Charles L. Kohler age 74 of Wayne passed peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2014.

He was born in 1939 at Black’s Sanitarium, which was actually a small hospital owned by a Dr. Black. The third son of Lawrence and Lillian Kohler. He was raised on 3167 Fairmont Avenue in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, New York. In May of 1942, during WWII, the family moved to 3120 Buhre Ave, again in the Bronx, New York. After just two years they moved again to the West Englewood section of Teaneck, NJ. He spent his formative years going to the Sister’s of Charity’s grammar school at St Anastasia’s parish in Teaneck and later graduated from Teaneck High School with the Class of 1957. He continued his education at St Peters College in Jersey City having graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with the Class of 1961. Charles continued his education receiving his Masters Degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University with the Class of 1968.

After graduating from St. Peters Charles was drafted into the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Dix, NJ he was sent to Fort Sill, OK for artillery training. After eight weeks of artillery training his platoon was sent to Korea, however he was held over and place in the Headquarters Training Unit and spent the remains service time at Fort Sill as a personnel specialist. He was honorably discharged in November of 1963.

During Charles last years at Saint Peter's he met and fell in love with a Irish-American “lass” he met at a church sponsored dance at St Leo’s RC Church in East Paterson (now called Elmwood Park). They were married on May 2, 1964 from St. Williams Church in Philadelphia, PA. The young couple lived in Palisades Park, NJ and West Paterson, NJ before moving to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne on September 19, 1969.

Charles first worked for the Cheesebrough Ponds Corporation at their Q-Tips plant in Long Island City as a production planner. In just two years the company moved to Jefferson City, MO and Charles didn’t want to make the move. He soon found a new position at GT&E Labs in Bayside, Long Island, New York as a personnel specialist. A few years commuting to Long Island had Charles looking for a new position closer to home. He soon found employment at ITT Data Services in Paramus but that job only lasted two years. He again found himself commuting, this time to Manhattan where he worked for Continental Grain, Inc. as Director of Compensation and Benefits. After a few years ITT came after Charles to return to their Headquarters compensation group. This job lasted twenty-nine years having retired as Vice President of Human Resources in 1999.

Charles was a parishioner of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church in Wayne where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11943 at the church.

He served on the Board of the Packanack Athletics Association, was a member of the Packanack Players, the Packanack Golf Association, the Packanack Lake Community Association, coached the Packanack Lake Football and Baseball programs. He was also very fond of the time he spent with the Packanack Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out Saturdays). Charles was also a member of the famed Purple Gang Softball Team in Packanack. They never won a game but had some great after game parties.

Charles will be remembered for never being able to say no to his wife or daughter and grandchildren, doing whatever he could to make their lives happy. His dedication to learning, his loyalty to lasting friendships, the love he had for his family, and the strength he found through his faith. He had a quiet personality, was very regimented, organized. He knew how to enjoy his life, be it traveling to new places or staying home. He loved, to read, and while he was able, spend time challenging himself on the golf course. He was always willing to try something new, enjoyed traveling with his wife and groups of friends, and relished in the accomplishments of his daughter and grandchildren.

He was the loving husband of the late Mary C. Kohler (2007); devoted father of Maureen Gianinio and her husband Philip of Wayne; cherished grandfather of James and his fiancé Alexa Tsicknas, Thomas, Timothy, and Melanie Gianinio. And dedicated brother to Lawrence and Gerald and proud uncle to their children.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinison’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, NY, NY 10163-4777 or the American Lung Association, 1031 US 22, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 would be appreciated.

Margaret M. Carleo age 93 of Wayne passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Margaret met a cute boy named Vincent Carleo outside of a dance hall in Brooklyn. Vincent swears she was sitting on his car and Margaret emphatically always denied it. They fell in love and married on June 29, 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Vincent was in the Army and Margaret took a bus to Louisiana to get married. A true city girl, and after the bus ride, she vowed she would never go back there again. They had a rock solid marriage for over forty years before Vincent’s passing in 1986.

For several years the family had a summer home in the Hoffman Grove section of Wayne. They would leave Brooklyn and spend summers at Hoffman Grove swimming in the Pompton River. Vincent and Margaret decided to move to Wayne permanently in 1968. Their two young children, Vincent and Patricia thought their parents had lost their minds; who would want to leave Brooklyn to live in the middle of nowhere?

Margaret worked as a packer for the Western Publishing Company in Wayne for sixteen years before retiring in 1984. She was a quiet, very loving, conservative person who had a great sense of humor and could adapt to just about any situation. She traveled to Florida with a pop up camper, laughed when her sons’ friends were outside his window trying to get her son Vincent to sneak out of the house, dressed up in old clothes at Frontier-town at Lake George, or going to Shea Stadium with a group of kids for her grandson’s birthday, she fit right in. Margaret was all about family and took great pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was the loving wife of the late Vincent Carleo (1986); devoted mother of Vincent Carleo, Jr. and his wife Diane of Dalton, GA, and Patricia Adelle of Wayne; loved grandmother of Duane Carleo and his wife Amanda, Lucas Eugene Cotterman and his fiancé Lexi, and Jessica Finney and her husband Chris; much loved great-grandmother of Sean and Connor Finney; loved sister of Elizabeth Fasino of Mastic, Long Island, NY and the late Robert Nelson.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07512 would be appreciated.

Bruno “Red” Di Tosto, age 82, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

Bruno was born in the Bronx, NY and raised in Clifton. He had been a resident of Wayne since 1964.

He was a mathematician and aerospace engineer with Bendix Corporation of Teterboro. Following retirement, he started three aerospace consulting companies. He was a long-time trustee and coach of the Wayne PAL.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 57 years, Dr. Geraldine Di Tosto; his four children: Robert, Thomas, Nanette and James; their spouses; eleven grandchildren, and his brother Joe.

George "Gig" Greenfield age 89 of Wayne passed away peacefully while receiving the loving care of his wife and family.

George was born in Passaic, NJ. He spent a memorable portion of his childhood in Warwick, NY, including his graduation from High School, before moving to Wayne 57 years ago. After his High School graduation, George worked for a few years. He then enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, where he proudly served as a Technical Sergeant in Texas. George was then shipped off to the Philippines where he served honorably in the Pacific Theatre. After his return, George worked for a company called Oneida Paper Products for many years, then became Vice President of Purchasing for Bagcraft Corporation for 25 years until his retirement in 1993.

Several years after he was honorably discharged from the service, George attended a dance in Passaic, NJ. There he met a woman by the name of Dorothy Sogorka, and after a few years of courtship they were married in 1953. George and Dorothy cherished more than 60 years of marriage. During that time, they devoted themselves to raising and caring for their six children. George was a CYO coach for several different sports in which his children were active.

George was devoted to his Catholic Faith and was one of the founding members of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne. He was a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, holding a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of the New York Yankees and the New York Knicks. He was a voracious reader, loved to play golf and enjoyed listening to Jazz music, Big Band especially.

Above all his interests, hobbies and talents, he was a devoted and loving husband and father. His family recalls him "treasuring his grandchildren."  George profoundly touched the lives of all who knew him and will be sincerely missed by his family and friends alike.

George is survived by his wife Dorothy R. (nee Sogorka) of Wayne; 2 daughters: Rita Felderman and her husband David of Wayne; Laura Haug and her husband William of Kinnelon; 4 sons: George and his wife Renee of Glen Allen, VA, Douglas and his wife Diane of Wayne, Richard and his wife Delilah of Wesley Hills, NY and Robert and his wife Diana of Manhattan; one brother Fred Greenfield; and 11 grandchildren: Kara and her fiance John, Kyle, William, Samantha, Max, Sam, Douglas, Kevin, Cooper, Cole, and Brendhan. He was recently predeceased by his brother Robert in 2014.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in George's name are asked to consider Relentless Against Cancer, Inc., 19 Briar Court, Hamburg, NJ 07419 www.relentlessagainstcancer.org or Autism Speaks, 1 East 33rd St, 4th Floor, NY, NY 10016 www.autismspeaks.org.

Ruth McGoldrick, age 94 and a resident of Wayne for 58 years, entered into her new home in heaven on Monday, April 7, 2014.

Ruth was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. As a young girl, she made many summer trips down the NJ Shore in Ocean Grove and Asbury Park. Back then, the roads must have been rough and tires on cars must have been poor quality because Ruth always recalled the question everyone asked when their friends arrived – “how many flats did you get on the way down?”

Following graduation from Paterson’s Eastside High School, Ruth enrolled in Paterson State Teachers College. While attending, she was a member of Tau Kalon sorority where she established many life-long special friendships with her sorority sisters. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and began her career teaching in the Ramsey and Totowa school systems.

Ruth and her girlfriend were standing on a corner in their neighborhood one day when this guy in a nice car pulled up to talk with them. His name was John McGoldrick and, at the time, Ruth wasn’t much interested in dating him. They eventually did go on that first date but the second one didn’t come until six months later. The second date was a charm though and the love bug struck! They married on Wednesday, April 17, 1946 at the beautiful Chapel in Laurel Grove Cemetery in Totowa.

Following the wedding, Ruth and John initially settled in Totowa where they remained for five years. When their new home in the Pines Lake section of Wayne was completed, they moved in with their two little daughters, Sherry and Lois. By now, Ruth was teaching at the elementary grade level in the Oakland Schools. She loved going to teach the children each day and she enjoyed the camaraderie of her associates. She taught for 38 years and of all her colleagues that she came up through the ranks with, she was the last to retire, calling it quits in 1984.

Whether teaching or retired, Ruth always had a lot of things going on in her life. When she and John moved to Pines Lake, they soon made many more life-long friends. Parties at the neighbors were regular occurances and Ruth loved to entertain at her home too. She and John hosted awesome dinner and dance parties. Some were costume parties, and New Year’s Eve parties always took place at the McGoldrick residence! She was an excellent mom who was very skilled on a sewing machine, making many of Sherry and Lois’ clothes including both of their prom dresses. The girls fondly recall their mom’s expertise in the kitchen too. Ruth made great full-course meals always serving a meat, two vegetables, salad and dessert. When she retired from teaching, Ruth did not retire from living life to the fullest. She became quite an accomplished painter. Most of her paintings were water colors and many of them she sold. She and John had the privilege of traveling abroad, enjoying trips to China, Australia, throughout Europe and to Canada and Hawaii too. They also went on countless cruises and loved to stay at their second home in Boca Raton, FL. In addition to all these passions in her life, Ruth had two others – shopping and dining out. She loved to hit the stores and get all the bargains, especially at Jacobs Department Store when they advertised their Paterson Sales Days. And after a hard day of shopping, what better way to relax than kicking back for a nice dinner at Tallia’s Restaurant in Wayne (now the Paris Inn), or at Dante’s Furnace Inn by the Pompton Falls or at Scordato’s in Hawthorne, or at the Triangle Hofbrau on Route 23 in Wayne. Equally important at dinner was dessert and Ruth’s favorite was ice cream. Ruth loved ice cream so much that she had it as recently as two days ago…..for breakfast!

When Ruth and John’s daughter Lois was going to get married in 1977, she and her fiancé Ken found a nice church to get married. That church was Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne. They fell in love with the church and soon, Ruth and John started attending too. They were active members for many years and Ruth was always the last one to leave after Sunday worship, busy talking and sipping her coffee.

In the last few weeks of her life, Ruth expressed great joy and thankfulness for the life she was blessed with. She said she was grateful for the years she had with her beloved husband John until his passing in 2004, and she was glad for the great relationships she shared with her daughters. Ruth equally enjoyed her years with her two grandchildren and was thankful for her son-in-law Ken and was excited about her future granddaughter-in-law Kelly. Quick-witted and sometime honest to a fault, she always strove to see the best in people.

Ruth is survived by her two dear daughters: Sherry McGoldrick of Beacon, NY, and Lois and husband Ken Stouffer of Kinnelon; her two adored grandchildren: Gregory Stouffer of Kinnelon and his fiancé Kelly Camp-Force, and Kendra and husband Stephen Biasini of Deptford, NJ. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 2004.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ruth’s name are asked to consider the Preakness Reformed Church.

Angelo T. Caruso age 83 of Barnegat, formerly of Wayne, passed Monday, April 7, 2014.

He was born and raised in Newark having lived in Wayne and Palm Coast, FL before moving to Barnegat fifteen years ago.

He was the loving husband of the late Angelina (Caporusso) Caruso (1999); loving father of Dr. Vincent Caruso, and Frank Caruso and his wife Laurie; cherished grandfather of Skyler, Noah, and Victoria; dear brother of Lena DiCostanzo and the late Josephine Amato(2004).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated

Henry “Hank” Kuiken age 86 formerly of Wayne passed away peacefully on April 5, 2014 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Hank was born and raised in Fair Lawn, then lived in Wayne for 55 years before moving to Charlottesville, VA in the summer of 1987. His winter residence was St James City, FL. He was self-employed as a produce and dairy farmer. Hank also worked in the retail milk business having been a founding partner in Westbrook Farms. He was a building contractor working primarily in home construction until his retirement in 1986. In retirement one of Hanks hobbies was creating beautiful furniture. Many of his friends considered him to be a master craftsman of wood.

Hank is Survived by his wife Christine Austin Kuiken; three daughters Jeanne Schaper and her husband John of Springhill FL, Joanne Langlois of Haverstraw, NY, and Janice Hofer and her husband Rob of Wiggins, CO; two brothers Jacob of Prospect Park and Kenneth of Sarasota, FL; and two sisters Grace Thiessen of Huntley, IL and Helene Bradley of Charlottesville, VA; four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a loyal friend Ray Wyant. He was predeceased by his First Wife Ella E. Kuiken in January 2000, two of his brothers Bill and Harold and two of his sisters Elizabeth and Dot.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Hank’s name are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

William C. Smyth of Hobe Sound FL and formerly of Wayne NJ age 88.

Grandson of Irish immigrants, this Marine, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather is survived by his wife of 67 years Eileen. Born in Newark in 1925 he was raised in East Orange. He left high school at age 17 to join the US Marines and served in the South Pacific during WWII. Returning from service in 1946 as a corporal, he joined NJ Bell Telephone as a splicer’s helper and worked his way from the crafts and through management levels retiring in 1984 as an Area Manager.

Although his professional work was in management since the 1950s, Bill never lost his enthusiasm and talent for working with his hands. He actually invented what is now called DIY. Whether the problem was mechanical, electrical, electronic, plumbing, carpentry, automotive or even pouring concrete, he took care of it all himself. An avid golfer, he lived on a course in Florida playing nearly every day. He enjoyed a 10 day golf trip to Ireland with his sons when he was 79 and walked all the courses.

William is also survived by his daughter Nancy Smyth Yannetti formerly of Northvale NJ, sons Kenneth W. Smyth and wife Anne of West Friendship MD, Steven M. Smyth and wife Claire of Kennett Square PA, David J. Smyth and his wife Christine of Wayne NJ, grandchildren Alison Smyth Lynn and husband Jason of Alexandria VA, Lyndsay Smyth of Alexandria VA, Jillayne Smyth of Washington DC, Kevin Smyth of NYC, Christa Smyth of Washington DC, Daniel Smyth and Stephanie Smyth of Wayne NJ, and Great grandchildren Preston and Harrison Lynn of Alexandria VA.

He was predeceased by his parents William F. and Lucille Smyth and by his beloved younger brother John.

Nicholas Romano, age 17 of Wayne died tragically on Friday, April 4, 2014.

Nicky was a lifelong resident of Wayne, having attended Ryerson Elementary School, George Washington Middle School, and he was currently a junior at Wayne Valley High School.

Nicky was a gifted athlete. Ever since his earliest years he had been playing football, baseball, lacrosse, and basketball, just to name a few. Football was his clear favorite. The Wayne PAL was like a second home to him and he would often go over there just to shoot hoops with his friends. He was a very active kid, always doing something. He took full advantage of his membership to Crunch and was proud to show off his ever-growing arm and chest muscles to his mom. All that time playing sports and going to the gym gave him an appetite that threatened to drive his family into debt! He could eat a huge meal and a few minutes later he’d be hungry again. It wasn’t uncommon for him to wake his mom up at midnight; “mom, I’m hungry. Can you make me a peanut and butter jelly sandwich on whole wheat?” Or chicken…he loved chicken. Actually, any kind of meat that his mother made for him, he referred to as ‘chicken.’ Whether it was steak, hotdogs, or pork, Nicky called it “chicken.” He truly had his mom wrapped around his finger and they’ve always shared a very special, loving relationship. He would thank her for all her kindness and love with little kisses on her forehead, and she loved it.

Nicky has a pet cat named ‘Peaches’ that he helped to rescue from his grandmother’s dryer vent many years ago. At bedtime, Nicky would call for Peaches, who would then climb into bed and snuggle up on his pillow. They always sleep together. He loved playing Call of Duty and Soccer on his Xbox so much, his controller seemed like it had become a part of him. This winter, he earned enough money shoveling snow with his brothers and friends that he bought his own Smart TV. He was proud of his purchase and playing Xbox on it was the best!

Nicky also had a big heart and his personal relationships were very sincere and meaningful to him. The people he considered his ‘best friends’ didn’t change over the years, as is often the case with teenagers. He considered Jake Mahoney and Michael Scaglione to be his closest and dearest friends since kindergarten, and the three of them did just about everything together. He would stick up for his friends no matter what, even if he had to take a fall for one of them, he would do it in a heartbeat. Even though he was a bit of character and loved to clown around, seemingly marching to his own drum at times, he was a good kid and a loyal friend. He will be sorely missed by untold numbers who will continue to love him and keep his memory alive in their hearts.

Nicky is survived by his devoted parents; Anthony and Beth (nee Stuart) of Wayne, his sister; Marissa, his brother Anthony, his younger brother, roommate and ‘buddy’; Christopher, his grandparents; Joseph and Gale Stuart of Fairfield, his three aunts; Denise Keastead and her husband Ken of Lincoln Park, Pamela Banchi of Caldwell, Lisa Hargain and her husband Walter of Northport, FL, his uncle; Michael Romano and his wife Katrina of Northport, FL, many cousins; Kenny and Joey Keastead, Kaitlyn, Steven and Ryan Banchi, Stephanie, Remi and Michael Romano, and Melissa, Kimberly and Walter Hargain. He was predeceased by his grandparents; Anthony and Rosemarie Romano.

Donations in Nicky’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please visit the Romano Family donation page established by the Wayne PAL at: www.gofundme.com/832y64

Walter “Wally” Esposito, age 95 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

Wally grew up in Paterson and Newark, attending Barringer High School in Newark. The Great Depression was in full swing during his adolescent years and like so many others, he left school to join the workforce. His brother in-law Joe taught him how to be a barber when he was just a teenager, so he opened his own barbershop, but that wasn’t paying the bills, so from there he worked for his uncle driving a truck until he was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in July of 1941 at the age of 23. He was sent to Alaska and then set sail across the Pacific, bound for the Philippines, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese and the Philippines were captured. Fortunately his troop ship was turned around before he got there. He returned to the mainland where he was trained as a cook and then assigned to the Aleutian Islands to serve in Alaska. He was discharged in 1945 soon after the Japanese surrender.

At one point, after returning from the service, he became partners with his brother in-law Carmen in a construction company before joining Universal Manufacturing in Paterson as a Foreman. He eventually retired from Unimatic Corp in Fairfield in 1980.

Wally was an avid fisherman and hunter. He would frequently go fishing before work, catch a few trout or bass in the river, then go to work. He loved to spend time up at Greenwood Lake with his boat, cruising around with his wife, and fishing. On one occasion, he caught so many fish that he couldn’t possibly eat them all himself. He invited a bunch of friends over for breakfast and shared his catch!

It was during his time in the service that Wally became skilled at cooking for large groups, and he used those skills throughout his life, especially at the Elks Lodge in Pompton Lakes. He cooked not only for the Elks events, but also for those who rented the hall out for their own parties. He loved to cook for big parties and was very good at it. He joined the Elks after retiring and he made many good friends there. He and Antoinette went on many of the Elks trips and had a great time with all the other families. Those were great times for Wally and he made lots of memories.

Wally met his wife Antoinette (Cascone) sometime around 1938. They were introduced by one of her cousins at the St. Michael’s Feast in Paterson. They hit it off right from the start and were married on October 26, 1941, just as Wally was shipping off to the Army. They enjoyed a honeymoon of just one night in New York City before Wally had to go back to his Army barracks at Fort Monmouth, NJ. Antoinette moved down to a friend’s house near Fort Monmouth, and Wally would sneak off of the base from time to time so they could see each other. When he was transferred to Seattle, she moved out there as well so they could see each other as often as possible. After the war was over, they moved to Paterson before building a home in Wayne in 1956, where they have lived together ever since. Over the years, they’ve traveled to Italy, St. Thomas, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Sanibel Island was among one of his favorite destinations. Wally loved the Jersey Shore and crabbing at his sister’s house in Forked River, NJ. The crabbing there was great. He would catch as many as possible and have his wife Antoinette make a wonderful fresh crab sauce that everyone raved about. He also enjoyed traveling just a little further south to Atlantic City, where the Taj Mahal was another favorite destination. In all, Wally and Antoinette have enjoyed a remarkable seventy two years of marriage together, filled with lots of great memories, good friends, and loving family.

Wally is survived by his wife of seventy two years; Antoinette of Wayne, his two sons; Wally and his wife Kathy of Riverdale, Joseph and his wife Carolyn of Wayne, four grandchildren; Michael Esposito and his wife Gianine of Morristown, Kristin Esposito of Needham, MA, Corey Esposito of Wayne, and Ty Esposito of Wayne, one Brother; Paul Esposito of Florida, one great-grandson; Christopher Kiesling of Needham, MA, and many nieces and nephews who he loved very much. Wally was predeceased by three brothers; Larry, Jimmy, and Rocky, as well as by his two sisters; Mary Fallavine and Bernadette Bruno.

Friends wishing to make a memorial donation in Wally’s honor are asked to please consider the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474.

The world lost a cowboy today.

The world lost a cowboy today. Thomas “Thom” Colella, Sr., 70, of Wayne, New Jersey passed away unexpectedly. He was born in a pizza parlor; Tony’s Pizzeria in Paterson, New Jersey, to Anthony and Antoinette Colella. He was married for 49 wonderful years (to the day!) to his childhood sweetheart, Beverly (Gardiner) Colella.

His Legacy will live on in his children; Dawn Fasolino (spouse Pasquale), Thomas Colella, Jr. (spouse Christine) and his wonderful grandchildren that were his pride and joy: Reid, Ryan, Pasquale, and Amanda.

Thom always lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time at his beloved second home in Long Beach Island. He also enjoyed working on his 1951 Ford Pickup and was a founding member of the Tri-County Cruisers of Wayne. At the age of 16, he was a champion calf roper. He owned horses and enjoyed riding the hills and trails of Kinnelon, New Jersey with his children. He enjoyed watching the PBR Rodeo and listening to Bluegrass. We will forever miss his meatballs, lasagna, and Easter pies.

He also leaves behind his dear siblings; John Colella (spouse Anne) of Madison, NJ, Anthony Colella (spouse Lois), of Saddle Brook, NJ and Marilyn Fernicola (spouse David), of North Haledon, NJ, his dear sisters-in-law; Barbara Toscano (spouse Anthony) of Wayne, NJ and Brenda Aldi of Hamburg, NJ, his loving mother-in-law Celeste Gardiner of Wayne, NJ as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Thom was a graduate of Passaic County Technical Institute, Paterson. He was employed by the Township of Wayne and had previously owned Circle Brake Service of Bergen County and Circle Tire of Hackensack, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Thomas’s name be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Happy Trails, Cowboy.

Lucy Martino (nee Pisano) age 96, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 1st, 2014 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Lucy was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. She lived in Paterson until moving to Hawthorne about 60 years ago. At a young age, she was forced to leave school to help care for her family. During the early 1940’s, she met a young man by the name of Edmund Martino. After a short time they were married and spent the next 67 years of cherished marriage together until Edmund’s passing in May of 2009. During that time, Lucy was a devoted homemaker, and she cherished the time she spent raising their three daughters.

Lucy was a wonderful mother and devoted her life to her children. She loved to tell jokes, loved to shop and her family remembers her as being extremely generous. She also loved to hear the phrase “I Love Lucy”. She would ask people what her name was, and they would answer with, “I Love Lucy!” Her family also recalls the Summers they would spend at their house in Upper Greenwood Lake. Lucy was also a member of the Riverside Vets in Paterson, NJ. Lucy was a loving mother and wife and she will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Lucy is survived by 3 daughters Maria Delalla and her husband Jules of Wayne, Aleta Corvelli and her husband Rocco, and Donna Martino-Sysyn both of Houston, TX; 2 grandchildren Christian Delalla and Nicolay Sysyn; she was predeceased by her husband Edmund Martino in May, 2009, she was also predeceased by three sisters and five brothers over the years.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Lucy’s name are asked to consider The American Heart Association PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or Alzheimer's Association 400 Morris Ave Suite 251 Denville, NJ 07834.

Dorothy M. Tessoni, age 86 of Wayne, died peacefully with loving family by her bedside, early on Tuesday morning, April 1, 2014.

Affectionately known by all as “Dotty”, she was born in El Campo, TX, the eldest of three children.

One night, when Dotty was sixteen, she went to a local dance in El Campo, sponsored by the USO, an organization that sought to lift the spirits of America’s troops. She was technically too young to attend, but her adventurous spirit compelled her to try and sneak in anyway. Boy, was she glad she did! That night she met a nice young man from New York who was serving in the U.S. Army Air Force named Robert “Bob” Tessoni. After enjoying a magical evening of dancing and laughter, Dotty was convinced that Bob was the man she was going to marry. As soon as she had her eighteenth birthday, she moved to New York where she got an apartment and a job with Blue Cross Blue Shield. She and Bob continued to date and, on June 1, 1947, they joined their lives in holy matrimony at Saint Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church in East Elmhurst, NY. After the ceremony and reception, they honeymooned at the Hotel Commodore. When they checked out of the hotel four days later, their total bill came to $24.54! Dotty and Bob travelled to El Campo, TX so that they could exchange their vows in the presence of Dotty’s family too. While there, they honeymooned a little more before returning to New York where they began their married life together.

Dotty continued to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield until she was blessed with the couple’s first child – a baby girl which they named Barbara. By the time Barbara’s little brother Robert was born, Dotty had given up her job at Blue Cross, focusing all her energy on the care of her children.

The couple purchased their first home in a new development in College Point, NY. Many young families were purchasing homes there, so it became a great place to raise their children with lots of kids in the neighborhood for Barbara and Robert to play with. Dotty and Bob developed dear friendships with many of the parents in the neighborhood too. In addition to the annual neighborhood block parties, Dotty and Bob hosted many parties of their own. Dotty would decorate the basement and many friends gathered to dance the night away to the sounds of the latest and greatest big band music. Dotty didn’t drink alcoholic beverages so, since a popular soft drink at the time was called “No Cal”, her friends referred to her as “No Cal Gal”. She was always up for a good prank and loved to make her friends laugh. For instance, sometimes she would dress up funny, blacken one of her front teeth and look into her neighbor’s windows at night till they saw her and screamed.

While raising their family, Dorothy returned to the workplace, initially getting a job with the New York City Board of Education as a lunch aid. During the span of her rewarding thirty-year career, she rose through the ranks, becoming a certified school dietitian before retired in 1990.

The family loved to vacation in the Catskills every summer in July, and Dotty and Bob enjoyed trips to the islands with friends and neighbors. The vanity license plates on their car read “BobDot” and they always got a kick out of people yelling out from their cars at toll booths – “Hi Bob and Dot!” Together they enjoyed 57 years of marriage until Bob’s passing in 2004. Dotty sold their home in College Point and moved to Wayne to be close to her daughter Barbara. She remained a resident in Wayne to the present time.

Dotty adored her three grandchildren. While working for the schools as a dietitian, she often met her daughter Barbara on her lunch hour so that she could spend some time with the grandkids. She couldn’t wait to be a great-grandmother and enjoyed the blessings of her three great grandkids, Nikki, Dylan and Logan.

Dotty was a dear woman of faith. While living in College Point, NY, she was a parishioner of St. Fidelis R.C. Church for over 50 years. Always upbeat and pleasant, Dotty never complained, often recently saying, “thank God I’m alive!” Her faith in God sustained her through the tough times like when she endured quadruple bypass surgery in 2004. She loved music and could often be heard singing throughout her day. Her warm smile and generous spirit will be dearly missed.

Dorothy is survived by her dear daughter Barbara and husband Ron Santos, her dear son Robert and wife Kathy Tessoni; her three adored grandchildren: James and wife Heidi Huggins, Laura and husband Philip Decker, and Christine and husband William Decker; three cherished great-grandchildren: Nikki, Dylan, and Logan; her brother Leroy and wife Norma Kruppa, sister Margaret Ann Day, and sister-in-law Maryann Kruppa, all of Texas. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Robert V. in 2004, and her brother Stanley Kruppa.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Dorothy’s name are asked to consider a donation to Feeding America, P.O. Box 96749, Washington, D.C. 20090-6749 (www.feedingamerica.org).

Samuel C. Rizzo, age 80 of Totowa Borough, NJ died peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2014 with his daughters at his bedside.

Sam was raised in Paterson and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1951. Sadly, his father passed away when he was just 18 years old and Sam began working full time to support the family. These early experiences molded Sam into one of the kindest, selfless people you would ever meet and he was always there to help friends and family alike. At the age of 23, Uncle Sam “came looking for him” and he went off to serve in the U.S. Army. Coincidentally, he found himself serving on base with Elvis Presley! Although Elvis was quite the international celebrity, Sam and the other soldiers were not big fans when Elvis was given his own personal barracks, easy duty, private transportation and all sorts of special treatment. Nevertheless, Sam served his country proudly and made some lifelong friends. He recently reunited with his longtime Army friend, Jerry Kramer, in California and the two of them had been exchanging letters and sharing their favorite recipes.

After the service, Sam began working with Singer-Kearfott in Totowa Borough as a machinist. His daughters recall him working three shifts most of his life, working so hard and making sure they were all taken care of. He truly enjoyed his career at Singer-Kearfott though, especially when he had the opportunity to teach a fresh-out-of-college engineer a thing or two about design. He was well respected among the engineers at Kearfott and regarded as one of their finest machinists. He could create anything they dreamed of, often applying his practical experience to improve upon their designs. He retired as Supervisor of the Inertial Lab at Singer-Kearfott, with top government security clearance, in 1991.

During his early career at Singer-Kearfott, Sam met a beautiful young secretary; Anna Branigan, whom everyone called “Marge”. They secretly dated for a short while (dating was forbidden among employees at Singer-Kearfott), before getting married on October 8, 1961 at St. Bonaventure’s RC Church in Paterson and honeymooning at Niagara Falls. Over the years, they traveled together on many weekend vacations to Pennsylvania, Las Vegas once, and even ventured to Brazil. Their trip to Brazil had quite an impact on Sam, where he witnessed poverty on a level that many of us here in the U.S. can’t even imagine, and this experience made him even more generous towards others. They did everything together and made it a point to never go to bed angry with one-another. Sam and Marge enjoyed forty eight years together before Marge passed in 2009. Sam loved her dearly and losing her was very hard for him these past five years.

Truth be known; Sam was a passionate man and he had several other loves too. He was endeared to his vegetable garden and took great pride in the wonderful, award-winning harvests he enjoyed year after year. He grew everything from seed and believed that the secret to his garden success was simple; “good soil.” He was also passionate about cooking. He made some of the most wonderful meals for his family and friends. He loved cooking for church events, feeding hundreds of people at a time, and the Totowa Borough First Aid Squad, and Luau’s were also favorite events of his. He cooked for untold numbers of people, often with his brother Pat right by his side. He especially loved cooking for his hunting buddies at their camp in Pennsylvania. The “Bear Paw Hunting Lodge”, as they called it, always held a special place in Sam’s heart and the friends he enjoyed throughout the years there are all very dear to him. Without a doubt, there were many good times enjoyed by all of them at that hunting lodge. Sam was a true friend to many people and he remained close with people throughout his entire life. He had close friends from his days in the Army more than sixty years ago, as well as many of the people who were in his wedding party, fellow volunteers at the First Aid Squad, at work, and everywhere in between. He was a loyal, kind, and giving friend and they will all miss him dearly.

For Sam, the birth of his grandson Stephen opened a whole new chapter in his life. Stephen was the apple of his eye and never went without a day guiding him to be happy and especially to excel in school, stressing the importance of a good education. He also shared his love of fishing and going up to camp as much as school would allow. There was never anyone else in the room whenever those two were together. From the moment Stephen was born, they shared a very special bond only a Grandson could fill.

Sam is survived by his two daughters; MaryAnn Rizzo of Totowa Borough, Sandra Hogquist and her fiancé Paul of Belford, NJ, one grandson; Stephen Hogquist, Jr. of Belford, NJ, and one sister; Sally Vivino of Woodland Park, NJ, and a list of loving friends too numerous to name. He was predeceased by his wife Marge in 2009, and by is two brothers; Ed and Pat.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Sam’s memory are asked to please consider his beloved church; Our Lady of Pompeii RC Church, 70 Murray Ave., Paterson, NJ 07501.

Joseph Para, age 94, entered eternal rest Friday, March 28, 2014.

Born in Passaic on November 19, 1919 Joe was raised during the depression by his mother Agnes Wodziak-Para and stepfather Michael Peskin whom he called “Pop.” Joey had many boyhood adventures with his older brother, Andrew. He told many stories of hawking newspapers on street corners and sneaking into movies. He became a lifelong fan of the movies and the “funny papers.” He looked up to Andrew, who was 5 years older and often charged with looking after him. Joey loved his dog, Blackie, who would follow him around the city of Passaic. He had especially nice memories of summer trips to visit his “Pennsy” cousins. While in high school, Joe joined the Midshipmen’s Club, played basketball, and attended many dances. At a Midshipmen’s reunion, many years later, his friends told of his amazing 3 point shot at the buzzer to win a championship. His good pal, Johnny Wojiciki, taught him how to dance, so he was a hit with all the girls.

He left high school after recovering from a broken collar bone at age 15 and decided to contribute to the family’s sparse income by working for Arrow Clothing in Passaic. With the onset of WWII, he got a job at Picatinny Arsenal. He served in the United States Air Force during WWII in the Pacific and often shared happy memories of the times he spent in training, traveling, and on leave. He often said that some of the best times of his life were spent out of only two barrack’s bags. He was discharged on October 23, 1945 and received the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon.

Returning to Passaic, he married Julia Zak on September 28, 1946. After a honeymoon in Washington D.C., they moved in with Julia’s mother because rooms were very hard to find after the war. Joe secured employment as a chemical operator at Givaudan in Clifton and, in 1955, purchased a home in West Paterson. In 1960, they had their only child, Ruth. They were doting parents who never wanted to have a babysitter and took Ruth with them wherever they went. Julia’s untimely passing in 1967 was a sad time, but Joe was determined to raise his daughter himself. He had much support from his brother and his wife Mary, his sister-in-law Angela and her husband Bill Stock and many more family members and friends.

Joe didn’t require much to make him happy and valued most the vacations spent at home and at Third-Ward Park in Passaic. Famous in the neighborhood for his vegetable garden, he supplied everyone with its over abundant crop. Summer evenings were spent on the front stoop with an ice-cream soda or playing basketball with the neighborhood boys. Winters were never a challenge; he would put chains on the tires of his 1951 Plymouth just to go for the newspaper. Many happy vacations were spent at the Stock family farm in Pennsylvania, at the shore in Wildwood, and a memorable trip to Florida in 1971.

Joe was very proud of being promoted to Chemical Foreman at Givaudan and made many good friends there. He met Judy Fletcher at a Givaudan Christmas party, and they were an item for many years, frequenting the French Hill Inn, Ice World watching the fights and of course, the movies. During the 1970’s, Joe could also be found at Passaic Valley High School basketball games and driving around a car full of giggling girls. Judy’s passing, in 1981, was devastating for him, but he kept in touch with her family and had a special affection for her dad, Tom Fletcher.

In 1983, Joe’s daughter, Ruth, married Gary Pasquariello, and he took great pride in throwing a big wedding. Ever generous, he moved to an apartment across town to allow the newlyweds the benefit of his house. He retired from Givaudan in 1984 and promptly became a member of the Givaudan Retirees Club to keep in touch with his old pals. In 1987, he was blessed with his first grandchild, Michael Joseph. He said, at the time, that this was his greatest joy. “Everyone should get to be everything, a son/a daughter, a father/a mother, and a grandparent. That was everything.” A granddaughter, Jessica, arrived in 1988, and he felt his life was complete. A devoted grandpa, he was always on hand to babysit and chauffer them around. He never missed a soccer game or dance recital. Joe was reluctant to begin dating again and decided to “grow old gracefully and enjoy my grandchildren.”

A voracious reader, he was often found at the Little Falls Public Library where he caught the eye of Emily Andrascik. They shared almost 25 years; spending their time with quiet evenings at her apartment, out to dinner, at the movies, and the theater. They could also be found most Saturday nights polka dancing at Bay Way Polish Home in Elizabeth. They shared many holidays and special events with both families. He felt privileged to be part of the Andrascik family.

Facing health challenges, Emily moved to Classic Residence in Teaneck and Joe moved to Siena Village in Wayne. Joe was well liked at Siena Village, known as “Singing Joe,” singing and whistling his way through the halls on his daily walks. He spent his later years watching all the ‘oldies’ that he loved on TCM and spending happy times with his family. He quoted Mickey Mantle at his 90th birthday party, “If I knew I’d live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” He felt blessed to live long enough to see his grandchildren grow into adults.

Although he and Emily weren’t together as often, they spoke every night right after Jeopardy. This past July, Joe was able to attend Emily’s 97th birthday party. Sadly, his dear friend predeceased him by only a few weeks.

Joe Para was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He cherished all the friends he made during his lifetime. Joe will be remembered as a true gentleman and for his eternally positive outlook. He didn’t talk about himself much, but was always more interested in what was happening in the lives of those around him. He was a role model for his family and a generous loving father and grandfather.

Laura E. McNulty (nee Moyer), age 95 of Wayne, passed peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday morning, March 25, 2014.

In 1918, the year Laura was born in Cooper Township, PA, World War I was ending, the Spanish Flu became a pandemic, and General Motors Corporation acquired Chevrolet Motor Company of Delaware. Laura grew up in Windburn, PA and she was a proud graduate of Cooper Township High School!

Following graduation, Laura’s close friends encouraged her to go on a blind date with a young gentleman named Clarence McNulty. The date went very well! Laura was love-struck and even followed Clarence, also known as Mac and Leroy, to New York State when he took a job there. They married on Saturday, October 25, 1941 at the Pompton Lakes Reformed Church. Following the wedding, they honeymooned at the Roserne Cabins alongside Route 23 North in Butler. They also called those cabins their first home. About a year later, Laura gave birth to a beautiful baby girl which she and Leroy named Donna.

The family eventually moved to Haskell, a place they called home for most of Laura’s adult life. She eventually relocated to Pompton Lakes before moving to Care One in Wayne in 2011.

When Donna turned twelve, Laura went to work as a trimmer with Valley Knitting Mills in Wanaque. She enjoyed that job for over 20 years. In 1977 she decided to retire so she could spend more time with her husband Mac. Laura and Mac enjoyed a very loving marriage. In celebration of their 25th anniversary in 1966, together they drove across the United States. Then, from California, they boarded a plane to Hawaii. Always friendly and never shy, they made friends on that trip and later travelled to Australia to see them.

Because of Laura’s sweet and caring personality, she was never lacking for friends and she loved to entertain them in her and Mac’s home. In the younger years of their marriage, Laura hosted many summer cookouts and, during the Christmas holidays, she loved to have friends over on New Years Eve so she could proudly show them her Christmas tree adorned with over 400 ornaments – lots of them handmade!

Laura poured herself into the lives of others. She corresponded by letter with countless friends she met along life’s pathway, typically writing over 500 letters a year and sending over 200 cards at Christmas. A self-confessed shopaholic, most of the time, she wasn’t buying for herself. Always thoughtful of others, she would see something in the store and think how nice it would be for someone, so she’d buy it for them.

Laura was a long-time member of the Midvale United Methodist Church of Wanaque where, earlier in life, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and helped with church dinners.

She will be adoringly remembered for her kindness, her smile and her light-hearted sense of humor. On her 90th birthday she was presented with a beautiful birthday cake with a large number 9 and number 0 candle. Laura promptly flipped the number 9 over, making it a number 6. Then that big smile appeared on her face!

Laura is survived by her loving daughter Donna Mecky of Wayne, and her two nephews: George and Daniel Araway. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Mac in 1986, her sister Ruth Araway in 2011, her brother Doyle Moyer in 1943, and her son-in-law Freddy Mecky in 2008.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Laura’s name are asked to consider the Midvale United Methodist Church, 490 Ringwood Ave, Wanaque, NJ 07645.

Eleanor M. Daly (nee Springwaldt) age 84 of Greenwood Lake, New York, formerly of Wayne for sixty years, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 24, 2014.

She was born in Pompton Lakes and raised in Wayne having graduated from the Pompton Lakes High School with the Class of 1949. Eleanor lived in Wayne and first worked in a clothing store and soon thereafter in the offices of the Sam Braen Quarry in Haledon. When she married in 1952 she dedicated herself to raising her family. After the children were grown she again worked as an office administrator for several years.

After high school Peter Daly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and soon asked Eleanor for her hand in marriage. Peter was granted a leave from his service in Korea and he and Eleanor married, on January 12, 1952 at Saint Marys RC Church in Pompton Lakes, and drove a green four door Ford to Washington, DC where they honeymooned for a week. When asked about their marriage Eleanor said they had a loving relationship and never fought – they just worked things out together.

Eleanor had an outgoing, welcoming personality and a great sense of humor. She was a dedicated mother who loved to entertain. All the holidays were at mom’s home and when she moved to Greenwood Lake in 1990 the holiday’s at mom’s home tradition continued. When in the Greenwood Lake Community she loved her neighbors and joined the Gaelic Society where she had many dear friends. Her special touch on her signature desert, Irish Trifle, will be greatly missed. She will also be greatly missed by her loving and dedicated Shih Tzu Molly.

Eleanor was the loving wife of, the former Chief of the Wayne Police, the late Peter T. Daly (January 2014); loving mother of Colleen Daly of Greenwood Lake, NY; loved sister of the late Otto Springwaldt; cherished aunt of Kathleen Gibbons and her husband Brad of Wayne, and Richard Springwaldt and his wife Debbie of West Brook, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Judes Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 would be appreciated.

Frank W. Straub, age 76 of Paramus, died peacefully on Monday, March 24, 2014.

Frank was born and raised in Teaneck, the oldest of four children. Even as a boy, his younger siblings, Ray, Gary, and Irene (“Renee”) looked up to and admired their big brother Frank.

Growing up, Frank had a bit of a reputation as a trouble maker. But he really wasn’t a trouble maker at all! He simply had a thirst for all that life could offer and every once in a while that led him into what some could misperceive as trouble. As a young teenager, Frank got his hands on a small rowboat. Frank figured a boat needed an engine, but he didn’t have the money to buy one. Determined to give his rowboat some more power he settled on a 6 HP Elgin motor from Sears Roebuck for $99, which he paid off in $6 monthly installments. With the new boat, muskrat hunting with his younger brother Ray took on a whole new dimension. Frank was bigger so he would carry the boat while Ray carried the engine, trekking through the woods to the swamp near their house in Teaneck. The boys would drop the rowboat in the water, strap the engine to the back and cruise through the swamp tributaries to the Overpeck Creek where they skillfully hunted those prized muskrats.

By the time Frank got to high school he had purchased his first car - a 1937 Plymouth – with half of the $45 purchase price borrowed from his father. Years later he purchased a brand-new green 1959 Edsel, a two-door hardtop that lived on in Frank’s stories long past its useful life on the roads of Jersey.

Frank took a real fancy to working on cars, so, while most back yards in the neighborhood were full of grass and surrounded by colorful flowers, the back yard at the Straub home boasted a different kind of landscaping – namely, whatever car or engine Frank and Ray were working on at the time surrounded by a mixture of colorful old abandoned cars, car parts, and engines. Momma Straub didn’t mind though; she loved that she always knew where Frank and her other boys were and she was proud of their enthusiasm and inquisitive natures.

Frank’s love of cars soon led to a desire to race them. Frank encouraged his younger brother Ray to help him, and together they built their first race car. They took a 1951 Henry J. Kaiser and modified it with the transmission from Frank’s 1937 Cadillac Limousine. The engine was so big that they had to cut the dashboard back 28 inches so the engine could fit. As a result, the driver’s seat ended up somewhere between where the front seat and back seat should have been! Together, Frank and Ray brought their prized “Henry J” to the Montgomery Motorsports Park (an old former WWII airstrip in Montgomery, NY) and the Atco Dragway in Atco, NJ where they entered it in the B/Altered class. Frank and Ray were dominant at the racetrack and trophied countless times. Many years later, when those trophies didn’t convey to Frank the same honor and pride that they used to, Frank put them outside with the garbage. He got a great kick out of seeing young boys snatch them up before the garbage man could come, proudly displaying the old trophies on the handlebars of their bikes, imagining their own racing victories.

While fast cars were acceptable, Frank’s mom forbade the riding of motorcycles. Not surprisingly, this didn’t deter her sons’ determination to have one. Back when Frank was a young man, thrill seeking was often derived and satisfied behind the wheel of a fast car or sitting aboard a super-charged motorcycle. Although no matter what mode of transportation, it wasn’t really the top speed that turned Frank on, it was the acceleration! Frank and Ray couldn’t resist their desire to have a motorcycle, no matter how much they loved and respected their Mom. Frank’s first bike was a 1959, 650cc Golden Flash BSA. Many motorcycles followed and his latest bike was a 1997, 1200cc Suzuki Bandit, modified (of course) to make it go faster and handle better.

Speed could be enjoyed in forms other than cars and motorcycles and Frank’s curiosity drove him to explore what it would feel like to go fast on the water. One of his boats he was aptly named “Soaking Wet” by Frank because the 70 horsepower engine mounted on the back of the boat was too heavy for the 16 foot hull and, consequently, the boat was so fast that it perpetually rode with its bow in the air – that is, until Frank let off the throttle. When he did that, the boat’s bow dove into the water and anyone who was along for the ride got soaking wet. He also had a Douglas Skater – a two-hull tunnel torpedo-of-a-boat that was clocked on radar at 97 miles per hour on Greenwoood Lake. But Frank’s pride and joy was his Correct Craft, a 16 foot ski boat with a 289 V8 that Frank and brother Ray modified and hot-rodded with a 351 Windsor V8. Frank loved to share his interests with others so nothing gave him greater joy than taking his younger siblings, nieces and nephews, and friends water skiing behind his Correct Craft.

Frank was a competitive bowler and started bowling when he was just eighteen years old. He was really good! In one famous game, he bowled eleven strikes in a row, falling just 3 points shy of the perfect game when was unable to land that final strike. When he gave up bowling, just four years ago at the age of 72, his average over fifty years was 197.

Frank also loved to go fast on snow. His favorite place to ski was Mad River Glen in Vermont. Weekend warrior that he was, all winter long Frank would get out of work on Friday afternoon, jump in his car and drive to Vermont so he could be ready for the ‘milk run’ first thing on Saturday morning. He’d ski all day Saturday, hang out with friends at the lodge, then ski Sunday morning before making the 275 mile drive home so he could be back to work at the Ford Motor Corporation on Monday morning. He was also an active member of the Ramapo Mountain Ski Club where he established countless friendships and remained an active member until 2013. His love for the club extended beyond just the joy of skiing. For many years, he served on the club’s board of directors and took an active role as production editor of the club’s newsletter. For his dedicated service, he was awarded the Ramapo Mountain Ski Club’s prestigious Aorangi Award.

With his contagious enthusiasm, he couldn’t help but include his brother Ray and sister Renee in all of his pursuits. His unbridled joy transformed all of his pursuits into family traditions.

On the surface, Frank was one tough dude! He was a great story teller and could easily have you laughing or leave you blushing (and usually would enjoy doing both). He would often tell non-G rated stories in front of his young impressionable nieces, but when yelled at by Renee, he’d always joke that he’d be happy to pay for their therapy. Frank was always the life of the party, especially at his annual Christmas-in-July parties (complete with all the trimmings!). Under his thinly-veiled tough exterior, there was a man with the most generous, the biggest, and the softest heart!

He was truly dedicated to his family and took care of his mother and brother Gary for over twenty five years. He was also very loving and generous to his nieces and nephews. He took great pride and joy in them, as they each did in him.

Perhaps surprisingly, Frank was also an avid reader, a critical thinker and a lover of geography and maps. He was a role model to his younger siblings and many who had the privilege of knowing him. In relationships with family as well as friends, he could always be counted on to be the most fair-minded person in the room. He was always there for everyone in whatever way they needed. His younger sister Renee said it best when she described Frank by saying; “He was the best man I’ve ever known in my life.”

Frank is survived by his two brothers: Gary Straub of Paramus, and Raymond Straub and his wife Marilyn of Spring Hill, FL; his sister Irene Baxter of Wayne; his two nephews: Raymond Jr. and Timothy Straub; and his two nieces: Jessie and Meghan Baxter.

Harry Dougherty comes from a long line of hardy Scots-Irishmen that settled in the area of New Jersey, just south of Greenwood Lake. His grandfather, William Henry Dougherty, was born in 1869 in the small rural village of Boardville, NJ. Long forgotten now, the remains of Boardville rest peacefully on the bottom of the Wanaque Reservoir.

After William Henry secured work with Sterling Mountain Railroad, he moved the Dougherty clan to Southfields, NY, which not only was on the Erie’s mainline, but the home town of his soon to be wife, Mary Ellen Van Tassell. After a fatal accident on the job, William Henry’s widow and children moved to Paterson, NJ where Harry was born to William Henry’s son, Charles Dougherty and his wife, Mary Masker Dougherty.

Just prior to the Depression, when he was around 5 or 6, Dad’s parents moved the family to the Mountain View area, where dad spent most of his formative years. Having left school after the 5th grade to help support the family, dad went to work as a hired hand at a horse stable facility located where the Willowbrook Mall now stands. Before too long, dad was working many odd jobs learning carpentry and building skills that would become invaluable in his adult life.

At the age of 18, when WWII broke out, he joined the Army and spent several years serving his country, boots on the ground, in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy where he was wounded by shrapnel and lost all of his teeth. He never said much about the war until only a few years ago when little bits and pieces would occasionally surface.

After the war, when dad married mom (Eileen Mary O’Sullivan), they saved up enough money to buy the lot where his house sits now in the old original section of town known as “Wayne Station.” By now, dad was working as a green sand moulder at North Jersey Foundry in Singac, and their first child, Mary Veronica was born. It was time to start building their very own home. Dad was an accomplished carpenter, mason, plumber and electrician. There was not much about building that he didn’t know. With the help of friends, neighbors and family, they finished the house and had their second child, William Harold.

He was a dedicated fisherman, sneaking off to his favorite hole as often as he could. Many a morning before showing up for work in Singac at 6:30 a.m., he would have already spent a couple of hours fishing in some quiet backwoods pond. Sometime around 1958, dad and his 2 buddies, Herby and Richie Brown, drove from Wayne to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with dad’s 8 foot wooden pram strapped to the top of his Buick. When they finally ran out of road, they hitched a ride, boat and all, on a Canadian National freight train and disappeared into the north woods for some adventure fishing in Canada. Fortunately for us at home, they surfaced a couple of weeks later, all three sporting beards and stories that would keep us entertained for years.

He was no amateur when it came to gardening either. Dad was practicing organic gardening more than 50 years ago, even though he was unfamiliar with the term. At the time, he just knew what worked best to grow a bounty of produce from the backyard. And as fast as his garden produced, mom was busy canning and preserving what fruits and vegetables weren’t consumed.

Harry Dougherty worked hard but also knew how to relax and have fun, hosting many a crab boil, lobster fest or backyard hamburger cook-out. He and mom put on many holiday dinners for family and friends, often in excess of 20 people, all crowding into their modest kitchen and dining room. If anyone showed up unexpectedly, dad made sure there was room at the dinner table and that no one went away hungry.

Never having received much of an education himself, dad stressed to us kids the importance of higher learning, so that we could enjoy opportunities that weren’t available to him. Needless to say, he was very proud that both of his children were college graduates.

After mom passed away seven years ago, just months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary; he was determined to remain independent. He continued to drive and live alone in his home. He learned to cook, clean, and care for himself until he was hospitalized in November. He enjoyed frequent visits from his children and grandchildren as well as traveling to Wisconsin and Florida to visit his daughter and her family on numerous occasions.

Harry Dougherty was a member of a unique generation of Americans. Some call it the “Greatest Generation.” They worked hard and played hard and “got things done.” He built his own house and provided much of his own food. It wasn’t that remarkable to him. It was just making the most out of what you had.

He will be missed by all who knew him. But lucky for his grandkids and their grandkids, he left the greatest legacy of all: an outstanding illustration of a life well lived.

Charles “Charley” J. Ahearn age 91 of Wayne passed peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2014.

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Palisades’ Park. During the Great Depression years his father was an accountant for A&P food stores and would take Charley along with him in his Model T Ford to do cash collections from the A&P food markets throughout Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Saint Cecilia’s High School in Englewood where his physics teacher was Vince Lombardi. While attending the school his tuition was paid by the pastor of the church as long as Charley turned in acceptable report cards.

Charley was drafted into the United States Army during WWII. He scored very high on his Aptitude Tests and was pulled from his basic training group and was to be send to Ohio University. His basic training group was sent to the D-Day invasion. Charley never made it to Ohio University as the Army needed to supplement troop divisions in the European Theatre of the war. He was assigned to the 14th Armored Division of the 94th Cavalry. He served from 1943 through 1946 and commanded a tank recovery vehicle. He traveled through France and Germany disarming disabled tanks as he went. His division saw fierce fighting at the battle to control Alsace in France. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After his service in the Army Charley returned to the Alcoa Aluminum company where he had been serving an internship while attending the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. He completed is degree in engineering, drafting, and machine design at Stevens in January of 1952. About 1960 Charley bought a machine shop in Paterson called English Machine from a Mr. Dick English. He eventually moved the shop to Fairfield before retiring in 1986.

Charley was a quiet, reserved man who was very intellectual. He had a gentle way of motivating. He was a hard worker and his wife Kathleen would insist the family eat together. The children remember going to his shop in Paterson and eating around dad’s desk. Dad also had a little refrigerator where he kept Hershey bars, beer and Coca-Cola. Years before he was married he also enjoyed being on a Midget Car racing team out of Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson. His technical skills were put to good use as the team traveled the East Coast racing.

As the oldest of seven children Charley, when his father passed away at the age of forty-nine, tried his best to help his siblings. He worked hard and put together enough money to buy the family home in Palisades Park so his mom and siblings would have it just a bit easier.

He was the loving husband of the late Kathleen M. Ahearn (February 2014); devoted father of Rosemary Ahearn and her husband Don Hasara of Phillipsburg, Charles E. Ahearn and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, Carolyn Willis and her husband Dave of Franklin Lakes, and Joseph Ahearn and his wife Kelly of Edison; cherished grandfather of Charles “CJ” Ahearn, Brendan, Colm, and Deirdre Hasara; loved and oldest surviving brother of five brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated

Edith McSally (nee Duell), age 87, formerly of Wayne passed peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2014.

She was born and raised in the New Dorp section of Staten Island and graduated from New Dorp High School with the Class of 1941.

Edith worked for the Benjamin Moore Corporation in New York City and later for a Wall St. brokerage firm as an administrator. She enjoyed working on Wall Street and took pride in the fact that she began to read a ticker tape with some proficiency. After raising her family, she worked at J.M. Towne which eventually became Sealfons at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne. She later moved to the Sealfons on Bloomfield Avenue in West Caldwell and workedthere until her late 70's before retiring.

Edith had a special place in her heart for the performing arts. She belonged to a dance troop that was known for dancing on the radio. She had a beautiful mezzo soprano voice and sang at Lincoln Center in NYC, with the Harmony Singers of Wayne, and had many parts in local community theatre. She sang with the USO in New York City during WWII, at weddings and many local events. She loved sports and enjoyed watching her children participating in them. She was a dedicated NY Mets fan and could recite the entire lineup for many years. She enjoyed watching golf on television and was always rooting for Phil Mickelson. For several years Edith cared for her granddaughter Mattison and enjoyed taking her for stroller rides through Mountain Lakes and would always stop to see the train. The train would pull into the station and the engineer would frequently come out and wave to Mattison. Additionally, Edith enjoyed the time she spent with her grandson Ryan. One of her favorite activities with Ryan was to attend Somerset Patriots baseball games.

Edith and her husband Bernard John McSally first met in grammar school. They hung around with the same group of friends and when Bernard was fifteen years old he moved to New England. For several years he corresponded with Edith by mail and in 1942 he joined the Army Air Corps. They fell in love over the years and married on November 17, 1947 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on Staten Island. They had a small wedding and no honeymoon as Edith's father had passed away just a few weeks before the wedding. They had thirty one years of dedicated marriage until Bernard's passing in 1978.

She was the loving mother of Michael McSally of Lincoln Park, the late Susan Ann McSally (1982), Patricia McSally and her husband Scott Ellis of Basking Ridge, and the late Barbara J. McSally (2006); cherished grandmother of Mattison Rose Ellis and Ryan McSally; loved sister of Marjorie Carmody of Staten Island and the late Gladys Cole and her late brother John Duell.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Earl E. Day age 85 of Oak Ridge, formerly of Wayne, passed Wednesday, March 12, 2014.

He was born in Welling, Oklahoma and raised in Blackwell Oklahoma on the family farm. Earl enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of seventeen. He was the oldest of thirteen children. Being raised on a farm, the operation of machinery was second nature to Earl, and he soon found his place with the Navy’s Sea Bee’s who’s name comes from Construction Battalion (CB). During his service he drilled wells for water, helped build the airstrip on Okinawa during WWII, was an instructor of engineering, and retired from a top-secret unit of the Sea Bee’s in 1965. Earl was a career Navy man and retired from active duty in 1965 as a Senior Chief Naval Officer. Post retirement he served another ten years in the Naval Reserve. After his service he worked for Gervans Industries in Bloomingdale as a foreman and formally retired in 1993 from Trap Rock Industries having helped to build a large portion of Route 80 in New Jersey.

Earl met June O’Brien while he was attending a deep sea diving school in Bermuda. June had been given a trip to Bermuda as a college graduation present from her mom and soon found herself smitten with the handsome Navy man she met there. June thought their time together would be limited to Bermuda but when she returned home she got a letter from Earl saying he was transferred to Bayonne, New Jersey. She had found work teaching in Palisades Park and soon the two were together again. Earl was transferred again to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and soon orders came for a transfer to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Earl and June decided to marry before his assignment to New Mexico. They married on July 4, 1953 at Saint Theresa’s RC Church in Paterson and their reception was at the Swiss Chalet in Rochelle Park. They honeymooned in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. They enjoyed sixty years of a loving and dedicated marriage.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 23 in Milton for many years. Earl will be remembered as being an extreme gentleman, honest, hard working, brave, a great dancer, excellent golfer, fisherman, and a great chef. His special touch on beef and beans and Taylor Ham and eggs will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his loving wife June (O’Brien) Day; son Michael Day and his wife Lorraine of Forked River, Patricia Teeling and her husband Robert of Andover, Christopher Day and his wife Marilyn of Lebanon, PA, and Timothy Day and his wife Suzanne of Tampa, FL; loved brother of Ima Carter, Bonnie Kelly, Doris Ledbetter, Michael, Denis, Floyd, Arvel, Kenneth, Ronald, John, Doyle and Tommy Day; cherished grandfather of ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road Oak Ridge, NJ 07438 would be appreciated.

Denis M. Din, age 62 of Totowa, passed away on March 10, 2014 after a long illness.

Denis was born and raised in Paterson. After attending Eastside High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and headed off to basic training. He ultimately served for three years, including a tour in Viet Nam where he drove a tank and was an expert with the M16 rifle, earning the Combat Infantry Badge 1 OS Bar. He was proud of his service to the United States of America and was a frequent benefactor to the local AMVETS.

Upon his return, he began working in the trades and eventually landed at the Wayne General Hospital where he became the Engineering Supervisor for the building. After fourteen years there, he left in 1994 to pursue a new career with Fritz HVAC and Reiner HVAC. He retired last year as Building Engineer, working for CSI International at one of their office buildings in Parsippany.

Denis has lived in Totowa since 1986. His daughter recalls when she was very young, he would take them roller skating at the local rink every Sunday morning, or over to Van Saun Park where they would all skate around. He wasn’t the greatest skater, and he often looked as stiff as a board, but it was good family fun. Basketball was his sport! He loved to play and belonged to several pick-up leagues around the area, including at Nash Park in Clifton and at Passaic Valley High School where he played in a men’s league. He simply loved basketball. His daughter went on to play basketball in college and he made it to every game! He was an avid sports fan all around and never missed a Sunday Giants football game or his beloved NY Knicks.

After he and Eileen Mischio met and fell in love about twenty years ago, he began trying new things such as kayaking, parasailing and horseback riding. Despite never having learned to swim, he got himself into a kayak and even floated down the Delaware River in a tube. They traveled all over, including a cruise to Alaska, visits to San Diego, Yosemite, Cape Cod and Maine, just to name a few. Nothing made him happier however, than visiting a casino! Mt. Airy Lodge had the relaxed atmosphere that he preferred, but he liked to try new casinos wherever he traveled. He was also a fantastic cook and his wok was one of his prized possessions. He didn’t make anything that you would call ‘traditional’; each dish was unique and delicious! His plum chicken was a masterpiece and he liked nothing more than being able to feed a crowd for any occasion.

He leaves behind his mother, Elizabeth Din of Wayne, his brothers; Allan Din and his wife Iris of Floral City, FL, and Darren Din and his wife Janet of Hardyston, NJ, two sisters; Betty Benitez of Wayne and Patricia Din of Totowa, his children; Carolann Jaworski of Brick, NJ and Denis Din II and his wife LaLaina of Totowa; two grandsons; Gavin Jaworski of Brick, NJ and Logan Din of Totowa, his loving partner of twenty years; Eileen Mischio of Wayne, his niece Lori Benitez and her fiancé Drew Derendal of Pompton Lakes, nephews Billy Benitez of Boalsburg, PA, David Benitez and his wife Jysseth of Pompton Lakes, Erik Din and his wife Jacole of Inverness, FL, and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his father; Charles Din.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Denis’ honor are asked to please consider the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or AMVETS, 4202 Rt. 130, Suite 7-2B, P.O. Box 2042, Willingboro, NJ 08046.

Halina Widoniak age 63 of Wayne passed peacefully while surrounded by her family and friends at her home on her birthday, Sunday, March 9, 2014.

She was born in Gdansk, Poland but immigrated to New York City to start a new life for her family. She will be remembered as an energetic, happy, person who was full of life and adventure. She enjoyed traveling all over the world, dancing, and listening to music.

Halina enjoyed cooking and Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday. The love she put into her chicken soup will be greatly missed and her home was always open to all.

Halina was the loving mother of Sebastian Zborowski and his wife Angela of West Milford, and Amanda Widoniak of Los Angeles, California; cherished grandmother of Anthony and Samantha Zborowski; loved sister of Bogusha, and Jagoda both of Poland, and the late Henryk Pryczkowski.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Chilton Memorial Hospital Foundation, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated.

Catherine “Kay” Hahn (Wincey), age 89, of Wayne, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday morning, March 4, 2014.

Kay was born in Scranton, PA on Monday, December 1, 1924, the fifth and youngest child of John and Mary (Kerekes) Wincey. She grew up in Scranton and graduated from Scranton Technical High School in 1943.

In 1945 Kay and the love of her life, John “Jack” Hahn were united in marriage following his return from serving in the U.S. Army. Following the wedding, they initially settled in Newark until moving to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne in 1954 where they raised their two dear daughters together. Together, they enjoyed 60 years of marriage until Jack’s passing in 2005.

For many years Kay was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and, as a young mom, she served as a leader when her daughters were involved in the Girl Scouts.

Kay was employed by the Wayne Township Tax Office prior to becoming a certified tax collector assistant with the West Milford Tax Collector’s Office. She enjoyed her job and the camaraderie of her fellow workers until retiring in 2005. During her years in the profession, she was a member of the NJ State as well as the Passaic, Union, Essex, and Hudson County Tax Collectors Associations.

Kay loved a good meal, especially if she didn’t have to prepare it. She especially enjoyed dining at Gilly’s in Pompton Plains and Portobello’s in Oakland, and she always looked at the dessert menu first.

Kay was never happier than when she could be in the company of her family and friends, and traveling and vacationing were her favorite ways to spend that time with them. She and Jack had a timeshare in Vistana Villages, FL and they usually waited until their grandchildren Justine and Kyle were out of school so the whole family could travel to Florida together. Lots of time was also spent at Kay and Jack’s summer home down the shore in beautiful Belmar. Their friends also had homes there and they all had a great time together. When things got too hot down the shore, the family headed north to Lake George in New York State. When they were younger, Kay and Jack camped along the lake’s shore in lean-to’s, but as they got a little older, a cabin with life’s greater comforts became the venue of choice.

Some of Kay’s other favorite pastimes included gambling trips and rooting for the Yankees. It was nothing for her to board a bus to Atlantic City, Mount Airy Lodge in the Pocono’s or the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. She especially liked playing the slots and she even took a few trips to Las Vegas. An avid Yankees fan, there was no sense calling her house during a Yankee game because Kay was so into the game that she wouldn’t answer! She got to go to the new Yankee Stadium for the first time, just last season. It rained and the Yankees lost but Kay had a great time anyway.

Kay will be forever remembered and admired for her gentle quiet spirit. She was truly devoted to her family and friends and was always ready to give of herself when a need arose.

Kay is survived by her daughters: Judy Hahn-Socarras and husband Neil of Wanaque, and Elizabeth Ann Schenck and husband Arthur of Pompton Lakes; two grandchildren: Justine and Kyle Schenck of Pompton Lakes; her brother-in-law William G. Hahn and wife Marsha of Denver, CO; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her husband Jack, Kay was predeceased by four siblings: Mary Sabbath, Robert Wincey, Elizabeth Palla and Margaret Romanoski.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Catherine’s name are asked to consider the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474.

William H. Fauerbach, age 74 of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2014. He lived in Wayne since 1977.

Bill was born in Phillipsburg, NJ and was a stellar athlete in high school. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to play semi-pro baseball as a catcher and was offered a contract to play in the MLB minor leagues. Bill’s father was also a semi-pro baseball player, yet he encouraged Bill to pursue an education rather than play ball. That turned out to be sage advice.

Bill attended Knox College for Pre-Med studies for one year, but simply couldn’t afford to return. He transferred to William Paterson College to earn a teaching degree. This turned out to be one of the luckiest plays he ever made when he met Marleen Moore at William Paterson. They began dating and eventually married on August 24, 1963 at the Cedar Cliff Methodist Church in Haledon. They enjoyed a honeymoon to Niagara Falls of which Marleen recalls Bill waking her up in the night and insisting that she go sign their names to the fence outside. Marleen complied but found that the fence was made of rope. Upon returning to the room to question Bill, she found out he had been talking in his sleep the whole time! That was just the start of their fifty good years together which included lots of fun, many trips to New York City, and Polka dancing in Germantown on the east side of Manhattan. They celebrated their golden anniversary just this past August and had been looking forward to many more years together. Marleen will surely miss him dearly.

After receiving his degree from William Paterson, Bill began teaching in Wayne. He retired as a math teacher at Wayne Valley High School after thirty eight years in the district. He was a dedicated teacher who truly cared about his students. It wasn’t uncommon for Bill to be at work forty-five minutes early and to stay after for hours, all for the benefit of his students. To say he loved to talk would be an understatement. He would engage in conversation with just about anyone and could talk about anything. He maintained long friendships with many of his students and attended the Wayne Valley reunions for many years. He also enjoyed coaching football and baseball at Wayne Valley.

Bill had many interests and hobbies. He was a big sports fan throughout his life and was always rooting for the NY Mets and NY Giants. Summers were always spent in Ocean Beach III with his family. Retirement added to his love for the shore where he spent hours swimming, fishing, enjoying the peace of the sea, and perhaps flirting with the lifeguards from time to time. They all loved him. Bill also worked as OBIII Beach Patrol for twenty eight years and served on the board of trustees for many years as well. He simply loved his time at Ocean Beach.

Bill was also an ordained elder at the Wayne Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed his moniker; “the hugging elder” because he would offer everyone hugs. His church meant a great deal to him and a memorial fund is being established there in his name. Friends wishing to honor Bill with a memorial donation are asked to please contribute and insure his legacy.

Bill is survived by his college sweetheart, Marleen Moore Fauerbach for 50 years, by his loving sons Kurt and his wife Donna of Verona; Eric and his wife Raiza of Glen Ridge; Marc and his wife Darlene of Wayne and a daughter, Lauri and her husband Chris Adams of Philadelphia, PA. He was also a loving ‘Pappy’ to Billy, Faith, Angel, Cole, Connor and Emilie Fauerbach. He is also survived by a sister Bonnie Luke and husband Joe of Edgewater, Florida and several nieces, nephews and Aunts, Uncles and a multitude of friends. He was predeceased by parents Bill and Ruth Fauerbach.

Donations can be made to the William H. Fauerbach Memorial Fund, Wayne Presbyterian Church, 1200 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Judi Pine-Cooke age 54 of Wayne died suddenly on Monday, March 3, 2013.

She was born in Passaic and lived in Clifton before the family moved to Wayne in 1960. Judi went through the Wayne School System having attended the Preakness School, Schuyler Colfax Middle School and Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1977. She attended the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.

When she was just fourteen years old she worked at the Wayne Hills Mall for a vitamin shop that had a frozen yogurt machine she dreaded cleaning every night. After going to college she worked as a para-legal for Judge Alan Gutfleish in Bergen County. She went to beautician school and received her beautician license and worked as a nail tech for a few years. For many years she has worked in the optical industry having worked for Pearle Vision on Route 46 in Wayne, Clear Eyes on Route 23 in Wayne, and Cohen’s Optical where she worked up until February. She also helped with her late husband's family business Valley Amusements where many fond memories were made with family and friends.

Judi was a caring, loving, funny person who was the first one to do the right thing. She loved to be around and help people. Whether it was helping someone find the perfect glasses frame or opening her home to a friend in need, she was always looking to help others. Most recently her son Brian brought her to the hospital and with her voice out of commission she finally signaled to him that he had to tip the valet that helped them. Her warm personality was always putting others before herself. She loved her family and was especially dedicated to raising her late son Willie (2005) who was born with Cerebral Palsy. She would take him any and everywhere possible. Willie imparted on Judi a great respect for what a gift health and well-being really were.

Judi was the loving wife of the late Brian Cooke (2012); loving mother of Brian DelaBarrera of Wayne, and the late William R. Cooke (2005); loved step-mother of Jennifer Jones and her daughter Destiny of Piscataway; cherished daughter of Dr. Leonard and his wife Sondra Pine of Wayne; dear sister of Michael Pine of Suffern, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terrace, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

David C. “Pinky” Griswold age 67 of Green Pond passed Saturday, March 1, 2014.

He was born in Morristown and raised in Madison having moved to Green Pond at the age of fifteen. He graduated from Morris Hills Regional High School with the Class of 1965. After high school and during the Vietnam War he served in the Air National Guard. When he was honorably discharged from the service he went on to attend Windham College in Putney, Vermont and later Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

David received the nickname Pinky when he was a newborn baby. His sister Nancy was four years old and first saw the new addition to their family and said “he’s pink”. From that day forward David was known as “Pinky.” His first job was as a newspaper delivery boy when the family lived in Madison. In his formative years he worked at the Green Pond Stand and at the Craigmeur Ski Area. Pinky was always willing to work hard and settled into a career as a general contractor. For many years he worked around the Green Pond area building and remodeling homes, designing, building, and fixing docks, seawalls, and just about any project you could imagine.

Pinky was a giving and caring person who was fun loving and had a great sense of humor. He had a special place in his heart for animals and especially loved the rescue dogs he adopted as his own. He loved Green Pond and could be found cruising in his wooden Century boat, fishing, swimming, or watching the Comet races on the lake. For many years he enjoyed drag racing at Island Dragway in Great Meadows. He made many friends and enjoyed the comradery among the racers at the drag strip. Many will remember the Datsun 240z car into which he embedded a high performance Chevrolet V8 engine. Pinky was an active player with the Green Pond Softball League during the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. He played on a number of teams, but being a member of The Owls was his favorite because they all had so much fun together. He played a number of positions and was known, on occasion, to swing a mean bat.

He was predeceased by his parents Howard and Norma (Mercer) Griswold. Pinky was the loving brother of Robert Griswold and his wife Katha of Green Pond, and the late Nancy Roth (2004); cherished uncle of Bonnie Camarota, her husband Mark, and their daughter Emily of Cheshire, Connecticut, and Jennifer Jackson, her longtime companion Eric Bailey and their daughters Brooke and Kiley also of Cheshire, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Green Pond First Aid Squad, PO Box 251, Newfoundland, NJ 07435 would be appreciated.

Yajaira Francisco (nee Rosario) age 36 of Clifton passed away after a long battle with cancer.

She was born in Passaic, raised in Clifton and was part of a large family of seven brothers and sisters. Being the fifth child wasn't always easy but this helped her develop the strong personality that proved to be useful later in life. Yajaria was always a happy, loving child and she always found a way to be there for you. She always put the needs of others before her own.

Yajaira graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1996. But her thirst for knowledge did not end there as she completed both her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She acquired a teaching certification from the state of NJ and was only about a year shy of getting her second Master’s Degree.

Her first job was as a legal secretary for a law firm in Clifton, having later worked as an office clerk at Dr. Sharma’s office in Passaic. For the past fifteen years she worked at the Hackensack University Medical Center’s Medical Records department and most recently a Pharmacy Clerk before her illness forced her to stop working in June of 2013. While raising two children and working at the hospital she also managed to volunteer at the Pediatric Oncology department.

Yajaira met a young man named Jose Francisco, who spied on her while picking up his little sister from school. After bumping into each other again, Jose finally worked up the nerve to talk to her. Their first date was at Johnny Rockets Restaurant in the Gardens State Mall. They continued to date but always chaperoned by one of Yajaira's younger siblings. On one special evening Jose had dinner plans and an engagement ring in his pocket. While on the way to the restaurant they got into such an arguement that Yajaira said she didn’t want to go to dinner anymore. Jose said “you’re going to ruin my surprise.” He was forced to explain himself and happily propose marriage. They married on June 28, 2001 and went to the Dominican Republic for their honeymoon.

Calling her Super Mom was an understatement. Hailey and Adrian meant the world to her and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her babies. Whether it was a weekend at a soccer tournament or baking cupcakes and crafting decorations for a fashion princess party, Yajaira had it covered. We were always amazed at how she just took care of everything.

When remembering Yajaira’s personality she is best described as being in charge. When she was around there was no question who the boss was. She was strong willed and driven. Her Psychology degree was always put to good use as she would counsel just about anyone. She would listen to your situation and prescribe a course of action. She was also a great cook and excellent baker. Her delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes will be greatly missed. Her special chicken wing sauce, made from home grown peppers, was so good a chef tried to buy the recipe. For a time she put her skills as the person in charge and her ability in the kitchen together to start a catering company called We Work - You Party.

Yajaira was the beloved wife of thirteen years to Jose Francisco; cherished mother of Adrian D., and Hailey Francisco; devoted daughter of Francisco and Jeannette Rosario of Clifton; dear sister of Martin A. Rosario and his wife Angela of Miami, FL, Manuel A. Rosario and his wife Belkis of Wayne, Rosa M. Vargas and her husband Alejandro of Miami, FL, Francisco A. Rosario, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Whitehall, PA, Vladimir Rosario of Garfield, and Priscilla Ortiz and her husband Jose of Woodland Park; loved daughter-in-law of Teresa Francisco and her husband Luis of the Dominican Republic; loving sister-in-law to Joe Francisco of West Orange, and Yamelis Jimenez and her husband Francisco of the Dominican Republic; much loved by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Palma Parrillo (nee Sabato), age 99 of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. She was a resident at St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly in Totowa for the past 4 years.

Palma was born in the Bronx, NY on November 5, 1914, the only child to Italian immigrants Rocco and Tina Sabato. Unusual for a woman in the 1930’s, Palma not only graduated from high school, but she also went on to graduate from Hunter College with a Bachelor’s degree, followed by Columbia University where she earned her Master’s degree in Italian Studies 1938. Certainly her parents and children were very proud of what she had accomplished. She retired from the Rochelle Park Elementary School in 1977 after a twenty five year career as a teacher. Palma was proud of her time with the New Jersey Professional Women organization, and she had served as their president.

Palma was also a good Catholic. Over the years she attended Mass at St. Theresa’s in Paterson while living there, as well as St. Ann’s in Fairlawn. Most recently, she’s been living at the St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly (Little Sisters of the Poor) in Totowa where she relished in the faith filled community there.

While working on her Master’s degree, Palma met Joseph Parrillo, a fellow student who commuted to Columbia University from Paterson. Palma was quick to let Joe know she was already engaged to be married, but when Joe asked “do you have a ring?” she answered honestly; “no.” Joe was persistent and asked her out on a date, letting her know that “Without a ring, you’re not officially engaged.” Their love blossomed rather quickly and Palma broke off the prior obligation. She and Joe were married on November 16, 1940 and enjoyed a short honeymoon at Atlantic City. During their 57 years of marriage, they traveled extensively, visiting much of Europe and the United States. They visited Italy nearly every other year. She and Joe had a loving marriage, were very close and enjoyed being together. Joe passed in 1997.

Palma’s children recall their mother as always being a “good listener,” offering wise advice, and loving them. She took the time to simply be their mom; to talk with them and care for them. Although they will miss her very much, they have a lifetime of memories to always carry with them forever.

Palma is survived by her daughter; Connie Hulbert and her husband Joe of Pompton Plains, NJ, her son; Dr. Joseph Parrillo and his wife Gale of Ridgewood, NJ, two grandchildren; Tina McCabe and her husband Michael of Pompton Plains, and Nicholas Parrillo and his wife Jenny of Woodbridge, CT, and five great-grandchildren: Maddie McCabe, Luke McCabe, Aiden McCabe, Lia Margaret McCabe, and Lena Parrillo. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Lisa Hulbert in 2012.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Palma’s memory are asked to please consider doing so to the Little Sisters of the Poor. Donations should be made to “St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly” and mailed to 140 Shepherds Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512. You can also visit www.littlesistersofthepoortotowa.org

Michael Basil Bsales age 88 of Wayne passed peacefully with the comfort of family by his side on Monday, February 24, 2014

He was born in Paterson having attended Central High School in Paterson for two years and then graduated from Paterson Technical High School with the Class of 1942. After High School Michael worked as a Temporary Employee/Job Shopper/Freelance Draftsman in Kearny for several companies such as Curtis Wright and Clay Adams Corporation. After a short time he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during WWII as an Electronic Technician’s Mate Third Class and received the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. After the war he returned to his worked as a freelance draftsman and soon started his own temporary employment company called Mayfair Services in Wayne. He ran Mayfair Services for twenty-three years before retiring in 1995.

Michael was an active member of Saint Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park where he helped build the church, sang in the choir for fifty years, and was a member of the church’s St Vincent DePaul Society.

He was a member of the John Raad Post 438 of the American Legion in Paterson.

Mike loved to travel and has been to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Santa Monica, California, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas. He especially loved going to Aruba. Most of his destinations had a casino where he would be found playing Blackjack.

Most of all Mike loved being with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grand-grandchildren. His easy going, fun loving personality, combined with his great sense of humor endeared him to family and friends alike.

Many years ago Mike came to the Shakal’s home to fix a radio. As he walked through the house he spied a young girl up on a ladder hanging curtains. Mike’s eyes were affixed to the girls beautiful legs when she said “you like what you see?” It was at this point Mike realized there was a beautiful young lady attached to these legs and both started laughing. Mike and Gloria soon began dating with their first date being to the movies at the Regency in Paterson to see an Al Jolson movie. They both attended St Ann’s Church in Paterson but Gloria wouldn’t go to church with Mike as this would insinuate they were going steady. They soon fell in love and married at St Ann’s Church on February 6, 1949 with a reception at Sacred Heart’s Church Hall in Paterson. They honeymooned in Florida at a Bed & Breakfast only to have their car break down while in Florida. They were so tight on money they had to have extra wired down to them to cover the repairs to the car. They have enjoyed a loving and caring marriage for the past sixty-five years.

Michael was the loving husband of sixty-five years to Gloria Adele Bsales (nee Shakal); loving father of Frank Bsales and his wife Lisa of Blairsmill, PA, Michele Rowek and her husband Tony of Wayne, Robin Puchalski and her husband Ron of Chandler, AZ, Merry Bsales of Wayne, and Lisa Loffredo and her husband Gary of Wayne; loved brother of Alex, Raymond, George Bsales, Josephine Kaspar, Rose Buraty, and Emily Davidson; cherished grandfather of eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and fifteen god-children.

In the last years of his life Mike was cared for by the V.A. Long Term Care Facility in Lyons, NJ. The Volunteer Services division helped keep the Veterans active with different activities like Bingo etc. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Veterans Affairs NJ Health Care System (VANJHCS), 151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, NJ 07939, Att: Volunteer Services would be appreciated.

Winfield Chasmar, Jr., age 78 of Lincoln Park died peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2014. He had been a resident of Lincoln Park since 1991.

Winfield grew up in Union City, NJ. He attended LaSalle Military Academy, Oakdale, NY. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he began a career operating heavy construction equipment and was involved in many large construction projects, including the building of Route 80. He retired after a career of forty-plus years with Operating Engineers Local 825, Springfield, NJ. He spent many of those years as an operator with United Crane.

In the 1980’s, Winfield met Marian Eckert. They were introduced by a friend and on that first evening together, Winfield made a comment about her outfit which she found slightly offensive, almost bringing their first date to an early end. But as the night wore on, Marian came to enjoy his sense of humor and they were married in 1989. They enjoyed fine dining and dancing together over the years until Marian passed in 2009.

Winfield is survived by five children of his own and three children of Marian’s and they are: Phillip Chasmar of California, Lisa Chasmar of Washington, Carole Chasmar of Montclair, Winfield Chasmar and his wife Karen of Nutley, Christopher Chasmar and his wife Lisa of Kentucky, Steve Andiorio and his wife Beth of Totowa, Donna Hempel of Lincoln Park, and Stacey Kievit and her husband Rich of Vernon; grandchildren including Janessa Andiorio of Totowa and eleven other grandchildren; two sisters and a brother: Lynn Chasmar of North Palm Beach, FL, Grace Nordman and her husband Bob of Stafford, NH, and Matt Chasmar and his wife Tammy of Flemington.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Marian; his parents: Winfield, Sr. and Evelyn Chasmar, and George and Helen Gosman; and his sister Regina Johnston.

The family of Winfield Chasmar, Jr. wishes to thank all of the staff at Llanfair House, Wayne, and St. Joseph’s Hospital Geriatric Acute Care Unit, Wayne, for the care and support provided to Dad and his family.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Winfield’s name are asked to consider the St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital Foundation, 224 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Julia M. Suarez (née Krause), age 85, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 23, 2014 after a brief and unexpected illness. Her family lovingly stood by her side at the time of her passing.



A true renaissance woman, Julia was born in West New York and raised in Ridgefield, the younger of Emil and Julia Krause’s two children. She was a child during the depression whose parents instilled a “can-do” outlook on life that Julia truly embraced.



Julia graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood with the class of 1946. While there, she took a drafting class and landed a job in drafting with Bell Labs.



She met her future husband Joseph Suarez at Dwight Morrow. She was a junior and he was a senior. One late October night, Joseph was out with his buddies at the Oritani Theater in Hackensack. After enjoying that night’s feature, Arsenic and Old Lace, he and his friends came out of the theater where Joseph quickly spotted a nice pumpkin display. In a rare moment of spontaneous mischief, Joseph sneaked up and grabbed one of those pumpkins, a forty-pounder, and ran off with it. Wondering what to do with such a large pumpkin, Joseph came up with a great idea; he had been admiring Julia from a distance and had heard that the girls club she was involved in at school was going to have a Halloween party. So he lugged the pumpkin to her house, rang her doorbell and presented it to her, explaining that he got it for her party. A wonderful relationship was born that day and Julia dated Joseph through the rest of their high school days, then corresponded via love-letters through the years Joseph was away in the Navy. After his return, with Julia’s parents' blessing, they got engaged then married on Saturday, February 25, 1950, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ridgefield. Following a honeymoon to the White Mountains of Mittersill, NH, where they both learned to snow ski as part of their honeymoon package, they settled into the second floor of an apartment right around the corner from Julia’s parents in Ridgefield. Julia continued in her job with Equitable Life Insurance Company until the spring of 1950 when she gave birth to her daughter Julia. In the next few years, Julia and Joseph welcomed two more daughters, Lisa and Elizabeth. In 1957, the family moved to a brand new home in Wayne where Julia remained to the present. 



As a young mom, Julia’s life centered on the loving care of her husband, children, and home. She was an outstanding homemaker who could do anything she put her mind to. Her home was impeccably clean, thanks partially to her 1950’s Hoover vacuum cleaner that still works to this day. And because of her endless creativity, Julia’s home was beautifully decorated with many items she crafted with her own hands. As an excellent seamstress, Julia made slip covers and quilts for the beds and beautiful curtains to adorn the windows. She also sewed most of her daughters' clothing, including Halloween costumes. As many as a dozen of the items of furniture in the home were made by Julia and Joseph from reproduction kits they had acquired. They meticulously assembled, stained, varnished and, in some cases, upholstered these beautiful walnut furnishings. She also caned chairs. Julia took as much pride in her own appearance as she did in her home. She always said she would never go out looking like a hat rack and she was classic in her tastes, often being complimented for looking younger than she actually was. 



Inspired in 1962 by Rachel Carson’s New York Times best seller book Silent Spring, which raised widespread public concerns with pesticides and pollution of the environment, Julia began her own organic vegetable garden. In this one-thousand square foot portion of her back yard, she became a master gardener, growing just about every vegetable one could imagine. Harvest time led to countless hours in the kitchen canning much of what was grown for enjoyable consumption by her family and friends during the long winter months ahead. Much of that produce went into delicious meals that Julia prepared as an excellent cook. Her family especially enjoyed her roast pork and sauerkraut and one time she even prepared a suckling pig complete with an apple in its mouth. Julia loved to bake as much as she loved to cook. The house always smelled inviting and delicious when she was baking her fresh breads, and she never had a problem peddling her cookies and cakes, and pastries and pies too.



One day her husband Joseph came home to a pile of sand and a few pallets of bricks stacked in the back yard. When he asked Julia where they came from, she excitedly explained that she was going to lay a brick patio complete with a seventy foot winding pathway through the back yard. She did it, all by herself! Julia made her own elderberry and dandelion wines and Kahlua, lemoncello, and Cointreau cordials, took up juggling, ceramics, woodcarving, archery, lapidary, and artistic painting. Always hungry for knowledge, she enrolled in many adult education courses and even took language courses in German at William Paterson College. One of the funnier challenges that Julia faced was participation in a game of beer pong with her grandchildren. One of her daughters told the kids to go easy on Grandma so she didn’t end up drinking too much. No problems, novice that she was, Grandma beat them all and remained the sober one.

Julia took great delight in watching classic movies, especially mysteries. After all, she loved a good challenge and solving a mystery was just one more outlet to satisfy that love. She also enjoyed reading mystery novels and watching those British mystery and comedy shows on television, and solving crossword puzzles. A true animal lover at heart, Julia had three German Shepherds and one mixed-breed over the course of her life, including Schatzie, Frieda, Susie, and Willi, and she never refused any of her daughter’s requests for pets, playing host over the years to rabbits, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, chameleons, a rat, gold fish, and a couple of cats. She loved to invest herself into the life of her grandchildren too, frequently involving them in a project or just going sleigh riding with them.



Julia was a charter member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Wayne, where she actively participated in many of the church’s ministries including counselor for the Luther League youth group and serving on the Altar Guild. Of course, over the period of many years, she baked for countless church fundraisers and other various functions, and she was often referred to as the church’s bread baker. She was also a past-president of the Wayne Preakness Women’s Club involved in fundraising for numerous philanthropic endeavors. 



With her husband Joseph, Julia had the privilege of traveling all over the world to such destinations as Sicily and Pompeii in Italy, Austria, Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, a riverboat trip through France, Germany and Switzerland, as well as trips to Russia, Canada, South America, Mexico, St. Croix, Bermuda, and the British Isles. She also toured through Alaska and many U.S. national parks including a whitewater rafting trip on the Salmon River in Idaho. A real highlight for Julia was an actual bobsled ride on the Olympic track in Lake Placid, NY, in her sixties, and travelling to both the Arctic and Antarctica where she got to frolic with penguins and walk on glaciers.

When complimented, Julia always downplayed her talents, crediting her accomplishments more to strong-will, hard work and determination. She was thoughtful and firm in her opinions, and she always played by the rules and expected everyone to do the same. Despite her many accomplishment and experiences in life, Julia would want be remembered more for her modesty, generosity, and tireless pursuit for the welfare and happiness of her family and friends.

Surviving is her beloved husband Joseph; three dear daughters: Julia Suarez Hayes and husband David of Oneonta, NY, Lisa Suarez and husband John of Highland Lakes, and Elizabeth Koch and husband John of Kinnelon; five cherished grandchildren: Chris, Liz, Alex, Nelly and August; three adored great-grandchildren: Kristyn, Riley and Ava; and her sister-in-law Juanita Krause of Warwick, NY. She was predeceased by her brother John Krause in 2007.



In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Julia’s name are asked to consider the Saint Timothy Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

Sally Miller, age 85 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2014. A resident of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne since 1958, Sally moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains in 2010.

Sally was raised in Upper Montclair, New Jersey graduating from the Montclair Kimberly Academy in 1946. She attended Skidmore College in Saratoga, New York where she was a member of the field hockey team and earned her Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. Upon graduation in 1950, she began a career as a physical education teacher at the Brearley School in Manhattan. With the birth of her daughter Susan, she became a full-time mom and supported her children and the community at large as a Softball Coach, Brownie Leader, Den Mother and general volunteer whenever she was needed.

Sally enjoyed participating in many sports and activities and had a great love for skiing and golf, which she continued to enjoy throughout her life. In the 1950’s, she was a member of the Montclair Ski Club which took regular trips to Mad River Glen, one of the most challenging ski mountains in Vermont. It was on one of these trips that she met her husband, John(Jack) Miller, Sr. and their first date included a round of golf. This was just the beginning of many years and countless rounds of golf that the two would enjoy together.

After marrying on June 23, 1956 Sally and Jack bought a home in Packanack Lake and became involved in the many activities the community has to offer. They were among the founding members of Packanack Lake Golf Club and enjoyed participating in the many social activities and tournaments sponsored by the club. Always a gracious competitor Sally won the Woman's Club Championship several times over the years. When not on the golf course, Sally could be found rooting for her beloved New York Yankees or Giants.

Vacationing on Cape Cod with family and friends was time she treasured, marking nearly fifty years in Dennisport, Massachusetts without missing a one. You would be hard pressed to convince her that there was any more special place than the Dennis Seashores beach where she could be found, enjoying a good book, chatting with the gang as she rode her float in the Nantucket Sound or taking a sailboat ride with one of her children. Sally and Jack spent many retirement winters in Siesta Key, Florida which was arguably their second favorite place to take in the sun and play a round of golf. They enjoyed fifty four years together before Jack passed in 2010.

Sally was a dedicated member of Packanack Community Church participating in the Women's Guild and serving as a Sunday school teacher. Even after moving to Cedar Crest Village, she would make the drive to Packanack Lake every Sunday to attend church. She was also a devoted grandmother to her four grandchildren always proud and interested in their activities and accomplishments. They will all miss her dearly.

Sally is survived by her daughter Susan Clark and her husband Bill of Kinnelon, her son John Miller, Jr. and his wife Shirley of Sparta, and her four grandchildren; Lee and Chris Clark of Kinnelon, and Katharine and Amy Miller of Sparta.

LJUNG - Bo Hans Gunnar

died February 21 at the age of 75 at home in Wayne, NJ. He was born on June 25 1938 in Stockholm, Sweden. Bo was diagnosed in April with a rare lung cancer.

Bo graduated 1962 with a Masters of Science in mechanical engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He served as Captain Flight Engineer in the Royal Swedish Air Force, where he received jet flight training and was responsible for the guidance and navigation systems and heads-up/heads-down display system for the Saab AJ-37 Viggen jet fighter. In 1968 he requested a 3-5 year leave absence to move his family to California for research. In 1972 the family moved to NJ to experience living on both coasts before returning to Sweden, but they stayed another 40 years living in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne. As a research scientist he was a prolific inventor with some 50 patents for guidance and navigation systems including inertial grade accelerometers, floated gas bearing spinning wheel, three axis ring laser and vibrating gyroscopes developed at both Litton Industries in California and Singer-Kearfott in New Jersey. Bo became a US citizen in 1985 having worked on navigation and guidance systems for several military aircraft, missiles, and submarines including the recent Firescout autonomous helicopter, the Global Hawk autonomous aircraft, the Remus autonomous submarine and the Navy’s laser weapon system. Bo started his own company to develop silicon micro-machined accelerometers and gyroscopes. In his workshop Bo was an avid experimenter building tools to build his new inventions. He invented an underwater horn to let scuba divers communicate over large distances, and liked squeaking it close to shore to see swimmers react to “dolphins”. Bo was always a very humble man, and all his friends laughed when he would answer a particularly difficult question with “That is common knowledge”.

Bo shared his love of nature with his family including backpacking, ice skating, skiing, scuba diving, whitewater canoeing, sailing and biking. He had been active in Packanack Scouting as a Webelos leader, a Director of the John Ericsson Society in NYC, and a Trustee of the Board at the Swedish Church in NYC. He was the proud father of two Eagle Scouts. He sailed Sunfish in Packanack Lake winning the championship 1973-1982. After retirement he enjoyed spending summers sailing on his 36 footer in the Stockholm archipelago with his wife Gunhild.

He is survived by his wife Gunhild of 52 years, son Per with wife Barbara in Oakland California and son Fredrik with fiancé Therese in Stockholm and two grandsons, Nils and Axel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NPR or Dr Gregory Riely's Lung Cancer Research, c/o MSKCC, 300 East 66th Street, New York, NY 10065

Michael Sean Dunn age 47 formerly of Wayne passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Sagle, ID on Saturday February 15, 2014.

Michael was born in Long Island, NY and was a long time resident of Wayne since the age of three. After his High School graduation from Don Bosco Technical School in Paterson he attended two years college at New Jersey Institute of Technology. He left school and enlisted in the United States Army as a communications specialist. After being honorably discharged, he continued his education at NJIT where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Software Engineering.

Michael worked for various companies as a Software Engineer until moving to Sagle, Idaho three years ago, where he worked as a software consultant writing software apps for PDA and smartphones until his passing.

He was an amateur musician, playing various instruments, including the guitar and the harmonica. He also had a farm on his property which he cared for.  He was an animal lover as well, particularly of dogs. His family remembers him as "being his own person" and wanting to lead a very simplistic life. He was loved very much by his family and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Michael is survived by his mother Eva Dunn of Haledon; one brother Andrew Dunn Jr. and his wife MaryAnn of Oakland; two sisters Patricia Lengyel and her husband Michael of Owego, NY, and Sister Karen Dunn F.M.A. of Haledon; he was pre-deceased by his father Andrew Dunn (1992).

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Michael's memory to Salesian Sisters Development Office 659 Belmont Ave, North Haledon, NJ 07508.

Kenneth F. Freese, age 79 of Wayne, died peacefully at home, early in the morning of Saturday, February 15th , 2014.

Ken was born in Passaic, the first-born of Frank and Katherine’s two children. He and his younger sister Lorraine “Lori” were raised in Passaic where Ken attended Passaic High School. In his junior year, in Miss Bunnel’s history class, he sat right behind a young lady named Lillian Riotto. Lillian was struck by Ken’s good looks, so she used every excuse from borrowing a pen to looking at Ken’s notes, just to turn around and talk with him. After class, Ken typically had baseball practice at Passaic Stadium on River Road. Since Lillian lived only a couple of blocks from the stadium on Park Ave., she walked with him on his way to the ball field. Quiet Ken eventually asked Lillian out and their first date was to the Capital Theater on Main Ave. Lillian doesn’t remember what movie they saw but she knows that Ken kissed her on that first date and she didn’t mind!

Following graduation from Passaic High in 1952, Ken attended trade school while playing first base for the Passaic Semi-Pro League’s DeMuro Comets. He and Lillian continued dating and, although Ken enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954, he took just enough time to come home on leave so that he and Lillian could get married! They exchanged their marriage vows on Sunday, November 14th ,1954 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel R.C. Church in Passaic with Father Savatini Vitalis officiating. After a whirlwind one night honeymoon in New York City, the newlyweds packed their car and headed south to Cherry Point North Carolina where Ken was stationed. Meanwhile Lillian took residence in a nearby home off base. In all, Ken proudly served his country for three years as a Marine, from 1954 through 1957. While in the Corps, Ken was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

In 1956, he and Lillian became the proud parents of a baby girl which they named Linda. After the service, Ken, Lillian and Linda moved back to NJ, living briefly back in Passaic before moving to Wayne in 1959. In 1960, Ken became a father again. This time it was a boy and he and Lil named him Kenneth C. In 1965 they welcomed their third child – another boy which they named Richard. Ken and Lillian raised all of their children in that home in Wayne; if fact, it turned out to be Ken’s home for the rest of his life -55 years in all!

Ken had a career that spanned 35 years as a chemical operator with Hoffmann La-Roche in Nutley. He enjoyed his work and the camaraderie of his coworkers.

Ken enjoyed cheering for the New York Mets , and going to Long Beach Island for summer vacation.

Ken adored his two grandchildren Lauren and Joseph .

When Ken and Lillian reached retirement, they hit the road, visiting all 50 states , including a trip to Italy. Then in 1995, Ken and Lillian purchased a second home in Jupiter, FL. They headed south every year from September to November, coming back to Jersey for the holidays before returning in January and staying until May. In Jupiter, they loved the pool and the beach and the many friends they made there over the years. Of course they also loved escaping the cold harsh winters in New Jersey!

Ken will be remembered as a quiet man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as the friends he made along life’s path. He got a great kick out of traveling – as long as his dear wife Lillian made all the arrangements. Ironically, he was just as content to be home . His family is thankful for his life and his faith!

Surviving are his beloved wife of 59 years, Lillian (nee Riotto); his daughter and two sons: Linda and husband Joseph Corrao of Wayne, Kenneth C. and wife Denise Freese of Secaucus, and Richard and wife Elisa Freese of Wayne; two adored grandchildren: Lauren and Joseph; his dear sister Lorraine “Lori” Collins of Port St. Lucie, FL. And Brother in - law Charles Riotto and nieces and nephews .

Charles F. Zahner age 81 of Wanaque, formerly of Pompton Plains and Wayne passed peacefully at home on Saturday, February 15, 2014.

He was born in Newark and raised in East Orange having graduated from East Orange High School with the Class of 1951. Charles received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) with the Class of 1955 and went on to receive his Masters in Electrical Engineering with the Class of 1960. He was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma, Eta Kappa Nu, and Tau Beta Pi Honor Societies.

After his education he found work with the Curtiss-Wright Corporation in Electronics Division in East Paterson where he was a Systems Engineering Supervisor. He later worked for the Bendix Corporation in Teterboro as an Assistant Senior Engineer and the Link Group, General Precision, Inc. in Wayne as a Principal Engineer. Before retiring in 1992 he was a Computer Analyst for Dubner Computer Systems in Paramus for twenty years, where he principally worked on election and television automation systems with WABC and WPIX television. He personally held four patents: Electronic Keyer, Digital Electronic Keyer, Radio Compass Signal Strength Computer, and Lambert Projection Navigation Computer.

Charles was a longstanding member of the Pequannock Reformed Church in Wayne and served as the Treasurer for thirty years, as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent of the Sunday School. He was dedicated to his faith and church and could be found at just about every church function helping in any way he could, usually as the cashier.

He was very proud and successful in regards to his education, work, holding patents, but Charles was most proud of his family. He found a great deal of joy in having his family together with him and witnessing the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Family vacations where they would rent a house and all stay together, fishing trips, dinners, and holidays surrounded by family filled his heart. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, even doing them upside-down for a bigger challenge, Sudoku, and especially liked his garden of cucumbers, tomatoes, and flowers.

Charles and Lorraine’s first meeting and courtship is filled with love and persistence - on Charles part. He first eyed Lorraine when she was wearing white buck shoes, red knee socks, and Bermuda shorts. He didn’t get to talk to Lorraine that day but their paths would cross months later on a blind date. Charles and Lorrain’s blind date was marred when the boy to accompany the other girl could not go. Charles had a blind date and Lorraine brought two girlfriends. When Lorraine first laid eyes upon Charles she groaned to her friends about the nerd she had been set up with. He was persistent and when he finally worked up the nerve to ask Lorraine for a kiss she just stared back at him with an, I can’t believe this guy, look. Eventually he did get that kiss and Lorraine soon fell in love. Lorraine’s brothers liked Charles because they heard he was studying to be an engineer and perhaps they could have the good fortune to get a ride on his train someday. Their first date was on June 11, 1953 and they married on June 11, 1955 at the Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church in Clifton and honeymooned at the Pocono Mountain Inn. They have enjoyed a loving, caring, and giving marriage of fifty-nine years.

Charles was the beloved husband of Lorraine (Grabowski) Zahner; devoted father of Diane Barany and her husband Harry of Pequannock, Richard Zahner and his wife Cheryl of Butler, Steven Zahner and his wife Denice of Pompton Plains, and Daniel Zahner and his wife Cindy of Pompton Plains; cherished grandfather of Dana, Timothy, Emily, Harrison, Mitchell, Stefanie, Michele, Samuel, Joseph, Rebecca, and Jennifer; dear brother of Mildred Jones of Endicott, NY, and the late Marie Zahner, Dorothy Michal, and Edwin Zahner.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pequannock Reformed Church, 530 Newark Pompton Tpk., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Anthony J. Spina, age 80, of Wayne, passed peacefully into eternal rest on his birthday – Friday, February 14, 2014, with his loving family at his side.

Tony was born in Paterson on February 14, 1934. He was the elder of Anthony (Butch) and Virginia Spina’s two sons. Tony’s mom affectionately referred to him as her Valentine’s baby. He grew up in the Riverside section of Paterson with his younger brother, Jack. As a child, Tony was a little on the small side and was stricken with polio. But being a fighter at heart, he never let those problems hold him back. He even used to tell his children that after his growth spurt he kept a list of kids who had picked on him and then went back to settle the score. Payback was sweet!

Tony attended Eastside High School and tore up the field as an all-state football player. Fueled by his love of the heroic portrayal of the U.S. Marines in the combat films of his youth, he fulfilled his dream and joined the Corps upon graduation. Still only seventeen, he bravely served with honor and distinction in Korea, earning a chest-full of medals, including two Purple Hearts and two Silver Stars, the third highest military decoration for valor, awarded for gallantry in action. They will forever stand as a testament to his bravery and heroism.

The first Purple Heart and Silver Star were awarded after he blew his way into enemy territory with Bangalore Torpedoes allowing his squad to advance. Tony earned the second set after singlehandedly rescuing four wounded buddies, dragging them all to safety under heavy fire, and suffering a severe leg wound. Following six months of treatment aboard a hospital ship, Tony returned to the United States and whipped new recruits into shape as a Drill Sergeant in Quantico, Virginia.

During his time as a Marine, Tony was also a champion boxer, going 44-0 with all but four matches ending in a knockout. Never one to flaunt or brag, when asked the secret to his success in the ring, Tony credited it more to toughness and strength than to skill. He also played for the Marine Corps football team with tough-as-iron grit and determination. Tony was all over the field, playing both offense and defense.

His prowess on the grid-iron earned him a full scholarship to prestigious Muhlenburg University in Allentown, Pennsylvania. But his football career was cut short after tearing his Achilles tendon on the field. He transferred to Fairleigh Dickinson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.

Following graduation, Tony went on to enjoy a long and rewarding career. His first accounting job was for West Shore Concrete Construction Company in New York. He later served as a Controller for Merrick Scale Manufacturing Company of Passaic, Mobile Fabrics Inc. of Hawthorne, Moldcast Lighting Division of Pine Brook, and Titan Marble and Stone of Totowa. In 1983 he became the Chief Financial Officer of D.N.S. Metal Industries of Long Island City; and in 1990 he was named CFO of Landmark Fire Protection, Inc. of Pine Brook where he remained until retirement in 2011.

He met his wife Cathy when he interviewed her for a job at West Shore Concrete Construction Company in New York. Cathy was intrigued by his voice during the initial phone interview. She went for subsequent interviews and eventually landed the job, but soon found that while she couldn’t really work for Tony, she certainly could marry him. They exchanged vows before God, family and friends at Morningside Chapel on West Broadway in Paterson on September 16, 1961, only thirteen months after they met, a marriage that has endured for more than fifty-two years. They renewed their vows twice – at their twenty-fifth and fiftieth wedding anniversaries.

Many saw Tony as a bit of a contradiction, a hardened Marine who loved opera, an accomplished athlete who was also a voracious reader and history buff. Everyone on Pinecrest Terrace in Wayne knew when Tony was chomping on his cigar while washing the cars or working outside because they could hear Wagner’s Tannhauser blasting through the neighborhood. And of course his straight up martini was never more than a few feet away. We can’t forget his love for movies, which lead to a collection of several hundred films, some of which are so rare they can’t even be found on DVD. With the military always close to his heart, he especially enjoyed reading war novels and volunteering at the Wayne Historical Society. He and Cathy enjoyed their time together at their condo in Ocean City, Maryland where he especially enjoyed the magnificent sunsets. His favorite vacation spot was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and, in his own words, “sitting in the sun, turning into a golden god.”

Tony’s faith was an important and central part of his life. He and Cathy were founding parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Wayne, where Tony served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector as well as on the Stewardship and Pastoral Councils. He also enjoyed volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Pantry in Pompton Lakes.

Tony’s life was one of tremendous self-discipline. He worked out every day of his life, even during the last six of the seven years while he battled cancer. Tony’s favorite hobby was working out downstairs in his home. He put thousands of miles on his exercise bikes, and needed to add weight rods to his BowFlex just to get a satisfying workout. Never losing his fighting spirit, he loved to send shivers through the house hammering at a heavy bag like Rocky for several sweaty three minute rounds.

In every facet of life, he was bigger than life. His daughter, Debbie, even nicknamed him “Superman!” because she believed he could fly. That name as, well as the name “Supe”, became an integral part of his identity, seen on the Superman shirts he often wore and the vanity license plates on his car which read “SUPRMAN.”

He did his best in all of his professional life. His service to his country as a U.S. Marine was one of his proudest accomplishments. He was a true patriot, evidenced by his love for his country and his fellow veterans. In fact, he even served as a three-time commander of the Riverside Veterans in Paterson. Despite his accomplishments, he always remained humble, never flaunting what he did. He was proud but reverent to his calling as a Marine, always aware of the true weight of war, and the sacrifices necessary to maintain our country’s “way of life”.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Catherine (nee Mazzotta); his son Mark Anthony Spina of Union, New Jersey; his son Matthew Glenn Spina and wife Maria of Scottsdale, Arizona and their children: Adriana Rose Spina and Michael Vincent Alger Spina; his daughter Deborah Spina Piperno and husband Frank of Lincroft, New Jersey and their children: Frank Anthony Piperno, Anthony Vincent Piperno and Adriana Michele Piperno; and his son Michael Anthony Spina and wife CarolAnn of Green Township, New Jersey and their children: Alexander Joseph Spina and Jacob Richard Spina. He is also survived by his brother Jack Spina of Tafton, Pennsylvania and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Anthony’s name are asked to consider the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or visit their website at www.WoundedWarriorProject.org.

Helen E. Mains, age 95, of Wayne, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 12, 2014.

Helen was born and raised in Jersey City where she graduated with the class of 1936 from Dickenson High School. Shortly after marrying her beloved William, she moved to Fair Lawn, then to Wayne where she remained from 1959 to the present.

Prior to retirement, Helen was a long-time sales associate, first with Rainbow Shops – a ladies clothing and fashion store in Wayne, and later with Stern Brothers and Macy’s of Wayne, where she worked in the linen and shoe departments. She was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church of Wayne and a former member of the Lady Foresters of America. In her spare time, Helen enjoyed being with her grandchildren as well as watching the Yankees, traveling, swimming, taking pictures, and dining out.

She was a very loving woman who was as loyal as could be! In 1986, her beloved husband Bill suffered from a debilitating stroke. Helen lovingly and faithfully stood by his side, caring for him and visiting him daily in the Veteran’s Home where he eventually stayed until his passing in 1991.

In addition to her husband Bill, Helen was predeceased by her dear daughter Dorothy Grantham in 1999. She is survived by her dear son William C., Jr. and wife Monica Mains of Wayne, her dear daughter Evelyn Stites of Pittsgrove, NJ; Seven adored grandchildren: Elissa and husband Frank Scillieri, Eric and wife Christina Mains, Allison Stites, Ryan Stites, Kerry Benton, Micheal and wife Lauren Grantham, and LeAnne and husband Jason Anderson; four cherished great-grandchildren: Aidan Stites, Rowan Anderson, Lincoln Benton, and Samantha Scillieri; several nephews; and her sister-in-law Ernestine Miller.

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

Margene Valk, age 91, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff.

Margene was born in Weehawken. During the depression, she moved with her parents and brothers and sisters to the Netherlands but she returned to the United States when she was 24, settling in Prospect Park. She eventually moved to Wayne until moving to the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, in 2011.

Margene was a seamstress with Barbizon in Paterson until retirement in 1988. She was a member of Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church of Wyckoff. She was very talented at crocheting and needlework and she loved to bake.

Margene is survived by her two dear sisters: Anna Maria Vander Heide of Haledon, Hilda Oussoren of Gettysburg, PA; her one dear brother: John Valk of Reno, NV; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her dear brother William Valk.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Margene’s name are asked to consider the Christian Health Care Center Foundation, 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481.

Kathleen M. (nee O’Toole) Ahearn age 80 of Wayne passed peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2014.

She was born and raised in the Saint Nicholas Parish in Jersey City having lived in Wayne for over fifty years.

After high school Kathleen found work as a secretary for the Electrolux Corporation in New York City taking the bus to work and then after moving to Wayne she would take the train to work. Shortly after getting married and moving to Wayne she committed herself to raising her family. When her children were in grammar school she found work as a library assistant at Theunis Dey School in Wayne, worked as a floor manager for the Meyer Brothers Department Store in Wayne, and finally served as a secretary for the medical devices division at the American Cyanamid Corporation which was acquired by the American Home Products Corporation in Wayne before retiring in 1996.

Kathleen met a handsome man named Charles J. Ahearn at a church dance and married him on September 16, 1961. They honeymooned in Niagara Falls.

She was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne having attended the first Masses of the church at the Schuyler Colfax School in Wayne while the church was being built. She also served as a reader at the church for many years. Kathleen was dedicated to her Catholic faith and to the church she helped to found. At Sunday Mass she would go early and sit with her family for just a few minutes before announcing she was going to the church door to greet those coming to Mass. She was a member of the Amity Club at the church for many years and felt honored to receive a prayer shawl from them as an expression of their care and concern.

She taught her children that having faith in their lives was very important and also taught them that dessert was the best part of any meal. After Mass on Sunday she would go to the diner with friends and family and as all others were ordering breakfast she would order dessert. If the dessert arrived and was visible beneath the whipped cream she would send it back for more whipped cream. Kathleen thought the person who invented the first piece of candy should be made a saint. She would often give up candy for Lent but she would explain there is a little known Sunday Candy Exemption during Lent that she would take full advantage of. Her 4 pm ritual of having five, not four or six, but five cheese pretzels and a Coors Light was a daily routing that was not to be missed. As a matter of fact she passed away at 3:58 in the afternoon - perhaps in order to continue her 4 pm ritual in Heaven. Another of her daily routines was to have many cups of tea. She always had a grateful “God Love You” for those who served her; the waiter at the diner, or anyone who went out of their way for her. That personality changed a bit when you interrupted her when she was watching her beloved New York Yankees. She would answer the phone with her Jersey City attitude “Yankees are on…what do you want.” She also enjoyed all types of crafts, making wreaths, and ribbons that she would sell at craft shows. Another of her joys was playing computer games – she was an expert at Tetris. Her truly unassuming, teasing, joy to be around, personality will be greatly missed.

She was the loving wife of Charles J. Ahearn; devoted mother of Rosemary Ahearn and her husband Don Hasara of Phillipsburg, Charles E. Ahearn and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, Carolyn Willis and her husband Dave of Franklin Lakes, and Joseph Ahearn and his wife Kelly of Edison; cherished grandmother of Charles “CJ” Ahearn, Brendan, Colm, and Deirdre Hasara; loved sister of the late Thomas O’Toole.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Henry Cauwenberghs age 88, of Wayne for over sixty years, passed peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2014.

He was born and raised in Midland Park having moved to Wayne in 1951. Henry met a pretty girl named Ada DeRuyscher when she was serving as a Lab Technician at the Bergen Pines Hospital in Paramus and he had been admitted as a TB patient. When Henry was well enough he checked himself out of the hospital and took Ada to the movies. They fell in love and Henry asked Ada's mother for her hand in marriage and then asked to borrow the $2.00 it would cost to secure the wedding license. They married at the Preakness Christian Reformed Church on Valley Road in Wayne on January 16, 1949. They drove to Fairfax Virginia for their honeymoon in an Oldsmobile that was so old they prayed every mile that it would make it. They had a loving, devoted, and as Henry stated a "perfect" sixty-three years of marriage before Ada's passing on August 26, 2012.

Henry enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of seventeen when he and a friend forged their parents's signatures on the enlistment documents that were required when a person enlisted under the age of eighteen. He served from July of 1943 through February of 1947. Henry served mostly in the South Pacific Theatre of the war and upon the USS San Carlos, a Barnegat-class seaplane tender. He received the United States Navy Honorable Service Button, Honorable Service Lapel, and Honorable Service Emblem.

After his service in the US Navy he worked for the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission and from 1955 through his retirement in 1990 he worked as an inspector in the aerospace division of Singer-Kearfott Corporation at plant 1 in West Paterson.

Henry was a longstanding active member of the Preakness Valley United Reformed Church in Wayne. He enjoyed being outdoors and loved hunting and fishing. For many years he would fly to Montana to hunt Elk and Antelope. He developed a close friendship with a rancher in Montana and was privileged to hunt his property and even bunk with the cowboys that worked his ranch. An avid gardener he would grow tomatoes, squash, beans and all other kinds of vegetables that he would bring in to work and share with his co-workers. Henry also enjoyed beekeeping and had up to twenty-six hives in his yard. He would gather the honey and also share that with his co-workers. In his latter years the deer and squirrels became his friends with deer staring into his kitchen window waiting for him to come out and feed them.

Henry was the loving husband of over sixty years to the late Ada (DeRuyscher) Cauwenberghs (8/2012); devoted father of Henry Cauwenberghs and his wife Judy of Canajoharie, NY, Dawn DiPaola and her husband John of Wayne, and the late Diana Cauwenberghs (1974); loved brother of Albert Cauwenberghs and his wife Carol of Sunrise, FL, and the late Peter Cauwenberghs; cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Joseph, and Daniel Cauwenberghs, Jeffrey, Kristen, and Stephen DiPaola, and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Preakness Valley United Reformed Church, 480 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Age 89 of Wayne, died peacefully with his family at his bedside on Saturday, February 8, 2014.

Chances are if you’ve come to this web-site to read this obituary, you’re a friend or relative of our family. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and for your love and support throughout the years. Our Dad, Eugene, “Gene” Blewitt, was a simple man. His guiding principles were found in the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith. These teachings were his playbook for life. He studied them, knew them inside and out and did his best to live by them. These principles were the foundation of every decision he made

Dad would not have been comfortable with someone writing his obituary. He also would not have been comfortable writing his own. But, if he had a choice between the two, he just might have chosen to write his own. With this in mind, here’s how it may have read:

I was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1925. That was a long time ago, but it feels like yesterday. I had two loving, hard working parents, two terrific brothers and three wonderful sisters. My parents died many years ago and somehow I’ve outlived all my siblings. I can’t wait to see them. I just need to get past this interview with Saint Peter.

After high school, I went to technical school for a little while, but WWII was in full swing, so eventually I found my way into the Army Air Corps. I became a bombardier, which was a lot of fun, but it was serious stuff. A week or so before I was to be shipped off to combat, the war ended and I was discharged soon after. It was on to the next stage of life.

I headed to NJ for college. I was happy at Seton Hall and even had a stint as a DJ on the college radio station. Without a doubt, the best thing to come from this part of my life was meeting my future bride, Jean O’Connell. We were set up on a blind date. I was smitten and, I’m not sure why, but she must have seen something in me as well. We never looked back and this was the beginning of a 62 year love affair. We were married in 1949 and quickly started a family.

Mary Ann was our first born, followed by Christine, Kevin, Virginia, Ellen, Dan, Laura, Mike, Maureen, Joe, Katie and Monica. If you go back and count, this adds up to 12 children. Unfortunately, God brought two of our children home early. Monica died at birth and we lost Christine about five years ago.

People often asked me how I was able to provide for all of these kids. To be honest, I have no idea. I was a salesman and I left the house every day asking God to help me find a way, and He did just that. Amazingly enough, every year there was even a little money left over for a summer vacation. We had annual trips to the Jersey shore or lake houses in the mountains. These were really special times for me and I hope the same was true for the rest of the family.

There are two small achievements I’m most proud of in my life; founding the Queen of Peace Prayer Group and opening the Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne. Both would not have been possible without my wife, Jean. We also spent many years working with the NJ Right to Life organization advocating for the rights of the unborn. This was very important to us and I hope their cause will prevail.

I was so blessed to have Jean at my side. She was the bedrock of our family. Nothing fazed her. She was dedicated to Our Lady and her faith was truly remarkable. I loved her with all my heart and I did my best to make her happy. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without her. Actually, I guess I can imagine, since she left this world three years ahead of me. Life just wasn’t the same without her. Sure, I had lots of loved ones around me and I am thankful for this, but my heart was empty and I couldn’t wait to be with her again. This is just one reason not to be sad at this time. Actually, I’m overjoyed. One quick thought though, I always told my kids not to assume anyone who died went straight to heaven. When you have a chance, please say a prayer for me, but only if you also pray for all departed souls.

If you happen to get out to the cemetery, you may notice our grave markers are kind of small. This was a conscious decision. This life is not about us, our accomplishments or the things we acquire. Instead it’s about doing what we can to make God happy and to follow his commandments. I wish I could have done better and I wish I didn’t occasionally rub some people the wrong way, but I’m hopeful God knows I tried. I’m even more hopeful I fulfilled my obligation to pass down some of the things I learned along the way.

Before I sign off, I’d like to reach out to my entire family of daughters, sons, sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc., including those who’ve gone before me and those who still remain. I love all of you and I thank you for being part of my life. It has been my honor to be the patriarch of this family and I look forward to seeing you all again.

For the record, here’s a quick rundown of the family tree.

Children: Katie Buononato and her husband Blase of Wayne, Joe Blewitt and his wife Racie of Stewartsville, Maureen Mullin and her husband Rick of Caldwell, Mike Blewitt and his wife Christina of East Patchogue, NY, Laura Smelski and her husband Tom of Syracuse, NY, Dan Blewitt and his wife Ofie of Lincoln Park, Ellen Vigilante and her husband Jim of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Virginia Guinness and her husband Ed of Webster Groves, MO, Kevin Blewitt and his wife Patty of Wayne, Mary Ann DiGiaimo and her husband Chuck of Pompton Plains, son-in-law, Tony D’Apolito of Morristown; Grandchildren: Rebecca Cardone, Jessica Tyminski, Mike and Sarah DiGiaimo; Patrick and Nicholas Blewitt; Erin Stratton, Robert and Joe Guinness; Brian, Charlie, Billy, and Johnny Vigilante; Timmy, Matt and Chris Blewitt; Josh Morrelli, Katrina Hinke, Emily, Maggie, and Lydia Mullin; Kelly and LuLu Blewitt; Monica, Tommy, and Dominic Buononato; and nine great-grandchildren. Predeceased by two daughters, Monica Blewitt and Christine D’Apolito, one granddaughter Andrea Morelli, two brothers, John and Frank Blewitt, and three sisters, Peggy Kelly, Betty London and Helen Blewitt.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to NJ Right to Life, 242 Old New Brunswick Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854 would be appreciated.

James P. Logan, age 70 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Thursday, February 6, 2014. He had courageously fought a brief battle with cancer. He was a lifelong resident of Wayne and had retired from the Preakness Healthcare Center where he had worked for over 30 years.

Jimmy considered Packanack Lake to be his home. He had very fond memories of Growing up there, he loved walking around the lake, fishing, catching turtles and enjoying all that Packanack Lake had to offer. He was one of the sweetest most humble guys that you could ever meet and had a wonderful sense of humor. Wherever he went, he was always running into someone he knew. He was very well liked in town. His friends meant a lot to him and nothing made him happier than being on the golf course with his buddies. Jimmy would golf at every chance he got and he was a regular fixture at the Packanack Golf Club. He even made a hole-in-one at the Packanack course. He had also been a lover of bowling. He was a league bowler for more than thirty years, and as of late he started to play Keno with his buddy Butch which he enjoyed very much....as long as he was winning. Another one of Jimmy's passions was rooting for the local area teams in particular, Yankees, Giants, Rangers and Knicks. Jimmy was never at a loss for words when it came to talking about sports. He was a true fan!

Jimmy was a gentle and kind person; truly a nice guy and even as things grew to be a bit tougher for him you would never hear him complaining about anything. He always looked at the bright side of life. Even when cancer took ahold of him, and he knew he couldn’t golf anymore, or visit with his very dear friends at the Valley Brook hangout, he still didn’t complain. He would simply try to relax at home and keep a positive attitude.

Jimmy is survived by his niece; Monica Goodwin and her husband Kevin of Wayne, his nephew Scott Logan of Johnston, RI, great-nephews; Kevin Goodwin, Jr., and Nicholas Goodwin, and one great-niece; Jessica Goodwin. He was predeceased by his mother Vivian Logan in 2012, his father; John Logan in 1978, and by his brother Robert Logan in 2011.

Agnes McKenna, “Aggie”, age 73 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Agnes was born in New York City and grew up in the Bronx, around the Fordham Rd. area. She had lived in Yonkers for many years before moving to Liberty, New York. She has resided at the Siena Village in Wayne for about two years.

One of her early jobs was working in the Bronx Courthouse and she was later employed at National Review. Her most enjoyable work experience, however, was the time she spent caring for the elderly, especially at the Jewish Home for the Aged in New York. She was a naturally compassionate person and Agnes found it very rewarding to be able to help others. Agnes was a very sociable person and had no difficulty making new friends wherever she went. She loved to be around her family and made every effort to attend as many family get-togethers as she could. Sadly, after losing her daughter, Christine, in 2007, Agnes was never quite herself again. Understandably, she had lost a large part of herself too, and her health began failing thereafter. Home Care Options, Project Linc, and members of the Mormon community among others began helping her with everything she needed including rides to the doctor, help around her house, and grocery shopping. She was very grateful to all of those who assisted her when she needed it most.

Agnes was one of eleven children and is survived by three of them: two sisters, Anne McKiernan of Wayne, Elizabeth Schott of Wind Gap, PA, and her brother, George Brew of Wayne, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph in 1985, her daughter, Christine, in 2007, and by seven of her siblings.

Teresa B. Ponsica, age 55, of Haskell, passed into eternal rest on Monday, February 3, 2014 – the same day as her daughter Grace’s birthday. She was in the comfort of her home with her family, lovingly standing by her side.

Teresa was born in Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines. She was the fifth of nine children born to Isabelo, Sr. and Augustina Lopez Barcenilla. Though her parents were both professional educators, life for Teresa and the people of her homeland was often a financial struggle. Teresa often shared her account of growing up, walking to school in inferior quality shoes because that was all her parents could afford. The walk to school was long and rough and Teresa’s shoes quickly fell into disrepair. She remembered feeling sad in her heart about this situation until one day, upon seeing a poor person with no feet, her feelings turned to thankfulness in her heart, realizing how blest she still was!

Teresa graduated from St. Catherine’s Elementary School and High School in Carcar. She went on to pursue a degree in nursing at South Western University in Cebu City, graduating in 1980. As a young woman of twenty-two years, Teresa launched her career as a registered nurse with her first job at Camotes-Laoc Medical Clinic in Sibonga Cebu. While working there, she spent every Thursday at a field clinic fifteen kilometers away in Mantalongon. The field clinic was across the street from a house where a young man named Nicolas Ponsica lived. From his house, Nick, as he was known, saw the beautiful nurses that came to work at the field clinic. One day he introduced himself to Teresa and asked her if she would like to go for a ride in the sidecar of his Yamaha YA6 motorcycle. She accepted his offer and the two began dating. At that time, Nick was a rascal so it wasn’t unusual for Teresa’s mother to walk in and out of the room with great frequency when Nick came to visit Teresa at her parent’s house. They fell in love and on Saturday, July 15, 1984, Nick and Teresa exchanged their wedding vows at St. Catherine Church in Carcar. Teresa and Nick were blessed with their first of four children – a boy which they named Michael who was born in November, 1984. Michael was followed by two brothers: Ralph and Carlo, and a little sister Grace. All through the years that Teresa was having children, she continued to work full-time as a nurse, now at the Barili District Hospital. She worked hard, always striving to make a better life for her family, and she recalled many days, being pregnant and hitching a ride on the top of a chicken truck, just to get to work.

Despite her efforts, Teresa and Nick just didn’t have the opportunities they were looking for in the Philippines, so in 1989, Teresa came to the United States by herself, her daughter Grace less than a year old! While Nick took care of the kids at home in the Philippines, Teresa studied and took the test to earn certification as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Two years later, Nick and the kids joined her and they began their reunited lives in a home in Haskell. Teresa’s first job was at the Lincoln Park Nursing Home, followed by employment at the Wanaque Convalescent Center. She ultimately held two nursing positions working every day from 3-11 PM at the Lakeland Health Care Center in Haskell and from 12-8 AM at the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morristown. In the mornings, she always arrived home with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step!

Teresa’s hard work paid off and helped to pay for family vacations or vacations just with her honey Nick to Disney Land, Cancun, Bahama Islands and Caribbean cruises to name a few. On the weekends, she liked to escape to Atlantic City to strengthen her biceps on the slot machines! On the home front Teresa loved to cook and host friends and family in her home.

Her faith in God was very important and she was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes. Despite her efforts to live healthy, Teresa’s body became afflicted with lung cancer. Her mortal battle is over and her family has found peace in knowing that her eternal life with her Lord has begun.

Teresa touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was known by many coworkers to be kind and a pleasure to work with. She was equally good to her family. Her spirit of generosity overflowed from her heart of thankfulness for the many blessing she felt she received in her life. She expressed that generosity by sending money to several of her nieces and nephews back in her Philippine homeland so that they could receive an education, enabling them to become registered nurses like herself. She was also moved to share much of God’s blessing to her with St. Isidore Parish in the Philippines.

Teresa will be remembered as a loving and happy person who was always grateful for the blessings she received. She expressed her gratefulness by practicing the virtue of generosity and she always maintained a well-grounded outlook in life, understanding that the simple things in life are the most important – faith and family!

Surviving to mourn her loss is her beloved husband Nicolas; her four loving children: Michael, Ralph, Carlo and Grace; her four adored grandchildren: Samantha, Noah and Caleb, and Liam; her dear mother Augustina Barcenilla of the Philippines; and her eight loved sisters and brothers: Giovanni and wife Dorie Barcenilla of Leesburg, FL, Cecilia and husband Bob Lincoln of Orlando, FL, Eusevio and wife Ashley Barcenilla of Great Britain, Isabelo Barcenilla, Jr. of Bloomingdale, Eleanor Tino of Watchung, Alma Bargamento of Bloomingdale, Susan and husband Arnold Veloso of Montreal, Canada, and Marion and wife Fe Barcenilla of the Philippines.

Teresa was predeceased by her dear father Isabelo Barcenilla in 2005 and her brother-in-law Norman Tino in 2014.

Raymond L. Woodhouse, age 90, died peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2014.

Ray was a long-time resident of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne with his beloved late wife of 48 years, Margaret (Rutman) (1995).

Born in Passaic, NJ, to John and Ethel Woodhouse, he attended Paterson East Side High School and was a member of the graduating class of June, 1942.

A few months after graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and served with the Army Engineers in Canada, Europe, the Philippines and Japan. He received the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal and was authorized to wear the following ribbons: American Theater ribbon, Good Conduct ribbon, EAME ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Asiatic Pacific ribbon, the Philippines Liberation ribbon, and the WW II Victory ribbon.

After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1946, Ray entered the Brooklyn School of Optics. He went on to enjoy a long and fulfilling career as a self-employed dispensing optician, with offices in Paterson and Pompton Plains. Ray’s professional affiliations included membership in the New Jersey Society of Dispensing Opticians and the American Board of Opticianry.

Ray was also a Past President of the Paterson Y’s Men’s Club and past Master Counselor of the Fortitude Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Ramsey, N.J. He was a member of the Wayne Interfaith Network and the AIDS Interfaith Network of NJ and a member of the Packanack Lake Country Club.

Ray was a faithful member of Preakness Reformed Church where he served on the consistory as elder and also chairman of the Worship and Music Commission.

Ray and his wife Peggy enjoyed hiking and canoeing in the mountains and on the lakes in Vermont, the Adirondacks and Canada. Their travels took them to Israel, Switzerland, Holland, France, Bermuda and the Scandinavian Countries. One of their most beautiful and exciting trips was heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

Raymond is survived by four sons and their lovely wives: Donald and his wife Diana of Antrim, New Hampshire, Jon and his wife Mary of Chester, New York, Robert and his wife Jeanne of Danbury, Connecticut, and James and his wife Jeanne of Glenwood, New Jersey; nine loving grandchildren: Abigail, Benjamin, Robert, James, Jared, Jeffrey, Douglas, Gregory and David; one adored great-grandson Reed Thomas Evans Woodhouse; three brothers: John Robert of West Virginia, William of Pennsylvania and Harold of Minnesota and Florida; and his loving companion Evona Decker.

He was predeceased by his sisters: Dorothy (1935) and Eleanor (Mrs. Peter Vellucci) in 2005.

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

Dolores Bonadies, known by all as “Dodo”, passed away in the comfort of her home on February 2, 2014. She had been living in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Dodo was born in Paterson, New Jersey to William and Hilda Luciano (nee Kreig). She moved to Port St. Lucie after raising her children in New Jersey many years ago. Dodo was an expert seamstress, making the wedding dresses for two of her daughters and countless other garments for her family and friends. She had an enormous smile and an even bigger heart. She was “everyone’s mother”.

Dodo is survived by her children, Diane Seville and her husband Ray, of Newton, NJ, Linda Jantzen and her husband Andy, of Wayne, NJ, and Arthur Bonadies and his wife Joyce, of Port St. Lucie, FL; son-in-law, Joseph DeMaria; grandchildren, David Singer and his wife Kasia, Phillip Jantzen and his wife Meghan, Rose Tobolt and her husband Aaron, Daniel Jantzen, and Stephanie Jantzen; great-grandchildren, Skylar, Antek, Elizabeth, Hania, and Charlie; her sister, Lorraine Johnson of Tucson, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Bonadies in 1996 and her daughter Janet DeMaria in 2008

In lieu of flowers, donations to FOWA, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Francisco “Frank” R. Maliksi, age 87 of Wayne died peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2014 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains

The following story of Francisco “Frank” Maliksi is written as told by his dear daughter Anna Duffy.

Francisco Maliksi (Dad), the youngest of 14 children was born on September 17, 1926 in Quiapo City in the Philippines. He attended the V. Mapa High School and the Far Eastern University. His father Andres was a successful tailor in their hometown, while his mother Ana was a homemaker who cared for her 14 children.

As the youngest, Dad was doted on by his older siblings and lived a pretty comfortable life until the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. At that time, all schools were closed and families struggled to make ends meet. Each member of the family worked hard to help support each other. Dad’s contribution to his family was setting up a table in front of their family’s tailor shop, selling cigarettes. Since many of his customers were Japanese soldiers, he taught himself to speak Japanese, and through the years he not only retained his knowledge of the Japanese language, he also taught himself Latin and Spanish. He learned Latin because for many years he served as an altar boy; and during those times, Masses were said in Latin. Learning Spanish was easy for him since Tagalog – the native language of the Filipinos, has an intermingling of Spanish words.

Soon after the war ended and school resumed, Dad met Mom, Felisa Martinez and a love affair that lasted 58 years began. Through their college years, Dad courted Mom, and although she had many suitors vying for her attention, they both seemed to know that they were meant to be together forever. A number of years after graduation, Dad decided that it was time to settle down and start a family. On December 20, 1952, Mom and Dad married and had a grand old reception. Not long after, their first child was born, Leo Rene and five years later I came along. I remember Dad always worked long hours so he could provide for his family. As an accountant, his first job was with Shanghai Bank in the Philippines, his second was with AG&P (Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company). He was good with numbers and I always marveled at his ability to perform complex calculations in his head.

As the years went by, dramatic changes started to occur in the Philippines, mostly political unrest. Mom & Dad thought long and hard – whether to stay in the Philippines and make the best of it, or move to the “land of opportunity,” the United States of America. Although our life in the Philippines was comfortable, Mom and Dad wanted more for me and my brother. So on July 1, 1970, Dad packed his bags and headed to the United States. It was hard for us not to have him around; but soon after, he sent for all of us and Mom, my brother and I headed to the States on November 6, 1971. It was a grand reunion seeing our Dad again. However, he was working in York City and commuted to Arlington, Virginia on the weekends. Mom, my brother and I stayed in Virginia because Mom and Dad thought it was a safer place for their kids to live. Dad worked for GAF at that time and when the company relocated to New Jersey, he too relocated his family to Wayne New Jersey in 1974. My brother stayed in Virginia since he was already attending Catholic University, while I was just about to start my high school years in Wayne.

Dad continued to work for GAF until 1985. After GAF, he landed job with Jou Jou Apparel, once again Dad was back working in New York City. Jou Jou was a place where my Dad could practice his Spanish; eagerly conversing with the Spanish speaking seamstresses and other garment workers. Dad retired from Jou Jou in 2000.

My parents enjoyed their retirement together, continuing to make new friends and attending social activities. Both were known to work a party and my husband and I marveled at their ability to work their way around the room entertaining people, telling jokes and exchanging contact information.

In 2010, the “love of his life” passed away and kiddingly I would ask my Dad if he would consider dating again because at the senior activity groups he attended, ladies were drawn to him like a “moth to a flame.” But Dad always said “No, I only have one love.” Their love for each other never died. Never wanting to be alone, he moved in with me and my husband. Three years later, after my mother’s death, Dad passed way at 11:52 PM on January 31, 2014.

As friends and relatives heard of his passing, many of them credit him for playing match maker, one of which tells her children and grandchildren that if it weren’t for Frank Maliksi, their wonderful life as a family wouldn’t have happened.

My Dad was a quiet gentle man who only needed his family for happiness, and yet, the more I find out about my Dad the farther his reach in this world is. It is now time Dad to rejoin the Love of your Life.

Dad is survived by his loving son Leo Rene Maliksi of Taipei, Taiwan and his loving daughter Anna Duffy and her husband Mark of Prospect Park.

In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy in Francisco’s name are asked to consider, the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Elli Margaret Cleerdin, age 92 of Wayne and formerly of Washington Township and Hoboken, died peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2014.

Elli was born in Wernigerode, Germany, the daughter of Paul and Anna Rakowski. As a little girl, her parents left her in the care of her aunt while they immigrated to the United States to begin the process of establishing a better future for Elli and themselves. Those early years of Elli’s life were spent on a farm in the Harz Mountains, the highest mountain range in Northern Germany. Living on a mountain, Elli regularly skied to school. When she was eleven years old, she was reunited with her parents, coming by boat to the USA, landing in Hoboken. She immediately enrolled in Hoboken Schools and, while it took a little time to acclimate to a new language and surroundings, she eventually grew attached to her knew homeland. Elli became a U.S. Citizen in 1938.

Elli met her husband Richard while attending high school in Hoboken. Elli went to work for Hoboken’s Schoening’s Bakery (now home of the famous Carlo’s Bakery of Cake Boss fame). Richie, as Elli called him, went off to serve in the U.S. Army/Air Force. They corresponded by love letters until Richie’s four years of service were complete. When he returned, he asked for Elli’s hand in marriage, and even though her father wanted her to marry a German man, Elli eagerly accepted. So on Tuesday, September 3, 1946, instead of going downstairs to sneak out the front door of her parents’ apartment building, Elli climbed up the stairs onto the roof and jumped from building to building all the way to her girlfriend’s apartment building where she ran down the stairs and out the door to meet Richie on the corner. The two love birds headed straight for the courthouse where they were united in marriage by the justice of the peace!

Following marriage, Elli and Richie settled into an apartment in Hoboken and, nine months later, they welcomed their first-born, a baby boy which they named Thomas. A few years later the family grew to four as they welcomed a baby girl which they named Carol and a year later they welcomed another daughter which they named Patricia. Elli was fully devoted to her role as wife, mother and homemaker while Richie worked for American Can Company in Hoboken. In 1960, they moved with their children from Hoboken to Washington Township.

Elli loved to cook and crochet making countless afghans, sweaters for Richie, blankets and baby clothing for her friends and neighbors, and later on for her grandchildren. She happily served as a member of Richie’s VFW hall’s Ladies Auxiliary where she helped with parties and fundraisers. In 1971 Elli took a job at Prentice Hall, a book publishing company, where she served food in the company cafeteria and ran the coffee wagon in the warehouse. She enjoyed that job and worked there until retiring. In 1980, after saving up for many years, Elli and Rich took their dream vacation to Hawaii!

Elli was sweet, kind and had a humorous nature and was always willing to lend a helpful hand to her friends and neighbors. She will be forever remembered and admired for her tireless, loving devotion to her family.

Elli is survived by her two dear daughters: Carol Tylutki and husband Edwin of Wayne, and Patricia Ahearn and husband William of Humble, Texas; four adored grandchildren: Dawn Koenning and husband Jeremy, William Ahearn and wife Erin, Katelyn Harris and husband Keith, and Peter Tylutki; and five cherished great-grandchildren: Christine, Gavin, Aubrey, William “Liam”, and Harper. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard F. in 2001 and her son Thomas in 1989.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Elli’s name are asked to consider the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 (www.stjude.org), or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (www.WoundedWarriorProject.org).

Zachary Ryan Ciperski, age 33, died on Sunday, January 26, 2014. He had been the Director of Search Engine Optimization with Elite SEM, New York, NY.

Zachary was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado alongside his twin brother Blake. Although he only lived there until the age of two, he considered Colorado to be his home. He grew up in Wayne, NJ and graduated from Don Bosco Prep High School in 1999, where he was the starting goalie of the ice hockey team. He was a cornerstone of the Don Bosco team and went on to attain many honors including a spot on both the All-Star and All-State Teams in 1998. He attended NYU, where he also played ice hockey, before transferring to the University of Colorado, Boulder. Zachary graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2003 at CU Boulder, then received his Master’s degree in Religious Studies from Naropa University, Boulder, in 2005.

After graduating from school, he really wanted to work in the non-profit sector but soon realized that earning a good living in order to support his aspirations was vitally important. He quickly applied his technological skills to the Internet marketing sector and soon established himself as an authority and expert in his field. Zach has been a featured speaker at several international conferences on search engine optimization, is well respected among his peers, and internationally renowned. His success allowed him to be benevolent to many organizations and he offered his help to countless charities.

Zachary lived a spiritually full life, which, after receiving a kidney transplant from his brother Adam in October 2000, he enthusiastically pursued. Zach had begun exploring Buddhism while studying at Naropa University. He always had a big heart and lots of love to share, which is surely why he found so much peace and tranquility in his spiritual life. He had also made a special pilgrimage to California where he met Mata Amritanandamayi, also known as "Amma." He was able to embrace her and realized great spiritual inspiration being in her presence. That experience was one of his greatest moments as a spiritual seeker, which truly inspired his trip to India. Zach loved visiting India and the spiritually oriented culture there; he had truly found himself there and learned how to appreciate every little thing in life.

Zach has lived in several countries besides the U.S.A, including the Philippines and the U.K. He and his wife Katya had been planning to move to the U.K. in the near future. He’s visited more than fifty-five countries in just a few short years. Among his favorite destinations were the U.K., Colorado, and Chamonix, France. He experienced a life full of experiences that most people only dream of, and few others could achieve in such a short period of time. At the young age of thirty-three, many might say that his life seems to have been all too short, but Zach accepted the path that had been chosen for him. His life was full, wonderful, and complete. He had met and married the love of his life, he had traveled extensively, helped countless others, and he left a big mark on this world. His loving spirit, gentle ways and contagious smile will forever be missed but never forgotten.

One of the most beautiful love stories you could come across is that of Zachary and his wife Katya. No one could tell the story any better than Zach himself, and I encourage you to read it at ekaterinaandzachary.com. This is a website that Zach built for the occasion of their wedding and it includes the story of their romance and Zach’s proposal in Paris. Katya knows well how lucky they both are to have met and she is eternally grateful to the mutual friend that introduced them. Although they had yet to celebrate their first anniversary, their time together had been exceedingly magical. She will miss him dearly.

Zach is survived by his beloved Katya; his parents Ed and Kathi Ciperski of Tampa, FL; his twin brother Blake of Tampa, FL; two sisters Jill Fama of Pequannock, NJ, Tiffany Hecker and her husband Robert of Wayne, NJ; older brother Adam and his wife Carla of Miami, FL; his aunt Nancy and uncle Richard Shultes of Glenville, NY; his dear mother-in-law Natalia Fatneva of Russia; three nieces, three nephews and his two loving Grandmothers Irene and Barbara.

Zach was such a loving and generous person, always thinking of others. In lieu of flowers, and to honor who he truly was, friends are asked to consider memorial donations to the following charities; The Kidney and Urology Foundation, www.kidneyurology.org, ArtsFor All; www.arts-for-all.org, or; Fabretto, www.fabretto.org.

Marjorie Helen (Bowers) Jantzen, passed peacefully from this life's journey on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at home in Monroe, North Carolina. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she lived 52 years in Wayne, NJ before moving to Monroe, NC. She was a loving mother of six, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be missed by all.

Born just six months after the passage of the Constitutional amendment that protected women’s rights to vote, Marjorie Jantzen exemplified the belief that all people are entitled to fairness and opportunity by the manner in which she lived her life.

Entrepreneur In the 1940‘s when few women attended college, Marjorie Jantzen graduated from Seton Hall University with a degree in accounting. Her early work as an accountant with Public Service, Hoffman Beverage, Vitascope Manufacturing, and Samuel Daniels, CPA & Attorney, provided the sound financial and business foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit. In 1950, Marjorie Jantzen, with her husband, Charles A. Jantzen, founded Photographic Analysis Company and applied film-based imaging technologies to solve complex motion analysis problems. Later, Marjorie Jantzen became one of the original founders of Vision Research, Inc. and served as Chair of its Board of Directors. Today, Vision Research is recognized as the global leader in digital high speed imaging technology for science, research & development, sports, television, and motion pictures, with offices and employees around the world. Marjorie Jantzen’s last entrepreneurial venture began in the late 1980’s when she helped organized Metacomm LLP, one of a handful of women-owned businesses that obtained FCC licenses for the emerging technology of cellular telephone services.

Humanitarian In the 1950's, Marjorie Jantzen’s belief that each person has an innate right to opportunity was critically tested when her oldest son, Donald, was born with severe birth defects. Rejecting the conventional wisdom of the day to institutionalize her son, Marjorie Jantzen fought successfully to obtain the help and education he would need to live an independent life. In doing so, Marjorie Jantzen also fought for the rights of other individuals living with disabilities. Along with her husband, Charles, and others, Marjorie established The Foundation for the Handicapped in Wayne, and fought to obtain favorable zoning regulations from the Township of Wayne for a sheltered workshop. Today, The Foundation for the Handicapped continues to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals living with disabilities, and cost-effective services to local businesses through a skilled dedicated workforce.

Activist For Marjorie Jantzen, politics was synonymous with activism. Her belief that all people are entitled to fairness and opportunity lead her to actively support the civil rights movement. She was an active member of the Catholic Interracial Council as well as the Wayne Interracial Committee. Throughout her life, she challenged people, sometimes gently and sometimes vigorously, to become more open-minded and more mindful of the rights of others.

Family Marjorie Jantzen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles A. Jantzen, her oldest son Donald A. Jantzen, her parents, her grandson Sean Liam Jantzen-Feliciano, and her brothers, Donald and Eugene Bowers.

Marjorie Jantzen is survived by her sons Joseph Jantzen of Trenton, Maine; Charles (Andy) Jantzen and Lyon (Art) Jantzen both of Wayne, NJ; and her daughters Constance Jantzen of Stuart, Florida and Julie Sauciuc of Monroe, North Carolina. She is also survived by her brother James Bowers of Keyport, NJ; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Gratitude Marjorie Jantzen’s family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to our dear friend, Inez Maye, for her many years of love and support. The family would also like to thank Hospice of Charlotte for their tender care as Marjorie completed this life’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marjorie Helen Jantzen may be made to Eva's Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07501; Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204; or to a charity of your choice.

Dorothy (Fortun) Ranges age 86 of Wayne passed peacefully with her loving family by her side on Thursday, January 23, 2014.

She was born in Jersey City and lived in Lyndhurst then Rutherford having graduated from Rutherford High School with the class of 1945. Dot played the coronet in the Lyndhurst American Legion Post 109 Drum and Bugle Corps. She married Paul W. Ranges, Jr. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rutherford in 1951 and honeymooned in Miami Fl. They lived in Hasbrouck Heights and Cedar Grove, before moving to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne in 1960. They had an eventful, but loving marriage that blessed them with seven children. Paul and Dot were married for twenty-nine years before his passing in May of 1980.

Dot worked at the Valley Brooke Pharmacy in Wayne for over twenty-five years having also worked at Prudential Insurance in Parsippany and the Anchor savings Bank in Wayne before retiring. Dot served as a volunteer at Chilton Hospital for over twenty years, as well as a State Certified Patient Advocate for several years. She was also a member of the Packanack Lake Country Club and Packanack Community Church. Dot enjoyed reading romance novels, watching the Turner Classic movie channel, figure skating, and watching cooking shows. She was an avid Yankee fan and enjoyed watching the games on TV.

Dot was an accomplished seamstress and through the years made many of her children's clothing and drapes for the home. Her creative Skills were not limited to sewing as she excelled at ceramics, watercolor painting, cooking and baking. Many fond memories were made at the West Side Beach of Packanack Lake where Dot, along with Ginny and Roy Kucks, would stake their claim under the Big Tree. Her grandchildren have fond memories of spending time on the beach along with grandma’s picnic lunches. Dot cherished the time with her best friends Alva, Peg, and Marguerite, enjoying lunches at Charlie Brown’s and the occasional movie night. During the summer months, she looked forward to going to Point Pleasant for concerts on the beach.

She was the loving wife of the late Paul W. Ranges, Jr (1980); Beloved mother of Debby Baumgarten and her husband Kenneth of Wantage,NJ; Paul Ranges III and his wife Sharon of Manchester, NJ; Kathy Ranges Carlino, Mark Ranges, and Peter Ranges all of Wayne, NJ; Donna Costabile and her husband John of Sparta, NJ; and the late Judith Ranges Foisy (1988); Cherished grandmother of Paul Ranges IV and his wife Kim of Nutley, NJ; Michael Ranges and his wife Candis of Hillsborough, NJ; Dana Ranges of Milltown, CT; Tracee Baumgarten and her fiance DJ McCoach of Rockaway, NJ; Tyler Baumgarten of Wantage, NJ; Matthew Ranges of Tuckerton, NJ; Kevin Ranges of Wayne, NJ, Victoria Carlino of Wayne, NJ; Kyle Costabile, Trevor Costabile and Anthony Costabile all of Sparta, NJ; adored great grandmother of Meya and Celena Ranges; Reese and Michael Jr. Ranges; loved sister of Mildred Westervelt of Lodi, NJ; much loved Aunt to Nancy Rood of Sparta; Robert Ranges of Upper Saddle River; and Richard Ranges of Syosset, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Jude Children Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated; please reference Dorothy Ranges tribute account (please visit St Jude.com and click on Donate Now)

William G. Fockler age 90 of Wayne passed peacefully, with the comfort of his three daughters by his side, on Wednesday, January 22, 2014.

He was born in Grantsville, West Virginia and moved to Sistersville, WV as a boy. When in Jr. High he once was sent to the principal’s office by his Geography teacher (his words:) “after setting her straight”(on a fact). He was right, but spent the afternoon in the principal’s cloak room. He graduated as the Valedictorian of Sistersville High School,WV, Class of 1941, where he made many lifelong friends. In Sistersville H.S. he was a leader, newspaper editor, yearbook editor, trombonist and a member of the Thespians, which won regional and state contests. The group attended a national competition at Indiana University, where he came in second on a contest to select a radio announcer for the local radio station. During the Depression he remembered “bums” hopping off the trains in town and “making the rounds of the neighborhood for a handout and (his) Mother was always ready with something.” Upon graduating from high school he headed for West Virginia University as an Engineering major. Soon Pearl Harbor was attacked and the United States entered the war. He had a deferment, in part, because the nation needed trained engineering and technical specialists. His brother, Joe, enlisted, however, and later lost his life in the Pacific Theater just days before Bill graduated from WVU in January, 1945.

He moved to New Jersey and began working at DuMont Labs in instruments and television design. In the summer of 1947 he met Marion Rothwell at a church social, proposed to her on his birthday, Feb. 18, 1948 and were married on September 11, 1948, in Stevens Episcopal Church in Clifton, NJ. Their honeymoon was a tour of New England, and they arrived back home with $50 to their names. They became one of the early members of Packanack Community Church in Wayne, serving on various committees throughout his lifetime. Later Bill worked for ITT in Nutley for over 25 years, developing radar for the Navy. His family grew: three daughters, two son-in-laws, 5 grandchildren and two grandson-in-laws. After retiring in 1985 he enjoyed golfing (hitting a hole-in-one), woodworking, yard work and fixing anything his family brought to him for repair. He volunteered for SCORE(Service Corps of Retired Executives) for many years where he was able to mentor those in business. He will be remembered as a person who could fix anything, who loved computers, was reserved, a man of few words but many altruistic deeds.

He was the loving husband of sixty-six years to Marion (Rothwell) Fockler; loving father of Karen Rowe and her husband Christopher of Berwyn, PA, Kathy Jensen and her husband Michael of Hamilton, and Koreen Fockler of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Amy Rowe, Lindsay Pauley, Jill Jeffers, Kristen Jensen, and Matthew Jensen; loved sister of Mary Evelyn Rogers and her husband Lyle of Charlottesville, VA, and the late Joseph Fockler who passed n the Pacific Theatre of WWII.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470 or West Virginia University, College of Engineering, Morgantown, WV 26506 would be appreciated.

Joseph F. Cattelona, Jr. age 58 of Egg Harbor Township and formerly of Wayne, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 22, 2014. He had been vacationing with his family in Florida.

Joe had lived in Wayne for over twenty years before retiring to Egg Harbor Township just four years ago.

Joe was raised in Paterson and very proud to have graduated from East Side High School with the class of 1973. He remained active with the East Side Reunion Committee for many years and recently attended his 40th reunion. After high school, Joe received his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State College.

Joe had been a salesman with Brogan Cadillac in Totowa for twenty eight years before retiring in 2010. He loved his job there, his associates, and especially the many customers that he befriended over the years.

After retirement, Joe moved with his wife to Egg Harbor Township to be closer to the beach. He absolutely loved the Jersey Shore and would ride his bike almost daily to the beach; up and down the boardwalk. Joe would often ride with his buddy Cosmo, a Pekingese-Beagle mix, either alongside on the leash, or sitting in the basket on his bike. Joe and Cosmo went everywhere together, including their daily walk along the nature trails near their home. Joe’s favorite activity was not any one thing in particular, but anything that involved his family. He loved them all dearly and was an especially good father and grandfather. He would do anything for them, including fishing trips, concerts, visits to the zoo, ice skating, or playing video games for hours on end with his grandson. He simply wanted to do everything he could for them, and he succeeded. They will all miss him dearly.

Joe met his wife, Geri (nee Guido) in 1980. They hit it off and were married on October 4, 1986 in Bernardsville, followed by a beautiful honeymoon in Aruba. Over the years, they were very fortunate to travel all over the U.S., including Savannah, Charleston, San Diego, and Hawaii. They also enjoyed travel to the Caribbean Islands and Joe was working on plans for a Mediterranean cruise soon. Together, they’ve enjoyed over twenty seven years of marriage, full of love, lots of fun, and many memories to last a lifetime.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Geri, his daughters; Tammy Boselli and her husband Michael of Oak Ridge, NJ, and Kelly McClory and her boyfriend Phil of Wenonah, NJ, and three grandchildren; Daniel Nargiso, Samantha McBurrows, and Michael Nargiso, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and of course friends too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his parents; Joseph and Florence, and by his sister Joyce Cattelona.

Olga E. Dombrowski, age 90, of Brick Township and formerly of West Milford, died peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2014.

Olga was born in Newark and raised in Clifton. Her father was a talented baker, very much in demand, often working thirteen to fourteen hours a day. While Olga didn’t see him as much as she would have liked, she respected and did her best to emulate his work ethic.

After graduating from Clifton High School, Olga put her college aspirations on hold so that she could help contribute to the war that was taking place abroad. She took a job working as an office manager in a factory along the Passaic River. The factory was in the business of melting down damaged war artillery, remanufacturing it into new munitions, and redeploying it in the war effort.

After World War II, she enrolled at Paterson Teacher’s College, which is known today as William Paterson University. Olga studied for four years and earned her Bachelor’s Degree, qualifying her to teach. She stayed at Paterson Teacher’s College where she taught typing classes for students preparing to enter into the in-demand secretarial field.

Olga met a fine man named Edward Dombrowski. They corresponded via letter during the war while Ed was stationed in North Africa with an anti-aircraft heavy artillery platoon. After the war, he returned home and the two were united in marriage.

Olga and Ed initially settled in Cedar Grove where they were blessed with two boys: Paul and Robert. Olga left her teaching career behind to become a loving and dedicated full-time mom and homemaker. The family later moved to West Milford and, upon Ed’s retirement in 1987, she and Ed moved to a new retirement development in Brick Township. They loved the carefree life and close proximity to the ocean that Brick offered. Every Tuesday and Friday Olga played cards with her friends, especially the game of bridge. To make it interesting, they played for pennies and nickels and it was an all-afternoon event that was more about the social camaraderie than the competition. Olga and Ed enjoyed six years in Brick until Ed’s unfortunate passing in 1993. Olga continued to live there until 2012 when she moved to Haskell.

Olga was an avid reader. She always had a stack of Reader’s Digest magazines piled on the end table that sat between hers and Ed’s lounge chairs. She also loved watching interesting and educational programming broadcasted on the PBS channel, and she had an eclectic taste in music that ranged from a fondness for concertos to the crooning’s of Engelbert Humperdinck! Chocolate was one of Olga’s favorite treats and her grandchildren could always count on a nice full tin of Hershey Kisses when they came to visit. So great was Olga’s love for chocolate that, when she went to some of her favorite restaurants, including Charlie Brown’s, Red Lobster and Olive Garden, she often ate a lighter meal so she wouldn’t feel so bad ordering a decadently large slice of three-layer chocolate cake!

Olga always wanted a cat, but she never got one because Ed was more partial to dogs. Instead, she cat sat for her neighbors and cousin Edith’s kitties when they were away.

Those who knew Olga were blessed by her kind heart and gentle spirit. She didn’t have a bad bone in her body and she was always in a good mood. To be in her presence, you just knew in your heart that she genuinely loved you! It’s no wonder she was so loved by her family and countless neighbors and friends.

Olga is survived by her two cherished grandsons and one cherished granddaughter: Joseph Dombrowski of New York City, Tom Dombrowski of Bedford, MA, and Kate and husband Travis Pantaleo of Newport, RI. She also leaves behind her dearly loved cousin Edith Germanetti of Kinnelon, NJ .

Olga was predeceased by her beloved husband Ed in 1993 and her two dear sons: Paul Dombrowski in 1994 and Robert Dombrowski in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Olga’s name are asked to consider The World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, NW, PO Box 97180, Washington, DC 20090-7180.

Celia H. Glagola, age 99, of Wayne and formerly of Elmwood Park, passed into eternal rest on Saturday, January 18, 2014, just ten days before her one-hundredth birthday.

Celia was born in Passaic and grew up in Garfield. She was the oldest child of Adam and Cornelia (nee Kowalska) Czop and she had three younger brothers: John, Walter and Frank.

She enjoyed a happy childhood attending St. Joseph's Grammar School in Passaic and helping out in her father's foundry business where she developed a keen business sense of her own. As a child, one of her favorite activities was taking rides in the family car. Back then, it wasn't the norm for folks to have cars and her family's car had to be cranked with a real old-fashioned crank to start it up!

On Celia's regular walks to school, she would frequently see a truck from a baby store pass her by. She wasn't really interested in the truck, but the handsome driver caught her eye! Years later, when she went to the lake with her cousins, she got the chance to meet the driver of that truck. His name was Mike Glagola and the story is told that she tried on his ring that day and never gave it back! Mike and Celia were united in marriage on June 19, 1937 at St. Joseph's Church in Passaic. They honeymooned in Green Pond then made their first home together as newlyweds in Mike's parent's house in Garfield. A year later, in 1938, they moved across town to live with Celia's parents and they stayed in that home until 1962. During that time, Celia and Mike were blessed with their two children: Michael and Arlene. In 1962 they moved to Elmwood Park and enjoyed many happy times there until Mike's passing in 1978. Celia remained in Elmwood Park until 1998 when she was welcomed into the loving home of her daughter Arlene and husband George in Wayne.

Celia found great joy in being a homemaker, wife and mother. While Mike went to work, Celia's managed things on the home front! She was wise and helpful in guiding her children through adolescence into adulthood, always ready with advice about career paths they might want to consider. When they were grown and married, blessing her with grandchildren, she embraced being a grandmother, spending lots of time with her granddaughter Jennifer, taking care of her while Arlene was working, being a second mom, taking Jennifer to dance school and the park, teaching her how to roller skate, bake pies and cook. She equally enjoyed spending time with her son Mike's three children, visiting them in Richmond, Virginia. Celia invested herself in the lives of her son and daughter and all her grandchildren. She proudly was there for every one of their eighth grade, high school, and college graduations.

In her spare time, Celia loved baking apple and blueberry pies, knitting mittens, sweaters and even complete outfits for her family, reading novels - especially ones by Danielle Steel, or just staying up late to watch a movie on the Late Late Show. Sometimes she liked to cut up, being goofy with her daughter Arlene and granddaughter Jennifer doing silly dances in leotards together, but she also had a sophisticated elegance, always dressing with class.

Celia will be fondly remembered for the quiet, loving, warm, kind, patient and understanding woman that she was. She loved the company of family and for that, she will be greatly missed. She was always there when you needed her.

Surviving to mourn her loss is her dear daughter Arlene Zanias and husband George of Wayne; her dear son Michael, Sr. and wife Hannelore of Richmond, VA; her three adored grandchildren: Peter Glagola and wife Ariane, Michael Glagola, Jr. and wife Cristy, and Jennifer Zanias; her five cherished great-grandchildren: Alexandra, Adam, Clara, Jack and Henry; and her loving nieces and nephews.

Celia was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael in 1978, her adored granddaughter Karen Glagola Roberts in 2010, and her three brothers, John, Walter and Frank Czop.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Celia's name are asked to consider the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 (www.stjude.org) or the Cathedral of Saint Michael The Archangel.

Roy Henry Kucks, age 91 of Wayne, died very peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2014.

He was a resident of Packanack Lake since 1954 and in 2001 he moved with his wife to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains. He was proud to be the third resident to move into the newly constructed Cedar Crest Village.

Roy was born in Hoboken, NJ. Following high school graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 where he was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal. After the war, he went on to study and graduate from Newark College of Engineering. Roy was an engineer with Hoffmann-La Roche from 1947 until retirement in 1985.

Roy and his wife Virginia had enjoyed over sixty three years of marriage since reciting their vows on July 1, 1950. They were members of the Packanack Community Church in Wayne for many years, up until moving to Cedar Crest. Roy’s hobbies included travel, reading, going for walks, swimming, and watercolor painting.

Roy is survived by his two children; Robert Peter Kucks and his wife Joyce of Golden, CO and Janet Lynn Kucks of Wayne. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Virginia just ten days before his own passing, on January 7, 2014. He was also predeceased by his brother Ronald Kucks.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of his beloved wife Ginny, those planning an expression of sympathy in Roy’s name are asked to consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777 (www.michaeljfox.org).

Therese Marie Dowicz, 58, of Lincoln Park, NJ passed away peacefully on January 16, 2014. The oldest of eight children, Therese was born in New York City and spent her childhood in Jackson Heights, Queens. She attended St. Joan of Arc and Our Lady of Fatima Grammar Schools. In second grade, Therese was diagnosed with brain cancer. Despite multiple brain surgeries and procedures, Therese never lost faith in God's goodness and persevered. With the help of a private tutor, she graduated six months ahead of her class at Newtown High School. Therese liked to garden and attended art classes at St. John's University. She worked with charcoal, pastels and watercolors, often creating beautiful sunsets for her family members. For the last several years she resided at the Lincoln Park Renaissance Center.

She was predeceased by her parents, Zenon and Mary Elizabeth Dowicz of Tinton Falls. She is survived by her siblings, Celeste Miller, Stephen M. Dowicz, Christopher P. Dowicz, Karen Haas, Paul J. Dowicz, Michele Mandler, Andrew Z. Dowicz and their children.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Therese's memory to either of the following:

St. Joan of Arc School, 35-27 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, Attn.: Antoniette Balzano or Our Lady of Fatima School, 25-38 80th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11370, Attn: Mrs. Zelic.

Lorraine Elizabeth Frega, age 62, of Wayne passed peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2014.

She was born in Clifton having been raised in Wayne, graduating from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1969. She lived in Vernon and Wantage before returning to Wayne in 2010.

Her first job was at Two Guys from Harrison in Totowa having worked for Quackenbush’s Department Store in Paterson, as a Corporate Representative for the Chrysler Corporation in Sussex. She also worked as a Real Estate Agent for Century 21 and Schlott Realtors, a bus driver for the Sussex-Wantage School system while her children were going to school and eventually as a School Business Administrator for the Stanhope School System before retiring in 2012.

Lorraine loved to travel and has been all over the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States. She even attended Woodstock in 1969. She was a quiet yet spunky person who had a heart of gold, was very intelligent yet struggled with common sense, and loved to play practical jokes. She belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution, was a 4-H leader and enjoyed working at the Pack-A-News in Wayne.

At her fortieth high school reunion she re acquainted with Robert (Bobby) Frega and they soon fell in love. Their first official date was to Pub 199 in Mount Arlington and Robert proposed to her while sitting in an airplane on the runway at San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico. They married on April 22, 2012 at Woodstock in Bethel, New York.

Lorraine was the loving wife of Bobby Frega; devoted mother of Rudolph Valentine Solar III and his wife Christine of Wantage, and René Solar of Hardyston; cherished grandmother of Rudolph Valentine Solar IV.

Claire M. Tonkin (nee McNeill), age 85 of Wayne, died peacefully at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff.

Claire was born in Orange, NJ to Archie McNeill and Mary Seagle. She was married to Frederick C. Tonkin of East Orange on August 6, 1947. Claire and Fred spent the majority of their lives living in Wayne, NJ in the Packanack Lake community. Claire was an active member in the community Tennis club and a local bowling league. She also enjoyed supporting the various art & talent shows held in the community club house. Claire spent many years working for AT&T as an office administrator and retired in the late 1980’s.

Claire is survived by her brother Richard McNeill; her son Fred Tonkin; her grandchildren Richard Neitz, Jennifer Neitz and Lisa Odierno-Rodecker; and her great-grandchildren Connor & Nicole Neitz and Jordyn & Trevor Rodecker.

She is pre-deceased by her husband Fred; her daughters Madeline Neitz and Patricia Odierno; her siblings Jack McNeill and Catherine Fall; her grandson Michael Neitz; and her great grandson Robert Neitz.

John "Jack" Hunter, age 91 of Silver Spring, MD, formerly of Wayne and Cedar Grove, passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2014.

He was born in Paterson and lived in Hawthorne, Wayne, Caldwell, and Cedar Grove before moving to Silver Spring, Maryland.

John was an auctioneer in the horse trading industry having worked for Roosevelt Sales Stable in Edison before retiring in 1997. John's father had owned J. Hunter Stable in Paterson which rented horses to the Dugan Bakery and Ottilio Construction.

He was a United States Navy veteran having served during WWII. He was awarded the American Theatre Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with one star, the European Theatre Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After serving in the military John went to the Reisch Auction School in Mason City, Iowa and was an auctioneer in the horse trading industry in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania for many years.

John was the loving husband of the late Charlotte (Bonter) Hunter (1965); loved brother of Alva Breithaupt of Wayne, Edward R. Hunter of Vineland, and William C. and his wife Choice Hunter of Lincoln Park; he was the much loved companion of twenty-seven years to the late Mary Abrams (2000) and her daughter Adele Abrams, Esq. and her husband James Anderson of Takoma Park, Md; he was cherished by several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., NY, NY 10065 would be appreciated.

Alexander E. Sypniewski, Sr., age 88, of Woodland Park, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 13, 2014.

Al or Alex, as he was known, was born and raised in Bayonne, NJ. He was the fourth child of his parents, Alexander and Maryanna’s, five children.

After high school, Al enlisted in the United States Army. Following basic training in San Antonio, TX, he was assigned to the third Army under General George S. Patton. Soon after, his company was split in two and, for the next thirty days, Al and his company were moved from Riverside, CA to Sydney, Australia, across the Indian Ocean to Bombay, India, and then on to their final destination of Myitkyan, Burma where he, as well as 12 other G.I.s and 2 officers, established a medical supply base. He was only eighteen at the time and he proudly served his country for three years. He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

After the war, Al came home to sadly say goodbye to his terminally ill father. While visiting Dad in the hospital, he had the privilege of getting to know the lovely and gregarious nurse attending his father named Dorothy “Dot” Jablonka. One day she pretended to need help lighting a Bunsen burner and asked Al to help her. Later that day, he and his cousin Teddy saw Dot waiting by the bus stop to go home. They offered her a ride and, for Al, it was the beginning of a beautiful ride, culminating in a loving marriage that began on his and Dorothy’s wedding day on September 18, 1949 at Mount Carmel Church in Bayonne, lasting fifty seven years until Dot’s unfortunate passing in April, 2007.

One of the things that Al loved to do was travel, and for he and Dot, traveling began with their honeymoon. They started in Niagara Falls and Lake George and drove all the way down the east coast to Key West, Florida. As a young couple, they initially settled in Bayonne.

During that time they were blessed with the birth of a baby girl which they named Janet. Then, in 1956, three months before welcoming their son, Alexander, Jr., Al and Dot moved to Woodland Park where they remained in the same house for the rest of their lives. The family enjoyed vacations to Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania, Cape Cod, Cooperstown, Howe Caverns, and especially loved to visit Rockport, Massachusetts where they always stayed at their favorite place called the Faraday Inn. While there, Al got to spend lots of time participating in one of his other favorite activities – fishing. As his family grew older, he loved going fishing with his son Alex and later, when blessed with grandchildren, he taught them all how to fish for crabs at the Barnegat Township Municipal Dock. When the kids were all grown, he and Dot bought a little boat which they enjoyed sailing on Lake Hopatcong and together they enjoyed weekends at LBI and Cape May.

Alex adored his four grandchildren and they all shared fond memories of coming to his and Grandma’s house, affectionately dubbed “Camp Grandma!” Alex always had the pool ready and Dot filled the kid’s stomachs with yummy snacks. Al also had a great sense of humor and everyone loved his Benny Hill impersonations!

Alex worked for Lightolier, a company that manufactured a wide array of lighting fixtures. He remained with that company for many years before taking a position with Beattie Manufacturing, a rug manufacturer in Little Falls where he was traffic and warehouse manager. It was Alex’s favorite job so he was all too sad when the company closed in the late 1970’s. He eventually settled into a nice position as custodian for the municipal hall in the Borough of Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson). Even when he retired from there, he couldn’t sit still so he got a job as a night shelf stocker at the West Paterson A&P.

Al was very handy. He knew just about everything about carpentry, electrical and plumbing. With his skills, he finished his basement and added two bedrooms to the family’s home in Woodland Park – all by himself!

Alex will always be remembered as the leader in his home. He was respected and there was no doubt that he loved his family with all his heart.

Alex is survived by his daughter Janet and husband Roco Krsulic of Wayne and his son Alexander, Jr. of Lincoln Park; four cherished grandchildren: Alexander Sypniewski, III and wife Stefanie, Christopher Sypniewski, Valerie Krsulic and Matthew Krsulic; two great-grandchildren: Travis and Alexa; and his sister Josephine Braden of Arkansas. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy; his sister Mary Wojtkowski; and his two brothers: John and Edward Sypniewski.

James A. DeJong age 51 of Butler passed away peacefully on January 12, 2014 while receiving the loving care of his family.

James was born in Passaic and was raised in the Township of Wayne. He attended and graduated from the Eastern Christian High School in 1981. During his years there he was an avid track and field athlete and competed in numerous championship meets. Shortly after high school he enrolled in the Passaic County Technical Institute, School of Technology, where he received an Associate's degree in drafting. He then went to work for Dente Trading Co., Inc., in Cedar Grove, NJ, where he worked as a draftsman and salesman. James was dedicated and loved his job and worked there for thirty years, right up until a few weeks before his death.

In his early twenties, he was very active in the Wayne PAL; also during this time he took a part-time job at the Wayne Hills Mall. While working at the mall, he met Susan Volansky, his loving and devoted wife of 27 years, who was also working at a part-time job at the Mall. James and Susan loved to travel together; they spent many vacations in Disney World in Florida, where incidentally they also spent their Honeymoon. They also were avid cruisers.

Although James and Susan did not have children of their own, they spent a lot of time with their nieces, Julia and Kate, and truly cherished the time they spent together.

James was an avid movie fan and loved to play cards, especially poker. He was also a devoted New York Yankee fan. He was very mechanically inclined. He had an engineer's intuition and basically was self-taught in the way of electronics and technology. James was easy-going but always kept busy. He was quite a handyman and took great pride in his home. James was a dedicated and loving husband, and he will be truly missed by his family and friends alike.

James is survived by his loving wife Susan (nee Volansky) of Butler; his parents Carole and Maynard DeJong of Fort Pierce, FL; his sister Sandra Briggs and her children, Fiore and Zachary, of Maui, HI; his father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Florence Volansky of Fort Mill, SC; his four sisters-in-law Frances Lashley; Jean and her husband Frank Inzirillo; Mary Ellen and her husband Lowell Markins; and Elizabeth Ann; his two nieces Julia and Kathryn Albretsen; and many friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in memory of James to Eastern Christian Schools Association, 50 Oakwood Ave, North Haledon, NJ 07508, or to Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 222, Butler, NJ 07405.

Anne P. O’Leary age 80 of Wayne passed peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2014.

She was born and raised in Bronx, New York having lived in Hollis, Queens, New York and Hackensack, New Jersey before moving to Wayne fifteen years ago.

Out of high school Anne found work as a switchboard operator, inserting phone plugs into the appropriate jacks to connect phone calls, for the AT&T Corporation in Bronx, New York. After a few years she married and dedicated herself to raising her family. After her youngest daughter began going to school she found work as a deli clerk at the Packard’s Grocery Store in Hackensack where she worked for many years. After Packard’s closed she found work at the Shop Rite of Rochelle Park where she worked for several years before retiring in 1995.

She met Patrick J. O’Leary at an Irish Police Dance on 86th Street in New York City. They married on June 25, 1960, honeymooned in Seaside Park at the Jersey Shore, and enjoyed forty-eight years of a loving and caring marriage before his passing in 2008.

Anne will be remembered as a quiet, reserved person who had a great sense of humor and was always joking around. As a matter of fact she would always say “I’m only kiddin’ ya.” She was a creature of habit who read the newspaper cover to cover faithfully. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching westerns and the Hallmark Channel on television.

She was very dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne. For many years she was homebound and would watch Mass on television all the time.

Anne was the devoted wife of the late Patrick J. O’Leary (2008); loving mother of Jean Brunelle and her husband Michael of Charlton, Mass., Kevin O’Leary and his wife Rima of Wayne, Maureen Russo and her husband Pat of Rochelle Park, and the late Mary Eileen; cherished grandmother of Melissa Robles and her husband Rob, Gregory and Dan Brunelle, and Kasey O’Leary; loved sister of John Ellicott of Bloomingdale, and the late Margaret Woehrle and late Clare Jones; beloved aunt to many nieces & nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Our Lady of the Valley, 630 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

William J. Minnich, age 47 of Wayne died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, January 10, 2014. He had been a lifelong resident of Wayne.

Billy was a graduate of Wayne Hills High School, class of 1984. He had been working more than twenty years with the Wayne Township Water Department. He also volunteered as a driver with the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad. He quickly became friends with everyone and can claim more than three thousand friends on Facebook! Billy had a gift for conversation and he could make you feel as though you were the most important person in the world when you spoke with him. He cherished all of his friends. He could have been the world’s greatest salesman and perhaps he missed his true calling. He was Associate Member Recruit Director for FOP Lodge 181. He was extremely active in supporting charitable organizations for wounded veterans and families of injured police officers. He also enjoyed getting involved in local politics and became very active during campaign season; putting up lawn signs and promoting his favorite candidates. He ran for council ward once and although he did not win, he found it quite funny that his reluctant running mate (his wife) received even more votes than he did!

Since the time Billy was a little kid, his life has been one funny story after another. The first time his parents let him go potty by himself; they opened the bathroom door to check in, only to find Billy wrapped like a mummy in toilet paper! When his baby sister came home from the hospital, all Billy could say was; “take her back.” His first lesson in fire safety is unclear, but it could have been the time he nearly burned the house down with firecrackers, or when he and his friend dug a deep tunnel in the yard, lined the floor with straw hay and then illuminated the tunnel with candles! During the Christmas season one year, Billy somehow acquired his own Christmas tree, albeit a small one, that he set up in his bedroom. His parents were unsure of where he got it, until they noticed that one of their neighbor’s shrubs was missing the top three feet! There was also the time his father gave him a brand new BMX bike, only to find the bare frame a few weeks later. When asked what happened, Billy said the parts were worth more than the bike, so he stripped it down and sold all the pieces to his friends! Surely there are many more stories Billy authored throughout is life. His smile, big heart and antics are his legacy. He will live eternally in the hearts and laughter of his family and friends.

Billy was also an animal lover his entire life. Feeding the birds and wildlife in his backyard was a joy and he would sometimes feed apples to the visiting deer. Just recently, he was able to rescue a deer that had gotten ensnared in one of the township soccer nets. Billy was the only one willing to get near enough to cut the deer free, using his bare hands and a small knife. At home, he has a yellow-naped parrot named Caesar that’s thirty three years old and, despite being together for so many years, he only recently was able to get the bird to climb onto his finger. Billy’s pit bulls are his pride and joy; he treated Tyson and Skylar like children and often referred to them as his “little girl” and “little boy.” They were extremely loyal to him and protect his home better than any alarm system ever could. Most visitors will attest to that.

Billy’s greatest hobby was his Xbox One. He has a game room with surround sound and he would crank the volume up as loud as it would go. He loved playing Call of Duty and Battlefield into the wee hours of the morning. Second to his Xbox was his iPhone – something he would find impossible to live without. When his wife Linda suggested that he surrender his iPhone for one day, he nearly had a panic attack. He also loved to eat and is surely among one of the world’s fastest eaters. He would clean his plate, and then start reaching for the food on your plate, if you happened to be at the same table. “You’re not going to eat all of that, are you?” were words he uttered at nearly every meal. He surely wasn’t shy about it. He worked hard to maintain his weight, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying a good meal. He loved seafood and recently went to Iberia in Newark with Linda, ordering a five pound lobster. As he savored every bite, getting near the end, he said to Linda; “I don’t want it to end…” He loved everything at Kinchley’s Tavern in Ramsey but especially loved his mother’s homemade potato soup and chicken pot pie.

Billy’s wife Linda is forever grateful to their dear friend Lenny Lanza. It was Lenny who set them up on a blind date back in 2000. Billy and Linda hit it off and were married the following year, on June 8, 2001. Linda describes Billy as simply a “wonderful guy” and their twelve years together have been lots of fun. Billy’s daughter, Alissabeth, would agree; her father was a very loving dad and would do anything for her. They will miss him dearly.

Billy is survived by his beloved wife Linda of Wayne, his dear daughter Alissabeth Minnich of Putnam Valley, NY, his parents; William and Agnes Minnich of Lakewood, NJ (formerly of Wayne), his sister Deborah Lougheed and her husband Scott of Wayne, his grandmother; Martha Rupp of Oakland, and many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Billy’s memory are asked to consider the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 or the Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroad, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Minerva “Ricky” Vaivada (nee Riccardi), age 91 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. She was a Wayne resident since 1953.

Ricky was raised in Nutley and graduated from Nutley High School with the class of 1941. She went on to graduate from the Presbyterian Hospital Nursing program in Newark and began her career as a nurse. She became a full time mom while raising her daughter and then began a second career with Macy’s where she worked for more than twenty seven years.

It was at a Christmas party that she met her husband Joe and their meeting was love at first sight. They were married on January 31, 1946 at Holy Family R C Church in Nutley and enjoyed fifty years of a fun and very happy marriage. They traveled to Florida a few times and enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy that they promised to do again, but never did. Sadly, Joe passed in 1996.

Ricky was raised with strong traditional values and a firm understanding of familial respect. Her mother, Josephine Riccardi, raised six children all while running their family’s general store in Nutley and this enabled her to keep her family close. Ricky proudly passed those traditional values down to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well. She loved her family very dearly and her presence will surely be missed at future get-togethers.

As a young woman, Ricky loved to roller skate. She and her girlfriends competed throughout the area at various skate rinks, winning trophies and collecting stickers from all the competitions they participated in. If you ever watched the winter Olympics with her, she would point out during the figure skating events that she used to be able do that too, but on roller skates. After several admissions to Sub-Acute at the Atrium in Wayne, she was appointed their "Ambassador" in the community. She was delighted to hand out her business cards as she spread the good news about the benefits of rehab. She was also an avid seamstress, making draperies, window curtains, and all sorts of clothing. She simply loved to sew.

Ricky had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley R C Church, Wayne for many years, a member of the Wayne Elks Women’s Auxiliary, and the Golden Age Circle of Wayne.

Ricky is survived by her daughter Joann Karasiewicz and her husband Robert of Wayne, her granddaughters; Lisa Messenger of Elmwood Park, and Heather Sessa and her husband Kenneth of Rivervale, NJ, five great grandchildren; Kayleigh and Madelyn Messenger and Kenneth, Jr., Julia and Olivia Sessa, and one brother; Benjamin Riccardi and his wife Vilma of Pearl River, NY. She was predeceased by her sister Margaret in 1980, and three brothers; John, Ralph, and James.

Those wishing to express their sympathy by way of a memorial donation are asked to please consider Eva’s Village, 393 Main St., Paterson, NJ 07501.

Virginia Grace Kucks (nee Ranges), age 89 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. She was a resident of Packanack Lake since 1954 and in 2001 she moved with her husband to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains. She was proud to be the third resident to move into the newly constructed Cedar Crest Village.

Virginia was born in New York City and grew up in East Rutherford. She graduated from East Rutherford High School with the class of 1943. She later graduated from the Moon Secretarial School in New York City. Her career as a school secretary began in the East Rutherford Schools followed by more than twenty years with the Wayne Township Board of Education. She retired in the 1980’s.

Virginia and her husband Roy have enjoyed over sixty three years of marriage since reciting their vows on July 1, 1950. They were members of the Packanack Community Church in Wayne for many years, up until moving to Cedar Crest. Virginia’s hobbies included travel, quilting, knitting, sewing, and crafting.

Virginia is survived by her beloved husband Roy of Cedar Crest Village, her two children; Robert Peter Kucks and his wife Joyce of Golden, CO and Janet Lynn Kucks of Wayne, one sister; Joan Ranges Albert of Ohio, and one brother; Arthur Ranges of NJ.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Virginia’s name are asked to consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777 (www.michaeljfox.org).

Mossca Stamas age 79 of Pompton Plains died peacefully at home with a smile and the comfort of her daughters and grandchildren by her side.

Mossca was born and raised in Brooklyn New York having graduated from Fort Hamilton High School with the Class of 1952. She married and moved to Lake Parsippany having raised her family in Parsippany-Troy Hills. She lived in Livingston for twenty years before moving to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains in 2004.

She was the daughter of the late Christine (Manolakos) of Sparta, Greece and Peter Stamas of Andros, Greece who both immigrated to Brooklyn, New York. They worked as furriers in New York City, for the P&C Stamas Company, lining coats with fur.

Mossca worked for New York Telephone in New York City where she held a special security clearance and worked with technicians in Alaska. She left the phone company to raise her two children and when the children got older she found employment as a bookkeeper with AT&T in Basking Ridge, New Jersey where she worked for twenty-two years before retiring in 1996. She served as a Girl Scout leader in Parsippany and on the Alter Guild for Saint Peters Church in Livingston, and truly enjoyed making ceramics at Cedar Crest Village.

She was the kind of person who was very dedicated to her family and relished in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Mossca was a loving and supportive mother and grandmother who was strong willed, very generous and giving, and had strong political views she didn't mind sharing.

Mossca was the loving mother of Harriet Stewart of Wayne, and Barbara Pavlak and her husband Donald of Wayne; dear sister of Nicholas Stamas and his wife Elaine of Brooklyn, NY who live in Mossca's childhood home; cherished grandmother of Christine and Jordan Stewart, and Samantha and Katie Pavlak.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1347 Perrineville Road, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 would be appreciated.

Jennie R. (Pepe) Franco age 90 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.

Jennie Rose (Pepe) Franco, age 90, of Wayne went home to the Lord on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 after a brief but courageous fight against Gastric Cancer. She spent her last month of life under the care of many compassionate health care providers at St Joseph's Hospital in Wayne.

Jennie was born, raised, and lived in Newark before moving to Wayne fourteen years ago where she resided at Four Seasons. She was the daughter of Santo and Maria Pepe and had eight brothers and four sisters. Her mother passed away when she was young and Jennie quit school after 10th grade to take care of her siblings.

Jennie is survived by her daughter Janice Franco Blehl & her husband Vincent of Saddle River & brothers Joseph Pepe of Oxnard, CA & Thomas Pepe of Wyckoff, NJ. She also has many nieces & nephews.

Jennie married her first love, Thomas Franco on June 21, 1942 at St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Newark. They enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage before his passing in 2003. They enjoyed going to Atlantic City together. Jennie was a homemaker & an accomplished card player & played with many friends. Her nickname was "the card shark"

Jennie was blessed with 2 angelic children: a son, Tommy, who was born a Special Person who happened to have Cerebral Palsy and a daughter, Janice.

Despite Tommy's special needs, Jennie, contrary to conventional wisdom of the day which was to institutionalize those with special needs, chose to keep Tommy at home and provided for him with unwavering dedication and love. Jennie dedicated over fifty years of her life to caring for Tommy. Jennie was also passionate about the rights of others with special needs . She was a supporter of one of the many grassroots organizations, Disabled In Action (DIA) which was partially responsible for the ultimate passage of the landmark American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Legislation. Jennie could be seen pictured in the Newspapers with Tommy in his wheel chair, her daughter Janice, along with a very young activist: Geraldo Rivera as they walked the streets of Ridgewood to lobby for curb cuts, a dream of hers which today is now a reality. The Franco family strived to raise money for Easter Seals to fund Cerebral Palsy research. Tommy passed away in 2009.

Jennie was blessed to find a second love, the late Mr. Charlie Marino. They met at the Passaic County Day Program. Charlie was smitten with Jennie. Finally after numerous offers to share some coffee together, Jennie accepted. Charlie was only 95 years young then, she only 83, and their relationship blossomed for 5 years until Charlie's passing, just shy of his 100th Birthday. Jennie adored Charlie and he her. Charlie affectionately referred to Jennie as "Regina", Italian for Queen.

Jennie had developed Alzheimer's yet continued to live at home with daily assistance from her favorite Caregiver: Natalia.

Jennie even learned to remember and say Natalia's name, a feat which to a normal person might seem mundane but to someone with Alzheimer's was a major breakthrough so much so, it brought tears to Natalia's eyes (and our’s too)

Jennie was extremely fortunate to spend 5 days a week attending the Christian Health Care Adult Day Service at Siena Village in Wayne right up until the day before she was hospitalized.

She was very dedicated to her Catholic Faith, prayed the Rosary almost every day, and was a parishioner of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church in Wayne.

Jennie's sense of humor and sage wisdom were profound, we will miss her and them both...

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Christian Health Care Adult Day Service of Wayne, 2000 Siena Village, Wayne NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Andrew P. Foray, age 58 of Wayne, died peacefully after a long and valiant battle with Melanoma, on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.

Born in Passaic, he was the oldest child of Andrew J. Foray, Jr. and Margaret Foray (nee Grant). Andrew was raised in Clifton where he graduated from Clifton High School in 1973.

Andrew furthered his studies, graduating in 1977 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY with a B.S. Degree in Engineering and a minor in Computer Science. He was commissioned into the Navy Reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and concurrently became a Merchant Seaman, sailing all over the world and rising to the rank of Second Assistant Engineer.

One night in 1980, Andrew’s sister Irene had one of those home promotional parties and she invited her Panasonic co-worker and friend Debra McCann. Andrew was home on six-month leave from the Merchant Marines and was out with Irene’s husband Thom. Andrew and Thom just happened to come home when this party was going on and Andrew got to meet Debra. They double-dated a couple of times with Irene and Thom before going on a date by themselves. With Andrews schedule with the Merchant Marines, he was home for six months then at sea for six months. Andrew and Debra wrote letters to each other when Andrew was at sea and ultimately they got married on May 5, 1982 at Cherry Hill Reformed Church in River Edge. In preparations for the big day, Andy told Debbie, “don’t worry about planning the honeymoon, I got that covered! Just make sure you dress for warm whether.” Debbie never knew where they were going until Andy’s best man announced it at the wedding reception. The newlyweds enjoyed a warm honeymoon in Hawaii on the islands of O’ahu and Maui. Upon their return they moved into a home they purchased in Wayne, and have lived in Wayne ever since.

Over the next few years, the couple was blessed with three boys, Andy, Tom, then Michael. Although no longer at sea for six months at a time with the Merchant Marines, Andy was still involved in the Navy Reserves which necessitated periodic trips to Norfolk, VA for Naval intelligence meetings. Sometimes he parlayed the trip into a little vacation, taking Deb and the boys. The boys especially liked that because Andy would occasionally give them a tour of some of the Navy ships!

Andrew ultimately started System Enhancement Associates (SEA), a computer programming business, with his brother-in-law and friend Thom Henderson. He then started Andrew Foray Associates a consulting firm. One of his clients was EBS Dealing Resources of Parsippany which he ultimately went to work for in 1998.

Andrew was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus where he moved through the ranks of Grand Knight of Bishop Navagh Council 5943, District Deputy, Chairman of Paterson Federations basketball free throw competition, and currently, Faithful Navigator of the Franciscan Friars Assembly.

As a young boy growing up in Clifton, Andy got involved in the NJ Naval Brigade, an organization much like the Boy Scouts of America, only more navy-oriented. He loved it and moved up through the ranks, ultimately becoming a leader when he was in college. As a father of three boys, he got involved with the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed many years of dedicated service as Webelos Den Leader, Committee Chair-Pack 101, and Committee Member-Troop 101. He was Training Chairman for the district and received the District Award of Merit in 2003. In 2005, Andy got to attend the National Jamboree as Assistant Master, at Fort A.P. Hill, an active duty installation of the United States Army, located near the town of Bowling Green, Virginia. Andy was especially proud of his three sons involvement in scouting, all three of them attaining the rank of Eagle Scout!

Never one to sit, Andy also loved being a soccer referee for the Wayne PAL and Morris County soccer. He loved being with Deb and the boys and they took family trips everywhere but never flew because Debbie didn’t like to. Throughout the years, the family drove from Maine to Florida and as far west as New Orleans, Louisiana up into Tennessee. There were also car rides to Canada where they spent time in Montreal, Toronto and Niagara Falls. Andy’s favorite things to see and do were lighthouses, battlefields, waterfalls, vineyards, hike nature trails, and boat and beach down at the Jersey shore.

Ever since moving to Wayne in 1982, Andy and his family were long-time parishioners of Holy Cross R.C. Church, Wayne, where Andy enthusiastically served as Eucharistic Minister and Reader. Growing up he was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton. He had a strong faith and is assuredly with his Lord and maker today.

Andy’s family was his highest priority but his detail-oriented, problem-solving nature was a blessing to many as he would never say no when family, friends and associates needed help.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 31 years, Debra; three sons: Andrew, Thomas and Michael, all of Wayne; his brother Patrick and wife Luz Foray of Wayne, and sister Irene and husband Thom Henderson of Franktown, VA; his Aunt Pat Grant of Midland Park; five nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; his father-in-law William McCann of Bogota; and brother-in-laws: Jeff and wife Jane McCann of Bogota, and Barry and wife Maria McCann of River Edge.

Andrew was predeceased by his parents: Andrew J. Foray, Jr. in 2008 and Margaret Foray in 1981.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Andrews’s name are asked to consider Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106, or the Knights of Columbus, 84 Lincoln Park Road, Pequannock, NJ 07440.

Margaret (Hulbert) Franco, age 71 of Wayne, passed peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2014.

She was born in Paterson and raised in Totowa having graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the Class of 1960. Margaret was a bookkeeper for most of her career. She also enjoyed a life long goal of owning her own store, “The Treasure Nook”, in Clifton, from 1984-85. Margaret retired in 2013 from McBride Enterprises where she was employed for past twenty-five years.

Margaret met her late husband Peter Franco in 1974 and they married on October 14, 1977. Two families became one. Margaret and Peter enjoyed a loving and dedicated marriage for thirty-three years before Peter’s passing on October 25, 2010.

Margaret was happiest being surrounded by her family. Her life was found in the enjoyment of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her devotion to her family and friends was the center of all she did. Margaret will be remembered most by her strong belief in the love of “family”.

Margaret was the loving wife of the late Peter Franco Jr., devoted mother to her daughter, Lynn Heydt and her husband Steve of Wayne, NJ; her daughter Diane Rasa and her husband Dr. David Rasa of Wayne, NJ; her son Robert Franco and his wife Linda of Oakridge, NJ; her daughter Shelley Larthey and her husband Lawrence of The Villages, Florida; and her son Peter Franco III of The Villages, Florida. Margaret is also survived by her grandchildren Nicole, Michael, Davina, Emily, Andrew, Peter Joseph, Bobby, Lilliana, Jenifer, James, Kevin John, Jocelyn, and Chelsy and is blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren. She was a dear sister of Joseph Hulbert and his wife Connie of Pompton Plains and of Ruth Joan Gilmore of Brick. Margaret was predeceased by her father Joseph Hulbert, by her mother Lillian Hulbert, and by her niece Lisa Hulbert.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital Foundation, 224 Hamburg Tpk.,Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Josephine (Cilli) Tufano, age 93, of Clifton passed peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2014.

She was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, was raised in Fair Lawn, and lived in Paterson before moving to Clifton 37 years ago.

She met Samuel Tufano when she was 21 years old. They married on June 13, 1943 at St John the Baptist Church and honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York. She was a homemaker who dedicated herself to raising her family.

She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Saint Phillips RC Church in Clifton where she had been a member of the Columbiettes for many years.

Josephine’s passion was ballroom dancing, and she loved floral arranging. She never drove a car but managed to get any and everywhere she wanted, had a great sense of humor, and never complained. Even just before she passed, she said “I’m ok”. She was a great listener and confidant to both relatives and friends. Josephine’s door was always open if you needed a place to stay. One thing family and friends will always remember about Josephine is her cooking. She always had a chocolate or carrot cake on the counter, made awesome cupcakes, cookies, baked chicken, and chicken cutlets. If you saw her special pot on the stove you could be sure it was full of meatballs or sloppy joes. She even brought that pot on vacation with her as it was the special link between her and those she loved.

She was the devoted wife of the late Samuel Tufano (1975); loved mother of Judith McAloney of West Milford, Robert Tufano of Mount Airy, MD, and Peter Tufano and his wife Laura of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Christina Scienski and her husband Lawrence, Jennifer Godfrey and her husband Troy, Regina Kelly and her husband Brian, Danielle Petrelli and her husband Vincent, John Paul McAloney and his wife Lindsay, Adam Tufano and his fiancé Diana, Allyson Tufano, Nina Tufano, and Mark Tufano; proud great-grandmother of eleven great-grandchildren: Lauren, Patrick, Matthew, Naomi, Maren, Aran, Gracie, Julie, Maggie, McKenna, and Jack; loved sister of Columbia Provenzale and her husband Leonard of Waldwick and the late Frances Lattrechia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Catholic Charities, 777 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013 would be appreciated.

Paul Q. Sivertsen age 67 of Wayne passed peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2014.

He was born in Norfolk, Virginia and raised in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Paul received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Denison University in Granville, Ohio with the Class of 1968. After college Paul served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Much of his service time was spent in Naples, Italy where he married Janice Grossi whom he had met at Denison University. Their first date was at Tony’s Restaurant in Newark, Ohio. Janice went to Naples to visit Paul and they married on December 23, 1970. For their honeymoon they got a gift of Eurail Passes, and they traveled extensively throughout Europe visiting Northern Italy, the French Riviera, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

After Paul’s service in the Navy they settled in Pinckney, Michigan. Paul later received his Masters Degree in Voice from the University of Michigan. From 1982 through 1986 Paul and Janice called Pinckney home but were mostly traveling with Paul’s band. The band changed names several times but “Eye to Eye” was the longest standing name. Paul’s talent, love, and dedication to music and his band guided him as the drummer, lead singer, guitarist, and composer. He also became skilled as an audio and video engineer. In 1986 Paul and Janice moved to Wayne, New Jersey, Janice’s home town, to raise their son Paul. Paul’s career in music lead him to found his own company Rave Review Productions in Wayne that has provided the audio and video foundations for many theatrical events and concerts. He was also an assistant at the JCC in Tenafly for several years.

Paul will be remembered as a generous, giving, talented, work-a-holic with a great sense of humor. For many years he, his wife Janice, and their son Paul enjoyed working with the talented seniors in the Wayne Senior Follies, which had been founded by Jan's mother, Emily Grossi.

He was the loving husband of forty-three years to Janice (Grossi) Sivertsen; cherished father of Paul Christian Sivertsen of Wayne; dear brother of Tim Sivertsen and his wife Pam of Buffalo, NY; loved uncle of Zachery Sivertsen of Philadelphia; loved brother-in-law of Mrs. Peggy (Grossi) Shultz of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Mrs. Eileen (Grossi) Jewell, and Mrs. Nancy Wallace of Kingwood, Texas; and beloved uncle of their sons Steven and Jim Schultz, Chris and Michael Roach, and John and Ed Wallace.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Michael's Episcopal Church, 1219 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Hildegard P. Douglas, age 82, a long-time resident of Wayne, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 5, 2014.

Hildegard was born on January 10, 1931 in Newark, NJ to Frederick and Matilda Pross. She lived in Newark until moving to Wayne in 1959.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Kean University, Union, NJ (formerly Newark State Teachers College, Newark) in 1952. Hildie married Richard J. Douglas in 1954 at Emmanuel Methodist Church in Newark.

Hildie was a teacher for the Wayne Board of Education having taught at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, grades three and five, and Lafayette Elementary School, grade four. Her teaching career spanned thirty-eight years and, upon her retirement in 1999, she was honored with a beautiful evening by her associates.

Hildegard had a soft spot in her heart for cats and kittens. She had a few of her own, including Missy and Bouncy, and her favorite cat Boy who sadly passed away in February, 2013. She enjoyed volunteering for the plight of homeless cats and was very active in Pet Adoption Thru Caring Hands (PATCH) of Pompton Plains, Homeless Tails of Wayne, and previously, Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA).

Hildegard was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Douglas, and is survived by her dear daughter Alison Douglas of Wayne; her brother Arthur Pross and wife Cathy of Myrtle Beach, SC; her niece Lisa Pross and her son Zachary of Somerville; and her nephew Arthur Pross and sister-in-law, Judith Pross, both of Charleston, SC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Hildegard may be made to Pet Adoption Thru Caring Hands (PATCH), 26 Lakeside Ave., Pompton Lakes NJ 07442, or Homeless Tails, Inc. P.O. Box 1422, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Giovanna, McCarrick, age 91 of Pompton Plains, died peacefully on Sunday morning, January 5, 2014.

She was born and raised in New York City. As a young girl, she enjoyed vacationing with her family, including her brother and sister, at their summer home in Staten Island. After graduation from a needle trade school, she became a seamstress.

A Navy serviceman approached her one night in 1945 while she was out to dinner with friends. He asked if it would be ok if his friend George bought her a drink. George had just returned from fighting in World War II in the United States Navy. Giovanna accepted and, with that drink, she had the honor of meeting this handsome young man named George McCarrick. They soon fell in love and married on December 17, 1950. They honeymooned in sunny Florida. Giovanna and George settled in Clifton and lived there until 1958 when they moved to Pompton Plains. By now, Giovanna had left behind her career as a seamstress and devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker and mother to her two daughters: Georgean and Joanne. In those early years, the family enjoyed weekends together in Toms River, floating on their cabin cruiser by day and sleeping on it at night. She and George had many friends who they liked to go to dinner with.

Giovanna and George enjoyed eighteen years together in Pompton Plains and a total of twenty-five years of marriage until George’s passing in 1976. Giovanna continued to reside in Pompton Plains until her passing.

Giovanna was dedicated to her role as mother. She loved to cook, sew and crochet. She especially had fun making Halloween costumes for the girls and later, when blessed with grandchildren, she made costumes for them too. Those costumes were so cleverly and beautifully made that, with one of the costumes, all three of her grandchildren she had at that point were voted the winners of a costume competition. Giovanna also crocheted blankets for her grandchildren. As the kids grew older and bigger, she would simply crochet each one of them newer and larger blankets. The kids loved Grandma Jean! When they were little she would baby-sit them and take them out for dinner to Friendly’s in Pompton Plains. She also enjoyed dinners at the Chinese restaurant. Grandma Jean also loved to sing songs with them. She liked to teach them words and phrases in Italian, her second language.

Besides family and friends, Giovanna’s faith in God was very important to her. When she and George moved to Pompton Plains, they got involved with a new church in town called Our Lady of Good Council Roman Catholic Church. Giovanna especially enjoyed singing in the church’s choir. She was also involved as a member of the church’s ladies council.

She will be remembered as a kind, loving and happy woman who was dedicated to her family and her faith.

Giovanna is survived by her two daughters: Georgean and husband Dion Coleman, and Joanne and husband Clifford Zoppo, both of West Milford; four grandchildren: Dion Coleman, II, Lauren Coleman, David Zoppo, and Dianna Zoppo; one great-granddaughter: Jaelyn; and one brother: Saverio and wife Mona Sciortino of Bayside, NY.

Giovanna was predeceased by her beloved husband George in 1976, and her sister Eleanor Carrozza.

Peter “Pete” T. Daly, former Chief of Wayne PD, age 83 passed peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2014.

He was born in Paterson and in 1935 when he was just five years old his family moved to Wayne. The Township was so unpopulated at the time that they named the street they bought their home on after them. When Pete was in seventh grade he met a cute girl named Eleanor Springwaldt who would be his date to the senior prom at Pompton Lakes High School - there was no high school in Wayne at the time. After high school Pete enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and soon asked Eleanor for her hand in marriage. Peter was granted a leave from his service in Korea and he and Eleanor married, on January 12, 1952 at Saint Marys RC Church in Pompton Lakes, and drove a green four door Ford to Washington, DC where they honeymooned for a week. When asked about their marriage Eleanor said they had a loving relationship and never fought – they just worked things out together. He was honorably discharged in May of 1952. Soon he was operating a crane and after two years joined the Wayne Township Police Department in 1954. Pete was one of twelve officers in the Township and worked his way up to Chief before retiring in 1981.

He was a member of the Police Chiefs Association, graduate of the FBI Police Academy, a member of the American Legion – Greenwood Lake Post 1443, and a member of the FBI Alumni Group. Pete will be remembered as a genuine gentleman who had a great sense of humor, was meticulous, methodical, never complained, and enjoyed being around people and they enjoyed being around him. He loved boating, working with stained glass, target shooting competitions. He especially enjoyed life in Greenwood Lake Village, was a member of the Greenwood Lake Gaelic Society, and served on the Greenwood Lake Planning Board for many years.

He was the loving husband of sixty two years to Eleanor (Springwaldt) Daly; devoted father of Colleen Daly of Greenwood Lake; loved brother of the late Joseph Daly, Jr.; dear uncle of Katherine Rupprecht and her husband Thomas of Colorado Springs, CO.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Judes Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 would be appreciated.

John Cuccurullo, age 87 of Wayne and formerly of Brooklyn, died peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2014. He had lived all of his life in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn before suffering a stroke in 2006 and moving to Wayne.

John began his early career driving a delivery truck with his brothers for their father’s business in Brooklyn. He primarily delivered printed goods and took a great deal of pride in his job. He later began a printing career with the Van Besta Pudding Company in Brooklyn, makers of My T Fine pudding. He ran their in-house print shop, printing all the packaging and related materials. He worked there for roughly twenty years before retiring in 1993. One of his favorite activities was to visit the local orphanage and deliver pudding to the children there.

John maintained a very active lifestyle, belonged to Jack LaLanne Fitness centers practically his whole life. As part of his workout, he went swimming almost every day before falling ill. If he thought you were out of shape, he wouldn’t hesitate to say “you look fat.” These were often the words he would use to greet family, friends, or even new acquaintances, and he meant it. He also loved his cars and John believed that having good driving skills was paramount. When his children each reached the age of thirteen, learning to drive was a right-of-passage. John would take them to a remote area with no traffic and they learned barefoot – getting the best sense of feel using the brake and gas pedals. He really considered driving to be an art form, and the kids were taught spatial awareness, control, and how to parallel park in any situation. He simply loved driving.

One of John’s favorite places to take his kids was the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Joey and Anni have some of their most fond childhood memories there with their father. They often had picnic lunches in the zoo on Saturdays. While most of the picnickers were eating brown-bag lunches, John would show up, as only he could, with a pizza, egg rolls, and knish! John was certainly a non-traditional dad, but that’s what made him so special to his kids and they wouldn’t have wanted him to be any different. On one occasion, John surprised his kids with a new pet, a very large turtle. His children were thrilled, but considering that they had just returned from the Bronx Zoo, they were all suspicious as to where it had really come from. John claimed he had just “found it,” but the very next day he came to his senses and returned it to the zoo. No one is really sure what he was thinking at the time, but throughout his life, John simply did things his own way.

John is survived by his two children; Joseph Cuccurullo and his wife Linda of Wayne, Anni Cusack and her husband Jim of Lakewood, Colorado, nine grandchildren: Eric, Madison, Toniann, Joseph Rocco, Maxwell, Rilee, Travis, Chelsea, and Meaghan, and three brothers; Warren “Sonny” and his wife Rachel of Port St. Lucie, FL, Louis of Malverne, NY, and Joseph and his wife Candy of Marlboro, NJ. He is also survived by his former wife Antoinette DiPaolo. They were married from 1952 to 1959. He was predeceased by his sister Suzie in 2008.

Georgina Lugo, age 84 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2014.

Georgina was born in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, the ninth of Bernardino and Antonia (Martinez) Cubas' fourteen children.

Although her father earned only a modest wage working as overseer of a tobacco farm, his family was always grateful for the blessings they received. The virtues of hard work, responsibility, common sense, resourcefulness, and overcoming life’s setbacks were instilled in Georgina as a little girl. And she would need to rely on those lessons in the future, beginning when she contracted meningitis as an eight-year-old. As a result, she couldn’t walk for an entire year.

Such hardship did not end there. In 1964, Georgina, now married with two young girls – Barbara and Olga – left Communist Cuba in search of a better life. She and the girls initially stayed in Madrid, Spain, for six months before joining their husband and father Jose “Rafael,” who had come to the United States two years earlier to prepare the way. The family originally settled in Rockville Center, Long Island. Eleven months later, in November, 1966, Rafael died suddenly. Georgina, now left to raise the girls on her own, quickly took a job at a dry cleaner.

In 1969, the family moved to Bloomfield, NJ where Georgina became a factory worker for the Charms Lollipop Company. Doing her best to love and care for her children while working full-time making minimum wage, and never relying on welfare of any kind, she saved enough money to purchase the family’s first home in 1971, in Bloomfield. After retiring in 1991 from Harrison Cookies Inc., Georgina began a second career taking care of her grandchildren and a neighbor’s two little girls.

The things in life that Georgina truly loved centered completely around her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and her family was all too happy to enjoy the delicious meals and treats that she created. For Georgina, cookbooks weren’t necessary. A little bit of this and a pinch of that and she was serving her most delicious Bistec (breaded and fried steak) or oriental styled fried rice. For dessert, everyone’s favorite was Arroz con Leche and Flan.

For fun Georgina also loved to play cards or a game of dominos, sometimes putting a little friendly wager on the games, just to make them interesting. She loved spending time with her daughters and their families, and when the blessing of grandchildren came along, she cherished every moment with them. Frequently, she took her grandchildren to the park, shopping, and swimming at her daughter Olga’s home. With these warm moments came moments of humor, as Georgina was a bit of a prankster. Dressing up for Halloween, she was known to try and spook her grandchildren. And on holidays, she refused to discard torn wrapping paper on gifts, preferring that it be reused in later years.

In the 1980’s Georgina got the chance to visit her parents and siblings back in Cuba for the first time since 1964. She was grateful for the opportunity to go back to her homeland several times. Those visits afforded her the chance to bring her family much needed clothing, food, medicine and money.

As the years went on, her beloved Chuli, a black toy poodle, would become her constant companion. Yes, the poodle went shopping and even to other people's homes for card games. She was as dear to Georgina as any family member.

Georgina will be remembered for being a fantastic mother, grandmother and sister. She will forever be admired for her strength of character amidst many challenges in her life, always making the best of the situation and doing much with little. Her life truly exemplified the American dream of achieving prosperity through freedom and hard work.

Georgina is survived by her two dear daughters: Barbara and husband Michael Stieglitz, and Olga and husband Juan Izquierdo, both of Wayne; four cherished grandchildren: Jessica, Matthew, Evan and Laura; and seven loved brothers and sisters: Evaristo, Pablo, Oscar, Liduvina, all of Cuba, Aida of Miami Beach, FL, Marie Antonia “Maruca” of Wayne, and Bernardino “Nino” of Cuba.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jose Rafael and six brothers and sisters: Ada, America, Eneida, Eva, Horacio and Ohilda.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Georgina’s name are asked to consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 (www.alz.org/nj).

Albert Anthony Solimine, age 83 of Wayne and Hobe Sound, FL, died peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2014, while his family lovingly stood by him at his bedside.

Albert was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1947 and promptly enlisted into the United States Navy where he served the country he loved from 1948 to 1949.

In 1959, Al met the love of his life, Anne De Angelis. They arranged to get married on Saturday, February 4, 1961 but due to over thirty inches of snow, the wedding was postponed and rescheduled for the following Saturday. After a honeymoon to Nassau in the Bahamas they settled into their first home together in the Bronx.

In 1962, Al and Anne were blessed with a baby boy Albert, and, a year later, they welcomed their daughter Laurie. By this point in his life, Al was getting well-established in his job with Allied Signal. His career with Allied began in 1958 and he ultimately moved up to the rank of Systems Analyst before retiring in 2000 after 42 years on the job. In 1969, the family moved to Wayne where Al had lived ever since.

Al was blessed with a great family and many fine friends. He enjoyed boating, golf, and playing billiards with his friends. He was also a member of Wayne UNICO and the town pool. Al was a beloved grandfather to his two grandchildren Justin and Shannon, who knew him as Poppy. Over the years, he became known as Poppy by everyone who knew and loved him. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's athletic and musical events.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 52 years, Anne; his son Albert and wife Allison of Wayne and his daughter Laurie and husband John Plunkett also of Wayne; his two grandchildren: Justin and Shannon Plunkett; his three brothers: Phillip and wife Lucille, Armand and wife Judy, and Peter and wife Christine Solimine, all of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Alberts’s name are asked to consider the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Susan Lauro (nee Kalupa), age 82 of Pompton Lakes and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2014.

Susan lost her mother when she was just a baby and was raised by her ‘babchie’ in Jersey City. As a young girl, she loved to dance and was a cheerleader at Lincoln High School. She enjoyed spending time at the Jersey Shore and on one particular occasion, while standing in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Seaside Heights, she caught the attention of Paul Lauro. Paul turned his car around and circled back to Susan, making her acquaintance. That was Labor Day weekend of 1954 and by Christmas of that year they were engaged. They loved each other dearly and were married on September 24, 1955 at St. Peter’s RC Church in Jersey City. They enjoyed a honeymoon at Miami Beach followed by fifty one years of an “awesome” marriage. Over the years, they traveled throughout Europe, the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Hawaii, and many more destinations. They continued to summer at the Jersey Shore and often spent the winters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Susan loved the beach and sun. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and word searches, reading, and watching some of her favorite TV shows such as “Judge Judy.”

Susan loved to spoil her grandchildren. Her home was designed for entertaining and the grandchildren spent most of their summers swimming in her pool. The Fourth of July party at Susan’s house was an annual tradition that you never wanted to miss. She loved them all dearly and each of them has wonderful memories of their grandmother to cherish. They will all miss her dearly.

Susan’s faith in Christ was strong. It was her husband Paul’s influence that brought her to the church and throughout their marriage they were members of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne. More recently Susan had been nourishing her soul at St. Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes, which was much closer to her home.

Susan is survived by her two daughters; Karen Niemann and her husband Richard of Pompton Lakes, and Kathy Richard and her husband Tom, also of Pompton Lakes, five grandchildren; Patricia Richard, Jennifer Niemann, Paul Richard, Steven Niemann, and Michael Niemann, as well as her dear cousin; Kenneth Pasternack and his wife Patricia of New Milford, CT. She was predeceased by her husband Paul in 2006.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to defray the funeral expenses. Please make checks payable to “Karen Niemann”, c/o Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Mary Catherine Malina (nee Geraghty), age 94, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2013. Her granddaughter was at her bedside when she passed. She had been a resident of Weehawken for nearly eighty years before moving to Wayne in 2000.

Mary Catherine was born in New York City and moved to Weehawken with her family as a young girl. She graduated from Weehawken High School with the class of 1937. Shortly thereafter, she was introduced by her sister to John Malina. They married on September 6, 1942 but didn’t get to enjoy much of a honeymoon; John went right back to work the next day. They seemed to define the “opposites attract” type of couple; Mary was very quiet and John was very talkative and outgoing. Mary was a dedicated housewife and took great care of John over the years. Their marriage spanned more than sixty one years before John passed in 2004.

Mary loved to listen to classical music and read mystery novels and stories of espionage. She also enjoyed watching crime dramas on TV, such as Murder, She Wrote and Law & Order. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and celebrated it in many ways. Corned beef and cabbage was among her favorite meals, and she often enjoyed a cup of tea with a crumpet in the afternoon. Along with John, she visited Ireland once and loved every bit of the trip. Somewhere there’s a picture of her kissing the Blarney Stone! For the most part however, Mary preferred to keep to herself and didn’t socialize very much. Rather, she found peace in reading her Bible daily and praying often. She had very deep seated faith in Christ and was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne for many years.

Mary Catherine was very grateful for the wonderful care her family provided over the years. She would never complain about a thing and often concealed her pain from others when she was ailing. She didn’t want anyone to worry about her and she loved her family dearly. She will surely be missed by them all.

Mary Catherine is survived by her daughter Kathleen Grip of Wayne, one granddaughter; Tricia Grip and her husband Carlos of Clifton, and one grandson; John Grip of Wayne. She was predeceased by her husband John in 2004 and by her daughter Patricia Catherine Kilkeary in 1986.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Mary Catherine's memory are asked to please consider the St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 395 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Grace Lucia, age 92 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2013, while her family lovingly stood by her bedside.

Grace was born in Lodi, the younger sister of four brothers, Frank, Lou and Ralph Brindisi, and Anthony Maggaro. She was raised in Lodi, growing up on John Street.

Following graduation from high school, Grace was introduced to Rudolph “Rudy” Lucia by her close friend Rose Marino (Diorio). Dating led to love and love lead to marriage. The couple took their marriage vows along with dear friends Ed and Helen Rentel on Saturday, August 24, 1940 at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Spring Street in Lodi. The two couples honeymooned together in Vermont. When they returned, Grace and Rudy settled in Elmwood Park where Grace began her life as a wife and homemaker. Two years later, this couple welcomed their firstborn – a beautiful baby girl and named her Carol. Five years after that, Grace gave birth again, this time to their first son, John. Then, a year after that, the family welcomed their third child and second son, Ronald. By now, Grace was entrenched in motherhood and, especially with her two rambunctious sons, had her hands full. Some of John and Ron’s adventures included: five-year old John, impersonating Superman with a towel tied to his shoulders, attempting to jump off the roof. John also liked to “store” snowballs in the closet before leaving for school---becoming very upset when returning home because he couldn’t find them! Ron and John regularly zip-lined down neighbor Mrs. Dot Dunkerly’s clothes line, dropping all of her freshly washed sheets as they slid! Ron, little angel, got into his share of trouble throwing stones and ditching school. Meanwhile, Carol kept Grace busy, making her proud at her countless dance recitals (for which Grace made many of her costumes), eventually becoming co-captain of the East Paterson High School cheerleading squad before becoming one of the famous Manhattan Rockettes! In between the business of her role as mom, Grace volunteered as a member of the Lodi Veteran’s Auxiliary.

Grace was fastidious about her looks always displayed a keen eye for classic elegance which enabled her to dress just right for times socializing with Rudy and friends and colleagues. The couple especially liked going to historic Captain Starns in Atlantic City or the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. She and Rudy also enjoyed many extended weekends in Wildwood Crest. Grace cherished many friendships including close relationships with her cousin, Grace, and her best friend, Rose.

Grace was a homemaker and a mom first and foremost. Her creative talents were put to good use in the decoration of her home and with her fashion sense. Grace loved a good party and she and Rudy threw a lot of them! The family moved to a new home in Wayne in 1961 and were able to enjoy the company of countless friends and family there. She loved to sing and dance, and her infectious laugh was always present, making her the life of any party. The Lucia’s annual 4th of July party, complete with egg toss, sack races, wiffle ball competitions, karaoke and fireworks, were legendary.

Grace will be remembered and adored for her unconditional love and devotion to her family and friends. She was much loved and admired! Her fun-loving spirit and big laugh will be missed until we see her again. She was an extremely caring mom who was proud of her son Ronnie’s service to our country for four years as an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam war, and for her son John’s high school accomplishment for winning the first state title in any sport for Wayne Township (130 wins, 0 losses in wrestling), along with his wrestling scholarship to Lee College in southern Minnesota.

Grace is survived by daughter Carol McCoy of Wayne; her two dear sons: John and wife Virgy Lucia of Little Falls, and Ronald Lucia of Wayne; three adored grandchildren: Kelly and Karen McCoy and Kathleen Sakosits; and three cherished great-grandchildren: Ryan, Shannon, and Michael Sakosits. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Rudolph and her four brothers: Frank, Lou and Ralph Brindisi, and Anthony Maggaro.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Grace’s name are asked to consider Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834, www.alz.org/nj.

Elva Florence Becker, age 101, of Wayne, entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 30, 2013. Her family gathered at her bedside when she passed.

Elva was born in Wayne where she remained a resident most of her life.

Elva served as a cafeteria manager in the Wayne public school system for fifteen years until retiring in 1964.

She was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church in the Mountainview section of Wayne where she was also a member of the Ruth Circle. Elva belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, Mountainview Chapter 205 and was a member of the Wayne Golden Age Circle and Golden Key Senior Group.

Surviving to mourn her loss are Elva’s two dear daughters: Lynne and husband David Worden of Oak Ridge, and Carole and husband Leonard Van Orden of Dingman Township, PA; six adored grandchildren: Leonard H. Van Orden, Gretchen Cuccio, Paul J. Van Orden, Laura L. Rudberg, Maria Tran, and Quyen Leberknight ; and thirteen cherished great-grandchildren.

Elva was predeceased by her beloved husband John William in 1977.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Elva’s name are asked to consider The United Methodist Church in Wayne, 99 Parish Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Renee Marjorie Sekula (nee Coussa), age 67, of Wayne, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 29, 2013.

The daughter of the late John and Mary (Abdelnour) Coussa, Renee was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. She graduated from St. John’s Cathedral High School where she was a cheerleader and placed third in the National Latin Competition. Following high school, she attended William Paterson College.

Renee met her loving husband, Joseph G. Sekula, while working in her parents’ store on Main Street in Paterson. Joseph would come in frequently, pretending to read the magazines that were for sale but never buying any. The reality was that he really liked Renee and wanted to ask her out. He eventually got his wish! Renee and Joseph married on June 19, 1966 and they moved to Wayne in 1970. They were blessed with forty-seven years of married life together, especially enjoying family vacations to Kiawah Island, South Carolina and cruises on the seven seas, especially enjoying the Caribbean, South America & the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean.

After taking a break from her studies to marry and start a family, Renee returned to finish her degree in 1975, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education. She began a career in real estate in 1983 with Schlott Realtors and then Coldwell Banker in Wayne. She enjoyed an illustrious career, becoming a multi-million dollar producer, earning the honors of the New Jersey Million Dollar Sales Club and the Coldwell Banker President's Club. She was an active member of the Passaic County Board of Realtors, New Jersey Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, as well as the Garden State, New Jersey, Hudson County and Middlesex County Multiple Listing Services.

Renee was a devoted member of St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church. She served the church lovingly and selflessly, serving as President of the Rosary Society and founding the church's summer enrichment program. She served as the Chairperson for the 45th National Melkite Convention and organized countless events for the church. For her efforts she was named Parishioner of Honor in 2005. Her devotion to her faith saw her receive the initial Archbishop Joseph Tawil Award by the Diocese of Newton and, in 2002, she was awarded the ultimate honor for a Melkite, the Cross of Jerusalem by Gregory, III Laham, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch.

Renee was extremely devoted to her family! She was very proud of her three children’s success and was a loving “Sitto” to her ten grandchildren whom she cherished with all her heart. To her great-niece and great-nephew, she was affectionately referred to as “Auntie Sitto.” Renee will be remembered for her kind, generous and selfless spirit that was evident to her family and friends.

Renee is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Joseph; her two sons: Joseph of San Francisco, CA, and Jeffrey and wife Kristin of New Hartford, NY; her daughter, Jennifer and husband Keith Martin of Wayne; her ten cherished and adored grandchildren: Treven, Jonquil, Julianne, Marshall, Joseph, Madeline, Emmaline, Savannah, Caroline, and Annabelle; her sisters Adrianne Kattak of Wayne and Patricia Tahan of Wayne; her brother, John E. Coussa of Florida; and her devoted nieces Susan Kattak Brandstetter, Diana Kattak Mercado and Joanne Kattak Rossi. She was predeceased by her brother George Coussa in June 2008.

Casper Siersma, age 95 of North Haledon died peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2013. He had been a resident of the Holland Christian Home.

Born in Paterson, Cap was raised in Totowa and Haledon. His teenage years were defined by the Great Depression and he began working at a very early age to help support his family. They had a milk bottling company which also provided home delivery. Cap’s father also raised show rabbits which they would bring to New York City for competition. The rabbits were prized possessions and Cap’s father once shot a man trying to steal a rabbit from their barn. The wounded thief managed to escape, empty handed.

At the onset of World War II, Cap joined the U.S. Navy and he was extremely proud of his service as a Seabee. He often recanted his stories about crossing the Atlantic on his way to Africa, building pontoon bridges, and riding aboard LST boats. His time in the Navy was a huge part of his life and his friends know he rarely went anywhere without his Navy hat on.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, he went back to work at the Sam Braen & Sons quarry on Central Avenue in Haledon. His career there spanned over forty years as foreman of asphalt production. He was more than just a dedicated employee, often going to the plant on his days off just to make sure everything was OK. His son recalls how Cap would drive to the plant every Sunday morning, when it was normally closed, just to check the furnaces and make sure they were hot so asphalt production could resume on Monday morning without a hitch. He was very skilled at his job, could build and fix just about anything, and even in his retirement, the quarry would call him in to help on difficult projects. He not only loved his job, but he ‘lived’ his job and never took a vacation.

Cap had a bit of ‘stubborn Dutch’ in him too – just a bit. Things were done his way. When his wife fell ill with Alzheimer’s disease, Cap was intent on caring for her at home himself, and care for her he did. Despite being hospitalized himself, having surgery too, he skipped going to rehab so he could be home caring for Gladys until her passing in 2001. Being a child of the Depression, he believed “it could happen again any day” and he was frugal almost to a fault. He even considered Novocain to be a luxury and if you asked him how he was able to handle the pain of a root canal without it, he would tell you; “it hurt less than opening my wallet.” His good planning however, allowed him to enjoy his most recent years at the Holland Christian Home in North Haledon, where he made some good friends and was able to nourish his Christian soul.

Cap is survived by his two children; Rodger Siersma and his wife Sue of Hackettstown, NJ and Dawn White and her husband Clay of Glenwood, NJ, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and his sister Vera Besso of Belvedere, NJ. He was predeceased by his wife Gladys in 2001, his daughter Joan, two brothers; Martin and Albert, and one sister; Connie.

William J. “Bill” Dowling, age 55, of Paterson and formerly of Franklin Lakes, died on Thursday, December 26, 2013.

Bill was a graduate of Paterson Catholic High School and Rutgers University. He was a former recreation league basketball, softball, and soccer coach in Franklin Lakes. He especially enjoyed vacationing with his family on Cape Cod and being with his dog Daisy and his cat Max.

Bill is survived by his two dear daughters: Emily and Kayla Dowling; his father William James Dowling; his sister Patricia and husband Michael Duderich; his brother Michael and wife Catherine Dowling; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 25 years, Nancy in 2012, and his loving mother Nora in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s name are asked to consider The Dowling Children Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 556, Totowa, NJ 07511-0556.

Sharon M. Micchelli (nee Scanlon), age 62 of Bloomingdale, died on Thursday, December 26, 2013. Her family was gathered at her bedside when she passed.

Sharon grew up in Salem, New Hampshire and graduated from Salem High School with the class of 1969. That summer after graduation she wound up at the most notorious concert of all times; Woodstock! She moved to New Jersey with a friend in 1970.

Sharon met Robert Micchelli at a restaurant called Martha’s Vineyard in Clifton. Robert’s pick-up line was unique; he told her he was a hit man for the mafia. He was such a nice guy though, that she didn’t fall for it. They dated for a few years before marrying on April 3, 1976 at St. James of the Marches RC Church in Totowa followed by a honeymoon in Aruba. They had lived in Clifton and Totowa before settling in Wayne in the mid 1980’s. They were best of friends and enjoyed a very loving and fun marriage. They loved to be spontaneous and had a lot of fun together. Sadly, Robert died suddenly in 1989 and Sharon was left to raise their three daughters on her own.

Sharon worked very hard, and even struggled at times, but she poured her heart into being the best mom she could be to her three children and she smiled through it all. Working full time, she still made it to every sporting event, school activity, and birthday party. She was the consummate devoted mother and her girls are grateful for everything she was able to do for them. Sharon was their biggest fan and would cheer at every game. She would even cheer for everybody else’s kids too! Her grandchildren enjoyed her support too and they will all tell you how their Grammy would cheer for them. Sharon’s laugh was one of a kind and infectious! If you ever heard her laugh, you never forgot it and you can probably hear her laughing now in your memory. That’s what Sharon would want everyone to remember; her endless optimism, wonderful smile, and unforgettable laugh.

Sharon is survived by her three daughters; Stephanie Rossow and her husband Richard of Bloomingdale, Lisa Higbie and her husband Michael of Bloomingdale, and Suzanne Rossow and her husband Raymond of Ringwood, six grandchildren; Sophia, Ryder, Mikaila, Carlee, Gabriella, and Kyle, her sister Patricia Scanlon of Amesbury, MA, and sister-in-law Frances Fiore and her husband Edward of Lincoln Park, niece; Kristine Corrado and nephew; Benjamin Ferrante, and great-nephew Avery Ferrante.

Memorial donations in Sharon’s honor would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Francis (Frank) Bott, age 76 of Wayne, died on December 26, 2013.

Born in Paterson to the late Fred Bott and Helen Bott Scrafano.

Frank was employed by New Jersey Bell for forty years and held the position of Chief Switchman before retiring in 1993.

Frank had a knack for fixing things. From home repair to repairing a bicycle, there was nothing he couldn't or wouldn't do for the people he knew. He was always there for Family friends and neighbors in times of need with tools in hand.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Corrao), daughter Karen Codacovi, sons Francis and Michael and his wife Anne, grandchildren Gabrielle Codacovi, Katie and Olivia Bott, sister Florence Vaccaro brother-in-law Andy Vaccaro brother Anthony Scrafano, sister-in-law Tina Scrafano niece and several nephews. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Margaret Ferrante in 2009.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and Multiple Sclerosis Society.

William J. Lewis, Jr., age 72 and formerly of Pompton Lakes, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 23, 2013.

He was a resident of Pompton Lakes for many years before moving to Berlin, MD 13 years ago. He was a lifelong golfer and lived for the game.

Bill was a route salesman with Pepsico in Moonachie for 32 years, retiring in 1991.

Surviving to mourn his loss is his beloved wife Beverly (Breure); his daughter: Lori and husband John Wallis of Chicago, Illinois; two sons: William and wife Janet Lewis of Sussex, and Jeff and wife Jennifer Lewis of Bend Oregon; and eight grandchildren: Katie, William, Jake, Thomas, Hudson, Cameron, Collin, and Mason.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s name, please consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Emily M. Marruso, age 82 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2013. She had been a resident of Wayne since 1958.

Emily was raised in North Bergen, NJ and after high school she went to secretary school. She worked for Steuben Glass in New York City for a few years before starting a family. Later on she became a full-time crossing guard in Wayne, helping countless children cross the street for more than twenty years.

Emily enjoyed dancing and acting throughout her lifetime. As a young woman, she would always be going to dances where ever she could. In fact, she met her husband at a dance and the two of them ‘cut the rug’ throughout their fifty four years together. She acted in many summer stock theatre shows over the years and even landed a part in the soap opera “As the World Turns”. However, before she was able to film her first TV scene, she learned that her second child was on the way and sadly the role was given to another actress. She kept acting locally in many theatre groups, including the Wayne Senior Follies in recent years. She was a league bowler at T-Bowl for over twenty years and when her back began to restrict her bowling, she took up Bingo. She went to Bingo at Sisco Village religiously. Even when babysitting her grandchildren, she would bring them along and let them put the chips on the card. She was also a past president of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne and served on the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee.

Her favorite pastime was soaking up the rays! She loved to get tan and hanging out at the pool, getting the perfect bronze tone to her skin, was something she really enjoyed. Recently, she had a group of seniors that she would go to the Wayne Pool with, where they would bask in the sun and work on their tans. She enjoyed traveling and typically to someplace warm where she could continue to work on her tan. She also enjoyed knitting and had made countless sweaters. Her cheesecake was pure perfection and her Christmas cookies were some of the best.

Emily is survived by her two daughters; Mona McHugh of Wayne and Candace Calabro of Charlotte, NC, and four grandchildren; Christopher and Jonathan McHugh of Wayne, and Joseph and Katie Calabro of Charlotte.

Doris B. Stengel, age 92, of Wayne, died peacefully at home, with her loving family by her side, on Sunday, December 22, 2013.

Doris was born and grew up in Jersey City. Early on she met the love of her life, Christian William,"Bill" Stengel Jr., while they were both attending high school. After graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bill joined the Navy during the war and Doris went to work on Wall Street. With Wall Street's reputation as a world of shrewd, cut-throat types, those who loved dear sweet Doris knew she was in the wrong place. Her career there was short as she moved on landing a job with a New York City insurance firm. Every morning, she boarded the train out of Journal Square, and took the ferry to get to work. She and Bill continued to date and after Bill's wartime service, in 1943, the two love birds were finally able to marry. It was at this point that Doris really hit her stride! Doris life completely revolved around loving her husband and building her life around him and their son Christian William Stengel, III, who they were blessed with in 1953. Doris wholeheartedly embraced life as a wife, mother and homemaker, providing a wonderful home for the two men in her life!

In 1960, Bill was transferred through his job with Western Electric from Kearny, New Jersey to Baltimore, Maryland. His faithful wife Doris and son Chris followed him to this new place where Doris quickly got involved as a volunteer at Anne Arundel General Hospital in Annapolis. Over the eleven years that the family lived there, Doris volunteered approximately fifteen-thousand hours, many of those hours for the Clothes Box, one of the first thrifts where folks could donate lightly used clothes for resale to raise funds for the hospital. In 1971, Bill transferred again with AT&T and the family moved back to New Jersey, this time settling in Wayne where they remained ever since. For Doris, her work as a volunteer was simply a means to an end, spending time with people! She loved being with others and, upon relocating back to New Jersey, she soon took a job as a volunteer with Chilton Memorial Hospital where she worked in the medical records department. Doris volunteered there for close to forty years, logging in approximately eleven-thousand hours until retiring at the age of ninety! Over the years, she made countless friends. Those whose life path crossed with hers almost immediately felt a connection to her dear, loving, warm, sweet personality. People could sense her deep, sincere commitment to her work as a volunteer.

Doris was an avid gardener, who lovingly cultivated beautiful flower gardens wherever she called home. She also enjoyed golf and spending time with her lady friends in women's golf leagues in Maryland and also at the Packanack Golf Course. She was also a wonderful host and she enjoyed the rich tradition of opening her home to all of the extended Stengel family for many Thanksgiving holidays. Thanks to Doris, the Stengel home was always warmly and welcomingly decorated for the Christmas holidays. In recent years, she was most appreciative of her son Chris for his help in decorating, as she was no longer able to do it so easily herself.

A woman of deep faith, Doris was most recently a member of Packanack Community Church where she loved to sing in the choir. A strong alto, Doris simply loved singing there and also the other churches she attended throughout the course of her life. While her family acknowledges the pain of her loss, they rejoice and find great comfort in knowing that she, today, is singing with choirs of angels, singing in exultation!

Doris is survived by her loving son Christian William, III of Wayne, and her niece Jeanne Schlichting and nephew Bill Schlichting, both of Wewahitchka FL, and nephew Peter Schlichting currently on the west coast. Doris is survived by nieces and nephew-in-law on the Stengel side of the family in Ohio, Iowa, upstate New York, and "down the ocean" in New Jersey.

Doris was predeceased by her beloved husband Christian William, Jr. in 1995, her loving sister Jessie Schlichting in 2011 and her dear daughter-in-law Giovanna Stengel in 2012.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Doris' name are asked to consider the Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470.

John (Dutch) Hohnarth age 86, a 63 year resident of Wayne, passed peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2013.

He was raised in Clifton and came to Wayne in 1950. John was a Navy Veteran of WWII having served on the flight deck of the USS Tarawa.

He worked for Moon Carrier in Clifton for thirty years and then MGM Trucking in Wayne for over ten years before retiring in 1990.

He was a charter member of the Wayne Elks 2181, Friend of Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne, Golden Age Circle of Wayne, Rand Rod Gun Club of Clifton, the Italian American Club of Clifton and the Hinchman Ave McDonalds Breakfast Club.

John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had the outgoing kind of personality that endeared him to everyone. He was a “Mr. Fix It” that had a wide range of skill and knowledge from changing your oil to having a “guy” who could get you the best price on tires.

John was the loving husband of 52 years to the late Ellen (Butler) Hohnarth (2001); devoted father of Donna Van Lenten of Hamburg, Debra Hennig and her husband Mark of Wayne, and Jane Deyden and her husband Bob of Pompton Plains; cherished grandfather of 8 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; loved brother of Harold Hohnarth of Toms River, and the late Fran Stidel and Doris McDermott.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Elks Camp Moore, 4 Susquehanna Ave., Haskell, NJ 07420 would be appreciated.

Frank Locarno age 91 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

He was born in Clifton and raised on Troast Court in Clifton having attended Clifton High School with the Class of 1940. He excelled at football and played club football against many area teams before professional football came to be.

Frank enlisted in the United States Navy on November 12, 1942 and served until he was honorably discharged on December 24, 1945. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal and the WWII Victory Medal for his service.

Before his service in the Navy he worked for the U.S. Rubber Company in Passaic. When he returned from his service he again worked for the company having a career with them that spanned thirty years, working his way up from a laborer to foreman. After U.S. Rubber closed it’s doors he continued his career in the rubber industry having worked for Elasco Fab, Ames, and Dayco companies before retiring in 1986.

Frank enjoyed deep sea fishing, rock and gem hunting and making jewelry out of semi-precious gems. He was a perfectionist who didn’t consider something done until it was done right. Frank enjoyed landscaping, gardening and many enjoyed his tomatoes, dahlias, and peonies. He traveled the Continental United States several times both in a Ford Van and a Volkswagen Vanagon that he had customized himself. He was quiet, reserved, and given a challenge he would tackle just about anything.

He was the beloved husband of sixty-five years to Julia (Rogala) Locarno; devoted father of Michael Locarno and his wife Lisa of Kinnelon; cherished grandfather of Nicholas and Jennifer Locarno; dear brother of Gloria Locarno of Melbourne, FL and the late Hugo Locarno.

Christopher R. Blake, age 62, died on Thursday, December 19, 2013. He was a resident of Wayne since 1979.

Chris was born in Oakland, California and grew up in Rochester, New York. In his early 20’s, he landed in Boulder, Colorado, and enjoyed living there for a few years. He took a job in Boulder with Time-Life as a telephone salesman and he really found his niche. Chris was truly a great people-person, charismatic, and a very good salesman. He quickly became a top sales rep, earning awards and great bonuses. Time-Life promoted him and he went to Alexandria, Virginia to be trained as a manager. A management career really didn’t suit his style and right at that same time a new opportunity presented itself. His grandfather offered him expense-free living at his home in Wayne, NJ as long as he would help to maintain the house. Chris took him up on it and enrolled at William Paterson College, pursuing his education. After graduation, he immediately began a Master’s degree program at NYU, followed by his Ph. D. In 1991, Chris landed his dream job as a professor at Fordham University. He has been a professor of finance for twenty two years there. His fellow faculty, administrators, and the students all contributed to his wonderful experience. He attended conferences around the world and enjoyed every bit of his time at Fordham.

While living in Boulder, Chris met Lisolette “Lilo” (nee Ebermann). She truly deserves credit for helping to get him focused on his life and career. When they first started dating, he struggled just to get himself out of bed and motivated in the morning. They married on January 24, 1976 in their Boulder apartment and thus began a lifelong honeymoon for both of them. When they moved to NJ, Lilo supported him while he went to college, pursuing his education. She knew he was bright and once his energy was focused, he excelled in everything he did. His career flourished. They took advantage of every opportunity to travel and have been throughout Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Majorca, cruised the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama, Hawaii, and much more. Although Lilo will certainly miss him dearly, they were able to squeeze many wonderful memories and good times from their thirty seven years together.

Chris is survived by his devoted wife Lilo, his step-son Rudy Riepl and his wife Tina of Longmont, CO, his step-daughter Anita Innis of Los Angeles, CA, his two brothers; Andy Blake and his wife Kiki of Rochester, NY, and Ben Blake and his wife Leena of Cary, NC, and three nephews; Michael, Alex and John, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Alice Rizzo (nee Platt), age 78 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, December 18, 2013. She proved to be a fighter having had a kidney transplant in 1997 and endured numerous other health problems. 2013 was a difficult year with several hospitalizations. She had been an insurance representative with Hanson & Ryan in Totowa. She worked there during the 50’s and 60’s, then took a hiatus to raise her two daughters before returning to work again in the 80’s and 90’s. Combined, she enjoyed thirty years with Hanson & Ryan; the only job she ever had.

She was raised in Paterson and lived there before moving to Wayne in 1967. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne for nearly forty years. She will be noticeably missed in the last row of pews, off to the left. She always enjoyed chatting after Mass with the small crowd that would gather around. Alice was grateful for all the people, church friends and others, who expressed their concern for her over the years, whether it be a phone call, a visit, or a card.

Alice met her husband Edward Rizzo on a blind date, set up by her cousin Nathalie. They had both grown up in Paterson. They married on April 1, 1967 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Paterson and enjoyed thirty eight years of marriage before Ed passed in 2005.

Alice enjoyed traveling and especially visiting the casinos. She would limit herself to $20 which, more often than not, ended up as a ‘contribution’ to the casino. She also enjoyed traveling, which was usually to visit wherever Lisa was living at the time. She had the pleasure of many nice vacations to places such as Florida, California, Las Vegas, Tennessee, Charleston, Chicago, and Niagara Falls just to name a few. Judy and Lisa are both very appreciative of the way that their parents were so involved in their formative years. Their mother and father were presidents of the PTO at James Fallon Elementary School and Alice served at their Brownie Troop leader, always trying to come up with fun activities to keep the girls intrigued. The girls are also grateful to their parents for the sacrifices they willingly made to provide each of them with good educations.

Alice is survived by two daughters; Judy Rizzo of Wayne and Lisa Rizzo and her husband Gwynn Brandon of Burlington, NC, and her step-grandchildren; Alex Brandon and Austin Brandon and Austin’s fiancé Taylor. Alice was predeceased by her husband Edward in 2005.

For those wishing to make a donation in Alice’s memory, please consider the St. Barnabas Foundation Kidney Transplant Fund. The staff there took wonderful care of Alice over the years, since her kidney transplant in 1997, and she became very close with many of them. Checks should be made payable to “SBMC Foundation” and mailed to 95 Old Short Hills Rd., W. Orange, NJ 07052.

John L. Martin, age 68, of Westwood, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 following a brief illness.

He was born in Passaic, NJ and was raised in Clifton, Cedar Grove and Little Falls. He was a graduate of Passaic Valley Regional High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University ’68. He retired in 2007 from his career as a Certified Public Account, most recently as the Treasurer of J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc. of Hackensack. He was a member of Eclipse Lodge No. 256, F&AM and was a Past Patron of Eclipse Chapter No. 226 OES. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Westwood where he served as Vestryman and Warden for a number of years. He enjoyed freshwater fishing and spending time with his wife and family, especially when he could vacation on a lake and do both at the same time.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Spilker) Martin; his son, Dr. John (Jay) L. Martin and his wife, Carol, of Weston, WV; his son, Ben Martin, and his wife Liza, of Park Ridge; his brother Ray, and his wife, Dorothy, of Little Falls; sister-in-law Marie of East Rutherford; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Lenore and Leonard Martin, and brother Wilbur.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church-Accessibility Project, 9 Harrington Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675, or Catch A Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) for Kids Foundation (a public charity that joins volunteers who love to fish with populations with special needs), 297 S.W. 41st St., Renton, WA 98057 or www.castforkids.org.

Arrangements by Vandermay Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, Wayne.