Michael Dennis Lamb, age 70 of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021. His family was lovingly by his side at the time of this passing.

Raised in Scotch Plains, Mike was one of William and Elizabeth (McCarthy) Lamb’s five children. He was a graduate of Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, NJ the class of 1969. Already as a young boy Mike had a penchant for mischief. In elementary school, those nuns wouldn’t have any of it. Consequently, many-a wooden ruler was sacrificed by virtue of a very close encounter with Mike’s body. Once, during high school, he just couldn’t resist “borrowing” a steel sodium brick from the science lab. He took the brick and threw it in a nearby lake where it promptly exploded causing it to end up back on land. It got really funny when Mike read in the newspaper the next day that the local police took the brick back to headquarters where, in an attempt to cool it off, they threw it in water causing it to explode again!

In the fall of 1969, Mike headed off to Newark State Teachers College, now known as Kean University, in pursuit of higher education. Mike had hopes and aspirations of becoming a science teacher. Having earned his Bachelor’s degree in education, Mike would have made an awesome teacher but his life path lead him in a different direction. Back in the day when he graduated, it was hard for teachers to make a decent living. Mike knew this and, since he had been working part time as a butcher, he chose to pursue this trade instead. As a butcher at the ShopRite store in Oakland he gained a wealth of experience which eventually lead to a job with Foodtown at the corporate level in meat sales. In ensuing years he was also a meat sales executive at A&P and Kings Food Markets until formally retiring in 2016. Mike quickly realized that, for him, retirement wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be, so back to work he went, choosing to be an independent consultant for various food chains. In the end, he really never did retire. Mike was a most sociable guy who truly loved his customers and would do anything to make them happy. If they wanted a special cut of beef, Mike would make it happen and he especially loved mingling with the customers in the stores during the holidays.

While working as a butcher in the Oakland ShopRite Mike took a liking to a sweet young lady named Patty Fleming who worked in the deli department. After a time of admiring her from a distance, he finally worked up the courage to ask her out and, while Patty doesn’t remember where they went on that first date, it must have been fun enough to earn him more dates with her and eventually marriage. Lots of dates were down the shore to hang out with her and Mike’s former fraternity brothers from Nu Delta Pi. Mike proposed marriage by slipping a beautiful engagement ring into a glass of champagne. It almost backfired when, not really noticing the ring, Patty almost swallowed it while sipping the champagne. Talk about being choked up! Mike and Patty exchanged wedding promises before God, family and friends on Sunday, April 25, 1982 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Oakland. After a reception at the Pompton Lakes Elks Club they honeymooned in Bermuda where they both got badly sunburned on an overcast day. Their sunburn was so bad that, they had to stay inside for two days. Mike only went out to get pieces of aloe plant so they could squeeze out the aloe to apply on the sunburn for some much-needed relief.

Mike and Patty’s first home was in Ringwood at 18 James Drive. The highlight of living there was the neighbor’s golden retriever named Precious. Mike and Patty loved that dog and would often take her with them when they went on hikes. Their next home was in the Pines Lake section of Wayne where they were blessed with their own “Precious” – a baby boy which they named Michael. In 1988 they moved again, this time to Packanack Lake in Wayne where they were blessed that same year with another son named Ryan and, in 1989, a baby girl who they named Allison. Mike adored his children and would do anything he could to help them enjoy and succeed in life. His generosity to himself was put on the back burner so that he could give his kids the best. When his sons Mike and Ryan were in high school, Mike wanted them to enjoy those years, so he encouraged them to play sports rather than work. Michael’s generosity was also seen in the help he gave to the kids when it was time for their first cars. Michael always said, “you have your whole life to work, enjoy these times now”.

Mike himself loved cool cars. In college he had a Pontiac GTO and a 57 Chevy. One time before marriage he won a $10,000 lottery prize and went right out and bought himself a Datsun 280Z. Remember those?  Of course with a lottery win like that, anyone would be hooked on buying lottery tickets for the rest of their lives. He was religious about buying them and always played the same numbers. He especially liked playing the NJ Pick 6 and he didn’t just purchase tickets for himself. Mike bought them for everybody and anybody. Even when Allie was living in Hawaii and Ryan in Alaska, Mike would send them NJ Pick 6 scratch offs even though, if they won, they wouldn’t be able to take them to a local store in Hawaii or Alaska to cash in.

Mike was a lifelong lover of photography. Back in high school, he was the school’s yearbook photographer and when his kids came around, he was always ready to snap a shot. He had literally thousands of photos of his kids to document their lives. Many of those photos included action shots of them at their football, track, soccer, swimming and volleyball competitions. He took so many pictures of the kids, his family used to joke that he could put those photos in one of those old fashioned flip books where, when you flip fast through the pages, you could make it look like and action film. Mike also liked to play golf. In retirement, he found more time to play so he bought a new set of clubs and could always be found at the Packanack Golf Club, especially on Senior Wednesdays. He would bring an extra bucket of balls because of his propensity for losing them. His Friends would even sometimes drop a bucket of balls in the yard as a joke.

Mike had a great sense of dry, sarcastic humor. He had fun lovingly busting his wife Patty and his kids. He was very down to earth and had a heart of gold. He was the kind of guy who would take the shirt off his back if you needed it, get another and give you that one too. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mike was the beloved husband of Patricia, blessed in marriage for 39 years. He was the incredibly loved father of Michael Gove Lamb and wife Haley of Hope Maine, Ryan Lamb of Wayne, and Allison Lamb of Honolulu and Oakland, CA; cherished grandfather of Alwin; dear brother of Patrick of Springfield, NJ, Christopher of Westfield, NJ, the late Mary Lamb and the late William Lamb; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Wayne Fire Company #5
5 Lake Drive W
Wayne, NJ 07470
If you would prefer to donate online, just click here

Gladys Harriett Schuster, (nee Scerbak), age 91, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 04, 2021 in the presence of and while receiving the loving care of her family.

Over the years, Gladys was always referred to as “Harriett” to those who knew her well.  Harriett was born in Clifton, NJ and was one of two children to John and Margaret Scerbak.  After living in Clifton for some time,  her family moved to Passaic.  Harriett attended Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic where she graduated with the class of 1947.  Following her graduation from high school, Harriett enrolled at Montclair State University, known then as Montclair Teacher’s College.  There she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1952.  Succeeding her graduation from Montclair Teacher’s College, Harriett found work quickly in the Clifton School System at Public School # 5.  She was only at School #5 for a few years when she accepted another position with the Clifton Board of Education, this time at Clifton High School.  Harriett taught Accounting and General Mathematics at Clifton High School until her retirement in 1994, a career spanning over thirty-seven years.  Also during her years teaching at Clifton High, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education, once again attending Montclair Teacher’s College.

Throughout Harriett’s career at Clifton High School, she was a long time member and officer of the Clifton College Woman’s Club.  She also worked closely with the Keyettes Club which was known as an early STEM program offering General Academic Scholarships for women.  Over the years she was also a long time member of the YMCA in Wayne and had many close friends there.  In addition, she faithfully maintained lifelong friendships with her "ladyfriends" Ina, Laura, Dolores, Lorraine, and Alice, whom she met in her early teaching years.

While still in college, Harriett was introduced by some mutual friends to a handsome young man named Frank Schuster.  Frank and Harriett hit it off wonderfully and started dating.  As fate would have it they fell in love and on November 10, 1951 they became husband and wife.  Frank and Harriett settled on East 1st Street in Clifton after getting married and later moved to Sargeant Ave in Clifton.  During their time living in Clifton, the couple welcomed the births of their children.  In 1968, as the family grew, they had a home built in Wayne and Harriett has been there ever since.

Harriett was a devoted mother and wife and always there for her children when they needed her.  She was not only devoted to her family but also to her Catholic Faith.  She was a parishioner of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne for many years.

One of Harriett’s most cherished past times was travel.  Harriett and her family traveled to a variety of different destinations including many of the Caribbean Islands, Australia, and most every country in Europe.  Some of the destinations were visited by plane, but most of their vacations were by way of cruise ships.  Harriett was an accomplished and talented seamstress, sewing articles of clothing and even a wedding gown!  She was an avid art collector and music fan all her life, her particularly favorite genre of music being Classic Rock.  Some of her favorite artists included The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles.  Harriett was also the type of person who enjoyed journaling.  She would on a daily basis, keep her diary updated by pouring her thoughts out onto paper.

Aside from all of Harriett’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion was for her family and close circle of friends.  Nothing in the world meant more to Harriett than spending time with and providing for her children and grandchildren.  She was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Grammie.”   She treasured thirty years of loving and loyal marriage with her husband Frank until his passing in 1981.  Harriett was a composed and tasteful woman, with a steady, positive outlook on life. She conducted herself in a conservative manner, never wanting to  “steal the show.”  She had a quiet elegance about her, never having a harsh word to say about anyone.  Harriett was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Harriett is survived by her three children, her daughter Lori Schuster-Calderone of Oak Ridge, her daughter Karen Schuster of Parlin, NJ, and her son Kurt Schuster and his wife Ellen of Wayne, two grandchildren; Michael Schuster and his wife Diane of Woodbury, CT, and Sarina Nesto and her husband Raymond of Chatham, NJ, and many loving nieces and extended family of the Clifton area and Central Florida.  She was predeceased by her husband Frank Schuster in 1981, and also by her infant son Mark Schuster in 1958, as well as her brother Gerald Scerbak.

Those wishing to make a donation in Harriett’s name are asked to consider Eva’s Village 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.  http://www.evasvillage.org

Michael S. Nelson, age 58 of Montville, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 31, 2021. He has lived in Montville   his entire life.

Mike was a railroad conductor with NJ Transit Rail since 1987 and was most recently operating from Suffern to Hoboken. He absolutely loved his job and the people he worked with. He had a special relationship with his “NJ Transit Family” and he’ll miss them all very much. Mike had a collection of bicycles that he kept stashed at various NJ Transit stations and whenever he had a prolonged break, he would take one of his bikes for a ride to make good use of his time.

Mike grew up in Montville and graduated from Morris Catholic High School with the class of 1981. He purchased his childhood home from his parents and has lived at the same address for nearly his entire life. He enjoyed playing with electronics, including his Tesla coil, reading mystery novels, and watching British TV shows. He was a huge fan of Monty Python and also enjoyed the Three Stooges and Abbott & Costello. Interestingly enough, he was also a fan of the daytime soap opera “Guiding Light.” Mike had his own, unique sense of humor that earned him the name “Uncle Scary” from his nieces and nephews. He was particularly good at tormenting kids with his scary stories and practical jokes, which the kids all loved him for. He was always ready to have fun and to share a laugh.

Mike was an animal lover in the truest sense. Throughout the years, he had many cats, his beloved dog Leon, and currently his two kitties, which were like children to him so he called them his “kid-ties:” Mea-Felis and Homer-Max. He loved those cats so much and he spoiled them terribly. Mike’s coworkers at NJ Transit were always amazed by Mike’s love for animals. Even when working, he couldn’t pass a dog or cat without stopping to pet them, get all mushy with them, and just fawn over them. And if he had food in his pocket, he would slip them a little treat to enjoy! He was a true animal lover and just couldn’t help himself!

In 1989, Mike met Mary Anne Banta through a personal ad. They enjoyed their first date on August 10, 1989 and it was love at first sight. By the third date, they were inseparable and wedding vows were exchanged on October 20, 1990. Mary Anne describes their thirty years together as amazing, unconventional, wild, crazy, and fun. They never left the ‘honeymoon’ stage and enjoyed doing everything together. Mary Anne particularly enjoyed riding in the locomotive with Mike whenever he had to work on their anniversary, birthday, or holiday. Mike was always very protective of Mary Anne, devoted to her, supportive of all her needs, and he loved her very much. She will miss him dearly and has a heart full of fond memories to cherish.

Mike is survived by his dear wife Mary Anne Banta-Nelson of Montville, his mother-in-law; Alma Banta of Kinnelon, his extended in-laws; Liz, Alma, Terri, Clare, and Steve, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his NJ Transit Rail family. He was predeceased by his mother, Edith in 2007, and by his father, David, in 2010.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Mike's name are asked to consider a donation to your local animal shelter.

Vivian “Joan” Breithaupt, age 87, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

Joan was born in Hackensack to Chester and Amelia Daeschler. She was raised in the family home in Carlstadt and graduated from East Rutherford High School with the Class of 1952.

After high school Joan worked for Becton Dickinson Corporation at their corporate headquarters in East Rutherford. She served there as a receptionist for four years and this is where she met her future husband Robert “Bob” Lee Breithaupt. Bob was a sales representative who was just in from Salt Lake City, Utah and he had to pass by Joan’s desk for several days. Each day he stayed to chat with her just a bit longer and soon they were dating. Bob had grown up in Phoenicia, New York where life centered around fishing, skiing, and all types of outdoor activities. Bob especially enjoyed fly fishing and soon found out that Joan’s father Chester enjoyed the sport as well. That solidified a friendship as Joan and Bob were falling in love. Bob eventually asked Chester for Joan’s hand in marriage and he enthusiastically gave his blessing.

Joan and Bob married on Saturday, April 6, 1957 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Woodbridge. After a reception at Gene Boyles Restaurant in Clifton they honeymooned in Bob’s family’s home in Miami, Florida. Joan and Bob started their family in the Pines Lake section of Wayne and designed and built their dream home. They loved Pines Lake as it reminded them of their youth as Joan spent her formative years summering at Lake Kemah, NJ and Bob’s outdoor roots were established in Phoenicia, NY. All were involved with camping, swimming, sailing, fishing, ice skating and the many other opportunities lake living offered. Family vacations consisted of summers in Maine, skiing at Mad River Glen in Vermont and camping on the family farm in Phoenicia.  Joan and Bob had a loving and devoted marriage of thirty-five years before his passing in 1992.

Joan was a sixty-one year member of the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne where she served as a Deacon and volunteered her time and talents to many different functions and events at the church such as decorating the church and the Van Riper Hopper House at Christmas time. She loved flower gardening and was a past-president and honorary lifetime member of the Pines Lake Garden Club. She enjoyed shopping and was always dressed impeccably. Joan loved to entertain and whether it was friends or family, she was the consummate host. Favorite family meals included pot roast, chicken fricassee, “Turkey Breithaupt”, soda bread and carrot cake.

Her house was truly a home, beautifully decorated with antiques and she hosted every holiday for family and friends.  Joan will always be known as the “hostess with the mostest”. She organized an annual Christmas cookie exchange party and for thirty years close friends would come to share their special cookies. Joan will be remembered as a beautiful, classy, witty, independent, and strong person with a wonderful sense of humor that always came through. As a child of the Great Depression she would often recount laying on the floor in the living room and listening to the radio when Pearl Harbor was attacked. She loved the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) on television, Masterpiece Theatre, and going to the Paper Mill Playhouse with friends. Most of all Joan loved and was proud of her family. She loved to attend many of her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events through the years. She even showed up at a granddaughter’s ski race with a fur coat on! She loved visiting her granddaughters at college and taking them and friends out to dinner. She was also proud to have attended all her grandchildren’s high school, college, and Air Force graduation ceremonies.

Joan had a love for music and the “Make Believe Ballroom” was always playing on the radio in her kitchen. She also had fond memories of seeing a young Frank Sinatra at the Rustic Cabin in Englewood Cliffs. Even as of late she enjoyed listening to the satellite radio station Siriusly Sinatra while driving around in her beloved convertibles after many years of driving family station wagons. When it came to her cars, she always kept her husband’s GATE13 license plates (he was in the Acapella group, Colgate 13) which always had people asking what the plates meant. Joan loved to dance and was in the Robin Harrington School of Dance adult group back in the 1970’s. For many years she and Bob sailed the Jet 443 on Pines Lake. They never won a race but hosted many sailing club gatherings and even recently spoke of North Island parties with the “Battenkill 5.”

Later in life, Joan traveled to many parts of the world with friends.  In the summer, she would swim and spend time with friends at West Beach…also known as the West Beach Mermaids.

Joan was the loving wife of the late Robert “Bob” Lee Breithaupt (d. 1992); devoted mother of Robin Preuss (Kenneth) of Boonton, Holly Ryan (Scott) of Wayne, Allison Breithaupt of Unionville, CT, and Noel Turner (Peter) of Burlington, CT. She was the cherished grandmother of Jonathan (Michele) Preuss, Deven Yudelson, Bethany (James) Donaldson, Erin Ryan, Meryl Ryan, Sage Yudelson, Jennifer Carmody, and Staff Sgt. Heather Carmody (Jorden Crouse) and her much-loved great grandson Owen Preuss. Joan was predeceased by her brother Albert Daeschler.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Joan’s name are asked to consider Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Herbert J. Zieger, age 88 of Rockaway, died peacefully on July 28, 2021. Had been a lifelong resident of Clifton before retiring to Fox Hills in Rockaway twenty five years ago.

Herb was a Master Plumber and operated Zieger Plumbing and Heating from his home in Clifton before retiring. He was a past president of the New Jersey League of Master Plumbers. Herb was also a U.S. Army veteran and earned the distinction of “Expert Gunner” during his service. He was honorably discharged in 1958.

Herb was born in America, but sadly his mother passed away while he was just an infant. With no other family here in America, Herb’s father moved back to Germany with his children during the middle-1930’s and they lived there throughout World War II. Fortunately for Herb, he was a U.S. citizen, so he was able to come back to America just prior to his eighteenth birthday. They settled in Lyndhurst, where there was a large German population, and Herb felt right at home. He enjoyed going to the local German dances where they would listen to accordion music and dance to the Polka! It was at one of these dances that he met Sheila Connor and their romance blossomed. They married not long after and honeymooned at Niagara Falls, NY. They settled into their home in Clifton and began raising a family. They also became active at the Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne, where they were both dedicated members for decades. They enjoyed a very loving and devoted marriage for more than sixty-five years. Herb was especially doting in recent years as he cared for Sheila at home as best as he could. Sheila will surely miss her beloved Herb.

Herb is survived by his wife Sheila of Rockaway, by their four children; Paula Van Gurp and her husband Karl of Ohio, Herbert Zieger, Jr. and his wife Laura of Lincoln Park, NJ, Eric Zieger and his wife Barbara of Clifton, and Bruce Zieger and his wife Allison of Highlands Ranch, CO, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ann Murray (nee Pluchino), age 89, of Wayne and formerly of Queens, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Ann was born and raised in Astoria Queens, NY and was the only child to Joseph and Jennie Pluchino.  While growing up in Astoria Queens, Ann attended Long Island City High School where she graduated with the class of 1950. Following her graduation from high school, Ann found work quickly and accepted a position at Metropolitan Life Insurance in New York City.  Ann worked there for several years.  During this time she attended a local dance event in Jamaica Queens, NY where she met a young and handsome man by the name of Robert Murray.  Ann and Robert hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on September 24, 1955 Ann and Robert became husband and wife.  They cherished thirty-nine years of loving and loyal marriage together until Robert’s passing in 1994.  
 
After getting married, the newly married couple lived in an apartment for a short time then settled in Howard Beach where they purchased their first home.  While living in Howard Beach Ann and Robert welcomed the births of their two children, Robert and Diane.  Ann decided that after her first child was born that she would dedicate herself to being a full-time homemaker.  This was truly Ann’s calling and where she flourished.  Ann was always there for her children and remained a homemaker throughout most of their childhood.  When her children got older, Ann decided to get back into the workforce and took a position as a teacher’s aide at John Adams High School in Queens, NY.  Ann spent the next several years there until she stopped working in 1994 when her husband Robert passed away.  

In 1996, a couple of years after her husband’s passing, Ann moved to Wayne, NJ to live with her daughter Diane and her grandson Paul.  Ann was a member of the Golden Age of Wayne for many years and enjoyed getting together with her friends to play cards, particularly a game called “Fourteen.”  She was a diehard New York Yankees fan and always cherished very fond memories of her father bringing her to many Yankee games to see her favorite player Mickey Mantle.  Through the years, Ann treasured spending time with family and friends especially around the holidays and enjoyed decorating her house for Easter and Christmas.  But aside from all of Ann’s hobbies, talents, and interests, her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Ann than spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Ann was a kind and gentle person who was always quiet and private, but also made sure her family knew how much she loved them.  Ann was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.  
 
Ann is survived by her two children; Diane Murray and her significant other Edward Grogan of Wayne, and Robert Murray and his wife Fran of Monroe, NY, three grandchildren; Sharon Murray of Boston, MA, Lauren Murray of Monroe, NY, and Paul Cava of Hoboken, NJ.  She was predeceased by her husband Robert Murray in 1994.  

Pauline Colazzo (nee Gualtieri), age 92 of Wayne, died peacefully Tuesday, July 27, 2021. She has lived in Wayne for fifty-seven years.

Pauline grew up in the Sandy Hill section of Paterson and graduated from Eastside High School in 1947. She began working at United Hardware as a bookkeeper and stayed there for nearly fourteen years. Once her children were in high school, Pauline went back to work at the Matano Insurance Agency as an office manager until her retirement in 1993.

After finishing high school, Pauline met and fell in love with Frank Colazzo. Frank was serving in the U.S. Army at the time, but after completing his service, and a long courtship, they married on July 2, 1961 at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Paterson. They first settled in Paterson and in 1964, purchased a home in Wayne. They have lived in that very same house ever since, raising their two children there and enjoying many years together. They were long-time parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne, and they did just about everything together as a couple. Sadly, Frank passed away in 2020, after nearly sixty years of marriage, and Pauline has missed him dearly ever since.

Pauline enjoyed listening to opera and was a big fan of Luciano Pavarotti. She and Frank went to the opera in New York on a few occasions and she truly enjoyed watching those live performances. She was also a wonderful cook and homemaker, taking great pride in her home. She was a devoted grandmother to her five grandchildren, and she made it a point to attend as many of their events as she could – and she went to many! Although her grandchildren will miss her dearly, they all have great memories with her to hold onto.

Pauline is survived by her two children; Connie Millahn and her husband Charlie of Wantage, and Frank and his wife Rosemary of Wayne, five grandchildren; Scott Millahn of Morristown, Lauren Scott and her husband Patrick of Vernon, Nick Colazzo of Bear, DE, Jimmy Colazzo of Manhattan, and Danny Colazzo of Wayne. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Frank in 2020.

Pauline Jurgens, age 89, passed into the presence of our Lord & Savior on Sunday, July 25th, 2021.

She was born in South Bridge, Massachusetts.  In her early youth the family moved to Passaic, N.J. where Pauline entered the school system.  Pauline attended high school in Passaic and volunteered at the hospital in Passaic.  She worked in the Passaic textile industry, as a key-punch operator for the Glamorene Products Company in Clifton, and finally worked side-by-side with her husband, Jack, as they owned PJ's (Pauline and Jack's) auto body shop, located on New Jersey Ave., Lyndhurst.  With Jack's talents and Pauline working as his office manager and bookkeeper, PJ's Auto Body enjoyed much success as Jack worked to restore his customer's cars to their original luster into the 1980's.  Health issues forced them to sell the business and retire.

Pauline will be lovingly remembered for her quiet, reserved way.  She was incredibly organized and saved everything including every slip of paper and even cookie tins for Jack to put small parts in.  She would balance her checkbook to the penny and if it was off she would head right over to the bank to figure out what went wrong.  She loved her cats and was always feeding the neighborhood cats as well.  Her Tuxedo cat, Peanut, will miss her very much.  Pauline had a deep Christian faith and was a longstanding member of the Midland Park Gospel Hall.

Pauline was the loving wife of Gustave "Jack" Jurgens who predeceased her on April 7, 2021; she was the devoted mother of Bruce Burgess (Susan) of North Haledon; and was the step-mother of Debra J. Guiffrida of Henderson, NV, Guy Edwin Jurgens (Jeanne) of Roseville, Ca, and the late Bret Jurgens; she was the cherished grandmother of David Burgess (Ruth), Kristin Taylor(Orlando), Teresa Jurgens and Scott Jurgens; she was the great-grandmother of Desiree, Nicholas, Gianna, Arianna, Vincent and Jayden.

Harvey Davison, age 88, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 25, 2021. He was cherished by his children, grandchildren, and family, and lived his life devoted to them.

He was born in Newark to Irving and Ethel Davison. Harvey graduated from Weequahic High School in Newark, Class of 1950, where he played on the basketball team and was given the nickname Dave (short for Davison). He continued his education at Temple University in Philadelphia where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with the Class of 1954. After graduation Harvey enlisted in the Army and over the years has shared stories with his family of the time he served in Germany.

When he was honorably discharged from the Army he returned to live with his parents in Newark.  He met and married Phyllis Klein and was blessed with four children. A son Bruce, who was born on Harvey’s 27th birthday, and three daughters Sheri, Susan, and Ilene.

Harvey worked with his father at Rose Dairy in Newark and then joined his in-laws family owned business, Keil’s Bakery in Newark. Harvey had a strong interest in computers. He eventually attended night school to further his education after which he left the bakery to work as a computer programmer. He was in high demand in his field mostly for his ability to find solutions where it seemed that no one else could. He worked for J. Wiss and Sons, Goody Corporation, Red Devil Corporation, and American Cyanamid Corporation. He was also heavily recruited as a consultant. Although consulting would have been more lucrative, he chose a more stable path  with American Cyanamid in Wayne to better provide for his family. He worked at American Cyanamid until he retired in 1995.

Harvey will be remembered for his love of animals, especially dogs. Throughout his adult life he always had at least one dog, often more than one. His love of animals was evident to all who knew him. Although he was not overly social, he couldn’t help but stop to talk to anyone in the neighborhood who had a dog with them, or who came up to meet any of his dogs. Once he connected with the neighbors they became friends who would often meet up to walk and talk together.

Harvey enjoyed vegetable gardening and loved to cook which helped him when he became diabetic. He learned on his own how to prepare food with ingredients that would not raise his blood sugar without sacrificing the flavors he enjoyed. Harvey often questioned conventional medicine and would research his and his family’s maladies to find alternate solutions. When he was diagnosed with glaucoma, doctors told him that he would lose his sight in his 40’s. He refused to accept that prognosis without doing his own research. He developed a game plan that doctors said was futile, but trusted his own findings and still retained his vision until the end of his life. When he was diagnosed with diabetes, he was able to maintain blood sugar levels in the normal range by doing the same as he did for the glaucoma. His doctors were so impressed with his results that some even asked him to do classes for other diabetic patients. He was always so proud of that.

Most of all Harvey loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. If they shared a problem with him, he would try to find a solution. Even if he did not always have the solution, he would listen if they just needed to talk. He included his children in the things that he enjoyed, such as going to lunch, running errands, and watching the Yankees, Giants, and Hallmark movies on TV. He was self-taught in guitar and piano and shared with his children, and later his grandchildren, his favorite country songs such as “Froggy Went A Courtin”. He had a curiosity about the supernatural and his family got to share in his enthusiasm when he attempted to hypnotize them. Even though it never worked, some pretended it did to make him happy. It was a fun time usually ending in laughter, and as long as his family was happy, Harvey was happy.

Harvey is survived by his son Bruce Davison and wife, Julie of Hubertus, WI, his daughters Sheri Lynch and husband, Keith of Wayne, Susan Yale-Mancini and husband, Rick of Wayne, Ilene McFarland of Basking Ridge, and his grandchildren  Rachel, Justin, Grace, Hanna Rose, Jimmy, Eddie, Ricky and his wife, Jessica, Billy, and Stephanie. He was also survived by his sister Judy, her husband, Ken, and his brother Phil.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA) PO Box 3701 Wayne, NJ 07470 or through their website https://fowarescue.org/

Tony Ho, age 92, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home, in the presence of his loving family, on Saturday, July 24, 2021.

Born in 1929 in Guizhou, China, Tony was the oldest son of Franklin and Hwa-Bing Ho’s ten children. After surviving World War II, he and his family fled to Taiwan during China’s Communist Revolution. He would later leave Taiwan for Australia, where he spent a few years working odd jobs before coming to the United States in the late 1950’s for college. He started college at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, but then transferred to Virginia Tech where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

While at Virginia Tech, Tony would come to New York City to work summer jobs.  It was then that he met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Lorraine Lee. Tony and Lorraine got engaged in December 1961 and married on March 16, 1963 at the Corpus Christi Church on 121st Street in New York City. A wedding reception followed at Earl Hall at Columbia University and a honeymoon to Philadelphia.

Tony and Lorraine started married life living in Hackensack. In the late 1960’s they moved into their brand new home in Wayne and have remained there ever since. In 1972, they were blessed with the birth of their son Andrew.

Tony was a life-time mechanical engineer in the field of commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design. He worked for a few different engineering firms, including Frank McBride Mechanical Services in Hawthorne, before ultimately opening his own HVAC consulting business under Tony Ho & Associates.

After retiring from full-time work in 1995, Tony and Lorraine enjoyed traveling. They set out to explore the world, usually taking one big trip per year. They spent time in Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, China, and Tahiti, but their favorite destinations were England, France, and Hawaii. In between world travel, Tony loved going with Lorraine to their condominium down the Jersey shore at Wildwood Crest.

Back at home in Wayne, Tony liked to putter around the house sprucing up the yard or doing home maintenance. He also really enjoyed cooking and making his own hot sauces. Chinese food was his specialty, particularly both boiled and fried dumplings, as well as his version of zha jiang mian (a Chinese noodle dish). He also liked to make non-Chinese food with a highlight being homemade pizza with kielbasa slices in leiu of pepperoni. In addition, Tony had a unique fascination with kitchen appliances. He was always slipping off to Bed Bath and Beyond and coming home with the latest kitchen appliance or gadget.

Above all else, Tony’s family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He simply adored his two grandsons, Nathan and Alex, and always looked forward to seeing them. Tony was a friendly guy. Always smiling, he touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by both his family and friends.        

Tony was the beloved husband of Lorraine (Lee), blessed in marriage for 58 years. He was the loving father of Andrew Ho and wife Yani of Tenafly; cherished grandfather of: Nathan and Alex: and dear brother of: Linda Wang, Ruby Chiang, Robert Ho, James Ho, Polly Huang, Juju Hsu, Lily Chu, Albert Ho, and Anthony Ho.

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

Chilton Medical Center Foundation

97 West Parkway,

Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Click Here to donate online

Marianne (Mariola) Tybur, affectionately known to her grandchildren as ‘Babcia,’ was a loving, Polish, cornerstone for her family and friends.  She was born on April 19, 1942 in Dortmund, Germany, as the oldest child and only daughter of Klara and Stanislaw Jedrkowiak.  Escaping World War II, she moved with her family back to their homeland of Poland where she lived for ~20 years before starting a new life in the United States with fellow Polish native and love of her life, Longin Tybur.  Together they created a caring home for their three sons, Charles, Tom and Jim. It was a life that prioritized faith in God, love, education, Polish traditions and endless hugs and kisses.

Marianne as ‘kamien wegielny’ (cornerstone in Polish), held many critical roles for the family (historian, disciplinarian, healer, teacher, listener and more) while also being a genuine and sincere daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother and friend.  In all interactions, she was deeply genuine in her ability to feel others’ joys and sorrows.  She was eager and ready for phone calls and visits with her loved ones. The simple pleasures in life gave her the greatest happiness – a lovely flower, updates on her grandchildren or the perfect weather.  One never left her table hungry – offering third and fourth servings were standard, and she gifted something, no matter how small, on every visit.  She had a love for Wigilia (Polish Christmas Eve), dogs, cats, bunnies, babies, Dancing with the Stars, everything Polish and sweets!  Her sharp mind and memory (especially for dates) was one of her greatest gifts, which she held onto until the very end of her life.

After a short battle with an aggressive cancer, Marianne passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 24, 2021 leaving an enormous hole in the hearts of all who love her, especially immediate family of Longin (husband of 55 years); her three children: Chuck (Marcy), Tom (Tanya), Jim (Marie); and her seven grandchildren: Jonathan, Spencer, Ben, Maddie, Matthew, Noelle and Graham; and two younger siblings: Piotr and Johannes Jedrkowiak.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the church at Our Lady of the Valley.

Richard Gerard Brennan, age 62, of Pine Brook, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 22, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Richard was born in Paterson, raised in Riverdale, and was one of six children to Andrew and Dolores Brennan. When Richard was born, he was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease. Doctors told Richard’s parents that he would likely not live past the age of fifteen. When Richard was ten years old, his parents decided to take a chance on a clinical trial operation by the National Institute of Health (NIH). The surgical procedure was the first of its kind and entailed surgically implanting Teflon patches, newly developed by the company DuPont, on Richard’s heart to cover the holes or “defects.” The operation was successful and Richard became somewhat of an instant celebrity. During his recovery, Richard was visited by a number of congressmen, senators, ambassadors, and even the King and Queen of Jordan. All of the dignitaries wanted their picture taken with Rich and would often bring toys and other gifts when they visited him, of course making his siblings a little jealous.  

Richard attended grammar school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Pompton Lakes and later DePaul High School. Richard graduated from DePaul High School with the class of 1977. When Richard was just seventeen, he took a job at a local Pathmark Supermarket. After graduating from high school, Richard went on to William Paterson College not really knowing where his education would take him. During his time at William Paterson, Richard was offered a managerial position with Pathmark whom he had been working with for about three years. Richard kept his managerial position at Pathmark and his career with the company spanned thirty years from 1977 until 2001. Richard stopped working and retired in 2001 due to health issues.

In 1979 while attending a Young Adult Event at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, Richard met an attractive young lady by the name of Nancy Pankow, who worked with his mother at GAF. Richard and Nancy hit it off great and started dating. The couple dated for about seven years and as fate would have it, they fell in love and were married on April 27, 1986 at St. Mary's. After getting married, Richard and Nancy settled in Prospect Park, but they were not there for very long when they moved to Mahwah in 1988. While living in Mahwah, Richard and Nancy welcomed the births of their first two children, Matthew and Meghan. As the family started to grow, they moved to Waldwick in 1996 where they welcomed their third child, Colleen. In 1998 the family moved again, this time to Pompton Lakes and in 2002, the family moved to Pine Brook, NJ where they have been ever since.

Richard loved music and was a self-taught acoustic guitar player and was fluent on the harmonica as well. He could play by ear and was also able to read music and guitar tablature. Some of his favorite artists included James Taylor, Coldplay, Elvis, America, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Foster the People and The Eagles. He also loved the Peanuts franchise, with Snoopy and Woodstock being some of his favorites. He was an adept voice impressionist of sorts, often mimicking some of his favorite music artists and actors and cartoon characters. Richard had a way with quoting memorable movie lines with humor and memorable effect, and also would come up with comedic phrases of his very own that became part of his family's regular lexicon. He also enjoyed freshwater fishing and frequenting Island Beach State Park at the Jersey Shore for yearly summer family vacations. He adored celebrating the Christmas season with his family, and was very interested in learning about space, science, history, and new technology. Another of Richard’s favorite pastimes was gaming. He could often be found on his Xbox or his Nintendo gaming systems playing his favorite titles which included Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Bros, Super Mario/Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Call of Duty. Richard was a devoted father and brother, always there for his family. He was not only devoted to his family but also to his Catholic Faith. He and his family were parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pompton Lakes for many years. Richard loved animals and always took the time to feed the birds and squirrels around his home. However, aside from all of Richard’s hobbies, interests, and talents, his greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Richard than spending time with his family and friends. He had a unique way of immersive storytelling of engaging tales from his past, sharing family photos, and would sometimes quip "What are your hopes and dreams for the future?" He and his wife Nancy cherished twenty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage together until Nancy’s passing in 2013. Richard was a sweet, gentle, and kindhearted man who called everyone his friend. He was the type of guy you couldn’t help but like and want to be around. Richard had the gift of being able to find humor in anything, even if it was at his own expense. He had an infectious laugh and was always able to see the brighter side of things.  Richard was a very special man who touched the lives of everyone that knew him and will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Richard is survived by his three children: his son Matthew Brennan of Pine Brook, NJ, Meghan Walker and her husband Devaughn of Pine Brook, NJ, and Colleen Brennan of Pine Brook, NJ, one sister Maureen Tencza and her fiancé Ernest Dane, one brother Joseph Brennan and his wife Beth of Doylestown, PA, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy (nee Pankow) in 2013, his sister Rosemary Uhl and brother John Brennan in 2011, and his brother Andrew Brennan in 2020.

Those wishing to make a donation in Richard’s name are asked to consider the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston MA 02241-7005 http://www.heart.org, or National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016 http://www.kidney.org

JESSIE ANN STANZEL GOEHNER – WRITER, DIES AT 85

Jessie Ann Stanzel Goehner, born May 20, 1936, in Rahway, N.J. died peacefully on July 21, 2021 at Brandywine Senior Living, Haddonfield, NJ after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Jessie was the daughter of Janet Bain McFarlane Stanzel and Rudolph Albert Stanzel, Sr.

and was raised in suburban Westfield, NJ. with her older brother, Rudy.  

One of Jessie’s fondest memories from childhood was being a Mariner Scout, part of the nation’s Girl Scout program. As a scout she embarked on a week-long cruise on the brigantine "Yankee" with Skipper Irving Johnson to Mystic, Connecticut. That adventure forged lifelong friendships among her crewmates.

Jessie graduated from Westfield High School in 1954 and went on to graduate from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she received her BA degree in Education with the class of 1958.

Jessie met her husband Ronald, through his cousin, Marianne Gehrhardt, in 1957. While dating, they enjoyed picnics, long walks, and excursions with friends to New York City. Ronald treated Jessie to concerts at Carnegie Hall and they always sat in the two center seats of the front row.  Jessie married Ronald Henry Goehner at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, NJ on February 20, 1960.

Once married she resided in South Plainfield, NJ, Lawrenceville, NJ and Saratoga, CA before moving to the Packanack Lake community in Wayne in 1973 where she resided on Castles Drive until 2018.

While raising three children, Jessie pursued a Master of Arts degree in Communications from William Paterson College and graduated in 1979.

Jessie worked as a freelance writer journalist often covering the local school board.  She also wrote several children’s stories inspired by her experiences as a teacher and mother. One beloved story,“Watery Wednesday” was a playful message on how to make the most of the “rainy” days we are given.

She worked at the National Institutes for the Blind in their purchasing department and later switched careers to work in the public relations and communications department for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, NJ.

In retirement Jessie put her career experiences to work on behalf of Healing the Children NJ, a non-profit organization that provides essential medical care to children of the world. For her volunteer work with Healing the Children, Jessie was honored with the NJ Governor’s Award in 2002.

In 2013, Jessie published a novel, The Crooked Play Straight, which was a tale of medical intrigue. This fulfilled a lifelong dream to write and publish a full-length novel. The project had long been deferred by demands of her family, career, and volunteer work.

Jessie was an active member of Packanack Community church in Wayne for 45 years. As a church member she believed wholly in the need for inclusivity in the church and worked to promote that message within the congregation.

Jessie truly dedicated her life to caring for others. She managed food pantries, volunteered to teach English as a second language at Literacy of America in Passaic, and volunteered for several other charities, including a counseling center through her church. Jessie served as co-president of the Packanack swim team with her husband Ronald in the mid 1980s and was on the board of governors for the Packanack lake community association. Jessie would often take on the less visible tasks and assist with operations, accounting, fundraising and communications. Jessie also advocated for historical and environmental preservation both globally and within her community and passed that ethic on to her children.  

During Ron and Jessie’s retirement they enjoyed many travels that included a boating adventure down the Snake River canyon, riding camels in Egypt, and several visits to Europe for family genealogy research. In 1992 Ron and Jessie purchased a beach bungalow in Ocean Grove, NJ that had been the home of Jessie’s Great cousin, Anne Bain Forrester. There they spent many happy summers at the Jersey shore.

Jessie is predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Ronald Henry Goehner and her brother Rudolph A. Stanzel Jr.

Surviving is her sister-in-law, Marguerite “Peg” Craig Stanzel, and her cousin, Alberta MacFarlane Matyas

Also surviving are her children, Ronald Henry Goehner Jr., Thomas Bain Goehner, Janet Marie Goehner-Jacobs, and her husband, David Scott Jacobs. Jessie is also survived by her two grandchildren, Heidi Anne Jacobs, Philippe Kallagov, and his wife Maria Perez Kallagov and their daughters Abby Walsh and Alicia Kallagov.

As a writer, Jessie’s words on the page will endure, but her greatest legacy will be her many acts of compassion for those most in need.

Jessie’s family is eternally grateful to Brandywine of Haddonfield for providing such wonderful care in her final years, allowing her to live her best life to the end.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Jessie’s memory are asked to consider giving to Healing the Children, 112 Fifth Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 or online at http://www.htcnj.org

Ernest “Mickey” Darnsteadt, Jr., age 85 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. He had lived in Wayne for nearly his entire life.

Mickey was a machinist for Sandvik Corporation in Fair Lawn, NJ throughout his entire career before retiring in 1998.

Mickey was a train enthusiast who traveled anywhere and everywhere that you could find train shows, train museums, or shops that sold collectible trains. He just loved trains! When he traveled with his wife, Emma, they almost always went somewhere that had trains. Mickey preferred to travel by car and he loved to drive. He refused to use a GPS, relying only on his trusty map collection, and he preferred back roads rather than the interstate. He never got lost, not even once. When his sons were young boys, he took them on a cross-country trip, visiting forty-eight states in six weeks, driving a station wagon with a camper in tow. He loved yard sales too, and one of their road trips included driving through one of the longest yard sales in America, driving for an entire week from vendor to vendor! Mickey only traveled in an airplane once, at age 70, and the airline pilots gave him a set of wings when the flight landed! But even after that, he preferred to drive wherever he needed to go.

In 1988, Mickey met Emma De Guzman at a singles event. They hit it off immediately and were married the next year. He encouraged her to finish school and get her LPN, which she did! The love they shared was truly special. They have enjoyed thirty-two years of loving each other, gardening together, traveling, and watching their family grow. Mickey’s ‘other love’ is their dog, Sydney. They were very close and Sydney will miss him dearly.

Mickey is survived by his beloved wife Emma of Wayne, by his two sons; Darrin and his wife Mary of Andover, and Dale and his wife Kelly of Sparta, two granddaughters; Jennifer and Ashley Darnsteadt, Emma’s children; Michael Serrano and his wife Hilda, and Carmela Swing and her husband Michael, Emma’s grandchildren; Heidee, Ellaijah, Amme, and Carmela Serrano, and Chanize, Kayla and Shawn Swing, and Mickey’s dear nephew; Kevin Sudol and his wife Barbara.

Nancy A. Dale (nee Abrams), age 83 of Bloomingdale, NJ died peacefully on Saturday, July 17, 2021. She has lived in Bloomingdale for more than fifty years.

Nancy grew up in Wyckoff and graduated from Ramsey High School and went on to earn a degree from Montpelier College. She served on the Passaic County Board of Elections for more than thirty years as a Master Board Worker and she was a fixture at the polls every election season! She was a friend to everyone she met and could have handily run for office herself. Nancy was also a big sports fan, having played softball in her younger years, she was a tennis player and bowler as well.  A huge fan of the NY YANKEES, she also had season tickets for the NY GIANTS for many years. She was a dedicated supporter of Butler and Bloomingdale athletics where she enjoyed keeping her own scorebooks and rooting for all the local kids. She kept herself fit, maintained a healthy diet, and walked about six miles at least three times per week. She never forgot to bring a trash bag with her on walks, picking up litter as she went along. She was proud of her community and did her part to keep things neat. Her family credits her with being an incredible cook with an innate ability to whip up delicious, multi-course meals out of thin air.

Nancy met her husband, Leonard, at the Old Duck Farm and they hit it off. They married on October 5, 1962 and had a reception at the Paris Inn in Wayne. They truly lived for each other, with the endearing nicknames of “Shotsy” and “Burt.” Leonard will miss her dearly.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Leonard of Bloomingdale, her son Frank DelMonaco and his wife Linda of Florida, one grandson; Ryan DelMonaco of Connecticut, her brother; Richard Abrams and his wife JoAnn of North Carolina, sister-in-law Patricia Miklos and her husband Andrew of Wayne, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews that truly adored her. Nancy was predeceased by her parents and by her brother, Donald Abrams.

Donations in Nancy’s memory would be appreciated to support the athletic department at the Butler High School.

John C. Meyer, age 90, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 while in the loving care of his family.

John was born and raised in Paterson, NJ and was the only child of Joseph and Elizabeth Meyer. He attended Paterson Technical and Vocational High School, graduating with the class of 1948.  Immediately following  graduation, he found work as a Carpenter’s Apprentice with Mahieu Construction Company in Prospect Park, NJ.  While learning the carpenter trade in 1951, John got the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. John served honorably in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955.

In 1952, while stationed in Boston with the US Navy, John met and fell in love with Charlotte Brady. They were married on April 10, 1954 and moved to Fair Lawn, NJ. While living in Fair Lawn, John and Charlotte welcomed all five of their children.  In 1968, as their family started to grow, they moved to Wayne, where they built their own home, raised their children, and have been ever since.

Over the years, John became a general contractor and eventually Vice President of Mahieu Construction.  Throughout his career, he oversaw the construction of many commercial buildings, including churches, courthouses, and Kittatinny Regional High School, earning himself the nickname “Big John.”  John was dedicated to his career, and his work ethic was outstanding. Throughout his entire career, his family does not recall him ever taking a sick day.  For the last seven years of his career, and up until he was eighty-five years old, he taught carpenter apprentices for the Northeast Carpenter’s Apprentice Training School.

Following his retirement in 2016, John took his carpentry skills to a new level and started woodcarving, transforming his basement into a professional woodshop.  Over the years, John earned several awards for his various carvings. John’s talents were not limited to carpentry; he was also a gifted singer and self-taught organ/keyboard player, and his favorite music to play and sing were church hymns. John was active in the church and participated in the men’s chorus, where he was featured as a soloist many times. He was devoted to his Christian faith and was a member of Living Word Reformed Church with his family for many years.

John was also an excellent skier. In his later years, he and his wife Charlotte bought a condo near Killington, VT, where they enjoyed vacationing and skiing.  Aside from all of John’s talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to John than providing for his family and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He and his wife Charlotte cherished an amazing sixty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage together. John was well loved by his family, friends, and community.  He touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

John is survived by wife Charlotte (nee Brady) of Wayne, his five children; Kimberly Meyer and James Mulhern of Blairstown, NJ, Eileen Langenfeld and her husband Michael of Wayne, NJ, John Meyer of New Cumberland, PA, Robert Meyer and his wife Nancy of Oakland, NJ, and Patricia Panasik and her husband Wallace of Sandyston, NJ, eight grandchildren; Jason Mills and his wife Cindy of Austin, TX, Amy Sierant and her husband Joseph of Blairstown, NJ, James Mulhern and his wife Nikki of Long Valley, NJ, Sean Mulhern of Ringwood, NJ, Collin Panasik of Providence, RI, John Meyer of Morristown, NJ, Danny Meyer of Oakland, NJ, and Cassidy Langenfeld of Wayne, NJ, and five great grandchildren; Graeson, Roen, Zoey, Remy, and Evie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to Living Word Reformed Church, 21 Pleasant View Drive, North Haledon, NJ 07508.  http://www.livingwordrc.org/

Gabriele Violante, aged 88 years -- of Wayne and formerly of Clifton, New Jersey passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning on the 11th of July 2021. He is survived by his wife Yolanda, daughter Nancy and grand-daughter Nicole.

Born and raised in the rural village of Villa Celiera in the central Italian region of Abruzzo, Gabriele, the beloved son of Antonio and Anunziata Violante was the youngest of seven children. His childhood was defined by the family’s modest means and by the passing of his mother when he was just 11 years old. Like many of his generation, Gabriele’s formal education concluded with the eighth grade and his lessons in the school of life began soon after. Desperate to help his family, he would walk miles in bare feet to neighboring towns looking for work, trekking deep through the mountains to get to his destination. It was in these moments he would learn the benefits of hard work; a core value that would carry him through the rest of his life.

As a young man, Gabriele served in the Italian Army’s specialist mountain infantry. Known as the Alpini or Le Penne Nere, “The Black Feathers” were nicknamed for the black raven feathers that adorned their emerald helmets. His troop was responsible for maintaining a force in the Alpine mountains during the Cold War. Upon Gabriele’s return to civilian life, he made the life-altering decision to leave his homeland behind and emigrated to Canada where he would begin work as a brick layer. It was back-breaking work, but it helped lay the foundation for the new life he was trying to create.

Lonely in his new home, Gabriele hoped to meet someone to share his life with. A friend showed him a photograph of a beaming brown-haired beauty named Yolanda Silvestri. Yolanda was also a recent immigrant from Italy who had moved in with family in the United States. No stranger to overcoming obstacles, a little distance wasn’t going to keep him from meeting the girl with the brilliant smile. Gabriele made the journey from Sarnia in Ontario, Canada to Passaic, New Jersey. Yolanda was charmed by his piercing blue eyes, deep brown hair and chiseled features, but it was his warm heart and loving nature that sealed the deal. They fell in love and after a whirlwind courtship of just three months, the young couple knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

They exchanged wedding vows on Sunday, the 5th of October 1958 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on St. Francis Way in Passaic. After a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, they started life as husband and wife in an apartment on Hope Avenue in Passaic. Two years later, they welcomed a precious baby girl whom they named Nancy, in honor of Gabriele’s late mother. After years of hard work and pinching pennies, in 1965 the couple purchased their own home on Patricia Place in Clifton. Gabriele and Yolanda would spend the next 46 years making memories in that home.

Summer weekends were spent in front of a hot charcoal grill with an ice-cold bottle of St. Pauli Girl beer in one hand and a sizzling lamb skewer in the other. In the winter, his holiday light display would make his little girl’s eyes twinkle with joy. Gabriele put plenty of work into making his house the pride of the street. The outside was blooming with flowers of every size and variety, and the inside never went more than 4 years, every election cycle – like clockwork, without a fresh coat of paint.

Inspired by his rural upbringing, Gabriele started a landscaping business – Silvestri and Violante Landscaping, with his brother-in-law Bruno Silvestri. The business was based in Clifton and served residents of the surrounding areas. During the winter months when the ground was hard and cold, Gabriele found work at the Marcal paper mill in Elmwood Park. It was his dream to earn enough to provide his daughter with the kind of childhood he never had. Love was his source of motivation in all that he did. He loved his family and his neighbors on Patricia Place. The families that lined the quiet suburban street reminded him of the friendly little village of his childhood, and the lucky ones were gifted a bottle of Gabriele’s homemade Italian red wine.

In 2011, when Gabriele and Yolanda sold their home in Clifton and moved in with their daughter Nancy, Gabriele retired and concentrated all his efforts on keeping his daughter’s lawn in tip-top shape and planting enough tomatoes and vegetables in the garden to feed all his new neighbors. Being a man of leisure did not come easily to him, but he enjoyed spending his evenings sitting beside his wife watching episodes of Jeopardy and Law and Order on television. He loved re-runs of old cowboy shows like Gunsmoke and Bonanza, and would enjoy them while treating himself to a heaping bowl of Tin Roof Sundae ice cream, or the occasional scotch and soda. His favorite member of his new household was his grand-daughter’s fluffy white Maltese named Murphy. Murphy’s exuberant tail wagging let everyone know that the feeling was mutual. “It’s my gray hair,” he would joke, “he thinks we’re related!”

While Gabriele had spent his entire life taking pride in his work, in the end, his greatest pride and achievement was his family. This was especially true of his daughter Nancy and grand-daughter Nicole. He saw them as his legacy. Their successes and happiness were the reasons Gabriele had moved to America all those years ago. With each of life’s milestones, he knew he’d done what he set out to do – create a better life for the next generation. He had done his best to set an example and to prepare them for the world they’d face when he wasn’t around. He had finally made it and was able to leave this life with the peace of knowing he would live on in the hearts and minds of those he had loved most.

Gabriele Violante was a selfless and humble man, and a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was an ordinary, yet remarkable, person whose hard work and determination inspired all those that had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.

Gabriele was the beloved husband to his wife of 62 years, Yolanda. He was the loving father of Nancy Cakir of Wayne, and cherished grandfather of Nicole Cakir of Wayne.

Joseph “Joe” Florek, 91 of Wayne passed away at home on Saturday, July 10, 2021.  A 1952 graduate of Purdue University, Joe worked in RCA, Harrison and Powermate Corporation in Hackensack as a mechanical engineer, plant manager and VP of operations before retiring.

Joe is the son of Helen and John Florek of Passaic.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years Milly (nee Wolos) and devoted daughter Dawn and her husband, Kevin Healey.  Grandchildren include Jonathan Healey and wife Melissa (Baroni) of Medford, MA; and Christopher Healey and wife Rebecca (Ainscow) of North Andover, MA.  He has 3 great-grandchildren.

Joe has a sister Joyce Perini of Hollywood, FL, a brother George Florek of Cedar Grove and 4 nieces and nephews.  His sister Phyllis predeceased him.

He has gone from our sight but never from our hearts.

Kathleen “Kate” D. Rebecky (McQuillan), age 64, of Hawthorne and a former longtime resident of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.

Born in Passaic and raised in Wallington, Kate was the middle child and only daughter of Joseph and Rose (Waddleton) McQuillan. She was a graduate of Wallington High School Class of 1975 and a captain of the majorettes for the school’s Panthers.

Kate and her husband Richard met at a party through mutual best friends who happened to be siblings. They quickly shared a tender infatuation and dated a mere six months before concluding they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Kate and Rich tied the knot three months later on Saturday, September 6, 1980 at the Bible Baptist Church in Lodi. Rich’s brother Joe officiated the ceremony as pastor. After a beautiful reception at The Landmark in East Rutherford, the newlyweds honeymooned in Bermuda. Initially settling in Clifton, they soon moved to East Rutherford where they lived for twelve years and welcomed their one son and three daughters – CJ, Ryann, Melissa, and Samantha. In 1996, this family of six moved to Wayne. After a cherished marriage of almost 40 years, sadly, Rich passed away a year ago in February, 2020. Kate remained in their home in Wayne until just moving this past May to Hawthorne to be with her daughter Melissa.

After high school, Kate took classes for certification as an x-ray technician. She worked at Passaic General Hospital in Passaic for several years before giving it up in the mid-1980’s to devote herself to fulltime care of her children. It’s been said that “Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” Well, Kate’s kids mourn her loss but celebrate all the goodness and blessings that Kate selflessly gave. Kate lived for her family. A Girl Scout leader, softball coach, class mom, member of the PTO and PTA, she was the consummate super mom when they were young. While she rarely said “No”, when disciplining was necessary (if her kids heard the jangling of the bangles around her wrist they knew she was coming to get em, and if she pointed her finger at them, they knew they better listen) she was not afraid to set boundaries. But, while every kid sometimes needs those boundaries, Kate’s love, guidance and affection was always boundless. Kate was the go-to person, no matter what the situation. In adulthood, her relationship with her kids became more of “best friends” and her daughters even affectionately referred to her as “Kateygurls”. It was a perpetual open house at the Rebecky’s. Her children’s friends were always welcome. Consequently, the house and the swimming pool were often full.

Every summer Kate, Rich and the kids would vacation at their summer home down in Hilton Head, SC. Quite frankly, Kate was no lover of the hot weather but, she selflessly went because of her greater love for her family’s happiness. The blessing of grandchildren only added to the people that Kate had the opportunity to love. She adored her grandsons Noah and Colt and was looking so forward to the much anticipated birth of her first granddaughter. Kate’s friends were like family to her and many of those friends were life-long. Though her heart was broken when Rich passed away, she was just starting to move on and had been looking forward to some travel with those great friends.  

If you wanted to get the pulse on something, just ask Kate. With her iPad in hand, she was Facebook’s best friend, always keeping up on the latest. And while she loved to hear about a good scuttlebutt, she usually erred on the side of wisdom choosing not to get involved. With her favorite drink, Canada Dry Ginger Ale by her side, Kate enjoyed countless hours playing Words with Friends. In fact, she was playing the night before her passing. A bit of a hippie at heart, Kate was a true free spirit. When mildly frustrated, instead of saying “shoot”, she would often say “Jiminy Cricket”! Her musical tastes were rather eclectic but her tender heart seemed to be drawn to songs with lyrics that would move her.

If there was a lottery for winning great parents, Kate and Rich’s kids would gratefully tell you that they hit the Mega Millions jackpot with theirs. Kate will be missed dearly by family and friends whose lives she touched in countless ways.

Kate was the beloved wife of Richard Rebecky, blessed in marriage for 39 years until his passing in February, 2020. She was the most loving mother of CJ Rebecky of Providence, RI, Ryann Jodoin and husband Colt of West Milford, Melissa Rebecky and fiancé Joel Morales of Hawthorne, and Samantha Rebecky of Wayne; adoring grandmother “MA” of Noah Perez, Colt Jodoin, Jr. and her soon-to-be-born granddaughter whose name is still a secret; dearest sister of Mac McQuillan and late wife Chickie of Rutherford and David McQuillan and wife Michelle of Vernon; and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathleen’s name to Aids Project Rhode Island (apri) P.O. Box 6688  Providence, RI 02940-6688 (aidsprojectri.org),  or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org).

Steve Klics, age 67 of Montville passed away peacefully on Monday, July 5, 2021 in the presence of and while receiving the loving care of his family.

Steve was born in Passaic, NJ, raised in Clifton and was one of three children to Stefan and Erika Klics.  His parents’ heritage originated from Germany and Hungry.  When Steve was about eight years old, his family moved back to their homeland of Germany where Steve attended grammar school for two years during second and third grade.  Steve and his family only lived there for about two years when they moved back to the United States, again settling in Clifton, NJ.  Steve eventually attended Clifton High School graduating with the class of 1971.  While at Clifton High School he was an active member of the Clifton High School Soccer team.  Following Steve’s graduation from high school, he attended Seton Hall University in South Orange.  Steve was only at Seton Hall University for about two years when he left school to work with his father who owned a machine shop in Passaic.

Steve worked with his father at his machine shop in Passaic for several years.  Next door to the machine shop was an auto body shop.  Steve became interested in auto body and took a position at the shop next to his father’s.  After working there for several years, Steve and his father bought the auto body shop and it became Klics and Sons Auto Body.  Years later in 1985, Steve left the family shop and accepted a position at Wayne Lincoln Mercury Auto Body.  Steve was employed at Wayne Lincoln Mercury for the next twenty-five years until his health issues forced him into an early retirement.

Many years earlier while Steve was still in school, he met an attractive young lady by the name of AnnMarie Guida, who was the sister of one of his friends.  Nothing came of Steve and AnnMarie until years later in 1974 when the two met at a party. Steve and AnnMarie hit it off great at the party and started dating.  As fate would have it they fell in love and were married on January 15, 1978 at St. Philips Church in Clifton.  After getting married, Steve and AnnMarie settled in Clifton where they welcomed the births of all three of their children.  In 1986, as their family continued to grow, they moved to Lincoln Park.  Eventually in 2007, the family moved to Montville where they have been ever since.

Steve never lost his love of soccer.  For more than ten years he played on the soccer team of the Sportfriends Soccer Club in Wayne.  Steve also enjoyed playing volleyball with his friends and his brothers throughout the years.  He and his family also enjoyed skiing, frequenting such destinations as Mountain Creek in Vernon, NJ, Hunter Mountain in New York, and ski resorts in  Vermont.  Hiking was another of Steve’s favorite pastimes.  For many years Steve, AnnMarie, and their children, enjoyed hiking trails near the Delaware Water Gap.  Steve also enjoyed watching television and movies, particularly the Science Fiction genre.  Steve and his family truly cherished their yearly summer vacations to Sea Isle City at the Jersey Shore throughout the years.  Music was another of Steve’s passions, he treasured listening to a variety of music genres and was an accomplished guitar player as well.

Steve had an outstanding work ethic and was truly dedicated to his profession.  He would often, without hesitation, help his family and friends with their automobile troubles.  Steve was also dedicated to his Christian Faith.  For many years he and his family were members of First Reformed Church in Lincoln Park, and later attended Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park.  Aside from all of Steve’s interests, hobbies, and talents, his greatest passion was for his family.  Steve was a truly devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  Steve and his wife AnnMarie cherished forty three years of loving and loyal married together.  Nothing in the world meant more to Steve than spending time with his family.  He was a friendly outgoing person who loved to socialize with people.  He was a genuinely special person who touched the lives of many people and will be truly missed by his family and friends.    

Steve is survived by his wife AnnMarie (nee Guida) of Montville, one daughter Kristen Klics of Morristown, NJ, two sons; Matthew Klics and his wife Jennifer of Clayton, NC, and David Klics and his wife Milady of Warren, NJ, one brother Richard Klics and his wife Diane of Wantage, NJ, two grandchildren; James Klics, and Charlisse Klics, one sister-in-law Helen Klics of Wallington, NJ, two nieces; Erika Hoffman, and Ivanna Klics, two nephews; Michael Klics, and Stefan Klics.  He was predeceased by his brother Ronald Klics.

Those planning to make a donation in Steve’s name are asked to consider the PAN Foundation, PO Box 76408, Baltimore, MD 21275-6408.  http://www.panfoundation.org/ or Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Stroke Fund, 475 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.  2 Corinthians 5:6-9

Jane Philbrook (nee Casper), age 76 of Caldwell, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 2, 2021. No more pain, no more illness, no more struggle, but eternal glory.

Jane grew up in Irvington, NJ as one of five children in her family. Jane had an identical twin, June, and the two of them were truly “identical” twins – often wearing the same style eyeglasses and wardrobes. Even their closest family and friends had difficulty telling them apart, and Jane’s own husband found himself putting his arm around his sister-in-law by mistake! Jane and June spoke to each other daily throughout their lives before June passed in 2019.

Jane and her husband, Roger (who most call “Phil”) met at the Trinity Baptist Church. Their love blossomed and they married in October of 1974. When it came time to start a family, God led them to adopt, but that proved to be more difficult than they could have known. In the 1970’s, every adoption agency turned them away! It’s hard to imagine today, but because they were in their 30’s, they were considered to be too old to properly raise a child. They were not dissuaded, however, and God once again led them in the right direction. They found an adoption agency that placed special needs babies and children with adoptive families, and Dusty joined their family. Despite all the incredible challenges they faced as Dusty’s new parents, Jane and Phil knew that it was God’s will. They subsequently adopted Timmy and then Felicia, who were both also special-needs kids. Jane and Phil embraced every challenge, like changing diapers for thirty years, and they built a family that was more full of love than they could have imagined. Jane’s daily life was all about the kids and she wouldn’t have done any of it differently. She made wonderful, life-long friends with other families at places like Joni & Friends Retreat in Spruce Lake, PA, and she was always grateful to God for blessing her in so many unbelievable ways. For a person of just five-feet tall, she was able to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders, and she was grateful for all of it. She was a devoted mother to her three children, and they will all miss her dearly.

Jane is survived by her beloved husband, Roger “Phil” Philbrook of Caldwell, their three children; Dusty, Timmy and Fefe, all of Caldwell, two sisters; Joan of Pennsylvania, and Gail and her husband Dave of Florida, and a brother; Gary of Virginia. She was predeceased by her twin sister June in 2019.

Donations in Jane’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Trinity Baptist Church, 160 Changebridge Rd., Montville, NJ 07045, or visit www.trinitymontville.org

Anita Manno (nee Faillace), 90, passed away on July 2, 2021 at home with her family by her side.

Anita was born in Clifton at her grandmother’s two-family house in 1931. During the depression years, her family moved around trying to make a living. Once, they moved to Nyack, NY to open a chicken market. After that business failed, they moved back to Clifton. At one point during the Depression the family had to split up and live with relatives. The family continued moving between Clifton and Passaic until eventually, the parents bought their family home in Clifton where they could settle down. Anita and her sister Gladys were responsible for watching over three very rambunctious brothers, Ronald, Robert and Angelo, while their parents were working.

Anita met her future husband, Tony Manno, at a candy store near their homes in Clifton. Tony was a very generous and helpful person which won Anita’s heart. After getting married, they moved to various places in Clifton where they started their family. Eventually, they bought a home in what seemed to be, at that time, a town far away and “in the country”, Wayne. They had their fourth child soon after moving to Wayne.

Anita was a very devoted Catholic. Coincidentally, they moved to the same area where a new church, Our Lady of the Valley, was created, but not yet built.   Anita and Tony enjoyed volunteering their time and energy in supporting the growth of the new parish.  Their favorite priest, Fr. Rugel, was now pastor of the new church. They helped build it up to become a full-fledged church then helped it grow. At that church, she was a member of the choir and a Eucharistic minister. Anita and Tony joined Marriage Encounter and the charismatic movement in the 70s. She made lifelong friends from these organizations.

According to her children, Diane, John, Theresa, and Anthony, Anita was the best mother you could have. She was a stay-at-home mother until Diane became a teenager. Then she had jobs as an administrative assistant and a salesclerk at Bamberger’s. Diane remembers getting many clothes from Bamberger’s as a result. Anthony remembers that his mother would still be available when he came home after school.

Anita always supported her children in whatever they did, even if it might have conflicted with her religious beliefs due to the circumstances they were in.  Family was everything. She would help with advice, money, teaching the art of Italian cooking, the virtue of patience and many other things. She was always there for her children.

Since all her children were becoming adults in the late 70s, she decided to broaden her horizons by taking courses at the local college, William Paterson. Tony also encouraged her to further her education even though it was not a popular concept for a housewife to pursue these goals at the time. Anthony would go to New Jersey Institute of Technology for Computer Science and Anita studied Psychology. Anita would help Anthony with essays and Anthony would help Anita with statistics. When Anthony left the house, he bought Anita a Commodore 64 which made her more advanced in computers than other people her age when she was older. They graduated at the same time in 1984. She continued to use her computer for keeping track of the family’s finances, investments, recipes, cards for special occasions and creating a family genealogical tree.

Anita then went on to go to Rutgers in New Brunswick for a master’s degree. That was a huge move for her since it was so far away and she had to go on busy highways (something she feared), but Tony kept encouraging her to go for her dreams. She overcame any obstacles and earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW). She was an excellent student who graduated Magna Cum Laude.  She was a role model for her family. She worked as a counselor at a family service agency then opened her own marriage and family counseling practice. At first, she shared an office with another business, later Tony added an addition to the house to create an office for her to use. Anita was also a counselor at Our Lady of the Valley. She helped many patients as a result. Her daughters saw Anita as a role model for a strong woman who was a supporter of women’s rights. Anthony remembers her frequently discussing how women should be able to advance further in the Catholic Church into new roles. Anita always saw the bright side of a situation.  Her love of knowledge brought her joy and many exciting and fulfilling years.

Anita had many hobbies and interests. She was a passionate gardener which was on full display in her Wayne and Rockaway gardens. Whenever you wanted to brighten her mood, just get her flowers. She was a truly great Italian cook. Anita threw many wonderful and memorable parties for family and friends. She enjoyed photography and later in life she experimented with watercolor painting. Another passion was traveling where she and Tony traveled many times throughout the United States, Europe and on cruise ships.

Eventually, she decided it was time to relax from working on the house in Wayne and move to an adult community in Rockaway.  It was there that she enjoyed swimming, water aerobics, ceramic classes, educational seminars, raising finches and parakeets, and her companion Maltipoo dog.  She cared for Tony when he was afflicted with a long-term illness until he passed away peacefully in 2012. They were married for 62 years. She never took her wedding band off. The last three years, Anita has been living in an assisted living facility in Morris County where she did not have to maintain her condo and she could enjoy more time of leisure with minimal responsibilities.  Her favorite activities at the assisted living facility were bingo, socializing at happy hour, craft activities and many holiday parties.  She continued to be a strong woman until the end. The staff at the assisted living community commented that they loved her sense of humor and infectious laugh and that she will be missed.

Anita is survived by four loving children, four siblings, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by them all. We hope she is reunited with the love of her life, her husband Tony.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org, would be greatly appreciated.

Patricia Lavore, age 61, of Wayne and formerly of Shelbyville, IN passed away peacefully on Monday, June 28, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Trish was born in Hackensack and was raised in Hasbrouck Heights.  She was the second youngest of four children to Paul and Gail Gelewski.  As a young girl, Trish attended high school at Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township and graduated with the class of 1978.

Following her high school graduation, Trish found work quickly as a dispatcher with Airbrook Limousine in Rochelle Park.  While employed as a dispatcher, Trish’s boss offered her a position as a hostess on buses taking seniors on day trips to Atlantic City.  Over the next few years traveling to and from Atlantic City, Trish made connections with people in AC and was offered a position in the hospitality services department at the Tropicana Casino.  Trish worked there for a number of years and was then transferred to Evansville, Indiana where she was sent to assist in the opening of the Casino Aztar.  Trish was employed at the Casino Aztar for almost fifteen years where she held the executive position of Vice President of Marketing / General Manager.  Trish loved her work and the people she worked with.  She made it a point to be involved in every aspect of the casino, always making sure the casino was clean and organized to her liking.   In 2009, Trish accepted another position, again as Vice President of Marketing, this time with Indiana Live Casino in Shelbyville, IN.  Trish held this position for about five years when her health issues forced her to stop working.

While Trish was employed at the Tropicana in South Jersey, she found a home and lived in Mays Landing. During her time in Mays Landing, Trish welcomed the births of her two daughters, Taylor in 1990, and Giana in 1993.  In 1995, Trish and her daughters moved to Newburgh, IN where Trish was relocating for her career.  After Trish was no longer able to work, she moved to Wayne, NJ where she moved in with her daughter Taylor and her husband Chris.  Trish never had much time for hobbies due to her demanding career and outstanding work ethic. Trish’s greatest passion was always her family and nothing in the world meant more to Trish than providing for and spending time with them.  While living in Indiana, Trish and her family treasured making the fourteen hour drive from Indiana to New Jersey for their yearly two week summer family vacation at Seacrest Beach on the Jersey Shore. After moving back to New Jersey, Taylor’s mother-in-law, Cathy Bodtmann, became a close friend and dedicated caregiver to Trish.

Trish was a fun loving person who was always able to find the funny side of things and situations.  Trish also had the wonderful quality of being able to laugh at herself and make jokes at her own expense.  She had an infectious laugh and always made the people around her smile.  She was the kind of person you couldn’t help but like and want to be around.  For a few years, because of her health issues, Trish had a speech therapist whom she would meet with frequently.  The therapy Trish needed to receive was tedious to her, so she took the liberty to teach her Speech Therapist the card game, Rummy 500.  Trish and her therapist would play while she received her therapy.  Since then, her Speech Therapist now incorporates Rummy 500 into all of her patient’s therapy sessions.  Trish was truly a special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.

Trish is survived by her two daughters, Taylor Lavore and her husband Christopher Bodtmann of Wayne, NJ, and Giana Lavore of Shelbyville, IN, her mother Gail Connolly of Upper Saddle River, NJ, two sisters, Jan Melli of Los Angeles, CA, and Jody Peltz and her husband George of Apopka, FL, one brother Michael Gelewski and his wife Lisa of Glen Rock, NJ, one grandchild, Josephine Bodtmann of Wayne, NJ and many loving nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her father Paul Gelewski in 2017.

Mary Lou Baisch (nee Kammerer) age 88, of Wayne passed peacefully on Monday, June 28, 2021.

Mary Lou was born to Herbert and Edna Kammerer in Hawthorne, NJ.   The family lived in Paterson where she graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1951. Mary Lou had many fond childhood memories of summers in Oakland by her grandparents’ home.  It is there that she learned to fish, play in the water by the river, and developed a remarkably close relationship with her Uncle Henry, which continued throughout her life.

In high school, Mary Lou began dating a boy named Charles “Charlie” Baisch and while he was teaching her to drive with his new car, she hit the gas instead of the brake and they had a minor accident.  It was love at first “hit” and Charlie always teased her that she agreed to marry him because she smashed his new car.   Charlie then borrowed money from his brother to purchase an engagement ring and they married on June 27, 1953, at the 1st Baptist Church in Paterson.  They honeymooned in Daytona Beach, Florida and moved into the first floor of Charlie’s parents’ home at 424 McBride Avenue in Paterson where they lived until they bought their first and only home in Wayne, New Jersey on December 23, 1963.  There they lived and raised their family for over fifty-five years.

They called their home “The Welcome Home Inn” for it had a revolving door welcoming “all”.  Mary Lou had a true gift for “hospitality” and loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.  One of the highlights of their home, was the inground swimming pool which was used continually by their four daughters Jane, Laurie, Judy and Diane and their countless friends.  In fact, “Mrs. Baisch” to many was well loved for she made everything fun, always had ice cream and cupcakes ready, and found joy in showering love to all.  When the grandchildren arrived, they turned their basement into a “Kids Clubhouse”, heated the inground pool and you would find Grandma heating the matching pool towels one by one as she hugged and wrapped each child coming out of the pool.  To Mary Lou and Charlie, the more the merrier at the well-manicured, tastefully decorated “Welcome Home Inn”.

Mary Lou will be lovingly remembered for being easy-going, compassionate, caring and generous to a fault. Her home was always open to family and friends. For many years she was the organist at the West Side Methodist Church in Paterson and often held choir practice in her home while still remaining active at her home church, The Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne.  In fact, when not playing at West Side, you would find her playing duets with her husband Charlie before every service at Preakness.

“Family” meant everything to Mary Lou, especially her beloved husband Charlie and her four daughters and eventually their families.  She was a constant “encourager”, always looking at the positive side of life.  That coupled with her love for “all” and reaching out to others in need, you would find her giving her “last dollar” to even a stranger whom she referred to as “strangers are friends we have not met yet”!

Mary Lou was truly “sweet” from her personality, to eating their children’s Easter bunnies while they were at school, to finding her sitting on the couch eating a fudgesicle when they returned home.  In fact, she was truly a “chocoholic” and in her later years, would hide candy for those late-night binges.  That legacy has truly been passed on too!

Her love for music began early on, learning to play the piano at a young age.  It not only gave enjoyment to those that listened but soothed her soul and brought her peace.   She could never walk pass her piano without stopping to play a song or two even late at night.  She found comfort in playing many old-time hymns which brought depth to her faith in Jesus Christ.

She was the loving wife of sixty-two years to the late Charles Baisch (d.2015); devoted mother of Jane Harlan of Wayne, Gerry Harlan of Hilltown, PA, Laurie Roemer and her husband William of Milton, DE, Judy Bakonyi and her husband Jim of Highland Lakes, Diane Axberg and her husband George of Wayne, and Beverly and David Radway of Wayne who she loved like her own children; cherished grandmother of Jennifer McGillick and her husband Chris of Nanuet, NY, Justin Harlan and his wife Brooke of Red Hill, PA, Kristin Saskowitz and her husband Matt of Denville, Sarah Hendrickson and her husband John of Wantage, Jenna Leib and her husband Will of Corpus Christi, TX, Caneel Axberg of Wayne, Summer Axberg of Wayne, and Jonathan Radway of West Chester, PA; dearly loved great-grandmother of  Cash and Weston Harlan of Red Hill, PA, Kaleigh and Dylan McGillick of Nanuet, NY, and Abigail Leib of Corpus Christi, TX.  She was also dearly loved by extended family and friends she considered family.

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In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in memory of Mary Lou Baisch c/o Jane Harlan, 47 Worcester Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 to be used to enhance the memory care unit, outdoor garden of Sunrise Assisted Living, where our Mom was given wonderful and loving care until her last day.

Dr. Shanta Dhar age 81, passed peacefully on Monday, June 28, 2021 while being in the company of her family.

Shanta was born and raised in Srinagar, Kashmir in India. She was passionate about helping people and making a positive impact in the field of medicine during a time when not many women in India studied beyond high school. She graduated with a degree in MBBS from Gandhi Medical College and went on to get her Master of Surgery (MS) degree from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).  

Shortly after graduating with her medical degree, Shanta was engaged and married to Raj Dhar. As a newly married couple Raj and Shanta moved to New Delhi to start their newly married life together. Raj and Shanta welcomed their first child Rakesh who was born in New Delhi. A few years later Raj got an exciting job opportunity which required the family to move to Bangalore. A few years after moving to Bangalore, Raj and Shanta welcomed their second son Sanjay.  

Both Raj and Shanta worked very hard to provide the best for their two sons. On 22nd May 1983, something very unexpected and drastic happened. Raj suffered a massive heart attack and passed away suddenly. This was a devastating blow to the entire family.  

Shanta has always been very strong and the sudden death of her husband was a huge blow. Shanta was a pillar of strength, hope and perseverance. She single handedly raised both Rakesh and Sanjay, despite all the challenges of life. She succeeded and prevailed brilliantly. Shanta has always been a selfless and benevolent person asking for nothing in return. She is an epitome of the proverbial “Iron Lady” with a heart of gold.  In addition to being a dedicated professional and mom, she also was an excellent cook. She made the best lamb Rogan Josh among other various Kashmiri delicacies.

She spent the last few years of her life staying with her children and grandchildren in the US between Massachusetts and New Jersey. She had a jolly good time with friends during family parties and would always surprise everyone with some of her quirks.  

Special thanks to Neeru and Vini who took care of Shanta just like a real daughter would do and in some cases more than what a daughter may have done. We are all going to miss her dearly and she continues to live in our memories and in our hearts.

Phyllis Mary Kay O’Reilly, age 91, of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, formerly an over fifty year resident of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, June 26, 2021 while in the loving company of her family.

Born in Paterson New Jersey on September 26, 1929, Phyllis was the sole child of John and Alice (Donohue) Kay. She grew up in the home located at 287 East 18th Avenue in Paterson and, as a member of the Donohue clan, she was very well connected to the leadership of Paterson.

After graduating from St. Joseph’s High School in Paterson with the Class of 1946, she attended Berkeley Secretarial School, then got her first job working as an executive secretary at McGraw Hill for an editor in the Times Square section of New York City.

Phyllis was married to Hugh, a veteran of World War II. They met through a friend of Hugh’s and soon fell in love. They exchanged wedding promises on Sunday, February 18, 1951 at Saint Joseph’s Church in Paterson. After the wedding the newlyweds drove to Florida in a black Pontiac and honeymooned in Fort Lauderdale. They initially lived in an apartment in Passaic where they welcomed their firstborn, a son named John (Jack). A year later, with the help of the G.I. Bill, Phyllis and Hugh were able to buy their own home at 41 Hillcrest Drive in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne. They chose that particular home because of its beautiful fireplace. In the following years, four more children were welcomed - Michael, Maura, Jean and Brian. To this day, Phyllis and Hugh’s kids enjoy childhood memories of hanging their pajamas by that fireplace so they’d be toasty warm when they finished their baths. Phyllis and Hugh enjoyed over fifty years on Hillcrest Drive before moving to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains. They were living proof of the old adage that opposites attract. Hugh kept Phyllis perpetually laughing and Phyllis kept Hugh’s mind perpetually stimulated and challenged. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage until Hugh’s passing in 2018 at the good age of 98.

At the age of 38 Hugh developed a cardiac condition and Phyllis, then just 28, realized that she may need to support her family. So she enrolled in Paterson State College (which eventually became William Paterson College and then William Paterson University) and obtained her undergraduate degree and teaching certificate in education. She would later go on to obtain multiple graduate degrees including one while pregnant with her fifth child Brian. Always ready to seize and opportunity, Phyllis’ children recall how she enrolled them in summer science labs at William Paterson while she took summer classes. Phyllis enjoyed a stimulating and rewarding career of thirty years teaching at Stonybrook Elementary School and Pearl R. Miller Middle School, both in the Kinnelon, NJ school district. She served as President of the Kinnelon Education Association (KEA) and as Union representative for the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). She retired in 1991 at age 62.

Growing up, Phyllis and her parents spent summers at the Jersey shore in Seaside Heights and, as a teen, worked as a locker attendant at Lucky Leo’s Boardwalk Amusement Center. From early childhood, Phyllis developed an enthusiastic love of reading. Her home library was so extensive friends would visit and check out books. Phyllis was very smart and very talented. She made her own clothes, and jewelry and she taught watercolor painting for the Cedar Crest Community. She was well known to complete the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle with her morning coffee. It was only in the last few months that she needed an extra cup of coffee to finish! Not many could boast of having a letter to the editor published in the New York Times, but Phyllis could. She was a huge fan of the old college bowl games and Jeopardy. She embraced technology, and always acquired the latest iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad, and taught technology classes to fellow Cedar Crest residents. Phyllis’ family considered her to be the smartest woman any of them knew!

With all that intellect, Phyllis was able to accomplish a lot! Running a household, pursuing college degrees and teaching in the Kinnelon schools would be more than enough for most people, but Phyllis still found quality time to enrich the lives of family, friends, and acquaintances. She and Hugh did their best to make events for their children fun and educational. There were trips to every museum you could think of, Saturday matinees at the New York Metropolitan Opera, regular attendance at plays such as The King and I, and visits to cemeteries to learn about history and to sharpen the children’s math skills by making equations to solve, using the dates on headstones. The love of reading was instilled in her children from the start. Every week, Phyllis would ask each one of the kids what subject they would like to read about for the week, then she was off to the Wayne Public Library in pursuit of books on the chosen subjects. The family enjoyed annual vacations to Cape Cod. Hugh built an amazing custom trailer and the family camped and fished right off the beach. Of course, even Phyllis had her limits. When life got just a little too hectic.

Hugh would take the kids down to the Hi-Ho Club in Wayne. He’d enjoy a shot and a beer with friends while the kids were treated to a bottle of birch beer or sarsaparilla. When graced with the blessing of grandchildren, Phyllis proudly presented each one of them with a personally made blanket and sweater. Phyllis and Hugh had the pleasure of traveling to many places around the world including: Antarctica on a Russian research ship, Argentina, Easter Island, Tibet, the British Isles, China, and Italy to name a few. Many of her watercolor paintings were depictions of places traveled or interesting people met along the way.

Phyllis drank deeply from all the richness that life had to offer. She was a life-long learner who inspired and consequently raised up family and friends and even strangers. As a longtime member of the Packanack Community Association and Country Club, president of the Resident Advisory Board at Cedar Crest Village, and member of  the Allendale Community Arts Association, to name a few, she always gave much more than she took from this world.  

Phyllis was the beloved wife of Hugh, blessed in marriage for 67 years until his passing in 2018. She was the loving mother of: Jack O’Reilly and his wife Mary, Dr. Michael O’Reilly and his late wife Saundra (2018), Maura Kayal and her husband John, Jean O’Reilly, and Brian O’Reilly; dear grandmother of: Brendan O’Reilly, Sean O’Reilly, the late Padraic O’Reilly (2018), Andrea Kayal, Jeffrey Kayal, Daniel Kayal, Ryan Kayal, and Shannon O’Reilly Leahy; and cherished great-grandmother of Opal Faye O’Reilly and Fiona O’Reilly Leahy.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Phyllis’ name are asked to consider “Cedar Crest Resident Care Fund” with “In Memory of Phyllis O’Reilly” written in the memo line of the check. Contributions can be mailed to Cedar Crest, Attn: Department of Philanthropy, 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Claire Florence Wallenburg (nee Chadwick/Whittaker), age 94, of Pompton Plains and formerly of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday June 18, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Claire was born in Trenton and grew up in and around the Trenton area of New Jersey.  She was the daughter to Howard and Florence Chadwick.  Claire and her family moved around quite a bit when she was a young girl.  Eventually after graduating from high school with the class of 1944, she attended Drakes School of Business where she earned her Associates Degree in Bookkeeping.

Claire found work quickly as a bookkeeper with the Fair Department Store in Passaic, NJ.  Claire held employment there for the next seven years until 1958.  During that time her brother had enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed at a naval base in the state of Virginia.  Every so often her brother would commute home to New Jersey when he had time off.  When he did, he traveled with another young enlisted man by the name of Fred Wallenburg.  Claire was introduced to Fred by her brother and they hit it off great.  Claire and Fred started dating, as fate would have it they fell in love and on May 17, 1953 they became husband and wife getting married in Calvary Baptist Church in Clifton, NJ.

After getting married the couple settled in Passaic, NJ where they resided for about seven years.  In 1958 while living in Passaic, they welcomed the birth of their first child, their daughter Debra. Claire and Fred moved to Wayne in 1960, where they actively participated in the building of their home. Not long after that in 1962, they welcomed a second child, their son Lee. Claire and Fred raised their children in Wayne and remained there until they retired and moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains eleven years ago.

Following the birth of her first child, Claire decided to dedicate her time to being a full time homemaker.  Claire remained a homemaker until 1972 when her children became older.  At that point, Claire made the decision to return to the workplace.  Claire called upon her previous skills from her earned degree and accepted a position once again as a bookkeeper, this time at Tires of Wayne on Route 23 in Wayne, NJ.  Claire held this position from 1972 until 1994 when she finally retired.

Throughout the years, Claire participated in and organized various 4H Clubs in her local area where she worked with young people in an effort to advance the field of youth development.  One of Claire’s most beloved passions was sewing.  Claire was extremely talented at sewing, needlepoint, and crocheting.  She was a voracious reader, mostly of mystery and suspense novels.  Some of her favorite authors included Mary Higgins Clark and Stephen King.  Over the years she received books via mail order as part of a Book Of The Month Club. Being an avid reader, it came as no surprise that Claire strongly supported and could be often found at the Wayne Public Library.

Claire was not only dedicated to her family but also to her Baptist Faith as well.  She and her family were members of the Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne for many years.  There she was very active and participated in and worked closely with a variety of the church groups and committees.

Travel was another of Claire’s favorite past times.  Throughout Claire and Fred’s time together, they were able to visit all fifty states of our great nation.  They also had fond memories of traveling to various islands in the Caribbean.  Many of the couple’s vacations would often be two to three weeks in duration.  However, above all of Claire’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Claire than spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Claire and Fred cherished sixty-five years of loving and loyal marriage together until Fred’s passing in 2018.  Claire was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Claire is survived by her daughter Debra Flynn and her husband Brian of Oak Ridge, NJ, her son Lee Wallenburg and his wife Romy of Merritt Island, FL, six grandchildren; Kathleen Flynn of Norfolk, VA, Shannon Flynn of Silver Spring, MD, Patrick Flynn of Oak Ridge, NJ, Randi Wallenburg of Merritt Island, FL, Nina Wallenburg of Merritt Island, FL, and Troy Wallenburg of Merritt Island, FL.  She was predeceased by her husband Fred Wallenburg in 2018.

“If there’s no chocolate or licorice in Heaven, I’m not going!”

Ida Keil (nee Dahl) of Wayne, N.J. died on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the age of 93. She has lived in Wayne since 1954.

Ida grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark, enduring World War II and Nazi occupation throughout her childhood and the better part of her teenage years. She recalled that her father worked at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park in Copenhagen, and her mother was a barber. After the war, Ida ventured to America, planning to visit for just one year while staying with relatives and working at the family bakery in Passaic, N.J. Her plans to return to Denmark were interrupted after a blind date with the handsome George Keil from Union City, N.J. Although George had a bit of a wild side, with Ida describing him early on as “untrainable,” she said “yes” when George proposed. They married on May 2, 1954 and honeymooned in Copenhagen. This was the first opportunity for Ida’s parents to meet George, and her mother’s greatest concern was his German heritage. “But he’s German, Ida. What will you do if there’s another war?” Well, in short time Ida’s mother came to adore George and the family embraced their union. Throughout the years, Ida and George returned to Denmark on many occasions to visit her family. George and Ida also traveled throughout the world, visiting more than 75 countries and embarking on many cruises. Ida even continued traveling after George passed away in 2004, taking a 15-week cruise around the world by herself. During their 50 years of marriage, they worked together every day, keeping each other grounded and truly enjoying their years together.

Ida’s children recall what an excellent cook she was—her seafood strudel was famous at holiday dinners. Her kitchen skills were exceptional, though it would be unfair to say that everything turned out perfectly, proving that the day she tossed a flaming toaster out the kitchen window. Ida was also very serious about her fitness, swimming across Pines Lake many mornings with her dog swimming alongside in her earlier years until later keeping this tradition alive by swimming daily in her pool. Ida enjoyed golfing as a member of the North Jersey Country Club and at the Island Country Club in Marco Island, Fla., where her and George had a home for many years. Whether she was golfing or playing cards at the club, she proved to be a competitive woman. She became a ‘widow card shark’ of sorts, taking home more than her share of quarters. Ida was also a wonderful grandmother to her three grandchildren, frequently baking with them, teaching them her native tongue and hosting tea parties with them. She was loved dearly by her family. She had an adventurous spirit and was always on the move—truly enjoyed her life to the fullest.

Ida is survived by her four daughters, Susan Kocay and her husband Kenneth of Sanford, Fla, Annette Carr and her husband Ron of Wayne, Barbara Keil of Wayne and Katherine Keil and her partner Leo Russ of New York, N.Y.; her three grandchildren, Lisa Kocay, Annalise Carr and ErinRose Carr; as well as her brother, Benny Yde Dahl of Copenhagen, Denmark. Ida was predeceased by her beloved husband, George in 2004 and her two brothers.

Donations in Ida’s memory would be appreciated to Messiah Lutheran Church, 228 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, N.J. 07436, or donate online at the church website; www.messiahoaklandnj.org.

The Kudla family is postponing the celebration of Ken's life that had been planned for August 26, 2021.

Kenneth William Kudla, age 56, of Wayne passed suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

Kenneth was born in Passaic and raised in Wayne, NJ and was the fourth oldest of six children and the only son to William and Mary Kudla.  Over the years, Kenneth was affectionately known to his family and friends as “Kenny.”  While growing up in Wayne, Kenny attended Passaic County Technical Institute where he studied “Small Engine Repair.”  Following his graduation from Passaic County Tech in 1982, Kenny moved out to California to live with his sister Barbara.  While living in California, Kenny’s sister Barbara taught him the trade of carpentry and construction.   After living there for about a year, Kenny moved back to Wayne, New Jersey where he accepted a position in construction with Boothney Builders based in Wayne.  Kenny was employed with Boothney Builders for several years.  Later, Kenny moved back in with his parents where he served as a companion and caregiver to his mother and father until their passing’s.

Kenny truly enjoyed working with his hands and was a talented and creative individual.  Over the years, Kenny built a number of birdhouses and other woodworking projects for himself and his family.  He also had a passion for remote control cars and could often be found at Garret Mountain in Clifton where he would race and toy around with them.  Throughout his life, Kenny cherished building, rebuilding, and repairing his RC Car collection.  He was an outdoorsman of sorts in the fact that enjoyed camping with his father in Highpoint, NJ as well as fishing when he was younger.  During the summer while Kenny was growing up, his parents and his sisters frequented the Jersey Shore at Seaside Park for family vacations.

Kenny was robust in his beliefs and strong willed.  He was a tough and resilient individual and could quite often be rather convincing, persuasive and compelling.  Although family and friends would often try to provide him with advice and guidance, Kenny was his own man, independent, and lived life his own way.  Aside from all of Kenny interests and hobbies, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Kenny than spending time with his family and friends.  Kenny’s family refers to his unexpected passing as “losing one of the spokes in the family wheel.”

Kenny was a genuinely special person who touched the lives of everyone around him and will be missed by his family and friends alike.  His family has said that if Kenny had any last words, they would probably be a quote from his favorite song, “I’m as free as a bird now.”

Kenny is survived by his five sisters; Marion Velechko of Toms River, NJ, Patricia Kudla of Tuxedo, NY, Barbara Rissman and her husband Craig of Tionesta, CA, Kim Kudla of Warwick, NY, and Darlene Grasso and her husband James of Highland Lakes, NJ, and several nieces and nephews.  Kenny was predeceased by his parents William and Mary Kulda.    

Kenneth Kudla - I am a free spirit, admire me and fly with me.  

Thomas J. Spillane, Sr., age 81, of Pompton Plains and a former longtime resident of Caldwell and Belleville, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021.

Born in Newark and raised in Belleville Township, Tom was the oldest of Thomas F. and Rebecca “Betty” (Higgins) Spillane’s five children.

While attending Belleville High School, Tom got his first job as a clerk at Patty’s Drug Store in Newark. When he graduated with his classmates in 1958, he began fulltime work in the mailing department of New Jersey Bell. It was a “foot-in-the-door” position in which Tom was required to sort internal mail and deliver it by truck to all the departments within New Jersey Bell’s various locations. During the span of the next thirty-plus years, Tom remained a loyal employee who was there when New Jersey Bell changed names to Bell Atlantic and ultimately Verizon. He moved on quickly from the mail department with a promotion to the central office as a technician and, after taking night classes at Rutgers University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1972, he ultimately ascended to the position of senior engineer before retiring in 1992.

Tom enjoyed a couple years off before his wife Barbara encouraged him to explore new job possibilities. His quest for his next pursuit lead Tom to a position as a social worker with Essex County Welfare. After working there for sixteen years, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He hung in there for two more years before retiring completely in 2012.

Tom met Barbara Kuratnick on a blind date set up by friends Sandy and John McNally. That first date was to a party and many dates followed that one. Even when Barbara left for college at Kent State University in Ohio, they maintained a long-distance relationship. In 1964, Tom attended Barbara’s college graduation and, while there, he popped the question – “Will you marry me?” Four months later, on Friday, November 21, 1964, they publicly declared their wedding promises in a marriage ceremony at St. Peters Church in Belleville. After a reception at the Princeton Inn in Belleville, the newlyweds loaded some suitcases into their 1964 Volkswagen Bug and headed north for New England for a weeklong honeymoon. Volkswagens were notorious for having no heat but Tom and Barbara had each other’s love to keep them warm.

Upon their return from their honeymoon, Tom and Barb’s first abode, a third-floor apartment in a house on Academy Street in Belleville awaited them. Five years later, they were able to scrape up the money to purchase their own home at 90 Tappan Ave. in Belleville. While there, they were blessed with the first two of their three children – Patricia “Trish” and Thomas Jr. In 1975, they moved again, this time to 53 Lloyd Place in Belleville where daughter, Melanie was born. They remained in that home for the next 27 years. When it was time to move again, they bought a home in Caldwell located at 6 Beekman Hill Road. The next eighteen years were spent there until they decided to move to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains in 2020.

You could say that Tom was a true Belleville boy. Belleville ran through his blood. Though his graduation from Belleville High School was over 60 years ago, Tom remained in close contact with many of his classmates to the present, especially his buddy Danny Riordan who he met when he was just two years old as next door neighbors. Even in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic making it impossible to get together, Tom and his friends would virtually chat. In adulthood, Tom was active in a myriad of different Belleville endeavors. He served as a former member of the Belleville Board of Education where, as Vice President, he had the honor of publicly presenting his daughter Trish with her high school diploma. He was an avid member of the Belleville Democratic Club, was elected as Belleville’s Third Ward Councilman and rose to the position of Deputy Mayor of the town. As an enthusiastic member of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, one of his favorite annual activities was dressing up as Santa Claus and landing from a helicopter to give out Christmas gifts to the excited children. He was a charter member of the Belleville Optimist Club and served as the club’s president several years. He also loved getting together with other Belleville couples for dinner and  families for group vacations to the Jersey shore. And of course, who could forget the annual trips with his buddies to Hilton Head to play golf? When Tom and Barbara moved to Cedar Crest Village in 2020, Tom was so excited to find out that they had a democratic club he could join. He immediately volunteered for the club’s program committee and was able to sponsor a few speakers before the COVID pandemic shut everything down. He and Barb also made some friends by participating in the bocce ball club. Tom loved his 1963 Corvette convertible. Unfortunately, one night it was stripped by thieves for much-in-demand and impossible-to-replace-parts. They even took the seats and the convertible top. That was the end of that car. He was a big Boston Red Sox fan who frequently tried to catch games at Yankee Stadium when his beloved Bosox were in town.

Above all else, Tom’s family was his greatest passion. Throughout their childhood his daughters and son were treated to regular trips to Disney, vacations down the shore to Wildwood Crest and Lavallette, to the Poconos, Wallpack NJ and to Scranton, PA. There were also long drives to visit family in Florida. Those drives were so frequent that Tom’s wood-paneled Chevy Caprice Classic Wagon almost knew the way by itself. At Christmas, that car would be filled with three excited kids as it headed in the other direction for a trip to Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, NY. Tom served as a Cub Scout Leader in Belleville Pack 301 when his son Tom was young and he volunteered at the YMCA in their scouting program in which his son Thomas was an Indian Guide and his daughter Melanie was an Indian Princess. Tom convinced all the other fathers to join him in taking their little Indian Princess’s on a camping trip, twice a year to Frost Valley in upstate New York. It was here that Tom earned the nickname “Big Bear” that some of his friends still use today. Tom’s devotion to his daughters and son was only matched by his devotion to his nine grandchildren. You could guarantee that Tom would be in attendance at all of their sporting events and dance and music recitals. In fact, he was so faithful and encouraging that they unanimously declared Grandpa their number one fan. Tom and Barbara loved to travel. When they were engaged to be married they took a trip together in Barb’s 1958 Chevy. The trip went great until the car’s engine blew. In more recent years they enjoyed cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean and trips abroad to Italy, Russia, Ukraine, and Ireland. Aaaah, Ireland! Tom was so proud of his Irish heritage!

Tom was a great human being. He truly was the eternal optimist. He was a compassionate man. He was a loyal friend and the best grandfather a kid could ask for. If you needed a hand with something, Tom was always happy to offer his time and wisdom.  

Tom was the beloved husband of Barbara (nee Kuratnick), blessed in marriage for 56 years. He was the loving father of: Patricia and husband Tim Schaffer of West Caldwell, Thomas Jr. and wife Stephanie Spillane of Rockaway Township, and Melanie and husband Shelby Tuhari of Wayne; cherished grandfather of: Ryan, Kyle, and Luke Schaffer, TJ(Thomas III), Tyler, and Mackenzie Spillane, and Justin, Shelby, and Chelsea Tuhari; dear brother of Patty and late husband Tony Licastri of Hillsborough Township, Jeane and husband Ralph Pacheco of Rutherford, Mark and wife Lisa Spillane of Sparta, and Susan and husband Richard Schneider of Hillsboro Township. He was predeceased by his much-loved parents Thomas F. and Betty (Higgins) Spillane.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Tom’s name are asked to consider Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or a charity of your choice:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

1275 York Ave.

New York, NY  10065.

To donate online, click here.

Joyce Cushman Alexander (Silva), age 87 of Wayne passed Friday, June 11, 2021.

                 “If you remember a single blossom that defied the frost,

           You have no reason to fear this great mystery that is Life;

     For you hold its secret deep within your heart.”   --Winston Abbott

Joyce Annetta Silva was born July 19, 1933, in Arkansas City, Kansas, to Jacinto and Ruby Silva.  Jacinto (Jack) was a jazz musician of Portuguese descent and Ruby was an Irish-Scottish Normal School (Teachers’ College) graduate who taught English to indigenous children on a reservation in Kansas.   When Joyce was a baby, the family moved to Springfield, Mass., and her mother transitioned to being a single mom who ran a boarding house where Joyce grew up.  Undaunted by her modest means, Joyce was devoted to schooling and to pursuing higher education.  She graduated from the High School of Commerce in Springfield, the Salutatorian of her class in 1950.   She was awarded a scholarship to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where, because of her frequent whistling, her peers nicknamed her “Cricket.”  Joyce graduated third in the Class of 1954 with her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Although she received a full scholarship to pursue graduate studies at Smith College, Joyce was already happily engaged to Walter K. Cushman, Jr. of Springfield, whom she had met in a youth group at South Congregational Church.  Walter and Joyce married on June 19, 1954 and were blessed with four children throughout their 22-year marriage.  After the couple separated, they both went on to re-marry.   While working as a typing instructor for her own business, “CricketType,” Joyce met Dennis Jon Alexander with whom she had a thirty-one year marriage of love and devotion until his passing in 2007.

Throughout her life, Joyce was deeply dedicated to her Christian faith and was a member of the South Congregational Church of Springfield in her youth; Bayport United Methodist church on Long Island in her young adult life; and Pompton Valley Presbyterian Church in Pompton Plains, N.J. in middle age.  For years, she sang in the church choir as the only female tenor. She also volunteered in many capacities with the church, for disabled children, and for racial integration on Long Island.

Joyce was a woman ahead of her time, willing to stand up as an activist for civil rights, social justice, and progressive causes.  She was engaging, articulate, witty, and charismatic.  Her sparkling personality, quick tongue, and keen mind will be dearly missed. She had a strong work ethic and truly prized the value of education, passing the love of learning on to her children. She enjoyed Bible study, classical music (the Three Tenors were a favorite), and reading across genres, including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.  A few of her coffee table favorites were Scientific American, National Geographic, Psychology Today, Guideposts, and Reader’s Digest.

Joyce also enjoyed a longstanding career in the medical field. She served as a Medical Secretary and Transcriptionist for Chilton Hospital and several local area physicians until she retired in the mid-1980s. For several years, Joyce also enjoyed part-time work for AVON, and received their “diamond pin” as one of the company’s top sales representatives.  She appreciated the AVON company’s positive representation and treatment of women and remained connected to the organization for many years.

No story about Joyce would be complete without mentioning her VW Bus camping trips. She did not have the means to tour the world, so she brought the world to her kids by instilling in them a love of travel and diverse cultures.  The family enjoyed vacations in their 1966 maroon and white VW Bus.  They would camp in a tent alongside the bus during their trips to Washington D.C., Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, and Canada, to name just a few.  Along the way, they visited roadside attractions, museums, and parks; Joyce also made sure her kids swam in all five Great Lakes. On one occasion, a campground was full, so Joyce just pulled the bus to the side of the road and set up camp.  The next morning, when a state trooper arrived to remedy the infraction, Joyce turned on the charm and offered him breakfast.  Eggs were enjoyed, and no ticket was issued.  

Joyce was the devoted wife of Walter K. Cushman, Jr. (d.2018) and Dennis J. Alexander (d.2007); the loving mother of Linda Cushman (Rev. Ed Baugh) of Englewood, N.J.; David Cushman (d.1982); James Cushman of San Mateo, Calif.; and Susan Cushman of Garden City, N.Y.; the charming grandmother of Julia (Dan) Branda of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; and the dearly loved aunt of Lyn (Peter) Strickler of Malvern, P.A., Nancy (Javid) Valente of Philadelphia, and Cynthia (Scott) Nestle of Summit, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), the American Cancer Society, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, would be greatly appreciated.

Website for donations to M.A.D.D.

www.madd.org

Website for donations to the American Cancer Society:

www.cancer.org

Website for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:

www.stjude.org

Sonia M. Sellars, age 94 and a long-time resident of the Packanack Lake community in Wayne, New Jersey passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

Sonia was born in Larvik Norway on September 30, 1926. The daughter of Stanley Matthews and Gerda (Baglin) Matthews, Sonia’s father was a captain in the British Merchant Marines. He met Gerda while in port in Norway. They fell in love and married and, in 1928, when Sonia was two years old, her father, having been offered citizenship in the United States, moved the family to Brooklyn, NY. Soon after, they moved to the Westerly section of Staten Island, NY where Sonia grew up. Having been blessed with a sharp intellect and a determined spirit, she graduated two years early and with honors from Port Richmond High School and immediately enrolled in Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School to prepare for a career in the workplace.

Upon completion of her education, Sonia entered the workforce as a secretary with Wellington Sears, a textile firm located in New York City at Worth Street and West Broadway.

Sonia actually met her husband-to-be when they were young children. His name was Eric Elliot Sellars and they knew each other from singing together in the choir at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Staten Island which was pastored by Eric’s father, Reverend Fred Sellars. When they came of age, they fell in love and married on April 14, 1950 at the same church. Sonia and Eric lived for a short time in Staten Island before moving across the river to a little summer community in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, New Jersey. It turned out to be a lovely place to raise their two daughters, Robin and Laurie. Sonia settled into her primary role of mother and homemaker but managed to keep active in various outside endeavors. Sonia utilized her gifts of being skilled at working with numbers combined with a penchant for fastidious record keeping by serving as the treasurer of the Packanack Lake community’s monthly newsletter called the Pack-A-News, and also as treasurer of the Packanack Community Church. If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, she also served as treasurer of Healing the Children – a private, humanitarian organization that partners with American healthcare providers to help underserved children around the world to get the medical care that would otherwise be unobtainable. She also served as treasurer for Doctors Without Borders – an international organization that provides lifesaving medical humanitarian care.

Sonia always had plenty of spare energy for projects around her home too. She was an expert gardener of both flowers and vegetables who enjoyed the particular challenge of growing rare plants. Because of her knowledge about the plant world people would frequently stop by her house for advice that Sonia was always more than happy to give. She also loved to sew and knit and care for her precious dogs and cats that enriched her life over the years – Poncho, Yazoo, Molly, and Duke to name a few. The kitchen was also a place where Sonia liked to be. She was an excellent cook who made a fantastic lasagna that was right up there with the finest Italian cooks. On summer nights you could usually find her playing tennis at the Packanack Lake tennis courts and she also relished the time spent with friends playing bridge and gathering for dances and other social gatherings at the Packanack Lake Clubhouse.

Sonia was a kind-hearted woman who truly cared about the welfare of fellow humans – both those she knew personally as well as total strangers. She had a real soft spot in her heart for little children and for many years, she and husband Eric hosted kids who were flown to the United States for surgery for cleft pallet repair.

Sonia was predeceased by her beloved husband Eric in 1980, her two daughters: Robin Sellars in 2006 and Laurie Jean Sellars in 1994, and her sister Thelma in 1979. Sonia is survived by her grandsons: Jacob Vander Weide, Joseph Eiche and Eric Anthony Sellars, her brother Edward Kaye Matthews of Denver, Colorado, and her nephew Stanley and wife Susan McMillen.

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

Healing the Children

New Jersey Chapter

112 5th Ave

Hawthorne, NJ  07506

To donate online CLICK HERE

Doctors Without Borders USA

P.O. Box 5030

Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030

To download the mail-in form CLICK HERE

To donate online CLICK HERE

Charles Edward Tahan, age 77 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2021.

Charles grew up on Rowland Avenue in Clifton, New Jersey with his parents and 4 siblings.  He graduated from Clifton High School and went on to Masters Beauty School graduating in 1962. Charles was a resident of Wayne since 1968.

He created a lifetime career in cosmetology.  Charles opened Coiffures by Charles on Livingston Street in Clifton soon after graduation and built a thriving business for 10 years.  He built the Countee Academy of Hair Design in Wayne where he was owner, partner, teacher, director and stylist.  Charles recruited students from local high schools and taught hundreds of students the art of hair design along with managing the salon.  He was proud of the high completion rate of students that took and passed the state board test.  Charles continued to teach all subjects of cosmetology at Wilfred Academy in their 4 locations as the New Jersey Style Director.   He brought new procedures to the school with innovation and creativity.   Charles then opened The Hair Studio in Wayne in 1986 and operated this full-service family salon for 20 years.  He was the Director of Education at European Academy of Cosmetology responsible for the overall level of education and management of assigned campus.  Charles was responsible for creating and sustaining academic and professional excellence for students and faculty.    He was later the program manager of Blanco Cosmetology School where he created and wrote the school curriculum, set-up the bulletin of information, syllabus and designed the floor plan for state approval.

Charles had a spirited personality. He made his presence known not by his words but by his outlandish golf attire, loud ties, and his crazy pants. He embraced his Syrian heritage and always celebrating with his extended family – food, family and music.   He was an active member of St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park.  He enjoyed serving on the church advisory committees, working the festival booths, and playing at the annual golf outings. Outside of the church community, he loved deep sea fishing and crabbing, cooking classes, classic cars, and spirited conversations with all friends and family.   He was the family historian, knowing how each member was intertwined within the group.  He was proud of his family and always wanted to be a part of each celebration.

Charles proudly held the following licenses: New Jersey Cosmetology – Hairstylist, New Jersey Cosmetology Teacher and New Jersey Licensed Real Estate Salesperson / Referral license.  He was certified in 2005 with his New Jersey Teaching Certification.  Charles’ affiliations as Member of the Official Hair Fashion Committee, Member of the Hair America Teaching area of the PBA/NCA, Styles Director of NJCA, Chairman of the Official Hair Fashion Committee, Vice President of NJCA, President of the NJCA New Jersey Cosmetologist Association.  Charles was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 240, Woodland Park, NJ.

His most notable and impactful contribution was when he was appointed area trainer for the Look Good, Feel Better Program by the PBA/NCA.  Charles volunteered his skills selflessly, working directly with cancer patients to uplift their spirits. He taught them techniques of make-up application and facilitating their ability to obtain wigs and hair pieces that would always be a welcome healing moment. He met each patients needs when they were at their lowest point in their treatments and put a smile on their face.

Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patti Coussa Tahan, his four children; Claudine Tahan-Tunbakji and her husband Samer of Wayne, Charles E Tahan, Jr and his wife Susie of Wayne, Patti Ann Cadet and her husband Juan Carlos of Clifton and Renee Faraj and her husband Maher of Franklin Lakes along with his six grandchildren Faith, Chloe, Noah, Lucas, Maxwell and Amir. His sister Mary Ann Hine and her husband George of Sea Girt, his brother Paul Tahan and his wife Debbie of Wayne, his brother Thomas Tahan and his fiancée Debbie Passenti of Brick, his sister-in-law Mary Tahan of Kinnelon, and his brother-in-law Eddy Coussa and his wife Ann of Pompano Beach, FL. Charles loved his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased his parents Basil and Lillian Tahan and his brother John Tahan.

In remembrance of Charles Tahan’s life, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church in his honor.  St Ann Melkite Catholic Church, 802 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Ernest “Ernie” LeMay, age 76, of Wayne for twenty-two years, formerly of Haledon where he lived for fifty-five years, passed Sunday, June 6, 2021.

He was born in Paterson and raised in the family home on Aberdeen Court in Haledon. He graduated from Paterson Technical High School with the Class of 1963.

Through the years Ernest worked as a diesel mechanic and was self-employed trading as Aberdeen Trucking where he owned a dump truck and an eighteen wheeler. After a few years he found employment as a diesel mechanic for the Hess Corporation in Bogota. Before he would take the job with Hess he insisted they give him the missing collectable trucks from his Hess Truck collection. He worked at the Hess Corporation for 25 years before retiring in 2013.

Ernest met his wife Ann when they were just teenagers. Ernie was working at the local service station and was sent to the Cafasso home to pick up their car for service. He knocked on the door and Ann answered – with her head covered in curlers! She was so embarrassed when she saw this handsome young man at the door that she ran back into the house, forgetting to give him the car keys. When Ernie returned the car late that day, Ann came to the door looking perfectly stunning, and she caught his eye this time. Sometime later she came to visit him at the service station, tapping him on the shoulder while he was hunched over working on a car. He replied “I’ll be right with you Sam!” When Ernie finally turned around, he was pleasantly surprised to see Ann standing there, and not his friend Sam. Nevertheless, her nickname was born that day, and she’s been affectionately called “Sam” ever since. After their first date to Falls View for hot dogs, they were married on October 22, 1966. They’ve enjoyed forty nine “very good” years together, including many memorable trips to Atlantic City where they would play the slots sitting right next to each other, until her passing on October 18, 2015.

Ernie was a member of the Paterson Elks Lodge and a bowler in Fair Lawn and Paterson leagues for many years. He was a man of few words and had a very dry sense of humor. As a diesel mechanic he would only buy diesel cars, loved his 1966 Chevy Pickup, and didn’t let anyone else drive his cars. He loved his 50’s and 60’s music and as a matter of fact if you had a different radio station on he would sneak over and change the radio to his music. He was a Nascar Fanatic who collected model Nascar cars along with his toy Hess truck collection. He was the master of taking care of the pool at his and his daughter, Jacqui’s home, and when it came to loading the dish washer only he was capable of doing it correctly. When it came to many things like recycling or loading the dish washer Ernie stood fast to the “no matter how you did it…it wasn’t right” motto. He was a long time New York Yankee fan who also liked watching BuzzrTV which shows re-runs of many old game show programs.

He was the loving husband of Ann “Sam” LeMay (d.2015); devoted father of Jacqueline “Jacqui” Tirella (Michael) of Wayne, Ernest LeMay III (Christine) of West Milford, Christopher LeMay (Jessica) of North Haledon, and David (Cynthia) LeMay of West Milford; he was the cherished grandfather of eleven boys: Michael, Nicholas, Dominic, Jay, Mathew, Anthony, Joey, CJ, Donevan, Aaron, Evan and one granddaughter Miliana; he was the dearly loved great-grandfather of Adalynn; and the much loved brother of Eleanor “Ellie,” or as Ernie would call her, “honey” Buda of Monroe, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Carmen Matthew Marano, 99, long-time resident of Ridgefield, N.J. died peacefully on Sunday, June 6, 2021.  Born May 23, 1922, in Hoboken N.J. to parents Josephine (nee Verno) and Anthony Marano, Carmen lived in Hoboken until deploying with the army to serve in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.  Upon returning home in 1946, Carmen married his sweetheart, Marie Cortellino.  They settled in Ridgefield to raise their family and lived there for more than sixty years, before recently moving to the Cedar Crest community in Pompton Plains.

Carmen is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Marie, as well as his three sons and their spouses: Anthony and Marilyn Marano of Wayne N.J., Len and Diane Marano of Washington Township, N.J., and Rich and Eileen Marano of Mantoloking, N.J.

Carmen was predeceased by his parents and his three sisters, Lucy DeGregorio, Marie Pianese and Michelle Marano, as well as his daughter, Marie, who passed in infancy.

He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Alison and Adam White, Christine and Rob Odell, Jillian and Mark Capalbo, Dana and Alex Cunningham, Connor Marano and Griffin Marano.  He enjoyed his great-grandchildren Samantha, Robert, Reese, Ashley, and Ella.

Carmen was happiest when surrounded by his family.  He was active in his community, volunteering for the Ridgefield Fire Department for more than 40 years, coaching his sons’ baseball teams and worshiping at St. Matthews RC church. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Frank Sinatra, and the craps tables at Caesar’s.  Carmen was also a terrific dancer, and his Cha-Cha was the highlight of many social events.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate/).

Annette R. Hric (nee Grolly), age 77, of Newfoundland passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 5, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family and after a courageous battle with cancer.

Annette was born and raised in the Passaic Park section of Passaic and was one of three children to Charles and Charlotte Grolly.  Annette attended Passaic High School as a young girl and graduated with the class of 1961.  While she was in high school she met a handsome young man while attending Grace Church in Clifton. The man’s name was Joseph Hric.  The couple hit it off great and it was love at first sight.  Joe and Annette started dating and got married shortly after Annette graduated high school on November 21, 1961.  Annette and Joe settled in Clifton and lived there for about four years.  The two then then moved to Lincoln Park.  While in Lincoln Park, Annette and Joe welcomed the births of their three children; Suzanne, Joseph, and Pamela.  Annette and her family remained in Lincoln Park until 1981 when they moved to Kinnelon, NJ.  Annette, Joe, and their children remained there until 1998 when they moved to Newfoundland.  Joe and Annette have been in Newfoundland ever since.

Annette found work quickly after high school as a secretary for a company called Federal Sweets on Hazel Street in Clifton.  Annette held this position for a few years until her children were born.  Subsequent to becoming a mother, Annette devoted herself to being a full time homemaker.  This was a career she sincerely cherished and was her true calling.  As time passed and her children grew up, she partnered with her husband, assisting with bookkeeping and secretarial work for their business with Wise Potato Chips.  Annette worked with her husband Joe for about ten years until their retirement in 1995.

One of Annette’s favorite past times was gardening.  Annette grew a variety of flowers and vegetables throughout all the seasons, year after year.  Her family recalls their home resembling the grounds of a well-kept state park.  Annette had such a talent for gardening that often times she would get bored with certain plants and flowers, then telling her children to come and dig them up and plant them in their own yards.  Crocheting and sewing was another of Annette’s talents.  Throughout the years she knitted and crocheted countless sweaters and afghans for herself and her family.  Joe and Annette also enjoyed traveling together visiting Florida and treasured memorable trips across the country to The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.  Not only was Annette a wonderful homemaker, she also had the skills to work on her own, and the homes of her children.  She would often help her kids with tiling kitchens and bathrooms, spackling, and wallpapering.

But beyond all of Annette’s talent, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Annette than spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.  She was a wonderful cook and cherished hosting holidays and family events at her home.  Annette loved to laugh and joke around with her friends and her family.  She was a truly lovable person whom everyone wanted to be around.  Annette and her husband Joe cherished fifty-nine years of loving and loyal marriage together.  She was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be sorely missed by her family and friends alike.

Annette is survived by her husband Joseph Hric of Newfoundland, NJ, three children; her daughter Pamela Hric of Newfoundland, NJ, her son Joseph Charles Hric and his wife Franci of Oak Ridge, NJ, and her daughter Suzanne Hasten and her husband Jim of Franklin, NJ, four grandchildren; Jack Myles Hric of Newfoundland, NJ, Joseph Anthony Hric of Oak Ridge, NJ, Ginnette Hric of Virginia Beach, VA, and Denise Meeker and her husband Bob of Bloomsbury, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Annette’s name may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.  www.stjude.org

Richard Stephen Swetz, 84 of Wayne, NJ, a successful business man, and a devoted family man, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, June 4th, 2021.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty years; Dolores Ann Swetz (nee Fecsik), his daughters; Karen Andruska and Kimberley DeMarco, son-in-law; Jeffrey DeMarco, and four grandchildren; Kaylee Andruska, Zachary Andruska, Kristina DeMarco, and Nicholas DeMarco. He was preceded in death by his cherished parents; Adam and Agnes Swetz, and by his brother; Robert Swetz.

He was born in Ashley, PA.  He grew up in Jersey City and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He served his country in the Army Reserves. He then began his career as a stock boy for Tappens Jewelers. After many years of hard work, he obtained the position of Vice President of Merchandising. He then followed his dream and purchased Chandel Jewelers in Midland Park, NJ.  His success allowed him to purchase three more stores. After twenty-two years of retail, he retired. During his retirement, he consulted with the Independent Jewelers Organization in Connecticut. His expertise brought him the opportunity to acquire the company, which he ran for ten years. He then permanently retired to enjoy his life and family.

He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne, NJ, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He participated in various committees and fostered many charitable endeavors. He was a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Richard’s passions included traveling extensively, playing cards, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved the jewelry industry and he touched many lives by mentoring countless business owners who he passionately encouraged to follow their hearts. He truly lived life to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a donation in Richard’s memory are asked to please consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Visit www.michaeljfox.org

Mary Anne McGuire, age 70, of Wayne peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2021, with her husband and two daughters by her side.

Mary was born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey and was one of three children to John and Anna Makar. John and Anna immigrated to the United States, from Ukraine, seeking a better life for the family. Mary attended a Ukrainian high school at St. Mary’s Villa Academy in Sloatsburg, NY.  Following Mary’s graduation from St Mary’s Villa Academy in 1969, she earned a certification as a Medical Lab Technician.  Over the next several years, Mary held a number of positions as a Medical Lab Technician for local hospitals and doctor’s offices.

Mary’s parents and her sisters were living in a two family home in Passaic, in which they rented the downstairs apartment to John McGuire. As fate would have it, they fell in love and after about two years of dating, they were married on November 20, 1976.  Then, they settled in Belleville, where they rented their first apartment together. The couple remained in Belleville and purchased their first home there as well.  While continuing to live in their second home, Mary and John welcomed the births of their two daughters, Tanya and Natalie. In order for Mary to watch her children grow and learn, she made the decision to stop working and dedicate herself to becoming a full time homemaker. Being a devoted and caring mother was what made Mary happy. In 1987, Mary and her family moved to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne and have been there ever since.

Mary enjoyed taking karate lessons, dancing, and playing golf with her lady friends and husband at The Packanack Lake Golf Club.  Mary was very active in her youth, however, she loved relaxing in the comfort of her own home, watching her soap operas, Dr. Pol and game shows.  Apart from all of Mary’s talents, interests, and hobbies; her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Mary than spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She and her husband John cherished forty-five years of a loving and loyal marriage together.

Mary was an extremely strong woman and strong willed as well.  She was tenacious and determined in her convictions.  She was a serious person, often times serious enough for everyone, but she also had an enormous heart. She loved her family with all of her heart. Mary was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband John McGuire of Wayne NJ, two daughters Tanya McGuire of Wayne and Natalie McGuire and John Cilmi of Parsippany.  three grandchildren; Camryn Minckler of Wayne, NJ, Karlee Cilmi of Parsippany, NJ, and Gianna Cilmi of Parsippany, NJ, two nephews; Keith Petrick of Pennsylvania, and Danny Lukiw of Hillsborough, NJ.  Mary was predeceased by her sisters Gloria Johnson and Sonia Lukiw.

Those wishing to make a donation in Mary’s name are asked to consider   Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, 663 Thirteenth Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612.  https://www.myotonic.org/

Kathleen D. Sherger (nee Reed), age 71 of Riverdale and formerly of Lincoln Park, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on the morning of Thursday, June 3, 2021, after a brave and graceful battle with ALS.

Kathleen was a dedicated teacher at Butler High School for twenty-seven years, retiring in 2012. Prior to teaching, she was a programmer for Texas Instruments and then went back to school to get her teaching certification. While at Butler, she taught mathematics and computer science and her summer breaks were often spent reading about and learning subject matter in preparation to teach new courses she designed for her students. She was very bright and a quick study, teaching herself coding languages such as Java and  C++, as well as networking and video game design. She loved learning as much as she loved teaching.

Kathleen met her husband Bob when they were both in the eighth grade at Schuyler Colfax Middle School in Wayne. They often sat next to each other on the school bus and began ‘dating’ around sophomore year in high school. The childhood sweethearts tied the knot on December 26, 1971 at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne. Bob was still in the U.S. Army, so their honeymoon was a romantic road trip down south to his base in San Antonio, Texas. They lived there briefly and then in Phoenixville, PA before Bob was discharged. In 1973, they settled in Lincoln Park, NJ where they lived for forty-six years, raising their family of three children.

They were fortunate to have traveled regularly after Kathleen’s retirement. They returned again and again to Key West and Cape May, and visited resorts across the Caribbean. Kathleen also enjoyed annual family vacations to Maine, the Catskills and Adirondacks, the Jersey shore, and beyond. An avid reader, Kathleen was happiest at the beach or pool relaxing with a novel and capping the day off with dinner and drinks.

Kathleen was a beloved full-time teacher, a loving mother and wife, and a devoted caregiver for 38 years to her son Reed, who was born with a developmental disability. Her strength and devotion were an inspiration to colleagues, students, and friends alike. She took pride in her home and gardens, enjoyed cooking with her family, and always welcomed a visitor. Kathleen cherished family traditions and especially loved the holidays and listening to Christmas music while decorating their house to the nines! She enjoyed more than 50 years of the annual Sherger family wreath-making gathering, carrying on a joyful family tradition started by her mother-in-law, Willie. Her adoring daughters will be sure to keep this tradition alive with friends and family for years to come.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Robert of Riverdale, her son Reed of Parsippany, and two daughters; Erika Sherger of Boonton Township and Sara Varney and her husband Jason of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania; two grandchildren; Wynn and River Varney, two brothers; Robb Reed and his wife Kjersti of Port Angeles, Washington, and Anthony Reed of Wantage, New Jersey, a sister; Diane Reed-Chong and her husband Glenn of San Diego, CA, and several nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to make a donation in Kathleen’s memory are asked to consider the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004, als-ny.org; or the ARC of Morris County, P.O.Box 123, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, arcmorris.org

Carl Joseph Gutt, age 85, of Galloway, NJ and formerly of Wayne, NJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Carl was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and was one of three children to Carl Anthony and Blanche Gutt.  While growing up in Jersey City, Carl attended St. Peter’s Preparatory School graduating with the class of 1953.  Following his graduation from high school, Carl worked at a local ACME where he quickly became manager.  While working at ACME, Carl put himself through college taking night courses at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ and earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

Carl eventually left ACME and opened up a business of his own.  He purchased a delicatessen and liquor store in Westwood, NJ and named it Gutt’s Deli.  Carl owned and operated his delicatessen for more than ten years until selling it in the late 1970’s.  Subsequent to selling his delicatessen, Carl accepted a position in sales with a food brokerage firm named John Harrison & Company.  Carl was employed with John Harrison and Company for several years when Carl decided again to open up his own business, a food brokerage company called Crown Brokerage in Ridgefield Park, NJ.  Carl operated this business until his retirement in 1997.

One day when Carl was a young man, he and some friends were gathered at a place called Nankees Ice Cream Parlor.  Carl ordered a Black Raspberry Parfait and his order was brought to him by a lovely young attractive girl named Helen Ryan.  The two hit it off wonderfully and as fate would have it they fell in love and were married on June 29, 1957 at Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in North Arlington NJ.

After getting married the couple settled in an apartment in Ridgefield Park, NJ and then moved to Park Ridge, NJ where they purchased their first home.  During their time living in Ridgefield Park, they welcomed the births of two of their five children, Helen and Carl. In 1967, the family moved and bought a new house on Sears Place in Wayne, NJ.  There, they welcomed their additional three children Jeffrey, Laura and David. While living in Wayne, the family home quickly became a haven for all extended family and friends with weekly Sunday pool parties and barbeques which went on till all hours of the night.  Their weekly Sunday pool parties would almost always end with family games of poker.

After retiring, Carl and Helen moved to Galloway, NJ which was closer to the place they enjoyed spending time at…Atlantic City, NJ.  Carl and Helen cherished playing slot machines and cards, particularly Poker, and Texas Hold’em. In addition, they cherished hosting their children and grandchildren for summer weekends with day trips to the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Poppa”. One of Poppa’s favorite things was making his famous breakfast for all of his grandchildren before trips to the beach. It was always ready before they even woke up.

Carl was dedicated to his Catholic Faith, he and his family were parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne for many years, and where all of their children attended grammar school.  For many years Carl donated regularly to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause he felt very strongly about.   He coached little league for a few years when his sons were young and was a New York Giants fan.  But aside from all of Carl’s talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Carl than providing for his family and spending time with his grandchildren.  Carl and his wife Helen cherished fifty-five years of loving and loyal marriage together until Helen’s passing in 2012.  He was a devoted father and grandfather, and always had his door open to extended family and friends in times of need.  He was unofficially considered by many family and friends as a type of “Godfather”, always being consulted by for his advice, and help to figure things out.  Carl was a persistent individual who could be a little strong willed at times, but underneath his tough exterior he was a “Gentle Giant” of sorts.  He was an extremely focused individual, tenacious and determined in his opinions and his actions.  Carl was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Carl is survived by his two daughters; Laura Ferry and her husband Thomas of Randolph, NJ, and Helen “Suzie” Anderson and her husband Robert of Wayne, NJ, three sons; Carl M. Gutt and his wife Sylvia of Long Valley, NJ, Jeffery T Gutt and his wife Ashley of Clifton, NJ, and David Gutt and his wife Deana of Hardyston, NJ, fourteen grandchildren; Melissa Alvarez and her husband Dan of Brookline, MA, Jillian Anderson of Hackensack, NJ, Patrick Gutt, Jessica Gutt and Gabrielle Gutt, all of Long Valley, NJ, Jack Gutt and Mollie Gutt of Wayne, NJ, Ethan Gutt of Clifton, NJ, Ryan Gutt, Danielle Gutt, and Alexa Gutt, all of Hardyston, NJ, Nicole Ferry, Thomas Ferry, and Allison Ferry, all of Randolph, NJ.  Carl was predeceased by his wife Helen Gutt in 2012, and by his sisters; Frances Van Erem, and Lucille Gutt.

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

Lucy Ann Marro (formerly Martello), 93, of Wayne, New Jersey passed away peacefully on June 1, 2021.   She will be remembered as a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and friend to all who were fortunate to know her.  She will be missed by so many.  Lucy was born in 1927 and raised on the East Side of Upper Manhattan along the East River.  She lived with her entire family in a large brownstone and shared many stories of her childhood there.  She was one of eight children born to Aniello and Fannie Marro (Ciullo). Lucy loved the East River and told a story of how she got scolded for swimming in it with her two older brothers.  Lucy attended and graduated from Cathedral High School.  She met her husband John Martello and was married in 1950.  Lucy and John moved to Clifton, NJ with their young children Frances and Phyllis. They relocated so that John could be close to his company where he worked as a commercial artist. They then moved to Hemlock Street in Clifton where they became parents to four more daughters: Janis, Louise, Teresa and MaryAnn. After the last child was born they needed a larger home and moved to Mt. Prospect Avenue in the Allwood section of Clifton.  There, Lucy remained until she moved in 1984.   She lived in Passaic Park and Oakridge NJ with her daughter Janis and eventually settled in Wayne where she remained until the end of her life. Lucy was devoted to her large extended family of brothers and sisters, and had large family gatherings on Sundays and the holidays.  She had many close friends and was active in her church community at St Andrews the Apostle Church.  

In 1967 John and Lucy’s youngest daughter, MaryAnn, was tragically brain injured at the age of 10 1/2 Months.  For the next seven years the family cared for MaryAnn at home.   Lucy and John did everything they could to keep MaryAnn at home where she received loving care.  Lucy oversaw a “Patterning” program in which volunteers came to the home to do physical therapy on MaryAnn to improve her condition.  It is here where the family received and befriended many wonderful volunteers.  In 1972, when a wonderful new facility opened, Maryann became one of the first residents of Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat in Wyckoff, New Jersey.  The family was so blessed to have MaryAnn receive the exceptional Christian care and love that they offered her. The family will forever be grateful to them for the peace of mind they experienced because of this. E.C.C.R became Lucy’s second home.

Lucy and John spent the remainder of their lives devoted to their daughter MaryAnn.  Lucy was one of the earliest volunteers at ECCR.  Besides spending much time with MaryAnn she enjoyed helping to do the facilities laundry, one of her talents, with MaryAnn by her side.  She was always greeted warmly by all of the staff who were inspired by her dedication and love as well as her strength and example. MaryAnn predeceased Lucy on February 6, 2021.  

Lucy inspired so many by her independence, intelligence, perseverance, convictions and way of life.  She had many talents including quilting, sewing, crafting, writing and especially cooking. She always enjoyed her excursions to NYC and saw many plays and movies at the Times Square Theaters. Lucy was passionate about her health and became a vegan in her early sixties, which contributed to her longevity. She was disciplined with her diet and spent hours preparing food into her 90’s.   She loved small gatherings and entertaining family and friends with a healthy lunch prepared with love and served meticulously as in a gourmet restaurant.  Her salads were famous.

Lucy was a life-long learner and spent much of her later years studying ancient history and especially colonial history and the founders of our country who inspired her. She especially admired George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John and Abigale Adams, Jimmy Carter and Barak Obama.  She sometimes reread a book several times, taking notes to study and share the knowledge.  Lucy would say “Live like you are going to die tomorrow and learn like you are going to live forever”.  She was especially proud of her role portraying George Washington in a play in grammar school which sparked her interest and fascination with him.  Her favorite quote of his was “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages”.  She lived by this belief through the pandemic to remain hopeful.  

Lucy was concerned about protecting the Earth and its ecology and did not waste a thing.  She recycled everything and found a new use for them.  She was very proud of this and shared her ideas.  She was frugal, organized and impeccable with this practice.  She found joy in her last years by keeping organized and living simply.

Most of all Lucy was devoted to the well-being of her daughters. She lived by example to them and found ways to show her love through encouragement, acceptance, patience and great food.  She was famous for her stuffed calamari, applesauce cake, blueberry buckle and the best salads. She said before she passed, “Love is what you do.” Lucy took the best care of herself as not to be a burden on her family. She always did what was best for her daughters. She gave her daughters memorable summer vacations in Long Beach Island, camping on Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Each daughter received a beautiful quilt as a last expression of her love.  She was respected and admired by her daughters who were very grateful for everything she did to create a happy childhood.

Lucy was treasured by her three grandchildren: Dylan, Brian and Chelsea who called her Lu Lu.  She inspired them by her example, her wisdom and love through their many interesting conversations.  She is the Great Grandmother to Stella Luna age 2 and Joseph Anthony, age 3 months.

Monetary Donations in Lucy’s’ memory can be sent to Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, 700 Mountain Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. If you would like to donate online, CLICK HERE.

Pasquale “Pat” Forte, age 78, of Wayne, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Born and raised in Jersey City, the youngest of Pasquale and Antoinette (Palermo) Forte’s three sons, Pat was a graduate of Snyder High School with the Class of 1960. His next pursuit was St. Peters College (now University) in Jersey City where he swam on the water polo team, joined the ROTC, was a member of the Cross Keys Honor Society and President of Student Government and, most importantly, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history in 1964. Wasting no time, Pat attended New York University and earned his Master of Science degree in history in 1965.

While at St. Peter’s College, Pat met the girl he would someday marry. Her name was Joanne Iuliano and she was a student at Jersey City State College, just down the street. Joanne was in a sorority that was planning a dance and wanted to pass out flyers at the all-male St. Peter’s College to invite them to come to the dance. It just so happened that Pat had a cousin who knew Joanne and, since Pat was president of Student Government, his cousin put Joanne in touch with Pat. Joanne must have made a positive impression on Pat because, sometime after the dance, Pat returned to her college in hopes of locating her. They finally reconnected and went out on their first date. They fell in love and eventually, with the anticipation of Pat’s proposal, Joanne was always wondering when Pat would ask. Now Pat had a real love for Cracker Jacks so no one could blame Joanne for one-day ripping open a box of Pat’s precious Cracker Jacks in pursuit of a ring. No ring! The actual proposal of marriage came on an Easter weekend while the two of them were driving down the shore. Pat presented Joanne with a chocolate Easter bunny with the engagement ring tied on a string around the bunny’s neck. Marriage took place on Saturday, September 30, 1967 at St. Nicholas R.C. Church in Palisades Park followed by a wedding reception at the Montammy Country Club in Alpine.

After returning from their honeymoon in Mexico, Pat reported for duty in the United States Army. From 1967 through 1970 his assignments included Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA and Fort Monmouth in NJ before going to the Patch Barracks for assignment with the European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Pat attained rank of Captain in the United States Army Signal Corps and was Company Commander of the HQ Company. One of the nicest parts of his service was having his beloved wife Joanne accompany him in Germany.  While serving his country, Pat and Joanne got to travel to many places throughout Europe.

Upon their return to civilian life in the U.S.A. Pat and Joanne soon moved to their new home which was being built on Avon Way in the Parlin section of Sayreville, NJ. Pat embarked upon a most rewarding career as Registrar and Adjunct Instructor at Saint Peter’s College and Registrar at the University of Medicine and Dentistry (now Rutgers University Medical School). Until retiring in 2006, over the span of his thirty-six-year career, he served on numerous committees and tasks forces and received many awards and citations. Most importantly, Pat truly enjoyed sharing his love of history with his students. His animated teaching style inspired such sincere interest in his classes that there was always a waiting list to get in.

Pat and Joanne lovingly raised their three daughters, Patricia, Andrea and Lisa, in their home in Sayreville. He loved to learn and share his new-found knowledge with his daughters. When the girls were very young, his wife Joanne recalls how Pat would tell bedtime stories, excitedly spinning adventurous tales of Greek mythology or historical events. With wisdom and guidance, he took a keen interest in each of his daughter’s development. He was always so proud of all that they did.

Pat loved a good restaurant just as much as he loved his wife’s pasta and meatballs. He was also a big fan of Broadway with Man of La Mancha and Les Misérables being his all-time favorites, and he loved the music of Luciano Pavarotti. A faithful Mets fan, he always got a scorebook when he went to a game and he wrote down every play. Pat was well known for his love of Yoo-hoo and chocolate cake.  Pat enjoyed conversing about history and world events. He loved those subjects the most and was known also for being a great New York City tour guide when friends or family came to visit.

Above all else, Pat treasured his family the most. Just ask his daughters how much he adored his grandchildren! When they saw Grandpa, they always greeted him with warm hugs and snuggles. He always kept mints or pretzels in his front shirt pocket for them.  They loved Grandpa and Grandma rooting for them at all their sporting events and the whole family enjoyed the time-honored tradition of trips down the shore.

In 2019, after 48 memorable years in their house in Sayreville, Pat and Joanne decided to move to Wayne, just down the street from their daughters, Andrea and Patty, so that they could be closer to each other. He loved to swing by his kids’ houses to visit.   Every day, Pat would get out of the house for a couple of hours to run some errands. These errands usually involved a quick trip to the grocery store and they always involved socializing. Joanne and the girls would always say “He’s out gallivanting again!”

Pat was a man of infinitely great qualities. He exuded a warmth and friendliness that quickly won the hearts and affections of family, friends and acquaintances. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. He was a planner and a thinker.  There was no task that could not be accomplished without a list. He was a man of integrity, strength, wisdom, and diplomacy.  He was easy to love and was loved by his entire family, including his mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Patrick was the beloved husband of 54 years to Joanne (Iuliano) Forte; loving father of the late Patricia Gamez (2019) and husband Byron of Wayne, Andrea Facciolo and husband Rocco of Wayne, and Lisa Voight and husband Chris of North Arlington; cherished grandfather of: Sophia, Rocco, Gianna, and Anthony; beloved brother-in-law, and dear uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by his parents and two older brothers, Dominic and Julius Forte.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Patrick’s name are asked to consider a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation which honors and serves America’s veterans and their families (www.garysinisefoundation.org) or the Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Kathy Cipoletti, a 35-year resident of Wayne, passed Monday, May 31, 2021.

Kathy was born in Butler, PA. When she was about 15, she moved into a home on Berkshire Avenue in Paterson. She graduated from Kennedy High School with the Class of 1968. Kathy continued her education at William Paterson College in Wayne, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since moving to NJ, Kathy has lived in Paterson, Totowa, and Wayne.

Through the years, Kathy worked as a Registered Nurse, practicing at Paterson General Hospital. For many years, she worked at the private medical practice of Dr. Jay Choi in Clifton and finally as a School Nurse for the Passaic County Commission, having covered several schools before retiring in 2019.

Kathy met her husband-to-be John “Jack” Cipoletti when she was a teenager. Jack and Kathy met on Berkshire Avenue in Paterson, where they were neighbors. Their first date was to see Johnny Mathis at Seton Hall University, where Jack was going to school. Jack and Kathy fell in love and got married on November 14, 1970 at Saint Gerard’s Church in Paterson. They had a backyard reception at Kathy’s parents’ home and incorporated one of Jack’s work trips to New Orleans into a honeymoon. Jack and Kathy have been married for more than 50 years and were blessed with four children -- Melissa, Beth, Timothy, and Kara.

Kathy was dedicated to her Catholic Faith and for many years attended and sang in the choir of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne. Most recently she has attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Pompton Plains. She was also dedicated to her community, having volunteered with and served on the board of the Totowa chapter of the Deborah Hospital Foundation as well as having been a member of the Totowa Junior Women’s Club.

Kathy was the loving wife of Jack Cipoletti; devoted mother of Melissa (Robert) Keenan of Wayne, Beth (Andrew Birnbaum) Cipoletti of West Milford, Timothy Cipoletti of Bradenton, FL, and Kara (Michael) Everhart of Rockaway; she was the cherished grandmother of Taylor, Dylan, Logan, Evan, Olivia, Collin, Kylie, and Addison; she was the loved sister of JoAnn (Jim) Sallo of Hillsdale and JoDee (Charles) Roach of San Antonio, TX.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lupus Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Dieter F. Schmidt, age 76, of Montville passed away peacefully on Monday, May 31, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Dieter was born in Hammerstein, Germany in 1945 and was one of three children to Horst and Elisabeth Schmidt.  Just before Dieter’s twelfth birthday, he and his family immigrated to the United Stated in search of a better life and the “American Dream.”

Upon arriving in the United States, Dieter and his family settled in Clifton.  The family then moved to Passaic where he attended school.

Dieter owned and operated M&W Truck Repair in Clifton.  In 1981 Dieter bought a Matco Tool route which he operated until 1984.  Dieter opened his own auto body repair facility in Middlesex, NJ, named Lincoln Auto Body.  Dieter owned this business for thirty two years.

While at his body shop in Middlesex, he became interested in dirt track racing and went on to build and own various race cars throughout the years.  His Dirt Track Racing career spanned over a period of thirty years.  Dieter was introduced to his wife Mildred Marella.  Dieter and Mildred were married on June 14, 1975.  

Dieter was a delightfully personable man whom everyone liked being around.  He was extremely hard working, fanatical about details, and meticulously neat and organized. He has been described by many of his family and friends as the epitome of a perfectionist.  Dieter was a truly special man who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.      

Dieter is survived by his wife Mildred Schmidt of Montville, two daughters; Denise Schmidt of Clifton and her daughter Emily Sara Rose Glickman, and Debbie Diamond-Schmidt of Hawthorne, his mother Elisabeth Schmidt of Lake Hiawatha, two sisters; Doris Rose and her husband Robert of Montville, and Ingrid St Jean and her husband Gary of Montville, , three nephews; Anthony Marella, Joseph Marella, and Keith St Jean, three nieces; Sharon Evans, Heather Bott, Jackie Jacobson, as well as two great nieces and three great nephews.    

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dieter’s name may be made to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.

Ann C. Moen, age 84, of Bloomingdale, and a former longtime resident of Pequannock, passed from this life into the presence of God her father, her savior Jesus, and the Holy Spirit on Friday, May 28, 2021. She was in the comfort of her home with loving members of her family present at the time of her passing.

Ann was the daughter of Cornelius Stols and Clara (Casteline) Stols. She was born in Clifton but raised in Paterson at the family home located at 436 East 21st Street. After graduating from Eastside High School, she initially worked as a bank teller for First National Bank and Trust Company in her hometown of Paterson.

Ann grew up attending the People’s Park Netherland Reformed Church in Paterson. Among the other kids in the church that were her age was a young guy named Peter Moen. They began dating as young adults and, after getting engaged in Central Park in New York City during the weekend of Palm Sunday in 1956, they set their wedding date for Saturday, August 30, 1958. That summer day, they exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends at People’s Park Church with the wedding ceremony officiated by Reverend Zijderveld. After a reception with 130 guests at the Robin Hood Inn in Clifton, Ann and Pete honeymooned in sunny Florida. Their first home as Mr and Mrs Moen was in a two-family home owned by relatives located at 131 East 2nd Street in Clifton.

Prior to marriage and at Pete’s recommendation, Ann left her job at the bank to go work in the accounting department at New Jersey Bell Telephone Company in Newark because they offered better benefits. One of those benefits was meeting several women who would become life-long friends.  Over the years they would faithfully meet each month until they were all well advanced in years and time took its toll.  She remained with Bell-Tell until the fall of 1961 when the blessing of her first-born son named Peter Jay led Ann into a new role as mother and full-time homemaker. In 1962, Ann, Pete, and Peter Jay moved into a new home that they had built on Jacksonville Road in Pequannock. In the next few years one had to wonder if Ann and Pete were trying to start their own basketball team as they welcomed three more baby boys - first Neal (‘63), followed by Mark (’65), and then Steven (’69).

Ann approached motherhood and homemaking from a very practical philosophy. She scheduled her responsibilities down to a well-oiled routine. At the Moen house, you could always know what night of the week it was by what was served that night because it was the same every week. Sunday dinner enjoyed the time-honored tradition of being after church and, for many years, the menu alternated weeks between chicken and beef, ultimately giving way to a weekly London broil. Ann’s culinary skills were good but it was her baking that put the biggest smiles on her family’s faces.

When all of Ann’s sons reached that age of relative independence, she decided to venture back into work outside of the home. First, Ann worked at Orie Van Wingerden Greenhouses in Pompton Plains, starting plants from seed in early spring. She later took a part-time job working summers at the Farm View Road Stand on Black Oak Ridge Road in Wayne. Her last job before full retirement was at the Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes. Ann’s husband Pete had previously taken a job there in his semi-retirement as a business manager and head of the church’s cemetery. When a need arose for someone to clean the church, it was Ann who took the job. She kept that church sparkling clean for five years before retiring at age 67.

Retirement for Ann and Pete afforded the adventures of annual trips to Florida to escape the cold winters in New Jersey and to enjoy the company of snow-bird friends. Every summer during the months of June and September, Ann and Pete would stay at their summer home – a bungalow built in 1950 by Pete’s parents –   which was located down the Jersey shore (Exit 82) at Midway Beach in South Seaside Park. After Pete passed away in 2008, Ann remained in her home in Pequannock until 2015 when she joined her son Peter and his wife Donna at their home in Bloomingdale. There she had her own spacious apartment, affording her the independence everyone desires without the heavy responsibilities of home ownership.  As Ann’s acuity decreased over the years due to Lewy Body Dementia, God brought Christian caregivers to Peter and Donna who ministered to Ann and them in providing for Ann’s daily care.

Ann’s number one most enjoyed pastime was reading. She had a penchant for picking books from the Pequannock Library that had any type of beach scene on the cover. It was nothing unusual for Ann to easily tear through two or three books per week! When the town built the new library, Pete and Ann donated funds to support the library expansion due their joint love of reading.  You can find a gold plaque on the brick wall inside the library as a testament to that love.  Ann also loved making puzzles. Her home always included a board on the floor or a table in the sun room of the house with a “work-in-progress” puzzle. It was there for anyone if they wanted to spend a few minutes or a good long sit challenging themselves to assemble one of those 1,000- or 1,500-piece puzzles.

Ann was always up for a visit from one or all of her thirteen grandchildren. They had a nickname for her – “Candy Grandma” because they could count on a plentitude of candy treats generously offered anytime she was around.  Ann cherished spending time with her thirteen grandchildren.  From writing them letters at camp to attending birthday parties, graduations, showers, and weddings.  She always had time to show her support and love.  

A member of the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church since November, 1966, Ann loved her church and church family and always came away blessed by Sunday worship and years of learning about God’s truths, promises and guidance for this life. Ann was active in the church as a regular participant in the Monday night ladies Bible study, the weekly prayer gathering, the household ministry, and fellowship committee.  She supported Pete as a Deacon’s wife and later as an Elder’s wife.  Pete and Ann would often host visiting pastors in their home.  Ann loved to sing praises to God too and always looked forward to singing on Sundays in the church choir.

Ann was everything you could ask for from a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was a loving, caring, and compassionate woman. Gentle in sharing the wisdom that came with age and experience, she would never dream of being overbearing or demanding in sharing that wisdom. Her greatest gift was probably her faithful example of Christian love. Thankful for God’s faithfulness and love shown to her, she considered Christ to be the greatest example of how to love her own family, which she always considered one of God’s finest blessings to her.

Ann was the beloved wife of Pete Moen, blessed in marriage for 50 years until his passing in 2008. She was the most loving mother of four great sons: Peter J. Moen and wife Donna of Bloomingdale, Neal E. Moen and wife Daneen of Pequannock, Mark A. Moen and Christine Orozco of Pawcatuck, CT, and Steven S. Moen and wife Suzie of Jefferson; cherished grandmother of: Jonathan Moen and wife Kristyn of Upton, MA, Scott Moen and wife Maya of Pompton Plains, Elizabeth Ann Moen of Piscataway, Heather Speer and husband Jesse of Lincoln Park, Stephanie Ingis and husband Benjamin of Jefferson, Mykaela Moen of Pequannock, Tyler Moen of Pequannock, Alexandria Moen of Dudley, MA, Connor Moen of Niantic, CT, Samuel Moen of Jefferson, Stacy Aubrey and husband Caleb of Granville, NY, Sawyer Moen of Jefferson, and Sierra Moen of Jefferson; and adoring great-grandmother of Camille Moen of Pompton Plains.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ann’s name are asked to consider Pequannock Township Library or Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church.

Mask Protocol – While we rejoice that God has brought a reduction of impact of the virus to our land, we continue to be mindful that many are still getting sick. In order to do our part to reduce the spread of disease, we ask that you please wear a mask as you greet us in line to share your condolences and remembrances.

Allen L. Schaefer, age 77 of Riverdale, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

Allen had been a warehouse manager throughout his career, working for several companies. He was most recently with BJ’s Wholesale Club Receiving Department in Riverdale. His career ended there in 2017 after he was involved in an accident that fractured his neck. Allen was temporarily paralyzed, but fortunate to have an excellent surgical team who were able to repair his neck, allowing him to walk again.

Allen grew up in Paterson and graduated from Paterson Tech High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the 1960’s, serving most of his time in Germany. Allen’s favorite pastime, especially during the pandemic, was watching television! He particularly loved old cowboy movies with John Wayne, or watching sports. He was a Green Bay Packers fan, Notre Dame fan, and loved to watch baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants.

Allen married and had two daughters before his wife passed away in 1993, at just forty-six years old. With the help of family, he raised his two daughters as a single dad. In 2006, Allen met Marianne DiGirolamo at a meeting of “Parents Without Partners,” and their love blossomed quickly. Marianne had little desire to get married again, but Allen was charming, kind, and persistent.  They were married on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10), and they enjoyed a family trip to Disney World a short time later to celebrate. Throughout their years together, they’ve visited Disney World eleven times, and it has always been a favorite destination of theirs. It’s no wonder that Allen’s two cats are named Tigger and Pooh!. Allen was a devoted husband to his beloved Marianne, and he was always very good to her. They’ve enjoyed a very loving marriage and she will miss him dearly.

Allen is survived by his wife, Marianne (nee DiGirolamo) of Riverdale, three children; Sandra Hilgemberg and her husband Niv, Kimberly Iovino and her husband Gerard, and Linda Kearney and her husband Kevin, five grandchildren; Alexandria, Nicole, and Rachael Hilgemberg, Logan Iovino, and Marissa Verdon and her husband Andrew, five great-grandchildren; Ariana, Rylin, Briella, Andrew, and Serafina, and one brother; James Schaffer and his wife Patricia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Allen’s memory would be appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org.

William F. Keenan, age 63, of North Bergen, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

Bill was born and raised in the Totowa section of Paterson. He loved living there and he knew a lot about the city’s history. One of his favorite sites was the famous Paterson Falls. Back when Bill was young, almost all automobiles had chrome bumpers. Consequently, one of Bill’s first jobs was working for a bumper re-chromer in Paterson. He then moved on to driving cabs which led him to his most recent job he held for many years as a courier with Federal Express. This was his favorite job, and the one he was most proud of. He knew the ins-and-outs of all his routes before GPS existed and often took over-time driving the routes no one wanted to take. Bill was often known to follow the road less traveled.

Bill was truly one the most down-to-earth, unpretentious individual you could imagine knowing. He needed very little this world had to offer and enjoyed the simple things in life. Fishing was one of his most favorite pastimes. If cars could be purchased offering the “fishing pole option” that would be the car that Bill would buy. He always had a fishing pole in the back seat or trunk because he never knew when he might want to stop and wet his line in the water. He fished everywhere and especially enjoyed fishing at Wawayanda State Park at the New York and New Jersey border. It was a hobby he later passed down to his son Maxwell and it holds as Max’s fondest memory and connection to his father. Other hobbies of Bill’s included drawing, collecting rocks and antiques, Crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles, and mailing lottery tickets back-and-forth with his sister Rita.

Bill was very kind and extremely thoughtful. He demonstrated a caring heart for people and, taking great interest in their lives, he was known for surprising family and friends with just the perfect little gift or for touching their heart with the thoughtful words he would scribe into a greeting card for all kinds of occasions – birthdays, Christmas, or just to encourage or to say thank you.

Bill was certainly no stranger to hardship in his life. He would be the first to admit to an alcohol and drug addiction and the heartache and pain that it caused for his family and others in his life. After repeated attempts to get sober, in 2014, he was finally able to find peace and sobriety through a ministry called Transformation Life Center or “TLC” in West Park, NY. While finally winning the battle over addiction was so very welcomed, it was winning the war over the power of sin and Satan and finding eternal life through his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ that Bill considered the real victory and the greatest catalyst for sobriety. He was so grateful to TLC for their Christian Discipleship program that helped him to learn how to recover and subsequently manage a new life of hope and freedom of mind, body and soul through understanding and rebuilding his true self-identity and purpose found only in Jesus Christ.

While staying at Transformation Life Center, Bill helped them to start a thrift store – a skill he learned while living for a couple of years at the Salvation Army in Paterson. He eventually finished the program at TLC and moved to Haledon, NJ. While there, he had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman named Al Verduin while visiting New Hope Ministries in Prospect Park one day. Al and Bill hit it off beautifully! Bill started attending Al’s church – Living Word Reformed Church in North Haledon where he was growing in his faith. He was even singing in the church’s chorus. Al became Bill’s personal “Uber driver” by picking him up for Tuesday night choir rehearsals, church on Sunday morning, as well as for taking him to all his doctor appointments. Bill was so grateful for Al’s selfless service, especially for taking Bill to watch his daughter Rilee’s soccer games at DePaul High School in Wayne. One year for Christmas Bill sent Al a card in which he expressed that “every day is Christmas when you know the Lord”.

Since Bill came to sobriety, his life changed dramatically. He enjoyed his new found peace so very much. Because Bill believed that, once this life is over, the only thing that goes on is our relationships with other people, he made it one of his primary missions to do his best to repair the relationships that he so much wanted to be healthy. He did his best to love his children by owning up to his mistakes and by being the best father he could be. He so much enjoyed talking on the phone with his sister Rita and they called each other every day. They also spoke every night at 10:00 PM and were a constant source of love and affirmation for each other. Bill was really a true love! Even the homeless dogs in Paterson were important to him and he showed love to them by regularly buying them dog food. Rest in God’s everlasting, loving peace Bill!

Bill is survived by his two dear daughters and two dear sons: Madison Keenan, Rilee Keenan, Maxwell Keenan and William Latham. His dear sister Rita Bracco and husband Jimmy of Roxbury; and his niece and two nephews: Chrissie, Brian and Michael. He was predeceased by his parents: Emett Francis Keenan and Elizabeth (Daly) Keenan; his sister Bernice DeGroot; and his two nephews: Thomas and Jay.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s name are asked to consider Living Word Reformed Church, 21 Pleasant View Drive, North Haledon, NJ 07508 or The Salvation Army in Paterson, 541-545 W. Broadway, Paterson, New Jersey 07509. Click Here to Donate Online.

A Live-Stream of the church service will be available Wednesday 10 AM at https://www.facebook.com/OLCWayne/.

Tricia McCall, age 55, of Wayne NJ, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a brain aneurism on Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

Tricia was born in the Bronx, New York to the late William and Andrea Conroy and was raised in Suffern, New York. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Albertus Magnus High School, and completed her senior year at Suffern High with the Class of 1984. She played sports and was involved in various clubs and activities.

Tricia worked at McDonald’s in Suffern during her high school years. After college, she worked at Datascope of Montvale NJ, where she met her future husband and love of her life, Eddie McCall. She took time off to raise her beloved children, Danielle and Christian. In 2012, she re-entered the workforce at the Ready Set Grow pre-school in Wayne and worked alongside her best friend, Alicia Disteso. Following this, Tricia’s passion for cooking led her to pursue a career at Wegmans Grocery in Montvale NJ, where she has worked for the past four years.

Tricia was an avid reader of mysteries, drama, murder mysteries and her favorite author was Tom Clancy. When it came to going to the beach, she had to have a hardcover book and when driving she was always listening to an audiobook. Tricia McCall was a selfless woman and always put the needs of others before her own. She was a dedicated and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter in-law, co-worker, and friend. She will be lovingly remembered as a big Star Trek Fan, thrill seeker, and a great cook who was willing to cook or eat any new recipe. She was very social and loved going out for a Girl’s Nights with her best friends. Tricia loved spending time with these friends and enjoyed activities like ceramics, having a wine night, painting, or even a trip to Atlantic City.

Tricia loved to travel, and her favorite destinations included the Caribbean and especially St. Lucia. For the past fifteen years, the family made annual President’s Day week trips to St Lucia where many family memories were made. Anyone who knows Tricia will tell you she was going to be late. She always set her clocks 15 minutes fast to ensure that she was only 30 minutes fashionable late. Tricia will be remembered for being her children’s biggest (and loudest) fan at their sporting events. Whether it was football, lacrosse, or soccer, she didn’t miss a game and was always dressed in the appropriate jersey or shirt to show her team support.

After Tricia and her husband Ed met while working at Datascope, he decided to take her out on a date. After their first date at the Capitol Grill in Paramus, they fell in love. They married on December 12, 1998 at The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale. They then honeymooned for three weeks on the French Polynesian Island of Bora Bora in the South Pacific. Tricia and Ed have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of twenty-three years that was blessed with two children and endless memories and laughter.

Tricia was a longstanding member of Our Lady of Consolation and taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for several years. Her devotion to others is exemplified by her organ donation with the New Jersey Sharing Network. Tricia was a registered organ donor, and this resulted in the continued life of three strangers. She selflessly gave gifts to also help over one hundred individuals in need. Tricia has, is, and always will be our HERO.

She was the loving wife of Edward McCall; devoted mother of Danielle and Christian of Wayne, NJ; she was the dearly loved sister of Lynda Kelly of Airmont, NY, Kathleen Mallon of Harriman, NY, and Michael Conroy of Suffern, NY. Tricia was a family woman and a loving daughter-in-law to Angela and Charles McCall and sister-in-law to Michael and Suzanne McCall, and Annamaria and Tom Reilly. Tricia loved her 9 nieces and nephews.

Those contemplating a memorial donation are asked to consider The Sharing Network https://www.njsharingnetwork.org/contribute.

Haido Siris age 81 of Riverdale, New Jersey passed away peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2021 while receiving the loving care and in the presence of her family.  

Haido was born and raised in Etea Greece and was the middle child of three children to Elias and Katina Tsonos.  Haido and her family immigrated to the United States in 1954 in search of a better life and the “American Dream.”  Upon arriving in the United States, the family settled in Washington Heights, NY in a predominantly Greek community.  While living there, Haido attended George Washington High School where she won first place in a dance contest and eventually earned her high school degree in 1958.  Following her graduation from George Washington, Haido worked for a short time as a beautician in a local beauty salon.  The following year in 1959, a close family friend introduced her to her future love, a handsome and ambitious young man by the name of Prodromos Siris.  The two hit it off wonderfully and started dating.  As fate would have it they fell in love and were married at the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Washington Heights, New York City on May 8, 1960.  After getting married, Haido stopped working at the beauty salon and devoted the rest her life to supporting her husband’s restaurant career and being a homemaker.

Haido and Prodromos stayed in Washington Heights after getting married and while living there they welcomed the births of their two sons William in 1962 and Leo in 1963.  The family remained in Washington Heights until 1974, and with a lot of hard work and determination, they moved across the river to Palisades Park, New Jersey.  After two years living in Palisades Park and again with a lot of hard work Haido and her family bought their first home in Wayne, New Jersey in 1976.  In 1981, they moved again to Lincoln Park and then several years later to Riverdale, New Jersey.  

Haido was not only devoted to her family, but also to her Orthodox Faith and was a member of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff for many years.

One of the family’s favorite pastimes was travel.  Haido and Prodromos traveled to many different and exotic destinations including the Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, and the Grand Cayman Islands.  They also visited their homeland of Greece as well as Italy, California, Las Vegas, and Florida.  The beaches of the Caribbean islands was where Haido was most happy.  The family also cherished yearly vacations locally at the Jersey Shore.  

Haido’s life was very much centered around the life of her husband and was a large part of his success. She was often seen helping him at the different restaurants they owned through their lives. She and her husband were Restaurateurs, and enjoyed trying new food and seeking out new destinations to dine.  The couple were avid party hosts throughout their lives.  They treasured hosting family events, where at times their home would be filled with one hundred people or more.  They also frequented a variety of Greek restaurants in Astoria, New York as well.  

Haido was a social butterfly and loved to mingle and meet people.  She was compassionate and outgoing.  She was a wonderful cook and was famous for her Greek Cookies at Christmas time.  Aside from all of Haido’s talents, hobbies and interests, her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Haido than spending time with and providing for her husband and two sons.  Haido and Prodromos treasured fifty-two years of loving and loyal marriage until Prodromos’ passing in 2012.  Haido was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by her family and friends alike.

Haido is survived by her two sons; William Siris and his fiance Sonia of Boonton, and Leo Siris of Lincoln Park, two brothers; Drosos Tsonos and his wife Tasia of Washington Heights, and Kyriakos Tsonos and his wife Linda of Florida, 4 nephews and many cousins and extended family.  She was predeceased by her husband Prodromos Siris in 2012.

Your presence at the visiting hours and/or the funeral services is greatly appreciated and would be truly comforting to Haido’s family.

Maureen “Mo” Amoia, age 60, formerly of Little Falls and Bayonne passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 23, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family and after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  

Maureen was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey and was one of three children to Jack and Jeanette Amoia.  Growing up in Jersey City, Maureen attended Dickerson High School where she graduated with the class of 1978.  Following her graduation from high school, Maureen worked a variety of jobs for several years until getting married when she was about twenty-five years old.  After getting married, Maureen settled in Bayonne where she welcomed the births of her two children, Gina and Joseph.  She and her family remained in Bayonne for twenty-five years. She then moved to Little Falls where she lived for about six years until moving to Wayne with her daughter in 2021.  Over the years, Maureen’s family and closest of friends affectionately referred to her as “Mo.”  

Maureen made the decision to become a full time homemaker when her children were born.  After about ten years of being a full-time homemaker and when Maureen’s children were in school full time, she decided to re-enter the workforce. Maureen found work quickly and accepted a position as a teacher’s aide for children with special needs.  

After several years as a teacher’s aide, Maureen made a career change and took a job as a Medical Secretary.  Maureen was employed as a Medical Secretary for more than fifteen years, most recently working for Northeastern Spinal and Rehab in Woodland Park, NJ.  Maureen kept her position as a Medical Secretary until approximately three years ago when her illness prevented her from working.  

Maureen loved to watch movies and TV, some of her favorite shows being Big Bang Theory, Jeopardy, Friends, and Grey’s Anatomy.  One of Maureen's favorite past times was traveling.  Wherever Maureen traveled, there was sure to be a beach.  Relaxing on the beach was where Maureen was most happy.  She and her family treasured taking day trips to Bradley Beach at the Jersey Shore and vacationing to such destinations as Bermuda, the Bahamas, Aruba, and Jamaica.  Maureen was an avid gardener and cherished spending time on the properties where she lived, making sure that her landscaping was immaculate. Her favorite flower was the rose, and although she didn’t grow them, she always incorporated the flower as part of her home décor, be it pillows, paintings, candles, or table decorations.  She had quite the "green thumb,” having plants in her home that were more than thirty years old.

But aside from all of Maureen’s interests, talents, and hobbies, her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Maureen than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchild.  She truly cherished gathering together with friends and family.  She was a wonderful cook, always looking forward to hosting holidays, and took great pride in her pasta sauce.   Throughout Maureen’s life, she made many friends.  She had a contagious sense of humor and loved to laugh.  She was wonderfully organized and strictly routined.  She had a place for everything and everything was in its place.  Another special part of Maureen’s life were her dogs; Crystal, Benny, and Jazzy.   Maureen was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Maureen is survived by her daughter Gina Segali and her husband Michael of Wayne, her son Joseph Rutigliano and his wife Katelyn of Little Falls, two sisters; Barbara Amoia of Pompton Plains, and Patricia Amoia of Jersey City, her mother Jeanette Amoia of Toms River, one granddaughter Siena Segali of Wayne, and one granddaughter “on the way”, one nephew Matthew Shindle of Lake Hopatcong, and one niece Vanessa Shindle of Pompton Plains.  She was predeceased by her father Jack J Amoia in 2004.

Donations in Maureen's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, NJ Chapter, PO Box P, 2310 Route 34 Suite 1D, Manasquan, NJ 08736.  http://cancer.org

Craig F. Smith (Bedford), 78, of Big Pine Key, Florida and formerly of Packanack Lake in Wayne, died on Friday, May 21, 2021 after a prolonged illness. He was affectionately known as “The Big Guy.”

Craig was born in Teaneck, NJ and graduated from Hackensack High School in 1960.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Craig served on the U.S.S. Fort Snelling, then three tours in Vietnam on the U.S.S. Enterprise. On one occasion while home on temporary leave from service, Craig visited a tavern where his Uncle Charles Loughman was bartender. In came this tall, beautiful young lady who was attending grad school up the street at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She certainly caught Craig’s eye and, as luck would have it, Uncle Charlie knew her and was able to introduce her to Craig. Her name was Marguerite “Marge” Siersma and, to say their relationship got off to a great start would have to be the understatement of the 20th century. This encounter in the tavern occurred on a Friday afternoon and two days later – a mere 48 hours, they eloped to Fairfax, Virginia, and got married at the Fairfax United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 1, 1967. They would have married in New Jersey but there was a three day waiting period to get a marriage license and Craig and Marge didn’t want to wait that long.

Newly married, Craig and Marge lived for the first eight years in Hanahan, SC where Craig was stationed with the Navy. Besides those three tours to Vietnam on the U.S.S. Enterprise, Craig also served a tour on the U.S.S. Skill. It was the last tour for that ship and Craig had the honor of de-commissioning it. It was around this time that Craig’s father-in-law passed away. His mother-in-law called and offered Integrity Enterprises, the family-owned pool liner manufacturing business, located in Fairfield, to Craig and Marge. Very soon after, in 1973, Craig was honorably discharged from the Navy. For his thirteen years of service to his country, Craig was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Upon return to civilian life, Craig and Marge relocated to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne where they purchased the home located at 46 Oakwood Drive. Some years later, they moved to the other side of the lake, to the home located at 75 Alpine Drive. During over thirty years as residents in Packanack Lake, Craig was active in the community, including serving on the Board of Governors for the Packanack Lake Golf Club.

Craig and Marge were blessed with two great children – their son William “Bill” and their daughter Marguerite. With a father like Craig, life in the Smith house was interesting to say the least. When they were little, Craig was known for saying crazy stuff to them like “Hey kids, I hear a truck coming. Why don’t you go play in the street?”  Bill and Marguerite will always have fond memories of traveling with Dad and Mom and camping in the Carolinas. There was always lots of singing on those trips and Craig would say things like “Oh! Look kids, there’s a Burger King! Oh, too bad, there it goes.”

Craig and Marge always had an ‘open door’ policy at their home, welcoming everyone. If you walked through their door, you were treated like family, and they were even known to let friends move in and stay for a while when necessary. Their pool parties were the stuff of legends and regularly featured karaoke with the likes of Craig himself flipping up his collar and doing his best Elvis impersonation. Pool parties were only topped by the unforgettable, Christmas Eve celebrations at the Smiths house! The house would be overflowing with friends, mountains of food, plenty to drink, and Santa would always arrive bearing gifts for all the kids. It was consistently an incredible time for all of their guests, and the laughs would last for weeks. Craig and Marge unwittingly caused a bit of a crisis for many of their friends when they retired to Florida in 2004 and the Christmas Eve parties ended! Some friends called them that first Christmas and said “we’ve been going to your party for so many years and we just don’t know what to do with ourselves now!”

Who would have thought that two people, marrying 48 hours after meeting each other, could have such a blessed marriage? Well, that’s exactly what Craig and Marge had. For their 50th wedding anniversary they renewed their wedding vows and had a party at the Cosmopolitan on Route 23 in Wayne. Craig liked to joke that Marge robbed the cradle but, truth be told, she was only two-and-a-half months older than him.

They traveled to many domestic and foreign pool conventions and after trips with Eileen and Bob Malahame of Pennsylvania and their children, Matthew and Jennifer. Craig and Marge were very fortunate to be able to travel around the world with their dear friends, the O’Connor’s, the Silk’s and the Hatolski’s. They had so many laughs together!  For example, when making reservations for dinner, they would always book the reservation under the name “O’Smilks” which was a little bit of each of their last names put together. During all their travels, Craig and Marge, visited every continent except Antarctica. Craig would always come home with incredible stories about their trip, some of them so incredible that he’d have to tell you “…true story, kiddo. True story!” Craig was a funny, crazy, happy and super outgoing human being. It was very common for Craig to say something like, “Hey Pal, gotta minute? Can I tell you a story?”  He will be dearly missed by countless friends and all of his loving family.

Craig is survived by his beloved wife, Marguerite “Marge” Smith of Big Pine Key, FL, two children; William ‘Bill’ Smith and his wife Tammy of Kinnelon, Marguerite Kabula and her husband Curt of Wayne, four grandchildren; Brett and Brandon Smith of Kinnelon, and Trent and Maggie Kabula of Wayne, two brothers; Harry Bedford and wife Jana of Hewitt, NJ, David Bedford and wife Linda of Myrtle Beach, SC, and two sisters; Barbara Newman and husband Fred of Louisburg, NC, and Joann Nicoletti and husband Ralph of Port St. Lucie, FL.

Joseph G. Kent, age 87 of Pompton Lakes, died peacefully at home on May 20, 2021 with his family gathered at his bedside.

Joe is survived by his wife Jean (nee Baumgartner), sons Steven and Michael, and daughter Janet Kent Peterson, grandchildren; Jackie Laurice and her husband Ryan, Steven Kent Jr. and his wife Krystle, David, James and Nick Kent, and four great-grandchildren.

Donations in Joe’s memory would be appreciated to the Salvation Army.

Monica B. Fengya (nee Quinn), age 88 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 19, 2021 with her loving family gathered at her bedside.

Monica was born in Newark and grew up in the Roseville section. A graduate of Barringer High School, she loved Irish dancing, ballet, playing piano, and sewing. Monica met her husband, Henry, on a blind date with several other couples. They enjoyed themselves, and she told Henry that he was the nicest dressed out of them all. Their love blossomed and Henry mustered the courage to propose. They were married on December 12, 1953 at Blessed Sacrament Church in East Orange, NJ, followed by a honeymoon to the Poconos.  They settled in Little Falls before moving to Wayne in 1964. They have enjoyed a devoted and loving marriage for sixty-seven years.

Monica loved her home, and especially her kitchen. She was an excellent cook and an even better baker. Her family recalls that everything she made was exceptional, and you never left her home hungry. She was happiest when her family was gathered at her home, and nothing really brought her more joy than that. She raised five children in their home, and she was instrumental in the lives of her nine grandchildren. She was very proud of them and felt truly blessed by them all. Living in Packanack Lake, Monica was a member of the Packanack Garden Club, the Tennis Club, and she walked around the lake often, making several laps daily. She had a magnetic personality and was very sociable, yet she enjoyed her privacy as well.

Monica was a devoted Catholic and parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church for decades. She taught religious education there for nearly forty years, prayed the novena on many occasions, and faithfully attended mass. As her grandchildren came along, she began to attend mass with them in their church, taking an active role in their religious education as well. In recent years, she became a parishioner at Annunciation RC Church in Wayne. Her strong faith was the foundation for her marriage and her family, and she was very grateful for all the blessings God allowed her to enjoy in this life.

Monica is survived by her beloved husband, Henry, or Wayne, five children; Bruce Fengya and his wife Donna of Clifton, Kathleen Gunning and her husband Harold of Mantua, NJ, Monica Johnson and her husband Keith of Jefferson, NJ, Brian Fengya and his wife Mary of Wayne, and Kevin Fengya of Wayne, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Clare Kathleen Gellene (nee Ryan), 90, of Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, May 18 in the loving care of her family.

Clare was born August 22, 1930 in Paterson and grew up in Clifton, the second daughter of Thomas Ryan, a self-taught machinist, and Martha (McCoy) Ryan, a homemaker. Clare always spoke with pride that her father’s skills were high in demand, allowing him to stay employed during the worst depths of the Great Depression.

Clare attended St. George’s Elementary School and St. John’s High School, both in Paterson. As a teenager, she enjoyed the music of her favorite singer, Frankie Laine, and was a member of St. John’s varsity cheerleading squad. After graduating from high school in 1948, Clare went on to learn secretarial skills at Katherine Gibbs College, excelling to land a prestigious executive secretary position with Philip Morris in Manhattan.

She married her husband of 59 years, John Francis Gellene, on April 25, 1953 at their home parish of St. George’s Roman Catholic Church in Paterson. Though John went to St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, he attended dances at St. John’s, hoping to catch the attention of Clare, whom he first met in grade school. Their first official date was at the Jersey Shore, where Clare, a friend, and her friend’s family were invited for dinner at the Belmar summer home of John’s parents. When dinner was finished, John took Clare to the movies to see “Great Expectations,” leaving everyone else behind.

Soon after her marriage, Clare left her job at Philip Morris to raise a family. They moved in 1957 from Paterson to a newly built home in Wayne, where they raised their six children and lived the rest of their lives.

Throughout her life, Clare was guided by her deep Catholic faith. She and John were founding members of Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church in Wayne. They passed along their faith to their children, sending them to Our Lady of the Valley School and DePaul Catholic High School. She and John attended Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations of their grandchildren, whether they were in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Texas, Indiana, Massachusetts, or California. Clare prayed the rosary nightly and attended or watched Mass daily. For many years, she participated in Bible study and taught CCD, devoting hours each week to preparing students’ lessons. She was a member of the Adoration Society Chapel, committing herself to serving several hours every week. She also prepared meatballs at home to feed those in need at Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson.

Clare was an avid collector of stuffed bears, including one dressed as a New York Yankee stationed near the television set when she watched the team play. She was skilled at knitting and embroidering, making sweaters and other gifts for her children and grandchildren. An enthusiastic gardener, she spent many happy spring afternoons filling her flowerbeds with colorful petunias and impatiens, and tending to her prized azaleas, rhododendrons, and peonies.

Clare was quick with a smile, loved to laugh, and had a special ability to laugh at herself. One family tradition at gatherings was a competitive pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey game, the highlight of which was Clare’s hilarious effort to pin the tail in the vicinity of the picture. Her home was always immaculate, and in her later years, whenever her adult children visited from out-of-state, she was sure to stock their favorite breakfast cereal, as well as a supply of ground coffee, which she didn’t drink herself.

Throughout her life Clare was proudest of her family. In 2015, 52 members of her family gathered in Belmar to celebrate her 85th birthday. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, family members throughout the United States celebrated her 90th birthday on a Zoom gathering.

Clare was preceded in death by her husband, John, and a sister, Nora Ryan Bailey.

Clare is survived by her children Denise Gellene Bates (James) of Arcadia, CA, John G. Gellene (Jean) of New York City, Gregory Gellene (Deborah) of Lubbock, TX, Lisa Gallagher (Eugene) of Mahwah, David Gellene (Ellen) Yorktown, VA, and Matthew Gellene (Beth) of Needham, MA; cherished grandmother of 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters Patricia Lyness of Toms River and Janet Sabeh of Edison.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clare’s memory to Eva’s Village, the successor to Eva’s Kitchen, 393 Main St., Paterson,  N.J. 07501.

Horst Kajah, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 17, 2021 with his wife of 64 years by his side.

Horst was born in Seehausen, Germany, and experienced life as a refugee in Denmark with his widowed mother, twin sister, and two younger brothers before settling in Pinneberg, Germany, after the war. A few years later, he met Magda and after marrying, the two decided that moving to the United States would offer them what war- torn Germany could not. They were sponsored by Pastor Hüssmann and the congregation of Immanuel Baptist Church in Woodside, NY, a German community that became their family in this country. Horst, Magda, Angela, Christine and Stephan moved to Pompton Lakes in 1965, where Marion Court became their home for the next 56 years. There, Thomas was born and Horst was able to practice some of his most treasured hobbies: keeping chickens, growing his garden, and buying live Christmas trees each year to plant in the backyard. When he wasn’t outside, he could be found building, fixing, or tinkering with any number of items - from grandchildren’s karaoke machines to a friend’s carburetor - at his work bench. Horst’s work ethic was one of the most marked parts of his personality, and it aged well with him. He loved to work and did so retiring from his career as a machinist at the age of 82, while working at Dikeman Laminating, Clifton, NJ, at the time. At one point the only Billhöfer machinist in the United States, Horst was flown all over the country to repair the machines he first learned as an apprentice in Pinneberg, Germany.

Horst will be remembered for his jokes, long stories, and playful demeanor, always ready for a conversation with a stranger, neighbor, or friend. He and Magda participated actively in their church community at Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park, NJ, where Horst proudly served as an usher for many years, as well as serving with Magda in the church’s Disabilities Ministry. Anyone who knew him, even as an acquaintance, knew the great pride Horst had in his German heritage, which he very intentionally instilled in his family. Horst, Magda, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have spent years maintaining German holiday traditions, participating in German heritage festivals, and attending the Steuben Parade in New York quite religiously. Horst’s passionate character will live on in his family, as most of them have been blessed with his quick temper and fire, making them fiercely loyal and defensive of those they love, just as he was.

Horst was predeceased by his children, Angela Winters, 2018, and Stephan Kajah, 2006. He is left by his wife, Magda, of Pompton Lakes, his son-in-law, Brian Winters, of Bloomingdale, daughter, Christine Pallo, and her husband, Steve, of Pompton Lakes, son, Thomas Kajah, and his wife, Marcy, of Londonderry, VT, and his grandchildren, Rebecca Peller and her husband, Jason, of Pompton Plains, Courtney Laurente and her husband, Michael, of Wayne, Sarah Hout and her husband, Jonathan, of Forest, VA, Kerstin and Heidi Pallo of Beverly, MA, Devan and Lily Kajah of Londonderry, VT, and eight great-grandchildren, Liam, Noah, Luke, and James Peller, Caleb, Hannah, and Daniel Hout, and Charlotte Laurente.

George Halas, age 90, of Wayne, passed away on May 16, 2021. George was the son of first-generation Hungarian immigrants, John and Mary (Nyikos) Halasz, the beloved husband of Rosemary and father of five children: John, Karen, Kathleen, Maribeth and Thomas.

Upon graduating from Passaic High School, Class of 1947, George served our country following World War II and during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy. During his tour of duty, he served as a machinist mate aboard the USS Antietam CV-36, the USS Maddox DD-731 and the USS Merrimack A037. After being discharged from the Navy in 1953, George earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Applying his experience from the Navy and his formal education, he began his career as a detail and layout draftsman at Curtiss-Wright Aerospace.

Soon after, George found his true calling, education. He returned to school, earning a Master’s degree from Montclair State University and a school administrator’s certificate from Rutgers University. There he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society and Epsilon Pi Tau honor society, respectively.

George went on to enjoy a 39-year career at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne where he impacted the lives of countless students and staff. During his tenure at Passaic County Tech, he served as a drafting instructor, counselor, guidance director, vice principal, and acting principal of technical and vocational instruction.

His involvement in the Passaic Boys Club and the leadership opportunities he received as a Camp Ocawasin counselor, shaped his life and sparked his love for the great outdoors. His great passion was fly fishing.  He spent many a day trout fishing in the Big Flat Brook in Stokes State Forest and in the running waters of the Ramapo River.  He was also a member of the PasClif Ski Club where he not only spent time enjoying the slopes, but met his lifelong love and devoted wife of 59 years, Rosemary. Throughout their marriage, they both shared their love for the outdoors with their children and many grandchildren.

George, and his wife, Rosemary, are two of the founding members of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne. As an active church member, George served for many years as a lector, trustee, pastoral council member, chairman of the church directory, chairman of the annual church picnic committee and vice president of the Annunciation Prime Timers Club. He was also a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11943, serving as its treasurer for 20 years.

George was an avid fan of the New York Mets. He also had immense pride for the "Red Team", Rutgers University athletics. He loved to watch and root for his favorite teams alongside his wife, who adopted his love of sports over the years. He also enjoyed spending time with his beloved Labrador Retriever, Mandy, who was always at his side. George was also an avid gardener and woodworker, spending many days tending to his yard and building many personalized decorative pieces.

For 56 years, George resided in Wayne, where he and his wife, Rosemary, raised their five children. George is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemary, and their children: John (Susan) of Danville, CA, Karen (Daniel) Fern of Oakland, NJ, Kathleen (Matthew) Shoztic of Stamford, CT,  Maribeth (Barry) Hastings of Greenville, NC and Thomas (Tracey) of North Arlington, NJ. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Paige, Derek, Aiden and Mason Halas, William and Bradley Fern, Zachary and Ryan Shoztic, and Jackson, Emma, Avery and Brady Hastings.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in George's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Way, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or to Annunciation Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 45 Urban Club Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Jeffrey Peter Grifo, age 64, of Little Falls, passed away peacefully at home, in the presence of loving family and after a short illness, on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Jeff was born in Paterson and raised in Glen Ridge. He graduated from Glen Ridge High School with the Class of 1975 and during his high school years, he was the captain of the football team and golf team. After graduating from Ripon College in Wisconsin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Jeff came home to New Jersey and worked various jobs in New York City’s Garment District before returning to his first love – golf. He settled into a life-long career as a caddie master for Maplewood Country Club and, currently with Crestmont Country Club in West Orange. He was always a hard worker who took his work seriously and took great pride in serving the golfers well.

Jeff met the love of his life, Laura Lynskey on a blind date with his two sisters and their boyfriends at the Brass Rail in Hoboken. That blind date turned on the love-light for both Jeff and Laura. Marriage came on February 28, 1984 in Hoboken. It turned out that the year they married was a leap year and Jeff wanted to get married the next day on the 29th so that he would only have to remember his wedding anniversary once every four years. After a honeymoon in Jamaica, the newlyweds started married life in an apartment in Hoboken. Soon after, they were blessed with the birth of a beautiful baby girl which they happily named Jennifer. Shortly after, Jeff, Laura and Jennifer moved to a home located at 142 Main Avenue in Passaic Park. They remained there for thirteen years then bought a home at 107 Wilson Avenue in Wayne. Tired of raking leaves, they moved one more time, this time to Little Falls in 2010, and have remained there to the present.

Needless to say, Jeff was one of those rare individuals who liked to spend his days off where he worked. His days off were his chance to golf and boy-oh-boy, Jeff golfed a lot – both at the country clubs where he worked as well as other courses. Jeff also had the travel bug. His love of travel started right after high school when he spent the three months of summer backpacking throughout all of Europe with his best buddy from High School. Throughout their marriage, he and Laura enjoyed trips to Greece, Bermuda, Cabo, Arizona, San Francisco, and many visits to California including Carmel, San Diego to name a few. Laura and Jeff’s last trip in December, 2019, was a cruise to The Bahamas with four other ladies besides Laura which Jeff was fine with since he grew up with six sisters.

At home Jeff enjoyed the finer things of life like putting on the chef’s apron, rolling up his sleeves and creating a delicious meal. Laura loved his breakfast omelets – always fluffy, slightly browned with just the right tasty ingredients. His daughter Jennifer claimed that his Italian meatballs were her favorite. They must have been amazing because when Jeff and his siblings talked about having a meatball making competition which they were going to call a “meatball-off’, his sisters ultimately didn’t follow through because they knew Jeff’s would win hands down. Of course, when one is creating in the kitchen, there’s nothing like a bit of nice jazz music playing to inspire and make the mood pleasant. Jeff had that front covered in a giant way. He was a huge jazz music aficionado who possessed literally hundreds of vintage vinyl records, all, of course, in perfect condition. He was especially a fan of John Coltrane and also liked to listen to the blues. Even as he was ill at home these past couple of months, the music continued to play.

Jeff was the soft-spoken type but lots of fun and he possessed a great sense of humor. He was a softy by nature. When his daughter Jennifer was still living home, she wanted to get a dog. Jeff wasn’t high on the idea but, wanting to be a good dad, they got a little Yorkshire Terrier which Jenn named Bella. Well Bella won Jeff’s heart, so much so that, when they recently had to put her down, there was no one more heart broken than Jeff.

Jeff was the dearly beloved husband of Laura (Mary Lynskey), blessed in marriage for 37 years. He was the most loving father of Jennifer Marie Grifo-Villee and husband Bryan of Pequannock; adoring grandfather of Julian Villee; cherished son of June Grifo and the late James Grifo (2017) of Mendham; awesome brother of his one brother and six sisters: Jamie and wife Anne Borsch Grifo of New York City, NY, Shelby and husband Michael Swayze of Philadelphia, PA, Suzanne Grifo of Montclair, Stephanie and husband Joel Botwick of Randolph, Stacy and husband Joseph McClutchy of Cedar Grove, Sandra and husband Mark Montimurro of Montclair, and Sheila and late husband Glenn Fredericks of Mendham; dear brother-in-law of the late Richard Lynskey and wife Eleanor, the late Michael Lynskey, and Brian and wife Leanne Lynskey; and uncle of numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Francisca Posada, age 88 of Jacksonville Beach, Florida passed Saturday, May 15, 2021.

CarolAnn Chiesa, age 66, of West Milford, went home to her Lord in heaven on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

The second born of Irvand and Valerie (Majikas) Mazujian’s five children, Carol was born in East Orange, spent the first four years of her little life in Kearny, and then moved to 34 Woodstock Drive in Wayne where she grew up during her formative years. From the time she was just a young girl, Carol displayed a true athletic spirit. During her high school years at Wayne Valley High School she was a very competitive member of the track team but her real sport was field hockey which she played in high school, college, and on various club teams well into her fifties.

After graduating from Wayne Valley High School where she was President of the Class of 1973, Carol started college at Montclair State College where she majored in physical education. Later in life while raising two children and working full time, Carol earned her Master’s degree by attending classes on weekends, and she even had thirty credits under her belt towards her doctorate degree.

Carol’s first job out of higher education was with Ridgefield Public High School where she taught physical education and health classes. She also coached the boys track team and actually held the honorable distinction of being the first female coach of boys track in all of Bergen County.

When the opportunity to be part owner of a health club in Fort Lee presented itself, Carol couldn’t resist. The club, called Five Star Fitness, offered two floors with racquetball, one floor with weight machines, and yet another floor dedicated to dance and aerobics classes. With Carol’s drive and by working with her business partners, Five Star Fitness enjoyed success and even enjoyed the honor of having a pain reliever medication commercial filmed in the club featuring none other than famous New York Yankee Mickey Mantle. In time, a large corporately-owned fitness club opened up down the street. In the end, Carol’s club didn’t have enough resources to compete and closing the business became the prudent move to make. Carol returned to teaching physical education and health, this this time with Teaneck Schools. For the next thirty-plus years, she taught at the districts Benjamin Franklin campus until retiring fully in 2018.

In all of her days of teaching and coaching, Carol always strived to keep the education experience fresh and interesting – especially in an effort to inspire her students who were not natural born athletes. While on staff at Ben Franklin School she applied for a national grant to bring a roller blading curriculum to the school. Awarded to only two schools in each state, out of all the schools in New Jersey, Carol won the grant for her school. She kept the roller blading program going for many years and, as the roller blades aged and needed repair, she conducted fundraisers to pay to get them fixed, and even taught herself to do some of the repairs. She also started an annual track event with the objective being to inspire eighth graders moving up, to choose the value of healthy competition by getting involved with track and field at the high school level. For the next twenty years, this annual event inspired many students to do just that. Carol did a great job of promoting this event in the local newspapers to build up a lot of support and excitement. Throughout her teaching career, Carol enjoyed the respect and admiration of her fellow staff. She was celebrated in her profession for being a real go-getting trailblazer. Consequently, she was called upon to be a frequent keynote speaker at both state and national teacher’s conventions. With a fire in her spirit, balanced with gentleness and approachability, Carol was successful at providing a consistently rich and rewarding learning experience for the countless students she had the honor and pleasure of teaching and mentoring.

Carol met the love of her life at a party. Their first official date was at her brother Harry and sister-in-law Ruth’s wedding. One could not imagine a better way to start a loving relationship than at an occasion celebrating love in the first place. As Tigger from Winnie the Pooh would have said, “They hit it off splendiferously”! After a season of dating, Gary popped the question one night at his parent’s house. With a whole-hearted “Yes” from Carol, they headed off to Charlie Browns Restaurant to celebrate and started dreaming about the details of the wedding. They chose Saturday, November 7, 1981 for the big day. When it actually came, it was a mixed bag weather wise – freezing cold, windy, a little bit of sun which eventually gave way to a bit of snow which made Gary’s friend quip that he always told Gary it would be a cold day in hell when Gary got married. Carol and Gary exchanged their wedding promises to one another at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne, then enjoyed a great reception at Samaras on Route 23 in Wayne. Samaras would later become the former Fuddruckers Restaurant complete with its little amusement park including a merry-go-round for children. In later years when Carol and Gary took their own children there for a hamburger, there slightly confused son and daughter would express how cool they thought it was that their parents had a merry-go-round at their wedding reception. After honeymooning in St. Martin Carol and Gary moved into the second floor apartment above Gary’s grandmother at 1179 Cumbermeade Road in Fort Lee. From there they moved to 363 Griggs Ave in Teaneck where they were blessed with two children – first Matthew and then Kristen. Eventually, they moved one more time, this time to West Milford where Carol lived to the present.

When thinking about Carol, think “Energizer Bunny”. She’d just keep going and going and it seemed like “her batteries” would never run out of power. Every morning began with an hour on an elliptical exercise machine. Then she was off to work to teach classes, coach, and speak at the occasional teacher conference. Her days would wind down with preparing dinner for her family, helping her children with their homework, and grading tests, quizzes, and other papers. On Sunday mornings Carol could be found on the field competing in a game of field hockey. In between she made sure to spend some time with God by faithfully attending mass at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in West Milford and by serving her church parish in various capacities. Loving to be together with family and friends, she hosted every other Christmas and many birthday parties, made all the cakes for those occasions and always more food than anyone could possibly eat. She made all of the Halloween costumes for Matt and Kristen and always tried her best to make their birthday parties extra special, like when she planned a baking party for Kristen and all her friends. Each girl got to help bake the cookies and each received an apron they could keep to make the baking party a memorable occasion. Parties for the kids usually included themed T-shirts that she’d have the kids make. They were always a hit and a clever and easy way for Carol to keep tabs where all the kids were when having roller blade parties or go-cart parties. Five years ago, Carol was blessed with their first grandchild and from the moment she got to hold baby Burton for the first time, she was on top of the world!

Carol loved people. She made friends easily! For example, when she took Kristen for her wedding gown fitting, Carol met another mom who was there with her daughter for the same reason. Carol quickly made friends with the woman and they even kept in touch after that chance encounter. She will always be loved for her caring, kind, loving and generous spirit. She possessed a great wit which overflowed from her warm heart. She was a true independent with a can-do attitude. Not your stereotypical phys-ed teacher; she was always her students biggest cheerleader assuring them that “You can do it! She will be truly missed but her family finds some comfort in knowing that she is at peace and with the Lord in heaven.

Carol was the beloved wife of Gary, blessed in marriage for 39 years. She was the most awesome mother of Matthew Chiesa of Sparta, NJ and Kristen and husband Benjamin Smith of Harrisville, PA; grandmother of her adored grandson Burton; and dearly loved sister of: Harry and wife Ruth Mazujian of Flemington, NJ, Diane and husband Michael Lee of Neptune City, NJ, Mark Mazujian of Dover, NJ, and Drew Mazujian and wife Beth of Oakland, NJ: and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews.

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

The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donation Processing, For Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014

Click Here to Donate Online  Donate by Phone: 1-800-708-7644  or American Cancer Society, NJ Chapter, PO Box P, Manasquan, NJ 08736  Click Here to Donate Online  Donate by Phone: 1-800-227-2345

Patricia A. Slevin, age 88 of Hutchison Island, FL and formerly of Wayne, NJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Patty was born in Montclair, NJ, raised in East Orange and was one of five children to Peter and Alice Dunigan.  While growing up in East Orange, Patty attended Clifford Scott High School graduating with the class of 1949.  “Academic Acceleration” was awarded to Patty which allowed her to graduate a year early.  This was due to her academic talents and throughout her life, was something she was very proud of.  Shortly after graduating, Pat found work at Dow & Symmers Law Office in Manhattan and she commuted to the city with her sister Maureen.  She worked there for a few years until she met the love of her life James V. Slevin.  The couple met at a dance and as fate would have it they fell in love and were married on June 12, 1954.  Immediately after getting married, Patty made the decision to become a homemaker and dedicated her life to caring and nurturing her four children.  This was Patty’s true calling and where she flourished.  As Patty’s family started to grow, they moved to Wayne in 1963.  In 1975 tragedy struck Patty and her family’s lives when her daughter Maureen passed away very suddenly in an automobile accident at the age of 20.  Patty’s strength as a person, their love as a family, and her Catholic faith gave her the power to overcome and move forward with her life.    

Over the years, the family cherished spending their summers upstate in Long Eddy, NY and their winters at their home in Hutchinson Island, FL. Patty treasured hosting large family weekends “Up the Country” in Long Eddy, NY.  She was also an avid golfer and skilled left-handed tennis player.  Patty and her family were parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne for many years as well as Holy Cross Church in Callicoon, NY and St. Mark’s in Fort Pierce, FL.

Nothing in the world meant more to Pat than providing for and spending time with her family.  She was a truly devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.  She and her husband James cherished forty-six years of loving and loyal marriage until James’ passing in August of 2000.  Patty was proud of her Irish heritage and will always be remembered for her generosity, congeniality, grace, sense of humor and her warm spontaneous smile. She was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people.  She will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.          

Patty is survived by her two sons; James Slevin and his wife Elizabeth of Wayne, NJ, and Thomas Slevin of San Francisco, CA, one daughter Gayle DeNicola and her husband Dante of Wayne, two sisters Maureen Palumbo of Millington, NJ, and Bette Laverty and her husband John of Millburn, NJ, one brother John Dunigan of Spring Lake, NJ, six grandchildren: Michael Slevin and his wife Jessica of Wauconda, IL, Lori Slevin of Wayne, Daniel Slevin of San Francisco, Kylie Slevin of San Francisco, Katelyn Slevin of San Francisco, and Justine DeNicola of Wayne, and two great grandchildren; Jameson and Havilah.  She was predeceased by her husband James Slevin (2000), her daughter Maureen Slevin (1975), and her brother Peter Dunigan (1975).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patty’s name may be made to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, 520 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102.  https://www.sbp.org/

Joan M. Fattell, age 85 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. She was a resident of Wayne since 1963.

Joan was a loving wife to her late husband Ed, a wonderful mother to her 3 children and a caring grandmother to her 7 grandchildren.

Joan grew up on Glover Avenue in Paterson, New Jersey. Her family parish was St. Bonaventure’s Roman Catholic Church on Ramsey Street. Joan received her grammar and high school education at St. Bon’s. After high school, Joan worked at the telephone company. Joan and Ed Fattell, the love of her life, met as young children when Ed visited his aunt & uncle who were next door neighbors to Joan’s family. Joan & Ed were high school sweethearts and maintained a strong relationship while Ed attended college and then served in the army. They married on September 12, 1959 at St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church on Marshall Street in Paterson. A honeymoon in Florida followed. They flew to Miami Beach, staying at the famous Fontainebleua Hotel. Upon their return, they settled in Clifton. When the children came, Joan dedicated herself to being a full-time mom. They moved to Wayne in 1963 where they raised their family.

Joan & Ed worked hard and saved their money. They were fortunate enough to be able to buy a family house at the Jersey Shore over 40 years ago. Even better, the shore house was right next door to Ed’s parent’s house and many cousins. The ever-growing family would gather each summer at the shore house where countless memories were made. In fact, we recently learned that the original name of the house was “Memories.” For Joan’s 85th Birthday she was presented with a sign that says “Memories.” Joan proudly displayed this sign on the house for all to see. This was more than a house, it was a place we all call home, always filled with lots of love.

Joan deeply loved her husband Ed. They did everything together. Every morning they sat and had breakfast together. Having a cup of coffee and eating a piece of Entenmann’s crumb cake, they played a hand of Gin Rummy… or two… or three. They kept score with a running total, but there was never a winner or loser.

Joan was happiest in the presence of her family.  She lovingly prepared everyone’s favorite meals.  Joan was known for the special cakes she’d bake for each person’s birthday.  Family was very important to Joan. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her three children; Donna Beckum and her husband Todd of Eagle, CO, Karen Horey and her husband Kevin of Pittsford, NY and Edward Fattell of Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ, seven grandchildren Tyler, Bailey and Carley Beckum of Eagle, CO, Ryan, Meaghan and Colin Horey of Pittsford, NY and Edward IV of Wayne, NJ. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Ed in 2016, her grandson Matthew James Beckum in 2000, by her father & mother Frederick & Mary Diese and her brother Fred Diese in 2013.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested a donation be made in Joan’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Anthony “Curly” Russo, age 84, of Bloomingdale passed on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

He was born in New York City to Thomas and Christine Russo.  He and his siblings grew up on 21 Spring Street in New York City. Curly met the love of his life Frances Vizzio when they were just kids.  They married on September 27, 1959 at St Patrick’s Cathedral Little Italy in New York City. After marrying they moved to 21st Ave and 78th Street in Brooklyn where they established their home. They then moved from New York to New Jersey where they lived for fifty years, and had a loving, caring marriage of 61 years.

As a young man out of high school Curly did anything he could to make a living.  He often hustled two different jobs at the same time.  Before retiring in 1995 he owned Ruggero’s Restaurant on Grand Street in the Little Italy section of New York City, he also owned and operated a 1Hour Martinizing Dry Cleaners for about twenty years.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church, Wayne for many years.  He and his wife Frances regularly attended the Saturday 5 PM Mass.

Curly will be remembered for his sweet, loving, and selfless way. He was generous to a fault, made everyone laugh, and had a caring heart. To know him was to love him and he will be dearly missed. When it came to sports he liked the NY Yankees, NY Islanders, and he loved the Miami Dolphins. He made many fond family memories at his summer home in Toms River where he loved to go out on his boat.  In his later years he spent a lot of his time boating with his son Tom and family on the Hudson River. For most of their lives he and Frances enjoyed wintering in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Most of all Curly enjoyed being with his family.  He took great pride in seeing the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and had a special way of making them feel loved.

Curly is survived by his beloved wife Frances (Vizzio) Russo, son Thomas and wife Nancy Russo of Wayne, daughter Roxanne and husband John Capra of Closter. Cherished grandfather of Roxanne (Jason) Hartman, Tonianne (Mike) Tubman, Anthony Russo, Carissa (Rob) Wojehowski, and John Capra. Dearly loved great-grandfather of Dominick and Jason Hartman, and Ariela Wojehowski. He was the much loved brother of the late Joseph, Peter, and Mary Russo. Curly was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorials Processing 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959, would be greatly appreciated.  To donate online, click here.

Angela “Angel” M. Mendillo (nee Cannata), age 90 of Wayne, died at her home in Wayne on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 surrounded by her husband and loving family. She grew up in Paterson, the youngest of eight children and  lived in Wayne since 1958.

Angel is survived by her beloved husband, Alan A., of Wayne, and their six children; Mrs. Angel Cassera and her husband Anthony, Mr. Joseph Mendillo and his wife Sandy, Mr. Alan J. Mendillo and his partner Kim Landoline, Mr. James Mendillo and this wife Toni, Mrs. Donna Fauerbach and her husband Kurt, and Mrs. Michelle Catalioto and her husband Anthony, seventeen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  Angel was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, Aunt and friend to all.

Angel graduated from Eastside High School in 1948. Upon graduating high school, she wanted to go to college but was unable to financially.  Angel did secretarial work until she and Al started a family, then Angel stayed at home to raise her six children. After her youngest was in eighth grade, she decided to attend William Paterson College and graduated in 1997 at the age of 66.  Angel was an inspiration to all that she met and her goal to be a college graduate since she was younger and the ability to achieve it at a later age was just one example of her work ethic.  If you asked Angel what her greatest accomplishment was, it would certainly be that she raised a close-knit family which she loved spending time with, whether it was at Chestnut Grove or one of her children’s houses or at home in Wayne playing Uno with them.

After college Angel worked in a bank for nine years, Automotive Week for nine years and at GSI Sales for nine years; upon retirement Angel volunteered at Wayne General Hospital.  Angel’s hobbies included reading, cooking and dancing with her husband, Al.  Angel was famous for her delicious meatballs (and macaroni) and her Friday night homemade pizza.  If you were a visitor at Angel’s house, she always made you feel welcome and you never left hungry! Besides her volunteer work at Wayne General, she and Al were very active at OLV, whether it was heading pre-cana, ushering in parishioners at the Saturday 5:00 mass or being class Mom at OLV, which all of her children attended.  Angel was truly an angel and will be greatly missed by all.

Thomasina L. Martellacci “Tommie”, 85, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 10, 2021.

The third of Rocco and Lucille Verniero’s four children, Thomasina was born and raised in Newark, NJ. She graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1953 and was proud to be a cheerleader for the Central High Blue Devils.

After graduation, Tommie worked as a secretary for ITT. It was there that she met Gene Martellacci. They soon fell in love and married on December 1st 1956. Tommie and Gene’s first home as husband and wife was in an apartment in Paterson. While there, they welcomed their firstborn - a son who they named Gene. Soon after, Gene’s work necessitated a move to Illinois and while there, they welcomed their second child – a daughter who they named Lucy. When able to relocate back to New Jersey, this growing family moved to Waldwick where the family grew a little bit bigger with the arrival of child number three – another son which they named John. In 1965, the whole family moved one more time, into a brand new home in Oakland.

Tommie divided her duties between caring for her children and being Gene’s right hand sidekick in a plastics packaging business they started together called TOMA Plastic Packaging. The business began in their garage at home and, once established, moved it to Jefferson.

They say that you can take a person out of Newark, NJ but you can’t take Newark out of the person. Well, that saying fit Tommie perfectly! While Gene would affectionately refer to Tommie as “Tootsie” her three children had a different name for her – “Tough Tommie” – because she loved and protected them like a mama bear protecting her cubs. She was the greatest mom a kid could ask for and loved her family with great devotion. When her children were young, Tommie accompanied them to all their sporting events and even volunteered as an Oakland Rec coach and selling refreshments at the concession stand. The family enjoyed annual summer vacations to Wildwood Crest where Tommie loved the sun and surf. Tommie was the finest cook in the world. With fresh grown zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant and other vegetables from her gigantic backyard garden, she made family favorites including pepperoni and sauce and chicken with olives, but the truth of the matter is that everything she cooked was delicious. She loved to host all the big holidays too, and the house always spelled so delicious from the holiday treats she enjoyed baking.

Tommie’s faith in God was a cornerstone of her life. For many years while living in Oakland, she was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Health Parish. In more recent years, after her husband Gene passed away and she moved to Wayne, she had been a regular parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes.

Tommie was a sweet, kind, caring and compassionate person who will be dearly missed by her family and friends who were blessed to have shared life with her.  

Tommie was the beloved wife of Gene, blessed in marriage for 53 years until his passing in 2010. She was the loving mother of Gene and wife Linda Martellacci of Sussex, Lucy and husband Jim Hogan of Wayne, and John Martellacci and fiancé Michelle of Vernon; adored grandmother of: Joey and wife Amy, Gina, Michael and wife Ashlee, James, Justin, and Lucas; and cherished great-grandmother of Vincent and Ivy. Tommie was predeceased by her one sister and two brothers: Dan Verniero, Sam Verniero, and Carmella Muranti.

Thomas “Doc” Fedor, age 77, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 9, 2021.

Tom was born in Passaic to Thomas and Mary Fedor.  He was raised at the family home in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1961. During his high school years he was an athlete on the Cross Country, Track and Field, and Baseball teams.

Tom received his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University with the Class of 65.  His first two years were spent in the Pre-Med program at Seton Hall where he received the nickname “Doc”.  Tom continued his education by completing his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Administration from Montclair State College.

Tom began his career in public education as a high school History teacher and on to Guidance Counselor,  Elementary School Principal,  High School Principal, and Acting Superintendent during his fourty-four year career with the Elmwood Park Board of Education. He retired in 2010 with fond memories of his colleagues, families and the many students he taught, advised, and supported through the years. His strong dedication to children and community is further evidenced by his over twenty year dedication to the Clifton Boys and Girls Club where he served as the Director of Camp Clifton in Jefferson Township.

Tom was known for his vibrant, friendly, and spirited demeanor, always looking to gab. He loved music, classic literature, college basketball and vacationing at the Jersey Shore with friends and family.   Tom was an exceptional cook and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and hosting with Ann by his side. Tom was generous, a man with integrity and loved the simple pleasures of life.

Tom was the beloved husband of Ann Fedor for 51 years; loving father of Eric Fedor (Karen) of Wayne, and Alison Leschinski (Michael) of Needham, MA, cherished grandfather of Ashley McConnell (Hunter), Olivia Leschinski, Ryley Fedor, and Charlie Leschinski, dearly loved great-grandfather of Shay and Jordan McConnell, adored brother of Bob Fedor (Rosemary) and lifelong friends to Bob, Zim, and Mac.  He will be treasured by his many nieces, nephews, friends, students, neighbors, and campers.  

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, 181 Colfax Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 would be greatly appreciated.

Edgar (Ed) Francis Pass, age 92, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 8, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Ed was born and raised in Passaic NJ and was the middle child of Paul and Ruth Pass.  He attended Passaic High School and graduated with the class of 1945.  After graduation, Ed worked at Botany Worsted Mills.  Ed was at Botany Mills for about five years when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1950 with an honorable discharge in 1953.

After his discharge, he went to work at Singer Kearfott in Little Falls. He worked as a Budget Manager for 33 years, until his retirement in 1989.  While working at Kearfott, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Fairleigh Dickenson University.

In 1953 he met the love of his life Marianne Caluori.  They married in June of 1955 at St. Claire’s Church in Clifton NJ.  Ed and Marianne settled in Clifton after first getting married.  They welcomed the birth of their first son Ed Jr I 1956 and their second son Bobby in 1959.  They moved to Wayne Township in 1961 and lived there most of their life.  After his retirement in 1989, they moved to Jupiter Florida for 26 years, returning to Wayne in 2015.

Ed enjoyed traveling with his family and friends.  He also loved fishing, golf, and gardening, and also was a stamp and coin collector.  Ed was a big music fan with his biggest passion being for the Big Bands, but he also liked the Beatles.

Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was not only devoted to his family, but also to his Catholic Faith.  Ed and his family were founding parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church.

Ed was a special person who touched the lives of many people and will be truly missed by everyone that knew him.

Ed is survived by his wife Marianne (nee Caluori) of Wayne, two sons; Ed Pass, Jr. and his wife Kim of Winter Garden, FL, and Bob Pass and his wife Kathy of Wayne, NJ, three grandchildren; Eddie Pass III, Ashley Hawthorne and her husband Stanton, and Todd Pass and his wife Kelly, five great grandchildren; Micah, Ava, Jack, Hawk, and Remy.  He was predeceased by his two sisters Natalie Bruning and Adelaide Desiato, and by his great grandchild Baylee Pass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edgar's name may be made to Our Lady of Consolation Church, 1799 Hamburg Tpk, Wayne, NJ 07470.  https://olcparish.org/

George Rusling Sloan, age 79 of Piseco, NY and formerly of Green Pond, NJ, died on Friday, May 7, 2021. His wife and loving family were all gathered at his bedside when he passed.

George grew up in Glen Rock and graduated from Ridgewood High School with the class of 1958. He attended NYIT for engineering and became a Project Manager. His career spanned more than forty years and he had worked for Allen Electric, Modern Electric, and Hatzel & Buehler, before retiring from Torcon Electric. He was highly skilled and respected among his coworkers.

George’s favorite place was Green Pond, NJ. He had spent summers there since birth, living on Sunnyside Lane. After marrying his wife, Doris, in 1967, they bought a home in Green Pond and moved there year-round. He was eventually able to acquire a property right on the water’s edge where he and Doris built their family home. George was a determined man with seemingly boundless energy and he did much of the work himself building their waterfront home. George was an active member of the Green Pond community, and a thirty-four year member of the Green Pond Volunteer Fire Department, where he served in all the ranks, including Chief. He was also a member of the Green Pond Yacht Club and he loved boating and sailing. He especially loved spending time with his family and being together with them all meant the world to him. In 2009, George moved to his second favorite lake, Piseco lake, in the Adirondacks. He enjoyed snowmobiling there in the winters with his family, and they all have countless memories of great times riding with George. They will all miss him dearly.

George is survived by his wife of fifty-three years; Doris Sloan (McCarthy) of Piseco, NY, his two children; Richard G. Sloan of Green Pond and Piseco, and Doreen Lynn Sloan Newell and her husband Scott of Green Pond, NJ, six grandchildren; Tanya D. Newell of Oak Ridge, NJ, Brandon P. Newell, Tyler C. Newell, Nathan S. Newell, Sarah M. Sloan, and Sydney R. Sloan, all of Green Pond. George was predeceased by his parents; Thelma Rusling Sloan and Nathan Hoffman Sloan, by his sister; Janet DeJonge, and by his brother, Jack Sloan.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory would be appreciated to the Green Pond Volunteer Fire Department, and mail donations to 10 Dump Rd., Newfoundland, NJ 07435.

Joseph R. Berecz, age 77 of Bloomingdale, passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021 with his family gathered at his bedside. He has lived in Bloomingdale since 1977.

Joe was born in Hungary and lived on the shores of Lake Balaton where he often explored the vast forests near his home. Living under Soviet occupation in Hungary after World War II, Joe's grandfather taught him to fish as a young boy, and he developed a lifelong love of fishing and nature as a result. Joe’s family was able to escape Hungary after witnessing the revolution in Budapest. They passed through Western Europe, and eventually into The United States. As a 12 year-old, Joe had already learned to appreciate simple things in life, that one might otherwise take for granted.

Joe's family settled in The Bronx, where he learned English, and graduated City College with a degree in Political Science. Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, and served two years stationed in Alaska.

During his time in the Army, he met Linda Stamboulian. They exchanged letters almost daily while he was in Alaska.  They were engaged after he returned from service, and married on June 9, 1974 at St. George’s Church in Paterson. After a honeymoon in Cape Cod, they began living in Clifton, NJ before buying a home in Bloomingdale.

Joe adored Linda, cherished his children, and was always an encouraging father. He especially adored his grandchildren. He was impressed and amazed by everything they did, and they each brought him immeasurable happiness. Despite struggling with his health during his final months, Joe always maintained a smile and stoic resolve with his family. They will all miss him very much.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Linda of Bloomingdale, his two children; Keith Berecz and his wife Allison of South Orange, and Dawn Turrin and her husband Reed of Butler, four grandchildren; Lily and Mia Berecz, and Blake and Faye Turrin, a sister; Veronica Sandor of Arizona, a niece; Emese Sandor, and a nephew; Lazlo Sandor and his wife Courtney and their children.

Donations in Joseph’s memory can be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn.

Violetta Zablocka, age 65, of Lincoln Park, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

The daughter of Franciszek and Helena (Mischker) Niklewicz, Violetta was born in 1956 in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Up until 1994, she spent her life living in Bydgoszcz.

Violetta was the beloved wife of Edward Zablocki. They met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend who along with Edward were Olympic trained rowers for the Polish national team. That date and subsequent ones went very well and, as fate would have it, they fell in love. Desiring marriage, Violetta and Edward began searching for a day for the joyous occasion. They did not want to wait very long and found that the church was available for the marriage on Friday, July 13, 1979. Apparently that date was available for one simple reason– human superstition. Clearly, the average couple did not want to start their marriage on Friday the 13th because of its association with bad luck. Not only would most never choose that date, they also would not have chosen the only available time – one-o-clock. You see, Poland goes by the 24-hour clock where one-o-clock is considered 13:00!

Going against the norm, Violetta and Edward fearlessly booked the date and exchanged their wedding promises before God, family, and friends on that day at Sw. Antoniego z Padwy Church in their hometown of Bydgoszcz. After a honeymoon to the shore along the Baltic Sea, Violetta and Edward went on to enjoy almost 42 years in a happy and devoted marriage and forever confirmed how ungrounded the fear of superstition actually is. In fact, the number 13 went on to become their lucky number.

After the wedding and honeymoon, Violetta and Edward continued to live in the city of Bydgoszcz. Soon they welcomed two sons – Igor in 1980 and Peter in 1982. Unbeknownst to others (including Violetta), when Edward visited his cousin in the United States in the early 1990s, he entered into a lottery for a green card.

Soon an envelope from the U.S. Consulate informed Violetta and Edward (now back in Poland) that they and their children were granted permanent resident status in the United States. So, in 1994, after careful thought and much soul-searching, Violetta, Edward, Igor, and Peter decided to take a pause from life in Poland and give life a try in the United States. After arriving at Newark Airport, the family moved into a studio basement apartment in Clifton, NJ and embarked on a difficult journey towards assimilation. After a year of hardships and much deliberation – and the door still open for a return to life in Poland – Violetta and Edward decided that it would be best to remain in the U.S. and raise their two sons here.

A dream of home ownership was realized in the late 1990s when they purchased a dilapidated house in Lincoln Park – tore ninety-nine percent of it down and rebuilt with their own hands. As months of construction saw friends and family showing up to help, Violetta always kept the volunteers well nourished with her cooking. This hospitality continued to this day as Violetta made the finished house a warm, inviting home for her family and friends whom she hosted with her amazing cooking on all holidays, birthdays, and gatherings. Her family especially loved her Polish Bigos (hunter’s stew), and tomato soup. You also always knew when she was making Veal Bitki (bitki is polish for beat or tenderize) because you could hear her beating the veal in the kitchen to tenderize it.

Violetta loved getting together with her girlfriends for bake-a-thons or to practice yoga. She was often described as a ‘classy lady’. While she loved dressing up, getting her hair styled and nails painted pretty, she was never flamboyant or pretentious about it and was just as happy with her hands and knees in the dirt while working in her beautiful flower garden. She was a truly talented gardener who enjoyed taking cuttings from her plants to propagate new ones which she’d delighted in giving away as little gifts. She loved chamomile tea and considered it a cure for anything that ailed you. She was known for her many wives’ tales but was also a real glass-half-full woman who always assured those faced with a dilemma, that everything would be ok.

Above all else, Violetta’s family was her greatest treasure on earth. She was a fearless lioness always tending to and protecting her cubs, Igor and Peter. Countless hours spent making sure the boys are both studious as well as safe in their lives’ adventures. She was extremely proud of them and joyous when they found their wives Kasia and Deidra, and eventually giving her one of the greatest gifts mother can get…grandkids of her own. As Lucas, Landon and Damian’s grandmother, “Babcia” as they called her, she was always glad to take care of her little grandchildren when need be. Spoiling them with toys was a regular habit; and seeing that big smile that would light up their faces when she slipped them a twenty-dollar bill was worth every penny. She loved the ocean and family vacations, both to the shores of the Baltic Sea in Poland and to Cape May in the U.S. These shore trips became time-tested traditions and her boys always found it humorous that Mom gravitated to the full sun while Dad retreated to the full shade of an umbrella.

To Violetta, her dog Bari, a cute little Beagle given to her by her sons when they got married and moved out, was as much a part of the family as her husband and boys. In fact, the men in her life sometimes wondered if little Bari was maybe a notch above them on her hierarchy of importance. Bari lived longer than the average pooch, surely because of the special pampering Violetta poured upon him. In one example, Violetta would put water bowls all over the house so Bari would not have to walk too far to get a drink.

Graced with a generous heart and a grateful spirit, Violetta would give you the shirt off her back. If you came to her house on a regular basis, you eventually learned not to make a compliment about anything that she had because, if you did, she would insist that you take it for yourself. Violetta would have made the perfect nurse. If a family member or a friend was sick, she would be right there by their bedside attending to all their needs.  

Violetta was an extraordinary woman. She was the beloved wife of Edward. She was the most loving mother of Igor Zablocki and wife Katarzyna of West Caldwell, and Peter Zablocki and wife Deidra of Denville, as well as an adoring grandmother of Lucas, Landon, and Damian.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Violetta’s name are asked to consider St. Peter’s Orphanage in Denville N.J. – 170 Diamond Spring Road, National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org or Chilton Medical Center Foundation at www.atlantichealth.org/patients-visitors/donate-volunteer

Franco Geremia, age 77, of Oak Ridge, formerly from Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

He was born in Rivarolo Mantovano, Italy to Primo Pietro Geremia and Linda Mattioli. Franco was raised in Mantovano where he started his life-long career in the food service industry. As a young man he worked as a waiter in some of the best restaurants and hotels across England, Switzerland and Italy. He continued his career on the USS Oceanic as a waiter sailing out of New York to ports across the Caribbean Islands and met the love of his life Patricia Klement. The fell in love and married on June 6, 1972 in Rivarolo Mantova, Italy in a double ceremony. Franco married Patricia and his sister Cecilia married Maurizio Spaggiari.  As a young married couple, Franco and Patty settled in Mestra, a small town just outside of Venice, Italy where Franco worked running a restaurant with his aunt and uncle.  He and Patty returned to the United States by crossing the Atlantic aboard the Michael Angelo and settled in an apartment in Hawthorne where he found work at Macaluso’s Restaurant.  They started a family and welcomed their first daughter Theresa, followed by her sister Linda a few years later.

Franco started his career as a restaurateur when he opened his first business, Ristorante Mantova in Wayne. He then opened and for many years successfully ran Franco’s Restaurant on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne, and semi-retired after owning Spasso’s Restaurant located on Forest Avenue in Paramus. Franco semi-retired at the Jersey Shore and worked as a Maître De at the El Giardino Sul Mare Restaurant in Forked River. Franco and Patty returned to Northern New Jersey in 2012 to be closer to their daughters Terry and Linda, son-in-law Ken and grandchildren.

Franco will be remembered for his dedication to his love of family, incredible work ethic and determination to be a successful entrepreneur. He came from humble beginnings and devoted himself to providing a wonderful life to his wife and children. After losing his father to cancer when he was just sixteen years old, Franco became the man of the house and ensured his cherished mother and sister were well taken care of and purchased a brand new apartment in his home town for his family.

While Franco left home to work and settle in the US, he had a fierce love of his home in Italy where his sister still lives with her husband and daughter, Cinzia and her family. He was a well-known son of his town in Rivarolo and had many cherished friends and extended family members there till this day. Franco had an amazing sense of business and when it came to his restaurants he ran everything and made it look easy. At his restaurant he treated everyone like they were family. He would greet you by name with a big welcoming hello and knew your usual menu choice before you ordered. Franco had little down time but when he did you could either find him tending to his garden or fishing. He was affectionately known as “Farmer Franco” as he grew radishes, tomatoes, incredible amounts of cucumbers, string beans, and peppers. Not only could Franco grow all these things but he was an amazing chef that knew how to prepare them to perfection as well. One of Franco’s traditions was to prepare a lobster dinner for his family at the end of each summer. No story about Franco would be complete without mentioning his love of fishing. It seems ironic that a man who at times did not have the utmost patience had a passion for fishing. He shared this love with his daughter Linda and spent not nearly enough time fishing Barnegat Bay at the Jersey Shore and at Islamorada, Florida. Franco loved seeing his grandchildren, Alexandra Camile, Peter Franco and Emma Patricia grow and blossom into the wonderful young adults they have become. He may have been a man of few words but his pride in them was evident. Franco also had a special relationship with his dog Honey. They were attached at the hip and Honey accompanied Franco around the house, inside and out, as if she was his shadow. Franco was loved deeply and will be truly missed every day.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA), PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470 or through their website at fowarescue.org would be greatly appreciated.

Anne Graziano died peacefully at home Saturday, May 1, 2021. Anne was born in Paterson, New Jersey to Jerry and Teresa, immigrants from southern Italy. She grew up with her two sisters Lena and Josephine and her brother Thomas. Since her parents were native to Italy, they also taught her and her siblings to speak Italian. Growing up she appreciated music and developed a lifelong love of tap dancing. As a junior and senior at Central High in Paterson, she was cheerleading co-captain and enjoyed cheering for football and basketball. Through the years she continued to vigorously belt out the Central High cheer at family get togethers. She was also known to be a great baton twirler! It was clear to see how much she loved school and cheering, and her family loved her enthusiasm. While a senior in high school, she took a part time job at Woolworth as a salesperson and after graduating remained at Woolworth full time as a manager. After a couple of years, she moved on to First National Bank of Passaic as a manager in the loan department.

During this time, she met the love of her life, Joe Graziano, after being introduced by friends. The two were married June 2, 1957. At that time Joe was still in college and Anne was the couple’s sole breadwinner. Later on, she stopped working when she was 6 months pregnant as it was company policy that women were not allowed to work beyond that point. The couple welcomed the first of their three daughters (Joanne, Sharon and Dawn) and moved to their forever home in Wayne a few years later.

After leaving work at the bank, Anne became a dedicated homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and her family enjoyed Italian specialties like macaroni and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, lasagna, stuffed peppers, chicken livers and onions, broccoli rabe and, of course, sausage and peppers. She also took pride in her home and enjoyed decorating it and keeping it neat and clean. She was a wonderful mother, involved in fun activities with her daughters like playing jacks on the kitchen floor, coloring and playing dolls and games, watching favorite TV shows together, and dancing to a variety of music. She also enjoyed sharing her Roman Catholic faith with her daughters by attending church with them on Sundays.  

As they grew older, she served as an incredible role model--an empathetic, giving person that was kind to everyone, a mother that every child would be blessed to have and a loving wife to her husband Joe that she adored. Her natural warmth, compassion and the depth of her love were always felt in her hug. Her hug could melt away a thousand worries and fill your soul. Her daughters endearingly saw her as the sunshine in their every day. She would often say to them “I love you more than you’ll ever know.” They loved her just the same.

She and Joe loved their life together. They were a traditional Italian couple that treasured their home life with their girls and really enjoyed having family over for barbeques and to hang out on the patio and by the pool. Anne would enjoy telling jokes and stories as the family gathered around her on the patio. In addition to the backyard barbecues, she loved mid-afternoon Sunday dinner and holidays that were filled with love, laughter, and plenty of antipasto, lasagna and ham. She and Joe could be seen every day holding hands, whether they were sitting at their kitchen table, on the couch in the family room or outside sitting on their patio. Their love for each other was endearing and precious. It grew more tender with each passing year of their life together. Through their more than 60 years of marriage, Joe and Anne enjoyed family vacations to the Jersey Shore, Florida and the Poconos. Later in life, she and Joe enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, especially with her sister Lena and brother-in-law Dom, and her brother Tom and sister-in-law Pat.

Anne had a keen mind for politics, could discuss a broad range of issues and was a C-span junkie. She also was a stickler for English and when her daughters would ask how to spell a word, she sent them right to the dictionary to look it up. She often tested their knowledge of words and their use. Her daughters all received A’s in English. Her three daughters are also happily married and are good cooks, thanks to her excellent guidance and example. Her youngest daughter is a doctor, practicing internal medicine, her middle daughter is a sign language interpreter, working with the deaf and blind, and her first born runs a soup kitchen, feeding the poor. Her daughters collectively embody their Mom’s qualities, talents and aspirations.

Anne’s husband Joe passed away earlier this year on January 20, 2021. Anne is survived by her daughter Joanne Bleecker and her husband Earl of Flanders, NJ, her daughter Sharon Snyder and her husband Dave of Branchburg, NJ and her daughter Dawn Chung and her husband Ed of Clemmons, NC, four grandchildren Kyle Lowery-Graziano, Katelyn Lowery-Graziano, Jordan Snyder and Nicole Chung and a sister Lena Duva of North Haledon, NJ. The family is deeply grateful for all the care provided in the past four years by their Mom’s live-in caregiver Val.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Brain Foundation, at 201 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415. They work to research and cure various conditions and diseases like Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other neurologic disorders. Or donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. They work to research and cure childhood cancer.

Incredibly loved wife and mother Virginia Caparso Corrado, of Totowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 30, 2021.

Virginia was the third-born of Alberto and Maria (Mariani) Caparso’s four children and, unlike her two older brothers born before her, she was the first to be born in America when her parents and brothers emigrated from Pacemtro, Italy, just three months before she was born. Virginia grew up in Paterson and attended Kennedy High School where she had great fun being a majorette in the school’s marching band. One of her favorite classes in high school was Decca where her natural-born creative gifts really shined as she competed with students in other schools in retail store merchandising and window display design.

After graduating from Kennedy High School with the Class of 1974, Virginia enrolled in Capri Institute of Hair Design in Clifton. She loved the profession she was pursuing and went on to excel in her craft for many years as a hair stylist with various hair salons including Anthony DeNuccio’s in Fair Lawn, Salon East 216 in Ridgewood, Gisu Salon and Spa in Wayne, and, most recently at the Loft Salon in Wayne where she helped out while concurrently working as a fashion consultant at Talbot’s Women’s Clothing and Apparel in Upper Montclair.

While Virginia was working at Salon East 216, the owner hired a new assistant by the name of Keith Corrado. It happened to be a time in Virginia’s life when she was particularly concerned about her father who was ill and her younger sister Ann Marie who was suffering with Cerebral Palsy. One day, while kicking back and taking a lunch break, the new guy Keith sensed a bit of heaviness in Virginia’s heart and quietly approached her see if she was ok. Virginia was usually a fairly private person but Keith’s gentle, sensitivity helped her open up and proved to be a true encouragement. As they got to know each other a bit more, Virginia accepted Keith’s offer for a night out for dinner. When Keith came to Virginia’s home to pick her up, he noticed that he recognized some of her relatives in the family photos in her apartment. Much to his surprise, the people he saw in the photos turned out to be some of his clients at a salon he formerly worked at. Talk about a small world! One of those clients was Virginia’s niece who would tell Keith, “I have a nice aunt that I could introduce you to.” Wrongly picturing an older woman, Keith politely dismissed Virginia’s niece’s offer. As he looked more at the photos, the light bulb in Keith’s mind lit up as he suddenly realized that Virginia was “the aunt” that her niece was trying to set Keith up with. Looking back, Keith and Virginia would often laugh about that. Well, for that first date they enjoyed an evening together at Mt Fuji Japanese Steakhouse just over the border in Hillburn, NY. Many dates after that ultimately led to a spontaneous proposal of marriage from Keith that Virginia excitedly accepted. They invited family and friends to witness the exchange of their wedding promises on Sunday, August 29, 1999 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. After a two week honeymoon in Hawaii, this newly married couple started life together formally as husband and wife in an apartment in Wayne. Six months later, they purchased the former home of Keith’s grandparents in Totowa where they’ve been ever since.

Two years after the wedding, Virginia and Keith’s son Brandon was welcomed into this world with open arms. Virginia’s life was changed forever. With assistance from Keith and God himself, Virginia considered Brandon her greatest accomplishment and her new life purpose. A special bond quickly developed and continued to flourish throughout Brandon’s formative years to the present. Virginia was always Brandon’s greatest cheerleader!

Virginia, Keith and Brandon cherished lots of happy memories together. They loved taking trips to Cape May, Wildwood, and Lavallette – ironically usually choosing to sit poolside at a hotel rather than venture into the unknown waters of the Atlantic. There was a special trip to Newport Rhode Island where they stayed in one of the famous mansions and occasional ventures into the city for a walk in Central Park or an evenings on Broadway to catch a show.

If “most creative” was an Olympic event, Virginia would probably have won the most gold medals in every category. Blessed with enviable creative gifts, everything her magic hands worked on became a thing of beauty. As a young woman, she enjoyed competing in ballroom dancing competitions. To Virginia, her home was a palette and she the artist. She loved decorating and her special touch was everywhere in the Corrado’s house. She also took cooking to a new level of artistry and, though her culinary repertoire was extensive, husband Keith especially loved her homemade gnocchi and son Brandon her delicious soups. One might ask, what fun is a welcomingly decorated home and sumptuous food if it’s not shared with others. Virginia had that covered too. In fact, every year she looked forward to the big holidays and hosting family and friends at her home. She was the unofficial family florist for events both big and small and she had “sew” much fun as a seamstress. As he was growing up, Virginia made all of Brandon’s Halloween costumes and continued to make them for his many recent acting performances. One year while she and Keith were working together at Gisu Salon, she got the great idea that all the staff should dress up for Halloween like the characters from the Wizard of Oz. Virginia made every one of the costumes. Keith was the Scarecrow and she was none other than Dorothy herself.

Virginia built her life on the foundation of her love for God. Until becoming too sick to attend mass, she was a faithful parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne where she also taught CCD classes. She lived life in a spirit of gratefulness for all the blessings she enjoyed and found great joy in showing love and blessing others. Side-by-side with her hubby, she loved hosting haircutting cut-a-thon fundraising events for worthy causes, and cooking for the down-and-out.

Virginia and Keith were so blessed to share life together. Keith adored her and when asked for words that described his wife, the first words that came to his mind were “beautiful in every imaginable way.” As she became increasingly ill, Keith lovingly and faithfully assisted Virginia as best he could. If you see Keith walking around with holes in the knees of his pants they got there from kneeling down so often to lovingly feed her.

Virginia was beautiful – a real lady with an unassuming sense of modesty. Her zest for life was contagious. She was a true example of genuineness, love and consideration. Her imprint on many lives will serve as a continuous legacy she has left behind.

Virginia was the most beloved wife of her devoted husband Keith Corrado, blessed in marriage for twenty-one years; adoring mother of her son Brandon of Totowa, dear sister of Sam Caparso and wife Diane of Toms River, Joseph Caparso and wife Maryann of Toms River, and Anna Marie Caparso who passed away in 2002; and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her faithful pooch Connor who was always by her side.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Virginia’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org).

Adriane DeVries, age 42, of Bloomfield, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, April 30, 2021.

The fourth born child of Peter DeVries and Cathie (Stafford) Dorrance, and described by her mom as “a beautiful baby”, Adriane was born in Paterson and raised during her formative years in West Milford where she enjoyed typical childhood activities like swimming in the family’s pool and going to Girl Scouts. She lived life adventurously and never shied away from a challenge no matter how big or small. While attending high school in New Mexico, she worked part-time for a Walgreens Store in the city of Albuquerque and ultimately worked her way through the ranks to the position of store manager. Upon return to residence in New Jersey, and because of a great love for young children, she enrolled at Passaic County Community College and studied for licensure as a Registered Nurse. She excelled in her studies and after graduating, she began her nursing career in pediatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center. Adriane loved her work and was a great encouragement to the hospitalized children she was given the honor to serve. Her sensitive and caring spirit, was such a blessing to the children whose care she was charged with extending.

Known to just pick up and take off, Adriane enjoyed trips to Mexico with friends and rides on her late boyfriend Ronnie Rios’ (2007) motorcycle. She was a bit of a fashionista who was very adept at putting sharp looking ensembles together and she loved striking just the right atmosphere by filling a room with lots of warm glowing candles. Adriane adored her nieces, nephews and God-children. She took great pride in claiming that it was she who came up with the name Brianna for her God-child and she was always spoiling all of them with gifts. (Lucky kids!) In fact, Adriane’s generous heart frequently inspired her to spontaneously give gifts to family and friends.  

While Adriane adored traditional pets like her beloved pet Pitbull Jayden, she also possessed an attraction for the more exotic. She loved sea turtles and swimming with the dolphins and one time, while at the zoo with her family, she somehow snuck away and got in to the attraction and pet a tiger. That was a close call! As a child, she was a member of the 4H Club where she learned how to ride horses. It was an experience she continued to enjoy throughout her life.

Unfortunately Adriane’s strong-willed temperament and fear of seemingly nothing lead her into some dangerous situations in her life. Sadly, like so many others today, she struggled with drug addiction. She wanted so much to move beyond their pull and regularly attended Narcotics Anonymous meetings and was hoping to one day become a certified counselor to help others in the same predicament which caused so much pain in her own life. She desperately wanted to tell others “Don’t do it!”

From the time she was just a little child, Adriane’s father Peter said she could talk the paint off of the walls. She was funny and feisty and would pull no punches with respect to how she felt. She would tell it like she saw it and, while principled in her convictions, she had a heart of gold. She was loyal beyond imagination and was known to frequently say “I love you” even if, at the moment, she was mad at you.

Adriane was the much-loved daughter of Peter DeVries of Greenwood Lake, NY and Cathie Dorrance of Rio Rancho, NM; adored sister of: Jessica and husband George Slider of Wayne, Melissa Cerniglia and late husband Joseph (2010) of Pompton Plains, Peter and wife Cindy DeVries of Caldwell, Joshua Dorrance of Phoenix, AZ, Nicole DeVries and fiancé Greg McClamroch of Cape Coral, FL, and Chase DeVries of Greenwood Lake, NY; and cherished aunt of: Kayla, Lexi, Evan, Michael, Brianna, Nicholas, Lyndsay, Savannah, Mya, and Lilah.

In lieu of flowers, in Adriane’s memory and at her request to help others suffering from addiction, donations would be appreciated to:

Turning Point

ATTENTION:  Stacy Green

680 Broadway, Suite 104

Paterson, NJ 07514

A donation can also be made online at:

www.turningpointnj.org/donations

A Memorial Service will be held for Mark on Saturday,  May 1, 2021 at Holy Cross Church Wayne, NJ at 11:30 AM.

Mark Barisonek, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on April 28, 2020, his 63rd birthday.

Mark was born in Jersey City before moving to Wayne with his family. He played defensive end and offensive tackle on the Wayne Valley football team. After graduating in 1975, he attended Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, before moving to Boca Raton, FL, where he fulfilled his passion for scuba diving by opening a scuba shop and becoming an instructor. Mark then returned to Wayne where, along with his wife, he raised his five children in his childhood home. He was the owner of Sonic Catering before becoming a dedicated employee of the TSA (an Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, as he liked to say!) where he worked for the past sixteen years.

While he was tough on the football field, he was a gentle giant off the field. To Mark, a stranger was just a friend you hadn’t met yet. Those who knew him will miss his love of people and his ability to show everyone a good time. Whether he was snapping pictures on his camera or mixing one of his famous Mark-A-Rita’s, Mark was making everyone feel welcomed and happy to be around him. He loved taking annual trips to Saratoga, trying out breweries across the country, playing a good game of darts, and rooting for the New York Giants. Mark was also a man of tremendous faith who kept God in his home and in his heart. However, his absolute greatest joy in life was being with his children and grandkids of whom he was extremely proud.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Adeline. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Suzanne; his children, Kirsten (Patrick) Discepola, Jeana, Daniel, Michela, and Mark; his granddaughters, Giuliana, Addison, and Peyton; and his brother, Robert.

On Wednesday, April 28th, 2021, Laura Donaldson, loving sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at age 46 after battling a neurological disease for decades and lived her life with grit and grace.

Laura was born on July 6, 1974, in Hartford, CT to Sarah and Kenneth Donaldson. She attended college at UNC Greensboro and spent much of her life in Wayne, NJ with her family.

Laura had a keen memory for birthdays and special occasions and enjoyed spending time with her family celebrating, always bringing laughter to those near her. Her life was an inspiration for us to live each moment to its fullest, and find moments of joy in the simple things.

Laura was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah. She is survived by her father Kenneth, her brother Glen and her sister Lisa.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made in Laura’s honor, to the ALS Association, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004, or click her to donate online.

Evelyn Florit (nee Hoogmoed), age 71, of Prospect Park passed away peacefully on Sunday April 25, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Evelyn was born in Passaic and was raised in Hawthorne, NJ and was one of five children to Walter and Evelyn Hoogmoed.  Evelyn attended Hawthorne High School and graduated with the class of 1968.  Following her graduation from high school, Evelyn immediately enrolled in a vocational nursing school in Wayne which at the time was affiliated with St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.  Evelyn, upon receiving certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse, accepted a position at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson where she was assigned to the Pediatrics Department.  Evelyn remained employed at St Joseph’s Hospital in the Pediatrics Department and was a respected and loved member of the staff for more than forty-four years.  Evelyn retired from her work with St Joseph’s Hospital in 2014.

Apart from living in Hawthorne, Evelyn also lived in Haledon where she welcomed the births of her three beautiful children, Thomas, Dawn, and Daniel while married to her first husband.  Later, Evelyn moved to Prospect Park where she fell in love and married her second husband Michael Florit on October 12, 1994.  Evelyn and Michael remained in Prospect Park for the rest of their lives together. Evelyn was always dedicated to her work in the field of pediatrics, and she was also dedicated to her Christian Faith as well.  However, aside from all her interests, her greatest passion was her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Evelyn than spending time with and providing for her family.  Her favorite events were barbeques at her home surrounded by friends and family.  Evelyn always felt the need to “touch her babies.”  She once made her husband Michael drive from Florida to New Jersey so that she would be able to give her son Thomas a hug on his birthday.

Growing up, Evelyn was always a little timid and shy, but as she got older she “came out of her shell,” so to speak and felt a growing concern for others.  She was always willing to help those in need and always did so with a smile on her face.  She never had a bad word to say about anyone and could constantly find positive outlooks on all situations and good in all people.  She donated regularly to a variety of different charities including Disabled American Veterans, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and many others.  Throughout the years she enjoyed spoiling her children, her grandchildren, and her pets including her Parrot, Chihuahua, and her Great Dane.  Evelyn was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Evelyn is survived by her husband Michael Florit of Prospect Park, her son Thomas McGillis and his wife Christina of Sparrow Bush, NY, her daughter Dawn Marie Baker and her significant other Michael of Hamburg, her son Danial McGillis and his wife Jennifer of Paramus, four grandchildren; TJ McGillis currently attending Alfred University, James Baker, Abigail McGillis, and Kayla McGillis, one sister Marie Tenkate and her husband David of North Haledon, three brothers Walter Hoogmoed of Riverdale, Richard Hoogmoed and his wife Nancy of Hawthorne, and Arthur Hoogmoed and his wife Patricia of West Milford, one step-son Michael Florit and his wife Kim, two step-grandchildren; Shane Florit, and Christian Florit.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s name may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorials Processing 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Disabled American Veterans, 8 Veterans Plaza, Bergenfield, NJ 07621.

Donna Lee (Ross) Persh, age 81, passed away on April 25, 2021 at her home in Wayne, NJ. She was born on November 7, 1939 in Republic, PA and raised in Perryopolis, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents; John and Anna (Mazzocco) Ross and by her loving husband of twenty-five years; Ben A. Persh.

Donna is survived by her two daughters; Penny Mandara and husband Gary, Tracy McCann and former husband John McCann, three grandchildren; Sam, Brandon, and Daniella Mandara, a sister, Lenora Guesman and her husband John, nieces; Terri (Andrew) Foster, Jill (Chris) Standley, and four great-nephews; Ian and Declan Foster, and Connor and Spencer Standley.

Donna graduated from Perry-Lower Tyrone High School in 1957 and California University of Pennsylvania in 1960, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in speech arts, dramatics and English. In 1962, she received a master’s degree in speech/language pathology from West Virginia University. Post graduate studies at Montclair and William Paterson Universities earned certifications in learning disabilities and special education.

Donna’s work experiences have been varied and extensive, including teaching drama and public speaking at Beatty Junior High School in Warren, PA and serving as a speech pathologist in Berrien County, Michigan and Passaic and Paramus schools in New Jersey. After twenty-two years, she retired from this full-time position with the Morris Hills Regional High School District, having served as a speech pathologist, a public speaking, English, and special education teacher. Many part-time jobs followed, including instruction at William Paterson University Speech Clinic, providing early intervention, working at the New Jersey Developmental Center, the Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton, and for Visiting Nurses of Morristown. In 2020, she finally retired at age eighty, from the New Jersey DCF School in Totowa, NJ.

Traveling was one of Donna’s great joys in life, along with spending good times with family and good friends. Donna was blessed with loving family members and with loyal caring friends. Many friends were made through active membership in the American Association of University Women and the various places where she was employed. The simple things in life gave Donna the most joy, such as driving back to Perryopolis, PA to visit with her sister and brother-in-law, attend class reunions, and visits with old friends. She also enjoyed pampering her two rescued cats, Spider and Mouse, along with being pampered by Dana Polito-Corry, her very loving home health aide.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Foundation, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209.

Craig Jackson, age 62, a twenty-one year resident of Totowa, formerly of Wayne, passed Sunday, April 25, 2021.

He was born in Pequannock and raised in Wayne.  Craig graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1976.

As a young man he worked at the Sunshine Feitlin Deli on Valley Road in Wayne. He would later work for PSE&G, a local branch of Primerica Corporation, and for the past thirty years he has worked for the Family Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Paterson. Through the years he has clerked for several judges and retired as a Senior Probation Officer in 2020. Craig was always willing to lend a hand to those at work and generously donated his sick time to anyone who needed it.

For over thirty years Craig has attended the Calvary Gospel Church in Wayne. He was active with the choir and recently became a Deacon. At the church Craig was again generous with his time, talent, and resources. He donated time to the Pregnancy Resources Clinic in Hawthorn and although he never got to start, he was looking forward to volunteering at Chilton Hospital.

Craig had a great sense of humor and could carry on a conversation with just about anyone.  He could do impressions and loved a good gossip story at work and had a beautiful voice.  He loved to sing Karaoke and often stole the show!  His kind hearted and loving nature is evidenced by his caring for his mother, Arlene, as she was afflicted with dementia.  He would shop for her on weekends and always buy her favorites. For many years he enjoyed family trips to Wildwood on Labor Day weekend, swimming at the Totowa Town Pool, and travel.  One of his favorite modes of travel was cruising and he has cruised all over the Caribbean. Craig was also a great cook and his meatloaf and chicken parmesan recipes will be greatly missed.

Craig was the loving father of Monica Jackson (d. April 6, 2021) and Nicolas Jackson of Totowa; he was the former husband of Diane Jackson of Manahawkin; much loved brother of Laura Jackson and her husband Jim Jahnke of Belle Mead; and was the dearly loved uncle of several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation in Craig’s memory are asked to consider the Calvary Gospel Church, 1599 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Marie Hordyszynski (nee Opiela), age 82 of Wayne, died on Thursday, April 22, 2021. She has lived in Wayne since 1971.

Marie grew up in Manhattan, on the lower east side. Her family were members of the St. George Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on East 7th Street, where she sang in the choir. It was here that she met Dann Hordyszynski, who also sang in the church choir. Dann mustered the courage to ask her out on a date, and they went for a stroll through Washington Square Park. This became one of their favorite places to go while dating, and their romance flourished. Dann recalls that Marie’s hands were always cold, so she would often slip her hand into his pocket for warmth. On one special occasion, he had a ring in his pocket and when she put her hand in looking for warmth, she was very surprised to discover the ring! Her answer was, of course, “yes!”  They were married at St. George‘s church on September 23, 1962 and honeymooned in the Adirondacks. They settled into their home in Jackson Heights, Queens, and began raising their family. During their fifty-eight years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling all over the United States. They embarked on many ‘canyon’ vacations, visiting the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and many others throughout the western states. They also visited the Caribbean on several cruises, and they made more than a few trips to Disney World. The story of how they ended up living in Wayne is interesting itself. Marie was visiting her parents at their lake house in Sussex County and on her way back home, she was detoured through Wayne. She loved the town and just happened to see a sign that said “lot for sale” as she was passing through. Within weeks, they purchased the lot and began working with a builder to construct their home. She was very excited to move into their new home in 1971. Marie and Dann have enjoyed many pleasant years there with their family, and they will all miss her dearly.

Marie was also a very talented seamstress. Over the years, she made numerous outfits for her kids, including ice skating competition dresses for her daughter, wedding dresses, and costumes. She was also a fantastic cook who enjoyed making American foods, but she also made delicious Pierogis and Ukrainian food as well! In addition, she enjoyed taking Jazzercise classes and spending time with her Jazzercise friends.

Marie is survived by her beloved husband, Dann of Wayne, three children; Mark of Hawaii, Rick and his wife Michele of Fleetwood, PA, and Dana Hordyszynski of Wayne, and two grandsons; Kyle and Ryan Hordyszynski of West Virginia. She was predeceased by her brother, Steven Opiela of Shoreham, NY, in 2018.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Marie’s memory are asked to please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and send to; Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or donate online at www.stjude.org.

Elizabeth De Nichilo (nee Mazzoccoli), age 62 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 22, 2021. She had been receiving the loving care of her family.

Elizabeth loved being a teacher assistant and had taught pre-k and kindergarten for many years at St. Anthony’s in Paterson before moving to St. Gerard’s School on W. Broadway in Paterson about fifteen years ago. Her entire professional career had been teaching and her students will surely miss her.

Elizabeth was raised in Paterson and attended Paterson Catholic High School before her family moved to Wayne in 1975. She finished high school at Wayne Valley and graduated in 1976. Her mother warmly recalls what a good kid Elizabeth was as a teenager, who never did wrong (as far as she knows) and listened to her parent’s guidance. Elizabeth especially loved dancing, and being a teenager in the 1970’s, at the peak of the disco years, made for a lot of fun times! More recently, she enjoyed shopping at the outlets in Woodbury Commons, Tinton Falls, and Pennsylvania. A huge fan of the NY YANKEES and NY GIANTS, she had lots of fun going to many home games throughout the years. She had a special love for the beach too, and spent many summers at their condo in Wildwood Crest.

In 1979, Elizabeth met Nick De Nichilo and they went on a date to the movies. Romance ensued and they were soon engaged! They exchanged vows at St. Anthony’s Parish in Paterson before honeymooning on the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. They lived in Paterson for a few years before buying their home in Wayne in 1991, where they have lived ever since. They have enjoyed nearly forty years together and Nick will miss her dearly.

Elizabeth was very proud of her home and kept it immaculately clean. She learned the importance of keeping a clean home from her mom, and she did just that. Elizabeth was also an excellent cook, having learned all the traditional Italian dishes from her mom. Her sauce was the best, and she cooked her pasta perfectly. She has since passed those cooking skills down to her own daughters, along with the cleaning skills! Elizabeth also enjoyed decorating her home for Christmas, bringing the holiday spirit into the house for her favorite holiday. She had a lifelong love for cats ever since she was small. Her first cat was Friskie and then Charlie and now Minnie and Coconut. They were not just pets, but truly members of the family. She was a faithful Catholic who not only taught in Catholic schools during her whole career, but was also a lifelong parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Nick of Wayne, two daughters; Nicole and Deanna De Nichilo, both of Wayne, and her mother; Angiolina Mazzoccoli of Wayne. Elizabeth was predeceased by her father, Angelo, in 2008, and by her brother, Vincent, in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth’s memory would be greatly appreciated to Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Rd, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380, or visit komen.org

Dolores J. Burka “Dee”, age 90 of Lincoln Park, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 22, 2021, with the love of adored family by her side. She had lived in Lincoln Park for over 80 years.

Born in Jersey City, the second of Louis and Josephine (Cleary) Scalza’s four children, Dee’s father owned a grocery store in Jersey City. Doing his best to provide for his family, he took to bootlegging on the side. Soon after Dee was born, her family moved to Montville and then Pinebrook Road in Lincoln Park where Dee spent her formidable years. Her dad was strict and her kids were so amazed when Dee told the story about, while growing up, how he made her wear jeans (not something girls did back then) and her brother wear a dress as a punishment for some childhood misdeed. Dee was attending Boonton High School but, like some many young people of her era, her parents pulled her out of school so that she could go to work to make money to contribute to the family. She got a job on the assembly line at Kearfott making baby bottle nipples and pacifiers. Every day she’d walk to the Mountain View Station to take the bus to work and back home.

One night, Dee went on a date to a dance with a young man named John Burka. Of course, they needed to be chaperoned so John’s younger brother Joseph and Dee’s younger sister Ann were designated as the chaperones. After the date, Dee’s sister Ann told Dee that John’s younger brother Joseph was a better fit for her than John. She must have been right because, the next date was with Joe which ultimately led to love, then marriage, then a total of eight children in the baby carriage. Dee and Joe exchanged their wedding promises in front of family and friends on Saturday, May 27, 1950 at St. Joseph Church in Lincoln Park. After a wedding reception at the Russian Hall in Singac, they honeymooned at Dee’s parent’s summer home in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. Dee loved to tell her kids that, during their honeymoon, a porcupine tried to get in the house. They couldn’t get it to stop so they shot it and it still took quite an effort to end its life.

Dee and Joe moved into their new home, built by her father, at 5 Scalza Drive in Lincoln Park. Being a fireman, Joe had the good habit of hanging his pants on the bedpost so he’d be ready to respond to a fire in the middle of the night. Well, Dee and Joe must have gone to bed early on many nights because seven of their eight children were born while living on Scalza Drive. Soon after, they moved to a bigger home at 24 Terrace Parkway in Lincoln Park. There they welcomed child number eight – sweet baby James. Raising eight children would be more than a full-time job for most people but Dee found time to work outside of the home too. She worked a part-time job in the evenings for the Kodak store factory in Wayne. From there she took a job as a check inspector for Deluxe Check in Caldwell. In between all of that, she used her accomplished seamstress skills to make clothing for her family. When children’s weddings came, it was none other than Dee who was called up to make the wedding dresses. In fact, she literally made all five of her daughter’s wedding gowns as well as her three granddaughter’s gowns. When grandchildren came, she made the christening outfits. News of Dee’s seamstress skills spread and eventually she turned sewing into a small business, making outfits for the Lincoln Park Drum Corps and dresses for the local chapter of the Sweet Adeline’s Choir, to name a few.

Besides raising eight children, Dee managed to stay active in many other worthy endeavors. She was a dedicated member of the Lincoln Park Women’s Club, the Lincoln Park Fire Department Fire Company #2 Ladies Auxiliary, and later on in life, the Lincoln Park Seniors. Faithful parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church of Lincoln Park for all of her and Joe’s almost 70 years of marriage, Dee loved getting together with the church’s Knitting Bee Group. While knitting lap blankets for seniors and baby blankets for newborns, Dee and her fellow knitters would have a great time of fun and conversation. In their retirement years, Dee and Joe traveled frequently with friends on trips to Dollywood, Branson Missouri, on a steamboat trip down the Mississippi River and on lots of cruises. They were “Diamond Members” with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, having enjoyed more than a dozen cruises and they’ve cruised all over the place. Dee and Joe have been to every State except for Hawaii, and their travels are too numerous to count. Dee even made it to Ireland to see where her mom was born.  

Dee was truly a family woman at heart. She enthusiastically hosted every holiday at her house and every single day was a sit down dinner with no television or other distraction. Sunday dinner was always at 2:00 PM. For Dee and Joe’s 25th wedding anniversary, her children gave them money for a trip to Hawaii. Always putting family first, they put in a swimming pool instead. It turned out to be the gift that kept on giving as their backyard became party central including some of their kid’s weddings. Nothing made Dee happier than sitting on her deck to watch her grandchildren and great grandchildren while they swam in that pool. She enjoyed another unique pastime – sitting on that covered deck and listening to the sound of the rain.  

Family life was always an adventure in the Burka home, and Dee and Joe loved to take their family on long road trips which usually included a visit to a National Park or two. As Dee and Joe’s family grew to eventually include twenty grandchildren, they would plan special trips for the grandkids to destinations in the American west. National Parks were always on the agenda, and almost all of their grandchildren have been to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Four Corners, Jackson Hole, Pike’s Peak and have ridden the Durango & Silverton Railroad in Colorado! At Christmas every grandchild was treated to Disney’s Ice Capades. They made sure that they all had a taste of what life had to offer, and they had great fun spending all that time with family.  Perhaps one of the most memorable stories that came out of all their trips, was in 2003 when they went to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and Dee’s name was added to the “Terrorist” list!  As Dee and Joe were entering and went through the metal detectors, an alert sounded and Dee was apprehended.  It turned out that she had a tiny pocket knife in her purse, as any well-prepared seamstress and mother of eight should have.  But since the events of 9/11 were still very fresh in everyone’s mind, the authorities took the whole incident far out of proportion.  It may not have been so funny at the time, but it makes for good laughs now!  Dee’s children also recall great times spending weekends in the Catskills and sleigh riding on the area golf courses on their enormous Flexible Flyers. Dee has left them all with wonderful and fond memories to cherish for all of their days.

Dee was feisty and spicy but extremely loving! She was the definition of hospitality. You came to her house? You ate! She was full of “Irishisms” like “Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry?” and “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out” and “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead and her favorite “The more I complain, the longer God lets me live.” Dee’s mother was scheduled to be on the Titanic when she came to America. For some reason, she came over a week later on the Lusitania instead. Knowing how many lives Dee touched during the course of her ninety years, it’s unfathomable for her family to imagine that Dee would have never been here if her Mom was on the Titanic. God surely intervened because he knew how many lives she would bless.

Dolores was the beloved wife of Joseph, blessed in marriage for sixty-nine years until his passing in 2019. She was the loving mother of eight children; Joanne Palumbo and her husband John of Cortlandt Manor, NY, Joseph Burka, Jr. and his wife Karen of Brant Lake, NY, Eileen Leech of Lincoln Park, NJ, Donna Wild of Loveland, CO, Philip Burka of Butler, NJ, Annemarie Locilento of Mt. Bethel, PA, Dolores (Lori) Molinaro and her husband Nicholas of Riverdale, NJ, and James Burka and his significant other Carolyn Fazio of Lincoln Park, NJ, twenty grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren (plus one on the way), and one great-great-grandchild.

For those wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers in Dolores’s memory, please consider the Lincoln Park First Aid Squad, 34 Chapel Hill Rd., P.O. Box 332, Lincoln Park, 07035.

Anthony Russomagno, age 85 of North Caldwell passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 22, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Anthony was born and raised in Jersey City and was one of four children to Dominic and Rosaria Russomagno. He attended Snyder High School in Jersey City and while a student there, he was a track and field star specializing in javelin and discus, was a gifted gymnast and loved to play tennis. Anthony was elected Vice President of the class of 1953. Following his graduation from high school, he found work quickly as a draftsman working for Westinghouse Electric. Prior to starting work and after his high school graduation, he played semi-pro baseball for a short time.

In 1955, Anthony felt it in his heart to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. While serving, he was stationed in Germany for about two years and received the rank of Specialist Third Class. He served honorably and proudly from 1955 until being honorably discharged in 1957.

Subsequent to his service in the US Army, Anthony enrolled at Newark State College now known as Kean University in Union, NJ and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. In 1965, he earned a Master of Arts degree from Montclair State College. As a newly certified teacher, he accepted a position at Ridgefield Park High School where he taught Industrial Arts and over time, became Supervisor for the Industrial Arts Department.  Anthony also became the Director of the Cooperative Education Program for Industrial Arts. His career at Ridgefield Park High School spanned thirty-five years until his retirement in 1995.

During Anthony’s time as a student teacher at North Arlington High School, he met an attractive young lady named Rosanne Montesano who was a fellow student teacher. He and Rosanne went out on a snowy night to a place called Malone’s. The two hit it off and that was the beginning of a beautiful love story. After a year dating, they became husband and wife on June 30, 1963.  Anthony and Rosanne settled in Nutley and it was there that they welcomed the births of their two children, Flora and Dominic. Anthony and his family remained in Nutley for thirty-two years until 1995 when they moved to North Caldwell where he designed and built their dream home. He and Rosanne remained in North Caldwell for the rest of their lives together.

Anthony was a member of NJEA and BCEA. He was truly dedicated to his teaching and had an outstanding work ethic. Anthony was not only dedicated to his career, he was also dedicated to his Catholic faith. For many years, he and his family were parishioners of Notre Dame RC Church, where he and his wife Rosanne were Eucharistic Ministers and served on RCIA and Pre-Cana. Anthony and his family were also parishioners of Holy Family RC Church in Nutley, as well as Saint William RC Church in Naples, FL, and recently had become parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne.

Anthony and his family cherished their summers at the Jersey Shore on Chadwick Beach Island. Building was a passion of his and every few years, he would design and build a custom home for another family to enjoy. While vacationing on Barnegat Bay, Anthony treasured boating, sailing, and fishing and while spending winters in Naples, FL, he took every opportunity to go golfing.   He could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his friends and neighbors, and always with a smile. Anthony was humble, kind and patient and a had a beautiful sense of humor. He was the kind of person you couldn’t help but like and want to be around.  He was looked up to as a mentor by many, never complained about anything or anyone, and was an outstanding dancer.  Over the years he was known to many as: “Mr. R”, Tony, Uncle Tony, and Dad, but his favorite title and the one he was most proud of was “Grandpa.” Aside from all of Anthony’s talents, hobbies and interests, his greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to him than providing for and spending time with his children and his only grandchild. He and Rosanne cherished an amazing fifty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage. Anthony was a very special person who touched the lives of countless people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Anthony is survived by his wife Rosanne (nee Montesano) of North Caldwell, his daughter Flora Vogt and her husband Todd of Wayne, his son Dominic Russomagno and his wife Patty of Wayne, his precious grandson Anthony Russomagno of Wayne, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers Vincent Russomagno and Barbato Russomagno, and his sister Marie Perfetto.  

Those wishing to make a donation in Tony’s name may do so to the charity of their choice.

Anthony “Putsy” Donald Matonti, age 94 of Wyckoff, passed away peacefully while receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born to Vincent and Clotilda (Kate) Matonti and raised in Paterson having graduated from High School with the Class of 1944.  He enlisted in the US Navy and entered service on October 2, 1944 in New York City. He served mainly in the Pacific Theatre of WWII and received the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal – 1 Star, and the WWII Victory Medal being discharged on April 8, 1946 as a Seaman First Class.

Anthony met the love of his life Dorothy while pulling her pigtails in kindergarten.  They went on to be high school sweethearts and married on March 12, 1944 in Paterson.  As Anthony was going off to War they really had no honeymoon. They truly loved each other but if they were not bickering or arguing something was wrong.  Putsy had an over fifty year affliction with Atypical ALS.  After over 75 years of marriage Dorothy remained right by his side until her passing in April of 2020.

Putsy’s work history includes him caring for chickens at the family home in Paterson.  His mother owned a few silk mills in the city and kept the chickens so she could help feed the needy.  When returning from his military service he worked for an appliance repair service based out of Newark.  During one blizzard he actually walked home from Newark to Paterson as he wanted to be home to care for his wife and daughter. Anthony soon opened his own appliance repair company called A&M Appliance based out of Wyckoff. He ran the company for over forty years before retiring in 1990. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf every Wednesday and Sunday and bowling in a league until ALS made it impossible for him to do either.

He was the loving husband of the late Dorothy Matonti (d.2020); devoted father of Mary Darlene Matonti; cherished grandfather of Jacqueline Donna Elefante and his three great grandchildren: Alexis Drew Elefante, Ryan Ross Elefante and Nicole Leticia Greene, and one sister Jean Triggiani.  Anthony was predeceased by his grandson, John Anthony Greene and his brother Frank Matonti.

Phyllis L. Staluppi (nee Nigro), age 90 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Monday, April 19, 2021.

Phyllis grew up in Jersey City, NJ and was the youngest of six children. She graduated from Henry P. Snyder High School with the class of 1948 and began working for Bell Telephone. It was right around the time she was in high school that Phyllis met Joseph Staluppi at a YMCA dance. He approached her and asked for a dance that night, and a courtship began. Not long after that they were engaged to be married and exchanged vows in 1953 at Sacred Heart RC Church in Jersey City. After a honeymoon in Miami Beach they had two sons and lived in Jersey City and Fairview, NJ before buying a brand new house in Wayne in 1964.

Phyllis was a ‘taxi mom’ driving her sons everywhere they needed to go, including Little League games, football practices, soccer practices and day trips to Fountain Springs Lake in Ringwood. Her sons recall what a great cook their mother was too, and the family will especially miss her Sunday dinners of ravioli, chicken and chocolate pudding pie which was a favorite among all of her grandchildren. Summer vacations were enjoyed at Wildwood, NJ and Cape Cod. When Phyllis was in her 40’s she started  taking painting lessons and became an excellent painter, creating still-life and landscapes on canvas. She also worked at Stern’s in the Preakness Shopping Center for over 20 years.

Phyllis and her husband Joe enjoyed a very loving and devoted marriage. They were tied at the hip and loved each other very much. Joe was a man of few words, and Phyllis knew how to carry a conversation! Together they would watch Wheel of  Fortune and then the Yankees game every night. Phyllis would call her sons and tell them about a great play that Derek Jeter made. They were parishioners at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, where they attended mass every Sunday at noon. When Joe’s health began to fail, Phyllis was by his side no matter what, supporting him through all his doctor visits. Sadly, after fifty-nine years of marriage, Joe died in 2012, and Phyllis has missed him terribly ever since.

Phyllis is survived by her two sons Joseph Staluppi and his wife Ginny of Dobbs Ferry, NY and Peter Staluppi and his wife Heidi Kantor of Wayne, six grandchildren Joseph Anthony and Francesco of Dobbs Ferry, and Aaron, Peter, Demi and Steven of Wayne. Phyllis was predeceased by all five of her siblings; Madelyn Koster, Anthony, Michael, Angelo, and Gus Nigro.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Processing Center, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090 or the American Cancer Society, 2310 Route 34,Suite 1D, Manasquan, NJ 08736.

Constance May (Paulison) Ormsby, “Connie”, age 96, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side, on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

The second of Albert and Laura Bedwin’s six children, Connie was born in Livingston and grew up in Pompton Plains where she was a graduate of Butler Regional High School.

Connie was the beloved wife of Millard Paulison. They met when she was eighteen and part of their courtship was experienced long-distance when Millard was called to serve in the United States Armed Forces. They married on Saturday, October 13 1945 and soon after moved into their newly built home located at 31 Manor Avenue in Pompton Plains.

Connie and Millard were blessed with three children – Douglas, Barbara and Ronald, and Connie devoted her life to providing a loving and nurturing home for her family. Doing some of her best work in the kitchen, favorite family recipes included her delicious leg of lamb which was often served on Sunday afternoon after church, and for dessert, there were never any leftovers when she served her delicious cheese cake, angel food cake or date nut bread. The family enjoyed annual summer vacations to Lake Winnipesaukee and Granite Lake, both in New Hampshire, and Christmas holidays with extended family hosted by Connie or one of her four sisters.

In 1978, with retirement now a reality, Connie and Millard sold their home in Pompton Plains and moved to Inverness Florida. It was fun at first but Connie missed seeing her grandchildren and found the summers unbearably warm. For the next few years they took trips back to New Jersey up to six times a year and ultimately decided it would make more sense to move back closer to their family. They chose Silver Ridge Park Community in Toms River where they enjoyed the many friendships that developed over the years. It became much easier to visit and be visited by children and grandchildren and the whole extended family enjoyed the tradition of Easter Sundays celebrated in Toms River. In 1996, after 51 truly blessed years in a loving marriage, Connie’s beloved Millard passed away. In the years that followed, Connie met a gentleman named James Ormsby. Connie and Jim became good companions for one another and they married on April 11, 2003. They enjoyed eleven years together, including a cruise to Alaska, until Jim passed away in 2014. Connie remained in Toms River for a couple more years, then she moved to Matamoras, Pennsylvania to be closer to her daughter Barbara and son-in-law John. This past January, 2021, she moved one more time, to the home of her son Ron and daughter-in-law Julie in Wanaque. For the last four months, Ron and Julie lovingly cared for Connie, admirably providing her with much love and nurturing attention.

As a younger woman, Connie enjoyed making items out of ceramic and she was an excellent seamstress who made many of her own and daughter Barbara’s clothing. She took up needlepoint as a hobby and some of those creations lovingly serve as decorations in her family’s homes and reminders how much she was appreciated.

Connie’s family meant the world to her. She had the most special relationship with each of her three children and was deeply saddened by the passing of her oldest son Doug in 2014. Her daughter-in-law Julie and Julie’s son James felt so loved and immediately part of the family when Julie married Connie’s son Ron. She adored her grandchildren and always felt so loved when they came to visit her in Toms River. From the time they were growing up, Connie loved sharing life with her brother and four sisters. They all got along so well and enjoyed getting together on a regular basis. Over the course of time, all of her sisters moved out of state so staying in touch meant frequent calls on the telephone and occasional trips to see each other.    

Throughout her entire life, Connie cherished a close relationship with the Lord. From the time she was little girl, she could remember singing in the church’s children’s choir and going to local nursing homes to sing for the elderly residents. She was a longtime member of Grace Church in Pequannock and more recently a member of Jacksonville Chapel (known today as The Chapel) in Lincoln Park.

Those who knew Connie will always hold a cherished place of fine memories of her in their heart. She was easy going, genuinely sweet and loving, and generous to a fault. While her absence brings sadness, that sadness is tempered by the assurance that she is with the Lord and reunited with those who were so special and dearly loved.

Connie was the beloved wife of her first husband Millard Paulison who passed away in 1996, and her second husband James Ormsby who passed away in 2014; loving mother of Douglas Paulison who passed away in 2014, Barbara and husband John Pearston of Dingmans Ferry, PA, and Ronald and wife Julie Paulison of Wanaque; adored grandmother of Kim and husband Steve Hawk, Kevin Pearston, Tiffany and husband Greg Decker, and James and wife Kristen Mandara; cherished great-grandmother of: Mallory, Michael, Allison, Nicholas, Bodie, Joey, and Brianna; precious great-great-grandmother of Scarlett and Cameron; dear sister of Catherine Conklin of Vernon Rockville, CT; dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews; and dear step-mother of James and Karen Ormsby of New Brunswick. She was also predeceased by her other dear siblings: Albert Bedwin, Grace Mather, Mavis Summers, and Dorothy Cowan.

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

Aimée J Balkjy, age 91, of Wayne, passed away peacefully in her daughter Renée’s home with loving family by her side, on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Renée considers it a gift to have cared for her mom’s last days before her passing.    

Born in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, NY, she was the first born of Ibrahim and Eva Abdallah’s four children. Aimée attended Fort Hamilton High School graduating with the Class of 1946.

In an era when women were traditionally groomed for marriage and motherhood, Aimée took the road less traveled, choosing instead to join the workforce. She secured a position as an executive secretary on Wall Street excelling in her work. In fact, being drawn to the excitement of big business and the high class culture of New York City, this was a time of great enjoyment in her life.

Aimée was the pure definition of the word “sociable” and consequently, she enjoyed meeting lots of different, interesting people. She encountered a handsome young man of Syrian descent named Frederick Balkjy. Fred was immediately drawn to Aimée’s magnetic personality and, making it his business to win her heart, he would regularly commute from New Jersey to Brooklyn, frequently attempting to woo her with flowers. In the end, it worked. The happy couple married on December 5,1954 at the Church of the Virgin Mary. Fred and Aimée lived in Richfield Village in Clifton for a time before building their own home on Rolling Hills Road in Clifton. Soon after, through the blessing of adoption, they welcomed two beautiful girls into their lives – first Renée and a couple of years later, baby Paulette. Aimée put her Wall Street life behind her and embraced her role as mother and homemaker. In between, she supported her husband in his delicatessen business. During Renée and Paulette’s childhood, the family relocated to Florida a couple of times but ultimately realized New Jersey was where they wanted to be and they ended up purchasing a different house on Rolling Hills Road in Clifton. After Fred passed away in 1999, Aimée moved to Sisco Village in Wayne where she remained to the present. While living there she met a gentleman named Richard Nathan. The two of them became good companions and were seemingly inseparable until Richards sudden passing in 2016.

Aimée’s approach to homemaking and entertaining was a true reflection of her personality. To Aimée, entertaining was best when it was done in a formal fashion. She loved using her finest china and silverware and she always featured a special table with an assortment of different complimentary cigarettes, all in fancy display holders with ornate ash trays. She loved dressing up and making herself look pretty with such a flair for the elegant. When her daughter Paulette was a young child she loved playing dress up with her mother’s make-up and clothes. Aimée also enjoyed decorating her home, typically using bold, vibrant colors to achieve the look she envisioned.  Even for a nightly dinner at home with her family Aimée would never think about serving food on the table in a pot or pan. It always had to be served in a lovely serving dish.

When entertaining is of such great importance to someone, it helps when they are skilled in the kitchen. Fortunately, Aimée found great enjoyment dabbling in the culinary arts. Claudia remembers her grandmother

teaching her how to make Chinese donuts. Although her specialty was Middle Eastern recipes and family favorites included her homemade hummus, stuffed grape leaves grandson Jason’s favorite, old school Syrian string cheese, fresh, delicious meat pies and for dessert, nothing topped her delicious cheese cake with graham cracker and cinnamon crust.

Aimée truly adored her three grandchildren, Dakota, Jason, & Claudia. They brought so much joy to her life and she was always more than happy to take care of them on those occasions when her daughters had to work. During the grandmother years, Aimée took up knitting. Scarves were her specialty and consequently, her family had no shortage of them. They must have been high quality because when her grandson Dakota received his first one, he asked his mom with an air of surprise, “Grandma made this?”

Aimée’s warm-hearted disposition enabled her to make many friends at Sisco Village. She soon came to love her neighbors and, because of her generous heart, she frequently volunteered to offer assistance by running an errand for them or by taking them to a doctor appointment. Aimée always had a generous heart! In younger years, as a member of the Gregorian’s, she chaired countless fundraisers for Actor Danny Thomas in his pursuit to establish St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – a haven of love and mercy where children receive medical care at no cost.

Aimée was predeceased by her beloved husband Frederick in 1999. She was the loving mother of Renée and husband Ruben Regner of Pequannock, and Paulette and husband Gary Kashtan of Beachwood, NJ; cherished grandmother of Dakota Regner, Jason Regner, and Claudia Kashtan; and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by three siblings: Joseph Abdallah, William Albert, and Jean Gaviotis; and her dear companion Richard Nathan.

Aimée will be missed greatly by her family and friends. She will be remembered always for her kind, loving, & effervescent personality.

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

A Memorial Visitation Celebration of Russel's life will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 with friends and family invited to gather and share from 2-4:30 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.

Russell A. Clegg, age 58, passed peacefully Tuesday, April 13, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on March 22, 1963, in Paterson to the late Ronald and Marilyn Clegg. The family moved to Wayne where Russ graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1981. He continued his education at the New Jersey College of Engineering earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Russ began his career as an electrical engineer for Hewlett Packard in Rockaway. He worked for the same company, despite its many changes, for 35 years, retiring in 2020. Being such an invaluable employee, they sent him around the world to places such as Russia, China, Malaysia, Germany, and France. He left such an impression that an article was written about him in the Electrical Engineering TImes China. His work as a Design Engineer resulted in numerous patents. Some of his contributions were utilized by NASA, the European Space Agency, and Tesla.

One of the things Russ looked forward to most was his yearly visits to Sussex County Technical School where he taught electronics classes and conducted mock interviews with high school students.

Russ will be lovingly remembered for his infinite kindness and patience as well as his ability to fix anything. Whether it was cars, plumbing, computers, or electrical work, he could fix it all and loved to pass on his knowledge to others. Russ extended his generosity to anyone he encountered, especially to his friends, family, and "adopted" family. Fixing things was his love language. He and his wife Karen made the perfect pair. "If it had a heart, Karen fixed it. If it didn't, Russ fixed it."

Russ enjoyed his rides to nowhere in his yellow convertible Solstice with his wife by his side, sipping his Dunkin Donuts hazelnut coffee. And trips to his home in Port Charlotte, Florida; where he loved to soak up the sun on Siesta Key beach.

He is survived by his loving wife Karen Hengge Clegg; children Melissa Anne Dietz (Robert), Johnathan Reesor, Danielle Hengge, Nicole Hengge, Kayla Hengge; grandchildren Landon Berg, Killian Dietz, Lilith Dietz, and Marlee Reesor; second mother Mary Jo Clegg; siblings Ronald Clegg (Barbara), Steve Clegg (Theresa), John Clegg (Sue), Caprice Vieldhouse (Kevin), and Pash Antonelli; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Marilyn Clegg (d.2003), daughter Tara Lauren Clegg (d.2010), and his father Ronald G. Clegg Jr (d.2017)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Russ's name to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at

https://www.pancan.org/honormemorial-gifts/

Catherine Gravino (nee DiPaola), age 99 of Haledon, died peacefully at home on April 13, 2021, with family members by her side. She has lived in Haledon since 1946.

Catherine was a Depression era girl and the first in her family, among her generation, to graduate from high school. She worked hard at the Kresege Department Store, and also worked as a secretary, exercising her typing skills!

She was a devoted wife to her beloved Norman, and they celebrated more than seventy-one years of marriage before he passed in 2015. Their life together started in a very traditional fashion; Norman spotted her and she played ‘hard-to-get.’  In fact, she was completely disinterested in him, but he was persistent.  She eventually agreed to a first date, walking through Westside Park in Paterson, followed by a similar second date. Their courtship ensued and eventually Norm proposed. Their wedding had to wait while Norm went off to fight with the U.S. Navy in World War II, but while home on leave one day, he suggested that they get married “this Saturday!” Catherine agreed and they organized everything in just a few days, including her wedding dress!  They exchanged vows at St. Michael’s Church in Paterson and honeymooned for just one night in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania before Norm returned to serve with the Navy. Upon his discharge in 1945, they settled into their home in Haledon and began to welcome five little Gravinos!  Catherine was devoted to raising her children and she did a great job of it! A very nurturing and selfless woman, she dedicated much of her time to “Smile Train” and other benevolent causes. She crocheted afghan lap blankets for the hospital, and made hundreds of afghan blankets for everyone she knew, including scarves and mittens for the needy. She was also a prolific reader before sadly losing her vision.

Catherine is survived by her five children; Virginia Bator of Lincoln Park, Norman Gravino and his wife Jane of Oak Ridge, Mariann Bisaccia and her husband Albert of Lincoln Park, Michael Gravino and Lynn Lauber of Oak Ridge, and Kathryn Unger and her husband Steven of Wayne, ten grandchildren; John, Leanne, Catherine, Vito, James, Jessica, Mariann, Norman, Karyn, and Nickolas, twelve great-grandchildren; Owen, Mariann, Sarah, Jackson, Kendall, Leo, Caroline, Emily, Anna, Caitlin, Mae, and Oaklee, and one sister; Antonette Citro of Florida.  Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband Norman in 2015, by her son-in-law, Jack Bator in 2009, and by two brothers; Bart and Louis DiPaola.

For those wishing to send flowers, the family asks that you order from Jude Anthony Florist, 973-694-5833, or visit their website at www.judeanthonyflorist.com.

Teresa Melani,  age 101 of Garfield, NJ, died on April 7, 2021.   She was a resident of Garfield for 43 years.  

Teresa had been a mid-wife while she lived in Italy and delivered quite a few babies.  Once living in the United States, she worked as a sewing machine operator, sewing men’s suits and painstakingly matching difficult plaid patterns.  She was excellent at it.

Teresa was born in the little Italy section of New York City.  She returned to Italy with her parents and grew up in Davoli, a province of Catanzaro.  While living there she met Mario Melani who was visiting Davoli.  Mario was a handsome, adventurous young man who was serving in the Italian army in  the Guardian of Finance.  It was love at first sight and they were married shortly thereafter and had 2 children.

Teresa lived through WWII and experienced the devastating effects of the war firsthand.   During the war, she came down with typhoid fever.  At the same time she was in the hospital, her husband Mario was taken a prisoner of war by the Germans for six long months.  While Teresa was very sick in the hospital near death and Mario was a prisoner of war, their 2 children were being cared for by their fraternal grandparents.  During this difficult time, no one knew if either Teresa or Mario were  alive.  As God would have it, once the war ended, Teresa was gloriously and happily reunited with her husband.  As time went on, they went on to have a third child which was quite unexpected after having survived typhoid fever.

Teresa and Mario had longed for a better life for their three children, so they decided to make the bold move to America.  Teresa left her family in Italy in June 1954 and travelled alone to America.  Being a US citizen, she was able to arrive in the United States to set up an apartment where her family could later join her.  What a strong and courageous woman she was to have been able to leave her three young children in hope for a better life for them.  In January 1955 her family reunited with her in America and they went on to live in New Jersey.

Teresa was a very hardworking, loving and caring mother, wife and person.  She truly enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and  was so good at it.  She made so many delicious meals and holiday specialities.  She also loved crocheting and knitting blankets, baby sweaters and booties.  She made many beautiful and priceless works of art that will be handed down and enjoyed by future generations.

Teresa loved her family very much and was extremely proud of her three children, her six grandchildren and her five great grandchildren for all that they have accomplished.

Teresa is survived  by her three children, Tom Melani and his wife Josephine, Ann Goff and her husband Dennis, and Michelle Folbrecht and her husband Rick.  Six grandchildren:  Michael Melani, Dina Melani, Terri Toscano and her husband Louis, Denise Hoffman and her husband George, Kyle Folbrecht and Kristin Heyman and her husband Kevin.  Five great grandchildren:  Tommy Melani, Sofia Melani, Talina Toscano, Kayla Toscano and Brianna Hoffmann.

Julio Rivera, age 83, of Paterson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Julio was born and raised in Utuado, Puerto Rico and was one of thirteen children to Jesus and Claudia Rivera.  At the age of about sixteen, some of Julio’s family requested that he travel stateside to Chicago where some of his extended family was residing.  Julio’s immediate family encouraged him to join them and he traveled alone to the United States mainland.  After arriving in Chicago and living there for some time, Julio moved to Jersey City, NJ where he went to school to learn the trade of Auto Body.  This was a skill that Julio truly loved and spent years mastering.  Julio worked as a cabinet maker but eventually returned to the trade of Auto body which was his true calling.  Over the years, Julio honed his skills in auto body to the point of artistry.  Julio was self-employed for many years as an Auto Body Specialist and continued to work in the auto body field until some health issues forced him to retire.  Because of Julio’s work in the Auto Body field, it came as no surprise that he was someone that was good with his hands.  Julio could fix just about anything, anywhere.

In the early 1970’s, Julio met an attractive young woman named Petra Vizcarrondo through some mutual friends.  Julio and Petra didn’t exactly hit it off great when they first met, but Petra’s mom saw what kind of young man Julio was.  Petra’s mom convinced her that this was, “the man for her.”  As fate would have it, Julio and Petra fell in love and on November 2, 1972 they became husband and wife.  Petra, at the time they were married, already had three children of her own from a previous marriage.  Julio totally and completely embraced Petra’s children as his own and to this day they still refer to him as “Dad.”  After getting married, Julio and his family settled in Jersey City, NJ.  They remained there for a couple of years then moved to Puerto Rico.  While in Puerto Rico, Julio and Petra welcomed the births of their own two children.  Julio, again being very good with his hands, built the family home in San Isidro, Canovanas, Puerto Rico.  Throughout the years, Julio and his family moved several times to and from Puerto Rico and the United States mainland.  Eventually, Julio and his family moved to Paterson, NJ where they have remained ever since.

Julio was an avid New York Yankees fan for many years.  He treasured taking long walks and listening to Latin music artists such as Julio Jaramillo,  Julio Iglesias, and Jose Jose to name a few.  Julio was a quiet man, private and very humble.  He was loving, compassionate and often shy but was also willing to help anyone in need.  Apart from all of Julio’s interests, talents, and hobbies, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Julio than providing for and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Julio and his wife Petra cherished forty-nine years of loving and loyal marriage.  Julio touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by his family and friends alike.

Julio is survived by his wife Petra Vizcarrondo of Paterson and five children; his son Herminio Vizcarrondo of Springfield, MA, his son Bruce Vizcarrondo and his wife Quetsy of Greenville, PA, his son Stanley Vizcarrondo and his wife Nancy of Paterson, NJ, his son Julio Rivera of Paterson, NJ, and his daughter Marjorie Rivera of Paterson, NJ.  Twelve grandchildren; Justin Rivera of Massachusetts, Andrew Rivera of Massachusetts, Jeremy Rivera of Massachusetts, Marcos Rivera of Massachusetts, Bruce David Rivera and his wife Angie of Lodi, NJ, Quetsy Marylis Rivera and her husband Mario of Greenville, PA, Valery Vizcarrondo and her husband Miguel of Wyckoff, NJ, Dayshawn Vizcarrondo of Greenville, PA, Stanley Vizcarrondo and his wife Esther of Newark, NJ, Victor Vizcarrondo of Paterson, NJ, Ileana Vizcarrondo of Paterson, NJ and Nashaun Vailes of Paterson, NJ.  Thirteen Great Grandchildren;  Nayla, Xayden, Andrew Jr., Eylana, Kiara, Bambi, Clover, Stephanie, Maya, Leilani, Ariyah, Adrian and Olivia. He is also survived by seven of his brothers and sisters; Buena, Juan Luis a.k.a. as Negro, Benjamin, Jesus Jr., Esther, Lucy and William. He was also predeceased by five of his brothers and sisters over the years; Visitacion, Herminio a.k.a Papo, Ivan, Ernesto and Carlitos.

Gustave John Jurgens “Jack”, age 89, of Lyndhurst, passed away peacefully into the presence of the Lord, on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

Jack was born in his grandparent’s home which was located at 432 Ridge Road in North Arlington. The older brother of Margaret “Margie”, the family later moved to 374 Delawanna Ave., Clifton where Jack spent his formative years.

On February 1, 1950, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served on the 93rd Field Maintenance Squadron as an Airman First Class during peacetime in England and at the Castle Air Force Base in California. On January 31, 1954, he was honorably discharged and returned to civilian life. For his service to his country, Jack was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Jack met his first wife Grace Pugh and, after marriage, they moved to Trimble Avenue in Clifton where they were blessed with three beautiful children: Debra, Guy and Bret. Jack was always mechanically inclined and he ultimately settled into a career as an auto body mechanic – a profession where there would always be plenty of work. In June, 1971, he remarried, this time to Pauline Burgess (nee Langevin). Initially, they moved to Bear Mountain, NY then after some time they settled in at 432 Ridge Road, North Arlington. It was during this stage of life that Jack ventured to work for himself. He started doing auto body work out of his grandmother’s garage in North Arlington. Business was good and eventually they expanded the business and he and Pauline opened their own auto body shop on New Jersey Ave. in Lyndhurst which they aptly named PJ’s Auto Body – the P for Pauline and the J for Jack. With Jack’s talents and Pauline working as his office manager and bookkeeper, PJ’s Auto Body enjoyed much success as Jack worked to restore his customer’s cars to their original luster into the 1980’s when health issues forced him to retire.

Jack was a doer and a man of many gifts and talents. He took up painting on canvas as a hobby and, over the years, he painted many landscapes, abstracts, and portraits. He was a self-taught piano player who could play many styles of music and he played a little bit of guitar too. He had a full wood shop in his basement. Jack would venture around town in his station wagon and bring back all kinds of broken and rejected furniture to his wood working shop where he enjoyed bringing the pieces back to their original luster and functionality. He was an avid fisherman who actually made his own lures – some of them out of the fur from the tails of unfortunate squirrels that he’d find on the road, surely a victim of trying to outdo a car.  Jack had his own sailboat too, and he’d often take it down to South Jersey for a day of sailing. He loved inviting friends and family to sail on his boat with him. In later years, Jack and Pauline got the chance to do some traveling together. They enjoyed trips to Jamaica, Canada, Florida to see family, New England where Pauline was originally from, and a cross-country trip to California to see family.

Jack's faith in God was foundational to his life. He came to know the Lord as his Savior through his Grandma Wilkins. For many years, he and Pauline were members of the Nazarene Church in Clifton and presently with the Gospel Hall in Midland Park. Jack loved the Lord and shared the love of Christ wherever he went. He always had some gospel tracts with him which he freely shared with anyone who was interested and he regularly left them in restaurants or wherever else someone might see one with the hope and prayer that they would be ministered to in a special way.  

Jack was the beloved husband of Pauline Burgess Jurgens (nee Langevin), loving father of Debra J. Giuffrida of Henderson, NV, Guy Edwin Jurgens and wife Jeanne of Roseville, CA, and the late Bret Jurgens; dear brother of Margaret “Margie” Porfido of Wanaque N.J.; cherished grandfather of Teresa and Scott Jurgens; adoring great-grandfather of Vincent and Jayden; loving step-father of Bruce Burgess and wife Sue of North Haledon; cherished step-grandfather of: David and his wife Ruth and Kristin; adoring step-great-grandfather of: Desiree, Nicholas, Gianna, and Arianna; dear cousin of Robert Muller and wife Sunny and James Muller and wife Til who predeceased James; also cousin of Joy, Richard, and Margaret (Midge) Jurgens. Jack was also predeceased by his father Gustave Edwin Jurgens, his mother Margaret Jurgens Kist (Steup), his father’s siblings Harry Jurgens and wife Margaret, Helen Jurgens Muller and husband Al, and his cousin Jean Muller Marshall and her husband Peter.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Gustave’s name are asked to consider Samaritan's Purse PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.

You can also donate online on a special “Memorial Giving” page that has been set up for Gustave doing the following:

Click on this link:  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Click on the orange “Give” link at the top right portion of the webpage.

Click on “Memorial Giving”

Scroll down and click on “Donate on a Memorial Page”

Type in Gustave’s name in the box that pops up

Select Gustave’s name when it pops up

You will see the obituary. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and follow the rest of the prompts.

Thank you for your donation to a worthy cause that was dear to Jack’s heart!

Dorothy Matonti, age 93 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Wayne while receiving the loving care of her family.

She was born in Paterson, New Jersey and moved to Wyckoff, New Jersey in 1955 where she resided until 2018 when she moved into Sunrise Assisted Living.  Prior to her retirement, Dorothy was the Executive Assistant Chairman of the Board, Wesley J Howe of Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, where she was dearly loved.  Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Anthony Matonti of Wayne and her devoted daughter Mary Darlene Matonti.  Left to carry on her Grandmother’s legacy is her granddaughter, Jacqueline Donna Elefante and her three great grandchildren: Alexis Drew Elefante, Ryan Ross Elefante, and Nicole Leticia Greene.  Also surviving is Dorothy’s brother, Joseph Leibla, her sister-in-law, Jean Triggiani along with many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Louise Leibla, her sister, Eleanor Leibla, her grandson, John Anthony Greene and her sister-in-law, Maryellen Leibla.  Dorothy will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially her family to who she was very dedicated to along with her extended Becton Dickenson family.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, contributions in Dorothy’s memory may be made to Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge, 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436.

William “Bill” Robert Hecht, Jr., age 73, of Bloomingdale, passed Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

He was born in Paterson to the late William Robert, Sr. and Marion Hecht. He graduated from Wayne High School with the Class of 1966 where he played soccer, football, and ran track.  Bill continued his education at Montclair State College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1969 through 1970.

Bill began working at the Bonland Corporation in Wayne when he was twenty years old.  He started out pushing a broom and over his fifty year career with the company worked his way up to foreman and finally Head of Project Management.  During his semi-retirement he worked as a consultant before fully retiring in 2020.

For many years he was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the many friends he made while a member of the Packanack Golf Club in Wayne.

Bill could fix just about anything.  He was always tinkering in his detached garage which was his workshop.  He loved carpentry and made all sorts of holiday décor, toy boxes, birdhouses, and benches. Another one of his loves was fishing in his boat on Kampfe Lake. His gardens and yard were always kept perfect and he would spend hours cutting the grass on his riding mower. It can be honestly said that if he wasn’t working he was sleeping.

Bill will be lovingly remembered for not holding back and was always willing to speak his mind.  He had a great sense of humor, could be stern when he had to be, but when it came to his grandchildren he softened greatly and his eyes would light up the moment he saw them.

Bill met Catherine “Cathy” Boniface during their years at Wayne High School. Their first date was to a drive-in movie in Wayne, they attended each other’s senior proms together and soon fell deeply in love. Bill proposed marriage while sitting in his car in front of Cathy’s parents’ home in Wayne.  They married on September 5, 1970 at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne and honeymooned in Puerto Rico.  They had a marriage built on trust and respect, they were fortunate to be best friends as well. Through their fifty years together Bill proved to be a great provider, loving father who never missed one of his kids’ games, and was a loving and devoted grandfather.

Bill was the loving husband of Catherine (Boniface) Hecht; devoted father of Maggie Quintavella and her husband Brian of Wayne, Katie Hecht of Pompton Lakes, William R. Hecht, III and his wife Tara of Wayne, and Robert Hecht and his wife Rachel of Wayne; he was the cherished grandfather of Hailey Hecht, Harper Hecht, Hayden Hecht, Andrew Quintavella, Kylie Hecht, Kate Hecht, and the late Callen William Quintavella (d.2014); he was the loved brother of Timothy Hecht and his wife Denise of Highland Lakes, and the late Robert Hecht. He was also the loved son in law of Ernest and Marge Boniface of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Forget Me Not Foundation www.fmnfoundation.com would be greatly appreciated.

Monica R. Jackson, age 25, of Verona and formerly of Totowa, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

Monica was born in Ridgewood and raised in Totowa. As a child, she loved competing in every town sport you could think of. When she started ninth grade at Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls, she played on the school’s soccer team during her freshman year. She went on to graduate with the Class of 2013.

As a child, Monica loved the Jersey Shore and each year as she was growing up, her family made it a tradition to spend Labor Day weekend down in Wildwood, right before her school’s fall semester began. She was very close with her paternal grandparents - Grandma Arlene and Grandpa James Darrah with whom she loved playing checkers and backgammon.

From the time she was just five years old until the present, Monica had been best friends with Catherine Stansfield who she grew up with and lived across the street. She loved being together with friends, going to the mall, watching movies, and just doing things that young people do.

Monica was a truly gifted young lady. In high school, she took a liking to a photography class she had enrolled in. She loved all things artistic and was always taking photos, drawing and painting beautifully. Monica had a natural ear for music and, even though she didn’t have formal training, she could pick up tunes and play them on the piano with relative ease.

She was working as a sales consultant at Men’s Warehouse. She loved her time there and all of her associates. She had aspirations of going to school for graphic design, a pursuit that would have been a perfect fit for her God-given talents. She had found meaningful fellowship at the Community Church in Cedar Grove with Pastor Sarah and family. Throughout the years, she enjoyed the love, support, and friendship of her boyfriend Jack Larson whom she cared for deeply. She also cherished the relationship with her Godmother, Aunt Deb.

Monica was a fun loving, free spirited and bubbly girl. She loved sushi, John Legend, the show, The Office and her friends and her family. Monica loved animals especially her cats, Eli, Baby and Tato. She was funny and quirky and loved making people laugh. She would often send silly jokes and videos to her Mom just to brighten her day. People always said how Monica’s silly disposition made their day bearable whether it be at work or at family gathering. Her spirit and beautiful presence will be missed by all and kept within our hearts always.

Monica was the precious daughter of Craig Jackson of Totowa and Diane Jackson of Manahawkin; dearly-loved sister of Nicolas of Totowa; cherished granddaughter of her maternal grandparents Angelo and Rina Palazzo of Slatington, PA and her late paternal grandparents James and Arlene Darrah. She is also survived by numerous dear aunts, uncles and cousins, and her dear boyfriend Jack Larson of Verona.

Anthony U. D’Amico. Age 91, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Monday April 5, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Anthony was born and raised in the Town of Sircusa, Italy and was one of four children to Francesco and Lucia D’Amico.  After graduating high school, Anthony became a police officer.  After ten years on the police force in Italy, Anthony decided to immigrate to the United States in search of a better life and the American Dream.  In 1961 he boarded a ship to New York City and came through the historical Ellis Island immigration center.  Upon entering the United States, Anthony settled in the City of Paterson.  He found work quickly at Marcal Paper Products in Paterson as a Machine Operator manufacturing tissue paper.  Following a few years of employment at Marcal, Anthony accepted a position at Nabisco Corporation in Fair Lawn.  His initial position at Nabisco was an administrative title.  He later took the status of a Baker.  Anthony held this position for twenty-eight years until his retirement in 1994.

In the early sixties while living in Italy, Anthony was introduced by one of Anthony’s friends to an attractive young woman by the name of Concetta Giubilo.  Anthony and Concetta’s first date was dinner at Concetta’s family home with her parents.  The two hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and were married on October 6, 1963 in Sacred Heart Church in East Boston.  Concetta immigrated to the United States first, and Anthony followed soon after her arrival.  The couple settled in Paterson for a few years and then moved to Elmwood Park.  Anthony and Concetta, after many years, moved to Long Valley, NJ where they remained for about ten years.  The family eventually moved to Wayne in 2014.

On May 26, 1968, the couple welcomed their first and only child into their lives, adopting their daughter Maria when she was only three weeks old.   Anthony and Concetta were devoted to their Catholic Faith and were parishioners of St. Anne’s RC Church in Fair Lawn for many years.  The couple also hosted and volunteered for the Our Lady of Tears Festival in Bloomfield every year for many years as well.  Anthony was an avid stamp collector and a true fan of Italian opera.  His greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Anthony than providing for and spending time with his wife, daughter, and his grandchildren.  Anthony was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Anthony is survived by his daughter Maria Mikol and her husband Robert of Long Valley, three grandchildren; Brianna Mikol, Amanda Mikol, and Robert Mikol all of Long Valley.  He was predeceased by his brother Joseph D’Amico and his sisters Frances Ortisi and Lidia Cipriani.

Harold T. Winters, Age 87, of Wayne, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021.

The youngest of James and Julia Winters six children, Harold was born and raised in Paterson. He attended high school at Passaic County Technical Institute when it was located in Paterson and he graduated with the Class of 1953.

Already when Harold was still in high school, he started working part-time for the Continental Can Company, also located in Paterson. Utilizing his high school education, after graduation, he continued to work for Continental Can as an industrial electrician.

For Harold high school gave him more than a valuable education. It was there that he met the girl he would someday marry. Her name was Patricia Madden. Harold and Pat were part of a group of friends who liked to hang out at the Madison Diner in Paterson. As time progressed they realized their friendship was truly special – so special in fact, that they found themselves wanting to spend the rest of their lives together. On Saturday, June 18, 1955, a beautiful summer day, their desire became reality when Harold and Patricia invited family and friends to witness their pledges of love and devotion to one another and God, at St. Agnus Church in Paterson. After the wedding ceremony, that enjoyed a great celebration before boarding a bus for a honeymoon in Florida. A week later, they flew home via prop jet. Harold was just 21 at the time and Pat just 18.

For a brief time, the newlyweds lived with Harold’s parents but they soon bought their own three family home at 48 Doremus Street in Paterson. Harold completely renovated that house and, just when it was time to move in, Harold was drafted into the U.S. Army. Forced to leave his wife who was now seven-and-a-half months pregnant, Harold, headed for Germany where he proudly served American interests from 1956 to 1958. Upon his return to civilian life, He continued service in the U.S. Airforce Reserves until 1962. His homecoming was glorious in that he was reunited with his family including his new son Thom who was born while he was gone. He also returned to his job at Continental Can and soon after, he and Pat welcomed their second son which they named Dean. Harold and Pat moved to 711 Preakness Avenue in Totowa and then, in 1984, they moved to Wayne where Harold had been living to the present.

Harold remained with Continental Can Company, even beyond its closing in the 1970’s when he would come in to help with electrical demolition. During this period in his life, he also returned to school in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Montclair State University. Upon earning his degree he continued working at Continental Can by day and he taught at Passaic County Technical School in Wayne at night. He eventually landed a full-time teaching position in industrial arts and special education at Morris County Vocational Technical School. By the time his long and fruitful career ended in 1999, he was working for Bergen Technical High School in Teterboro. He used his knowledge and experience to give students with special needs the tools to work and to have a positive self-image by preparing them for jobs in building and grounds maintenance and getting them placed in jobs with various companies.  

Harold was a devoted husband and father and an adored grandfather. When his sons Thom and Dean were young boys, Harold got involved with the Boy Scouts of America and the Cub Scouts as a committeeman. He volunteered his time and expertise for many years and enjoyed participating with his sons. Dean went on to become an Eagle Scout while Thom did things his own way. Even when the boys were grown out of the program, Harold continued to serve for a time. Harold was so excited to become a grandfather! He and Pat enjoyed attending all their grandchildren’s sporting events, plays, and recitals, and taking them on trips to Florida. One thing that all his grandchildren knew about “Grandpa” was that he loved his candy. Some people make daily stops at the bar but Harold made daily stops at the A&P store in Wayne where he’d pick up his daily fix of candy – gum drops, dots, Hershey Kisses and any other confectionary delight you can imagine. All his grandchildren knew that Grandpa’s candy storage house was between the front seats of his work van. You can bet they visited frequently. What grandchild wouldn’t?

Harold was also devoted to his faith in God. For many years, while living in Totowa, he was a faithful parishioner at St. Gerard’s Church in nearby Paterson. When he moved to Wayne, he became a regular parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church. Pat was Lutheran and attended St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne. When St. Timothy Church was planning their memorial garden, Harold was right there to volunteer his advice and to roll up his sleeves to see the garden come to fruition.

Harold could fix or build anything you could think of. One thing that he loved to do was fix things in his own house. When his boys got their own homes, they did all the repairs and maintenance and renovations themselves. And when all their own houses were up to snuff, they began buying houses, fixing them up, and flipping them. Harold was a doer, and he truly loved his work, both in and out of the classroom. When they both were retired from full-time work, Harold and Pat took to traveling the world. They covered a lot a territory in this great big world, including trips to Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, England, Ireland, Scotland and Whales, and numerous ocean cruises. Back at home, he enjoyed making all kinds of things out of wood which he would sell at flea markets.

For the last ten years, Harold developed dementia. Blessed by a loving wife and children, he was in good hands. This past Sunday, which just happened to be Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of their Savior Jesus Christ from the dead, Harold was rescued from his dementia as God called him home to his new life in glory. His family, friends, and former students will always have the fondest of memories of a quiet, easy-going, likeable man who blessed their lives and, sharing his faith in the Savior, they look forward to the day when they will all be reunited.  

Harold was the beloved husband of Patricia (Madden), blest in a loving and devoted marriage for 65 years. He was the loving father of Thom Winters and his companion Sherry Tumminello of Wayne, and Dean and wife JoAnn Winters of Wayne; adored grandfather of: Deanna Marie and husband Michael Sanacore, Cody Winters, and Garrett Winters; cherished great-G-Pa of: Adalynn and Elijah; dear uncle of numerous nieces and nephews; and dear brother-in-law of Anthony Piscitelli of Paterson. Harold was predeceased by all of his sisters and brothers including: Edna Piscitelli, Ruth Walters, and Donald, James, and Eugene Winters.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Harold’s name are asked to consider St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Memorial Garden Fund, 395 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Frank “Jr” Juhasz, M.D., age 77, passed away on April 4, 2021 after a long illness. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Lillie (Vrablic) Juhasz.

Frank is survived by his longtime loving partner and caregiver, Anne (Casbar) Liscio, who made sure his final years were comfortable and fulfilling. He is also survived by his adoring sisters Lillian Desrosiers (Lee), Barbara Mitaly (Scott), and loving nephews Brian and Mark Desrosiers and Michael Mitaly.

Frank was born March 17, 1944 in Bronx, NY. He was raised in Mansfield, CT where he graduated from E.O. Smith High School. He then attended Emory University and the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. He continued to study for his medical degree at Universidad de Guadalajara. Upon graduation, he completed his internship in Internal Medicine and Family Practice at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ. He joined EMA physicians’ group where he served for 25 years in the ER at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, NJ, as well as numerous NJ hospitals. Prior to retirement, Frank worked at ADP in Florham Park as the Occupational Physician.

Frank enjoyed racing his many Porsches and was a proud member of the Porsche Club of America. He also loved his Hobie Cat sailing catamaran which he trailered all over the tri-state area to set sail on countless lakes. For many years he “mastered” the game of golf and was a golf ranger at Black Bear Golf Club. Many of you know he had an obsession with stray golf balls. For decades he collected thousands of golf balls, washed, sorted, and stored them away. So, let Anne know if you need a few hundred golf balls! Fore!

When Frank wasn’t racing or golfing, he could be spotted sailing and fishing on Green Pond where he lived for nearly 40 years. He was known throughout the village as the “unofficial” Green Pond physician, removing countless fishhooks from unlucky fishermen. The only thing he loved more than his hobbies was his beloved Golden Retriever companions who he held dear to his heart.

As you can imagine, Frank touched many lives throughout his life and anyone who was blessed to know him can recall a funny story or two where Frank was the “star”. Frank would stop to talk to just about anyone at any time and go out of his way to lend a helping hand. A humble and respectful M.D. who treated all patients as if they were family. He looked forward to bi-monthly Zoom meetings with his retired colleagues to share stories and keep in touch.

Irene was born in Gdansk, Poland and was the youngest of three daughters to Zygfryd and Stefania Maturska.  Irene was raised in Poland and graduated from high school there in 1971.  Shortly after her high school graduation, Irene immigrated to the United States following as her oldest sister did before her, searching for a better life and the “American Dream.”  Upon arriving in the United States, Irene settled in Wallington with her sister and her brother-in-law, in what was a predominantly Polish section of town.

Despite not speaking a word of English, Irene found work quickly at a camera lens company in the neighboring city of Clifton at a company called Keystone Camera.  There, Irene installed lenses into cameras.  She held this position for a few years until she saw an opportunity to make more money at a chain restaurant which had just opened up in Wayne called Red Lobster.  Irene accepted a position as a servitor, a position in which she held from the restaurant’s opening in the early 1970’s until approximately 2004.  In 2004, Irene enrolled back in school and earned her certification to become a Certified Nurse’s Aide.  Subsequent to earning her certification, she accepted a position at Troy Hills Nursing Home in Parsippany.  Irene was a valued member of the Troy Hills Nursing Home staff for more than fourteen years until her retirement in 2018.

After arriving in the United States and living with her sister and brother-in-law for several years, Irene moved to the City of Passaic.  While living in Passaic, Irene welcomed the births of her two children, Margaret and Darren.  Irene and her family lived in Passaic from 1982 until about 1997 when the moved to Clifton.  The family was only in Clifton for about a year when they moved again, this time to Wayne.  Irene and her family remained in Wayne ever since.

Irene was a “spicy” lady who was opinionated and had a heart of gold.  She had a wonderful sense of humor.  She loved to laugh, joke, and was not afraid or conscience-stricken to use a bit of profanity when she thought it was appropriate.  She was an outstanding cook, her specialties being her Pierogis and her stuffed cabbage.  Irene cherished hosting holidays and gatherings of family and friends.  For years during the summer, Irene and some of her family traveled together, visiting their homeland of Poland to spend time with family and friends.  Irene’s greatest passion, aside from her talents and interests, was her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Irene than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Irene was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Irene is survived by her son Darren Olech of Wayne, her daughter Margaret Bak of Garfield, one sister Genevieve Redzikowski of West Milford, and four grandchildren; Brittany Leogrande of Garfield, Amber Beltre of Garfield, Alexia Beltre of Garfield, and Alexander Beltre of Garfield.  She was predeceased by her sister Krystina Szalast.