(SURF CITY, NJ) -- During World War II, a tech-savvy New Jersey woman took it on herself to be a priceless information provider for families of captured U.S. service members. Agnes Joan Negra’s exploits are chronicled in the new book Waves of Hope. Meet her son Ronald Edward Negra, the author, at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The event takes place at 7:00pm.

Ronald and wife Valerie will discuss his mother’s inspirational tale, lovingly written from her own vivid recollections in Waves of Hope, available at the Ocean County Library.

Then as now, parents, spouses, children and relatives sought any information they could find about their men and women in uniform - whether they were safe, or even alive. This newly married wife and mother was no different. Her husband August suffered wounds in the Battle of the Bulge and was Missing in Action. 

Agnes Joan (Verdi) Negra (1919-2022)

Sitting by her shortwave radio in her Nutley home, Agnes monitored Radio Berlin’s nightly recitation of captured U.S. military members. She sought news of her husband – but listened for more than that. She began notating all the names. Then she personally contacted the families of each one by mail. Often, her letters were the first word that families received.

In Ronald’s book, she recounts the turmoil of families on the home front, the spirit of hope they gained from her messages, and the exhilaration of reuniting with her husband. Autographed copies of Waves of Hope will be available for purchase following the program.

Ronald, a retired medical executive born and raised in Nutley, traced his family’s past in the 2004 book The History of the Verdi Family: Celebrating 100 Years in America. He also authored a biography of his father, August E. Negra. CBS News and News12 New Jersey aired interviews with Ron and the late Agnes Negra.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLbiHope for this free program. For more information, please visit or call the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, (609) 494-2480.  See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why they’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and https://theoceancountylibrary.org.

Photos Courtesy of Ronald Negra