Margaret T. Gross (née Gilmartin) of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born on January 14, 1937, the youngest of seven children to Michael and Teresa Gilmartin.

Margaret experienced profound loss early in life with the passing of her mother when she was just three years old. During the hardships of the Great Depression, her father was unable to care for all seven children on his own, and they were placed in foster homes. When Margaret was fourteen, her oldest brother welcomed her into his home in Pompton Lakes, where she became a cherished part of his family.

She attended Pompton Lakes High School, where she was a tumbler, and later worked at the local A&P. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Gross, just months before he was deployed to Germany with the U.S. Army. While overseas, Bob mailed Margaret an engagement ring, and the two were married upon his return from Europe.

Their first daughter, Mary, was born in 1958, followed by their second daughter, Cathy, two and a half years later, and their son Bobby five years after. In 1967, the family settled in Wayne, where they made their home for more than fifty years.

In her forties, Margaret became a Licensed Practical Nurse after spending many years working with individuals with disabilities. She was deeply dedicated to caring for others and found great purpose in her work.

Margaret and Bob shared a lifetime of love and adventure. They created lasting memories with family vacations to Disney and Lavallette and continued their travels later in life with trips to Europe, Hilton Head, and numerous cruises to beautiful and exotic destinations.

Margaret’s greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Margaret than providing for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Margaret and Bob cherished many years of loving and loyal marriage together until his passing in 2018.  Tragedy also struck the family’s lives when her only son Bobby passed away in 2000.

Margaret will be remembered for her resilience, her warmth, and her unwavering devotion to her family.

Margaret is survived by her two daughters; Mary Meyer and her husband Danny of Wayne, NJ, and Catherine Burke and her husband Larry of South Heidleberg, PA, four grandchildren; Leiha and her husband Mike of Pompton Lakes, NJ, Dawn and husband Aaron of Pompton Plains, NJ, Danny of Wayne, NJ, and Zach of Wyomissing, PA, great-grandsons; Dennis and Michael of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and great-granddaughters; Vanna and Quinn of Pompton Plains, NJ.  She was predeceased by her husband Robert Gross in 2018 and her son Bobby Gross in 2000.

Mary Claire Skillen, age 90, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

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

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation

343 Thornall Street, 7th Floor

Edison, NJ 08837

If you wish, you may also give online at John Theurer Cancer Center.

Please make a note that your gift is in memory of Mary Skillen.

Dear Friends and Family,

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick “Pat” J. Ferrie, Sr., age 60, of Wayne, who passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Pat was born in Kearny, New Jersey, to Pasquale and Ruth Ferrie and was raised in Lyndhurst, graduating from Lyndhurst High School with the Class of 1984. He was proud of his 1984 State Championship run for wrestling  and cherished the friends he made in Lyndhurst who remain close to this day.

In his younger years, Pat worked alongside his father, who taught him the masonry business and shared his passion for hunting. Pat was also known for his Charlie Chip Route and for the time he spent working at San Carlo Restaurant, where he made many "Forever Friends."

In 1989, Pat and his brother Jim started Country Chimney together. Pat took over the business in 1992 and owned Country Chimney Sweeps and Masons until the time of his death.

Affectionately known as "Fer," Pat cherished countless camping trips with his crew and making memories on FCT trips, which yielded countless stories. He loved the shore clubs, playing "frosh football," and the Chef’s Club. You could often find Pat around a card table, enjoying the quiet thrill of hunting, or relishing any chance to head down to "South" Atlantic City.

Pat loved being at home. His pool was his oasis, and he found joy in hosting gatherings where family and friends came together to laugh and relax.

Pat married Suzanne Luongo in 1998, and they welcomed their son, Patrick J. Ferrie, Jr., in 2000. Through this marriage, Pat also gained his step-daughter, Danielle Rullis. In more recent years, Pat was engaged to Christine Talty, with whom he shared a son, Dante.

Pat is survived by his brother James Ferrie and his wife Marybeth, and his sister Patricia Lockhart and her husband Paul; his son Patrick J. Ferrie, Jr. and many beloved nieces and nephews: Shannon, Samantha, Johnathan, Jp, Brendan, and all of their Spouses and children.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501 would be greatly appreciated.

Mary Ketterer, a long-time resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She lived a blessed and remarkable life that spanned 101 years.

The third-born of Henry and Lillian (Kick) Clark, Mary was born in Passaic and raised in Nutley, where she graduated with Nutley High School’s Class of 1941. She continued her education at Newark Teachers College (now Kean University), earning her B.A. in education before going on to teach kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary School in Wallington for several years.

While attending college, Mary worked part-time for a local dentist. One day, a familiar face from high school came in for dental work—a young man named Albert “Al” Ketterer. Al must have had a winning smile, because the two quickly hit it off. They dated for several years, including during Al’s service in the U.S. Army. Upon his return to civilian life, they exchanged wedding vows before God, family, and friends at a church in Mary’s hometown of Nutley. After a reception at the former Marlboro Company in Montclair, they honeymooned down the Jersey Shore.

Because Al had one more semester to complete at Syracuse University, the couple’s first home was an apartment in Syracuse, NY. They later moved to a one-bedroom apartment in the Styertowne section of Clifton, where their first three children—Kathy, David, and Doug—were born. With the three children sharing the only bedroom and Mary and Al sleeping in the living room every night, it became clear that more space was needed. In 1954, they purchased a home in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, and Mary lovingly called that house home for the rest of her life.

Once in Packanack, four more children—Paul, Susan, Victoria, and Nancy—were welcomed into the family. Mary devoted herself to caring for her home and raising her children. In later years, once her children reached a level of independence, she joined the family business, Clark Transmission Company in Fairfield, working as a bookkeeper. Remarkably, Mary worked remotely long before remote work became commonplace.

Mary was a woman of many interests. Her home featured both a baby grand piano and a harp, and no one could make those instruments sing quite like she could. She loved reading—especially detective novels by Agatha Christie and suspense stories by Mary Higgins Clark. Gardening was another passion she shared with Al, and their gardens were a joy to behold. A talented, self-taught seamstress, Mary passed her skills on to her daughters, sewing all their matching Christmas and Easter dresses, as well as their school clothes, for many years—at least until homemade clothing became less “cool.” She also knitted and crocheted. After Al retired, the couple traveled extensively for over a decade, visiting international destinations throughout Western Europe.

Faith and family were the true centerpieces of Mary’s life. When she and Al moved to Packanack Lake, the area was rapidly becoming a year-round community. Recognizing the growing need, the Catholic Archdiocese established Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where Mary and Al became founding parishioners. It was there that they raised their children in faith. Mary also created a warm, welcoming home—a place of comfort at the end of every school day or workday. She was a steady, calming presence and a gifted cook and baker.

During her children’s early years, a Sunday afternoon tea tradition gradually took root. After the children were grown and out of the house, the tradition continued weekly—only now on Thursdays. Visitors could always count on a homemade crimpit, scone, or other baked treat lovingly prepared by Mary to accompany a cup of tea and cherished family time. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing with them the joys she knew best: playing piano, sewing, cooking, and always extending an open invitation to tea night. As the family grew, birthday parties often became outdoor picnics at Ringwood Manor to accommodate everyone.

Mary was a dear soul—kind, gentle, and full of grace. Everything she did was touched with her desire to make others happy. Her family is deeply grateful for the many years they were blessed with her love and influence. They rejoice in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband, Al, and look forward to seeing her again.

Mary was the beloved wife of Albert, to whom she was married for 58 years until his passing in 2007. She was the most loving mother of: Kathleen Bogert and husband John of Wayne; David Ketterer and wife Jeanne of Chapel Hill, NC; Douglas Ketterer and wife Julann of Lincoln Park; the late Paul Ketterer (2008); the late Susan Ketterer (2023); Victoria Witterschein and husband James of Wayne; and Nancy Cohen and husband Scott of Cedar Grove. She was the cherished grandmother of: Jack and companion Courtney, Steven, Stephanie and husband Mark, Robert and wife Kerry, Matthew and wife Jaclyn, Daniel and wife Brianne, Melissa and husband Shawn, Mark, Mary Caitlin and husband Brian, and Anneliese and husband Tom. She was the adoring great-grandmother of: Nicholas, Noah, Dorothy, Miles, Wrenly, Aiden, Laura Rose, and Audrey. She was the dear sister of the late Henry Clark and the late Gerald Clark, and a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad

PO Box 2004

Wayne, NJ 07474

Alice Irene Booth, born on January 22, 1938, in Teaneck, New Jersey, passed away on November 20, 2025 at the age of 87. Alice was the cherished daughter of George Augustus Decourcey and Laura Peterson Decourcey. She was one of the renowned "Decourcey triplets," alongside her sisters Lorraine and Pat. Her older siblings, Mariane and Frank, and her sister-in-law Cynthia, all predeceased her in death.  Alice was a devoted daughter who remained at home to care for her mother during her illness with lung cancer.

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Alice married her beloved husband, Arthur Dewitt Booth, on April 20, 1963, after meeting and becoming friends at Rutgers University. Their marriage, spanning 62 years, was a testament to deep love and dedication. Alice and Art (affectionately known as Bud) shared a close, loving relationship that inspired everyone who knew them.

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After marrying Bud, Alice partnered with her mother-in-law, Lois, to create the antique business "The Two Bee’s”. A graduate of Douglas College with a history degree, Alice developed a passion for hunting antiques for their home and participating in antique shows. Over time, her love for 18th-century antiques grew, and Bud shared her enthusiasm. Together, they collected and sold antiques, spending weekends at auctions and shows throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through this shared passion, they formed lasting friendships with other collectors and dealers.

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Alice enjoyed a long career as an investigator for the Passaic County Department of Social Services, where she served for 25 years before retiring. As an advocate for equal rights, one of her proudest achievements was helping to introduce the CWA union to her office. She also generously volunteered her time to assist coworkers in studying for and passing Civil Service tests needed for career advancement.

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Alice will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Arthur Booth; her daughters, Christine Booth and Ann-Marie Linz; son-in-law, Robert Linz; grandsons, Jason Linz and Ryan Linz; sisters, Pat Snow and Lorraine Lehman; brother-in-law, Bill Lehman; sister-in-law, Louise Decourcey; sister-in-law, Betsy Cronk; brother-in-law, Dave Cronk; and many beloved nieces, nephews and her many friends.

We honor and celebrate the life of Vivian (Golten) Bayley, a devoted wife, cherished mother, beloved Nana, and proud keeper of her Norwegian heritage. Born with a gentle spirit and a strong heart, Vivian filled every chapter of her life with love, resilience, and compassion for others.

Born in Brooklyn, NY to Sigurd and Aagot Golten, whom she adored, Vivian’s family soon settled in Pines Lake. Growing up there brought her some of the happiest moments of her life. The calm mornings, lake adventures, endless swimming, and the long summer days gave Vivian and her siblings—Sylvia, Norman, and Carol—and her forever best friend, Cathie Hinchman, an upbringing filled with happiness and lasting memories.

Vivian carried the traditions of her Norwegian roots with great pride and joy. She shared stories of her family’s heritage, passed down traditions that became favorites at every gathering, and kept alive the customs and values that shaped her life. Her home was filled with the warmth and spirit of Norway—especially during holidays, when she made certain, the family felt connected to where they came from.

She loved her husband (Richard) deeply, and it showed in everything she did. She was his partner, his friend, and his biggest supporter. Their life together was filled with love and care, and the way she stood by him for 55 years will always be treasured and never forgotten.

As a mother, Vivian had a steady, nurturing presence. She raised her three children (Paula, Ellen and David) with patience, encouragement, and a quiet strength that guided them through life. Vivian and Richard gave their children a childhood full of happiness and unforgettable memories. A mother-in-law, to Bianca Bayley, she was a source of unconditional love—always ready with a smile and a warm hug. As a Nana, to her four grandchildren (Gavin, Ella, Emme and Preston) they will forever remember the countless hours of love she gave them and the lessons she taught them through her actions: to, “Be Good and Kind to Everyone.”

Vivian’s kindness extended beyond her family. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a thoughtful word, or simply bringing comfort with her gentle nature, she touched the lives of so many. Her warmth made people feel seen and welcomed, and her presence brought a peaceful steadiness to those fortunate enough to know her.

Though the loss of Vivian leaves a deep ache, her legacy is a lasting one—found in the beliefs she passed on, the love she gave freely, and the countless memories held close by those who loved her. Her spirit continues and will always guide and embrace her family, reminding them of the importance of love, relationships, and heritage.

For those looking to make a tribute in Vivian’s name, please consider donating to De Paul Catholic "Days of Giving."

Kasey Ryan Siepe, age 44, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, with his loving family by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Paterson and raised in Wayne, Kasey was the youngest of three children to Kim and Karen Siepe. From an early age, he displayed exceptional athletic talent, especially on the baseball field. He was a standout player throughout his youth and went on to play for the Wayne Valley High School Boys Varsity Baseball Team. One of the many things he was proud of was being captain of the Wayne Valley baseball team , in the footsteps of his Uncle's Craig. Jeff and his father Kim.

 He was a graduate of the Wayne Valley, Class of 1998.  Kasey continued his academic and athletic journey at Greensboro College in North Carolina. While there, he studied Business Administration and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2002.

Following college, Kasey returned home and quickly began building his professional career. Landing a role in the healthcare field, he quickly excelled into the administrator role,  most recently at The Buckingham at Norwood, where he was admired for his work ethic and dedication.

Kasey never lost his passion for sports. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, the New York Yankees, and the New Jersey Devils. He also continued to enjoy playing sports himself, participating in softball leagues in his Packanack Lake community and playing hockey in local leagues in Wayne and Hackensack. An enthusiastic golfer, he enjoyed exploring courses throughout New Jersey and traveling on golf trips with close friends.

In 2007, while out with friends at The Barnyard in Totowa, Kasey met an attractive young lady bartending by the name of Effie Haralambidis.  This was an encounter that changed the course of his life. The two connected and began dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and in the presence of family and friends became husband and wife on September 08, 2019. The couple built their life together first in Pine Brook, where they welcomed their first two children; Kristian and Zoi and then moving to Packanack and welcoming their third child Dylan.  

Above all, Kasey’s greatest passion was his family. He treasured six years of loving and loyal marriage to his wife Effie.  Nothing in the world meant more to Kasey than providing for and spending time with his friends and family.  He treasured his summer family vacations to Brigantine, NJ.  Though quiet by nature, he possessed a fiery spirit, a deeply kind heart, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved. He defended his family fiercely, loved them wholeheartedly, and brought endless laughter to their lives with his sharp, dry, and wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor. He delighted in teasing those closest to him, which became his personal trademark.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, a dedicated son, and a wonderfully kind spirit.  He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Kasey is survived by his wife Effie Siepe of Wayne, NJ , his three children; Kristian, Zoi, and Dylan, his father Kim Siepe and step mother Lisa of Lake Hopatcong, two sisters; Keather Siepe and her partner Andy Picarelli of Pompton Plains, and Kourtney Simonson and her partner Tim of Newton, NJ, Six nieces and nephews; Kyana, Meiha, Kenna, Kacer, Jeffrey and Everleigh, three uncles; Craig Siepe and his life partner Narmeen, Jeff Siepe and his wife Juani and Keith Radhuber and his wife Janice. Kasey was predeceased by his mother Karen Siepe. 

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to Kasey’s Gofundme account.

Marie N. Dato of Wayne, N.J. age 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 12th, 2025.

Marie was a Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandma and GG! It was always about her Family, Friends and Faith.

Born in Jersey City to Carmine and Rose Napolitano in 1928 she grew up there with her brother Joe and sisters Francis and Dolores. Graduating from Lincoln HS and going on to work at Merrill Lynch in NYC.

She met her “Sweetheart” Anthony in the late 1940’s “Down the Jersey Shore” in Keansburg, and it was ALWAYS a duo from Day One - Marie and Tony.

Married in 1950, her next career - and most important to her - would begin. MOM. Marie and Tony were married for 71 years and raised a family of Four. The first Susan was born in 1953, followed by John in 1955 living in Union City (Above their Brother-In-Law’s STAR Ravioli store)…Moving to New Milford in 1957, Michele was born in 1960 and then Daniel in 1967.

New Milford would see Marie’s circle of friends grow larger, with time at Little League Games, Girl Scouts and Brownies and of course the New Milford Swim Club, where her family and friends would enjoy leisurely summer days. As the young couple on the street, Reichelt Road, their neighbors- The Schultz’s and Renner’s would become 2nd family. Sending their children to Ascension School in New Milford would again grow their circle - Church, CYO, Communions, Baptism’s Confirmations and Weddings through Ascension.

After an amazing 19 years in New Milford, their circle of friends would grow again, moving to Wayne in 1976. OLC became an anchor, and a new circle of friends grew. Again Communions, Confirmations and Weddings at OLC.

Marie and Tony’s family was to grow again and take on a new role as Grandparents. Susan got married to Stephen (Rutkowski) and had - Scott, Stephanie and Sara. Michele got married to John (Brigham) and had - Jessica, John Robert and Thomas. Years again of a building a friend’s base through their children’s and grandchildren’s friends. School events, Football games and of course backyard parties at the kids houses.

Marie’s and Tony’s family grew once again as GG and G2 (Great-grandparents). Jessica married Michael (Valter) and had Ryleigh in 2018 and Harper in 2020. John Robert married Lauren and had Jay in 2019, Hailey in 2022 and Summer in 2025. Stephanie married Nick (Pacchiano) and had Anthony in 2021 and Luca in 2024. Sara married Mike (O’Leary) and had Benjamin in 2021 and Arthur in 2023. 9 count ‘em 9 Great Grandkids for GG & G2.

Marie’s family grew once more with Dan marrying Amber in 2023 and her having a new Daughter-in-law.

Continuing their family ties were their “Cousins” group from Hoboken. 12 people who would get together to enjoy good times traveling the world to drink some good wine, have a great meal and enjoy each other’s company. Marie’s family of In-Law’s, Nephews and Niece’s through the Napolitano’s, Patruno’s, Cerruti’s, D’Onofrio’s and Dato’s were “a crew”… when getting together would need a full backyard to enjoy the day.

Marie - A Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandma and GG. A smile will always be brought thinking of her.

Philip Scavone

July 7, 1976  — November 12, 2025

Lincoln Park, New Jersey

Philip Scavone, 49, of Lincoln Park, New Jersey, passed away on November 12, 2025. Born and raised in Little Falls, NJ, Philip built a life defined by hard work, creativity, and love for his family.

Dear son of Sharon Marquez (Pombo) and Philip Scavone. He graduated from Passaic Valley High School Class of 1995 in Little Falls, NJ. He continued his education at Engine City Technical Institute for diesel mechanics.

He began his career at Dell Landscaping, continuing his passion for small engine repairs. He later became the proud owner of StoneyBrooke Landscaping, where his dedication, skill, and craftsmanship could be seen in every project he touched. He had an incredible talent for building and fixing things whether it was a new project in the yard or tinkering with his quads, he found joy in his ability to construct and fix things. He could look at a broken object and somehow know just how to bring it back to life. If you gave him just a hammer and a nail, he could build you an entire house. His hands were never still, and his creativity and resourcefulness left a mark on everything he touched.

Phil met the love of his life Michele, during their high school years.  They married on June 7, 2003, and have been married 22 years. They began their life in Little Falls before moving to Lincoln Park. Phil and Michele’s marriage blessed them with two beautiful daughters Ashley & Brooke. He enjoyed spending time camping with them and sharing his love of quads. Sunday morning breakfast at his favorite diner with his family was always the highlight of his week.

Phil’s true passion was building and racing his quads.  He built his first quad in 1999 and from there his passion grew. Phil traveled the country racing his quad on the ice and on dirt tracks. He never cared if he came in first, last or crashed!

Philip’s greatest pride and joy were his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Michele Scavone, and their daughters, Ashley and Brooke Scavone. He is also survived by his parents Sharon Marquez and Philip Scavone and his sister, April Scavone and her husband Carlo Galizia & their two children Giana & Carlo. Adored son-in-law to Anthony & Barbara Toscano. He was a beloved brother-in-law to Michael & Caryn Toscano and their children Michael & Vincent Toscano, Matthew & Colette Toscano, Jeffrey and Judy Toscano and their 2 children Jayden & Jocelyn Toscano and his great nephew Michael (MJ).

Philip will be remembered for his strong work ethic, boundless creativity, dedication to helping others and a remarkable ability to build and repair anything with his own two hands. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. 

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In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris County.

Alma Galante, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12th 2025.

Alma was born in the Dominican Republic on January 13th 1943.  She was born to Melida Sanabia and was the step-daughter of Elpidio Sanabia.  The family moved to the Bronx when she was nine. Alma noted missing her red roller skates but absolutely loved seeing snow for the first time.

Alma had a love for learning and valued education. She earned her citizenship in 1961 and Masters degree in 1998. She was a supervisor at UA Columbia Cablevision for a number of years.

Alma is the beloved wife of Salvatore Galante. They began their marriage in the Bronx in 1963 then moved to Dumont NJ. They ultimately made their home in Ringwood, NJ where they raised their daughter, Marie.

Alma enjoyed crafting. She especially loved making piñatas for Christmas because she deeply treasured the magical moments that brought light to a child’s eyes.

Alma is survived by her husband Salvatore, daughter Marie Kreutz, Son In-law Bob, and three grandchildren, Alexandra, Marcus, and Zariyah. Alma was very close to her sister Rose and brother Robert. She also has a very large and loving extended family.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org would be greatly appreciated.

Valerie Joan Howard, age 61, of Montville, passed peacefully on 11/12/2025, with the comfort of family by her side.

Valerie was born in East Orange, NJ, in 1964 to Marcia and Wsewolod Luckewicz, the youngest of four children. She grew up in Livingston, NJ, graduated from Livingston High School in 1982, and from Rutgers University four years later. After graduating Rutgers, Val pursued a career in finance, which continued until Michael’s birth.

Val and Gregg met in 1987 and were planning their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in July. They settled in Montville and started a family. Michael was born in 1995, and Graycen in 2000. Being a full-time wife and mother was Val’s true calling. She cherished each day spent raising a family. Val enjoyed getting involved in school activities and fundraising, and participated in whatever Valley View Elementary and Lazar Middle School needed her to do.

She formed close, life-long relationships in Montville, cherishing her “ladies’” nights out, which included Thursday night happy hour and Friday night BUNCO. For five summers, Michael played travel baseball for Montville, and some of Val’s fondest moments were watching his success and spending time with her baseball family.

Through the years she remained “sister” close to her Livingston “girls,” most of whom were able to visit her in her final days.

Val was a devoted lover of the ocean; she found her greatest joy on a beach. Val loved to eat what the sea offered, especially raw clams and oysters. Growing up, her family vacationed in Beach Haven every summer. Val’s sister Pat will remember celebrating their shared August birthdays, having banana ice cream at The Frosted Mug. That Luckewicz tradition continued as adults and parents. The first two weeks of August were spent in Beach Haven, joined by her two sisters and brothers’ families. Val always had a special place in her heart for her seven nieces and nephew, and spending those weeks together every year, seeing their growth and maturity, meant the world to her. She was always known as the “cool aunt.” After dating Gregg for a few months, Val discovered Longboat Key, FL. It was a place she always called her paradise. Her favorite time of day was sitting on that beach with a glass of wine and watching the sunset.

Val loved the holidays. Christmastime was spent decorating the house into a Christmas wonderland, she loved the smell of the tree in the house. Val would spend hours making sure she picked out the perfect tree. When the kids got older, for Halloween Val would dress up (usually as a witch) and trick-or-treat around Montville with Cathie S.

Michael is getting married this coming spring. From the very beginning, Val adored Willing. She would always say with a smile, “They’re so in love; Michael truly found his soulmate.”

Val’s fight with breast cancer began in 2014, and in 2021, she showed her strength once again, taking on metastatic breast cancer. For eleven years, Val faced this relentless disease with extraordinary strength, courage, and grace. Her will to live can only be described as superhuman.

Throughout these eleven years, Val was lifted by an incredible outpouring of love, support, and prayers. Val had such a huge heart, and the love she gave was returned to her many times over.

Val was predeceased by her father Wsewolod, and her brother, Michael. She leaves behind Gregg, Michael, and Graycen, whom she loved with every fiber of her body. She is also survived by her mother Marcia, sisters, Patricia Singley and Diana von Hoffman, seven nieces, and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Valerie’s memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) or METAvivor.

Gail (nee Natale) Messercola, age 84, of Wayne, passed surrounded by her loving family.

Gail was born in Paterson to Fred and Flora Natale. She attended Central High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1959 and proudly served as a Drum Corps Majorette. It was there that she met her future husband, Louis Messercola, who was also a member of the Drum Corps. High school sweethearts from the start, Gail and Louis shared many memories together — including attending their prom side by side.

Gail and Lou fell deeply in love and were married on August 28, 1961, at St. Mary’s Church in Paterson. Their wedding celebration was held at the Villa Nova Restaurant, in Garfield, surrounded by family and friends. The newlyweds honeymooned in Bermuda before beginning their life together. Their loving and devoted marriage was blessed with two children, Louis and Susan, who became the heart of their world.

Gail began her career working at her family’s shoe factory in Paterson before joining the Nabisco Corporation in Fair Lawn as a secretary. After becoming a mother, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children. Once Louis and Susan reached elementary school, Gail returned to the workforce as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Township of Wayne. She served the community with dedication and professionalism for more than thirty years, retiring in 2005.

When describing Gail, the words family and faithful come immediately to mind. She was the kind of mom and “Gamma” who would insist you eat something—offering food until you finally gave in. Though she wasn’t fond of cooking, she often joked that the best thing she made was reservations. Gail liked to say that the only two things she needed in the kitchen were a phone and a refrigerator.

The phone was essential for two of her favorite activities: making reservations and calling family. Her cheerful calls always began with the familiar greeting, “This is your charming—mother, Gamma, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, cousin,” or whichever endearment fit the occasion. The refrigerator, meanwhile, kept her Tab soda and Fiji water cold.

Gail loved to start her mornings with the newspaper, reading it cover to cover before officially beginning her day. Always a lady, she had her hair done once a week without fail, carried herself with grace and poise, and—much to the delight of her grandchildren—made sure they learned every colorful word in her vocabulary. She cherished her daily two-mile walks with her neighbors, could remove a stain from almost anything, and kept her home spotless—a reflection of the care and pride she brought to everything she did.

For her grandchildren, there were no limits to what Gail would do. It was often said that she truly lived for their happiness. Every year she hosted Christmas at Gamma’s—a cherished family tradition filled with laughter, excitement, and love. At Thanksgiving, she would hand each grandchild a Toys “R” Us or Target Wish Book and have them circle everything they wanted. She’d then collect the books and, come Christmas, each grandchild would find a mountain of gifts under the tree—every wish list fulfilled with her trademark thoughtfulness.

Gail also had a special way of making even the smallest occasions memorable. For every imaginable holiday, she sent each grandchild a card—always with a $5 bill and a cheerful smiley face inside. Birthdays at Gamma’s were equally magical: the birthday child would be showered with gifts, while the other grandchildren received their own small presents—perhaps a bag of snacks, a cozy hat and scarf, or something she knew would make them smile. It was her way of spreading joy evenly, making sure no one ever felt left out.

Gail was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. For countless years, she and Lou faithfully attended Saturday evening Mass at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne, where she also volunteered her time in service to the parish community. Their Saturday nights became a cherished ritual—after Mass, they would head out to dinner, often joined by family or close friends, sharing good food, conversation, and laughter. It was a simple tradition, but one that reflected the love, faith, and fellowship that defined their lives together.

Gail was the loving wife of sixty-four years to Louis “Lou” V. Messercola; she was the devoted mother of Susan Bio and her husband Nino of Montville and Louis Messercola, Jr. and his wife Francesca of Wayne and; she was the cherished grandmother of Sebastian, Anthony, and Nicholas Bio and Daniella, Louis and Lucas Messercola.  Gail was predeceased by her sister Marie Meyers in 2023. She will be dearly missed by her caretaker of the last seven years Milica.

Gail was also the reluctant grandmother of her beloved “granddogs,” Zeke and Vienna. She would often protest when they greeted her with enthusiastic licks, claiming to hate it—but, of course, she loved them anyway. Her gentle affection for them was just another sign of the big heart she carried for all members of her family, furry ones included.

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

In Loving Memory of Leonor (Mom)

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Leonor Reyes, age 91, of Wayne NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday November 8th, 2025 

Born on November 19th 1933 in Girardot Colombia, South America, she was the daughter of Mercedes Rojas and Emilio Rodriguez. The family later moved to Bogota, where mom received her formal education and graduated from a professional secretarial school.  

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After graduation mom starting working for the Club De Leones (aka Lyons Club) in Bogota, supporting businessmen in the financial industry. It was at that time mom met the love of her life, Hermes, with whom she celebrated 54 years of marriage.  They were united in matrimony on December 24th, 1955.   Following their wedding, Mom devoted herself to raising their five children: Colombia, Joseph, Angela, Clemencia and Diego. 

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Despite her full schedule as a mom, she found time to enjoy her favorite hobbies, including knitting, sewing and crocheting while listing to traditional Colombian music.    

Courageously, mom and dad made the decision to emigrate to the United States for the betterment of their children.  They recognized the opportunities available for those willing to strive for success.  THANK YOU, MOM AND DAD, FOR THE SACRIFICE!

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Mom is survived by all her children, two daughters-in-law Debbie and Iliana; five grandchildren, Joe, Andrea, Zachary, Matthew, and Elizabeth; one great granddaughter, Stella.

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It’s with a heavy heart we celebrate a life well lived.

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We fine comfort in knowing that she has reunited with her mom and dad and her husband who we know have welcomed her with open arms!

Eileen M. Amoruso, 76, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025.

The third child of Matthias and Lucy (Buoye) Flammer, Eileen was born in Orange, NJ, and raised in Cedar Grove. A graduate of Immaculate High School in Montclair, she went on to Felician College in Lodi, where she earned her registered nurse degree. Eileen later continued her education at Jersey City State, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Eileen began her nursing career at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson working in the Intensive Care Unit and later as nursing supervisor on the surgical floor. After a break to raise her children, she returned to St. Joe’s, working in the infectious disease clinic. In 2001, Eileen, along with her close friend, Rita, were nurse founders of the St. Mary’s Church Medical Assistance Program.

It was at St. Joseph’s that Eileen met her future husband, Dr. Robert “Bob” Amoruso, a young pulmonary critical care physician. Though Bob tried several times to catch Eileen’s attention in the hospital coffee shop, his early attempts went unnoticed. Persistence eventually paid off, and their first date took place at a New Year’s Eve party in 1976. Many dates later came a perfectly planned proposal: while vacationing in Lavallette, Bob placed an engagement ring inside a box of Cracker Jacks, letting it serve as the “prize.” When Eileen found the ring, Bob dropped to one knee—only for Eileen to drop the ring into the sand! Thankfully, it was quickly recovered, and the couple exchanged their wedding promises before God, family, and friends on March 8, 1980. Though the day was rainy and sleety, their love easily outshone the weather. Both avid skiers, they honeymooned in Aspen and Vail, Colorado.

Eileen and Bob began their married life in Clifton in a house located at 15 Renaissance Drive, where they welcomed their first two children, Katie and Dan. They later moved to 23 Robin Hood Way in Wayne, where their third child, Christina, was born, and in 2019 they moved to their present home in Wayne.

The Amoruso family created countless cherished memories at their getaway home in Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont, where they enjoyed hiking and skiing, and especially après ski. Eventually, she and Bob traded Vermont winters for the warmth of Bonita Springs, Florida, where she made new friends, enjoyed sunset cocktails at the beach and walks around the neighborhood.

Over 45 wonderful years of marriage, Eileen and Bob traveled extensively, visiting Italy, Peru, Scandinavia, Spain, and Australia, to name a few.  Eileen and Bob loved to travel with their extensive group of friends, especially the “WOWs” and their spouses.  Though, her favorite vacations were with her family, proudly dubbed “Amopalooza”. Just last year, for Eileen’s 75th birthday, they celebrated with their entire family—children, spouses, and grandchildren—on a trip to Ireland.

Eileen was the best kind of friend—loyal, kind, enthusiastic, and always ready to gather, whether for dinner, a game, or a celebration. She was invariably the first to arrive and the last to leave. She and Bob hosted Super Bowl parties for years, and in more recent times, Eileen loved playing Mahjong and Canasta with her close circle of friends.

Nothing brought Eileen greater joy than being surrounded by her family. She was especially proud to welcome daughter-in-law, Dawn, and son-in-law, Nathaniel into the family. Her two grandsons, Blake and Ryan, were her latest, greatest joy. She loved hosting family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, where her beautifully decorated home, delicious food, and warm, welcoming spirit made every celebration special. She was known for her impeccable hospitality, and her fondness for a glass of Chardonnay—or, on special occasions, a Manhattan.

Eileen kept an immaculate home, earning the nickname “Scoop.” If something was left in “the wrong place,” she would whisk it away in a New York minute to what she deemed “a better place,” leaving everyone wondering, “What just happened?”

Eileen took deep pride in her family’s accomplishments—her husband’s medical career, her daughters’ shared calling as nurses, and her son’s work as a cardiologist.

When Eileen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer nearly 12 years ago, she faced it with strength and grace. Through surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy she bravely fought, and, as many of her friends and family would attest, never complained.

Eileen was the beloved wife of Dr. Robert Amoruso, blessed with 45 beautiful years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Katie Amoruso and her husband Nathaniel, now residing in Kathmandu, Nepal; Dr. Daniel Amoruso and his wife Dawn of Mountain Lakes; and Christina Amoruso of Jersey City. She was the cherished grandmother of Blake and Ryan Amoruso; dear sister of Donald Flammer and his wife Carole of Albuquerque, New Mexico; the late Gerald Flammer and his late wife Connie; and Michael Flammer. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

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The family requests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made by making a donation to:

John Theurer Cancer Center GYN Oncology Division at: Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation

343 Thornall Street, 7th Floor

Edison, NJ 08837

If you wish, you may also give online at John Theurer Cancer Center

Please make a note that your gift is in memory of Eileen Amoruso

Laura Dunham, age 85 of Wayne, NJ passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Born in the town of Russia, New York, Laura was the second of two children to Elsie Simonsen. When Laura was just five years old, her mother, Elsie, passed away after a battle with cancer. She and her sister Ann went to live with their aunt Esther in Cedar Grove, NJ, where they were lovingly raised. Laura attended Cedar Grove Public Schools before graduating from Bloomfield High School. Her pursuit of education continued at Houghton College in Houghton, NY, and she later earned her master's degree from Montana State University at Missoula, with additional coursework at Montclair State University and William Paterson University.

Music was Laura's lifelong passion. From an early age, she learned to play several instruments including the piano, organ, and cello. Her love for music led her to a rewarding career teaching music to others. Beginning in 1963, Laura taught private music lessons and shared her talents with numerous schools and churches throughout New Jersey. She held positions at several congregations, including Second Reformed Church in Little Falls, Calvary Baptist Church in Clifton, and Grace Church in Clifton, serving in roles such as choir director, organist, accompanist and even handbell director. Her musical excellence also led her to Carnegie Hall, where she had the honor of performing on the cello.

Beyond music, Laura expressed her creativity through handmade quilts and crocheted pieces. Known for her generosity, she worked tirelessly to create quilts as Christmas gifts and crocheted crosses for Easter, ensuring each friend and family member received something made with love.

Over the years, she cherished many beloved pets: Penny, a sassy Siberian Husky; Max, a beautiful Golden Retriever; and Teddy, an English Golden Retriever with whom she'd share burgers at Burger King (Teddy had a slight weight problem). She also adored her cats Hansel and Gretel, and most recently, Pumpkin.

Laura treasured her relationships, especially shopping trips with her sister Ann and the adventures she shared with her neighbor Judy exploring fun restaurants and stores together.

When Laura began as the choir director at Calvary Baptist Church in Clifton, she quickly caught the attention of a man named James Hiram Dunham, Jr (Jim).   Laura’s new role inspired Jim to join the choir – something he never had participated in before.  Laura and Jim fell in love quickly and the two were married in November of 1974. In September of 1975, the couple were blessed with their son James, III (also Jim).

Laura loved being a mom and she made it a point to be there for every boy scout event Jim participated in and every marching band performance he performed. When Jim and his wife Jennifer welcomed their two children, Kate and Jack, Laura’s heart grew even fuller. She absolutely adored being a grandmother—her pride in them was boundless. She wanted to be there for everything, from music recitals and sports games to cheerleading performances, cheering them on with joy and excitement. Talking about Kate and Jack always brought a sparkle to her eyes; they were truly the light of her life.

Laura will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, a gifted musician and artist, and a kind soul who was deeply sensitive to others. 

Laura is survived by her son, James Dunham III, and his wife, Jennifer; her cherished grandchildren, Kate and Jack; and her beloved cat, Pumpkin. She was predeceased by her husband, James Dunham Jr.; her sister, Ann; her aunt, Esther; and her mother, Elsie.

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Clifton Public Library or the Wayne Animal Shelter.

Mary Kovach, age 98 of Wayne, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Monday, November 3, 2025.

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Born in 1927 to Charles and Mary Kovach, Mary was the second of three children. Tragedy struck when she was just five years old as her mother passed away unexpectedly in 1933. Just two years later, faced with the difficult circumstance of raising three children as a single father, Mary’s dad made the decision to place her and her siblings into an orphanage at the Sisters of St Basil orphanage in Elmhurst PA. It was there that Mary grew up, graduated from high school, and developed many of the skills and values that defined her life: her unwavering faith, her remarkable organizational abilities, and her talent for crocheting.

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After graduation, Mary immediately went to work to support herself and her father. She began her career as an administrator at Sika Construction, the company that famously built many sections of the Garden State Parkway. Her organizational skills were so exceptional that salesmen from around the country would reach out to her for assistance. The construction workers adored her for her kindness and compassion, always looking out for her. They even went so far as to put chains on her tires when it snowed to help keep her safe. After her tenure at Sika Construction, Mary finished her career at General Foods before retiring after a long and successful career.

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Throughout her working years and beyond, Mary lived in the same residence in Clifton with her sister Helen for over fifty-five years. Though not twins, they were inseparable and as close as two sisters could be. They lived apart for a short time after Helen got married and moved to Philadelphia. After Helen’s husband passed away, they moved back together finding a new condo in Wayne where they have resided together ever since. 

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Despite her modest beginnings at the orphanage, Mary was determined to better her circumstances. When she first sought out to learn about investing, she was dismissed because she was a woman. Mary’s determination and ability eventually won over her teacher who recognized her potential and decided to impart as much as he could teach her. Mary excelled and built and managed her investment portfolio that grew steadily over the years. With her success, she graciously shared her earnings with the Church, numerous religious organizations, and orphanages.

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Mary was a woman of many passions. She was an avid skier, golfer, dancer, and crocheter. On the dance floor, especially when Polka music played, Mary and her sister Helen captivated the audience with their Polka dance. As a crocheter, Mary was as generous as she was talented, creating countless blankets and sweaters for family members and charitable donations alike.

Those who knew Mary will remember her for positive outlook and refusal to complain about anything. She had a gift for seeing the good in others and never spoke ill of anyone. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives, and her faith was the true cornerstone of her life. Her commitment to her faith never wavered from her early years in the orphanage through her final days. She devoted herself to the Blessed Mother and to St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, where she put her administrative skills to work in service of the parish. More than anything, Mary’s faith was the source of her strength to help her through life’s toughest moments. 

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Mary is predeceased by her parents Charles and Mary Kovach; her sister Helen Niewodowski and her husband Frank; and her brother Michael Kovach and his wife Anneliese; her nephews Michael Kovach and Thomas Kovach; her great niece Margaret Caubet; and her great, great niece Alaina Teixeira.

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She is survived by her nieces Virginia Jakimowicz and her husband Patrick, Elisabeth Godlesky and her husband Richard, and Anneliese Nault and her husband David; her nephews Daniel Kovach and his wife Susan, and John Kovach and his wife Geralyn; her great nieces and nephews: Michael Kovach, William Kovach, Christopher Kovach, James Jakimowicz, Andrew Jakimowicz, Anneliese Meloni, Laura Godlesky, Christine Teixeira, Timothy Kovach, Gabriel Kovach, Melanie Nault, and Sarah Nault; and great great nieces and nephews: Mary Kovach, Anneliese Kovach, Michael Kovach, Amelia Meloni, Sophia Meloni, Kayden Godlesky, Benjamin Teixeira, Joseph Perkins, Anthony Perkins, and  Nathan Kovach.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Cathedral. 

Anthony C. Giaccio, a devoted husband, father of three, grandfather of six, great-grandfather of two, accomplished businessman, community leader, and a passionate master sailor, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 87.

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Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 26, 1938, Anthony spent most of his early life in the Lafayette section of the city. His life was defined by industriousness, generosity, a spirit of adventure, and an unwavering commitment to faith and family. He attended Saint Peter’s Grammar School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged at the early age of nine when he began selling used toys and worked at local church bingo nights, selling sodas to attendees. He also served as an altar boy for three years.

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In high school, Anthony was widely recognized as the best dancer in his class and took initiative to organize and host Friday night dances at the local YMCA. His strong work ethic continued into college, where he balanced his studies with a role at Worthington Corporation in the machinery industry. He earned his degree from Saint Peters University over four and a half years while gaining valuable professional experience. 

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Anthony spent initially over two decades in leadership roles within the machinery business before transitioning to his true professional passion, financial advising. In his late 40’s, he joined Merrill Lynch, where he built a distinguished 32-year career as a full-time financial advisor, earning the trust and admiration of clients and colleagues alike.

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Anthony’s life was forever changed when he met Margaret “Peggy” Giaccio in high school at one of the dances he arranged. They married on August 28, 1960, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 65 years. Together, they raised three children, Cheryl, Arlene, and Anthony, having eventually settled in Wayne, New Jersey, in the mid-1960s. Cheryl married John Goggin, Arlene married Andy Schaeffer, and Anthony married Laura Draudt resulting in the growth of the family even further. Over the years, he was blessed further with the birth of his grandchildren Daniel, Christopher, Jenna, David, Jack, and Ava then subsequent birth of his great grandchildren Ainsley and Kallie.

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Shortly after settling in Wayne, Anthony discovered the one thing, other than his family, that he was most passionate about….sailing!  Over the next 42 years, Anthony and his family enjoyed sailing primarily on Long Island Sound having had many adventures throughout the entire area.  These adventures eventually led to settling in East Hampton NY where he lived out his sailing days as a profound expert seaman of the Gardiners Bay area up to the age of 80.

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Anthony’s faith remained central throughout his life. He was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne, NJ, where he supported church initiatives, assisted with construction programs, and offered financial guidance. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fidelians of America, contributing to charitable efforts that benefited countless families.

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Anthony will be remembered for his love for his family, his love for the sea and sailing, leadership, business acumen, a trusted confidant and counsel, dependability, and his unwavering dedication to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.  He will be sorely miss but absolutely never forgotten!

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. 

Thank you, and God bless.

Gail Smiecinski, 62, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 at Preakness Healthcare Center in Wayne, NJ. Gail was born on January 9th, 1963 in Providence, RI, beloved daughter to Robert J. Richard, Sr. and Gail (Douglas) Richard.

Gail was preceded in death by her partner, David Boyle; her father, Robert J. Richard, Sr.; and her daughter, Regis Smiecinski.

Gail spent much of her childhood moving around to different areas of the country, including Terre Haute, IN and Baton Rouge, LA, before her family finally came to rest in Far Hills, NJ. Throughout her youth she engaged in a myriad of outdoor hobbies, including horseback riding, off-road dirt biking, and hiking. She also spent her free time learning to play the cello.

Graduating from Bernards High School in Bernardsville, NJ in 1980, Gail went on to work an assortment of different jobs, including bus driver, deli clerk, and accounts receivable for her own father's business; however, there was no job she loved more than being a stay-at-home mom and wife for her family. Gail married her former husband Mark Smiecinski in September 1983. They lived together in Cedar Knolls, NJ for 20 years with their two daughters, Regis and Katherine.

Due to the advanced progression of her multiple sclerosis (MS), Gail was moved into a nursing home full-time at the age of 39, spending most of the remainder of her life in Preakness Healthcare Center in Wayne, NJ. Despite these hardships, however, Gail flourished from the life she was presented with. In 2010, she met fellow MS patient David Boyle. The two quickly became friends and before long, that friendship blossomed into romance. They were inseparable; wherever one was, the other wasn’t far behind. They spent 10 beautiful years together before David's passing in 2020. She became a pillar within her nursing home community, serving for several years as president of the Resident Council where she helped organize activities and outings for her fellow residents, such as bingo and trips to local shops. She was extremely active in the Church community as well, her faith serving as a great source of strength and comfort for her.

Gail is survived by her daughter, Katherine Smiecinski; her grandchildren, Genevieve, Bobby, and Clifford; her mother, Gail Richard; her stepmother, Marlene Richard; her sister, Debra (Richard) Manahan; her brother, Robert Richard, Jr.; her stepsister, Kellie Piekarsky; her half-sister, Hillary Richard; and several nieces and nephews.

Gail was a bright light in the lives of all who met her. Her quick wit and kind heart gained her fast friends everywhere she went. She will be missed by many and replaced by none.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the MS Society in Gail's name.

Natalie Conte – a beloved former wife and loving mother – passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 93. She was a beautiful woman blessed with a long and wonderful life.

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Born and raised in Newark, Natalie was the youngest of ten children of Dominic and Rose (Basso) Delli Paoli. She spent the first sixty-eight years of her life in Newark. After high school, she developed exceptional skill as a seamstress, creating beautiful dresses in Newark’s garment factories.

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As a young woman—and truthfully, throughout her life—Natalie was a true beauty. One man who couldn’t help but notice her was Anthony “Tony” Conte. Their story began one day when Natalie stepped out of a restaurant wearing a short white coat and a black tammy hat. For Tony, that was it—he had to meet her. When he sent his cousin to introduce them, Natalie replied, “If he wants to meet me, he can come in here to meet me.” Tony mustered his courage, and he never regretted it. They soon hit it off, dated for some time, and were married on August 19, 1951, at St. Michael’s R.C. Church in Newark. A joyful reception followed at The Fountain in Belleville, and their honeymoon in Atlantic City—reached by bus—marked the start of a beautiful life together.

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The newlyweds began their marriage in a furnished Newark apartment, later moving into a home built into Natalie’s parents’ house. There, she and Tony welcomed their daughter, Antonia “Toni,” followed by their son, Louis. Eighteen years later, the family moved next door to her parents, and eventually to another Newark home. In 1995, after 44 years of marriage, Natalie faced the heartbreak of losing Tony. She remained in Newark for several more years before joining her daughter Toni and son-in-law Gary in Wayne, where she lived for the rest of her life.

Natalie devoted herself to her family as a nurturing mother and homemaker. She helped fundraise for her children’s school, hand-sewed Barbie clothes for Toni, and created a loving home. The family cherished their summer vacations at the Jersey Shore in Long Branch, surrounded by extended family and laughter.

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Always active, Natalie loved visiting flea markets, attending live shows in New York City, and playing bingo—first at St. Michael’s in Newark, later at the Wayne PAL. She enjoyed restaurants, scenic drives through quaint towns in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, Italian card games, and traveling with her daughter Toni throughout the world—visiting the British Isles, Italy, Greece, England, Ireland, and across the U.S., with New Orleans a favorite. She also enjoyed time in Florida and Canada.

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A talented cook, Natalie was known for her homemade lasagna and her famous Sunday gravy with meatballs and sausage. She especially loved the holidays - Christmas and Easter most of all. At Christmas, her home was filled with the scent of freshly baked Italian cookies and decorated from floor to ceiling, welcoming family and friends with warmth and joy. For years, New Year’s Eve was a lively family tradition filled with celebration and bingo with her siblings.

Though naturally shy and quiet, once you got to know Natalie, you discovered her generous heart. She was caring to the core—a true nurturer who would help anyone in need, even an enemy (if she’d had any). Selfless and loving, she always put others first. More than a mother, she was a best friend.

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Natalie was the adored wife of the late Anthony “Tony” Conte; the devoted mother of Antonia “Toni” MacDonald of Wayne and the late Louis Conte (2019); cherished sister of Dominic Delli Paoli and his wife Carol of Bloomfield; and beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her dear son-in-law, Gary MacDonald (2017), and by seven sisters and one brother.

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In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Natalie’s memory are asked to consider a donation to:

Dementia Society of America

PO Box 600

Doylestown, PA 18901

To download a form to mail in a donation, please CLICK HERE.

Please make sure to designate that your gift is in memory of Natalie Conte

Robin Mae Voag, age 69, of North Haledon passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

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Robin was born to Robert and Dorothy Voag of Haledon, NJ and attended Manchester Regional High School in Haledon. Robin began working at Foodtown of North Haledon in 1972 and retired in 2023. She dedicated 51 years of loyal and faithful service to Foodtown, where she was cherished and loved by customers and colleagues alike. Her friendly spirit often created a line at her register, as so many enjoyed the chance to chat with her.

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Robin will be remembered for her quirky sense of humor, kind heart, and unwavering desire to help others. She had a lifelong passion for animals, especially birds, and shared a special bond with her beloved parrot, BooBoo, who was by her side for 27 years. Robin’s compassion extended beyond her own pets- she was a devoted supporter of animal shelters and frequently donated to causes that helped animals in need.

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Beloved daughter of Robert Voag (1980) and Dorothy Voag-nee Mehalco (2007), and loving sister-in-law of John Levine (2014). Robin is survived by her brother Robert Voag and his wife Lori of Magnolia, Texas, her brother Carl Voag and his wife Maryanne of Highland Lakes, NJ, her sister Dawn Dunn and husband Chuck of Hamburg, NJ, her sister Jacqueline Levine of North Haledon, NJ and her sister Lisa Voag of Haledon, NJ. She is also survived by her 16 nieces and nephews and 20 great nieces and nephews.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, would be appreciated.

Jack Nick Riggio, age 89 of Pequannock passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Jack was born to Joseph and Josephine Riggio in Brooklyn NY where he grew up and attended high school. His father Joseph, was a furrier in the garment district in New York City and Jack and his brother John followed that career. Jack owned AA Fur Processing in NYC for many years until he retired at the age of 84 when Covid shut everything down. 

Jack was a very handsome outgoing guy and at the age of 21, he went dancing at the Starlight Ballroom in NYC and that is where he met the love of his life, Pauline.  Six months after meeting, they were married on September 8, 1957 and spent their honeymoon in Niagara Falls. Jack was 21 years old and Pauline was 26, Jack didn't tell her how old he was until they went for the marriage license because he thought she wouldn't marry him.  In March of 1959 they welcomed their daughter Joann into the family and in May of 1964, their son Joseph was added. Jack was a loving and caring husband and father and worked hard to support his family.

In 1967 they moved from Brooklyn NY to Wayne NJ into a brand new house where they raised their family and they remained there until 2021 when they moved to Cedar Crest. That year was hard for Jack, his son passed in March and Pauline passed in October. Thankfully he had made many friends at Cedar Crest. His daughter Joann, has received many messages and phone calls from his poker group and friends at Cedar Crest offering their condolences and expressing what a great guy he was and that he will be missed.

For many years Jack and Pauline were avid bowlers and belonged to leagues at T-Bowl but Jack's passion was hunting, he went upstate NY every year in November for a week to go deer hunting with the guys. Last month he went and bought a hunting license for 2025, even if he couldn't hunt, he just wanted to go and spend time with his friends John and Chris, they are much younger than him, but they all enjoyed each other's company and they truly became family.

Jack is survived by his daughter Joann (Riggio) Dura and her husband Glenn and two nephews John and Jason Riggio.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St Jude's or the American Diabetes Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Lorraine Florence Monk, age 87, of Wayne, passed away on Friday, October 31^st, 2025 with her daughter by her side.

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Lorraine was born to Olga & George Arnold in Hackensack, NJ. She was raised in New Milford, NJ. She graduated from Immaculata College and went on to teach Latin and English until her first daughter was born. When she went back to work, she became a bookkeeper for a law firm in Hackensack.

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Lorraine was a loving and caring mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a member of the Brownstone Quilters and the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Anne’s Church in Fairlawn. Her passions were watching tennis, doing her crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, knitting, and going to the opera.

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Lorraine was blessed with two daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law, Sandra Boes & William Boes, and Donna Rossi & Tom Rossi. Unfortunately, Donna Rossi predeceased her mother in 2017. She was blessed with four handsome grandsons, Kevin Rossi (spouse Aubrey Nagle), James Rossi (spouse Kacee Rossi), Brett Boes, and Christopher Boes, who unfortunately predeceased her in 2016 at the age of 20. She was then blessed with a beautiful great-granddaughter Zoey Rossi (parents James & Kacee Rossi), who is 3 ½ years old. She is also survived by her loving sister and brother-in-law Adele & George Zawisa, her two nephews Michael Zawisa (spouse Tina Zawisa) and John Zawisa (spouse Daria Zawisa), and her great niece and nephew Koriann & Dylan (parents John & Daria).

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In lieu of flowers, Lorraine asked that memorial donations be made to the Chris Boes Foundation in honor of her grandson. A check can be sent to Sandra & Bill Boes at 49 High Street, West Milford, NJ 07480, made out to Chris Boes Foundation, or via Venmo to William Boes @chrisboesfoundation

Patricia DiCarlo, aged 94, of Wayne, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, whose hearts will forever carry her memory.

Patricia was born on June 6, 1931, in Totowa, New Jersey, to her loving parents, Rose and Oscar Pudula. As the eldest of three children, she took on a nurturing role, looking after her younger brother, Anthony, and her sister, Barbra. Patricia's journey included heartfelt moments at Memorial Grammar School and Passaic Valley High School, where she laid the foundation for her future. She also found joy and camaraderie as a teenager, singing in the choir at Saint James Roman Catholic Church alongside her sister, creating cherished memories together in their close-knit community.

Patricia dedicated many years of her life to working as a receptionist at First Fidelity Bank in Wayne. With her warm smile and genuine sense of humor, she had a special way of welcoming everyone who walked through the door, often leaving them in laughter before they departed.

As a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, great aunt, cousin, and friend, Patricia's devotion to her family was evident in everything she did. She was always there to offer a helping hand, sound advice, or a comforting shoulder to cry on when it was needed most. Her youthful spirit shone through her love for fashion, always dressing impeccably and showcasing her collection of beautiful shoes that brought joy to those around her.

Patricia found great pleasure in the arts, enjoying outings to the theatre, ballet, and opera. Above all, it was the time spent with her family and friends that brought her the greatest happiness—those treasured moments filled with love and laughter that she held dear. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

Patricia met her beloved husband, Joseph, and together they created a beautiful family with their three children: Joseph Jr., Steven, and Richard. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Joseph, Domenic, and Isabella, who brought immense joy to her life. Patricia was so proud of each of them and eagerly anticipated the arrival of her first great-grandchild. In her later years, she found happiness in spending time with her partner, Dan DeStefano, and embraced his family as her own. Patricia's warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who loved her.

Patricia was a deeply devoted wife to Joseph (who has predeceased her) and a loving mother to her son Joseph Jr. (also predeceased), Steven and his wife Joanna DiCarlo, and Richard and his wife Donna DiCarlo. She cherished her role as a beloved grandmother to Joseph and his wife Nicole DiCarlo, Domenic and his girlfriend Gabriela Insignares, Isabella DiCarlo, Michael and Karlee Rouskas, Roxanne Rouskas, Vasili Rouskas, Samantha and Evan Ruben, Kyra Ruben, and William Mazzia. Patricia found comfort and companionship as the forever partner of Daniel DeStefano.

Her heart was always open as a faithful sister to Barbara and Brother-in-law Jerry Speziale (predeceased), and her brother Anthony Padula (predeceased). She was a nurturing aunt and great-aunt, whose love and care extended to several nieces and nephews, creating cherished connections that will be remembered and celebrated.

Norman Hosier, Sr., age 98 of Wayne, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Born in Paterson to James and May Hosier, Norman was one of many children in a bustling household. His love for the outdoors began early with the Boy Scouts and turned into a lifelong passion for fishing and hunting; a trait he eventually passed down to his kids too.

When Norman turned 17, the attacks on Pearl Harbor shook the nation and led Norm to the Draft Board to serve his country. Assigned to the Navy and stationed in Hawaii, he served as a chef and baker for the next 14-18 months before returning home with his newfound skills and enjoyment for baking.

After Norman returned home from the United States Navy, he learned a beautiful young woman named Jennie had moved in next door to his parents at 147 Garfield Avenue in Paterson. Wasting absolutely no time, Norm asked Jennie to go out with him, and she said yes. The couple quickly fell in love and were married in less than a year on Saturday, September 16, 1950, at Pascack Reformed Church in Park Ridge. After a reception in the family’s home, Norman and Jennie jumped into his light green Nash and headed for Sarasota Springs, NY for a beautiful honeymoon.

The young couple began their married life in Norman’s parents’ apartment at 147 Garfield Avenue. They shared the apartment with his parents, and it was there that they were blessed with the first of their five children, a baby girl who they named Deborah. They quickly decided they needed a bit more space and conveniently enough Jennie’s parents in the apartment next door offered the newlyweds the upstairs apartment all to themselves. There, they were blessed with two more girls: first Janice and then Norma Jean. With their family growing they decided to move to Genessee Avenue in Paterson where they welcomed their two boys: Norman, Jr. and James. In 1962, they moved to their home in Wayne where they’ve lived ever since.

Norman built a career as a specialty cake maker and baker, putting his Navy training to expert use. Despite offers from large conglomerates eager to recruit his talents, he preferred working at local bakeries where he could perfect his craft. Besides baking, Norman was also an incredible carpenter. He built out his house himself, redid his own roof, and tackled just about any project you can think of in his home apart from electrical work which he wisely left to professionals. Norman was generous with his time going out of his way to help friends, neighbors and eventually his kids with their own home projects.

Norm and Jennie loved Long Island and Barnegat and made sure to pass on that love to their children by taking their family out on summer trips to their favorite spots. Norm taught his kids to crab off the bay docks and enjoyed every second spent with them, especially in the places they loved. Working six days a week never diminished his devotion to his children. On his Mondays off, he would sometimes surprise them by waking them up and exclaiming there was no school today because they were going fishing or hunting instead!

Norman approached both work and life with tireless ambition and the belief that every problem was simply a new challenge to overcome. This resilient mindset, which he embodied every day until his final moments, became a cornerstone value he passed down to his children.

Norman and Jennie shared a loving marriage that spanned a remarkable 73 years before her passing in October 2023. He will be remembered as a devoted family man who worked tirelessly for those he loved and who always made time for what truly mattered in life.

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Norman was the beloved husband of Jennie who predeceased him in October of 2023.  He was the proud and loving father of five children: Deborah LaSala and husband William of Wantage, Janice Nolan and husband Thomas of Pompton Plains, Norma Jean Johnson and husband Scott of Newton, Norman Hosier, Jr. and wife Maryrose of Newton, and James Hosier of Wayne; adoring grandfather of five grandsons: Jason Grieves, Billy LaSala, the late Christopher Grieves (2007), Michael Hosier and Matthew Hosier; dear uncle of several nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to: The Plant Church, 115 Franklin Tpke. #155, Mahwah, NJ 07430 

Dolores H. Udland, 95, of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Dee, as she was known to friends and family, was born on July 2, 1930 and had been a resident of Wayne since 1953.

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Dee was predeceased by her husband Arthur, to whom she was married for 68 years until his death in 2018. She is survived by her four children, Richard, Kenneth (Rosemary), Carol and Susan.

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Known as Grandma or Great Grandma, Dee treasured her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dee is survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Dee was predeceased by her great grandson, Joseph Mongelluzzo, who died in 2022.

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Art and Dee were married on April 9, 1950, and moved to Wayne three years later, raising all four of their children in the home they built together. A longtime member of the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne, Dee was a faithful volunteer for various church groups and other organizations through the years.

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An animal lover, Dee was the faithful companion over the years to a series of small, white dogs – Pierre, Tiki, Jake, Milo, Teddy and Benji. Dee was an avid collector of owls – figurines, glassware, bowls, plates. If they could put an owl on it, Dee would find it.

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For the Udland family, Christmas Eve at Grandma’s was a tradition that went unbroken for decades, and her memory will live on in the hundreds of gold ornaments that adorn trees across the family each December. An avid baker, no Udland will eat a brownie and not think of Grandma.

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A dedicated scrapbooker, Dee leaves her family with dozens of binders, hundreds of photos, and countless memories of vacations, graduations, weddings, and all manner of family milestones. Dee was also a tennis player and enthusiast. She would spend hours watching all of the major tennis tournaments and of course she would have her strawberries and whipped cream prepared when watching the Wimbledon finals. Dee organized family reunions, kept tabs on family members spread across the country and the world, and kept the Udland clan together through so many of life’s ups and downs.

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In lieu of flowers donations to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or the Wayne Memorial First Aid squad would be appreciated. 

Edna May Nick (née Congleton), age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

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Born in her family home in the Preakness section of Wayne, New Jersey, Edna was the beloved daughter of Warren and Edna Congleton. As the family grew larger, Edna's parents moved frequently to accommodate the significant size of the family. They lived in Wayne, NJ Kingston, NY, Totowa ,NJ, Lincoln Park NJ and then eventually settled down permanently back in Wayne. Like many young women of her generation, Edna left school early to help her mother take care of her siblings and to earn a living. Along side her mother, she worked cleaning offices at Kearfott in Totowa. Edna also did other jobs to earn money along the way.

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As a young woman, Edna lived just up the street from a handsome young man named Kenneth Nick in Paterson. At the time, Kenneth, known to everyone as Mike, was dating someone else, but Edna's best friend Lois, got Mike to break up with his girlfriend and convinced him to start dating Edna. After just six weeks of courtship, the couple knew they were destined to be together and the married on Edna's 18th birthday, December 19th 1964.

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The couple began their life together in Paterson, New Jersey, where they welcomed their first 3 children, Margaret, Brenda and Tammy. They then lived on Fayette Avenue in a house behind Edna's parents. Edna got pregnant with their fourth child and the couple needed a bigger house, so they bought a boarding house in Wayne that had many rooms to accommodate their quickly growing family. There they had the rest of their children,  Paula, Karey, Krissy, Erica, Kenny and Michael.

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Edna went on to drive a school bus for the Wayne Board of Education for several years as well as volunteering for the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad. During this time tragedy struck in February of 1985,  Edna's son Kenny passed away unexpectedly. This rocked Edna to her core. She knew she still had other children to care for so she picked up the pieces of her heart to continue on for her  family with the help of her husband, parents, older daughters, Margaret, Brenda and Tammy. Edna was always looking for jobs that allowed her to provide medical and financial stability for her family.  In March of 1985, Edna left the Wayne Board of Education to begin her career with General Motors in Tarrytown, New York as an auto assembler with UAW Local 664. She worked there for ten years until the plant was closed. In 1995, Edna was transferred to General Motors in Linden, New Jersey UAW Local 595. Shortly after transferring Edna had an opportunity to become a tradesman with the company. She originally wanted to be a Union Electrician, however the need for them was scarce. Instead, she decided to try her hand at carpentry. In April of 1996, Edna graduated from Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Adult Schools with a certificate in Carpentry. She then started her career as a Carpenter's Apprentice at GM and eventually worked her way to Journeyman Carpenter. In 2008, GM announced they would be closing the Linden Plant, so Edna was faced with deciding to transfer out of state or to retire. Edna's love for her family made that decision easy, she decided to retire from GM in June of 2008. 

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 Edna’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When her mother fell ill, Edna devoted herself wholeheartedly to her care, just as she did for so many others throughout her life. Edna's parents were the foundation of the family. Her father passed in 1999 and her mother in 2003. She also lost her baby brother Frank to pulmonary fibrosis just a few months prior to losing their mother. Frank and his wife Kathy were very close with Edna's family. They were always together whether at Edna and Mike's house for pizza Fridays or bbqs at Frank and Kathy's house. Kathy her sister in-law was her best friend. In October 2010, Kathy unexpectedly passed away. This was a huge loss for Edna, she was almost inconsolable. Within a few weeks of Kathy's passing, Edna suffered a catastrophic, rare stroke that put her in a coma. The doctors weren't optimistic but after a week Edna regained consciousness. She said she could hear her family the entire time she was comatose and she knew that they needed her. Her awakening from the coma showed her strength, will, and love for her family. Edna was physically strong after her stroke but suffered cognitive deficits. She was unable to care for herself, so her husband Mike and their children cared for Edna. They did for her as she had done for them all the years prior. She instilled a great family ethic in all of her children. During the years that followed, Edna lost her brothers Alan and Bill, as well as her sister Jane. She also lost two daughters, Erica and Karey. 

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Edna will be remembered for her love, warmth, and generosity.  She was a woman who always placed the needs of others before her own. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and devotion that will continue to live on through the family she so deeply loved.

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She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

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Edna is survived by her husband Kenneth Nick, Sr (Mike). of Wayne, to whom she was married for almost 61 years , five daughters; Margaret Nick Henry of Lincoln Park, Brenda Amaya and her husband Luis of Wayne, Tammy Miller and her husband Mark of Wayne,  Paula DiBartolo and her husband John of Wayne, Krissy Montana of Wayne, a son Michael Nick and his wife Jessica of Pompton Lakes, and a son in-law Anthony Sorrentino of Totowa,  nine siblings; Robert Frields (Sue), Marilyn Wehnert, Bruce Frields, Elaine Maggiore, Warren Congleton, Jr. (Gerry), Philip Congleton (Lynn), Julia Swanson (Jim), Deborah Bailey, and Gay Longo (Steve), fourteen grandchildren; Emily (Dillon), Josh (Jess), Ashlyn (John), Amanda, Sarah, Lia (Chris), Brandon, Scott, Stacey (Andrew), AJ (Kristen), Kathleen, Allyson, Michael Jr., and Katie,  and seven great grandchildren; Decker, Evie, Brayden, Riley, Noah, John III, and Mark James.  She was predeceased by her parents Warren and Edna, her daughters; Karey Ann Sorrentino, Erica Mandeville and her son Kenneth Nick, Jr.  She was also predeceased by her siblings; Beverly Frields, Frank Congleton, Alan Congleton, Jane Ruck, and William Frields, and nephews William T. Frields Jr., William Frields, William Bailey, and nieces Daria Frey (her Goddaughter), and Tanya Congleton.

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In lieu of flowers, donations in Edna's name may be made to:

FOWA Rescue PO Box 3701 Wayne NJ 07470

or

Helping Felines In Need PO Box 2586 Wayne, NJ 07474.  

It is with great sadness, yet with immense thankfulness for his beautiful life, that we share the passing of Eugene “Gene” R. Kelly, age 64, of Wayne, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Gene was the firstborn of Eugene and Assunta “Susan” (D’Amato) Kelly’s two sons. Born in Jersey City, he moved with his family to Wayne three years later and lived in the family home at 43 Mandeville Drive for nearly his entire life - relocating only in 2022 to Pompton Lakes. Alongside his younger brother, Joe, the family spent many summers traveling the United States in their pop-up trailer. By the time they were done, they had probably been in or through at least 40 of the nation’s 50 states—without ever once asking, “Are we there yet?” (Well…maybe once.) Everytime they crossed a border, there would be a thrusting forward of hands on the dashboard to claim who was "first" in that particular state. They also cherished weekends spent at their permanent trailer in the Poconos.

Gene graduated from Wayne Hills High School, Class of 1981, where he had a blast serving as manager of the basketball team for all four years. Decades later, he could still recall key plays from standout games with laser accuracy—whether you asked him or not. After high school, he earned his associate’s degree from Edward Williams College, where he graduated in 1984 and his bachelor’s degree in history from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he graduated in 1986—no surprise, given his lifelong passion for the subject.

Gene enjoyed a remarkable thirty-eight-year career as a maintenance worker with King’s Supermarkets. From 1987 to the present, he served many years at the Wayne store and most recently at the Verona location.

A deeply spiritual man, Gene was devoted to God and to his lifelong parish, Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne. He served enthusiastically as an usher, a Eucharistic minister both at Mass and in local nursing homes, and as a Sunday collection counter. Gene loved his parish, often remarking proudly that he had been there since the building was first constructed.

Gene’s memory was legendary. It fueled his love for history and his uncanny ability to recall the past. Fiercely proud to be an American, he could frequently be found wearing patriotic shirts and—almost without exception—a baseball-style cap. He devoured book after book on U.S. history, could name exact dates of major events, and remembered precisely where he was during the notable moments of his own lifetime. He especially admired Abraham Lincoln, proudly sharing a birthday with “Honest Abe.” When his grandmother won a trip to Hawaii, she brought Gene and his cousin along. And though Gene did try a little surfing, what thrilled him most was visiting the historic site of the Pearl Harbor bombing.

Gene loved sports - especially the New York Yankees, the New York Jets, and the New Jersey Devils. Despite his loyalty to Gang Green, he and Joe would often use their dad’s season tickets to catch a Giants game at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford. He was also a dedicated Star Trek fan and enjoyed word search puzzles, shouting out answers during Jeopardy, solving phrases on Wheel of Fortune, and listening to good music – especially The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. Throughout his life, Gene was also a collector. It wasn’t necessarily about the items or the reasons; it was the thrill of collecting itself. His baseball cards were his most impressive stockpile - at least in sheer numbers. Ask him if he had a particular card, and he probably couldn’t tell you. Inventory wasn’t his thing - collecting absolutely was.

Gene was a true family man - the greatest storyteller and the family historian. Joe affectionately called him “my personal hard drive,” because whenever he couldn’t remember something, Gene would supply the memory in 1080p detail. He had a huge heart and was generous beyond his personal means. A major fan of video games, he loved old-school classics like Space Invaders, Super Mario Brothers, and Pac-Man. At Christmas, he lit up watching his nephews open new video games from Uncle Gene. Holidays were also about the only time Gene would enjoy a drink - a nice glass of Guinness Stout or maybe a shot (or two) of Bailey’s Irish Cream.

And Gene always had to be the first to deliver breaking news. The story could be splashed across every TV network and social media feed, but Gene would still get to you personally—face-to-face, by text, or maybe with a dramatic tone for effect.

Gene was a loyal friend, evidenced by over forty years of friendship with a core group of high school buddies (George, Chris, Eric, and Andy). Nearly every Saturday night for decades, they gathered to watch movies, enjoy snacks, and drink soda. And when it came to food, Gene never met a fast-food restaurant he didn’t like. Kind, loving, funny, thoughtful—Gene truly would have given you the shirt off his back, a quality modeled consistently by his parents.

Gene was the loving son of Eugene and Susan (D’Amato) Kelly, both of whom predeceased him. He was the dear brother of Joseph Kelly and his wife, Sharon, of Pompton Lakes, the cherished uncle of Ryan and Evan Kelly, and a treasured cousin to many. He also held a special place in his heart for his girlfriend, Kim Welma. They met in high school and remained close until losing touch when Kim moved to Texas. In recent years, they reconnected through mutual friends, gifting them a second chance to rekindle their relationship. Though long-distance, they spoke daily and visited each other a couple of times each year. Gene loved going to Texas to see Kim - and, naturally, to visit the historic Alamo. (Yes, he took notes.)

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Gene’s name are asked to consider sending a donation to:

Our Lady of Consolation R.C. Church,

1799 Hamburg Turnpike

Wayne, NJ 07470

For other ways to donate to the ministry of Our Lady of Consolation Church, CLICK HERE.

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Eugene “Gene” Kelly.

Theresa Gollinger died at the age of 107.  

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She was born in Rabafuzes, Hungary and came to the United States in 1951 with four children. She was a homemaker and also worked fulltime with Brooks Brothers in New York as a seamstress. After retirement she moved to Wayne, New Jersey.   

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At the age of 101, she moved in with her daughter in New Port Richey, Florida. She died on October 24, 2025 and is survived by her three daughters, Anna, Irmgard and Brigitta. She had one son, Emil who is deceased. She has four granddaughters, Carol, Monica, Judy and Andrea.  Her family increased with eight great-grandchildren, George, Michelle, George, Justine, Katrina, Kristina, Gina and Leah; and four great-great grandchildren, Wayne, Walker, Gemma and Madison.

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She loved being around all her family and she will be missed.

Kathleen “Kay” (Cummings) Iapoce, age 91, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Kay was born on September 25, 1934, to Patrick and Margaret (nee Joyce) Cummings. Six weeks after her younger sister Mary was born, Kay and Mary’s mother Margaret passed away leaving Patrick a single father of two daughters under the age of 14 months. With the help of extended family, Kay’s father raised his daughters on West 90th Street in Manhattan. Tragedy struck the girls again when their father died in January of 1952. They moved from Manhattan to Mayflower Avenue in the Bronx to live with their Aunt Bea and Uncle Willie. At the time, Kay was attending Cathedral High School on Lexington and 50th in Manhattan.  She continued to commute via trains and buses to Manhattan for the rest of her high school years graduating in June of 1952. 

While vacationing in the Berkshires, Kathleen met a handsome young man from Long Island City in his twenties named Richard “Buddy” Iapoce. The two began dating and distance was no matter. Buddy traveled back and forth to the Bronx on the subway to see Kay as often as he could. They were married on May 19, 1962, and they enjoyed a honeymoon in the Pocono’s. They first settled down in North Bellmore, Long Island before a new job for Buddy prompted a move to Wayne in 1967.

A passionate traveler, Kay spent much of her life exploring the world with Buddy, and their many dear friends and family. Together they loved journeying coast to coast. Whether driving cross-country in the car for five or six weeks at a time, finding landmarks and historical places (maybe even a casino or two), or taking their annual Disney World trip with their grandchildren, they were always eager to discover new places and make memories they would cherish for their lifetimes. Kay found joy in seeing the world and experiencing all life had to offer. She continued to travel and create memories with her family, most notably to Outer Banks and Disney World.

Kay was a hard worker and had many jobs in her lifetime. She recently mentioned that she enjoyed every place she worked because there was something she learned from each experience. She had an extraordinary depth of knowledge across a wide variety of subjects. Her curiosity knew no bounds and she was always motivated to learn something new, solve a difficult puzzle, or simply engage in thoughtful conversations. Her family and friends often marveled at how much she knew about so many different topics. Her ability to absorb and share information made her a cherished source of wisdom and insight to all that knew her.

Faith was an important part of Kay’s life.  She was baptized, received her First Communion and was Confirmed at St. Gregory the Great Church on West 90th in Manhattan where her Father was the Sexton  (and rumor had it that her father had to stand in as best man for Babe Ruth at his wedding at St. Gregory’s Rector in 1928 because Babe’s chosen Best Man was not Catholic.. but you didn’t hear that from us).  Once she moved to Wayne, Our Lady of the Valley Church became her home parish for the next 58 years.  

Kay was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard Iapoce, “Buddy” in 2013. She was the loving mother of: Michael Iapoce and his wife Suzanne of Lincoln Park and their children Kevin, Connor, Kieran and the late Kyle Patrick Iapoce (1996) , Mary LaBarre and her late husband Edward (2021) of Wayne and their children Alyssa and her partner Ryan and their son Hunter Edward, Casey and Gregory LaBarre of Wayne, and Rick Iapoce and his wife Sue of Wayne and their children Ricky Iapoce, Nick and Dan Hanrahan, Katie and Justin Destefano and their daughter Vienna Grace.  She is also predeceased by her parents Patrick and Margaret Cummings, her Aunt Bea and Uncle Willie and her sister Mary Cummings.  

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the following charitable organization would be greatly appreciated:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Stjude.org

Dorothy Locker Martin (Dot), age 94, of Little Falls, NJ, passed in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, while in hospice care at Sunrise of West Essex.  

Dorothy was born at home in Lodi, NJ, to Marinus and Trina Stienstra Locker in 1930. After her mother lost her battle with tuberculosis at Dot’s tender age of 9, her dad remarried Margie Van Wyen who largely contributed to raising Dot. In 1948, Dot graduated from Lodi High School and eventually married William Ray Martin in April 1956. They honeymooned in Williamsburg, VA. Dot was married to Ray for 66 years before he passed in October 2022. 

As a young adult, Dot traveled by bus every day to the phone company, where she worked as a switchboard operator. She also worked as a bookkeeper at the J.L. Prescott Company.  Ultimately, she worked at Bamberger’s (later Macy's) in the Willowbrook Mall. She held that position for more than 25 years, while raising her daughter, Brenda.

Dot was devoted to her family and was involved in the Second Reformed Church of Little Falls. Having been brought up in the Great Depression era she learned the value of financial stability early on, and instilled the value of fiscal responsibility into her family members by showing how to be a wise saver and shopper.

Dot and Ray enjoyed many summer and holiday weeks at their home with their two grandchildren playing in the pool, going to the local park, and shopping for back to school clothing. She also loved being with family in Ocean City, NJ, and going on cruises to many different destinations with friends and family.

Dot was an avid cook of both meals and desserts, especially during holidays when her homemade creations were desired and showcased. She felt great satisfaction knowing that her husband, Ray, had everything he needed to enjoy his daily meals to the fullest. She loved the company of her dog Snoopy and his support in licking up the kitchen floor. She enjoyed simple things such as the occasional game of cards and Rummikub.

Dot was predeceased by her husband Ray, and brother, Robert. She is survived by a daughter Brenda (who also married a man with the last name Martin), son-in-law Kevin, granddaughters Alison and Ellen, and great-grandchildren Keagan and Talia. Also surviving are cousins Kathryn and Lillian, cousins (twins) Robert and Ronald, and nieces Lauren, Alice and Cindy. Dot also leaves behind various grand-dogs and great grand-dogs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Humane Society of New Jersey would be greatly appreciated using the following link - https://njhumanesociety.square.site

Garret A. Hoogerhyde Sr., 95, of North Haledon, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, October 19, 2025.

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Born in Paterson, Garry was the firstborn of Carl and Marie (Wiegel) Hoogerhyde’s six children. He grew up in Prospect Park in the family home at 111 Brown Avenue. A member of the Class of 1946 at Eastern Academy (now Eastern Christian High School), he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pace University in New York City.

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In October 1951, Garry was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served at an anti-aircraft radar site protecting New York City. Following his honorable service, he began a long and rewarding career as a Certified Public Accountant.

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Garry’s first position was with Betts and Gilmore CPAs on Virginia Avenue in Paterson, and his apartment was conveniently located just above the office—leaving him no excuse to ever be late. Over the years, as his mentors retired, Garry assumed leadership of the firm, partnering with several colleagues along the way. His last partner was Dave Baker, giving the firm its name: Hoogerhyde & Baker CPA’s. For a time, he ran the business out of his home on John Ryle Avenue in Haledon. Most of the firm’s history was spent at 909 Belmont Avenue and later at 886 Belmont Avenue in North Haledon. In 2000, Garry sold his share of the business to his son Douglas, but he continued to come into the office—mainly to chat with longtime clients and let Doug handle the paperwork—until full retirement in 2019.

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Garry was the devoted husband of Marlene (Kara) Hoogerhyde for 70 years, until her passing in November 2024. Their love story began with a blind date arranged by a friend while Garry was on military leave. Intent on making a good impression, he showed up at Marlene’s home in his full Army uniform. Though neither remembered the specifics of that first date, it clearly made a lasting impact. They were married on May 8, 1954, at the Hawthorne United Methodist Church, with a reception in the church fellowship hall, and honeymooned through New England, finishing at Niagara Falls.

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The newlyweds settled in the Virginia Avenue apartment above Garry’s first office. Over the years, the family moved several times, including a relocation prompted by the planned construction of Route 80—which would have cut directly through their living room. Eventually, they settled in North Haledon at 326 Squaw Brook Road, where they raised their eight children. Later, they moved to 22 Brian Court, and most recently resided at the Windmere (formerly the Holland Christian Home) in North Haledon.

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Faith was the foundation of Garry and Marlene’s life together. Introduced to the Orthodox Presbyterian Church through the ministry of Grace OPC in Fair Lawn, they joined the congregation in 1956. Garry was ordained and installed as a ruling elder two years later. Over 63 years of service, he became probably the longest continuously serving elder in the history of the OPC, ministering at Grace OPC (Fair Lawn), Emmanuel OPC (Whippany), Living Hope OPC (Nutley), and Church of the Covenant OPC (Hackettstown).

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Garry taught Old Testament adult Sunday School classes and served the denomination in remarkable ways, including: 56 years on the Home Missions Committee, 58 years on the Pensions Committee, 43 years overseeing the hospitalization plan, and 36 years as the president of the Loan Fund Board. In 1976, he was elected moderator of the denomination’s General Assembly.  In addition, he served on the Presbytery of New Jersey’s Home Missions Committee, Diaconal Committee, and as its treasurer.

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To those who served alongside him, Garry embodied the qualities of a wise elder—humble, prayerful, joyful, and filled with Spirit-led wisdom. He worked tirelessly and quietly, always for God’s glory, never his own. In reflecting on his years of service, Garry would often say: “It’s astounding to realize that the Lord saw fit to use me that length of time and that the church feels I’ve been useful. That is encouraging and humbling—but it’s the Lord’s work. Unless the Lord had done it, it wouldn’t have happened.”

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Even with a demanding professional life and active church involvement, Garry found time to serve elsewhere. All eight of his children attended Eastern Christian Schools, and when asked to serve as president of the school board, he answered the call. He also served on the board of American Christian Schools in Succasunna, on the board of Christian Schools International and on their pension committee, on the pension funds for Christian Health Care Center (now Christian Health) and the Passaic County Public Employees’ Pension Fund, and on the advisory committee that helped launch Atlantic Stewardship Bank (now part of Columbia Bank).

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Garry also made room for hobbies. A passionate philatelist and numismatist (stamp and coin collector), he loved crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, and quiet moments in his easy chair with a hot cup of coffee and sacred hymns or classical music playing in the background. Nights often ended with The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson—prompting Marlene’s frequent calls from the bedroom to “turn it down!”—or family Star Trek nights, the only time the kids could watch TV at dinner.

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He also loved road trips. With many of his children attending Dordt College, he cherished the long drives between North Haledon and Sioux Center, Iowa. Trips to Vermont were special favorites, and visits by plane to his sons in Washington State became treasured memories.

Garry was a man of strong convictions, anchored in his Christian faith. Though accomplished, he remained profoundly humble, often deflecting praise. His life of service to his family, work, church, and community was, to him, simply a way to follow Christ’s example. Principled yet approachable, firm yet kind, Garry treated everyone—from the janitor to the CEO—with the same respect and friendly smile. And to all who knew him, that warm, familiar chuckle will always be remembered.

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Garry was predeceased by his beloved wife Marlene in 2024. He was the loving father of eight children: Stephen Hoogerhyde of Hackensack; Susan and husband George Lindemulder of Wanaque; Roy and wife Juanita Hoogerhyde of Nazareth, PA; Kathleen and husband Timothy Kline of Fair Lawn; Glenn and wife Jill Hoogerhyde of Lynnwood, WA; Stuart and wife Karen Hoogerhyde of Lynden, WA; Garret Jr. and wife Anita Hoogerhyde of Bothell, WA; and Douglas and wife Leah Hoogerhyde of Franklin Lakes. He was the cherished grandfather of 20 grandchildren and adored great-grandfather of 23 great-grandchildren. He was the dear brother of the late Arthur Hoogerhyde; Carl Hoogerhyde, Jr. and wife Edna of Hawthorne; the late Lawrence Hoogerhyde and wife Linda of Jenison, MI; Marie Zuidema and husband Fred of Portage, MI; and Kenneth and wife Pamela Hoogerhyde of Lamoine, Maine. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

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Special thanks to all who have kept Garry in prayer, visited him, called him, and encouraged him in his final days on this earth.  Also, his family would like to express our deep appreciation to the incredibly loving and caring team of caregivers at Windmere, who took amazing care of Garry.  Your work is often hard and thankless, but you took it as a calling as well as a job. Know that you are loved and greatly appreciated by the Hoogerhyde family!

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Garry’s memory to one of the following:

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church

607 North Easton Road, Bldg. E

Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539

Mid-America Reformed Seminary

229 Seminary Dr.

Dyer, IN 46311

Lorraine Ho, age 90, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her loving family on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Lorraine was born in Nanking, China. Early in her life, her family escaped to Taiwan, where she attended middle school, high school, and college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Taiwan Normal University in 1957. After graduation, she moved to Saigon, Vietnam, where she taught English and worked as a translator for the American war correspondence press from 1958 to 1959.

Lorraine’s life changed course when she relocated to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in library science at Marywood College (now Marywood University) in Scranton, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1961.

After earning her degree, Lorraine began her career as a librarian with the former Engineering Societies Library (ESL) in New York City. It was there that she met a young engineering student named Tony Ho, who was working in the city during his summer internships from Virginia Tech. The two began dating, fell in love, and became engaged in December 1961. They married on March 16, 1963, at Corpus Christi Church on 121st Street in New York City. A reception followed at Earl Hall at Columbia University, and they honeymooned in Philadelphia.

Lorraine and Tony began married life in Hackensack, where Lorraine worked at the Johnson Public Library from 1964 to 1967. In 1967, they moved to Wayne, settling into a brand-new home where they would remain for the rest of their respective lives. In 1972, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Andrew.

Professionally, Lorraine served as librarian at the Okonite Research Library in Passaic from 1968 to 1969 and at the Clifton Public Library from 1969 to 1973. She later dedicated herself to raising Andrew, attending his sporting events, and taking him to all his Boy Scouting activities. She was also very active in the local Chinese American community and served as President of the Northern New Jersey Chinese Association (NNJCA) in the early 90s.

After retiring in 1995, Lorraine and Tony spent their later years traveling extensively, usually taking one major trip each year. Their favorite places to travel were England, France, and Hawaii, but they also loved travelling through Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, China, and Tahiti. When not travelling abroad, they loved spending time together at their condominium in Wildwood Crest on the Jersey Shore.

In her spare time, Lorraine enjoyed swimming in Wildwood Crest, and at the Preakness Pool and Toms Lake in Wayne. An enthusiastic tennis fan and long-time member of the Pacquenac Tennis Club, she enjoyed both playing and watching the sport. She also loved capturing memories and was the self-appointed family photographer at all events and trips. While Tony oversaw most of the cooking, Lorraine’s specialties were her version of roast Peking duck for Thanksgiving and scallion pancakes for special occasions throughout the year.

Above all, Lorraine’s family was her greatest source of pride and joy. She adored her two grandsons, Nathan and Alex, and always looked forward to spending time with them. Known for her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, energetic personality, forthcoming nature and overall love of life, Lorraine touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Lorraine was the beloved wife of Tony Ho, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage before his passing in 2021. She was the loving mother of Andrew Ho and his wife Yani of Tenafly; cherished grandmother of Nathan and Alex; dear sister of Ting Pei Lee, Ting Yu Lee, Ting Cai Lee, An Yi Lee, and Frances Lee who all predeceased her; and the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Hazel Ann Neil, age 85 of Packanack Lake in Wayne passed away on October 19, 2025 in her home with her loved ones by her side.

Ann was born on May 29, 1940 to Louis and Hazel Hopper in Newark NJ and lived in Nutley as a child. She was a graduate of Wayne High School in 1958 and later Kathrine Gibbs School where she learned professional office skills. She worked in the Wayne school system for years and also at a Consumer Product testing facility until she became the Principal Clerk Typist at William Paterson College in the library department. Ann was the one that professors went to for help when trying to find information, and for the library Christmas parties she always got everything organized so everyone had a good time.

Ann was a loving mother to her daughter Heather Barno and son Chris Neil and his partner Lisa of Wayne. Ann's granddaughter Samantha Oras and her husband Alex, and is also survived by her nephew Raymond, and nieces Susan and Lisa.

Ann loved to read mystery novels particularly Agatha Christie and watch old Charlie Chan movies while she embroidered and did needlepoint. One of her favorite things to do was go on day trips to Atlantic city with her friends, she loved playing the slot machines. When she was younger, she liked to put together jigsaw puzzles and make matching clothes for her and her daughter Heather.

Louis J. Eswood, Jr. age 68, of Parsippany, passed Tuesday, October 14, 2025 with the comfort of family by his side.

He was born in Paterson to Louis and Frances Eswood and grew up at 302 Michigan Avenue. He attended St. Brendan’s Elementary School later graduating from Paterson Catholic High School with the Class of 1975. Continuing his education, Louis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Montclair State College.

Louis met the love of his life, Nancy Drost, during a happy hour at Gaspar’s Restaurant & Night Club, in Wayne, after work. That chance encounter continued later that evening at the Pompton Queen Diner on Route 23, where their connection quickly deepened. After asking for her father’s blessing, Louis proposed to Nancy at her apartment. They were married on June 1, 1985, at St. Brendan’s Church in Clifton, followed by a reception at The Tides in North Haledon. The couple honeymooned in Bermuda and went on to share a loving and devoted marriage of forty years, blessed with two sons and four cherished grandchildren.

Louis’ strong work ethic began early in life. As a boy, he delivered newspapers to nearly one hundred customers each day, balancing the heavy basket on his bicycle as he made his rounds. He also cut lawns in Paterson, always willing to put in the effort to earn his way. During his high school and college years, he worked in the paint department of Sears at Willowbrook Mall, where he learned the value of customer service and responsibility. After graduating college, Louis began his professional career with Union Carbide Corporation in Wayne, working in the customer service division of their home and automotive group. When Union Carbide merged into 1st Brands Corporation in Parsippany, he transitioned into the role of Fulfillment Manager for Promotional Products. In 1999, Louis joined Prudential Financial in Newark as a Purchasing Manager for Consolidated Fulfillment, a position he held with dedication until his retirement in 2020. Over the years, Louis built a reputation as a dependable professional, admired for his integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to every role he undertook.

Louis was gifted with the talent of storytelling, captivating anyone who listened with his humor and insight. Inquisitive by nature and a true problem-solver, he was “Mr. Fix It” to family and friends alike, always ready to lend a hand or figure out a solution. His patience extended even to teaching parallel parking, where he turned a nerve-wracking rite of passage into a lesson in calm encouragement. He loved his time at the beach in Sea Isle City, found daily perspective in watching World News Tonight with David Muir, and delighted in dropping everything to catch Produce Pete on WNBC, eager to learn something new. Louis had a particular passion for investigating dairy product plant codes and sharing his discoveries with anyone willing to listen. Informative, resourceful, and endlessly curious, he found joy in the small details of everyday life and shared that joy generously with those around him.

Louis was the loving husband of forty years to Nancy Lynn Eswood (née Drost). He was the devoted father of Louis Joseph Eswood III and his wife Alyssa of Fairfax, VA, and Brian John Eswood and his wife Anna of Sewell. He took great pride in being the cherished grandfather of four—Madelyn, Connor, Olivia, and Bianca Eswood who brought him endless joy; he was the loved brother of MaryAnn Wiarda and her husband Pete of Green Pond. Louis was also the much loved brother-in-law to Ken Drost and his wife Dawn of Lafayette, CO, Tim Drost and his wife Jeananne of Verona, and Laurie Larsen of Wharton. He will be dearly missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and love.

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In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Ally’sElves, Inc. www.allys-elves.org is a charity inspired by Louis' niece Alana (Ally), and the seniors whose lives are brightened by the joy and companionship Alana and her community deliver each holiday season.

Zoila “Zoilita” Araujo, de 83 años, residente en Clifton, Nueva Jersey, falleció el lunes 6 de octubre de 2025.

Nació en Celendín, Cajamarca, Perú, hija de Glorioso y Celinda Araujo. A los siete años se mudó con su familia a Lima, es ahi donde conoció y se casó con Enrique Reyes. Su unión fue bendecida con cuatro hijos: Pilar, Rosa, Kiko y Carlos.

En 1980, Zoila llegó a los Estados Unidos con nada más que fe y valentía, decidida a construir una vida mejor para su familia. Acompañada de su hijo menor, Carlos D. Reyes, comenzó de nuevo: primero en Hollywood, Florida, y después de nueve meses, en Paterson, Nueva Jersey, en el 331 de la Avenida 21, Apartamento 1R. Poco a poco, sus otros tres hijos se reunieron con ella y la familia volvió a estar completa.

Zoila tenía una ética de trabajo extraordinaria. Aceptó todo trabajo honesto que encontraba —en las fábricas textiles de Paterson, limpiando casas, cuidando pacientes como asistente de enfermería, y, en un momento de su vida, convirtiendo su hogar en una pequeña cafetería donde los vecinos se reunían para disfrutar de su comida. Era pura energía y alegría: la música a todo volumen, la comida chispeando, la ropa lavando—y Zoila bailando entre todo ello. Creía que la vida debía vivirse con valentía y esperaba que todos a su alrededor compartieran su entusiasmo y propósito.

Fuera del trabajo, Zoila encontraba felicidad en los placeres simples: tejer, hacer crochet, cuidar sus plantas y resolver crucigramas. Le encantaba viajar y disfrutaba de las reuniones y paseos familiares. También amaba encontrar buenas ofertas en ventas de garaje y en la tienda de dólar.

Profundamente católica y devota, llevaba todos los días su collar de San Miguel Arcángel como símbolo de fuerza y protección.

Zoila encontró su verdadera vocación en el Lakeview Convalescent Center de Wayne. Bajo la guía de la familia Grosso, se convirtió en Asistente de Enfermería Certificada (CNA) y dedicó más de 25 años al cuidado de los residentes con compasión y orgullo —tanto así que sus propios hijos a menudo la ayudaban allí.

Zoila fue la amada madre de María Reyes, de Wayne; Zoila Figueroa y su esposo Jorge, de Wayne; Carlos E. Reyes, de Clifton; y Carlos D. Reyes y su esposa Magda, de Wayne.  Fue la querida abuela de Gabriella Sodroski y su esposo Dan Sodroski, Mariella Figueroa, Lucas Reyes y Daniel Reyes; y la adorada bisabuela de Paige Sodroski. Fue precedida en fallecimiento por sus hermanos Elena Araujo, Humberto Araujo y Elmer Araujo.

La vida de Nuestra Madre fue un testimonio de fe, esfuerzo y amor —el tipo de amor que cruza continentes y deja un legado imborrable.

Su fortaleza y calidez seguirán viviendo en las vidas que tocó y en la familia que amó con tanta intensidad.

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Zoila “Zoilita” Araujo, 83, of Clifton, New Jersey, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Born in Celendín, Cajamarca, Peru, to Glorioso and Celinda Araujo, Zoila moved with her family to Lima at age seven. In Lima, where she met and married Enrique Reyes, and together they were blessed with four children: Pilar, Rosa, Kiko, and Carlos.

In 1980, Zoila came to the United States with nothing but courage and faith, determined to build a better life for her family. Bringing along her youngest son, Carlos D. Reyes, she began again—first in Hollywood, Florida, and, after nine months, in Paterson, New Jersey, at 331 21st Avenue, Apt. 1R. One by one, her other three children joined her, and the family was reunited.

Zoila’s work ethic was extraordinary. She took any honest job she could find—in Paterson’s textile factories, cleaning homes, providing care as a nurse’s aide, and, at one point in her life, transforming her home into a small luncheonette where neighbors gathered around her cooking. She was pure energy and joy: music up, food sizzling, laundry going—Zoila dancing through it all. She believed life was meant to be lived boldly and expected everyone around her to share her sense of purpose.

Beyond work, Zoila delighted in life’s simple pleasures: knitting, crocheting, gardening, and crossword puzzles. She loved to travel and enjoyed family gatherings and trips. She also loved finding good bargains at garage sales and the dollar store. Deeply Catholic and devoted, she wore her St. Michael the Archangel necklace daily as a sign of strength and protection.

Zoila found her true calling at the Lakeview Convalescent Center in Wayne. Mentored by the Grosso family, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant and devoted more than 25 years to caring for residents with compassion and pride—so much so that her children often came to help as well.

Zoila is the dearly loved mother of Maria Reyes of Wayne; Zoila Figueroa and her husband Jorge of Wayne; Carlos E. Reyes of Clifton; and Carlos D. Reyes and his wife Magda of Wayne.  She is the cherished grandmother of Gabriella Sodroski and her husband Dan Sodroski, Mariella Figueroa, Lucas Reyes, and Daniel Reyes; and the adoring great-grandmother of Paige Sodroski.  She was predeceased by her siblings Elena Araujo, Humberto Araujo, and Elmer Araujo.

Our Mom’s life was a testament to faith, grit, and love—the kind that moves a family across continents and sets a legacy in motion. Her strength and warmth will live on in the lives she touched, and in the family she loved so fiercely.

Vincenzo Celso, age 80, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025, surrounded by the loving care of his family.

Born in Acri Consenza, Calabria, Italy, Vincenzo was one of seven children of Giuseppe and Assunta Celso. As a boy, he loved playing and watching soccer, a passion that grew into lifelong devotion to the Inter Milan soccer team. After completing high school in Italy, he proudly served in the Italian military, where he was stationed in Libya and other parts of Africa. Following his service, he worked as a skilled mason, a trade that would remain central throughout his life.

Through family connections, Vincenzo met the love of his life, Andreana Turano. As fate would have it, they fell in love.  Vincenzo and Andreana exchanged wedding vows surrounded by friends and family on August 7, 1971, beginning a union that would last fifty-four years. Shortly after their wedding, they immigrated to the United States. Determined to build their life together in search of a better life and the American Dream.  The newlyweds settled in Paterson, New Jersey.

Upon arriving in the United States, Vincenzo began working at Marcal Paper Products in South Paterson (now Elmwood Park) as a forklift operator. After several years, he returned to his skills as a mason, contributing to dye houses and textile companies throughout the Paterson area. In the late 1980s, he joined the custodial department of the Wayne Board of Education, a role he held with pride and dedication until his retirement in 2014.

Vincenzo and Andreana welcomed two children, Laura and Giuseppe, during their years in Paterson. In 1995, the family moved to Wayne, where they continued to build a warm and loving home. Vincenzo’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and dancing with his wife. He delighted in tending to his vegetable gardens, cultivating tomatoes, peppers, flowers, and fig trees, and preserving Italian traditions such as making his own wine. Handy and resourceful, he was able to complete home projects and repairs with ease.

A man of deep devotion, Vincenzo cherished his Catholic faith. He and his family were longtime parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Church in Paterson and later Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne. He was known for his sharp wit, lighthearted teasing, and the sarcastic humor.  These were characteristics that endeared him to those closest to him.

He loved traveling with his family to Italy to reconnect with relatives, as well as enjoying trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. He also remained a loyal fan of soccer and professional wrestling, hobbies that brought him joy throughout his life.

Above all, Vincenzo was a man devoted to his family. His greatest passion was providing for them, sharing time with them, and celebrating life’s simple joys together. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering commitment to those he cherished most.

Vincenzo will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and dear friend. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Vincenzo is survived by his wife Andreana (Turano) of Wayne, NJ, one son Giuseppe “Joey” Celso of Wayne, NJ, one daughter Laura Albornoz and her husband Jean of North Haledon, NJ, one grandchild Gia Albornoz of North Haledon, NJ, four sisters; Maria Celso of Acri, Italy, Agata Cappello and her husband Angelo of Norwalk, CT, Lina Celso and her husband Giuseppe of Italy, and Santina Celso and her husband Giuseppe of Como, Italy, one brother Ernesto Celso and his wife Lisa of Como. Italy, and his sister-in-law Giuseppina Lupo.  He was predeceased by his brother Domenico Celso. Also, survived by many nieces and nephews.

Daniel Martin, age 77, of Pines Lake in Wayne, sadly and unexpectedly passed from this life on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Born in Waldwick, the third of Eugene and Joan (Blair) Martin’s five children, Dan grew up in the family home at 319 Wyckoff Avenue. He attended St. Luke’s Grade School in Ho-Ho-Kus and graduated from Waldwick High School with the Class of 1964.

As a young boy, Danny loved making models of cars, planes, and ships. He developed many practical skills as a Boy Scout, where he also discovered a lifelong love of hiking and camping. As teenagers, he and his three brothers spent countless hours working on cars and motorcycles together. Always busy with his hands, it came as no surprise when Dan pursued a career in construction. Dan was a proud, career-long member of Union Local 3 (LIUNA) based out of Mountainside, NJ. Known for his work ethic and skill, he was highly sought after by contractors who valued his conscientious approach to the job. He never turned down overtime and was always hustling to line up side jobs, motivated by his love of the work and his deep commitment to providing for his family.

After work, there was no idle channel surfing for Dan. He’d come home around 4 PM and start his “second shift” — tackling house projects, car repairs, or yardwork until dinner. After a meal, it was shower time, maybe a beer to unwind, then bed — ready to do it all again the next day.

Dan met and married Barbara Stoll on May 3, 1970. Two years later, in 1972, they moved to Pines Lake in Wayne, where they raised their three children — Laura, Geoffrey, and Andrew.

Dan remained in that same home throughout his life. What began as a modest ranch grew over the decades into a spacious home, the result of Dan’s skill, and determination. He completed nearly every project himself — masonry, framing, roofing, windows and doors, electric, plumbing, sheetrock, hardwood floors, trim, paint, and even wallpapering. His craftsmanship extended beyond his own home; when family members took on ambitious projects, Dan was there to help. In his family, helping one another was simply understood.

A lifelong learner, Dan’s free local library became one of his greatest resources. Self-taught, he used books to master car repair, construction, and architecture and to deepen his understanding of history, wars, shipwrecks, art — and just about anything else that caught his interest. He loved visiting museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and studying the architecture of New York City’s most interesting buildings.

In more recent years, especially in retirement, Dan enjoyed camping adventures that took him across the country to national parks and scenic spots. His trusty Ford pickup carried all the essentials — tent, sleeping bag, lamps, firewood, bicycle, even a kayak. He relished days spent hiking, swimming, and reading by the fire. Hunting and fishing, however, he always found “too boring.”

Dan also lived by the old adage, “one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure.” He loved spotting old furniture by the curb, recognizing its potential, and restoring it to its original beauty.

Above all, Dan’s lifelong passion was cars and motorcycles. As a young man, he owned both a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1965 Ford Fairlane, each with a straight six-cylinder engine. When winter came and the Fairlane needed a new cylinder head, Dan would swap it from the Mustang to keep the Fairlane running. Over the years, his collection grew to include his Ford pickup, a red 2005 Ford Mustang convertible, and four motorcycles — a Harley, a Triumph, an Indian, and an old BMW. Few things brought him more joy than going for a ride on a sunny day. Sadly, his final ride came this past Sunday when he was struck by an oncoming car while out on one of his bikes.

Despite his zest for life, nothing mattered more to Dan than being a devoted father. He took that responsibility seriously, volunteering with his sons’ Boy Scout troop and showing up always for his children’s activities in Pines Lake. He was an encourager, determined to equip Laura, Geoff, and Andrew with the skills they needed to live full and independent lives. From a young age, his children learned practical lessons alongside him. On Saturdays, if he was working on the car, one of them was under it too — holding the light and learning as he explained what he was doing. By age ten, they knew how to use every tool in his extensive collection. When traveling, he taught them how to read maps. He also instilled thriftiness, reminding them not to waste money, but if they did, he’d hit them with asignature line like: “If I had your money, I’d burn mine.” And, of course, no one will forget his endless puns and dad jokes.

Alright — full disclosure: Dan did watch some TV. His favorites were car and motorcycle shows, especially The Dukes of Hazzard.

Dan was the loving and supportive father of Laura Martin of Astoria, NY; Geoffrey Martin of Wayne; and Andrew Martin and his companion Christina Whelan of Closter. He was the cherished grandfather of Klaus, Elke, Olivia, and Taylor. He was the dear brother of the late Peter Martin (2010), Thomas Martin of Oregon, the late Mary Martin (1999), and Chris Martin of Ballston Spa, NY, and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

On October 2nd, 2025, Patricia Ann (Mac Daniel) Manion (“Pat” to her friends and family) passed away while on vacation in Salerno, Italy after a sudden illness. Pat was born on December 18, 1950, to Francis and Norma (Glancy) Mac Daniel of Bridgeport, Connecticut. She grew up in Bridgeport, attended Notre Dame High School and graduated from University of Bridgeport with a degree in English literature. 

On August 25, 1972, Pat married Gerald Manion at St. Mary’s Shrine by the Sea in Bridgeport. They raised their son, Patrick, and daughter, Laurie, in Sandy Hook, CT where the family resided for more than 35 years. Pat was dedicated to her extended family, fostering close relationships with her parents, sisters, nieces and nephews, and cousins. Her home was often the gathering place for many family holidays and celebrations. Pat and Jerry then built a log cabin in Tolland, Mass., for their retirement years. 

Pat spent her entire 40+ year career at People’s United Bank (PUB) headquartered in Bridgeport, CT, where she started as a teller in college, rose up through the ranks in both branch and consumer lending in corporate and regional leadership roles, and then landed in leadership roles in operations where she retired as the Senior Vice President of Direct Banking and Operations. Throughout her career at PUB, she was a leader and mentor both professionally and personally and took great pride in driving numerous successful initiatives.  Pat’s friends and colleagues from PUB shaped a meaningful part of her life and she remained in touch with countless of them throughout the years. 

Pat was involved with numerous boards and philanthropic activities, most notably through her work with United Way, where she served on the board and chaired several committees, as well as volunteering with the Adopt a Family program in Newtown. 

Pat found a wonderful community of friends in retirement based at the log cabin they built at the Tunxis Club in Tolland, MA. Pat served as the Treasurer of the club for many years and took great pride in contributing her skills and talents to her community through organizing and running the finances. In retirement, she and Jerry also enjoyed years of traveling the world together exploring destinations such as Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Paris, Austria and many more until he became ill and passed away in 2019. Pat was a devoted nurse and caretaker to Jerry during his illness. 

In her most recent years, Patricia continued her love of travel, taking trips with her friends and sisters to England, France, Croatia, New Mexico, Australia, Colorado, cousins and sisters annual weekends in Marthas Vineyard, sisters trips every year for the last 23 years, summer vacations in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and visiting her sister and friends in Florida, and more. When she didn’t have an available travel buddy, she wasn’t afraid to join up with a group tour and hiked through Portugal and Sicily on her own, making friends in her tour group along the way. Pat was never content until her next trip was booked, and her family takes comfort that she passed doing what she loved, traveling with her family. When she was home, Pat loved attending Broadway shows, concerts at Tanglewood, playing mah-jongg and pickleball, playing word games, doing jigsaw puzzles, reading hundreds of romance novels, watching her favorite reality tv shows, taking long walks in the woods, and enjoying the latest and greatest Hallmark movies. 

She was the best sister extraordinaire and was a role model and leader of the sister's pack. She also had a legion of friends, old and new, all of whom individually and collectively played an enormous role in her enriching her life.

Pat’s true joys, however, were all about her family. She and Jerry cherished their years in Sandy Hook where Patrick and Laurie grew up. Their family time was filled with school and extracurricular activities, snow days, summer days playing in the woods, hanging with their friends, vacationing in Maine, and enjoying every season being outdoors with her children.  She and Jerry are both so proud of how Patrick and Laurie launched as adults. Her other joy was her role as beloved Amma to her grandson, Alex Manion. The two shared many special traditions and bonds, including their trips to Trader Joe’s to find the hidden cow, outdoor adventure camp together at Tunxis, exploring the tide pools in Maine, cleaning her garage on every visit, doing the “mixer dance” while making mashed potatoes, watermelon on the front porch, their hide and seek morning routine and breakfast at sunrise bagels. As well as their daily FaceTime calls. She also loved spending time with her grand dogs in Brooklyn, NY and would look forward to babysitting for Hugo and Oscar on many occasions. 

Pat was pre-deceased by her husband, Gerald Manion, and is survived by her children Patrick Manion (wife Sarah and son Alexander) of Wayne, NJ; Laurie (and husband Rob) Hadick of Brooklyn, NY; her sisters Joan (and husband Andy) Bissonnette, Laurie (and husband Al) Huebner, and Amy (and husband Mike) Gavaghan; her brother in law, Stephen Manion; her cousins and her many nieces and nephews. 

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Blood Cancer United or the American Brain Tumor Association.  Please visit their websites at the links below for instructions on how to make a memorial donation online or by mail and make a note in honor of Patricia Manion. 

Blood Cancer United - https://bloodcancerunited.org/get-involved/ways-to-give

American Brain Tumor Association- online at bit.ly/DonateABTA or via mail:

The American Brain Tumor Association
8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. #550
Chicago, IL 60631

Pat would enjoy....no, expect.....that in honor of her remarkable legacy, her celebration of life would be filled with laughter and fun and Diet Coke. Join us to bring her wishes and expectations to life. By the way, a tip.....we are somewhat concerned that the Coca Cola Company may suffer a downturn in their Diet Coke sales, so if you own their stock, please keep an eye on it....

It is with great sadness that we share the sudden and unexpected passing of Robert Cascone, age 73, of Pequannock on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Robert was the second child of the late Joseph and Viola (DiPaola) Cascone. He was born and raised in Paterson at the family home at 234 East 19th Street, where he spent his entire childhood.

A proud member of the Class of 1970 at St. John’s High School in Paterson, Robert had always known he wanted to become an engineer. He went on to Stevens Institute of Technology, graduating in 1974 with his bachelor’s degree in engineering. Two years later, he earned his master’s degree, also from Stevens. His engineering career began at LAN Associates, before he moved on to spend the bulk of his career with Burns and Roe.  In the final seven years before retiring in 2019, Robert transitioned into a role with The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Even in retirement, Robert used his engineering skills as “project manager” during the recent renovation of his daughter’s home in Denville, a lasting gift to her.

Robert’s love story with his wife Nancy began at St. John’s High School. He was a grade ahead of her and served as manager of the basketball team. One day, the bus was filled to capacity for an away game in Sparta, leaving Nancy without a seat. Robert quickly solved the problem by offering her his lap. She accepted—and in that simple moment, a lifetime began. On Nancy’s 18th birthday, Robert arrived at her workplace holding a ring, ready to ask for her hand in marriage. She said yes, and on June 22, 1974, they exchanged vows at St. George R.C. Church in Paterson. They began their married life in the second-floor apartment above Robert’s parents’ home—the very house in which he was raised—before moving to Pequannock two years later. There, they built a loving home, and raised their children, Rob and Karen.

Robert was never one to sit still. A licensed ham radio operator since the age of thirteen, his call sign was “WB2FSL.” He connected with friends all over the world and still spoke to fellow operators in Bermuda often. He was also enthusiastic about Lionel trains and had an impressive basement layout. At Christmas, three or four trains always circled under the tree. He took pride in keeping his yard meticulous and stayed active by working out at Spa 23, playing bocce ball and pickleball—going so far as to build his own bocce court in the backyard. Every Monday morning, he and Nancy played pickleball together. 

Family traditions were important to Robert. As a child, summers meant family trips to Wildwood—a tradition he continued with his own children and grandchildren, spending countless days building sandcastles on the beach with them. In addition to his annual trip down the shore, Robert always looked forward to taking the family skiing to the Poconos, Vermont or New Hampshire.  He and Nancy also became avid cruisers with frequent trips to Bermuda and the Caribbean while also visiting Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.

Robert cherished time with his family most of all. Halloween was his favorite holiday when his children were young, and his creativity knew no bounds. He hand-crafted imaginative costumes—flying carpets, Santa and Mrs. Claus in a sled, and a toy soldier from March of the Wooden Soldiers. Trick-or-treating always begged the question: who was enjoying it more, Robert or the kids. Later, as a grandfather, his joy doubled. The arrival of twin granddaughters Emilia and Natalie in 2016 was a blessing beyond measure. He loved playing “Whipper-Snapper,” a silly game where the girls ran off laughing whenever Grandpa called “Hey, you little Whipper Snappers!” His grandson Carter arrived in 2022 and enjoyed time together playing with Grandpa’s trains, Hess trucks, and drum set. Ever the craftsman, Robert built a backyard swing set for his grandchildren, bringing to life the ideas he imagined in his woodshop. Robert enjoyed his role as “Grandpaw” to his dog Reese, and shared a special bond with his son’s dog, Cooper, until Cooper’s passing.

Above all, Robert will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather—a hardworking provider, a gifted craftsman, and a deeply loving man.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Nancy; his loving children, Robert “Rob” Cascone and his wife Heather of Pequannock, and Karen Boulineau and her husband Richard of Denville; his cherished grandchildren, Emilia and Natalie Cascone, and Carter Boulineau; his brother, Paul Cascone and his wife Marie of Del Mar, California; and his dear cousin, Joseph Cavalieri of Totowa.

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Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Robert’s name to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Pequannock Township First Aid & Rescue Squad

PO Box 33

Pequannock, NJ 07440

Rae Josephine Padreza (nee Mauro), age 101 died Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at home while receiving the loving care of her family.

Rae was born to Clara and Patsy Mauro on March 20, 1924, and was raised on Chestnut Street in Newark, NJ along with her brothers Tony, Sal, and Mario and sister Kitty.

Later Rae lived on Mac Donald Drive in Wayne N.J. for 71 years with her adoring late husband Stanley until moving to Brookfield CT in 2023 to live with her devoted daughter and son-in-law. 

Rae was the loving mother of Jill Brennan and her husband Edward of Brookfield, CT and Todd Padreza and his wife Marie of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Michelle and Brian Padreza; and loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Rae met the love of her life, Stanley, while working together at IT&T in the 1940’s and were wed in 1952. Later, after starting their family, Rae also worked for the Wayne school system.

She was an avid reader of novels as well as the daily newspaper and enjoyed working on her crosswords and word search puzzles. In the evenings she would not miss an episode of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and especially looked forward to new series of Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor. Throughout her life a favorite time of year was baseball season when she could watch and root for her NY Yankees.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org would be appreciated. 

If you would like to send a donation by U.S. mail, please download a donation form by clicking HERE.

Lane C. Hawthorne, 84, of Wayne, New Jersey passed away on September 23, 2025, at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.  Lane was born in Millersville, Ohio on September 6, 1941. Lane graduated from Collinwood High School in Cleveland, Ohio.  He worked as a clerk for City Blue, a blueprinting company, for many years.  Lane loved all sports, but especially fishing, golf, and baseball.  He always treasured time with his family.

Lane was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Boyd Hawthorne and Sara C. Hawthorne.  He is survived by his sister, Ruth Ann Rainforth and brother-in-law Robert Edward Rainforth; his 6 nephews and nieces, John and wife Lisa Rainforth, Suzanne and husband Rick Iapoce and Jeff and wife Kim Rainforth; 10 great nephews and nieces Nick, Justin, Katie, Nina, Dan, Ricky, Jason, Megan, Brendan and Bryan; and 1 great-great niece Vienna Grace.

Lane will be remembered by the remarkable man he was.  Lane was born with cerebral palsy.  He was blessed to have parents that never gave up on him.  They always said to him “never ever say you can’t do it, for you can.”  Lane did everything other children did despite his disabilities.  He played baseball and golf and loved to play games. 

The last 7 ½ years he was a resident of Alps at Wayne.  It wasn’t an easy decision to move Lane to Alps, but it ended up being the best thing that could have happened to him.  He had so many friends and fantastic people taking care of him.  He shared his smile and positive attitude with everyone.  A big Thank You from his family for taking such good care of Lane!!!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the cerebral palsy foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

James Henry Breit

September 6, 1957 - September 22 2025

James Breit passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025 at the age of 68 in Hackensack, NJ.

Jim is survived by his loving children, Taylor and Jackson; his wife, Christine DeVita Breit; and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents, Henrietta and Alfred Breit. 

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children, a charity co-founded by his wife Christine where Jim was one of the original board members.

Whether a typical Sunday dinner with family or one of his famous Giants tailgate spreads, if you saw Jim in the kitchen or behind the grill, you knew it was about to be the best meal you'd ever tasted. When Jim wasn't perfecting his recipes or rooting on the Giants (New York and San Francisco), he could be found enjoying his time on the golf course. Jim cared most about his two children, who were his proudest accomplishments, and was always there to cheer them on. He was a joy to be around and it will be his legacy of love and compassion that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

Philip C. Matarazzo, age 69, of Wayne passed at home Thursday, September 18, 2025. 

Phil was born to Ettore and Maryann Matarazzo in Uniontown, PA and graduated from Essex Catholic High School in Newark in 1974. Phil continued his education at Rutgers University–Newark where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Accounting in 1978. 

Phil always possessed an incredible work ethic and at age 13 had his first job as a soda jerk at a luncheonette. From there, he worked at a coffee factory where he loaded, packaged, and delivered coffee. (In fact, Phil’s wife, Donna, was even seated atop a coffee bag when he proposed to her.) After college, he started work as an accountant, first at a packaging corporation and continuing for several other companies for many years. His final employer was InComm Conferencing in Glen Rock, NJ, where he worked as a controller and made many lifelong friends. 

Phil had an affinity for vintage cars, classic TV shows, and tool collecting. One of his proudest moments was when his sons surprised him with a cherry red classic 1973 Corvette as a Father’s Day gift. You may have seen him cruising around Packanack Lake in it or showing it off at local car shows. On weekends he could often be found visiting neighborhood garage sales in search of a new hammer or wrench. He was also on the lookout for gifts for his wife and kids and would often come home with a book or piece of art he had discovered. He was a modest man of few words but was always happy to listen and would often surprise people with his sharp sense of humor. 

Phil’s family meant the world to him. He and his wife Donna were high school sweethearts and dated throughout college. They were married in 1981 at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst and honeymooned in Hawaii. They bought their first home in Lyndhurst where they started their family with their Irish Setter, Kelly. They went on to have two children, Nicholas and Daniel. In 1992, they moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne. Phil dedicated his life to his family. He served as a soccer coach, den leader in Pack 104, and was always found in the backyard with his sons practicing catch, kicking a soccer ball, or shooting hoops. Three years ago, Phil became the proud Poppa to his granddaughter, Jade, who brought him tremendous joy. After raising two boys, he seamlessly transitioned to endless tea parties. He could never say no to his little girl. He recently travelled to Bar Harbor, ME, one of his favorite places, for a special family vacation. 

Phil is survived by his wife Donna nee Salerno; his sons Nicholas and his fiancee Mallaurie of Montclair, Daniel and his wife Brianne of Ringwood; his granddaughter Jade; his brother Anthony and his wife Marisa of Toms River; and his nephews Anthony and Marco. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Ronald McDonald House would be greatly appreciated. When Phil’s son was hospitalized for many months in Cincinnati, OH, the Ronald McDonald House was not only a home away from home but a source of comfort and support for Phil and his wife during a very difficult time. It is a charity that was near and dear to Phil’s heart.

Linda Novak (nee Sliker), 71, of Pompton Lakes, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Paterson and raised in Totowa, Linda later moved to Wayne as a young girl. She was one of four children to Frank and Josephine Sliker. Linda attended Wayne Hills High School, graduating in 1972, and went on to study History at Montclair State University. After two years, she left school to begin her professional career, working in clerical and administrative roles at Prudential Insurance Company for several years.

Linda’s life took a beautiful turn when she was introduced to William Novak by her cousin Marc. Their courtship was brief but filled with love, and they married on May 15, 1976, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne. After a short time living in Florham Park, they settled in Pompton Lakes, where they welcomed the births of their two sons, Michael and David. Linda devoted herself fully to her family, embracing her role as a homemaker with love and dedication.

In September of 1988, Linda experienced the profound loss of her husband William at a young age. Left to raise two young children, she found the strength to carry on and move forward.  Later, through her sons’ school PTA, she learned of Timothy Decker, a widower with three young children. One Columbus Day, Linda prepared a meal and brought it to Timothy’s home, sparking a conversation rooted in shared grief and experiences. Months later, Timothy reached out to Linda through the phone book, and their friendship rekindled and blossomed. As fate would have it, they fell in love and on July 14, 1990, they were married at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. Together, they created a blended family of five children, each embracing one other.

In 2009, Linda returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant at the Porro Law Group LLC in Pequannock, where she remained an essential figure who was a friendly and sympathetic face for people first walking through the door.

Outside of her work and family, Linda loved reading novels, cherished family vacations to Cape May, and delighted in antiquing trips to Peddler’s Village in Pennsylvania and Cape May. A true New York Giants and Yankees fan, she planned her days around the Giants and enjoyed listening to Yankee games on the radio, never missing the familiar voice of John Sterling. Linda was also known for her warmth as a hostess.  Linda’s home was the heart of family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. Famous for her chicken parmesan and meticulous presentation, she made every event special. Christmas, in particular, held a dear place in her heart where every year she would proudly display her Spode dinnerware.

Linda’s Catholic faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. She will be remembered as outgoing, social, never shy with her opinions, and deeply selfless, always putting the needs of others before her own. Organized and detail-oriented, unintentionally funny and sometimes stubborn, she had a gift for forming lasting connections with people from all walks of life. Above all, her greatest joy and purpose were found in her family, to whom she gave her unwavering love and devotion.  Nothing in the world meant more to Linda than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Every morning she looked forward to spending time with her two grandchildren Audrey and Derek, whom she would personally drop off and pick from their school.

Linda also held a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs, BJ, Maggie, and Lola, who brought her companionship and comfort throughout the years. She often joked that Lola was her favorite child.

Linda was a truly special person who touched the lives of all those around her.  She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to know her.

Linda is survived by her husband Timothy Decker of Pompton Lakes, NJ, her two sons; Michael Novak and his wife Nicole of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and David Novak of Fair Lawn, NJ, three step-sons; Timothy Decker and his wife Alyssa of Basking Ridge, NJ, Christopher Decker of Langhorn, PA, and James Decker and his wife Danielle of Manchester, NJ, three sisters; Carol Schimpf of Wanaque NJ, Lori McNeil of Vernon, NJ and a sister Sandy, two grandchildren; Audrey Novak and Derek Novak, and six step-grandchildren, Lily, Brooke, Emma, Grace, Leila, and Ellie. She was predeceased by her first husband William Novak in 1988 and by her parents Frank and Josephine Sliker.

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In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s name may be made to Bloomingdale Animal Shelter, 23 Brandt Ln, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to: BSA Troop 114, care of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 454 Germantown Road, West Milford, NJ 07480  and would be greatly appreciated. Please note: Troop 114 donation cards will be available at the funeral home.

Scott M. Schlieper, age 69, of West Milford, NJ, passed on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

He was born to Arthur and Doris Schlieper in the historic seaport city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and raised in the coastal town of Rye, New Hampshire.  Scott graduated from Portsmouth High School with the Class of 1973 and attended the University of New Hampshire.

Scott was a man whose passions flowed as naturally as the water he loved so much and started his working life on a lobster boat for Skipper Mike Flanagan, before working as a server for The Bratskeller in Portsmouth, NH which still exists to this day!  His love for the ocean later led him to work as a First Mate on a private yacht, sailing in the Caribbean.  In due course, he immersed himself in the restaurant world again starting as a server, and promoted to the Captain Waiter position conducting tableside service in the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas.

Returning stateside, Scott worked alongside his eldest brother Arthur, at TIECO Sales, a packaging brokerage company out of Ramsey, NJ, before founding his own company, The SMS Group in Hewitt, NJ, where he specialized in the grocery packaging industry reacting to the times by introducing reusable options. 

Later, Scott returned to his passion for food, working in food preparation and management at The Chelsea of West Milford, NJ where he advanced from line cook to Food Director in a few short years . During the COVID-19 crisis, Scott was an essential worker who worked tirelessly each day to ensure residents received nourishing meals. His career path reflected not only his versatility but also his quiet devotion to serving others, with his culinary skill always at the heart of his work. He later brought his dedication and talent to the Arbor Ridge Rehab and Health Care Center in Wayne, from where he retired in 2022.

Whether boating, fishing, or simply spending time by the shore, he felt most at home on the water. He carried that same adventurous spirit into camping trips in his time with the Boy Scout of America Troop 114 St. Joseph, West Milford.  As an Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor, he volunteered for many years as he proudly watched both of his sons, Matthew and Jeremy, achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. 

A lifelong learner, Scott had a deep appreciation for history, especially World War II, and could often be found absorbed in the History Channel or discussing details of the era. He also enjoyed movies, but it was especially Star Trek—with its cerebral plotlines—that truly captured his imagination. An avid reader, he treasured the timeless works of J.R.R. Tolkien, particularly The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Music was another of his great loves: he played guitar, sang with joy, and especially admired the iconic sound of Queen, whose songs were often part of his own soundtrack of life. Scott also had a New England “wicked smart” sense of humor, was outgoing, and tackled just about every situation with laughter, making even ordinary moments brighter for those around him.  

Scott’s love story with Heather began in a way that perfectly reflected his resourceful, adventurous spirit. Introduced by Heather’s sister Elizabeth, who worked in the packaging industry, their first meeting took place on Scott’s cabin cruiser, aptly named “Tieco Sails” on the Hudson River. 

True to form, Scott was in the middle of repairing the boat when they arrived—ever the natural ‘MacGyver’ who could fix anything. After setting things right, he took his guests cruising down the Hudson,  a prelude to the next day’s adventure touring New York City. Together they ascended the World Trade Center and shared drinks at the iconic Windows on the World, with moments that sparked a romance. Scott proposed to Heather on his beloved boat,  and they were married on September 10, 1989, in York, Maine, celebrating with a reception held on a boat!  Though Hurricane Hugo forced the party onto inland waterways, their joy was undimmed. 

Their honeymoon in Hawaii came with its own comic twist—discovering in the second week that their camera had been empty of film the entire first week. Through it all, Scott and Heather built a marriage of thirty-six years, navigating cultural differences between his American roots and her British heritage with love, loyalty, and devotion to their family. For many years, Heather and Scott were parishioners of Saint Joseph's Church in West Milford where Scott was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Scott leaves behind, his dearly loved family consisting of: Wife Heather Todd-Schlieper; eldest son, Matthew Schlieper and his wife Megan Sharma and beloved Grandson, William Schlieper of Barre, Vermont;  youngest son, Jeremy Schlieper and his fiancé Nicolle Chirinos of Wayne; sister, Jean Cave of Torrington, Connecticut, and brothers, Mark Schlieper and his wife Pam of Rye, New Hampshire, Bruce Schlieper  and his wife Lisa of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the late Arthur “Sandy” Schlieper (d.2016) and his surviving wife Becky Schlieper of Raleigh, North Carolina and the late John Schlieper (d.2023) of Marathon Key, Florida.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to: BSA Troop 114, care of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 454 Germantown Road, West Milford, NJ 07480  and would be greatly appreciated. Please note: Troop 114 donation cards will be available at the funeral home.

Lawrence J. Konzelman, age 83, of North Palm Beach, Florida, and long-time former resident of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Larry was born in Paterson, New Jersey , the second son of the late Charles M. Konzelman, Sr., and Irene Costello Konzelman. He was raised in Paterson where he lived until 1963. 

After graduating with the Class of 1959 from Seton Hall Preparatory School in South Orange, Larry attended Seton Hall University, where he also joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). In 1963, he earned his B.S. in Marketing and was commissioned into the U.S. Army. He proudly served stateside at Fort Lewis in Washington until 1965, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Following active duty, he continued to serve for four additional years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

In 1965, Larry returned to civilian life. Larry was owner, operator of  Economy Paper and Restaurant Supply which  relocated in 1969 to Broad Street in Clifton.  Larry loved his work, supplying food service equipment and supplies to clients as far away as Saudi Arabia. For several decades, Larry took pride in preparing his three children; Michael, Kevin, and Susan to carry on the family legacy in the food service industry. 

Passing the business to the next generation gave Larry the gift of time to pursue his passion: fishing. An avid big game saltwater fisherman, he delighted in landing trophy catches. His adventures took him as far away as Costa Rica and St.Thomas in pursuit of the prized catch.

Above all, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. When business trips abroad allowed, he brought his children along, always ensuring there was time for adventure and memory-making. Larry often said his greatest accomplishment was raising his children and guiding them to take the family business to new heights. He was deeply proud of them, and their mutual “best friend” relationship was one of his greatest blessings. Larry was also a devoted and much-loved “Pop-Pop” to his grandsons, Peter and Matthew. He rarely missed a sporting event, celebration, or milestone in their lives.

Larry’s faith was central to his life. While living in Wayne, he was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church, and after moving to Florida, he became active at St. Paul of the Cross Parish in North Palm Beach. His faith inspired him to serve others: he volunteered as a firefighter with Wayne Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Company No. 3, helped establish Eva’s Village and Oasis  - A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, donated kitchen equipment when needed, and faithfully served Thanksgiving meals at Eva’s for many years.

Larry worked hard, played hard, and lived life fully. Outgoing and social, he made friends easily and remained loyal to them always. Grateful for the blessings in his own life, he lived by the belief that it is better to give than to receive, and he gave generously—both financially and through countless acts of kindness.

Larry was the proud and loving father of Michael Konzelman of Riverdale, Kevin Konzelman of Boonton, and Susan Majors and her husband Keith of Kinnelon; cherished “Pop-Pop” of Peter and Matthew Majors; dear brother of the late Charles M. Konzelman Jr. (September 2015) and his wife Bernadette of Phippsburg, Maine; beloved uncle of three nieces and a nephew; and devoted companion of Cathy Womersley.

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In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Larry’s memory are asked to consider a gift in his name to:

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Suite 2240

Livingston, NJ 07039

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Lawrence Konzelman.

Rosemary Emma Calandrillo went to be with her Lord at the age of 91 on September 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Rosemary was the youngest of seven children born to John and Rose Redmond. She attended St Willowbrord School, where she excelled in clerical studies and the modern technologies of her time - including stenography and typing. As a young Canadian girl, she treasured ice skating with family and friends.

After graduating high school, Rosemary attended a one-year business college and quickly found employment with a local bank. Soon after, she joined Northern Electric and began in the typing pool, later advanced to the personnel department where she worked for eight years. Her career then led her to Zaloom Brothers in Secaucus, New Jersey. There she served as an executive secretary for twelve years. She often fondly recalled the aroma of pistachios that permitted the office, a company import.

Rosemary’s life changed forever when she met Harry Calandrillo during a vacation at Lake George, New York. The two made an immediate connection.  Harry would travel to Canada over the next year frequently to visit her.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on May 3, 1958 they became husband and wife exchanging vows surrounded by family and friends.  Together, they settled in Union City, New Jersey, where they raised their four children; Mark, Bart, Rhonda, and Ronald. Rosemary embraced the role of homemaker for the next fifteen years, devoting herself fully to her family.

Rosemary and Harry cherished twenty-seven years of love and loyalty until his passing in 1985. Following this profound loss, she moved to Pompton Lakes, NJ in 1997 and has been there ever since.  She found purpose through service at Calvary Temple International in Wayne, New Jersey initially starting as a volunteer. Her clerical expertise soon led to full-time employment where she remained dedicated for twenty-seven years retiring at the remarkable age of eighty-seven.

An ice cream connoisseur, Rosemary enjoyed puzzle games on her iPad, knitting, crocheting, and various other arts and crafts, including painting in her earlier years. She enjoyed swimming and loved to sing.  She will be remembered as a positive, caring, generous, and thoughtful woman who often put the needs of others before her own. Practical and determined, she demonstrated natural leadership as she actively served in her church community. 

Deeply committed and unwavering in her faith, one of her most cherished endeavors was supporting Royal Family Kids Camp, a ministry through Calvary Temple International serving abused and neglected children.

Above all, Rosemary’s greatest joy was her family. Nothing in the world meant more to her than spending time with and providing for her family.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and faith that will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed.

Rosemary is survived by her four children; Mark (Sylvia) Calandrillo of Mount Zion, IL, Bart Calandrillo (Debra Malone) of Woodridge, NJ, Rhonda Calandrillo of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and Ronald Calandrillo of Pompton Lakes, NJ, two sisters; Shelia White of Nova Scotia, Canada, and Irene Germain of Montreal, Canada, ten grandchildren; Joshua (Ellen) Calandrillo, Jonathan (Melissa) Calandrillo, Jeremy (Mickie) Calandrillo, Hillary (Kyle) Carlson, Jordan (Miranda) Calandrillo, Hannah (Ian) MacKenzie, Jason Calandrillo, Hallel Calandrillo, Blaise Calandrillo, Brooke Calandrillo and daughter-in-law Daysi Calandrillo, nine great grandchildren; Ashton, Stephen, Micah, Nyssa, Anna Rose, Michael, Hazel, Malcolm, Juniper, one more “on the way” and many, many very close family friends.  Rosemary was predeceased by her husband Harry Calandrillo (1985), by her three brothers; Bernard Redmond, Robert Redmond, and Lawrence Redmond, and by her sister Gertrude DeMeo.

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In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosemary’s name may be made to Calvary Temple International Kingdom Builders 1111Preakness Ave, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Allen Glenn Miller, age 92, of North Haledon and formerly of Pompton Lakes and Somerset, died peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025, while in the loving company of his family.

Allen was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio and was the son of the late Harold and Viola (Thompson) Miller. When he turned seventeen, he left high school to join the U.S. Navy where he served for three years during the Korean War. During his time in the service, Allen received his high school diploma.

Allen met the girl he would marry one day, Helen Heusser. They were introduced to each other by Helen’s friend from Jersey City and their relationship began through a series of written correspondence. Their first actual date took place one weekend when Allen could get to NJ for a weekend leave from the Navy. He and Helen went to Jays Candlelight Bar on Market Street in Rochelle Park. Eventually, their friendship grew to love and, after Allen returned home from service, they exchanged wedding vows, marrying on May 1, 1954, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Haledon. The wedding ceremony was followed by a celebration with family and friends at Warner’s Grove (today known as The Tides) in North Haledon. After a honeymoon in Bar Harbor, Maine, they began their married life in Clifton where they remained for three years before settling down in Pompton Lakes.

Allen’s first job was with Bogue Electric in Paterson. He worked there for two years, gained some experience, and then he joined the electrical union – Local 102 IBEW in Paterson in 1956, where he served on the executive board for many years. He loved the variety of electrical construction projects that he was involved in over a 38-year career. He recalled a project that was done at the U.S. Rubber Company in which he was involved. It was there that he learned how bowling balls were made. This was of great interest to Allen as he enjoyed bowling and actually started a bowling league for his local union. They bowled at T-Bowl in Wayne and Allen maintained a respectable 180 average.

As a young father, Allen took an active role in his children’s lives serving as president of the Pompton Lakes Little League for boy’s baseball and girls’ softball. Helen and Allen remained in Pompton Lakes for a total of forty-eight years. Then, in 2005, they moved to Somerset where they enjoyed life for nine years in a quiet, peaceful 55+ adult community. Later in life, when his children blessed him with grandchildren, he loved to attend their sporting events and dance recitals.

Over the course of his lifetime, Allen became involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations. He was a member of Falls City No. 82 Masonic Lodge in Paterson, the Mountain View Masonic Lodge No. 154, the Eastern Star Mountain View Chapter 205, and, as a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North American Paterson Valley Chapter No. 33, he helped raise money for muscular dystrophy. As a veteran, Allen was a life-member of the American Legion Weather Walks Post in Pompton Lakes and a member of the U.S.S. Sierra AD-18 Veterans Association.

In his spare time, Allen also enjoyed playing golf at the Passaic County Golf Course in Wayne and he and Helen did a lot of traveling to beautiful destinations including Hawaii for their 25th wedding anniversary, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Greece, and California. Most recently, in 2014, they took a river cruise to Europe which included travels through four countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, and Holland.

Allen was a long-time faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church in Pompton Lakes where he served as an acolyte and usher.

Allen was the beloved husband of Helen (Heusser) Miller, blessed in marriage for 71 loving years. He was the loving father of: the late Allen R. Miller (2022), Wayne and wife Jean Miller of Pompton Lakes, and Brenda and husband John Myer of Ramsey; cherished grandfather of: John and wife Allison, Brian and wife Liz, Michelle and husband Greg, Daniel and wife Diane, Rachel and husband Matt, Andrea, Eric, and Lauren and fiancé Ethan; adoring great-grandfather of: Trevor, Abigail, Melanie, Charlie, Sophia, J.D., and John; and dear uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three brothers: Harold, Jr., Paul, and Ronald, and his one sister Geraldine Miller.

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

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Attn: Office of Development

2900 Rocky Point Drive

Tampa, FL 33607

Carol Judith MacInnes Wisniewski, age 75, of Lincoln Park by way of Elmwood Park, passed away this Sunday, September 7, 2025 peacefully in her sleep after a short illness.

Carol was born to Angus (Scotty) and Millie Macinnes of Kearney, NJ. She graduated from Paramus High School in 1968. She and Matt Wisniewski married in 1972 and were married for 53 years. She worked briefly before becoming a mother to Holly Selenfriend of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ and Scott Wisniewski. Between 2009 and 2014 she became the most proud Nana to Zoey, Sienna, Savannah and Aaron. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda and Judy.

Carol could TALK. Wit as sharp as a knife which was gleefully passed down by her to her grandchildren. But her love was football. She was a diehard Giant’s fan and loved to watch Scott play. She will be missed by her Scottie, Guiness.

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In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA.

Fred Huber, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on September 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was a proud graduate of the Paterson school system, where he was recognized as a high school All-Star athlete. His talent and dedication to sports earned him a basketball scholarship to Mississippi Southern College, where he continued to pursue his passion.

Following college, Fred embarked on a long and dedicated career with Entenmann’s Bakery, where he worked for 26 years. In retirement, he continued to serve his community through Passaic County Meals on Wheels, delivering not just meals but kindness and companionship for over a decade.

Fred’s greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, his two loving children, Lauren (Bobby) and Jeff (Donna)and his five cherished grandchildren Shannon, Patrick, Julie, Kelly and Michael, who were the pride of his life and his brother Gary and his family.

He will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, his generosity of spirit, and his deep love for those around him. Fred had a passion for music—especially doo-wop—movies, sports, cars, and desserts. He was truly one of a kind.

Fred's legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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For those wishing to donate in Fred’s honor, are asked to contribute to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave, 7^th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Edward “Eddie” Walton, age 31, of Woodland Park, formerly of Wayne, passed suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Eddie was born and raised in Wayne, having graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 2012.  For several years Eddie worked with his dad and then on his own trading as Walton Painting and Paperhanging from Wayne. 

Eddie was the dearly loved son of Jacqueline Valorani and the late Mike Walton (d. August 10, 2021); he was the much loved brother of the late Matthew Walton (d. June 25, 2025); he was the cherished grandson of Sue Walton of North Carolina as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne where a 10:00 AM mass will be offered.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation would be greatly appreciated. 

Patricia “Patty” “Trish” Galloway, age 64, of Kinnelon, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Patty was the firstborn of John and Winifred (Middlehurst) Jachera’s four children. She was born in Belleville and raised in Wayne—first at her family’s home at 40 Edith Court, and later at 85 Hemlock Terrace in the Packanack Lake section of town, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from DePaul Catholic High School with the Class of 1979.

Trish met her beloved husband, Jacob “Jack” Galloway, while out for a night of bowling at T-Bowl, a longtime Wayne landmark. They married on March 19, 1983, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne, when Trish was just twenty-one years old. She and Jack were blessed with twenty-six years in what Trish described as a “fun-loving” marriage. After a honeymoon in the Poconos, they lived in Jack’s hometown of Prospect Park in an apartment on East Main Street. In 1991, they purchased their home in Kinnelon, where Trish lived for the rest of her life.

Patty’s early years of marriage were filled with the joy and blessing of being “Mommy” to her dear daughter, Kristie. She was a devoted presence in Kristie’s life, serving as a class mom during her elementary years and spending countless quality hours together. In the late afternoons, Jack would return home from work and Patty would head off to her job at the Wayne Manor, where she was a beloved bartender. In later years, Patty continued her career in hospitality, serving as a food and beverage captain at weddings, corporate events, and family celebrations at venues including the Marriott in Teaneck, the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, and most recently, the DoubleTree by Hilton in Fairfield.

On Sunday afternoons, if she wasn’t at work, Trish could always be found cheering for her favorite team, the New York Giants. She was a passionate fan, and when the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2012, she and Kristie took the day off to attend the team celebration at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands.

Above all else, Trish treasured time spent with family, including her dearly departed dogs, Gypsy and Kimba. Kristie holds cherished memories of their annual vacations—breathing in the fresh air at Lake George, enjoying the salty breezes of Wildwood Crest, and visiting Clearwater, Florida during spring breaks. Trish also loved hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve at her home in Kinnelon. After Kristie’s marriage, mother and daughter continued their tradition of weekend visits, which became even more special with the arrival of Patty’s granddaughter, Shayla. Patty delighted in being a grandmother—spoiling Shayla and taking her on fun outings to Turtle Back Zoo and Build-A-Bear.

Patty’s sudden passing leaves a void too deep to fill. Her energetic spirit, contagious laugh, and warm sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Trish was the beloved wife of John “Jack” Galloway, blessed in marriage for 26 years until his passing in 2009. She was the devoted mother of Kristie Alessandra and her husband Thomas of Boonton, and the proud “Grandma” of little Shayla Alessandra. She was the cherished daughter of Winifred “Wyn” Jachera; the loving sister of Linda Feldman and husband Pete of Wayne, the late Michael Jachera (2019) and wife Holly of Scotch Plains, and Steven Jachera and wife Antonella of Parsippany. She was also the dear aunt of Amanda Feldman, Ally and husband Chris Zavala, Zachary Jachera, Tyler Jachera, Jayden Jachera, Jonathan Jachera, and Madison Jachera, and the adoring great-aunt of Aubree.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Patty’s name are asked to consider donating to her granddaughter Shayla's college fund. Checks can be made out to "Morgan Stanley" and on the memo line include "Shayla Alessandra." 

Agnes Delaney (Viglione), 96, of Wayne, NJ passed peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

She was born and raised in Paterson, where she attended Eastside High School, where she was a cheerleader.

She worked for an Optometrist in Paterson as a receptionist until her retirement. 

She met her husband, John “Jack” Delaney at the Osprey Restaurant, Manasquan, NJ on a blind date. They were married for 63 loving years, until John’s passing in 2021.

She enjoyed travelling, watching English movies in Montclair and dining out.

She is predeceased by her parents, Peter and Maria Viglione, her siblings, Tony Viglione, Andrew Viglione, Antoinette Fairchild and Lucia Nicoletti. She has many nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Our Lady of Consolation, Wayne NJ.

Arlene Estelle Cwikla, age 76 of Wayne, was called home to the Lord on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, Arlene was the only child of her doting parents, Louis and Frances Orlando, who gave her a wonderful childhood of dance classes, guitar lessons, and trips to Greenwood Lake and Coney Island. Arlene experienced a Catholic upbringing, attending Blessed Sacrament for grade school and Mary Help of Christians for high school. She fondly remembered walking herself home for lunch each day as a young student through the neighborhood, building independence. Her high school days were filled with the Future Nurses Club, service to her alma mater, and being with friends, driving around in her dad’s ’57 Chevy. Arlene’s pen pal in London sent her records of the hottest new bands in England: the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Frequent trips were taken in 1964 and 1965 to the Academy of Music and Shea Stadium to see both bands in concert. She passed her love of music (and Paul McCartney) to her daughter later in life.

Arlene decided on a career of helping children, which led her to Seton Hall University to earn her nursing degree. She was hired by St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital upon graduation in 1970, where she worked for her entire career. She found her calling in the Pediatric ICU department, saving children’s lives for the next 43 years! Her daughter witnessed Arlene’s compassionate nature with others through the years during Take Your Daughter to Work Day, where she saw her mother’s quick thinking and medical knowledge firsthand.

In 1974, Arlene’s life took a wonderful turn when she was set up on a blind date with a gentleman named Marian “Marty” Cwikla. Their connection was immediate and lasting. What started as one date blossomed into a loving relationship. On April 24, 1976, the couple exchanged their vows and were married at Blessed Sacrament Church in Paterson, NJ. Their honeymoon flight to Paradise Island in the Bahamas proved memorable for an unexpected reason; it convinced Arlene she never wanted to fly again!  From that point forward, their vacations were spent driving or, later in life, by cruise ship to their favorite places. Arlene and Marty would make their way to the Poconos each fall with their close-knit group of friends who had become like family.

The newlyweds settled first in Bloomingdale before being blessed with their daughter Carol Ann. Seeking the perfect place to raise their family, they purchased a home in the Harmony Hills section of Wayne, where they’ve lived ever since. They became parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Roman Catholic Church. She and Marty raised their daughter in the Catholic faith, where she attended the parish school. A little white fluffy peke-a-poo named Casey joined the family as well. Casey was a constant companion of Arlene’s, always at her feet.

One of the biggest parts of Arlene’s life was her daughter, Carol Ann. Arlene worked nights at the hospital to be involved in Carol Ann’s life during the day. She was a class parent at OLC for numerous years, served as a Girl Scout troop leader, and was a constant presence at her daughter's band competitions and performances in high school and college. They loved to shop, participate in exercise classes, and bake together. She was the one Carol Ann went to for sharing exciting news, to talk through bad days, and for advice when she needed to break the news to Dad about getting a speeding ticket. Arlene always knew what to say. When words weren’t enough, hugs would be. She was the greatest mommy in all the world.

Arlene became equally devoted to her grandchildren. She frequently said that being a Nonna was the greatest gift. Her first grandchild, Liam, was welcomed to the world on November 24^th, linking the two forever as birthday twins. Liam will remember Nonna’s kind and gentle voice, always comforting those around her. She was thrilled to be a Nonna twice more when grandchildren, Grace then Caedmon, were born. She and Grace marveled at trinkets and jewelry, sharing them back and forth between each other. Grace will always remember the times spent at the beach house together. Caedmon loved spending Thanksgivings at Nonna and Grandpa’s house with delicious food and family all around. Arlene was always showing off photos of “her loveys” and talking about them to anyone who would listen. Arlene and Marty made numerous trips to Delaware to visit them, attending soccer and volleyball games, cheering at cross country races and swim meets, and seeing their musical recitals and school plays. She loved her daughter and grandchildren more than anything and enjoyed being there for them in any way she could. She always ended a visit, phone call, or FaceTime with I Love Yous, hugs, and kisses.

Family traditions meant a lot to Arlene, so each year, summer vacations were spent in Wildwood Crest. Arlene and Marty began vacationing there when they started dating. They enjoyed the salty sea air of the Jersey Shore, going from one rental to another in the early days. It didn’t take long for them to realize how much they loved the area, so they purchased their own condo to come and go as they pleased. Once retired, the pair spent the majority of their summers there and welcomed their grandchildren with days on the beach, trips to the boardwalk, and fun playing in the pools. There were always special treats awaiting all the kids at the beach house. As summer came to a close, Arlene and Marty would plan their next cruise with friends and take trips on the East Coast.

Arlene also found joy in reading and spending time at the library, playing Scrabble, tending to her plants, creating beautiful cross-stitch pieces, working out with her Jazzercise girls, and praying the rosary each day. She was an excellent cook, perfecting her mother’s Italian recipes and her mother-in-law’s Polish recipes, much to her family’s delight. Chicken noodle soup, stuffed cabbage, lasagna, meatloaf, cheesecake, and Christmas cookies will never be the same.

Arlene will be remembered for her kind and caring heart, her loving personality, and her lifelong devotion to helping children. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Arlene is predeceased by her parents, Frances and Louis Orlando. She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Marty; her daughter, Carol Ann, and her husband, Kevin; and her grandchildren (her loveys): Liam, Grace, and Caedmon. Her sister-in-law, Christine Badura, and dear friend, Jane Baldecchi, will always be remembered as loving caretakers and supporters of Arlene in her final months.

Arthur Cetrulo, age 70, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August, 21, 2025. His loving family was by his side at the time of his passing.

Arthur “Artie/Cuz” Cetrulo was born at the American Legion Hospital in Newark, NJ.

Growing up in Newark & Belleville, Artie always recalled his childhood as one of the greatest. Always surrounded by his family & friends in the Silver Lake section of Belleville, in his opinion, just couldn’t be beat. Whether it was riding his bike, playing basketball, enjoying his race car, or to just hang on “the corner” with his friends, he always said they were some of the best times in his life. Times he would never forget.

Artie attended Belleville senior high school & Mercer County Community College where he obtained an Associate’s degree.

Artie was member of the Essex County Capenters Local #1342 from 1979 through 2010.

Artie was a talented craftsman & carpenter and always said to Annette and his children “I can build you anything from a bird house to the twin towers,” and there was no truer statement than that. Artie worked up and down the east coast, and every single place he drove, if you were in the car with him, you would here “I built that” numerous times. He loved his job, but nothing was more precious than his wife Annette, his children Anthony, Amanda & of course, his four grandchildren. A true family man for sure. He spent weekends at his mother & father-in-law’s vacation home in Dingmans Ferry, and decades vacationing in Wildwood Crest with his spectacular family. A true funny guy, always cracking jokes and making people laugh. Wherever his family was, that’s where you would find Artie.

Aside from craftsmanship, and fixing everything under the sun, his love for motorcycles riding was his second passion. He shared that passion with his son, brothers-in-law, nephews and many friends.

From the benefit runs, to the trips to Vermont, Lake George, the Carolina’s, South Dakota, etc…. He found great pleasure having the wind in his face and peace in his heart. He recalls the 9/11 Runs as one his favorites. A police escorted run with more than 2300 bikers and at times up to 2600 precipitants.

In 1977, he met the love of his life, Annette, and they married in 1979. After 4 years of marriage, they welcomed their first child, Anthony, and 3 years after, their beautiful daughter Amanda.

Was their life always a fairytale…. no. One of Annette’s closest friends, Diana, always said that as a couple their relationship reminded her of Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton’s, and she was correct.

Their love affair spanned over 4 decades and brought them to where they were today. Still enjoying their beloved family, friends, their passion for building and decorating. But Artie’s greatest joy was spending time with his four beautiful grandchildren, fixing their homes together, playing rummicub at night, dining out and hunting for treasures at flea markets & garage sales.

Artie was blessed to be a lung transplant recipient in September 2018, and was Forever grateful to his donor and wonderful doctors at Columbia Presbyterian in NY.

He never took his life for granted and appreciated being able to watch his grandchildren get bigger and his daughter give birth to his last and youngest granddaughter.

Those special little humans who knew him as “Pop” had more fun with him than anything. He had his own little language when speaking to them and they got it. They knew that the store Home Goods was Home Bads, that Stop and Shop was stop shop that CVS was Civiss…. And too many more to mention. They knew that “contact” had to be said once they were seat belted in the car or the car wasn’t able to move, and Jim Carey wasn’t the only one who did “the claw.” Aria once told him that “Pop was the funniest person she knew.” As with his own children, no one would have ever been allowed to hurt them. He would lay down his life for any one of them.

To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Artie was the beloved husband of Annette (Bolcato) Cetrulo, loving father of Anthony Cetrulo of Wayne, and the late Amanda Bellusci (2022) and her husband Thomas of Wayne; cherished grandfather of: Addriana Cetrulo, Gianni Cetrulo, Aria Bellusci, and Averie Bellusci; and dearest brother of Josephine D’Achille and husband Tony of Montville. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Arthur Ceturlo’s name to support NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Please make your check payable to New York-Presbyterian Fund, Inc. and mail to:

NewYork-Presbyterian

Office of Development

525 E. 68th Street, Box 123

New York, NY 10065

Please indicate on the check memo line that the gift is in memory of Arthur Cetrulo. 

Joseph F. Csencsits, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, after a courageous and long battle with cancer.

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Born and raised in Passaic, NJ, Joseph was the son of Joseph and Anna Csencsits and one of two children.  From an early age, he displayed both intelligence and creativity, excelling as an All-State violinist and active member of his high school glee club.  A proud graduate of Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic, Class of 1961, Joseph continued his studies at Newark College of Engineering before serving his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. Stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he served honorably as a hospital clerk and personnel specialist.

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After completing his military service, Joseph earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Upsala College in East Orange.  He began his teaching career a Ramsey High School, where he taught mathematics and introduced students to the emerging world of computer technology.  His enthusiasm for education later led him to the computer industry where he spent fifteen years teaching computer systems implementation with Microdata to both local businesses and major corporations.  Never losing his passion for the classroom, Joseph returned to school himself to earn a master's degree in education and resumed teaching mathematics, this time with the Englewood Board of Education, where he taught from 1998 until his retirement in 2009.  Even in retirement, Joseph remained dedicated to education, working as a substitute teacher in the Wayne, Pompton Lakes and Wanaque schools.

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Joseph's devotion to service extended beyond the classroom.  He was a longtime member and treasurer of both the Wayne Lions Club and the Lions Charitable Foundation.

In 1964, Joseph was introduced to the love of his life, Maryann Kowalczyk. After four years of courtship, they were married on August 17, 1968, at St. Joseph’s Church in Passaic. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their three children, Cheryl, Brian, and Lauren; first in Clifton and later in Wayne, before settling in Pompton Lakes and ultimately Wanaque.

He was an avid collector of model trains, proud of his extensive collection, and enjoyed spending time at his computer, often sharing jokes and chain emails with friends and family. Above all, his greatest passion was his family. He never missed a concert, play, or sporting event, cheering on his children and grandchildren with pride.

Joseph and his family were devoted and active parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne while raising their family and most recently of St. Francis of Assisi in Wanaque. Known for his sharp wit and warm sense of humor, he loved to tease those he cared for most, leaving behind countless cherished memories and smiles.

He will be remembered as a gifted teacher, a faithful servant, and, most of all, a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Joseph’s legacy of love, laughter, and dedication will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Joseph is survived by his wife Maryann (Kowalczyk) of Wanaque, NJ, his three children; Cheryl Lowe and her husband David of Parsippany, NJ, Brian Csencsits and his wife Enya of Blairstown, NJ, and Lauren Csencsits and her fiancé Larry of Stanhope, NJ, his sister Joan DesRoches and her husband Raymond of Midland Park, NJ, and eight grandchildren; Alexander Reid and his wife Emily, Kyle Reid, Skylar Reid, Jack Lowe and his wife Ashley, Jennifer Lowe, Samantha Lowe, Tedi Csencsits, and Jacob Makover.  He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anna Csencsits and by a special brother-in-law Leonard Kowalczyk as well as other close family members. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's name may be made to St Francis of Assisi or Wanaque Feed the Hungry 

Nunzio Vacca, age 87, Haledon passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025 while receiving the loving care of his family. He was born in Gela, Sicily, one of six children to Nunzio and Grazia Vacca.

On September 10, 1959, Nunzio married the love of his life, Angela Romano. Shortly thereafter, they immigrated to Canada, where he worked in a cedar mill for several years. They made their home in Vancouver from 1959 until 1966, and it was there that their first son, Maurice, was born.

In 1966, the family immigrated to the United States and settled in Paterson, New Jersey. They purchased their first home there in 1972 and welcomed two more sons, Carmine and John. In 1984, Nunzio and Angela moved to Haledon, where they have resided ever since.

After arriving in the United States, Nunzio learned the trade of a machinist and worked for several local textile manufacturing companies, including Union Carbide and Sun Bright Textiles in Passaic, where he was employed for nearly twenty years before retiring in 1996. Throughout his career, he was a proud member of the National Textile Workers Union. Known for his dedication and strong work ethic, Nunzio rarely took a sick day and never collected disability.

Nunzio and Angela cherished their frequent trips back to Sicily, where they spent treasured time with family. A passionate follower of Italian soccer, he was an avid supporter of the Fiorentina team from Florence. At home, Nunzio took great pride in maintaining his property, always having his front and back yards meticulously landscaped.  Nunzio was truly loved in his community and was always willing to help neighbors with car repairs, home projects, or anything else they might need.  Nunzio was also a talented cook, cherished by family and friends for his delicious chicken and veal cutlets, as well as his homemade cannoli.

Above all, Nunzio’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life revolved around providing for his family and spending time with his loved ones.  

Nunzio and his wife Angela cherished an amazing sixty-six years of loving and loyal marriage together.  His Catholic faith was an important foundation in his life, and he remained deeply proud of his Italian heritage, often visiting local Italian coffee shops and attending annual neighborhood Italian feasts both in the United States and during his visits to Italy.

Nunzio will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, as well as a loyal friend to many. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was extremely social, and made friends wherever he went.  His warmth, generosity, and devotion will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Nunzio is survived by his wife Angela (nee Romano) of Haledon, his three sons; Maurice Vacca and his wife Danielle of Ocean, NJ, Carmine Vacca and his wife Connie of Wayne, NJ, and John Vacca and his wife Rosanna of Wayne, NJ, two brothers Vincenzo Vacca and his wife Gina of Gela, Sicily, and Francesco Vacca and his wife Anna of Totowa, NJ, one sister Concetta Melilli of Italy, and four grandchildren; Matthew Vacca and his wife Stefanie of Wayne, NJ, Antonio Vacca of Wayne, NJ, Emma Vacca of Wayne, NJ, and Johnny Vacca of Wayne, NJ.  Nunzio was predeceased by his brother Giovanni Vacca and his sister Rosaria Tascone. 

Kenneth Bott, age 83, of Collegeville, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, August 18, 2025.

He was born in New York, NY on July 29, 1942, the son of the late Bernard and Dorothy (Torpey) Bott.

Ken spent much of his life in New York before settling in the Packanack Lake community of Wayne, NJ, where he and his wife Madeline raised their family. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College, his MBA from New York University, and went on to enjoy a successful career as a Computer Networking Engineer working for Bell Labs, AT&T, Lucent Technologies and Verizon. Upon retirement, he moved to Traditions at Skippack to be closer to his beloved grandchildren, with whom he cherished every moment. Ken embraced the community, taking part in its many activities, including proudly serving as the Chairman of the Finance Committee and founder and Commissioner of the Traditions at Skippack Fantasy Football League. A lifelong Mets and Giants fan, he also loved traveling with Madeline by his side. They enjoyed many family vacations in Rehoboth and Cape Cod, as well as the excitement of cruising and exploring destinations around the world. He was a parishioner of St. Eleanor's RC Church of Collegeville, PA. 

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Madeline Bott (née Smith) of Collegeville, PA; daughter, Terri (Dan) Sullivan of Lansdale, PA; son, Kevin (Nicole) Bott of Orlando, FL; and two granddaughters, Kate and Audrey Sullivan.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Bott. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society. 

Claire Hillenbrand (nee Pennington), age 88, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Richmond Hill, New York, Claire was one of three children of the late William and Helen Rose Pennington. She attended Richmond Hill High School, graduating with the class of 1954. She had the desire to go to college later in life and completed two years of education at Queens College.

Shortly after high school, she met the love of her life, William Hillenbrand. After a brief courtship, they were married on October 10, 1956 in Elkton, Maryland, the "elopement capital" of the United States.

Claire and William settled in Flushing, New York, where they raised a son and daughter: William "Billy" and Jane. Claire was a devoted mother and biggest cheerleader, attending every school, athletic, and childhood event she could. Claire worked as a crossing guard for P.S. 219, a bookkeeper for Martin Paints, and a bookkeeper for Garden World. After retirement, Claire moved to New Jersey to be closer to her daughter Jane.

In later years, Claire was active with the Totowa Seniors, Sisco Village friends, and St. Michael's friends in Wayne. She loved to swim, travel and watch her beloved New York Mets. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. As with her children, she would attend as many of her grandchildren's events as possible. She just loved spending time with them at family parties. Her sense of humor was a source of laughter at every gathering.

Claire was a devoted parishioner of St. John's Episcopal Church of Flushing, NY, Christ Episcopal Church of Totowa, NJ and lastly of St. Michael's Episcopal Church of Wayne, NJ.

Claire is survived by her two children: William "Billy" of Seymour, Tennessee and Jane and her husband Greg Gallo of Wayne, New Jersey, five grandchildren: Jack, Gregory, Peter, Massimo and Dante, her brother: Richard "Rick" and his wife MaryAnn, and her sister-in-law: Joan, and many nieces and nephews. Claire was predeceased by her husband William "Nat" (1988), and by her brother Errol (2024).

Claire will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, a loyal friend, and a woman of integrity, warmth, and wit. Her life was an example of kindness, and her memory will continue to guide those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Michael's Church, 1219 County Rd 504, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Maureen DeBonta (nee McKenna), age 80 of Pompton Lakes, NJ, died on Thursday, August 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She has lived in Pompton Lakes since 1960.

Maureen grew up in Hoboken, NJ and lived there until she was fifteen years old. Her family moved to Pompton Lakes and she went on to graduate from Pompton Lakes High School with the class of 1962. It was in high school that she met Elliott DeBonta and their romance began. Maureen was quick to realize what a wonderful man Elliott was and they were married on June 27, 1964 at St. Mary’s Church. After a honeymoon to the Pocono’s, they settled into their home in town where they have lived ever since. Over their years together, Maureen and Elliott vacationed in the Catskills and enjoyed several cruises together. They had a very special and devoted marriage to one another. Sadly, Elliott passed away in 2023 and Maureen has missed him dearly ever since.

Maureen had been a devoted homemaker throughout most of their married years, raising their three children. She had also worked at Marshall Opticians, Becton Dickinson, and as a cafeteria associate with the Pompton Lakes schools, the latter of which allowed her to keep a close eye on her kids! Later in life, God blessed Maureen with grandchildren, which she referred to as “the most wonderful thing God ever gave her.” She loved each of them beyond measure and they will all miss her very much.

Maureen is survived by her three children: Kevin and his wife Dana, Patrick “Rick” and his wife Heather, and Meghan Garrett and her husband Dennis, ten grandchildren: Zachary, Ailish, Joseph, Allie, Haley, Noel, Chloe, Finnegan, Kennedy, and Collin, her brother; Robert McKenna and his wife Yvonne, and her sister-in-law; Maria McKenna, and many nieces and nephews. Maureen was predeceased by her husband, Elliott (2023), by her brothers: Kenneth McKenna (2025) and John McKenna (1994), and by her sister; Cheryl O’Leary (2015).

Doris Marie (Weiss) Belschner, age 89, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the compassionate care of the staff at Chilton Hospital in Pequannock, New Jersey.

She is survived by her daughter: Dale Rex Saltiel; her son: Mark Rex; her stepchildren: Suzanne Vierling and Bruce Belschner; eleven grandchildren: Jennifer, Todd, Clint, Heather, Melissa, Sara, Chaz, Brandon, Hudson, Samantha, and Parker; twenty great-grandchildren; and her brother: William Weiss. She was predeceased by her husband: Clifton Belschner; and by her children: Charles (Carl) Rex, Sharon Vassallo and Clifton Belschner Jr.

Born and raised in New York City to William and Doraliese Weiss, Doris graduated from Saint Walburga’s Academy in Manhattan and the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. She held administrative roles with ABC Television Network and Signetics Corporation in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and later retired as an assistant manager at Bloomingdale’s in Hackensack.

In 1957, Doris married her first husband, Charles T. Rex of New York City, with whom she had three children: Dale, Carl, and Mark. She later married Clifton Belschner and lovingly embraced his children: Suzanne, Bruce, and Clifton Jr., as her own, raising a close-knit blended family in Fort Lee. Doris later moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne, New Jersey.

Doris will be remembered for her warmth, humor, creativity, and above all, for facing life’s trials with grace, resilience, and perseverance. She loved a good joke, often at her own expense, crafted glassware with vibrant decorative papers, sketched, and tended to her thriving collection of plants. She enjoyed many lively games of Rummikub with dear friends at Siena Village and never missed a chance to celebrate family milestones. Above all, her greatest joy was time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, watching her family grow across generations.

Her family is deeply grateful for the kindness, skill, and devotion of the many caregivers who supported her in recent years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Tom Buckley, age 81, of Kinnelon, NJ passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, August 8, 2025, in the presence of his loving wife Diane.

Tom was born in North Adams, Massachusetts to Joseph and Helen Buckley on January 23, 1944. He was raised in Bronx, NY and later moved to New Milford, NJ where he lived for the majority of his formative childhood years. Tom attended St. Bonaventure University in Saint Bonaventure, NY and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford, NJ with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Philosophy. During this time, he was Chairman of the Fine Arts Committee and was instrumental in securing Dr. Benjamin Spock as a speaker. Throughout his life, Tom lived in Woodland Park, Paterson, Totowa, and Kinnelon where he resided for the past 31 years.

Tom’s professional career included 30 dedicated years at the Passaic County Board of Social Services where he worked tirelessly to support his clients and families. Early in his career, he was named Supervisor of the Child Support and Paternity Unit. Later, he designed, developed, and implemented a variety of systems integrating the use of computer science into public administration. In his role as Management Specialist, his work assisted agencies across New Jersey and gained recognition by state and national authorities. Tom retired in 1998 to pursue his interests in public service and travel. 

During his time at Social Services, Tom developed a passion for politics. Although never a candidate himself, Tom was largely responsible for assisting innumerable candidates in their quest for elected office. Tom was consistently sought after for guidance as his counsel was considered to be invaluable. His creative mind and intellect produced highly effective campaign messaging and advertisements. He was considered to be one of the best political operatives in New Jersey. 

Tom was a compassionate man who was deeply dedicated to his family and friends. Those who knew Tom appreciated his wicked sense of humor and at times mischievous and playful nature. He was an engaging storyteller and a skilled and avid tennis player. As a child, Tom spent summers at his beloved family cabins in Ware, Massachusetts. His experiences as a young child at “Camp”, led to a lifelong love of nature and the natural environment. It also sparked his joy for the game of baseball and enthusiasm for the Boston Red Sox. Over a period of 15 summers, Tom, along with his sons and friends, attended baseball games in each and every stadium in the U.S. Tom loved to travel and he instilled this sense of adventure in his grandchildren by taking each child to Europe after high school graduation.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Diane (nee DiPaolo), his two sons: Michael & his wife Amanda Marchesani, Matthew Buckley & his partner Lauren Smyla, and five cherished grandchildren: Christopher, Samantha, Kayla, Connor, and Sage.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center would be greatly appreciated.

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Tom Buckley.

Frank N. Suberati, Jr., age 80 of Paramus, formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025

He was born in Paterson and raised in Wayne having graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1963.  

Frank continued his education at Montclair State College where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Biology with the Class of 1968. While going to college he worked at the Shop Rite in Little Falls and for several years volunteer at Saint Joseph’s Vacation Camp for the Blind in Spring Valley, NY.

In 1968 Frank was drafted into the US Army where he received the Bronze Star for bravery. He was honorably discharged in 1970. After his military service he found a teaching position in the Science Department at the Dover High School. He then worked as a teller at the Orange Savings Bank and eventually became a computer programmer.  For a short time he worked at a savings bank on Wall Street in New York City and later for the Carteret Bank in Carteret as a programmer and project manager. His final job before retiring in 2011 was at Concerned Parents for Head Start in Paterson where he registered and scheduled the students. 

Frank will be remembered as an artistic man who loved painting, crocheting and stitching.  He also loved to read, especially comic and science fiction books.

Frank was the loving son of the late Frank Suberati, Sr. and Lena (Longo) Suberati; much loved brother of Maria Santangelo and her husband Richard of Glenwood, Sister Joan Suberati of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the late Mark Suberati (2001) and his surviving wife Barbara of Pompton Lakes; cherished uncle of four nephews and two nieces; and cherished great-uncle of four great-nephews and five great-nieces. 

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Those planning an expression of sympathy in Frank’s memory are asked to consider the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home, 1 Veterans Drive, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Leonard J. DeAngelo, age 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, surrounded by his loving family.

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Born in New York City, Leonard was one of five children to Frank and Hedwig DeAngelo. He grew up on the Lower East Side, attended high school in the Bronx, where he served as an altar boy at Cardinal Hayes High School.

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Following high school, Leonard proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962. Stationed at McGuire Air Force Base and Fort Dix, he served honorably until 1966 as a cargo plane mechanic, where he developed the avionics training that would later shape his career.

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Leonard met his wife, Florence Ott, in his youth when they met while working together at a Carvel ice cream shop in New York owned by her father. The two fell in love and married in 1963.  They lived in Toms River, NJ where their first child, Victor, was born and later moved to Wrightstown where their second child Bruce was born.  After completing his military service, they moved to Brooklyn, NY where they lived for several years.  Leonard briefly owned and operated a laundromat in Bay Ridge, NY.  

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They later relocated to New Jersey when Leonard accepted his position at Intercontinental Dynamics Corporation beginning a long and distinguished career in avionics. Intercontinental Dynamics Corporation, which later became Kollsman Avionics in Englewood, NJ, was where he worked as a field service engineer for more than 20 years. His work took him across the country and abroad as he specialized in troubleshooting guidance systems and cockpit instrumentation. Leonard retired from the avionics industry in the late 1990s, later working part-time as a taxi dispatch operator in Paterson, NJ, and at Haledon Auto Parts.

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Outside of his career and family life, Leonard had many passions. He enjoyed freshwater fishing, with Waywayanda State Park in northern New Jersey being one of his favorite spots. He was a Mets fan having taken the family to Shea Stadium during the Brooklyn years.  As a devoted father, Leonard cherished his role in his sons' lives, volunteering at the Prospect Park Boys Club, coaching Little League teams, helping to coordinate activities and fundraisers.  Later in life, he developed a love for golf.  He was not so much a player, but loved attending tournaments such as the Barclays which rotated through Liberty National, Ridgewood, Plainfield and Bethpage Black, where he was warmly received as a veteran in the Patriots' Outpost. He was also a proud and active member of the North Haledon VFW, where he valued the camaraderie of his fellow servicemen.

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Leonard will be remembered as a man who made friends wherever he went, embraced challenges with resilience, and brought warmth to those around him. He had an ability to make others feel at ease with a natural smile, often striking up conversations that turned strangers into friends. Family was always his greatest joy, and his love, devotion, and genuine lifelong kindness will be deeply missed.

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Leonard is survived by his two sons Victor DeAngelo of San Francisco, CA, and Bruce DeAngelo of Totowa, NJ, one brother Frank DeAngelo of Oak Ridge, NJ, two sisters; Ursula Daidone and her husband Garry of Lincoln Park, NJ, and Barbara DeCaro of East Elmhurst, NY, two grandchildren Jordan DeAngelo of San Francisco, CA, and Marisa DeAngelo Kim of Brooklyn, NY, and dear cousins, as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family that loved and cared for him.  He was predeceased by his sister Carol Stadulis.

Karen Gawrys, age 73 of Wayne, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Karen was raised in Saddlebrook, New Jersey by Harold and Marjorie Heim, growing up as one of five children. After graduating from Saddlebrook High School, she initially pursued nursing at St. Joseph’s, driven by her lifelong calling to help others. She eventually discovered that nursing school wasn’t the right fit. Instead, she found her path as a nurse’s aide and went on to build a fulfilling career in various healthcare positions until her retirement. 

Shortly after high school, Karen’s life took a wonderful turn during a casual outing with a friend when they met a gentleman named Tom Gawrys. Karen and Tom started off as friends, but before they knew it the two friends fell in love with one another. They started dating and several years later, on April 22, 1972, the couple exchanged their vows, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned over five decades. 

Their honeymoon was an adventure they would never forget. Starting with a cruise from Florida to the Bahamas, Karen discovered how terribly susceptible she was to seasickness as the cruise portion of their honeymoon was one she wished to forget. Thankfully, their time in the Bahamas was beautiful, and Florida proved even better. They fell in love with Walt Disney World, which had recently opened in Orlando, and discovered their slice of paradise at the Three Crowns in Deerfield Beach. The suites surrounded a pool just steps from the beach, and they loved it so much that returning to the exact same room became their cherished annual tradition. Over the years, they even developed a friendship with the owner, whose family joined in their celebrations.

The newlyweds settled into their newly built home in Wayne, New Jersey where they were blessed with their two children, Tommy and Crisanne. Family meant everything to Karen, and she embraced motherhood with her whole heart.  Naturally, when she discovered the news that she would become a grandma she was overjoyed. From that point on her world revolved around her grandkids Arianna and Colton. She loved them so much and made it her mission to pick them up from school every day, rain or shine, sick or well she was there for them.  

Among Karen’s most treasured relationships was her friendship with next-door neighbors Michele and Joe. The couples became inseparable. Tom and Joe played in a band together while Karen and Michelle were their biggest fans, dancing and cheering at every gig. Since both couples got married in the same month, they celebrated their anniversaries together with a joint trip to Aruba. They shared an incredible time creating lasting memories they would reminisce about for the next 28 years. When Joe got sick with cancer, Karen did everything she could to help. Whenever Joe wasn’t feeling good, he would call over to Karen for her famous chicken noodle soup. She would drop everything to make it fresh and deliver it to him. Though Joe eventually lost his battle with cancer, Karen and Michele remained best friends through the years.

Part of what made Karen so special was her extraordinary gift for putting others’ needs before her own. Her selfless nature was perhaps best expressed through her cooking. She regularly sent guests home with goodie bags overflowing with her delicious homemade meals. This generosity, combined with her natural ability to bring people together, made Karen the heart of countless gatherings. Unsurprisingly, Karen lived for hosting parties. She always found reasons to invite family and friends to her home for good company, swimming and great food. It was a given that every Sunday would be spent “at grandma’s” and it should come as no surprise that holidays were a favorite time for Karen. She loved Christmas with its accompaniment of her beloved Hallmark Channel movies. Labor Day was another favorite, marked by huge annual gatherings at Wild Duck Pond in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The extended family came together for softball, kickball, horseshoes, and potluck picnics featuring Karen’s legendary homemade mac and cheese (a dish so beloved that friends and family requested it year-round). When her son Tommy moved down to Florida seven years ago, Karen and Tom enjoyed a new annual tradition spending the Fourth of July down there with him at their treasured Deerfield Beach. 

Karen will be remembered for her endlessly caring and selfless nature, her remarkable ability to bring people together, and her delicious cooking that she gave out so generously. She was the best mom, grandma, and friend anyone could ask for, and her loving presence will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Karen is survived by her husband Tom Gawrys; her kids: Crisanne and her husband Justin, and Tommy; her grandkids: Arianna and Colton; her siblings: Douglas, Patrice, Harold, and Kathleen; and her close friend Michele.

She is predeceased by her parents: Harold and Marjorie; and her close friend Joe. 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Dr. Shirley Mary Rajan on July 31, 2025.  Shirley was a devoted mother, loving daughter and sister, and visionary psychiatrist. She leaves behind two cherished daughters, Amaya and Nora, her adoring mother, Sugandhi, two brothers, Patrick and Stanley, and a legacy of care and empathy.

Shirley was born on March 27, 1983 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to John and Sugandhi Rajan, but spent most of her life in New Jersey.  She earned her dual B.S. with honors in Psychology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University, followed by a residency in General Psychiatry and fellowship in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts.

Shirley was a bright light in many of the lives she touched with her kindness and happy spirit.  Shirley’s legacy shines most brightly through her beloved daughters, Amaya and Nora, who were the heart and soul of her world. Her devotion to them was boundless, and she took immense pride and joy in nurturing their curiosity, strength, and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to organizations supporting causes close to Shirley’s heart such as adolescent mental health.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy continue to inspire healing and hope.

Roy C. Lawrie, age 83, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

One of Sydney and Winifred (Griffith) Lawrie’s fourteen children, Roy was born in the north-east part of South America in the country of Guyana.

Roy met his wife Shirley who grew up in a nearby neighboring village. They were childhood friends who, as young adults, fell in love and ultimately married at St. George’s Cathedral in Georgetown, Guyana.

As young adults, Roy and Shirley migrated to the United States in pursuit of opportunities and happiness this country afford. With the blessing of four beautiful children, two sons and two daughters, came a real responsibility to care and provide for them. Roy embraced that calling on his life and worked diligently and consistently, twenty-five hours a day, and eight days a week as a self-employed residential building contractor, electrician, and restaurant/bar owner. His family praised him for being a great provider and a truly awesome and loving father who always encouraged his sons and daughters to do their best and to get a good education.

In his spare time (though it is hard to imagine that he had any), Roy enjoyed farming and traveling with his beloved wife and life’s companion Shirley. They especially loved annual trips to Florida where they hoped to one day have property and a second home. Sadly, those plans never came to fruition as Roy contracted Alzheimer’s Disease at a relatively early age.

In good times, Roy was loved and admired for being a cherished, caring, and supportive husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and brother who always made his family his main focus and priority in his life.

While his family mourns his loss, they will ever hold and cherish warm memories of Roy in their hearts and are grateful that his pain and suffering are no more. Rest in peace Roy.

Roy was the beloved husband of Shirley (Ramdai) Lawrie, blessed in marriage for 60 years. He was the loving father of: Cleopatra, Nigel, Roswell, Rosanna, and Jason Pallimulla; whom Roy considered to be like one of his own sons; and a cherished grandfather of Reg, Dillan, Ryan, Devin, Milana, and Princeton.

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

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

425 Eagle Rock Avenue, 203

Roseland, NJ 07068

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Roy Lawrie.

Arnold F. Schmidig, age 84, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, surrounded by the loving care of his family.

Born in Passaic, NJ, Arnold spent his early childhood in Garfield before his family settled in Wood-Ridge when he was about five years old. He was the only child of Fridolin and Pauline Schmidig. Arnold attended Wood-Ridge High School, graduating with the Class of 1959, and went on to work as a draftsman before getting his associate degree in Mechanical Design from Newark College of Engineering now known as NJIT.

Over the course of his career, Arnold worked for several companies as a draftsman, ultimately spending the final eighteen years of his professional life at Howmedica in Rutherford, NJ before retiring in 1999.

Arnold married Dolores Breen, and together they raised three sons; Gregg, Brian, and Scott while living in Wood-Ridge. Although Arnold and Dolores later parted ways, he found love once again with his devoted partner, Stasia Hrab. Together, they shared many happy years in Wayne, NJ.

In retirement, Arnold enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, relaxation, trips to Atlantic City where he tried his luck at the slot machines, and quality time with his family. He was a sociable and kind-hearted man who delighted in helping others, whether they were neighbors, friends, or strangers. He was deeply proud of his Swiss and Austrian heritage and loved sharing stories about his roots.

Arnold’s greatest passion was his family. He especially cherished memorable East Coast road trips he took with his three sons.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Arnold is survived by his three sons, Gregg Schmidig and his wife Safia Bhimji of Monroe, NY, Brian Schmidig of Haskell, NJ, and Scott Schmidig of Wood-Ridge, NJ, and four grandchildren; Averie Schmidig of Monroe, NY, Brianna Schmidig of Basking Ridge, NJ, Joseph Schmidig of Basking  Ridge, NJ, and Michael Schmidig of Wood-Ridge, NJ. 

Carl F. Ferrigno, age 93, of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, passed Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

He was born in Jersey City to Italian immigrants Paul and Gabrielle Ferrigno.  He was raised in North Bergen and graduated from St Peters College in Jersey City with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. He continued his education at NYU where he received his MBA in Business Management. Through the years Carl has lived in North Bergen, Fairview, Fort Lee, and for the past eight years lived at the Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

For twenty years starting in 1955, Carl ran the family business, Blue Point Tavern in Jersey City. For several years he held his Real Estate Agent license and eventually became an elected political official in North Bergen. He served as Police, Fire, and DPW Commissioners in North Bergen and also served as Superintendent of the Hudson County Park (aka James J. Braddock Park). He retired in 1998 as Board Secretary of the Hudson County Vocational School after serving for ten years.

Carl was a quiet, introspective man whose strength and wisdom left a lasting impression on those who knew him. A passionate traveler, he explored the United States, Canada, Italy, and Costa Rica, and took great joy in the more than twenty cruises he embarked upon throughout his life. He had a deep love for the outdoors—whether fishing, strolling through parks, or volunteering at Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine, where he found both purpose and peace. Carl was strong-willed and knowledgeable, the kind of man who could be facing illness without ever uttering a complaint. Though reserved by nature, he was deeply caring and an extraordinary storyteller, with a gift for bringing memories to life. He found quiet companionship in his daughter Lisa’s late yellow Lab, Crash, who would faithfully lie at his feet, a silent testament to the quiet bonds Carl so often formed—with people, places, and the world around him. And in the quiet curl of smoke from his favorite cigar, Carl seemed to find a moment of calm that perfectly reflected his steady, thoughtful spirit.

Carl was the devoted father of Susan Peia of Suffield, CT and her late husband Dennis (d.2025), Michael Ferrigno of Wayne and his late wife Maria (d.2022), and Lisa Russo and her husband Richard of Butler; he was the cherished grandfather of five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; he was loved by his brothers Paul Ferrigno and his wife Barbara of Holmdel, and the late Joseph Ferrigno. He will also be missed by Carl’s daughter Lisa’s first husband Ralph.

In remembrance of his brother Joseph memorial donations to The Big Silence would be greatly appreciated. 

Charley Kolasa, age 81, a fifty-three year resident of Wayne, passed Sunday, July 27, 2025.

He was born in Paterson to Charles and Joan Kolasa.  He lived in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne in 1972. Charley served in the US Army in Germany during the Vietnam War.  He received a Marksman (Rifle) designation and the National Defense Service Medal for his service. He was Honorably Discharged on September 6, 1967. 

From the age of twelve, Charley had an insatiable passion for mechanics, tinkering with car engines and learning the intricacies of automotive repair. His talent and dedication led him to various garages in Paterson, where he honed his skills and built a reputation as a trusted, reliable, and gifted, mechanic.  In 1981, he began working at Central Garage, now Allendale Auto Repair, of which he became the owner in 2001. In addition to his talents diagnosing and repairing cars, he was very empathetic and the ultimate "people person", which made his shop a staple in the community. For over four decades, Charley poured his heart and soul into his work, fostering friendships and becoming a beloved figure in the Allendale community before retiring in 2022.  His customers were such an important part of his life.  Just this past Friday, he openly expressed how much he missed both working on cars and the warm camaraderie of the Allendale community.

Charley had a sharp mind and an almost photographic memory. Conversations with him would always include him telling endless stories of his family, work, life, and his rebellious times as a young man. His quick wit and sense of humor were shaped by his appreciation for classic comedies such as Johnny Carson, Rodney Dangerfield, and The Honeymooners. 

Charley would do anything for his family, and all his early mornings and long hours at the shop were dedicated to providing for them. He was a loving husband to Sandra Kolasa. They were inseparable, and their deep love and devotion to each other was obvious every day as they built their life together for fifty-three years.  Charley was the loving father of Susan Kolasa  (husband David Harrison) of Wayne and Sherry Kolasa (fiancé David Konas) of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Ethan, Adam, and Kaitlyn Harrison. 

Charley was the kind of father everyone hopes to have: loving, supportive, and always there when it mattered. His generous heart shaped the women his daughters became, infusing their lives with love and strength. They cherished their early morning 6AM chats with him, and his yearly "Happy Birthday" call became a sweet tradition they always looked forward to. They both wanted to be close to him, and they bought homes in Wayne only ten minutes way.

Charley was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures, and time with family was everything to him. He took great pride in caring for his backyard pool, often spending summer days swimming and relaxing with those he loved most. Later in life, he and his wife purchased a second home in Florida. This home served as a vacation retreat for them, and he so enjoyed the weather, the water, and friends in the community. 

Spending time together as a family was a priority.  While his kids were growing up, they took annual trips to the Caribbean and Mexico. It meant so much to him when his mother and father-in-law, Bea and Eli, were able to join as well.  Later, his daughter Susan honored the same tradition by bringing everyone together in Cape May.  No one loved the beach more than Charley. He was reliably the first one ready for the ocean every morning and the last to want to leave. 

He will be so sorely missed, but his family and friends have a lifetime of memories and that will keep him alive every day.  We'll especially remember him on the Cape May porch, a place he loved the most. 

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

Ruth M. Kozell (née Van Houten), age 90, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Paterson, Ruth was one of two children of the late Ben and Anna Van Houten. She graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1952. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Jacob Kozell, on a blind date.  Their meeting blossomed into a beautiful marriage in 1957.

Ruth and Jacob settled in Clifton, where they raised their four daughters: Deborah, Donna, Doreen, and Dawn.  Devoted to her family, Ruth embraced her role as a homemaker with unwavering dedication and joy.  She created a warm, loving, and nurturing home. Later in life, she and Jacob moved to Wayne, where they continued to build a life together, cherishing 60 years of loving marriage until Jacob’s passing in November 2017.

Ruth's family was her true passion in life. Summers were joyfully spent in the backyard pool in Clifton and on cherished vacations to Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching her favorite game shows, and she was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks, and the Kansas City Chiefs.  Ruth was a gentle, private soul whose love for her family was deep and unconditional. Her family finds comfort and joy in the belief that she is now reunited with her beloved Jacob in eternal peace.

Ruth will be remembered with love and will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Ruth is survived by her four daughters; Deborah Kozell of Nutley, NJ, Donna Kozell of Clifton, NJ, Doreen Catelli and her husband Donald of Doylestown, PA, and Dawn Kennedy and her husband Richard of Pompton Plains, NJ, sister Elizabeth Marchitti and her husband John of Totowa, NJ, and three grandchildren; Nicholas Catelli, Joseph Catelli, and Megan Kayal and her husband James.  She was predeceased by her husband Jacob Kozell in November of 2017.

Claire M. Monteleone (nee Augustowski), age 88, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Born at home in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Claire enjoyed most of her formative years there. It was in grade school that Claire met Rudy Monteleone, and they became sweethearts during their teenage years. While Claire was planning for marriage, Rudy made his own plans and joined the U.S. Navy. Claire was not discouraged and she waited four years for him to return to her. They were married on June 30, 1956 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, followed by a honeymoon to the Pocono’s. Their marriage was marked by love, enduring loyalty, and profound devotion. Their bond would span nearly seven decades, built on mutual respect, constant support, and a deep affection that was obvious to all who knew them.

Claire was the heart and soul of her family. A devoted mother to her two daughters, she raised them with tireless love, patience, and wise insight that inspires her daughters even today. Claire was their biggest cheerleader, attending every school, athletic, and childhood event she could, always present with quiet encouragement and a warm heart. She was not just a mother, but a lifelong best friend, confidant, and trusted advisor. Her daughters often found themselves asking, “What would mommy do?”—a testament to her sense of fairness, her clarity in complicated circumstances, and her unfailing guidance that could always be trusted. Claire’s emotional strength was among her superpowers. She was strong-willed, wise, and never complained, even in the face of great difficulty. Those who knew her admired her for her grace, her humility, and the calming presence she brought into every situation. She made everyone around her feel proud to be in her company, and her loss will be felt by many.

Travel was one of Claire’s great joys, and she explored the world with wonder and appreciation. Rudy’s employment took them all over the world and she was able to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii to the vibrant streets of Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, to the elegance of Switzerland and France, Claire embraced every destination. Closer to home, she cherished family trips to Woodloch Pines in Pennsylvania, where lasting memories were made summer after summer. Claire also maintained long friendships and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was shaped in large part by her loving parents—her mother, saintly and gentle, and her father, strong and resilient—and Claire carried those qualities in balance throughout her life.

Claire Monteleone will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a loyal friend, and a woman of integrity, warmth, and unmatched wisdom. Her life was a living example of kindness, and her memory will continue to guide those who loved her.

Claire is survived by her husband; Rudolph “Rudy” Monteleone of Wayne, their daughters; Karen Palmeri and her husband John of Wayne, and Sharon Maurice and her husband Mike of Glen Rock, five grandchildren; Alicia and her husband Angelo, Domenick and his wife Julia, Alexa, Michael, and Anthony, three great-grandchildren; Anthony, Alania, and Alessia, her sister; Joan Sorce, and sisters-in-law, Carol Cupo (Ronald), and Norma Augustowski, and many nieces and nephews. Claire is predeceased by her brother, Edward Augustowski in 2010.

Charlotta Gregory (née Pinketti), age 95, of Yonkers, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her devoted family.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Charlotta was one of four children of Charles and Magdalena Pinketti. She graduated from Hallahan Catholic High School in the Class of 1946 and went on to work as a secretary at Villanova College, an opportunity she took great pride in and often spoke of with fondness.

Charlotta’s life changed forever when she met the love of her life, Hugo Gregory, at a family gathering. The two fell deeply in love and were married on March 11, 1950, in St. Alice's Church in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Their wedding was held swiftly, as Hugo was preparing to be deployed overseas in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. By a stroke of fate, Hugo's unit was shipped out without him, and he remained stateside.

The couple began their married life in the Bronx, where they welcomed their first child, Michael. Soon after, they made their home in Yonkers, where they raised their daughter, Alice, and lived for the remainder of their lives together.

Charlotta embraced her role as a full-time homemaker with unmatched grace, dedication, and love. With Hugo working nights for NY Daily News & NY Times, Charlotta became the heart of the household, nurturing, educating, and guiding her children. She was their teacher, cheerleader, counselor, and caregiver. She attended every school play and sporting event and proudly served as a Daisy Troop Leader for her daughter. Being a homemaker was her true calling, and she flourished in every moment.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Charlotta was a devoted parishioner of both St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church and St. John the Baptist Church in Yonkers. Her faith sustained her throughout life’s trials and triumphs, especially during the greatest sorrow of her life, the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her son Michael in 1957 at the tender age of five.

Charlotta found joy in simple pleasures and special traditions. She loved taking her children to the beach at Sherwood Park during the summer and later enjoyed boating with Hugo after he purchased a boat in Norwalk, Connecticut. She and Hugo also cherished traveling together to exotic destinations, including Bermuda and Martinique, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Charlotta was known among family and friends for her extraordinary Italian cooking, especially her legendary sauce and meatballs.  She was also known for her impeccable organization. She was the glue that held her family together through every season of life. Though strong-willed at times, her determination, loyalty, and boundless love for her family never wavered.

Above all, Charlotta was a loving wife, a nurturing mother, and a proud Nanny to her grandchildren. This past March she and Hugo celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary.  This was certainly an enduring testament to their love, commitment, and unbreakable bond.

Charlotta’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be remembered always for her strength, warmth, and the quiet yet profound impact she had on the lives around her.

Charlotta is survived by her husband Hugo Gregory of Yonkers, her daughter Alice Scheiner and her husband Laurence of Wayne, NJ, one sister Rita Gallagher and her husband Chuck of Pennsylvania, one brother Charles Pinketti and his wife Marlene of Pennsylvania, two grandchildren: Alyssa Scheiner along with her fiancé Joe of Somerville, MA, and Michael Scheiner of Philadelphia, PA.  Charlotta was predeceased by her son Michael Gregory (1957), her brother Louis Pinketti (2014) and his wife Louisa (2015).

Robert A. Carlo, age 100, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in the loving and comforting presence of his dear family.

Born in Paterson and raised in the family home at 13 Redwood Avenue, Bob was the youngest of Vincenzo and Nunziata (Pacelli) Carlo’s four children. His education took him through the eighth grade. He attended the first day of high school and, at the end of that day, said he’d give it one more try. But after the second day, Bob declared, “That’s enough for me!” He decided that rather than spending time in a classroom, he’d be better off entering the workforce—and he never looked back.

The next 49 and a half years were, indeed, well spent. Bob built a long and fulfilling career at Witco Chemical, in Paterson. Witco, a maker of powder and liquid soaps, became Bob’s professional home, and he truly loved his work. Over the years, he earned a reputation for turning around departments—improving efficiency, productivity, and morale wherever he went. His leadership and know-how won him the lasting respect of both his supervisors and his coworkers. Outside of work, Bob was affectionately known as “The Soap Man.”

During his time at Witco, the world was at war. In July of 1943, at just 18 years old, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. Eight months later, he was deployed overseas. Reflecting on the moment his regiment entered the battlefront, he once recalled: “We were in the channel for six, seven days before Eisenhower gave us the word. ‘We’re going to hand you over to the generals of the Army. ’We looked at each other and figured this was it.” It was the Normandy Invasion, and Bob’s infantry regiment landed at Utah Beach.

Sometime after his arrival Bob was injured—shrapnel from a grenade explosion struck him in the forehead. “It went up, instead of in,” he later said. “If it went in, I don’t know you.” The injury led to three months of hospitalization, a discharge from active duty, and him being awarded the Purple Heart.

Years later, at age 94, Bob was watching television coverage of the 75th anniversary of D-Day with his family. Moved by what he saw, he suddenly announced that he wanted to return to Normandy. And six months later, that’s exactly what he did—accompanied by his daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. That same year, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Medal, which he wore with pride, hanging over his heart from a red, white, and blue ribbon.

When Bob returned home from the war, his job at Witco was waiting for him. At that time, the company had retooled its production line to manufacture drums for gunpowder in support of the war effort, and Bob was trusted to lead that project.

Before Bob left for war he met the love of his life, Connie Silvano. They met at an Italian feast at Blessed Sacrament Church in Paterson. Connie took a liking to Bob right away, and in her characteristic fashion, she didn’t wait for him to ask her out—she asked him. Their first date was another Italian feast at Werner’s Grove in North Haledon (known today as The Tides), and from that moment, their relationship took off.

When Bob was called into Army service, Connie said she would wait for him—on one condition: they had to get engaged first. And so they did, exchanging love letters while he was overseas. After Bob’s return, the two were married on Sunday, October 21, 1945, at the newly built Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Paterson. They honeymooned at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, and one night, unsure what to do, they returned to Paterson for an evening at the Majestic Theater. During that same honeymoon, they made a rather untraditional stop at an appliance store in Newark to buy their first refrigerator, using $300 Bob had received from the Army.

Their first home was the three-family house at 13 Redwood Avenue—Bob’s childhood home. It became a true family residence: Bob and Connie on the first floor, Connie’s parents on the second, and Bob’s parents on the third. They remained there for 50 years, from 1945 to 1995, before moving to Wayne, where Bob lived for the remainder of his life.

Earlier this year, Bob celebrated his 100th birthday at a wonderful celebration hosted by his family at the Packanack Lake Clubhouse. More than a hundred guests came to honor him. Ever sharp and gracious, Bob gave a heartfelt speech in which he said, “I thank you for what you’ve given me.”

One of Bob’s favorite pastimes was heading to Atlantic City. He and Connie loved staying with their daughter Barbara and son-in-law Al in Brigantine, making trips to the casinos to try their luck at the slot machines. They may never have hit the jackpot, but they always came home with great memories.

Nothing was more important to Bob than his family. He showed his love for Connie, Barbara, Al, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in countless ways. Bob shared a special bond with his daughter, Barbara. From taking her as a child to the West Side Park, to driving hours just to bring her to college, he was always by her side. He embraced her love for yoga—thanks to Barbara and Al—and often picked her up after work as a teacher to head down to the shore. Their 4 p.m. coffee together became a cherished ritual, as did spontaneous drives for ice cream. Bob loved to tell the story of how he had hoped for a boy when Barbara was born, but over the years, he would always add how grateful he was that it was little Barbara who arrived—saying there’s no way he would have made it to 100 without her. And, of course, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember the five-dollar bill Pop would slip them every time he saw them.

Bob was, in every sense, one of the kindest and most humble people you could meet. He had a warm heart, a gentle charm, and—some might say—a playful, flirtatious spirit. Whether at his house or the porch down the Shore, he loved to greet his neighbors with a smile, a wave, and a familiar invitation: “Come over for a cup of coffee!”

After retiring from Witco, Bob wasn’t ready to sit still. He took a part-time job at ShopRite in Wayne offering customers free samples of prepared foods—an ideal job for a people-person like him. His friendliness and easy manner earned him the nickname “ShopRite Man.”

Bob’s life was deeply rooted in his faith. He and Connie were longtime parishioners at St. Mary’s in Paterson. In his later years, he attended Mass with his daughter Barbara and her husband Al at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne.

His family and friends are forever grateful to God for the gift of Bob’s life. One hundred years filled with love, laughter, dedication, and grace—truly, a life well lived. Not long ago, Bob raised a coffee mug and said, “Cent ’Anni!”—“Good health for 100 years.”

Rest peacefully, Bob. We love you.

Bob was the devoted husband of Constance (Silvano) Carlo for 70 years until Connie’s passing in 2015. He was the loving father of Barbara and her husband Al Turco of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Amy and her husband Dave Fazekas of Glen Ridge, David and his wife Stacy Turco of Wayne, and Michael and his wife Nicole Turco of Wayne and the beloved great-grandfather of Tyler, Maci, and Alex Fazekas, and Aidan, Dylan, and Kylie Turco. He was predeceased by his two older brothers, Pasquale and Michael Carlo, and his sister, Seraphine Cerce.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a gesture of sympathy in Robert’s memory are kindly asked to consider a donation to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which was a cause near and dear to his heart. www.lightthenightmichaelturco.com

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Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Robert Carlo. 

UPDATE: Janet will be laid to rest with her husband at the Arlington National Cemetery on August 4, 2025.

Janet McLean Thompson (nee Steenstra), age 86 of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. She was a Wayne resident for more than fifty years.

Janet was born and raised in the Totowa section of Paterson and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1954. She was a Band Majorette and member of the Color Guard spending Saturday afternoons in the fall cheering on the Colts at Hinchliffe Stadium.

Janet met Jimmy Thompson as a teenager while they were both attending the First Presbyterian Church in Paterson and Jim played on Central’s football team.

After graduation, she began her career working for the telephone company. During this time, Jim had joined the military and was serving with the Army in Germany when he proposed to 19 year old Janet! With her father’s blessing, Janet traveled overseas (alone) and married Jim in Munich on August 4, 1956. They enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon there as well. Once Jim returned home, they married again for the benefit of their family and friends.

They bought their first home in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, where they lived for 20 years before building a new home across town.

Eventually, Janet and her sister Clariss joined her father’s company, Steenstra Paper Products in Paterson. After her father’s untimely passing, Jim needed to step in and run the day to day business operations. Janet was at his side the whole time for over 25 years. They were a loving couple and Janet was utterly devoted to her beloved Jim. They always considered themselves lucky to work together at Steenstra Paper Products, and they loved being together each and every day. After Jim’s unexpected passing, Janet led the business for another 5 years until her retirement.

Together, they raised their two boys, James and Edward. Janet was a very involved and attentive mother. She was always supportive of her boys, attending their sporting events, scouting activities, band concerts, and school events. She and Jim were proud to attend Wayne Valley Marching Band competitions as well as football games at Muhlenberg College. She was an excellent cook and spoiled her loved ones with her baking.

During the 1970’s, at the urging of her high school friends Charlene Delvecchio and Maggie McMahon, Janet and Jim purchased several acres in the town of Cobleskill, NY. Jim worked alongside his close friend Jerry Delvecchio to design and build a country “cottage” on the property. Affectionately known as “The Farm”, Janet and her loved ones enjoyed countless trips to her second home over the past 50 years. This despite the home having neither electricity nor running water! These trips eventually included her grandsons where she would enjoy teaching them to play games such as Pokeno and Uno as well as dying easter eggs.

She was perhaps an even better YaYa, babysitting at every opportunity and spoiling her grandsons with love and hugs and lots of cookies. They will all miss her dearly.

In 2003, Janet moved to Oak Ridge where she lived on the fourth hole of Bowling Green Country Club. With the help of several close friends and neighbors, she quickly picked up the sport of golf and treasured her time on the greens.

Janet was fortunate to always have a large group of friends and she was very social. She played cards with her girlfriends often and loved playing tennis and golf over the years. Somehow, she also found time to tend to her garden or do needlework. She was very fond of her Dalmatians: Chequers, Chief and Mikey and considered them her other sons. Janet was blessed in many ways and her family will miss her presence.

Janet was predeceased by her loving husband, James(1994)and her parents, Edward Steenstra(1965) and Minnie(nee McLean) Steenstra(2006). She is survived by her loving sons: James and his wife Peggy of Seattle, Washington, and Edward and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, four adoring grandsons: McLean, James, Danny, and Matthew, one sister, Clariss Rock of W. Caldwell, and three loving nieces; Jocelyn Anderson, Cynthia Mizzone and Joanna Clarke.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Packanack Lake Fire Co. #5, 5 Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ or the Alzheimer's Association.

Jaden Gyamfi Dwumah Buahin, age 5 of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Jaden brought laughter and joy to his home in Wayne, New Jersey, where he was lovingly raised by his parents Harriet and David Buahin alongside his four brothers. He had a remarkable gift for bringing smiles to everyone around him.

With his curious mind and creative spirit, Jaden found wonder in the simple things. He could spend hours absorbed in puzzles, his little hands working away to complete them. His imagination truly came to life when he played with Legos, creating unique combinations with the little connectable pieces. You could often find him clutching a handful of colorful pieces or other small treasures like his moldable Play-Doh.

Jaden also loved his tablet, typing, texting, and emoting with emojis to express himself. Music brought happiness to Jaden that couldn’t be replicated. He enjoyed singing nursery rhymes especially his beloved, “Five Little Ducks” song that he loved to recite.

Jaden will also be remembered for his tireless energy! He was always in motion climbing, running, and filling the house or school with his wonderful belly laughs that were infectious to all. He also loved to play leapfrog games that taught the alphabet, always signing along with joy.

His loving and affectionate nature touched everyone who knew him. Jaden’s favorite foods were pepperoni pizza, Lay’s potato chips, and Sugar Bread, a special Ghanaian treat that connected him to his family’s heritage. He also loved snacking on raisins and cranberries and other sweet treats.

The Preakness Early Childhood Center in Wayne became Jaden’s second home, where he quickly became a beloved part of the school family. Though his time there was brief, he left an indelible mark on the staff and students. His favorite teachers, Ms. Hanan and Ms. Carla, held special places in his heart, and he in theirs.

Faith and God played an important role in Jaden’s life. As a cherished member of the Children’s Ministry at the Church of Pentecost, he joined his family for worship every Sunday.

Jaden’s five years were filled with laughter, creativity, love and boundless curiosity for the world around him. His memory will be a source of light and joy for all who were blessed to get to know him.

Jaden is survived by his parents Harriet and David Buahin; his brothers: Enoch Buahin, William Buahin, his twin Jason Buahin, and Bryan Buahin; his grandparents: Alice Buahin and Beatrice Boateng; and many aunts and uncles and extended family back in Ghana.

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James (Jim) D. Henson, age 91, of Wayne, NJ passed on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with the comfort of his wife, Joan, by his side.

James was born in Detroit, MI to H. Lyle and Norma Henson where he graduated from Dearborn High School in 1952 having played football, ran track, and swam.

He continued his education at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University in Detroit where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1958. He also worked for J. Hode Corporation while attending college.

During college, he met Joan Chiravelo to whom he presented his fraternity pin. Jim and Joan dated for several years, got engaged, and got married in 1956 just prior to Joan’s graduation from college.

Jim continued his education and work while they started a family with son, John, born in 1957 and son, David, born in 1959.

Jim continued working for J. Hode Corporation until 1965 when he took a position with Lone Star Industries in New York state where he worked as a civil engineer with extensive travel to Asia. At that time, Jim, Joan, and the boys relocated to Wayne, New Jersey.  

In 1982, his cement industry expertise took he and Joan to Strongsville, Ohio. In 1989, Jim and Joan returned to Michigan where he worked for Lafarge North America. He retired from Lafarge in 2008, but continued consulting for the cement industry for several additional years.

Jim’s real passion was community service at each of the churches he attended. In the late 1960s, Wayne Presbyterian Church (Wayne, New Jersey) held services at Wayne Valley High School. Jim’s engineering experience was instrumental when as he served as a Wayne Presbyterian Building Committee member to help create, finalize, and get the church built that currently resides at the corner of Alps and Ratzer Road. He also served as a session member and a senior high school Sunday school teacher at this church. Jim continued community service as the Treasurer of his church in Strongsville, Ohio. At the methodist church in Northville, Michigan, he was involved with the annual hosting of homeless persons for a week at the church. Jim was also involved in the Civic Concern of Northville that provided a food bank for the community.

Jim is survived by Joan, his loving wife of 69 years, his sons John and David, daughter in law’s Cindy and Anne, four beautiful grandchildren; Justin, Andrew, Nicholas and Lauren, and his precious great granddaughter, Cynthia (Thia) Henson.

Jim lived a loving and purposeful life and will be missed by all those who knew him. 

It is with great sadness we share the passing of Shirley Pinajian, 90 on July 16, 2025, an over 60 year Wayne resident.

Shirley was born to Samuel and Miriam Shainfeld, Holocaust survivors who arrived to Ellis Island for a better life. Times were extremely difficult throughout Shirley’s childhood, but she was able to overcome and flourish into a woman whose humor never wavered.

Shirley attended Paterson schools and graduated from Eastside High School - Class of 1952. Following graduation, Shirley became an administrative assistant for an established company in Paterson. Ultimately, she maintained employment at her husband, George Pinajian’s family dry cleaning business, National French Cleaners in Hawthorne. Later in life, Shirley was a customer service rep for Viva Optique where her friendly and funny attitude brought her many friendships and memorable times.

Most importantly, Shirley loved her family. In recent years, Shirley enjoyed evenings with her cherished son, Alan Pinajian as he cooked and brought her dinner most evenings and kept her company while she ate. If Alan was not there, Tara, Alan’s “Queen” as he refers to her, spent much time sharing dinners and stories with Shirley. Shirley’s daughter, Cindy Fisher devoted her retirement to taking care of Shirley during the day. Shirley and Cindy’s mother/daughter relationship had deep roots and was adored immensely by both.

In addition, Shirley’s exceptional love was shared with her grand-daughters Tracy, Kimberly and Brianna, as well as with her grandson, Scott prior to his passing, each truly believing they were Granny’s favorite. Shirley signed each card for any occasion, “To My Favorite,”which became a friendly competition between the girls and Scott. Giorgio and Joseph, Shirley’s beloved great-grandsons were also the loves of her life. Both will forever love and miss their Nanny.

To know Shirley was to love her. Shirley was everyone’s close friend, whether someone young or old. At all times she brought a smile or laughter to anyone in her company. Shirley loved alone time, watching her daily soap operas, and keeping her home spotless with either her signature carpet sweeper or dust buster never far away. Shirley enjoyed Facebook, even though at times she thought every post was written specifically to her. Shirley thrived when corresponding with others and loved watching videos on her iPhone, especially of animals and babies. She loved purchasing adorable outfits with Tara at Chico’s as well as reading a plethora of books on her kindle. Shirley loved her numerous visits to Atlantic City with her best friend, Vera, and her daily phone calls with her close friend, Joni. From her weekly hair appointments at The Gallery with Gina, to her nail manicures with Donna, to chatting with the girls, Shirley was a unique, extremely funny, chic, friendly person who was always able to get “the dirt” from anyone in which she came in contact.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Cindy Fisher (Clifford), her son, Alan Pinajian (Tara Iattarelli), grand-daughters Tracy Gelok-Fisher (Giorgio Olmo), all of Wayne, Kimberly Fisher-Moe (Brian) of Oregon, Brianna Ackerman (Sam) of Tinton Falls, and great-grandsons Giorgio and Joseph.

Shirley was predeceased by her devoted husband, George Pinajian in 1983, her dear daughter, Ellen Rosen in 2005, and her most-loving grandson, Scott Gelok in 2015.

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In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of Shirley to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Atlantic Health Hospice or an organization of your choice.

William “Bill” Smith, age 62, of Kinnelon, NJ and formerly of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and a life lived to the fullest.

Born in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, Bill spent his early years in the Lowcountry of South Carolina while his father was serving in the U.S. Navy. He moved with his family back to Wayne, New Jersey, at the age of 10. Growing up in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, Bill developed a love for mechanics, boating, and a strong connection to the community that would shape much of his life.

Bill graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1980. Even as a teenager, he was already a true “jack of all trades” – and a master of most. Mechanically inclined from a young age, he could fix anything and had a special knack for engines, often building go-karts out of any engine lying around the neighborhood. There wasn’t an engine around that hadn’t been taken apart and put back together at least once. At a time when most teens were hanging out with friends, Bill commandeered the household “party line” to launch his first pool repair business. He was always on the phone doing business which made his sister, Marguerite, crazy!

That entrepreneurial spirit grew into North Jersey Pool and Spa, a business Bill proudly owned and operated for decades, serving countless pool and spa owners across northern New Jersey. It was only fitting that Bill would find his place in the pool industry, given that his grandfather invented the vinyl pool liner – a family legacy that Bill proudly carried forward with skill, integrity, and tireless dedication.

But Bill was not all work; he believed in playing hard, too. A modern-day Ernest Hemmingway. Fitting since he loved getting out on the boat with friends for an action-packed day of fishing or just going out and enjoying being on the water. Live for today, not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. When he wasn’t fishing, Bill loved snowmobiling, occasionally riding his motorcycle, playing darts, and skiing across Vermont, Colorado, and even the Italian Dolomites. He enjoyed traveling the world, beating the odds at the blackjack table, and sipping a good bourbon or beer at the end of a long day. His Ford Raptor pickup truck, which he enjoyed driving so much, served as his mobile office, and was always ready to take him on his next adventure or to the job site. That Raptor also served to notify the neighbors when he was leaving for work (7:30 AM sharp) every day. When the engine didn’t fire up, or the truck was missing, the neighbors noticed. Throughout his tough cancer battle, he continued to keep his strict work schedule - his grit and determination never wavering.

Bill loved spending time with his friends and always had their backs. Whether it was at the bowling alley, out on the water fishing, or sharing stories and laughter around the horseshoe pits by the beach, he was always surrounded by a circle of fun. His last wish was to get out on his boat and go fishing with his friends just one more time, a testament to the simple joys he cherished so dearly throughout his life.

Bill will be remembered for his unshakable work ethic, his mechanical genius, and the way he made everyone feel welcome in his presence (as long as you didn’t cross him!). His family, friends, and the countless people he helped over the years will deeply miss him and the unmistakable energy, hardy laugh, and competitive spirit he brought wherever he went.

Bill is survived by his sons Brandon Smith of Kinnelon and Brett Smith of Big Pine Key, Florida, his mother; Marguerite Smith of Big Pine Key, Florida, his former wife of more than thirty years; Tammy Smith, his brother-in-law; Curt Kabula, his niece; Maggie Kabula, his nephew; Trent Kabula, his soul sister; Tracy McCann, and his dear friends; Greg Fischer, Steve Nebesni, Bob Giancaterino, Sheldon Frankel, Jerry Lange and Betania Lesko. He was predeceased by his father, Craig, in 2021 and by his sister, Marguerite Kabula in 2024.

Stuart D. Anderson, age 87, of Montville passed away peacefully on July 15^th, 2025.

Stuart was born to Sydney and Lillian Anderson (née Larson) in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 27^th, 1937. The youngest of three boys, Stuart was always a dedicated student and musician. Stuart attended Wesleyan University, originally to pursue his love of music, however, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Finance & Accounting. He then chose to continue his education at the University of Chicago where he earned his Master’s in Economics. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1962, continuing in the reserves for an additional five years.

Stuart met his wife-to-be, Eileen Anderson (née Arvila), in 1962 at a coffee social after a church service in Chicago. They fell in love and married a year later on October 26th, 1963 and remained in Chicago for three years. They later moved to Brooklyn, NY where Stuart worked in finance for AT&T. After three years in Brooklyn, Stuart and Eileen moved once more, and settled in Montville, NJ where they lived for 50 plus years. They enjoyed a loving marriage that spanned 52 years in which they cherished many great memories.

Stuart took great pride in being a father and a provider for his three children: Erik, Kirk, and Lisa. While stoic and serious about his responsibilities by nature, he made it a point to take extended time from work for annual family trips to Minnesota where the kids would be joined by their cousins on many fun adventures. Most notable being the year of the “Edmund Fitzgerald” in which Stuart and his brother Duane navigated a stormy houseboat ride while the children found humor in the chaos.

Upon his retirement from AT&T at age 58, Stuart and Eileen made it a point to see as much of the world as possible. Some of the many countries visited were Croatia, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Peru, the Czech Republic, Argentina, Finland, China, South Korea, Albania, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, and Egypt. He had a natural ability to recount his travels in such detail that you would feel transported to the destinations he was speaking of (a bit like one of his favorites, Rick Steves!). After the love of his life and travel partner, Eileen, passed away in 2016 he continued to explore with his immediate family. This included a trip to Israel and Jordan with his son Erik, a trip to Italy with his daughter-in-law Sharon, Alaska with his son Kirk, Greece with his daughter Lisa, and Japan with his eldest grandson Justin.

One of Stuart’s greatest passions was gardening. After settling in their forever home in Montville, he and Eileen took great pride in building and maintaining their diverse garden. This included not only vegetable gardens in which he would enlist the boys to help tend to, but also a variety of perennial plantings in which he would track their progress throughout the years. Often if you would stop by for a visit you would find him walking throughout the yard, tending to his landscape. If you were lucky, you would even get a detailed history as to the why and where each plant originated from. In addition to his passion for gardening, Stuart also never strayed from his love for music. He was an avid pianist and sang tenor in the church choir. As recounted by his children, some of the fondest memories they have are him sitting at the Steinway piano in the living room showcasing his talents.

Stuart and Eileen were devoted members of St. Timothy’s Church. Stuart found great joy in the relationships he built with the congregation and pastors over the years. Singing in the church choir gave him the chance to share his musical gifts and form lasting friendships. For Stuart, the church was more than a place of worship– it was an extended family that brought him deep happiness. 

Stuart is predeceased by his wife Eileen Anderson and his brothers Duane (Shirley) and Ronnie (Mary) Anderson. Stuart is survived by his son, Erik Anderson and his fiancée Kourtney Triola; son, Kirk Anderson and his wife Sandra Anderson; daughter, Lisa Anderson; daughter-in-law, Sharon Anderson; two grandsons: Justin Anderson and his fiancée Marissa McClement, and Jacob Anderson and his partner Evelyn Secallus; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Stuart’s name are asked to consider a donation to St. Timothy Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 395 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ. 

Louise Ann Ewasko, age 86 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Born as the oldest of three children to Alphonso and Violet Iuele, Louise or Lou Ann as she was lovingly known was raised on Keen Street in Paterson, New Jersey. Her childhood home sat directly across the street from a boy named Bernard Ewasko’s home. Throughout their early years, Lou Ann and Bernie developed a close friendship, often racing bikes together through the neighborhood streets and sharing in the adventures of their youth.

Their friendship became something deeper once they reached their teens. Bernie, then 17, found the courage to ask 14-year-old Lou Ann on her first date. With her father’s blessing earned through Bernie’s reputation as a trustworthy young man, the young couple went on their first date – a Sunday drive past the farms along Ratzer Road in Wayne.

Their romance was temporarily interrupted when Bernie was called to serve his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958. After his return from service, they picked up right where they left off and on Saturday, November 28, 1959, the couple exchanged their wedding vows at Blessed Sacrament Church in their hometown of Paterson and married. The newlyweds celebrated their marriage with a honeymoon in sunny Florida, a destination that would be a cherished winter retreat for the rest of their lives together.

The couple began their married life in their first home in Paterson, later moving to West Paterson before settling in Wayne, where they would spend the next 57 years building their life together until Bernie's passing in 2018. Their marriage was blessed with two beautiful children, Jo Ann and Steven, and spanned nearly 59 years.

Lou Ann and Bernie created a tradition of escaping New Jersey's harsh winters for their ocean condo at Indian Harbor Beach in Florida. True to her nature, Lou Ann insisted they drive to their winter escape since she refused to fly. This suited Bernie perfectly, as he was passionate about his cars and looked forward to an excuse to take them on a long ride.

Among Lou Ann's most cherished companions was her beloved dog Chico, who held a special place in her heart from September 1977 until his passing in November 1993. For over sixteen years, Chico was her devoted friend, bringing joy and companionship to the Ewasko household and leaving paw prints on Lou Ann's heart that would last a lifetime.

Lou Ann is survived by her children: Jo Ann Ewasko and Steven Ewasko along with his wife CharlotteAnn Ewasko; her siblings Carmen and his wife Karen Iuele, and Irene Seltenheim; her grandchildren: Nicole Ianuale and her partner Paulo Almeida, Mark and his wife Jackie Ianuale, and Cory Ianuale; and her great grandchildren: Marcelo Almeida, Nina Almeida, and Elaina Ianuale.

She is predeceased by her husband Bernard Ewasko; her brother-in-law Christopher Seltenheim; and her parents Alphonso and Violet Iuele.

Louis Anthony Todaro, age 44, of Los Angeles, California passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025. Louis was born to Mariann Portelli and Salvatore Todaro. He grew up in Wayne, NJ and attended Wayne Valley High School. He continued his education at William Paterson University and soon after moved to the west coast to follow his dreams.

Louis could only be remembered by his family and friends as vibrant and passionate. His personality was larger than life, and in his presence, you were sure to smile, laugh, and feel loved. Louis had the biggest heart that was undeniably felt by those around him. Within moments of meeting him, you experienced his kindness and humility. In the presence of Louis stood the presence of a true friend, genuine heart, and pure soul.

Louis had an unmatched enthusiasm for life. He lived his life to the fullest, ensuring every moment was filled with laughter, fun, and excitement. His sisters described him as ambitious and “a dreamer,” as he lived life fearlessly chasing down his every goal and dream. Louis believed we could do, have, and create anything we wanted. No matter what he endured, Louis’ persistent positivity uplifted those around him and gave others hope. Louis truly believed life was an adventure, and to Louis it was. The sky was not the limit, but merely a starting point.  

From kicking off his life as a charismatic and successful child actor, to developing his growing love for music as an exceptional and talented DJ. Louis brought so many people together, creating unforgettable memories.

His life was driven by the passions of his heart, that he boldly shared with those around him. From acting, to music, to his love for food, business, and personal development. To his unique and outgoing sense of fashion, his relationships with family and friends, to taking massive action to change the world for the better. These were the things that meant most to Louis.

Louis had such a strong and unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit. With countless business ventures, from real estate development to energy performance and more, he was always seeking the next opportunity for expansion. Louis had a growing love for God and a deep faith that fueled his daily life and dreams. No idea or concept was too big. If he thought it, he could bring it to reality.

Finally, his biggest passion of all, the love he had for others. Louis was always selfless and ready to help others before himself. He jumped at the opportunity to help everyone and anyone, even people he did not know. He had a drive to be better, to grow, and to help others do the same.

His parents, his sisters, and to all his cousins, relatives, friends and business partners, from coast to coast; these are the people he lived for. To support them, to love and protect them, and to make his family proud. That was his end goal in life. 

Louis is preceded in death by his stepfather, Robert Giannella, and his grandparents, Mary Portelli, Anthony Portelli, Teresa Todaro and Louis Todaro Sr.

Louis is survived by his parents (Mariann Giannella and Salvatore Todaro), sisters (Elizabeth Graves, Sarah Giannella, and Rachel Giannella), nieces (Serena Graves, Kendall Graves, and Ella Graves), nephew (Bond Hanna), brother-in-law (Kent Graves), and sister-in-law (Madison Giannella). 

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Louis’ church, Fearless Church, LA, would be greatly appreciated. Louis had a vision to help support and expand Fearless Church, LA. It was a special place that had a profound impact on his life.

Joan Elaine Kievit (née Smith), age 93, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Joan was born in Phillipsburg, NJ, the only child of Donald and Gertrude Smith. During her childhood, her family relocated to Saddle Brook, NJ, and she graduated from Garfield High School where she was a cheerleader with the Class of 1950. Not long after, she was introduced to William (Bill) Kievit on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, and with Bill’s job relocating him to Virginia, he proposed just two weeks after they met, knowing he had found the love of his life. As fate would have it, they fell in love and the couple married on September 6, 1952.  Joan and Bill then began their life together in Richmond, Virginia. They soon moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where they welcomed the births of their three sons: David, Bruce and Bob. In 1959, they settled in Wayne, New Jersey, where they built their first home and created a lifetime of memories.  Joan and Bill remained in that home for the rest of their lives together.

After getting married, Joan embraced her role as a full-time homemaker with joy and devotion. It was a calling she fulfilled daily with grace and pride. She was a deeply dedicated wife and mother, known for having breakfast and dinner on the table every day and for lovingly hosting countless family holidays and celebrations. She was an outstanding cook and was legendary for her macaroni and cheese, her cheese bread, and famous brownies.  Her brownies were shared generously with family, friends, neighbors, and even her hairdresser.

A true embodiment of the 1950s American homemaker, Joan found tremendous fulfillment in caring for her home and her family. She took great pride in maintaining a spotless house, preparing delicious meals, and welcoming her husband home each evening dressed with care and grace. She also had a natural talent for home improvement, confidently selecting and installing paint and wallpaper herself.

Joan’s greatest passion in life was her family. Nothing in the world meant more to her than providing for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She and Bill shared an extraordinary sixty-eight years of loving and loyal marriage, marked by deep affection and mutual respect, until Bill’s passing in 2021. Together, they enjoyed memorable trips to Bermuda for their 25th anniversary and to Hawaii for their 50th. Family summers were spent annually in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore, a cherished family tradition that brought joy and lasting memories to their family throughout the years.

Though she was a private and quiet individual, Joan had a delightful sense of humor and often delivered unexpectedly witty remarks that brought smiles and laughter to those around her. She was loved not just by her three sons, but also by all of their friends who would frequently spend time in her home.  She adored her beloved dogs, her cherished poodle and 3 Bichons, who were always by her side.

Joan Elaine Kievit will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a woman whose heart and home were always open to those she loved. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her three sons; David R Kievit and his wife Liz of Glen Mills, PA, Bruce W Kievit and his partner Paulette Marsh of Coatesville, PA, and Robert C Kievit and his wife Laura of Cedar Grove, NJ, as well as seven grandchildren; Will Kievit and his wife Alyssa of Ridgewood, NJ, Mike Kievit and his wife Kendra of West Chester, PA, Tim Kievit and his wife Tiffany of Phoenixville, PA, Jeanette Caccese and her husband Ryan of Holmes, PA, Brian Kievit and his fiancé Sarina Shinko of Quincy MA, Christine Kievit and her fiancé Jon Dolmseth of Levittown, PA, and Jennifer Kievit and her boyfriend Magnus Reistad (“Mr. Beautiful” as Joan called him) of Meriden, CT, and two great grandchildren; Harry, and Riley.  Joan was predeceased by her husband William Kievit in 2021.

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In lieu of flowers, donation in Joan’s name may be made to Tunnels to Towers or Make a Wish Foundation

Herbert J. Bischof "Pop Pop", age 82 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Herb was born in Paterson, NJ and raised in Saddle Brook as the eldest of three children to Herbert and Lily Bischof. Throughout his life, Herb or “Pop Pop” as he was lovingly known, embodied what it meant to be a devoted family man above all else.

Herb always went the extra mile to be there for his family. Whether that meant his unwavering support at all their events, or making celebrations extra special in the little ways only he could come up with. Pop Pop’s biggest fans were his Pussycats: his daughters Jennifer and Amy. As a father he was consistently reliable, creating weekend plans with activities prepped so his daughters had fun and joy throughout their shared time. When he was blessed with four grandchildren, the love, affection, and laughs grew and expanded to include them as well. 

Herb’s ability to make holidays extra special was second to none. He always found unique ways to make the memories unforgettable. He famously made his grandkids dress up in themed outfits each month. His love of pictures only grew when he began turning them into custom calendars for himself and his family to cherish. Additionally, he was notorious for always keeping a few gifts tucked away during special occasions like Christmas, only to be revealed near the end. He would say at the end of unwrapping gifts, there might be oneeeee more, before leaving to grab it. He would then surprise someone with an extra present he hid away. Then once their excitement settled and the other’s expressions started to droop from disappointment that they did not receive something special, he would say it again and surprise the rest with that one last item. It was a small tradition that never failed to bring smiles and laughter to everyone’s faces. 

Herb’s social life centered around “The Gang” a group of eight men (and their wives) who were best friends for over 60 years. They brought out the best in each other (or the worst depending on who you asked)! They shared a tough love that had newcomers questioning how they could actually be friends. Based on the way they talked, you never would have guessed. The truth is they shared a camaraderie that was forged over years of wonderful friendship. Their ability to joke around and never take anything too seriously, helped make them all friends for life. The Gang was famous for their barbecues, parties, and annual fishing trips to Chincoteague; where they would make new memories and reminisce about old ones. 

One of those famous parties with The Gang introduced Herb to a beautiful woman named Lydia. At the time, Lydia was enjoying a glass of wine and a cigarette when Herb came up and introduced himself. She offered him both, which he declined, claiming he didn't drink or smoke. By the end of the evening, however, Herb had a glass of wine in one hand and two cigarettes in the other, asking Lydia for her number. She relented on the condition that he wouldn’t call her on Thursdays as she was typically busy that day bowling with her league. Well, true to Herb, he called her on Thursday regardless and Lydia answered. The couple fell in love and enjoyed a loving relationship and marriage for forty-five years. 

Beyond his roles as husband, father, and grandfather, Herb was known for his remarkable handyman skills and his eagerness to help family members or neighbors with home improvement projects. Whether it was electrical work or major structural projects like building decks, Herb had the expertise to tackle any challenge. There was just one catch: if you wanted Herb's help, it had to be done his way. This stubborn streak earned him the ironic nickname "Mr. Flexible." Many tried to suggest alternative approaches, but they ultimately learned to accept that Herb's way was the only way the job would get done.

Above all, Herb will be remembered for his constant reminders of love. Like a broken record, he would regularly ask his family, "Did I tell you today that I love you?" But his love wasn't solely expressed in words - it was demonstrated through his unwavering presence at school events and athletic competitions (even though he didn't particularly care for sports), his willingness to help with any project, and his ability to make every gathering special.

Herbert "Herb" Bischof was a jokester, a talented handyman, and most importantly, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless memories he created and the deep love he shared with all who were fortunate enough to get to know him. Pop Pop will be dearly missed, but his spirit of devotion, creativity, and unconditional love will continue to inspire his family for generations to come.

Herb is survived by his wife Lydia Bischof; his daughters: Jennifer Maguire and Amy McEvoy-Font and her husband David Font; and his grandchildren: Lily Maguire, Kaitlyn McEvoy, Liam Maguire, and Madison Font.

Herb is predeceased by his parents Herbert and Lily Bischof; and his siblings: Dennis Bischof and Diane Cavallo.

Linda Modne Wooldridge, 73, of North Caldwell New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 13^th, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Linda was born in 1952 to Jack and Shirley Modne. Linda and her younger sister, Meredith Rinas, grew up in Livingston, NJ, and were always together riding their bikes, watching sitcoms, and swimming at the town pool with their neighbors.  She attended Tufts University in Medford, MA, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in public health. Linda worked as a community health researcher at Boston City Hospital before joining Digital Equipment Corporation as a technical writer. After pausing her career for more than 20 years to raise her three children, Linda turned to public education advocacy in her local community. She served on the Bernards Township Board of Education for more than 9 years, stepping down in 2020. During her time on the Board, she served terms as President and Vice President, and on every single committee. Linda was also Board liaison to the township Municipal Alliance for many years, where she worked to reduce the harms of substance use in the community.

Linda met her husband of 48 years, Jim Wooldridge, at a square-dancing class. They married in 1977 in Warren, New Jersey and raised their family in New Hampshire, California, and New Jersey. She passed on her determination and excellent taste in 60s rock music to her son, Michael; her patience and love of reading to her son, Jonathan; and her tenacity and scientific curiosity to her daughter, Lisa. Linda was completely devoted to her family, and loved nothing more than doting on her two granddaughters, Scarlett and Ivy.

Linda was determined in everything she did, open-minded and accepting of everyone she met, and unceasingly patient. Her family and friends cherish memories of cooking meals, playing Scrabble, traveling, and going on long walks together.

Linda is survived by her husband, sister, children, and grandchildren; her daughter-in-law Carolyn Davis; her brother-in-law, Dave Rinas; her nephew, Daniel Rinas, and his wife Karolina Rinas. She is predeceased by her parents and by her nephew, Isaac Rinas.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey at cfbnj.org/donate-now

Gasper “Gary” Gerardi passed away peacefully with his loving family and parish priest offering him comfort during his last moments of mortal life. 

The second of two sons born to Mary & Vincent Gerardi, Gasper & his brother Eugene were raised in Bayside Queens where they were pupils at St Robert Bellarmine grammar school. 

In acknowledgement of his academic excellence at St Robert’s, Gasper was invited to attend the prestigious Xavier Catholic high school.  Every week for four years, he traveled by subway to 14th Street in Manhattan from his home in Queens. In addition to his studies, he drummed in the school’s military corps & played the accordion all while thriving on the academic challenge of a strict Jesuit education.  

Like so many others of his generation, it was during these years that Gasper discovered his love of Rock & Roll.  

At the famed Filmore East, he & his friends saw the likes of The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Byrds, and they rocked the house late into the night.  

Upon graduating Xavier in 1969, Gasper decided to attend St John’s University in Queens, following in the footsteps of his brother and other family members. Here, he was inducted into the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, again choosing to follow his brother who was president of Delta Sigma Phi.  

Continuing to display academic brilliance Gasper obtained his BS in marketing in 1973 and was granted a fellowship, teaching students while earning his master’s degree in business administration. 

Finally ready to seize the day, Gasper entered the fascinating world of perfumery as a marketing assistant at a small fragrance house located in Brooklyn called Felton inc,/fragrances. Thus began a lifelong passion for all things fragrance. Soon, his ambition to become more immersed in the business of fragrance led him to his next milestone, Gasper was recommended for a job in Allendale New Jersey as Vice-president/sales & marketing and was quickly made an offer he wouldn’t refuse. Upon meeting his boss for his first day at Lautier Aromatiques, he quickly began addressing Gasper as “Gary” and that is the name he proceeded to become known by. 

Gary purchased a home in Ramsey, New Jersey, enabling him to work long hours during the day formulating marketing and sales strategies and entertain fragrance clients later in the evening. He sharpened his skills to great success but continued to seek other industry opportunities . During his time at Lautier, Gary & his former wife Diane happily welcomed two children, Steven arrived in 1981 and Kara two years later. 

After stints at other fragrance concerns, the entrepreneurial spirit and belief in his ability motivated him to strike out on his own. With his experience and insight, he understood what a fragrance company should offer: excellence in creativity coupled with excellence in service. 

To this end Gary traversed the country on his own seeking opportunities and orders. 

His genuinely cordial demeanor along with the expertise he offered opened the doors to underserved clients who were grateful to be attended to, this became the start of the International Aromatics success story. 

Assisted by his father Vincent and his then- spouse Diane, Gary used his garage as his production area and secured credit from raw material suppliers to fulfill his orders. 

It became apparent that business was growing and Gary, having had to relocate his production facility to several different towns, prepared to find a permanent home for International Aromatics, He located & purchased the ideal building in the industrial friendly town of Moonachie, New Jersey, Perfumery, production, sales & marketing would grow together under one roof. 

The adage “work hard, play hard” appealed to Gary and he began snow skiing at top mountain resorts, bringing his children along to learn and enjoy the sport. 

September 1990 began as an ordinary day as Gary made his way to another local fragrance house called Novarome to discuss business with a friend and former industry colleague. 

Walking through the hallway to his meeting, Gary’s eye was caught by someone working in the conference room. It was Miss Val, who happened to be the senior fragrance evaluator at Lautier Aromatiques, where they both worked during the years 1977 through 1981. 

Perhaps the air that day had an enticing special scent to it because Gary and Miss Val quickly became a couple. They married in November 1992 at a lavish wedding at The Manor in West Orange. 

As International Aromatics grew, so did their lives together. In 1994 they built a home in Montville and joyfully welcomed their son, Vincent Edgar Gerardi to the world.

Gary also loved to play golf and when in 1995 was accepted as a full golf member of North Jersey Country Club he immediately bought a new set of clubs, gloves & hats to fill his personal locker in the men’s lounge. Gary gladly assumed the post of golf committee chairman and served his term with distinction, 2002-2007,  

Gary was a family man and desired a beach home to enhance their ability to entertain and relax at the Jersey shore. Manasquan was chosen to be near Val’s numerous relatives who had settled there. Gary’s favorite pastime was simply to sit on his deck above the beach watching the ocean in front of him and allowing the world to pass by. With or without company, he could easily spend all day enjoying the view, 

Not content to play golf only when Jersey weather allowed, Gary next purchased a residence in Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples Florida.  

Gary and Val enhanced their lifestyle with memberships to Deal Golf Club, Deal and Manasquan River Golf Club, Brielle. Friends and family were often invited to share dinners, events and holidays with the Gerardi’s at their clubs. 

Gary was helped during his lifetime by different people at different times for different reasons and he was one who paid it forward whenever he could in many ways, large and small. 

He was a good and joyful friend who could get a laugh from a rock because he was always ready with a joke or witty anecdote, happy to have an audience to entertain. 

He had a strong love of reading, and he especially enjoyed reading history.  

He was a Civil War buff but especially immersed himself in the lore and legend of the Kennedy presidency.  Ever thirsty for knowledge, he eagerly devoured biographies, mysteries, histories, and any that raised his curiosity. 

Being a fan of pop-culture, his fictional heroes included James Bond, Indiana Jones, Don Corleone, Star Wars and The Man From Uncle. 

As a self-declared Beatlemaniac, Gary amassed a large collection of Beatle music and memorabilia. He and his wife shared a love of Tom Petty, The Who and Bryan Ferry and joyfully attended many of their concerts, as well as countless other live shows, creating never to be forgotten memories.  

Gary was a man of sophisticated taste. However, should someone crave a sweet treat, he would offer a massive variety of candy, and as much as they could eat! 

He had many good times with friends who stayed loyal to Gary throughout his life.  

He also developed new friendships, and they too became loyal to him. 

Above all, Gary himself nurtured his family, loved his family, and had a smile for them every day, It was his great joy to have his three children want to become part of International Aromatics and he gently ushered each of them into the business that he had founded and will be his enduring legacy. 

And finally, Gary’s fondest hope was realized when his grandson, Louis Petrocelli was born on July 10 2023.  

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Valerie Accad Gerardi, his loving children Steven Gerardi, Vincent Gerardi, Kara Petrocelli, her wife Lana and their son Louis. 

Also surviving Gary are his brother Dr, Eugene Gerardi & his wife Cheryl. Gary’s nieces Catherine Bonanno, Elizabeth Collegio, Christine Farrington, Kristen Shaker his great niece Grace Bonanno.  

Gary’s nephew Edward Shaker and great nephews Cole Bonanno, Charles Collegio and Bear Farrington.  

His sister in law Denise Accad Wilson and her husband Chris Wilson. 

His sister in law Danielle Accad Shaker and her husband Corey Shaker. 

Gary was deeply honored to be called godfather by Catherine, Jennifer, Allison, Elaina & Brandon. 

He will be sadly missed but never forgotten by any who called him family or friend. 

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In lieu of flowers, donations in Gasper's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnels to Towers.

Paul D. Oesterle, Jr., age 85, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Paul was born to Celeste and Paul Oesterle on July 18, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1941, the family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Paul spent his formative years.

He attended St. Vincent Preparatory School in Latrobe, PA. There, he shone both in the classroom and on the field, playing football and earning the title of Most Valuable Player in baseball in his senior year. Paul also sang in the choir and glee club and held the office of class president during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Thanks to his hard work and academic excellence, he was awarded a full scholarship to St. Vincent College and chose to stay in Latrobe for his college education.

Following graduation Paul enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and served honorably. While working full-time, Paul also pursued his MBA at Duquesne University. He earned his degree in June of 1965.

Paul found his greatest joy when he met Mary Ann Joyce, the love of his life, on a blind date during his senior year of college. They were married in June of 1963. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children.

In 1969, Paul was transferred to California as a Product Manager to lead the launch of a new line of terminals for the manufacturing industry. The family enjoyed four memorable years living on the West Coast before Paul was transferred to New Jersey, where they settled in Packanack Lake in Wayne. There Paul worked for one of the first computer companies and led a team that covered the US, Europe and South America. He later joined Union Camp before moving onto Digital Equipment Corporation and then Hewlett Packard where he completed his professional career.

Paul loved his community deeply and gave generously of his time and talents. While living in Packanack Lake, he served on the Board of Governors and the Board of Directors for a total of 15 years. He was the first President of the Parish Council at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne. He served on the Paterson Diocesan School Board and worked in the finance department at DePaul Catholic High School. He coached numerous Packanack sports teams and served on the board of two local banks. Of all his civic contributions, Paul was especially proud of his role as President of the United Givers Plan of Wayne, which—under his leadership since 1999—supports over thirty local charities.

Paul was the beloved husband of Mary Ann for 62 years; loving father of David Oesterle and wife Erin of Pequannock, Caroline Sulc and husband Michael of Wayne, and Mark Oesterle and wife Liz of Washington, D.C.; adoring grandfather of Shannon, Sarah, Ryan, Julia, Mark, and Patrick; dear brother of Father John Oesterle of Pittsburgh, PA, the late Mary Ellen Oesterle, and Carol Dove of Pittsburgh, PA; and a cherished uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Paul’s life may consider a gift to United Givers Plan (UGP) of Packanack via Venmo: UGP-1959.

Archpriest Paul Kucynda, age 81, recently of Jackson NJ, former priest of Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne NJ from 1968 through 2019, departed in peace Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

He was born and raised in Charleroi, Pennsylvania to William Kucynda & Elizabeth Huri.  In his youth Paul attended Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Charleroi (often walking there himself) where Arch-priest Gregory Soroka was a huge influence in his calling to the priesthood.  From a young age Paul was destined to be a priest. A story shared by his sister Charlotte with whom he had a special and close relationship, describes how he, as a child, for fun, fashioned his own blessing kit, complete with brush and bowl for holy water. Regardless the time of year, he would set up Easter baskets to practice blessing them.

Young Paul was fortunate to also have a large extended family nearby.  In addition to his grandparents, he was especially close with his aunts Julia, Ann and Mary, uncles Wasil, Stephen, Walter, Joe and Theodore, along with Pete and Martha Yaros all of whom played important roles is his early life.

A vignette, shared by his son Tim, further illustrating his Dad’s true nature:  Later in his youth, always energetic and hard-working, he walked up and down the steep streets of his hometown delivering newspapers every day. Recently while on vacation together, when Tim asked what he did with the money he was able to save from those years of tedious work. His reply was unexpected but characteristic:  “I bought Bubby and Pap (his mom and Dad) a porch swing.”

Before graduating high school, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by researching and explaining Orthodoxy in conjunction with Fr Vladimir Soroka.  Upon graduation  from the Charleroi High School uncles Joe and Theodore helped financially, making it possible for him to further his education. At the age of 18 Paul left Charleroi for New York. He went to NYU (New York University) where he received his bachelor’s degree and then upon graduating went to Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY where he received a Masters of Divinity and  was ordained on January 7, 1968.

One of the highlights of his time at seminary (and of his life) was being a member of the octet and touring the country. While on tour Paul met Barbara Kuntzevich at her parish, Holy Trinity Orthodox church in Brooklyn.  Barbara would reminisce of how, while serving water to the seminarians at dinner, Paul kept playfully sliding his glass to the side while she was attempting to pour causing her to stop and re-start. Eventually Barbara simply poured the water onto the table (an appropriate touche’ considering she fenced while in college).  They eventually fell in love and Paul gave her an  engagement ring, September 13, 1965.  They married on June 11, 1967 at Barbara’s parish, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, and honeymooned in Bermuda.  They enjoyed a devoted marriage of over fifty years before Barbara’s passing on February 16, 2018.

The young priest and his Matushka Barbara were assigned shortly after his ordination to the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Parish in Wayne, NJ. They started out with just 12 families and three acres of land, originally holding church services in the rectory. Over the last 50 years Father Paul and Matushka Barbara ( endearingly known as Motch ) have built a church, served the community, and grown a vital parish family. Always a thriving church community, Holy Resurrection spreads Christ’s message of love and opens it’s doors to all who come in faith.

Father Paul was a man whose deep faith in others—shaped a life of remarkable compassion, humility, and service. He consistently placed the needs of others before his own, living unselfishly and generously in both word and deed. As a pastor for over fifty years, Father Paul embodied the true spirit of ministry—not just from his fervent love of serving, preaching and teaching, but in his daily walk with people. His fatherly and grandfatherly presence brought comfort, guidance, and a sense of belonging to all who knew him.  At some point Father Paul mentioned having an affinity for Polar bears. This innocent declaration snowballed into a decades-long amassing of polar bear figurines lovingly gifted to him by parishioners, friends and family.  They were both the crown jewels and the welcome committee predominantly displayed at the front of his office desk in the church rectory, a rectory in which no matter the time or day, the phone was always answered and the door always open to anyone he could help.

A true shepherd, his legacy lives on in the way his church family warmly embraced the pastor who succeeded him—a testament to the strength of his teachings and the inclusive community he nurtured. Father Paul was also a hands-on servant, never above getting his hands dirty. He took great pride in the yard work around the church, even gaining a new member one day when someone asked the gardener about the church, only to discover they were speaking with Father Paul himself.

Outside of his pastoral duties, he cherished his wife Matushka Barbara and son Tim putting his whole heart into being the best husband and father he could be, always striving for their happiness and well being.

Lastly, he gave the best hugs, loved family trips, apple pie and popcorn - comedy shows, gardening, feeding the birds and post-it notes. In his retirement he particularly loved beach vacations, channeling his inner Eagle Scout he thoughtfully outfitted his own beach cart with everything one might need for a perfect day “down the shore”—organized, prepared, and full of joy, just like the life he led.

Most of all, he loved being a priest because It gave him the chance to love and be loved by yinz.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Holy Resurrection Church, 285 French Hill Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Margearet H. Dzienis, age 96 and a seventy-five-year resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

The only child of Joseph and Pauline (Petrick) Mraz, Marge was born in Somerville, NJ and raised in Raritan. She attended St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, graduating with the Class of 1948.

After high school, Marge began working as a telephone operator—maybe she even connected one of your calls!

Life often brings unexpected connections, and Marge was fortunate to have hers intersect with a handsome gentleman named Lucius Dzienis—better known as “Dennis.” Their paths crossed when Marge was living with her aunt in Piscataway, next door to Dennis’s brother. At first, it wasn’t love at first sight—in fact, they didn’t like each other much at all! But over time, something changed, and the two fell in love. They were married on Saturday, July 1, 1950, at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in New Brunswick.

After a honeymoon on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, they settled temporarily in a two-family house shared with Dennis’s mother before purchasing their home in Wayne—where Marge would live for the next 75 years. Back then, homes cost just a fraction of what they do today. The deposit on their house was a mere forty dollars—Marge and Dennis each contributed twenty.

Together, Marge and Dennis were blessed with three wonderful children: Patricia, Linda, and Robert. Marge devoted herself to being a nurturing mother and homemaker during their early years. Later, she took a job as a machine operator at General Hose, an auto hose manufacturer in Fairfield, NJ. Dennis worked during the day and got home about half an hour after Marge left for her shift. During that brief window, the kids managed on their own. Marge remained at General Hose for 28 years, retiring in 1985.

Throughout their married life and into retirement, Marge and Dennis loved to travel. They took several senior group trips to Las Vegas, visited Aruba and Disney World, and traveled to Washington, D.C., to see the World War II Memorial—an especially meaningful visit for Dennis, a proud veteran. For their 25th wedding anniversary, their children surprised them with a fully paid trip to Hawaii, which included a one-week cruise and a one-week stay on the Big Island.

Marge also loved visiting New York City, especially for Broadway shows and performances at Radio City Music Hall. She had a passion for gardening—a hobby she shared with Dennis. She took care of the flowers while he tended the vegetables. At home, she enjoyed puzzles, needlepoint, and reading American authors like Danielle Steele, James Patterson, and Nora Roberts.

Marge was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. She attended faithfully until physical limitations made it too difficult. She will be remembered as a warm-hearted, outgoing, and kind person who made friends easily and was always ready to help someone in need.

Marge was the beloved wife of Lucius “Dennis” Dzienis, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage until his passing in 2006. She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia Dzienis and Linda Dzienis, both of Wayne, and her son, Robert Dzienis of Tucson, Arizona.

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In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Marge’s name are kindly asked to consider the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741, or a charity of your choice.

Please make sure to indicate that your gift is in memory of Margaret Dzienis.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert John Hascup, age 88, of Wayne, NJ. Robert passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, while surrounded by the loving care of his family.

Born in Paterson, NJ, Robert was one of three sons of John and Madeline Hascup. At the age of ten, his family settled on Weinmanns Boulevard in Wayne, where he would spend the remainder of his life. He attended Passaic County Technical Institute and graduated with the Class of 1954. After high school, Robert pursued a career in the trades, mastering the art of pipe fitting. He was a proud and longtime member of Pipe Fitters Union Local 274 and spent nearly four decades working for the Frank A. McBride Company in Hawthorne, NJ until his retirement in the early 2000s.

In 1959, Robert enlisted in the New Jersey National Guard, where he served his state and country with pride and distinction for more than forty years. He was also an active member of the New Jersey National Guard NCO Club for many years.

During his youth, Robert’s family maintained a large garden and operated a small poultry business on their Wayne property, raising and selling live chickens until the late 1950s when they transitioned the land into a family retreat, complete with a swimming pool that became a beloved gathering spot.

Robert remained in the family home throughout his life. He was a passionate collector of German beer steins, Tiffany glass and lamps, Hummels, and fine porcelain pottery. Known for his independent spirit, Robert was unafraid to speak his mind and lived life on his own terms. Despite his stubbornness, he was deeply devoted to his family and treasured time spent with loved ones.  He could often be seen poolside, beer in hand, sharing stories and laughter.

Robert is survived by his five nephews: Robert Hascup of Wayne, NJ; Richard Hascup of Coronado, CA; David Hascup of Boonton, NJ; Thomas Hascup of Torrance, CA; and John Hascup of North Caldwell, NJ. He also leaves behind twelve grandnieces and grandnephews who will cherish his memory. He was predeceased by his beloved twin brother, Raymond Hascup, in 1968, and his older brother Harold Hascup.

Robert's life was marked by dedication to his work, loyalty to his country, and a strong love for family. He will be remembered with affection and respect by all who knew him.

Mrs. June Bernice Day, 95, of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, July 7, 2025.

“Junebug,” as she was known by loved ones, was born June 30, 1930 in Paterson, NJ to parents Margie and John O’Brien. Sister to John, Jane, and Joseph, June graduated from Benedictine Academy High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Panzer College.

While vacationing in Bermuda one summer, June was swept off her feet by her future husband, Earl E. Day (of Oklahoma). Earl was a diver for the US Navy at the time and was stationed in Bermuda. Their chance meeting kicked off a life-long love between the couple, who were married for over 50 years.

June was a mother to four loving children – Michael, Patricia, Christopher and Timothy – and supported them throughout their numerous moves across the United States. Earl’s Navy career took the family of six to Virginia, Hawaii, and California, where they had many adventures together. Eventually they settled in Wayne, NJ to be closer to June’s family.

While in Wayne, June continued her career as a physical education teacher, which she began while in California. She taught at Schuyler-Colfax Middle School and later Wayne Valley High School for over 30 years. June’s college education and long career were significant achievements at a time when relatively few mothers pursued careers outside the home.

As June’s children grew up, she had more time to explore her hobbies and interests outside of parenting and work. She was known for her knitting and needlework, making countless sweaters for loved ones through the years. She was also an accomplished golfer and tennis player who enjoyed antiquing, and later in life, jigsaw puzzles. Anyone who knew June will remember her extensive collection of pig figurines, keepsakes and other items, which she accumulated over the years.

June’s children and grandchildren will always remember her unmatched Thanksgiving family dinners, where she tirelessly hosted holiday gatherings for 20+ people for more than two decades. Despite their best efforts, no one has been able to replicate her recipes for stuffing or apple pie, which were unparalleled. Although, if you asked Earl, the pie was “all about how you sliced the apples.”

June loved to laugh and enjoy time with friends. Throughout her retirement, she made many close friends with neighbors living in the Fairways Community. She deeply valued these relationships and kept up with regular card games with friends until her passing. Parties at June’s house were always filled with music – preferably Frank Sinatra – shrimp cocktail, and a Manhattan or two for good measure. She maintained her wit and sense of humor until she passed.

June was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Oak Ridge, NJ. She prayed the rosary regularly and put her faith into practice by supporting causes that were meaningful to her. She spent many years volunteering for Meals on Wheels and also supported the Jefferson Township Rescue Squad with numerous donations over the years.

June is survived by many loving family members, including: her son Michael Day, his wife Lori (Forked River, NJ), and their children Michael Day, Rebecca Day, Brian Day, and Matthew Day; her daughter Patricia Teeling, “favorite son-in-law” Robert (Dumfries, VA), and their daughter Erin Scronce; their son Christopher Day, his wife Marilyn (Lebanon, PA) and their children Lauren Havens and Steven Day; and her loving niece Mary Potosnak (Vernon, NJ), husband Joe and children Jennifer, John and Caitlin. She was predeceased by her husband, Earl, and her son Timonthy, who had three children, Kristina Diglio, Meghan Porter, and Kelsey Belz. June also earned the distinction of “GG” for 12 great-grandchildren.  June was also predeceased by her three siblings John, Jane, and Joseph.

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jefferson Township Rescue Squad, PO Box 300, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.

Wayne J. Potosnak, age 69, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with his family lovingly present at his side.

The son of Joseph and Adele (Sudol) Potosnak, Wayne was born in Passaic, NJ, where he spent his early years before the family moved to Wayne.

Wayne was a proud graduate of Wayne Hills High School, Class of 1973. He continued his education by earning a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson College and later a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

From a youthful age, Wayne showed great determination. At seventeen, he began working at Preakness Fabrics, helping to put himself through college. He also had a knack for numbers—in fact, at just eighteen, he was already preparing his friends’ income tax returns at the local diner. Naturally, he pursued accounting in college, eventually enjoying a long and rewarding career with Moe Frankel, CPA in Fair Lawn, where he rose to become a partner. Most recently, Wayne operated his own accounting practice.

Wayne’s love story began at a friend’s wedding, where he met a kind and beautiful young woman named Jacqueline “Jackie” Marro. They hit it off instantly. Their first official date was to a Halloween party. Their relationship was just beginning, but unbeknownst to them, Jackie and Wayne’s parents already knew one another from Shop-Rite, where Jackie worked the service desk and had interacted with them several times, a welcome surprise when they first met.

Eventually, Wayne proposed. Jackie remembers how nervous he seemed that night. Throughout dinner, Wayne kept fidgeting and checking his pocket, worried he had dropped the ring off the edge of their balcony table. Fortunately, he hadn’t. He found the ring, proposed, Jackie said “Yes,” and they celebrated with Häagen-Dazs chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. They were married at Wayne Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 11, 1982. After a reception at the Wayne Manor, they honeymooned in Bermuda.

They began married life in a cozy West Paterson apartment, later purchasing their first home in Elmwood Park. While living there, they were blessed with their three sons—Ryan, David, and Jason. In December of 1992, the family moved to their current home in Wayne—right in the middle of a nor’easter, making for a memorable move-in day.

Outside of work, Wayne had a deeply artistic side. He played guitar and even wrote his own music. He often insisted that the lyrics in Aerosmith’s “Livin’ on the Edge” was stolen from an original song he submitted to a contest. His favorite musical artists included Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Paul McCartney.

Wayne loved time spent at the beach. As a boy, his parents brought him and his two brothers to Seaside Heights, renting a house every summer with family. He continued this beloved tradition with his own family, visiting Belmar even in the winter, walking the boardwalk in Spring Lake with his sons, fishing at Island Beach State Park and Maryland shores, and vacationing in Cape Cod with— Jackie’s twin brother and their families.

As the father of three boys, Wayne got involved as a volunteer Boy Scout leader. His accounting background didn’t go unnoticed for long—Troop 102 quickly recruited him as treasurer, a role he fulfilled for decades. He and his sons camped one weekend a month and joined in countless service projects. Wayne was especially proud that all three of his sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Devoted to his family, Wayne cherished his marriage to Jackie, loved sharing in life’s moments with his sons, and was the proudest “Pa” to his three grandchildren.

Wayne was the beloved husband of Jackie, blessed in marriage for just a few days short of 43 years. He was the loving father of Ryan Potosnak and wife Stacey of Alexandria, VA, David Potosnak and wife Sara of Bloomingdale, and Jason Potosnak and wife Emily of Oakland; proudest grandfather of: Brooks, Ramona, and Griffin; dear brother of Joseph Potosnak and wife Mary of Highland Lakes, NJ and Thomas Potosnak and wife Darrell of Westborough MA; and dear uncle of Jennifer, John, Caitlin, Jessica, Nicholas, Michelle, Amanda, Anthony, William, Matthew, Timothy, and Brandon. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Adele (Sudol) Potosnak.

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

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Patrick A. Mullin, age 75, of Manhattan, NYC, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, after a long-fought battle with cancer. 

Patrick was born to Gerard and Frances Mullin and graduated from DePaul High School. Patrick went on to obtain his college and master’s degrees from William Paterson University. During his years at WPU, Patrick was active in politics and was the youngest member in his town to run for a Board of Education seat. 

Patrick later went on to pursue his law degree at New York Law School and spent a semester at Harvard University, where he studied international law. A fierce advocate, both inside and outside of the courtroom, Patrick represented the rights of countless people and ensured they received due process under the law. Additionally, of note, Patrick appeared before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1996 where he argued against the mandatory minimum sentencing laws. 

Beyond his love of the law, Patrick also was a black belt in Karate, an avid sports lover (Yankees, Nets, Giants) and enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, Tatiana. Patrick was a member of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City where he was a long-time parishioner. Patrick was also a loving and dedicated father to his only child, Ashley Mullin-Kucharski, who, like her father, pursued a career as a lawyer and ultimately as a jurist in New York City, which Patrick was beyond proud of. 

Patrick was pre-deceased by his parents as well as his sister, Gwen Mullin Veith. Patrick is survived by his wife, Tatiana Mullin (nee Petrov), his ex-wife, Donna Mullin, his daughter, Ashley Mullin-Kucharski (Jarrod Kucharski), his stepson, Stephan Emory (Jenny Emory), his step-grandchildren (Laurence and Kingston Emory), his siblings Timothy Mullin, Gerard Mullin, and Maureen Mullin, as well as his many nieces and nephews and friends who were like family.  

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For those who are unable to attend in person, please click here to view the live-streamed funeral mass for Patrick Mullin.

Cecilia Lena Paolello, age 93 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. 

Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Cecilia was the third of four children to Giuseppe and Cecilia Zinno. Her early years were shaped by both promise and profound loss. A talented artist, she attended Catholic school before earning her place at The Arts High School of Newark through her artistic abilities, an achievement that Cecilia was very proud of. However, tragedy struck her family when her older brother died in World War II while she was just 14 years old. Only four years later, at 18, Cecilia lost her mother, leaving her to navigate young adulthood without them. 

Rather than be broken by these early losses, Cecilia demonstrated the resilience that would define her character throughout her life. She entered the workforce straight from high school, starting in an entry-level position and steadily climbing through determination and exceptional work ethic. Her integrity and competence earned her promotions typically reserved for college graduates, eventually reaching the role of Personnel Manager. She began her career at Kleen-Stik Products in Newark before joining The B. Manischewitz Company in 1970, where she remained for the final 27 years of her professional life until her retirement in 1997. 

Cecilia's personal life was marked by love found twice. Her first marriage to Frank Tobias lasted ten years before they divorced having grown apart over time. Later she found lasting love with Alphonse Paolello, Jr., whom she married and remained devoted to for the rest of her life. 

Those who knew Cecilia will remember her for her incredible Sunday Italian dinners featuring homemade gravy, meatballs, braciole, and eggplant parmesan. When she wasn’t cooking for others, she could be found enjoying her favorite classic movies, especially “Casablanca” and “Gone with the Wind” her all-time favorite movie. 

Above all, Cecilia will be remembered as a loving and caring soul who doted on everyone around her. She was selfless to a fault, a tireless worker, and endlessly kind. She was a person of unwavering trustworthiness who touched the lives of all who were lucky enough to get to know her. 

Cecilia is survived by her husband Alphonse Paolello, Jr.; her son Frank J. Tobias; her grandchildren: Frank D. Tobias and Sara K. Linder; her great grandson William Linder; her niece Donna Gardinier; her grandnephew and niece Jonathan Curtis and Alison Curtis. 

Cecilia is predeceased by her parents Giuseppe and Cecilia Zinno; her siblings: Frank Zinno, Catherine Pruski, and Joseph R. Zinno; her niece Patricia Curtis. 

Arlene Benzenhoefer, age 91 of Pompton Plains and formerly of Wayne, NJ, died peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Arlene grew up in Weehawken, New Jersey and graduated from Weehawken High School, Class of 1951. During her youth, Arlene cherished summers spent with her aunt Olga at Erskine Lakes, New Jersey, where she developed a lifelong love for nature and the simple joys of lake life.

It was at Weehawken High School that Arlene met Emil Benzenhoefer. They dated during their teenage years and were married in 1953, followed by a memorable honeymoon at Niagara Falls, New York. They first settled in Weehawken before buying a home in Wayne during the mid-1950s. Arlene welcomed motherhood and devoted herself to raising their two children; Lynda and Paul. She became an active, beloved member of the community and was deeply involved in local civics, serving as PTO President at James Fallon Elementary School for many years, volunteering at the Foundation for the Handicapped (Found Abilities) and at the local voting polls, as well as serving as a Cub Scout and Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She also served as President of the Preakness-Wayne Woman’s Club for many years, helping to foster service and connection among local women. She loved her community and enjoyed being an integral part of it and she believed in community service. 

Arlene didn’t learn to drive until she was in her 40’s, and this skill expanded her reach quite a bit. She embraced her newfound independence and continued to be a devoted homemaker and community supporter. She was an avid reader, particularly fond of romance novels. She and Emil enjoyed dining out together often, treasuring their time and conversations over shared meals. Berta’s Chateau was among their favorite places to dine.

Together, she and Emil traveled extensively, exploring England, Ireland, Scotland, Paris, and The Bahamas, and they made many cherished memories during their time-share visits to Aruba. Sadly, Emil passed away in 2014 and Arlene subsequently made some lifestyle changes for herself. For the last eleven years, she’s been a resident of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains. She enjoyed the many social clubs and activities available to her there, and she lovingly embraced her community there as well. Arlene will be remembered for her dedication to her family and community, her love of travel and learning, and her commitment to living life fully. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Lynda Benzenhoefer and her partner Bernadette Fiore of Lyndhurst, and Paul Benzenhoefer and his wife Denise of Wayne, a grandson; Matthew Benzenhoefer and his wife Lisa of Riverdale, her cousin; Joyce and Vinny Boland of Ringwood, Lisa DeHope Wagner an almost second daughter to Arlene and Emil, Nicie Collins formerly of Wayne a cherished forever sister-friend,  and dear friend Maria Boscarino.

For anyone interested in making a donation in honor of Arlene, please make a check to:

Cedar Crest Scholarship Fund

1 Cedar Crest Village Drive

Pompton Plains, NJ 07444

Or contact Christine Pretino (Cedar Crest Philanthropy Coordinator) at 973-831-3517.

Mary Brophy, age 72, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Born on June 10, 1953, Mary was one of eight children of Robert and Leona Mulvihill. She grew up in Clifton and later Wayne, New Jersey, and graduated from DePaul Catholic High School, where she excelled at basketball and was honored as “Most Athletic” in her graduating class.

On December 14, 1974, Mary married her loving husband, Kevin Brophy, whom she met while vacationing in Manasquan. Together, they began their life in Clifton, where they were blessed with three sons: Daniel, Thomas, and Matthew. They later settled in Wayne before coming full circle to retire in Manasquan.

Mary was outgoing, kind, and selfless, always putting the needs of others before her own. She found the perfect outlet for her boundless compassion in a nursing career, working at various medical facilities over the years and helping countless individuals through both routine and serious medical challenges.

Mary’s love of athletics fit perfectly in a household full of boys. She loved spending time with her sons, supporting them in their sports, helping them practice, and cheering them on from the sidelines. She taught them to see every setback as another opportunity, never to blame others or feel sorry for themselves. A talented athlete herself, she played softball well into adulthood, was often seen shooting hoops, and later took up and excelled at pickleball. She also enjoyed the beach, gardening, cooking, crossword puzzles, and watching game shows—especially Jeopardy!

Mary was a dear friend to many and a true social butterfly, making friends from all walks of life and keeping in touch through countless phone calls. She offered wise counsel, hosted many gatherings, and was always ready for good conversation, priding herself on being able to talk to anyone about anything. Her home was always filled with warmth and conversation, with an open door and an open heart for anyone who needed a friend.

Determined and resilient, Mary was known for her perseverance in every aspect of life—at work, at home, and in her personal pursuits. She approached any problem with positivity, a solution-oriented mindset, and a smile on her face.

Above all, Mary was devoted to her family. She loved her parents and siblings deeply and treasured her role as grandmother to her five grandchildren. She will be remembered as a wonderful sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Gone too soon, she leaves behind a garden of beautiful memories, watered by a million tears, and will never be forgotten by those who knew her.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Kevin Brophy, in 2021; her mother, Leona Mulvihill, in 2009; her father, Robert Mulvihill, in 2016; her sister, Diane Wilson, in 2019; and her brother, Joseph Mulvihill, in 2021. She is survived by her three children: Daniel and his wife Nancy Brophy; Thomas and his wife Kelly Brophy; and Matthew Brophy; her five grandchildren: Lia, Jack, Grace, Alexandra, and Kevin Brophy; her sisters Ellen (and her husband Tim Monahan), Christine (and her husband Dave Jablonski), Laura Iurato and brother-in-law Peter Wilson; and her brothers Dr. Robert Mulvihill (and his wife Rosanne) and Stephen Mulvihill (and his wife Susan).

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Thomas Francis Vassallo, age 65, of North Haledon, NJ, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Born in Paterson and raised in Wayne, NJ, Tom was one of two sons of the late Rudy and Joan Vassallo. He graduated from Wayne Hills High School in 1977, where he was widely recognized for his exceptional artistic talent, particularly in sketching and painting.  This was a skill Tom continued to nurture and practice throughout his life.

Following high school, Tom attended Stockton University in Galloway, NJ. After a few years, he chose to step away from his studies to join his father in the family’s sign painting business. After his father's passing in 1985, Tom embarked on a long and dedicated career as an Inventory Control Clerk with Anritsu, a medical equipment manufacturing company, where he worked for several decades before his recent retirement.

A man of quiet passions, Tom found joy and community through bowling.  Bowling was a sport he cherished deeply. At his peak, he bowled three to four times a week on his own and in leagues throughout Northern New Jersey, including venues in Ramsey, Mahwah, and the T-Bowl in Wayne. Although he never achieved a perfect 300 game, he came heartbreakingly close, once falling short in the final frame. Tom was also an avid boxing enthusiast and a devoted music lover, with a deep appreciation for a wide variety music including artists like Lou Reed and Iggy Pop.  He was also quite proud of his extensive and treasured collection of vinyl records.

 Though reserved and private by nature, Tom found strength and comfort in his Christian faith. He created lifelong bonds with a close-knit group of dear friends which he fondly referred to as his “Group of Sixteen Friends” with whom he shared decades of memories, laughter, and companionship.

Tom will be remembered for his gentle spirit, artistic soul, and the quiet yet meaningful ways he touched the lives of those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone that knew him.

Tom is survived by his brother, Mark Vassallo of Spring Green, WI; his nieces, Olivia Vassallo of Middleton, WI, and Megan Zink and her husband Eric of Stoughton, WI; his nephews, Tommy and Dylan Vassallo, both of Spring Green, WI; and three grandnieces and nephews: Noah, Milo, and Ethan. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Rudy and Joan Vassallo.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Tom’s name are kindly asked to consider a donation in his name to the ASPCA.

Marie J. Cappiello, age 87, of Asbury Park, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Neptune, NJ, and raised in nearby Asbury Park, Marie was one of two children born to Edgardo and Rose Bertini. She was a proud graduate of Asbury Park High School, Class of 1955. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Frank Cappiello. Together, they settled in Bloomfield, NJ, where they raised their four children: Frank, Christina, Matthew, and Patricia.

Marie dedicated many years to being a devoted homemaker, creating a warm and loving home for her growing family. Following her divorce after eighteen years of marriage, Marie reentered the workforce and joined Kings Supermarket in Verona, NJ, where she became a familiar and cherished face in the deli department for over twenty-five years until her retirement.

Throughout her life, Marie called several New Jersey towns home - including Montclair, Cedar Grove, and Bradley Beach, where she lovingly cared for her aging mother. After her mother’s passing, Marie returned to her beloved hometown of Asbury Park.

Marie had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. An exceptional cook and baker, she was known and adored for her pasta, London broil, eggplant dishes, and her signature cupcakes. Her home was often the heart of family celebrations - holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and spirited Sunday football games - where her warmth and hospitality brought joy to all.

Her deepest devotion was to her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she cherished beyond measure. A woman of dedicated faith, Marie never missed her daily prayers and remained closely tied to her Catholic beliefs throughout her life. She found simple pleasures in crossword puzzles and her favorite TV shows, Wheel of Fortune and Say Yes to the Dress.

Marie is survived by her loving children: Christina Cappiello of Wayne, NJ; Matthew Cappiello of Overland Park, KS; Patricia Cappiello of Morristown, NJ; and Frank Cappiello of Florida. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Bertini of Oakhurst, NJ; her beloved grandchildren: Amanda Cappiello, Frankie Simpson, and Taylor Cappiello; and a dear family friend, Debbie Tichko.

Marie will be remembered for her generous spirit, unwavering love, and the enduring legacy of family and faith she leaves behind.