Carl W. Wolff Jr., 92, of Pompton Plains, NJ formerly of Spring Hill, FL and Packanack Lake, Wayne, NJ passed away on Monday May 8, 2023 after a brief illness.

Carl was born on December 23, 1930, the only son of Alice Luther and Carl Wolff Sr. of Montclair, NJ.  Though he was their only child, he was born into a large and loving family of many uncles and beloved grandparents, Mom and Pop.  He spent his youth doing odd jobs for Pop who owned several apartment houses in Montclair.  He earned his keep sweeping sidewalks and emptying the ash cans.  When he was a teenager, he had an after school job as a soda jerk in town.  He would spend his summers at his grandparents’ summer house on Culver Lake.  His best buddy, his cousin Steve, would be at his parents’ house across the lake. They would call out to each other during the day with a hearty “HOY” and then canoe or swim across the lake to hang out together. As a child, Carl also spent some summers traveling by train– alone! – to St Louis MO to visit his cousin and uncle.  It was there he saw his first baseball game and found his passion for the St. Louis Cardinals. He also found an appreciation for steam engines. He took train trips with his cousin, Steve, and never missed a chance to go to local train stations to see steam engines ride by.

Carl graduated from Montclair High School in 1949 and through a family friend got a job working for the Osborne Company in the Woolworth Building in Manhattan.  During his tenure there he commuted to work by train with his best friend, Don Coffin and another friend, Doris Ackerman who worked for Young and Rubicam.  Doris thought her coworker, Carol, would make a great match for Carl. Doris set them up on a blind date to the Spring dance at the 200 Club in West Orange with a whole group of friends.  Things went so well that Carol and Carl went out again the very next night.

Those two nights in 1952 began a three year courtship that ultimately culminated in Carl asking Carol to marry him.  They were married on April 16, 1955 and were able to spend 58 loving years together before Carol’s passing in 2013.  For their honeymoon, the couple drove down to Key West Florida in Carl’s Chevy Bel Air.  After a few years living in an apartment in Rutherford, some friends had announced they were moving to the country.  The country turned out to be Packanack Lake in Wayne, and Carl and Carol fell in love with the area.  They bought their first house at 20 Hillcrest and soon welcomed their first child, daughter Karen.  She was soon followed by another daughter, Susan, and then a son, James.  The family eventually outgrew their little house and made a move to a larger home just down the road at 188 Hillcrest. 

In 1954, Carl’s soon to be mother-in-law had a friend who got Carl a job with NJ Bell Telephone as a lineman.  He began with the company climbing telephone poles, stringing wire, and installing phone booths around North Jersey.  He worked his way up the company ladder through NJ Bell and Bell Atlantic and eventually the takeover by Verizon.  He retired from the company as a Systems Design Engineer.  Carl also served in the Naval Reserves as a Seabee for eight years and was honorably discharged in 1958.

At home, Carl was involved with the Packanack Lake Country Club governing body for twelve years eventually serving as president of the Board of Governors.  He also dedicated time to working with the swim team at Packanack while all three children swam for the team. As the children grew up and went off to college, Carol had the itch to move again, and as luck would have it they found a third house on Hillcrest Drive, this time at 131.  Many summers were spent at their favorite vacation spot down the Jersey Shore in Stone Harbor.  Days were spent on the beach and evenings were spent enjoying cheesesteaks from the Dugout and ice cream from Springers. While Carol enjoyed shopping along 96^th Street, Carl would patiently wait on the benches under the twinkling lights.

In 1994 after Carl’s retirement from now Verizon after 40 years, he and Carol made the big move to Florida. They spent their retirement years golfing and traveling.  Some of their amazing trips were to Europe, taking river cruises there and looking up family history in Germany and Ireland.  They also loved visiting the US National Parks out west and took trips to Hawaii and Alaska. Many Thanksgivings were spent in Duck, NC with Carol’s sister, Joan, and her husband, Andy, enjoying the peace of the off season on the Outer Banks.

In 1998 Carl and Carol were thrilled to finally become grandparents to little Katharine, their bundle.  Katharine was the joy of their lives and all the incentive they needed to come north several times a year to visit.  They would come for Mother’s Day and Christmas each year for extended visits. Their favorite time was in the summer when they would rent a house in Stone Harbor and spend some quality time at the beach with Katharine showing her all the family traditions down the shore.

In 2012 after some health issues for bothof them, Carl and Carol finally moved back north to be close to family and took a place at Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains.  It was here that first Carol and then Carl lived out their final days surrounded by their loving children.

Carl is survived by his three children, Karen Talerico and husband Amedeo of Monmouth Beach, NJ, Susan McNaught and husband William of West Milford, NJ, son James Wolff of Pompton Plains, NJ, and granddaughter, Katharine McNaught of West Milford, NJ. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Carol (Prezkuta) in 2013.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Anne Rice.

Margaret Anne Rice, age 71, of Parsippany, NJ passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Margaret was born in Manhattan and was the oldest of five children to Francis and Marie Rice.  Margaret was known to those closest to her as “Peggy.”  Peggy’s family moved to Westfield, NJ when she was a young girl and resided there until she was twelve years old.  She also lived in Ridgewood and Butler, NJ.  As a young girl, Peggy attended Mary Help Christian Academy in North Haledon, NJ and graduated with the class of 1970.

Shortly after graduating high school, Peggy enrolled in the Holy Name Hospital Nursing Program located in Teaneck, NJ.  After about two years she earned her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  She found employment quickly at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ where she worked as an LPN for a number of years during the 1970’s and 1980’s.  Peggy eventually left Valley hospital and accepted a position as a Home Health Aide through the Easterseals of NJ, an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for people living with disabilities in the state of NJ.  This was work that Peggy was dedicated to and truly enjoyed.  During many of her years as a Home Health Aide, she lived in Lake Hiawatha, NJ until moving to Parsippany in 2021.

During her years residing in Lake Hiawatha, Peggy was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 249 located just across the street from her home.  She took pride in helping military, veterans and their families. Peggy was always the first to volunteer for any activity especially going to the VA hospital to support the wounded Veterans.  Her good heart and energy will surely be missed.

Aside from all of Peggy’s interests and talents, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Peggy than spending time with her friends and family.  She was a truly devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and grandaunt.  Peggy was a giving and good-hearted person who was often selfless, putting the needs of others around her before her own.  Peggy will be forever remembered as a giving woman who touched the lives of many.

Peggy is survived by her brother Larry Rice and his wife Ginger of Raleigh, NC, her sister Elizabeth Rice of Highland Park, NJ, two nieces; Rebecca Rice of Annapolis, MD, and Claire Marie Schlesinger and her fiancé Jarrett Mack of Wantage, NJ, two nephews; Ryan Rice and his wife Dr. Erika Rice of Cary, NC, and Bill Schlesinger and his wife Kimberly of Denville, NJ, one grandniece Amelia Rice and another grandniece “on the way”, she is also survived by brother-in-law Joel Schlesinger of Vernon, NJ.  Peggy was predeceased by her brother Michael Rice, and by her sister Julia Rice.

In Lieu of flowers donations to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 249 be made in Peggy's honor, 91 North Beverwyck RD, Lake Hiawatha NJ 07034.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eleanore (Betsy) Andersen née Kopp, age 83, of Wayne, New Jersey. She died on May 4^th 2023, in the comfort of her home with her family caring for her.  

Betsy was born in Jersey City in 1939 to Eleanore Elizabeth née Grunwald and Edwin Frank Kopp. She grew up in East Paterson (now Elmwood Park) and attended Gantner Ave Elementary School before graduating from Lodi High School in 1957. She was elated that she and her two sons, Ron and Bob, all had the same cherished kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Hopper) at Ganter Ave School.

Betsy met Ronald Andersen, the love of her life, at age 1. Her grandmother and Ron’s grandmother were best friends, so Ron and Betsy were placed in the crib together at family picnics. Betsy shared that in her early teens, she always dreamed of marrying Ron. After their high school graduations, the two families were vacationing near each other in Wildwood, N.J. They happened to meet up during an evening walk on the boardwalk, and Betsy and Ron started dating. They married in 1959 and honeymooned in Miami, Florida. They have enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

Betsy loved raising her family in their Wayne home since 1969. She took care of her boys Ron and Bob, her husband Ron, and her mother and grandfather as all four generations lived together in their home for many years. She was at peace when she knew that her family was home, safe and together. She was a meticulous homemaker and hosted large gatherings for the holidays. The ping pong table replaced the dining room table so that everyone would have room to sit. Our family was small, but all the friends invited were adopted into the family for those memorable gatherings.     

As her boys married and her six grandchildren were born, she was again at peace when all were gathered, whether in New Jersey or during Christmas vacations to Wyoming. As long as the family was to be together, she would go anywhere.   

She was a skilled crafter and homemaker who enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needlework, and a number of other crafts that piqued her interest. Creating well-made clothes for her grandchildren was a priority. As a board member of the Wayne Woman’s Club, she made the floral centerpieces for their annual dinners. She and Ron were avid bowlers and country dancers. They loved to travel and share more than fifty years of memories from traveling throughout the United States and Europe and on many cruises, almost all with their friends Lois and Matt Marakovitz.  

Betsy’s first job was with Orange Roller Bearing Co. Inc. in Orange, N.J., where her father Edwin worked in the office. She worked as a bookkeeper for him, entering all data manually into the ledger sheets and calculating on a Monroe Calculating Machine. She left that position to raise her children.     

While her boys were in college, she held various secretarial positions at IBM, American Cyanamid, and other local companies. She learned all the required word processing systems to keep up with the times. When her boys graduated from college, she retired again. She became interested in home computer systems as they became available in the 1980s and always stayed up to date with systems and software that helped her manage the home finances. She also learned multiple ways to use the computer to help with her arts and crafts.

Her son Bob started a business (RC Andersen LLC) in 2006, and Betsy inquired as to how the bookkeeping and accounting would be handled. She volunteered her services to help jumpstart her son’s business and soon became a full-time employee. She couldn’t believe how easy and accurate the new computer software was in comparison with her early career experiences. She loved the work and loved seeing the company grow successfully while she handled the books. She worked for another 17 years until a month before her passing. Her husband Ron helped with the filing.
Betsy is survived by her husband Ronald; her son Ronald and his wife Theresa née Werns of Kinnelon and their children Brian, Meghan, and Sean; her son Robert (Bob) and his wife Andrea née Rittenhouse of Wayne and their children Erica, Valerie, and Christopher. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Make a Wish Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Timko, age 71, of Wayne, NJ.

Bob was born in New York City to William and Margaret Timko. He grew up in the Bronx with his brother Billy and attended St. Mary's Catholic elementary and All Hollows High School. After graduation he attended NY Institute of Technology, graduating with a BA in Marketing.

Bob was always ambitious and worked many jobs during his life, starting in High School as a hospital volunteer, a messenger, and retail sales. For more than 32 years, he excelled as a shoe buyer for Brylane where he designed and introduced ladies boots and shoes.

Bob was an avid world traveler and loved to visit new places. With his job he was able to visit Shanghai, Hong Kong, South Korea, Spain and Italy. His absolute favorite destination was Italy, where he returned several times on vacation. Bob also enjoyed his stateside travels with his family to Vermont, Florida, California, Nevada and Hawaii.

Bob met his wife, Alice in high school, where he often said it was love at first sight. After marrying, they moved to New Jersey where they started their family and set down roots. After retiring, he started watching the food network and became a wonderful chef in the kitchen. His tasty meals with be missed along with his expertise in the Hungarian specialties handed down from his parents.

His favorite time of year was during the Holidays when the entire family would get together. From coordinating the menu to a rousing game night where he excelled in random trivia, he loved spending time with the family. He always had a great sense of humor and continuously kept the family entertained with his wit and conversation.

Bob was also a devoted pet “Dad”, of which he had 2 dogs, 8 cats, various goldfish and the neighborhood birds, squirrels and chipmunks. His gentle nature with animals always made him a favorite of our animal family.

Bob was diagnosed with Dementia in 2017 and with medication was able to help slow the process. However, due to health issues, he entered Sunrise Senior Living in Sept 2022. While there, he made friends with the residents and staff. Many times he helped to assist other residents and always had a smile and a funny comment.

Bob is survived by his wife Alice of 48 years; daughter Lauren; in-law's Deborah and Robert; cousins Olga, James, Kyle and wife Kirsten; nephew Matthew and wife Brianna; niece Juliana and fiancé Robert.

James “Jim” William Kearns, III, of Oak Ridge, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in the comfort of his younger siblings, Patrick and Laura.  He died shortly after celebrating his 77^th birthday with his two beloved daughters, and while returning home from an unforgettable vacation with his brother and four sons.

Jim was born on April 24, 1946, to Gladys Albonica and James William Kearns, Jr. He graduated from Wayne High School and went on to continue his education at Yale University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science. Jim was a man of great intellect, and we feel certain he would frown upon the bad grammar and poor literary structure of this obituary.

Jim lived a life that reflected his eclectic sensibilities. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and completed three combat tours (or as he maintained, his period of “studying abroad”). Though he recognized and often commented upon the tragedies of war, he was a remarkable servicemember, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge before being honorably discharged, having attained the rank of Sergeant and commanding his own platoon. In Vietnam, Jim met and married Hanh To, and together they had six wonderful children, (the “Florida Family OG”), growing now to a legacy of 20+.

After his service, Jim returned to New Jersey and to careers that often continued his commitment to public service. He was in the United States Secret Service; was the youngest Police Chief and Warden in state history; ran the largest private ambulance and public safety company in New Jersey; referred to by his moniker as “#1” at Farmland/Parmalat U.S.A., he oversaw and managed their state-of-the-art sanitary packaging facility; and in the twilight of his professional career, helped manage and run the family contracting business.

Jim was the most unique man many of us have ever met. He was brilliant and always at least one step ahead of his target audience, often outwitting or shocking the crowd. He was a lover of cinema and was quick to quote a line or reenact an entire scene. Jim may have moved slow, but it was only because Jim didn’t have to move for anybody. He loved food, and he loved cooking all types of cuisines, ranging from his famous spicy vindaloo to the finest Sunday gravy that rivaled any Italian nonna’s. Jim also loved to travel, with frequent trips to Cape Hatteras, NC; to the New Jersey Seashore (seahorse, see hell!); to the island of Culebra, PR (where his frozen vindaloo always found a place in his suitcase); and to places further abroad where he could explore new foods and cultures. He passed his love of travel on to his children and delighted in the fact that they had the opportunity to see even more of the world than he did.

Jim constantly challenged the status quo and was known to be an antithetical “rebel.” When he wanted to, he was the life of the party, enjoying a good cocktail (vodka, neat) and capturing a room with tales of his experiences and escapades. His house was a testament to his adventures and personality, filled with keepsakes and souvenirs, some purchased, even more, suspiciously “acquired.”

Above all, Jim loved his family. He is survived and overwhelmingly grieved by his loving children, James (Deborah) Kearns, IV, of Charlottesville, VA; Nathan (Christine) Kearns of Portsmouth, RI; Jessica (Edward) Liva of Allendale, NJ; Jerome (Lauren) Kearns of Robbinsville, NJ; Christopher Kearns of Jersey City, NJ; and Elizabeth (Joshua) Wishman of Wyckoff, NJ; his beloved siblings: Charles (Shirley) Kearns of Rockport, MA; Helen “Bebe” (Haddon) Reines of Ocean View, DE; Laura (Kevin) Labadie of Hudson, OH; and Patrick “Bart” (Janet Scales) Kearns of Oak Ridge, NJ; along with seven adoring grandchildren: James V “Little Jimmy”, Nathan James “NJ”, Scarlett, Grant, Beau, Colin & Morgan; and eight devoted nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by both his parents, and his younger brother, Matthew Kearns.

We love you and will forever miss you Dad, Brother, Poppie, Uncle and friend.

GERTRUDE KULICK

May 23, 1933 – April 22, 2023

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, Gertrude (Trudy) Kulick, age 89 of Wayne, NJ. She passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 22^nd.

Trudy was born in Rotterdam, Holland, the oldest of 9 children. She demonstrated her characteristic strength and determination early on in her life when she left Holland at the age of 17, with nothing but her younger brother, Simon in tow. They arrived by boat in NYC and lived with an Aunt and Uncle in Prospect Park, NJ.  She learned to speak English while working as a housekeeper and nanny for a family in Wayne, and she dreamed of living in that town one day.  She spent every day working towards a better life, always keeping in touch with her big family back in Holland, and weekly sending money to her mom and dresses for her younger sisters. 

Within a few years in the country, Trudy proudly became an American citizen.  She worked hard, but also loved life and having fun. Her favorite flower was tulips, she was a great swimmer, she loved going to the beach with her girlfriends. And once, while on a girl’s trip to Las Vegas she and her friends (and 100 other fans) ate lunch with Elvis Presley.   

Every Friday night Trudy and her brother Simon would go to the local dance hall in Passaic NJ.  One night, she met a tall, dark haired college student named Ed. They hit it off and on November 7, 1959 they were married.   The two settled into a small fixer upper in Clifton, NJ, where she quickly made the house a home. There was nothing she was afraid to tackle, she was fearless and had a thirst for learning. She went to night school so she could land a job as a bookkeeper, a job she loved. Five years later she welcomed her first child, Jeff and 15 months after that, her daughter Kim was born. Soon after in 1967, Trudy, Ed and their 2 toddlers bought their brand-new house in Wayne, it was literally a dream come true for Trudy. She loved raising her family in that home and the door was always open to neighborhood kids and Jeff and Kim’s friends. She loved hosting Christmas eve dinners, Easter, backyard BBQ’s, birthday and graduation parties, any excuse for a full house.  She welcomed everyone in her home.

Trudy, a forever learner taught herself to do everything: cook, sew, bake… her homemade bread was legendary, and she loved sharing it with family and friends.  

Trudy worked as a cafeteria worker in the local high school for many years and she said the best part of that job was the kids… she loved the kids and they loved her.  But when her own kids were grown, she was ready to take on a new challenge. So, at age 50, she studied and proudly received her GED and later went to real estate school to get her license. She loved real estate and excelled at it. She was ambitious, hardworking and focused, yet she had a unique and sweet warmth to her, truly always wanting the best for her clients. She was honest and authentic, willing to sacrifice a sale if she didn’t think it was right for her client.

Trudy was kind, easy going, strong, smart and fiercely independent.  She was truly one of a kind. She never lost her Dutch accent, which only made her more endearing. She always believed she could achieve anything and taught her kids to aim high. Later in life, she loved traveling – Aruba was one of her favorite destinations.

For all of her achievements in life, her greatest pride was her family. She loved her family more than anything. She cherished her 2 grand daughters and lit up when she saw them.  She was predeceased by her loving husband Edward and dearest brothers Simon and Bastian.  She is survived by her son Jeffery, wife Kaori of Tokyo, Japan and daughter Kim of Wayne NJ and her two beloved granddaughters, Ellie and Charlotte as well as 5, sisters and 1 brother and lots of extended family in Rotterdam, Holland.

Trudy was well-loved by family, friends and colleagues and will be dearly missed. When you see the Spring tulips bloom… think of her.

Maryann Powers (nee Cauda), age 66 of Wayne, died on Saturday, April 22, 2023. She’s lived in Wayne since 1991.

Maryann grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ and graduated from Cliffside Park High School in 1974. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Felician College, and later her Master’s Degree in Cytotechnology from UMDNJ. She retired in 2019 after more than twenty years with Quest Diagnostics where she had been a Clinical Trial Project Manager in Teterboro.

Maryann enjoyed life, had a great sense of humor, and she was incredibly crafty. She loved sewing and quilting, scrapbooking (or as her husband describes it; cutting big pieces of paper into little pieces of paper), she was a talented calligrapher, and played the harp and piano. She was generous to a fault and there are plenty of friends to affirm that.

In 1973, Jesse Powers found himself sitting behind Maryann in high school. They quickly became friends and one day she asked him for a ride home from school. As it turned out, she lived less than a block from the school, and this was just her way of getting to know him a little better. They were married on January 27, 1979 at St. John’s Church in Fairview followed by a honeymoon to Spain. They settled in Bergenfield upon their return, and then moved to Wayne in 1991. Throughout the years, they traveled extensively to places like Italy, France, Scotland, Mexico, Hawaii, and all around the Caribbean. Her favorite place to visit was Venice, Italy. Jesse will tell you they were all good years and they had lots of fun together. Maryann was also a devoted mother to her three children. They describe her as a true “Mamma Bear” who was always quick to defend them, and who loved them more than anything. Maryann also loved her granddaughter, Kacie, more than words could ever describe. They will all miss her dearly.

Maryann is survived by her beloved husband Jesse of Wayne, their three children: Adam Powers and his husband Robert of Brooklyn, Ashley Rockwell and her husband Norm of Windham, ME, and Kelly Powers and her husband Brian of W. Milford, NJ, one granddaughter; Kacie Basile and two brothers: John Cauda of Demarest, and Glenn Cauda and his wife Louise of Henderson, NV.

Francis E Scillieri, age 68, entered into our God’s glorious kingdom on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Frank was born on October 10th, 1954 in Paterson, NJ. He was the fourth child to Dr. Frank and Gertrude Scillieri.  As a boy, he was an alter server, delivered newspapers and spent most days playing baseball with his friends at School 25.  Frank pitched and played shortstop in Paterson’s city leagues and he continued to play baseball at Paterson Catholic high school.  There he met the love of his life, Jeanette Spanedda. Although Frank was a senior and Jeanette a sophomore, they shared a typing class.  Frank sat in front of Jeanette, since the teacher put her students in alphabetical order.  Each day he would come in and tease Jeanette by pulling the typing paper out of her typewriter.  It really was love at first type! After high school, Frank attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ where he worked hard to achieve his Bachelor’s degree in Science. He was in several college clubs, lectured at a local church and made some fantastic friends while living on campus there with roommates Carl and Tom.  On his breaks from college, he always came back to visit his neighborhood friends, especially his best friend, Rocco. After college, Frank worked in a lab for Hoffman La Roche and eventually made his 40+ year career in Medical and Clinical Sales for a variety of companies throughout the US.  

Frank and Jeanette married in 1979 and were active members of the Blessed Sacrament RC church community in Paterson, NJ. They lived in Paterson and Clifton, before moving to Wayne, NJ where they raised their three beautiful children Frank, Diane and Michael.  During those years, Frank coached his children in basketball, baseball and soccer at the Wayne Boys and Girls Club. He became a parishioner and daily communicant at Our Lady of The Valley RC church, where he was a part of the church’s cleaning crew, helped out with the annual parish festival, and volunteered as an outreach worker for Eva’s Village. 

Frank loved astronomy and looking into the greatness of the night sky. He even made his own telescope as a young boy! His love for the stars continued with his own children and he would bring them outside to explore the beauty of the heavens.  Frank was incredibly active and family oriented his entire life. He enjoyed being outdoors, taking walks around the block with his family to “go see the cows”, gardening and mowing the lawn. On Friday nights, he was typically around the family table with Jeanette’s parents, John and Emma, playing their favorite card game “May I”. He continued to play softball in the men’s recreational 40, 50, and 60+ leagues. He loved to bike, hike, raft “oars down!”, and spent many summer vacations exploring the National Parks with his family and friends. Frank thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Jeanette, his children, son and daughter in laws, his grandchildren, and other family and friends at their condo in North Wildwood.  He was delighted to bike the entire island, walk the beach at sunset, body surf in the ocean, walk the sea wall and the boardwalk and have a slice of pizza at Sam’s Pizza Palace.

Frank felt so very happy with the life, family and friends that God had blessed him with.  He loved his family and loved seeing each of his children marry wonderful spouses. But most of all, he simply melted with the birth of each of his grandchildren, which he claimed was one of the best blessings that God ever gave him.  His heart was filled with such happiness when he could chase them in the yard, play horsey, build towers with blocks, play cars or just sit with his little ones to read a book or share a story with them.  

Frank was a prayerful and faithful man during his life, but most especially in the years leading up to the end of his life. He was a loving husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother and friend.  He had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Rosary and Our Lord’s Promise of Divine Mercy. He was never shy in sharing his faith or love for Our Lord with others.

He will be deeply and forever missed by his loving wife of 43 years, Jeanette; daughter Diane Estevez and husband Rubiel of Sinking Spring, PA; son Frank Scillieri and wife Elissa of Wayne, NJ; son Michael Scillieri and wife Jennifer of Butler, NJ; grandchildren Samantha, Jackson, Gabriel, Claire, Jacob, David and John.  Frank will be joining his deceased brother Donald Scillieri in God’s heavenly kingdom, and will be greatly missed by his sister Mary Sheehan and husband Tom of Jefferson, NJ; brother John Scillieri and wife Angela of Wayne, NJ; brother James Scillieri and wife Freida of Wayne, NJ; best friend Rocco Andriulli and wife Nancy of Elmwood Park, NJ; sister-in-law Julia Welsh and her companion Steve Defilippo of Manchester, NJ; sister-in-law Carol Funicelli and her husband Jim of Toms River, NJ; sister-in-law Elisa Spanedda and her husband Guy Margolin of Hawthorne, NJ; brother-in-law John Spanedda and his wife Susan of Franklin Lakes, NJ; brother-in-law Peter Spanedda and his wife Debbie of Newtown, CT.  In addition to his huge family, there will be an emptiness left in the hearts of his many nieces and nephews, cousins, close neighbors (who will forever remember Frank’s Super bowl dance), his softball buddies and church friends.

The Scillieri family would like everyone to remember that each day is truly a gift from God. Our family relished every last moment we had with Frank and wished that time would never end. He stands as an inspiration to us all, representing faith, family, sacrifice, mercy and most especially love.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations to Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501 or the Wayne Interfaith Network, PO Box 3341, Wayne, NJ 07474-3341 would be greatly appreciated.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony David Gerleit, age 73, of Wayne, NJ.

Anthony passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

Anthony was born in Pequannock at Chilton Hospital and raised in the Pines Lake section of Wayne.  He was one of five sons to Warren and Marilyn Gerleit. Those who got to know Anthony knew him best as “Tony”.  While growing up in Wayne, Tony attended Wayne Hills High School and excelled in athletics.  He was on the Wayne Hills High School wrestling team as well as their varsity soccer team.  Tony graduated from high school in 1968, which was Wayne Hills High School’s first graduating class.  Following his graduation from high school, Tony went on to Graham Junior College in Boston, MA where he earned his Associates degree. 

Not long after earning his college degree, Tony fulfilled his responsibilities to his country and enlisted in the United States Army in 1971.  While serving in the Army, Tony was stationed in Worms, Germany where he made lifelong friends whom he kept in touch with for many years.  He served honorably and proudly from 1971 until 1974.

Tony was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1974 and settled in Baton Rouge Louisiana for a few years.  While residing there, he was contracted to work with one of the major petroleum companies.  Over the next several years, Tony made his way back up to the tri state area and moved to Long Island, NY.  During that time, Tony began his lifelong career in the retail and wholesale Industry. 

For more than thirty years, Tony traveled the world buying and selling in retail and wholesale.  Tony specialized in Christmas décor and merchandise.  He traveled throughout the entire world year-round buying and selling a wide variety of Christmas products and paraphernalia.  Tony was most recently employed by Regency International in New York City.  Tony sincerely loved his work and was truly loved and respected in his industry and by his colleagues. 

Christmas was always a very special time of the year for Tony.  Fortunately, he worked in the industry that allowed him to enjoy Christmas all year long.

Tony moved back to New Jersey, living in Ringwood for a time then eventually back to his roots in the Pines Lake section of Wayne in 2013.  Wherever he resided, Tony’s house, his friends’ homes, as well as his family’s homes, were always decorated wonderfully for the holidays.  Where most people usually only have one Christmas tree in the home, Tony had five, and they were all fully and beautifully decorated. 

A few of Tony’s favorite pastimes were skiing and sailing.  As a young boy he treasured sailing on Pines Lake where he grew up.  Later as an adult he earned his Captain’s License and sailed mostly on the ocean, traveling to a variety of destinations around the world including the Caribbean and Thailand.  Growing up, Tony and his family cherished their yearly vacations to Long Beach Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Outer Banks. 

Tony was often a quiet and reserved gentleman.  He was giving, empathetic, and had a wonderfully positive attitude about everything.  He brought out the best in his family and friends.  Tony always surrounded himself with kindhearted and good-natured people.  He was often selfless, putting the wants and needs of his friends and family before his own.  Those who knew Tony best, knew that his greatest passions in life were his family and friends.  Nothing in the world meant more to Tony than spending time with the people he loved.  Tony was a very special person who touched the lives of everyone around him.  He will be missed by all those that were fortunate enough to have known him.

Tony is survived by his four brothers; Randy Gerleit and his wife Linda of Lebanon, NJ, Steven Gerleit and his wife Pat of Harrison, NY, Carl Gerleit of Phoenix, AZ, and Andrew Gerleit and his wife Christine of Wayne NJ, ten nieces and nephews; Krista, Katie, Steven, Erin, Kelly, Stephanie, Alexis, Brianna, Derek, and Chelsea, and seven grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his nephew Kevin Gerleit, by his sister-in-law Suzanne Gerleit, and by his parents Warren and Marilyn Gerleit.

Those planning to make a donation in Anthony's name are asked to consider Friends of Laurel Wood Arboretum, PO Box 2433, Wayne NJ 07474 www.laurelwoodarboretum.org

Richard C. “Rick” Powell, age 69 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Rick was a member of the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne, and a member of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey Free and Accepted Masons. Rick volunteered at the New Jersey Veteran’s Home in Paramus, was a member of the Son’s of the American Revolution, and his high IQ earned him membership in MENSA.

Christian Bizzotto-Pascal passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18^th in Pompton Lakes, NJ with his family by his side. 

He was predeceased by his father Gino Bizzotto (Antibes, France), his mother Corine Pascal (Santa Cruz, CA), and his sisters Ginette LaFosse (Santa Cruz, CA) and Paulette Greaume (Paris, France)

He is survived by his wife Barbara Pascal (nee Vohs) of Pompton Lakes, NJ; five children including his son Christian and his wife Lorraine Pascal of Edison, NJ; his son Mark and his wife Jenifer Pascal of Cranford, NJ; his daughter Michelle and her husband Fabio Chavez of Pompton Lakes, NJ; his daughter Kristen Pascal and fiancé John King of Hopewell Junction, NY; and his youngest daughter Natalie and her husband Joseph Careri of Bloomingdale, NJ.  Chris also leaves behind nine grandchildren; Brian & his wife Dayna Pascal of West Orange, NJ; Stephanie Pascal and her fiancée Julia Blasl of Forked River, NJ, Laura Pascal of Highland Park, NJ; Spencer Pascal of Hoboken, NJ, Caroline and Sarah Pascal of Cranford, NJ; Lucas Chavez of Pompton Lakes, NJ; and Joseph and Nicholas Careri of Bloomingdale, NJ.  Chris has one great-grandchild, Emmarie Pascal of West Orange, NJ.

Chris was born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France just outside Paris, before World War II.  His early life was difficult as he spent much of his time separated from his parents and cared for by his older sisters during the war.  He always spoke of his sisters’ importance in his life and how they protected and nurtured him.  This was the root of his strong beliefs in family, loyalty, and responsibility.

In 1946, he moved to New York City with his mother and sisters.  He learned English with a proficiency even greater than his native French tongue.  Even as a young child he was industrious and driven.  Extremely intelligent and hard-working, he went to school while also working to help contribute to the family’s income.  That built his foundational principles around selflessness, altruism and being fiscally prudent.

When Chris went to Bishop DuBois High School, he was a member of the nationally renowned New York Boys Choir and recorded an album while there. After graduating high school in 1955 with high honors, Chris was granted a full scholarship to New York University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He was also a key member of NYU’s National Champion Fencing Team. 

After graduation, Chris married his first wife Elaine Pascal (nee Lombardi).  They moved to Montreal, Quebec where Chris was able to utilize his French fluency and his Chemical Engineering degree to secure product development work at General Foods.  Chris’ two boys, Christian and Mark were born while in Canada. He was a dedicated father and taught his sons to strive high and to be their best selves. 

His entrepreneurial nature was initially sparked during this time as he ran a bakery, with his mother - all while working his primary job and attending graduate school at McGill University in the evenings, ultimately, earning an MBA degree.

In 1969, Chris moved the family to Nutley, NJ when he got a promotional offer from Shulton/Mennen. In the early 1970’s, he decided that his true calling was as an entrepreneur and started an export company with his cousin, outsourcing Professional Purchasing services for large overseas companies. The business became a huge success, especially as requirements for US-made parts grew internationally.

During this time, Chris and Elaine were divorced.  This was very difficult for him, but ultimately, it became a blessing, as he married his current wife, Barbara, in 1979. She has faithfully been by his side for 44 years.  Chris and Barbara had three wonderful daughters, Michelle, Kristen, and Natalie who have all grown up with the same strong principles around family, responsibility, commitment, and loyalty.

Not finished, Chris and Barbara opened their home to take in four foster children and had a critically important impact on their lives using the same character-building approach and love.

Chris always wanted to do more and created a new company, CD&P Health Products using his Chemical Engineering talents and education.  There he developed skin care formulas using essential oils, several years ahead of the mainstream industry. Leading spas including The Spa at the Hotel Hershey and The Greenbrier used his products exclusively at their resorts. 

His accomplishments only grew from there. He had a strong interest in flying and fulfilled the associated training and extensive flight hours to be certified as a fully licensed pilot. He was a professional speaker at skin care conferences. In his 70’s he wrote a book. In his 80’s, even as his health started to fail, he got a patent for one of his skin care formulations.

He was also a strongly religious man and deeply committed to his church and community.  As a deacon at Calvary Temple International, he always looked to help others that were less fortunate and teach God’s word.  He gave more than he took and has a long list of people that benefitted from his generosity.

He truly loved being around people, having food and sharing stories. One of his greatest gifts was his laugh.  It was deep and genuine and made others feel accepted and wanted.

A great, great “good” man who achieved much more than most.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org or His Helping Hands at https://linktr.ee/Hishelpinghands  HisHelpingHands is a local charity, providing food, medicine, and supplies to homeless people in Paterson, NJ.  It was set-up a few years ago by Chris’ son-in-law, Joseph Careri, in his efforts to give back to his community.

Elizabeth "Betty" Schulte 67 of North Haledon, NJ passed away on April 18th, 2023 in the loving presence of her daughter after an inspiring fight with pancreatic cancer.

Born on August 10th, 1955 to parents Frank Schulte and Paula Ficucell, Betty grew up in Wayne and knew she wanted to be two things in life: a teacher and a mom. She attended Wayne Valley HS Class of '73, and went on to receive her BS in K-12 Math and Science Education from William Paterson University.

Her first life goal was achieved when she was hired as a teacher at PCTI in 1978. Teaching wasn't enough and Betty felt a calling to help students beyond the classroom, leading her to receive her MS in Counseling at William Paterson University. She switched roles and became a guidance counselor and later a crisis counselor, where she touched hundreds if not thousands of students lives. Before her retirement earlier this year, Betty's final position was Supervisor of Admissions where each year she single-handedly gave thousands of students the opportunity for an amazing education. During her 44 years at PCTI she served on many committees, received awards such as Counselor of the year twice, and was recognized by the PCTI Board and Passaic County Freeholders for her efforts in saving a student who had attempted suicide. 

Her second life goal of being a mom became a reality when she adopted her daughter Anastasia (Stacey) in August of 1993. Having received the call for adoption on her 37th birthday, she would forever regard her daughter as the greatest gift she ever received. She spent her life dedicated to her daughter as a single mom, filling in as both mom and dad effortlessly. When asked what her proudest life achievement was, she would always say "my daughter." 

Betty lived her life in the service of others, feeling it was her purpose to help people in any and all ways. As a nearly lifelong resident of Wayne, she served proudly alongside her mother Paula on the Wayne First Aid Squad where she coached, mentored and trained many new EMTs, served as the squads Director, and holds a lifetime membership.

Betty was well known for her kindness, generosity, and her infectiously loud laugh that could be heard through the halls of PCTI and her home. Often regarded as "the kindest person anyone ever knew" she saw the world and people as good, and never had a negative outlook on anything. In addition to being a kind soul, to those who knew her best, Betty was also painfully funny and told the best stories. She was an avid Mah Jong player, loved a good Sudoku book, was always watching soap operas or reality TV, and was her happiest in the presence of others. She was a beloved member of her family and community, and will be sorely missed. 

Betty is predeceased by her parents Frank and Paula Schulte, her sister Patricia "Patty" Garcia, and nephew Will Garcia III. She is survived by her daughter Anastasia, brothers John, Fran, and Bill Schulte and many nieces and nephews. 

Anyone wishing to donate money can donate to the Betty Schulte Scholarship Fund for students at PCTI.

Donations: 

Please make checks payable to PCTVS and note Betty Schulte Scholarship in the memo line

Miguel Valera , of Wayne, N.J. Age 76 passed suddenly on April 18,2023.

Miguel also known to family and friends as Mike or Don Miguel was born April 3, 1947 in Zurgena, Spain. His early childhood was spent in this small farm town where his family name was very well known, until the civil war forced his father to take a job in the coal mines in Brussels, Belgium. Although his family did not want to relocate because Spain had always been there home, the war had made employment scarce. Miguel was 8 years old when they arrived in Belgium, and he would spend about the next 12 years of his life there. After graduating High school Miguel joined the merchant marines as an electrical apprentice on a huge ship. He was able to travel all of South America and North America as well as some parts of Europe.

In 1971 Miguel and his brother Diego sold their prize Aston Martin sports car to finally able to come to America. When he arrived in Paterson, N.J. He worked for many different companies and jobs. April 16, 1974 he met the love of his life Louise Sinicalchi in Peekskill, N.Y. They were soon engaged that same year in June and married in October. There whirlwind romance turned into a beautiful lifelong dedication to each other of the purest form. It was truly the meaning of unconditional love. In 1975 they bought a home in Paterson, N.J. In 1983 he received his Electrical Contractor License for the state of NJ. He refused to take the test in his native language of Spanish. Instead, he studied very hard with many late nights learning English as well as studying for the state test and passed the electrical license exam in English.

In 1984, blessed with a baby girl he became a father for the first time. Marie Dolores Valera was named after his mother and was a beautiful bright ray of sunshine in his life. In 1987 God blessed Miguel with a baby boy. Michael Diego Valera. A son to carry on his name and whom he would later teach how to be a man was very important to Miguel. In 1989, Miguel and Louise bought a beautiful home in Wayne, N.J. They made it their dream home for themselves and all their hard work getting to this point was a beautiful moment for Miguel and Louise. Miguel was truly an amazing father. He never missed a softball game, a soccer tournament, or a graduation. He worked so very hard for his family but before work, or anything his family always came first. Miguel loved to take crabbing trips down the shore. He loved vacationing to Florida and eating shrimp and drinking ice cold Budweiser at a restaurant on the beach. He loved to take his family on ski trips or even just simply having a movie night or a game night. He would do anything for Daddies little girl including buying her anything she would ever want.

Miguel had a very special bond like no other with his son. Miguel and his son Michael were inseparable, starting to work together when Michael was just 8-10 years old and it stayed that way for the remainder of his life. In 2002 Miguel and Louise formed MLV Reality LLC and it took off, becoming a very well know real estate company in Passaic N.J.

August 7, 2018 his heart became completely full with the birth of his first granddaughter Ella Rose Valera.  Miguel and Ella had a bond like no other. He played with her as much as he could, they pick on each other and truly had a beautiful relationship. So much so that Ella says grandpa lives in her heart now. He was truly an amazing man. In his last conversation with his son, Miguel wanted to express just how much he loved his wife.  Louise, he said deserves everything and he would have nothing without her. He told Michael to take care of her. To always put his family first. When Miguel got engaged to Louise he told her, “I know I don’t have much right now, but if you let me one day I will give you the moon.” A promise he made so long ago that he has kept. Miguel always kept his promises. 

Miguel is survived by his wife Louise (nee Sinisalchi) of Wayne, his son Michael Diego Valera of Wayne, his daughter Marie Dolores Valera of Wayne, His brother Manuel Valera, his two sisters; Emilia Valera, and Anita Cacoulidis, and his granddaughter Ella Rose Valera.  He was predeceased by his brother Diego Valera. 

Paul Breen, Jr., age 83 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2023. He has lived in Wayne since 1967.

Paul grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ and graduated from Fair Lawn High School in 1957. He attended Roanoke College where he joined the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He went on to earn his Associates Degree from the County College of Morris, but remained a loyal fan of Roanoke College throughout his lifetime, attending Roanoke Alumni Weekends every April for decades. He began his career working for various electronics distributors before starting his own Manufacturer's Rep  company in 1983; Breen Associates.  He continued operating Breen Associates until just last year.

Paul had many, diverse interests, including snow skiing, water skiing, fishing, bicycling, playing the organ, reading, and his all-time greatest passion was tennis. He played tennis at every chance he had, and was a lifelong member and past president of the Wayne Racquet Club.  With family and friends, he very much enjoyed their house at Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania, where Paul would go fishing with his dog, Brandy.  He also took his family to Seaside Heights, NJ, for annual summer vacations. He learned to ski at Vernon Valley Great Gorge and belonged to Hidden Valley in Highland Lakes, but once he experienced skiing at Park City, Utah, this became his favorite ski destination. Paul devoured books and favored nonfiction and sci-fi novels. When his eyesight began to fail him, he would still read with the aid of a magnifying glass. More recently, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren around the pool. His great-grandkids would gather around him when he played the organ. He loved all the time he was able to spend with each of them, and they will miss him dearly. 

Paul met his wife, Sandy (nee Kidd), at a friend’s house. It was love at first sight, at least for Paul. Sandy turned him down once or twice before she finally relented, and they began dating. Things move quickly and they were married on September 9, 1961. They initially settled in Fair Lawn, and lived in Trumbull, Connecticut, briefly before buying their forever home in Wayne in 1967. During their marriage, they traveled extensively to places like Bermuda, Las Vegas, the Bahamas, and four trips to Hawaii. Sandy was the love of his life, and he told her that often. 

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy, their two children; Robert and his wife Elizabeth, and Deborah Pinand and her husband Paul, Sr., six grandchildren: Dana Pinand (Timmy), PJ Pinand, Jr., Matthew Pinand and his wife Ashley, Joseph Pinand, Cassidy Breen, and Michael Breen, five great-grandchildren: Nolah Rounds, Ryder Decker, Cheyenne Pinand, Chase Pinand, and Carter Pinand. His sister: Marilyn Whetham and her late husband Bob, and his sister-in-law: Ellen Cosgrove and her husband Bob. Paul was predeceased by his daughter Tracey Breen in 1997 and by his grandson Christopher Breen-Stivala in 2013

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory would be appreciated to RBARI, c/o Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc., 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436, www.rbari.org

Lewis P. DeMarco of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home on the afternoon of April 13th, 2023, at the age of 84.

Lew was born in Paterson, NJ, on October 5th, 1938, to Bessie and Charles DeMarco. Growing up in Paterson, he graduated from Eastside High School in 1956. Afterward, he enlisted in the United States National Guard, where he was trained as a Medic. He frequently joked that he was part of the “Garden State Parkway War” while stationed in NJ.

On May 25th, 1963, Lew married his first great-love, Carol Herringslack. They moved to Wayne, NJ, in 1965 after the birth of their first child, Deborah. They would have two more children, Jeffrey and Victoria, in the following years. They had a loving and beautiful marriage, enjoying many years of raising children, hosting Sunday family BBQs by the pool, and living up to their agreement to never fight with each other. Sadly, Carol passed away in 2000 at the young age of 57.

In the following years, Lew was fortunate to find love again with Edna McCann. They shared more than 20 happy years together, and she has remained his companion until his passing.

Lew learned the printing trade at Riverside Press where he worked for years as a teenager under the guidance of his father Charles DeMarco. With his knowledge from his father he started working for the Bergen Record as a printer. He then established his own business, Grandview Printing Company, in 1974 in Hawthorne, NJ, which expanded to its current location in Totowa, NJ. Grandview was one of Lew’s proudest accomplishments, and he looked forward to going to work daily, frequently saying that “when you enjoy your work, you never need a vacation.” His son, Jeff, learned about the business, and they worked together for many years.

Lew was a humorous, caring, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed gardening, caring for his koi pond, and restoring antique cars to be entered in car shows. He enjoyed sharing his love of movies with his children and grandchildren, especially the movie “The Old Man and the Sea” over and over and over again. He also loved to test his mind while watching Jeopardy every night. He enjoyed yearly trips to Aruba with his partner, Edna, and frequent dinners with friends and family. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren and was lucky to celebrate many milestones with them.

Lew is survived by his sister, Gail DiLella, and his children, Deborah Cocilovo and her partner, Scott Keegstra, Jeffrey DeMarco, and his wife, Kimberley, Victoria Evans, and her husband, Eric. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carolynn, Katie, Kristina, Nicholas, Tyler, and Matthew, and a recently added great-grandchild, Abigail. In addition, he is survived by his long-time companion, Edna McCann.

Anna Katherine (Nuss) Evans, 95, of Wayne, formerly of Paterson and Clifton, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2023. The youngest of three children, Anna was born to William and Katherine (Werthmann) Nuss on May 28, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated from East New York Vocational High School in 1945. Anna was the beloved wife of the late Howard F. Evans, whom she married on September 28, 1946.

From 1946 to 1948, Anna worked as a Construction News Reporter for F.W. Dodge, a division of McGraw-Hill, before leaving to raise a family. She returned to F.W. Dodge eighteen years later in 1966 once her youngest child reached school age and worked there until she retired in 1993. Anna proudly called herself an “A.C.E” reporter, a play on her initials. It wasn’t until later in life that she learned her middle initial was the letter K, not C.

For many years, Anna spent almost every Wednesday night bowling at Parkway Lanes in Elmwood Park. She was part of a league with her husband and her father, who drove all the way from Staten Island to bowl with her. She also loved watching the New York Mets, scratching lottery tickets, playing the slot machines in Atlantic City, going to bingo, playing cards (and beating everyone at rummy well into her 90s), listening to Frank Sinatra, and enjoying a French Cruller with coffee. Anna had many pets throughout her life and was especially fond of miniature schnauzers, Siamese cats, and most recently, her rescue cat named “Kitty Cat” whom she affectionately referred to as “my girl.”

Anna is survived by her four children: Noreen Evans, Janice Rapp and fiancé Edward Petrosky, Eric Evans and wife Emily Evans, Todd Evans and wife Patricia Evans; her eight grandchildren: Kenneth Gayda Jr., Laura Villanueva and husband Joseph Villanueva, Lisa Gayda, Erica Evans and husband James Schleppenbach, Jason Evans and wife Kristin Evans, Ariana Evans, Christopher Evans and fiancée Nathaly Cabrera, Kristina Rappaport and husband Jason Rappaport; and one great grandson, Vincent Evans. She is predeceased by her brothers, William and Arthur Nuss.

 In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Anna’s name are asked to consider:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Henry Clover, 95, formerly of Paterson, NJ, began his Easter celebration early on April 5th, 2023, when he was released from his temporary earthly home at the White Oak Manor Nursing Facility in Shelby, NC into the loving arms of Jesus.  Words cannot express the joy he experienced finding himself freed from the pain and suffering of this corrupted world, safely in the embrace of his Savior, surrounded by former friends, family, and his loving wife Ruth, who passed into glory in 2017.  God’s gift to Henry was Faith to cling to Christ’s atoning sacrifice on his behalf and His victorious Resurrection – this was Henry’s ticket into glory.  All Praise be to God alone!

Of Dutch descent, he was born into this world on August 20, 1927 in Paterson to Herman and Anna Clover. He lived in West Paterson for a time before moving to Prospect Park, where they shared a home during the Great Depression with his Aunt Dora and Uncle Arend DeVos.  He graduated Central High School in Paterson and served stateside in the US Army during World War II until the war’s end in 1945. In 1951 he married Ruth Edna MacMillan, by whom he fathered three sons.

He was a butcher by trade. With his long-time friend and business partner, William Peters, he co-purchased and operated a local grocery and butcher shop, Pee Wee Superette on East Main Street, Paterson for several years.  After selling the business in the late 1960’s he worked at Mobay Chemical Corp. in Haledon where he served as union shop steward until his retirement. In 2012 he and Ruth moved from Wayne to Shelby, NC under the care of family.

Aside from his business and working life Henry was active in church, serving as a Deacon in the former Central Reformed Church in Paterson, and also as Deacon and Treasurer for the Preakness Valley United Reformed Church, Wayne, NJ.  His hobbies included bowling, NY Mets baseball and NY Giants football, and after retirement taking vacation trips with Bill and Jo Peters.

Henry is survived by his three sons: Stephen H. of Shelby, NC, David W. of Sioux City, IA, and Thomas W. of Denville, NJ,  six grandchildren : Heather Allen, Joseph Clover, Brendan and Breanna Clover, Daniel and Laura Clover, and nine great grandchildren : Jamari, Damani, Amontae, Eli, Dylanee, Paislee, Ruthee, Sonora and Raymond.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to the Preakness Valley United Reformed Church, 480 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

James J. Kindler, age 80 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. He’s been a resident of Wayne since 1974.

Jim had most recently been a realtor with Nico Realty in Wayne before retiring, and he was previously an RV rental agent with Cruise America in Lodi, NJ, as well as a truck mechanic and truck rental manager with Turnpike Ford in Secaucus.

Jim grew up in Jersey City, NJ and graduated from Snyder High School with the class of 1961. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army National Guard and proudly served for more than six years before being honorably discharged in 1970. Jim remained proudly patriotic throughout his lifetime and was always supportive of his fellow veterans.

Jim enjoyed arts & crafts and had created many shadow boxes using memorabilia from their numerous vacations to memorialize their trips, and they’re displayed throughout their home. He also loved canoeing and had actually traversed all of Lake George in his canoe! He also enjoyed deer hunting and target shooting at Cherry Ridge range in Highland Lakes, NJ. He was also a very proud member of the NRA. He especially loved cruising on his 1977 Yamaha motorcycle, which he kept in pristine condition.

In January of 1969, Jim met Sharon Wiles on a blind date. They hit it off immediately and a storybook romance ensued, including a legendary weekend that summer to the Woodstock music festival. Jim proposed to Sharon on Christmas day of that same year, and they were married on August 30, 1970. After a memorable honeymoon to Bermuda they settled in Little Falls before moving to Wayne in 1975. They enjoyed raising their two boys together, vacationing many summers at Lake George, and they traveled extensively to such places as Alaska, St. Maarten, and Aruba. Sharon describes their fifty-three years together as “magical,” and she’s grateful to have been married to such a very special man. She will miss him dearly.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, their two sons: Paul and his wife Christina, and Jonathan and his wife Filiz, four grandchildren: Brandon, Aidan, Devin, and Jasmine, and one brother; Charles. Jim was predeceased by two brothers: Raymond and Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Cherry Ridge Range, care of; Association-NJ Rifle & Pistol Clubs, 100 Range Rd., Highland Lakes, NJ, www.anjrpc.org, or to the National Rifle Association, www.nra.org

Benjamin P. Schittone, age 96, of Wayne passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023, with family by his side.

Born to Vincenzo and Anna Schittone on December 13, 1926, in Manhattan, New York. He and his parents relocated to Sicily before eventually returning to New York City permanently. He spent his youth in East Harlem, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed his artistic skill set.

Ben was drafted for World War II and honorably discharged in 1945 whereupon he attended New York University and Parsons School of Design. 

His early career was spent in various art studios and marketing agencies around Manhattan, before becoming an art director for Lanvin-Charles of the Ritz. There, he met his future wife, Susan, and they were married in 1975. His daughter Veronica was born in 1979 and his son Vincenzo in 1981. 

Ben was an artist; he created commercial art (without a computer) for many luxury and premium brand names. His fine art, while private, has won many local awards and continues to be an inspiration for family and friends.

Ben was also a storyteller. And as if he was standing in front of a canvas, could paint you a picture of anything from The Fall of Roman Empire to his own life, growing up in 1930s/40s East Harlem, New York City.

Benjamin P. Schittone lived a full and wonderful life. He will be remembered lovingly by his wife, children and four grandchildren: Sara, Parker, Ben, and Connor.

Walter R. Herbst, age 89 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2023. He came to the United States after World War II and was able to realize the American Dream through his hard work and perseverance.

Walter was born in Gottschee, Austria in 1933. His family was driven out of their home as a result of the events of World War II. . Eventually, he and his family arrived in a refugee camp in Europe and they were provided safe passage to America. His family settled in Queens, New York, where there were many other Gottschee refugees. Upon arrival in the United States, he barely spoke English, but successfully graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Queens and went on to earn his Engineering Degree from Manhattan College. He began his career with J.G. White and later moved to Hewitt Robbins before co-founding EDC, Inc.He operated that company for more than 45 years before selling it in 2011. He wasn't the type of man to sit still, however, and continued working as an engineer until 2020. Engineering was his life's work and passion. 

Walter met his wife, Maria (nee Melz) in Queens.  She was the younger sister of a good friend of his, and the two of them hit it off. They were married on May 12, 1956 at St. Mathias Church and set out to build a beautiful life together. Walter traveled extensively during his career, and Maria worked tirelessly raising their three boys. She will tell you that he was a great guy, a kind man, and they built a beautiful life together. His hard work and perseverance enabled them to buy a home in Wayne, NJ in 1965, Walter was a devoted husband, father, and family man who loved weekend barbeques and watching the young ones swimming in his pool. He and Maria were eventually blessed with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him the greatest joy. He loved them all very much and they will each miss him dearly.

Walter did occasionally relax and when he did, he enjoyed reading history books and watching classic western movies on TV. He was a huge Mets and Jets fan and loved watching World Cup soccer. . He and Maria were also able to travel throughout the years and had gone back to visit Austria on several occasions. He truly had a good life.

Walter is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years; Maria of Wayne, their three sons: Walter and his wife Margaret, James and his wife Debra, and Robert, six grandchildren: Michael, Diana, Andrew, Eric, Jackson, and Tessa, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Julia, Emily, Ryan, Norah, Colin, Jonah, and Eva.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the CTC Academy, 125 Bauer Drive, Oakland,NJ 07436 would be appreciated.

Joseph Phillip Ofmani, age 75, of Wayne passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Joe was raised in Union City, NJ and was the youngest of two sons born to Giuseppi and Marta Ofmani. He graduated from Emerson High School in 1966 where he played on the varsity football team. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was stationed in Korea and served as a Military Police (MP) until he was honorably discharged in 1969.  Shortly after his discharge from the military, Joe lost both his mother and father within the span of only one year. He loved sharing memories of his parents and was forever trying to recreate his mother’s recipes. 

Joe married his high school girlfriend, Linda Cattani.  The couple settled in Union City and while residing there welcomed the birth of their daughter Amy.  After ten years of marriage, the couple separated. Joe remarried after being introduced to Vicki Gentempo on a blind date. The newlyweds settled in Wayne where they raised their two children Joseph and Antonia and resided ever since.

Joe was a member of Plumbers Local #14 (now #24) out of West Caldwell, NJ and part of the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers. Although he technically retired in 2011, his passion for plumbing never faded and he worked until his passing.

Joe was an avid fisherman. He looked forward to fishing in Chateauguay, New York annually and was also known to catch an occasional tuna during deep sea expeditions with his friends. Joe frequented many of the golf courses and enjoyed spending time outdoors with family and friends.  He was an extraordinary cook and was famous for his homemade pizza and Christmas Eve frittelle.  Joe could often be found in his yard gardening or starting a project around the house. 

Those who knew Joe best understood that his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Joe than spending time with his grandchildren.  He was truly a devoted husband, father and especially a beloved grandfather.  Joe will forever be remembered for having a deep love for his family and friends who extended far and wide. He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.  

Joe is survived by his wife Vicki (nee Gentempo) of Wayne, his daughter Amy Volk and her husband Ken of Newton, MA, his son Joseph Ofmani and his wife Alissa of Wayne, NJ, and his daughter Antonia Demmers and her husband Brett of Wayne, NJ. Also, six grandchildren; Aidan Volk, Alivia Ofmani, Andrea Ofmani, Makaela Demmers, Brett Demmers, and Angelo Ofmani. And his mother-in-law Antoinette Gentempo. He was predeceased by his brother John.  

In lieu of flowers, the family will be making a donation in Joe's honor to the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers scholarship fund.

Anita Susan Stoll (nee Rapps) age 92, formerly of Wayne, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2023, while receiving the loving care of her family.

Anita was born and raised in Brooklyn, lived in Forrest Hills and Comack, Long Island, then lived in Wayne from 1963 until 1990 and finally retiring to Florida. After Graduating from Lincoln High School with the class of 1948, Anita quickly got a job at a local but well-known talent agency in New York City.  She worked there as a receptionist for a few years. 

In 1949 she met a young man by the name of Herbert Stoll at a mutual friend’s party.  They hit it off nicely and when Anita left the party, she told her friends and family, “This is the man I am going to marry.”  Fate did not disappoint because on October 22, 1950, Anita and Herbert became husband and wife. They began what would be a loving and loyal marriage for the next forty-five years.  They settled in Forrest Hills long Island, then moved to Comack, Long Island.  They finally moved to Wayne in 1963, where they would call home for the next twenty-seven years and raise their five children.  Immediately after getting married, Anita decided she would take on the noble career of a homemaker.  She dedicated her life to nurturing her children and pampering her husband. 

In 1984 tragedy struck Anita’s life when her son Ted Stoll passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia.  Anita was heartbroken to say the least and her life would never be the same, however she found the will and strength to go on.  She and her husband Herbert started traveling, eventually becoming world travelers.   Herbert and Anita retired to Florida in 1990 and spent the next five years there, they cherished forty-five years of marriage until Herbert’s sudden and unexpected passing in 1995.  Aside from traveling, Anita didn’t have many hobbies or interests, the most precious thing in her life was her family whom she loved with all of her heart.  Anita touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her. 

Anita is survived by her son David Stoll and his wife Robin of Stockholm, her two daughters; Deborah Stoll of Fall Church, VA, and Bonnie Halpern and her husband Felix of Wayne, and her son Michael and his wife Angela of Fair Lawn, seven grandchildren; Heather, Kelly, Kaitlyn, Teo, Daniel, Tara, and Isabella, eight great-grandchildren; Hudson, Peyton, Ellie, Jocelyn, Evie, Aaron, Raegen, and Riley, two nephews; Jeffery Pollack and Gary Pollack, she was predeceased by her husband Herbert Stoll in 1995, and her son Ted Stoll in 1984, as well as her sister Sonia Pollack. 

Barbara Acker, age 86 of Narvon PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Her family is grateful for her life and celebrate her new life with God her father in heaven.

She was a wonderful wife to our Father, George, and later to Tom. A wonderful Mother, Mother-In-Law and Grandmother to Glenn, Kelly and their children Andrew and Olivia, to Dwayne, his daughter Nicole and Myself, Ken.  She is at Peace finally.  Dementia is a horrible disease.

Arthur (Art) Henry Dardia Jr., 72, passed away on April 1, 2023 at his home in Wayne, New Jersey.  He was born on September 16, 1950 in Paterson, New Jersey to Arthur Henry Dardia Sr. and Edythe Dardia, both deceased.

Art is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Feddema Dardia, their two children, Arthur Henry Dardia III and his wife Julia Hillje Dardia of Wayne, NJ, and Kristen Dardia Turner and her husband Christopher Turner of Jersey City, NJ, and three grandchildren, Arthur Henry Dardia IV, Isabelle Dardia, and Cameron Turner.  He is also survived by his sisters, Judith and her husband Bruce Bristol of Wharton, NJ, and Leslie and her husband Leo Mozulay of Oak Ridge, NJ and several nieces and nephews.

Art graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1968. He earned a BS in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1972. Art was an avid golfer, playing on both his high school and college golf teams while also finding time to hustle at the county golf course.  He was a member of Packanack Golf Club where he consistently received the award for “Best Swing”. Art qualified for the Northeast Regional Amateur Golf Tournament, but missed qualifying by a stroke when going on to the national tournament. Shortly after college, he pursued a professional golfing career and traveled to Qualifying School in Florida where, after playing with the likes of Tom Watson, Art realized his career lay in his family’s business, Neil Hardware in Paterson, NJ.

While in school, he also played bass guitar in The Garden, a band he formed with high school classmates. The Garden played at Fairleigh Dickinson University as backup for Wilson Picket, competed in numerous Battle of the Bands, and produced an original song, “Almost Making It.”

Art had begun working part-time at Neil Hardware in his early teen years and after returning from Qualifying School continued on full time until his retirement in 2014. Art’s experience in the hardware business allowed him to take on numerous projects at home. He could not pass up scrap lumber and always had a stash to repair or to build something whenever the inspiration hit him. He often happily assisted friends and family in their own projects. He was an engineer by nature with a compulsion to figure out how everything worked, and consequently, he could fix anything that was fixable.

Art was also passionate about baseball, making the All-Star Little League team as catcher. He later became a Little League Board member when his son started playing. He formulated a plan to turn the wooded property adjoining the Little League fields in Wayne, New Jersey into an additional field for younger players, and he oversaw the project through its completion. He also combined his hardware experience with his wife’s home computer-based business, and revived the field sign programs as a source of funding for lighting the existing fields.

Art was deeply involved in the lives of his two children, Art and Kristen. Even though running a retail hardware business leaves little time on Saturdays, Art made the time to coach both of his children’s soccer teams. Art enthusiastically shared each of his passions with his kids, and his interests became their interests too. Art spent many weekends golfing with his family, taught his kids how to be handy around the house, and always had their backs.

 In retirement, Art found time to continue golfing, fishing, entertaining friends, and family and traveling with his wife to Alaska and China. Art was incredibly kind and considerate. His friends and family will fondly remember the little things he would do to help others. He was patient and generous with a simple and humble outlook on life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad P.O. Box 2004 Wayne, NJ 07474

Fay C. Ricciardi (nee Sciamarelli) of Wayne, formerly of Paterson and Lodi NJ, passed away at home, Saturday, April 1, surrounded by her adoring family and loving friends.

Fay was raised in Lodi NJ before marrying her beloved husband, former Paterson Firefighter  Nicholas A. Ricciardi (deceased 1984) and moving to Paterson. Devoted mother of ChrisRicciardi (Debi), KathyRicciardi, and Linda Ricciardi-Mcnerney (Mark), Cherished Grandma to John (Natalia), Nicholas, Nicole, (Elias), Rachel, Joseph (Mary) and Christopher. Beloved Great Grandma to Julian, Nilo and Nicolas.

Predeceased by parents Lena and Frank Sciamarelli and brother Joseph.

Fay enjoyed travelling with friends and vacationing with her children, cooking with her grandchildren and spending time with her great grandchildren.

Fay was active in Our Lady of Pompeii Senior Club and Our Lady of Consolation Seniors' , and was happy to be able to volunteer at Eva's Kitchen, Paterson, NJ. She also enjoyed participating in The Good Shepherd Adult Program in Pompton Lakes, NJ.

Memorial Donations in Fay's honor can  be sent to: Shepherds Haven Adult Day Center, 420 Ramapo Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ or Community Food Bank of NJ, cfbnj.org, Hillside,NJ.

John “Big John” Singletary, age 68, of Lincoln Park passed Friday, March 31.

John was born to George and Helen Singletary in Hackensack, New Jersey on February 12, 1955. After the passing of his mother at age 6, he moved to North Carolina where he lived with extended family for several years until he moved to Bonnie Brae Farm for Boys in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. While at Bonnie Brae, John’s father passed away when he was 14. He ultimately went to Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts as part of the Head-Start program during his high school years. He left school and began working various jobs until he started at the McDonalds in the former Wayne Hills Mall. During this time he met the love of his life, Jane Singletary (Straub), and after dating for five years, they married in 1988. Three years later, the entrepreneurial opportunity of a lifetime was presented to him enabling him to purchase his own McDonald’s franchise at 157 W 63^rd Street in Bayonne, NJ. John poured his heart and soul into his business. He sat on the purchasing and finance committees for many years providing valuable input to improve operations within the corporation. He enjoyed volunteering his time with the Ronald McDonald House Charity. He provided mentorship to his employees and others, enhancing their careers and development. He retired after 23 years in 2014.

John was always known as the life of the party; he loved his music as loud as possible, dancing, and having a great time. John loved sports and was a loyal Giants and New York baseball fan. He never missed a game, including those that his children were playing in. He was a great sideline cheerleader, coach, and referee. He always supported his children through all their endeavors. He was a supporter of the Lincoln Park Police Athletic League for many years, and even successfully petitioned to have the snack stand at Lincoln Park Field erected through the Ronald McDonald House Foundation.

John was preceded in death by his parents, George Franklin Singletary, Sr. and Helen Ursula Singletary (Foye); sister, Catherine Singletary; and his brothers and sisters (cousins), Richard Singletary, Rachel Singletary, Laura Singletary, Edward Singletary, and Miriam Allen of North Carolina. 

John leaves behind his loving wife, Jane Singletary, his daughters, Allison Singletary of Michigan; Jessica Singletary of Garfield; Amanda Gough and husband Michael of Wayne; and son John Singletary, Jr. of Lincoln Park; and four grandchildren Mariah, DeAnna, Sabrina, and Junior. He is also survived by his sister, Sheila Schottman and her husband Edward of Seal Beach, CA; and brothers George Singletary, Jr. of Basking Ridge and William Singletary of Long Beach, CA; sisters (cousins) Alice Singletary and Martha Singletary of North Carolina; many in-laws/out-laws, nieces and nephews; and the dog he never wanted but loved so much, Jake. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House- New York, a charity near and dear to his heart, in the name of John Singletary (rmh-newyork.org).

Dennis C. McQuaid, 79, of Lincoln Park, went to be with God his heavenly Father on Friday, March 31, 2023.

Dennis was born in Newark, the first of Charles and Emily McQuaid’s three children. He was raised in Nutley until age eight when his family moved to Lincoln Park where he lived for the rest of his life. 

After graduating high school from Bloomfield Tech in 1962, Dennis served in Vietnam as a soldier in the United States Army  from 1964 to 1966. For his brave service he received one overseas bar, the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

As a child, Dennis walked closely with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His desire was to know God more and more so, upon returning to civilian life, he enrolled in Northeastern Bible College in Essex Fells, NJ. There he studied God’s words in the Holy Bible and graduated four years later with his bachelor’s degree.

Much like the apostle Paul one of the most important figures in the bible who worked as a tent maker to provide for his daily needs so that he could pursue his greatest passion – leading others to the saving grace of God through his son Jesus, Dennis worked in his primary vocation as a Water Plant Operator for the Borough of Butler, NJ to provide for his daily needs so that he could pursue that same passion that the apostle Paul had.

Dennis’ zeal for the Lord started at a young age when he joined a group in his local church on Parish Drive called  Christian Service Brigade As stated on the organization’s website northernfrontier.org, the purpose of this group was to guide groups of boys and young men like Dennis through adventure-packed, action-filled experiences that would draw them closer to God and equip them to be leaders of tomorrow. In 1946 The Bridgade started a camp called Northern Frontier Camp in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Dennis was blessed to visit this camp every summer where he experienced wilderness activities, skill work, Bible exploration, service, and camping in order to bring about internal, permanent change that enabled him to stand strong in Biblical conviction (Galatians 2:20) and to learn to make disciples and disciple makers of Christ (Matt 28:19-20).

The old adage that “Boys will be Boys” is often meant to be an excuse for men to engage in questionable activity. The Brigade and Northern Frontier Camp believes that “Boys will be Men” and therefore purposefully makes it their mission to prepare boys for that role for the glory of God and the ultimate betterment of society.

Throughout his career with the Borough of Butler Dennis stayed active in the Brigade and at Northern Frontier Camp in the summers. In fact, he would often use his vacation time at work to volunteer at the camp. Since retiring at the age of 63, Dennis spent entire summers volunteering at the camp. The only one he missed was the summer of COVID. He loved to counsel and mentor the boys as had been done for him. He loved being a camp cook, driving the bus and was always able and willing to build or repair anything at the facilities.

Dennis was also a true family man. Though he never married or had children of his own, he was a dear uncle to his nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and even his two great-great nieces. He loved surprising them with coins for Christmas and he made it a priority to visit his sister and brother-in-law in Alaska when  their children were young.

If you needed prayer for a challenge in your life, Dennis was the man to ask to pray for you. His list must have been longer than Santa’s at Christmas because he would faithfully wake up every morning at 5 AM and proceed to pray for two hours.

Dennis didn’t value earthly treasures where moth and rust will always ultimately destroy. Instead he sought treasures in heaven where moth and rust could not destroy. He invested in eternity by investing in God’s word, prayer, and people. Quiet, meek, helpful, were words that could be used to describe Dennis. He regularly sponsored kids who otherwise would not be able to afford camp, and he would often go to the sporting events of boys who had no father figure in their lives.

Dennis always prayed that when he passed away, the Lord would say “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” He didn’t believe that he could earn eternal life by doing good works, but he wanted others to know about the great God and creator he served so that they too could have eternal life. Well done Dennis! You were a good and faithful servant.

Dennis was predeceased by his dear parents, Charles in 1976 and Emily (Hopkins) McQuaid in 2018. He was the loving brother of Arthur and wife Susan McQuaid of West Milford, and Nancy and husband Richard Green of Fairbanks, Alaska; dearest uncle of: Tim McQuaid and wife Rosalie, Denise McQuaid, Shawn McQuaid and wife Laura, Melissa Rose and husband Lou, Chuck McQuaid and wife Elizabeth, Christopher Green and partner Marta, and Kimberly Ives and husband Caleb; dear uncle of numerous great nieces and great nephews and his two great-great nieces.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Dennis’ name are asked to consider:

Northern Frontier Camp

38 Cadwallader Ct.

Yardley, PA 19067

If you wish to donate online just CLICK HERE

Thomas (Tom) Mennella, age 68 of Montville, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, March 31, 2023. Tom was a resident of Wayne for 27 years before moving to Montville in 2016.

Tom was born in Paterson to Thomas and Evelyn Mennella. He was the baby brother to his older sister Janice. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School on Beech Street in Paterson. He then attended Paterson Catholic and William Paterson University.

Tom started working for the family business, Mennella’s Poultry, at the age of 9. He never attended school during Thanksgiving week because the family needed him to help deliver turkeys. His dad taught him to drive at the age of 13 to help move chicken trucks around the parking lot. Mennella’s Poultry was founded by his grandparents and then taken over by his father and 3 brothers. Tom was a part of the third generation along with his 4 cousins. He retired at the end of 2019.

He met the love of his life Barbara at the Getaway in Wayne, wearing his gold chains and saddle shoes. They dated for 3 years when he proposed to her in church on Easter Sunday. They married at St. Joseph’s Church in Lincoln Park on October 2, 1983. They went on to have two children, Tim and Jennifer. Tom loved spending time with his family, especially during their yearly trips to the Jersey Shore. He never left the boardwalk without winning the biggest prizes for his kids.

Tom lived for football Sundays with his son Tim. His favorite team was the New York Giants. They would watch football together from 1pm to midnight.

Just this month, Tom read to his daughter Jennifer’s third grade class for Read Across America. He surprised the whole class with joke books.

Each night he loved to surprise his wife with a homemade gourmet meal. Some of his specialties were Shrimp Francese and Chicken Murphy. He always kept the wine refrigerator fully stocked for her.

Lucy, Tom’s 4 pound Yorkie, was always by his side. They would look out the window and wait for their Amazon deliveries.

Tom is survived by his wife Barbara (maiden name Duderich); two children Tim and Jennifer Mennella; sister Janice Mennella; two nephews Brandon Schweizer Sr. (and wife Sharon) and Eric Schweizer (and

wife Jillian). He is predeceased by his father Thomas in 2010 and mother Evelyn in 2020.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to FOWA (Friends of Wayne Animals) Animal Rescue, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470, would be greatly appreciated

Meredith Leigh Lempke, age 65, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2023 after succumbing to chronic health difficulties.
Meredith was born at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pequannock and raised in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, NJ. She was one of five children to Richard J. Lempke, M.D. and Elizabeth Lempke. As a child, Meredith’s spirited personality earned her the nick name “Merrily We Roll Along.” She attended Wayne Valley High School where, during her senior year in 1975, she was voted “Best Smile” by her graduating class. She excelled in History and English, and one beloved English teacher described her to the class as “a very old soul.” After graduation, Meredith went on to William Paterson University in Wayne where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications in 1979. Following her college graduation, she found employment at Cablevision and worked there for a number of years.

Later in life, Meredith vacationed on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts and fell in love with the natural, rustic beauty of the area and decided this was the place for her. After pulling up stakes and moving there, Meredith displayed her industriousness and work ethic to make ends meet. She worked multiple jobs to stay on island, including opening and closing seasonal estates, and driving a taxi for a short time in the summer. She persevered and found permanent employment with the Town of Nantucket in the Tax Assessor’s Office, and eventually became the Planning Board Secretary.

Additionally, she took it upon herself to further her education by becoming a certified paralegal. In a time before online courses, this was not easy to do as she had to fly off island to attend classes and take her certification exam. Meredith then worked for a number of attorneys as a paralegal in Nantucket.

Meredith truly enjoyed the island life and its rituals, including annual scallop harvesting with friends. She also enjoyed when her family visited during the beautiful summer and autumn months.
Meredith was an outgoing social person whose “Best Smile” award was supplemented by her boisterous laugh, which became a hallmark of her personality. Also, as one close friend said, she had an innate intelligence with an undercurrent of humor.

Meredith is survived by her sister Betsey Cochrane and her husband Bill of Wayne, NJ, her brother Richard Lempke of Wayne, NJ, her brother-in-law Benjamin Clarke of Wayne, NJ, her niece Elizabeth Cochrane M.D. and her husband of New York City, and her nephew Ernest Clarke and his wife and children of Westfield NJ, as well as multiple cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Dr. Richard and Elizabeth Lempke (Dick and Betty), and by her two sisters Susan Lempke and Cynthia Lempke Clarke.

Those wishing to make a donation in Meredith’s name are encouraged to consider Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Dr East, Wayne, NJ 07470 www.packanackchurch.org or Friends of Wayne Animals, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470. 

Jason Yu Liaban, age 39 of Packanack Lake in Wayne, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 30, 2023. 
Jason was the eldest son of Ronaldo and Maria Yu Liaban, born in Quezon City, Philippines. He was raised there until the age of eight when his family emigrated to the United States. They originally settled in Leonia, New Jersey then moved to Bergenfield. Jason graduated with Bergenfield High School’s Class of 2002. Jason then attended Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree majoring in criminal justice.  

Due to his prowess, sense of social responsibility, and conscientiousness, he was hired by the Maywood Police Department January 10, 2008. Jason graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy class #100, where he earned the physical fitness “Ironman” award and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office best all-around recruit award. During his outstanding 16-year career, he was assigned to the Detective Bureau on July 1, 2014, served as the Detective Bureau Commander and was promoted to Sergeant on October 8, 2019. 
Jason was a decorated officer who received numerous awards and commendations for his heroic actions in the line of duty. Some of his remarkable feats were de-escalation of a suicidal party armed with a knife, several CPR saves, apprehension of an armed robbery suspect, and multiple commendations for narcotics arrests. Well-regarded, Jason fulfilled his duties as a former operator of the Bergen County Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), Hackensack Youth Academy Instructor, Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and spent time as an Internal Affairs Investigator. Jason was a well-loved member of the community where he served, but most significantly a beloved member of the police department. He was the epitome of what a police officer should be: honorable, kind, compassionate and caring. He was an incredible role model to his fellow officers and an exceptional asset to his supervisors. 
Through the grace of God, Jason met his wife Kriezl when they were in high school. They first met at a basketball game at Wayne Hills High School against Bergenfield High School. The first date was at Stars Billiards in Little Ferry. The high school sweethearts fell in love and one night while out to dinner at Giannarelli’s Cuisina in Montclair, Jason proposed. On July 2, 2010, they were married before God, family and friends at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. A joyful wedding reception was held at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville. Jason and Kriezl honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico. 

Jason and Kriezl started their life in their first home in Englewood. From there they moved to New Milford before settling in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne in 2016. In the ensuing years God blessed them with four beautiful children: Ava Grace, Alexis, JJ, and Jett. 

In his spare time one of Jason’s greatest passions was playing basketball. From the time anyone can remember, Jason played in high school and was currently in the men’s leagues. His favorite professional basketball player was Kobe Bryant and for that reason he always rooted for the LA Lakers. Jason also liked working out and could frequently be found at Gold’s Gym or at Shred, both in Totowa. 
Above all else, Jason’s family was his greatest pride and ultimate joy. A devoted father, he enthusiastically shared his love of sports with his children and he truly enjoyed being their coach in their Wayne PAL basketball league and Boys Club football league. His parents were so proud of him and considered him a treasure! Jason did his best to raise his family in their Catholic faith as a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. 

Jason will be remembered as an outgoing and friendly person who always strived to see the good in everyone he encountered. He demonstrated this in every facet of his life including in his vocation, with family and friends, and in living out his faith.  In his short span of life, he has impacted so many, making a difference in their lives. With God’s infinite mercy and love he will continue to look after loved ones, friends, and his beloved coworkers and community.     
Jason is survived by his wife Kriezl, his four children: Ava Grace, Alexis, Jason, Jr. “JJ”, and Jett; his parents Ronaldo and Maria Yu Liaban of Bergenfield; his brother Mark and wife Erika of Wayne, and his niece and nephew Isabella and Marcus. 
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 2-8 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jason’s memory may be made to:

Jason’s children’s GoFundMe

or

Maywood Police Officer’s Association (MPOA)

15 Park Avenue

Maywood, NJ 07607

The Mass service can also be livestreamed by clicking on one of the links below:

https://venue.streamspot.com/event/Mzc5NzU4Ng or  youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6aOVlWXs8g.

Lynn Diane Scornavacca 

April 11^th 1948 - March 30^th  2023 

Lynn Scornavacca, 74 of Wayne, NJ passed peacefully on March 30th, 2023. Lynn was born to Rudy and Alice Steudel and attended Saddle Brook High School graduating with the class of 1966. After she attended Newark State College earning her bachelor's in special education in 1970, she then continued on to earn her master's degree plus thirty. Lynn touched numerous lives through her long career as a special education teacher within the Wayne School District. 

Lynn met the love of her life John F Scornavacca during her college years. They were married June 19th, 1970, in Fair Lawn, NJ. They were blessed with two sons John and Kris which Lynn dedicated her life to, showing them all the things, this world has to offer. She adored her two grandchildren Kate and LJ who filled her life with joy. John and Lynn led a beautiful life and loved each other for over fifty-two years. 

To sum up Lynns life in a paragraph would be impossible. She was the most extraordinary wife, mother and nana. Lynn had the patience of a saint and could light up the room with her laugh. As an avid adventurer she saw all corners of the world with a love for Grand Cayman and family trips to the Jersey Shore. Lynn cherished her friendships, which include far too many to mention, some spanning over fifty years. She took on the world with a positive attitude and a zest for life. 

Lynn is survived by her husband John, sons John and Kris, and grandchildren Kate and LJ. Also survived by sister Karen and brother Rudy. She will continue to be loved by nieces and nephews and adoring friends. 

If you would like to make donations in Lynn's name, please donate at the following: curecalpain3.org.

Robert “Bobby” Konowich, 70 of W. Milford and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife, Vita, their four children: Vita Tangorra (Jason), Katie Konowich, April Zozzaro (Stephen), and Bobbi Konowich, three grandchildren: Jake, Nicholas, and Viviana, a sister: Jackie Wakefield, and two brothers; Joe “Butch”, and Stephen. He was predeceased by his sister Paulette DeFrance.

Bobby was born to Jacob and Anna Konowich in November of 1952. He was born in Newark and raised in West Orange, NJ. Bobby graduated from West Orange High School and continued his education at Ramapo College with a degree in Political Science. 

After college he started a wholesale flower business in New York City and moved on to open his own property maintenance and landscaping company. Over the 30+ years of working in the industry he made many lifelong business partners and friends. His ambition allowed him to grasp any small business opportunity that crossed his path. From selling flowers and Christmas trees around the holidays, to various chimeneas stands from north to south Jersey to name a few. His want to always help people eventually led him to become highly involved in disaster relief clean ups across the country. The business opportunities he sought after were endless.

Bob was resilient, a true rebel, an innovator, a man who didn’t take no for an answer, but more importantly was generous to a fault. There is nothing he wouldn’t have done for his family and friends. A man of many ideas and talents with endless surprises up his sleeve. He made sure there was never a dull moment. If he was involved, you were guaranteed a great memory. Bobby’s ability to bring a unique and exciting experience to anything he did came effortlessly.

He was a man of many hobbies, a jack of all trades, which earned him the nickname MacGyver. Often seen in Indian motorcycle gear, Bob had a passion for riding from a very young age. His patriotism led him on countless motorcycle cross-country trips that fulfilled his true love for the USA.  His biggest interest was motorcycles, but he had limitless other hobbies such as beekeeping, hunting, wine making, snowmobiling, and scuba diving, just to name a handful. Every few months or so, he would pick up a new hobby, entirely different from any others he had before. His drive to learn about anything that intrigued him, just a bit, was one of his most admirable qualities.

Bob met his wife Vita in 1974 on spring break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and later was married in Illinois in the summer of ‘77. They moved to Wayne, NJ in 1984 where they raised their four daughters, Vita, Katie, April and Bobbi. In 2010 & 2019, Bob finally was no longer the only man in the family, and got the sons he always wanted, Jay & Steve. But by far, one of his most treasured titles, was that of Pop Pop to his three adoring grandchildren, Jake, Nicholas and Viviana. 

The everlasting impression he made on anyone he met, the life lessons he taught us, and the memories he gave us all will forever be remembered. He was a one of kind, legendary man who will be incredibly missed. He would want us all to celebrate him in whatever way that he impacted your life the most. In doing this, his memory will live on forever in each of us.

For those wishing to make a donation in Bobby’s memory, please consider the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, 825 Georges Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, www.bianj.org.

Mary Richter (nee Glatcz), age 95 of N. Bergen and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2023. She had lived in Wayne for fifty-three years before moving to N. Bergen just ten years ago.

Mary grew up in Passaic, NJ, and her formative years were largely shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. She attended Holy Trinity grammar school in Passaic and went on to graduate from Pope Pius XII High School in 1945.

Mary was introduced to Richard Richter by a cousin of hers. That first date eventually led to a wedding on June 18, 1949, at St. Stephen Catholic Church. In 1960, they purchased a home on Patricia Court in Wayne, where they would establish their homestead, raise their family, and establish many endearing friendships.  She enjoyed a strong sense of community and relationships within the Patricia Court community. They were also parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne for many years. Mary and Richard enjoyed thirty-two years of a very loving marriage before Richard died in 1982. His loss was difficult for her, but she persevered through the forty years since then with the love and support of her family and friends.

Mary is survived by her two children; Jeffrey and his wife Kathy of Texas, and Donna and her husband Joseph, and two grandchildren: Matthew Richter of Virginia, and Daniel Richter of Texas. She was predeceased by her brother, George Glatcz, many years ago.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary's memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, stjude.org, or Toni’s Kitchen, 73 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ, 07042, toniskitchen.org

Salvatore C. Mariconda, 57, a lifelong resident of Wayne, passed away on March 21, 2023. Sal was the proprietor of A-Mar HVAC since 1990.

He had countless wonderful friends, a number of whom he had since early childhood. He enjoyed playing many sports, excelling in baseball and softball and loved watching his Miami Dolphins, NY Mets, and NY Rangers. He took great joy in the opportunity to coach his son Nick in Little League, and was blessed to continue watching Nick play baseball through high school and into college. Sal particularly enjoyed a good meal with a good drink, surrounded by good friends, creating timeless memories.

He is survived by his wife Arlene, son Nicholas, sisters Louise Mogitz and Linda Mariconda, brother Anthony Mariconda and his wife Linda, and many dear extended family members.

Donations in Sal’s memory may be made to www.fredhutch.org/memorial.

Louis H. Castro, age 89, of Waldwick passed on March 21, 2023 with the comfort of his two daughters by his side.  

He was born to Luis and Pura Castro and graduated from the Universidad Nacional De Colombia’ with a degree in chemistry.  Smitten by Gloria E. Escobars’ spunk and sense of humor he married the love of his life in 1959. They shared a loving and devoted marriage of 60 years.  Louis worked throughout Colombia in different industries as a Chemist.  The last position he held prior to migrating to the Untied States was analyzing and overseeing the water treatment protocols for the Colombian government.  The instability of the job market at the time was the reason he and his wife immigrated.  He continued his profession at ‘Du Bois Chemicals’ located in Rutherford, New Jersey.

Louis and his brother-in-law, Roberto Escobar traveled to the USA first.  They settled in New Jersey and were joined by their wives and children months later.  His love for his new homeland drove him and his family to discovery.  He took his family every year to learn and explore the history and the beauty of this great country.  Louis’s zest for knowledge didn’t stop just at traveling to parts unknown.  He was also intrigued by languages.  Chinese and Hebrew were two of his passions.  When he retired, he took up baking breads and different cakes which was always a nice surprise and treat for his family. 

Louis was a life learner, a witty man, a man of strong faith in Christ.  He loved God, his wife and his daughters very much.

 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dorothy M Harrison of Wayne NJ.  Dorothy left this life on March 21, 2023. She was at home with the comfort of her family by her side.

Dot was born the only child of Mae and Herman Fiedler on December 3, 1930, in Paterson NJ. She and her lifelong friend Ruth attended Central High in Paterson graduated in 1948 and went on to the Paterson General Hospital School of Nursing together. Dorothy became a Registered Nurse in 1951

Dot continued to work at Paterson General Hospital and its successors in Wayne for her entire career. She made many friends there. One especially good one was Betty Re. Dot worked in many departments over the years, she ended her career as head nurse of the recovery room in 1994. Over her 43 years as a nurse, she touched many lives with her compassion and left a lasting positive impression on them.

In 1951 Dot met her future husband on a blind date set up by her friend Ruth. Dorothy Fiedler and Robert Harrison were married on July 26,1952. They moved to Packanack Lake in 1955 and had 3 children, Susan 1957, Nancy 1958, and Steven 1961. They raised their 3 kids in that small house filled with Pets, People, and all things family. Shore vacations, camping trips, skiing adventures, swimming and sailing at the lake filled our lives. Unfortunately, after 32 years Dot and Bob’s marriage came to an end. Dot stayed on at the house in Packanack where she lived for 68 years.

Throughout her life Dorothy was a loving, devoted, and wonderful mother and Grandmother. She was a helpful and caring friend to all who knew her. Although voted most bashful by her high school peers she came out of her shell as she got older. She was known for her humor, and easy-going nature. She could tell a good story, and she often did, much to the delight of her family and friends. Dot had many passions, she loved animals especially dogs. She always had a dog and used to breed and show Golden Retrievers in the later 1960s. She was a card player, with regular dates set up for playing with friends, especially a monthly poker game with “Aunt Ruth”, “Aunt Betty” and their spouses. Traveling was also at the top of her list; she traveled the world with Betty and friends by ship and bus. Seeing the Baltic nations, the Panama Canal, and the Amazon River to name a few. Many bus trips across America and short ones to “AC” made her happy. Her greatest love though was fishing, from her younger days on the Pequest with Ruth and her family, to landing a sea run Dolly Varden trout from a canoe with Steve, she loved it all. Surf fishing was her favorite though, she could stand in the wash at Ocean Beach or Island Beach State Park and just wait. In 1999 at the age of 69 Dot won the Governors Surf Fishing Tournament, the highlight of thousands of fish caught in her life.

It was through her that the three of us have learned to love a little friendly competition and the outdoor pursuits we enjoy so much.  We will miss her everyday.

Dorothy is survived by her children Susan Harrison Wayne NJ, Nancy Harrison Coe Northwood NH, Steven Harrison Issaquah WA, four grandchildren she loved so much, Silas Harrison, David Coe, Ruby Harrison, and Jamie Coe. Dot is also survived by her dog Penny and 3 “Grandoggers”

Joseph Heitzman of Pompton Plains peacefully passed away in his home on March 21, 2023 at the age of 91. He was the son of Joseph and Josephine Heitzman of Paterson. He fondly spoke of growing up with his extended family in Paterson and attending their catholic grammar and high schools.

Joe went on to earn a teaching degree from Paterson State Teachers College in 1954. He then enlisted in the Army and served his country in France, working in the communications center. During his service, he taught GED classes to enlisted men who had not graduated high school. He saved his money and bought the love of his life, Ruth, her engagement diamond in Amsterdam. Upon his discharge, he proposed to Ruth and they married in 1957.  They shared 64 years of marriage; building a life and family filled with joy and compassion.

Joe began his teaching career in the Business Education department at Eastside High School in Paterson. While teaching, he earned his Master of Business Administration from Seton Hall. In 1963 he became the President of the Paterson Education Association. Using his finance knowledge from Seton Hall, he worked to establish a fair and equitable salary guide for Paterson teachers and to have medical benefits become part of teachers’ contracts. Joe shifted from teaching to administration becoming the Director of Funded Programs in Paterson.

Joe was a devoted father to his only child, Elizabeth. He relished his time with his grandchildren, Joe and Katie. He shared his love of Wildwood with his grandchildren, taking them on yearly trips during their childhoods. He created so many amazing memories at the beach building sandcastles and on the boardwalk riding “choppers,” and playing skeeball. He was always ready to take a day trip or attend any of their games and activities.

Some of his happiest times were spent at his home in Saddle Brook, where he gardened, read, watched the Mets, and planned amazing trips for his family.

Joe and Ruth enjoyed years of traveling the world and educating themselves about the places and people they met. Early in their marriage they drove cross country in a car with no air conditioning and toured Europe on five dollars a day. After retiring, some of his favorite trips were to Alaska, Poland, Budapest, Ireland, the Panama Canal, and European river cruises. He absolutely loved his yearly winter cruises in the Caribbean to escape the cold New Jersey winter. Give Joe a beach chair, a book, some sun and he was content. They enjoyed exploring the world and laughing about the mishaps of their travels. Much to his wife’s surprise, later in life they took dancing lessons and enjoyed dancing to the big band music of their youth.

Joe was a devout Catholic who rarely missed Sunday mass. He was a parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Saddle Brook from 1959 until 2013, when he moved to Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains. Joe and Ruth quickly found spiritual homes at the Cedar Crest Chapel and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Pompton Plains.

Joe is predeceased by his wife, Ruth. Loving father of Elizabeth Sponenburg and her husband, Jeff, of Wayne, NJ. Cherished grandfather of Joseph and Kathryn Sponenburg of Wayne. Beloved brother of Charles Heitzman and Emil Heitzman and predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Pacca. Brother-in-law of Janice Glock and dear godfather to Helen Hallberg. He will be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he touched over the years.

Louis A. Belle, age 80, of Wayne passed Monday, March 20, 2023, with the comfort of family by his side.

Louis was born in Paterson, NJ to Louis and Teena Belle. He grew up in Haledon, NJ and spent 44 years in Haledon, before moving to Wayne in 1987.  Louis graduated from Central High School in Paterson with the Class of June of 1960, where he played on the football and baseball teams and was voted nicest smile. 

After graduation Louis worked for Jersey State Chemical and Sybron Corporation, in Haledon, before starting his own business in 1970.  He was the founder of Kaybe Chemical and continued to run the business for over 50 years, up until the time of his passing.

Louis met his wife Ginger in Greenwood Lake, where they were introduced by a mutual friend. From a first date at Tavern on the Mall in Paramus, Louis and Ginger would date for four years before getting married on January 20, 1973. 

Louis will be fondly remembered as being an extremely generous, warm and fun-loving person.  He had a passion for restaurants and travel and would think nothing of taking a road trip for a good meal.  He was an avid handball and tennis player in his younger years.  He enjoyed boating and spent time at the Jersey Shore during the summer and spent many winters in Fort Lauderdale, FL.   

Louis was the devoted husband of Kathleen “Ginger” Belle for 44 years, until her passing in 2017; beloved father of Robert Belle of North Haledon, Lara Belle and her husband Scott Stegen of Tuxedo, NY, and Heather Cruz of Sloatsburg, NY; he was the cherished grandfather of Siena Cruz, Madison Cruz, Alessandra Stegen, Jack Stegen, Logan Belle and Lincoln Belle.

He touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, 469 7th Ave., NY, NY 10018 would be greatly appreciated. 

Margaret Laura Scotto, daughter of Antoinina and Giuseppe Plaia, was born on July 19, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY where she grew up with her 5 siblings.
After finishing high school she began a career in banking, at which time she met her husband of 59 years, Salvatore V. Scotto.

They were blessed with two children, Joseph & Karen. They moved to Long Island, but ultimately put long lasting roots down in Fair Lawn, New Jersey starting in 1962.
Margaret continued to focus on her professional career and moved up the corporate ladders in the insurance, retail, and banking industries.

Marge was a devoted wife and tirelessly cared for Sal during his many times of heath needs. She was truly a Florence Nightingale. In her spare time Marge was an active member of the Italian American Cosmo’s Club, took golf lessons, and became federally certified to translate books from text to braille.

Marge is survived by her grandchildren, Matthew, Melanie, & Alyssa for whom her love was endless.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the American Heart Association or Cancer Society.

William J. Buntzen, a lifelong resident of Wayne, passed March 18, 2023. William was born July 10, 1954 in Paterson NJ. William graduated Wayne Valley High School in 1972. He worked many jobs after high school including the Paterson Box Lunch, Schulte’s Florist, Ruth’s Flower Basket and for the past twenty-three years with Semeraro Construction as Accounts Payable Administrator in Wayne NJ. William was an avid sports fan who rooted for his Cubbies, Raiders, and Lakers. William enjoyed classic Rock and Roll but the volume increased when The Rolling Stones and Traffic were played. 

William was predeceased by his parents George U. Buntzen and Anne (Reed) Buntzen.  He is survived by his siblings George (Debby), Robert (Christopher), Richard (Donald), Leslie (Ron), James (Sue) and Michael, nephews Kristian (Amy), Peter (Michelle), Brian (Lindsay), Jonathan (Lori), Carlin and George, niece Jisoo Seo, grandnieces Kaeli and Bella and grandnephews Devin, Griffin Mattingly, Brody, Harrison, Sam, John, and Nikolas.  Although William had no children of his own, he was Godfather to Khristan Buntzen, Stacy Reed, Jake Reed, Alex Severson, Victoria Huff, Carlin Buntzen, and George Buntzen. 

There are too many cousins, friends, and neighbors to name but were dear to his heart. Bill was lovingly part of the Tosch Avenue Reed family including his life long best friend William John Reed who carries the same first and middle name born 21 days apart. Also, very special to Bill were his neighbors for more than thirty years, Tony and Edie Schiavo. 

William has been called to heaven by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends to join the eternal party. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in William's memory are asked to donate to one of the following charities:  Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 or The Lustgarten Foundation, 415 Crossways Park Dr, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797

Reverend Daniel Anthony Kelly, age 72, passed peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Fr. Dan's cremated remains are located at the Mausoleum (Sec-N302 TR-C Nh-6)  located at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington. 

Dan was born to Edward Thomas and Norma Kelly in Morristown.  He graduated from Morris Catholic High School with the Class of 1968 and during his high school years he loved to sing and was always taking the lead in musicals.  This love of music followed him throughout his life.  He graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a degree in Classical Voice. Upon returning to New Jersey he studied music at Montclair State when he decided to devote his life to the priesthood. He graduated from Saint Mary’s Seminary University in Baltimore, Maryland where he received his Masters Degree in Divinity. Father Dan was ordained into the Archdiocese of Paterson on December 12, 1987.  He loved the study of Theology and was working towards a Masters Degree when his parents became ill and he instead devoted himself to caring for them.

Dan’s early professional life, prior to joining the priesthood, included being a Certified Ski Instructor at Great Gorge and Vernon Valley for over ten years. A self-proclaimed “ski bum” in his 20’s, he also served a stint as an instructor and ski patroller at the Sun Valley ski resort in Idaho. “The Burn,” a double-black diamond ski trail at Breckenridge, Colorado, was his most favorite run. Dan was an Eagle Scout and worked professionally at the Allamuchy Scout Reservation in Stanhope, NJ, for eleven years, serving as Director for four of those years. He taught music and theology at Pope Pius XII School in Passaic, and taught theology and was a youth minister at Pope Paul VI Regional High School in Clifton. Throughout his years he has been a cantor and music director at parishes throughout the Diocese of Paterson and the Archdiocese of Newark.

Father Dan’s ministry with the Diocese of Paterson included eleven years as the Parochial Vicar of Saint Nicholas R.C. Church in Passaic and in 1998 he transferred to Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church in Wayne, where he served his first five years with Rev. Msgr. Louis J. Bihr. Father Dan was appointed Pastor of the Parish in 2003.  Fr. Dan would be pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary for the next fifteen years when he had to retire in 2018 for health reasons.

Fr. Dan has lived the challenge of cancer for over seventeen years. He started with a diagnosis of Mantel Cell Lymphoma which, after radical chemotherapy and radiation, was remanded to remission. As doctors were keeping a close eye on him they soon found a lung tumor which they removed with a lobectomy. He had a bilateral stroke and after that he had a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma which forced his retirement.  He then began fighting Myeloid Dysplasia Syndrome. As you can imagine hospital visits, doctors’ appointments and all the daily challenges represented can be overwhelming.  Fr. Dan shares all this to help you understand the significance of the love, care, devotion, and understanding he received from his church family at Immaculate Heart of Mary.  From prayers, meals, transportation, a listening ear, a hug, through caring for him at their private home the Pastor was being loved and ministered to himself, and from the bottom of his heart he is truly grateful to all. When providing the information for this story, Father Dan was brought to tears, not because he was fighting cancer - he expected that, but rather that he was recalling one of the saddest days of his life, September 1, 2018, the day he retired from Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Fr. Dan, who had been charged with caring for those at Immaculate Heart of Mary, felt like he was losing his family, and that truly hurt him to his soul. In January 2020, more than three years ago, Father Dan was put on Hospice care and his healthcare providers gave him a very limited amount of time. Amazingly, Father Dan’s symptoms seemed to abate and his health began to improve. He made a recovery that was nothing short of astonishing to everyone. By June of 2020, he was driving again. Although he was still ill, he was able to return to an otherwise ‘ordinary’ lifestyle,’ ministering to the parishioners at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, who became his second parish family in Wayne. As the Covid pandemic restrictions loosened, he began traveling again and was able to visit Istanbul, Turkey and the Greek Islands. As recently as January of 2023, he enjoyed a lovely cruise through the Panama Canal. He was not cured of cancer by any means, but God blessed him with three additional years that even the best and brightest medical professionals could not have anticipated. He was grateful and used those three years to continue to spread God’s love and he brought blessings to even more people. He is beloved by countless people, and he will be missed by many.

Dan was the loved brother of Ronald Kelly and his wife Jill of Quincy, Illinois; one niece Kimberly Dinkheller and her husband Travis, also of Quincy, Illinois. He was predeceased by his much loved Bichon “Mackie” in May of 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, www.stjude.org.

For those who are unable to join us for the funeral, Our Lady of Consolation Church will be hosting a livestream of the event starting at 10 AM on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/HxVg7UiUGOc?feature=share

If you would like to visit Fr. Dan Kelly's final resting place, you can do so at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd, N. Arlington, NJ. The location is Chapel #3, N302, Tier C , Niche #6.

Mary Leonide (Marilee) Sipski, age 72, of Palm Coast, FL, passed away Thursday morning, March 16, 2023, at home in the presence of her devoted husband of 43 years, Thomas Lammertse. 

Marilee was born to Joseph Sipski and Sophia Marcewicz Sipski and raised in Bridgewater, NJ. She attended St. Mary’s Parish School in Bound Brook, NJ and later graduated from La Reine High School in Suitland, MD in 1968. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Douglass College in New Brunswick, NJ in 1972, during which time she sang at Carnegie Hall as part of her college choir. She later earned a PhD in Biochemistry from Ohio University in Athens, OH in 1976 and an MD from The Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, OH in 1979. She completed her residency medical training at OSU in 1983, and later went on to earn a Master of Medical Management (MMM) degree from the University of Southern California in 2003. 

After completing her residency training, she worked as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, CT from 1983-1990, eventually becoming Director of PM&R. In 1990, she moved with her family to Chester, NJ to assume the position of Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation at Welkind Rehabilitation Hospital there. Marilee temporarily left medical practice in 1997 to start a career in the medical insurance industry. She served as Medical Director for Consumer Health Network from 1997-2004 and later worked for Innovative Claims Strategies, LLC until 2009. In 2011, she returned to medical practice, this time at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre in Adelaide, South Australia where she served as Director of Brain Injury and Rehabilitation and as a consultant for brain injury rehabilitation services. In 2014, she returned to the United States to assume the position of Medical Director for the Acute Rehabilitation Unit at UC Irvine (UCI) Medical Center in Irvine, CA. At UCI, she also served as the Director of the Residency Program in PM&R and as a Health Sciences Clinical Professor. Marilee retired from medical practice in 2016. 

Marilee was a prolific traveler and adventurer. In her lifetime, she visited over 60 countries across 6 continents, from Australia and Myanmar to Jordan, Finland, and Brazil. She enjoyed hiking, scuba diving, and fitness. In 1980 she hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and in 1984, she backpacked for several days in the Alaskan wilderness. She thoroughly documented all her travels in thousands of photographs that she loved to share with her friends and family. She also enjoyed needlepoint stitching, with which she made numerous crafts for her family including children’s Christmas stockings and pillows. She was fluent in Polish and shared her heritage with the Catholic community growing up; she passed on her Polish heritage to her family through her cooking and travels. Above all, Marilee radiated love and compassion for her family and could be relied on to lend an ear and dispense wisdom at any hour of the day. Marilee met her husband during Medical School and they were married on June 16, 1979 at St. Mary’s R.C. church in Bound Brook, NJ.

Marilee and Thomas shared their love of traveling and hiking together and enjoyed many adventures both across the United States and abroad. 

Besides her husband, Marilee is survived by her three children, Meredith Kiung of Wayne, NJ, Matthew Lammertse of Jersey City, NJ, and Evan Lammertse of Rochester, NY, her three granddaughters Ryan and Brooks Kiung and Ava Lammertse, her sister Marcalee Alexander and brother Gregg Sipski, nephews Jagger and Sterling Alexander, cousin Ken Marcewicz, and numerous other relatives. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Sustain our Abilities (www.sustainourabilities.org) can be made.

Lucy Severini, age 85, of Totowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2023 in the presence of and while receiving the loving care of her family.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she was one of Louis and Maria (DeLuise) Valente’s eight children.

In 1960, a handsome and very charming young man named Dominick Severini was introduced to Lucy by a mutual friend. On their first date, they went out for dinner and drinks. The night went well and so they continued to see each other regularly for about a year. Friendship led to love and ultimately to marriage on Sunday, June 25, 1961 at St. Finbar’s Church in Brooklyn, NY. After the wedding Lucy and Dominick stayed in Brooklyn where they were blessed with the birth of their baby daughter Lisa. In 1971, after nine years of married life in Brooklyn, they moved to Totowa, NJ where they would spend the rest of their lives together. Lucy and Dom cherished fifty-seven years in a loving and loyal marriage until Dom’s passing in 2018.

The most important blessings in Lucy’s life were her family and her faith. She and Dom had a beautiful marriage and they loved each other’s companionship immensely. One of their favorite pastimes was playing cards with their friends, especially Pinochle. They also took great pleasure in traveling and frequented places such as Cancun, New Orleans, Bermuda, and a particularly memorable trip to Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween some years ago. They also adored their daughter Lisa and enjoyed sharing life with her and her husband Dave in their mother-daughter home. When it came to her grandchildren Chris and Alex, nothing made Lucy happier than when they came to visit. She was simply awed by them! Throughout Lucy’s life, she maintained a close relationship with God and her catholic faith. She loved attending Mass at St. James Church in Totowa. It gave her so much peace and allowed her to see her friends each Sunday. In addition to faith and family, Lucy loved sharing life with Lisa and David’s dogs Bentley and Holly, reading, and in recent years, talking on the phone regularly with her girlfriends and getting together with them every Saturday night to watch movies on Netflix.   

Lucy was the beloved wife of Dominick, who passed away in 2018. She was the most loving mother of Lisa Greco and husband David of Totowa, cherished grandmother of Christopher and wife Krystal Greco and Alexandria and husband Louis Racanelli; dear sister of Liz; and dear aunt of numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also predeceased by her six other siblings: Jerry, Rico, Emily, Ann, Louis, and Jean.  

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Lucy’s name are asked to consider St. James of the Marches Church, 410 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ 07512.

Jean R. Aires

1942-2023

Jean R. Johnston Aires passed away on March 15, 2023, with the dignity with which she lived her life, quietly and still engaging well-wishers with her plans for outings and family events.  

Jean Aires was born in Kilmacolm, Scotland, a rural countryside village west of Glasgow on October 24,1942. In 1948, the five year-old Jean joined her family in the quintessential American immigrant story. In her case, that experience entailed moving from Glasgow to join her mother Mary’s sister, Margaret Miller Dignam, in Clifton, NJ to escape the economic devastation of post-World War II Europe.  A few years later the family briefly returned to Scotland but the opportunity of life in America soon drew them back to New Jersey. 

Jean graduated from Clifton High School in 1960 and then Paterson Teachers College (now called William Paterson University) in 1964 with a degree in Social Science and a subsequent Masters in 1988. 

After college, on a lark, Jean and a friend decided to find jobs in California. (Her stories of their cross-country adventure were regularly retold for entertained nieces and nephews). Jean enjoyed her California experience for about a year, before New Jersey drew her back. At Passaic High School, Jean found her life’s calling as not only a teacher, but more specifically, the kind of teacher students remembered years later for her ability to convey her love for classic “civics” and citizenship values through the many Social Studies courses she taught. Over the nearly 40 years she taught in Passaic, an increasing number of her students were immigrants or children of immigrants as Passaic itself emerged as more and more of a portal community welcoming newcomers from all over the globe to America. 

In the summer of 1966, at the fabled Jersey Shore, she met the athletic, dynamic and handsome John Aires. They mutually swept each other off each other’s feet and were married on September 15, 1967. John accepted a position as a Physical Education Teacher (later becoming a renowned Football and Baseball head coach and Scout) at North Shore High School in Long Island, NY, which required Jean and John to begin a series of long commutes between their homes in Passaic, NJ and subsequently Centerport, Long Island. They flipped the long commute first with John traveling back to Passaic and then, when they moved to Centerport around 1976, with Jean traveling back to Centerport. 

John’s parents and family got to know Jean well as she would spend many nights at their home at The Enclosure in Nutley, NJ, much closer to her teaching job in Passaic. This served to cement the bond which so many in John’s family held with Jean over the years. After John’s untimely death in 1982, Jean settled in the Packanack neighborhood of Wayne, NJ to be near friends and family and where she pursued her second career as a Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker, where she remained engaged until her death. 

Jean was passionate about education, family, and community service. She championed several organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, where she served as an officer of the New Jersey Chapter and dedicated many years to non-partisan consideration of important national and statewide issues. Girls Rising was another organization she cared deeply about-- fundraising for scholarships for underprivileged girls. In addition, she was active in supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Paterson where she was honored for her contributions as Woman of the Year in 2001. 

Among her numerous philanthropic endeavors, William Paterson University was held in highest esteem by Jean for the seminal education she received there and what she perceived to be the role William Paterson played in accessible exemplary higher education.  In turn, she gave back by funding The Aires Annual Scholarship.  She was a Board member of the William Paterson Foundation where she secured and stewarded private philanthropic funding to position the University as a preeminent public institution in New Jersey. She was a Board member of the Hobart Manor Revitalization Committee which raised funds to restore a treasured historic landmark. She was a member of the Alumni Executive Council which fostered an ongoing relationship between the University and graduates. She was an ever-faithful organizer or supporter of numerous significant speakers who visited campus, the annual Golf Outing and receptions.  

A testament to her commitment to her students was the fact that many of these young people returned years after graduating to touch base and refresh their relationship with her. She was the sort of teacher who purchased supplies from her own resources for her students who could not afford to themselves and spent innumerable after school hours with students to nurture love of country and citizenry. 

Jean came from a proud family of Scot immigrants and married into a large family of Irish, English, and German ancestry. She was a woman up for the task. She remembered every birthday and occasion for each of John’s 9 siblings. She never forgot a niece or nephew for a graduation or birthday or that of their subsequent children and then their children. A card was in the post for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. She never forgot someone for whom she cared. This extended to the families of her good friends including the Beckers, Cochrans, Clarkes, Goldbergers, Kiernans, Lemkes, and Schweigherts. 

She was predeceased by her intrepid parents Mary Miller and Douglas Johnston; her ebullient, effervescent, and energetic husband John Aires; and her adored older brother Douglas. She is survived by her faithful and loving cousins Dorothy Manz and Barbara Dignam, sisters-in-law Eileen Sullivan Aires (Bill), Sister Barbara Aires, SCNJ, Cathy Cassell (Ollan), Dotsy Fitts (Tom), many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  Jean will be missed for the enthusiasm and energy she invested in the lives of those she touched — and she touched many lives in many ways. Her passion, faithfulness and dedication will long be remembered.

Carmala (Milly) Tant, 92 of Pequannock, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, while receiving the loving comfort and care of her loving family.

Milly was the youngest of nine children born to Sebastian and Mary Minnoia. Milly graduated from Pompton Lakes High School with the class of 1950.

Milly met the love of her life, Jasper “Jack” Tant while working and they married in October of 1953. Their first home was in Lyndhurst, NJ where they were blessed with a son, Jack, in 1954, and later a daughter, Laura Lee, in 1958. From there they moved to Pequannock and Lincoln Park before settling in Pompton Plains. Milly had various jobs in food service with Flik, with her last being in the cafeteria at American Cyanamid before retiring.

Milly was very loving, caring, and devoted to her family. She also would help anyone who needed her. She enjoyed shopping for antiques. Her favorite pastime was playing cards. She also loved to go to the casino to play the slots. She was a lifetime member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne where she made many close friends.

Milly was predeceased by her husband Jasper (Jack) Tant in 2011 after fifty-seven wonderful years of marriage.

Milly was the loving mother of Jack Tant and his wife Sharon, and Laura Lee Frost and husband Billy, cherished grandmother of Scott Tant and his partner JoAnne Auchtung of Oregon, Chris Tant, Sean Frost, Todd Frost and his wife Nicole, and Ryan Tant and his partner Christina Perrone, adoring great-grandmother of Aiden and Jackson Tant. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters; Lena Polito, Katie Delgado, and Mary Minnoia, and five brothers; Joseph Minnoia, Anthony Minnoia, Dominick Mennoia, Benny Minnoia, and Michael Minnoia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice of NJ, 400 Broadacres Drive, 1st Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, would be greatly appreciated. www.hospiceofnewjersey.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rose Tavano (nee De Ciuceis), age 98 of Butler, NJ. 

Rose passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 peacefully while receiving the loving care of her family.

Rose was born in Jersey City and was one of eleven children to Angelo and Maria De Ciuceis.  While just a young girl, Rose’s family moved to East Paterson, now known as Elmwood Park, NJ.  Rose was part of a group of people in our society known as the “Greatest Generation.”  The people of this generation grew up during the time of the Great Depression and primarily composed the enlisted forces in World War II.  Like many young men and women of that time, Rose sacrificed her education and left school at an early age to help support her family. 

When rose was only sixteen years old, she met the love of her life, a handsome young man by the name of Frank Tavano.  Frank was a young GI enlisted in the United States Army about to be shipped overseas to the European Theatre.  Before leaving, on September 6, 1942 Frank and Rose became husband and wife. 

Upon Frank’s return to the United States after the war, the newlyweds settled in the City of Paterson.  The couple resided in Paterson for about twenty years.  During that time Rose and Frank welcomed the births of their three children Richard, Frank Jr., and their daughter Judith.  After the birth of Rose’s first child, she made the decision to become a full-time homemaker.  Rose devoted herself to caring and nurturing her children for the next twenty-five years.  After Rose’s children had grown, she decided that she would go back to work.  Rose called upon her skills as a seamstress once again and found employment quickly in her old stomping grounds, the garment district of Paterson NJ.  Rose continued to work for various garment shops and factories.  She was a long-time member of the International Ladies’ Garment Union.  Rose worked as a professional seamstress until her retirement in 1987. 

When Rose’s children had grown, she and Frank moved back to their hometown of East Paterson (Elmwood Park).  One of Rose’s favorite pastimes was cooking and baking. She treasured her time on the weekends hosting family and friends for “Fried Meatballs and Coffee at Rosie’s.”  She put her seamstress skill to work not only for employment but for her family as well.  Whenever there was tailoring to be done, Rose made herself available. She loved to knit, sew, and crochet.  Rose also cherished her two daily soap operas “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital.”  Those who knew Rose best, knew that her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Rose than providing for and spending time with her family.  She and her husband Frank cherished an amazing sixty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage until Frank’s passing in 2009.  Tragedy struck Rose’s life in 1986 when her daughter Judith Ann Glasser passed away. 

Rose was a quiet and private person who loved her family very deeply.  She will be forever remembered as a loving wife, and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  Rose was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her. 

Rose is survived by her two sons; Richard Tavano and his wife Barbara of Butler, NJ, and Frank Tavano, Jr. and his wife Joann of Wayne, NJ, seven grandchildren; Richelle Alessandra and her husband Charlie of Montville, NJ, Laureen Minifie and her husband Mike of Rio Rancho, NM, Andria Benham and her husband Robert of Parsippany, NJ, Ben Tavano and his wife Lisa of Little River, SC, Marlana Tavano of Bellville, NJ, Nicole Tavano and her husband Blake of Wood Bridge, VA, and Danielle Scotto and her husband Kris of Pompton Plains, NJ, nine great grandchildren; Jocelyn, Madelyn, Ava, Alayna, Bo, Angelina, Anthony, Anna, and Francesca, and many nieces and nephews.  Rose was predeceased by her husband Frank Tavano, her daughter Judith Ann Glasser, her great-grandson Lucca, her six brothers; Joseph De Ciuceis, Alex De Ciuceis, Angelo De Ciuceis, Frank De Ciuceis, Anthony De Ciuceis, and Sammy De Ciuceis, and four sisters; Betty Spagnola, Mildred De Stefano, Jean Menzo, and Connie Hencke. 

In lieu of flowers,, donations in Rose’s name may be made to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 Fieldcrest Ave Suite, Edison, NJ 08837 www.gracehcs.com or Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave, Suite 203 Roseland, NJ 07068 www.alznj.org

John J. Gaffney, age 84, of The Villages Florida, formerly of Wayne NJ, passed away on Monday March 13, 2023.

John was born in Kearny, New Jersey on July 1, 1938 to Christina and James Gaffney. He attended Saint Cecilia’s Grammar School in Kearny and then went on to attend Kearny High School.  At Kearny High School, John played soccer and basketball.  He was a member of Kearny High School’s 1955 Soccer State Championship team.  It was at Kearny High School that he met the love of his life, Terry.  After graduating from Kearny High School in 1956, John served for two years in the United States Army.  After being honorably discharged, John became a pressman, working for 43 years at the Newark News, the Newark Star Ledger, and the Paterson News.

John married his love, Terry on November 19, 1960. The couple lived in Kearny and Lake Hiawatha before moving to Wayne in 1969.  The couple lived on Bullens Avenue in Wayne for 45 years before moving to The Villages in Florida in 2014.  John and Terry shared 57 years of marriage before she passed in 2017.  The couple had three sons: Brian, Ted, and John.

John was an active participant in the lives of his children and the Wayne community. John coached baseball with the Wayne Little League, coached basketball with the Our Lady of the Valley CYO program and he was the manager of his sons’ Wayne Boys Club youth football teams. John was also an active member of the Wayne Elks and the Knights of Columbus.

John had a strong faith in God and a strong commitment to serving others through AA.  John had a great sense of humor and really enjoyed spending time talking and socializing with his friends at the local coffee shops both in Wayne and in the Villages in Florida.  John loved sports and he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play.  John was an avid Giants, Yankees and Knicks fan.  

John is predeceased by his wife Terry, his parents Christina and James, his brothers James (Annamae), P. Donald (Lorraine), his sister Dorothy Milewski (Raymond), his brother-in-law Thomas Canning and his nephew Stephen.  He leaves behind his three sons, Brian and his wife Linda, Ted and his wife Theresa, and John as well as his sister Rose Canning, his eight grandchildren, Michael, Katelyn and her husband Jonathan Whitcraft, Megan, Marie, Sean, Faith Mary, Maeve and Matthew and numerous nieces and nephews.

John will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s name are asked to consider:

Boys & Girls Club of Wayne

153 Garside Avenue

Wayne, NJ 07470

Audrey was born on January 20, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY and grew up living above her parents’ deli. 

She first met her husband, Frank Giannini (1931-2022), when they were kids at church. She would wait to board the subway until she saw her crush through the train car window. They would holds hands, and continued holding hands for 70 years of loving marriage.

Audrey and Frank moved to the Pines Lake community of Wayne, NJ in 1961 where they raised their family. Audrey spent most of her career working as a cosmetics sales associate at Stern’s department stores, although her favorite job was being a devoted mother to her four children.

Audrey was fun, caring, and good at everything she tried—from ceramics and flower arranging, to sewing and square dancing, and of course cooking. Her legendary pot-roast, butter-cake, and other recipes are now memorialized in a family cookbook. 

Audrey’s life-long commitment to Preakness Reformed Church (PRC)—from her active role in the PRC Women’s Group, heading up the Parish Life commission with Frank, and many years as youth group leader— set an example of devoted stewardship for the entire community.

Audrey was always happiest when hosting family and friends, first in Wayne, and then at their family-built retirement home on Lake Bomoseen in Vermont. Whether boating, hiking, and playing lawn games in the summer, or skiing, skating, and playing card games in the winter, their lake home was always full of love and life and became a frequent and favorite gathering place for their family.

For 30 years, “Bomoseen” became short-hand for everything wonderful in the life of the extended Giannini family. We can still see Frank mowing the lawn, Audrey cooking something amazing, and loved ones sitting by the fire.

There is nothing Audrey loved more than her friends, her family, and her Frank.

She is survived by her children, Bob (late Lori) of Middlebury, CT, Bill (Liz) of Highland Lakes, NJ, Ron (Melony) of Lighthouse Point, FL and Kathy Curtin (Ted) of Wayne, NJ.; her grandchildren, Andrea Brunner (Andy Orlando) of New Milford, CT, Valerie Beard (Len) of Southbury, CT, Robyn Giannini (Charles Tsang) of New York, NY, Alissa Giannini of Driggs, ID, Peter Giannini (Erin) of Bloomingdale, NJ, Kelly Cohen (Josh) of Washington, DC and Jim Curtin (Baileigh Carter) of Chantilly, VA; and her great grandchildren, Katelyn, Bill, Leah, Harleigh, Maddie, Kyle, Alex and Ryan. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: PreaknessReformed Church Memorial Fund, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.

John Joseph Sahlberg III, 64, passed away peacefully at Valley Hospital with his daughter by his side.

In 1958, John was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He is one of four children, born to John and Cathleen Sahlberg. He grew up in Ridgewood and attended high school there. After graduation, he followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps of the fire service and became a 3rd generation firefighter. He was previously married to Ann Marie’s mother, Toni Ann Pastre (Gallo).

John’s passions in life were volunteering in his local fire department, learning new trades, attending Church, and spending time with his family.  John had a love for constructing and painting small models.  These models varied from military planes, sports cars, or ships, but he was always up for the challenge.  He even constructed a large doll house for his daughter to play with in lieu of buying one.  John was not only devoted to his family and friends but also his Christian faith. John was a Deacon at Living Water Tabernacle.

John volunteered proudly and honorably for the Lodi (Rescue Truck Co 1, Truck 611, and Truck 613), Little Falls (Great Notch Co. 4), and Pompton Plains (Company 1) Fire Departments.  John also attained the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain while in Lodi and in Pompton Plains. He received many lifesaving awards while serving his communities. 

He was predeceased by his mother, Cathleen Mary and father, John Joseph.

He is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie Cottrell (Sahlberg) and her husband Daniel of Pompton Lakes, his two grandchildren, Danny and Maddie. Daniel’s mother, Diane and Daniel’s sisters, Christine Cottrell and her boyfriend Lloyd, and Jacqueline Heyman (Cottrell) and her husband Keith Heyman with their children, Zachary and Brooke. John’s sister, Tracy Lewis (Sahlberg) and her husband Scott, John’s brother, Doug Sahlberg and his wife Judy, and John’s brother, Robbie Sahlberg and his wife Olga, along with his Uncle Chuck Sahlberg (father’s brother). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

John was a fun loving and laidback person. John was truly a special person and loved to make everyone laugh. He enjoyed discussing politics and new construction projects.  John was kind and generous with everyone he met. He will be immensely missed by all. He will forever be remembered as a loving father, caring friend and brother, and cherished grandfather.

Those wishing to make a donation in John’s memory are asked to please consider the NJ Firemen’s Home, 565 Lathrop Avenue, in Boonton, NJ, 07005.

We are so sorry to say that Joseph Curtis  passed away March 10. He was 98.

We are bereft, but accept that he is finally at peace. He was brilliant, funny, generous, kind, a fabulous storyteller  --  a great man who served aboard the USS Minneapolis during World War II.

He was a character. One minute, he would play the spoons and in the next remind us how many millions of miles the earth is from the sun. We know the price of love is grief, but we would pay a thousand times over. As anyone who met Joe said, you couldn’t help but love the guy. We did and we will love him until we ourselves are but memories in our loved ones’ minds.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Curtis, 96, two surviving daughters, Eileen Curtis Israel and Janet Martin, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his devoted daughter Mary and loving son Jay.

The Curtis Family

Peter Joseph Lowry of Wayne, NJ passed away peacefully in Nevada on Friday, March 10, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Peter was born in Teaneck, NJ and was one of four children to James and Ruth Lowry.  Throughout the years, he and his family resided in Palisades Park, Bogota, the Pines Lake section of Wayne, NJ and most recently at Four Seasons in Wayne, NJ.  He also lived in Gardnerville, NV.

Following his graduation from St Cecelia’s High School in Englewood, NJ, Peter attended Seton Hall University where in 1970 he earned his bachelor’s degree.  Immediately after his graduation from Seton Hall, Peter enrolled at Fairleigh Dickenson University where he received his Master of Business Administration.  He later acquired his license as a Certified Public Accountant in 1977. 

Peter was instilled with an outstanding work ethic by his parents as a young man.  While Peter was in high school, he took a job as a dishwasher for a local Howard Johnson’s Restaurant.  Through college he delivered telegrams for Western Union Company.  Subsequent to his college graduation, he remained with the Western Union Company and accepted a position as an auditor with their branch in New York City.  Peter’s title as an auditor permitted him to travel across the country, however, most of his duties had him remain on the east coast of the United States.  He later settled in the company’s New Jersey office in Upper Saddle River where he worked as an Accountant.  Peter eventually left Western Union and accepted an offer to work at ATT in Basking Ridge, NJ where he was employed as an accountant for many years until his retirement in 2000.  Peter’s career as an Accountant spanned nearly thirty years.  During his career he was truly well respected and loved by his peers and colleagues.  Peter also offered his skills as a Certified Public Account to his local community.  He was an accountant for the Pines Lake Association for six years as well the Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne for six years.    

In the early 1970’s, Peter met an attractive young lady by the name of Geraldine Riddell.  As fate would have it, Peter and Geraldine fell in love and became husband and wife.  The family settled in Wayne where they welcomed the births of their daughter Kerry and their son Brian.  Peter and Gerry remained in Wayne for many years where they raised their family. 

Running and biking were some of Peter’s favorite pastimes.  Throughout his life, Peter ran in four New York City Marathons and rode The Five Borough Bike Ride in New York three times.  He also biked and explored all of the New Jersey Rail Trails.  Another of Peter’s interests was Sailing, he was a member of the Pines Lake Sailing Club for many years while living in Wayne.  Peter was a devoted New York Jets and  New York Yankees during his life.  He also had a soft spot for pizza and chocolate. 

Those who knew Peter best knew that his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Peter than providing for and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He and his wife Geraldine cherished fifty-one years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Peter was not only devoted to his family but was also dedicated to his Catholic Faith.  He and his family were parishioners of St Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes for many years.

Peter will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and a loving and cherished father and grandfather.  He touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Peter is survived by his wife Gerry Lowry (nee Riddell) of Wayne, NJ, his daughter Kerry Spanner and her husband Mark of Hampton, NJ, his son Brian Lowry and his wife Karen of Gardnerville, NV, three grandchildren; Autumn Spanner of Hampton, NJ Mason Lowry of Gardnerville, NV, and Gehrig Lowry of Gardnerville, NV, four nieces; Suzanne Assadollahzadeh of Simi Valley, CA, Shirin Mohajer of Simi Valley, CA,  Elizabeth Angle of California, and Eileen Lowry of New York City, two nephews; Cameron Maadi of Simi, CA and Joseph Sirios of Bridgewater, one sister-in-law Kathleen Lowry of Wyckoff, NJ, and one brother-in-law Joseph Sirois of Bridgewater, NJ.  Peter was predeceased by his parents James and Ruth Lowry, his brother James Lowry, and his two sisters  Patricia Maddi and Kathleen Sirois.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Peter's name are asked to consider:

Laurelwood Arboretum 

725 Pines Lake Drive West

Wayne, NJ 07470

973 831 5675

Frank J. Gryboski , age 89 was born in Shamokin PA. to Frank and Johanna Gryboski. He passed Thursday, March 9, 2023 with the comfort of his family by his side.  Frank has a brother Norbert, a sister Helen Masse, and his younger sister Joanne, who died at only nine months from meningitis.  Frank himself suffered for many, many years with Parkinson’s disease.

 When Frank was nine years old his family moved to Kearny N.J. where there were more opportunities for employment.  However, Frank loved Shamokin and visited there with his relatives for the next sixty years. He kept his childhood friends.

 After graduating Kearny High School, Frank worked for the Walter Kidde Company.  Then Uncle Sam wanted him.  He spent the next two years serving his country in Korea.  He served with the Eighth Army 1955-56 in Uijeongbu South Korea just North of Seoul and near the DMZ with the 545th Q.M.Co.Sup..  He was very proud of his service.

Frank married the love of his life Patricia Halligan of Brooklyn N.Y. in 1963.  They lived in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne N.J. where they raised their four children, Joanne, Stephen, Edward and Frank Jr.

 Frank worked as a police officer for the Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J. for twenty-one years. Then twenty two years as a chauffeur for Joseph F.Cullman 3rd the CEO of Philip Morris Company.

Frank's passions were baseball and surf fishing and watching the New York Yankees.  He played 3rd base for the Port Authority.  He was the seventh player inducted into their Softball Hall of Fame.  Frank also played on a team named Klorpz at Packanack Lake.  It was a wonderful group of men who became lifelong friends.

Every summer Frank took his family to Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island or the Outer Banks of North Carolina for two weeks to enjoy great fishing.

Frank enjoyed his life.  He was a hard worker. We enjoyed him.  We will miss him dearly.  As Dad would always say, "Play Ball!"

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert P. Wieme, age 50, of Sparta, NJ.

Robert passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.  Robert was born in Paterson and raised in Wayne.  He was one of two children to Samuel and Mary Wieme.  As a young boy, Robert excelled in football playing with the Wayne P.A.L. and enjoyed getting together with neighborhood friends at the Wayne Captain Kilroy Park to play Ice Hockey.  While a student at Wayne Hills High School, Robert was a member of the Ski Club and played soccer. 

Following his graduation from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1990, Robert worked in the automotive and heating and cooling industries before applying to the International Union of Operating Engineers in 2001. Robert worked for a number of different companies while a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 15; most recently Able Rigging based out of Deer Park, NY.  Robert advanced throughout his over twenty-year career to the position of Maintenance Foreman.  He was truly well loved and well respected by his peers and colleagues. 

In 2012, Robert was involved in a project with the subway system in New York City.  While on the jobsite, he met an attractive young Civil Engineer by the name of Nancy Oliver.  Robert asked Nancy out for a date after work one evening and they hit it off great.  Nancy and Robert dated for a few years and as fate would have it, they fell in love, and on May 6, 2017, they became husband and wife on Anna Maria Island in Florida.

The newlyweds settled in Bellville, NJ after getting married.  While residing in Bellville for about two years or so, they welcomed the birth of their one and only daughter, Leah.  About a year after their daughter was born, they moved to Sparta, NJ in July of 2020 and have been there ever since.

He enjoyed racing cars, motocross bikes, and boating.  He also treasured their trips to the Finger Lakes in New York and revisiting his and Nancy’s wedding venue on Anna Maria Island, Florida.  Those who knew Robert best, knew that his greatest passion in his life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Robert than providing for and spending time with his wife and daughter.  Recently Robert started to rekindle his faith, he and his family began attending mass at Our Lady of the Lake RC Church in Sparta.

Robert was a fun-loving gentleman with a wonderfully interesting sense of humor.  He was the type of person who could talk to anyone about anything and was able to bring smiles to those around him. He was friendly, outgoing, and always upfront with people.  Robert had a “heart of gold” and would stop whatever he was doing to help his family and friends. 

Robert will forever be remembered as a true and loyal friend, a loving husband, and most of all, a devoted father.  He was a sincerely special person who will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him. 

Robert is survived by his wife Nancy (nee Oliver) of Sparta, NJ, his daughter Leah Wieme of Sparta, NJ, his parents Samuel and Mary Wieme of Wayne, NJ, his brother Kevin John Wieme of Oregon, his uncle John Dutcher and his wife Julie of Beverly, MA, and many beloved extended family.

June Carafella (Martucci) Blake, age 84, of Montville and formerly of Wayne and Hellertown, PA, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023.

June was born and raised in Paterson. She was the loving daughter of the late Michael and Elvira (Severini) Carafella. 

June was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls. She furthered her education in business school and worked outside of her home until marriage at age 19. After raising her three children, she returned to the workplace, first in sales with E.G. Smith Construction Company of Fairfield and later with Dolan & Traynor of Wayne where she enjoyed the notoriety of selling the panels that were on the original Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. 

June was an avid golfer who loved to travel to various locations across the country playing with her second husband and favorite golf partner, Roy. Above all, her favorite and most cherished activity was spending time gathered with her children, grandchildren, and new baby great-granddaughter.

June was the loving mother of Philip Martucci and wife Lisa of Pompton Plains, Lisa Laputka and husband John of Allentown, PA, and Paul Martucci and wife Rhonda of Parsippany; cherished grandmother of John, Jr., Jennifer, Jodi, Danielle, Gina, Michael, and Anthony; adoring great-grandmother of Nola; dear sister of the late Diane Gley and the late Carolee Conklin; dear sister-in-law of the late Paul Gley, and George Conklin of Kinnelon; and dear aunt if Kelly, Paul, Heather, Dawn & Russell; dear great aunt to many nieces and nephews. June was predeceased by her first husband and father of her children Philip R. Martucci in 2008 and second husband Roy Blake who gave her 13 years of happiness until his death in 2019.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in June’s name are asked to consider Alzheimer’s New Jersey, Attn: Development Dept, 425 Eagle Rock Ave, Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068.

Anne (Annie) T. Clancy, born 9/23/1961,  passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023. Annie was born in Passaic, grew up in Wayne, on Chestnut Drive in Packanack Lake, had lived in Pequannock, Florida, and Lincoln Park;  which was her final destination before Eternity.

Annie is predeceased by her brother John (1993), her mother, Marie T.(1998), her brother Timmy (2005)  and her father John (Jack) Clancy (2010).  She is survived by her brother, Tom (Clance) Clancy, JoAnne Clancy, niece Holly Clancy, nephews Bobby, Timmy and Jack Clancy, her Uncle Bill and Aunt Audrey Clancy of Kearney.

Annie’s long  time companion for 20 years, Paul Alexander, was the Love of her Life.  Paul supported Annie through  the loss of her brother, mother and father, all whom she was very close to, and through her sickness as well. They shared many good times together and traveled often. Their 4 legged baby, Fuzzi,  will miss her very much.   Paul lit up Annie’s life; though Annie was a bright light herself. To know her was to love her, with her infectious laugh and love for life; nothing could keep Annie down. When Annie was 10, in 4th grade, she was hit by a car while riding her bike and broke several  major bones in her body, lost  her spleen and a lung. She was in a coma for 4 months. Annie overcame her injuries and by middle school became a very enthusiastic cheerleader for Packanack Lake Football  league; her brother Tommy said she was VERY good at it.  Annie continued to cheer her brothers on when they played for the Bone Crushers  and Wayne A’s adult leagues. Family was very important to Annie. When Annie passed she  had her ceramic cheerleader trophy displayed in her living room from that era.  Annie was good at  cheering people on all through life and acquired many friends.  She loved to go to concerts and did so  often with her friend, Jude, whose company she loved and whom Annie really appreciated the support of, as well as friend Libby, during the last seasons of her life. Annie's high school friend, Dave, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, called her everyday for the last several years. She truly loved his daily calls and frequent visits to NJ to see her. Her big claim to fame was that she and Bruce Springsteen shared the same birthday, however, “The Boss” had a few years on her.  Annie loved going to  the beach, especially Spring Lake where her grandmother resided and where  she spent many fun summers with her brothers until their  late teens. She frequented the Jersey shore and St. Pete Beach, Fl., where her family had a condo. Annie, her mom, and grandmother MiMi  would often visit  St. Pete’s together  with her father, Jack, who had a  special love for Annie, and a sense of humor unmatched which Annie inherited.

Annie was a friend of the American Legion Post No. 450, and for many years was the lead conductor  of the Memorial Day parade.  As much as she loved to laugh, when it came to the parade, she was no joke and took her responsibility seriously. When the parade was over, Annie was the life of the party. She loved to sing and dance; her nicknames included Hurricane and Teflon Annie.  She  was one of a kind and will truly be missed!

Annie's favorite charity was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. If desired, a donation can be made in her honor. 

Carlos N. Andres, age 91, of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Born and raised in Cordoba, Argentina, Carlos was the youngest of Carlos and Elena (Lorenzetti) Carlos’ three children.

Carlos met his beautiful wife Lilia when she moved to Cordoba. They married in the catholic church in Cordoba on February 11 and have enjoyed over 60 years in a loving marriage in which they were blessed with their two daughters, Silvia and Maria.

In 1963, Carlos, Lilia and his daughters, who were age five and three at the time, emigrated to the United States in the quest for greater opportunity. They settled initially in a home on 29^th Street in Paterson. In 1976, they moved into a home on Ratzer Road in Wayne and remained there until 1986 when he and Lilia moved across town to their lakefront home where they enjoyed life to the present.

Soon after coming to America, Carlos opened his own business, Andre’s Jewelers on Broadway and Market Street in Paterson. He offered all types of jewelry for his clients and his specialty was watch repair. He moved the business several time including having a store within the Jacob Department Store in Paterson before moving the business to Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. He enjoyed his work tremendously and continued to work into his mid-seventies.

Carlos’ love for fixing things extended way beyond watch repair. He loved to tinker with anything that was mechanical and was known for regularly taking things apart and putting them back together. This was a tremendous benefit to his family who would bring their broken items to him to fix. Carlos loved life in his home on the shore of Pompton Lake where he’d often enjoy cruises on the lake in his pontoon boat. He even built his own dock.

Carolos was a true family man. He loved family get-togethers and was thrilled when the blessing of grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into his life. He loved being their “Abuelito.” Carlos’ presence will be dearly missed. Affectionately flirtatious, he was a real character, a bit on the crazy side and always ready with a joke.

Carlos was the beloved husband of Lilia (nee Dopazo) blessed in marriage for over 60 years. He was the loving father of Silvia Gonzalez and husband Mario of Lebanon, NJ, and the late Maria Alejandra (1994); dear father-in-law of Robert Alejandra and his wife Denise of Sanibel Island, FL;  cherished grandfather (“Abuelito”) of Mario (Jennifer), Gabriela (Javier), Gaston (Emma), Alejandro, Bobby, Gregory (Katie), the late Matthew (2013), Danielle, and Nicole; adoring great-grandfather of: August, Jasper, and Carla; and dear brother of the late Emilio Andres and his wife Leticia of Argentina, and the late Lucia Masini.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charles A. Hummel, age 81, of Wayne, NJ.

Charles passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday February 27, 2023.

Charles was born in Brooklyn, NY and was the younger of two children to Charles and Margaret Hummel.  Charles’ family relocated to Paterson, NJ shortly after he was born, and then moved to the Lions Head Lake section of Wayne, NJ.  Charles spent his formative years in Wayne and attended Wayne Valley High School where he excelled in the sport of Basketball playing for the high  school boys’ varsity basketball team.  Following his graduation from high school in 1959, Charles, feeling deeply it in his heart to serve his country, enlisted in the United States Navy.  While in the US Navy, Charles served on the USS Wasp and also contributed to the USS Kitty Hawk being put into service.  Charles was able to see most of the world with the United States Navy.  He was stationed in various locations such as Egypt, Japan, the Philippines, Germany and Australia. Charles served honorable and proudly in the United States Navy from 1959 until 1962. 

After being honorably discharged from the US Navy, Charles set himself on the path of becoming a Wayne Police Officer.  He was a Wayne Police Officer for a couple of years when he married his high school sweetheart Barbara Warmus.  Barbara and Charles dated throughout high school and as fate would have it, they became husband and wife on May 31, 1964. 

The newlyweds settled in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne where they raised all four of their children Dwayne, Glenn, Pandie, and Michele.  The family remained in Wayne for the rest of their lives.  After the birth of their first child, Charles made the decision to leave the Wayne Police Department for his own safety and for his family’s piece of mind.  For the next seven years, Charles worked alongside his mother-in-law and father-in-law at their family owned delicatessen called the Salad Bowl in Bloomfield, NJ.  Later, Charles accepted a position with the McDonalds Corporation managing several McDonalds restaurants in Northern NJ.  As time went by, he was offered a position as curator for the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, NJ.  Charles held this position for the next thirty years. 

Charles’ interest in Thomas Edison and antiques was sparked when he was a young boy.  He took a genuine interest and true fascination with an antique phonograph that his father owned.  Concurrent to being the curator for the Thomas Edison Museum, Charles also owned and operated a very successful antique business from his home until his passing.  He appeared on a variety of television networks for his antique collections, including The Discovery Channel, and ABC News.   

It was probably his experience with the US Navy that instilled Charles’ love of travel.  Throughout his life, Charles continued traveling to a variety of destinations all over the world including Japan, Germany, Amsterdam, and Korea.  In his travels, Charles not only met people from all cultures and walks of life, but made lifelong friends with those he met.  Charles also enjoyed frequenting his favorite restaurants with his wife Barbara.  Some of his favorite dining destinations included Pizza Man, Charlie Brown’s, Arthur’s Steakhouse, and most of all Lee Sushi. 

It was clear to those that knew Charles best, his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Charles than providing for and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Charles and Barbara cherished forty-five years of loving and loyal marriage until Barbara’s passing in 2009.  He and his family treasured their frequent vacations to the Jersey Shore and day trips to JFK International Airport to watch commercial planes land and take off.

Charles was a larger-than-life type of person who was kind and warm hearted.  He loved telling and hearing a good joke, particularly “one-liners.”  He made friends wherever he went and could talk to anyone about anything.  Charles also had an ability to captivate an audience, no matter what age, with his way of telling a story.  He had the type of personality and a way about him that lit up whatever room he was in.  He had a gift of bringing smiles to the faces of those around him.

Charles was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone he knew. He will be forever remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and devoted husband.  He will be sincerely missed by his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his two daughters; Pandie Napolitano and her husband Vinnie of Wayne, NJ, and Michele George and her husband Mike of Rockaway Twp, NJ, two sons; Dwayne Hummel and his wife Diane of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and Glenn Hummel and his wife Natasha of Rockaway Twp, NJ, four grandchildren; Nicole Gregorio and her husband Rigo of Sparta, NJ, Alexa Napolitano of Wayne, NJ, Michael George of Rockaway Twp, NJ, and Ashley George of Rockaway Twp, NJ.  He was predeceased by his loving wife Barbara Hummel in 2009, and by his sister Peggy Gallandt.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert H. Turner, age 85, of Wayne, NJ.

Robert passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 26^th, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Robert was born to Robert Jr and Rose Turner of Brooklyn NY. Robert graduated Wayne High School with the class of 1956, having played on the baseball team as a catcher, and later becoming the manager.

Robert met the love of his life Valerie at the Fourth of July Firemen’s Parade at the Preakness Shopping Center, and began dating in 1962. They married in June 1964 and settled in Wayne. Robert and Valerie’s marriage was blessed with their son Barry in 1965. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of fifty-eight years.

Robert was hired by the Township of Wayne on March 23^rd 1962 to work for the Road Department and was transferred to the Health Department in 1971 where he worked as the Animal Control Officer. On October 1^st 1984, Robert became one of the first New Jersey Certified Animal Control Officers and in May of 1989 graduated from the Animal Control Academy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Robert retired in June 13, 2000 after severing thirty-eight years for the Township of Wayne.

Robert was a member of Community Fire Company No. 1 in Wayne from June 1960 to 1977 where he held the positions of Lieutenant and Captain. Robert was proud to have been a part of the membership who restored the 1911 Christie Steam Engine and the 1930 Aherns-Fox. Robert would always tell the stories of the “old days” of riding the open cab fire trucks, jumping on the back step and pulling up your boots for the fires. This inspired his son and his grandchildren to follow in his footsteps, volunteering for their community and becoming professional first responders.

Robert was a longtime P.A.L. Coach for over 20 years coaching youth baseball, Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer.

Robert loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping at Kymer’s Campground in Sussex County where he and Valerie spent their summers for 50 years. Robert loved tending to his outdoor figurines and was famous for his garden gnomes. Robert spent his Sunday mornings on staff cleaning the campground pool.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Valerie, his son Barry along with his wife Nanci, and his grandchildren Amanda, Michael and Kyle.

Joseph Paul LaBruna, 75, of Wayne, passed to eternal life on Sunday, February 26, 2023, with the comfort and care of his loving family at his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph F. LaBruna and Lillian Baron.

Joseph was the loving husband of Nana Bordonaro LaBruna for 53 years, beloved father to Danielle (Patrick) DeVarso, and adored grandfather to Leonardo and Adaline DeVarso. He is also survived by his dear sister Joan Adams and brother Barry LaBruna. In addition, survived by his childhood best friend and brother-in-law, Thomas Saunders, sister-in-law, Rosemarie Saunders, brother-in-law, Paul Bordonaro, and his wife Gail, as well as several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews. Joseph was blessed with a family he loved deeply.

Joseph’s professional career started as a paper boy and developed into a career in sales for many years. His ability to start and continue a conversation with anyone made him a natural. His love of new innovations and ideas made him successful in computer sales and technology. His last business venture was the sale and development of uninterrupted power sources. 

Throughout his long career, Joseph treasured the many wonderful and long-lasting friendships he made along the way. If Joseph was in the room, he made his presence known. He was fun and loved being with people and they loved being with him. 

Joseph was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served and been wounded in Vietnam. He loved his country and never mailed a letter without writing

“God Bless America” on the envelope. Family and country were his great loves. 

In lieu of flowers donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 would be greatly appreciated. 

Dennis Jacobson, age 64, of Manahawkin, NJ passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 25, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Dennis was born in Paterson, NJ and was one of six children to Donald and Rosella Jacobson.  When Dennis was a young boy, his family moved to Wyckoff where he spent his formative years.  He attended Ramapo High School where he took a great interest in automotive mechanics.  Following his graduation from high school with the class of 1976, he first worked for Homestead Roofing, and quickly found work at Hawthorne Chevrolet as an auto mechanic.  After three or four years, he opened his own Mobile Gas Station in Hawthorne which he owned and operated for a couple of years.  Dennis then decided to close up his shop and accepted a position at JB Hunt where he was employed as a Truck Driver and Safety Officer.  Taking this position relocated Dennis to Arkansas, and he spent the next sixteen years of his career there.  After leaving JB Hunt, Dennis took a job at Home Depot in Arkansas, and ran his own business, DJ Construction. In 2018, he decided to move back to New Jersey.

Moving back to Southern New Jersey was not a hard decision to make for Dennis as his favorite place in the world to be was in or on the water. Dennis was an avid fisherman, and treasured crabbing at the Jersey Shore.  He was a devoted Arkansas Razor Back fan as well as a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan.  Dennis also cherished his rescued dog “Gunner” that passed away some time ago.  After Gunner’s passing, Dennis saved another dog, “Rosie,” however, unbeknownst to Dennis, the dog was pregnant and gave birth to a single puppy which Dennis in turn gave to his girlfriend’s son.

Dennis had the reputation of being a lady’s man throughout most of his life, being able to smile and strike up a conversation. He loved engaging with people and making friends wherever he went.  Dennis was the kind of person that was able to talk to anyone about anything.  After moving the Jersey Shore, Dennis always felt like he was on vacation. The most enjoyable times of his life were spent at his home in Manahawkin, enjoying quiet times with the younger children in his family, and his girlfriend’s grandsons, watching them all grow up way too fast.

Dennis was a kind man with a warm heart.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and had the gift of bringing smiles to the faces of the people around him.  Those who knew Dennis well, knew that his greatest passion in life was the love of his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Dennis that spending time with his brothers, his sister, and their children.  Dennis was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sorely missed by his family and friends alike.  

Dennis is survived by his brothers; Donald of Lincoln Park, NJ, Richard and his wife Dianne of North Haledon, NJ, his sister Diane Tyrrell and her husband Steve of Barnegat, NJ, his two brothers Russell and his wife Carol of Port Jervis, NY, and Robert and his wife Michelle of Hawthorne, NJ, five nephews; Donny, Ryan, Kyle, Corey, and Michael, five nieces; Shelby, Lauren,  Lexi, Patty, and Jessie, his Uncle Eugene, and Aunts Shirley and Elaine, many cousins, great nieces, nephews, and loving extended family.  He is also survived by his significant other, Rosanne Warner, and her loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister in laws; Ruthe and Patricia.  

Those planning to make a donation in Dennis’s name are asked to consider St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. www.stjude.org

It is with great sadness that we share that Dorothy "Dee" Lender (nee Haas) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on February 25, 2023 at the age of 94 years.

Dorothy was born to George and Anna Haas in Newark in 1928. She graduated from Southside High School. Upon high school graduation, she was employed by PSE&G in Newark.

While working at PSE&G as a bill comparer, Dorothy met the love of her life, Raymond Lender, who worked part time delivering the books that she tabulated. They married on March 26, 1949. After they married they had two children, Monica and Raymond, Jr. The family moved to Edison, NJ and Des Plaines, IL before finally settling in Packanack Lake in 1965.

While living in Packanack, Dorothy loved being a mother and a homemaker. She was active in the Packanack Golf Club and bowling league for many years. She was known for her daily morning walks around the lake with her sister. Dorothy could be found on the Packanack Lake or Bethany Beach, DE beach each summer with a book in her hands and sand between her toes.

Dorothy was known for her giving and supportive nature. She volunteered more than 30,000 hours as a "pink lady" at Chilton Hospital over many years. Dorothy also spent many years helping at the Wayne PTO Browse 'n Shop. Additionally, she was known for her dedication to the altar guild at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. After dedicating years as a supportive mother to her own children, Dorothy remained involved in her grandchildren's lives as well. From band grandparent to the sports cheering section, she was always there. She loved baking, from oatmeal cookies, to pies and Irish soda bread, and added love to all that she baked. Dorothy was known to call up after each small or big life event, checking up on how the day went and sharing how proud she was. She also was an avid letter-writer, letting everyone in her life, whether close or far away, know how much she thought of them.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 73 years, Raymond Lender. She was predeceased by her parents and sister Wilma Sonnenschein. She is survived by her children, Monica and William Mains and Raymond and Lisa Lender. She will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Elissa and Frank Scillieri, Eric and Christina Mains, Kelly Lender and Ryan LaCanna, and Jeffrey Lender. Dorothy (GiGi) was also blessed with 6 great grandchildren who will miss her dearly: Samantha, Thomas, Jackson, Joseph, Zachary, and Julia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to…

Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131

St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 395 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ  07470

Marilyn J Sczepanski of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully Saturday February 25, 2023 with the comfort of her family.

Marilyn was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up with her siblings, Francine, twin sister-Maureen, Alan, and Philip in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. She attended PS176, William McKinley JHS and Lafayette HS. As a teen, her summers were spent enjoying music, attending concerts, the cinema, and days at the beach. She is remembered as being a determined, strong willed, carefree spirit who did exactly what she wanted to do. She liked to have fun and enjoyed playing an occasional prank or two. She was also incredibly competitive and loved sports in particular, playing softball, bowling, and tennis.

Marilyn landed her first job as a Purchasing Manager working for an export shipping company in the World Trade Center in NYC. She had many stories about boarding ships in the New York harbor. After moving to New Jersey in the 80s, she worked for Bel-Art Products in Pequannock.

Marilyn met John in her early twenties, and shortly afterwards they were married on July 15, 1978 at St. Margaret’s Church in Middle Village, Queens NY.  To celebrate, a memorable, beautiful honeymoon trip to Bermuda followed. A few years after Marilyn had their first child, Christine, she decided to dedicate her life to being a loving, wonderful stay at home wife and mother. Marilyn excelled at motherhood and was the foundation of her family, through and through. Whether it was supporting Christine through obtaining her Master’s Degree in teaching, or reading books with her granddaughter Sofia, she lived for her family.

Marilyn also cherished the many family dogs she owned over her lifetime. She had a special bond with both Daisy, her Silky Terrier, & Henry, her Maltese. As an avid fan of the New York Mets and Giants, she attended many games over the years. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and going to estate sales where she had an eye for many rare collectables.  She loved to go to Bingo on Saturday evenings at the Wayne PAL with family & friends and was always up for the occasional trip to Atlantic City.

Marilyn was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. No amount of time with Marilyn would have been enough for her family and friends, though she gave us enough laughter, wisdom, and memories to last several lifetimes.

Mary A. Gelb, age 84 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023. She's lived in Packanack Lake since 1974.

Mary grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to the “fast-paced” northeast when she married Ed in 1962. After a career as an administrative assistant, she chose to focus her attention on raising her three daughters and creating a loving home where her children could thrive. Later in life, she traveled the world with her husband Edward and enjoyed her grandchildren. Mary was a devout Catholic, a humble person who loved to read and always enjoyed a good chat. She had a big, infectious smile, and was always eager to share it. She loved holidays and took joy in decorating for each and every one. Never missing a birthday, she always had a little something extra to give you, even when she hadn’t picked your name in the “Secret Santa” gift exchange. Mary will be missed by all. May she rest in peace with the Lord.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-one years; Edward, and by their three daughters and grandchildren; Elizabeth Gelb-O'Connor and her husband Leo of Bernardsville, Mary Miceli and her husband Fred of Hillsborough and their children Christopher and Lilliana, and Carol Munir and husband Karim of Basking Ridge and their children Taylor and Kayla.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Angelo Locantore, age 81, of Wayne, NJ. 

Angelo passed away peacefully on Friday February 24, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Angelo was born and raised in Montescaglioso, Italy and was one of three children to Domenico and Vincenza Locantore.  Like many families in Europe, raising a family and growing up in the aftermath of World War II was a struggle.  As a young boy, and as many other children did, Angelo put his education on hold and went to work to help his family.  He worked in Montescaglioso as a carpenter in the construction industry.  He later moved to Germany and found employment in construction and contributed to “The Reconstruction of Europe.”  He also worked in the automotive industry while residing in Germany for several years. 

In 1970, Angelo moved to the United States of America in search of a better life and the American Dream.  Upon arriving in the US, he settled in Paterson, NJ.  Because of Angelo’s outstanding work ethic, it was no surprise that he found employment quickly with a local construction company.  He later accepted a position with his cousin at Locantore Building, located in Wayne, NJ.  Angelo worked along side his cousin for many years until his retirement about five years ago.  However, retirement was not something that was in the cards for Angelo.  Angelo took on many side jobs of carpentry and other construction projects following his retirement right up until his passing. 

Shortly after arriving in the United States, Angelo was introduced to a lovely attractive lady named Livia.  Angelo and Livia’s families were friends and were cordially introduced.  Angelo and Livia hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have, they fell in love and were married in 1971.  After getting married, the couple settled in Paterson, NJ for a short time then moved to Wayne where they cherished the next thirty-eight years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Angelo was a truly devoted husband and cared for his wife Livia until her passing in 2009. 

Angelo was member of the Italian American Club in Totowa, NJ for many years.  He was also a member of the Padre Pio Foundation of America. He was truly devoted to his Faith and gave regularly to charities such as Make A Wish Foundation, and Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Angelo brought some of his favorite past times from the “Old Country” here to the United States.  Gardening and making his own wine were what filled most of his spare time.  He took great pride and pleasure growing vegetables, every year and caring and nurturing his lemon tree and Fig Tree.  He also loved to watch all types of sports, whether it was football, soccer, basketball, etc., he was always captivated by professional sports.
Angelo and Livia treasured traveling as well, they enjoyed taking cruises and frequenting the islands in the Caribbean.  They also enjoyed traveling back to their homeland of Italy to spend time with family.  Everyone that knew Angelo knew that his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to him that spending time with those he loved.

Angelo was a private man, and although being private he was delightfully talkative and enjoyed socializing with others.  He had a wonderful, and some say odd, sense of humor and could bring smiles to everyone around him.  He was always said to do things not his way or anyone else’s way, but “the right way.”  He was also truly and deeply proud of his Italian heritage.

Angelo was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around him.  He will be forever remembered as a dedicated husband and having and outstanding work ethic.  Angelo will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.    

He was predeceased by his wife Livia Locantore in 2009.  Angelo is survived by his two sisters; Filomena Gallipoli of Montescaglioso, Italy, and Elisabetta Minelli and her husband Matteo of Torino, Italy, three cousins; Angelo Locantore of Wayne, NJ, Leonard Locantore of Wayne, NJ, and Elisa Sassone of Kinnelon, NJ, and several loved nieces and nephews.  

Jean Kelly O'Brien

7/2/1932 ~ 2/23/2023

With profound sadness we announce the passing of the amazing Jean (Kelly) O’Brien, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend to all. She left us to join her family in heaven, predeceased by her devoted husband, Jack O’Brien (2007), her daughters Karen O’Brien-Brady (1997) and Erin O’Brien-DiDia (2015).

An only child, born in Jersey City, New Jersey she was brought into this world by her parents Margaret (Canny) Kelly and  Gene Kelly.  Her father instilled in her a love of horseback riding and a keen sense of Irish skepticism. She proudly attended Saint Aloysius Academy in Jersey City, where she earned her Varsity letter in Equestrian and later in life attended Rutgers University.

Jean married the love of her life Jack O’Brien. Jean lived a full life as a wonderful mother, devoted wife, and homemaker.  Jean started her family in Clifton New Jersey and as they quickly outgrew the tiny cape moved on up to Wayne, New Jersey where she raised her 6 children with gusto. Kimberly place was the perfect place to raise her children along with all the many wonderful families on the block. The kids from the block are still close today and Jean would consider the kids her own. Wayne is where she and her husband worked in “townhall” for many years, meeting the most fantastic group of people while championing the town as the best place to raise a family!

Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne was her earliest social circle and place of worship. One of the first families involved in the beginning of OLV, she was a cheerleading coach, Girl Scout Leader, Carnival volunteer and involved in every aspect of the school which her children attended.

Jean was an avid skier, chaperoning the ski trips in town for many years. Never one to let grass grow under her feet, she took many recreation classes with Belly dancing being her finest! As an avid Jazzercise devotee, she kept in great shape. Jean shuttled her gorgeous children to NYC in the 60’s and 70’s introducing them to a life in the arts as child actors while also traveling as far as her car would let her, never afraid of the road in front of her. In fact, she drove from California to New Jersey with her daughter Lynn, stopping at many monumental sites along the way.  Jean was a pioneer in being an independent woman instilling wanderlust and an indomitable, undefeatable spirit in her children.

Proud of her Irish heritage, she was an active member of the Women of Irish Heritage, Inc. that championed charities and visits to the mother land of Ireland which Jean traveled and even marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Navan a beautiful town in the Northwest of Dublin.

She also loved her winter trips to California which allowed her and Jack to spend precious time with her West Coast children, Mary, Erin and J.R. and grandchildren Nicolette and Dominique. California is where she spent the final years of her life. She survived raising 5 daughters and 1 son, losing two daughters and a husband.

Loving mother to Gail McGeady (Brian Buckley) Wayne, NJ, MaryBeth O’Brien, Encinitas, CA, Lynn Quinn (Terry Quinn) Bloomfield, N.J., and J.R. O’Brien (Tiffany Crain-Weis) Encinitas, CA. Proud grandmother of Mark Robinson (Amanda Nelson-Robinson) Jessica, Jennifer and Charles Brady, Nicolette and Dominique DiDia, Michael and Preston Quinn, and newest arrival great-grandson Jack Robinson.

She will be dearly missed and forever loved by her family that attributes their Irish stubbornness to their beloved matriarch.

Helen May (Tanis) Croucher of Wayne, NJ passed Thursday February 23^rd, 2023, just about one week past her 95^th birthday.

Helen was born in Paterson, NJ on February 14^th, 1928 to Lena Dyk and Andrew Tanis. She started her studies in the Prospect Park school system, and later graduated from Hawthorne High School, class of 1946. After graduation, she attended secretarial school and initially served as the administrative assistant to the music director of the NBC orchestra at Rockefeller Center in New York City.  Later she became the head administrative assistant to the principal of Lincoln School, and then Westmorland Elementary School in the Fairlawn public school system. She worked for Fair Lawn Public Schools for almost 40 years.  Her attention to detail was second to none, which extended into all aspects of her life.

Music was always important to Helen.  She was an accomplished pianist, learning to play at an early age.  She performed at multiple venues throughout her life, which included a recital at Carnegie Hall in New York City when she was in her teens.  She passed on her expertise by giving piano lessons to many youth in the area.  Later she learned to play the organ.  She served as the organist for Columbia Heights Community Church in Fair Lawn for a number of years until she and her family moved to Wayne, NJ in 1963.  Helen was also an accomplished singer.  She was a member of the “Melodiers” a pop vocal ensemble for many years.  In the 1970s, she joined the Stewart Smith Singers, a regional choral group.  Later she became a member of the Ridgewood Choral women’s ensemble.  She and her husband, Warren, were known to have classical music as the soundtrack to their life.

Helen met her husband, Warren March Croucher, at the age of 14 through friends. They married on October 2^nd, 1948 at First Baptist Church in Paterson. They enjoyed over 60 years of loving marriage until Warren’s passing in 2011. Together they raised two sons, Warren Douglas (Doug) Croucher and Drew Eugene Croucher, and later welcomed their daughter-in-laws, Kerrie Croucher and Karen Croucher, respectively, into their family. They adored their three grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Jamie.  Helen was fortunate to welcome five great-grandchildren into the world, Needham, Camille, Isla, Kiera, and most recently, Mia. She is also survived by her cousin, Sadie Meyer, with whom she maintained a close relationship throughout her life.

Innocenza Pugliano was a gift to all who knew her.  She left us on February 22, 2023 at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family.  

Born on September 5, 1933 in Calabria Italy to her parents Carmela and Vincenzo Buffone, she lived a long, beautiful life rich with family, tradition, love, and joy. She was the oldest of four children, her sisters Maria Zaffina and Grace Matarazzo and her brother Pietro Buffone whom she loved and adored.  In fact Innocenza and her sister Maria were inseparable through her final days, as they lived just 3 doors away from each other and are widely known as “The Sopresata Sisters.”

Innocenza married the handsome and charismatic Giuseppe Pugliano in 1950, and they had their oldest daughter, Carmela (Gaeta), before moving to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada in 1954.  It was in Thunder Bay they completed their family with their daughter Nancy (Corrado), and their son Anthony.  The Pugliano family moved to Paterson, NJ in 1961 where they planted strong roots with family and friends who joined them.  

Once Giuseppe and Innocenza left Paterson, they moved to Little Falls where they would live the duration of their lives on the same street as so many of their family members.  This unique living situation set the foundation for countless memories over the course of decades. For quite some time, 4 generations of women of this special family lived together on that one street.

Innocenza raised her family with strong core values and always emphasized the importance of togetherness.  She made sure that all her family friends knew just how much she loved and cared for them.  Innocenza did this through hosting gatherings, cooking her delicious food, creating knitted and crocheted masterpieces, sharing genuine words, and giving the best hugs and kisses.  If you received a homemade sopresata or a jar of her cured olives or tomato sauce, you knew that you were among the most special to her.  This is how she expressed her love–by giving a piece of her heart and soul through her food.  Innocenza knew that it brought people joy, and she lived to spread joy. 

Among the luckiest recipients of her love and meals are her sons-in-law, Gerardo Gaeta and Gerald Corrado, Sr. and her daughter-in-law, Dana Pugliano (nee DeMuth).  She loved each of them as her own.

Innocenza leaves the most permanent mark on her grandchildren.  She had a huge hand in raising all of them, making each one feel as though they were her most favorite.  The truth is, however, she loved them all with no bounds.  She was and will forever remain their “Honeydew.”

Her (soon-to-be) 16 great-grandchildren are her greatest legacy.  What a blessing it has been to make such cherished memories with their Nonna.  

Innocenza also adored her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces.  Her love, generosity, and genuine care pervaded her entire large family, both near and far.  It wasn’t unusual for Innocenza to be on the phone with relatives from Italy, Australia, Canada, and more. 

Innocenza will be profoundly missed by the countless people who knew and loved her.  She is someone who wished well for all.  She was always happy to see you.  She made everyone feel special because everyone was special to her.  Everyone loved her because she selflessly gave love in all that she said, did, and cooked.  Her kisses were endless; her smile was like sunshine; her laughter was like music.  The closeness of her family was her top priority, and the legacy she leaves behind will be dedicated to keeping Innocenza’s memory alive through love, laughter, cooking, and togetherness. 
Innocenza is survived by:

Her sister, Maria Zaffina of Little Falls, NJ. 

Her three children:  Carmela Gaeta and her husband Gerardo of Little Falls, NJ; Nancy Corrado and her husband Gerald, Sr. of Franklin Lakes, NJ; Anthony Pugliano and his wife Dana of Oak Ridge, NJ.

Her nine grandchildren: Jenna Lynch (nee Gaeta) and her husband Peter, Sr. of Wayne, NJ; Gerald Corrado, Jr. and his wife Janel of Franklin Lakes, NJ; Elisa Gatto (nee Gaeta) and her husband Richard of Franklin Lakes, NJ; Paul Corrado, Sr.  and his wife Renee of Franklin Lakes, NJ; Anthony Corrado and his wife Christina of Franklin Lakes, NJ; Cristina Schneider (nee Gaeta) and her husband Andrew, Sr. of Wyckoff, NJ; Joseph Pugliano, Daniel Pugliano, and Madeline Pugliano of Oak Ridge, NJ. 

Her soon-to-be 16 great-grandchildren: Peter, Jr. & Andrew Lynch; Delphine & Richard Gatto; Drew, Jr. & Nicholas Schneider; Caroline, Elizabeth, Gerald III, & Thomas Corrado; Paul, Jr., Catherine, AnnaLynne, & James Corrado; Evelyn & Grace Corrado.

Innocenza is predeceased by: her husband, Giuseppe Pugliano (1998); her sister Grace Matarazzo (2000); her brother, Pietro Buffone (1962).

For those wishing to make a donation in Innocenza's memory, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org.

Theodora “Teddy” Flannery died on February 21, 2023. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from St. Brendan’s High School. She received her bachelor of arts degree in sociology from William Paterson University in Wayne.

Teddy worked for the Wayne Board of Education for twenty-seven years and, after retirement, for St. Mary’s Pathways Counseling Center for ten years.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Flannery, in 1994 and leaves four children, John Jay Flannery, Robert (Veronica) Flannery, Carol (John) Cerullo, and Thomas (Ingrid) Flannery; eight grandchildren, Clare Cerullo, David (Michelle) Cerullo, Matthew (Hitomi) Cerullo, Daniel (Elizabeth) Cerullo, Megan (Thor) Stensrud, Thomas Flannery, Christopher Flannery, and Karin Flannery; and two great-grandchildren, Alexander Cerullo and Jacob Cerullo.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Antonia DiTaranto (nee Avena), age 74 of Wayne, NJ.

Antonia passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday February 21, 2023 while receiving the loving care of her family.  Antonia was born and raised in Montescaglioso, Italy and was one of three children to John and Carmela Avena.  She married the love of her life Nunzio DiTaranto, and cherished fifty-three years of loving and loyal marriage.  She was employed as a seamstress and a cook for the Paterson Board of Education for many years until her retirement.  She was a truly devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She was not only devoted to her family but also to her Catholic Faith. 

It was clear to everyone that knew Antonia, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Antonia than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Antonia was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people.  She will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her. 

Antonia had a charming personality and could light up any room she walked into.  She had a wonderful way about her and was able to bring smiles to the faces of those she was with.  Antonia will be forever remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Antonia is survived by her husband Nunzio DiTaranto of Wayne, her son John DiTaranto of Wayne, her three daughters: Angela DiTaranto and her partner Biagio Caravella of Wayne, Carmela DiTaranto of Nutley, and Nancy DiTaranto and her partner Dino Natale of Totowa, NJ, one sister Maria Avena, and two grandchildren; Jovanni and Mia.  She was predeceased by her brother Giuseppe Avena.

Frank Michael Busuttil, 67, of Wayne, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at home in the loving comfort of his family.

Frank was born to Paul Busuttil and Lina Kedrie (nee Meli) in Dearborn, Michigan. He moved to Queens, New York in 1966 and then to West New York, New Jersey in 1970. Frank graduated from Memorial High School and then attended Wildfred Academy Beauty School in West New York, earning his beautician license in 1975. Frank loved being a hairdresser; he never stopped attending classes to keep up with the latest trends in color and cutting. Frank had a loving and loyal clientele, many who followed his career from salon to salon and city to city. He had many clients, many for decades and then their children and often their grandchildren would become his clients. Frank often joked when a client would call him after hours with a “911 hair emergency”. He would never say no to a “hair house call”. Frank owned his own salon from 1999-2011 in Rutherford. He continued working at salons in Rutherford, most recently at Salon Valerie, until December 2022 when his illness made it impossible to continue working.

Frank’s other passion was deep-sea fishing. From his earliest days, Frank yearned to fish. His mother told stories of him as a toddler, barely old enough to speak, playing in the backyard with a stick and a string, pretending it was a fishing rod. Frank never tired of fishing. He would return from a 2-day fishing trip and immediately began planning the next. Montauk was Frank’s fishing paradise. When asked if he could live anywhere in the world, Frank would say “Montauk”. He began fishing in Montauk in the ‘70s, and it remained a fishing haven for him for the rest of his life. In the early 1990’s, Frank began giant tuna fishing. It was hard-core fishing that took him to Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. He would leave the hair salon for months at a time to tuna fish for the entire summer. It was grueling, strenuous work and he loved every moment. Frank would earn his Captain’s license in the ‘90s and was registered with the Coast Guard. Frank was happiest when he was fishing. In the dead of winter in the Northeast, Frank would book trips on party boats to catch his “Christmas cod”, coming home with his fishing poles covered with ice. He never had enough. Along the way, Frank gathered a close group of friends who were bonded by their mutual passion for fishing. The guys would spend each summer weekend together, headed out to Montauk in the pre-dawn hours to beat the traffic, armed with their elaborate array of specialty sandwiches and treats. Each man brought their special meal, a band of brothers who relished every moment together.

Frank met his wife, Grace, while working at Palumbo’s Hair Salon in North Arlington. A client for several years, the couple began dating in 1995 when Frank called with a dinner invitation. Frank and Grace married in 1998 and bought their first home in Wayne in 2000. After many years of failed attempts, the couple was overjoyed when they were blessed with twins (Frankie Jr. and Anna Grace) in 2011. Becoming a father later in life was a joy for Frank. His one role was driving the children to and from school and it was a thrill ride. The kids squealed when Frank rolled down the windows and turned up the rock and roll. He was funny, silly and over the top generous. His biggest parenting challenge was saying “no” to the children. They were the light of his life; everything they did made him proud. Clients would love to hear Frank’s stories about little Frankie’s soccer games and Anna’s spelling bee competitions. He was the family hair stylist and personal chef, who would never refuse a request for a special meal or treat. Frank was never hurried and would sit and for hours listen as the children talked about their favorite activity in school or their new toy wish list. His children knew him as patient and kind and nothing but pure fun. His jokes were old and not terribly funny, but Frankie and Anna knew they had the greatest Dad.

Frank loved to watch sports of all kinds. He enjoyed cooking shows, jotting down new recipes and techniques to keep the meals interesting. Frank loved to dance! Weddings were a thrill, and you could find Frank in the middle of the dance floor (often by himself), dancing freestyle for hours. Frank loved life and being with people. He was kind and patient and when he forgave, he forgot. Frank was a man of faith who clung to his Savior most tightly as his health deteriorated. He accepted trials with childlike faith, always professing his life was in God’s Hands. A member of Montclair Community Church for many years, Frank has a loving, extended Church family. Frank will be remembered as the kindest, gentlest and humble soul who always placed others' needs before his own. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

Frank is survived by his sister, JoAnne Busuttil Martocci and her husband Jim, his brother John Busuttil, his brother James Kedrie and his wife Jennifer. Frank is also survived by half-siblings Ernest Busuttil and his wife Marra, Paul Busuttil and his wife Claudia, Joe Busuttil and his wife Lisa and his sister Cathy Taylor, as well as many nieces, nephews and grandnieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Frank’s name to Trinity Christian School, 160 Changebridge Road, Montville, NJ 07045 at www.tcsnj.org

Brenda Cordwell Walker, 72, of West Milford New Jersey passed away on February 20th from complications due to COPD.

Born in Paterson to Clifford and Elizabeth Cordwell, with brother Doug and sister Gail, she was a Paterson girl of her times, happy, carefree, and loving her life.  

She attended schools 19 and 27, graduated from Kennedy High School in 1968 (voted Typical Teenager) and William Paterson College in 1972 where she studied to become an elementary school teacher. 

Brenda started her teaching career at School 5 in Paterson where she met (and did not like at all) Chud Walker, who persisted and became her husband of 46 years and father of her children Justin, Sean, and daughter Rory, the best things that ever happened to them both. She spent 38 and 1/2 years working tirelessly to help the kids in Paterson, teaching 4th and 5th grades and becoming a Basic Skills instructor. She was, by popular acclaim, one of the best teachers the school ever had. Have a problem or question, see Brenda. 

She could dance up a storm (the Lincoln Club, the Osprey) make or break a boy’s heart, smile to make you melt, drive that blue Valiant like a demon, and light up any space or place she was in. She had a great sense of humor and was a true and loyal friend to those she loved. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

Please, no donations. Instead, commit random acts of mercy and kindness. And call your mother.

Maryann Ramsden, age 79, of Blairstown and formerly Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 19, 2023.

Maryann was born in Paterson to Eugene (d. 1969) and Mary Chiocchi (d. 1966). She graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1961 before working in administrative and data-entry roles with A&P, Stern’s, Aircraft Radio, and Interpace. In 1967, Maryann met Philip Ramsden and they were married in May 1969. They lived briefly in Parsippany before moving to Flanders in 1970 to start their family. They, along with young sons Sean and Michael, moved to Wayne in 1976, where they lived until 1999.

Maryann embraced motherhood with gusto. Whether volunteering as a class mother or a den mother for Cub Scout Pack 137, she sought opportunities to be involved in her sons’ activities. The ends of summer nights in her Packanack Manor neighborhood were frequently heralded by the sound of her calling the boys in from her front stoop with a voice that always traveled far enough to be heard by its intended targets. There was no use pretending you didn’t – or couldn’t – hear her.

Once the boys were old enough, Maryann returned to work, this time as a media aide in the Wayne Valley High School library, where she met a group of women who became good friends for the rest of her life. Their dinners together continued for the next forty years.

Maryann and Philip built a new home in rural Blairstown, moving there in 2000 to begin the next stage of their life together. Their expansive home became a lively retreat for their children and three grandchildren, who will carry fond memories of summers in the swimming pool, frenzied flurries of wrapping paper beside the tree on Christmas morning, and Grandma’s candid appraisals of all things under the sun, from landscape-munching deer to fame-thirsty celebrities.

For more than fifty years, the holiday feasts Maryann presided over were legendary. The family recalls Thanksgivings in the early years that left guests gasping for breath after consuming platefuls of impeccably prepared holiday goodness for hours on end. In the latter years, the epic scale of dining was more restrained, but Maryann’s Christmas lasagna was as eagerly anticipated as Santa himself. The holidays will never be the same.

Maryann is survived by her husband of fifty-three years, Philip Ramsden of Blairstown; sons Sean Ramsden and his wife Monica Buonincontri of Yardley, Pa., and Michael Ramsden and his wife, Amy Ramsden of Branchburg, N.J.; grandchildren Brendan, Delaney, and Finley Ramsden; a brother, Gene Chiocchi and his wife, Mary Chiocchi, of Punta Gorda, Fla.; and nieces Karen Chiocchi of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Lynne Chiocchi of Punta Gorda.

Following the Mass, Maryann will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes. 

Anthony DiPasqua, age 74, of Brooklyn, NY died on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Born in New York City, he was one of Anthony and Anne (Macioci) DiPasqua’s three children. He grew up at 51 Catherine Street on the lower east side.

After graduating high school, Anthony took the New York City Police Department test. He faired well on the test but he was one of many who wanted a job in law enforcement. Consequently, it was going to be a very long time before they called his number. Undaunted by this reality, Anthony shifted gears and joined the United States Navy. Stationed in Lakehurst, NJ, he proudly served for four years. Upon his return to civilian life, his number came up with the police department and he served as a corrections officer with the NYPD for 25 years until retirement.

Outside of his work as a corrections officer, Anthony’s most greatly-enjoyed pastime was health and fitness. It truly was a lifelong passion. He believed in living and eating in a healthy manner and being strong. He even worked out with Lou Ferrigno – the Incredible Hulk!

Anthony was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Anne (Macioci) DiPasqua and his sister Lucy DiPasqua. He is survived by his brother Frank and wife Maryann DiPasqua of Wayne, NJ, his two nieces: Lisa DiPasqua and Allison DiPasqua-Shiffner and husband Eric, and his great-nephew Ryan and great-niece Taylor.  

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Those planning an expression of sympathy in Anthony’s name are asked to consider:

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Attn:  Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Catherine A. (nee Piretra) Okulski, age 65, of Barnegat and formerly of Wayne, NJ passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Cathy was the first born child of the late Laurence and Rita (nee Rafalko) Piretra. She was born in Rolla, Missouri while her father was stationed there as a member of the U.S. armed forces. She grew up in Fort Lee, New Jersey where she graduated from Fort Lee High School, later graduating from Taylor Business Institute in Paramus, NJ.

Cathy originally met her husband Lester Okulski while working together at Coastal Chemical Company. They fell in love and married on Sunday, August 4, 1996 in Cliffside Park, NJ. After honeymooning in the Bahamas, Cathy and Lester moved to Paterson before settling in Wayne in 2000. Only a few months ago, they moved to Barnegat, NJ where they hoped to soon retire.

Cathy’s love of the ocean and all things related to New Jersey’s Long Beach Island influenced her love of boating, fishing, and photography. She loved spending time with her family, laughing about old times and sharing jokes. She also took great delight in relaxing at home with Lester and their two dear cats, Sampson and Lucas, and formerly with their cat Tuxedo.  

Cathy was the beloved wife of Lester, blessed in marriage for 26 years. She was the loving sister of Laurence Piretra, Jr. and wife Judith, Eileen Piretra, Michael Piretra and wife Liana, dear aunt of Joseph and wife Samantha, Jackie and husband James, Laurence Piretra, III and wife Maggie, and Loren Piretra.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Catherine’s name are asked to consider:

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 6704

Hagerstown, MD 21741

To print out a mailable form CLICK HERE

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To donate by phone, please call 800-227-2345

Dante Alexander “Alex” Lellos, 54, of Pipersville, PA, passed away unexpectedly February 15th.

Alex was raised in Wayne, NJ by his parents Phocion and Jean (Capolon) Lellos and attended Wayne Hills High School. He was most recently employed by Bank of America as a systems architect.

Alex was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed gardening and cooking.

He is survived by his ex-wife Marni Rubin of Naples, FL; his brothers Phocion Lellos and partner Jennifer Smith of Killington, VT; Jason Lellos and spouse Stacy of Wayne, NJ; Brian Lellos of Montgomery, OH; his nephew Nikolas Lellos, and his nieces Sophia Lellos, Cassandra Lellos, and Evangeline Lellos.

Leonard R. Wegman, age 91, of Avalon and a former longtime resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Born and raised in Passaic, NJ, Len was the middle child of Frank and Emily (Boeglen) Wegman. After graduating from Passaic High School, Len attended the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts where he studied commercial art. Already as a young boy, his family knew he was artistic as he was often sent to the principal’s office for drawing and doodling in class. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War. The Army quickly learned of Len’s commercial and industrial arts background and they leveraged that knowledge by having Len serve at the Fort Monmouth, NJ Army Base as an instructor of reconnaissance photography. He would have preferred to be in Korea actually engaging in reconnaissance operations, but was considered to be of greater value staying stateside as an instructor. Len proudly served his country rising to the rank of Corporal from 1952 to 1954. He served an additional six years in the reserves. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Before enlisting in the Army, Len met a lovely young lady named Lorraine Sautner. Lorraine was in the drama club at Holy Trinity R.C. Church in Passaic, and because of his artistic skills, the drama club recruited Len to paint the scenery for a production. A friendship between Len and Lorraine began and grew. Once Lorraine graduated from high school, with her parents blessing, Len asked Lorraine if she would marry him. More than happy to oblige, they set their wedding date for June 14, 1953 at the church where they met. At that time, Len was still serving in the Army, but he was able to secure leave for the wedding and even a honeymoon to Niagara Falls.

After the wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Wegman made their first home in an apartment on Hope Ave. in Passaic which was owned by Lorraine’s parents. They were soon blessed with the birth of their first two children, Laura and Christopher. One autumn day, Len took his children for a ride to go pick pumpkins on a farm in an up-and-coming town called Wayne. Nearby he saw a sign for a new development with houses advertised for $20,000. His curiosity led him to take a look at the model. As the saying goes, the rest is history! Soon they welcomed their third child, James and the family moved into their new house located at 114 Andover Drive in Wayne. For the next 35 years, that was the Wegman home until retirement in 1996 inspired a year-round move into their summer home in Avalon, near the Jersey Shore.

Len’s first full-time job was with Marcheese Art Service in Clifton as a layout man for print publishing. He remained there until his request for a $5 a week raise was turned down. Undiscouraged, he started his own business in Passaic in the house on Hope Ave that he and Lorraine first lived in together. His first office was in the basement in a room that formerly served as a coal bin. During the years that Len ran Wegman Art Studio, Inc. he moved the business many times including to Clifton, Fairfield, and to Wayne, before winding up back in Fairfield where the business is still run to this day.  

Len was known for his love of golf and he frequently played with his buddies at the Wildwood Golf Club. He and Lorraine and their friends enjoyed a longtime tradition of golf weekends at the Mountain Manor Golf Club in the Poconos every Columbus Day and Memorial Day weekend. He loved daily walks on the beach where he was fascinated with the interesting bits of nature that he picked up along the way. During the holidays, everyone looked forward to the Christmas card from the Wegmans because it always featured a beautiful beach scene that Len had hand drawn. He loved to paint beach scenes and also birds that were native to the shore area near his home.

Len’s faith in God was of great importance and, in many respects, made him the man that he was. He and his wife Lorraine were original parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, near their home in Wayne. While there, Len was always involved in some capacity of service. He was instrumental in the establishment of the church’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and helped with the set up of the church’s K-8 school. He served as treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 108 and always enjoyed helping with the Christmas tree sales. When Len and Lorraine moved to Avalon, they joined the parish community at Maris Stella R.C. Church which was within walking distance of their home. For many years Len faithfully and happily served as the church’s head usher.

Len always had a heart for those faced with difficult challenges. As a member of the Wayne Elks, he helped organize and participated in a golf fundraiser to help crippled children. For years, through his business, he also sponsored a trip for the children and the nuns from the orphanage in Totowa to see the New York Mets at the former Shea Stadium. He bought all the tickets, usually picking a game that included a free giveaway like “Bat Day” or “Helmet Day.” He loved to see the reaction from the roving stadium vendor when he said, “I’ll take 40 hot dogs.” Then he’d tell the guy to send the soda vendor, and the pretzel vendor too. Down in Avalon, he Continued his charitable efforts supporting the Helen Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.

Len was a super “Grandpa” and “Great Pa Pa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. At their home in Wayne, he and Lorraine had a big room in the house dedicated exclusively to ensuring that the kids had a great time when they visited. It featured all the latest and greatest toys that any kid could imagine. For he and Lorraine’s 45th wedding anniversary, Len took all three of his kids and their families to Disney World, and when they’d come visit down the shore, Len and Lorraine would take the grandchildren for the night so that his kids could take their spouses out for a kid free evening. Len and Lorraine made memories by taking them to a place called Sundays Best for “Beach ice cream.”   

Len was a very caring man who ironically didn’t much care about what people thought about him. Frequently when his kids were younger, he’d do things that embarrassed them, like the time he went into the former Rickel Home Center in Wayne and put a piece of safety orange colored string on his finger and proceeded to walk through the store with that hand in the air so his kids would always be able to easily find him. Or the many times he’d drive the kids to school and yell embarrassing things out the window.

Len was filled with a great sense of wonder about all that this world had to offer. He loved to learn about new stuff, like the natural things he’d pick up on those walks on the beach. He’d go out and buy books to learn more about them.

He loved traditions like 3 PM Happy Hour when he’d make a vodka on the rocks for himself and a Manhattan for Lorraine. Sundays were special so instead of vodka, he’d make himself a gin on the rocks with a wedge of orange. When he developed a bit of a heart issue, he asked his doctor if he could still drink. The doctor replied, “yes, two drinks per day” to which Len replied, “is that a prescription?” The doctor said “Yes” and, ever since, when 3 PM came Len would be known to announce, “Time for my medicine!” In his younger years, Len also liked to smoke a pipe. The smell of that pipe will always serve as a pleasing fragrance of remembrance for all who remember it. Rest in the peace and presence of God Len.

Len was the beloved husband of Lorraine, blessed in marriage for 65 years until her passing in 2019. He was the loving father of: Laura Bonadonna and husband Michael of Inverness, FL, Christopher Wegman and wife Maurietta of Caldwell, and James Wegman and wife Carol of Wayne; cherished grandfather of: Lisa and husband Jason, Carolyn and husband Kevin, Nicholas and wife Nicole, Amy, Kelly and husband Jon, Brian and wife Kloudya, and Daniel; adored great-grandfather of: Abigail, Teddy, Charlie, Leo, Mia, Emily, Katie, and Tyler; dear brother of: Raymond Wegman and his late wife Rose of The Villages, FL, and Howard Wegman and wife Dorothy of Oakland; and dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Len’s name are asked to consider:

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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

David “Dave” Maresca, age 66, of Wayne, passed Saturday, February 11, 2023.

He was born in Jersey City to the late Frank (d. 2018) and Constance (d. 2015) Maresca and eventually moved to Wayne.

Dave graduated from Queen of Peace High School with the Class of 1975. Straight out of high school he worked with his dad at the Fairmont Lumber Company in Jersey City.  He would spend the rest of his life in the lumber industry having worked as a sales associate for many years at the family business Maresca Lumber and Building Supply in Pequannock.

Dave was generally quiet and the kind of person who would do anything for anyone. He was conscientious, caring, easygoing, and was always positive.  He never had a bad word to say about others and was always family oriented. Dave enjoyed car rides out into the country and always enjoyed finding and driving by the homes of local celebrities. In his youth he enjoyed playing the drums and just about a year ago had taken it up again. Dave also loved his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews like they were his own children. At family functions he would often make funny faces at them and always enjoyed playing with them.

David was the loving son of the late Frank and Constance Maresca; loving brother of Frank Maresca and his wife Lorraine of Kinnelon and Thomas Maresca and his wife Rose of Kinnelon; he was the much loved uncle of Frank and his wife Laura Maresca, Danielle and her husband Andrew Conforti, Jenine and her husband Gary Ritacco, Thomas Maresca, and Christine and her wife Lauren Maresca; he was the cherished great-uncle of Vincent, Layla, AJ, Rae, Arley and Cameron.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret T. Ferrarie. Margaret Theresa Ferrarie (nee Ahearn), age 85, formerly of Park Ridge passed away peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2023 while receiving the loving of her family.  Margaret was born and raised in New York City. As a young girl, she attended parochial catholic school. Following her High School graduation in 1955 she received a degree in 1959.  Margaret found employment quickly with a well-known interior decorating firm in New York City. During that time she was introduced at church to a handsome young man by the name of Robert Ferrarie. The two hit it off and began dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on February 18, 1961 they became husband and wife.  The newlyweds settled in New York City and while living there welcomed the births of their first two children, sons Robert and Richard.  Later in 1963, the family moved to Park Ridge, NJ where they welcomed their next three children daughters Charlotte and Eileen, and their son Dante.  The couple remained in Park Ridge where they raised their family.  Working at the family business and caring for her children did not leave much spare time for Margaret.  That was perfectly fine as far as Margaret was concerned because her greatest passion in life was for her family.  It was clear to everyone that knew Margaret, nothing meant more to her than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She treasured taking her children on memorable trips to the theater, beaches and amusement parks. Margaret and Robert cherished more than forty-eight years of marriage until Robert’s passing in 2009.  Margaret was not only devoted to her family, but she was also dedicated to her Catholic Faith.  She and her family were parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy RC Church in Park Ridge for many years.  She also donated regularly to the Catholic Charity known as Boys Town, as well as American Indigenous charitable foundations.  Margaret was a private person and was known as a refined lady.  She had a wonderful way about her and was able to see the positives in life.  She was truly a special person who touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed by her friends and family alike.   

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Erna M Schneider.

Erna M. Schneider, (nee Wedemeyer), age 82, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Monday February 6, 2023 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Erna was born in Jersey City and was raised in Teaneck, NJ.  She was one of two children to Henry and Meta Wedemeyer.  After graduating high school with the class of 1958, Erna went on to Marietta College for about a year.  She found employment quickly with Dunlap Tire where she worked as a secretary for about two years.  While at the Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Group in Bogota, NJ, Erna met a handsome young man by the name of Howard Schneider.  The two hit if off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and were married on July 14, 1962 at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

The newlyweds first lived with Erna’s parents in Teaneck while Howard was serving in the United States Military.  While residing there, they welcomed the birth of their first daughter Monica.  The family then moved to Oak Ridge, NJ and remained there for about five years.  During their time in Oak Ridge, their second daughter, Nancy was born.  In 1968, the family had their home built in Wayne and have been there ever since. 

Shortly after getting married, Erna decided that she would become a full-time homemaker.  This was truly Erna’s calling and where she genuinely flourished.  Later, when her children had grown, Erna took a job as a crossing guard with the Wayne Board of Education.  She worked as a crossing guard for many years until her retirement about eleven years ago. 

Erna loved to play Bingo and enjoyed the art of Crochet.  She was also an avid reader of romance novels and books about the Amish way of life.  She was genuinely outgoing and social.  She had a wonderful sense of humor that would bring smiles to the people around her.  Although she was very social, she loved spending time at home.  She and her family treasured their frequent day trips to Pennsylvania to visit Amish country.  Erna was always open and honest with people and not one to beat around the bush, she was always upfront and candid with those around her. 

Aside from all of Erna’s hobbies, talents, and interests, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Erna than spending time and providing for her family.  She and Howard cherished thirty-eight years of loving and loyal marriage until Howard’s passing in 2001.  Erna was not only devoted to her family, but she was also dedicated to her Lutheran Faith.  She and her family were parishioners of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bogota, NJ for many years and later St Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne. 

Erna was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.  Erna will forever be remembered as a devoted wife and mother.

Erna is survived by her two daughters; Monica Schneider of Wayne, NJ, and Nancy Van Horn and her husband Steven of Crossville, TN, her brother Richard Wedemeyer and his wife Marylou of Wayne, NJ, her nephew Richard Wedemeyer, Jr and his wife Lisa of Cedar Knolls, NJ and their children Kaitlin and John Henry, and her niece Laura and Kenneth Snyder and their children Bridget and Shawn of Fort Worth Texas.  She was predeceased by her husband Howard Schneider in 2001. 

Those wishing to make a donation in Erna’s name are asked to consider Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Claire Macaluso, age 91, of Wayne, passed Sunday, February 5, 2023.

She was born to Dominick and Rose Crudele at the family home on Van Riper Avenue in Clifton where she was also raised. Claire graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1949.  She has lived in Wayne for the past sixty years.

Claire met her future husband Pasquale Macaluso when they were just children.  They eventually fell in love and married on June 20, 1954.  When Claire and Pasquale first married they lived in a two family home on Sheridan Avenue in Clifton where her parents lived downstairs and they lived upstairs. They moved to Wayne in 1963 and have lived there ever since. 

Claire was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne.

For many years Claire was the School Nurse at the Ryerson Elementary School in Wayne. When she retired from nursing she continued to volunteer at the school for several more years.

Claire was very social and enjoyed lunch trips out with friends, reading novels, watching movies on the Lifetime Channel, and was always watching the news. For many years she enjoyed traveling and has been to destinations at the Jersey Shore, the Carolinas, Italy, and Puerto Rico to name a few.

She was the loving wife of the late Pasquale Macaluso (d. 2001); devoted mother of Robert Macaluso of Wayne, and the late Diane D’Angelo (d. 2008) and her surviving husband Gregory of Branchburg.  She was predeceased by her siblings Emily, Josephine, Violet, and Louis.

Patricia Coleman, age 82, of Wayne passed on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated.

Audrey Jean Freije, age 89 of Wayne, NJ passed on February 5, 2023.

Audrey Jean was born in Danville, VA to George and Bertha Crowder. She and her dear sister Barbara were raised in East Orange, NJ by their mother and their beloved grandmother Grace Davis Price which she called mommy.

Audrey Jean graduated from East Orange High school in 1952. She was the captain of the girls’ basketball team for 4 years. She was also a member of Kappa Phi Sorority of East Orange High School all 4 years.

Audrey married Kenneth R. Geffinger Sr. in August 1953. She worked for American Airlines in Newark, NJ. Ken was in the US Army and they traveled a bit early in their marriage. They were blessed with a baby boy Kenneth Robert Geffinger, Jr. in 1962.  Son Keith Andrew was born in 1965 and Daughter Nancy Barbara was born in 1967.  Audrey raised her children in Wayne, NJ. She was a talented seamstress.  She hand made all the curtains and bedding for the home. She would sew clothing for her children as well as herself. She made the best Halloween costumes, and her children would win contests for having the most unique costume.  Audrey worked as an Aide at Mt. View Elementary school and all the children loved her. Audrey and Kenneth divorced in 1975.

Audrey then took a job at Norton Chemplast in Wayne as a type setter/graphic artist. She met her long-time companion Angelo Saporito. She and Angelo had a lot in common.  They would antique shop together and refinish furniture.  Her seamstress skills would come together when they would re-upholster the livingroom furniture by hand. They often went camping in the Poconos and later resided there. Angelo passed away in 2010.

Audrey worked for Hewlett Packard in Rockaway, NJ where she and 10 colleagues won a lottery.  Just what she needed at retirement age!

While living in Gouldsboro, PA, she became a member of the Red Hat Society with Her dear sister Barbara and the GAF Gouldsboro Area Foundation where she was instrumental of the restoration of the train station. She also was a member of the Gouldsboro Historical Society, and the Healthy Eaters Club where she made many lasting friendships. She even went zip lining through the rain forest in Hawaii in her 70’s.

Audrey met Nicholas W. Frejie II on Match.com and they fell deeply in love. They married in 2014 and lived a wonderful life together for the 9 years they knew each other. She and Nick traveled the world and she was so fond of the trip to Egypt they took, they got to ride a camel!  They settled in Homosassa Florida until 2018 when Nick passed away. She then moved back to Wayne, NJ to live with her family.  Audrey joined the Golden Age Group of Wayne and reunited with many old friends.

Audrey was the loving mother of Kenneth R. Geffinger Jr. and his wife Duvi of Sydney Australia, Nancy Limite and husband Bob of Wayne, preceded in death by son Keith Geffinger 2016 and brother George Crowder of Danville, VA. She was the cherished grandmother of Kennedee Geffinger, Bobby Limite, Eliza Jean Limite,  Destiny Iosso and her fiancée Mark DeAmelia, Skylar Geffinger, Lauren Jean Geffinger and Inari Geffinger. She was the step mother to Nick’s four children- Mark Frejie and wife Tassi, Gary Freije and wife Diana, Cheryl Barr and husband Rob and Nicholas Freije III and wife Lisa. She will be dearly missed by her sister and best friend Barbara Greder and her Niece Melinda Jean.

Denis Healy, age 90, of Wanaque passed Sunday, February 5, 2023 with the comfort of his family by his side.

Denis was born in Kilgarvan, County Kerry, Ireland to Mary and Daniel Healy. His life there was filled with adventure, fun and love for his family. In 1961, he began a new chapter of his life when he immigrated to the United States. Denis’ first job in the US was with the World’s Fair in Queens, New York. Shortly after, Denis began a career with the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MABSTOA) as a bus driver and then later a mechanic. He worked for MABSTOA for 25 years.

Denis spent his first 10 years in the United States living in Queens, New York. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Betty. Denis and Betty married in 1965 started their family, and moved to Wayne, New Jersey in 1971. After retiring from MABSTOA, Denis continued to work as a school custodian for the Wayne Board of Education.

Denis was a hard worker who could fix anything given the right amount of duct tape. His kindness and dedication to his family was unmatched. He was always first to offer his assistance, guidance or advice to anyone in need. He loved making people laugh and was always the life of the party. Most of all, he simply loved his family.

Denis was predeceased by his wife Betty and 3 brothers Jackie, Mick and Dan. He is survived by his devoted children Liz Myers and her husband, Bill, Dennis Healy and his wife Paula, Marianne McGuire and her husband Pete, and Julianne Healy, his treasured grandchildren Meaghan, Brendan, Sean, Shane, Shannon and Jack, his loving sisters Cathy O’Regan and Hannah Healy and many adored nieces and nephews.

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The mass will be livestreamed at 10 AM on Saturday, February 12, 2023. Please follow this link to watch.

The Funeral of Denis Healy Live stream

Ruth D’Angelo (nee Hershenberg), age 101, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Born and raised in Paterson, Ruth grew up in a house on East 18th Street and graduated from Eastside High School. Given Ruth’s absolute passion for dancing, it’s no surprise that she met the man she would ultimately marry at a dance. His name was Joseph D’Angelo and he was from the westside of Paterson. They got married in 1949 by the justice of the peace and enjoyed a 58-year marriage that was truly blessed by God until Joe’s passing in 2007. After the wedding, the newlyweds began married life upstairs from Joe’s sister and mother in a two-family house in Paterson located at 33 Rockland Street. After fifteen years living there, Joe, who was an engineer, was working on designing a house he was planning to build for his family. At that time, Ruth, who had a job with Meyer Brothers Department Store in Paterson going door-to-door soliciting potential new customers to sign up for the Meyer Brothers charge card, was knocking on doors in the up-and-coming town of Wayne. She was really impressed with the town and so she told her husband that they should consider Wayne as the place to build their new home. In the end they ended up finding an already built home located at 11 Ryder Road that looked almost identical to what Joe had been designing. To keep a long story from getting any longer, they ended up purchasing that home and they moved in with their two sons on Columbus Day 1964. From that day and for the rest of her life, Ruth remained a resident of Wayne.

During the early years of marriage, Ruth embraced the role of loving and nurturing mother and homemaker. When her sons reached an age of relative independence, she sought employment outside of her home. She got her first job with Associated Testing Labs in Wayne. At the time she was one of only two women who had ever landed a job with this company. She later worked for C.E. Conover, a distributor of O-rings located in Fairfield.

Ruth loved going to Atlantic City with her sisters. She apparently liked to get there fast as her son Joe later found quite a few speeding tickets stuffed in the glove compartment of her car. She kept up with what was going on in the world via a daily, cover-to-cover reading of the New York Post. Her most favorite pastime was dancing. She was passionate about it and it almost seemed like she went into a dream-like trance when she started dancing. As a young lady, she could often be seen at the former Fabian Theater in Paterson – a favorite go-to dancing venue. She shared this love with her husband Joe and, their son Michael followed in Ruth’s footsteps and even danced competitively. She was so good that at wedding receptions, everyone would stop to watch Ruth dance. Watching Ruth dance was like going to see an amazing, artistic performance!

Once when she was vacationing in Italy, Ruth started dancing on a little bridge over a canal in Venice. The tourists on the boat in the canal thought she was a paid performer and they clapped and cheered as they went by.

No doubt, even with all the advances in medicine and healthy living that we know about today, living to be over one hundred years old is still quite a rare accomplishment.  Ruth would agree that she was truly blessed. Still driving in her 90’s she’d go visit her son Michael but, being so advanced in years, Ruth’s doctor wanted her to take the written and drivers test again. Wouldn’t you know it? She passed both with flying colors! She was also an unusually flexible gal for her age, so flexible that her family nicknamed her “Little Gumby” based on the loveable Gumby, a claymation character and star of the 1950’s and 60’s television broadcast of “The Gumby Show”. Gumby was known for his ability to bend and contort his body into all kinds of positions and Ruth was still able to bend and contort well into her nineties.

Ruth was a very friendly person who loved to have nice conversations. She could talk to anybody! Never one to utter a bad word about anyone, she always had a smile on her face and a glass-half-full view of life. She was truly a very beautiful woman in every sense of the word, both inside and out.

Ruth was the beloved wife of Joseph B. D’Angelo, blessed in marriage for 58 years until Joe’s passing in 2007. She was the most loving mother of Joseph H. D’Angelo and wife Camille of Wayne, and the late Michael D’Angelo (2020); cherished grandmother of Derek and his wife Andrea, and Evan and his wife Bergelink; adored great-grandmother of Jack, Cooper, Trevor, Chase and Sienna; youngest dear sister of: Belle, Rose, Lilly, Louie, and Abraham (aka “Lefty”) – all predeceased; and dear aunt of several nieces and nephews.

Barbara F. Wiederecht (nee Fisher), age 82 of Pompton Plains, and formerly of Pines Lake in Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Barbara grew up in Pompton Lakes and was among one of the earliest classes to graduate the fifth grade from St. Mary’s School. She went on to graduate from Pompton Lakes High School with the class of 1959. She began her early career with AMF in New York City, but being the benevolent soul that she was, volunteering brought her the greatest joy. She gave selflessly through the Volunteer Center of Bergen County for many years, and her generosity brought comfort to many.

To know Barbara was a blessing in and of itself. Her essence seemed to exude kindness, love, caring, and generosity with a high level of enthusiasm. Her middle name might as well have been “Charity,” as she simply loved to help others. There are countless organizations and worthy causes that she devoted herself to through the years, and no one is really sure how she found the time to do it all, but she did. While living at Cedar Crest Village in recent years, she ran their bereavement group despite being a recent widow herself. Her children especially recall how their mom was sort of like the ‘community mom,’ nurturing countless kids from the neighborhood. Their home always had an ‘open door’ policy where everyone was welcomed with open and loving arms.

Barbara met her husband, George, several years before they became romantically involved. They commuted to New York City on the same bus and often shared the morning newspaper. They had lost touch when Barbara began working locally at a bank, until one fateful day that George entered the bank. They immediately recognized one another, and conversation ensued. Barbara learned that George had recently lost his wife to illness, and he was raising four children on his own. In short time, their romance blossomed, and they were married on April 5, 1975 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. After a memorable honeymoon to Hilton Head, South Carolina, they settled into their home in the Pines Lake section of Wayne. Together, they welcomed two more children to their family. Raising six children could easily bring most people to the brink of exhaustion, but Barbara seemed to make it look easy. She was always well put together, with her hair and makeup done just right, looking beautiful each and every day. She welcomed each day with purpose and found enjoyment in everything she did. Her children recall how magical the holiday parties were at their home, when family would all come and gather. Barbara simply had a wonderful way of making everything, and everyone, feel special. She was, herself, very special and the world will miss her.

Barbara is survived by her six children: David and his wife Barbara of Westport, CT, Jonathan and his wife Nur of Naples, FL, George, Jr. and his wife Cathey of Plano, TX, Sally Wiederecht of Westport, CT, Aimee LaSala and her husband Andrew of Butler, and Holly Levantino and her husband Joseph of Old Brookville, NY, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and her four siblings: Richard “Dick” Fisher and his wife Jane, Jack Fisher and his wife Anna, Liz Fisher and her husband Malcolm Walters, and Cathy Rambusch and her husband Bob. Barbara was predeceased by her husband George in 2019.

Donations in Barbara’s memory would be appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org.

Or to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS  66675, www.WoundedWarriorProject.org

Armand Longo, age 91, of Wayne, passed on Friday, February 3, 2023 at home.

He was born to John and Rose Longo at the family home in Jersey City. He was raised in Jersey City and was a gymnast at Snyder High School where he graduated with the Class of 1949. He continued his education at Jersey City Junior College and later the Newark College of Engineering where he took night classes until receiving his Associates Degree in Mathematics.

He was always a worker, starting as a 14-year old at the Ocean Avenue Nut Shop in Jersey City.  His first ‘real job’ was at the Lightolier Company in Jersey City engineering lamps and lighting fixtures, where he met Dolores, his bride to be.  He even had a side hustle hawking ball point pens to local shops - as they were new and all the rage back then.  For a time as a young working man, he would hand half his earnings to his mom, only ever asking “Ma, is that enough”.  A true testament to his character and commitment to family.  For thirty-nine years he worked as a draftsman in the aerospace division of the Bendix Corporation in Teteboro having retired in 1993.  Throughout his career, he could have often been found moonlighting at his drafting table in the basement. 

His life was a work of caring and providing for others - always ‘there for you’, even if to offer a “Just go to work, you’ll be fine.”.  He faced life with love, commitment, humor, pragmatism and even a stern tilt of the head and words to match, as he was often prompted by the impish follies of four boys!

In his retirement he and Dolores enjoyed being “snowbirds” living between Wayne and West Palm Beach, Florida, traveling throughout the United States and Canada, and because she never liked driving -  being Dolores’ chauffeur ( Driving Miss Dee).  Both he and Dolores did everything together, whether it was visiting the grandchildren, attending their sporting events, or volunteering at the Red Cross in Fairfield.  They were always together. Armand was a proud AARP member and always asking for his “senior discount.” He was also a regular fixture that the Packanack and Jackson Avenue Dunkin Donuts, as well as the Pompton Queen Diner. Through the years he was also a member of Toastmasters and an avid bowler.

Armand was the loving husband to Dolores Longo for 70 years; devoted father of James Longo and his wife Marge of Middletown, Eugene Longo and his wife Terry of Chapel Hill, NC, John Longo and his wife Vicki of Nutley, and the late Armand Longo (d. 2021) and the late Maryann Montano (d. 2009) and her surviving husband Nick of Landing; he was the cherished grandfather of eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his siblings Ralph, Rocco, Louise, and Angie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Warriors Heart Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Doctor William E. Matthews, age 84, of Wayne, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Bil, as he preferred to spell his name, was born in London, England and raised in Knaresborough, a town and parish in the Borough of Harrogate, and Harrogate in North Yorkshire, England. He was the son of the late William and Edith (Mann) Matthews.

After receiving his Doctorate in organic chemistry from Kings College in London, England, Dr. Matthews relocated to Australia where he served as a chemist with the Monsanto Company, an American agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation. In 1966 he relocated to St. Louis, Missouri where he continued to be employed by Monsanto. In 1968 he earned his master’s in business administration and, in 1972, a doctorate in business administration. From there, Dr. Matthews was off to Germany where he took a management position with ITEK Corporation. In 1975, he moved to Denver, Colorado and then to Iceland where he taught business management at the University of Iceland. He eventually returned to the United States where he ran a consulting firm in Colorado.

In 1984, while on a trip to San Francisco, Bil met a dear woman named Patricia Belen. They fell in love and married on August 31, 1984 in San Francisco. In 1989, he and his family moved to New Jersey where he took a professorship in marketing and management at William Paterson College. Dr. Matthews served in that position until retirement in 2018.  

With out a doubt, one of Bil’s favorite pastimes was following and rooting for an English professional football club based in Fulham, West London, England called the Chelsea Football Club,. He tried his best to never miss a game, even if it meant watching them play at eight-o-clock in the morning due to the international time difference. He was also an avid reader whose favorite genre was American History and, throughout his working days, Dr. Matthews was able to visit quite a few destinations throughout the world but in his leisure time he also loved to travel. He literally traveled around the world to places including Italy, France, Iceland, Germany, Hungary, Holland, South Africa, Alaska, the Philippines, and to one of his favorites – the Galapagos Islands. There was also an Alaskan cruise with his whole family that he especially cherished. His travels were the perfect excuse to engage in another favorite hobby - photography. 

Bil had a unique sense of humor. When William Paterson College (WPU) changed the schools name to William Paterson University (WPU) he claimed that, ever since, he was on an endless search for good smells. He suggested to his daughter at her community’s DARE program that she should dare to not put her nose in a light socket and, before there were DVRs to record live television, if someone blocked the view of the program he was watching, he’d tell them that they made a better door than a window. Probably one of his funniest bits was being born in England and kiddingly boasting that he spoke pretty good English for a foreigner. He loved anything that was sweet tasting and always claimed that the best part of any meal was dessert, especially if it contained British chocolate in it.

Bil was a kind man who could light up a room and who truly enjoyed a good conversation about anything with anyone, as long as it had nothing to do with politics. He was a fun “Grandpa” and “Papa Bil” to his grandchildren and was loved and appreciated by his entire family. When asked was they would miss the most about him no longer being here, they simply replied “his mere presence.”

Bil was the beloved husband of Patricia, loving father of Darcey Matthews of Houston, Texas, Garrett Matthews and wife Sandra Matthews of Marshfield, Massachusetts, Kendra Glatstian and husband Scott of Wayne, and Karlena Matthews of Wayne, cherished grandfather of Alexa Matthews, Caitlin Matthews, and Nathan Glatstian. He is also survived by his former wife Nan Matthews.

A time of sharing will immediately follow visitation and begin in the funeral home at 5:00 PM. 

Because of Bil’s compassion for those in need, in lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in his name are asked to consider:

Community Foodbank of New Jersey (CFBNJ)

31 Evans Terminal

Hillside, NJ 07205

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You also donate by calling 908-355-3663.

Karin Visicaro, age 80, of Wayne and a former longtime resident of Bayville, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Karin was born in Breslau, Germany in 1942. The youngest of Dr. Kurt & Frieda Augustin’s three children, when she was sixteen years old, Karin emigrated to the United States of America with her mother and brother Dieter to join her sister Ingeborg who was already in the states. The family lived first in Wallington, then Clifton before settling in East Rutherford.  

Karin was extremely bright and was able to start high school in the U.S. two grades ahead of when she should have started. After graduating, she began a career with Hoffmann-La Roche, a pharmaceutical company in Nutley. While there, she completed company  training in computer programming and also attended Monmouth College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Her years with Roche as a computer programmer were wonderful and prosperous spanning a total of 35 years. She stayed on a couple more years after that as a consultant in their Branchburg location.

Karin was the beloved wife of Ignazio “Iggy” Visicaro. They met at Hoffmann-La-Roche playing for the company bowling team. They married in 1974 and lived in Nutley and Long Valley where she enjoyed tending to and riding her horses, before settling down the Jersey shore in Bayville. They enjoyed a storied marriage of 43 years full of love and devotion until Iggy’s passing in 2017. Karin remained in Bayville until this past November when ill health necessitated moving in with her loved sister Inge.

Despite a rough start at life, the close-knit love of her parents, brother and sister made for many happy memories. In childhood, Karin learned to play the accordion. Learning a musical instrument was important to Karin’s parents and Dieter learned the trumpet and Inge the accordion too. They enjoyed playing music together and Karin’s mom, with her beautiful voice, loved to sing along. One of Karin’s other great loves was spending time outdoors in her yard in Bayville tending to her beautiful gardens and yard. Her yard was park-like with beautiful trees that she planted herself and lots of decorative potted flowers all around. She and Iggy enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and visiting her stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. Karin was always on the go! Up every morning at 5 AM, her head seldom hit the pillow before late at night. During the day, she loved taking walks or a jog to the park near her home in Bayville where she enjoyed seeing all the boats. Oftentimes, she was accompanied by one of the dogs that were close friends throughout the years. The last one was her dear pooch Sabrina and Karin was devastated when she passed away.

Karin was very ambitious, active and health conscious. She was the most giving and caring person – very loving and gracious. She remembered everyone’s birthday and gave the most thoughtful gifts. She had a great knack for helping all to feel special.

Karin was the beloved wife of the late Ignazio “Iggy” Visicaro, very loving sister of Dieter Augustin and wife Mary Ann of Palm Coast, Florida, and Ingeborg Shanahan and her late husband Robert of Wayne; and the dear stepmother of Karen Campagna and husband Anthony of Montville and Robert “Bobby” Visicaro and wife Samantha of Upstate, NY. She also leaves behind her step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren and her niece Christine Micke and husband Thomas.

Because of her love for animals, in lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Karin’s name are asked to consider FOWA Animal Rescue

Send your Mail-In Donations to:

FOWA

PO Box 3701

Wayne, NJ 07470

For a Mail-In Form, click here

Rosemarie Kauer, age 88, of Wayne, passed Friday, February 3, 2023.

She was born to Rocco and Rose Gisonno in the family home in Sloatsburg, New York.  She was raised in Sloatsburg and graduated from  Suffern High School.

Rosemarie worked at the Avon Cosmetics Company  in Rye, New York, in the manufacturing department.  She worked there until she married.

Rosemarie met the love of her life, Robert “Jim” Kauer when she went for a ride on his boat at Greenwood Lake.  Their first official date was to the Mountain Lakes Tavern at Greenwood Lake. Jim proposed marriage in a 1956  two-tone Blue and White Cadillac, and they were married at St Joan of Arc Church on August 19, 1961.  They honeymooned in Quebec, Canada.  They built a home in Wayne, New Jersey and that is where they would raise their family.

Rosemarie will be lovingly remembered for her generous, kind, and huge heart.  When it came to her family,  there was nothing more important to her. She loved being a mother and spoiling her grandchildren and grand pups. She enjoyed playing poker with family and friends, painting ceramics, reading romance novels and mysteries, and doing jigsaw puzzles with her grandchildren.

Rosemarie was dedicated to her Catholic Faith and she and Jim were founding parishioners of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne. 

Rosemarie was the loving wife of Robert “Jim” Kauer; devoted mother of MaryAnn Fallon of Bloomingdale, Lisa Cullen of Plymouth, MA, and Karen Kauer-Kiraly and her husband Jeff of Haledon; she was the cherished grandmother of Carolyn Cullen, Erin Cullen, Amanda Fallon, Nicholas Kiraly, and Joseph Kiraly; she was also the loved sister of Mary Louise Gisonno of Sloatsburg, NY and was predeceased by her other three siblings James Gisonno, Carmen Gisonno, and Raffaela Menzie.  She will also be dearly missed by her grand pups Milo, Chloe, and Maverick.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad https://www.waynefirstaid.com/donate.php would be greatly appreciated.

Christopher Vincent Herold

Nov 13, 1955 – Feb 3, 2023

Christopher Vincent Herold passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness on February 3, 2023 in Morristown Memorial Hospital, NJ.

Chris was born Nov 13, 1955 in Paterson, NJ, the son of the late Vincent R. Herold and Mary Patricia (Hanlon) Herold. Chris was raised in Little Falls, NJ before the family moved to Pines Lake, Wayne Township, NJ at a young age. Chris graduated from Wayne Hills High School in 1974 where he played basketball and then went on to receive his BS Degree in Biological Sciences from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania.

Chris started his career as a Chemist for the Matheson Gas Company in New Jersey and then for the City of Jersey City Water Utility. Chris then changed career paths to become an Information Technology expert in the water utility industry where he was most recently an Enterprise Infrastructure Architect for Veolia North America.

Chris was an avid outdoorsman who loved boating, fishing, snowboarding and biking. He was also a member of the Lacey Township Elks Lodge #2518. He and his wife Ann built their dream house on the Forked River Inlet where they could take their boat into Barnegat Bay and out into the ocean for deep sea fishing.

Chris is survived by his adoring wife Ann (Haughey) Herold, his beloved children Matthew and Kasey and  her fiancé Sean, his loving siblings Jan Marie Neilan and husband Tom, Marcella Carney and husband Rick, and Lee Ann Santaromita. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the World Kitchen Ukraine or St Jude Childrens Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated. 

Donald W. Thompson

1934-2023

Donald (Don) William Thompson was born on September 24, 1934 in Passaic, New Jersey to John and Sarah Thompson. He went home to be with the Lord on February 3 at age 88 surrounded by loved ones. 

Don loved being behind the camera and his favorite subjects were his family. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Marilyn Stellingwerf, at age 20 and in October they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Together they had three sons, Donald, James, and John, who were his greatest joys in life. Don was a proud and loving grandfather to Jim, Jeff, and Katie and great-grandfather to James. Don and Marilyn raised their family in Wayne and spent their retirement years in Belvidere.

Don and Marilyn traveled the world together, visiting Italy, Switzerland, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other places, often accompanied by dear friends and family. Closer to home, Don loved being outside, going for walks, and being in the sun and near the ocean. When their boys were young, Don loved taking his family camping. Don and Marilyn had a home in Vero Beach, Florida, where they spent many wonderful winters and hosted friends and family from around the country. They also spent countless summers at the Jersey Shore with family in Bradley Beach, which are among some of their favorite memories. 

Don spent his career as an engineer at Public Service Electric & Gas in Newark. He was always willing to lend a hand to friends, family, and neighbors for projects around the house. He graduated from Lodi High School and Rutgers University. He was a member of Mountain View Masonic Lodge #154. 

A man of faith, he and Marilyn attended Wayne Presbyterian Church, Preakness Baptist Church, and United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere. Don had a quick wit, an ever-present sense of humor, a gentle demeanor, and above all a deep love for his family. 

Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marilyn, his sons Donald (Sue), James (Joyce), and John (Sean); his grandchildren Jim (Kate and James), Jeff, and Katie. He was preceded in death by his father John William Overend and mother Sarah Jane, his brother John (Nancy) and his brother Doug (Linda). 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Healthcare Services. 

Thomas Bellusci, age 68 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. His family was lovingly by his side at the time of his passing. 

The firstborn of Nathan and Ellen (Luzzi) Bellusci’s three children, Tom was born in Jersey City. He grew up there until age seven when his parents moved the family to Wayne and Tom has remained in that home to the present. 

Tom was a typical young boy. He teased and tortured his two younger sisters Rosemary and Ellen but, as a young man, he came to appreciate and love them dearly. He played baseball at Wayne Hills High School and graduated with the Class of 1972. Then he was off to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck. Tom was a bright young man and a diligent worker who earned scholarships to help pay for that education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and set off to conquer the world. His first full time job in accountancy was with Christ Hospital in Jersey City and Barnet Hospital in Paterson. Then, with a little experience to his name, he went to work for Imperial Bolt in South Plainfield. He ultimately moved on to State Fair Group in Little Falls. A conglomerate of different enterprises, he rose through the ranks at State Fair Group to the level of Chief Financial Officer. Tom was a natural with numbers and a veritable human calculator. He had an excellent business acumen and was never afraid to take a well-measured risk. 

Tom met his wife Sharon Chanda while working at the T-Bowl Pharmacy in Wayne. He worked there during his college years and he invited Sharon to go to church with him. That was their first date, and many more followed. He eventually proposed in Sharon’s kitchen, presenting her with a rose that had a ring tied to it. They married on May 6, 1979. They were marriage for forty years, until Sharon’s passing in 2019. There is no doubt when Sharon passed, a part of Tom passed with her too. 

Tom was a man of endless pursuits and talents. When he was a teenager, he bought his first motorcycle, and riding motocross remained a lifelong hobby. In addition he enjoyed gardening, cooking, and painting. Tom was his own handyman. There was no project too great for him to tackle. 

His quality time was spent with his family on summer vacations at Ocean Beach at the NJ shore. His favorite activities were taking them crabbing and to the arcade. Once the children were grown, Tom and Sharon began vacationing to the islands.

Above all else, Tom’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family. Tom and Sharon not only loved each other, they ‘liked’ each other, and were the best of friends. Everything Tom did was to make sure that he could provide the best life for his children. Thus, Tom’s children have happy memories of a father who lovingly invested himself into their lives. His children blessed him with three beautiful granddaughters, and he instantly stepped in as a hands-on Grandpa. Even Tom’s dogs Bensie “Boy” and Mailey were dearly loved. 

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. No one could fill a room with situational wit and charm like he could. He was an amazing man with a good and generous heart who was always ready to help when he saw a need.  

Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife Sharon (nee Chanda) in 2019. He is survived by his son Thomas of Wayne, and Shannon Parella and her husband Brian of Wayne, his three granddaughters: Aria and Averie Bellusci, and Aubrey Parella; his two sisters: Rosemary Cramer and husband James of Pompton Plains, and Ellen Dorso and husband Al of Pompton Plains, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Tom was also predeceased by his daughter in-law Amanda Bellusci in 2022.

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Those planning an expression of sympathy in Tom’s name are asked to consider:

Good Grief

38 Elm Street

Morristown, NJ 07960

To donate online please visit  https://good-grief.org/donate/

You can also donate by phone by calling 908-522-1999, extension 8010

Doris Ann Pellegrino, age 62 of Wayne, passed Tuesday, January 31, 2023 with the comfort of her family and friends by her side.

Doris was born to George and Ann Gaffney in Brooklyn, New York.  She was their only child and as her name suggested, their gift from God.  She was a happy child with many friends who spent all of her time playing outside  - she would say she had all she ever needed right on 64th street.  When she moved to New Jersey, she would still visit Brooklyn where she truly felt at home with her friends and her grandparents.  Doris always said rainy days reminded her of being at her grandmother’s home in Brooklyn and she could smell the sauce being made on a Sunday.

Doris moved to New Jersey as a child and graduated from Hopatcong High School.  She attended Montclair University and earned professional degrees from Chubb and Steven’s Institute that would lead her into a career at Benjamin Moore & Co. where she would spend over two decades amongst her colleagues and friends.

One of Doris’ first jobs was working as a waitress at the Dakota Diner, where she met one of her dearest friends. It was there that she saved money for their first trip to Italy that remained in their memories.  

Through the years, Doris found her role as project manager - she would say, “This is me, I love what I do - years ago, they just didn’t have a name for it.”  She was right - it was who she was even outside of work.  Everything Doris worked on, she approached as a project.  When her children were preparing to attend college, when she had to move her mother, when they were doing home construction and even during her last chapter.  Doris would say to her family and her doctor, “We are going to treat this as a project.  Let’s figure out what we have to do, and we will do it.”   

Doris was a mother, a wife, a daughter, a niece, an aunt, a sister and a friend to so many.  Words people use to describe her are, “a light”, “the rock”, “my best friend”, “my fuel”, “sisters in another lifetime”, “daughter I never had”, and  “always smiling and wanting to live”. Everyone relied on her during their hardest moments to be comforted by her advice and her deep hugs. She could make anyone smile.  She had a true understanding of what really matters in life and loved her friends and family deeply.  For her family, she represented stability in always providing a loving home, wisdom at life’s crossroads, and strong sense of tradition. Doris valued being around people who made her laugh and who loved to live as much as she did.  Travel was such a tremendous part of her life -  she’d refer to herself as being “a gypsy” who would pack her bag and just go with no expectations.  At the core of her love of travel, was her love of people.  She wanted to be with them, in their world, to enjoy being with them and the beauty of it.  

Doris met Tony, her loving husband, while in college at an Italian dance.  It was a moment of coincidence for them both that led to an eternal lifetime together.   The words “do you have a match?” lit a light that will never dim.  In their marriage, Doris gained the love of sisters, brothers, cousins and in-laws.  Tony and Doris had two children, Gianna and Joseph, who married Charles and Michelle.  Being an only child herself, Doris taught her children to love each other and she demonstrated her love to them in so many ways. Doris will also leave behind three grandchildren who will be forever loved and watched upon by their Nana in heaven.

As this chapter of Doris’ life came to an end, she confidently and joyfully said that she had everything she’d ever wanted.  She rested in faith that God had given her a wonderful life.

On behalf of Doris and her family, we would like to thank each of you for having been a part of her life and bringing her so much love and joy. We ask that you continue to remember Doris in the happiest of memories you shared with her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Development Dept., 95 Old Short Hills Rd, W. Orange, NJ 07052, would be greatly appreciated.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Joseph Buckman, age 85, of Pompton Lakes, NJ.  George passed away peacefully on Sunday January 29, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

George was born in Jersey City, NJ and raised in West New York, NJ.  He was one of four children to John and Mary Buckman.  After graduating from high school in 1955, he attended college for a few years.  In 1959, George felt in his heart to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army.  George served proudly and honorably in the US Army from 1959 until 1961.  Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, George went to work for Harper & Row Publishing Company in New York City.  Harper & Row were eventually acquired by HarperCollins, however, George continued to work there for nearly thirty years.  He then accepted a position at Simon & Schuster publishing where he worked for the next ten years until his retirement in 2000.  In his retirement, George became a crossing guard for Pompton Lakes Police Department for the next eighteen years.  This was work that George truly enjoyed.

George was out one night at a bowling alley. A young attractive lady by the name of Barbara was bowling in a league with her friends a few lanes over.  George couldn’t help but notice Barbara in her ice blue blouse, black skirt, and pendant necklace. George mustered up the courage to ask Barbara out for a date when he met her again the following week on league night. They went out to the movies on a date and hit if off wonderfully. As fate would have it, they fell in love and on April 18, 1964 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in North Bergen they became husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in North Bergen then in 1968 moved to Lincoln Park.  While residing in Lincoln Park, they welcomed the birth of their first daughter Kim.  In 1972 the family moved to Pompton Lakes where they welcomed their second daughter Michele.  The family remained in Pompton Lakes, raised their children, and called it their home until 2012 when they moved to Riverdale.

George loved to watch and keep up with sports.  His favorite teams included the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, and most of all Rutgers University’s Scarlet Knights.  Travel was something that George treasured experiencing with his wife Barbara.  They cruised all over the Caribbean and Europe, and took a wonderfully memorable trip to Israel and Jerusalem. 

It was clear to everyone that knew George, his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to George than providing for and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He treasured his summer family vacations in Lavallette at the Jersey Shore and Washington DC where he would visit with relatives.  George and his wife Barbara cherished fifty-five years of a loving and loyal marriage until Barbara’s passing in 2018. 

George was a fun loving and easygoing person.  He enjoyed using sarcasm in all facets of his communication, especially his humor.  He had an undeniable ability to tell a story and captivate an audience of any age.  He was a kind, generous, and thoughtful man who loved his family deeply. 

George was not only devoted to his family, but he was also devoted to his Christian Faith. He and his family were members of Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes for many years, where George was also a deacon and served on several church committees.

George was truly a special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.  He will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, and cherished grandfather. 

George is survived by his two daughters Michele Almeida and her husband Jose of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and Kim Hollar and her husband Harry of Hackettstown, NJ, four grandchildren; Gregory Buckman and his wife Renee of Clifton, NJ, Kaitlyn Hollar of Hackettstown, NJ, Ryan Almeida of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and Jared Hollar of Hackettstown, NJ, he is also survived by one nephew and many nieces. He was predeceased by his wife Barbara Buckman, and by his three brothers: Buddy Buckman, Thomas Buckman, and Joseph Buckman.

Those planning a donation in George’s name are asked to consider Wounded Warrior Project 370 7^th Ave, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001  www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Joan Carroccio, age 89, of Wayne passed away on January 29th, 2023 with the comfort of her loving family by her side.

Joan was born in Passaic, NJ to Michael Vodzik and Pauline Glowa of Austria-Hungary. She was  the 11th child  of a 12 sibling family. There she learned the meaning of hard work and family values. Growing up with such a large family in humble surroundings, she learned the value of caring for your belongings and creating a neat and organized home. This was a trait that she carried with her into adulthood. Joan was a true perfectionist in every aspect of her life.

Joan graduated from Passaic High School in Passaic New Jersey, where she met her future husband Russell Carroccio. The two were married on January 12, 1957 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Miami, Florida. They celebrated 37 years of marriage before Russell's passing in 1994. Joan was an executive assistant with government clearance, working for Curtiss- Wright Aerospace. After many years of being a loving mother and top notch homemaker, Joan went back into the workforce serving the City of Passaic while working under the direction of the Mayor and the Engineering Office.

Russ and Joan raised their family in Wayne, New Jersey where they settled in 1967.

Joan leaves behind three daughters, Gail Carroccio, Andrea Fleshman and Leslie Mazzo, son in laws Robert Fleshman and John Mazzo. Joan is a grandmother to Keith Mulligan, Dylan Zuccone, Timothy Mulligan, Nicolas Mazzo (wife Michele), Russell Zuccone and Georgia Mazzo. Joan is a proud great grandmother to Liam and Colin Mulligan.

Joan left her family with a lifetime of happy memories and funny stories that will carry them through a bad day when they need a good laugh. She will forever be missed and remembered for her love of family, caring nature and her unique sense of humor. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Joan's name to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated. 

Anita Louise Garbarino (maiden name Murphy) born December 11, 1932, returned peacefully to the Lord on January 28, 2023. Born in the Bronx, New York, she thrived as she grew up in a large extended family all living within a few blocks of each other. These early years set the stage for her welcoming personality and the great charm with which she embraced all people. In 1955, she married Joseph Garbarino and was not only a devoted wife but an excellent professional business asset because of her warmth and humor which forged lasting relationships vital to a corporate executive’s work. Her children Joseph, John, Maryann and Joan were gifted with a mother who gave of herself completely in every possible way and taught them by example what it means to love.

Widowed in her 40s, Anita continued to put her heart and spirit into the care of family and joyfully welcomed the next generation as a hands-on caregiver while celebrating proudly her role as a very beloved Nonna.

Anita was a peacemaker who used her intelligence and insight to bring harmony to any situation. As a woman of great faith she recognized God’s gifts in her life and expressed her gratitude by worshiping at daily Mass, recitation of the Rosary, and by leading a women’s Prayer Group at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for decades.

Anita was a truly lovely woman both inside and out with a refined sense of style and a heart full of grace.

Among those looking forward to reuniting with Anita in God’s Kingdom are her sons Rev. Joseph Garbarino, John Garbarino and his wife Mary and their children MaryBeth and husband Johnny, daughter Emma, Kathleen Garbarino and her husband Mark Mion, daughter Gabriella, Megan and her husband Brian Smart; Daughter Maryann Major and her husband John Seitz and their children Katie and her husband Vincent Rubin, grandchildren Zoey, Vincent and Jack, Briana and her husband John Parkinson and Matthew Seitz; Daughter Joan Orapello and her husband Jim along with their sons James and Patrick.

We celebrate Anita’s new life in Christ with her favorite Scripture passage. “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4)

For those wishing to make a donation in Anita’s memory, please consider St. Ann RC Church, 781 Smith Rd., Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07054

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sonja Zagar, age 83. Sonja died peacefully at Arbor Terrace in Morris Plains on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Sonja was born in 1939 and raised in the small farming village of Lukoran, Croatia on the island of Uglijan along the Adriatic Sea. She was the oldest daughter of five children. It was war-time with her father, (late) Kuzman Roncevic, stationed at sea serving as a cook, while big brother (late) Sergio went to work each day as a carpenter apprentice for no pay. Her mother, (late) Josica Baric Roncevic remained at home working tirelessly, caring for the farm, Grandmother, and all of the other elders either living in the home or on nearby properties.

By age 10, Sonja became like a mother to her two younger sisters, Senka and Kathy “Biskera”, and her baby brother (late) Zeljko. When not in school, Sonja helped run the household, cleaning and cooking, while raising her siblings. At that time, no residence had running water resulting in continuous trips to the well. No electricity either but rather a huge, wooden fireplace in the kitchen to cook over and provide heat. 

Biserka recalls how as a child, she would pretend to fall asleep in front of that fire, only so her big sister had to carry her up the flights of stairs and gently tuck her into bed, all the while silently giggling. Or when Sonja would let them play outside climbing the many olive, fig and fruit trees, without a care in the world. The goats, sheep, pigs and chickens were their pets, except for the cows. It was an island, there were no cows! The Roncevic’s farmed many types of vegetables and made their own wine. Senka recalls climbing into the empty barrels for Sonja to playfully roll them around, hearing the laughter, until they were dizzy and sick to their stomaches. 

Sonja took classes to learn how to be a seamstress and made clothes for the family. She was a natural and preferred dresses with cute ribbons and fake pearls, rather than boys trousers with tedious zippers. At age 3, Zeljko wanted to help. She would wrap the tape measure around his head, his ear, and belly, as he giggled with delight for winning her attention and inclusion. That was Sonja — she loved children, spoiled them, and brought fun into their life in simple, memorable ways. 

When Josica would go into town, Sonja was entrusted to ensure the chores got done. Instead she too would play until she saw from a distance mother walking home to then quickly rally her siblings, hiding piles of laundry and other to-do’s under the bed and rugs. Occasionally, visitors brought fancy, hard candies as treats. However, Sonja would secretly save her stash all year long to fill the children’s Christmas stockings, rather than have them only find almonds and dried figs from Santa. 

In 1959, at age 19, Sonja received the opportunity to visit her mother’s twin, Aunt Mary, and husband Uncle Joe in the United States. Having received postcards over the years she was so excited. Imagine her surprise when she flew into JFK Airport to embrace city life and opportunity. Aunt introduced her to Milan “Milo” Zagar, a hard-working carpenter, and they married in 1960. Her family was truly heartbroken when they received word of no returning to the homeland.

Sonja and Milo settled in West New York and while residing there, they welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Frances (after his favorite singer, Connie Francis) and she was joined in 1963 by Sandra (after the actress Sandra Dee). That same year they moved from their one-bedroom apartment to a two-family house in North Bergen. Sonja loved meeting up with her mom-friends, pushing their strollers and window shopping along the avenue. 

By 1967, the family moved again, this time to Fairfield, a hidden-gem of a new planned community in Essex County, offering customizable homes built to suit, with plenty of green space for the kids to run, bike and play. It was the American Dream! 

Sonja had many responsibilities at 64 Henning Drive. Milo would say, “you take care of the inside, and I’ll take care of the outside.” This declaration was one of the greatest successes of their marriage. 

Sonja was a full-time homemaker. She volunteered at St. Thomas More and the girls Catholic elementary school — taught aerobics in gym, and lunch and library duty, plus Girls Scouts afterwards. She made her daughters’ Halloween costumes and quizzed them for their tests. She took them skating at the pond in winter and to the Caldwell Beach Club in summer. She also worked part-time selling costume jewelry for Sarah Coventry at-home parties. She treasured getting together with her fellow housewives for “cake and coffee klatches,” tennis lessons and trips to Bamberger’s at the Willowbrook Mall. She loved seeing the latest fashions and enjoyed visiting the salon, trying out new hairstyles, cuts and color. So much so that when her third daughter came along in 1970, she was given the name Stacy (after Sonja’s hairstylist). 

In 1975, Sonja and Milo separated. By this time Josica and her siblings were living in the U.S., so she and the girls returned to be near the family in Hudson and Bergen Counties. Sonja fell on hard times again taking on three jobs to provide for her children. Being an immigrant she knew how to stretch a dollar, and there was the invention of the Crock Pot. The girls remember those creative meals using Campbell’s soup and also ordering pizza and calzones on Friday nights during Lent. But Sonja insisted on making nutritious snacks…date bread anyone?

Sonja had a strong Catholic faith and was prayerful. Sundays were a time for mass followed by lunch with extended family and friends. She had been a parishioner of St. Thomas More RC Church of Fairfield, St. Brendan’s of North Bergen, and later St Joseph’s of Lincoln Park. She was also a long-time member of the Rosary Society.

Despite always having to be so responsible, Sonja’s car of choice was her 1972 two-door, sport, Pontiac LeMans. It was flaming orange, black leather interior with bucket seats, like that on The Dukes of Hazzard TV show. On days off in the summer Sonja would pack the girls in and head to the Shore to bake in the sun and teach them to ride the waves. They spent overnights in Philly visiting more of their extended Roncevic family. She also wouldn’t miss Stacy’s baton twirling or cheerleading competitions. Sonja enjoyed dancing at the disco, fancy family weddings, and celebrating the girls birthdays, not that she had much time to put her feet up. She went from job to job to job leaving Fran and Sandra when they weren't working to care for Stacy. Or the sisters just brought her along to their after school sports and also to their job at Dunkin where she helped fill the donuts.

In 1983, after another move to Clifton, she became a sales associate for Macy’s in the Fine Jewelry, Gold and Diamonds departments. Sonja was their top sales associate for numerous years and received letters of gratitude from customers. She became a Lifelong member of the Jack LaLanne Health Club, starting out as a fan in the 1960s, following his moves on the black and white Zenith TV. Sonja had a great interest in nutrition and always loved baking. Every Christmas season she spent a long day off with the girls making dozens of cookies to give away to loved ones. This tradition held for decades with the year 2000 holding top spot as the most baked in one day - 25 different recipes of cookie!

Sonja continued to excel at her job and purchased a condo in Lincoln Park in 1987. She taught Let’s Get Physical aerobics at the township adult school and also made friends on her power walks around the community and at the nearby senior home. No matter where Sonja was or resided, she made friends. She would not just make someone’s acquaintance but created life-long friendships. She also supported both her brothers through their illnesses, helped the family care for their aging mother who had Alzheimer’s Disease, and also eventually aging Aunt Mary.

With her daughters married, she gained wonderful son-in-laws and over the years Sonja became a grandmother to six, three boys and three girls. Everyone loved visiting Grandmum’s! She could often be found running around with them at the playground and playing basketball, bringing out her own inner child. She was the best babysitter who made sleepovers extra fun—playing card games and Candyland, making pancakes with strawberries, snuggling and reciting Croatian prayers at nightly tuck-ins. They frequently traveled to Six Flags Great Adventure and other parks where Sonja went on all the rides, even the loop-de-loop coasters!

By formal definition, Mother is: a woman in relation to her children, an important female figure, the head of a community, an elderly woman. This is Sonja. She will forever be remembered as a truly devoted mother and grandmother, a strong-willed woman with an outstanding work ethic. She was tenacious in everything she did in life. She had a wonderful way about herself and could light up any room upon entering. She had an infectious personality bringing smiles to the faces of those around her. Sonja was a giving and generous lady who made friends wherever she went, and wherever she went, she always looked her best. 

She was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew her. Her legacy will be carried on by her children and grandchildren, now grown men and women, whom she loved and adored with pride.

Sonja is survived by her three daughters: Frances Allen and husband Mark of Sea Girt, NJ; Sandra Ennis and husband Larry of Chester, NJ; and Stacy Maldonado and husband Luis of Sparta, NJ; her two sisters: Kathy (Biserka) Brown and husband Joseph of Somerset, NJ, Senka Petric and husband Miljenko of Jupiter, FL, two sister-in-laws: Seka Roncevic of Haworth, NJ and Gail Roncevic of Haworth, NJ; six grandchildren; Casey Ennis and wife Lana of New York City, NY, Kayla Allen of Somerville, MA, Meghan Allen of Asbury Park, NJ, Samantha Allen of Waltham, MA, Jack Maldonado of Sparta, NJ, and Riley Maldonado of Sparta, NJ, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Sergio Roncevic and Zeljko Roncevic.

Those planning to make a donation in Sonja Zagar’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959. www.stjude.org or Michael J. Fox Foundation, 469 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018 www.michaeljfox.org

James P. Maloy, age 80, of Wayne passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pequannock.  

"I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race, 

I have kept the faith.

Henceforth there is laid up for me

the crown of righteousness."  2 Timothy 4:7-8

Jim was born to Joseph and Pauline (Burke) Maloy in Johnstown, PA. He relocated as a young man to New Jersey and held various positions in the credit industry.  His last position was as Credit Manager at Durfeco Steel Trading Company in Laurence Harbor, NJ.  He spent his early retirement as a crossing guard at Theunis Dey Elementary School in Wayne.  

Jim was a devoted parishioner of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church and held his faith close to his heart.  As a voracious reader of the newspaper every day, he especially enjoyed discussing current events.  True to his western Pennsylvania upbringing, Jim was a die hard Steelers fan and aficionado of all Pittsburgh sports. He was never one to turn down a bourbon Manhattan, shared with his wife and friends over a good meal and conversation. His favorite pastime was hanging at the pool with his senior buddies.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife Janet and his children, Patrick and Karen, and his stepdaughters Jill Brady-Kerzner (Adam) and Jacquelyn Muniz.  He was a loving grandfather to Maggie, Clarissa (Eric Walsh), Natalie, Mason and Henry and great-granddaughter Sophie. He is also survived by his sisters Paulette and Margaret (Tom Buch) and sister-in-laws Angela Maloy and Elaine Almeida.  Jim had great fondness for his many nieces, nephews and friends who admired his strong faith, loving nature and quiet kindness. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Jo, his brother Tom and brother-in-law John Almeida. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Annunciation Parish, 45 Urban Club Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07470  www.waynefirstaid.com/donate/php would be greatly appreciated.