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. 

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.

Douglas Bean McGilvray, of Wayne, New Jersey passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at home surrounded by close friends and family. 

Born to Elizabeth and Dugald McGilvray in 1946, he was a proud graduate of Montclair High School, class of 1964. His love of music was a lifelong journey that took him from playing a variety of instruments to becoming an avid decades long Drum Corps supporter. At MHS he sang in Madrigals, played in the orchestra and band (clarinet) and was a member of the soccer and track teams. In his younger years he loved spending time in the woods and swimming in the lake at the family’s summer house. 

This sparked his lifelong love of trees. He took a wild tract of land in western Pennsylvania, planting groves of trees that he grew from seed and carving lush meadows out of wild brush. His soft spot for all things living showed as the deer would gather at the sound of this truck pulling up the drive waiting for the cracked corn he would purchase for them at the local feed store.

An Eagle Scout with Troop 2 Bloomfield, Doug led the troop through major changes within the unit. Working for eight summers at Fire Place Lodge, a girls’ camp in East Hampton, NY, found him forging lifelong friends and an abundance of memories. 

A Chemical Engineering major at the University of Maine gave him the education needed to pursue a career with the insurance industry, traveling around the world.  Working alongside the underwriters, he inspected a variety of facilities from mines to atomic plants providing feedback in safety and fire protection. In retirement, he volunteered as an advisor to applicants regarding benefits of the various programs of the Engineering Department at U. Maine. He started his career at American Factory Insurance out of the Pittsburgh office. 

Taking a position at AFIA moved him back to New Jersey. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, he lived a second life around the world both at work and play. Doug retired from Zurich Insurance, continuing to travel the globe many times landing on his lanai on Maui with his wife, Lorraine, finding time for a round of golf.

As a volunteer fireman with the Lyndora Volunteer Fire Company in Butler Pa., it was the beginning of an over 50-year commitment to protecting his community. Moving to Wayne, NJ in 1977, he joined Fire Company #2 beginning a long-distinguished history. He served as President and Secretary and was responsible for the filling of air tanks for the 5 fire stations in Wayne. His engineering background was a natural fit for the team charged with building and inspecting new fire trucks for delivery. An exacting man, the manufacturers soon learned to follow all the agreed upon plans. 

In 1998, he rejoined the Boy Scouts, this time with Troop 13 Montclair to assist his nephew’s troop’s quest to go to Philmont. A bucket list item for Doug, he readily agreed to serve as assistant scoutmaster for the trek. He continued to attend additional Philmont treks, Floodwood High adventure canoe treks, trips to England with the troop, and overnights. He also served the council as a merit badge counselor and as a mentor to many Eagle candidates for the next 27 years. Since Camp Glen Grey changed to an independent camp, Doug served as a campmaster and was inducted into the Old Guard of Glen Grey.

After being introduced to Drum Corp in high school by his band director, he became an ardent admirer and loved nothing better than spending a summer evening watching the intricate choreography and listening to the blend of horns from some of the most talented young people in the country. His ability to remember the music played year after year and special qualities of each piece, be it time or key changes, by his favorite corps was amazing.  He traveled all over the country “catching a show” or attending the 3-day championships each August. Life would have been perfect if he had been able to travel by train to each of the shows.

Doug was a terrific person in so many ways. If you were a friend, you were a friend for life. If you were a neighbor, you knew you could call on him for help and it would be cheerfully given.

He was a son that his parents could depend on especially in their golden years. The best brother anyone could ask for, he had the distinction of being born in the middle of two sisters and was a strong support for his sisters and brothers-in laws. He was a terrific uncle who took a special interest in each of his 3 nieces, 5 nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews. Doug began researching the family tree and soon had 17 pages spanning over 17 feet when opened.

He leaves behind his wife of 37 years, M. Lorraine, his sisters Jean Watson Esselink of New Britain, Ct. and Liz Hemminger of Montclair, N.J., brothers-in-law-Paul Hemminger, Michael Machette of Wharton, N.J. and sisters-in-law Denny Pizarro and Pat Sanford of Summerfield, Fl. and their families.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to P.O.L. Fire company #2, P.O. Box#1, Wayne, N.J. 07470.

Robert Edward Corcoran was suddenly called home by his beloved Lord on June 27, 2025.

He was born on April 20,1948 in Paterson, NJ, but was raised in Wayne NJ where he lived most of his life.

Bob was predeceased by his loving parents James M. Corcoran and Kathryn( Powers) of Wayne NJ. He is survived by his brothers James Corcoran and his wife Jean ( Wilson) of Sellersville, PA and brother Charles Corcoran and wife Wanda (Petrosewitz) of Olean, NY, nephew Mark Corcoran and Kate( Kelley), niece Lisa {Corcoran}Wichert and husband Kent Wichert and 15 great nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his beloved partner of 38 Years Erik Linotte from the Netherlands, who currently resides in their residence in Wayne NJ.

Bob received his degree in liberal arts and history from Christian Brothers University Memphis TN. After Graduation Bob traveled the world extensively mainly Asia where he taught English and history in Hong Kong where he lived for several years. After returning to the USA he lived for several years in Hawaii and California before returning to New Jersey where he managed his parents ‘Jay hardware store in Mountain view.

Erik and Robert met each other 38 years ago in Amsterdam during one of his travels and they had that instant connection, they lived a simple life but filled with love and respect for one another.

Bob was a man of faith, he was a true believer and if you would ask him what his faith was he would tell you’ he is following the Gospel of Jesus’, because of his strong faith his partner and  family know that Bob was taken by his beloved Lord into His Kingdom with wide open arms where he is at a good place surrounded by his beloved cats and dogs that have passed over the years.

Bob loved to be outside and work in his garden which he was so proud of, he created a piece of heaven for himself and Erik. He also loved his animals, no animal too big or small he took care of them with great care and love. As a profound history buff he could tell you many interesting stories and people loved his stories about history and his travels, his partner Erik had to listen to many history lessons mostly very early in the morning .There are so many things that can be said about Robert but he will always be remembered by his personality, his kindness and beautiful heart, he will be missed by those who knew him but he will watch over us forever.

In Robert’s honor, please make a donation to your local animal shelter, or the Sid Roth ministries.

Johanna Pettrizzie, age 85, of Wayne passed peacefully on Friday, June 27th, 2025.

Johanna was born to John and Antoinette (nee Romano) Pettrizzie, she was one of six children in her family. Sadly, Johanna’s father passed away at a young age, and her older sister, Madeline, helped to raise her siblings. Johanna went on to graduate from Emerson High School in Union City, NJ, with the class off 1958, where she had also been a majorette with the marching band! After high school, she began working as a receptionist/office manager for Foremost Corrugated in Little Ferry. She enjoyed a lengthy career before retiring in '95. She had lived in N. Arlington, Union City, and Ridgefield before moving to Wayne in 1995.

Johanna was of fan of the “Big Apple” and enjoyed all that New York City had to offer, especially the night life. She would frequently bring her niece and nephews to see the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall starring the Rockettes and Parade of the Wooden Soldiers during the winter holidays, and Broadway shows like Peter Pan, Annie, etc. She took in live concerts, seeing Elton John, John Denver, and so many more. She frequented “The Barge Club” on the Hackensack River in Carlstadt, The Bicycle Club in Fort Lee, and the Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove. She had a lot of fun through the years.

Johanna loved her independence, enjoyed bike riding and was an animal lover. Her poodles, first Max then Buster were like children to her and she would spoil them to no end. After they left her for doggie heaven she would always enthusiastically volunteer to "babysit" for her niece's Yorkshire terrior, Rosie. Johanna shared her love unconditionally. In addition to her love of dogs Johanna would always make sure the local squirrels in her backyard had their daily snacks of peanuts that she fed them on the deck. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed diving into a good novel. She has a book collection like no other. She had also enjoyed some world travel, visiting Rome, Italy, and Hawaii.

Johanna remained extremely close with her siblings Madeline and John. The three of them lived together throughout their lifetimes. Her family, and the love they all shared, was essential to her. She is the last of her siblings to have passed away after her sister Madeline died in 2001, her sisters Agnes Spada and Marie Manzini in 2013, her brother John in 2014, and her sister Frances Ianuale in 2020.

Johanna is survived by her niece, Marissa Sabia and her husband Carmine, three nephews; Steve Ianuale, Michael Ianuale and his wife Laura, and Robert Spada, her great-nieces and great-nephews; Nicole, Francesca, Mark and Cory, and a large extended family. They will all miss her dearly.

Deborah (Debbie) Lynn Cassidy, 71, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025.

Born on May 20, 1954, in Ridgewood, NJ, Debbie dedicated her life to raising her five children. She is survived by her loving children: Jessica Vander Wall and her husband Todd Vander Wall; Mark D. Cassidy and his wife Wendy Cassidy; Kristin Figueroa and her husband Jesse Figueroa; Leanne Lewis and her husband Tom Lewis; and her daughter Karen Cassidy.

She also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Matthew, Hunter, Liam, Quinn, Peyton, and Olivia, as well as her beloved nieces and nephew. Debbie was a devoted mother, and her impact extended beyond her own children to their friends and her beloved nieces.  Debbie is also survived by her brother, Glenn Sisco, and Annette Peshia. Debbie was previously married to Mark Dennis Cassidy of Ridgewood, NJ.

In her leisure time, Debbie enjoyed reading, listening to Rock-n-Roll music, and relaxing in the sun, especially at the beach. Some of her most treasured memories were made in Spring Lake, NJ, where she enjoyed bike riding with her children, fishing, and crabbing. A true lover of lobster and all things seafood, she also loved dining out and was a great cook herself. Debbie was widely known for her infectious and boisterous laugh.

Debbie's life was enriched by the close friendships she found at Summerhill, where she appreciated their companionship and daily visits. She especially looked forward to playing Bingo with her friends there.

Matthew Walton, 26, of Wayne, NJ, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, loyalty, and a deep love for those around him.

Born and raised in Wayne, Matthew graduated with the Wayne Valley High School Class of 2017. A lifelong sports fan, Matthew especially loved the New York Jets, proudly enjoying the season tickets that his father held. They made countless memories at MetLife Stadium. One of the highlights of his young life was attending the 2015 Super Bowl through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This included four fun-packet days with VIP treatment for him and his family, with great seats to the big game! It was a dream come true for Matthew.

Matthew had a passion for fashion and collected sneakers with a discerning eye, appreciating the unique designs and stories behind each pair. He loved music and was a really good dancer, often surprising friends with his smooth moves, even though he was otherwise an introverted and quiet soul. Matthew was especially proud of his Italian heritage, and he never missed an opportunity to share that fact.

A lover of video games, it’s anyone’s guess how many hours he spent on his Xbox, but it was a lot. He found comfort and relaxation in the time he spent gaming. For the past three years, he shared a loving relationship with his girlfriend Nicole. They were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, and together they found happiness in simple moments—taking walks around Packanack Lake and dining at Portobello restaurant. Of course, Matthew also liked to argue with her, and Nicole would give anything today to argue with him just one more time. She will miss him dearly.

Matthew battled with Crohn’s disease for many years, the reason he was granted his wish by Make-A-Wish Foundation. Despite those challenges, he faced each day with courage and resilience, never allowing his illness to define his spirit. His love, kindness, and quiet presence will be remembered by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Matthew will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for the joy he brought to others, his dedication to the things he loved, and the quiet but strong way he walked through the world.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Jackie Valorani and her husband Anthony of Wayne, his brother Eddie Walton of Woodland Park, his grandmother; Sue Walton of N. Carolina, and his girlfriend; Nicole Lucero, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and heartbroken friends. He was predeceased by his father; Mike Walton in 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Matthew’s memory to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or the Make-A-Wish Foundation, organizations that made a meaningful difference in his life. www.wish.org 

Joseph A. Stinziano, age 88, a man whose bright colored outfits and even brighter spirit could light up any room, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Oak Park, Illinois. Joe had resided in Wayne, NJ, for much of his life before moving briefly to Wanaque, NJ, and then to Oak Park in 2017.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, in 1937, Joe graduated from Ferris High School, where he discovered his passion for music and maybe even a little mischief. Joe played drums for more than ten years with “The Tunesters,” touring across the country and holding a three-year residency in Las Vegas during the late 1950s and early 1960s. On one particular occasion, he returned home late at night from a lengthy tour and was unable to get into his parent’s home, so he slept on the porch. In the morning, his mother discovered him there and didn’t recognize him. Thinking he was vagrant, she proceeded to yell and call the police! One of his greatest musical influences was Frank Sinatra, and Joe remained a loyal fan of his music “Saturdays with Sinatra” throughout the house for many years. 

After retiring from the music scene, Joe became a general contractor and painter in the Jersey City area before making a bold move in mid-life: he went to college, eventually earning his Master’s Degree in Teaching. Joe began teaching special education at Passaic County Vo-Tech High School in the 1970’s, where he created a “life skills” curriculum for deaf students that continues to be used today, a legacy that made him deeply proud. Joe loved being a teacher, and his students benefited from the same warmth, humor, and a firm belief that anything was possible. He retired from teaching in 2005.

It was at Passaic County Vo-Tech High School that Joe met the love of his life, Ellen. He used a corny pickup line to convince her to join him for lunch, and so began their romance. It only took thirteen years of courtship before Joe asked Ellen to marry him, and they tied the knot on July 27, 2003, followed by a honeymoon aboard a Caribbean cruise. They enjoyed cruising so much that they’ve embarked on more than one hundred cruises to ports all around the world. This year they’ve already enjoyed three cruises and had three more booked in the coming months. Joe would often pack his suitcase about thirty minutes before leaving the house, filling it with his ‘cruise clothes’ which included the most outlandish outfits of crazy shirts, patterned pants, and bright colored belts. His attire only served to enhance his already-exuberant persona.

Joe could certainly be described as a big dreamer, always believing in the impossible. His purpose was simple; to make people smile. He brought a special energy, fun, and chaos wherever he went, and there was never a dull moment when Joe was around. In order to provide a great environment for all the family fun, Joe and his sons built a huge party room, where Joe hosted and held court over many memorable parties.  He spent weeks planning the menu and choosing the perfect décor, and he cooked everything to perfection. Joe truly loved his family, believing that time spent with loved ones was the most important gift in life. He is a testament to living boldly, loving deeply, and finding joy in everyday moments. His family and friends will forever remember the way he could turn an ordinary day into something special, simply by showing up as himself.

He was also a “master putzer” who loved to tinker and fix things around the house—though finishing projects was never as important to him as the joy of starting them. Most of his projects would reach a point of ‘nearly complete,’ and that’s where they would remain. He’s left little reminders of his handiwork all over the place.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his wife Ellen of Oak Park, IL., his two sons; Joseph Stinziano and his wife Laura of Wayne, Mark Stinziano and his wife Kelly of Hewitt, his daughter Julie Cantrell and her husband Mike of Missouri, one brother; Dennis Stinziano and his wife Patricia of Hollywood, FL, his cherished grandchildren who all called him Pop-Pop: Joseph, Jaclyn, Donna, Donald, Philip, and Phylicia Stinziano and Ferris Cantrel, many friends, former students, and all those whose lives he touched with his humor and kindness. Joe was predeceased by his parents: John and Rose Stinziano; his five beloved sisters and two dear brothers: Theresa Sucato, Anna Kachnowski, Jeanette Quarterbosh, Rosemary Falcone,  Josephine Lombardi, Dominick and John Stinziano; and his former wives Patricia Brunning and Donna Cortese.  

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In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to Wounded Warriors or to The Maria Costanzo DeBenedetto Memorial Foundation (find Foundation on PayPal, or by check mailed to MCDM Foundation, 19 Point Road, Wayne, NJ  07470.

Mark William Rudiger, age 65, of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Born in Passaic, Mark spent his early years in East Rutherford before his family settled in Wayne, NJ, where he was raised and shaped by the close bonds of his large family as one of six children to Harry and Barbara Rudiger. He graduated from Wayne Hills High School in 1977, where he was a proud member of the varsity football team and also enjoyed playing hockey and competitive skiing during his youth.

After high school, Mark began his professional journey with the Wanaque Reservoir. He later joined Interstate Maintenance in Boonton, NJ, where he spent nearly two decades mastering the trade of Building Engineering. His career continued with Newmark Law Offices in West Orange, where he worked as a Building Engineer for over twenty years until his passing—a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication.

In the early 1980s, Mark married Kathleen Brown, and together they raised their two children, Cynthia and William. Through the years, the couple grew apart and their marriage eventually ended.

While working at Interstate Maintenance, Mark met Jamileth Arrieta—a connection that would change his life. After a first date at the beach in Long Branch, the two quickly formed a deep bond. Their love grew, and on October 5, 2006, they were married. The couple first lived in Elizabeth before settling in Hackettstown, where they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

Mark had a passion for cooking and grilling, often hosting lively family gatherings. He and Jamileth shared a love for gardening and could often be found working side by side in their yard, meticulously tending to their flower beds and vegetable garden. Mark was a skilled handyman who took pride in his home, always keeping it in immaculate condition. Together, he and Jamileth traveled to places like Cancun, Punta Cana, and Costa Rica.  They also cruised together on several occasions to many of the exotic islands in the Caribbean, creating memories that became cherished chapters of their life together.

Above all else, Mark’s greatest devotion was to his family. He found true joy in providing for them and spending time with those he loved most. His Christian faith was also a central part of his life. Mark accepted Jesus in 1980 and remained a devoted student of the Bible, eventually inspiring his parents to draw closer to the Lord as well.

Known for his easygoing nature, infectious humor, and generous spirit, Mark had a gift for making those around him smile. He never missed an opportunity to share a joke or lighten the mood. He was a loving son, a devoted father, a supportive brother, and a cherished grandfather. Most of all, he was a faithful and loving husband who treasured more than two decades of marriage to his beloved Jamileth.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jamileth Rudiger (née Arrieta) of Hackettstown, NJ; his children, William Rudiger and his wife Lauren, and Cynthia Andrews, all of Bradenton, FL; his grandchildren, McKenna, Kaleb, Jaxon, Ashton, and Jordon; his siblings, Lorraine Marquez and her husband Marrio of Ronda, NC; Carol Rudiger of Montville, NJ; Karen Rudiger of Fort Lee, NJ; Karl Rudiger and his wife Susanne of Charleston, SC; and David Rudiger and his wife Debby of Clemmons, NC; as well as seven nieces and nephews and 6 grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by both his parents, Harry and Barbara Rudiger, within the last thirteen months.

Mark’s sudden departure leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering faith, and the legacy of love and laughter he leaves behind.

Roy John Miller, 78, of Hackensack, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Roy was raised in Teaneck, NJ, the beloved son of Royale and Cecelia Miller, and the youngest of their three children. He began his education at the Essie Olive Abeel School in Hackensack before attending Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with the Class of 1965. Shortly thereafter, Roy proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, answering the call to serve his country.

Tragically, before he could deploy overseas, Roy was involved in a devastating car accident during a brief period of leave. Ejected from the vehicle due to his position in the backseat, he was the sole survivor among his group of friends. The accident brought a premature end to his military service, and he spent a lengthy recovery period at a hospital in Petersburg, Virginia.

Following his recovery, Roy began a successful career in the automotive industry, working as a service manager for a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Englewood, NJ, and later at other locations. He eventually transitioned into sales at George Glove, Inc. in Midland Park, NJ, where he rose to the position of Vice President of Sales.

It was during his time at the Mercedes dealership that Roy met Joan Foschini, a young woman who brought her car in for service and was immediately drawn to his charm. She asked him to dinner, and the two quickly formed a deep connection. They married in 1980 and made their home in Hackensack in a condo owned by Joan’s family. Though their marriage lasted nearly twenty years before they eventually divorced, Roy and Joan remained close companions and caring friends throughout their lives.

After the divorce, Roy returned to the home where he was raised in Teaneck to care for his aging mother. Following her passing in 2004, he moved back to Hackensack, where he remained.

Roy was a man of quiet strength, deep intelligence, and thoughtful presence. He loved nothing more than spending time by the beach, drink in hand, basking in the sun and sea breeze. A connoisseur of good food and drink, he was a regular at the Miller Ale House in Paramus, always enjoying a scotch on the rocks and a hearty steak. An avid Mets fan and a devoted viewer of Jeopardy!, Roy was both intellectually curious and deeply grounded.

Above all, Roy was a kind and loyal soul, devoted to his family and especially close to his sister Patricia, with whom he spoke daily. His warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Joan Foschini of Glen Rock, NJ; his loving sister, Patricia Deraney of Wayne, NJ; his niece, Danielle Palumbo of Oakland; and his nephews: Rod Deraney of Newtown, CT, Ed Deraney of Wayne, NJ, Robert Nardi of Virginia, and Christopher Nardi of Missouri, and many great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Royale and Cecelia Miller, and his sister, Flora Nardi.

Joseph Stern, Jr., of Hardyston, passed away on June 20, 2025, at United Methodist Communities Bristol Glen, in Newton. 

Joe grew up in the Wanaque, Pompton Lakes area and spent most of his life there.  During his high school years in Pompton Lakes Joe went into a work program and started working at the Riverdale Rambler Auto Dealership. He started out in the Parts Department and over a period of a few years, he purchased the property and turned it into an RV center called VanCon, that he ran for many years.  

Joe moved to Sussex County 25 years ago, spending 20 years in Oakridge, and the last 5 years in Hardyston, in Crystal Springs.  

One of Joe’s favorite past times was boating, and he did many enjoyable trips up and down the East Coast, going to Florida and the Carolinas.  

Joe will be deeply missed by his brother Albert of Hardyston, his Aunt Effie Stern of Wayne, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Richard W. Falato, age 79, of Wayne and Marco Island, FL went to his eternal rest on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with the comfort of his wife by his side.

He was born in Paterson to John and Ruth Falato and raised at 849 Main Street in Paterson New Jersey, graduating from Central High School with the Class of 1964.  He continued his education at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts where he studied Advertising Design with the Class of 1967.

Rich’s remarkable career began humbly, plucking eyes out of potatoes at the farmers’ market on Railway Avenue in Paterson. His first job in his field was with the American Cyanamid Corporation in Wayne working in the art department. Rich went on to serve as Art Director for the Ridgewood News. In 1972 he moved his young family to Sherman Oaks, California, where he joined the printing department at Price Waterhouse, a job his brother in law secured for him until he could find something of his own in a more creative vain. Two years later, they returned to New Jersey, where Rich worked for Westshore Publishing in Bogota before joining Curtin and Kissane in New York City.

There, he designed brochures, game tickets and other promotional materials. This led him to establish his own firm, Joshua Productions in Riverdale, New Jersey. Changes in the graphics business led him to establish a home-based company on Oakwood Drive in Wayne. He specialized in advertising, product photography, brochures, and magazine ad placement. Ready for a change, and ever adaptable, Rich transitioned into a scientific role at Schering-Plough—later Merck—where he spent the last seven years of his work life as a Pharmaceutical Lab Process Specialist. Rich officially retired in 2015.

Rich was always on the move, embracing an active lifestyle with his trademark enthusiasm and good humor. He loved playing golf at the Packanack Golf Club, especially with the Wednesday Seniors, even if his skills on the course were more often the source of friendly teasing than trophies. What he lacked in golfing precision, he made up for with laughter and camaraderie. Rich also enjoyed the fast-paced game of pickleball and was a regular at the gym, where he was known for his dedication to staying fit. One of his favorite pastimes in Florida, was playing bocce ball, a sport that brought him many dear friends. 

Rich met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Dowd, at a Central High School football game in Paterson—a serendipitous moment that marked the beginning of a beautiful lifelong partnership. Their relationship deepened over time, and Rich proposed to Pat while they sat together in a car near William Paterson University, then known by its earlier name. They were married on June 22, 1968, at St. Mary’s Church on Union Avenue in Paterson, and celebrated their union with a joyful reception at the Wayne Manor. Their honeymoon to the sun-soaked shores of Saint Thomas and Puerto Rico marked the start of a marriage rooted in love, respect, and shared values. This union produced two children, a source of tremendous pride to Rich. Years as a coach, rooter, advice-giver, all rolls played by him, thanks to two children born nine years apart – to the day. These two children brought him tremendous joy by making him a grandfather of six. This new generation kept him on the go with ball games, graduations, building projects, bedtime stories, and home-cooked meals. Over 57 years of marriage, Rich and Pat built a life full of meaning, and Pat remained faithfully by Rich’s side, a constant presence of love and strength, at the time of his passing.

Rich was the loving husband of 57 years to Patricia “Pat” Falato; devoted father of Joshua Falato of Hoboken, Bree Falato and her husband Terry Kelly of Hoboken; cherished grandfather of Samantha Falato, Dean Falato, and Vincent Falato all of Wayne; Shane Kelly, Damon Kelly, and Sophie Kelly all of Hoboken; he was the loved brother of John Falato, James Falato, and Evelyn Wedel all of Tucson, AZ.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Avow Hospice would be greatly appreciated. You can click on the blue text to redirect you to their donation pages.

Michael Dennis Oscar, age 72 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025.

Born as the youngest of four children to John and Stella Oscar, Mike was raised in Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut. From a young age, he enjoyed photography and the outdoors, interests that would remain with him throughout his life. After high school, Michael continued his education at Newark College of Engineering (now known as NJIT), where he studied engineering. During his studies, he met a beautiful young woman named Joyce McPartland, who was studying at nearby Rutgers University.

Michael fell head over heels for Joyce, expressing his love and admiration with flowers that he would place on her car or on her lab seat at university. The two fell deeply in love, and shortly after graduating, they exchanged vows on May 2, 1976. After a honeymoon in Hawaii, the newlyweds moved into an apartment in Elizabeth before purchasing their home together in Packanack Lake, Wayne, where they’ve lived ever since. Their family grew with the birth of their son Craig in 1981 and their daughter Karen in 1983.

Michael and Joyce shared a passion for show dogs for many years, raising beautiful Shelties and Min Pins. They competed with their beloved animals across the United States, traveling extensively as a family. Their adventures took them to nearly every state, visiting unique destinations such as Busch Gardens, Disney World, New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, and countless other locations during their road trips.

One particularly memorable journey to the Delaware River included a canoeing adventure that became a family legend. When their group took a wrong turn through the rapids, Mike and Joyce's canoe flipped, sending everything to the bottom of the river. Though Mike could not swim, Joyce managed to dive down and pull him to safety under their overturned canoe. After flipping the canoe with help from their group, they discovered that a single rock had somehow remained in the canoe throughout the entire ordeal. That rock became a centerpiece on their fireplace mantle, serving as a reminder of the trial they overcame together.

Mike was a determined man with tremendous grit and a true family man who could help fix anything. He loved to cook and experiment with new recipes for his family's enjoyment. His passion for camping complemented their frequent road trips, creating countless memories with Joyce as they explored the country together.

Michael will be remembered for his loving devotion to his family, his adventurous spirit, and his generous heart that touched all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his wife Joyce Oscar; his brother Richard Oscar; his two children: Craig Oscar and Karen Garrett; and his three grandchildren: Wyatt Oscar and Skyla and James Garrett.

Michael is Predeceased by his parents: John and Stella Oscar and his brother Ken and sister Marcia.

John J. Sidor passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 16, 2025, just one day shy of his ninety-first birthday. He was a longtime resident of Wayne.

Born in Jersey City, John was the oldest of John J. and Annie (Turker) Sidor’s three children. He was raised in Hoboken and after graduating from Demarest High School, he attended Seton Hall University.

As a young man, John managed an IGA grocery store in Lyndhurst. He later drove a truck for Sexton Food Service. As a driver, he would frequently take his little daughter Pamela with him in the truck. John also took Pam on rides on his motorcycle. She was just 3 years old and they’d ride for hours.

In 1953, John joined the United States Army, where he served with great pride and distinction from 1953 to 1957. Upon his honorable discharge, he continued to serve in the Army Reserve until 1990, meaning John’s service to his country spanned a total of 37 years! He retired as a Sergeant Major at the age of 56. His service as a reservist consisted of one weekend a month as well as two weeks in a row, three times a year. He primarily served as a drill sergeant and his work in the Army took him all over the country, with most of his time spent at Fort Dix in Lakehurst, NJ. There was probably no bigger part of John’s life than serving in the Army. You could say his blood flowed Army green. He even preferred going all the way to Tobyhanna, PA to shop at the Picatinny Commissary instead of his local grocery store. He’d boast about the great deals he could get there and quite frankly, he just loved the militaristic atmosphere. John was truly proud of his Army service and he beamed with pride when people saw his Sergeant Major stripes and saluted him.

After his full-time Army service ended, John took a job as a district manager with Burger King. A single father of his precious daughter Pamela, it was while working at Burger King that John met the true love of his life. Her name was Arlene Moran, and she was a cashier at the Hackensack location and a single mother of two young boys — Richard and James. At the time they met, John was 34 and Arlene was just 24. You could say that their relationship got off to a cold start. You see, they happened to meet on a day when that Burger King got robbed. The perpetrators locked all the employees in the freezer. Talk about a captive audience! They hugged each other to keep warm and that close encounter led to a flame-broiled relationship, a marriage proposal at a restaurant in Englewood, and a marriage ceremony before God, family, and friends on Saturday, January 19, 1974.

Married life for John and Arlene began in River Edge, where they stayed until moving to their present home in Wayne 45 years ago.

John’s favorite pastimes included cooking on his grill and camping at Otter Lake in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania. Camping started in a tent, progressed to a pop-up trailer, and ultimately to a twenty-seven-foot trailer. In the early days, that trailer was located on a lakeside campsite. It later became a permanent trailer on campsite “X-3.” Camping at Otter Lake was a longtime family tradition and, to this day, John’s kids have fond memories of campfires, roasted marshmallows, and even watching their father build cages around the hummingbird feeders to keep the bears from drinking all the sweet nectar.

John was also a very gifted painter. All you had to do was ask him to paint whatever you wanted, then leave him alone and watch the magic. Murals, nature scenes — you name it, John was a modern-day Picasso. At his campsite, he painted rocks to look like real turtles. Once he did that, his campsite became known as “Turtle Site” by all the other campers.

John was a man who treasured the love and presence of his family. For Halloween, he painted the most amazing pumpkins for all his grandchildren and, at Christmas, he was the go-to guy to put together all of their Christmas presents. Around his family, you’d never know he was the tough Army drill sergeant. They would describe him more as “funny” and “relaxed” and the guy who had fun going pumpkin picking and dancing in his living room. He was the “Poppy” who loved Charles Shulz’s Peanuts characters — especially Snoopy, and especially when Snoopy was imagining himself as the Red Baron. In fact, John had over fifty Snoopy Christmas Ornaments and, when it came to dancing, there was no more enjoyable sight than to watch him perform the Schroeder dance. John also loved his cat, whom he rewarded with the name “Killer” because Killer caught a mouse in his apartment.

After retiring from his position with Burger King, John took a job with the Wayne Township Board of Education as a bus driver. With his wife Arlene by his side as his school bus aid, John drove Bus 77 for the next twenty-one years, not retiring until he was 84 years old. The first 5 years he drove the big buses and after that he transitioned to the shorter buses for the special ed kids. He transported literally hundreds of kids during his final career and they all loved him! They even would invite him and Arlene to their summer barbecues. Of course, he went! After all, he loved those kids as much as they loved him.

Later in life, John put his faith in God. It meant a lot to him and, while he is no longer here, because of his faith, they know where John is. They bask in that comfort and they’ll always cherish the memories and the beautiful gift that he was until, sharing in his faith, they will see him again one day.

John was the beloved husband of Arlene (Moran) Sidor, blessed in marriage for 51 beautiful years. He was the loving father of Pamela and her husband Robert Reilly of Lake Ariel, PA, Richard Albolino of Wayne, and James and his wife Kerry Albolino of Stony Point, NY; adored “Poppy” of Jimmny Rivera, Jason Reilly, Melisa Reilly, Eaker Smith, Brittney Albolino, Kyle Albolino, Tyler Albolino, and Catrina Albolino; proud great-grandfather of Max Reilly, Alyssa Rivera, Ayden Finley, Alivia Finley, Savanna Rayner, and Aaron Albolino; and dear brother of Philip and his wife Sheila Sidor of Florida. John was predeceased by his parents — John J. Sidor and Annie (Turker) Sidor — and his sister Evelyn Jadevia.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to:

Wounded Warrior Project

P.O. Box 758516

Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

To download a mailable form CLICK HERE.

Donations can also be made by calling 855-448-3997.

Please be sure to indicate that your gift is in memory of John J. Sidor.

Ida J. Van Dalen, age 89, of Wayne for 62 years, passed Monday, June 16, 2025.

She was born in Passaic to Chris and Anna Van Der Stad. Ida has lived in Passaic, Newfoundland, Totowa, Prospect Park, and Wayne. In 1964 they moved to Wayne in a house that her husband Jake built with the help of family and friends. Prior to her marriage Ida worked for the Travelers Insurance Company, Paterson in their claims department.

Ida’s future husband Jake was serving in the U.S. Army and when he was able to come home on temporary leave from the military, his sister Elizabeth invited her good friend Ida Van Der Stad to go for a ride with her and Jake. They drove into New York City and one of Ida’s distinct memories was that Jake, who was driving, ran through every red traffic light that they encountered. In today’s day and age, such driving behavior might land you in jail but this was the 1950’s when there weren’t nearly the number of cars on the road that we see today. That night was the beginning of a loving and devoted relationship that ultimately led to Jake and Ida’s marriage with a ceremony taking place on Friday, June 1, 1956 at the Netherland Reformed Church in Passaic. After the wedding ceremony and reception, Jake and Ida set off on their honeymoon to Niagara Falls on the Canadian Side where they visited the famous Lover’s Lane and Holland, Michigan. Thus was the start of many trips they would take together and with their family exploring the United States and Canada as well as Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Ida was a warm, social woman whose zest for life was matched only by her deep love for family and community. She was a lifelong traveler and camper. She gradually upgraded from an umbrella tent, to a tent trailer, to various other trailers, and then finally a 30-foot travel trailer, embracing adventure at every stage. She cherished the many family trips (more than 20 trips) to P.E.I.(Prince Edward Island), Canada, where memories were made along the red roads & cliffs. They visited many lighthouses, especially their favorite Panmure Island, which they loved viewing from their camp site. They enjoyed driving around the island and exploring many of their favorite spots along the shores. There were also several trips to the western part of the United States and Canada to see the beauty of God’s creation. They went for the first time in 1959 as a couple and then in 1976, 1978, 1981 (for their 25th anniversary) with their children and finally in 1989 with their new son-in-law. In addition, each year for twenty-one years, in August, they held a family reunion at a campground in Lancaster, PA amongst the corn fields. A true conversationalist, Ida thrived in the company of others—always engaging with loved ones, neighbors, and friends with a genuine interest and warmth. She found joy in the simple, grounding pleasures of life: sewing which later developed into a love of quilting. She also enjoyed reading, thus when the Netherlands Reformed Christian School library was looking for volunteers she thought this would be a way to help students to explore the world through reading. She was a dedicated volunteer here for  thirty-five years  and eventually became the head librarian. She reluctantly retired in 2020 because of COVID. Ida also had a love of flowers, especially gladiolus, which her husband would plant for her each year, but in return she had to clean and cook the abundant harvest. Both her and her husband enjoyed watching wildlife—especially birds who came to their feeders, and deer if they were not eating in their garden. Another way she served her family and friends was  baking delicious desserts and cookies. She would complain that she was tired, but then she could be found baking cookies in the kitchen. Whether nurturing plants, stitching quilts, or sharing stories around the kitchen table, Ida lived each day with warmth, purpose, and grace. Ida was a long standing member of the Netherlands Reformed Church in Clifton.

Ida was the loving wife of sixty-four years to Jacob G. Van Dalen (d. 2021); loving mother of Ruth Ann and her husband John Bosch of Wayne, their children: Rebecca, Chris-John and his wife Jana; three sons: Jacob Jr. and his wife Laura Van Dalen of Wallkill, NY, their children: Kaitlyn, Jacob III, Kristina; Jan  and his wife Lori Van Dalen of Easton, MD, his children: Michael and his wife Lacey and their children (Joseph, Caroline, and Samuel), Daniel, Rachel, and Jonathan and his wife Shirley Van Dalen of Grand Rapids, MI, their children: Nathaniel, Colleen, Melanie, and Meghan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was the beloved sister of Len Van Der Stad and his wife Alyce of Wayne, Dave Van Der Stad and his wife Lois of Wayne, and the late Cornelius “Neil” Van Der Stad and his surviving wife Grace of North Haledon.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Netherlands Reformed Christian School Library, 164 Jacksonville Road, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be greatly appreciated. 

George R. Van Vliet, age 88, of Little Falls, NJ passed away peacefully Friday, June 13, 2025, while receiving the loving care and support of the DMAVA Staff, the Valley Hospice Staff and his family.

George was born to Henry and Katherine (Fink) Van Vliet and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, NY having been in the band playing tuba and bass, as well as focusing on Industrial Arts with the Class of 1954. After graduating, he pursued his interest in airplanes, taking flying lessons in Klaverack, NY and obtained his pilots license in the Fall of 1957. He and a few friends were able to come together to own a Piper TriPacer. During this time, he worked on his family’s dairy farm and a local Agway store.

George served in the Army at Ft. Monmouth where he was the Link Trainer, performing training for instrument flight, and part of Flight Operations. He was a noted Marksman and Sharpshooter. He was also able to see a bit of Europe during his time in the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1961. George worked for several Savings and Loan Associations over the years and retired in 1979. He was a Brother Mason and a member of the Little Falls Lodge No.154 F. & A.M. for 58 years, a Noble of Salaam Shriners for 52 years and a member of the Valley of Northern NJ Scottish Rite.

Before leaving the Army, on a weekend leave, his buddy John took him to his hometown and there George met his future wife, Nancy. They were married a year later, almost to the day!  They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last fall. They were blessed with a son Michael and his wife Nancy, a daughter Lori, a granddaughter Rebecca, his loving caregiver Connie, his Gal Friday Daria, Nurses Cynthia and Ronnie, as well as many caregivers over the years. He is also survived by his sister Margaret and her husband I.W., his Koumas Olga and Doris, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a very dear and supportive Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church Family. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Katherine, his sisters Gretchen and Louise and his mother-in-law Mary.

George was a faith-filled family man. Despite having Multiple Sclerosis since his mid-twenties, he approached life with a remarkable sense of striving to do as much as he could, for as long as he could. Several cross-country trips were made with a pop-up camper in tow! He and his wife Nancy enjoyed many years spending winters in Florida with family, friends and while there, attended St. Andrew the First Called Orthodox Church. He accepted the constraints of his limitations, but never complained. Always having a positive outlook and a smile. He will be deeply missed, but always in our hearts.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to one of the organizations below would be greatly appreciated:

Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church

285 French Hill Road

Wayne, NJ 07470

The Valley Hospital Foundation

Please indicate the donation is going to: Hospice Care

4 Valley Health Plaza

Paramus, NJ 07652

National MS Society

P.O. Box 91891

Washington, D.C. 20090-1891

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Frederick Wallert, Jr., age 90 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Fred was the youngest of three children raised by Frederick Sr. and Katherine Wallert. Fred was a lifelong learner and from a young age he was fascinated by technology. At just 12 years old in the year 1947, Fred built a television – a remarkable feat of engineering for someone so young.

After graduating high school, Fred enlisted in the Navy where his aptitude for learning was quickly recognized. The Navy offered him the opportunity to study and learn more about the electronics that fascinated him. In the 4 years he served, he spent 3 of those years studying and applying his knowledge to the Navy. The education proved worthwhile as he was able to contribute his growing expertise to Naval Mine Warfare and to the Talos telemetry systems (missile guidance). The Navy made several requests to Fred to try and keep him in their service including offering admittance to OCS and Naval Air Cadet (now TOPGUN) but, after four years in the Navy Fred decided to return to civilian life where he discovered a new opportunity on Wall Street. 

In 1961, Fred started his Wall Street career with Loeb Rhoades and Co. handling phases of Venture Capital Investment for the Loeb family and associates. That included tracking all aspects of financial performance, reporting, and real estate, motion picture, music, theatrical plays, and other various industries. In the 1970’s Fred served on the Board of Directors of Lol Oil Corporation, MGT Corporation, Rescent Corp, and Aerospace Mortgage Corp.  Over time, he became Vice President of Loeb Partners Corporation – the successor to Loeb Rhoades and Co. 

In 1980 Fred joined the Loeb family by personally participating as a general partner in various Loeb Investor Co. deals. His work in Venture Capital saw him participate in over 80 ventures including many innovative new ideas like the MRI machine, 1st Response Pregnancy Tests, and Monoclonal Antibodies to name a few. He was well known in the industry for his exceptional ability to recognize the innovations that would prove to be a success at a rate far exceeding the industry average. Fred continued in this role until 1999 when he was recruited by Wave Entertainment Inc. as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development.

Fred will be remembered as a self-made man. His expertise across such a broad range of subjects made him a remarkable individual that could truly talk about anything from a knowledgeable perspective. His skills made him invaluable to the Venture Capital world. Even in his 90’s Fred was approached for advice on prospective ventures! Apart from his professional career, Fred will be remembered as the loving husband of his wife of 63 years – Gail Wallert as well as a loving and generous father and grandfather.

Fred is survived by his wife Gail Wallert; his two children: Cathy Spence (spouse Vic Spence) and Rick Wallert (spouse Nancy Wallert); and his grandchildren: Laura Spence, Kelly Wallert and Rick Wallert.  Fred is predeceased by his parents and his older brothers, Charles and George Wallert.

Celeste (Opsomer) Gardiner, age 108, of Wayne, passed away peacefully Monday, June 9, 2025 surrounded by those who loved her.

Celeste was born in Sweveghem, Belgium to Hector Josef and Zulma Selvie Opsomer on April 21, 1917, just a year and a half before the end of WWI, a war in which her father fought and received a Medal of Honor for his service.  On November 15, 1927, at age 9, Celeste arrived in the USA via the SS Lapland Steamliner and entered America through Ellis Island with her parents and older sister, Estella.  The Opsomer family, through their sponsor, Charles Castelein, made their home in the Bunker Hill section of Paterson.  Celeste was a life-long resident of Passaic County.  A full-time homemaker, later in life Celeste made a life-changing decision to attend Capri Institute of Cosmetology in Clifton from which she graduated and worked as a beautician and manicurist until her retirement. Years later her granddaughter, Christine, followed in her footsteps and graduated from the same school for cosmetology.

Due to the crash of the stock market in 1929, and only two years in America, Celeste and Estella were compelled to seek work to help provide for the family.  Their father worked for Crucible Steel and was a barber for extra income.  Her mother remained a homemaker.  At age 11, Celeste worked for a shirt factory in Paterson as a ‘clipper’, cutting and securing the threads between the garments coming off the line.

As a teenager she met her future husband on a blind date arranged through friends. There are many stories of late nights, big band music and dance halls, and long walks to and from as cars were too costly at the time.  She was soon impressed when Frank bought a new Ford with a rumble seat.  They were married in Our Lady of Lourdes Church on November 7, 1937, making their home in Paterson.  They honeymooned in Niagara Falls and once made a joke that they actually went back years later to see the Falls. Their marriage lasted 73 years before Frank’s passing on June 9, 2010, exactly 15 years prior to the day of Celeste’s passing.

Celeste as a youth was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes School and Parish in Paterson.  Later in life she and Frank and their family found their home in South Paterson and were long-time members of St. George’s R.C. Church.  The Gardiner family moved to Wayne in 1964 and is currently a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne.

Celeste so loved her home in Wayne where she resided for 60 years and enjoyed their summer home in Marshall’s Creek.  Her passion was gardening, indoors and out, and was known to have an incredible “green thumb”; something she inherited from her father and passed on to at least one of her children.  She also loved her Bingo but would only play for money and enjoyed raising her arm and yelling “woo-hoo” when she won, often followed by a little friendly but competitive game of 7-card Poker.  She also enjoyed an occasional quiet moment peering out her window to the beautiful waterfall and lily pond below listening to her favorite music, Elvis Presley and Jackie Evancho.

Celeste was a passionate, dedicated, hard-working, devoted and loving mother to their three daughters – Barbara, Beverly and Brenda.  She never sat still.  She was always working in the house and in the yard making sure everything was neat, orderly, always taking pride in everything she did. 

Celeste was an avid knitter and while Frank watched TV, they sat in their matching recliners as she toiled away making baby blankets, always trying to keep one or two ahead of her growing family.  Each of their 16 great-grandchild and one great-great-grandchild, has a well-loved, some well-worn remnants of a blanket made with Celeste’s love and affection for her entire family. Celeste was also an excellent cook. Everything from scratch, Frank’s favorites were her creamy mashed potatoes and home-made gravy and her crusty-on-the-outside pink-in-the-middle eye of round roasts.  Everyone raved about and tried to duplicate her recipes for potato salad and deviled eggs.  Celeste hosted her first Thanksgiving dinner for the entire family just 18 days after she and Frank wed.  She prepared every Thanksgiving dinner for the next 50 plus years until one turkey wasn’t enough, 10 pounds of potatoes didn’t make it around the table and Frank couldn’t extend the dining table any further for the growing family. The family tradition was moved to the Lafayette House until after Frank’s passing and the family dinner was passed on to another family member.

Celeste and Frank were long-time active members of the Wanaque Senior Citizens Club.  They made many friends and traveled often with the group.  Once Frank retired, they spent much time traveling across the USA mainland and took memorable trips to Hawaii and Versailles, France.

Strong-willed, independent and a fighter to the end. Celeste loved her home and her family and friends.  Born during WWI and the pandemic of 1917, she lived through the Depression, WWII, all the wars that followed, and the pandemic of 2020.  Life was good, but times were tough. Frank worked for Crucible Steel and later Curtis-Wright during and following WWII.  Once the war efforts ended and to preempt a lay-off, Frank became a licensed general agent for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and later All-American Life Insurance Companies until his retirement.  Even though Frank had a supervisory position at Curtis-Wright during the war, living on rations for meat, sugar and flour was difficult.  Celeste was a master in making things work with whatever she had at the time.

Celeste was a very empathetic person yet was known for the school of hard knocks approach to life. Celeste always said, you have to have a good sense of humor to get through life or you won’t make it, and she always took her own advice.  Regardless of the circumstances, Celeste was always happy, could tell a good joke, and made the people around her feel comfortable and welcomed.  Celeste was always smiling, loved to be with people, enjoyed keeping up with and discussing current events.  She was willing but not pushy in giving advice and her opinion on a situation, like it or not, sometimes it was just what you needed to hear.

In November of 2018, Celeste was thrilled to meet Judge Jeanine Pirro at a Guardian of The Family Banquet dinner and book signing and wowed the Judge when she raced with her walker up to the front of the line and told her she was a mere 101 years old. The Judge reached across the table to hug her.

Celeste was predeceased by her parents, Hector and Zulma Opsomer; her sister, Estella Winschuh and brother-in-law William Winschuh, beloved wife of 73 years to the late Frank W. Gardiner, and her son-in-law Thomas Colella.

Celeste is survived by her three daughters Barbara (Anthony) Toscano of Wayne, Beverly (widow to Thomas) Colella of Wayne and Brenda Aldi of Hardyston (fiancé John Hauck) of Frelinghuysen. 

Loving grandmother to her nine grandchildren Michael (Caryn) of Wayne, Matthew (Colette) of Annandale VA, Jeffrey (Judy) of Bay Minette AL, Michele (Phil) of Lincoln Park, Tom (Christine) of Wayne, Dawn Marie (Pat) of Pompton Lakes, Jessica (Chris) of Sparta, Christine (Bill) of Oak Ridge, Marissa (Sterling) of Sandy UT.

Loving great-grandmother to her 16 great-grandchildren Mikey (Sarah), Vincent, Jayden, Jocelyn, Ashley, Brooke, Reid, Ryan, Pasquale, Amanda, Daniella, Dominic, Lily, Bryce, Bane and Sage.

Loving great-great grandmother to her one great-great grandson, Michael “MJ” Joseph.

The family would like to thank Merry Heart Assted Living for their outstanding care, kindness, compassion and dedicated staff.  A special thank you to her private care givers, Oscar and Felix but especially to Elizabeth “Lizzy” who cared for Celeste 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the last 8 weeks.  We are eternally grateful.

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In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Celeste’s memory to the Charity of your choice.  If you do not have a charity in mind, please consider donating in Celeste’s Memory to any of Merry Heart’s facilities living, rehabilitation, nursing care and memory units (Checks are to be made out to Merry Heart and mailed to 200 Route 10 West, Succasunna, NJ 07876).

Joseph Gilmore, age 84, and a longtime resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Joe was the firstborn of Joseph and Mary Gilmore’s two children. He grew up in the family home at 135 Jasper Street, in Paterson, and graduated from Paterson Central High School with the Class of 1958.

After high school, one of Joe’s first jobs was an offset printer and foreman for Program Printing and Advertising Company, in Fairfield. It was 1967, and at that print shop, Joe’s life would change forever. There, he met a young woman named Betty Vanden Bosch. Joe affectionately nicknamed her “Smocks” because she always wore a smock to protect her clothes from ink. He was smitten from the start, and after just a few months of dating, he proposed to her at the top of Hunter Mountain, New York, in May of 1967. They were married on January 20, 1968, and honeymooned in Mount Snow, Vermont—although the sub-zero temperatures quickly taught them to choose warmer destinations for future getaways. In the decades that followed, Joe and Betty shared a loving and joyful marriage filled with travel, partnership, and deep devotion. Joe often said the best response to any of Betty’s requests—especially for a Diet Coke—was a heartfelt, “Yes, dear.”

Joe and Betty initially made their home in Wayne, later moving to Cliffwood Lake for five years. In 1976, they returned to Wayne, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Together, Joe and Betty owned and operated Associated Diamond Products in Paterson from 1985 until 2009, taking over the business from Betty’s parents upon their retirement. After selling the company in 2009, Joe worked behind the deli counter at the former A&P in Pompton

Plains. When the store closed due to flooding, he joined Jack’s Foodtown in Wayne, serving customers with his usual friendly demeanor until he retired at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joe’s greatest joy came from serving as a volunteer firefighter. He began his service in 1970 with the Hardyston Volunteer Fire Department. After moving back to Wayne, he joined Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Wayne Fire Company #3, on August 2, 1978. In 1981, he stepped into the role of assistant treasurer following the unexpected passing of the department’s treasurer—and he continued in that role for an incredible 36 years, retiring from the position in 2017. He also served as a trustee for many years. Among the many calls he answered, two fires stood out most vividly in his memory: a house fire on Alps Road and a fire in the Red Barn Furniture on Black Oak Ridge Road. Joe had a Philadelphia Flyers shirt that became well-known as the “bad luck” shirt as there seemed to be a working house fire every time he wore it. They took the shirt away from him. This calmed their concerns and made them happy because none of them were fans of the Flyers! When asked why he loved being a firefighter, Joe simply said, “It just felt so good giving back to the community that I called home.”

Joe was an avid racing fan with a lifelong love of cars. He followed NASCAR and IndyCar Series racing, cheering for drivers like AJ Foyt and most recently Kyle Larson. One of the highlights of his life was each time he attended the Indianapolis 500 with his father-in-law. He enjoyed watching the Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions on television and took considerable pride in his own cars, especially the 2002 convertible Chevy Corvette he and Betty loved to cruise around in. He was meticulous in caring for his cars and was often found outside cleaning them to a shine.

He also cherished music and was the proud owner of an extensive LP collection. It was common to find Joe listening to his records with headphones on, lost in his favorite tunes. He and Betty shared a deep love for animals and welcomed many beloved pets into their home throughout their 50 years together. Their dogs—Lovey, Rebel, Dee Dee, Max, Cutter, Tawney, Ember, and Dusty—were cherished companions, as were their cats Morris and Peanut, and even a bunny, Bunsker E. Bunny, who was rescued from a fire at the former Wayne Hills Mall. One especially memorable rescue was Sparky; a dog Joe saved from a fire and gave it to his parents.

Travel was another passion for Joe and Betty. They went on 33 cruises together, visiting destinations around the globe—from the Caribbean to Alaska, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bora Bora, Tahiti, and beyond. The world was their playground, and they made the most of every adventure.

Joe was a joy to be around. Always easygoing, he had a constant smile and never a harsh word for anyone. He let the little things roll off his back and never took life too seriously. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud “Papa” to his grandchildren, and a true friend to many.

Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty, in May 2018. He is survived by his two children: Michael Gilmore of Winter Springs, FL, and Kimberley Rossi and her husband Michael of Wayne; and by his six grandchildren: Alexis, Amanda, and Anthony Rossi, of Wayne, and Benjamin, Katelyn, and Liam Gilmore, of Sussex.

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For those wishing to make a donation in Joe’s memory, please consider the Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Company #3, 130 Jackson Ave., Wayne, NJ 07470, or click here to donate online.

Arlene Cooper, age 76, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully from this life into the everlasting arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 5, 2025, while receiving the loving care of her family.  

The daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Beversluis) Rogers, Arlene was born in Paterson and spent her early years there and in nearby Prospect Park.

Arlene met and married John Cooper on August 28, 1983. She adopted her first two children before marriage – Matthew, Elizabeth, and after marrying John, adopted Brian and lived for several years in Sussex County. Later the family moved to Pompton Plains where Arlene and John adopted their last two other children, Sean and Abigail. The family had called Pompton Plains their cherished home ever since.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Arlene walked closely with God—her Maker, Provider, and Sustainer—throughout her life. She and her family were faithful attenders of the Trinity Baptist Church in Montville where she delighted in attending the church’s Helping Hands ministry – a program dedicated to helping those with disabilities. 

Arlene’s life was one clearly marked by service to others. She always put her children’s best interests before herself, even in situations where it might take a toll on her own health. She loved them immensely and was always on her best game when it came to celebrating their milestones, like birthdays, graduations, and personal achievements. As if raising five children wasn’t enough to keep anyone’s time fully occupied, Arlene also was also a volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) organization by passionately supporting their mission to advocate for the best interests of youth in foster care. In addition, because of her son Matthew’s battle with Cystic Fibrosis, which ultimately took his life on earth in 2010, Arlene was a faithful volunteer to raise financial support and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her tireless devotion in all she did was a reflection of her love for God and her faithful obedience to Jesus’ command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind—and to love your neighbor as yourself.

On a lighter note, Arlene found horses to be such a delight. Deacon, Trooper, and Moe were her equestrian friends that she had the privilege of caring for and riding and, just last year, she even had the thrill of jumping into the saddle for a ride on a giant Clydesdale! Her love for animals extended to a wide variety of pets throughout her life, including a goat, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, gerbils, a frog, a tortoise, a turtle named J.J. (rescued by her husband John shortly before his passing), and her loyal dog Jake, whom she affectionately called her protector. She truly was a real-life Dr. Dolittle!

Arlene’s favorite Bible verse was Psalm 4:8

 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

The Lord gave deep comfort to her in this verse, especially in times of restlessness.

Arlene was a cherished wife, a devoted mother, a dear sister and aunt, and a trusted and treasured friend. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her memory and the legacy of her love and faith will live on in the memories and hearts of those whose lives she so deeply richly blest. Her family rejoices in knowing that she is with the Lord and by God’s saving grace will see her again. 

Arlene was predeceased in August, 2023, by her beloved husband John to whom she cherished 40 years of marriage, and by her precious son Matthew in 2010. She is survived by her other four dearly loved children: Elizabeth Cooper, Brian Cooper, and Sean Cooper, all of Pompton Plains, and Abigail Cooper of Little Falls. She is also survived by her dear brothers John and wife Cindy Rogers of Sebastian, FL, and Donald and wife Helen Rogers of Pompton Plains, as well as numerous loved nieces and nephews.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Arlene’s name are asked to consider the following charitable organization:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Click here to download a mailable form

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Arlene Cooper.

Thomas Joseph Burns, widely known as T.J. Burns, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. He was 35 years old. 

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T.J. was born to Thomas and Pamela Burns on October 3, 1989. He graduated from Wayne Valley High School and played on the varsity soccer team. He went on to graduate from William Paterson University with a degree in exercise science.

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From his early childhood through his high school and early college years, T.J. was the guy that everybody wanted to be around. He was funny, sharp, and loyal- and knew how to work hard for the things he cared about. 

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T.J. loved his family. To his mother, he was her one and only "baby son." His father never missed a single soccer game. His older sister, Lindsey, could often be found in his room on school nights, helping him complete a school assignment or write a paper. His younger sister, Dana, looked up to him as her soccer hero. Both sisters and his parents loved T.J. very much.

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T.J. also had a group of cherished family cousins he spent countless memorable times with growing up. The time the cousins spent together as kids made up so many of those golden childhood moments- the kind a person remembers even later in life and can't help but smile.  

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And all throughout his school years, T.J. had the same close circle of friends. The group remained almost unchanged all the way through high school. Whether it was weekdays at Wayne Valley, weekends on the soccer field, or weeknights in an endless rotation of visiting one another's houses, it truly seemed that they were always together. They were teammates, friends and brothers.  

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T.J. was surrounded by family and friends like these all the best years of his life. His story simply cannot be told without them. 

Gloria R. Diaz, age 78 of Wayne and Paterson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to Salvador and Alpha Reyes, Gloria was one of ten children! She was friendly, sociable and trustworthy from a young age.

Love found Gloria in an unexpected way when friends convinced her to attend a wedding as a blind date with a gentleman named Robert Diaz. Though initially hesitant, Gloria decided to go on the condition that if she didn’t like Robert she was going to go to the bathroom and sneak out the back! Fate had other plans, however, as she and Robert had a great time enjoying each other’s company as if they’d already known each other for years! The couple dated for three more years and on July 20^th, 1984, they were married.

The newlyweds began their married life in Brookly, NY before seeking the tranquility of suburban life, moving to Wayne in 1989. They cherished their Wayne home for over two decades until 2015, when they downsized to Paterson, NJ. There, they discovered a great and close-knit community where they formed many lifelong friends.

Gloria’s passion for gardening was well known in her neighborhood and she was affectionately known as the rose lady on Alps Road. Her green thumb and love for flowers naturally led to her dream to own and operate her own flower shop in Hoboken. She achieved that dream and opened her storefront called Sister’s Flowers on 1^st.

Gloria was strong-willed and yet open-minded. She loved her lapdog named Boobie and her travels all over the world. She and Robert travelled for a period of several consecutive months exploring Hawaii, Portugal, Spain and Florida.

Obituaries for Donald and Grace

Donald Nicholas Malone, of Wayne NJ passed away on June 2, 2025 at the age of 83, just one day before the passing of his beloved wife of 59 years, Grace (nee Mandragona) Malone of Wayne.

Born May 4, 1942 in Passaic, NJ to the late Trina (nee Leeuwrik) and Jerry Malone, Don was brought up in Passaic and Clifton, NJ before settling in Wayne, NJ in 1966 upon marrying Grace.  He attended Stevens Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. As an undergraduate in his junior year, he was able to simultaneously enroll in and attend Stevens’ graduate school on his way towards earning a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Don was an engineer at Exxon Research and Engineering Co. in Florham Park, NJ, for 36 years before retiring in 2000. During his career he was involved with the planning, design, construction, and startup of new and expanded oil refineries. As a result, he and his family lived in numerous locations throughout the world including Thailand, Venezuela, France, Canada, England, Singapore, and California for periods of up to two years.  He did extensive consulting and contributed to safety and environmental improvements and the reduction of energy use in refineries.  Don also wrote and taught design methods courses for Exxon.

Don was an auto enthusiast from a young age and did most of his own maintenance and repairs. He was an avid “Do it Yourselfer”, who painted his house, designed and built a rear deck for his house, and did much of his own plumbing and electrical work.  He and Grace thoroughly enjoyed their annual summer vacations to St. Augustine, Florida over a span of decades.

 Above all, he cherished his family and prioritized spending time with them and sharing his life values and philosophy.

Surviving Don are his loving daughter Deborah G. Kayal and her husband George of Mahwah, NJ; dear son Gregory N. Malone and his wife Ann of South Windsor; CT; cherished grandchildren Jordan, James, Michael, and Joseph Kayal, and Elizabeth, Rachel, and Kyle Malone and sister-in-law, Rosanne Mandragona of Red Bank, NJ.  Don was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth R. Malone of Clifton in 2006 and his dear grandson Marcus Kayal in 2019.

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Grace (nee Mandragona) Malone, of Wayne NJ passed away on June 3, 2025 at the age of 82, just one day after the passing of her beloved husband of 59 years, Donald N. Malone of Wayne.

Born August 7, 1942 in New York City to the late Lillian (nee Mancuso) and James Mandragona, Grace was a graduate of Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx.  She attended Hunter College evenings while working full-time as a secretary in the Instrumentation Division (where she met Don in 1963) and, subsequently, the Legal Department of the United States Atomic Energy Commission in New York City.  She moved to Wayne NJ in May 1966 upon getting married.  

Grace traveled extensively throughout the world with her family in connection with Don’s career.  The family lived in Thailand, Venezuela, France, Canada, California, England, and Singapore for periods of up to two years.  She was an active member of the Newcomers of Wayne / Prime Timers since 1984 and the Golden Age Circle of Wayne since 2008 where she ran multiple outings each year to Camp Hope in West Milford. Grace was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church in Wayne.  A loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother, Grace was very family- oriented.  She spent countless hours on family genealogy and wrote a 376-page biography of her closest relatives, presenting a copy to each of her children and grandchildren. Over a period of fourteen years, she also babysat each of her daughter’s five boys before they began regular school.

Surviving Grace are her loving daughter Deborah G. Kayal and her husband George of Mahwah, NJ; dear son Gregory N. Malone and his wife Ann of South Windsor, CT; cherished grandchildren Jordan, James, Michael, and Joseph Kayal, and Elizabeth, Rachel, and Kyle Malone; and sister-in-law, Rosanne Mandragona of Red Bank, NJ.  Grace was predeceased by her brother, James S. Mandragona, in 2010 and her dear grandson, Marcus Kayal in 2019.

Rosanne M. Bowles, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Wayne, NJ on June 2, 2025. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church at 10:30am on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Rosanne was born on July 6, 1935 in Kearny, NJ. She was raised in Clifton, NJ, graduating from Pope Pius XII high school in Passaic in 1953 and William Patterson University in 1957. She had a teaching fellowship at the University of Denver in 1960 and earned an MBA there in 1961.

She taught business courses at Clifton High School and West Essex Regional High School from 1961 through 1998. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1991/2. She was a member of several education associations.

Rosanne was an avid skier and loved to ski in Aspen and Vail, often as a member of a ski club. She played tennis and golf. She loved opera and held season tickets at the Metropolitan Opera for many years. She also enjoyed attending ballets and symphony performances at Lincoln Center in New York City and elsewhere.

She enjoyed travel for sports and fun. She traveled in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Rosanne has been a parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne, NJ, since 1964.

Rosanne is survived by her brother, Lawrence (Margaret) Bowles, and nieces and nephew, Jean Bolger, James (Martha) Bowles, Megan (Alfred Levitt) Bowles, Nora Bowles, Cathy (Brian) Collins, and Ann (Bruce) Fort. She was beloved by her grand-nieces and nephew, Maddy Bowles, Clare Bowles, Margaret Bolger, Jacob Levitt, Mairead Levitt, Kenneth Collins, Christopher Collins, Catherine Fort, and Evelyn Fort. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary-Ellen (John) Grunewald.

Patricia “Trish” Szlembarski (nee O’Connor), age 61 of Wayne, a beloved sister, friend, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Trish moved with her family to Wayne when she was just ten years old—a community that would hold a special place in her heart throughout her life. She graduated from Wayne Valley High School and earned her business degree from Katherine Gibbs School, laying the foundation for a diverse and successful professional career.

Trish began her career working at her father’s business, Center Sheet Metal in the Bronx, before moving on to Singer-Kearfott in Totowa. She later worked as a paralegal at several area law firms and concluded her career at Englewood Allergy with Dr. From, where she was deeply appreciated for her dedication and warmth.

While working at Singer-Kearfott in the 1980s, Trish met Robert “Bob” Szlembarski during a company charity event at The Barnyard in Totowa. Their connection deepened through shared activities like shooting pool and playing darts, and their romance blossomed.  Less than a year after meeting, they exchanged vows on August 1, 1987 at St. Michael’s Church followed by a beautiful reception at The Manor. They honeymooned in the Pocono’s and eventually settled into their home in Packanack Lake, close to family and friends. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2001 after just fourteen years of marriage and Trish has missed him dearly ever since.

In 2011, Trish moved to Florida to lovingly care for her ailing father during his final years — a testament to her loving, generous and loyal spirit. She cherished those years, especially all the one-on-one time she was able to enjoy with her father. She also enjoyed hosting all the visitors her father was blessed have stay at his home during that time. Following his passing, she returned to Wayne in 2013 and purchased her “dream home” on Packanack Lake. There, living close to her family and friends, and surrounded by the beauty of the lake, Trish built her own little haven of warmth and comfort.

Trish’s home was always filled with the scent of fresh-baked goodies — though, ironically, she never ate the treats she so lovingly made. Baking was just one of the many ways she shared love with those around her. She was also an avid music lover with a special fondness for Elvis Presley, Olivia Newton-John, and Neil Diamond. With her deepest roots in Brooklyn and the Bronx, she remained a loyal fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants (naming her cat “Jeter”), and she never missed a game!

Trish also loved watching movies and enjoyed many memorable trips to Atlantic City with her dear friends and former coworkers, where laughter, stories, and slot machines filled the days.

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She enjoyed every family gathering, never happier than when she was surrounded by those she loved most. Her bright smile and infectious giggle could light up any room, and her generosity, loyalty, and deep devotion will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know and love her.  She took her role as an aunt very seriously and was truly and lovingly devoted to all her nieces and nephews.

Since 2020, Trish faced serious health challenges with incredible strength and grace. Even through this hardship, her love for life, her family, and her faith never wavered. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, laughter, and love — and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Trish is survived by two sisters: Maureen Cretella (Joey) of Wayne, and Irene Yalicki (Eddie) of Manahawkin; nieces and nephews: Annie (Greg), Amanda, Amy (Sean), Joey, John (John), James, Kelly (Ryan), Jimmy O’Connor III, Alexa and Rachel; cousins: Ron, Tom, Bill, and Rosie; aunt and uncle: Nancy and Jimmy Mike, and most recently her companion dog Alani, who brought her so much joy.

Trish was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2001; by her parents: James (2013) and Mary (2010) O’Connor; her sister Colleen Youngman (2015), her brother James, Jr. (2015), her brother-in-law Steveo (2015), her Uncle Ronnie (2024), and her cousins Greg (2001) and Dorothy (2020).

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Trish’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to helping others. Trish’s quiet compassion and selfless nature touched the lives of many, and supporting this cause would honor her legacy.  Donations can be made online at www.stjude.org

Brian J. Goger, 43 of Pequannock passed away suddenly on May 29, 2025.

Brian was born in Rahway to Frank and Deborah Goger and graduated from Linden High School in 2000 where he played on the high school golf team.

Brian’s first job was at Steak and Ale as a busboy, followed by a work study program at House of Flowers in Linden cutting flowers. After High School he worked for Cooper Electric as a salesman for ten years. Brian then worked at Proud Papa’s Pizzeria in Edison as a manager for 6 years where he made many friends. Brian drove for Lyft for a year spending as much time with Dana as he could, shifting hours around her work schedule. After Lyft he worked at Texima until March 2020 when COVID hit. He then found his home at Atra Janitorial the summer of 2020 and has worked there ever since. Atra/Brady Plus truly became a family for him as he started as a truck driver, moved to warehouse supervisor and most recently Branch Manager. Brian took great pride in all his jobs but Atra held a special place in his heart.

Brian was the life of the party, had a great sense of humor, was a fantastic dancer as he perfected Michael Jackson’s thriller. Brian was an amazing cook and enjoyed making guacamole, empanadas, breakfast sandwiches, taco bake, Mexican chicken, and many other dishes his family enjoyed. Brian had an extreme love for NY sports which was evident by his many tattoos. His most loved team was the NY Giants, he never missed a single game, and you could hear him cheering down the street. He also loved the NY Rangers, NY Yankees and NY Knicks, along with Golf and Bowling. Brian was an avid bowler and drew a crowd with his 205 average and Wooooos throughout the bowling alley. He even convinced Dana to join a doubles league which won them several vacations and where they made many friends. Brian had a huge passion for WWE and he shared his passion with Dana taking her on a date to Monday night RAW. This is now a big part of the Goger household as Fiona has her own championship belt and sings the wrestlers entrances. Brian enjoyed family BBQ’s always bringing his beer pong table and enjoying playlists on his speaker. Brian’s favorite place to vacation was Wildwood, NJ which was an annual Goger vacation spot. He carried on the tradition with Dana and Fiona even going now in the fall as he loved the area so much. Brian had a love for fashion always coordinated from his sunglasses down to his sneakers. He had a different pair of sneakers for every outfit. Brian was always punctual, organized, and adamant about keeping a clean house and car at all times. Brian was a caring and thoughtful person, always putting his family first. He was honest and romantic, hardworking, determined, and loving. He valued family time at home teaching Fiona that weekends was fun time with mommy and daddy.

Brian met the love of his life Dana on Plenty of Fish, as he spotted her wearing a NY Giants jersey. They started dating January 2017, became official July 2017 and within 6 months they fell in love. Brian and Dana dated for 3 years before he proposed on November 19, 2019 at a beautiful restaurant in Pompano Beach, Florida. They married November 15, 2020 in the middle of COVID, a date that was special to them being the same anniversary as Brian’s parents. Brian and Dana welcomed their daughter Fiona May 1. 2023. Fiona completed their family and brought them tremendous joy. Dana and Fiona never doubted Brian’s love as he made it evident to them daily.

Brian was dearly loved by his father Frank Goger, his late mother Deborah Goger (2019), his sister Jessica Diddle, nieces Kylee, Skylar and Noelle, his Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bruce, and Aunt Maureen. Brian was the beloved son in law to the late Harry Barany (2023), and Diane Barany, brother in law of Emily Barany, Harrison and Juliana Barany and uncle to Serena and Isabella.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning to make charitable donations in Brian's name, are asked to please consider donating to Brian's GoFundMe page.

Donna Niethe, age 63, of Wayne, formerly of Newark, Irvington, Clifton, West Orange, and Livingston, passed Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Donna was born in Newark to Karl and Marilyn Niethe and raised in Irvington. In a memorable family story, when Donna was born, her father Karl was nowhere to be found—he had fallen asleep in the doctor’s office. The family later settled in Wayne, where Donna graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1979. She went on to attend William Paterson College in Wayne and later earned her Master’s Degree from Montclair State University in Montclair. Over the years, Donna held various roles, including working at Jamesway in Pompton Plains and as a graphic designer in Fair Lawn and Totowa.

Donna was a gentle and compassionate soul, known for her quiet strength and caring nature. She had a deep love for soccer, playing as a dedicated goalie and even coaching the sport she adored. Donna's talent and determination led her to compete as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team, and she also played indoor soccer in Pequannock, where her passion for the game shone brightly. In addition to soccer, Donna found joy in horseback riding and excelled in dressage, earning recognition in several competitions. A true animal lover, she enjoyed watching animal shows, as well as professional wrestling, soccer, and horse racing on television—interests that reflected her spirited and diverse personality.

Donna had a simple and particular palate when it came to food—she never liked onions on her cheeseburgers and always made sure to ask for them without. She also had no interest in spicy food, preferring milder flavors that didn’t overwhelm her taste buds. Her food preferences became a running joke among family and friends, who knew Donna’s order by heart and lovingly teased her about her aversion to anything with a kick.

Donna was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy, a condition that challenged her balance and made her the target of teasing during her early years. But Donna refused to be defined or limited by her disability. Determined to prove herself, she achieved far beyond what others believed possible. She fell in love with soccer and, despite the physical obstacles, became a skilled goalie, ultimately earning a spot on the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletics Association's National Soccer Team. Her passion extended beyond playing; she also dedicated several years to coaching, inspiring others with her resilience and love for the game. Donna also found freedom in a second sport—horseback riding. What began as therapeutic riding became a source of joy and empowerment, as she felt completely unburdened by her disability while on horseback. With a deep sense of pride in her journey, Donna often said she wouldn’t change a single thing about her life. She lived by the motto, “Quitters never win, and winners never quit,” a philosophy she embodied every day.

This was read at Donna's Funeral Service:

Today, we gather in this room to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman—Donna. In her quiet strength, boundless compassion, and unwavering spirit, she touched each of us in unique and lasting ways.

But instead of us speaking about her, Donna wanted to speak to us—one last time.

What you’re about to hear is an open letter, written from Donna’s own point of view. It’s not just a eulogy—it’s her voice, her heart, and her goodbye. Though she is no longer physically with us, her words remind us that love, laughter, and memory never truly leave.

So now, with love and reverence, we share this letter from Donna… to all of us.

An Open Letter from Donna:

I was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy, which meant I walked with a scissor gait, and had a little trouble with my balance and coordination. At times, I was laughed at and teased. I was always the one who was 'different'. Little did those bullies (or I), know what was to come later on in my life; and how I turned around all the negativity I've experienced, to help me achieve things no one else ever thought possible, and prove them all wrong.

A friend took me to a Cosmos soccer game in 1979, and I became hooked on soccer. I spent 5 years watching and analyzing 'the beautiful game'. Then I finally got up the courage to try it. I showed up for the first night of indoor play (in a high school gym) in a rec league, and there were only men players. I had determined the best position for me to play was as a goalkeeper, and having those years of experience studying both of the Cosmos goalkeepers, I knew it would pay off. Playing with (and against) players who are much better than you is the best way to elevate your own game; no matter what sport it is. The more I played with and alongside men, the sharper my skills, quickness, and reading of the game grew. I had a friend who lives in NJ, who drove out to Long Island every weekend for either practice or games. Initially I went with her to keep her company, but eventually started playing in some tournaments as well.

Every year they have a big tournament, and teams come from all over to participate in it. One of the coaches, whose team we had played against, approached me about playing in goal for his team in a tournament in Florida, as I accepted his invitation, and played well. A few weeks later, I was back in Long Island playing in an indoor tournament. One of the refs during the tournament noticed me, and asked about my disability. He had a friend who coached the USCPAA (United States Cerebral Palsy Athletics Association) National Soccer Team, and he wanted my contact information. The coach did call me, three times while I was in Florida, and requested a tape of me for them to review. The only game footage I had was from the tournament in Florida; which I sent for their review. A week later, I was invited to tryout for the US National Team, all expenses paid - a trip to Texas, with a lot on the line. I had nothing to lose, and everything to gain. It was the culmination of everything I had been through, the reason why - I knew this day would come!

We had practice three times a day, and mid-afternoon, the coaches pulled me aside and told me that I made the team, I was elated! The team got together two or three times a year to train, and the rest of the time you were on your own. At that time, the focus was on the Paralympic Games coming up in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. The only thing standing in my way was that coaches/countries from South America would not allow co-ed play, and even after a few appeals through the appropriate Governing Bodies, sadly, permission was not granted. Knowing I was ranked no.1, and would have played in goal in Atlanta, for my country, is still a huge honor and privilege to this day. My ranking was earned, not given, and there's a big difference between the two.

There's a lot of hard work that goes into maintaining your fitness and agility during your 'off' season, and riding was a very good way of filling that void.

In addition to playing soccer, I wanted to coach it as well. So I took the necessary licensing courses so I could do that. I loved coaching, especially within the 'Buddy Ball' program, (where a child would have a volunteer guide them through the game, offering as much, or as little, help as needed). I was coaching a group of kids, ages 5 to 10, with physical and mental challenges. The parents would say that all their kids would talk about during the week was 'Soccer Saturday', and asked why it took so long to get here every week!

There was one young boy who came each week, but he wouldn't join in and play with the rest of the kids. He wouldn't leave his mother's side, he was too frightened; but he didn't want to leave until the session was over. For weeks the volunteer 'buddies' tried to persuade him to play, to no avail. Finally, I decided it was my turn. I went to him and asked if he wanted to play, that I would be his 'buddy', but only with his mom's permission, of course, and that I would hold his hand the entire time. I could sense his hesitancy, and then I remembered something. He was fascinated with my whistle - a shiny silver one, hanging on its cord, around my neck. I asked if he could help me, by blowing the whistle when I told him to, during the course of play and the end of the session. That was it - the connection he needed, finally something he felt comfortable with. It took about four weeks, but he came out of his shell, he was soon running and playing with the rest of the kids, coming to me when it was time to blow the whistle. To me, nothing is more important than making a difference in life of a child; that even if I only help one child, it's all worth it.

Simultaneously, along with soccer, came my second sport - riding. After finally getting a doctor's clearance, I was able to start therapeutic riding with horses. The warmth of the horse relaxes muscles that are stiff, and helps bring your body back into its natural alignment. I always felt so much better after my riding lesson, even though it was painful, I thought of it as the best physical therapy I could ever have. Riding is a full body workout, and it helped keep me in shape for soccer during the off season. The thing I loved the most, is when on a horse, no one could tell I had a disability, only when I got off. It was so much fun to compete at horse shows, many, many hours of practice come down to only a few minutes in the ring, so you have only one chance to get it right!

That was then, and this is now. So much has changed physically with my body. It has become a battle, and I have lost the war. Slowly but surely I lost the abilities to walk, stand, and transfer, and I am now in a powerchair. I fought as long and as hard as I could to stay out of my wheelchair.

I have no regrets, and if I had the chance I wouldn't change a thing, because I wouldn't be the same person that I am today. All things considered, I think I've turned out alright! I've lived by this motto: "Quitters never win, and winners never quit".

And so, as I bring this letter to a close, know that you leave today with a heart full of gratitude—for the life Donna lived, for the love she received, and for each of you who helped make her journey so meaningful.

Please don’t remember Donna in sadness, but in the quiet moments of laughter, in the warmth of shared stories, and in the everyday beauty of a life marked by courage and grace. Remember her not in grief, but in gratitude—for the strength she showed in the face of challenges, and for the way she turned that strength into inspiration for others.

Live fully. Love deeply. And never forget—Donna is still with you. Just beyond the veil of sight, her memory endures. And as you meet life’s challenges, know she is there, cheering you on with every step.

Donna was dearly loved by her father Karl Niethe, her late mother Marilyn Niethe (d.2016) and her late sister Robin Niethe (d.1961); her brothers: Kevin and his wife Karen Niethe and Glenn Niethe all of Wayne; and her 3 nephews Zachary, Aaron, and Corey Niethe. She will be dearly missed by her aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

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Flowers would be welcomed. Those considering a donation in lieu of flowers are asked to consider a memorial donation to the Carousel Horsemanship Pompton Plains. 

In Loving Memory of Louis Russo

July 25, 1950 – May 26, 2025

It is with full hearts and fond memories that we celebrate the life of Louis Russo, a man whose humor, warmth, and devotion left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Louis passed away on May 26, 2025 surrounded by his loving family: his devoted wife Diane, his son Anthony with his wife Nicole, and his son Nick with his wife Jillian. 

Lou was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Diane, with whom he shared 48 beautiful years of marriage. Their love story began in 1973 and only grew stronger with time. Together, they raised two sons, Anthony and Nick, who they cherished with unwavering love, and took immense pride in the men they became. Lou found endless joy in his four grandsons: Dominic, Lucas, Ty, and Chase. Lou’s family was truly the center of his world.

Lou was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Russo, and his mother, Betty Russo, who no doubt welcomed him with open arms. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Valentine and Diane Cody, his brother Robert Russo, and Matthew Brophy, his sons’ lifelong friend, who held a place in his heart like a son. Lou is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran of the National Guard, Lou served his country with honor for eight years. Professionally, he was an accomplished electrical contractor and co-owner of Kristy Electric, where his work ethic and integrity shone brightly.

Beyond his career, Lou was deeply involved in his community. He served as chief umpire and later commissioner of the Metropolitan Baseball League and was a proud supporter of the Wayne Little League, helping to sponsor and run youth sports that meant so much to him.

Many mornings, you could find Lou at The Bagel Stop, holding court with his close-knit group of friends. He was also an avid woodworker, happiest in his impeccably organized workshop, turning pieces of wood into works of art – just like he turned moments into memories.

Lou had a deep love for his shore house in Seaside Park, NJ, a place that brought him immense happiness. He and Diane poured their hearts into that home on 22^nd Avenue turning it into a warm, beautiful gathering place for the family. Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, meant everything for Lou. It was when his sons, their wives, and his grandchildren would arrive for weekends filled with sunshine, joy, celebration, and lots of laughter – exactly what Lou cherished the most. That house overflowed with love, just like the couple who filled it.

Above all, Lou will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious laughter, and unmatched energy. He had a gift for lighting up a room, and his presence made everything more joyful.

Lou leaves behind a life well lived, a family deeply loved, and a community forever better for having known him. His spirit, his stories, and that unforgettable sense of humor will live on in all of us. 

Lillian Putz, age 91 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Lillian was the youngest of five children to Joseph and Helen Krause. A dedicated student, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Jersey City. From an early age, Lillian demonstrated the caring nature that would define her throughout her life, helping her older siblings as their families grew and establishing herself as an exceptional caregiver who would be forever remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother.

Lillian found great joy in life’s simple pleasures: reading fiction novels and sewing her own unique dresses which she loved to showcase at weekly polka dances. It was at one of these dances that she met a gentleman named Richard Putz. Their connection was immediate and before they knew it, they were engaged. Around a year after the couple’s engagement the two were married.

The newlyweds began their family journey together, welcoming their first daughter Diane just a year after their wedding. Their children Lydia and Robert followed in the years that came, and the growing family made their home in Clifton, New Jersey before eventually settling in Wayne.

From the beginning, Lillian cherished time spent with family above all else. Whether it was quiet evenings at home or the holiday gatherings shared with her sisters, Claire and Terry and their families. And years later, with her own family that grew from grandchildren to great grandchildren. It was these simple everyday moments; she found joy and meaning in being surrounded by loved ones.

Lillian and Richard shared a passion for travel and adventure, often exploring the world alongside Lillian’s sister Terry and her husband Joe Kizmann. Their journeys took them across continents from Europe to Alaska, through the Panama Canal, and to many other destinations. Among their most treasured experiences was a trip to Italy, where they were blessed with a private audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, receiving his personal blessing.

After Richard’s untimely passing in 1997, Lillian remained true to her adventurous spirit and continued to explore the world with her sister Terry at her side. She never lost her zest for life or her desire to discover new places.

Lillian will be dearly missed by all who knew her, remembered not only for her role as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but for her generous heart, adventurous spirit, and the love she shared with everyone around her.

She is survived by her children: Diane Dario, Lydia Mandrikin, and Robert Putz; her grandchildren Jaime, Danielle, and Christopher; and her eight great-grandchildren.

Lillian is predeceased by her husband Richard Putz; her parents Joseph and Helen Krause; and her four siblings: Bill, Claire, Veronica, and Theresa.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Lillian's name to the Wayne PBA or Wayne First Aid Squad.

Renée S. Wilke, 39, of Clifton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Born in Hackensack, Renée was raised in Totowa and Wayne and attended Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls.

Throughout her young life, Renée held various jobs. She worked at Frederick Goodman Jewelers in the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, Kohl’s in Wayne, and the Donna Reed Daycare Center in Wayne. She also worked as a receptionist at Absolute Glass in Wayne – a job that meant a lot to her, and she was currently working as a warehouse coordinator for Hotels and Home Worldwide in Fairfield and at Hope Through Care in the their women’s shelter in Clifton.

Renée’s life was marked by many years of difficulty and challenge. Like so many young people, she made one particularly devastating decision that led to a long and painful struggle with drug addiction. It was a hard season—for Renée and for her family, whom she dearly loved and stayed in daily contact with throughout. Her journey included desperate times, even homelessness. But thanks to her family’s unwavering love and support—and a powerful measure of God’s grace—her life began to turn around in the past four years.

In the Holy Bible in Isaiah 61:1–3 it says:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” 

The Bible often uses “ashes” to symbolize mourning, a state of lowliness and despair, and repentance —but also spiritual renewal and transformation. Specifically in Isaiah 61:3, God describes God giving a "crown of beauty for ashes," reminding us that even in sorrow, God can bring joy, praise, and renewal. 

God never gave up on Renée. Ultimately, she was able to receive the help she needed and rise from the ashes of her past into a new life. She was recently baptized in her church and living at the Hope through Care group home in Clifton, where she was a constant source of encouragement to others recovering from addiction. She was also training to become a case manager to help others in their journey to healing.

Renée deeply loved her family. She considered her two children, Madison and Jeremiah, among the greatest blessings in her life. Every Halloween, she would visit her parents in Florida where Madison encouraged her and Jeremiah to dress up and go trick-or-treating together. One memorable year, they went as characters from the Addams Family—it was a blast. Living in Florida, Madison and Renée Face Timed daily and spent hours together playing Minecraft and other video games. Her son Jeremiah’s name was inspired by Jeremiah 29:11, which reads:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Renée had a beautiful, encouraging spirit. She was a constant cheerleader for her mom in all of her endeavors, and was also a steady presence in the life of her grandmother “G. G.” who recently fell and needed daily care. Renée and Jeremiah spent many evenings having dinner with G. G. and caring for her.

Renée loved the natural beauty of the world, a passion that earned her the nickname from her sister Nicollette: “My Little Hippie.” Her idea of a perfect day was hiking outdoors at Garrett Mountain, something she did as often as she could.

When asked to describe Renée, her family offered words like: heartfelt, caring, loving, compassionate, strong, empathetic, encouraging, and a survivor. Renée is at peace. Though her time on earth was short and often filled with hardship, God delivered her from the ashes and gave her a crown of beauty—one she wore with a radiant smile, offering love, compassion, and grace to all those she met.

Renée was the devoted and loving mother of Madison and Jeremiah. She was the beloved daughter of Renee Albanese of Parrish, FL; William Wilke of Jacksonville, FL; and stepdaughter of Joseph Albanese of Parrish, FL. She was the cherished sister of Nicollette Kuiken and her husband Joshua, Cecile Wilke and her husband Melvin, Joseph Albanese III and his wife Randi, Michele Barth and her husband Austin, Sarah Wilke, and the late Dylan Wilke. She was the treasured granddaughter of Barbara Veltri and her husband Tony, and the late Christine Wilke. Renee was the proud and loving aunt of David, Kevin, Tyler, Brianna, Olivia, and Julianna and is also survived by her many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

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

Hope Through Care/Heart of Hannah

Attn:  Kelly Moss-Brown

89 1st St.

Clifton, NJ 07011

Owen Lyon, age 92, of Wayne, passed away Thursday, May 22nd, 2025.

Born to Charles and Edna Lyon in West Orange, New Jersey, he graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1951 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Seton Hall University. 

Fresh out of college, Owen began cutting the grass at PSE&G’s local office, and forty-five years later proudly retired as one of their well noted Project Managers, VP. 

Before leaving to serve in the Korean War as a U.S. Army gun specialist Owen met and proposed to the true love of his life, Frances Cort of South Orange, beginning a six-decade long love story. According to Owen, from the moment he spotted her at the Cricklewood Store soda shop, he “knew she was the girl” for him– even inviting himself along on her dates with other boys as a self-appointed chaperone. After returning home from the war, Owen and Fran were married on May 28, 1955 at Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange.

Owen often said the pair were “well married”, as they had six priests on the altar and a Papal Blessing secured by the Passionist Brothers. They had a reception at the Condor in Livingston, and drove to their honeymoon in Miami, Florida. Owen and Fran enjoyed a loving and caring marriage for sixty-four years, both here in Wayne, and at their summer home in Long Beach Island.

In addition to being a loving husband, Owen was a devoted father and grandfather, survived by his daughter Karen, and husband John Holmes, of Perkasie, PA; daughter Sharon, and husband Paul Giordano, of Lincoln Park; son Tom Lyon, and partner Joe Breen of Montclair; and pre-deceased by his infant daughter, Joanne. He leaves cherished grandchildren, John and Julie Holmes of Long Valley, NJ; Justin and Alise Holmes of Perkasie, PA; Jessica and Derek Fromm of Quakertown, PA; Taylor Giordano of Springfield, and Michael Giordano of Lincoln Park; as well as great-grandchildren Mila Rose Holmes, Brody Holmes, Jackson Holmes, Dylan Homes, Charlotte Rae Holmes, Colton Fromm, Caleb Fromm, and Avery Fromm. Sadly, Owen also leaves behind his best friend, and constant companion Riley, his seven-year-old feisty yet devoted Shitzu.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to WOUNDED WARRIORS

Compassion, Passion and Fashion

Gloria G Chappa, known for her passion compassion and fashion was the last of her generation of the Garofoli/Basista clans, passed away at age 96 on May 20th, 2025. She was a special person who was upbeat with compassion to everyone she interacted with. She lived a comfortable life surrounded by her family and friends and made the world around her a better place.

Gloria and her two sisters, Helen and Teresa were born in the Bronx, New York in a walk-up apartment with family and lifelong friends on the floors of the tenement building. The sense of community comes from having an extended family living and celebrating their Italian heritage in their neighborhood. The daughter of immigrants from Como, Italy had some surviving home movies of family picnics with a large kettle of pasta being cooked at a barbeque in a park rather than the traditional burgers and dogs.

Gloria was a mother of Jody, Tom and Brian and with her first husband Ed lived in Massapequa Park, Long Island, Cherry Hill, New Jersey before settling in Wayne, New Jersey. In addition to being a home maker, Gloria had several jobs after her children grew up but her work at Passaic County Vocational High School gave her the most satisfaction working as an administrative assistant until her retirement at age 90.

Gloria was a deeply religious person who regularly attended services and whose compassion for children and underserved communities allowed her to donate her time to several charities including St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Gloria had an eye and passion for fashion and home décor. Her mother was an accomplished seamstress who made and embroidered clothing for Gloria and her granddaughters. For her entire life she was always well dressed and had a large wardrobe of clothes. Gloria was constantly decorating, redesigning and moving furniture creating warm and inviting homes. In her later stages of her life, she enjoyed arts and crafts including painting and dried flower arrangements.

Gloria’s first husband and father to her children, Ed Basista, shared a life in Wayne, New Jersey enjoying dancing, watching movies, hosting friends and cooking. Nobody ever left Gloria’s home, being hungry with her being a fantastic cook and baker, guests always left with a care package of baked goods and desserts. Gloria had 4 grandchildren Brent, Michael, Mathew and Mark and a great grandson, Sonny. Her family meant everything, and she was generous with gifts and giving advice at family holiday gatherings and on the telephone. Goria’s second husband Joe was also from Wayne New Jersey.

     Doris Sinofsky (nee Hanssen) passed away at home on May 18, 2025, at the age of 97. She was born in Roseville, CA, the daughter of Joseph Clifford and Mildred (Warren) Hanssen. She was the wife of the late Kenneth Sinofsky and the mother of five children. She received her early education in the Roseville schools and graduated from Sparks High School in Sparks, NV. She graduated from the University of Nevada in Reno with a BA degree in Journalism. While there, she was twice elected to Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges. She later obtained her MA in Reading from William Paterson University.

     She began her teaching career in Sparks, NV where she taught fourth grade at the Robert E. Mitchell School. After marriage, she taught at Union School in Rutherford, NJ. After her children started school, she returned to work at the John F. Kennedy School in Wayne where she taught fifth and third grades. She remained there until her retirement. She was chosen as Teacher of the Year in 1986.

     Mrs. Sinofsky had been a member of the Wayne Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon and a teacher in the church school. 

     After retiring, she and her husband purchased a home in Pompano Beach, FL and were snowbirds for many years. After his death in 2003, she moved to Cedar Crest Village where she returned to her interest in writing and became a reporter for the monthly “Mountain Matters”.  In addition, she began working in the TV studio where she worked on the weekly television programs and also became involved in the production of documentaries. She was especially proud of her two Telly awards presented for “Our Heroes” and “Never Forgotten,” two of the documentaries that she helped produce at Cedar Crest.  All three documentaries told the lives of Cedar Crest residents. Her next endeavor was playwriting and many of her plays were performed by the Cedar Crest Players and were enjoyed by many. 

     Mrs. Sinofsky is survived by her children, Dr. Francine Sinofsky, Steven and his wife, Susan, Karen Mahida and her husband, Sanjay, Linda Sinofsky and her husband, Daniel DiTolla and Paul. Her grandchildren are Brett, Madison and Kenneth Sinofsky, Alfred (Jake) and Emily DiTolla, Cristina and Daniella Sinofsky, Isabella Mahida and Megan Watson and her husband Randy. Her great grandchildren are Gianna, Wari, Journey, Emiliano, Brooklyn, and Riley. She was predeceased by her sisters Alice Hanssen and Joyce Pinckney and her husband Bob, her brother Clifford Hanssen and his wife Dottie, and her sisters-in-law Bernice Russ and Miriam Holzsager. She also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.

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     In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you make a memorial gift to the Endowment Fund for the Doris H. Sinofsky Award for the Outstanding Electronic Media Student at the University of Nevada, Reno/Mailstop 310 Reynolds School of Journalism, Attn:  Carol McIntosh, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV  89557 or online at http://unr.edu/giving and click on the “Give Now” button.  Please reference the Doris H. Sinofsky Endowed Award in the Gift Instructions or Comments’ section. 

Susan Kathleen Biroc Stender

November 30, 1960 – May 16, 2025

With deep sorrow and boundless love, we announce the passing of Susan Kathleen Biroc Stender on May 16, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 64, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her illness, Susan never lost her radiant positivity, grace, or her unwavering generosity of spirit.

Susan was born to Barbara and Albert Biroc in Jersey City, New Jersey. She grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, in the Lionshead Lake community where she attended Wayne Hills High School.

She was predeceased by both of her parents, who instilled in her the strength, compassion, and joyful spirit that defined her life.

From a young age, she was known for her beauty, warmth, and natural charisma.

She met the love of her life, George Stender, in 2004, and they married in 2006. Together, they shared a deep and joyful partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering support. In George’s words, “She was the greatest wife on this earth.”

Susan is survived by her loving husband, George Stender; her daughter, Kathryn Keskinyan; her son, Michael Culhane; her son-in-law, Shant Keskinyan; and her cherished granddaughter, Claire Keskinyan. She is also survived by her brothers, Patrick Biroc and Richard Biroc; her sisters-in-law, Monica Biroc and Lizette Biroc; her nieces, Kimberly Biroc and Sophia Biroc; her nephew, Chris Biroc; and her beloved dog, Rusty. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunt and uncle, Kathy and Eddie Agresta; her cousins, Jill Skinner, Todd Agresta, Kurt Biroc his wife Malaina and many extended family members and friends who cherished her deeply.

Above all, Susan was devoted to her family. Being a mother was her greatest passion and proudest role. She welcomed her daughter Katie into this world in 1990 and her son, Michael arrived in 1991. She often said that every age of her children was the best age—she truly loved every moment of motherhood. She embraced each season of their lives with joy, patience, and wonder. She was the most loving, attentive, and inspiring mother one could imagine, and she was also the proud and adoring grandmother to Claire, who brought endless joy to her life.

Susan was a gifted athlete and natural leader. She was an accomplished volleyball player who treasured playing on a recreational team with her mother and aunt, and in her twenties, she worked as a fitness instructor. Athletic and adventurous, her and her husband later became a certified master and rescue scuba diver, fearlessly diving with sharks and exploring underwater caves.

A lover of the outdoors, Susan was drawn to the beauty of wildlife—especially dolphins, manatees, cardinals, chipmunks, and pelicans. She found peace in sunsets over the canal behind her dream home in Florida, where she loved boating and exploring dockside restaurants with her husband.

In addition to a successful career in marketing and advertising—where she excelled at building relationships and leading with creativity—Susan was a bold entrepreneur and the founder of SNG Transportation Solutions. She was also a fierce and strategic Texas Hold ’em player who won multiple tournaments and was known for her sharp mind and fearless play.

Susan was an excellent and self-taught cook who delighted her family and friends with meals made from the heart. Her shrimp with white wine sauce and homemade chicken soup were legendary and filled her home with warmth and comfort.

She had a particular love for Christmas. Susan made the holidays magical, not just through her warmth and generosity, but with her famously over-the-top gift wrapping. She was an expert wrapper—each package meticulously decorated and sealed with so much tape that opening it became a joyful challenge. Her festive spirit brought delight to everyone around her.

Susan was stunningly beautiful, both inside and out. Her vibrant presence lit up every room she entered. She lived with purpose, gave selflessly, loved deeply, and brought joy to everyone around her.

Her warmth, courage, and radiant light will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was truly one of a kind—forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s honor to:

- Cancer Research Institute give.cancerresearch.org

- National Wildlife Federation support.nwf.org

William A. Lindsay Sr.  82, of Wayne, NJ, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025.  He was born in Jersey City, to the late William R. and Elizabeth (Yockel) Lindsay.

He was the devoted husband of Carol Ann (Ciaston) Lindsay for sixty years and was the beloved father of William A. Jr., Chuck (Charles) and Rachel Lindsay and father-in-law of Jörg Raab and Jeana Lindsay. His greatest pride and joy were his granddaughters: Samantha Lindsay, Sophia and Stella Raab. He was the older brother of Robert Lindsay, JoAnne Harder and Susan Maak, and uncle and great uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Bill grew up in Jersey City and was a graduate of St. Peter’s Prep and College. He studied Corporate Finance at NYU and later received a Graduate Certificate in Administration from Harvard. He retired from Harvard University Press where he was Associate Director and Chief Financial Officer for 18 years. Previous to that he was President of Dell (Doubleday) Publishing in NYC. During his time working for Doubleday, Bill enjoyed being a fan of the NY Mets with his kids and even got to attend the magical game six of the World Series in 1986 and many opening days.

While working at Harvard he served on the Board of Beacon Press. He was also instrumental in gathering books from other university presses for libraries in countries which were war-torn and/or impoverished for the Sabre Foundation. For five years he was a general trustee of the Archaeological Institute of America.

In retirement Bill enjoyed his granddaughters, reading, poetry, cooking, watching Jeopardy, bird feeding and watching, and supporting good causes.

The yearly highlight for Bill was a vacation on Long Beach Island with his family, walking to Skipper Dipper with his granddaughters in the evening to get ice cream and visiting his favorite Osprey at Barnegat Light, which he also followed via a webcam from home.

Most of all, Bill was known for his patience, generosity, humility and integrity. He believed that everyone deserved a chance and quietly cared for relatives and strangers in need.

In lieu of flowers we respectfully ask for contributions to Hearts n’ Hands Mission, St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 395 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 or your favorite charity.

It is with a profound sense of sadness that we announce the passing of RaeAnn Cheon, age 66, of Lincoln Park, NJ. Surrounded by the love and care of her family, RaeAnn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Born in Paterson, NJ, RaeAnn was the beloved daughter of Henry and Muriel Bogert and one of two children. Her early years were spent in Paterson before her family settled in West Paterson (now known as Woodland Park), where she was raised and graduated from Passaic Valley High School, Class of 1976.

After high school, RaeAnn began her professional life at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. She worked there for several years before embracing the role of full-time homemaker following the birth of her first son, Ronald. Her second son, Christopher, soon followed, and the family later moved to Wayne, NJ, before RaeAnn eventually made her home in Lincoln Park.

As her children grew older, RaeAnn returned to the workforce, joining the Lincoln Park Care Center in the Medical Records department. She served there with quiet dedication for more than two decades until her passing.

RaeAnn was a gentle and private soul who found her greatest joy in family. She was deeply devoted to her children, grandchildren, and her sister, and treasured every moment spent with them. Her love and selflessness were the heart of her family, and her presence will be deeply missed.

She fell into the role of grandmother with such excitement, joy, pride, and love and willingly gave that to her grandchildren up until her last breath. From daycare pickups, dance recitals, talent shows, sleepovers, birthday parties, times spent at the Jersey Shore, and holidays, Grandma was ALWAYS there, with arms full of presents, of course!

RaeAnn is survived by her loving sons: Ronald Cheon and his wife Molly Cunder of West Orange, NJ, and Christopher Cheon and his wife Divna Burchici of Roxbury, NJ; her dear sister Debbie Sampat and her husband Vijay of Clifton, NJ; and her cherished grandchildren, Penelope and Jason Cheon. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Muriel Bogert.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in RaeAnn’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Isabella M. LoRé (née Martin), age 96, of Pompton Lakes, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Isabella was one of two children of Hugh and Dorothea Martin. Tragically, she lost her mother at the tender age of two. Her father later remarried, and together with his second wife, the family grew to include two more children. They remained in Boston until Isabella was about fifteen, after which they relocated to Dedham, MA. While attending Brighton High School, Isabella formed a close lifelong friendship with her best friend, June. The two shared many joyful moments, attending school dances and local events, navigating their youth during the challenging yet defining years of World War II.

A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Isabella graduated with honors from Brighton High School in 1947. She soon began her career as an accounting clerk at Sears & Roebuck in Boston and later worked at R.H. Stearns Department Store, where she thrived as an assistant buyer, model, and salesperson. After four years, Isabella left her job to embark on an exciting journey through Europe with three close friends.

The trip proved life-changing. While boarding the SS Constitution en route to England—just in time to witness Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation—she caught the eye of 3rd Mate Anthony LoRé. He famously told his shipmates, “I’m going to marry that girl.” True to his word, the two began dating upon Isabella’s return to the U.S., and their romance blossomed. On December 4, 1954, they were married in Brooklyn, surrounded by loved ones.

The couple made their home in Brooklyn, NY, where they welcomed their first three children: Louis, Carolina, and Peter. Later, the growing family moved to Clifton, NJ, where their youngest daughter, Lisa, was born. Isabella dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children, embracing her role as a full-time homemaker with devotion and joy. In 1984, Isabella and Anthony moved to Brick Township, NJ, and after more than two decades there, they settled in Pompton Lakes, where Isabella spent her later years.

Isabella had a passion for reading—especially mystery novels—and counted Alexander McCall Smith among her favorite authors. She was a talented knitter and lovingly created knit blankets for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known for her culinary talents, she was especially admired for her creampuffs, pound cakes, and artichokes.

She loved to travel, often accompanying her beloved husband Anthony, who rose through the ranks to become a ship captain. Together, they explored the world, from a memorable nine-week trip to Australia and New Zealand to her final voyage across the Atlantic aboard the Queen Mary II with her sister Nancy, revisiting their family roots in Scotland.

Isabella’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with those she loved. She and Anthony shared 52 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2005.

Isabella will be remembered for her strength, intelligence, and unwavering love for her family. She touched countless lives with her warmth and generosity, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Isabella is survived by her children; Carolina Brown and her husband Christopher of Ringwood, NJ, Peter LoRé of Pennsylvania, and Lisa Fierro and her husband Michael of Hewitt, NJ,  her sisters; Nancy Martin-Li and her husband Litian of New York City, and Carol Martin of Massachusetts, seven grandchildren; Lindsay Baron and her husband Matthew of Andover, MA, Christian Stanton and his wife My of Boynton Beach, FL, Peter LoRé of Syracuse, NY, Katie Isabella Fierro-Ripoll and her husband Steven of Riverdale, NJ, Alice LoRé of Pennsylvania, Bella LoRé of Philadelphia, PA, and Henry LoRé of Massachusetts, ten great grandchildren; Jack, Julia, Alex, Isaac, Kayla, Anthony, Quinn, Tate, Charlie and Nico and her daughter-in-law Tiffany LoRé.  She was predeceased by her husband Captain Anthony LoRé in 2005 and by her son Louis Anthony LoRé in 2024.  She was also predeceased by her sister Dorothea Queenan, her brother-in-law Francis Queenan and Stepmom Helen Martin.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Isabella’s name may be made to Toys for Tots, Boys Town, or the Pompton Lakes First Aid Squad.