Elliott J. DeBonta, age 81 of Pompton Lakes, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family who had all gathered at his bedside.

Elliott began his career with Federal Boiler where he earned his Black Seal certification. He went on to be a diesel mechanic and driver for APA Trucking. CB radios were popular during this era and Elliott’s handle was “Papa Smurf.” He would call out from his truck to the CB radio he kept at home to chat with his wife and kids when he was on the road. He concluded his career with the Montville school district, retiring as a custodian in 2011. He even mowed lawns around the neighborhood to earn what he referred to as “golf money” to feed his insatiable golf habit. He was among one of the hardest workers you would have ever met.

Elliott was a life-long resident of Pompton Lakes, growing up in the Dupont development area. He went on to graduate from Pompton Lakes High School and he was always proud to be a Cardinal. He met his wife, Maureen (nee McKenna) at “The Cardinal” luncheonette, which used to be across the street from the high school. They started dating and very quickly Maureen came to realize what a wonderful man he was. They were married on June 27, 1964, at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, followed by a honeymoon to the Pocono’s. They went on to enjoy fifty-eight years of very loving and caring marriage. They visited the Catskills every Memorial Day Weekend for many years, and they also enjoyed several cruises. Elliott’s favorite vacation was a cruise to Bermuda. Maureen knows how fortunate she is to have had such a devoted husband who was truly wonderful to her. She will miss him dearly.

Elliott was a true golfer at heart and played as often as he could. His favorite course was “The Gap” in Pennsylvania. He also enjoyed hunting when he was a young man and Maureen recalls the first time he came home with a rabbit he had successfully hunted. That was also the last time he came home with a dead rabbit. He also took great pride in maintaining the lawn around his home. He was meticulous and perhaps even a little over-the-top about keeping his lawn looking perfect. “Get off the lawn!!!” was something you were sure to hear if he caught you walking on the grass. There was really nothing that made Elliott more happy, though, than to spend time with his family. He was supportive, funny, sensitive, loving, and even a little crazy at times. He liked to bust-chops, but always in an endearing way. He was “Poppy” to his eight grandchildren, a moniker that always made him smile. He adored his grandchildren so much and they will all miss his unconditional love.

Elliott is survived by his darling wife, Maureen, of Pompton Lakes, their three children; Kevin DeBonta and his wife Dana of Pompton Lakes, Patrick “Rick” DeBonta and his wife Heather of Highland Lakes, Meghan Garrett and her husband Dennis of Hewitt, and eight grandchildren: Zachary, Joseph, Haley, Noel, Chloe, Finnegan, Kennedy, and Collin.

Those wishing to make a donation in Elliott’s memory are asked to please 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 announce the passing of Susan Zygmunt (nee Kilgour), age 63 of Wayne, NJ.  Susan passed away peacefully on Tuesday January, 24, 2023 while receiving the loving care of her family and after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Susan was born and raised in Paterson and was one of five children to George and Alice Kilgour.  As a young girl growing up, she took a great interest in sports and played basketball.  She attended Passaic Valley High School graduating with the class of 1977. 

In 1988, while attending the wedding of a close friend, Susan met a young man by the name of Richard Zygmunt.  Susan and Richard hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on October 6, 1990 Susan and Richard became husband and wife.  The newlyweds settled in Clifton and resided there for about six years.  While living in Clifton, they welcomed the birth of their one and only child, their daughter Stephanie.  In 1996, the family moved to Wayne and have been there ever since.   

It was very clear to everyone who knew Susan, that her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Susan than providing for and spending time with her family and friends. 

She was a wonderfully dedicated mother and wife, a fantastic cook, and cherished summering with her family in Diamond Beach near Cape May, NJ.  She also treasured spending time with friends and dining out with her siblings.  

Susan and her husband Richard cherished thirty-two years of a loving and loyal marriage.  Susan was not only dedicated to her family but also to her Catholic Faith.  She and her family were parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne for many years.  

Susan was a genuinely kind, warm hearted lady who was extremely outgoing and loved socializing.  She had a lovely bubbly personality that lit up any room she entered.  She had an infectious sense of humor and way about her that brought smiles to everyone around her. 

Susan was a truly special lady who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by her friends and family.  She will be forever remembered as a truly devoted wife, mother, and sister.

Susan is survived by her husband Richard Zygmunt of Wayne, NJ, her daughter Stephanie Zygmunt of Wayne, NJ, three sisters; Cathy Conerly and her husband Pete of Wayne, NJ,  Mary Lou Marcell of Wayne, NJ, and Beth Griffin and her husband Jack of Wyckoff, NJ, one brother Jim Kilgour of Totowa, NJ, one niece Christine Hietenan of Wayne, and eight nephews David Zygmunt of Kinnelon, NJ, Kevin Zygmunt of Boston, MA, Brian Zygmunt of Toms River, NJ, Mark Zygmunt of Toms River, NJ, Patrick Conerly of Marlton, NJ, Ryan Conerly of Wayne, NJ, Conor Griffin of Wyckoff, NJ, and Jack Griffin of Wyckoff, NJ.  She was predeceased by her parents George and Alice Kilgour.

Those planning to make a donation in Susan’s name are asked to consider John Theurer Cancer Center, 921 2^nd St, Hackensack, NJ 07601 www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org

Kevin Schmitt, age 68 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 after a brief and valiant battle with cancer.

Kevin grew up in Paramus, NJ and graduated from Paramus High School with the class of 1973. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from William Paterson College. He began his professional career in the accounting department at St. Mary Hospital in Hoboken, and had worked at several area companies including Progresso Foods and Dantech. He retired in 2019 as the CFO of Zeiser, Inc. in W. Caldwell.

Kevin had been a loyal YANKEES and GIANTS fan since early childhood and watched countless games on TV with his dad throughout the years. He was an avid golfer and was considering moving to South Carolina in his retirement so he could golf year-round. He also enjoyed going hiking and taking long walks around his neighborhood in Wayne, and he took great care to eat a healthy diet. When he baked his zucchini bread, or banana bread, or other tasty treats, he used only the most wholesome ingredients. He seemingly made all the right choices at leading a healthy life.

He was a kind soul and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Kevin is survived by his sister, Donna Schmitt of Wayne, and several cousins. He was predeceased by both of his parents; Shirley and Frank Schmitt.

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

Barbara Akel, age 80, of Lincoln Park and a former long-time resident of Wayne unexpectedly passed Sunday, January 22, 2023.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Joseph and Esperance Skaff and lived at 209 Clinton Street.  Barbara graduated from Bishop McDonnell High School with the Class of 1960.

In her youth she worked as a manager in the hardware department at McCrory’s on Fulton Street in Brooklyn and later as a typist at the Western Electric Corporation in Downtown Manhattan in New York City.

Barbara Skaff lived across the street from Fred Akel, and as was customary at that time, many of the local families were invited to Barbara’s Sweet Sixteen party.  It was during this party that Fred asked Barbara to go out with him. Their first date was to the movie The Ten Commandments.  They dated for five years, two of which Fred was serving in the US Army.  He served in Germany from November 1960 until October 1962.  When he returned from military service in the fall of 1962, they planned their wedding and exchanged their vows on Saturday, February 23, 1963 at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Brooklyn with Barbara’s uncle Monsignor Elias Skaff presiding.  After a reception at the Bossert Hotel – a place where the Brooklyn Dodgers would often stay - Fred and Barbara honeymooned at the Honeymoon Haven in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  The honeymoon lasted only four days because Fred had to get back to his new job at the John Hancock Insurance Company. 

During their married years they lived at homes on Colonial Road and McKay Place in Brooklyn, NY.  Work brought them to live in the Midwest for several years. During Barbara’s time in Buffalo Grove, Illinois she was very active volunteering within her community. She was most proud of the fact that she was one of the founders of the local blood bank. In 1976, they moved to Wayne, NJ where they would live for the next forty years. When her children attended school, Barbara worked in Data Entry at a mail service company called Model Expo in Fairfield. She later worked for the IBM Corporation in Franklin Lakes for twenty years retiring in 2007.  While working at IBM she simultaneously worked for Weight Watchers Company in Wayne before fully retiring in 2020.

Barbara will be lovingly remembered for her wit, sensible pragmatic approach, seeing the good in others, incredible patience, and kind way about her. She was selfless, hosted countless family celebrations and had the door is always open policy to anyone and everyone. She was an inspiring role-model and considered by others to be their second parent. She made it look effortless as she made a house feel like a home. The ingredient of love she cooked into her Arabic dishes like grape leaves, spinach and meat pies, and kibbeh will be dearly missed. Her grandchildren liked these dishes so much they would count down the days until ThaTha made them rather than how many days until Christmas. She was also famous for her meatballs, pumpkin bread, tarts, buckeyes, and broccoli casserole. 

Barbara was a Brooklyn Dodger fan that was forced into moving her love and loyalty to the New York Yankees.  She even referred to Derek Jeter as her “sweetie.” Many were surprised by her thorough knowledge of baseball and could talk about it with just about anyone. For many years she enjoyed all kinds of word games like Scrabble, Wordle, and Crossword Puzzles to keep her mind active. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and always volunteered her time helping Our Lady of the Valley/Holy Cross; she was a Lector for the past few  years and decorated the church for religious holidays.

Barbara was the devoted wife of fifty-five years to the late Fred Akel (d. 2018); loving mother of Christine Akel of Boynton Beach, FL, Joanne and husband Michael D’Aloia of Wayne, Michelle Antonucci of Elmwood Park, and Renee and husband Andrew Centineo of Fairfax, VA; adored grandmother of Allison, Tyler, Christopher, Alexis, Victoria, Trevor, Caitlin, Jake, and Jenna. Loving sister of Adele Bache and husband Ronald, the late Joseph Skaff (d.2022) and wife Rosemary, Mary Vasile and husband Vincent and Victoria Hansen and husband Martin. 

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Barbara’s name, are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or at www.stjude.org.

James Stanley Doland, age 93, of Wayne passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

Jim, and his twin brother Bill, were born in Walkerton, ON to Stan and Iva Doland. While growing up in Smiths Falls, James attended Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute and the First Baptist Church. Following his graduation, Jim received a degree in Electronics from Ryerson Institute of Technology and returned to Ottawa to work for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as a technical producer. He worked there two years before being recruited by the ITT Corporation at which time he was sent to the Arctic to set up the Distant Early Warning Line (DEW line), during the Cold War. He was stationed at the northern most line some 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle just south of Banks Island for approximately four years. He endured temperatures of -60 degrees as well as 24 hours of darkness followed by 24 hours of light. This was a very exciting time in his life.

Near the end of his work in the Arctic, he was required to be in Rockford, Illinois for a period of time. He was able to find housing at the local YMCA where he met his future bride, Dorothy Strote. Jim and Dorothy fell in love, were engaged in three months and married six months later, on October 2^nd, 1960. In 1962, Jim and Dorothy relocated to Wayne, New Jersey where they bought a log cabin in Pines Lake and began attending Pompton Reformed Church. They welcomed the births of both of their daughters, Donna and Debra, and remained in Pines Lake for the rest of their lives together.

Jim was transferred to ITT’s Nutley, New Jersey, division where he worked as a Senior Quality Control Engineer. This phase of his career was focused on developing the first GPS satellite to be used by the US Navy’s submarine missile launch systems. His work required him to travel extensively and when able, he would bring the family along. He was an excellent provider, husband, and father.

Jim and Dorothy spent nearly every summer in Canada, at the family cottage, and hosted many guests over the years. Jim’s love of the Rideau Lake resulted in his acquiring countless boats over the years; affectionately known as his fleet. He loved the fact that he was the first person to own a fiberglass boat on the lake and he used his Glastron to teach many family members and friends to water ski, tube, and wakeboard. He also loved to sail and bought an 18 foot Sandpiper 565 which he treasured. However, the boat that got the most use was the pontoon which carried everyone that visited on tours up the lake for picnics or just a sunset cruise.

When he wasn’t out on the lake, Jim was inventing, building, puttering, or reading. He invented numerous board games over the course of his life. He built docks and sheds and was always looking for ways to improve things. He subscribed to a variety of magazines and read them all cover to cover. He even dabbled with writing. He wrote odes to loved ones and kept meticulous records of events that happened each day in his journals.

Jim was an exceptionally devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Dorothy cherished sixty-two years of a loving, Christ-centered marriage. Jim shared his faith in Christ by example. He was a servant who put the needs of others ahead of his own. He led his family with wisdom and patience.  He dearly loved his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to encourage them to be the best they could be. He touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Donna De Block and her husband Michael of Wayne, NJ, and Debra Jones and her husband Ryan of Lombardy, ON, Canada. He is also survived by his six grandchildren;  Matthew De Block and his wife Taylor of North Haledon, NJ, Bethany De Block of Hoboken, NJ and her boyfriend Luke Boonstra, Natalie Kravacek and her husband Michael of Otty Lake, ON, Canada, and Madison, Rory, and Briar Jones of Smiths Falls, ON, Canada. Jim was predeceased by his wife Dorothy Doland, his twin brother William Doland, and his grandson Isaiah Doland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Pompton Reformed Church, 59 Hamburg Turnpike, Pompton Lakes, NJ, 07442.

Gladys E. Hess, of West Milford and a former longtime resident of Lake Hiawatha, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023. She was 103 years young.

Born and raised in Hudson County, Gladys was one of Anthony and Margaret (Merkel) Bandel’s five dear children. She graduated from secretarial school and began her career at First Liberty Finance in Jersey City. One of the company’s clients just happened to be Frank Sinatra and Gladys enjoyed having lunch a couple of times with him. With her skills, including being proficient in two types of shorthand, she eventually took a job in New York City.

While her seven children were growing up, Gladys worked various jobs in retail before returning to the field of finance when she landed a job with Liberal Finance in Paterson and continued with them when they moved to Parsippany. She enjoyed working at Liberal Finance, her bosses and coworkers became and are her second family. A cherished part of this company for the next sixty years, she finally retired at 97! During the early years a man came brandishing a gun to commit a robbery. Everyone was ordered to get on the ground but she did not and began to argue with him. After he fired his gun, she realized this was real and got on the ground. She was very lucky that day.

Ask Gladys the secret to her longevity and she’d tell you “good coffee and fine wine” and, while that may be true, a lot had to do with her great attitude and active living. Gladys went through her whole life without a driver’s license, choosing instead to walk everywhere she needed or wanted to go, including walking 45 minutes to church. In fact, Gladys walked at least a mile every day until she was 98 years old.

Gladys’ thirst for adventure was seemingly unquenchable. In her seventies, she took a ride on the back of her grandson’s Harley motorcycle all the way from New Jersey through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel enroute to Virginia. She was also known to ride on the handlebars of her son’s bicycle. She went hang gliding, parasailing, and she even rode a zip line when she was 95! Not too many people could say that they swam with the dolphins, floated in a hot air balloon, flew in a World War II biplane or in a helicopter (at the age of 101), but Gladys could. One time she had every intention of jumping from an airplane and parachuting to the ground. She was ready to go but the plane had engine trouble and that adventure had to be squashed. By now it should be clear that Gladys had a love of life.

Camping up in High Point State Park was a long-standing tradition that Gladys and some family members enjoyed for countless years. In fact, she camped until she was 102, and she loved this time away with family. It was a highlight of her summer she looked forward to every year.  One time, while camping, her fearless nature was tested again when, while sitting at a picnic table after lunch reading the paper, a bear approached her. Most people would run but not Gladys. She calmly sat there as that bear came right up to her face, and went back to reading hoping he would leave.  He then walked back down the path he had come from. Her love of travel took her from Cuba to Alaska, also traveling to other countries including Cananda, Italy, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.

Gladys loved a good book, enjoyed watching mysteries on television, dancing in conga lines and Tapamania with her sister at Macy’s and eating ice-cream. Simple pleasures like sitting on the boardwalk, admiring waves, smelling sea air, and watching people was something that she appreciated. The sounds and smells made her feel content no matter what the weather nor the temperature. Gladys was always up for a ride in the car down the shore or up to the mountains, enjoying nature.

Gladys had a great sense of humor. She laughed right along with her kids and grandchildren whenever they lovingly referred to her as “Mrs. Been There, Done That”. Her daughter recently took a picture of her standing under a sign with a dinosaur on it.

She was very proud of her children and so grateful that she was able to raise all seven of them on her own. She had the beautiful ability to have everyone in her family feeling and knowing they were the most important and most loved person in the world.

Gladys was a woman of great moral character. Once while on a trip by Amtrack train, the train crashed. Her only complaints were that she was late for her destination and no one offered her a drink.

Her moral and upright character were a testimony to her unshakeable faith in God. Gladys trusted God throughout her whole life, in the good times but also in the challenging times. Gladys always felt that her children and family were her greatest gifts from God, we know she was ours. Church was where she found comfort. Even as she aged she was able to go in person. When the weather did not permit, she watched Mass on television.  She always said the rosary and morning prayer prior to starting her day. Now, she is home in heaven, beginning her new life. Well done Gladys!    

Gladys was the cherished mother of: Alfred Hess of Elon, SC, Steven Hess of Lake Hiawatha, Gladys Tacinelli and her husband Tom of West Milford, Walter Hess and wife Diane of Laurens, SC, Eileen Strignile of Totowa, Thomas Hess and wife Tammy of West Milford, and Joseph Hess of Cherry Hill; awesome grandmother of: Robin and husband Bob, Virginia and husband Tom, Christina, Jennifer, Amy, Kelly, Thomas and wife Sonia, Trish, Suzane and husband Damian, Eric and wife Luba, Amanda, Mary and husband Frank, Anthony and wife Kim, Melissa and husband Robert, Angela, Christopher and wife Stephanie,  T.J. and wife Amber, Destiny and husband Mark, and Michael; much loved great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother; sister of Doris “Doll” and late husband Arnold “Woody” of Paramus; and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her two brothers and other sister: Arthur, Walter and Margaret “Sis”.

THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR MOM, NANA, BIDDY, GREAT GRANDMA!

WE LOVE YOU NOW AND ALWAYS.

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

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memorial Processing501 St. Jude PlaceMemphis, TN 38105-9959

Elaine LoTurco, age 80, of Wayne passed Thursday, January 19, 2023, with the comfort of her daughter and son-in law by her side.

Elaine was born to Andrew and Mary Matarazzo in Hawthorne,NJ. Her childhood was filled with love, caring and support  from her adoring parents and her only sister, Judith Langenbach. Elaine and Judith were extremely close and held a special sister bond.

Elaine  graduated from Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, NJ in 1959. She loved her high school experience, which included being a Majorette, Choral and a choreographer for the variety show.  She also participated in clubs such as Photography, Art, French and Drama . 

After High School, Elaine danced on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City and Off- Broadway before opening her first dance studio, with her sister in Hawthorne NJ called the Tara Sisters Dance Studio. Elaine subsequently took over the business which was known as the Tara Dance Studio. She had a very successful career and continued teaching dance impacting and touching her students’ lives for over 25 years.

Elaine was loving, caring, and devoted to her family. She enjoyed traveling around the world  in her younger years, but once she had a family of her own, her enjoyment shifted to cherishing time spent with her family and taking family vacations.

Elaine met the love of her life Joseph LoTurco and they married on June 21, 1969 at St Anthony’s Church in Hawthorne, NJ.  They have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of fifty-three years. Elaine and Joseph’s marriage was blessed with a daughter, Jolaine, a son-in law Donald and two beautiful grandchildren AJ and Alexa. Her grandchildren were the light of her life.

Elaine is survived by her husband Joseph, daughter Jolaine, son-in law Donald, grandchildren AJ and Alexa, sister Judith and husband Roy, nephew Kyle and extended family.

George M. Fallon, age 75 of Stockholm, NJ, died on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. He has lived in Stockholm since 1987.

George had worked as an inspector for the United States Postal Service in Manhattan during the 1980’s. He was very tech-savvy and began building websites in the 1990’s which led to a second career with Lucent Technologies in Whippany. He retired from Lucent in 2013.

George grew up in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, graduating from Wayne High School with the class of 1965. Soon there after he joined the Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. He was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans Association in Kenvil, very patriotic, and remained a proud Marine throughout his lifetime. In his free time, George enjoyed wood turning, fly-tying and fishing, and he really loved keeping a vegetable garden. Music was also an important part of his life having played the Irish drum and sang with The Kindred Spirits band at Sullivan’s Irish Pub for several years

While working at the Post Office in Manhattan, George met Betsy Knicos and it was love at first sight. George’s marriage proposal was unique, indeed; he was sitting on the couch while Betsy was nearby ironing. He looked at her and asked “do you want to get married?” The rest is history; they exchanged vows in Hardyston and had a reception at Jorgenson’s Inn on Rt. 23. They’ve enjoyed thirty-one years in a loving and fun marriage, and Betsy will miss him dearly.

George is survived by his wife, Betsy (nee Knicos) of Stockholm, NJ, one sister; Maureen Ferrara of Wayne, NJ, his brother; William Fallon, Jr. of Spruce Creek, FL, sister-in-law Anita Knicos, nieces Katie Macones and  Amanda Fallon and  nephews Chuck and Joe Ferrara and also eight much loved grand nieces and nephews.  He was pre deceased by his father William (1981), mother Ellen (2012) and sister Paddy (2019).

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in George's name are asked to consider donating to the following organization.  

Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery

75 North Church Rd

Sparta, NJ 07871

Carolyn J. Mitton, 92, a resident of Pownal, VT and formerly of Totowa, NJ, died Wednesday January 18, 2023 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. She was born in Newark, New Jersey November 2, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Richard J. Irwin, Sr. and Mildred (Ennis) Irwin. Carolyn received her education in New Jersey. She married William (Bill) James Mitton, Jr. on September 11, 1954. They made their home in Totowa, New Jersey until moving to Vermont in 1986. Bill died September 6, 2015.In earlier years Carolyn was employed at Capezio Ballet Makers, Inc. in New Jersey and after moving to Vermont she was employed part time in the Billing Department at Greenberg’s in Bennington. Carolyn enjoyed baking, sewing, tag sales, antiquing, and gardening.

Survivors include a son, Daniel Mitton Sr. of Las Vegas, NV; a daughter, Nancy Mitton of Pownal, VT; a nephew, Marinus Hook who resided with the family; two grandsons, Daniel Mitton, Jr. and Christopher Mitton both of Illinois; six great grandchildren, Daniel 3rd, Lincoln, Mason, Morgan, Wesley, and Wyatt; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pownal Rescue Squad, 54 Ladd Brook Road, Pownal, VT 05261

Phylis Jean D’Onofrio (Duttenhoefer), age 74, of West Milford, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 16, 2023. Her family members were lovingly by her side at the time of her passing.

Born in Queens, NY, the child of Wilbur and Dorothy (Nafz) Duttenhoefer, Phylis was raised in Merrick, Long Island. As a young lady, she enjoyed singing in the choir in high school as well as in the church she grew up in, St John’s Lutheran Church, just down the street from her home. After graduating from Sandford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick with the Class of 1966, she got her first full-time job an operator for the telephone company.

One day, Phylis was invited by her friend to that friend’s boyfriend’s company party. The company was Sperry Gyroscope in Great Neck, Long Island and also in attendance at the party was a gentleman named Stephen D’Onofrio. While at the party, Stephen saw Phylis from across the room and noticed that she had a necklace with a large cross on it. Figuring that she was a good Catholic he went and introduced himself. As they were leaving the party, Stephen tried to impress Phylis with his brand new 1969 Pontiac GTO only to find out that her car, a 1968 Mercury Cougar was just as cool. Her taste in good cars only prompted him to want to ask Phylis out even more, so he did. Still feeling that need to impress her, their first official date was to a fancy seven course meal restaurant at 251 East 31st Street in Manhattan called Marchi’s. He succeeded! Phylis and Stephen had more dates after that and ultimately fell in love and were engaged within nine months of that first date. They married on Sunday, September 28, 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Old Mill Road in Merrick, NY. After the reception, they jumped into Phylis’ pale blue Cougar and drove off for their honeymoon to Montreal and Québec, Canada. On the way, Stephen got pulled over for speeding and, despite telling the officer that they were on their way to their honeymoon destination, the cop gave him a ticket anyway.

Phylis and Stephen’s first house as husband and wife was a co-op in Howard Beach, Queens. A job transfer prompted a move across the river and into the Beaver Brook Garden Apartments in Lincoln Park, NJ they moved. Soon after, in 1974, they bought their first home together at 219 Magnolia Road in Pompton Lakes. While there Phylis and Stephen were blessed with their first son Christopher. One night, about 2 years after Chris’ arrival, Phylis and Stephen decided to go out for a nice dinner. They chose Jorgenson’s Restaurant in nearby Stockholm. Truth be told, the dinner wasn’t that great but they would soon learn that a bad dinner was the least of their worries. As they walked to their car, out of the woods two men suddenly appeared. One put a knife to Phylis’ throat while the other put a gun to Stephen’s head. The assailants jumped into the back of Phylis’ car (they had to squeeze in because of Baby Chris’ car seat back there) and demanded that they be transported to Newark. Halfway there, one of the assailant’s said “All I want is five dollars” and they demanded to be dropped off in Kinnelon. Stephen was more than happy to oblige and their lives were spared. Arriving home, they apologized to the babysitter for being late, explaining that “they got held up” (literally). Having given all their cash to the robbers, Phylis and Stephen remember having to pay that babysitter with Kennedy half-dollar coins.

In 1974, Phylis and Stephen renewed their wedding vows at St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Pompton Lakes. Then, in 1978 their house in Pompton Lakes flooded. Knowing it was time to move to higher ground, Phylis and family moved to their present home in West Milford. Soon after, Phylis gave birth to their second son David. As a young mom, Phylis poured all of her love and energy into taking care of her boys. In between, she managed to find a little time to explore some artistic pursuits. She took up painting, both oils and watercolors, and making beaded jewelry. When David, her youngest reached sixth grade, Phylis returned to the workplace on a part-time basis. General Motors had just come out with a new car brand called Saturn. In an attempt to promote the cars, the local dealership, Maroon Saturn in Pompton Plains, displayed some models in the local malls. It was Phylis’ job to give customers a tour of the car and to answer any questions that they might have. Soon after, she worked at the dealership. Again, her job was to go over all the attributes of the cars for customers who were taking delivery. It was the perfect job for Phylis as she loved people and loved to talk. After working at Saturn, Phylis held other administrative positions until fully retiring in 2010 from Progressive Machine, Inc. of Ringwood.With Stephen retiring about the same time as Phylis, it was time to play! Playing to them meant lots of travel. On many of their trips they were joined by Stephen’s sister Emilie and brother-in-law Bill. Together they visited London, Paris, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, all of Italy, Northern and Southern Spain, and an ocean cruise from Venice to the Greek Isles and a highlight trip to Turkey. There was also a trip to Sicily with friends Annette and Christine, several trips with friends Katie and Lou, as well as twelve river vacations, some of which included cruises on the Seine River in France, the Danube River, the Rhine River, the Volga River in Russia with newfound friends Lucy and Martin Lester from Great Britain who they met on that cruise and travelled with to the Yangtze River in China, the Douro River in Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany.

Early in their marriage, Phylis joined a bowling league with her girlfriends at Butler Bowl on Route 23. She also enjoyed bowling in a mixed league with Stephen. Cats and dogs had a way of touching a soft spot in Phylis’ heart. Knowing that so many worthy pets just needed some love and a good home, she poured her heart into her work as a volunteer at the Tri-Boro Animal Welfare Shelter in Butler and the West Milford Animal Shelter. From 1969 to 2020 there was always a cat or two in her home. Over the many years Coco Puff, Mittens, Sooty, Dog, Bandit, Kensington, Mandy, Gabby, Baby, Sassy, Tiger Lily, Isys, Shadow, Simon, and Caesar all enjoyed good lives in the D’Onofrio home. Not to be outdone by a bunch of cats, there were also many D’Onofrio dogs. West Highland White Terriers or Westie’s were Phylis’ breed of choice and again, over the years, she had six: Snow Flake, Peaches, Rugby, Ashley, Sassie, and presently, Tassie.

Above all else, Phylis was devoted to her family. In their elder years, she welcomed her parents to live with her and Stephen in their home. She was a fantastic cook who liked to add her own artistic flair to the recipes she found - a dab of this and a pinch of that always made them taste better. Stephen especially loved her eggplant lasagna. Strong-willed, “No” meant “No” so you always knew where Phylis stood on an issue. That said, she was lovingly loyal to her family and a fierce defender of their honor. She had a memory like a bear trap and she was a classy woman who loved getting all dressed up and pretty for a fun occasion.

Phylis was the beloved wife of Stephen, blessed in marriage for 53 years. She was the loving mother of: Christopher D’Onofrio of Butler and David D’Onofrio of River Vale; dear sister-in-law of Emilie Stris and husband Bill of Valley Stream, New York, and dear aunt of Peter Stris and wife Alice of Cerritos, California. She is also survived by Tassie, her precious Westie.

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

‍West Milford Animal Shelter
P.O. Box 72 Lycosky Drive

West Milford, NJ 07480

Please make check payable to WMASS

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian P. O’Reilly, age 58, of Ocean Grove and formerly of Wayne.  Brian passed away peacefully on Sunday January 15, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Brian was born in Pequannock and was raised in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne.  He was the youngest of five children to Hugh and Phyllis O’Reilly.  While growing up in Wayne, Brian took an interest in music and taught himself guitar.  As a young student attending Wayne Valley High School, he was a member of the high school marching band playing trombone.  He was also active in the school’s theatre program and qualified for the All-Eastern Chorus with his rendition of Ave Maria. Ever since he was young, Brian took an interest in politics, and as a student in high school he ran for Class President. 

Following his graduation from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1982, he enrolled at Montclair State College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science.  He went on to Rutgers University Law School where in 1989 he received his Juris Doctor degree.  

After passing the New Jersey State Bar exam, Brian found employment quickly, from 1989 to 1990 he worked with the Appellate Division Court in Hackensack where he did legal research and writing as well a civil and criminal litigation.  He also had a private legal practice for many years in Wayne and Newark where he practiced Criminal Law, Family Law and General Civil Litigation.  He also worked for Stoldt, Horan & Kowal in Hackensack where he represented corporate clients in insurance defense and municipal law.  Brian also worked with Allstate Insurance Company as well as Vasios, Kelly & Strollo, P.C. in Union, NJ where he represented clients in medical malpractice insurance defense cases.  Along with his various expert skills in litigation, Brian also was a major advocate for Marriage-Equality at the time when the movement was getting underway.  Brian’s career as an Attorney spanned nearly thirty-five years where he was truly well loved and respected by his peers, clients and colleagues.

Brian lived most of his life in Wayne until moving to Ocean Grove in 2011.  Throughout his life he had a wide variety of interests.  Brian enjoyed reading as well as the self-publishing media called “blogging.”  He was an avid reader and liked keeping up with current events especially in the political genre, both local and national.  He and his family treasured their annual vacations to Cape Cod where they would take part in whale watching and other activities.  His family also took a wonderfully memorable trip to England.  Brian never lost his love for music. He kept up with his singing and sang in a local church choir after moving to Ocean Grove, NJ. 

Brian has been described by many people to be a true gentleman.  He was a genuine intellectual and had a truly diverse vocabulary and was a skilled wordsmith.  He had a deep love for his family and friends and will be forever remembered as a kind and caring man, as well as a true professional. Brian touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Brian is survived by his four siblings; his two sisters Jean O’Reilly of Wayne, NJ and Maura Kayal and her husband John of Wayne, NJ, his two brothers; Jack O’Reilly and his wife Mary of Wayne, NJ, and Dr. Michael O’Reilly of San Jose, CA, two nieces; Andrea Kayal of Midland Park, NJ, and Shannon Leahy of Rockaway, NJ, five nephews; Brendan O’Reilly of Wayne, NJ, Sean O’Reilly of Valley Village, CA, Jeffrey Kayal of Wayne, NJ, Ryan Kayal of Wayne, NJ, and Danny Kayal of North Carolina, two grandnieces Opal, and Fiona, and his dear friend Mark Laico of Linden NJ.  He was predeceased by his nephew Padraic O’Reilly, his parents Hugh and Phyllis O’Reilly, and his sister-in-law Saundra O’Reilly. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s name may be made to The Sharing Network Foundation, www.njsharingnetwork.org

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Jane (Roscoe) Boyle, 71, of Bloomingdale and formerly of Pompton Lakes, who passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Born in Glen Ridge to Herbert E. Roscoe and Jane C. Van Winkle, she lived a short time in Norristown, PA, and Bloomfield, NJ prior to moving to Pompton Lakes, where she resided for the majority of her life. Nancy met the love of her life, Patrick Boyle, on July 1, 1969, not long after she graduated from Pompton Lakes High School. On Pat's first day on the job, as a Pompton Lakes police officer, he went to the local eatery, where she worked as a waitress, to get an ice cream soda. They became fast friends and then dated for a couple of years before marrying on May 13, 1972. Pat was Nancy's everything and she was heartbroken when he passed away in October 2013.Even though she was in chronic pain for most of her adult life, she never complained and always tried to bring joy to the lives of others. Every time she was faced with a new obstacle, she overcame it. Nancy fought for what she believed was right and would always lend a helping hand when she could. She was a member of the PTA, a proud PLHS Band Parent, and regularly volunteered to help out when needed. She was also her daughter's biggest cheerleader and supported her in all of her endeavors - whether it was selling girl scout cookies, making hoagies for the PLHS band, trying new hobbies, volunteering, or various business ventures. Some of Nancy's proudest personal accomplishments were being a nurse (and graduating at the top of her nursing school class), serving as a Pompton Lakes councilwoman and her time volunteering with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

She loved spending time in Atlantic City with her family, watching true crime documentaries & ghost hunting shows, online shopping (a tad TOO much sometimes), taking random day trips and of course, her fur babies (cats).Nancy is survived by her loving daughter and best friend, Tracie Boyle Lawson, and son-in-law, David Lawson, of Riverdale, brother; Mark Roscoe and his wife Grace of Florida, sister-in-law; Cheryl Roscoe of Butler, four nieces; Danielle Roscoe of Butler, Nicole Beek of Bloomingdale, Tiffany Roscoe of Bloomingdale and Brittany Roscoe of Florida, five great-nieces and nephews and her extended Otero/Lawson family, who always welcomed her with open arms.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Nancy’s honor are asked to consider the DNA Doe Project or the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad as she was extremely appreciative for the services that they provide to families. https://dnadoeproject.org/donate/
To give by check, please mail to:

DNA Doe Project

200 S Main ST Suite 130-114

Sebastopol CA 95472

‍http://www.triborofirstaidsquad.org/donations.html
To give by check, please mail to:

Tri-Boro First Aid Squad Inc.

P.O. Box 222

Butler, New Jersey 07405

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Donaghy, age 89, of Wayne, NJ.  Joe passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Born to Patrick and Annie Donaghy in Claudy, County Derry, Northern Ireland, Joe was 1 of 10 children.  Together with his siblings – Henry, James, Nan, Jane, Patsy, Mary, Philomena, Francis, and Phonsie – Joe had a wonderful, happy childhood in the beautiful Irish hillside of Muldonagh.  Though he loved his family and his home, he set off to London as a young man, where he became a very skilled mason and bricklayer.  From there, he traveled to Toronto and ultimately, to New York, where he would put down roots and become a US citizen.

It was at this time when Joe met his wife, Catherine (nee McCormack).  She was also an Irish immigrant, and had travelled to New York from Moorechurch, in County Meath, Ireland.  A secretary for Con Edison, Catherine loved to attend the traditional Irish dances, and on one fateful night, she met Joe at City Center.  Romance blossomed and in 1967, they were married in the Bronx.  Joe and Catherine started their life together in Riverdale, and later moved to Oradell, New Jersey, where they welcomed their daughter, Derry Anne in 1976.

Often recognized for his solid work ethic and quality craftsmanship, Joe had a successful career in construction that spanned 50 years.  Initially, he worked on buildings throughout Manhattan, and it wasn’t uncommon to find him on skyscrapers with the NYC skyline as a backdrop.  One of his favorite jobs was working on the Chrysler Building, where he repaired brickwork on the exterior many stories into the sky.  As the years progressed, he worked more locally in New Jersey, and became a very well respected mason in the Bergen County area.

One of Joe’s biggest passions was Gaelic football.  He began playing the sport as a young boy with his hometown club of Fore Glen.  While in London, he played with St. Joseph’s Gaelic Football Club, and later with the Toronto Senior Football Club.  Immediately upon his arrival in New York, Joe joined the Monaghan Club, where he played for many years – leading them to victory as Captain and Full-Back in the 1962 K.O. Final.  In 1966, Joe was elected Manager of the team and held that position until 1968, when the Monaghan Club won their first New York Championship.  In 1969, he became Manager of the New York team.

Joe was known for his great sense of humor, quick wit, and outgoing personality.  A devoted father, husband, and friend, Joe will surely be missed by all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his loving daughter, Derry Anne, his beloved younger brother Phonsie, numerous nieces and nephews, a host of lifelong friends, and his little dog, Orla.  He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine in 2008.

Diane Bernert, age 75 of Winter Springs, Florida and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully in Florida on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Her daughter was lovingly at her bedside when she passed.
Diane grew up in West Paterson, NJ and graduated from Passaic Valley High School and then earned her Master's Degree from Seton Hall University. She was employed by the Little Falls Board of Education as a third-grade teacher in a career spanning four decades. She enjoyed going to work while encouraging children to learn.
Diane enjoyed a loving marriage to her husband, Frederick, that lasted thirty-four years before his passing in 2009. She was a devoted wife and a nurturing mother. Her daughter, Kristin, recalls how her mother often read to her when she was a child, and Diane remained a supportive and encouraging mom throughout the years. Diane found the ultimate joy in being called “Gigi” by her adorable granddaughter, Olivia. Diane loved spending time with Olivia, reading to her, and playing games together. Olivia cherished her time with her grandmother and will miss her dearly.
In retirement, Diane continued to lead an active lifestyle.  She was enthusiastic about travel and celebrating the arts.  She enjoyed the theater, visiting museums, art exhibits and events, and attending concerts. Her loyalty, kindness, and fun-loving spirit also earned her many lifelong friendships.
Diane is survived by her daughter; Kristin Shields and her husband Thomas of Winter Springs, Florida, one granddaughter; Olivia Shields, and her brother; Dennis Babich of Woodland Park, NJ. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Frederick Bernert in 2009.
For those wishing to make a donation in Diane’s memory, please 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 announce the passing of Patricia Ann Kaune (nee Kane).  Patricia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Pat was born and raised in Paterson NJ.  She and her sister Joan were raised by Harold and Catherine Kane.  Following the death of her mother, Harold remarried Elsie, who had 2 daughters, Ida Sugalski and Elsie Zaky.   As a young lady growing up in Paterson, Pat attended St John High School where she excelled in academics and graduated in 1951.

Following her graduation from high school, Pat found work quickly as a medical assistant with Dr. Sall’s medical office in Paterson.  Dr. Sall eventually partnered with another physician, Dr Myers.  Pat’s career with Sall/Myers Inc in Clifton spanned over thirty-five years where she was eventually promoted to Medical Billing Specialist.  Pat retired in 2010 and was able to fully enjoy and revel in her retirement.  Pat was truly dedicated to her work and was sincerely loved and respected by her peers and colleagues.

In the late 1950’s Pat met a handsome young man by the name Amos Kaune while at a restaurant.  Pat and Amos hit it off  and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on January 30, 1960 they became husband and wife.  The newlyweds settled in Passaic at first then moved to Clifton where they remained for the rest of their lives together.

Pat had a true love of music, particularly music of the jazz genre.  She worked closely with her husband Amos managing their jazz club, Gulliver's.   Some of her favorite jazz musicians included Thelonious Monk, Roy Eldridge, Bucky Pizzarelli and Mercer Ellington. Pat was a genuinely dedicated wife to Amos and the two cherished more than fifty years of a loving and loyal marriage together until Amos’ passing in 2012.  She was not only dedicated to her husband, but Pat was also devoted to her Catholic Faith.  She and her husband were parishioners of Holy Trinity Church in Passaic for many years.

Pat was a quiet and private person and truly a “salt of the earth” type of lady.  She was easy going and had a wonderful way about her.  She had a talent for making people feel comfortable and brought smiles to those around her.  Pat was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sorely missed by her family and friends alike.

Pat is survived by her niece Patricia Bassetti of Alpharetta, GA, her nephew Norman Sergeant of Wharton, NJ, her great nephew Brendan O’Dea of Alpharetta, GA, her nieces, Tara Head of Hanson, MA, Lisa Marie Foust of Seabrook, TX, her sister-in-law Nancy Kaune of Seabrook, TX.  She was predeceased by her husband Amos Kaune in 2012 and three sisters.

In lieu of flower, donations in Patricia's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 425 Eagle Rock Ave Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068.  http://www.alz.or

Martin F. Sheridan, age 80 of Toms River, NJ, and formerly of Wayne, NJ and Norwalk, CT, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife and devoted children.

Marty was born in 1942 to Mike and Madelyn Sheridan of Jersey City, NJ. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his father, a Jersey City policeman, alongside his brothers Mike and Danny. Marty recalled his youth fondly and loved to share stories from his childhood and college days. He attended St. Michael’s High School in Union City where he met his high school sweetheart Bonni. Marty, named after his Olympic Gold Medalist uncle Martin J. Sheridan, was a star athlete whose passion and skill in football earned him a scholarship to Upsala College where he received a degree in Chemistry. After graduation, Marty and Bonni were married on October 3, 1964 at St. Paul’s Church in Princeton, NJ. They have loved each other very much and enjoyed a truly good life during their fifty-eight years of marriage. Marty began his career at Uniroyal where he proved himself and made lifelong friends. During his successful career, he also worked for Raybestos, Star Glo Rubber Manufacturing, Becton Dickinson, Ames Manufacturing, and R.T. Vanderbilt. He was very technically savvy with an expert knowledge of the rubber industry. He also contributed a great deal to the 14th Edition of the Vanderbilt Rubber Handbook before retiring to Toms River, NJ about ten years ago. After residing a few years in Wallington, NJ, he and his wife moved to their first home in Wayne, NJ where they raised their three children. Here he enjoyed playing in a local softball league, coaching basketball, and volunteering his time to the community. Marty and Bonni always made sure that their door and table were open to old and new friends alike, they created a home where all were welcome. He always believed the life worth living was the life that gave.

He was known by many names over the years. To his cousins and childhood friends, Butch. As a friend and husband, Marty. Then Dad, Uncle Marty, Grandpa, and his favorite Grandpa Gorilla. He always looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved spending time with all of them, watching their sports, school events, theatre and dance performances, and more. He was so very proud of each of them and loved them very much. Marty was also an avid reader and movie fan, and he loved to play golf. He was always willing to share his knowledge and wisdom, and was often found imparting life-lessons to his kids and grandkids and others. Marty also enjoyed spending summers with his family at Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore. His memory will be treasured by his family and friends for many years to come. Marty is survived by his beloved wife, Bonni (Kathleen Sheridan) and their three children; Marty Sheridan and his wife Robin and their children Sam, Jake and Emma; Sue Corb and her husband Kevin and their children Maddie, Shannon and David; and Kara Keene and her husband Ben. Marty was predeceased by his three siblings: Margaret Kirk, Daniel Sheridan, and Michael Sheridan.

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

Theresa Joan Giordano (Messineo), age 93, of Bloomingdale and formerly of Pompton Lakes and Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, January 10, 2023.

Born in New York City, Theresa was the oldest of parents Frank and Rose (Rigano) Messineo’s three children and was raised in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, New York, She eventually moved to Passaic and Fair Lawn, NJ. After graduating from high school, she worked as a telephone switchboard operator. If you close your eyes and think back, you could almost hear her greeting someone who dialed “O”…..”Operator, what’s the number?”

In 1948, Theresa married Anthony “Tony” Giordano and they moved to 21 East Sixth Street in Clifton. There, they were blessed with their first three children: Joanne, Patty, and Debbie. With three kids, that house got too small so the moved to 160 Washington Avenue in Clifton. There, they caught lightning in a bottle when “Baby Susan” was born.

With four little ones, Theresa dedicated herself to being a full-time homemaker and mother to her children. Who could ask for a better mom than Theresa? She poured herself into her children’s lives, volunteering as a member of the school PTA and attending all of their school events and milestone moments. She was a fantastic baker and her children were the lucky recipients of all her delicious treats. Theresa could often be seen in the kitchen with her daughters by her side. They in turn became skilled bakers who passed it on to their children.

When her children reached an age of relative independence, Theresa returned to the workplace where she worked as a school’s switchboard operator. She later moved to Florida and worked in sales.

In the 1980’s, Theresa met The Lord Jesus Christ when her daughter invited her to a church in Clifton. She soon grew in her newfound faith and her walk with the Lord lead her to Calvary Temple in Wayne. She was even there for the groundbreaking of the church’s new location on Preakness Ave. Throughout the years Theresa loved the Sunday worship services, the music that energized her soul and drew her closer to God’s side through praise and encouragement, the life-giving messages from Pastor Fogel, and the sisters and brothers in the Lord whom she attended with. She volunteered in many capacities at Calvary and one of the all-time highlights of her life was getting to take a trip to the Holy Land.

As a young woman, Theresa enjoyed bowling and she also loved to dance. She even took lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. When Christ came into her heart, she developed a habit of reading His word, the Holy Bible regularly. It became one of her favorite pastimes. Her other favorite activity was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was the most fun grandmother a kid could hope for and she loved to spoil them with little gifts that she’d get for them from The Dollar Store. Theresa's grandchildren affectionately referred to her as “Grandma with the orange hair” and some of them thought she lived on an airplane because she went to Florida so much.

Theresa would be the first to admit that her life was not always easy. That’s probably why one of her favorite readings from the Bible was Psalm 23. Today her family mourns her passing but they are grateful to God for her life and they are happy the words of Psalm 23 verse 6 are now a realized reality for her.

Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Theresa was the most loving mother of: Joanne Martino (predeceased in 2009) and her husband Ray of Hewitt, Patty Sudol (predeceased in 2021) and her husband Ronnie of Toms River, Debra DiGiorgio and husband Lex of Wayne, and Susan Lopez and her husband Ray of Pompton Lakes; adoring grandmother of: Michele Martino (predeceased in 2017), Roseanne Gonzalez and husband Jayson, Tina Martino, Ron Sudol, Jr. and wife Nicole, Gina Lopez and her partner Bob, Chris Lopez and wife Kate, Marissa Buklad and husband Corey, Joey DiGiorgio, and Anthony DiGiorgio (predeceased in 2020); cherished great-grandmother of: Carissa, Hayley, Joseph aka “J.J.”, Roman, Raylen, Emma, Ethan, Nora, Mason, and Noah; dear sister of Frank Messineo and wife Julie of Lacy Township, and Georgia Allen of Punta Gorda, Florida; and dear aunt of her nieces and nephews. Theresa was also predeceased by her former husband Anthony in 2016.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Theresa’s name are asked to consider donations to one of the following worthy organizations:

Health Center at Bloomingdale
Attention:  Recreation Committee
255 Union Avenue
Bloomingdale, NJ 07403

Calvary Temple
1111 Preakness Avenue
Wayne, NJ 07470

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Angelo D. Cirelli, age 83, of Pompton Lakes, NJ.  Angelo passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Angelo was born in Jersey City, NJ and was the older of two children to Americo and Irene Cirelli.  He grew up in North Bergen, NJ and as a young boy he was always involved in several different sports, however, baseball in particular was his favorite.  He attended St Peter’s Prep in Jersey City during his high school years but graduated from Cliffside High School in Cliffside Park, NJ.  While a student in high school, Angelo played basketball and baseball in school and on extracurricular affiliated teams. Following his graduation from high school with the class of 1956, Angelo worked with his father at the family business, a car lot in North Bergen, NJ.  Angelo felt it in his heart to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army.   Angelo was stationed in Kansas for a short time then was shipped out to Germany where he would spend the rest of his time in the armed forces.

Subsequent to his honorable discharge from the US Army, Angelo found work quickly as a truck driver.  He was working for a company called Rentex as a truck driver and he took notice of one of the secretaries there, a young attractive girl by the name of Betty Jane Youpatoff.  It was a snowy day in winter when Angelo noticed her walking home from the office.  What really caught his eye, and what provoked him to approach her was the manner in which she walked.  Angelo and Betty Jane hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and were married on April 22, 1972.  After getting married, the couple settled in Passaic for a short time. While Betty was pregnant with her son Angelo, they moved to Pompton Lakes where their son was born and have been there ever since.

Angelo continued his career as a truck driver working for Rentex, located in Passaic, and then Aramark and Hygiene Linen, both located in Newark, NJ where he was promoted to Route Manager until retiring in 2012.  Retirement was not in the cards for Angelo, so he took a position as a flower delivery driver with Perry’s Florist in Glen Rock, NJ.  Angelo eventually fully retired about five years later due to his health concerns.

In Angelo’s spare time he enjoyed playing golf in and around the Northern New Jersey area.  He also enjoyed dining out with his wife Betty, his brother-in-law Michael and his wife Terry.  He was an avid reader of books, especially spy and suspense novels.  He loved listening to music, particularly music of the big band era, as well as Frank Sinatra.  He also enjoyed watching gangster movies such as The Godfather, Casino, and Goodfellas, and as of late treasured completing his crossword puzzles. And he was a passionate sports fan, especially of the NY Yankees and NY Giants.

Those who knew Angelo were well aware that his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to him than providing for and spending time with his family.  Although Angelo could be stubborn and a little short tempered, he was a truly caring man and was loved by his family and friends alike.  He was outgoing, funny, and had an infectious personality that brought smiles to those around him.

Angelo will forever be remembered as a devoted father, husband, and brother, as well as a true patriot.  He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Angelo is survived by his four children: his daughters Liza Cirelli of Greer, SC, and Monique Meadows Auburn, AL, his sons Dennis Failla of Parsippany, NJ, and Angelo Cirelli of Pompton Lakes, NJ, his sister Cecelia Cirelli of Paramus, NJ, and his brother-in-law Michael Youpatoff of Toms River, NJ.  He was predeceased by his wife Betty Jane Cirelli in 2019, and by his parents Americo and Irene Cirelli.

Those planning to make a donation in Angelo’s name are asked to consider Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.  http://www.lovetotherescue.org

Vicki Paul VanZetta, 52, caring wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 10 at her home in Ringwood, NJ after a brave battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  She was surrounded by her husband, family and close friends.

Born May 3, 1970, from New Milford, NJ, Vicki was a kind and warm soul who made everyone feel like they were the most special person on earth.  Generous and thoughtful, beautiful inside and out, there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to help friends or family.

While attending New Milford High School, Vicki overcame cancer in her teens and was the star of her high school tennis team. She earned her degree in Recreational Therapy at Ithaca College and her master’s degree in Special Education.  In her professional life, for 30 years Vicki was dedicated to helping children with special needs, as an Early Intervention Specialist.  

In her personal life Vicki loved being with her husband, friends and family.  As an outdoor enthusiast, she spent her free time exploring the world through biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, and skiing.  You name it, Vicki did it.  Vicki also had an incredible sense of humor.  If you asked her, she would tell you she’s the funniest person she ever knew (and she’d be right!).  She just loved to laugh and joke and sing (usually Bruce Springsteen songs), and just enjoy life.  Vicki was an inspiration to everyone on how to live, love, and laugh. She left an imprint on everyone she touched, whether they met her for 5 minutes or knew her for 50 years.  She made everyone’s world a better place.

During her battle with ALS, Vicki was grateful to her devoted husband James who took care of her and stood by her 24/7.  She was so thankful to her huge circle of friends and loving family who were there to constantly lift her spirits, just as she had done for countless others throughout her life.  “Inspiration breeds inspiration and love breeds love.” She will be sorely missed by so many.

Vicki is survived by her husband James VanZetta, mother Joan Paul, brother Josh and his wife Melissa, sister Liz Branshaw and her husband Phil, nieces Carolina Paul Lastres, Sammi and Devorah Branshaw, many dear friends, and her beloved cats Bob and Marley.  She was preceded in death by her father, David Paul.

In lieu of flowers or other condolence items, donations in Vicki’s name can be made to The ALS Association (www.als.org) , Bridging Voice (www.bridgingvoice.org) or Hark-ALS (www.hark-als.org).

James “Chippy” Sorce passed away peacefully at home with his family at his bedside on Sunday, January 8, 2023.  He was 94 years old. He was born in Garfield, the son of Paul and Vincenza Sorce. Chippy graduated from Garfield High School.  His father had passed away when he was just one year old, and he worked any chance he got to help his mom as she was widowed and raising seven children.

Chippy was in the US Army and served his country proudly. He was a Korean War veteran with the First Cavalry Division. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars for valor, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge before being honorably discharged in 1952.

Chippy married Joan Augustowski, who lived just a few blocks away in Garfield.  The two, with many others, always hung out at Babe’s Sweet Shop on Jewel Street in Garfield. When Chippy went into the Army he carried a photo of himself and Joan standing on a lakeside beach along Route 23.  They married on June 27, 1953 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Garfield and honeymooned at Brookdale on the Lake in Scotrun, Pennsylvania.  After starting out in Garfield they moved to Wayne in 1965. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of sixty-nine years that was blessed with one son James and a daughter Jacalyn and four grandchildren Ashley, Nicole, Gina, and James.

Chippy and Joan were parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne.

Chippy was owner of S&S Painters and Decorators in Wayne for 40 years.  He was a hard-working man that was dedicated to his family. He was always thinking and often quiet in that thought. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working outdoors – especially around the yard.

He and Joan were able to enjoy travel all over the world including: family vacations to Brookdale on the Lake in Scotrun, PA, Hawaii two times, Aruba, St Thomas, and Sanibel Island in Florida. For many years they also enjoyed the companionship of their English Setter-Collie mix Freckles, Frisky the cat, and a white outdoor bunny named Peter.

He was the loving husband of Joan for sixty-nine years; devoted father of James S. Sorce and his wife Patricia of Sparta, Jacalyn Sorce Potter and her husband Kenny of Oak Ridge; he was the cherished grandfather of Nicole Sorce, Gina Sorce, James Wamback and his fiancé Kaitlyn Wilson, and Ashley Wamback Lobban and her husband Robert; he was also predeceased by all his siblings: Samuel Sorce, Josephine Lech, Charles Sorce, Paul Sorce, Leonard Sorce, and Mary Darata.

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Marie Padula, (nee Trifari), age 91, a long-time resident of Wayne, NJ on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

Marie was born to Joseph and Natalina Trifari in Long Branch NJ, where her family lived until she was 11 years old.  Marie was the third oldest of 8 children.  She carried the happy memories of that childhood home in her heart all her life.  When life circumstances changed, the family moved to Paterson, NJ, where her mother’s extended family resided.  Marie settled into her new life with her sister and brothers, and proudly made the town her own, forming beautiful life- long friendships.  She graduated from Central High School and chaired the committees that planned every reunion for her class through the 65th year.

From her vast circle of Paterson friends, she met and married Michael Padula in 1952.  They eventually left the familiarity of Paterson when they moved with their two young daughter to Wayne, NJ in 1959.  However, she did not leave behind the early friendships she cultivated there.  New relationships also began with families in Lions Head Lake and all parts of Wayne.  Actually, she made friends wherever she was and in the true spirit of Marie, she sustained every one of those friendships throughout her entire life.

Marie was the parish secretary at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne while it was being established and during the early years.  She became a respected pillar of the parish and was once proud to serve as President of the Rosary Society.  She remained active in Amity and the Seniors Group and continued to be a faithful and giving parishioner.  Her Christian faith was evident in the way she lived her life.  She served those in need, and her benevolent generosity benefited many charitable organizations.  Once her grandchildren were grown, she became a nanny.  The three families she cared for over the years still hold a special place in their heart for her.

Marie’s outgoing personality, positive energy, sense of style, and devotion to her friends and family is legendary.  Words that many use to describe her are larger than life, immortal, the matriarch, a fashionista, glamorous, a class act, vivacious, and a force.  Yes, she was a force of life and love.  Any superlative would be befitting to describe Marie.

Marie was active her whole life.  She bowled back in the day and was an avid tennis player, belonging to many leagues.  She walked for miles every day well into her 80’s. She loved watching football and tennis.  She knew all the stats, and could call a penalty before the officials.  She frequented AC and was also a competent horse race handicapper.  Yes, she loved all games, including her weekly card games with her friends.  She was even playing gin rummy with Bill the night before she passed away.  She enjoyed NYC, Broadway, and music (especially Streisand).  She later supported local theater productions.

Marie loved to travel.  Along with her husband, she visited most islands; Paradise Island and Aruba being her favorites.  They spent their 25th Wedding Anniversary in Monaco.  She traveled throughout Europe, and later enjoyed “girl trips” with different groups of friends to all parts of the US.  She loved the monument parks, as well as the ocean and beaches.  She spent summers at the Jersey Shore.  Marie loved to cook, entertain and decorate her home for every holiday, up to and including this past Christmas.

Family was most important to Marie. Along with her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she adored her dozens of nieces and nephews and many godchildren who always included her in all of their important life events.  Her favorite night of the year was the Trifari Christmas Party, where she will be forever renowned and remembered for “The Scroll.” She has wonderful sisters-in-law, loving cousins, and cherished friends, with whom she enjoyed consistent kinship.  Her greatest sadness was the passing of her sister and five of her brothers, as well as many treasured friends.  Her husband of 62 years also predeceased her in 2016.

She will be missed by her loving family and friends as she was undeniably a special person who made everyone feel like they were the special one.  The world already feels less vibrant without her.

Marie is survived by her two loving daughters:  Janice Billera of Basking Ridge, and Roberta Enright of Totowa; three adored grandchildren:  William Enright and his wife Kristen, Michael Enright and his wife Mariel, and Michele Scasserra and her husband Michael; five precious great-grandchildren:  Mason, Ethan, Emilia, Calvin, and Elijah; and one brother Frank Trifari.

Leonard A. Agrusti of Wayne passed away Sunday, January 8th 2023 at age 80, with the comfort of family by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his sons, Paul (Evelyn) and Adam (Myung Hwa); his grandchildren, Leonard Carl (Stephanie), Thomas (Abby), Mary Lee, and Leonard Han; and 2 great-grandchildren, Weston and Owen.

Leonard, born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, was known for being the owner of the Colonial Grille and Chamberlain Shopping Center in Paterson. He went to St. Mary's Grammar School, followed by Oratory Prep School, and continued his education at Marquette University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he graduated with a Master's degree in pharmaceutics. After working in the industry such as owning A & A Drugs and as a pharmaceutical rep in NYC, he took over the Colonial Grille from his father, due to his father's health issues. Leonard sold the restaurant in 2001, going head first into numerous organizations to give back to the community.

Leonard served for the Rotary, Elks, Fidelians, as well as three First Aid Squads: Tri-borough, Passaic County Sheriff's, and Wayne. He was a Lifetime Member for the First Aid Squad with numerous awards and taught CPR, was Exalted Ruler of the Elks, President of the Fidelians, and Governor of District 7490 for the Rotary. He was proud to take on whatever responsibilities were needed, and was always the first to volunteer and step up to accomplish any goal or challenge placed before him. He even was the Cub Master of Paterson where his sons were Cub Scouts. He will be missed by the many lives he touched throughout the years, and leaves behind a lasting legacy, for which his family is very proud.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad would be greatly appreciated.

Alicia Waldeck, age 93, a long-time resident of Montville and most recently of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

Alicia was born in Monaville, West Virginia, a genuine coal miner’s daughter. Along with her sister Dolores and brother Joe, Alicia was raised in Monaville by her parents Joseph and Dolores (Carrizo) Lozano, who were both originally from Bacares, Spain. The family then moved to Newark, NJ where Alicia graduated from high school.

As a young woman Alicia enjoyed frequent travel. Her travels included ski vacations out west and trips to Spain with her sister and close family. One time, the ski club she belonged to combined with another ski club for a trip to Europe. During that trip, Alicia met Bob who was blessed with an outgoing personality, a great sense of humor, and an inner kindness that was apparent to her in no time. They skied together in Europe and quickly fell for each other. They married on Saturday, November 21, 1959.

After their marriage, Alicia and Bob’s first home as husband and wife was in Bob’s two-hundred-year-old family homestead which stood in the vicinity of what was then known as the infamous “Killer Bend” of Route 23 in Wayne.  Bob and his father built Alicia’s dream home in Montville where they moved their family to in 1966. Alicia lived in Montville until just eight months ago when she moved to the newly constructed Brightview Gardens in Wayne.

Alicia was the classic homemaker who provided a clean home filled with warmth and love where the togetherness of family was always valued. She was ever present at her children’s school functions and milestone moments. Her Sunday family dinners were always delicious and never missed. During the holidays she was famous for her apple and pumpkin pies.

When their children were still very young, Alicia and Bob, along with her sister Dolores, managed to find the money to purchase an A frame chalet in Stockbridge, Vermont. The cost of the house at the time was a mere eight-thousand dollars. Every summer, the family vacationed there, and every winter, they would ski together on the slopes of nearby Pico Mountain Ski Resort.  

Alicia eventually returned to the workplace in various administrative jobs, the most recent being with Goulds Pumps in Fairfield. Along with retirement came the blessing of two grandsons, Bobby and Christian. Alicia and Bob thoroughly enjoyed spending their well-deserved leisure time with the boys. They took regular trips to their house in Long Valley and never missed any of their sporting events, concerts, or any other school activity. One of their greatest joys was taking them skiing which Alicia did until she was seventy. They could not have been more proud of those boys!

Alicia along with her husband Bob and family experienced tragedy several times in their life journey. They lost a beautiful daughter Laura Waldeck at age five to cancer and then in 1985 their son Robert was killed in an auto accident at age 19. The loss of her children had a profound effect upon their lives, causing many hard days. But through those hard days, it was the love and support of strong family ties that helped pull them through. Despite the pain of loss, Alicia was able to experience a sense of gratefulness for the blessings in her life.

Surviving to mourn her passing are her two loving daughters: Karen Lutz and her husband Walter Lutz of Springfield, and Roberta Diaz and her husband John Diaz of Caldwell; two adored grandchildren: Bobby Diaz and Christian Diaz, and nieces Lisa Smith and Sandra Massarano.  Alicia was the beloved wife of Robert “Bob” Waldeck, blessed in a loving marriage for 50 years until his passing on March 24, 2010; and the dear sister of Dolores Lozano, her brother Joseph Lozano and his wife Mary who all predeceased her.  

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

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

Attn: Development Dept.

425 Eagle Rock Avenue, #203

Roseland, NJ 07068

Please make your check payable to Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Marie Alloway, (nee Young), age 92, of Wayne, NJ.  Ruth passed away peacefully on Friday, January 6, 2023 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Ruth was born in Jersey City, NJ and was the only child of Naomi and George Young.  She grew up in the Pacakanck Lake.  Following her graduation from high school, Ruth attended Grove City College where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Mathematics.  She later attended Jersey City State Teachers College where she earned her Teacher’s Certification.  Later she earned her Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist at Kean College.

Following her education and certification as a teacher, Ruth found work quickly at Preakness School in Wayne where she taught fourth grade students.  Ruth taught there for about four years then took a position as a Reading Specialist in Woodbridge, NJ.  Ruth then accepted another teaching position at Colonel White High School in Dayton Ohio from.  Ruth moved back to New Jersey and took a position as a teacher in Passaic County Technical Vocational School in Wayne. During that time she also held a position as an Adjunct Math Professor in Paterson University of New Jersey.  Ruth’s career as a Teacher spanned forty-five years until her retirement in 1995.  During that time, she touched the lives of countless children and students of all ages.

Ruth was past president of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority at Grove City College in PA while a student there. She was also past president of Colonia Branch American Association of University Women, as well as past president of Avenal Junior High School PTA. She was a member of Packanack Lake Community Church, and a member of YM-YWHA.  She was a longtime member of the Pines Lake Seniors in Wayne, as well as a member of Wayne Adult Community Center in Wayne NJ.  She was also a member of Mountain Squares and Lakeland Square Dance Club.

One of Ruth’s most cherished past times was travel.  Ruth traveled throughout the world and her destinations included Norway, Singapore, Portugal, Sweden, Malaysia, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, France, Switzerland, England, Germany, China, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Austria, Uruguay, New Zealand, Fiji, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Canada, Mexico, Hungary, Kenya, Egypt, Iceland, Caribbean Islands, and the Netherlands.  She was truly dedicated to her Christian Faith and was a devoted member of United Methodist Church in Wayne for many years.  It was clear to everyone that knew Ruth that her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Ruth than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Ruth was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sincerely missed by all that knew her.  She will be forever remembered as a devoted teacher and a loving and caring mother and grandmother.

Ruth is survived by her children, her son Dr. James A. Alloway and his wife Janet, two daughters; Reverend Lynn Alloway, and Ruth Ann Rushe and her husband Dr. Todd Rushe, and six grandchildren; Christian Alloway, Alexis Alloway, Sandie Alloway, Aubrey Rushe, Eric Rushe, and Shelby Rushe.  She was predeceased by her parents George and Naomi Young.

Christopher “Chris” J. Brozuski, age 67 of Oak Ridge, passed Friday, January 6, 2023.

He was born to the late Charles and Victoria Brozuski in Denville, New Jersey.  He was raised in the White Meadow Lake section of Rockaway Township and graduated from Morris Hills High School with the Class of 1974.  During his high school years Chris played trumpet with the high school’s band and marching band.  He continued his education at the RETS Institute in Nutley where he received his Associates Degree as a Certified Electronics Technician.

As a young man he was a paperboy in White Meadow Lake where he would eventually work in the maintenance department of the lake.  He also worked at the ShopRite in Rockaway’s produce department during high school and while attending RETS. His degree as a Certified Electronics Technician would take him to the Casio Corporation in Parsippany, Bell Labs in Whippany and as an independent contractor for a time.  Over the last fifteen years he has worked as a Technology Coordinator for several school districts including Metuchen, Morris Plains, and through 2022 he worked with the Wharton Borough School District.

Chris met Cindy Vergano on a blind date on November 22, 1980 at a dance club in Andover.  He proposed marriage after one month of dating and Cindy said she was not ready.  It took three and a half years for Cindy to wrap her mind around marriage and they tied the knot on June 10, 1984 at Our Lady of Consolation Church, Wayne and enjoyed a honeymoon in Key West, Florida.  Their marriage was blessed with a son Greg, and they enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of thirty-eight years.

Chris will be lovingly remembered for his ability to fix just about anything.  He was like the Energizer Bunny paired with the all-knowing skills and ability of the famous television personality MacGyver. He had every imaginable tool and always had a couple projects going on at the same time. Chris took over the basement and claimed it as his workshop. Those who knew him will recall he didn’t like the cold weather, was annoyed by the Fall and its leaves, and was not a fan of Winter. He enjoyed family trips to Wildwood, Ocean City Maryland and wanted to buy a boat until Cindy put a stop to that. He loved watching the winter and summer Olympics and was a huge Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers fan.  He also shocked his family by buying a full size backhoe on eBay and when he expressed in interest in getting another back hoe Cindy had to put a stop to that just like the boat.

Chris was the loving husband of Cindy Vergano Brozuski; he was the devoted father of Greg Brozuski and his fiancé Keira Logue of Eastampton, NJ; he was the loved brother of the late Valerie Casey and her surviving husband Bernard of Holly Springs, GA, Charles and his fiancé Trish Rogalsky of Lake Hopatcong, and Michelle Lazzari of Freeport, NY; loved father-in-law Dino Vergano and late mother-in-law Dolores of Wayne: loved brother-in-law of Chris Vergano and his wife Deneen of Wayne; and dearly loved uncle of many nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by his Beagle-Pointer mix dogs Gremlin and Guava.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Lung Association www.lung.org would be greatly appreciated.

Doctor Stuart B. From, Chief of Allergy and Immunology at Englewood Hospital and owner of his own practice Englewood Allergy Associates, both for almost thirty years, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was 68.

Born and raised in Bronx, NY, he was currently a resident of Park Ridge.

Doctor From was predeceased by his parents David and Annette (Ravett) From. He was the loving father of Emma From and Molly From, both of Westwood; dear brother of Dr. Robert From of New York City; and dear uncle of Neal, Jeffrey and Daniela. He is also survived by his former wife Janet, many cousins, friends, colleagues and patients.

Dr. From was a child prodigy who skipped both the third and eighth grade and graduated from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan in 1970 at the age of sixteen. After earning his B.A. in Physical and Biological Anthropology from Brooklyn College he attended the University of Colorado Boulder where he earned his B.S. in Science and Biology while becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). From there, Dr. From attended St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. In 1979, while there, the Grenada Revolution took place and, as a consequence, Dr. From and his entire class were emergency evacuated and returned to the states. Shortly thereafter his whole class had the privilege of meeting President Ronald Reagan at the White House. Dr. From continued with his medical studies at New York Medical College where he received his M.D. After serving a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx he received a fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Eventually Dr. From landed his allergy practice in Englewood where he always went the extra mile for his patients.

Stu was a man with an endless appetite for living life to the fullest. He loved food – both enjoying a nice night out for dinner and staying home to cook. No one made better ribs than Stu. No one! He loved to go fishing, especially in Sheep’s Head Bay, down the shore at LBI and in the Florida Keys. He could also be found skiing on the slopes at Mount Snow in Vermont, in Boulder Colorado, in New York at Windham Mountain, in Chamonix France, Bormio Italy – the French and Italian Alps. Stu played tennis, went cycling and spinning and played paintball. When it was time to sit still, he loved a good game of Scrabble or Pictionary (although he hated losing which he did frequently), listening to jazz or rock music (he actually went to a Jimmy Hendricks concert one week before Jimmy died), and dabbling in photography. As a youngster he enjoyed summer camp with his friends and being a part of Glee Club.

Stu will always be appreciated for his dedication to his profession – especially his patients. His daughters Emma and Molly will remember buying cool ties and Green Polo cologne for him, and he will be remembered for his overuse of the words “knucklehead” (to those he loved or thought funny) and “marvelous” which he pronounced “maaaaavelous”.      

If you would like to reach out to Stu’s family with words of love and encouragement, you are invited to send a message to CelebrateStu@gmail.com.

David “Dave” Sean McFadden, age 60, of Pines Lake in Wayne, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Cynthia, and loving daughter, Mallory of Wayne, NJ; by his mother Joan McFadden of Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains, NJ, and his sister Jody Lyons and husband Stephen Lyons of Wayne, NJ. He was a dear uncle to Chase and Shannon Lyons of Wayne, and Natalie and Mckenzie McFadden of Kinnelon, NJ. Dave is predeceased by his beloved father, Harold A. “Mickey” McFadden (d. 2016) and dear brother Henry H.A. “Mickey” McFadden (d. 2021).

Born in Passaic, NJ, to Joan (Crowley) McFadden and Harold A. “Mickey” McFadden, the family soon built a new home in the beautiful Pines Lake community in Wayne, where David and his own family continued to reside throughout his life. A Wayne Hills High School Class of 1981 graduate, Dave soon joined his family’s well-loved establishment, McFadden’s Pub, in Haledon, NJ. He continued on to build a career as a letter carrier for the Oakland Post Office, which combined both his love of the outdoors and his joy for connecting with the local community in a very meaningful way. He retired in 2012.

An inquisitive and active young man, Dave’s youth and teenage years rarely found him indoors—except to teach himself chess, master the latest video or pinball game, or tend to his many pets. Rather, he’d be found fishing, biking, exploring the Glen, or joining his friends in every sport from tennis to basketball, baseball and skiing. Dave’s years at McFadden’s Pub allowed him to cultivate his culinary skills, where he became an excellent cook. His family and friends had the longtime privilege of being the willing recipients of his delicious creations.

Like his father and brother before him, Dave’s larger-than-life personality, conversational ease, and sharp sense of humor will always be remembered. There wasn’t a discussion he couldn’t contribute to or a subject he didn’t know something about, and his observational bits of wisdom will keep us laughing for years to come. His exuberance for, and love of, alternative music was legendary, earning him the nickname “New wave Dave.” And there wasn’t a collectible he didn’t try to collect, finding purpose and meaning in so many objects and everyday things. Yet through the vivaciousness, Dave was a gentle and sensitive artist, one who enjoyed painting landscape scenes on tiles, left out in nature to be discovered by his Pines Lake community: he wanted no accolades, just to inspire. The beauty and solitude of lake fishing predominated his life, and in his older years proved to be the one place Dave could surely be found. This unique, personable, creative, and interesting soul will be deeply missed; and as he taught us all, may he be ringing Heaven’s doorbell with his elbows.

As per Dave’s wishes, the family will not be hosting a memorial service at this time, but invite you to share your memories and messages in the guest book.

Dave’s love for fishing extended to teaching Pines Lake youth the principles of the sport. If desired, a donation can be made in his honor to The Ike Foundation, an NJ-based non-profit organization providing underrepresented youth with fishing lessons and gear. Thank you!

Www.theikefoundation.org

Carmen J. Castellano, age 94, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Carmen was born in Newark, NJ, the oldest of Alex and Josephine (Cordasco) Castellano’s three children. He grew up in Newark and worked for his father as a butcher from grade school through college.

After graduating from Upsala College in Newark, Carmen taught History for a brief time before joining Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G). He worked for the utility for 37 years serving in various roles in customer operations and human resources. In 1988, he retired as a Retirement Planning Coordinator. During his years with PSE&G, Carmen also worked several part-time jobs in a variety of different industries including furniture sales, appliance sales, and even cemetery monument sales. Carmen’s greatest key to success was his ability to take his time to get to know everyone whom he worked with. He truly cared about people and always wanted the best for them.

One night at a church dance in Newark, Carmen met a lovely young woman named Mafalda DiCocco. With his big smile and natural warmth and charm, Carmen quickly captured Mafalda’s heart, and soon they were steadily dating. They quickly fell in love and married on April 24, 1949 at a Catholic church in Newark. After the wedding, they made a cold water flat in Newark their first home as husband and wife. While living there, they were blessed with their firstborn, their son Alex. Soon after, they moved to a new apartment in Belleville. This one had hot water, which made everyone a bit happier. While living there, baby Alex was joined by a new baby brother named Raymond. When that apartment started feeling too small, Carmen, Mafalda, Alex and Ray loaded the moving truck once more, this time en route to their new home across town. With each new residence came a new baby and this time was no exception as baby Diane was born. In this house in Belleville, Carmen and Mafalda raised their family from the early 1960’s until 1988 when they moved to the Packanack Woods section of Packanack Lake in Wayne. After retirement, Carmen and Mafalda started a new chapter in their lives in a retirement community in Lakewood, NJ and most recently, they had moved back to Wayne where Carmen was presently living.  

Carmen enjoyed many different amusements. As a middle-aged man, he enjoyed bowling, playing poker, and going to Atlantic City with his father and brother. Later in life, he enjoyed watching old movies on the Turner Classics channel and listening to big band music. Carmen was smart! He loved investing and talking about stocks. If you asked him the secret to his success, he would advise you to invest in companies that paid dividends and reinvest the dividends. He also believed that, no matter how good a stock looked, at the end of the day, in your heart of hearts, you had to feel confident about the company's product.

Even with all his interests, hands down, Carmen’s greatest love was for his family. He would be the first to tell you that credit for his great life went to three generations of women who always spoiled him– his mother Josephine, his wife Mafalda and his daughter Diane. He was very spry and attributed his good health and longevity to a healthy diet consisting of foods like fresh salmon and lots of fruits and vegetables (well-cooked with no salt). Carmen was rightly convinced that there was no restaurant in the world that could hold a candle to his wife’s genuine, Italian cooking. His sons and daughters and their spouses were his pride and joy, and his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He loved spending time with all of them and was always up for a good conversation or a political debate. Mafalda was Carmen’s forever sweetheart and together they enjoyed a happy marriage that lasted 73 years.  

Three of Carmen’s greatest qualities were his contagious smile, his natural sociable nature, and his sincere sense of compassion. Carmen was one of those guys who could make friends with a perfect stranger in just a matter of minutes. His smile made him approachable and, after he’d ask you a few questions you couldn’t help but feel drawn to his warmth and friendliness. Still driving at age 94, Carmen visited the Trader Joe’s store in Wayne at least once and sometimes twice a day. He knew all the employees. He was so well-loved at Trader Joe’s that when they’d offer free samples of coffee, they’d give Carmen a regular-sized cup and sometimes even something sweet to go with it.

Carmen was the beloved husband of Mafalda (DiCocco). He was the loving father of Alex and wife Nancy Castellano and cherished grandfather of their son Mark and daughter Laura and husband Nicholas Stong and adoring great-grandfather of their son Dylan; loving father of Raymond and wife Maryellen Castellano and cherished grandfather of their son Steven Castellano; loving father of Diane and husband Alfred Ascione and cherished grandfather of their daughter Nicole and husband Christopher Diaz, and Kristen Ascione; and dear brother of Ralph Castellano and Marie Ferriero.  

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

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

Attn: Development Dept.

425 Eagle Rock Avenue, #203

Roseland, NJ 07068

Please make your check payable to Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

Frank Giordano, age 86, of Hillsborough and formerly of Little Ferry and Wayne, NJ, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. He lived in Wayne for eleven years before moving to Hillsborough in 2022.

Frank was a truck driver, a Teamster, throughout his professional career. After retiring, he worked several days per week for Enterprise Rent-a-Car as a transport driver, moving cars between locations. This part time job got him out of the house, kept him out of trouble, and gave him the opportunity to make some good friends along the way. He worked well into his 80’s and appreciated the way his coworkers always looked out for him.

Frank spent his formative years in Lyndhurst, NJ. As a teenager, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He sailed to Cuba and travelled as far as Africa. He remained a very proud Navy veteran throughout his lifetime, speaking fondly of his time in the service. After returning home, he met Marilyn Lutz in a Jersey City bar. She was a knockout and Frank, always the ladies’ man, just had to meet her. He introduced himself and told her that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She replied by explaining she was taken and Frank said “I don’t care. I’d like to take you out anyway.” They were married not long thereafter and went on to raise a family of three children. Although their marriage was untraditional in many regards, they always remained a team, caring for one another until the very end. Sadly, Marilyn passed away in 2013. Frank was heartbroken and declared to his loved ones that he had truly lost his best friend.

Frank was an ‘easy-going’ man who never took life too seriously. He was happiest hanging out by the pool, working on his tan and always enjoyed a good meal. His family meant everything to him and he was always there to lend an ear. He was a great listener, often offering sage advice. Holidays celebrations were a favorite of his, as the large Giordano/Lutz family gatherings were always memorable. Dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends would crowd into their homes for some quality time, laughs, and great food. Though out his life, even through his very last days, Frank was a great story-teller, shocking his loved ones with his sharp memory of every minuet detail. He was very talkative and loved to socialize, making sure everyone he met smiled. He was an incredible man, loved by many, and will be missed by all.

Frank is survived by his three children; Frank and his wife Carol of Wayne NJ, Lynn Petner and her husband Jimmy of Hillsborough, NJ and Glenn of Howell, NJ, six grandchildren: Stefanie Crull (and husband Josh), Jessica Pagan (and husband Bryan), Butch Giordano (and fiancé Cassie Hart), Mikey Bonura, Gina Giordano and ‘Little G’ Giordano, and one great-grandchild; Brooklynn Crull. He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, in 2013.

Jeanette DeLillo, age 83, of Butler passed at home on January 3, 2023.

She was born in the family home at 114 Division Avenue in Garfield, NJ to Vincenzo and Vincenza Spoto.  Jeanette was raised in Garfield and graduated from Garfield High School.

In 1960, Jeanette met the love of her life Robert “Bob” “Butch” DeLillo.  They courted for about a year and married on April 8, 1961.  It is well known that he finally caught Jeanette who played hard to get.  They honeymooned in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  The only problem with the honeymoon was that they forgot to bring warm clothing and when the winter gave its last blast of snow that week, they nearly froze.  As things turned out, Bob and Jeanette had forty-nine years of a mutually fulfilling, loving marriage that was blessed by two children, Robert, Jr. and Jennifer, as well as eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Jeanette will be lovingly remembered as a kind, fun, warm, and welcoming person. She was the stereotypical Italian Grandmother who would greet everyone with a kiss and hug and soon start feeding them. She was a talented seamstress that would make beautiful curtains and matching dresses for her and her daughter, Jennifer; her artistic abilities extended into making all kinds of crafts. In addition, she was the business partner of her late husband for 27 years as they ran J.R.’s Wholesale Outlet in Paterson, NJ, managed by their son.  She was also a dedicated and devoted New York Yankee fan who would jump, clap, and yell at the television while watching games.

When it came to Sunday family dinners, she was the consummate Italian cook where the meal she prepared consisted of tons of hors d’oeuvres, main courses, and desserts. There were always leftovers to be taken home as Jeanette always overcooked. Her grandchildren will remember Cookie Weekend at Christmas time where they would all spend the weekend with Grandma and Papa making all sorts of cookies. Jeanette cared for her family both through her kitchen skills and as a caregiver to her parents, husband, brothers, and in-laws.  She truly looked for the good in others and helped others see that good as well.

Jeanette was the loving wife of the late Robert L. DeLillo, Sr. (d. 2010); she was the devoted mother of Bob DeLillo, Jr. and his wife Geralyn of West Milford, NJ and Jennifer Tempio and her husband Stephen of Kinnelon, NJ; she was the cherished grandmother of Jaclyn Torres (née DeLillo) and her husband Luis, the late Jillian DeLillo (d. 2013), Kristen DeLillo, Katelyn DeLillo and her fiancé Matt Rola, Bobby DeLillo III, Jennifer Fancera (née Tempio) and her husband Brett, Melissa Tempio and her partner Thomas Calcara, and Stephen Tempio and his partner Kayla Thiessen; dearly loved great-grandmother of Sophia Torres; loved sister of Sylvia Saccomondo and her husband Nick of Garfield and the late Russ Spoto, Vince Spoto and his wife Marion, Salvatore Spoto, and Joseph Spoto. Jeanette will also be dearly missed by her loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jeanette’s memory to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital STJUDE.ORG, The Shriners Hospital SHRINERSCHILDRENS.ORG or the CHD (Congenital Heart Defect) Coalition CHDCOALITION.ORG would be greatly appreciated.

Eulogy read at her service:

Everyone here knows that my grandma, Jeanette, had an incredible capacity for kindness, empathy, generosity, compassion, and love. Whenever we would visit her at her home or see her at a party, she was always happy to see us. She greeted all of her family and friends with so much warmth; it was infectious.

When people would meet her, even just once, they would instantly take a liking to her and comment on how sweet she was.

We were all lucky to have known her, but the luckiest people in this room are her grandchildren.

Jeanette was born to be a grandma; it was her calling. She and my grandfather constantly thought about their grandchildren and what they could do for them. When we would go to their house, Grandma would cook for us and give us sweets. When we were sick, my grandparents would visit with presents. When we graduated, Grandma beamed and brought us flowers. When we were going through rough times, she would give us advice and be a shoulder to cry on.

All of my memories of my grandma are precious, but I wanted to take a few moments to share with you just a few of the ones that stick out in my mind.

We used to have Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house. As a child, Sunday was my favorite day of the week. I loved going to Grandma and Papa’s house. When we arrived, the house was warm and filled with the aroma of fresh cooked sauce and meatballs. I would immediately be wrapped in an embrace from my grandparents, and my grandma would flit all over the kitchen, cooking a huge meal for her whole family.

As kids, my siblings, cousins, and I used to sleep over my grandparents’ house. I think most kids prefer to sleep over their friends’ houses, but not us. We loved sleeping at Grandma’s house. She would hang out with us and listen to everything that we had to say. In the mornings, she would make her traditional breakfast of french toast. She never got tired of having us there or making us food.

In the summers, my siblings and I would go to their house for a nighttime swim with my grandfather. While in the pool, we would look at the planes overhead. Then, after a lot of swimming, we would sit on the deck, and Grandma would bring out cookies and lemonade. And the five of us would just talk and enjoy the evening.  

Once I got my driver’s license, I would drive to Grandma and Papa’s house all the time, just to hang out, talk, do the crossword puzzle with my grandfather, and enjoy their company.

When I was a kid, Grandma and I would talk about everything. I would tell her about school, friends, and TV shows, and she would tell me stories from her life. The older I got, the more our relationship evolved. As an adult, I would often spend evenings and weekends at her house. We would just sit and talk for hours about everything. She would often ask me for my advice or my perspective on things as well. She would say, “Well, Jennifer, you know you’re my confidante” and proceed to share an internal conflict, a decision she was struggling to make. I cherish those talks; they are my favorite memories. She was my best friend.

I am so lucky and so grateful to have had my grandma for 31 years. She was there to see me graduate college. She saw me learn how to cook and bake, get a job, and buy a house. She was there to see me marry my soulmate, just like she knew my grandfather was her soulmate.

I do want to touch on one more thing, which I think was my grandma’s strongest quality—forgiveness. I think nearly everyone in this room at one point in their life has asked my grandma to forgive them. I certainly have. Life happens. We get angry, we say things we regret, we make mistakes. But my grandma forgave you before you even realized you were wrong, before you apologized. She always saw the good in people, she was always able to consider perspectives other than her own. She knew there were two sides to every story. And she was always the first to admit she may have made a mistake.

Take a moment to imagine what the world would be like if we were all like Grandma, if we could all stop and consider someone else’s perspective, if we could forgive so easily, and move on.

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When my grandma got sick, she handled her decline with the most grace and strength that I have ever seen. At one point, when she was in the hospital, she said to me, “What would I do without you, Jennifer?” But all I could think was, “What will I do without you, Grandma?”

Being your granddaughter is the most special gift that life has given me. I already miss you terribly, but I am so thankful for the time that we had, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to be as good of a person as you were.

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MOM’S EULOGY

I AM SO GRATEFUL TO GOD THAT HE GAVE ME SUCH WONDERFUL PARENTS AND FAMILY.

MOM, YOU HAVE BEEN MY BEST FRIEND AND CONFIDANT MY WHOLE LIFE. THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO HAVE COMPASSION, EMPATHY AND TO ALWAYS SEE THE GOOD IN PEOPLE. I NEVER HEARD YOU SAY NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT ANYONE, YOU WOULD ALWAYS POINT OUT SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT A PERSON. YOU WERE LOVED BY EVERYONE, FORMED FAST FRIENDSHIPS WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS BECAUSE PEOPLE COULD SEE HOW GENUINE OF A PERSON YOU WERE.

MOM, YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME AND I NOW KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN FROM HEAVEN TO WATCH OVER ME.

TAKING CARE OF YOU WHEN YOU WERE SICK WAS MY HONOR AND PRIVILEGE AND I DID MY BEST TO BE STRONG IN FRONT OF YOU AND KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO MY HUSBAND STEPHEN, WHO WAS THERE FOR ME AND NEVER COMPLAINED THAT I WAS HARDLY HOME THE PAST FEW MONTHS.

JENNIFER, MELISSA AND STEPHEN, THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT WITH GRANDMA. I NEVER HAD TO ASK FOR YOU GIRLS TO COME AND WORK FROM HOME AT GRAMS HOUSE. STEVE, I ASKED YOU TO HOOK UP A GENERATOR BECAUSE OF POTENTIAL BAD WEATHER AND YOU MADE SURE IN BETWEEN YOUR BUSY WORK SCHEDULE THAT YOU DID IT FOR ME SO I WOULDN’T WORRY ABOUT GRAM LOSING POWER. THESE ARE JUST A FEW THINGS YOU DID FOR ME AND GRAM.

THANKS, TO MY BROTHER BOBBY WHO WAS THERE WITH ME FOR DR’S VISITS, DISCUSSIONS WITH MOMMY ON HER CARE AND STAYED WITH ME ONCE MOMMY WAS HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE WITH OUT ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT NOT ONLY WITH HELPING ME BUT EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ALSO.

THANK YOU AUNT SIV WHO HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME TO TALK TO ABOUT HOW I WAS TRYING TO COPE WITH EVERYTHING THAT WAS HAPPENING TO MOMMY.

THANKS TO DR. RAPPAPORT WHO HAS ALWAYS GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND TO TAKE CARE OF OUR FAMILY, AND MADE SURE I HAD HIS CELL PHONE TO CALL HIM AT ANY TIME, WHICH I DID SEVERAL TIME WHEN MOMMY CAME HOME. HE ALWAYS HAD COMPASSION AND EMPATHY WITH OUR FAMILY.

THANKS TO DR. BERNSTEIN WHO ALWAYS SHOWED COMPASSION AND EMPATHY TO MOMMY.

SO MOM, THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES THIS EASIER IS THAT YOU ARE NOW AT PEACE IN DADDIES ARMS.

TILL WE MEET AGAIN, I WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS,

JENNIFER

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Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Alex Fadynich, died peacefully at home, Tuesday, January 3, in Pines Lake, Wayne, NJ. He had just turned eighty-eight this past December 28, and was born in 1934, the son of the late Aleksey Fadynich and Stefanida (Noreiko) Fadynich, who both came to the United States from Russia.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Alex graduated from Lyndhurst High School, and attended night classes at Fairleigh Dickinson University. His career as a Marine Engineer spanned fifty years from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, to Hudson Engineering in Hoboken, to ownership of Sea Motive Inc. in Port Newark. He finished his career as a consultant for Bouygues Offshore in Paris, France. His expertise took him around the globe.

He was passionate about the Pines Lake community where he and Nancy resided since 1959, in the home they built. In 2004, he served as the first President Of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum, a non-profit member organization set up to manage and protect a 30-plus acre botanical oasis on the west side of the lake. He and Nancy volunteered there for many years. Laurelwood has been a huge part of their lives.

Alex had a great sense of humor, with a passion for sports, especially, as a lifelong suffering NY Giants fan. He also loved to create. Life was filled with home restoration, fishing, hunting, and hiking in the Adirondacks, where he and family members, Lelio and Peggy Passaglia shared the property.

But what was most important to Alex was his family. He cherished spending as much free time with his children and grandchildren as possible.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Kathrine (Scott) Fadynich, of Wayne; son Scott Alex Fadynich & wife Linda Chorney of Tucson, AZ; daughter Sandra Fadynich and husband Kurt Vonder Fecht of Wayne; and four grandchildren Chelsea, Devin, Alexsandra Novakoski of Wayne, and Hunter Fadynich residing in Arizona. He was predeceased by his Sister, Anna Seifert, of CO, who passed a week before Alex, at ninety-three.

Robert S. Sisti, age 95 of Wayne, died on Saturday, December 31, 2022. He grew up in Paterson, NJ but moved to Wayne in 1957 with his wife, Mary, and their infant son Robert and has lived there ever since. They happily grew their family adding their daughter Kathleen in 1958 and Noelle in 1967. Noelle, and her husband Jack became the homeowners of his residence in 2001 after he was widowed so he would not have to live alone.

Bob was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in Europe. At the conclusion of the war, he served on the Morgan Line in northern Italy in disputed territory along the Yugoslavian border. Having experienced Europe during the World War II era, he was profoundly grateful to be an American, proud of his time in the service, and he remained a loyal patriot throughout his lifetime.

After being discharged from the Army, Bob took advantage of the G.I. Bill and went to Oklahoma A&M College where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering. Licensed as an engineer in 1955 he was employed by Passaic County as the Assistant County Engineer for roughly 10 years. He then returned to the private sector as a Project Engineer for Goodkind & O’Dea where he performed various design and construction planning associated with road and bridge projects throughout the tri-state area. He retired in 1992 after

42 years of active employment.

In 1989, Bob lost his son, and in 2000, his beloved wife, Mary. In the years that followed, he found comfort in researching his family heritage, and it soon became a passion. A “paisan” and friend, Vince Stamboni, helped him trace his family line all the way back to the 1700’s. He enjoyed sharing all his discoveries with everyone. Raised by first-generation immigrants, he cherished his heritage but always maintained pride in being born in America- and appreciated all it had to offer.

Bob lived a devoted Catholic life and was a lifelong, active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Wayne. He was past president of the Parish Council of Men and co-chaired many communion breakfasts. He proudly ushered every 10:30 mass at I.H.M. for over fifty years and was an active member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society for over twenty-five years.

As an active member of the Eastside High School class reunion committee, Bob enjoyed organizing and attending class reunions faithfully throughout the years. With his passing, his daughters know of only two alumni remaining from the Eastside High School class of 1944. The three remained in contact right up to this years’ holiday season.

He was a huge YANKEES and NY GIANTS fan, he heartily enjoyed watching the games on TV…in early years he watched with his son-in-laws David and Jack, later adding his nephew Ryan, and in his last years he would watch Yankee games while on the phone with his younger brother, Frank and they would exchange commentary and yell at the TV as if they were right in the stadium!

Bob was an intelligent man, an avid reader and lover of crossword puzzles. He loved learning new things and when his granddaughter, Marielle began bringing home “new” math or science textbooks, he would steal them to read for pleasure!

He was huge fan of local diners and it was a Sunday ritual to treat his family for breakfast after 10:30 mass where they would share their stories of the week, have great laughs, and form the family bonds he so cherished.

He was generous and charitable and loved by many. From the waitresses where he ate, to the nurses who cared for him when he had hospital stays, to the home health aides at the end, ALL expressed that he was a kind, generous gentleman who was a pleasure to serve.

Bob lived his life with adoration of God, Family, and Country. A devoted Catholic, he read aloud his morning and nightly prayers to the very end, even after a stroke made speaking nearly impossible. His family was his greatest worldly priority, and he cherished each and every relationship he was blessed with. He greatly looked forward each year to a hosting the annual Sisti Family Christmas gathering on December 26th at home. It was nothing short of chaos, but he loved every minute of it!

Bob is survived by two daughters; Kathleen Fisher and her husband David of Albion, RI, and Noelle Bikoff and her husband Jack of Wayne, two grandchildren; Ryan Fisher and Marielle Bikoff, his brother, Frank Sisti of Randolph, and all his nieces and nephews whom he adored. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary (Sullivan) in 2000, by their son, Robert Sisti, Jr. in 1989, by his sister Josephine Chakiris in 1990, by his two brothers: Armand Sisti in 2010 and William Sisti in 2007, and by his nephews; Christopher Sullivan in (2018) and William Chakiris in 2021.

For those wishing to make a donation in Bob’s memory, please 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 announce the passing of Maureen Clegg (nee Mulligan), age 72, of Lincoln Park.  Maureen passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2022 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Maureen was born in West Orange and lived there for about a year in the barracks for American GI’s returning from war.  She was the younger of two daughters to Edward and Dorothy Mulligan.  When she was only about a year old, Maureen and her family moved to Wayne where she grew up and spent her formative years.  As a young lady, she attended DePaul high School in Wayne where she was a member of the Choir and Glee Club.

Following her graduation in 1968, she enrolled at the St Joseph’s School of Nursing in Paterson.  After three years, Maureen received her certification as a Registered Nurse.  She found employment quickly and accepted a position in the emergency room at St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.  She later worked in the Intensive Care Unit there as well as the same day surgery department.  She continued her passion for nursing at St Vincent’s Nursing Home in Montclair and later in Cedar Grove where she earned the title of Assistant Director of Nursing in 2006.  Maureen spent nearly thirty-five years at St Vincent’s and her career as a registered nurse spanned over forty-five years until her retirement in 2015.  She was truly well respected and loved by her peers and colleagues.

In 1969, Maureen was introduced to a handsome young man by the name of Steven Clegg.  Steven’s college roommate introduced the two and they went out on a blind date.  Maureen and Steven hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on November 6, 1971, they became husband and wife at Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church in Wayne.

The newlyweds first settled in Wayne for about four years then moved to Lincoln Park where they have been ever since.  After moving to Lincoln Park, Maureen and Steven welcomed the births of their three children, Steven, Kristin, and Kaitlyn.

Although Maureen was dedicated to her career as a nurse, she was truly devoted to her children.  For many years she was an active member and past president of the Lincoln Park PTA and later very active at DePaul High School and Morris Catholic High School while her children were students there.  It was truly apparent to everyone that knew Maureen that her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Maureen than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Her spare time was spent attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school plays, and sporting events.  She and her husband Steven cherished fifty-two years of a loving and loyal marriage.  Maureen was not only dedicated to her family, but she was also dedicated to her Catholic Faith.  She and her family were longtime parishioners of St Joseph’s RC Church in Lincoln Park and was also a Eucharistic Minister there.

Maureen was a wonderfully outgoing person who truly cared about the welfare of others.  Her dedication to her profession completely defined her as a person, she was always willing to put the needs of others before her own.  While a parishioner at St Joseph’s Church in Lincoln Park, she privately cared for the priest there who was diagnosed with cancer.  She was truly proud of her Irish heritage and was famous throughout her family for her cooking specialty, American Chop Suey.

Maureen was genuinely a special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be forever remembered as being dedicated to her profession, and as a devoted wife, mother, and “Nana”.

Maureen is survived by her husband Steven Clegg of Lincoln Park, NJ, one son Steven Clegg and his wife Dianna of Butler, NJ, two daughters; Kristin Bell and her husband Christopher of Pompton Plains, NJ, and Kaitlyn Clegg and her fiancé Jered Clifford of Stamford, CT, one sister Carol Corazza of Oak Ridge, NJ, four grandchildren; Braeden Bell, Logan Clegg, Andrew Bell, and Mason Clegg, one nephew Joseph Corazza and his wife Michelle, two grand nephews; Matthew Corazza, and Paul Corazza, and one grandniece Amelia Corazza.  She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Dorothy Mulligan, her nephew Matthew Corazza, her brother-in-law Joseph Corazza, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law Charles and Shirley Clegg.

Those planning to make a donation in Maureen’s name are asked to consider the American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Michael J Fox Foundation 469 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018 http://www.michaeljfox.org

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Joan Hadland (nee Barnett), age 89 of Kinnelon, died peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Born and raised in the Kings Highway section of Brooklyn, NY, Joan graduated from the James Madison High School with the class of 1951. Proud to have been among the top students in her class, she graduated as a member of ARISTA, the National Honor Society. Among her classmates, and a fellow ARISTA member, was Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Shortly after high school, a friend setup Joan on a blind date with Robert Thorne. Bob was in college at the time, home for the Christmas holiday, when they first met. Their romance blossomed and they began to make plans to get married. Bob was about to enter Officer training to become a U.S. Navy pilot and regulations forbid married men from such training. Nothing, not even the U.S. Navy, could stop them from getting married. Bob snuck off the Navy base one weekend, and they married on August 1st, 1953, at a small ceremony in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Somehow, Bob managed to keep that secret from the Navy throughout his training, and he soon earned his Navy wings. Joan was now an ‘officer’s wife,’ and Bob’s Navy assignments found them living in such places as Trinidad, Panama, and Ohio, before settling into their home in Kinnelon, NJ, in 1966. Sadly, in 1968, Bob was killed in a plane crash during Reserve training at the Navy base in Lakehurst, NJ, and Joan found herself widowed, with two children, at just thirty-four years old.

Several years later, she was setup on another blind date, this time with Harry Hadland, an assistant principal of Susan Wagner High School on Staten Island NY and principal of Washington Irving High School in NYC. A widower with four children of his own it was fate that brought the two together. The two fell in love immediately and were married three months later, on January 26, 1975. Their marriage was full of love and dedication to one another, and the two families blended just about as well as any Hallmark movie could have scripted. With Joan’s maternal instincts and Harry's paternal devotion, they were bound by a deep love for each other and their six children and seven grandchildren. After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, Harry passed away in 2000 and Joan was truly devastated, but the love of her large family was strong and she persevered through her grief.

In 2008, she met Andy Sventy of Denville and they went on to enjoy a loving companionship of nearly ten years before Andy died in 2019.

Throughout the years, Joan enjoyed traveling. In addition to having lived in a few foreign countries while Bob was in the Navy, she also visited London, Ireland, much of Europe, Puerto Rico, California several times, Seattle, Vancouver, and many more destinations. She was a bit of a ‘foody,’ and enjoyed eating out wherever she went. Understandably, Ireland was among her least favorite places to visit because, in her opinion, the food there was terrible! She was known to have ordered veal parmigiana in just about every restaurant she visited, even the finest ones, and if it wasn’t on the menu, she would ask the waiter if they could make it for her.

Joan was blessed with a natural beauty, and she was a very attractive woman. She always looked lovely, enjoyed dressing fashionably, with her hair and makeup done just right. Joan’s granddaughter recalls from her law induction ceremony that many of the 20-something year old men in her class commented on how “hot” her grandmother was!

Above all else, Joan adored her family. When grandchildren came onto the scene, she was there caring for them daily. Her grandchildren recall how much she loved music and loved to sing. They all have many fond memories with her to cherish throughout their lifetimes and they will all miss her dearly.

Joan is survived by her two children; Laura Trawinski and her husband Robert of Montville, NJ, and Robert Thorne and his wife Mohini of Edgewater, NJ, by Harry Hadland’s four children; Harry Hadland and his wife Leslie of Houston, Texas, David Hadland of Lexington, Kentucky, Karen Fleming and her husband Bruce of Sebastian, Florida, and Brenda Calderone and her husband Lewis of Brick, NJ, six grandchildren: Kathy Faehner and her husband Kyle of Mountain Lakes, NJ, Robert Trawinski and his fiancé Amanda Feeley of Morristown, NJ, Harrison Hadland and his wife Gina of Houston, Texas, Steven Stavros and his fiancé Raquelle Puglise of Brick, NJ, David Calderone of Brick, NJ and Ava Hadland of Washington, D.C., three great-grandchildren: Brendan, Avery Joan, and Fallon Faehner, all of Mountain Lakes, NJ. Joan was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Thorne (1968), her second husband, Harry Hadland (2000), and by her grandson, Christopher Calderone (2015).

Thomas A. Pini, age 79 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2022. He has lived in Wayne since 1979.

Tom grew up in Lyndhurst, NJ and graduated from Lyndhurst High School in 1961. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in graphic design and eventually owned his own printing company, Kingsland Printing, which was first located in Wallington and then West Paterson. Tom sold the business in 1997 and had been retired ever since.

Tom was a true “people person” and a gifted conversationalist. He could talk to anyone and everyone, and he did! He had a real talent for getting people to open up to him and he would often come away knowing intimate and personal details of strangers he had only just met. He had a genuine interest in getting to know people and he enjoyed making new friends wherever he went. In more recent years, he made a point of attending as many of his grandchildren’s activities as he could, and he became friends with all the other parents at each event. Tom was a devoted grandfather, and his favorite hobby was to be with his family. He went to all his grandchildren’s sporting events, school plays, and activities and cherished that time with them. He even treated them all to a few Disney vacations. He especially loved the holiday season and looked forward to having his family all gathered in his home. There are also many years of great memories shared at the Jersey Shore, where Tom and his wife had built a home in Ocean Beach Unit II and also cruised around on their boat. Ocean Beach was his happy place and his family will cherish the memories they each made there with him.

Tom has been married to his beloved wife Ellen (nee Baracca) for fifty-four years. They met in high school when they were just teenagers and they frequently hung out at Midler’s Candy Store on Ridge Road. They were married on June 15, 1968 at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst and after a honeymoon to Bermuda, they settled in Lyndhurst before moving to Wayne in 1979. Tom was always a very hard worker and did all he could to provide for his family. During his retirement years, he and Ellen enjoyed many long days together, especially at Ocean Beach. They’ve enjoyed all their years together and she will miss him dearly.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ellen, of Wayne, their three sons; Thomas Pini and his wife Paula of Butler, Chris Pini and his wife Allison of W. Caldwell, and Brian Pini and his wife Janet of Montville, five grandchildren; Nicole, Ryan, Landon, Elliott, and Evalee, one sister; Judy Hines of Boynton Beach, FL, and her two sons Jonathan and Steven.

In 2008, Tom received a kidney transplant, donated by none other than his own son. Through that experience, Tom and his family became enthusiastic supporters of organ donation, and more specifically of The NJ Sharing Network. Therefore, and in lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Sharing Network Foundation. You may donate online at www.sharingnetworkfoundation.org.

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Patsy T. Totaro, a life-long resident of Hoboken and a great American hero, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Thursday, December 29, 2022. He was 97.

Patsy was the youngest of John and Barbara (Bucessa) Totaro’s four children. He was born at home in Hoboken, delivered by a midwife who just happened to be Frank Sinatra’s grandmother. His parents officially named him Patrick Thomas Totaro but, as life went on, he became widely known as “Patsy” and “Skippy.”

After graduating from Stratton Military High School Patsy was called right into U.S. Army service during World War II. On June 6, 1944 more than 160,000 Allied troops invaded a 50-mile stretch of coastline in France to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy. Known as the D-Day invasion, Patsy was one of those soldiers who was there. As a paratrooper, he parachuted into enemy territory and bravely fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. During that battle, Patsy was one of only fourteen paratroopers that survived despite sustaining gun shot wounds while trying to save a fellow soldier. For his bravery and valor, Patsy was awarded the Purple Heart and was also awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

Patsy was the beloved husband of Margaret “Margie”. You could say that Patsy’s little dog, a Boston Terrier named Skippy, was the one who introduced Patsy to Margie. You see, Margie’s father owned a candy store in Hoboken called Fusco’s Candy Store and Patsy would often take his dog Skippy for walks right past that store. One day Skippy ran ahead of Patsy and headed right into the candy store. When Patsy caught up with his pooch he discovered that Skippy had found a new friend in Margie Fusco who was feeding Skippy chocolate treats. As the saying goes, the rest was history! They fell in love and got married at Saint Francis Church in Hoboken. After a reception at the Union Club, also in Hoboken, Patsy and Margie flew on a propeller airplane to Cuba for their honeymoon. During the course of almost 50 years of marriage until Margie’s passing in 1996, they always remained in Hoboken, first at 218 Eighth Street and later at 625 Madison Street. With the exception of the last four years when Patsy and his daughter Roseanne moved to Union City, Patsy had been a life-long resident of Hoboken.

After Patsy’s return from the war, he got a job with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Hoboken. He was one of those mailmen that you just came to love. Hard working and dependable and, being a native of the town where he delivered mail, Patsy knew everyone and everyone knew Patsy. He had an incredible work ethic and even took a job with the New York Times on their printing presses which he’d report to every day after completing his mail route. Patsy truly believed that providing for his family was one of his most important duties and he was proud to be able to help both of his daughters Patricia and Roseanne to pay for college in pursuit of their Masters’ degrees. In addition to giving time and energy to his family, Patsy also gave back to his community through the good work that he did as a member of the Knights of Columbus.  

In their times of leisure, Patsy and Margie enjoyed traveling and taking cruises. Their granddaughter Janenne, whom they both adored, got to go on lots of the trips with them. Patsy also loved spending time at their shore house right on Ocean Ave in Bradley Beach. The hours would just melt away as he sat on his deck, looking across the street to the ocean while enjoying a cigar. It became a familiar sight and a great memory for his family. Patsy just loved the ocean and, in addition to collecting Santa Clauses, he had an extensive light house collection. In later years, you could always catch Patsy sitting comfortably in front of the television watching a western on the Western Channel.

Patsy’s family is grateful for the many years they were blessed to have him in their lives. He was such a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. They couldn’t have asked for more. While they are sad about his passing, they will cherish the memories and are glad that he is once again reunited with his beautiful wife Margie.

Patsy was the beloved husband of Margaret “Margie” (Fusco), blessed in marriage for almost fifty years until her passing in 1996. He was the loving father of Patricia and husband Mario Brando of Wayne, and Roseanne Totaro of Union City; cherished grandfather of Janenne and husband Rich Eustic of Wayne; and adoring great-grandfather of: Alexandra, Aiden, and Jackson. He was also predeceased by his brothers John and Ralph Totaro, and his sister Phylis Rongo.

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

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vincent Fortunato, age 89, of Wayne, NJ.  Vinny passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Vinny was born and raised in the Bronx and was the younger of two sons to Nicholas and Anna Fortunato.  As a young man, he attended high school in the Bronx where he excelled in Track and Field.  Following his graduation from high school in 1951, Vinny found employment quickly with the Prudential Life Insurance company where he worked for about two years.

In 1953, he got the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army.  Vinny was stationed overseas in Korea during the Korean Conflict where he served as an Electrical Technician.  He served honorably in the US Army from 1953 until 1955.  During his service with the US Army, he received the Good Conduct Medal as well as the National Defense Service Medal.  Serving in the United States armed forces had a profound effect on Vinny’s life and would make him a lifelong devoted patriot.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Vinny honed and further developed his skills in electronics, by enrolling and obtaining a certificate in Television and General Electronics from the RCA Institute in New York City.  After obtaining his certificate from the RCA Institute, he again found employment quickly, this time at The Bendix Corporation in Teterboro, NJ.  During his employment, Bendix was acquired by Allied Signal, and eventually Honeywell.  Vinny’s career as an Electronics Technician spanned more that forty years until his retirement in 1995.  During his career, he was well loved and respected by his peers and his colleagues.  He was also active in the local union at the Bendix Corporation, regularly attending union meetings.

In 1972, while at a dance at the Crest Haven Dance Club in New Jersey, Vinny met an attractive young lady by the name of Anna Gentile.  After the dance, he gave Anna a call and asked her out to dinner.  They hit it off great and immediately started dating.  The couple dated for about three years and as fate would have it, they fell in love and became husband and wife on April 12, 1975.  The newlyweds settled in Yonkers and remained there for about twenty-five years.  During that time, they welcomed the birth of their one and only son, Matthew.

About five years after retiring, in 2000, Vinny and Anna moved to Wayne, NJ and have resided there ever since.  Throughout Vinny’s entire life, he was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan.  He was also a great admirer of “Joltin” Joe DiMaggio.  He liked keeping in shape throughout his life and enjoyed jogging around the local high school track as well as going on long walks with his wife.  He treasured yearly family vacations to a variety of destinations.  Vinny thoroughly enjoyed doing yard work and always had his front and back yards meticulously manicured.  He also enjoyed doing his daily jumble puzzles.

Vinny was generally a quiet and private man but also had the gift of captivating an audience with his way of telling a story.  It was clear to everyone that knew him that his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to him than spending time with his wife, son, grandson, and daughter-in-law.  He and his wife Anna cherished forty-seven years of a loving and loyal marriage.  Vinny was not only dedicated to his family but also to his Catholic Faith.  He and his family were parishioners of St John the Baptist Church while living in Yonkers, and are longtime parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne, NJ.

Vincent was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and father, as well as a true patriot.    

Vinny is survived by his wife Anna of Wayne, NJ, one son Matthew Fortunato and his wife Ginny, one grandson Luca, and three cousins; Jeanette Zahn of New Jersey, Ceil Greco of Connecticut, and Rosemary Rolosen of New Jersey.

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

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen M. Head (nee Amen), age 86, of Pompton Lakes.  Helen passed away peacefully on Friday December 23, 2022 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Helen was born and raised in New York City and was the youngest of six children to Paul and Josephine Amen.  Growing up in New York City as a young lady, Helen attended high school in East Harlem, NY.  Following high school, she worked for a few years until she met the love of her life, William Head, a New York City Police Officer.  Helen and William met at a church dance and hit it off great.  They immediately started dating and as fate would have it, they fell in love and became husband and wife when Helen was only twenty years old.

After getting married, the newlyweds settled in the Bronx and lived there for nearly thirty years when they then moved to Pompton Lakes in the mid 1980’s.  The couple remained in Pompton Lakes for the rest of their lives together.  While living in the Bronx, Helen and William welcomed their one and only child, William.  Helen made the decision to dedicate her life to being a homemaker following her marriage to William.  This was truly Helen’s calling and where she genuinely flourished.   Over the years, Helen developed her skills in the kitchen and blossomed into a wonderful cook.  She was famous throughout family and friends for her pasta and meatballs.  She was a devoted New York Yankees fan throughout her life and was a great admirer of “Joltin Joe” DiMaggio.

It was abundantly clear to everyone that knew Helen that her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Helen than providing for and spending time with her husband and son (as well as her treasured dog, Rosie).   She and her husband William cherished fifty years of loving and loyal marriage until William’s passing in January of 2008.  Helen was not only devoted to her family, but she was also dedicated to her Catholic Faith.  While residing in Pompton Lakes, she and her family were parishioners of St Mary’s RC Church for many years.

Helen was a funny and easygoing lady who took the time to truly listen to family and friends when they needed some to talk to.  She often gave those closest to her practical, profound, and logical advice.  Helen always had a way of looking at things in a positive manner and never “sweated the small stuff.”  She was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.

Helen will be forever remembered as a wonderfully funny person and a loving and devoted mother and wife.

Helen is survived by her son William Head of Pompton Lakes, NJ, one brother; Louis Amen of Williston Park, NY, five nieces; Susan Schlosberg and her husband John of Waiting River, NY, Karen O’Keefe of Franklin Lakes, NJ, Louann Georges and her husband Arty of Williston Park, NY, Roseann Amen Zameryka and her husband John of Williston Park, NY, and Dawn Wade of White Plains, NY, two nephews William Wade of Charlotte, NC, and Vincent Amen and his wife Priscilla of Henderson, NV.  She was predeceased by her husband William Head in 2008, and her siblings; “Anna Amen, Antoinette Jannetto, Vincent Amen, and Aurora Wade.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s name may be made St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 http://www.stjude.org

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Monte, age 87 of Wanaque.  Frank passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Frank was born and raised in North Bergen, NJ and was the only child to Joseph and Anna Monte. While growing up in North Bergen, Frank attended Dickinson High School in Jersey City where he was a member of the boys varsity gymnastics team.  Following his graduation from Dickinson High School in 1953 he found work quickly as a carpenter and cabinet maker.  He soon started his own business which he owned and operated for nearly ten years.

In 1963, Frank was offered a position at Emerson High School in Union City as an Industrial Arts teacher.  Because of his advanced and brilliant carpentry skills, the school offered him the position, and while working at Emerson High, Frank attended Kean University at night to earn his bachelor’s degree and teacher’s certification.  Frank’s career as an Industrial Arts Teacher spanned a period of thirty-five years until his retirement in 1998.

Following his retirement, Frank kept busy crafting interior woodwork and furniture for his home and the homes of his family members.  In his retirement he also took up oil painting and sketching.  As a young man when his children were younger, he loved to cook and make wine in his basement.  He enjoyed camping at the Jersey shore where he would also go fishing and crabbing with his sons Frank Jr and Vincent.  Throughout his entire life, Frank had a passion for cars and motorcycles.  Over they years he had restored and rebuilt many cars including a 1965 Mustang, 1955 Crown Victoria, and a 1960 Cadillac Convertible.

In 1991, Frank was introduced to the love of his life, Pamela Lombardi, by some mutual friends.  Frank and Pamela immediately hit it off and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on April 10, 1992, (Pamela’s birthday), they became husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in Woodland Park where they remained for the next twenty-two years.  In 2013 Frank and Pamela moved to Wanaque where they have been ever since.

Aside from all of Frank’s hobbies, talents, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Frank than providing for and spending time with his family.  He was a truly dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He and his wife Pamela cherished thirty years of loving and loyal marriage together.  On the outside Frank had a seemingly rough exterior, but those who got to know him best knew that he had a rather soft side to him.  Frank was kind, generous and a caring man who loved his family deeply.  Frank would often try to convince others, be it family or friends, that he was always right, and most often when he presented his argument or opinion, he almost always was right.  Not only was Frank dedicated to his family but he was also dedicated to his Catholic Faith.  Frank was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Frank will forever be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, a devoted father, a treasured grandfather, and a great grandfather.

Frank is survived by his wife Pamela (nee Lombardi) of Wanaque, his two sons, Frank Monte, Jr. and his wife Marisa of North Bergen, NJ, and Vincent Monte and his wife Christine of Edgewater, NJ, one step-son; Jeffrey Gallo and his wife Kim of Broomfield, CO, and one step-daughter Susan Rosario of Lincoln Park, NJ, eight grandchildren; Joseph Monte and his wife Sophia of Fairview, NJ, Francesca Monte of Guttenberg, NJ, Vincent Monte and his fiancé Francesca Cennerazzo of Fort Lee, NJ, Alexa Daibes and her husband Paul of Cliffside Park, NJ, Christian Rosario of Pompton Plains, NJ, Noah Rosario of Pompton Plains, NJ, Sydney Rosario of Pompton Plains, NJ, and Taylor Gallo of Broomfield, CO, and two great grandchildren Victoria Monte, and Vincenzo Monte.

In lieu of flowers, donation in Frank name may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 http://www.stjude.orgor Schriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607 http://www.lovetotherescue.org

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Zazzella (nee Soder), age 90, of Wayne.  She passed away peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Elizabeth was born in North Haledon and raised n Totowa, NJ.  She was one of four children to Alfred and Elizabeth Soder.  As a young woman she attended St Mary’s Catholic High School in Totowa and graduated with the class of 1950.  Following her graduation from high school, Elizabeth found work quickly in the office of William H Coleman Associates where she worked for several years.

While working with William H Coleman Associates, Elizabeth was introduced by some mutual friends to a handsome young World War II veteran by the name of Louis Zazzella.  Louis and Elizabeth hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and became husband and wife on January 26, 1952.  After getting married, the newlyweds settled in Pompton Lakes where they lived for several years. While living there, Elizabeth and Louis welcomed the birth of their first child, Michael.  As time went by, Louis and Elizabeth had a home built in Wayne where they have been ever since.  While residing in Wayne, the couple welcomed the birth of their second child, their daughter Linda.

After Elizabeth got married, she made the decision to become a full-time homemaker.  This was truly Elizabeth’s calling and where she genuinely flourished.  Elizabeth was a devoted wife and mother for the rest of here life.  She was a longtime member of the VFW in Bloomingdale and was an avid reader especially of novels, mystery, and fiction.  She loved shopping for clothes and cherished cooking, baking, and hosting parties and holidays in her home.  Throughout the years she hosted wonderfully traditional family Fourth of July parties.  Her absolute favorite time of the year was Christmas.  Every year the entire family would gather at Elizabeth’s home to celebrate Christmas and her son Michael’s birthday which was only two days later.  Family holidays and birthdays were never forgotten.  Everyone in Elizabeth’s family received holiday and birthday cards every year.

Elizabeth was not only dedicated to her family, but was also dedicated to her Catholic Faith.  She and her family were parishioners of St Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes and later parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation in Wayne for many years.  She also regularly donated to Eva’s Village in Paterson.

Elizabeth was a kind and loving person who never spoke an ill word about anyone. She had a wonderful outlook on life and could always find an upside to everyone and every situation.  She was often selfless and stopped whatever she was doing to help her friends and family.  She was the kind of person who could talk about anything to anyone and was always knowledgeable about current topics and events. Elizabeth could captivate an audience of any age with her ability to tell a story.  It was clear that Elizabeth’s greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Elizabeth that providing for and spending time with her family.  She was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew her. She and her husband Louis cherished an amazing seventy years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Elizabeth will forever be remembered as a loving wife, and a devoted mother, sister, and aunt.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Louis Zazzella of Wayne, her son Michael Zazzella and his wife Debra of Vernon, her daughter Linda Zazzella of Wayne, and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her two sisters; Eileen Henderson, and Doris Way, and her brother Fred Soder.

Those wishing to make a donation in Elizabeth’s name are asked to consider Eva’s Village, 393 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07501,  www.evasvillage.org

Charles F. Greenwald, age 66, of Wayne, NJ, passed away December 19, 2022, from battling Multiple Myeloma since 2017.  

Charles, known best as Chuck to family and friends, grew up in Shaler Township, Pennsylvania with his parents and four siblings, five if you count a lifelong friend.  Chuck went to college at Frostburg State College and earned a teaching degree in Health and Physical Education.  Career wise, initially, he started off crating and rigging at his father-in-law’s company, ABC Crating Co.  Through continuing education he became a millwright and also earned a CDL Class A driver’s license.  In total he worked 39 years at the family’s company, ABC Crating and Rigging Co., LLC.

 While at Frostburg State College, Chuck met his future wife, Eileen.  After graduating college, they were married on July 15, 1978, and have been together for over 44 years.  They had three children, owned several pets, most recent a German Shepard named Lola, a parrot named Captain, both of whom were Chuck’s junk food buddies.

During the fall, you could find a football game on the television at any point in time.  If there wasn’t a football game, he found other sports events to watch and was a reliable source for all football stats.  Chuck was a sports fanatic, a die-hard Steelers fan with more Steelers clothing/gear than most professional athletes. He had played high school and college football as a defensive end and linebacker.  While attending his children’s sporting events, he had a distinct “hoot” that could be heard over crowds as he cheered on the team.  He was happiest being outdoors with special interests in hunting and fishing however he preferred freshwater fishing over saltwater fishing because he would become terribly seasick.  He hunted in NJ and NY with trips to Manitoba, Newfoundland, British Columba, Wyoming and Montana where he had many adventures and successful outings.

Chuck enjoyed being around family and friends especially during the holidays. Christmas was one of his favorite times and he put many hours into making the house look festive. One of his main contributions to the decorations was a large Christmas village train table that he would decorate every year with different designs that would have at least 3 HO model trains running. One Christmas Eve Chuck stayed up all night to make sure that the train table would be completed for his children on Christmas Day.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Eileen (Tuohy) Greenwald, of Wayne, NJ, his children Courtney and her husband Brent Rieger, C. Montana Greenwald, Bridget Greenwald and his siblings Karen (Lloyd) Keller, Marilyn (Robin) Weis and Jeff (Adrianne) Greenwald and among many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Charles S. and Frances M. Greenwald and a brother Gary A. Greenwald.  

In lieu of flowers, a gift can be made to John Theurer Cancer Center at the following link:  https://give.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/site/Donation2?1582.donation=form1&df_id=1582&_ga=2.191137002.1948184815.1671491833-595199346.1671491832

The Gift Designation, please choose the following program from the drop-down menu: Multiple Myeloma Division

Avery Rose Ingraffia passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her parents, Megan and Michael Ingraffia, on December 19, 2022.

Avery Rose was born on December 17, 2022. During her three short days here on Earth she touched many lives and was loved deeply by her parents and family. Her life was a brief gift to us from God, but she will live on in our hearts throughout eternity.

Avery Rose is survived by her parents, Megan and Michael Ingraffia, her grandparents Walter and Ann Marie Smith, Victor and Patricia Ingraffia, her great grandmother Betty Perrotta, her aunt Kaitlin Smith, and her uncles, Zackary Smith and Matthew Ingraffia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Avery Rose’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center. Click this link to donate online.

It is with great sadness that the family of Patricia Miller, age 82, of Pompton Lakes, announces her unexpected passing on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

Pat was born in Paterson, NJ to James P. and Ruth (Rock) Duffy. She grew up in the family’s home on Getty Avenue and attended Central High School in Paterson. After graduating high school, she got her first job at the A&P Grocery Store in Paterson before taking a job with Lakeview Savings and Loan. She eventually settled into a thirty-two-year career with Pathmark Grocery Stores where she rose to the position of Bakery Manager of the stores in Wayne, Kinnelon and Parsippany.

Pat married William “Bill” Sadlock and together, they were blessed with two daughters:  Karyn and Sandra. The family lived on William Street in Little Falls until their house was completely flooded out. They then moved to Wanaque where Pat continued to be a loving homemaker and mother for the next twenty-plus years.

After her divorce, Pat met a gentleman named Byran Miller while a Bakery Manager in the Pathmark’s Kinnelon store. They dated for two years then, one night while out to dinner, Bryon asked Pat for her hand in marriage. They married at the Golden Age Hall in Wanaque on March 17, 1990, which also happened to be St. Patrick’s Day, and took a honeymoon trip to Canada. Their first home together was at the Waterfall Village in Bloomingdale. They later moved to the Brookside Heights community in Wanaque, then to the Forest Hill Lake community in West Milford before moving to the Twin Lakes community in Shohola, Pennsylvania after Bryon’s retirement in 2007. It’s interesting to note that, in all four of their residences during the course of their marriage, Byron and Patricia always lived in a community with some form of aquatic-themed name.

Pat and Byron loved to visit flea markets. They didn’t travel a lot during their life together but, they did take a couple of trips. There was the cruise on the Caribbean but their trip to Jamaica was the most memorable. They just happened to be in Jamaica during a presidential uprising. It was a chaotic time and they ended up being evacuated a day before they were supposed to leave.  

Pat’s hobbies included decorating cakes, challenging herself with word searches, painting by numbers and watching One Life to Live. While engaged in these activities, her little feline friend Priscilla was always by her side.

Pat’s faith in God was important to her. For many years she was active in her parish at St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church in Haskell where she enjoyed volunteering to help at all the carnivals and was also a member of the PTA when her daughters attended the church’s school.

Pat especially cherished the good times and memories made with her family. She loved hosting gatherings at her house. With a pool in the backyard and plenty of good food on the grill, everyone liked getting together at her home. At Christmas time, her sister Joan hosted Christmas Eve and Pat always had all the family over on Christmas Day.

Pat and Byron adored their grandchildren and, having them live fairly close by was something they were especially thankful for. All together they enjoyed fun and educational adventures learning about the art of glass blowing, taking trips to the nearby Milford Museum, and fun days at the local amusement park. Sometimes they just did simple things like having sleepovers and watching television. Pat loved spoiling her grandchildren and, with her bakery experience, she had fun suprising them on their birthdays with specially themed birthday cakes.

Pat was a good friend to Laurie and Frances who have gone on before her. Down to earth, she would tell it like it was. She will be missed for her endless guidance and her mere presence.  

Pat was the loving wife of the late Byron Miller (2018). She was the loving mother of the late Karyn LoCicero (2019) and Sandra Kolinsky and husband Stephen of Ringwood; cherished grandmother of: Wyatt LoCicero and wife Kerri, Dakotah Stout an husband Brandon, Evan Kolinsky, and Jacob Kolinsky; dear sister of her three sisters: the late Bettyann Smith (2019), Carole Duffy of Wanaque, and Joan Colella and husband Dr. Lou Colella of Wanaque; and dear aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cat Pricilla.

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

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 42040

Oklahoma City, OK 73123

Click Here to download a mailable form.

To donate by phone you can call 800-227-2345

Whichever method you use to donate, please indicate that the gift is in memory of Patricia Miller and include your name and address. Thank you..

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Charles J. Warnasch of Wayne, NJ, passed away at the age of 80.

Charles was born September 22, 1942, in Paterson, NJ, to Charles J. and Louise (Pisciottano) Warnasch. He graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1960. Chas excelled at baseball and basketball, and sports remained an important part of his life. He was a lifelong Mets fan.

After years of childhood accordion lessons (at his mother’s insistence), Charlie had become an accomplished accordion player and formed a band, The Starlighters, that performed around north Jersey for decades. After working at a few local corporations, Charlie’s professional career took an important turn when he began managing the well-known restaurant The Holster in Wayne. This experience led to the opening of his own restaurant, The Steak Out, in Sussex in 1972, which enjoyed great success for more than a decade. Later, he moved back to Wayne and started a livery service business, Crescent Limousine, which he operated until his retirement.

Charlie was also a vintage car enthusiast – he restored several ’57 Thunderbirds and prided himself on tracking down original parts. He was a big fan of the great American songbook and particularly loved the music of Frank Sinatra.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Louise Warnasch. He leaves behind his loving sister, Barbara Van Duyne, and son, Scott Warnasch. At his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service.

Susan Carroll (nee Malcolm), age 82 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 16, 2022. She has lived in Wayne since 2004.

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Martin E. Allman, “Marty” age 93 of Oak Ridge and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, December 15, 2022.

Marty was born in Passaic and grew up in Clifton. Although smart as a whip, he never had much use for school so, as soon as he could, he went to work for his father Peter in his plastering business. Eventually, he and his brother Garry joined the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local #4 Union. His family used to tease Marty by telling him that he and Garry were the Allman Brothers before the rock band was the Allman Brothers. Marty enjoyed a long and prosperous career as a union plasterer. He was a member of that union for 76 years! A true craftsman, he could make Cornish moldings by hand that today you’d buy prefab.

Shortly after joining the union, Marty was called to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He bravely served in Korea from 1951 to 1953. Over the course of his lifetime, he shared many accounts of how God protected him while he was overseas. One of those accounts came when he got a leave to go home to be by the bedside of his dying father. He was in a mail jeep enroute to the airplane that was going to fly him home. As they drove toward the plane, the driver suddenly yelled “duck Allman!” The jeep came to a screeching stop just narrowly avoiding Marty and the driver from having their head decapitated by the nearly invisible wires that the enemy had strung across their path. They got out of the jeep and began the time-consuming task of cutting those wires so they could get Marty to the plane on-time. Unfortunately, they arrived too late and Marty’s plane had already taken off. Of course, Marty was disappointed but his disappointment turned to thankfulness to God when he learned that the flight he missed was shot down by the enemy and there were no survivors. He was able to get on the next flight and again, God spared his life when that plane experienced a hobbled landing in Honolulu, Hawaii when one of the engines caught on fire.

Marty was a decent man who lived in the service of others and always tried to do the right thing. While serving in Korea, he was a cook. It was regular practice for food scraps to be loaded into a truck to be dumped into the river. One day while dumping the scraps, Marty noticed hungry Korean children picking up those scraps with rusty tin cans. Feeling compassion, from that point going forward, whenever he went to dump the scraps, Marty always brought some good food to give to those kids.

As an Army cook, Marty was well aware of the policy that soldiers ate for free but officers had to pay for meals. Despite the policy, Marty never made the officers pay. To demonstrate their appreciation, they used to let Marty take the jeep out for a ride as long as he stayed behind enemy lines. One day while out for a ride, he saw another jeep turned over on its side with one of the tires still spinning. Stopping to see if anyone was hurt, he learned that a soldier was stuck under that jeep. Quickly, Marty’s adrenaline kicked in to the point where he was able to upright that jeep on his own. That day he saved a captain’s life, but it wasn’t until some seventy years later that Marty learned that he was the recipient of the Bronze Star for that humanitarian act of heroism. It happened when his son-in-law contacted Congresswoman Mikie Sherril to inquire about some other medals that Marty had never received. One of the medals that came in the mail was the well-deserved Bronze Star.

When he was just ten years old, Marty met a girl named Marion Ten Hoeve who was just eight. She didn’t know it but this shy boy immediately took a liking to her. As the years went on and the two moved into adolescence, Marty’s admiration for Marion never faded, but he was only interested in dating her if she shared his Christian values, but he was too shy to go up to her and ask her. Well finally, one night when Marion was a young beautiful eighteen-year old girl, to Marty’s delight, she miraculously showed up at his church, Prospect Street Christian Reformed Church in Clifton, to attend a hymn sing. At last the question burning in Marty’s heart all these years was answered…..Marion was a church-going girl! The next day, Marty greeted her as she was coming off the bus from school. He immediately asked her to go out with him. Their first date was what could best be described as a park and smooch in the Paterson Mountains. Marty picked Marion up in his very cool 1949 hunter green Dodge Meadowbrook, they headed to the Paterson Mountains. They truly fell in love and one Memorial Day, while Marion was helping Marty wash that 49 Dodge, he bent down as she was scrubbing a white-wall tire and quietly asked her for her hand in marriage. Of course, Marion said yes but the wedding had to wait two years while Marty served in the Army in Korea. When he returned home, they exchanged their wedding vows two weeks later before family and friends at Lodi Christian Reformed Church on March 28, 1953. They drove to Florida in that same Dodge Meadowbrook and recall being wary of sailing together in the glass-bottomed boat. Marion and Marty enjoyed almost 62 years in a blessed marriage. Marion was Marty’s sweetheart – the only girl he ever dated, because to him, there was no one that could ever top her!

After the wedding, the newlyweds came to live with Marty’s mother in Clifton. They lived there for three years and during that time, they became parents for the first time. The baby was little girl which they named Kathy. Their next home was a fixer-upper in Clifton. They lived there a little over seven years and during that time they welcomed another daughter which they named Carol. Then one day, Marion and her mom went out on one of their favorite pastime excursions – house hunting. They were checking out a model of some new homes that were being built in Wayne. They liked the home and the price was right - $24,000. Excitedly, Marion told Marty about it and they ended up moving into that house in 1963. Marty and Marion lived there for the next forty years until moving to Oak Ridge in 2003.

In his spare time, Marty enjoyed doing wood working projects in his home wood shop. He could make anything, from furniture and to even baskets. For one of his wood projects he made display cases for his Disney pin collection. He made a case for himself as well as ones for his grandson’s collections. Marty was also somewhat of a car enthusiast. It’s estimated that, over the course of his life, he had more than thirty new cars. His goal was to have a Lincoln Town Car and he achieved that goal on several occasions.

Marion was the sunshine in Marty’s life. When she passed away in 2015, the rest of his days on earth were really never better than partly cloudy. He missed her warmth , friendship, companionship, her delicious cooking, and especially sharing their mutual love for the Lord. If anything sustained Marty, it was his faith. Marty was an original member of the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church. He spent time every morning learning new things about God in his personal bible studies. Yet despite walking closely with the Lord his whole life, it was not until recently that Marty had the peace in his heart that comes from assurance of knowing he was going to heaven. It came in a full understanding of Hebrews 11:1 in the holy bible which reads “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Just a few days ago, Marty had a dream that his wife Marion and his parents were greeting him with open arms in heaven. Now that Marty has passed, his faith has become sight and that dream is fully realized as he is with the Lord and reunited with those whom he loved who had gone on before him.

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

Wounded Warrior Project

P.O. Box 758516

Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

Click here to download a mailable form

Click here to donate online

To donate by phone call 855-448-3997

Whichever method you choose to donate, kindly indicate that your gift is in memory of Martin Allman and leave your name and address. Thank you.

Dolores “Dee” Cach, age 87 of Wayne, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, December 15, 2022.  She has lived in Wayne for fifty years.

Dee was raised in the Lafayette section of Jersey City and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. She became a secretary in the financial services industry and eventually landed with Paine Webber in New York, NY. She was the executive secretary to the CEO at Paine Webber for twenty-nine years.

After moving to Wayne in 1972, Dee took to gardening and enjoyed taking care of the landscaping around her home. She also traveled to destinations such as Iceland, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Mackinaw Island, Savannah, Charleston SC, New England, New Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Greece, Bermuda, Nova Scotia, Mexico, California and Florida, Canada and many others.  She visited the National Parks, Niagara Falls, touring Route 66 and Disney World & Land. She also spent many summer vacations in at a Bed and Breakfast in Cape May with her family. Dee was a huge fan of the NY Yankees & NY Giants, went to games, and followed them closely. She enjoyed going to various plays on Broadway. Her nieces and nephews recall Aunt Dee Dee taking them to see the Ice Capades, the circus, King Tut’s Tomb at a Museum, Great Adventure, Mini Golf, sporting events & to the movie theatre. Her family and friends all have many fond memories of happy times shared with Dee, and they will all miss her dearly.

Dee is survived by two sisters, Carol Balinski and her husband George of Wayne; Joan Gillman of Wayne, one brother; Stanley Cach and his wife Marilyn of Hamilton Square, NJ, three nieces; Debra Graham, Beth Balinski, Jill C. Hume, and three nephews; Ron Balinski, David Balinski, and Paul Balinski.

Robert E. Buyck, age 90, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home surrounded with love by his family, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

Bob was born in Paterson, the son of August and Marie (Van Der Sande) Buyck. He was raised in the family’s home at 196 Grant Ave. in Totowa until he was fifteen. At that time, his family moved to 26 Greene Ave. in Totowa. He was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls with the Class of 1949.

During his years in high school, Bob worked part-time at the Crayola Crayon Factory in Paterson. One day his boss told him that he had to unfortunately lay him off because Bob was underage. Unflustered, Bob exited the crayon factory and took a walk down the street to a business called Hillside Laundry. He started working that same day! Once he graduated, Bob took a job in the tool room at an auto dealership called Von Lengerke Motor Company – a Buick dealership in Paterson. Working on Buicks seemed only fitting as his last name “Buyck” was commonly pronounced “Buick”. It was a good job for a guy like Bob who had a real interest in cars. As a young man, he and his buddies started their own club called the Speedsters Car Club in Lodi. All the members had “official” jackets. As for Bob, while his first car was a 1938 Pontiac sedan, his favorite was his 1951 Ford Fairlane 500 with dual pipes and a racing stripe.  

One day after work Bob came home to a letter that arrived in the mail that day from Uncle Sam. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. Bob attained the rank of Sergeant and for his proud service to his country, he received the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Bob returned from Korea to find out that his 51 Ford Fairlane had turned into a 1956 black and white Ford Crown Victoria. Truth be told, his father replaced it when he accidently put Bob’s prized Fairlane into the Passaic River.

Attempting to get back into the workforce, Bob applied for jobs at three different potential employers: the U.S. Postal Service, Public Service Electric and Gas, and New Jersey Bell. The telephone company was the first to respond and for the next thirty-two years, through the company’s name change to Verizon, Bob worked in numerous roles. He started his career climbing poles as a lineman, then moved into different sectors of the job including repairman, switchman, and ultimately the title of supervisor until retiring in 1988. When asked about his job, Bob said “I really enjoyed that career!”

In April, 1959, Bob married Carol Klaus and they moved into the home located at 69 Knolls Road in Bloomingdale. From there they moved to 366 Valley View Ave. in Paramus and ultimately Bob ended up in Wayne where he continued to live the rest of his life. Bob and Carol were blessed with two children, Suzanne and Jon. Eventually, Bob and Carol parted ways amicably and Bob found love again and enjoyed a thirty-plus year companionship with Clare DeVries.

It was well-known by Bob’s family and friends that, if you were looking for him on a Saturday afternoon, he could usually be found at the racetrack. He loved betting on the horses and spent lots of time betting and watching the races with Bruce – his buddy from work, or with family. Bob was well-acquainted with all the racetracks including, Meadowlands, Belmont, Aqueduct, Garden State, Freehold, Yonkers, and any other one you could think of. He also loved the game of roulette and played frequently in Atlantic City and on his cruise vacations. Throughout his life he also enjoyed bowling in various leagues. He bowled for many years in the phone company’s league which bowled at the former 10-lane Haledon Rec. He also bowled in Wyckoff and the Bowlero lanes in Clifton.  

One of Bob’s favorite pastimes was traveling. His son and daughter can tell you about the annual road trips, during the dog days of August to Disney World in the old Dodge station wagon with no air conditioning. Those trips were fun but they were hot, so nobody was upset to see that station wagon be replaced by a Mercury wagon with much-appreciated AC. There were also many family cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and all over the Caribbean, and annual visits to see Bob’s parents at their condo in Florida.

Above all else, Bob’s family was his greatest treasure in life. He loved going on cruises together, gathering for all the big holidays and birthdays, and attending all his grandchildren’s sporting and musical events, graduations, and weddings.

Bob was the loving companion of Clare DeVries; dear father of: Suzanne Russo and her husband Michael of Glen Rock and Jon Buyck and his wife Arlene of Rochelle Park,; cherished grandfather of: Matthew Russo and his wife Tierney, Katherine Harper and her husband Seth, Christina Russo, Jonathan Buyck, and Nicholas Buyck; and adoring great-grandfather of Theodore Harper.

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

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Click Here for a mailable form to send with your donation

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Barry M. Koblick on December 14, 2022.

Barry was born in the Bronx and raised in Yonkers, New York. He was the oldest of three children to Murray and Olga Koblick.  

After attending Yonkers High School and graduating with the Class of 1966, he attended and graduated from Manhattan College in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business.

Barry found employment working for the Government Accountability Offices at the World Trade Center for several years, later for GPU Nuclear Corporation in Parsippany for fifteen years as a Senior Operations Analyst, and for Geller & Company in New York City as an Operations Analyst Manager. In 2005, he found his home as a Project Manager for nuclear power plants with Enercon Services where he worked until his retirement in 2015.  Throughout his career, Barry was well loved and respected by his friends and colleagues.

In 1968, Barry met his beloved wife Annabel Di Domenico at Manhattan College.  They dated for about four years, fell in love, and went on to marry on June 24, 1972 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Queens, New York. The newlyweds settled in Richmond Hill in Queens, NY and welcomed their first daughter, Kristen. In 1977, the family moved to the High Crest Lake community in West Milford, New Jersey and welcomed two more daughters, Jessica, and Kasey.

During his time in West Milford, he volunteered in his community and became an active member in the West Milford PAL, where he served as a soccer coach. Barry also enjoyed vacationing with his family every summer at the Outer Banks in North Carolina – a beloved “second home” for their family. Barry’s favorite past time was cheering on his grandchildren at their soccer and baseball games, throwing the football around, and fishing with them on his canoe at the lake.  He was known affectionately as the “pet whisperer” and loved caring for his five beloved grand dogs: Sapphire, Winston, Finn, Bailey, and Lincoln.

Barry's greatest passion was for his family, nothing in the world meant more to Barry than providing for and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He brought laughter and joy to his daughters, and to his grandchildren, and often would play wonderfully funny practical jokes on them. He was a fierce and loyal fan of the New York Yankees and New York Jets and enjoyed classic rock music with The Rolling Stones and Tom Petty being some of his top favorites.  He also enjoyed learning and researching world history, particularly World War II.

Barry was a funny, fun loving, and outgoing person who was kind to everyone he met.  He made friends wherever he went and could talk about anything to just about anyone.  He was sincerely loved by all who knew him.  He treasured fifty years of loyal and loving marriage to his wife, Annabel.  Barry was often selfless, putting the needs of others around him before his own and was warmly known as a “second father” or “second grandfather” to many of his children and grandchildren’s friends.

Barry was a truly special person who will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Annabel (Di Domenico) of West Milford, three daughters; Kristen Koblick of Pompton Plains, NJ, Jessica Koblick of Bloomsburg, PA, and Kasey Koblick-Ferrante and her husband Michael of Morristown, NJ, four grandchildren; Alexandra Ortega of Pompton Plains, NJ, Dylan Ortega of Pompton Plains, NJ, Cole Horrax of Bloomsburg, PA, and Dax Ferrante of Morristown, NJ; one brother Nicky Koblick of Flowery Branch, GA; one sister Caroline Caldropoli and her husband Joe of Leland, NC; one brother-in-law Rocco Di Domenico and his wife Eileen of Newfoundland, NJ; three nephews - Brian, Michael, and Mark and four nieces - Danielle, Ericka, Stephanie, and Tara.

May his legacy of love, laughter, and kindness live on in our hearts forever.

Those planning to make a donation in Barry’s name are asked to consider The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692. http://www.heart.org/donate

On December 13, 2022, William (Bill) LaShell, passed away suddenly at the Packanack Golf Club in Wayne, NJ, doing what he loved best, playing golf.  He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, son Bill Jr. and partner Stephanie Spratley, son David and wife Amanda, daughter Nancy Spencer and husband Dave, grandchildren Nicholas, Eowyn, Alexander and Crystar, sister Joan Yows and husband Tom and their children, and by all the many people who loved him.

Bill was born in Manhattan, Kansas on September 2, 1941.  He attended Manhattan High School and Kansas State University.  An entrepreneur at heart Bill started several successful businesses one of which revolutionized communications in the cruise industry and the United States Navy.  His varied work life included running a manufacturing facility, exploring for oil and gas, and installing satellite communications at sea.  

The love story with his wife and best friend, Lorraine, began 60 years ago when Bill left his hometown and drove to New York for a summer job at Freedomland USA in the Bronx where Lorraine worked between college semesters. Two years later they married and for 58 years raised a family and shared a life of love and laughter.

An accomplished golfer, Bill shot a 78 at age 81. In addition to golf, his other passion was his Union Pacific HO gauge model railroad. He built a layout, train cars and industrial and residential buildings and taught himself digital command and control to run the trains. He was also a puzzler and great storyteller.  Bill traveled extensively throughout the world first for work, then for fun and adventure with Lorraine.

Bill was a true gentleman, an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend who was admired and loved by all who knew him.  He will be deeply missed.  

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation to Oasis, a Haven for Women and Children in Paterson would be greatly appreciated.  https://oasisnj.org/.

Brenda Lynn Van Wingerden, age 43, of Oak Ridge died on Saturday, December 10, 2022 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Brenda grew up in Pompton Plains and graduated from Netherlands Reformed Christian School with the Class of 1997. She then attended Berdan Business School where she earned certification as a Medical Assistant. She was a true ray of sunshine to the patients that she cared for while working for the private practice of Dr. Aasmaa.

After dating Leonard Van Wingerden for some time, Brenda and Len married on June 13, 2003 at Ebenezer Netherlands Reformed Church in Franklin Lakes. Soon after marriage, God blessed Len and Brenda with their firstborn, a son named Caleb. Caleb was followed by brothers Jacob and Kevin, little sister Alanna, and little brother Noah. Brenda left her work as a medical assistant and embraced God’s new role as loving and devoted mother to her children and support for Len in his electrical contracting business. Brenda guided her children with an albeit firm hand tempered with a vast outpouring of loving guidance, kindness, sweetness, considerateness, compassion and devotion. Her love, in fact, touched the lives of simply everyone she met. She was an incredible, wife, mother, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. Ask anyone who knew Brenda and they would testify that she was always looking for the good and finding something to love in everyone.

Brenda is survived by her beloved husband Leonard, their five children: Caleb, Jacob, Kevin, Alanna, and Noah Van Wingerden, her parents Jacobus “Joe” and Margaret (Kievit) Willekes, her nine siblings: Laura Prol and husband Jeff of Pompton Plains, Robert Willekes and wife Brenda of Choteau, Montana, Linda Van Grouw and husband Mark of Blairstown, Donald Willekes and wife Hendrieka of Vaughn, Montana, John Willekes and wife Anna of W. Milford, David Willekes and wife Amy of Pequannock, Abraham Willekes and wife Beverly of Allamuchy, Kevin Willekes and wife Konnie of Oak Ridge, and Barbara Negrotto and husband Joseph of Oak Ridge, her father-in-law and mother-in-law Len and Marjan Van Wingerden of Toano, VA, her brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: Case and Star Van Wingerden of Toano, VA, Mike and Mandy Van Wingerden of Weddington, NC, Ben and Allison Van Wingerden of Yuma, AZ, Josh Van Wingerden of Yorktown, VA, Rianne and Zack Vander Groef of Wantage, NJ and Lydia Van Wingerden of South Sudan.

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

Operation Kindness NJ

23 Quaker Church Road

Andover, NJ 07821

To donate online click here:  Operation Kindness NJ.

In the comment section please indicate "In Memory of Brenda Van Wingerden"

To learn more about the good work of Operation Kindness NJ visit operationkindnessnj.com

Our dear father, Dr. Gurdial Mal Sharma passed away peacefully surrounded by his family from all over the country and India.  He is survived by his wife Aruna, three daughters: Sarita Sharma Croce, Neelima Sharma and Shobha Sharma Vohra, his two Son-In-Laws: Steve Croce and Vijay Vohra, and his five grandchildren: Balmikki Sharma Croce, Phillip Sharma Croce, Hannah Sharma Croce, Sonia Sharma Vohra, Asha Sharma Vohra, sister Shakuntla Sharma & many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Sharma was born on November 11th 1930 in Punjab India, the 5th of 7 children to Ram Ditta Sharma & Rattan Devi Sharma, he grew up in Pathankot, India.  He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Punjab University in 1960.  He will always be remembered as a great athlete playing volleyball and boxing.  While in college Dr. Sharma qualified for the Olympic men’s Indian Volleyball Team.

Following his graduation from Punjab University, he married his wife, Aruna Avasthi, now Aruna Sharma, who traveled with him to Ottawa Canada where he was a Post Doctorial Fellow at the National Research Council.

In 1965 Dr. Sharma, Mrs. Sharma & their first daughter Sarita came to the United States where he worked at The Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University. In his 11 years working at Columbia, he directed research on marine biology and published his findings in numerous scholarly journals. While at Lamont Dr. Sharma and Mrs. Sharma had two daughters, Neelima and Shobha.

From 1976 – 1980, Dr. Sharma was head of the Chemical and Biological Oceanography Department of the New York Ocean Science Laboratory, Long Island, Montauk, NY. In 1988, he was appointed Full Professor at William Patterson University. He spent the remainder of his career researching and teaching his love for Chemistry to generations of students at the University.  During his tenure, he also served as the Chemistry Department Chair.  After a very successful 53 year career Dr. Sharma decided to retire in 2014 at the age 83.

In his life, Dr. Sharma has published many papers in the areas of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Chemical/Biological Oceanography. Through that research he had the opportunity to travel to Quebec Canada, Italy, Australia, Norway, & India to present his research.

Outside of being academically acclaimed, Dr. Sharma was incredibly loved by his family, friends & colleagues. He enjoyed time spent reading, playing the tabla’s (Indian drums) & time with his children, grandchildren, and friends. Some of the fondest memories spent with him will be those traveling with his family, having wonderful family gatherings filled with wonderful conversation and laughter.

Dr. Sharma was extraordinarily generous and a friend to all those in need of friendship. He was unbelievably kind but more importantly he was passionate. A trait that will live on through his 3 daughters.

Dr. Sharma will be remembered as an amazing husband, father & grandfather who lived life to its fullest!

Gloria Keenan (nee Cordisco), age 99 of Wayne, better known as "Ma" to just about everyone, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8, 2022.

Born in Passaic, Gloria grew up on E 4th St in Clifton and graduated St John's HS in Paterson. She began her career as a secretary at the home offices of the A&P in Paterson. She later worked as a Purchaser at Wood Press Printing, Paterson, retiring in 1982. See later resided in Wayne.

Gloria enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and the Mediterranean countries. She enjoyed playing golf and spent many days sailing. She was a devoted parishioner Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne and was an active member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne.

She is survived by two sons: Gerard (Jerry) Keenan and his wife Kathy of New Bern, NC and Albert Keenan and his wife Linda of North Haledon, NJ, nine Grand Children Kathryn, Elizabeth, Jason, Karen, Paul, Duane, Lindsay, Kimberley and John, six Great-Grandchildren and two Great-Great Grandchildren and a sister, Lorraine Daly of Vero Beach, FL. Gloria was predeceased by her first Husband, Leo Keenan in 1976; and her second husband, Thomas Harding in 1995, by her son, Leo in 2000, and by two sisters; Dolores Tortoretti and Rita Moritz.

Charles Hargreaves, a longtime resident of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 7th, 2022 at the age of 101 while receiving loving care from his family.

He was born on May 23rd, 1921 in Prospect Park, New Jersey to William and Emma Hargreaves.  The youngest of four children Charles grew up in Paterson, New Jersey and attended Eastside High School, graduating with the class of 1939. After graduating he worked Schneckenberger's Bakery, the family business in Paterson.

Charles was a member of a rapidly shrinking “Greatest Generation”, those who grew up during the Great Depression and as young adults fought in World War II, or whose labor helped win the war.

After the Unites States’ entered into World War II, Charles enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp in 1942. His tours of duty took him to Italy and Africa, where he served as a staff sergeant in Ordinance. Charles received multiple honors for his service including the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Service Unit Plaque. Charles’ service to his country had a profound effect on his life and resulted in him becoming a great patriot.  Throughout his life he donated regularly to American Veterans’ charities and the American Diabetes Association.

Upon his discharge from service, Charles worked at Hawthorne Rubber for his brother-in-law.  After a few years he was employed as a purchasing agent for Harmon Colors Corp, Allied Chemical, Mobay Chemical and then Bayer. He was truly loved and respected by his colleagues and cherished a career that spanned nearly 48 years until his retirement in 1993.

Charles met Peggy Fredericks on a blind date in the early 1940’s.  The couple eloped to Maryland (with the assistance of Peggy’s aunt Lil) and were married on July 27th 1954. The newlyweds settled in Totowa NJ where their first two children were born; Marc and Karen. In 1963, as the family grew, they moved to Wayne NJ where their third child Paul was born. Charles enjoyed gardening and meticulously cared for his yard and gardens. He loved his family deeply.  Providing for and spending time with his family was his greatest passion and was always willing to help family and friends at any time. Nothing in the world meant more to Charles than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He treasured vacationing with his family at the Jersey Shore points including; Avon by the Sea, Point Pleasant, and Asbury Park. Charles and his wife Peggy enjoyed dining out together eating fine food and enjoying the company of friends. He and Peggy cherished their forty-six year loving and loyal marriage until Peggy’s sudden passing in December of 2000.  

Charles was a quiet, soft spoken private man who kept to himself.  He will be remembered by those closest to him as a deeply caring, loving, and generous person.  He was wonderfully organized, “having a place for everything and everything in its place.”  Charles touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Charles is survived by his sons Marc Hargreaves and his wife Susan of Lakeland FL, Paul Hargreaves of Wayne NJ; daughter Karen Stone and her husband Bill of Nazareth PA; grandchildren Marc Hargreaves Jr.and his wife Katie of Lakeland FL, Steven Hargreaves of Lakeland FL, Ryan Hargreaves and his wife Margarita of Lakeland FL, Kiel Stone and his significant other Meredith Delaware of Fairfax VA, Garrett Stone and his significant other Sarah Hanson of Salt Lake City, UT and Braden Stone and his wife Camille of Nazareth PA; one great granddaughter, Mila Hargreaves and a future great grandson Stone due in March; two nieces Barbara & Kristin; he was predeceased by two sisters Gladys Young & Alice Esselman; and one brother Vincent Hargreaves.

The world has lost a true patriot whose love for his family ran deep and will never be forgotten.  Charles will be remembered as an amazing husband, father & grandfather who lived life to its fullest!

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ name may be made to Valley Hospice, 15 Essex Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652 www.valleyhealth.com

The unsinkable, unstoppable Ivy Rodgers of Wayne passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 4th at the age of 100.

Ivy was born to Robert and Agnes Graham in Paterson, NJ, the third of six children. Her full name was Ivy Vietta Young Graham, named after the midwife that delivered her. She was put into the Fresh Air class in grade school because she was thought to be sickly, but she’d be quick to tell you it was just because she was thin. She graduated from Central High School in Paterson and went on to business school to become a bookkeeper.

Ivy's first job was as a waitress in Paterson, but she quit after one day when a customer was rude to her. She went on to become an elevator operator at Meyer Brothers Department Store in Paterson. During the war she was a bookkeeper at Wrights Aeronautical. At some point, she decided she wanted a raise and when it was denied, she quit. Her boss asked her to come in a week later and gave her the raise.

It was at the Third Presbyterian Church in Paterson that she met her future employer and future husband, Nathaniel (Nat) Rodgers. Nat had just started a trucking company and asked Ivy to teach his sister how to keep the books. His sister never quite caught on and Ivy became the permanent bookkeeper for Rodgers Brothers Express. Although Nat was engaged to someone else when they met, they fell in love and on December 17, 1946 they were married in her mother's living room. They built the business together with Nat's brothers. Ivy was always proud that all of her ledgers came out to the penny.

Ivy and Nat welcomed daughter Deborah and moved to Wayne shortly thereafter in 1954. Ivy took great pride in decorating her new home. She would paint walls, mow the lawn, iron the curtains and loved having family parties as long as she could cater and not cook the food. When her daughter Deborah started school, Ivy became very active in the PTA. She started the first library at Lafayette School, was a girl scout leader, and hosted a talent show to raise money for the school.

Ivy was thrilled to become a grandmother and was a daily presence in her grandchildren's lives. She could be seen at school pick up, every school play, baseball game or any other activity.

Shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Nat passed away in 1997. Ivy focused her full attention on her grandchildren and loved every minute. She could also be seen walking all over Wayne. Her favorite spots were the A&P, Walgreens and Shop Rite. She also loved dancing and singing along to Perry Como.

In the winter of 2012 she fell and broke her knee. The doctor told her that because of her age it would be a long recovery. She reminded the doctor that her grandson was getting married in April and she would be dancing at his wedding. And she did! A few years later, she proudly walked her granddaughter down the aisle at her wedding.

The highlight of her later years were her great grandchildren Ivy, Nathan and Chloe. She looked forward to every moment spent with them, and was never shy about getting on the floor to play with dolls, cars, or legos.

Ivy is survived by her daughter, Deborah ( Scott), her grandson Fredrick Karamanol ( Emilia), her granddaughter Courtney Cronk (Jason), great grandchildren (Ivy Karamanol, Nathan Cronk, Chloe Cronk), her sister Beatrice Adderley, and nieces and nephews.

On December 5, 2022, the world lost a bright light with the passing of Gabrielle “Gaby” Keeler, age 75, of Wayne, NJ. Gaby was born in San Mateo, CA. She was one of three daughters to John Roy and Doris May Higgins (nee Reidy). Her father’s work with the FBI and later in advertising moved their family around the country; Gaby and her family eventually settled in West Caldwell, New Jersey where she attended James Caldwell High School and graduated in 1965. Gaby then attended St Mary’s College in South Bend, IN, the sister school to the University of Notre Dame. She later attended the Katherine Gibbs School and William Paterson University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting. Gaby’s career as an Executive Assistant spanned many companies and industries including Eastman Dillon & Co., US Steel, Yellow Freight and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ.

Gaby was an active member of her community. She served on the board of directors for United Givers Plan of Packanack Lake, was president of the Packanack Lake Leisure Club, a former member of the Packanack Lake Board of Governors, and a member of the legendary Dominoes book club for 20 years. She was an avid reader who enjoyed best-selling novels as well as researching anything and everything. Gaby also loved to travel the world, enjoying destinations such as Italy, England, Scotland, Ireland, Russia, France, Greece, Wales, Australia, and anywhere in the Caribbean where a cruise ship would take her. In recent years, Gaby and Paul vacationed in St Pete Beach, FL, during the winter months. She also enjoyed exercising, especially yoga and walking. Every morning, Gaby could be found with friends walking around Packanack Lake.

Gaby was known by everyone who met her as being social, outgoing, and engaging; making friends wherever she went. She never met a stranger and never forgot a name or a face. Gaby’s friendships were many and her devotion to those friends was always evident.

It was clear to everyone, though, that her greatest passion in life was for her family. Gaby met her husband Paul Keeler on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1969 and after dating for two years they were married on August 28, 1971; Gaby and Paul cherished fifty-one years of marriage together. They lived in Saddle Brook briefly before moving to Packanack Lake, where they lived for the next 50 years. Gaby and Paul had two children: Laura and John. Along with being a loving wife and mother, Gaby was a loving and devoted GG (Grandma Gaby) to Finn and Teagan, John and his wife Sabrina’s two boys. Nothing in the world meant more to Gaby than spending time with her husband, sisters, children, and grandchildren.

Gaby is survived by her husband Paul E. Keeler, Jr. of Wayne, NJ; daughter Laura Anne Keeler of Washington, DC; son John Paul Keeler, daughter-in-law Sabrina, and grandsons Finnegan Paul Keeler and Teagan Martin Keeler of Ardmore, PA; two sisters Patricia Higgins (and her husband Francis Ferraro) of St Petersburg, FL, and Candace Higgins of Colorado Springs, CO; two nieces Jennifer and Barbara; and four nephews David, Brian, Thomas and James.

Gaby will be remembered fondly by those who knew her best – family members will miss her dearly but take comfort knowing that she is now reunited with those who have gone before her.

Donations in Gaby’s name may be made to the United Givers Plan of Packanack Lake, PO Box 1835, Wayne, NJ, 07474-1835 www.packanacklake.com

Joyce (nee Gailey) Fedell of Ormond Beach, Florida was born in Newark New Jersey to William and Elsetta Gailey in 1937. She lived her life in Wayne, New Jersey until she was married in 1962.

Joyce graduated from Wayne High School in 1955 and went to work for Congoleum Nairn in Kearny, NJ and then later worked for the 1st National Bank in Pompton Plains.

Joyce was married to Joseph Fedell by Judge DeWalsh in Wayne on March 16, 1962.  Joe was a self-employed mason. They lived in Butler, Lincoln Park, and Marsella before building a home in Milton, NJ.  In the early 1970’s they moved to Old Forge, NY where they bought a home on 1st Lake and enjoyed snowmobiling on the many scenic trails.  While living in Old Forge, they purchased the Strand Movie Theatre which they operated until Joe’s death in October of 1981. After his death, Joyce moved back to Milton, New Jersey where she purchased a mobile home and lived there until she moved to Ormond Beach, Florida in 1999.

Every year she looked forward to coming north for the holidays and enjoyed her time here being with family and friends.

Joyce is the 2nd of five daughters of the late William and Elsetta (Miller) Gailey who lived in Wayne from 1932 until their respective deaths in 1978 and 1989. Her surviving four sisters, Carol Beatty of Wayne, Gloria Hinderlong of Oak Ridge, formally of Wayne, New Jersey, Merilyn Martin of Florida and Bonnie Longo of New Foundland, New Jersey. She is also survived by seven nieces and nephews and their respective children on her side along with her nephew Tony Fedell and his wife Denise and their two children of Nutley, New Jersey and Bob Maday and his wife Geraldine of Florida and many other family members from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Joe’s side.

Joyce leaves a Dear, Dear friend, Janet Minogue of Inverness, Florida, formerly of Milton, New Jersey. Janet traveled all the time across the State of Florida to make sure Joyce’s health issues were being addressed and she was comfortable and just being the best friend she could ever have. She always decorated her room for the holidays, so Joyce never felt left out of festivities. Janet and Merilyn always made sure she had the personal items she needed and of course the snacks along with bananas and grapes that she always looked forward to getting and enjoyed immensely. No one could ever want a more caring friend than Janet was and on behalf the family I want to say, “Thank you and Bless you Janet for all you did for Joyce in your caring and loving way.” You are a true friend.

William H. Wackwitz, age 99 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2022. He’s lived in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne since 1963.

Bill had been a commercial printer for decades, retiring from Peerless Stationary Co. in Nutley in 1987, and he had previously worked as a printer for the Commercial Leader newspaper, and Nutley Sun newspaper. He was also politically active in Lyndhurst, serving on the Planning Board and the Board of Education. After moving to Wayne in 1963, he became a charter member of the Packanack Golf Association, and served as the Packanack Lake ‘Ranger,’ patrolling the community for twenty-two years before retiring from that position in 2009, at the age of just 86!

Bill was notorious for living life on his own terms, and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” was his anthem song. This all began on the day he was born, when his mother went into labor rather quickly while visiting her mom in Brooklyn, New York. Things happened so fast that Bill was born right there in his grandmother’s house, arriving into this world like a whirlwind. Growing up in Lyndhurst, NJ, during the 1920’s and 30’s, Bill experienced things in his childhood that no one will ever be able to experience again. He witnessed the construction of the George Washington Bridge and then drove across it with his father when it first opened. Bill was there. His dad also drove him through the Holland Tunnel when it first opened. He witnessed the first commercial seaplane arrive at Port Washington, Long Island. Bill was there. When he was just thirteen years old, on May 6, 1937, his dad drove him to Lakehurst, NJ, so together they could witness the much-anticipated arrival of the Hindenburg dirigible. Bill was there!

Bill would be the first to tell you that he didn’t care much for school when he was a young boy. At thirteen years old, he left school and started working for a printer. Soon thereafter, his brother, Eddie, taught him to be a welder. In 1943, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army, and he served under General George Patton in the 5th Armored Division of the 3rd Army. As a welder, he was assigned to fix tanks that had broken tracks or needed other welding repairs. Always a creative thinker, Bill was credited with creating a mobilized repair unit so they could go right to the front lines to repair damaged tanks and get them back into the battle as quickly as possible. Among his most frightening memories of World War II was during the crossing of the Roer River when his unit was dive-bombed by a German Me-262. These were the first jet-propelled aircraft ever, and the sight and sound of this plane was terrifying to all the soldiers. Bill was there. Upon returning to the United States aboard the Queen Mary, Bill recalled one of his most emotional memories occurred while he passed the Statue of Liberty. All the soldiers aboard ship were overwhelmed with emotion that day. Bill was there.

As a young man growing up in Lyndhurst, Bill met June Davies, who lived in the neighborhood. They hit it off quite well, and on November 29, 1947 they exchanged wedding vows. As the story goes, Bill insisted that he be able to watch the entire ARMY football game first, and only after the game had concluded could the wedding commence. June knew what she was in for because Bill always did things his way. They enjoyed a honeymoon to Williamsburg, Virginia before settling into a two-family home that his father owned in Lyndhurst, and they lived there for about fifteen years before moving to Packanack Lake. Throughout the years, they enjoyed many road-trips throughout the United States, all the way to California and back. After seventy-one years of marriage, June passed away in 2018, and Bill has missed her dearly. Bill and June were very proud of their loving family and of their large legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were truly blessed in this life.

Bill is survived by his two children: Judith “Judy” Gerasimenko and her husband George of Kinnelon, and William D. and his wife Cathy of Wayne, five grandchildren: Lauren LaMantia (Charlie), Christine McDevitt (Dan), Michael Gerasimenko (Geralanne Maglione), William D. Wackwitz, Jr. (Michelle), and Brian Wackwitz, two great-grandchildren: Brendan Hout and Page Erekat, and one sister: Elizabeth Cloughley. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife June in 2018.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad would be greatly appreciated.

Joseph Miglino, 81, of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

The firstborn of Gennaro and Carmela (Cetrangolo) Miglino’s two sons, Joseph was born and raised in Italy, in the town of Rutino in the province of Salerno.

When Joe was just five years of age, his father, a Carabinieri, tragically lost his life while on duty during an earthquake tremor near Mount Vesuvius. The tremor caused the opening of the cave he was in to be blocked and, sadly, his father suffocated. Despite losing his dear dad and primary role model, Joe persevered and lived a life that had a positive impact on countless persons who were blessed to have known him.

Between the ages of thirteen and nineteen, Joe spent his summers as a teacher, educating the poorer children of Rutino, some even older than him. When he was sixteen, he was bestowed with a national award, Premio Della Bontá, for his humanitarian effort. Joe’s benevolent nature continued throughout his entire life and, along the way, he proved to be a blessing to family, friends, and countless acquaintances.

After graduating from Istituto Tecnico Industriale in Italy, Joe emigrated to the United States in 1960. Upon landing on American soil, Joe moved into his Aunt and Uncle Cetrangolo’s home on 23rd Street in Paterson, NJ. His first order of business was taking English classes. He was a quick learner and soon secured a job as a tool maker in a machine shop in Paterson. Joe’s leadership skills and spirit of advocacy for fellow workers inspired him to attempt to form a union within that shop. When those efforts fell short, he left his position and joined the United Electrical Union.

Joe met the love of his life, Tina Leo, at St. Michael’s Church in Paterson, at a church sponsored gathering for young Italian immigrants. Soon after, they began a beautiful courtship and Tina even suggested that Joe take a job at a machine shop called United Tool and Stamping Company located right next door to the coat factory she worked at on Andrews Drive in West Paterson. It was the perfect suggestion because it gave them the opportunity to enjoy lunch together every day. Afraid that Tina’s parents would not approve of her seeing Joe, they secretly dated for six months before they got caught. Tina recalls that Joe bought her an LP record to convince her not to break up. Then he mustered up the courage to talk to Tina’s parents. He won them over with his respect and charm, so much so that they wondered why he and Tina kept their relationship so secretive in the first place. Once Tina’s parents accepted Joe, they were considered engaged. They married on Saturday, April 18, 1970 at St. Michael’s Church. It was a sunny but very windy day. After a reception at Natolis on Route 46, the newlyweds honeymooned in the Poconos and then in Italy. Their first home as husband and wife was a second-floor apartment at 101 Totowa Ave in Paterson. From there, along with their six-month old son Daniel, they moved to 281 Paterson Ave in Paterson. While in that home they were blessed with two more children – Debbie and Rino. In 1981 they moved once again, this time into a brand new home in Wayne. Along with friends and family always willing to help, Joe did a lot of the finish work on the house like tiling, painting, and trimming. It was in this home that Joe remained for the rest of his life. Joe’s love for his beloved Tina was immense. A true romantic, every year he bestowed her with a gift on the anniversary of the very first day they met in the church.

Prior to marriage, Joe pursued further education at Farleigh Dickinson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in linguistics. He was fluent in four of the five romance languages – French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Immediately after graduating Joe was offered a teaching job but, with a family to provide for, the salary wasn’t enough so he chose to stay with United Tool and Stamping Company and part time with the United Electrical Union. With a heart for the welfare of his fellow workers and the gift of negotiation, Joe was able to convince United Tool to allow its workers to unionize. Most shop owners would oppose such an idea but Joe was such a fair negotiator that, his boss not only agreed, but they remained good friends. Joe enjoyed a career that spanned over forty years until full retirement in 2005.

With time to spare Joe became Tina’s right-hand man in her bridal store in Totowa – Tina’s Bridal. Joe served as her business manager, her “gopher” and her “Jack of all trades.” Retirement also gave him more time to focus on his hobbies including stamp collecting, oil painting on canvas, and painting intricate beach scenes on large seashells. He loved artistic painting and was a huge fan of Bob Ross’ television show, “The Joy of Painting.” Above all, Joe put together a nativity scene every Christmas which became more elaborate every year including running water, lights, and expanding real estate.

Joe was a fantastic father and grandfather who believed that nothing was as important as his family including his nieces, nephews and in-laws whom he adored. Family vacations included many cruises, trips to Hawaii, Italy, Costa Rica, Disney, and summers down the Jersey shore at their family beach house in Brigantine, NJ. He was an incredible “Nonno” to his six cherished grandchildren. It sounds like an old cliché but they truly were the apple of his eye. When they were with Nonno, his grandchildren were his entire world and, like any good grandparent, he and Tina spoiled them like crazy.

A theme quickly emerged when his family was asked to use words to describe Joe – words like sweet, kind, gentle, warm, complimentary, accepting, patient, selfless, compassionate, and benevolent. Wherever he went, Joe had his hands in helping people. Whenever the fellow Italian immigrants that he met in St. Michael’s Church needed help, whether it was applying for citizenship, filling out documents, or anything to help them assimilate into their new communities, they knew he would always be around for them. In 1980, Joe’s wife Tina went to Italy for her father’s funeral. While there, an earthquake struck. Joe left his children with relatives and flew to Italy to be with Tina. The earthquake caused the relocation of many Italian citizens to the United States. Joe helped them relocate, get jobs, and he even gave them rides to and from work.

Sadly, Joe suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease for the past five years. His family looked after him with the same love and compassion that he would have given to one in need. While they mourn his passing, they are grateful that his suffering is over and their hearts overflow with thankfulness for the honor of having him in their lives.

Joe was the beloved husband of Tina (Leo), blessed in marriage for 52 years; loving father of: Daniel and wife Heather Miglino of Hammonton, NJ, Debbie and husband Marc Foti of Wayne, and Rino and wife Lindsey Miglino of Kinnelon; adored grandfather of: Peter Joseph Foti, Julia Foti, Joseph Miglino, Marissa Foti, Alessia Miglino, and Daniel Miglino; dearest older brother of the late Daniel Miglino (2011) and his wife Anna of Italy; dear brother-in-law of: the late Maria (2015) and her late husband Teodoro Pizza, Iolanda and husband Gerardo DeSimone of Wayne, Franca and husband Michael Tafuri of Wayne, and Antonio and wife Joanne Leo of Wayne: and cherished uncle of: Rosaria, Anna, Giuseppe, Federico, Jessie, Luci, Sonia, Joe, Lorena, Pam, Enrico, Michelle, Nick, Sabrina, Jessica, and all their spouses; and dear great-uncle to numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

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

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

Attn: Development Dept.

425 Eagle Rock Avenue, #203

Roseland, NJ 07068

Please make your check payable to Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

Stephen F. De Carlo, age 90 of Wayne and formerly of Rochelle Park, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Steve had been a licensed electrician in NJ and served as a Foreman for the Rutherford Board of Education where he worked over 42 years until he retired in June 1996.

Steve was born in Manhattan.  His family then lived for a short period of time in Passaic, NJ closer to relatives until finally settling in Rutherford, NJ. He was the third eldest of twelve children in his family, with the eldest sister passing away around eight years old. With so many mouths to feed, Steve entered the workforce after finishing high school. His father was a carpenter and taught him the trades which turned to serve as a great value to his future. He started working for the Rutherford Board of Education school system as a custodian and worked his way into doing various trades for the school system.  He also obtained his Black Seal Boiler License.

It was in Rutherford that Steve met his wife, Elsie. As the story goes, Steve’s mother and eldest sister would babysit for Elsie’s daughter Patricia, when the two first met.  Elsie & Steve fell pretty hard for one another! Steve also adored little Patty.  Elsie laid a kiss on Steve that he couldn’t forget, and the rest is history. They were married on August 3, 1957, and enjoyed a honeymoon to Bermuda. The two of them were inseparable and did just about everything together. Steve was a devoted husband and father, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family.  He taught his children sports and attended all of their events. The family participated in the church folk group where Steve would happily help with all of their instruments.

While working during the day, Steve started classes at the Bergen County Tech Vocational School which eventually led to him becoming a licensed electrician. He continued to work for the Rutherford Board of Education by day and did electrical & TV repair side jobs after work and on weekends; sometimes taking his children with him to help and learn.  When Elsie began fighting cancer, he was by her side through every doctor visit and treatment. Sadly, Elsie passed in 1989 and Steve has grieved for her ever since. He then assumed the role of both father and mother to his children.  They would take him along with them everywhere and he was an active part of their adult life.  He enjoyed collecting and running 0 Gauge toy trains with his son and grandsons.  Steve also loved to video-tape all of their family events, and he took great pride in editing the videos and adding music soundtracks. He would make copies for the growing family to share.  They have hours of videos to cherish for their lifetimes. He was also a devoted grandfather and never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren. He would often babysit his grandchildren and never missed their events.  They adored their PopPop.  

Steve was a big fan of the NY Yankees. He also enjoyed following politics and was an avid reader. After his wife passed away, he began studying the Bible and his faith deepened greatly. He became very religious and read the entire Bible four times. He enjoyed sharing his catholic faith with his grandchildren. Although he could be stubborn at times, he was always kind, helpful, and generous with his skills and most importantly his time. He was always willing to help if you asked and put his family first.

Steve is survived by two children; Thomas De Carlo and his wife Sherri of Wayne, and Margaret “Peggy” Duffill and her husband Bill of Maywood, His son in law Joe Farsijani of Florida, six grandchildren; Stephen, Thomas, and Matthew De Carlo of Wayne, Luke and Leah Duffill of Maywood, and Michael Atanas and his wife Allison of Florida, four great-grandchildren; Mackenzie, Morgan Ryleigh, Morgan Patrick, and Maya, three sisters; Marie De Carlo of Toms River, Catherine Fernandi of Seattle, Susan Rossi of S. Jersey, two brothers; Frank of Whiting and Danny of East Rutherford. Steve was predeceased by his dear wife Elsie in 1989, and by their daughter, Patricia Atanas-Farsijani in 2019 , two sisters; Catherine De Carlo and Dina Leonte, and by four brothers; Carlo, Joseph, Vito, and Dennis.

Robert J. D’Arienzo, “Bobby D” age 65 of Pompton Plains and a longtime former resident of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 28, 2022.

The second of Romeo and Edith (Milite) D’Arienzo’s two children, Bobby was born in New York City and, after beginning life in the Bronx, his family moved to Elmwood Park, NJ. Bobby graduated Elmwood Park High School with the Class of 1975. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in 1979 from William Paterson College (today called William Paterson University). During his years in high school and college, he excelled at ice hockey and played for both schools.

It was while working his first full-time job at Suburban Savings Bank in Wayne, that Bobby met the love of his life Debbie Brino. She also worked at the bank and she’d often go to lunch with her girlfriend Lynn. Having a sincere interest in Debbie, Bobby would tag along. This practice went on for a while until one day Bobby asked Debbie if they could just go to lunch alone. It became a regular practice and their go-to eatery was the former Taco Maker on Berdan Ave. They’d get their food and then head up Berdan Ave to the park by the Wayne Museum along the Point View Reservoir They’d sit at a picnic table where friendship grew to love. Fast forward to one night at the former Gaspers in Wayne, Bobby asked Debbie to marry him. He had the engagement ring hidden inside his Frye cowboy boot. She enthusiastically said yes but later realized that Bobby had never asked her parents for permission to marry her. Very soon after, they went to a Giants football game where Debbie’s father had a luxury box. There he received permission from her parents and the engagement was official! Bobby and Debbie exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends on Saturday, October 13, 1984 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. After a reception at The Manor in West Orange they honeymooned in Hawaii.

Being a mortgage banker, Bobby and Debbie moved numerous times throughout their marriage. They started out in a townhouse in Lincoln Park at 78 Gettysburg Way. Nine months later they moved across town to a condo at 135 Harvest Lane. After eight months they moved again into a home at 39 Kiwanis Drive in Wayne. During their eight years living there, Bobby and Debbie were blessed with two wonderful daughters and an awesome son. The next move was to 81 Yellow Brick Road where they stayed for a whopping twenty-five years. Bobby loved that house. He even made a 20 foot by 40-foot ice skating rink in the back yard for the kids. In 2018, they moved into their present home in Pompton Plains.

Bobby eventually left his job at Suburban Savings to become a mortgage banker at National City Mortgage Company in Clark, NJ. Most of his career was spent there. He later worked for Atlantic Home Loans in Parsippany and was just getting ready to retire. Because he was often the highest producer in his company, he won many-a trip to great destinations like Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and Miami.

Bobby was an active, fun-loving guy who was always up to something. As a young man he could be found at the gym working out, and in more recent years he got involved in the men’s softball and hockey leagues. He also served as a hockey coach for his son Rob. He had a couple of nice corvettes, one of which he wanted to bring his daughter Julianne to school in but she was too concerned about attracting unwanted attention. Bobby loved to build and fix things. He had a blast making that ice rink in the back yard. While his kids skated, he stayed warm by his chimenea while sitting on the bench that he built and his cat Mikey was always faithfully by his side. He also built the kids a tree house, built a shed for himself, and a backyard deck. He renovated his daughter, Nichole and Mike's first home.

With Bobby, his kids enjoyed a fun-filled childhood and life was always interesting for the whole family. Favorite memories included nights out for Karaoke at the Tawara Bar in Wayne. His favorite songs to sing were Elton John’s Rocket Man, The Foundation’s Build Me up Buttercup, and anything by Boston. Not necessarily the voice of discipline, Bobby was known to take his children out on Goosy Night. It was clean fun as they only TP’d their own bushes and trees and maybe the neighbor’s house from whom Bobby had already received permission. Family vacations were spent taking Carnival cruises to the Bahamas, Cancun and Canada, as well as trips to Florida, Lancaster Pennsylvania, and, of course, the ever-trusty Jersey Shore. And when his four grandchildren came into his life, Bobby’s world was never the same. He was always psyched when he knew they were coming to his house. To him, they were magical!

Bobby was a witty and kind, the life of the party! His practice of dancing with a trash can at corporate parties earned him the title “Trash Can Man.” He was a generous person and he had a real soft place in his heart for homeless animals. His late cat Mikey was rescued from a shelter. His late dog Teddy would have also been from a shelter too but his love for his daughter Julianne won out. She wanted a dog so bad that she saved every penny to buy one. She’d put another dollar or two into her “dog fund” and then go ask her daddy if she had enough now. Finally, Bobby melted and he just bought her the dog she wanted. As mentioned, the dog’s name was Teddy and he turned out to be Bobby’s favorite walking buddy.  

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife Debbie, blessed in marriage for 38 years. He was the loving father of: Nicole Thuring and husband Mike of Pompton Plains, Robert N. D’Arienzo and wife Gabrielle of Montville, and Julianne Sclavounos and husband Aris of Oakland; cherished grandfather of: Luca, Penelope, R.J., and Leo; dearest brother of Francine Hamilton and husband Ralph of Wayne; dear uncle of: Michael Hamilton and wife Kim, Jaclyn Hamilton, Reid Hensen, and Stevie Hensen; dear son-in-law of Rosalie and the late Ed Brino (2022) of Pompton Plains; and dear brother-in-law of: Christina Brino of Pompton Plains, and Laurie Hensen and her husband Reid of Wayne.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Robert’s name are asked to consider one of the following charitable organizations:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Click Here for mailable form to send with your donation

FOWA Rescue (Friends of Wayne Animals Rescue)

PO Box 3701

Wayne, NJ 07470

Click Here for mailable for to send with your donation

Joseph Chernishuk, age 90, of Wayne passed peacefully in his home on Monday, November 28, 2022. He was the only child of Theodore and Catherine Chernishuk, and was born and raised in Jersey City. After graduating from Jersey City High School in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Joseph served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956, during the Korean War. He received both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He trained as a radar mechanic at the Electronics Training Center at Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The training he received in the military led to a lifelong career as an electrical engineer.

Joe met Caroline, the love of his life, on a blind date. They married about a year and a half later in 1963, and bought a house in Wayne. Caroline and Joe enjoyed a “robust and enthusiastic” marriage spanning forty-six years that was blessed with a son Joseph “Teddy” Chernishuk and a daughter Catherine Trajkovic. Their marriage can be warmly characterized by them considering each other “best friends.” For many years they enjoyed traveling, having visited Europe, the Vatican, Spain, Las Vegas, California and a few cruises as well. Their favorite trip of all time was a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco.

Joe will be remembered as a quiet, reserved person, but once he got to know you that façade disappeared. He enjoyed a good joke, kielbasa, a nice glass of red wine, and both the New York Giants (even though his son persistently tried to convert him to a Washington Commanders fan) and the New York Yankees. He enjoyed watching classic movies on the Turner Classic Movies channel. He was a dog lover, and his late Golden Retriever Coco was certainly spoiled as she slept under the covers and even had her own pillow. He was also very fond of the current family dog Oscar who is a Yorkie.

Joe was dedicated to his Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne for many years.

Joe was predeceased by Caroline, his wife for forty-six years, in 2009. He was the loving father of Joseph “Teddy” Chernishuk and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, and Catherine Trajkovic of Highland Lakes. He was the cherished grandfather of Kayla, Saralyn, and Sienna Chernishuk, and Alex and Max Trajkovic. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and seeing his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face.

George A. Freeman, age 96 of Pompton Plains, died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022. He had lived in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, NJ for more than 60 years before moving to Cedar Crest Village in 2009.

George was raised in Nutley, NJ along with three brothers and in 1944 he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a tail gunner in the three person crew of a torpedo bomber. After serving in World War II, he went to college to earn his Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Davis and Elkins. While in college, George met Mary Parsons and they were married on November  25, 1950  in Maryland. After a reception at the Bethesda Woman’s Club, they honeymooned to Florida. They lived briefly in Colorado and Washington, DC before settling in Packanack Lake in 1960.

George and Mary quickly became very involved in the Packanack community playing softball, golfing, bowling, playing horseshoes, and playing cards. They were a very social couple and enjoyed cocktail parties with their neighbors. Together, they were incredible dancers and everyone would clear the floor to watch them dance. They loved to travel and most of all, loved each other throughout their 70 years of marriage.

George’s career as a Licensed Professional Engineer began with the United States Atomic Energy Commission, would later become a Vice President for Vogelbach and Baumann in 1973, started his own firm; G.A. Freeman & Associates Consulting Engineers, and he retired from Atmos Engineering in 1989. During his career he also served as President of the New Jersey Chapter of The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE. He was well known for incredible work ethic and rarely missed a day of work.

George was a true gentleman and always willing to help anyone in need. Sometimes he was even a little bit too eager to help, but his heart was in the right place. True to a Freeman trait, he was stubborn to a high degree, but complimented with a big heart. He kept a large place in his heart for his dogs; Toni, Belle, Snooky, and Sugar and would walk them every day in all weather. George was also a devoted grandfather and great grandfather and loved spending time with them and watching them grow. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren each know how blessed they are to have had such a loving example in their lives and they will all miss him dearly.

George is survived by his four children: Dan Freeman and his wife Almeda of Pompton Plains, NJ, Richard Freeman and his wife Linda of Newton, NJ, Brad Freeman and his wife Diane of Whitehouse Station, NJ, and Joyce Lorusso and her husband Phil of Pompton Lakes, NJ, eight grandchildren; Dawn McDonough, Danielle Wallin, Reese Freeman, Lyle Freeman, George Lorusso, Maddie Freeman, Nikki Freeman, and Sammy Freeman, and four great grandchildren; Brendan McDonough, Colleen McDonough, Maggie Wallin, and Ryan Wallin, and his brother, James Freeman of Reading, MA.  George was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary, in 2020, and by two brothers; Whitman and Robert Freeman.

In memory, please consider a donation to St Hubert’s Animal Welfare Shelter, sthuberts.org

Jean B. Kent (nee Baumgartner), of Pompton Lakes, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 26, 2022. She was 89 but if you ever asked her how old she was, she would get a twinkle in her eyes and just reply “I’m plenty-nine.” Jean’s middle initial “B” really stood for her maiden name but she always said it stood for “Beautiful”.

The second of Edwin and Murial (Squier) Baumgartner’s four children, Jean was born in Rahway, NJ and raised in Westwood.

After graduating from Westwood High School, Jean attended the University of Cincinnati on a full scholarship where she studied to become a registered nurse. After earning her bachelor’s degree, her first foray into her nursing career was working for the Cincinnati Department of Health.

While at the University of Cincinnati, Jean met Joseph Kent who hailed from Indiana and was also attending the university studying accounting. On their first date, Joe got a case of alligator arms as he forgot to bring his wallet. Jean ended up paying for that date but she fell for him all the same. Their mutual love for each other continued to grow to the point of exchanging marriage vows on August 8, 1955 at the Presbyterian Church in Joe’s hometown of Aurora, Indiana. After the ceremony, a reception took place in the church basement where ice cream and cake were enjoyed by all. Jean and Joe’s honeymoon was a “tour of the Midwest” which, in reality, consisted of just driving her mother to the train for the trip back east. Despite a humble honeymoon, they did get a chance to visit Niagara Falls after college graduation.

Jean and Joe eventually relocated to the northeast and, in 1962, they settled into a home on Lakeside Avenue in Pompton Lakes, NJ. They started their family and were blessed with three children, Steven, Michael and Janet. When the kids were young, Jean focused primarily on caring for them and limiting her outside work to a part-time job as substitute nurse for the Pompton Lakes and Wayne Schools. In 1972, when her sons and daughter reached an age of relative independence, Jean returned to full-time nursing at what was then known as Wayne General Hospital in Wayne, NJ. Over the course of her thirty-two-year career at the hospital, during which it was taken over by St. Barnabas Hospital before becoming St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital, Jean skillfully and caringly attended to the needs of thousands of patients. When she retired from the hospital in 2004, she lovingly stepped up to the call by caring for her great grandson Josh who needed daily care for the first two years of his life. In her later years, Jean also served as her husband Joseph’s personal nurse until his passing on May 20, 2021.

It was after her retirement from full-time nursing that Jean and her husband Joe joined the Pompton Lakes Golden Agers Club. With his background in accounting, Joe served as the club’s treasurer while Jean faithfully served as second vice-president from 2011 to 2017. She loved the challenge and more importantly, she loved the many dear friends she and Joe made and the really fun activities that the Golden-Age Club offered. She loved the many trips, especially the ones to Shawnee Playhouse in East Stroudsburg, PA and the great lunches at the Shawnee Inn. In fact, Jean not only loved going on the trips, she also loved planning them as well as the Golden Agers involvement in the town’s annual “Pompton Day.”

Nothing got between Jean and her University of Cincinnati Bearcats football games. She remained a loyal fan from her college days throughout the rest of her life.  

Above all else, Jean’s greatest love was for her family – her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sister. In recent years, many family reunions took place throughout the country in New Jersey, Connecticut, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Nevada. Jean’s last trip was to California when she went to visit her older brother Edwin who just passed away in the fall of this year. Her family shared a love of genealogy and could trace their ancestors all the way back to the Mayflower. She loved the holidays and her family is so thankful that they got to spend this past Thanksgiving together.

Jean was the beloved wife of Joseph, blessed in marriage for 65 years until his passing in 2021. She was the loving mother of: Steven Kent of Sussex, Michael Kent of Pompton Lakes, and Janet Kent-Peterson of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandmother of: Jackie Laurice and husband Ryan of Randolph, Steven Kent, Jr. and wife Krystal of Sussex, David Kent of Pompton Lakes, James Kent of Oakland, and Nick Kent of Wayne; adoring great-grandmother of: Isabela, Logan, Luke, and Josh; and dearest sister of: the late Edwin Baumgartner and wife Connie of Merced, CA, Alan Baumgartner and wife Carolyn of the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, and Nancy Mannino and husband Frank of Bunnell, FL.

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

The Salvation Army

New Jersey Division

P.O. Box 3124

Union, NJ 07083

Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Jean B. Kent

Rosemary Grillo, age 64, of Wayne went to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, November 25, 2022.

She was born in Summit and was the daughter of the late Charles and Patricia Grillo. Rosemary grew up in Berkley Heights and attended Governor Livingston High School where she found her passion for singing in the choir. Her family moved to Westfield in her senior year as the school system there had special accommodations for her late sister Alycia. Rosemary continued her love for the arts at her new school and found joy participating in school plays  and singing with the Westfield High School Class of 1976. Following high school, she followed her love of music and attended and graduated from the Harford School of Music in Connecticut.

In her younger years Rosemary worked as an on-call accountant and excelled at several sales positions. In her mid-50’s her new role became caretaker for her mother which gave her the time and opportunity to return to school and receive a teaching certificate so that she could pursue her dream career in childhood education. For several years she worked at the Elizabeth Board of Education as a first-grade teacher.

Rosemary will forever be lovingly remembered as a beautiful soul who was outgoing, positive, giving, loving, caring, and a true caretaker who was there for anyone in need. She loved to worship and was a dedicated member of Calvary Temple International in Wayne where she sang and proudly displayed her license plate that read “RU Ready” with a frame that added, “To Let Jesus into Your Heart?” She was loyal, had a servant’s heart, was selfless and artistic. She loved pink flamingos and was a member of the Flamingo Buddies.  She once had a Pink Party where everything was pink from sunglasses, t-shirts, plates, cups, and more.  She was also a devoted cat lover always having at least two cats and at one time was up to four.  Rosemary was one of the most friendly, welcoming, loving people you ever met unless you called her “Rose” – she would immediately add “Mary” to correct you.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her Father Charles Grillo, Mother Patricia Grillo and Sister Alycia Grillo. Rosemary is survived by her brother Charles Grillo and his wife Sarah of Cumming, GA, brother Christopher Grillo of Westfield and four beautiful nieces, Theresa, Nicole, Olivia, and Madeline Grillo. She will also be dearly missed by her close friends who are like family: Faith & Gary Woortman, Jane Scalzitti, Audrey Lewis, Cathy & Joe Dobiszewski and her church family at Calvary Temple International in Wayne, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Calvary Temple, 1111 Preakness Ave., Wayne, NJ 07470, calvarynj.com/give or the Valley Hospital Cancer, valleyhospitalfoundation.org.

Charles “Charlie” Sanclementi, Sr., age 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Wayne, NJ on November 24, 2022.  Charlie is survived by his loving daughter Karen Balter, her husband Richard, their daughter Allison McNamara and her husband Collin; his loving son Charles “Chuck” SanClementi, Jr., his wife Erin and their children Rosa, Gena and Luca. Charlie was predeceased by his adored wife of nearly 70 years, Rose, in January of 2020; as well as by their beloved son Steven in 2003.  Charlie was the last of his five siblings, predeceased by his brothers John, Dominic, Angelo and Frank and sister Annie Ridgewood.

Charlie was born to Frank and Mary Sanclementi in Pompton Lakes, NJ on March 4, 1929.  He graduated from Pompton Lakes High School and married his high school sweetheart Rose Giannone in 1950, to whom he was devoted for nearly 70 years.

Charlie was an army veteran of the Korean war.  Upon his return from Korea, Charlie continued his work as butcher at the store he ran with his brothers, Frank’s Market, named for his father, in Pompton Lakes, NJ.  Subsequent to that, Charlie worked as a groundskeeper for the Wayne Board of Education until his retirement.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad would be greatly appreciated.

Arlene M. Loreng (nee Leobold), age 81 of Kinnelon, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

Arlene grew up in South Paterson, on Thomas Street where she graduated from St. George’s High School. She began dating Walter when they were teenagers and got married on September 17, 1960. They lived in Paterson and Wayne before moving to Kinnelon in 1982.

Throughout the years, Arlene and Walt enjoyed themselves everywhere they went. They always enjoyed hosting family and friends whether it would be at their home in Kinnelon or Chadwick beach. They loved traveling together as, Paris was perhaps Arlene’s favorite destination, despite the fact that several of them got pick-pocketed while they were there! Arlene also enjoyed spending time with her two sisters, Betty and Dolores by having lunch and shopping on Friday afternoons

Arlene was an excellent cook and her scalloped potatoes, corned beef and cabbage, and pistachio cake were just a few of her remarkable specialties. Her turkey soup, however, tasted like dishwater, and her family never let her live that down! She loved eating out and Novelli’s was among her favorite restaurants.

Two of Arlene’s favorite pass times were reading and golf outings. She won the summer tournament twice, an accomplishment she was very proud of. Arlene could also polish off a Dean Koontz and James Patterson novel in just one sitting! Above all, Arlene was a huge fan of the New York Football GIANTS. As a season ticket holder for many years, Arlene was enjoying the success the team was having this year.

Arlene adored her grandchildren and loved building blanket-tents and forts around the house with them when they were little. She also enjoyed visits by her grand-dog, Mango Happy. Mango Happy would always enjoy his visits with grandma.

Arlene is survived by her beloved husband of sixty-two years; Walter, predeceased by their infant son, Walter, their daughter Lisa Warnek and her husband Adam of Kinnelon, three grandchildren; Caitlin, Adam and Bryan Warnek, and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her two dear sisters: Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Brugaletta of West Milford and Dolores Salvati of Kinnelon. We will all miss her dearly and hold our memories close to our hearts.

For those wishing to make a donation in Arlene's memory, please consider the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. You may donate online at www.mskcc.org.

Walter A. Triebel, age 78, of Packanack Lake in Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 while his loving family was by his side.

Walter was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Union, NJ, the second son of Adolf and Marie (Seidman) Triebel.

After graduating from Union High School, Walter attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering cum laude in 1969. He completed his education in 1972 earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering at New York University.

The predominance of Walter’s career was with Intel Corporation where he rose to the rank of Senior Field Engineer. He also served for fifteen years as an adjunct professor at his alma mater Fairleigh Dickinson University at the Teaneck campus, and he was a published author of more than twenty college text and reference books on digital electronics and computer technology.

A huge Yankees fan and an all-around fan of baseball, Walt and his brother Bob managed to visit all the major league baseball stadiums throughout the country and his love of minor league baseball was legendary. As an avocation, he was a freelance sports writer covering both major and particularly minor league baseball. Interestingly enough, he also authored a trade book titled “Road-Tripping the South Atlantic League: A Guide to Teams, Ballparks, and Cities.”

Walter truly enjoyed being a resident of Packanack Lake, where he often played tennis with friends. He was also an avid snow skier, who loved the thrills of down-hilling at Killington and Stratton in Vermont. Both skiing and going to baseball games were special times he spent with his daughter Lindsey. He spent time in North Carolina, during his later years, with friends.

Walter was the loving father of Lindsey Triebel of Wayne NJ; dear brother of Robert Triebel of Newton NJ; loving uncle of: Erika Schudde of Monroe NY, Christopher Triebel of Boscawen NH, and Russell Triebel of Little Egg Harbor NJ; and dear cousin of: Arthur Sedmont of Smyrna DE, Roger Sedmont of Turnersville NJ, Myriam Walther and Ursula Tautz and her children Gabi and Andy of Germany.In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Walter’s name are asked to consider:

‍Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
633 Third Ave, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10017

‍

‍National Multiple Sclerosis Society
PO Box #91891

Washington, D.C. 20090-1891

Longin Tybur, 91 of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2022, surrounded by family, in his own home of 42 years.

His life was a tale of perseverance, survival, and hard work balanced with loyalty, patience, and gentleness. His was not an easy start to life, but one with a happy journey that embodied the American dream.

When Longin was eight years old living in rural Poland, Russian soldiers invaded his village and herded Longin, his family, and Polish community onto cattle cars. They were deported to Siberia as prisoners of war, subjugated to labor camps.

Toward the end of WWII, Longin, like many Poles, were unable to return home. They faced relocation throughout the world. Longin found himself in Tanzania, Africa, where his father died of malaria.

Ever-enduring, Longin took steps to join Polish General Anders' Army as a young teen, and then, upon the end of WWII, turned his eyes to the sea and enrolled in a merchant marine high school in England. He graduated and over 47 years at sea, from age 18 to 65, he worked his way from assistant cook to the role of chief engineer of super tankers. The position was a challenging one, calling for a physically strong, hardworking individual with innate mechanical abilities. The person had to problem solve, survive weeks or months away at sea in hot engine rooms on often tumultuous waters. They would be exposed to different cultures and experiences, docking in ports around the globe. It was the perfect match for Longin, who sailed to every continent, even Antarctica! He found another perfect match during a visit back with family in Poland in the early 1960s, when his sister, Stasia, introduced him to his beautiful wife of 55 years, Mariola. Longin and Mariola immigrated to the US in 1966, settled in New Jersey, and raised three sons, the pride and joy of his life.

After retirement, Longin never really stopped working and learning. He was constantly fixing things at his home and the houses of his sons. Even his 90th birthday didn't stop him from climbing ladders or using chain saws! He adapted to computers, IPads and the internet with great pride. Always curious, he never lost interest in learning how things worked and was happy tinkering for long hours with a broken printer in his computer room or refurbishing the carburetor of a snow blower by his workbench.

His family treasures his many stories and important lessons from the life of this great man, but ultimately his life inspires them to live lives that embody his core values, and to make choices that would continue to make him proud. He is proudly and affectionately survived by his three children: Chuck (Marcy), Tom (Tanya), Jim (Marie); and his seven grandchildren: Jonathan, Spencer, Ben, Maddie, Matthew, Noelle, and Graham, as well as a younger sister, Stasia, and older brother, Zdiswav, in Poland and their extended families.

Elaine Vellis, 89, of Pompton Plains and a former longtime resident of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

Elaine was born and raised in Clifton. Her maternal grandparents also lived with her as she was growing up, so she was able to benefit from their love and knowledge as well. She learned to speak fluent Italian, and she learned to cook from her grandfather Longo, who was a chef in Italy before emigrating to the U.S.A. This not only developed in her a life-long love of cooking but also helped her to become an excellent cook in her own right, making such family favorites as arancinis, meatballs with wine gravy, or a delicious pot of sauce.

After graduating from high school, she worked for New Jersey Bell as a telephone operator followed by a job with General Electric. She married in 1957, and they moved to Fairfield in 1961. They had two daughters, Margo and Karen, and Elaine stepped into her new role as a wonderful and loving full-time mom.

Elaine was a woman of various interests and talents. As a young woman, she was a dance instructor at the Charlie Shaw Studio of Dancing, and she competed in and won various dance competitions. Later, she developed a talent for poetry into a business writing personalized poetry for special occasions. At various times, she also enjoyed racquetball, needlepoint, crocheting, and knitting and loved ones were often the fortunate recipients of the fruits of her loving labors.

In 1981, Elaine returned to the workplace, this time with BOBST, North America in Roseland where she worked for over 25 years in marketing and then in their parts department. When presented with an opportunity to visit Italy with a friend from Bobst, she jumped at it and felt blessed to witness, firsthand, the sights and culture of her grandparents and ancestors. She talked about it for years afterwards as the trip of a lifetime. Just prior to retirement from BOBST and after over 40 years in her Fairfield home, Elaine moved to Cedar Crest Village. It didn’t take long for her to get involved in various activities offered at Cedar Crest and to establish some great friendships, and she especially enjoyed getting together with friends after dinner to play cards.

Above all else, Elaine cherished her family. Times spent with them made for the best of times and the greatest of memories. Whether it was taking trips to Disney with Margo and her husband Rudy and their boys, or just getting together for a night of board games with her daughters and grandsons, the most important part was being together. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and the joy of giving to others.

Elaine was a special woman. When asked what they will miss the most about her, her family quickly named many of the simplest but most important things: her giving, loving, and caring nature, her wit, her kindness, interesting conversations, lots of laughs, the way she made the holidays so special, and of course, her delicious cooking.

Elaine was the loving mother of: Margo and husband Rudy Garbely of Pompton Plains, and Karen and husband Patrick Mullen of Wayne, and cherished grandmother of her five grandsons: Rudy Garbely and wife Carolyn Hoffman of Dingman’s Ferry, PA, Kyle and wife Lindsay Garbely of Hickory, NC, Brendan Mullen of Charlottesville, VA, Michael Mullen of Glassboro, NJ, and Luke Mullen of Wayne, NJ.

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

American Heart Association

PO Box 840692

Dallas, TX 75284-0692

Click here to access the Printable Tribute Donation Form

Giuseppe “Joseph” Carrini, age 83, of Kinnelon, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday November 18, 2022 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Giuseppe was born and raised in San Fratello, Sicily.  He was the oldest of three children to Giuseppe and Serafina Carrini.  Like many children Giuseppe’s age, he left school early to work on the family-owned farm.  There he worked alongside his family until 1967, when he emigrated to the United States of America in search of a better life and the “American Dream.”

Upon arriving in the United States, Giuseppe settled in Astoria, Queens.  Giuseppe found work quickly as a factory worker.  In 1970 he accepted a position in the construction department at AT&T.  Verizon eventually took over the outfit, but Giuseppe remained at the company becoming a Fiber Optic Technician.  Giuseppe’s career with Verizon spanned a period of thirty-one years until his retirement in 2001.  Giuseppe was in New York City on September 12, 2001 to re-establish phone lines after the September 11th attacks at the World Trade Center.  Helping his country rebuild and recuperate from the tragic events of 9/11 was something that Giuseppe was truly proud.

After his retirement, Giuseppe’s outstanding work ethic encouraged him to secure a position with the Paramus Board of Education as a School Bus Driver for disabled children.  Giuseppe happily held the position for over ten years.

In 1968, shortly after emigrating to the United States, Giuseppe’s cousin Alfio introduced him to a young attractive lady who was studying English as a second language.  Her name was Maria Enea. They fell in love and on December 14, 1969 they became husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in Queens and welcomed two sons, Anthony, and Frank.  They called Queens their home for the next thirty years until moving to New Jersey in 2003. Giuseppe loved to spend his free time gardening, growing vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes, string beans, and had a fig tree imported from Sicily in his backyard.  Along with gardening, Giuseppe treasured making his own wine, tomato sauce and fresh ricotta for his family.

Giuseppe had a talent for storytelling and could easily capture an audience with his tales of the “the old country” or stories about his work. He loved watching and talking about movies.   He treasured surfing the internet on his laptop and searched YouTube for Italian singers.  He was truly proud of his Sicilian heritage and his hometown of San Fratello.  Growing up in San Fratello, there was an annual feast for San Benedetto.  In 2018, Giuseppe was fortunate to travel back to San Fratello, Sicily and attend the feast that year.

Aside from all of Giuseppe’s talents, hobbies and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Giuseppe than spending time with and providing for his family.  He and his wife Maria cherished fifty-three years of loving and loyal marriage. Giuseppe would create any excuse to get his family together so that he would be able to be close to his family.

Giuseppe was also dedicated to his Catholic faith.  He and his family are parishioners of Our Lady of Magnificat in Kinnelon for many years.  Giuseppe was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him

Giuseppe is survived by his wife Maria (nee Enea) of Kinnelon, two sons; Anthony Carrini and his wife Christina (née Graziano) of Kinnelon, NJ, and Frank Carrini and his wife Arlene (née Antunes) of Cedar Grove, NJ, Also, two sisters; Benedetta Pernice and her husband Salvatore of Paramus, NJ, and Serafina Vasi and her husband Bernardo of Eatontown, NJ, and may nieces, nephews, and godchildren.  Giuseppe was predeceased by his grandson Sabastian Carrini in 2014.

Jerrold A. Berr, age 85 of W. Hartford, CT and formerly of Verona, NJ, died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.

Jerry grew up in the Delawanna section of Clifton and played at the varsity level in football, basketball, and baseball while at Clifton High School. After graduating, he went to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Upsala College, and then his MBA. He worked briefly as a CPA and even owned a couple of car washes before settling into a career as an insurance agent for John Hancock.

Jerry had lived in Verona for thirty-four years where he and his wife, Phyllis, raised their children and he coached Little League. They were active at Temple Sholom West Essex in Cedar Grove, where Jerry was a member of the Brotherhood throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s., serving as president twice. Jerry loved to golf, and he was a lifelong athlete and sports fan. It could be said that his life revolved around three things: sports, sports, and sports! He played softball in a local men’s league for years, and he loved all sorts of professional sports. He had season tickets to the Jets, Rangers, and the Devils. He went to Madison Square Garden almost weekly for many years, taking in the Knick’s and the Rangers as often as he could. And he never missed an opportunity to see the Yankees or the Mets play. Yes, even the Mets. He even bought season tickets to the newly formed World Football League back in the 1970’s, and later to the USFL Jersey Generals. If he couldn’t catch a live game, he’d be watching sports on TV. He just couldn’t get enough. Jerry did enjoy some balance in his life, was an avid reader and he did the NY Times crossword puzzle daily. There was always time for family, as well. They enjoyed memorable summer vacations each year, trips to Disney World, Newport, Rhode Island, Vermont, and several traditional Jewish vacations to resorts up in the Catskills. They even visited Israel for an entire month back in 1980. He was also a devoted grandfather who was always there to cheer on his grandchildren. He was at every soccer game he could make it to, with his folding chair strategically placed on the sidelines, encouraging them on every play. He loved his grandchildren very much and they will all miss him dearly.

Jerry met his wife, Phyllis Schmidt, when they were both students at Upsala College. As only Jerry could tell the story, he was walking behind Phyllis and said to his friend; “I’m going to marry that girl.” From his perspective, it was love at first sight. They were soon married on June 14, 1959 and honeymooned to Bermuda. They first settled into a small apartment on the third floor of Phyllis’ parent’s home in Newark before buying their family home on Willow Terrace in Verona in 1963.  Jerry and Phyllis planted deep roots in Verona and loved living there. Phyllis battled cancer twice during their years together, and it was during those battles that Jerry showed his true colors as a devoted husband. He did all he could for her, but sadly, after thirty-seven years of marriage, Phyllis lost her battle with cancer in 1996. Jerry sold the house in Verona not long after and he lived briefly in Caldwell and Lord’s Valley, Pennsylvania before moving to Hebron, Connecticut, in 2009.

Jerry is survived by his two children: Andrea Barletta and her husband Martin of W. Hartford, CT, and Steven Berr of Skaneateles, NY, five grandchildren: Rachel, Jonathan, and Harrison Berr, all of Connecticut, Zack Barletta of Tennessee, and Jake Rasmussen (Mykayla) of North Carolina, and one great-grandson; Asher Rasmussen. Jerry was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis (nee Schmidt) in 1996, and by his brother Martin Berr of Vernon, CT in 2004.

For those wishing to make a donation in Jerry's memory, please consider McLean Hospice Care. You can visit their website and donate online at www.mcleancare.org.

Mary Darlene Matonti, age 76, of Waldwick passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2022 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Mary was born in Paterson, NJ and was the only child to Anthony and Dorothy Matonti. As Mary grew up, those closest to her always knew her and referred to her as Darlene.  At the age of about ten years old, Darlene and her family moved from Paterson to Wyckoff.  There, Darlene attended Ramapo Regional High School.  While in high school, Darlene excelled in Dance and was active in the school’s theatre productions.  After graduating from Ramapo Regional High School with the class of 1963, Darlene was accepted to New York University where she was enrolled in Pre-Veterinary studies.  Darlene left NYU after marrying John U. Greene (Jack) and the birth of her first child Donna in 1965.  The couple lived in Wyckoff after getting married then moved to Paterson where they welcomed the birth of their second child, their son John.

After moving back to Wyckoff, Darlene worked alongside her husband Jack at their family business, Urban Appliance Repair.  Darlene and Jack owned and operated their business for more than ten years together.  Although Darlene was helping with the family business, her true full-time job was that of a homemaker.  Raising and caring for her children was clearly Darlene’s calling and where she genuinely flourished.  As the years went by, Darlene and Jack eventually separated.  However, in 1983, Darlene found love and companionship again when she met her true love, Thomas Sabiel.  Tom and Darlene moved to Waldwick and have been together ever since.      

Being a homemaker for many years gave Darlene the opportunity to hone her cooking skills.  She was an outstanding cook and was referred to as a gourmet chef by her family and friends.  To say that Darlene loved animals was seemingly an understatement.  Throughout her life, Darlene raised and rehabilitated animals for the state of New Jersey.  Her home was always filled with not only dogs and cats, but animals of all kinds, including squirrels, racoons, ducks, and a variety of birds.  Even for about two weeks, Darlene sheltered two African lion cubs from the Bronx Zoo that were scheduled to be transferred to the San Francisco Zoo in California.

On one afternoon, while Darlene was driving with Tom on route 208 in Wyckoff, Darlene spotted an adult duck pacing to and fro on the side of the road.  Darlene told Tom to pull over as she was sure something was wrong.  When pulling over, the couple found that the duck’s babies were trapped in the storm drain.  Tom tried to lift the storm drain cover by hand but was unsuccessful, he then tried to hook up a chain and pull it off with his car. While trying to do so, a NJ State Trooper pulled up behind them and asked what they thought they were doing.  After Tom and Darlene explained the situation, the officer said, “Okay… I was never here!”      

Darlene enjoyed freshwater fishing, scuba diving and travel.  She had a wonderful sense of adventure, traveling to a variety of destinations over the years including Italy, Bermuda, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  She and Tom also enjoyed racing cars. She was a genuinely true patriot and had a deep love for her country. But aside from all her hobbies, talents, and interests, Darlene’s greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Darlene than spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Darlene was a loving and caring person with a huge heart.  She was often selfless to a fault, putting the needs of others before her own.  She was a firm believer that material things were not what is important in one’s life, but the relationships with family and friends are what really matters.  Darlene was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.        

Darlene is survived by her longtime companion Tom Sabiel of Waldwick, her daughter Jacqueline Donna Elefante and her husband Andrew of Lincoln Park, NJ, one step-son, Thomas Sabiel, Jr. and his wife Michele of Waldwick, NJ and five grandchildren: Alexis Drew Elefante, Ryan Ross Elefante, Thomas Joseph Sabiel, Andrew Nicholas Sabiel, and Nicole Leticia Greene.  She was predeceased by her son John Anthony Greene in 2018.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Darlene’s name may be made to the New Jersey Humane Society http://www.newjerseyhumanesociety.org, 6412 Dewey Ave, West New York, NJ 07093,  or Wounded Warriors, 370 7th Ave, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001 http://www.woundedwarriorsproject.org

Minnie Pelosi succumbed on November 13, 2022 surrounded by loving family and friends at Chilton Medical Center. Minnie was born on January 28, 1933 in Paterson where she was a longtime resident, later followed by a longtime residency in Wayne.

Upon graduation from Central H.S. she attended and graduated from The Paine School in the City of New York where she was trained for Medical Technology and Office Management. After program completion, she was employed as a Medical Technician and Office Manager in the Medical Practices of Fred J. Crescente, M.D. (25 years), followed by Ramesh C. Gupta, M.D. (35 years) respectively. Both of these careers spawned and forged lifelong friendships and precious, loving family relationships with Minnie, that has spanned multiple generations.

Minnie, the sister of the late Antonetta Foschi (Nicholas predeceased) is survived by sisters Grace Liskay (Paul predeceased), Mary Ann Hoppe (Steven), and brother Dominick Pelosi (Catherine), nephew Nicholas Foschi, nieces Paula Calabrese, Kimberly Fedo, Pamela Hronich, Jennifer Parisi and several great nieces and nephews.

Her compassion, spirit and generous acts of kindness were gifts to this world. Minnie brought love and light on a daily basis into the lives of all who were privileged to know her. She leaves a legacy of many lifelong special relationships, treasured memories, and making a difference in peoples’ lives.

In lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to Wills Eye Research Center or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Dolores Vergano, age 92, of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Friday, November 11, 2022.

She was born to Rudy and Gladys Ferris in New York City and was raised in West New York, New Jersey.  Through her youth Dolores moved several times as her father was an entertainer. Dolores graduated from Memorial High School in West New York with the Class of 1948, where following in her father’s footsteps, she was the lead in her senior play.

When she was a young girl she had only one date with Dino Vergano before he was sent off in the US Army’s Air Corps. They corresponded by mail and when he came home from the war they fell in love. Dolores and Dino were married on June 4, 1950 at St Joseph of the Palisades Church in West New York and honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York.  They have had seventy-two years of a loving and devoted marriage. They were inseparable and were often seen wearing coordinating clothing.

As a young girl Dolores worked as a cashier at the Mayfair Movie Theatre in West New York.  Through the years she worked at an insurance company, law firm, the Basic Foods in Englewood Cliffs – who held her job for a year after her first child was born.  After giving birth to her children Christopher and Cynthia she worked as an office manager at a company in Fairfield, volunteered at the Thenuis Dey School’s library in Wayne, and found work at the Wayne Haven Nursing Home in Wayne where she was an Assistant Administrator for twenty-two years.  After retiring, Dolores proudly volunteered at the Chilton Memorial Hospital’s Business Office for twenty-five years.

Dolores was dedicated to her Catholic Faith and was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne.  For many years she served as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister for the church.

Dolores will be remembered as strong-willed person who was not afraid to articulate her thoughts on any subject matter.  Up until her passing she was up to date on all current events and read the newspaper every day.

She was the loving wife of Dino Vergano of Wayne; devoted mother of Christopher Vergano and his wife Deneen of Wayne and Cynthia Brozuski and her husband Chris of Oak Ridge; she was the cherished grandmother of Kyle Vergano and his fiancé Jenna DeMarco, Allison Vergano, and Gregory Brozuski; she was also the dearly loved sister of Gloria Deradorian and her late husband Edward of Washington Township, Kathleen Catalo and her husband Rich of Hasbrouck Heights, and Egidia Vergano and her late husband Ernie of Attleboro, MA. Dolores is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad would be greatly appreciated. Please indicate on donation memorial for Dolores Vergano.

Julia M. Bidden, age 95 of Wayne for the past 44 years, died peacefully on Thursday, November 10, 2022, after enjoying an interesting, long and healthy life. She had worked for many years in the Law Library of NYU and Columbia Universities in New York City where she was in charge of procuring legal literature from around the world.

Julia’s life began in the city of Ploiesti, Romania, where her family enjoyed a degree of notoriety under the last name Socolescu. Her father was an accomplished agricultural engineer, and her uncle is still renowned for much of the architectural beauty in the city of Ploiesti. Her teenage years were defined, in large part, by the events of World War II, beginning with German occupation, then allied air raids and bombings, followed by Soviet Communist rule. She made clear her disdain for the communism that ensued in the years after the war, and the darkness and desperation that came into all their lives. Her family, due to their notoriety, was terrorized by the Communists, and she wanted desperately to leave Romania. In 1972, she and her husband John, were able to attend the Olympics in Munich, Germany. While driving back to Romania, they were involved in a terrible car accident and, over the next three years, her husband needed specialized healthcare. They were allowed to go back to Munich, Germany for his treatment and while there, Julia procured visas to the USA for both of them. This was a huge gamble for two people in their 50’s, but they took a leap of faith and came to the United States in 1977, changing their name to Bidden and never looking back.

Once in America, they settled in New Jersey. Julia was hardworking and driven to succeed at everything she set her mind to. She was well educated and spoke five languages. From 1980 to 1983, Julia worked for Columbia University and seized this opportunity to expand her education. She elected to take night classes at the university while working there and managed to earn a Master's degree in Library Science. In 1984, Julia’s impressive education led to a job with NYU in the position of Acquisition Librarian. She worked her way up to oversee procuring legal materials for the Law Library, enjoying a lengthy and fulfilling career there until her eventual retirement from NYU in 2000.

Julia loved to travel and explore the world. From 1974-2010, her sense of adventure took her all over the globe from the far west to the far east and even to the north and south poles. She was truly an extraordinary woman with unique perspectives accumulated from her years of exploration. After seeing the world in all its beauty, Julia always came back to her love for America and the freedom that it provided. She would often find herself reflecting on how lucky she was to be in such a special place in this world never taking the freedom and democracy enjoyed here for granted.

Julia liked to keep active and fit. She took up playing tennis while here in America and played in a league until she aged-out! She credits tennis with keeping her toned and in such good physical shape. Around her home you will still find exercise equipment, including small dumbbells that she used daily, up until just a few days ago. Even at 95 years old, she was determined to exercise and stay healthy for as long as she could, and it worked. She would often speak matter-of-factly about how grateful and fulfilled she was in her life, and that when God called her, she was ready.

Julia is predeceased by her husband John Bidden who passed away in 2012. She is survived by her niece Laura Socolescu-Brajon of France, her “niece” Oana Trister and her husband Robert Moore of Chatham, NJ. She will be dearly missed by her many friends from her travels all over the world.

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Julia had a special place in her heart for all the animals of this world. She cared for them and loved them deeply. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you recognize Julia’s devotion to animals through a donation to the Humane Society.

Gloria I. Affel, age 94, of Bridgewater and a long-time resident of Kinnelon, passed peacefully into eternal rest with our dear Lord in Heaven on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Born in Perth Amboy and of Hungarian ancestry, she lived a selfless life dedicated to caring for her loved ones.  Her sweet nature was reflected in her love for animals, giving small donations throughout her many years to numerous animal rescues and shelters.  An avid reader, she enjoyed discussing current events and sipping coffee.  She was skilled at arts and crafts and baked many delicious desserts .  She will be remembered most for her quiet strength, and her friendship and kindness towards others.

We invite you to make a donation to ASPCA (aspca.org) or Best Friends Animal Sancutary (bestfriends.org) in her memory.

Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Gloria Affel

Carol R. Olson (Tasso), age 79 of Hamilton, NJ and a former longtime resident of Lincoln Park and West Paterson (Woodland Park), NJ, passed away peacefully with her family lovingly by her side, on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Carol was born in Paterson and raised in West Paterson. Prior to her birth her father Frank was called into military service during World War II. While gone, his 8” x 10” military photo sat on a table in the living room. To Carol, that photo became the personification of who her daddy was. When he returned from war, he naturally looked a little different, causing Carol to exclaim “You’re not my daddy. Grabbing that photo and holding it up to him she said, “This is my daddy!”  Well, now safely home from service, her father, Frank Tasso and her mother Caroline (Perugini) Tasso raised Carol and her younger sister Lynn in West Paterson, within walking distance of many of her cousins who Carol played with daily and to whom she remained close to her entire life. Carol’s family recalls one story that Carol shared about her childhood. She was maybe four or five years old and her parents put a rope around her waist with the other end of the rope tied to a post on the front porch so that she wouldn’t be able to wander off with her older boy cousins.

Carol graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the Class of 1961. She pursued higher education at Paterson State College (William Paterson University) where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. Her first teaching position was at the Beatrice Gilmore School on McBride Avenue in her hometown of West Paterson. The school just happened to be within walking distance of her home at 68 Ryle Park Ave – the home she continued to live in since her childhood.

Carol met her husband Kenneth Olson on a blind date at a bowling alley. That night she learned very quickly about Ken’s affectionate disposition and wonderful sense of humor. Fast forward to 35 years of marriage, she could look back and emphatically say she was glad she went on that first date. Carol and Ken married at First Lutheran Church in Clifton on July 27, 1968 and started their “husband and wife adventure” in a little apartment in Little Falls. In 1971 they moved into the house at 7 Rose Street in Lincoln Park, and a few years later, they were blessed with their two daughters – Laura and Kris Anne.

As a young mom, Carol left her teaching job to turn her full-time attention to motherhood. She loved, nurtured, and raised her girls to an age of appropriate independence before returning to the classroom. Her first foray into re-entering the teaching world took place at Busy Beaver Nursery School in Lincoln Park. Then, in 1980 she took a teaching position for 5th and 6th graders at St. Joseph School in Lincoln Park. She taught there for nine years, finishing as a first-grade teacher before moving on to Holy Angels School in Little Falls in 1989. Prior to full retirement in 2006 she returned to where she began, at Beatrice Gilmore School in Woodland Park.

Carol, Ken and their girls made a close-knit family of four who truly enjoyed doing life together. Summer after summer, they’d take the annual trek down the Garden State Parkway South enroute to the Jersey shore. For many years they vacationed in Seaside Park, a couple of years in Wildwood Crest and ultimately to Ocean City where, in 1996, they purchased their own beach house. They enjoyed family cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, and in 2003, they took the family on a cruise to Bermuda (where they had honeymooned) to celebrate Carol and Ken’s 35th wedding anniversary. Sadly, and suddenly, Ken passed away in his sleep shortly after that cruise. After he passed, Carol remained in Lincoln Park until 2011 when she moved full time into the house in Ocean City. She and Ken enjoyed a storied marriage. Their love for each other was immense and abiding. They were each other’s best friend and time spent together was as good as it could get. Travel was surely one of their greatest pastimes. In addition to their penchant for cruises, they got to see much of the USA. They dubbed one such trip to the south “Carol and Ken’s Great Adventure”. When they took a trip out west, they fell in love with Arizona and there was also a trip to the Canadian Rockies. In the end, no destination held a closer place in Carol’s heart than down the Jersey shore. It was a quick excursion which held so many fond family memories and quite frankly, to Carol, nothing felt better than a shell in her pocket, and sand between her toes after a walk on the beach.

For many years, Carol enjoyed the game of golf. She played in the Lincoln Park Women’s League and enjoyed playing in Ocean City. She was a bit of a collector and sometimes her family wondered if she loved collecting commemorative golf balls more than playing the game. She also had a large collection of tea pots and she never saw a mug she didn’t love. She had so many, you would swear her mugs were having babies in her kitchen cabinets. She was so cute about it though and could be heard saying things like, “this is such a perfect mug for coffee, don’t you think?” Carol loved the arts and one of her favorite things to do was taking trips into New York City for a Broadway show. She could regularly be found cheering on her beloved Yankees, while watching the game with her dog Jeter. She loved visiting wineries down the shore (good taste!) and after Ken passed away, she and her sister Lynn enjoyed jazz cruises.

As the expression goes, Carol was an angel! She saw the good in all and was always the first to lend a helping hand to virtually anyone in need. In keeping with her faith in God, even unkind thoughts or deeds directed towards her were always returned with kindness. She was the consummate believer in the value of loving family ties. She had the privilege of being raised with cousins that lived up the street from her and who she continued to enjoy her entire life. She so much enjoyed raising her two daughters and, as those relationships changed as they grew to be adults themselves, their love and adoration for each other grew more and more. Thanks for the memories Mom! Her grandchildren saw their grandmother regularly and she could always be counted on to cheer for them at all their performances and competitions, and celebrate with them at all life’s milestone moments. Though separated by nine years, Carol and sister Lynn remained best friends who loved each other’s company, and her nieces and great nieces were as important to her as her own children and grandchildren.

Carol was the beloved wife of Kenneth, blessed in a loving marriage for 35 years until his sudden passing in 2003. She was the most loving mother of Laura Foster of Hamilton, and Kris Anne Kinney and her husband Jonathan of Simsbury, CT; cherished grandmother of Mackenzie, Brayden, Caroline, and Linnea; dearest older sister of Lynn Kroll of Wescosville, PA; dear aunt of: Jacqueline Walsh and husband Justin of Cherry Hill, Allison Kroll of Pittsburgh, PA; dear great-aunt of: Evelyn Walsh and Emilia Walsh, both of Cherry Hill; adored cousin of numerous cousins, and the precious godmother of many godchildren.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Carol’s name are asked to consider one of two charitable organizations:

Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Cancer Support Community
New Jersey
At Gilda’s Club
700 New Road
Linwood, NJ 08221

Marjorie Doherty was born in 1927, in Jersey City, NJ to Otis and Marjorie Zabriskie.  She peacefully passed away on November 8, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Marge graduated from Snyder HS with the Class of 1945 and went to work on Maiden Lane, in New York City (as she always proudly told us!)

She met her husband Joseph Doherty thru family and friends and they married on March 28, 1948. Since Joe was a merchant seaman at the time they lived with her parents at first.

In February 1952 they moved to "the country" in Wayne, they happen to come across a new development going up, stopped in to go thru the model home, builder said they could leave a deposit, and Dad jokily said all I have is ten dollars in my pocket and builder said “I’ll take it”,  They lived in the same house (which Joe had to enlarge a few times as the family grew). Her husband Joe passed in 1998 six months after celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Marge was able to be a stay at home mother to her five children. She volunteered at their school and was class mother many times!!!! In the early 70’s she was a member for the Musical Theater Group in Wayne, which she enjoyed making all the costumes and was stage manager for the productions. Later in life, she volunteered at Packanack Lake Church with their quilting group making sleeping bags for the homeless.

She loved to travel enjoying yearly vacations camping across the US and Canada with Joe and kids.  In her later years she traveled to Europe with Margaret and the entire family enjoyed a trip to Ireland.

But most of all she just loved being with family and friends.

Marge was predeceased by her parents, sisters Ella Cadden and Clare Cordes and her husband Joseph Doherty.   She is survived by her children Margaret Ellen of Wayne, Catherine Murphy (Thomas) of Columbia, NJ, Mary Post (Randy) of Greenwood Lake, NY, Joseph of Sparta and Teresa of Wayne. Also survived by her loved granddaughters Elizabeth Murphy Malik (Ben Malik) of Brooklyn and Emily Murphy of Manhattan and 17 nieces and nephews.

John W. Shane of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away on Monday, November 7th 2022, at the age of 75.

John was born in Lakewood, Ohio. He spent his early childhood in Hudson, Ohio where he and his parents lived with his paternal grandparents. His family later moved to Berea, Ohio, where he graduated from Berea High School with the class of 1965.

Following a year in college, John moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater. He acted, directed and created set designs at several regional and community theaters in the New York City area, and volunteered with youth theater groups. For several years, John worked for McGraw Hill Publishing in New York City as a textbook editor. At this point in his career, he went back to college at City University of New York and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. After his graduation, he found work as a software engineer for Cornell Mayo Associates first in Secaucus and later following the company to Parsippany. During his thirty year career at Cornell Mayo, he developed secure software for retail credit card transactions. John's interest in software development and computer science influenced his daughter Jennifer's decision to pursue electrical and computer engineering.

John and his wife Susan met in a dive bar in Chelsea, New York, when, after a terrible day at the office, Susan heard a soft, warm voice next to her say, "if it's any consolation, you're not the only one who's had a bad day". They were engaged a year later when John casually revealed his plans for their fall wedding in response to a question from Susan's father despite not having discussed it with Susan beforehand, leaving Susan dumbfounded. They were married on October 12, 1986 and honeymooned on Block Island, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. They were married for 36 years, and were blessed with a daughter, Jennifer.

John was dedicated to his faith and was a longstanding member of the Packanack Community Church in Wayne, New Jersey, where he served as a deacon and on the Christian Education Committee. Through the church, John volunteered for a number of charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Appalachia Service Project, a program where the Senior Youth Group and adult members of the congregation traveled to depressed areas in Appalachia to repair homes for people in need. He also sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and was an active participant in the music and theater outreach program. He acted and sang in many theatrical productions at the church, including performing the roles of Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Jud Fry in Oklahoma.

John was the son of the late George and Katie Shane and the brother of the late Roger Shane. He was the loving husband of Susan Shane and devoted father of Jennifer Shane and her husband Bernhard Firner. John will always be remembered as a loving, supportive father and role model who was actively engaged in his daughter's childhood and adult life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Packanack Community Church (120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, New Jersey, 07470) would be greatly appreciated. (Please indicate Memorial Donation for John Shane in your memo.)

Inga Horrocks (nee Ichkitidze) passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 2nd 2022, surrounded by her loved ones.

Inga was born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia. She was the middle child of the three children of Suliko and Jana Ichkitidze.

As a young woman Inga had a passion for linguistics. She studied tirelessly and as a result became one of eight people in the city of Tbilisi, to be accepted to Ivanovo University, one of the most prestigious universities in Russia at the time.  Inga earned her bachelor's degree and continued working on her master’s degree in her hometown of Tbilisi.

At the age of 24 Inga was married and became a mother to her first two children Mariam and Giorgi. Along with raising her family she owned a private practice where she taught English language to adults with her own published books. At the same time, she was teaching English literature at the same school where her daughter was attending.

In 1999 Inga immigrated to the United States in search of a better life for her family and fulfilled her dreams when she brought her children to the United States. Inga opened her physical therapy office in Manhattan where she met her husband, Sam Horrocks.  Inga and Sam dated for a couple years and became man and wife on September 8th, 2011. In the same year, they welcomed their daughter Jeana Sophia Horrocks.  After two more years the three of them moved to their new home in Wayne, New Jersey.

At the age of 52 Inga decided she wanted to become a lawyer and enrolled in Concord Law School.  She had plans to become an immigration lawyer and open her own practice.  Although she was battling stage 4 cancer, she was able to successfully graduate from law school in August 2022 and proudly wrote “There is a new Juris Doctor in town!”.

Inga was an extremely talented and creative individual and had many hobbies such as playing the piano, reading, gardening, baking and cooking. She also created her own line of soaps and skincare. She always had new ideas of things she wanted to create or do or accomplish.  She could transform any ordinary day into a big party!

Inga treasured traveling with her family to various destinations, such as Paris, Hawaii and Mexico and looked forward to her yearly Disney Cruise with her youngest daughter Jeana and her grandchildren Mariam and Nicholas.

She had the unique ability of connecting with people on a deeper and personal level. She was loved not only by her own friends and family but by her children’s friends and family as well - to many she was like a mother, an inspiration, a role model, and a friend.  Inga was the glue that held her huge family together and will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her.

Inga was adored and is survived by her husband Sam Horrocks, their daughter Jeana, her daughter Mariam along with husband Beqa and her son Giorgi along with wife Mariam. She is also survived by her mother Jana, three grandchildren, Mariam, Nicholas and Alexander, and her brothers Goga and Roma.  She was predeceased by her father Suliko Ichkitidze.

Michael Thomas McGrath, age 20 of Wayne, passed away on Saturday, October 29,
2022.

Michael was the third child born of Kevin and Theresa McGrath’s four children. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and the family moved to Wayne when Michael was just two years old.  He was the beloved brother to his older sisters Caroline and Catie and his younger brother Jack.  Michael will be tremendously missed every single day.

He embodied everything a parent could ever wish their child to be and his positive impact on family and friends will be felt forever.  

Michael was a kind, caring, thoughtful, and loving young man whose admirable qualities were deeply cherished and enjoyed by all who were blessed to have shared life with him. Michael had a keen sense of understanding the joys and concerns of others while demonstrating subtle acts of kindness to those in need.  

Michael was a graduate of Wayne Valley High School’s Class of 2021. He was presently a sophomore in the Honors Program at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) where he was considered a bright and talented member of the school community studying Secondary Education - History.

Michael’s spirit will live on through his tremendous impact in many different activities. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha, TCNJ’s music fraternity, and was a percussionist in the college’s concert band. He was a robust member of the Wayne Valley music program, playing percussion in the Wayne Valley Marching Band, jazz band, concert band, and percussion ensemble. He served as drumline captain his senior year.

Michael was incredibly bright and intelligent, and was able to use his quick wit to entertain family and friends. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society at Wayne Valley.  He made the Dean's List each semester while at TCNJ. He planned to share his passion for history and helping others by becoming a high school history teacher after graduation.

Michael was the adored son of Kevin and Theresa (Von Tobel) of Wayne; dearly loved brother of older sisters Caroline and Catie, and younger brother Jack; cherished grandson of maternal grandparents: Carl and Rosemary Von Tobel of Matamoras, PA (formerly of Paramus) and fraternal grandparents Thomas and Barbara McGrath of Fairfield; dearest nephew of: Aunt Karen and Uncle Jay McCann of Caldwell and their children, Emily, William, and Erin, Uncle Carl and Aunt Kim Von Tobel of River Vale and their children Desmond
and Joey, and Aunt Erin and Uncle Brian Gessner of Paramus and their children Aidan and Abbey; and dear great-nephew of Father Joseph L. Desmond of Old Bridge.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Michael’s name are asked to consider a donation to a memorial scholarship set up in his name:

Michael McGrath Scholarship
c/o Wayne Board of Education – Attention Mary Monisera
50 Nellis Drive
Wayne, NJ 07470

Joseph F. Donnelly, age 86, of Wayne, passed peacefully on Friday, October 28, 2022.

Joseph was born in Manhattan, NY to James and Josephine Donnelly and resided there until he married Ruth Ann Donnelly in May 1963 and moved to Queens NY then subsequently to Wayne, NJ.

Joseph served his country in the United States Army as a medic and was honorably discharged in March 1963. He worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for over 25 years serving as a Senior Bank Officer before retiring in 1985.

Joseph will be lovingly remembered for his dedication to family, faith, and community. Nothing in the world meant more to him than spending time with and providing for his family. He especially cherished his beloved grandsons and never missed on opportunity to share their accomplishments. He was a loving Father, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend who cared so much, gave so quietly, and loved so deeply. He reminded us daily that life is about giving and being of service to others. He was dedicated to his Catholic faith and was proud to serve as the Director of Stewardship at our Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne. He was recognized for his service to the Catholic Church with a Vivere Christus Award in 2018.

He was the loving father of Annmarie Fairweather and her husband William of Pompton Plains, NJ, and Cathy Basenese and her wife Carla Silva of Milton, DE; he was the dearly loved grandfather of Kyle Ruffing and Evan Fairweather; much loved brother of Edward Keys of Queens, NY, Donna and John O’Reilly of Wappingers Falls, NY and Bill Kelly of Estero, FL and is predeceased by his siblings Joan Conty and David Keys; He is also survived by several close nieces and nephews, Melanie Scarpati, Kevin Keys, Jenn Keys McNamara, Michael Keys, Sean Patrick O’Reilly, Meaghan O’Reilly, Liam O’Reilly, Stephanie and Siobhan Keys.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joseph’s name are asked to consider:
Father English Food Pantry
435 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07501

Jeanette F. Scudieri (nee Van Blarcom), age 80 of Pompton Plains, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. She was affectionately known as “Janet” to all and has lived in Pompton Plains for forty-four years. She had been co-owner of Brookdale Office Supply in Hawthorne, NJ, sold carpets and rugs at Fortunoff and Family Carpet in Riverdale, and was the office manager of a chiropractor’s office for many years before retiring.

Janet grew up in Passaic Park, NJ and graduated from Passaic High School with the class of 1960. She was just sixteen years old when she met Robert Scudieri in high school. As the story goes, Bob saw her getting out of her mother’s car one day and he simply said “wow!” He was smitten from day-one and they never looked back. They went to the Senior Prom together and dated for the next few years before marrying on May 5, 1962, at St. Nicholas Church in Passaic. After a fabulous honeymoon to Miami, they settled in Passaic, them moved to Pompton Lakes for a few years before settling into their forever-home in Pompton Plains. Bob describes their sixty years of marriage as “excellent” and filled with many fun times. They traveled together all over the United States, including San Francisco, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and her favorite was Naples, Florida. They had also enjoyed many cruises together to the Caribbean and Bermuda. Wherever they went, and whatever they found themselves doing, they were always having fun together! More recently, she enjoyed visiting Lancaster, Pennsylvania and the Amish Country. Whether taking in a show at the Sight and Sound Theatre, or visiting the many shops in the area, they’ve visited more than fifty times. On one occasion, she and Bob struck up a conversation with a Mennonite man who invited them to his home for dinner. It was nothing short of a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime, experience and they learned so much about the Mennonite lifestyle.

Janet’s family brought her the greatest joys in life. She enjoyed a close, loving relationship with her sister, Beverly Cannata and with her cousin, Cathy Petrecca, since gradeschool. They did just about everything together, including especially memorable ‘girl’s trips’ to Naples, Florida. Janet was grateful for the strong bond they each shared during her lifetime. Above all else, she was a dedicated and loving mother to her son, Scott. She was always very supportive and gave him solid advice while helping him grow. He recalls fondly how she would often remind him “I have your back.”

Janet is survived by her beloved husband, Robert, their son Scott, her sister; Beverly Cannata, all of Pompton Plains, and her life-long cousin and friend; Cathy Petrecca. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law; Frank Cannata in 1988.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)

John Fiorello, Esquire, age 84, of Wayne, passed Monday, October 24, 2022.

He was born in West Paterson to the late Anthony and Genevieve Fiorello (nee Arena). He graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the Class of 1955 where he excelled academically and musically. He was passionate about playing piano and was a member of the unofficial class band, the Velvetones, playing at high school functions and dances. John was raised in Totowa Borough and has lived in Wayne for over 60 years.

After high school, John attended Seton Hall University where he graduated in 1959 with a major in History. He continued his education at Seton Hall Law School where he obtained his Juris Doctorate Degree with the Class of 62. It was at Seton Hall that John met his lifelong friends Gus Loukedis and Peter McDonald. John was an ROTC student and immediately following law school he served on active duty in the United States Army for two years. John was stationed in the Pentagon with the Defense Intelligence Agency and was Honorably Discharged as a Captain. 

After completing service, John returned to Wayne where he began his work as an attorney in Paterson. It was there where he met the love of his life, Fran Curcio.  They married on October 6, 1968 and soon thereafter began their family. They had a loving and devoted marriage of fifty-four years that was blessed with three sons and two grandchildren. Fran was John's secretary and together they worked side by side until their recent retirement. Everyday John would thank Fran for being his wife and was certain to tell her he loved her.

John practiced law for over 55 years in Wayne, NJ.  During his career he had the distinction of serving as Passaic County Bar President and for years served as a trustee to the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA).  He also served for over 30 on the Family Law Executive Committee of the NJSBA.  John served as Wayne Township Attorney under Mayor Waks and was appointed as Special Counsel for the township under all subsequent administrations. John was selected as the Professional Lawyer of the Year by the New Jersey Committee on Professionalism and was selected by his peers as the Passaic County Family Lawyer of the Year. 

John was an active member of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.  He served in many capacities, including several terms as the President of the Parish Counsel.  John loved to cook and enjoyed a good meal along with a great bottle of wine, for which he had an extensive knowledge and collection.  Most of all, he enjoyed sharing it with the people he loved. 

John also loved to read (anything historical) and was an avid Yankee fan.  No story about John would be complete without mentioning his love of theatre and music (specifically the Piano).  Is was rare to be at the Fiorello house without hearing John play.  He passed on his passion for music to his sons and grandsons. 

John will be remembered as the kind of person who thought before he spoke. He always strived to do what he thought was right, even when that meant taking a much harder road. John was a mentor to many colleagues as well as to his family, simply by treating others with kindness and respect and living his life doing the right thing.

John was a devoted family man.  He is survived by his brother Anthony Fiorello and wife Isabel, his sister in law Mariaelena Perosi and their families. John is also survived by son John and his wife Chris (of Ringwood) and their sons Jake and Zack, his son Jeffrey (of Montclair) who was his law partner for many years, his son Jason and his husband Michael (of Edison) and, of course, his loving wife of 54 years, Fran.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, for which John served as volunteer attorney for the past 3 decades. 

Holger John Loor, age 55, of Easton, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, October 21, 2022 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Holger was born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador and was the only child to Olga Chelita Loor.  At the age of twelve, Holger and his mother Chelita immigrated to the United States of America in search of a better life and the American Dream.  Over the years after arriving in America, those closest to Holger came to know him simply as “John.”  When John and his mother arrived in the US they settled in Passaic, NJ where they lived for several years.  While residing in Passaic, John attended Passaic High School and was on the boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team.

Following his high school graduation in 1985, John attended Montclair College where he studied business for about two years.  John eventually left college and took a job offer as a manager of the Loews Theater in Wayne. Over the next twenty years John held the position of manager at several different Loews/AMC Theaters in the Northern New Jersey area.  After leaving the theatre chain in 2006, John worked in the accounting department at CAG Industries in Fairfield, NJ.

During his time of employment at Loews Theaters, John worked alongside Lynda Toth.  In 1986, around the Thanksgiving holiday, he asked her out on a date and the two of them hit it off great.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and were together for the next thirty six years.  On February 7, 1997, John and Lynda officially became husband and wife at Disney World in Florida.   The newlyweds settled in Lincoln Park, NJ and remained there until 2003 when they moved to Easton, PA.  John and Lynda welcomed their son Dakotah Maximus, “Max”, to the family in 2007 and they have called Easton their home ever since.

In 2008, John fell ill and needed a new kidney.  In 2014, he received a kidney transplant via an anonymous donor, which helped to prolong his life.

John was always interested in electronics and the latest technology. He could often be found watching videos or reading articles about the latest and greatest gadgets, phones, and computers.  This interest in technology also was alluring to John in the way of automobiles.  John was constantly reading up on the latest automobile technology and aspired to purchasing the car with the most recent and upgraded equipment and machinery.

John was a truly kind person with a warm and enormous heart.  He always tried to be funny and pleasant and went out of his way to make people around him comfortable.  He lived life at his own pace and by his own rules and very often “lived in the moment.”  It was clear the John’s true passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to John than spending time with his wife, son and extended family.  His love also included dogs of all kinds, particularly his beloved German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, whom he always had by his side.  Taking them for daily car rides was one of his favorite simple pleasures in life.  John was a special person who touched the lives of people he met and he will be sincerely missed.

John is survived by his wife Lynda (nee Toth) of Easton, PA, his son Max Loor of Easton PA, his mother Chelita Loor of Scranton, PA, and many loving extended family.

Donations in John’s name may be made to the Donate Life America, www.donatelife.net or to your local animal shelter.

John, his wife Lynda, and son Max

Geraldine Whitesel Rodin passed away on Friday, October 20, 2022 while in the loving presence of her three children.

Born on September 16, 1938 in Moscow, Idaho. Geri moved to Prosser, Washington when she was in jr. high school.  She was voted the FIRST Ms. Prosser in her senior year.

Geri was exceptionally bright and fearless with a flair for fashion.  Right after graduation, she headed east to pursue a career in modeling and fashion in Chicago.  She worked in Marshall Field’s for several years, then in 1960, she met her loving husband Syd at a business party.  Not long after that, they moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania where Geri and Syd created their own business, Rodin Industries, beginning with just two-and-a-half employees, including themselves.

They grew their enterprise to 150 people working 24/7 to create and market New Year's Eve party favors and holiday decorations.  Geri’s areas of expertise were fashion design and operations.  By going above and beyond the call of duty, Rodin Industries maintained an impeccable reputation for service and quality in the promotional products industry, earning many awards.  Geri was a real pioneer in the programming of mainframe computer systems for their business.  She was also a skilled sculptor and seamstress with a wonderful talent for entertaining.  Her dinner parties were legendary.

Geri and Syd eventually moved to Scottsdale, AZ and maintained a small portion of their original business working from home. They loved to travel and they hiked many miles together. Geri had a great sense of humor and always had a quick wit and incredible smile.

Geraldine was the first daughter of the late Elsie and Raymond Whitesel.  She was the wife of the late Sydney Rodin and mother of their three children: Michael Rodin (Renee), Nannette DiMascio (Ron), and David Rodin II (Elke); grandmother of Keyhaan Rodin, Aimee Rodin, David Rodin III and sister of Steve, Lynn, Judi and Jan.

Eric Munoz, age 44 of West Milford, NJ, died unexpectedly on Tuesday October 18, 2022.

Eric was born in Paterson, NJ, and as a result of his father’s career, he enjoyed his formative years living in Venezuela, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic before returning to New Jersey as a teenager. He graduated from Don Bosco Tech High School in Paterson, where he was also a wrestler and practiced the martial arts. Eric had a very technical mind and enjoyed working with computers from a young age. He was just a kid when he first began playing with his father’s work computer and eventually messed it up to the point where it would no longer function. His father was beyond angry, and he made Eric work with the computer repair people so he could learn how to fix it. Thus began Eric’s lifelong passion for all things technical and computer related. At thirteen years old, he took his first job working at Ward’s Ice Cream in Paterson. He was just a kid working in the warehouse, but he quickly became known as the kid who could fix computers. This led to him starting his own computer repair business, Mu-Tech in Clifton, and then his more recent venture called Level Technologies, in Fairfield, NJ. He was one of the hardest working people you could have known and every challenge turned into an opportunity for him to learn more. He had a true thirst for knowledge and would research everything. He truly loved his work and was passionate about his work and technology.

Eric’s hobbies included day-trading, traveling, and of course his family. He had been married to Daisy Munoz for thirteen years and although their marriage ended in divorce, they were blessed with two beautiful children; John and Erilys. His twin children meant the world to him and he loves them very much. Eric loved helping John with his video game streaming. He was beyond proud to see Johns passion and hard work. Eric looked forward to going to concerts with Erilys and nothing compared to the joy he felt when he would watch her dance. He was especially close to his parents and his little brother, Michael. When Michael was born, Eric was so excited he exclaimed “I’ve waited ten years for a little brother!”.

Eric was also fortunate to have met Natalia Moya while exercising at East Side Park in Paterson twelve years ago. Their love has grown in the years since and they have stuck by each other through everything. They’ve enjoyed traveling together and taking road-trip vacations. They’ve driven to Chicago, Illinois, around Indiana, throughout Ohio, down to Nashville, and all the way to Miami and Key West, Florida. They also enjoyed regular vacations to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Eric’s greatest goal was to become a pilot. He loved airplanes since he was a little kid and he was driven to achieve this goal. He had recently passed the written exam and was planning to begin flight training as soon as possible. Today, he knows what it like to have his own wings.

Eric is survived by his beloved children; John and Erilys Munoz of West Milford, his parents; Arturo and Aida Munoz of Butler, his brother; Michael Munoz and his wife Meryl of Wayne, his girlfriend of twelve years; Natalia Moya of West Milford, a niece; Alenna Munoz of Wayne, and his stepson; Roberto Sanchez.

Kyle Joseph Ruffing, age 31 of Denver, Co, formerly of Wayne and Jefferson, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 16, 2022.

He was born at Chilton Hospital in Pequannock, the son of Gordon and Annmarie Ruffing. Kyle attended Wayne Hills and Jefferson High School where he enjoyed baseball and robotics, before graduating from Wayne Hills in 2009. He went on to the University of South Carolina where he pursued a degree in Engineering and later attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he was a valued member of the robotics team.

Kyle was a creative, gifted cad engineer and welder with a sharp eye for detail. He moved to Denver, CO in 2017. He was currently working for RK Industries, LLC in Denver, where he was a dedicated team member, who truly enjoyed the company of his co-workers and friends.

Kyle was a member of the YANKiiZOKU Drift-Racing Team in Denver. He was the proud owner of a Lexus IS 300 drift car and had a passion for racing. He was an adventure seeker, who enjoyed traveling, riding dirt bikes in Sussex County, and fishing and crabbing in Lavallette. Kyle could light-up a room with his smile and loved to have fun. He had a witty sense of humor and fearless style, often donning a bowtie and suspenders with unique flair.

Kyle was the loving partner of Renna Munson; the devoted son of Annmarie and Bill Fairweather of Pompton Plains and his father Gordon Ruffing of Jefferson. Kyle was the loving brother of Evan Fairweather of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lynn Fairweather of Pompton Lakes, and Michael Fairweather and his wife Jennifer of Bangkok, Thailand. Beloved nephew of Cathy Basenese and Carla Silva of Milton, Delaware. He was the cherished grandson of Joseph Donnelly of Wayne, Ruth and Kevin Ward of Milton, DE, and the late Jeanne and Gordon Ruffing of Spring Lake.  

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)

Ann Pagano (Di Pasquale), age 92, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 16, 2022.

Ann was born and raised in the Sandy Hill section of Paterson where she had the distinct honor of being voted Queen of the Campus while attending Eastside High School. She graduated with the Class of 1945.

When Ann was just a young little girl, she lived in a neighborhood in Paterson with lots of kids her age. One of those kids was a young boy named Joe Pagano who would come visit his cousin who happened to live across the street from Ann. The three of them, Ann, Joe, and Joe’s cousin, along with a bunch of other friends would often play ball, ride bike, and just spend time together near Ann’s house. Ann’s mom got to know these kids and would often look out the window and watch them play. She really took a liking to little Joey Pagano. As the kids grew into their teens, Ann got a job working at the lunch counter at Woolworth’s department store. Joe started taking a different kind of liking to Ann and oftentimes he’d visit her at work. He’d come in and say something to the effect of “How about a soda Ann?” She’d reply with “Do you have any money to pay for the soda? No money, no Coke.” On Friday and Saturday nights when Ann was about to get out of work, Joe would often show up to walk her home or they would go catch a movie. Then one summer, Joe’s grandma bought him a car for $300 and Joe and Ann and their friends started going to Paramus Beach. That was usually on a Sunday and after a day in the sun, Joe and Ann would come home, get a shower and they’d be off to the movies again. Eventually Joe got a motorcycle and one day, out of the blue, he said to Ann, “I think I’ll sell this motorcycle and we can get married.” A little surprised, Ann replied, “How do you know I want to marry you?” Joe answered by exclaiming, “I figured you might consider it since you seem to like to hang out with me.” Well, they did marry, on Sunday, June 8, 1952 at St. Anthony’s Church on Beach Street in Paterson. After a reception at the Dover Club on 20th Ave. and State Street, they got in their car and drove to Florida for their honeymoon

Ann and Joe first lived together in an apartment in Paterson on Trenton Ave. Joe started his own construction business and one of his first jobs was building a beautiful home for Ann and himself on Jackson Avenue in Wayne. They enjoyed a fairytale marriage of about one month shy of 66 years until Joe’s passing in May of 2018. In all those years, they lived in that same home.

After high school, Ann did clerical work many years for Federal Cleaners, a drying cleaning chain in Paterson. She also volunteered at Chilton Hospital in Pequannock and eventually she accepted a full-time job offer from the hospital. In addition to her work outside the home Ann kept the books for her husband Joe’s business, Joson Construction, Inc.

As a young woman, Ann pursued an interest she had in painting. She experimented a lot and took lessons too. She became quite accomplished and a self-portrait she painted will be displayed during her funeral services. Being a true believer in the value of daily exercise, Ann was a regular at the Wayne YMCA where she’d get together with friends to play tennis and to swim on a consistent basis throughout her adult life. Together, she and Joe had a great love for getting out with friends on their boat in Lake Hopatcong. Throughout the years they owned three boats together. Starting off with an old used Chris Craft, their third one was their first new one and they named her “Fancy Free”. For too many years to count they also took annual vacations down the Jersey shore, always choosing to stay at a place called the Wind Drift in Avalon by the Sea, with her sister Gloria and Gloria’s husband Walter. Neither Ann nor Joe were ones to sit around. Another favorite pastime was going to the Meadowlands, Monmouth Park or the Delaware Park and Casino where Joe would bet on the horses and Ann would enjoy helping him spend all his winnings at a nice restaurant with some of their friends.

Ann’s faith in God was foundational to her life. She was a regular at both St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes and Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne.

Ann was the beloved wife of Joseph Pagano who passed away in 2018. She is survived by her sister Gloria Schleser of Butler; her nephew Wayne Ray of Pequannock; great-nephews: Albert Aboyoun, III and wife Gina of Wayne, and Joseph Aboyoun and wife Liz of Paterson; and great-great-nephew Michael Joseph Aboyoun and another great-great-nephew on the way. In addition to her husband Joe, Ann was predeceased by her brother Orlando Di Pasquale in 2013 and his wife Carol Di Pasquale in 1962, brother-in-law Walter Schleser in 1992, nephew Harold Di Pasquale in 2012, niece Marilyn Aboyoun in 1992 and her husband Albert Aboyoun, Jr. in 2015, and her nephew Benny Di Pasquale in 2009 and his wife Laurie in 1992.

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

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 42040
Oklahoma City, OK 73123
800-227-2345

Robert “Bob” John Whetham, age 87 of Wayne, passed Saturday, October 15, 2022.

He was born in Paterson to Paul and Stella Whetham.  Bob was raised in Hawthorne and graduated from Hawthorne High School, where he played on the basketball and football teams, with the Class of 1953.

After high school Bob worked for Public Service Electric & Gas and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army.  He served during the Korean war and was stationed in Guam for eighteen months on a demolition team.  When he returned from his service with the Army, he continued his employment with PSE&G.  He worked his way up through the ranks at PSE&G from working a service truck to becoming a supervisor. He retired from PSE&G in 1993 after 42 years of service.

Bob met the love of his life Marilyn Breen while on a blind date. They fell in love and Bob proposed to Marilyn at St. Anthony’s Church in Hawthorne.  They married at St.Anthony’s on September 6, 1958 and honeymooned in Florida.  They just celebrated sixty-four years of a loving and devoted marriage that was blessed with three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Bob enjoyed golfing with his wife Marilyn and they have played all over with several other couples. He has also been a member of a Hawthorne High School Alumni group who went by the name “Joe’s Boys” and even had jackets with the name on them. This group was named after Joe’s Luncheonette in Hawthorne where they would all hang out during their high school days. This group has remained tight knit over many years. Bob was also a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne where he and Marilyn enjoyed many friendships.

Bob will be remembered for being very social, always laughing and telling jokes, and his happy-go-lucky personality.  He was dedicated to his Catholic faith and through the years he has been a parishioner of St Anthony’s Church in Hawthorne, Our Lady of Consolation Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church both in Wayne, and Holy Spirit Church in Pequannock.

Bob was the loving husband of Marilyn (nee Breen) Whetham; devoted father of Brian Whetham of North Haledon, Laurie Dubinsky and her husband Curtis of Hummelstown, PA, and Karen Arnott of Wayne and her late husband Russell (d. 2011).; he was the devoted grandfather of Robert and Brian Whetham, Eric and Laura (Shawn) Johnson, Amanda (Kyle) Kelly and Ryerson (Jennifer) Arnott; he was also the cherished great-grandfather of Rae, Owen, Wyatt, Greyson, Harper, and Rome. Bob was predeceased by his loving brother Paul Whetham.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 would be appreciated.

Peter Fitzpatrick, age 91 of Wayne, died on Friday, October 14, 2022 with loving family by his side.

Peter was born and raised in County Cavan, Ireland, the youngest of Peter and Mary (McGuire) Fitzpatrick’s five children. As young men, Peter and his brother John made the life-changing decision in May 1957, to leave their homeland in Ireland to pursue the opportunities that life in the United States had to offer. Like other Irish immigrants, they got their foot in the door by agreeing to play football in the Gaelic Football League in the Bronx, NY. No doubt, they loved playing football but they were also motivated by the fact that, in exchange for moving to America to play, this league helped young men like Peter and John to get jobs and ultimately, citizenship.

Peter and John’s first jobs in America were working as elevator operators at Prudential Insurance in Newark. While there, Peter had the greatest fortune of meeting a young lady named Marilyn Ann Murphy. Their relationship sparked a courtship and they were married in 1961 at St. Mary’s Church in Elizabeth. After their honeymoon in Miami, they settled in Kearny before moving to Wayne in 1964.

Peter eventually was offered a membership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68 where he learned to be a boiler maker and operating engineer. He enjoyed a long and prosperous career in the union and was able to retire in 1993 at the age of 62.  

Peter was a proverbial “animal whisperer” who enjoyed his share of shelties throughout his life and one feisty chihuahua. It was therefore no surprise that after retiring, he took a part-time job with the Township of Wayne as the town dog catcher. If there was truly such as thing as reincarnation, Peter may have been a dog in a previous life. He was the perfect dog catcher because he had an innate understanding of how they thought and felt. Even the fiercest dogs were putty in Peters hands. For that matter, he was just as effective with feral cats or any creature that walked, flew, crawled, or slithered.

Peter’s gifts and talents were seemingly endless. He was tough as nails, he could build or fix anything, and was always willing to be of assistance to his family, a friend or neighbor. He even built an addition on his own home. In all these types of endeavors, his sense of humor always came out. For example, one time he was inspecting his neighbors old-fashioned wooden gutters. He found them to be fairly rotten and, after accessing the situation he came back with his report explaining, “they’re pretty rotten and you’d be too, if you were hanging up there all those years.”  Peters garden was another of his great achievements, the secret of his prize tomatoes being the fresh horse manure that he picked up from a local farm in Oakland. He’d load the still steaming manure into the lined trunk of his Plymouth Valiant, take it home, and work it into the soil.

Peter was a generous man who liked to volunteer and be of service. For 40 years, he coached for the St. Joseph Gaelic Football Club and, for those 40 years of service, he humbly received a much-deserved award. Many would agree that it was something Peter sincerely enjoyed. After all, football was in his blood! Every year he’d go back to Ireland to visit his family and to attend the All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final – the veritable “Super Bowl” of Irish Gaelic football. He always rooted for County Cavan and other Ulster teams and always against County Kerry!!

Peter and Marilyn enjoyed their share of travel throughout the years. Vacations in the Catskills (dubbed “The Irish Alps” by Peter) were high on the list of his favorite destinations. The family also liked Point Pleasant down the Jersey shore. Just a few years ago, he and Marilyn got to go on a grand European tour visiting Holland, Germany, Switzerland as well as several other destinations, and he loved it.

Generally quiet, yet certainly a sociable lad, Peter had several favorite topics of discussion. These included stories about his work, his family life in Ireland and in America, and anything to do with the New York Yankees (especially Derek Jeter), but also the Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies and really baseball in general. Oh! And of course, Irish Football. He enjoyed a pint of Guinness and, quite surprisingly, he also liked to drink Budweiser – a taste he might have acquired from his days when he worked for the union at Anheuser-Busch, and every week he went home with a free case of Bud! Part of drinking beer is enjoying it with friends and acquaintances. That is why Peter enjoyed taking bus trips into New York City to go pub hopping- mostly to his son’s Irish pubs of course. On some occasions his daughter Julie would join him and together they’d take a tour of the city on one of those double-decker bus tours. Throughout his entire life, Peter was also an avid walker. It was an activity that he was doing up until the last ten months of his life and most recently, his daily walks were like clockwork – about 20 minutes a day.

Above and beyond any interest in Peter’s life, his greatest love was for his family and friends. He touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.  
 
Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years Marilyn (Murphy) in 2011. He is survived by his son; Peter Fitzpatrick and his wife Eileen (Shea) of Far Hills, NJ, his daughter; Julie Fitzpatrick and husband Steven Singer of Whippany NJ, three grandchildren; Shea Julia, Peter Murphy, and Kelly Marie Fitzpatrick, all of Far Hills; his eldest brother, Patrick Fitzpatrick and wife Cissie of Ireland; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Ann Cassidy and her husband Mickey, two brothers: Hugh “Hughie” Fitzpatrick and John Fitzpatrick and his wife Anna.

Those who are unable to attend the funeral services in person are invited to join virtually via the livestream link found on the Our Lady Of Consolation Church Facebook page here.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Peter’s name are asked to consider:
Eva’s Village
393 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07501

Gregory J. Velardi, age 60, of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Friday October 14, 2022. He was also known as “Big Dog” and “Chief” by his friends.

Greg was born in Pompton Plains and was a lifelong resident of Wayne.  He graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1980.  He continued his education at Jersey City State College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science.

His first job was at the Bristol Industries in Butler where he learned welding. He also worked at the Meadowlands Sports Complex as part of the “Change-over Crew” that would modify the facility to accommodate different sports such as hockey to basketball. Once he graduated from college, Greg spent his career of 34 years with Wayne Township starting as a Fire Inspector and was later promoted to the Wayne Township Fire Official. He retired in 2020.

Greg met Laurie at Gabriel’s Restaurant in Wayne in 1989.  On their first date, Greg thought Laurie had stood him up; however, she had simply overslept.  They fell in love and married about two years later in July of 1992 at Saint Joseph’s Church in Lincoln Park.  They honeymooned in Aruba and just celebrated their 30th anniversary this past July.

Greg will be remembered for his huge heart-that he did not like to show. He was easy going, very giving…even giving the gift of aggravation to others… and was generous to a fault. For many years he donated to the Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter (FOWA) and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. He was an avid golfer and has several first-place trophies from the Wayne Township Golf League. Greg was a dedicated New York Giants Fan and New York Yankee fan.  He passed away watching his beloved Yankees in a playoff game. Greg was also a co-owner and member of the Metropolitan Cigar Club in Fairfield. He was very opinionated with his politics and the family isn’t sure how, but they know Greg will vote in the upcoming November election. He pre-deceased by his Maltipoo Isabella and was truly loved by his new Maltese puppy, Mia.

Greg was community-minded, and a 42-year Life-member of P.O.L Fire Company 2 in Wayne where he served through the ranks having been Chief in from 1988-1991, and President for 9 years. He was a Life Member of the NJ State Fireman’s Association, and a Life Member of the NJ State Exempt Fireman’s Association. He was also a Past-President and current member of the Bergen-Passaic Municipal Inspectors Association.

Some of Greg’s favorite past-times were smoking a “heater” on his deck with his nephews, Beefsteaks and Pancake breakfasts at the firehouse, fishing trips, golfing, and enjoying meals with family and friends.

Greg was the loving husband to Laurie (nee Scarpa) Velardi; loving brother of Frank Velardi and his wife Gillian; his nieces and nephews Timothy Velardi, Paul Velardi, Robert Velardi, Amanda Bendett and her husband Michael, and their son Ralphie, Gianna Scarpa, Nicole Scarpa, Sabrina Goodman, and James Goodman who he truly loved like they were his own children.

In lieu of flowers donations to the P.O.L. Fire Company #2, 970 Route 23, Wayne NJ 07470,  or Alan Purcell Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroad, Wayne NJ 07470, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Catherine Gerhardt Miller, age 55, of Bloomfield, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2022 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Cathy was born in New Rochelle, NY.  Her family lived there for a few years then relocated to Charleston, SC.  They later moved to Chicago for a short time then to Kinnelon, NJ.  While living in Kinnelon, Cathy attended Kinnelon High School where she excelled in sports, particularly swimming.  She was a competitive swimmer- summers on Fayson Lakes Swim Team and winters on the high school team. She graduated with the class of 1985.

Following her high school graduation, Cathy enrolled at Bentley University in Massachusetts where she studied marketing.  In 1989, Cathy earned her bachelor’s degree.  Cathy found work quickly after leaving school with Bloomingdale’s.  She worked for Bloomingdales for several years where she made wonderfully close friends.  After a few years at Bloomingdale’s, Cathy worked in Real Estate for a time. Cathy left the Real Estate industry to pursue a career in Child Care.  She worked in the private sector of Child Care for about five years when her illness forced her to stop working in 2019.  Child Care was work that Cathy truly treasured.

In 1992, while working at Bloomingdale’s, Cathy was introduced to a handsome young man by the name of John Miller.  Cathy and John hit it off great and started dating.  The couple dated for about a year and as fate would have it, they fell in love and became husband and wife on September 11, 1993.  After getting married the newlyweds settled in Cranford, NJ.  While living in Cranford, Cathy and John welcomed the births of all four of their children, Nicole, Austin, Erika, and Ian.  In 2001 the family moved to Westfield where they remained until 2008.  Cathy and her family then moved to Kinnelon where they resided until 2010.  Cathy, John, and their children eventually moved back to Westfield where they stayed until 2020.

Cathy was a truly devoted mother and was a member of the Parent Teacher Organization while her children were growing up.  Cathy and her family enjoyed traveling domestically throughout the United States as well as other destinations such as the Cayman Islands.  They cherished their summer family vacations at Huletts Landing in the Lake George area of New York State where they relished boating, picnicking, and made life-long friends.

It was clear that Cathy’s true passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Cathy than providing for and spending time with her husband and her children.  Cathy and her husband John cherished twenty-seven years of a loving marriage together until John’s passing in November of 2020.  She was sweet, kind, and funny.  She made friends wherever she went and could light up any room she walked into with her bright smile and her unforgettable laugh.  Cathy touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by all her family and friends.

Cathy is survived by her four children; Nicole Miller of Pawtucket, RI, Austin Miller of Bloomfield, NJ, Erika Miller of Morristown, NJ, and Ian Miller of Montclair, NJ, two sisters; Juliana Amell and her husband Greg of Charleston, SC, and Ashley Stuckey and her husband Scott of Charleston, SC, her father Donald Gerhardt of Charleston, SC, two cousins, Samantha Tinampay, and Kimberly Cercena, and her very close friends; Chrissy Yule, Joanie Curley, Maria Nephew, and Pamala Fernot.  She was predeceased by her mother Ilona Brown in 2020.
Donations in Cathy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Processing Center Alzheimer’s Association, Greater NJ Chapter PO Box 96011 Washington DC 20090 www.alz.org would be greatly appreciated.

Kathleen McNeal, Age 78 of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 in the presence of and while receiving the love of her family.

The youngest of William and Mary (Chilkowitz) Snyder’s two children, Kathleen was born in Paterson and raised in Wyckoff and Wayne. After graduating from DePaul Catholic High School with the Class of 1961, Kathleen attended Mount Aloysius College where she received her Associate Degree in Science.

Kathleen was the beloved wife of Ray McNeal who passed away in 2018 after a cherished marriage of 53 years together. They met at Holy Cross Catholic School in Wayne while in seventh grade. They started dating when they were in high school at DePaul and made their wedding promises on August 26,1965 at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne. Kathleen and Ray remained in Wayne for the rest of their lives together.

After college and during the early years of marriage, Kathleen was employed as a secretary for a large contracting company.  There is a road in Wayne that bears her name. After having children, she ultimately left that job to become a full-time and fabulous mother and homemaker.

Kathleen and Ray enjoyed many exciting adventures together – adventures that took them all over the world. She especially loved any destination that included sun, sand, and surf. In fact, her favorite place of all was right near home at the Jersey shore. It was a place the whole family enjoyed, especially when her children and grandchildren were growing up. More recently, Kathleen enjoyed traveling with her grandchildren and daughters. Trips included a cruise on the Queen Mary with her granddaughters, Sophie and Ellie, and a Caribbean cruise with daughter Yvette, son in law James, and granddaughter, Julia.  Quiet times were frequently spent enthralled in the latest romantic or suspense novel. To Kathleen, reading was enjoyed as much as eating a fine culinary dish, and she and Ray’s penchant for a good book turned out to be contagious as all her children also became avid readers. And speaking of fine culinary dishes, Kathleen was indeed the “foodiest” of “Foodies” who loved a nice night out for a fine meal with family or friends dressed in the latest fashion picked up during one of her regular trips to the mall. Kathleen was an avid fan of football, rooting for DePaul High School, especially when her son Ryan was on the team, in addition to cheering for Notre Dame and the New York Giants.

Aside from all of Kathleen’s talents and interests, her greatest passion was for her family. She enjoyed a loving and tender marriage spiced up by her wry and unpredictable sense of humor.  She could be found peeking out of her curtains and laughing when her family, friends and strangers slipped up her treacherous driveway in winter.  The harder you fell, the harder she laughed.  She was the proudest and most doting mother and grandmother who would do anything for her children and grandchildren. And Kathleen’s love did not end with her family. She was a very giving person who generously opened her home to friends and children’s friends who were always welcome to stay whenever the need arose. She also volunteered at Holy Cross Church in Wayne as a teacher’s aide and CCD teacher. Kathleen touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.  

Kathleen is survived by her two loving daughters: Yvette McNeal and husband, James Pruden, Jr. of Pompton Lakes, and Kelly McNeal of Seaside Park; her loving son, Ryan McNeal, and wife, Wana, of Wayne; four cherished granedchildren Sophie and Ellie McNeal, Julia Fusco, and Ethan McNeal, and many dear nieces and nephews In addition to her beloved husband Ray, Kathleen was predeceased by her baby girl, Christie, in 1971 and her sister, Mary Anne Drew, in 2016.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s name can be made to DePaul Catholic High School, 1512 Alps Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Wayne Public Library - Make checks out to Wayne Free Public Library Foundation, â„… Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ  07470, Attn: Richard Pino

Phyllis Ascione (nee Scalpone), age 88, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Phyllis was born and raised in Brooklyn and was the only child to Alfred and Mary Scalpone.  Growing up in Brooklyn, Phyllis attended Sarah J Hale High School and graduated with the class of 1952.  Following her high school graduation, Phyllis found work at the New York Trust Bank in Manhattan.  Phyllis was employed there for a short time when in 1955 her Aunt Josephine introduced Phyllis to a handsome young man by the name of Neil Robert Ascione. Their first date was a picnic together. Phyllis and Neil hit it off and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on June 24, 1956 Phyllis and Neil became husband and wife at Holy Ghost RC Church in Brooklyn, now known as the Holy Spirit RC Church.

The newlyweds settled in Brooklyn and while living there welcomed the birth of their first two sons, Patrick, and Alfred.  It was not long after getting married that Phyllis decided to become a full time homemaker.  As her family started to grow, in 1964, they moved to the town of Wayne. After moving to Wayne, Neil and Phyllis welcomed the birth of their third son, Neil.  Phyllis and her husband Neil have remained in Wayne and have called it their home ever since.

Becoming a homemaker was Phyllis’ true calling and where she genuinely flourished.  She was a completely devoted mother to her children, and a dedicated grandmother and great grandmother.   She was not only devoted to her family but also to her Catholic Faith.  Phyllis and Neil were founding parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne.  Phyllis and her fellow lady church friends would often go out for breakfast after weekday masses at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, and they were affectionately referred to as “The Oatmeal Club.”

Knitting and crocheting were some of Phyllis’ favorite past times.  She treasured knitting scarves for family and friends.  She was a wonderful cook, everyone especially enjoyed her macaroon cookies and rice pudding which she made with tender love and care. Phyllis also loved and looked forward to hosting the holidays at her home every year.  Neil and Phyllis enjoyed traveling together and visited various destinations, many within the United States.  She and Neil also took two very memorable trips to Italy together.

It was clear that Phyllis’ true passion in life was her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Phyllis than providing for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Phyllis and her family enjoyed their summers at Greenwood Lake throughout the years.  She was a dedicated daughter as well, caring for both her mother and father as they grew elderly.  Phyllis and her husband Neil cherished an amazing sixty-six years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Phyllis was a vibrant and spunky lady who made friends wherever she went.  She could light up any room she entered with her smile, her charm and warm personality.  She was giving and generous almost to a fault.  Phyllis was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.  

Phyllis is survived by her husband Neil Robert Ascione of Wayne, NJ, her three sons; Patrick Ascione and his wife Loren of Wayne, NJ, Alfred Ascione and his wife Diane of Wayne, NJ, and Neil Ascione and his wife Diana of Parrish, FL, five grandchildren; Neil Ascione and his wife Jessica of Montville, NJ, Allison Romeo and her husband Nicholas of Packanack Lake, NJ, Nicole Diaz and her husband Christopher of West Orange, NJ, Kristen Ascione of Packanack Lake, NJ, and Luke Ascione of Parrish, FL, and five great grandchildren; Mason, Tenley and Sienna Romeo, Evelyn, and Natalie Ascione.

Philip Christopher Ippolito,”Phil”  age 70, of Jersey City, passed Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

He was born in Jersey City and raised in Franklin Lakes. He attended Ramapo Valley High School, Oakland with the Class of 1969.

As a young man Phil worked at his father’s store, Ippolito’s Furrier at the corner of McAdoo & Fowler Street in Jersey City.  Soon Phil and his brother changed the store from a furrier to a wholesale and retail merchandise store called Joseph Thomas Distributors. The brother’s closed the store in 2005 and Phil soon found work as an Operating Engineer for the Jersey City Incinerator Authority in Jersey City.  He worked for Jersey City for about ten years before retiring in 2017.

Phil was a devoted and dedicated family man carrying copies of many family pictures in his oversized, rubber band bound, wallet that tested the tensile strength of the leather it was made from.  He will be remembered as a loving, caring, nostalgic, determined and giving man. Pop Pop loved his summer trips to Villa Roma and Cape May with his amazing granddaughters Gia and Valentina.  He loved swimming in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, and having ice cream with his little stars.

Phil met Sandra Murgola and after dating for about one year and they married on May 19, 1974 at Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City.  They had a reception at the Barrel Inn on Linden Avenue in Jersey City and honeymooned on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.  Phil and Sandy had a forty-eight year marriage that was blessed with daughters Erica and Cassandra as well as two granddaughters Gia and Valentina.

He was the loving husband of Sandra; devoted father of Erica Ferraro and her husband Mario, and Cassandra Ippolito; he was the cherished grandfather of Gia and Valentina Ferraro; much loved brother of Janice, Gloria, Marilyn, Thomas, Ralph, and the late Joseph.

Memorial donations in Phil’s name can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.stjude.org

Walter Bondarovich, age 97, formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2022.

He was born and delivered by a midwife at the family home on Homer Avenue in Nutley.  The family lived in Nutley, Newark, and Flemington through his younger years.  He eventually lived in Lodi before moving to Wayne where he lived for fifty-eight years before moving to Mount Arlington Senior Living about 3 ½ years ago.  Walter graduated from South Side High School in Newark with the Class of 1943.

On October 9, 1943 Walter entered active duty in the United States Army and served during WWII. He served as a Radio Operator in Central Europe, Rhineland, Northern France. He would recount that he was in the second wave during the invasion of Normandy and liberated two concentration camps during his two and a half years of service where he ascended to the rank of Corporal.  He was discharged on March 3, 1946 and awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Walter met his future wife, Olga  during a dance at Three Saints Church in Garfield. They danced the whole night together, but neglected to exchange phone numbers. It was a year later before their paths would cross again in Monroe, NY. Walter had been working the summer at the Arrow Farm Resort when, by sheer coincidence, Olga showed up! After that, they never parted. They loved to dance and knew many of the Russian folk dances. They were married on August 12, 1950 and, despite Walter accidentally lighting her veil on fire with a candle, they’ve enjoyed nearly sixty four years of loving and devoted marriage together before Olga’s passing on July 16, 2014.

Walter’s work history started in his youth where he would shine shoes utilizing a shoe-shine box that he kept and is now passing along to his family. He worked as a stock-boy at the A&P Food Store in Newark and eventually became an Independent Insurance Agent for the Motor Club of America before retiring after forty years of service.

He will be lovingly remembered as a great dad who prioritized his family over everything. His children have fond memories of trips, vacations, car rides to Atlantic City, beach trips to the Jersey Shore, and many trips to Disney World in Florida. He enjoyed working on his cars in his spare time.

He was the loving husband of the late Olga Bondarovich (d. 2014); loving father of Elaine Brady and her husband Jim of McCormick, SC, and Diane Wehrenberg and her husband Karl of Hopatcong; he was the dearly loved grandfather of Karl Wehrenberg, Jr.; he was predeceased by his sibling James Bondarovich and Anna Kinder.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research would be greatly appreciated.