Dorothy Irene Burciar

Dorothy Irene Burciar, 92, of Toms River, New Jersey passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and loved ones on Sunday, December 28th, 2025. Dorothy was born in Jersey City to her parents, John Frederick and Adele Frances Yhlen. She married the love of her life, George “Steve” Burciar, and raised her family in Guttenberg and North Bergen before moving to Toms River in 1980 where she worked as a deli clerk at FoodTown and an assembly line worker at Paco in Lakewood.

She is predeceased by her husband George Stefan Burciar, her daughters Sharon Burciar and April Spina and her husband Antonio “Tony” Spina as well as her four brothers John, David, Richard and Henry Yhlen.

Dorothy was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her brother Robert Yhlen of Pennsylvania, her son Stephan Burciar and wife Roslyn, daughters Michele and Debra Burciar, and daughter Cheryl Tavarone and husband Michael. Dorothy is survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren–Kayla Burciar and her husband Nick, Danielle Johnson and her husband Chris, Anthony Spina and his wife Tori, Milissa Stanford and her husband Billy, Michael Tavarone and girlfriend Vienna Bonato, Steven Burciar and his wife Sally and grandson David Spina. She treasured her great-grandchildren Adrianna, Elena, Alexis, Maddie, Rylie, Charlotte, Sam, Hailey, Patrick and Layla. Among many friendships, she cherished her relationship with RoseAnn Spina and her life-partner, John Biondi as well as her loving neighbor, Angelina Esposito and her husband James.

Dorothy loved to take scenic car and motorcycle rides with her husband, stroll through Harriman State Park in New York and frequent the Seaside Boardwalk with her family. She loved to watch the waves, but hated the sand. She had a love for dogs, especially her loyal companions Sergeant, Jason, Annabelle and Jasper. Dorothy had the gift of gab and loved to strike up a conversation with all that would sit with her on the front porch. Most days, you could find her cozied up under several blankets watching a Hallmark movie. She loved music–especially classic rock, country and oldies.

Dorothy will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Visitation will take place from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753. In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to the family to help cover funeral expenses or send donations to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge at 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731.