Staten Island Remembers Longtime Residents

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Staten Island community is mourning the loss of several longtime residents, including Janet Wolenski, a registered nurse who provided compassionate care for decades, and Ralph Lee Balcombe, a World War II veteran and avid golfer who worked for the New York City Department of Marine and Aviation. The obituaries highlight the rich lives and legacies of these individuals, celebrating their contributions to the community.

Why it matters

Obituaries serve as a way to honor the memory of those who have passed and to recognize the impact they had on their local communities. By highlighting the lives of these Staten Island residents, the community can come together to grieve, reflect, and remember the people who helped shape the borough.

The details

Janet Wolenski, 70, was a lifelong Staten Island resident who began her career as an accounting clerk before pursuing nursing and serving as a registered nurse for nearly two decades. She was known for her compassionate care of the elderly and disadvantaged. Ralph Lee Balcombe, 100, was a World War II veteran who worked for the New York City Department of Marine and Aviation, including as a marine oiler aboard the Staten Island Ferry. He was an avid golfer who achieved three holes-in-one and shared a passion for dancing and travel with his late wife.

• Janet Wolenski passed away on April 2, 2026.
• Ralph Lee Balcombe passed away on March 29, 2026.
• Wolenski began her career as an accounting clerk at EF Hutton in 1975.
• Balcombe served in the United States Navy during World War II, enlisting at age 17.