is survived by his daughter Monique Coughlin and her husband Donald of Archer, Florida his step -daughter Jessica Cole-Taylor, his girl friend of 19 years Sharon Preston, his grandchildren Alexis, Michael and Chrissy Coughlin. Joe will be greatly missed, forever loved and never forgotten.
James V. Polce
May 25, 1948 - December 28, 2022
Mr. Polce served in the US Army for 40 years and was a veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars before being Honorably discharged. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed traveling. His greatest joy was his family. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and as a man who always spoke his mind. He will be deeply missed by those that knew and loved him. He was a Mason with Navasink Lodge for many years, and was even given the title of Distinguished Brother.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years Madeline Polce (née Finnegan); his daughter Michele Polce; as well as many dear friends
Dave Phillips Jr.
May 21, 1947- July 24, 2021
David J. Phillips was raised in Deal and attended the Deal School and graduated Asbury Park High School in 1965. Dave became a Police Officer for the Borough of Deal in 1972, retiring in 2002 and for many years he served as the PBA Delegate. He is a life member of the Deal Fire Co. #2 as well as the Deal First Aid Squad. Dave was also a member of West Long Branch Fire Co. # 2. He was a proud member of the NRA and the Central Jersey Rifle Club. Dave enjoyed everything Harley Davidson, he was also a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, Chapter XV. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle throughout, NJ, PA, and NY and loved deer hunting in the Pocono area of Pennsylvania. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his kind and gentle ways, his loyalty, zest for life, courage and integrity. “Uncle Dave” will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jack Stimax
May 26, 1946 - February 7, 2018
Jack was the beloved husband of nearly 50 years to his wife Holly. He was the wonderful father of three daughters and grandfather of five. His passing at the age of 71 left his family stunned, as Jack was the patriarch that the family turned to for support and advice. He was a warm and caring friend who would do all he could to be supportive and kind, his kindness and empathy even touched those he had only just met.
He was drafted in 1965 and served two years in an active duty tour of Vietnam as a combat medic in the Army’s 1st of the 9th Cav. He was a true “Jack” of all trades. He could invent parts that didn’t exist to fix just about anything. He worked at NWS Earle for 28 years as a welder, maintenance mechanic, and locksmith, just to name a few, retiring in 2007.
Jack’s love of motorcycles started when he built his first trike when he was about 30 years old. He took parts from an old VW bug, various motorcycles and hand made a fiberglass body for it. He owned several bikes over the years, but his pride and joy in his later years was his Harley Davidson’s and what he felt HD meant to him as an American Veteran. If there is a highway up there, he’s riding it now.
💖 Ride on Jack 💖
“Jack and I were boyhood friends; we went every place together. We would go to the dumps, bring things home and sometimes sell things at the Englishtown auction on Saturdays. Jack and I were about the same age but I went into the service first in 1963. Jack went in in 1966 and served as a medic in Vietnam. We lost touch with each other until this Summer (2017) when he knocked on my door after finding me on the internet. We hugged like old friends do. We talked and caught up on what we had been doing the last 40 years. Jack has some hard times but he is a great guy and is still my very best friend; everyone should have a best friend like Jack. Jack’s exposure to Agent Orange cost him his voice, but he takes it in stride. I never had to duck bullets or suffer from sickness like Jack did, so I salute his service to our nation. I know he’s saving a seat for me.”
Frank Marotta
June 14, 1949 - June 5, 2017
Frank had a zest for life and lived each day to the fullest, and without regret. His priority was having fun, and sharing fun times with his family and friends. He was well-loved by his fellow HOG members and was always willing to help anyone out.
Frank was a carpenter who believed in fine craftsmanship. His free time was spent as a member of the Jersey Shore H.O.G. and the Richmond County Corvette Club. Frank was very active, and also enjoyed boating, fishing, and skiing.
“Frank has been an avid rider for 40 years; .he has over 450,000 miles under his belt...he really lived the motto Live to Ride as he did each and every day.
Besides me, his motorcycle was his love. He loved making up rides and giving them to the Road Captains to do - but he would never take the credit. He loved teaching what he knew about creating a ride and was extremely good at it. He was a living legend.”
“There is a time in life when a person is impacted by the friends they meet along the way. Frank Marotta was a person that impacted me the moment I met him. He was a true friend, gentlemen and always went above and beyond to help someone in need. Words can not express how much he will be missed and how much he is loved. Rest in peace my friend, and “thank you” for allowing me to know you!”