Pauline H. Loprete, 81, of Holmdel, passed away Sunday at Bayshore Medical Center.

Pauline was born and raised in the Forrest Hills section of Newark, NJ, right along Branch Brook Park. She often talked of the many happy hours she spent as a child playing there. In the 1950’s her family moved full time to Spring Lake, NJ, a town they often summered in. Pauline loved the Jersey Shore, sitting on the beach and soaking in the sun. She remained in Spring Lake most of her life, retiring to Naples, FL, before settling down in her final years in Holmdel, NJ, to be closer to family and especially her grandchildren.

A graduate of Beard School in Orange, she went on to receive her teaching degree at Centenary College in Hackettstown and her master’s degree at Monmouth College. She started out as a schoolteacher, but her true passion was business. She went on to serve as CEO of Wright Construction, which she founded with her first husband, John G. Wright, Jr, who predeceased her in 1988, and later ran LSC Associates with her husband, Michael A. Loprete. She always said the happiest time of her life was when she was running the construction company, building homes and office buildings along the Jersey Shore. With very few women in her position in the 80’s and 90’s, she fearlessly made her mark, earning the respect of many with her tenacity, courage and honesty.

One of her proudest moments was winning the opportunity to construct the iconic Spring Lake Gazebo, which now serves as a popular town landmark and regular stop for artists and wedding photos. It’s a project she pursued passionately, providing all the construction labor to the town for free. She did it in honor of her beloved parents, Elmer J. and Therese G. Herrmann, longtime Spring Lake residents who had long since passed. Never one to take the limelight, she asked that their names be etched on the patron’s plaque at the gazebo’s base instead of hers.

Sit with Pauline long enough and she would have you laughing. She loved to tell stories (and maybe a few tall tales). Her sense of humor was one of her greatest traits. She loved to laugh and make people laugh with her. Her infectious personality, that trademark, boisterous laugh and kindness to everyone will be truly missed.

Pauline enjoyed playing golf. She was an avid reader who devoured mysteries and thrillers. She watched Jeopardy every night and never missed a New York Times Crossword Puzzle. She was a fabulous cook and her apple pies, Thanksgiving stuffing and lentil soup were legendary.

Pauline is survived by her husband Michael A. Loprete; her children John G. Wright, III and Kendra T. O’Connor and her husband Brendan, and her beloved grandchildren, Zachary D. Wright and Riley G. O’Connor.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Sunday, October 29^th from 1:00-5:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ, 07733. A service will be offered at 4:00 PM.