Still No Answers In Death Of Man Found In Howell Parking Lot

HOWELL, NJ — What happened to Weldon "Chip" Spaulding Jr. on March 30? It's a question that authorities say they do not have an answer for yet as the investigation continues into his death, which they have labeled suspcious.

Spaulding, 61, of Tinton Falls, was an NJ Transit bus driver, enjoyed hunting and was devoted to his family, according to his obituary on the Ely Funeral Home website. Known as "Chip," he was an avid motorcyclist and was a member of the Gold Wings Road Riders Association F Troopenjoyed hunting and working with his hands.

He and his wife, Patricia, had been married for 34 years and had four children and two grandchildren, and several siblings.

"He had a kind heart, sense of humor and helped us on numerous occasions with his handiwork," neighbors Kim and Joel Geller wrote on the tribute page that accompanies Spaulding's obituary. "(He was) A hardworking family man with an infectious smile."

"The world is now a much sadder place with the loss of my dear friend Chip," Joanne Antonino wrote. "He had the warmest heart, and he always made me laugh. His eyes sparkled when he smiled, sometimes with mischief when his little boy side came out."

Spaulding was born in St. Albans, Vermont, and lived in Lenni, PA, graduating from PennCrest High School. He later moved to Tinton Falls. In addition to driving a bus for NJ Transit, he had worked at the Sears in Seaview Square Mall in Ocean Township, according to tributes posted with his obituary.

RELATED: Man Found Dead In Howell Home Depot Lot Identified: Prosecutor

"Weldon was a very kind and gentle man that I got to know quite some time while working at Sears of Ocean," wrote one person who signed the message simply "Sears Family." "He was not only a great associate, but a friend to all. He was very kind-hearted and went out of his way to make everyone feel welcomed and at home, as well as part of the Sears Family. We are all shocked and saddened to hear this horrific news and offer our condolences to the Spaulding Family. May you all find solace in the troubling days ahead."

Garry Donohue, who was Spaulding's manager, wrote: "I always remember his sense of humor when I needed it most. He was always concerned about fairness amongst associates and cared about keeping us as a family."

"Chip is a cheerful, kind person. He is funny, very handy and full of knowledge. He bring(s) good vibe and happiness to all of us every day at work," Humberto Fong wrote.

Florence Brown called him a great friend a co-worker: "Best part of working at Sears was getting to know you. The love you had for your family was amazing."

It was his family that brought him great joy, several wrote. He had four children: sons Patrick Ruegsegger, and Johnathan Spaulding and wife Elena; and daughters Melissa Spaulding and paramour Louie DeSante, and Danielle Spaulding and fiancé Michael Ward; and his two grandchildren Genevieve and Samuel Spaulding.

He was predeceased by his parents, Weldon and Jean Spaulding, but had a large extended family of brothers and sisters: Leigh Coan, JoAnn Vanover, Andrew Coan, Nancy Coan, Judith Eller, Timothy Spaulding, Dale Spaulding and Donna Scullion.

"I can’t begin to tell you how much I will miss my Uncle Chip," his niece, Tammy Vanover-Brinsky wrote. "He was always very loving and very caring. He always made me laugh and loved to pick me up when I was a little girl. All his brothers and sisters were very close to him and will miss him deeply! I love you Uncle and my heart is heavy for the loss of your life."

So how did he wind up on the ground in the parking lot of the Route 9 shopping plaza near West Farms Road in Howell that's home to Home Depot and several other stores?

On March 30, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said Howell police responded to a 911 call reporting a person on the ground near the Dunkin Donuts and Chase bank. Spaulding was pronounced dead at the scene, and an autopsy was scheduled for that Saturday, March 31.

The results of the autopsy have not been released. On Monday, the prosecutor's office said there was no update on the investigation.

Howell police said at the time Spaulding's death is suspicious but that authorities did not believe there was an ongoing threat to others.

The investigation at the parking lot and in the grassy berm near where Spaulding's body was found lasted for several hours, and Gramiccioni said the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Andrea Tozzi of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 1-800-533-7443 or Detective Rob Ortenzi of the Howell Township Police Department at 732-620-4280.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous, but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text "MONMOUTH" plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

Photo via Howell Township Police Department