Benay Cheryl Irwin, 65, died on August 18, 2026. Born on April 2, 1961, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Benay was the daughter of Gerald and Miriam Stolar. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware and built a life rooted in dedication and steady purpose. Benay lived in Montville for 20 years before moving to Hopatcong, New Jersey 12 years ago.
Benay worked as a certified public accountant and then worked and an accountant for Merck-Medco until retiring in 1995. In the years that followed, she began a second career as a personal trainer—an extension of her deep commitment to health and wellness, both for herself and for those around her. Her professional path reflected a disciplined, service-minded spirit and a genuine desire to help others live well.
Benay was the beloved wife of Howard for 42 years, and a loving mother of Alex (Nonay), Lindsay Macolino (James), and Brett (Rachel). She was a devoted grandmother of Noah Macolino, and a cherished sister of Lewis and Brian Stolar.
Funeral services will be held at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039, on August 21, 2026 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Jewish Cemetery, 685 Fairview Ave, Fairview, NJ 07022.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eleventh Hour Rescue (https://www.ehrdogs.org/) or Children’s Health Defense (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/).
