Johanna Leckel (nee Birkhoff) age 98 of Wayne, formerly of Paterson, died Friday, December 7, 2012.

She was born in Passaic and lived in Paterson for most of her life before moving to Wayne.

For many years she was a member of the Union Avenue Baptist Church in Paterson where she sang in the choir. She enjoyed crocheting and truly enjoyed playing Bingo.

She was the beloved wife of the late William Leckel(1979); devoted mother of Joan L. Menshon and her husband Edward of North Haledon, David Leckel of Highland Lakes, Robert Leckel and his wife Sandra of Kissimmee, FL and Richard Leckel and his wife Geraldine of Wayne; cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Heart Association, 604 Wheatfield Court, Flemington, NJ 08822 American Heart Association would be appreciated.

Hortencia Maria Tafuri, of Clifton, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 7, 2012.

She moved to the United States thirty years ago having worked for Becton Dickinson in both Brazil and the USA and then for ADT for many years. Hortencia loved to dance and it was through her love of dancing that she made many wonderful and long lasting friendships.

She was a member of the Soroptimist of Passaic Valley for several years. She also loved to take the bus to New York City and go to Brazilian restaurants, movies, shopping, and Broadway shows. Ms. Tafuri was a woman “on the go”.

Hortencia was predeceased by her parents Antonio and Judite (Magalhaes) Tafuri, and her sister Leila Magalhaes Tafuri.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Barnabas Health Care System Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, N.J. 07052 would be appreciated.

Mary A. Lotito age 86 of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, died on Wednesday December 5, 2012.

Mary was born in Tolve, Italy and her mother passed away when she was just one year old. She came to America with her sisters in 1934 and they were raised by their aunt in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. A few years after graduating high school, Mary moved to New York City with her identical twin sister Lucy and began schooling to become an X-Ray technician. She enjoyed a career at the New York Hospital and during that time she met several notable dignitaries, actors, actresses, and heads of state that came through the X-Ray department.

Mary met her husband Frank in New York. They were married on June 25, 1955 and honeymooned in Florida and Cuba for one month. They settled in Brooklyn and Queens before buying their first home in Elmont, New York. She became a full time mother and raised their three children there. She and Frank traveled a bit and Mary even visited Italy a few times. She went back to work in 1977 and held a position as medical secretary for a physician in Franklin Square until she retired in 1999. She and Frank then moved to Columbus, NJ. They enjoyed fifty two years together before he passed in 2007. Thereafter, she moved to Cedar Crest Village to be closer to her daughters and truly enjoyed her time there. She made many new friends, played canasta, enjoyed socializing, and best of all - she reconnected with her cousin, Ann, whom she was previously unaware had been living there, too.

Mary’s children recall what a great gardener Mary was, growing vegetables, tending to her fig trees, and how especially good she was at growing orchids. African violets and orchids were her forte and there are several in her home today. She often played canasta several times per week with her friends at Cedar Crest. She liked spending time with her children, all of whom she was always very proud of, on the weekends. They enjoyed an amazing orchid show at the New York Botanical Gardens, a Broadway play (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!), and great restaurants in New York City. One of her favorite foods was lobster and her daughters surprised her with a Lobsterfest for her birthday in 2010. Mary was also a big Yankees fan, always watching the games on television and rooting for Derek Jeter. Her family took her to first game at the new Yankee Stadium in 2010 and, even though they lost to the Red Sox that day, she had a wonderful time and the family has memories from that night to cherish for a lifetime.

Mary is survived by her three children: Rosemarie and her husband Keith, Frank and his wife Victoria, and Stephanie; one grandson, Brett; her twin sister Lucy and her husband Rod; her brother-in-law, Pat; and her husband’s sisters and brother, Lee, Ann, and Pat. Mary was predeceased by her husband Frank in 2007 and her sister Antoinette in 2010.

If friends so wish, memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 or to Valley Hospice Foundation, 223 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 would be kindly appreciated.

Frieda (Fredericka) Conover (nee Mackiewicz) age 87 of Convent Station, formerly of Hawthorne, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 4, 2012.

She was born in Simpson, Pennsylvania, where her father (Paul/Pawel) and mother (Cecelia) resided. When Frieda was a teenager, her mother and her two sisters relocated to Passaic, New Jersey. Her mother found work in the mills, and Frieda and her sisters would work as models in New York City. Upon her marriage in 1947, she lived in East Rutherford with her husband and then moved to Hawthorne in 1949. In 2007, she moved in with her daughter, Holly.

Frieda was a loving and caring Mom who found great joy in witnessing the accomplishments of her daughter. She was also extremely proud of her grandson Paul Conover-Shumlas who was a monumental joy in her life. Every time she saw Paul, her eyes would light up with delight. She enjoyed gardening, walking, good conversation with dear friends, reading, and writing journals – keeping several going at the same time as she was meticulous about documenting everything. Frieda also enjoyed music, dancing, and travel, with her favorite destination being Bermuda. The special shadow and aura of her love and kindness will always be just to Holly's and Paul’s left or right. Frieda will always be remembered by Holly as a very dedicated and devoted Mom who was always there for her throughout life's many adventures. Her dear friends will remember her whimsical sense of humor and her compassion and sensitivity to their needs.

Frieda was the loving wife of the late Dorsey Conover (2006); cherished mother of Holly Conover of Sparta; devoted grandmother of Paul Conover-Shumlas of Sparta; dear sister of Amy Zober of Huntington Beach, CA and Loretta Alex of Andover, NJ. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Those planning an expression of sympathy, in proud "Mom's" (as her grandson called her) memory, are asked to consider contributing to Paul's college fund (PO Box 230, Sparta, NJ 07871), or making a donation to St. Kateri Tekawitha, 427 Stanhope Road, Sparta, NJ 07871.

George Massoud, age 84 died peacefully on Monday, December 3, 2012.

George was born in Jaffa's Gate, Palestine and had been a resident of Wayne for many years before moving to Manchester NJ. Prior to retirement he enjoyed a long career as Warehouse Manager with MGM Transport of Totowa.

Surviving are his beloved wife Gloria; his two dear daughters: Marie Spratford of Tomball, TX and Christine Kowalski and husband Mark of Bayville, NJ; five grandchildren: Michael, Steven, Angela, Mark, Jr., and Christopher; and nine siblings: Joseph Massoud, Josephine Faris, Georgette Kamburov, Juliette Burke, and Raymond, Robert, Nabil, John and Pierre Massoud. George was predeceased by his brother Paul.

Carmela C. De Brock, age 79 of Pompton Plains died on Saturday, December 1, 2012.

Carmela was born in New York City and moved to Paterson when she was a young girl. She graduated high school from St. Joseph’s with the class of 1951. Shortly thereafter, while working at the State Employment Office, Carmela met Charles De Brock. Their first date was to see a Rock Hudson movie and they fell in love. They married at St. Anthony’s RC Church in 1955 and enjoyed a honeymoon to the Pocono’s. Their fifty seven years of marriage together included equal parts love, spontaneity, forgiveness, and generosity.

Carmela was a wonderful cook and Charles especially loved her linguini with clam sauce. She was a terrific baker too, and her grandchildren loved her cookies. The kitchen was her domain and when she was cooking, you had better stay out of the way! She was also very creative around her home and kept Charles busy with a constant stream of projects. She loved decorating and never allowed her home to become ‘dated’. Sewing was also a passion of hers and she was exceptionally good. Carmela created a wedding gown for her daughter, and all of the bridesmaid’s dresses based merely upon a hand-drawn sketch. She had great talent and her old trusty sewing machine was a fixture around the house.

Carmela’s faith was strong and she was an active volunteer at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Pompton Plains where she served as a Eucharistic minister for several years and served meals to the homeless. She also volunteered at Chilton hospital in many capacities and her children recall that she used to go to the homes of families with disabled children and help to teach the babies how to crawl. She was a selfless woman with a big heart and generous soul.

Carmela is survived by her husband of fifty seven years, Charles, five children; Theresa Rink and her husband Donald of Wanaque, Christopher De Brock and his wife Laura of Towaco, Lisa Kane and her husband David of Kinnelon, Eileen Schissler and her husband Mark of Flanders, and Paula Messina and her husband Christopher of Pompton Plains; twelve loving grandchildren: Erica Rink, Brandon Rink, Christopher DeBrock Jr., Kelsy DeBrock, Kyle Kane, Troy Kane, Sean Kane, Kristen Schissler, Heather Schissler, Kaitlyn Schissler, Sierra Messina and Chas Messsina; five sisters: Gloria Fahmie and her husband Mike of Florida, Ida Treto and her husband Angel of Florida, Norma Barbieri and her husband Anthony of Colorado, Chickie Migliaccio and her husband Pat of Mahwah, and Marguerite Glentz of Garfield. She was predeceased by her sister Josephine many years ago.

Jane Ann Savastano, age 65, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on Friday, November 30, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 6, 1947 in Shamokin, PA. She was a resident of Hawthorne, NJ for 35 years, prior to moving to Sarasota, FL. Jane was a devout Christian and an amazing woman who touched everyone she met in her own special way. Her happiest times in life were when she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Prior to retiring in 2010, she was employed with State Farm Insurance Company in Parsippany, NJ for 43 years.

Loving mother of Lisa Savastano and her husband Paul Massood of Wayne, NJ. She was also survived by her brother Carl Parry of Tavarese City, FL; along with many nieces, nephews, countless friends and her faithful dog Brownie.

Antoinette Noury, age 87 of Clifton and formerly of Paterson, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 27, 2012.

She was born in Aleppo, Syria in 1925. In 1976 at age 51 she came with her husband George and three sons to the United States, joining their other four sons and one daughter who preceded them to this country.

Antoinette was a life-long faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Armenian Catholic Church of Little Falls. She participated tirelessly in functions and fund-raising endeavors in the church. With her life example she instilled the love of God, of the church and of the family in her eight children, twenty-eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In 1993, she was named Mother of the Year.

Surviving are her daughter Zaka Khiami and husband George of Clifton, seven sons: Constantine and wife Emelda of Oakland, Elias and wife Rita of Midland Park, John and wife Gladys of Wayne, Albert and wife Maha of Upper Saddle River, Fouad of Clifton, Fayez and wife Amal of Franklin Lakes, Jimi and wife Sandra of Tuxedo Park, NY, twenty eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, her sister Josephine Kalousie of Clifton and her two brothers: Tony and Joseph Hajjar both of Aleppo, Syria.

Antoinette was predeceased by her beloved husband George K. in 2004.

Hendrik Cornelius Rijkse age 82 of Wyckoff, formerly of Wayne, died Monday, November 27, 2012 at home.

He was born in Bilthoven, Netherlands and came to this country of May 15, 1956 settling in Maple Shade New Jersey and lived with the family of Hank Groot who had been Hank’s best friend in Holland. He worked seven days a week as a baker at a local diner. Within a few months Hank returned to Holland to get married but his fiancé didn’t want to come back to the United States with him. He proceeded to walk out the door of her house and never saw her again. He returned to the United States and again lived with the Groot family He met his future wife Marilyn Jaasma through friends and their first date was to a drive-in movie. When Hank dropped her off at home he was very impressed by how neat and clean her family home was. A short while later they went on a second date and after just one month from their first date Hank asked Marilyn to marry him in her backyard. They were married one month later on October 10, 1959 at the Second Reformed Church in Little Falls by Reverend Lendrink. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls and throughout New England. After they were married they settled in a home on Haines Place in Singac where they lived for eight years. Hank worked for the Motorolla Corporation as a Field Engineer for radioactive instrumentation from 1967 through 1982 when he retired. In 1967 they moved to Giannone Road in Wayne where they lived before moving to the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff.

Hank was very devoted to his Christian faith and was a member of the Second Reformed Church in Little Falls from 1958 through 1987 where he served as Head of Deacons for many years. He later was a member of the Preakness Valley United Reformed Church in Wayne where he was proud to have help with the video set-up for broadcasting church services through cable television.

Hank was the loving husband of fifty-three years to Marilyn Rijkse (nee Jaasma); loving father of Donna Lee Veenstra and her husband Gerald of North Haledon, Lisa Ann Dykstra and her husband Donald of North Haledon; dear brother of Wim Rijkse of New Zealand; grandfather of Andrew, Allison, and Adam Dykstra, Alyssa, Kelsey, Brianne, and Jenna Veenstra; brother-in-law of Ed and Dot Jaasma of Colts Neck.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Christian Health Care Center, 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 would be appreciated.

Brian T. Smith, age 48 of Pompton Lakes died on Sunday, November 25, 2012. Brian died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson after a brief illness.

Brian grew up in Wayne and graduated from DePaul High School with the class of 1983. He worked for a few brief years at American Cyanamid in the 1980’s before striking out on his own as a tile and marble contractor. He has been tiling all around North Jersey for more than twenty five years and his handiwork can be found in hundreds of homes.

Brian met his wife Maureen Concha when they were just young kids growing up in Packanack Manor. They lived next door to each other and began dating when they were teenagers. Maureen was literally ‘the girl next door’ and their families were always socializing together. They married on September 2, 1990 at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne and enjoyed a fantastic reception at the Birchwood Manor. Their two week honeymoon included Disney World and a Caribbean cruise. Cruising became Brian’s favorite way to vacation, not just for the relaxation and sailing, but for the endless buffets! He could eat all day and never seemed to gain weight. His dream-come-true would have been to enjoy a vanilla milkshake with every meal.

Brian was also part dare-devil and enjoyed anything that went fast and provided a good adrenalin rush. He loved to ride his motorcycle, snowmobiles, jet skis, and he used to have a boat on Greenwood Lake. He had gone cliff diving before and was even known to have jumped from a famous bridge in North Jersey, down to the rushing water below. He absolutely loved a good thrill - he lived for them, and enjoyed many.

Brian was also a gifted athlete. He made the Wayne PAL All Stars as a pitcher many years during his childhood and he used those great skills to coach his daughters when they began playing softball. Being a dad was one of Brian’s favorite roles and he loved coaching his girls and they loved having their dad as their coach. He was a devoted volunteer in Pompton Lakes and chaperoned for the ski trips to Mountain Creek each week. He was a selfless, kind, generous man who would literally give you the shirt off his back – even if it was his last shirt. He will surely be missed by his loving family and many dear friends.

Brian is survived by his loving wife of twenty two years; Maureen, two daughters Brittany and Samantha of Pompton Lakes, his parents; John and Eileen Smith of Ocean Pines, MD, his sisters; Kathleen Fazzio of Millington, NJ, Patricia Napolitano and her husband Thomas of FL, Maureen Kreider and her husband Thomas of New City, NY, one brother; Timothy Smith and his wife Sarah of Mountainside, NJ, his father-in-law Alan Concha of Wayne, brother-in-laws Alan Concha, Jr. and his wife JoAnne of Lincoln Park, NJ, Joseph Concha and his wife Jean of Hoboken, NJ, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was recently predeceased by his mother-in-law Bonnie Concha in March of 2012.

In lieu of flowers, a fund is being established to assist Brian’s daughters with their education. Please make checks payable to "Alan Concha" and mail to: Mr. Alan Concha, 2 Matthew Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Ellen Fallon, age 90, passed quietly into eternal life at home on Thursday, November 22, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 20, 1922 to Samuel P. and Mary (Stemmer) Whitty in West Paterson, she graduated from St. Bonaventure’s High School, Paterson.

During WWII she followed her three brothers, three brothers-in-laws and her future husband, William J. “Bill” Fallon into the military where they served for the duration. After completing Marine Corps basic training she served as a flight instructor at MCAS Cherry Point, NC where she was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant. She and Bill were married while on leave in August 1944 and when the war ended they started a family and moved to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne.

While raising her three oldest children she worked as a Phys Ed teacher at Saint Bonaventure’s High School, Saint Mary’s High School, Benedictine Academy in Paterson, and DePaul High School in Wayne. When her youngest son reached school age, she went to work in the US Postal Service where she retired in 1990 as Supervisor of Station and Branch operations at the Packanack Lake office.

Throughout her life she remained devoted to her family, her church, and her country. She was a founding member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish where she and Bill were active in the Holy Name Society, the Councils of Catholic Men and Women, the Rosary Society, the PTA and the CYO. She was an active member and supporter of the Parents Association of Saint Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing and she served as president of the Parents Association of DePaul High School. She was also active in the Lazarus Group which provides support and comfort to the recently bereaved.

Extremely proud of her own and her family’s record of military service, she enthusiastically supported veterans causes for more than 65 years. She belonged to the Raymond Pellington Post 77 of the American Legion and later served as Commander of American Legion Post 333 in Hawthorne, the only all women’s post in Northern New Jersey. She was the last surviving WWII member of Women Marine Association, NJ2 Col. Ruth Chaney Streeter Chapter.

She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband of 37 years, Bill, sisters Florence (Ulrich), Ruth (Paans), and Margaret (Donnellan), and her two older brothers Eddie and Sam.

She is sadly missed by daughters Paddy Fallon, Maureen Ferrara and her husband Charlie, son William Fallon Jr, all of Wayne, NJ, son George Fallon and his wife Betsy of Stockholm, NJ and foster son William Hanley of Florida and his wife Nicole and daughter Gabby. She is also survived by her brother Leo Whitty of Vernon, NJ and sister Marie Devenney and her husband Joseph of West Paterson, NJ, five grandchildren, Amanda Fallon, Chuck Ferrara and his wife Laura, Joe Ferrara and his wife Lisa, Katie Ferrara Macones and her husband Jay, Tonia Bowman and her husband Shawn, six great-grandchildren, and scores of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Valley Hospice, c/o Foundation Office, 223 North Van Dien Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 or the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.

Robert Wright Earle “Bobby” --- The angels finally came & delivered Bobby to paradise on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 after a valiant fight against cancer that spanned nineteen long months. He died with his wife and daughter next to him in his own bed, in the room he slept in since his birth. His home, his heritage and his love for this beautiful place was what defined him and we thank God he had the chance to die here, in his own way.

Bobby was a graduate of Wayne Valley High School class of 1972. He was a muscle car enthusiast, a Zappa fan, a horseman, a builder and in his later years, a master carpenter. In 1978, he along with his brother Geoffrey established Earle Brother Construction and built numerous homes in Northern New Jersey. They were awarded the National Builders Association award for Builders of the year in 1991. Since 1998, Bobby was the sole proprietor of Structural Arts in Wayne, NJ, expanding on his incredible talent for fine woodworking. Many homes in Northern New Jersey contained his masterful fireplaces, built-ins, coffered ceilings and raised panel millwork. God’s gifts to him were many. The talent in his hands, a winning smile, a kind and loving heart and the ability to collect friends with every hand he shook. His soul was just under the skin, visible to all who met him. He was truly a unique person and a friend to many. He was a dedicated and loving husband, and a doting dad.

Left behind to mourn the loss of this larger than life man, are his wife of twenty-two years, Paula (nee Dodge) Earle and their greatest achievement, their daughter Kaitlyn Rose Earle, twenty years of age. Also, his brothers Kevin B. Earle of Phoenix, Arizona, brother-in-law Robert Peterson, and Geofrey S. Earle of South Jersey. His nieces and nephews, Elizabeth and Brad Earle, Amie and Jenny Dodge, Susan, Brian and Scott Dunham. His cousins Rose Ferraris, Stephanie Carr and Paula Theisen. He was predeceased by his parents, Rose (Masseroni) Earle in 1999 and George A. Earle in 1965.

Also surviving to mourn his loss are those friends closest to his heart, his inner circle, John Kruse, Jimmy Chappa, Allan Forgione, Doug Lasnick, Brian and Sandy Donovan, Beth, Roger and Brianna Smith and Suzanne Conti. They carried us through this Journey.

The family would also like to thank his many friends who stepped up from the time of diagnosis, and never stopped supporting us emotionally, spiritually and when needed, financially. Since the beginning of this journey, we have referred to them as “Bob’s Army of Angels”. There are too many angels to name, but they know who they are and we are eternally grateful for their love and dedication to Bob’s fight.

In his final days, a new circle of good Samaritans developed around us. They are the team of Life Choice Hospice, who granted his last wish to die at home. We extend our deepest gratitude to Debbie, Mark, Karen, Cathy, Jack, Dorothy, Maureen and Olga for making that possible.

A special thanks to the nurses, doctors and the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s name to Life Choice Hospice, 65 East Route 4, River Edge, NJ 07661.

Peter Kraus, age 68 of Wayne died suddenly on Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

One of two children, Peter was born in Aussig, Germany during World War II to Franz and Hilde Kraus. Soon after birth he and his family were sent to the concentration camps. His mother, anticipating the inevitability of this unfortunate event, began to hide oatmeal in the lining of his baby carriage bed. When the soldier came to take them away, she feigned an injury and asked if she could transport baby Peter in the carriage. By doing so, she was able to supplement for the lack of nutrition that they all would experience in the camp. After the war, Peter’s family was moved to an American-occupied farm in Munich, Germany. As a child, he developed a habit of sleepwalking. It was not uncommon for his parents to find him sleep-walking in the barn. At age ten, his father took a job in Palisades Park, NJ and the family emigrated to the United States.

As a young man, Peter served in the Army National Guard during the 1960’s. He loved his cars and while in The Guard, he purchased his first car…..a bright metallic blue 1965 Pontiac GTO. He later purchased a 69 GTO but his Chevy Chevette got the honors for his favorite car story. Eventually that Chevette grew old and started getting holes in the floor which, on rainy days would make his pants wet as he drove it to work. Upon arrival he would go straight to the men’s room and dry them on the hand dryers. The Chevette was also used one day to purchase lumber to build a deck. The weight of the lumber caused the roof to collapse!

In 1988, Peter was introduced by a friend to Susan Dammassa. They went on a blind date to Bennigans in Fairfield. After the date, Peter excitedly told a friend, “I’ve met the love of my life!” So much was he struck by the love bug that he began exercising on the treadmill just to look his best for her. They became instant soul-mates and this coming December ninth; they would have celebrated 22 years of marriage and some of the best years of their lives!

He enjoyed a long and gratifyingly prosperous career of 35 years as an aeronautic engineer with Singer Kearfott and BAE Systems where he retired three-and-a-half years ago. Retirement was no problem for Peter. It just gave him more time for endeavors he had already been enjoying for years – gardening, computers and photography. Peter’s home-grown tomatoes were so delicious, he could often be seen eating them in the garden like they were apples. Some of his other favorite crops included zucchini, cucumbers, string beans and lettuce. Peter gave his children, Jeffrey and Denise, their first computer, a Commodore 64 for Christmas in the early 1980’s. He was probably more excited about it than they were and over the years computing became a most enjoyable hobby that fed the engineer in him. He loved to take pictures too and presently had over 100,000 photos stored on his computer. His enjoyment of photography was just a reflection of what he loved and valued most in life, namely, his wife, children and grandchildren, flowers, butterflies, and all manner of God’s beautiful creation and all things Disney. He loved Disney! In 1993, Peter and Sue purchased their first RV and over the ensuing years, numerous trips were made to Disney Land and other destinations such as Acadia National Park in Maine in Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. At home, he especially enjoyed his vast Dept. 56 North Pole Christmas Village of over 200 pieces as well as his Dept. 56 Halloween Village.

Peter will be fondly remembered as a man who loved the companionship of family and friends. He was very giving and protective and in times of need, he was just a phone call away. He could fix anything and was often called for help. He and Sue lovingly welcomed Sue’s father into their house for nine years as he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Peter’s care of his father-in-law during that time was fantastic! Peter’s children will always remember some of their favorite childhood memories of Dad, cutting the grass with shorts and dress socks on, chasing neighborhood kids who threw snowballs at the house and trips going skiing and white water rafting. His grandchildren were his life and he especially enjoyed the simple activity of snuggling with them on the couch and watching a movie—Disney, no doubt, among others.

Peter was a man of great faith which increased in recent years as he and Sue attended bible study together at Holy Angels Church in Little Falls. He especially enjoyed the studies from the gospels as well as the one on women of the bible and the letters of John.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife Susan; his dear son Jeffrey and wife Maria of Kansas City, MO; his dear daughter Denise Jurewicz and husband William of Vernon; his six cherished grandchildren: Kaitlyn Kraus, Justin and Vincent Colley, and William, Benjamin and Kayla Jurewicz; his dear sister Doris Durmer of Brewster, NY and his nieces and nephews.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Peter’s name are asked to consider the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018 or Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, 473 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424.

Edgar Thomas Hutcheson passed away on November 17, 2012 after several years of serious illness. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on July 2, 1917 as the only child of Thomas and Hanah Hutcheson. He is survived by his wife Catherine (nee Burgett) Hutcheson whom he married on September 15, 1951 in Genoa City, Wisconsin. Edgar came to America as a young boy with his parents. His parents passed away at an early age and Edgar lived with an aunt and uncle in Chicago. He served for four and one half years in the United States Air Force during WW II.

He moved to Wayne in 1963 from Wheaton, Illinois.

Edgar was and active worker at the Grace Church in Clifton, NJ for many years. He worked for Weco Products in Chicago which later merged with Chemway Corporation which became Berlax Labratories located in Wayne. He worked a total of fifty years as an accountant.

He received his formal education at Nazarene College in Olivett, Illinois and then at North Western University in Chicago.

He lived an exemplary life of faith and perseverance despite the growing restraint of advancing age.

He was blessed with and extended family of nieces and nephews and the closest of friends that loved and embraced him as their own.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 would be appreciated.

Carol A. Chryscine, age 60 of Wayne, died on Friday, November 16, 2012 after a one year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Carol was born in Jersey City and moved to Haledon with her family when she was just four years old. She graduated from Manchester High School with the class of 1970 and went on to the Katherine Gibbs School in Montclair and enjoyed a career as an administrative assistant. She was employed with Singer Kearfott, American Cyanamid, and later at Wyeth in Wayne and Parsippany. She retired from Wyeth in 2000.

She married Peter Chryscine in 1982 and they have enjoyed thirty years together.

Carol was really all about family. She remained very close with her sister Michele, her brother Mike, and her parents. Her cats were certainly part of her family as well and she was a true “cat lover”.

Carol is survived by her loving husband Peter of Wayne, her parents; Michael and Emilia Frank of Haledon, her sister Michele Frank of Oak Ridge, NJ, and her brother Michael Frank of Haledon, and her cat Sam.

Memorial donations in Carol’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714, or the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 417290, Boston, MA 02241-7290.

Nina M. Hand (nee LoBuono) age 86 of Boonton Twp. died peacefully on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at home.

She was born in Brooklyn New York and raised in Cliffside Park New Jersey having lived in Lyndhurst, Lionshead South in Brick Township and Victoria Mews in Boonton Township.

When she was in her youth she worked at Montgomery Ward in New York City as a secretary and met William Joseph Hand.They fell in love and married on February 27,1949 at the Church of the Epiphany in Cliffside Park. They enjoyed a loving and caring marriage for forty-one years before William’s passing in 1990.

Nina had many fond memories of her years at Lionshead South in Brick where she had many friends, traveled extensively and enjoyed bocci, bowling, and playing cards. She also enjoyed the friendships and activities at Victoria Mews in Boonton Township.

She was the loving wife of the late William Joseph Hand; loving mother of Christine DeGarcia and her husband Frank of Wayne, Frank Hand and his wife Astrid of Jamesburg, Gina Berardi and her husband Gary of Wayne, and David Hand and his wife Amy of Ottawa, OH; cherished grandmother of Frank DeGarcia and his wife Erin, Dana Cestone and her husband Gary, Patrick Hand, Christopher Hand, Alyse Berardi, Daniel Berardi, Erica Hand, Meagan Hand, Sierra Hand, and Declan Hand; loved great-grandmother of Allison and Frank DeGarcia, Valerie Cestone, and Kennedi Hand; dear sister of the late Rosalie Safar, Joseph LoBuono, and Ralph LoBuono.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101 would be appreciated.

William H. Sturcke, age 92 of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2012.

Bill was born in West Hoboken, New Jersey and raised in Jersey City. Right out of high school, Bill began working for Westinghouse as an electrical draftsman with their elevator division. When World War II broke out, Bill joined the US Navy. He trained as an Electrician’s Mate and served with the Seabees in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, he returned to Westinghouse and enjoyed a career there that spanned more than fifty years.

Shortly after returning home from the Navy, Bill was introduced to Dorothy Eggeling by a mutual friend. Just four weeks later, Bill pulled his car over on Century Road in Paramus and proposed right there. They were married on May 3, 1947 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Montreal.

Bill and Dot first settled in Maywood and then Rochelle Park before moving to Wayne in 1965. They traveled together to Germany, England, Ireland, France, Italy and Monaco. They have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of more than sixty-five years.

Bill’s favorite hobby was stamp collecting. He was also interested in genealogy. Bill enjoyed working around the house, doing yard work and home improvement projects.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, his three children; Bill Sturcke, Jr., and his wife, Trudy, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Audrey Marciniak of Kinnelon, and Arlene Jakubik of Wayne; four grandchildren, Karen Blanco and her husband, Marcos, of Odessa, Florida, Kristen Morado and her husband, Jaime, of Moorpark, California, Matthew Jakubik of Boston, Massachusetts and Katherine Jakubik of Wayne; and three great-grandchildren, Brendan, Ryan and Jenna. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Sturcke.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Bill’s name.

Born on September 19, 1920 in Jefferson City Missouri, Mildred was welcomed by parents Louis and Almira Wolff who had previously lost Mildred’s (2) brothers (Herbert and Harold) to childhood diseases. After graduating Jr. College in Jefferson City, Mildred completed her studies at the University of Missouri at Columbia where she received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in 1942. Mildred moved to Sullivan Mo. where she taught third graders.

Friends Maureen, Gerri and Mildred attended U.S.O. sponsored dances and it was at one such event that Mildred met N.J. native Roy who was stationed at nearby Fort Leonard Wood where he was preparing for eventual deployment to Europe with a unit of Army Combat Engineers. When Roy returned after V.J. day having served in Germany, France and the Phillipine Islands, Mildred and he were married in Jefferson City on February 10, 1946. Their first home together was in Prospect Park N.J. where Mildred taught school and Roy resumed his career in banking.

In 1952, Mildred and Roy and their son Roy L (1950) moved into a house they built on Jean Terrace in Wayne; as yet a relatively sparsely populated community consisting of farms and a few residential areas with narrow, sometimes unpaved roadways. Daughter Shirley Jean was born days after the move was completed. Mildred gave birth to Valerie Esther in early 1957 and Mildred’s mother Almira came to live with the family in 1959. Her mother’s help with the sometimes obstreperous children made Mildred’s return (during nineteen sixties) to teaching positions in Little Falls and Wayne possible.

In addition to homemaking duties and employment, Mildred found time to be active in her church (Preakness Baptist) where she was a charter member (1956), a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Womens Missionary Fellowship. Mildred’s spare time activities included stamp and coin collecting, knitting, gardening and reading.

Canyons, geysers, mountains, glaciers and gorges were among the natural wonders that Mildred enjoyed viewing with her family during annual summer jaunts. Other trips to many historic sites helped to sate her curiosity and helped to educate her children who some times thought that more time should have been spent at beaches, campground lakes or in motel pools instead. Recent trips with her husband included a Safari in Kenya (1999) and a snowmobile caravan in northern Canada to see polar bears (2005).

Mildred took joy in nurturing her (4) grandsons born to daughter Valerie and son-in-law Ray in 1988. (Calvin M.) 1991, (Timothy F. ) 1994, (Bennett N.) and 1996 (Donovan T).

Mildred and Roy’s move to Cedar Crest Village in 2001 led to the development of many new friendships. Mildred’s final days were spend peacefully enjoying time with family and the beautiful Ramapo Mountain vistas from her Cedar Crest home from which she passed on to her reward on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. She will be fondly missed. We are fortunate to have benefitted so greatly thanks to her good cheer, serenity and love.

Michael R. Giangiobbe, age 89 of Wayne died on Wednesday, November 14, 2012.

Michael was born in Brooklyn and graduated from New Utrecht High School with the class of 1941. Shortly thereafter, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served for three years aboard the USS Nields DD 616, a destroyer. He sailed throughout the Pacific Theatre including the battle for Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in January of 1946.

In 1945, Mike was introduced to Edith Cavalleri. Their first date was a waterfront stroll along the Shore Parkway in Brooklyn. They were married on June 8, 1947 at St. Frances De Chantal RC Church in Brooklyn followed by a romantic honeymoon on Lake George. They first settled in Brooklyn and then moved to Wayne in 1961. They enjoyed sixty five years devoted to one another.

Mike was employed as a pressman, working in the newspaper printing industry throughout his career. He was with the Newark Star-Ledger and the Newark News for nearly thirty years before retiring. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed gardening in his yard, and raising pigeons. As a kid and during the time he lived in Brooklyn, racing pigeons was a favorite pastime of his but he lost interest after moving to Wayne. He and Edith also enjoyed taking day trips into New York City or out to the Pocono’s.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Edith of Wayne, his son John and his wife Mary of Haskell, NJ, his dear sister-in-law Ines DeVito of Lakewood, NJ, and two sisters; Louise Perkins and Muriel Nistico, both of Lakewood, NJ. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Delbalso of Long Island in 1983.

Nancy M. Strumolo (nee Mazzuca) age 79 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.

She was born in Newark and raised at 123 Parker Street in Newark having graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1952.

Her first job was at the Kearfott factory in Newark where she worked on the assembly line for $3.00 per hour. She then dedicated herself to raising her five children. Once her youngest daughter went to school Nancy went to school to become a hairdresser. She also worked at the Saw Mill Furniture Store in Marshalls Creek PA for several years.

She met her husband Alfonse Strumolo when he was in college and she was working at the Franklin School in Newark’s Community Center for extra money. She spied Alfonse attending a dance at the Community Center and asked a guy friend to subtly introduce them. The friend walked up to Alfonse and said “this is Nancy” and walked away. Their first date was to Nancy’s family home to teach Alfonse to dance. They fell in love and it only took three years for Alfonse to propose marriage. He asked her to marry him in June and in October enlisted in the US Army Infantry serving in Korea. They married on March 23, 1952 at Saint Michael’s Church in Newark and had a three day honeymoon in New York City.

Their first home was 119 19th Street in East Orange where they rented the upper floor of the house to a family who had kids that would constantly bang on the floor. Their second home was 126 Beech Street in Nutley where they lived for five years. Their third home was 7 West William Street in Lincoln Park, fourth was 53 Burnside Place in Wayne where they raised their family. Their fifth home was in East Stroudsburg where they spent twenty-eight years before returning to Wayne in December of 2011.

Nancy loved to bake and was an excellent Italian cook; her special touch on meatballs, homemade ravioli, manicotti, lasagna, baked ziti, and rigatoni will be greatly missed.

Nancy was the loving wife of Alfonse Strumolo; devoted mother of Diane Markley and her husband Walter of Riverdale, Peter Strumolo and his wife Maribeth of Wayne, Detective Sergeant Alfonse Strumolo and his wife Kerrie of Wayne, Ralph Strumolo and his wife Dona of Jefferson, and Lorraine Penton of East Stroudsburg, PA; cherished grandmother of twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; loved sister of Lucy DeBoasio, Nancy’s twin Ralph Mazzuca, Esther Maione, and the late Tessie, Katie, Louie, Pauline, Angela, Johnny, Sam, Joe, Vera, Louise, and Gloria.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 would be appreciated.

John, J. “Jack” McKeown, age 80 of Lakewood, NJ and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.

Jack was one of four of John and Grace McKeown’s children, born and raised in Paterson near St. John’s Cathedral. As a child he attended St. John’s Grammar School and later, St. John’s High School where he was part of the 1949 state champion St. John Ramblers varsity basketball team while his wife-to-be was captain of the cheerleading squad.

Following graduation from high school, Jack took a job with The Great Atlantic Pacific Tea Company. After work, he’d customarily get together with his buddies and eventually they all decided to join the U.S. Navy. Enlisting in 1951 during the period of the Korean Conflict he served in France, Denmark, England, Copenhagen and the Caribbean.

Upon his return to the United States, Jack made a call from Norfolk, VA to that captain of the cheerleading squad he never forgot from high school. Her name was Margaret Lyness but everyone called her Alice. Their first date was December 31, 1951…..New Years Eve! They enjoyed a wonderful evening of celebration and first date excitement at the Northwood Dinner Club in Butler. That date lead to more dates, and eventually to engagement followed by a marriage ceremony on September 5, 1953 at St. George Parish on Getty Ave. in Paterson with Monsignor Brestel officiating. Following the ceremony and reception, the young newlyweds honeymooned for three days at the Paradise Valley Lodge in the Poconos before settling down in their first home at 70 Genessee Avenue in Paterson.

With his days of service to his country behind and with his new wife by his side, Jack returned to his work at the A&P. The family eventually moved to Rosedale Ave. in Clifton where he and Alice welcomed and raised their son Jack in 1954 and Kathleen in 1957. Jack continued to ascend the ranks at the A&P working his way up from store clerk to store manager in Westwood all the way up to director of management information systems at the corporate level. The McKeown’s eventually moved to Wayne and after 31 his years with the A&P Jack took a position with National Cash Register (NCR) where he served as a financial consultant until fully retiring in 1994.

There is a Chinese proverb that says “A family with a grandfather has a living treasure of gold.” Jack was that treasure of gold to his four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He loved each one of them passionately and to him they were the treasures of gold. One of the favorite memories of Jack was a little event that he called “Donut Day.” Every Saturday, Jack would take his grandchildren to mass at his parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Wayne. After mass, they were off to the Packanack Lake Bakery for donuts and then to the little candy store next door. Jack knew every detail of his grandchildren’s lives, in some cases even more than their own parents knew. After retiring, he coached the two youngest grandsons, Danny and Tommy at the Wayne Boy’s Club for basketball. He would call them regularly, even when they were in college! He was most proud of knowing that his granddaughter Jennifer received her Masters in Education while one of his grandsons, Daniel had become a lawyer and his other two grandsons Brian and Thomas were presently in law school.

Jack enjoyed good food, good friends, watching television—especially Giants, Yankees and Notre Dame games, any golfing event, and cowboy western movies. Throughout his life he enjoyed his many dogs: Rascal, Kelly, Daisy and Isaiah. He enjoyed good times vacationing with his entire family, most notably on trips to Puerto Rico and the 50th wedding anniversary cruise to Nova Scotia. So great was his love for the ocean, in 1998, he and Alice moved to Lakewood, NJ, right across the street from his brother Bob and his wife Marie. His other brother Jim and wife Jay would visit frequently! Jack loved this as they all enjoyed a very special and close relationship.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Alice (Lyness), his dear daughter Kathleen and husband Brian McGrady, his four grandchildren: Jennifer Tafuri and husband Nicholas, Brian McGrady and wife Elaine, Daniel McGrady and wife Jessica, and Thomas McGrady; his two great-grandchildren: Michael and Brandon Tafuri; and his two brothers and one sister: James and wife Jay McKeown of Wayne, Robert and wife Marie McKeown of Lakewood, and Florence Cronin of Vernon. John was predeceased by his son John J. McKeown in 1976.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory to Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 0750, would be appreciated. For more information and a photo visit www.vandermay.com.

Susan Grale age 93 of Wyckoff, formerly of Clifton, and Wayne, died Sunday, November 11, 2012 at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff.

She was born in Passaic and raised in East Rutherford having graduated from East Rutherford High School with the Class of 1937. Once married Susan lived in Lyndhurst and then Clifton for forty-eight years having lived in the Siena Village in Wayne before moving to the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff for the past three years. It is there that she received comfort and loving care from the dedicated staff in her final years of life.

After high school Susan worked for Becton Dickinson in Rutherford and later worked for the Hoffman La Roche Corporation in Nutley as the receptionist. She was the first person you would meet once in the door and she had the perfect personality for it. She worked there for twenty-four years and when she retired at the age of 74 the company didn’t want her to leave.

Susan met a handsome young man named Walter T. Grale at a dance held at the Passaic Armory. They fell in love and married on June 7, 1940 (her daughter shares the same anniversary) at the Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church in Passaic. They enjoyed twenty-nine years of loving marriage until Walter’s passing in 1969. After his passing Susan prided herself on maintaining the family home, whether it was cutting the lawn, raking the leaves, or even cleaning the gutters, she was up for the challenge.

Susan enjoyed cooking and baking. Her specialties were apple pie, chocolate cake, lemon meringue pie, and her famous cheesecake. Holidays at her house were always a special treat!

Another of Susan’s passions was travel. Whether it was with her sisters, co-workers, or the Travel Club of the Passaic YMCA she traveled extensively.

Susan always had a smile on her face and a funny story to tell. She was always concerned about others and she always made sure you had enough to eat! Her laughter and love will surely be missed.

Susan was the loving wife of the late Walter T. Grale(1969); devoted mother of Patricia Ingrassia and her husband Eugene; cherished grandmother of Jeffrey Ingrassia and his wife Regina of Red Bank, and Christie Vanaria and her husband Matthew of Pompton Plains; great-grandmother of Sierra, Michelle and John Vanaria; devoted and loving aunt of Kimberly Rallo and Deborah Scott. Susan predeceased by five dear sisters.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ 07205-2400 www.njfoodbank.org would be appreciated

Jim G. Brinkerhoff, age 50, died suddenly on Sunday, November 11, 2012.

Jim was born in Passaic, NJ, the youngest of six children to James and Barbara Brinkerhoff. Jimmy, as he was affectionately known, grew up in Wayne and more recently lived in Montville.

Jimmy loved life and was an incredibly generous giving person with a heart of gold! He loved his present work as custodian with Pines Lake School, Wayne where he had worked for the past ten years. He loved food! But especially, he loved to help others, whether it was clearing their snow or leaves, getting them something from the store, walking their dogs, or most recently, helping with a generator, ice, water, making a fire or anything else he could do for those in need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy! Jimmy’s idea of relaxation was helping others.

As a child he played Wayne little league baseball and basketball for the T-Bowl Barbers. He loved to ride his mini-bike and quads. But at an early age he also learned a whole lot about something he came to love….working with his hands. When he was just twelve years old, he and his sister had their own little thriving lawn-cutting business. They had six customers, all with three-quarter plus acre lots. The good news was, they were all on the block where the Brinkerhoffs lived. Jimmy would use Dad’s ride-on and Terry took the walk-behind. They made six dollars for each lawn they cut and out of their profits they just had to pay Dad a small maintenance fee. They thought they were rich! It was formative to Jimmy’s development and from that time forward, he was known for being a hard, conscientious worker. As a young man and throughout the years he also worked for Christman Excavating, Prestige Paving and G.I. Auto Salvage.

Jimmy found great joy in eating! He was never known to miss a beefsteak dinner where his idea of a good night was seeing how tall he could make the bread tower. He also loved to take his Godchildren James and Jacqueline Brinkerhoff out to eat and they loved that too. Some of their favorite places included Zorba Greek Restaurant (affectionately referred to as “that Gyro place”) in Wayne, Moe’s in Parsippany, Five Guys Burger and Fries in Wayne and various diners throughout the area. For dessert treats, either Cups Frozen Yogurt in Clifton or Rita’s in Pequannock were destinations of choice. Dunkin Donut’s stock price was healthy due to Jimmy’s frequent visits for what he referred to as “my steamy” (aka, coffee).

Jimmy’s Godson James was known affectionly by Jimmy as "Marty". He taught his Godson everything he knew including the lawn business, log splitting, and lending a hand to anyone in need. Jimmy attended every single game that James played for the Ramapo College varsity soccer team. He spent just as much time with his Goddaughter Jacqueline, especially enjoying times out together to eat and he attended all of her dance recitals. Jimmy was “Uncle Jimmy" to all of James’ and Jacqueline’s friends.

Jim is survived by his five beloved siblings: Lori Talerico and husband Leonard of Highland Lakes, Dawn Itjen and husband Douglas of Forked River, Lynn Krowska and husband Walter of Riverdale, Terry Gaffey and husband Joseph of Pompton Plains and Gary Brinkerhoff of Montville; his beloved sister-in-law Patricia Brinkerhoff of Montville; his cherished nieces and nephews: April, Amy, Lenny, Doug, Candace, Heather, Amber, Walter, Lee, Joseph and Kailyn; and his cherished Godson and nephew James and cherished Goddaughter and niece Jacqueline. He was predeceased by his loving father and mother James and Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142, would be appreciated.

Thelma M. Fernicola (nee Graham), age 90 of Wayne, died on Thursday, November 8, 2012.

Thelma was born in Cleveland, OH in the fall of 1922. The oldest of two children born to Clarence (1974) and Carrie (1978) Graham and a child of the depression, life had its challenges and Thelma’s family wasn’t spared. Her mother would make dinner for the family…..four pork chops…..two for her father, one each for her brother and herself and her mom would get the scraps from the bones if there were any. There were good times though too. Thelma’s father would take her to Cleveland Indian and Cleveland Brown games. It was at a Browns game where Thelma once had the great pleasure of meeting one of the team’s all-time great quarterbacks, Otto Graham. It wasn’t his fame that impressed her though; it was the fact that his last name was the same as hers!

Thelma’s last name didn’t stay Graham forever. She fell in love with a neighborhood friend named Albert Nowack and, in July of 1945, they married and she became Thelma Nowack. She enjoyed married life and together, Albert and Thelma welcomed their little baby girl. But six weeks into Sharon’s little life, tragedy struck in the Nowack family as Al died suddenly in an industrial accident at the concrete company where he was employed. Now a widow Thelma and Sharon moved back home with her parents and Thelma returned to her former job in order to provide for herself and her little baby girl.

Thelma had a friend who needed to go to New York City to see a specialist. Being the good friend that she was, Thelma decided to support her friend and travel with her for the doctor appointment. While waiting in the waiting room, Thelma struck up a long conversation with a young man who was at the same doctor being treated for injuries sustained while fighting during World War II. That young man’s name was Albert Fernicola. Thelma fell in love with the second Al in her life and they married on October 16, 1949 at St. Mary’s Church on Union Ave. in Paterson. After marriage, Al and Thelma settled in Paterson moving to Wayne in 1950 where Thelma remained until her passing. During their life together, the couple was blessed with the birth of four boys: Anthony, Albert, Alan and Robert.

Life in the Fernicola house was full of love with Al, the children and many dogs throughout the years, including Boots, Buffy, Foggy, Lady and Allie (Allie survives her and is very upset at her passing). Thelma got the dogs for the kids but she always ended up loving them the most. She loved them so much that when Robert moved out and took Foggy, she made Robert bring him back! The children were taught the necessary disciplines of life. They were awakened early every morning, even if they were out late the night before. She would often send them up Church Lane to the local Grand Union to get the ingredients for that night’s dinner. Like her mother before her, Thelma made sure her children’s needs came before her own. She was strict and could often be heard saying “whatever your name is, come here,” but even that came from a loving desire that her kids learn the responsibilities of life that often bring success.

In 1975, Thelma went to work for Celebrity, Inc. in Paterson as a bookkeeper. She stayed there until she retired in 1984. She loved to sew, knit, and complete crossword puzzles. Counted-cross stitch was a special talent she possessed. She loved taking care of her grandchildren so that her own children could work. A day with Grandma would be filled with TV, music, coloring books and crayons.

Thelma’s cousin Kathy Graham had engaged in a tenacious pursuit of the Graham family ancestry. That pursuit is credited with paving the way for Thelma becoming a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was linked back to her ancestor John Lockwood who fought in the Revolutionary War and was extremely proud of his place in history!

Thelma’s life was firmly grounded in her faith. She was one of the founding parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church of Wayne and a woman who prayed faithfully every day! She had countless prayer cards from friends and loved ones. She saved every one so she could pray for each person. As she grew older, it was difficult for her to attend the wakes of those who had passed. She would always ask one of her kids to be sure to bring home a prayer card so she could pray for the person. Even if it was someone her kids knew but she didn’t, she would pray. Her attitude was, “if they were important to one of my own children, then they were important to me.” Thelma also had a giant stack of other written prayers which she prayed faithfully. Great is her reward as she basks in her Lord’s loving arms!

Thelma is survived by her five loving children: Sharon La Scola of Wayne, NJ, Anthony V. (Butch) Fernicola and wife Onelia (Nini) of Corpus Christi, TX, Albert G. (Gray) Fernicola of Wayne, NJ, Alan M. Fernicola of Wharton, NJ and Robert J. Fernicola and wife Cindy of Haskell, NJ; eight dear grandchildren: Melanie, Amy, Brian, Lori, A. J., Taryn, Amber and Christine; her precious great-granddaughter Carlina; her dear sister-in-law Vida Graham of Oklahoma City, OK; her dear cousin Kathy Graham of Pine Brook, NJ; and her dear niece Tamar Graham-Scott of Oklahoma City, OK.

She was predeceased by her beloved first husband Albert W. Nowack in 1947, her beloved second husband Albert S. Fernicola in 1990 and her brother Robert E. Graham in 2009.

Edward F. “Fred” Weiss, Esq. age 76 of the Packanack section of Wayne died Thursday, November 8, 2012 at home.

He was born in Paterson having graduated from Xavier High School, New York City with the Class of 1954. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross with the Class of 1958 and finally his Law degree from Columbia Law School with the Class of 1961.

After graduating from Columbia, he joined his father at the law firm of Weiss & Delucia with offices in Paterson and Wayne. The firm eventually moved their offices to Wayne where Fred was joined by his brother, Robert G. Weiss and eventually his son Peter F. Weiss. Fred practiced law for over forty years at the family firm founded by his father.

Fred was a Past President, and career long Trustee of the Passaic County Bar Association. He served as Township Attorney for the Wayne Township Board of Adjustment for several years. He was a former member of the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne, the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, and the Hamilton Club in Paterson. He was a founding member and Past President of the United Givers of Packanack Lake in Wayne.

He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne where he served as Eucharistic Minister.

Fred met the love of his life Susan Walker while still in high school. They married on August 29, 1959 just after Fred graduated from college. They lived on East 88th Street in New York City while Fred attended law school. In 1962 Sue and Fred moved to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne where they have lived for the past fifty years.

Fred was the loving husband of Susan (nee Walker) Weiss; loving father of Katherine “Kate” DiSabito and her husband David of East Longmeadow, MA, Edward “Ted” Weiss and his wife Katharine of San Francisco, CA, Peter Weiss and his wife Susan of Wayne, and Alfred Weiss and his wife Sarah of Forest Grove, OR; cherished grandfather of David, Anna Rose, Anthony, Joseph and John DiSabito, Heather and Brian Weiss, Hunter and Colin Ryan, Thomas and Rosemary Weiss, Sophia, Helena, and Irene Barbour-Weiss; loved brother of Robert G. Weiss and his wife Anita of North Haledon; dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, N.J. 07474.

Prodromos Siris, age 79 of Lincoln Park, died on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

One of seven children, Prodromos was born in 1933 to Vasilios and Zouboulia Psiris in Kardamena, Kos, Greece.

Following graduation from high school, Prodromos attended Prometheas, a technical school where he received training to be a ships mechanic. He then joined the Royal Navy of Greece where he served as a ship's mechanic.

With very little money in his pocket and seeking opportunity and fortune, Prodromos emigrated to the United States in 1956. With the help of his cousin, Irene Romeo, he met his future wife in Washington Heights, New York. Her name was Haido Tsonos and it was love at first sight! With little money in their pockets but allot of love in their hearts Prodromos and Haido were married on May 8th, 1960 at the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in New York. The young couple settled in Washington Heights and started a family. Their 1st born was Bill and a year later Leo, their 2nd born, was born.

Prodromos opened up his 1st business, a luncheonette, in the Wall Street area of New York City. Over the ensuing years, Prodromos enjoyed a long prosperous career buying, operating and selling various restaurant and fast food establishments. He was the first in his family to come to this country and make it easier for others to follow; he taught other family members the restaurant business and they eventually moved on to start and succeed in their own food establishments. Prodromos was a profoundly generous man who was known for working hard and sharing the fruits of his labor and experience with his fellow man. One of his greatest joys was training and helping other family members from his native Greece to get started in their own food establishments and become as successful as he was.

A man of deep spiritual faith, he loved to give gifts to various Greek organizations including the churches in Greece and the USA. He never forgot his roots and left a generous amount of money to the school in his hometown of Kardamena, Kos, Greece.

Prodromos was an active member and officer of various Greek-American social organizations representing immigrants from his native land; they included the Koakos Syllogos Hippocrates and AHEPA.

Throughout his life Prodromos travelled to many destinations all over the United States, Canada and Europe, but he especially loved trips to the tropical islands. His passion was his family first and his friends just as close as first! The Siris house was always host to numerous family get-togethers.

Prodromos is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Haido; his two loving sons: Bill and Leo; and his two sisters and one brother: Xrisi Hatzimihalis, Maria Vasilidis and Nikos Siris, all of Greece.

Joan A. Roome, age 69 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, November 2, 2012.

Joan was born in Brooklyn, NY. She lived there until she was fourteen years old, moving to Wayne in 1957. Joan welcomed the move to New Jersey with her family - her parents Frances and Martin, her brother Martin and two sisters, Dolores and Evelyn, all of whom pre-deceased her.

Once settled in Wayne, Joan caught the eye of Michael Roome. He would see Joan each evening when he picked up his father at the train station. Michael eventually got up the nerve to ask her out and they began dating. She wore his class ring on a chain around her neck and they went steady for a few years before getting married on May 2, 1964. They honeymooned in Pennsylvannia and then settled into a home in Pequannock that Michael had bought for them just a few weeks before their wedding. They had their first of three children; Michael and Kristine. They moved to Highland Lakes in 1972 and a few years later their third child, Sally, was born.  They raised their children there, spending a lot of good times at the lakes.  They returned to Wayne in 1999.  Joan and Michael have enjoyed forty eight years of marriage, and more than fifty years together, at each other’s side.

Joan loved the beach and family vacations were most often down to the Jersey Shore. Day trips to Sandy Hook or a week in Sea Isle City always made her happy. Crabbing was one of favorite activities and she was happy to teach her children and grandchildren how to catch crabs at the shore. Her family is truly her legacy and all she really worried about; her husband, her children and her grandchildren. When her grandchildren came along, you could see just how much she loved babies, and how much she loved being their “Grams”.

Joan was also a devout Christian. She was raised Catholic in Brooklyn and recalled from her childhood when the nuns taught her how marvelous and wonderful Heaven would be and she never forgot that. She had most recently been attending services at the Philadelphia Church in Oak Ridge and her faith in Jesus Christ only grew stronger. Surely she is enjoying her reward in Heaven today.

Joan is survived by her beloved husband Michael of Wayne, her son Michael and his wife Laurie of Succasunna, NJ, her daughter Kristine Roome-Lecamp and her husband Jean-Pierre Lecamp of Stamford, CT, and she was “Grams” to a total of five grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; Matthew, Melissa, William, Rebecca, and Kaden Roome, Aaron, Zachary, and Noelle Rowe, Bryce, Carey, and Jon-Luc Lecamp.

Donations in Joan’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the National Fibromyalgia Research Association, P O Box 500, Salem, OR 97308 or visit www.nfra.net or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

Kathleene Margaret Grada Bandera …. Grandma Kathy left us way to soon … on Thursday November 1st 2012 at the young age of 68 surrounded by the love of her family and all of her many dear friends!

Mary and John Grada brought Kathy into this world on September 29th, 1944 in Baltimore Maryland. Kathy grew up on the east coast, a short time in Florida and a lifetime in Maryland … a graduate of Bel Air High School … Kathy then attended a 2 year college … followed by a fun filled career in sales ranging from Bosch Power Tools to Glidden Paints and finally California Patio! She truly loved working with the public!

Kathy married Frank Bandera on June 14th 1980 filling her life with an instant family of four children! She loved life spending all her spare time outside of work with her family and traveling the world! Kathy’s favorite hobbies … shopping, dressing elegantly, always the perfect lady, having fun, gardening, and saving anything and everything with four legs! Her love for animals was unsurpassable!

Kathy created wonderful memories that will live on through her husband Frank, her children Trish and Doug Gornall, Lesa Johnson, Frank and Lisa Bandera, Pam and Chris Carroll her grandchildren; Brittany & Christopher Gornall, Kylea & Tyler Johnson, Brandon & Jacquelyn Bandera, Logan, Braiden, Devan & Payton Carroll her siblings Jeanne and Sam Pantano, Liz Grada, Phil and Jill Grada, Johnny Ray Grose, Marilyn and Richard Hirata her nieces and nephews; Justine, Jillian, & Piper Grada, Annie and DW Parks, Mary and Jon Estes, and Chelsea and Charles Calabrese, David, Brent, Dorothy and Katelyn Hirata, last but not least her adoring cats … Izzy and Maddie!

On Thursday November 8th at 11:am St. Mary’s Church located at 17 Pompton Avenue in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey will be the setting for Kathy’s Memorial Service. Following Kathy’s church service will be a gathering of friends and family at Momentos Restaurant 374 Morsetown Road West Milford, NJ 07480 (973) 728-9613

From Kathy’s lips to your ears …. Be grateful for all the good things in life; it helps with all the not so great times in life!

Janet N. Heider, age 85 of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, November 1, 2012.

Janet was born in Paterson and grew up in Little Falls. During her early career, she was a telephone operator at the Mountain View offices of Bell Telephone in Wayne. On one particular day, Janet and the other operators were on strike and they were all sitting in the middle of the road, causing a bit of a traffic hazard. A handsome young police officer was called in to remove the ladies from the road and once she laid eyes on Wayne police officer George Heider, the rest was history. They fell in love and were married in 1948 at the St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Little Falls. They enjoyed forty three years together before George passed in 1991.

Janet and George settled in Wayne in 1950 and she’s been living in the same house for sixty years. She served for over twenty years as a crossing guard at the Our Lady of the Valley School on Valley Road during the 1960’s and returning during the 1990’s as a school bus driver, transporting special-needs children in the ‘blue bus’.

Janet and George traveled a bit and especially enjoyed their time at Daytona Beach in Florida. They also enjoyed trips to Cooperstown, NY and even a road trip to Texas.

Janet was actively involved in helping homeless pets, especially cats, throughout the years. She was a “Homeless Tails” volunteer, working with abandoned, stray and orphaned animals, bringing food and water to the animals throughout the area. She more recently had been donating to ROAR, a rescue operation for animals of the reservation in Oklahoma. She absolutely loved cats and even as she was declining in the hospital, her main concern was for her pet cats at home – that they would be properly cared for in her absence. She was truly dedicated to their wellbeing.

Janet is survived by her loving family; son George and his wife Lynn, her daughter Barbara Pidgeon and her husband James, her grandchildren; Erin Heider, Christopher Pidgeon, Amy Giorgi and her husband Gian, and Jacklyn Heider.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Janet’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider Hospice of NJ, 400 Broadacres Drive 1st Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 or ROAR, P.O. Box 3760, Broken Arrow, OK, 74013.

Amir N. Badaan, age 68 of Wayne, died suddenly while in London, England. Amir was in route to visit his mother in Lebanon.

Amir’s legacy begins in the town Haifa, which was a once part of Palestine. Beirut, Lebanon then became home to his family of six brothers and one sister until 1969, in which time Amir and two of his brothers journeyed to America. The foundations that Amir initially built became the cornerstones for the family he was to eventually create. In 1973, Amir was introduced to Carol Rasmussen. After being married two years later, Wayne became their hometown of 37 years, where they raised their four children, Jennifer, Jaime, Jeffrey and Amira.

Traditions and togetherness encompass two qualities Amir instilled into the Badaan Family. Decorating Easter eggs, trick-or-treating, and lavish Christmas decorations were all a part of the Badaan Family traditions. Amir experienced each holiday with the wonderment of a child and was thrilled to eventually have his grandchildren, Judith Ann, RJ, Brendan and Brayden, to share in the experiences all over again. Whether carving a pumpkin or visiting Santa, four grandchildren were blessed to have their Jidu there for it all.

Amir’s strong love for tradition and family emanated throughout his professional life as well. Upon arriving in America in 1969, Amir and his two brothers lived in Paterson, where he was an accountant. Amir and his two brothers also began selling handbags, eventually creating Badanco Enterprises Inc.- one of the largest manufacturers and providers of luggage and handbags in America. With their headquarters in Totowa, NJ, Badanco also produced bags and luggage for many designer labels. Each of Amir and Carol’s four children had the opportunity to learn from their father’s strong work ethic and experience it first hand when they became old enough to go to work with their dad. After some work in the office, a ride on the golf cart around the warehouse was a treat. Those early experiences with Amir’s work ethic instilled a set of values that Jennifer, Jaime, Jeffrey and Amira carry on today.

Amir loved to travel. Summers were spent in Wildwood Crest on the Jersey Shore and large family vacations were planned, where everyone was included. In a quest to see the world and experience as much life and culture as possible, Amir and his family traveled to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Amir’s warmth extended past his family to his friends and to the friends of his four children. Amir created an open house atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable and happy. Amir is survived by his wife Carol, his four children; Jennifer Diminni and her husband Russ of Short Hills, Jaime Beatty and her husband Christopher of Summit, Jeff and his wife Courtney of Wayne, and Amira Badaan and her fiancé Jake of Wayne; his four grandchildren; Judith Ann, RJ, Brendan and Brayden; his mother Nadimeh and his late father Nayef Badaan of Lebanon, six brothers; Marwan Badaan and his late wife Ihsan of Riverdale, Hany Badaan and his wife Barbara of Kinnelon, Mounir Badaan and his wife Halina of Kinnelon, Samir Badaan and his wife Terese, ZouZou Badaan and his wife Nada, and Noni Badaan and his wife Rita, each of Lebanon. He was predeceased by his sister Amira in 1980.

AnnaMarie Fritts (Coccari) age 67 of Wayne died peacefully Wednesday, October 31, 2012.

She was born in Paterson having lived in West Paterson and Little Falls in her youth. She graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the Class of 1963. AnnaMarie continued her education at Monmouth College in Long Branch where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with the Class of 1967.

Her career started with the Wayne Board of Education where she taught Second Grade at the James Fallon School. She took a leave of absence when she had her first son and returned to the Wayne Board of Education where she taught Third Grade at the Pines Lake School. Again she took a leave of absence to have her second son followed by having her third son. After the boys were a little older she found employment and worked her way up to Manager of the Telecommunications Department with the Interactive Marketing Group in Ramsey. After several years she left to care for her ailing mother Frances Coccari who passed in March of 2010.

AnnaMarie was extremely dedicated to her sons and could often be found helping as a class mom or joining other parents in neighborhood playgroups. In her spare time she enjoyed reading.

She was dedicated to her Catholic Faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne.

AnnaMarie and Thomas Fritts were down the street neighbors but met years later when Tom returned from the serving in the military and found a job at the corner gas station. He flirted with AnnaMarie when she would come to the station, and soon they were dating and fell in love. After Tom made a formal request, with AnnaMarie’s parents for her hand in marriage, they married on October 23, 1971 at Holy Angels RC Church in Little Falls. They have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage for the past forty-one years.

AnnaMarie was the loving wife of Thomas Fritts; devoted mother of Thomas Fritts, Jr. and his wife Monique of Titusville, Florida, Brian Fritts and his wife Janet of Florham Park, and Sean Fritts and his fiancé Corissa of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Collin, Deja, Nathan, Sophia, Aubrey and Ryan; loved sister of Frank Coccari of Watertown, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lymphoma Foundation, 115 Broadway, Suite 1301, NY, NY 10006 (212)349-2910 www.lymphoma.org or the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 (973)586-4300 www.alz.org/nj would be appreciated.

Thomas Elm, Jr. age 88 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Monday, October 29, 2012 with the comfort of family by his side.

Thomas was born in Paterson to Thomas and Rose (Sorrentino) Elm and graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1942. After graduating from High School he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Army Air Corps with the 13th Bomber Squadron. After serving his country he worked at the Elm Auto Parts Store, founded by his father, at the corner of Oliver and Marshall Streets in Paterson. He ran the store until the early 1980’s while he simultaneously worked for the Paterson Parking Authority. He eventually worked his way up to being Commissioner of the Paterson Parking Authority. For a few years, before fully retiring, he served as a Realtor for Masters Realty in Wayne.

Always civic minded Thomas ran for Passaic County Sheriff in 1968 having lost to Frank Davenport. He was a member of the Pascarello Bradel Post 187 of the American Legion in Paterson where he served as Commander. Later he served on the Wayne Town Council and eventually served as Council President.

Tom was a fun loving person with a great sense of humor. With his humor he had a special way of making people feel comfortable around him. In his spare time he enjoyed square dancing with the Wayne Spinning Wheels having traveled extensively with them. His love of travel also brought him all over the world including trips to China, Europe, Sweden, several cruises, and Caribbean Islands. Another of his hobbies was gardening. He enjoyed plants, flowers, pruning, and transplanting all around his yard. He also had a soft spot in his heart for dogs. He will be greeted in heaven by Sidney, Fannie Mae, Bunky #1, and Bunky #2. His daughter Rosanne’s dog Isabella was lovingly keeping an eye on him throughout Tom’s last days.

Tom was the loving husband of Marilyn (nee DeGise) Elm (1986); devoted father of Nancy Lindstrom and her husband Roy of Wayne, Jean Elm of DelRay Beach, Florida, and Rosanne Buckley of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Eric , Christopher, and Timothy Lindstrom, Danielle, Matthew and Nicole Buckley; loved brother of the late Jean Cammarano (2009), and great grandfathter of Taylor Lindstrom.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Margaret Cockett (nee Van Allen), age 96 of Wayne and formerly of Hawthorne, NJ died peacefully in Oakland on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

Margaret was born in Paterson and graduated from East Side High School with the class of 1934. She married Richard Cockett on January 13, 1935 and they settled in Paterson where they lived until moving to Hawthorne in 1952. After fifty eight years of marriage, Richard passed in 1993 and Margaret then moved to Wayne, living in Brittany Chase.

Margaret is survived by her loving son; George Cockett and his wife Jean of Wayne, her four grandchildren; Nancy Reinke and her husband Gary of West Milford, Barbara Stienstra and her husband Peter of Bloomingdale, Beth Burt and her husband Michael of Oakland, and Lynn Cockett of Huntingdon, PA, six great-grandchildren; Ryan, David and Anna Stienstra, Jenna and Steven Burt, and Hannah White, and one nephew; Robert Davis of Ringwood. She was predeceased by her husband Richard in 1993, her sister Ethel Davis of Delray Beach, FL in 2005, and one nephew Paul Davis in 2007.

Donations in Margaret’s memory to the Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 would be greatly appreciated.

Marjorie “Margie” D. Erianne, age 87 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

Marjorie was born in Jersey City on Sunday, October 4, 1925. From her infancy, Marjorie’s father Charles Keane raised her and her older brother Charles, but when she was eight years old, her father passed away and she went to live with her Aunt Margaret, in the Bronx.

As a young woman, her life in New York City afforded Marjorie the opportunity to work at the front desk of the famous New Yorker Hotel in Manhattan. She met a nice young man named Andrew Erianne. So nice was he that they married on September 4, 1948 and soon after, the couple moved back to Jersey City where they welcomed the birth of Dennis, their firstborn son. The family moved again to West Paterson where they embraced the birth of two more children, Donna and Robert. The Erianne’s moved one more time to the town of Wayne where Margie remained to the present. As the years ticked off the calendar, Margie dedicated her energy to the loving care of her family and home. Andrew would win many vacations through his work in the appliance store he owned. As a result, the family travelled to many wonderful destinations including Rome, Japan, Switzerland and Spain.

With the raising of the Dennis, Donna and Robert for the most part complete, Margie returned to the workforce and began a career with Singer Kearfott Corporation, Little Falls in the spare parts receiving department. It would be a place that she would go to every day for the next ten years. She loved those years and she enjoyed the respect of colleagues who appreciated her for the conscientious, thorough effort she gave to her job responsibilities. Many days, she would stay late at work to make sure everything was just right, even though she received no additional compensation for it. “She always said, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”

Following a corporate takeover at Kearfott in which Margie was laid off, she dedicated herself again to the care of her family, this time, specifically acting as full-time nanny for her grandson Andrew. She assumed this responsibility from the time he was born until he was five years old.

Margie had a charitable heart. She loved donating to those in need and some of her favorite charities included St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Smile Train which helps children born with cleft, and various veteran charities. She also loved to follow national politics, spending hours watching coverage on MSNBC.

Surviving are her three children: Dennis of Woodland Park, Donna Hoffman and husband John of Wayne, and Robert and wife Denise of Wayne; three grandchildren: Andrew, Sharon and Suzanne; and her great-granddaughter Ava. Marjorie was predeceased by her beloved husband Andrew in 1991.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org, would be appreciated.

Elizabeth Manus (nee Watson), age 94 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at home with her children and grandchildren by her side.

Elizabeth was born in New York City and had lived in Wayne for fifty years.

She is survived by her three daughters: Pamela Voll of Galloway, NJ, Donna Burrell and her husband Bob of Morris Plains, NJ, Elizabeth Dockray and her husband Richard of Wayne, NJ; her son Peter Manus, Jr. of Salt Lake City, UT; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Elizabeth was a homemaker and in later years she worked at Fairleigh Dickinson Extension Library in Wayne and for Sales Talk.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Elizabeth’s name are asked to consider Passaic Valley Hospice, c/o The Valley Hospital Foundation, Inc., 223 North Van Dien Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Arrangements by the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Robert J. Gordon, Jr., age 53 of Lambertville, died on Friday, October 26, 2012.

Bob grew up in Pompton Lakes and graduated from Pompton Lakes High School with the class of 1976. He earned a full scholarship for Performing Arts and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University.

Bob began his career in 1980 as a session and studio musician, playing piano and keyboards. During the 1980’s he also played at The Stone Pony with several New Jersey bands such as The Nines, who enjoyed a bit of a cult following, and Glen Burtnick. His talent quickly propelled him into the rock scene and he began touring around the world with popular bands and performers of the day; too many to list individually and most of them famous. While on tour with Robin Beck in Germany, Bob decided that after ten years in the business, it was time to try something new and he simply walked away from his music career. He left rock and roll behind, but held on to all the great memories and experiences he had enjoyed along the way.

He began his second career at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton where his work ethic allowed him to advance rather quickly. He became Director of Records for the hospital and enjoyed nearly fourteen years there before resigning in 2010. His passion for music was strong and he had started to write songs, completing nine of them, and composing music too. He would often tell his mother how lyrics would suddenly just come to him and he would write them down as fast as he could. Sometimes while driving, he would have to pull over and write the words down. Sadly, he became ill just one year ago and was unable to record any of his songs before his passing.

Bob also enjoyed playing pool with his friends and taking trips to Atlantic City. He particularly liked the Borgata and loved to take in the shows while he was there. The performing arts were simply in his blood, a part of him, and he enjoyed watching a good show. He also enjoyed good food and gourmet cooking.

Bob is survived by his beloved mother, Betty Ann Gordon of Little Falls, NJ, his niece Sascha Niemiec of Little Falls, his uncle John Stewart and wife Ruby of Shreveport, LA, three aunts: Della Conti of Wayne, Annette Conti of Totowa, and Elsie Conti of Pequannock, as well as many dear cousins. Bob was predeceased by his father Robert, Sr. in 2002 and by his sister Joann Niemiec in 2009.

Bob was very close with his sister JoAnn and losing her to ovarian cancer in 2009 was difficult for his whole family. Bob would greatly appreciate that those planning an expression of sympathy in his memory please consider the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Inc., 2010 West Chester Pike, Suite 300, Havertown, PA 19083.

Brian Michael Sendak, age 55 of Wayne, died peacefully with his loving family by his side on Friday, October 26, 2012.

Born in Passaic, he was raised in Wayne where he continued to be a resident for the past 50 years. Brian was a very imaginative and creative young lad, and would often times go to bed wearing his cowboy boots.

Brian was a generous, kind and giving person. It was these very qualities that led him into his profession as a licensed practical nurse with Preakness Healthcare Center in Wayne.

He met his beloved wife Fazia in 1986 while attending Passaic County Vocational Technical School in Wayne. Their relationship started as friends when Brian invited her to a Bible study. They spent the whole night talking and Fazia recalls her first impression…..Brian’s uncanny penchant for making her laugh! Two weeks later, he asked her out again. This time, wanting to impress Fazia, he made dinner reservations for two at Marjorca Restaurant, a suave Spanish eating establishment in Passaic. The food didn’t necessarily impress but they really connected that night. Brian and Fazia continued to see each other in class and they would talk for hours after school on the telephone. Gradually, their relationship turned from like to love and in December of 1989, Brian bought Fazia a teal dress for Christmas. Inside the box, a note was enclosed which simply read “more to come.” A few weeks later, swearing to keep her eyes closed the whole way, Brian drove Fazia to the Highlawn Pavillion in West Orange where upon opening her eyes he presented her a beautiful engagement ring and asked for her hand in marriage. They married on May 6, 1990 at The Malboro Inn in Montclair N.J and honeymooned in Charleston South Carolina.

Settling into married life, Brian and Fazia made their home in Wayne. From helping to care for his disabled father George to making it a priority to check on his elderly neighbors and friends, Brian continued to live up to his generous, kind and giving reputation. Early on in the marriage while Fazia was working in Passaic, Brian showed up many days as she was getting out of work to make sure that she was safe. In 2004 they welcomed their precious daughter Grace into the world and Brian quickly settled into his new role as a wonderful father! Every Saturday, he and Grace would walk to Packanack Elementary School to pick up bottles, cans and paper for recycling. His goal was simply to hang out with his precious little girl while striving to instill a sense of civic duty in her that he himself so very much embraced. They also went on many a walks together with their border collie Quincy and, in the winter time, Brian loved to take Grace snow-sledding at the Golf Course.

Brian is survived by his beloved wife Fazia, his precious daughter Grace; his loving parents George and Mary Sendak of Wayne; his dear sister Carrie Everhart and husband Ashby of Churchville, MD; his dear brother Justin and wife Tanja of New Hope, PA and his five nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Antonia Petrozza (nee Cucaro)age 71 of Wayne died peacefully on Thursday, October 25, 2012 with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born and raised in the quaint town of Montescaglioso, (MT), Italy. Antonia’s parents, Nunzio and Francesca, where wheat farmers on a farm on the outskirts of town.

In her youth Antonia apprenticed as a seamstress. She had a lifelong love of sewing and has altered and made clothes for family and friends. She has made and altered wedding gowns, and countless brides maid’s dresses and just about anything else one could sew. Her daughters can boost that she also made window treatments for EVERY window in each of their homes and several family members and friends were privileged to have received a beautifully custom-adorned baby bassinet.

When she was growing up, Antonia was the fourth child of eight children and the first daughter. As the first daughter she was a mom to her brother’s and sister’s. They had and still have a very close knit family.

Antonia was arranged to be married to Sario, who was living in the United States. When she first met him she was very happy with her parents choice. Not sure of the exact wording but something along the lines of “he’ll do just fine” were uttered by Antonia in Italian. They married on August 4, 1962 at La Chiesa Madre in Montescaglioso and honeymooned in Rome. Soon after their marriage they moved to the US and settled in Paterson, New Jersey. The couple soon purchased their first home at 984 East 22nd Street in Paterson and Sario continued to work at The Dye House and moonlighted as a roofer. They were ambitious and opened a hardware store with their partner in 1973 called “People’s Park Hardware” on 21st Avenue in Paterson. Antonia was raising her family and also worked as a seamstress. In 1982 they moved to Wayne where they have lived for the past thirty years.

Antonia was an excellent cook and her special touch on Pizza, Chicken Soup and Bread will be greatly missed. All her nieces can say that Zia Nenetta pierced their ears!! Some of Antonia’s expressions like “don’t you tell me what to do......”; “Did you eat?.....sit down and eat”; “What can I make for you.....”; "Take all the food home....." and "I love my daughters but I LOOOVVVVE my grandchildren!!!!!" will ring in family and friends ears for years to come.

She was the cherished wife and best friend of fifty years to Sario and beloved mother of Carmela Perrone, Francesca Vinzi and Lina Salluce and their husbands and loving Nonna of seven grandchildren. Her brothers Rocco of Italy, Agostino of Switzerland, Michele of Italy, Cris of Totowa, Pietro of Edison, her sisters Ginetta Simmarano and Maria Locantore of Italy; bothers and sisters-in law, Pietro, Maria, Lucy, Vito, Tony, Anna, along with their respective husbands and wives and all her nieces and nephews are left to morn her loss.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601-5608 would be appreciated.

Rosemarie Lamb, age 60 of Hollis Queens, NY died on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at the Hospice of New Jersey in Wayne.

Rosemarie grew up in Hollis, Queens and graduated from Francis Lewis High School with the class of 1971. She graduated from York College in 1977 with a B.A. in Sociology and then earned her Master’s degree from Howard University in 1981. She began her career in 1981 as a probation officer in Queens. Since 1989 she worked in several area hospitals as a social worker. She started at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, Beth Israel Medical Center, and most recently with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. Despite battling cancer for over two years, she continued working right up until her birthday just two weeks ago. She was a selfless person and helping others made her the happiest.

Rosemarie was very close with her mom. They were companions and dear friends. They would often have breakfast together at the local diner on the weekend. Rosemarie was very protective of her family, loving, and a very caring person. Family was important to her, and her nephews Christopher and Maxwell brought her great joy. She spent time with them whenever she could, taking them to museums and special places, and together those two boys have a trove of “Aunt Rose” memories to cherish for their lifetimes. Her dogs were family too, and she was especially fond of her cocker spaniel, Muffin, and her sister’s pug; Jake. She was a dog-lover through and through.

Rosemarie enjoyed travelling and visited some wonderful destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Aruba, South Beach Miami, Las Vegas, Martha’s Vineyard and Washington, D.C. Upon completing graduate school she treated her sister Denise to a trip to the Bahamas. She took a cruise once too with her sister Sophiea, but a hurricane storm forced them to skip Bermuda and go to the Bahamas instead. She especially enjoyed shopping at her two favorite department stores Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. She lived her life well and enjoyed all the love she received from her dear family and friends over the years. She will be sadly missed by so many.

Rosemarie is survived by her beloved mom, Willie Mae Lamb of Hollis, Queens, her two sisters; Denise Martin and her husband Clarence of Jacksonville, FL, and Sophiea de Lagarde of Wayne, her husband Adrian and her two dearest nephews; Christopher Henry and Maxwell Xavier. She was predeceased by her father Henry Lamb in 1985.

Donations in Rosemarie's memory to the Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise would be greatly appreciated.  Please visit www.circleofpromise.org.

Alois Habjan passed into eternal life with God on Tuesday October 23, 2012 at the age of 85 while on vacation in Florida. He died peacefully in his sleep.

Alois, who was known to all as Al, was always known for and will be remembered as a cheerful, relentlessly optimistic man, and his life was characterized by a quiet confidence and positivity that could not be shaken. Al always subscribed to the belief that a person could do anything if one set his or her mind to it, and that determination was prevalent throughout his long, rich and full life.

He was born in 1927 in a small town in the former Yugoslavia named Dob, and he would often regale friends and family with stories of his happy and loving childhood. He was the fourth of six children, and grew up on a farm operated by his parents. Even though his life would carry him a great distance from his birthplace, both in terms of physical distance and life experience, he always looked back warmly and fondly on those early years with his parents, brothers and sisters, and extended family and friends.

At the age of sixteen, still a very young man, he joined the Yugoslav partisans which had been organized to combat the Nazis which had occupied Yugoslavia; during those difficult years, he was separated from his family and lost many friends in combat, some before his very eyes. After World War II ended, he returned to his family to re-establish his former life. A few years later, he entered the field of hotel management in Austria before emigrating to the United States in 1956. He settled in New York City, and one of his first jobs was as a maitre d’ hotel and wine sommelier at the Golden Door at John F. Kennedy Airport. He would subsequently hold positions as a banquet manager at the Riverboat Club at the Empire State Building in Manhattan, the Manor in West Orange, New Jersey and the Holiday Inn in Hudson County, New Jersey. A couple of years after settling in New York, he met Rina Calosi, and after a year of courtship, they were married in December, 1959 at Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in New York City. Al and Rina were married for almost 53 years before his passing, and during their marriage would have and raise two children, a son, Al, and a daughter, Maria. In 1968, Al and his family would move to Wayne, New Jersey, where they would reside for many years. While known during his working years as a consummate professional and for being dedicated to his career, Al was an active and engaged husband and father as well. In spite of his career which demanded long hours at work, Al was a devoted, loving man who enjoyed quality time with his wife and children. He would often say with both pride and modesty “I’m so very proud of the way my kids turned out, and most of the credit for that has to go to my wife.” He will be remembered by his family as a generous provider who always put the needs of his family first, and who would never refuse a request for help.

After retiring in his early sixties, Al enjoyed traveling, and often ventured back to his home in Slovenia, which was part of the former Yugoslavia. As time passed, those visits home were at times bittersweet, as the years would inevitably result in family members and friends becoming ill or passing away. Nonetheless, Al would always retain that twinkle in his eye, and a zest and vitality, which would seem to characterize a man many years younger. Al is survived by his wife Rina, his son Al of Rockaway Township, and his daughter Maria Pepple and her husband Darin of Wayne, and their two sons, Derek and Nicholas, as well as an older brother, Vinko. Al cherished the role of grandfather, and enjoyed being a grandpa who could be counted on to spoil his grandchildren whenever the opportunity arose. His family, friends and all who knew him will remember him as a proud, strong and caring man, who will be genuinely and deeply missed.

Anne Loretta Mazzarone, age 94 of Middlebury, VT, a 44 year resident of Wayne , NJ and the loving wife of the late Nicholas R. Mazzarone, joined her beloved husband in the perpetual care of our Lord on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

Anne was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. She was the daughter of the late Teresa (Triggiani) and Joseph Bennardo. Anne graduated Public School #25 and Eastside High School. She held several clerical positions as a young woman before settling down to marry the love of her life, Nicholas, in 1941, and raising a family. Anne was also a talented cook and seamstress who also enjoyed arts and crafts, gardening, decorating and ballroom dancing with her husband. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2011.

Anne and Nick had two children, a son Robert and a daughter Lori. Robert graduated from Paterson Eastside High School, served with the U.S. Air Force and graduated from William Paterson College in 1972. Robert has one son, Jonathan, age 28. Jon and his wife, Stephanie, were just married on Saturday. The newlyweds reside in Ewing, NJ. Robert is semi-retired and lives in Harbeson, DE with his wife Georgeanne.

Lori attended Wayne Hills High School and graduated from Georgian Court University in 1997. She now resides with her husband David Girard in Benson, VT.  Lori has two sons, Steven Tursi, age 30 and Brian Tursi, age 28. Steven and his wife Cristina live in Jackson, NJ and are expecting twins early next year. Brian and his wife Nicole reside in Benson, VT, a short distance from Lori and David. They are also expecting their first child early next year.

Anne is survived by a brother, Louis, age 93, who resides with his wife Olga and their two children in the Toms River, NJ area.

Shirley Jean Gunsten (nee Dunlap), age 85 and a lifelong resident of Wayne, died Friday, October 19, 2012 of natural causes at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ.

She graduated from Pompton Lakes High School. Shirley worked for many years with American Cyanamid Corporation.

She is survived by her sons Robert and Gerald Sr., Grandson Gerald Jr., and great granddaughter Isabelle.

Shirley’s request was in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Christian Health Care Center Foundation, 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481.

Caroline “Sis” Dunnican, age 97 of Wayne, died peacefully in the early morning hour of Tuesday, October 16, 2012.

Shortly after her birth in 1915, Caroline’s family moved from Wallington to East Seventh Street in the Lakeview section of Clifton. It was there that she attended School 11 which, coincidentally, her great-grandson Nicholas also attended many years later. Imagine Nicholas telling his teachers with pride, “my great-grandmother attended this school!” Because of the Great Depression, Caroline was forced to quit school and stay home to raise her younger siblings while both of her parents sought work to keep food on the table. Pride kept the family from accepting charity from the local church and for many nights supper was lima beans and a loaf of bread prepared by Caroline in the coal stove that her father Frederick purchased and installed in the family kitchen.

On Sundays, the family attended the Lakeview Heights Reformed Church which was located right across the street from their house. The church was the center of socialization in those days and it was there that Caroline’s faith grew and became an integral part of her life. She served that church for many years as a Bible school teacher and in the women’s organizations which raised money for many of the church’s charities. Years later Caroline attended Athenia Reformed Church in Clifton. It was there that her quilt-making skills were a particular asset for the church’s annual quilt fundraiser held at the Bergen Mall. There were also many bake sales and she was right there, ready to donate her expertise acquired from all those years as a young woman in her parents’ kitchen.

The church members weren’t the only lucky recipients of Caroline’s cooking and baking. Her family’s favorite recipes included fresh peach pie and a coffee cake recipe which Caroline acquired from her own Aunt Agnes. Her grandchildren enjoyed cream puffs and buckets full of chocolate chip cookies.

Caroline was also a member for many years of the Order of the Eastern Star of Clifton which raised funds for many charities. In her leisure she loved to play bridge and canasta. On Saturday nights she and her husband Ward would often join with friends for dinner at the Robin Hood Inn in Clifton.

Whether it was keeping her house clean, cooking a great meal, or dressing to go out, Caroline took great pride in herself and in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her four children: Ward Dunnican and wife Marianne of Franklin, NJ, Carol Galatioto and husband Anthony of Wayne, JoAnn Dunnican of Reno, NV, and June Kinback and her fiancé Geroge of East Cocalico, PA; seven grandchildren: Vanessa, Anthony, Stacey, Marc, Michael, Christine and Jamie Caroline; fifteen great-grandchildren: Marinn, Rylan, Kira, Lleyke, Gerlinde, Louis, Nicholas, Jillian, Nikki, David, Jacob, Jaiden, Justin, Orion, and Josie; and two sisters: Alice Augustine of Wayne and Elizabeth Antman of Clifton.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ward, her three brothers: David, William, and Frederick Steinman; her two sisters: Margaret and Margie; and her grandson Ward J. Dunnican, MD.

Nicholas J. LaPlaca age 65 of Wayne died peacefully on Monday, October 15, 2012.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and lived in Commack Long Island where he graduated from St Francis Prep High School with the Class of 1964. He graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with the Class of 1968.

Nicholas served in the United States Army as a Specialist Fourth Class before being Honorably Discharged in 1970. After his service in the Army he worked for the New York Police Department at the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn, NY. After a few years he left the police department and began on long career as a newspaper and publication distributor. In 1993 he moved to Pompano Beach, Florida and worked for as maintenance supervisor for several Marriot Hotels before retiring in 2003.

Nick was an Exempt member of the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, and an Exempt member of Fire Company #2 in Wayne; he and coached women’s softball in Wayne.

When asked about significant life events he related to his daughters many fond memories of: trips with his father to the US Essex, a family trip to Disney World with his mom, dad, and brother Vincent, and trips to Lake George with the extended family.

He was the loving father of Nicole Milbauer of Wayne and Deidre LaPlaca of West Milford; cherished grandfather of John, Cheyenne Milbauer, and Madison McIlwrath; devoted brother of the late Vincent LaPlaca.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Compassionate Care Hospice, 21-00 Route 208 South, Suite 105, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 would be appreciated.

Rudolph Ernst Kieselat “Rudy”, age 84 of Pompton Plains died peacefully on Saturday, October 13, 2012.

Rudy was born in Wyandotte, MI. As a young man, it was his greatest desire to be a farmer and he used his high school education to prepare himself for that vocation. Upon seeking work, he was quickly discouraged by some local farmers who told him that there was no future in farming.

At the age of seventeen, Rudy enlisted into the U.S. Marines and served in Hawaii, China and Guam over the next three years. After his honorable discharge from the service, he returned home and worked with his father raising homes in flood plains and lowering them back down on newly raised foundations.

One day, at the age of twenty five, while driving his powder-blue Cadillac convertible past the Postal Diner in Bloomfield, Rudy saw two attractive young ladies and couldn’t resist the compulsion to honk his horn. To his delight one of them waived back. Rudy took this as an invitation to pull into the diner and introduce himself. He ended up dating the one who didn’t waive….beautiful Eleanore Bischoff who prompted her sister Evelyn to waive because she was too shy. After five years of dating they got engaged and five years later, on December 14, 1963, they married at Wesminster Church in Bloomfield. They enjoyed a beautiful honeymoon in Florida.

Following marriage, Rudy, along with his partner Bill Marcy opened up their first used car dealership, Rudy Motors, on Route 46 in Little Ferry. They later incorporated as William Rudolph, Inc. Over the years, they provided many happy customers with fine automobiles.

Rudy loved to create and invent. After retiring, he loved to do carpentry jobs at his own house and the houses of his three children: Rudy, Darlene and Randy. If he wasn’t doing that he was working on an invention. He most recently had been trying to get a patent on a self-braking shopping cart. It was a shopping cart where you had to push down on the handle to release a brake. Let go of the handle and the brake would engage preventing the cart from rolling across a parking lot into your new car. This invention was inspired by his love of cars. In his leisure Rudy loved to shoot pool….so much so that he bought his son Rudy a house that was big enough to fit a pool table in the basement so that he could come over and play. He also loved to gamble and would often go to Atlantic City or Mount Airy Lodge, and every Monday, he was off to the store to purchase his lottery tickets.

Rudy will be remembered by those who loved him as a quiet man who didn’t talk much but when he did, he spoke with conviction. He stood for honesty, strong morals and treating people with dignity and fairness. He always told his kids and grandkids, “Don’t ever deal with a dishonest person because when you do, you inadvertently support and encourage them to be more dishonest.” Rudy was all about family. He loved to be with his grandchildren and, being a car guy, he loved to buy them those battery operated toy cars they could drive in their driveways. Rudy was often described as a very giving, generous and kind person.

Surviving is his beloved wife Eleanore, his son Rudy and wife Sue of Dingmans Ferry, PA, his daughter Darlene Donnelly and husband Patrick of Pequannock Township, his son Randy and wife Angela of Pequannock Township, his five grandchildren: Kyle, Corinne, Rachel, Vanessa and Billy; his sister Gladys Fehrenbach of Pequannock Township and his sister Yvonne Ludwick of Crystal River, FL. He was predeceased by his two brothers and four sisters.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Smile Train, PO Box 96231

Washington, D.C. 20090-6231 or online at www.smiletrain.org, would be appreciated. Smile Train is an organization that provides life changing, life healing surgery to children born with cleft.

Nancy Kimble (nee Scelba) age 90 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, October 13, 2012.

She was born in Clifton and raised in Passaic having graduated from Passaic High School with the Class of 1940.

She continued her education at Montclair State College receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Teaching.

After college she found employment with the Shulton Corporation in Clifton which was eventually bought by the American Cyanamid Corporation in Clifton where she worked as a Chemist for over forty years before retiring in 1984.

Nancy was an independent, strong willed, caring person who was very dedicated to her family. She enjoyed the arts having a special love of Opera. She was an avid follower of the New Jersey Symphony where she was a member of the Amadeus Circle, and attended many performances at the Metropolitan Opera. She was also an accomplished bowler and had been Captain of her bowling team in Clifton for several years.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents Sebastianna (nee Fili) and Luigi Scelba, three brothers Anthony, Charles, and Victor Scelba. She is survived by loving nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

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

Dolores Kozlowski, 82, of Wayne, passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012.

Dolores Kozlowski was born in Nanticoke Pennsylvania. Mrs. Kozlowski lived in Wayne, New Jersey for 55 years and was a nurturing wife, mother and homemaker who loved life, her four children, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. Dolores was the center of our family, always making each one of us feel special and loved. All members of the family would go to her when faced with major life decisions and she would give expert advice filtered with love. She was keeper of all family news and loved to tell her children and grandchildren about family history – especially about growing up with her four sisters in a small coal mining town during the depression. Every year on her children’s birthday she would tell the story about the day they were born in great detail. Her many hobbies included Polish cooking, reading, bingo and various games of chance. She was known by her family for cooking her legendary shrimp salad, red beet soup and chicken noodle soup. Every grandchild remembers Grandma tucking them in to bed at night, scratching their backs and telling them the “Little Green Bug” story. Her favorite hobby was her house, where she fed the birds and just about any other living thing in her magical backyard. Our family was so blessed to grow up with such a wonderful mother and father.

Dolores was predeceased by her loving husband of 44 years, Joseph Kozlowski who passed away in 1993, her four sisters Gertrude Petito, Mary Kozlowski, Elanore Antolik and Lottie Gucwa. She is survived by her four loving children Joseph Kozlowski and his wife Linda of Rochester NY, Renee Wefer and her husband Gene of Ocean NJ, Sharon Heffner and her husband Robert of Somerset NJ, and Ken Kozlowski and his wife Colette of Wayne.

Kenneth R. Rovere, age 70 of Charlotte, NC and formerly of Packanack Lake in Wayne, died suddenly on Thursday, October 11, 2012 with his wife and daughter at his side.

Kenny was born in Jersey City and spent most of his life in Wayne. He was a stellar athlete and football player at Wayne High School, graduating with the class of 1960. He attended Elon University in North Carolina and began his career with National Cash Register (NCR), selling cash registers and adding machines to shop owners in the Newark area. As the computer age emerged, Ken was anxious to learn the new technology. He got in on the ground floor, so to speak, and became a successful salesman of computer hardware and software to the IT industry throughout the New York area, with an office in Manhattan. He worked for Ultimate Corp throughout the 1980’s and then with Williams Communications and several other firms, enjoying a lengthy career and traveling the world over. He retired in 2006.

Ken suffered a heart attack in 1987 and endured a quadruple bypass. It was at that time that his doctors also diagnosed him with lymphoma. The specialists at that time told him that he might have only eight years to live. Kenny defied them all by fighting on for twenty five more years.

Family was very important to Ken. Despite working long days, late nights, and travelling extensively, he always found time to be there for his children’s activities, sporting events and family vacations. He coached baseball, soccer, and was even Scout Master during the time his boys were in Scouting. They visited Disney World several times and always enjoyed a summer vacation at LBI. He was a very proud parent and grandparent, leaving his family with many memories to cherish for years to come.

Kenny was also very involved with the Packanack Lake Golf Club. He served on the Board of Directors as both House and Tournament Chairman. He also played a pivotal role getting the clubhouse built that exists at the Golf Club today. He faced daunting odds and great opposition from the community, but he persevered. It should come as no surprise that his game didn’t improve much even after the clubhouse was built, and his fellow members still recall Kenny often throwing his club after making a bad shot.

Ken met his wife Nancy (nee Methlie) at Packanack Lake and the two of them were married on May 18, 1968. They hosted a reception at the Wayne Manor and have enjoyed forty four years together.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife of forty four years, Nancy, four children; Kevin Rovere and his wife Sharon of Wayne, Craig Rovere and his wife Gail of Wayne, Kristen Corby and her husband Jason of Monroe, NC, and Carrie Mundrick and her husband Paul of Chestertown, NY, one sister; Virginia Rovere of Little Falls, and fourteen grandchildren: Codie, Noah, Grant, Hunter, Carson, Avery, Jillian, Robert, Collin, Joseph, Hadden, Sara, Nicholas, and Molly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605, www.lls.org, or the American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, #301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691-4183, www.heart.org, would be greatly appreciated.

Erica Worell (nee McKay) age 40 of Wayne died Thursday, October 11, 2012 after a courageous three year battle with breast cancer.

She was born in Belleville and was a lifelong resident of Wayne. Erica graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1990. She graduated from Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Erica’s first job was at the Red Barn Farm on Valley Road in Wayne and she has most recently worked for Optimum-Lightpath in Oakland for ten years before her illness forced her to leave last year.

She met Brian R. Worell through her brother Martin with their first date at the Waterfront in Wayne. Brian proposed to her at her family home in Wayne and they eloped to Key West, Florida to marry. They were married on July 22, 1997 by the hotel Concierge, who ran around the hotel gardens cutting flowers for her bouquet. Their marriage was witnessed by two Chinese tourists who signed their wedding license in Chinese.

Erica was a fun loving, outgoing person who was always ready for the next party. She had a magnetic albeit strong willed personality. One of her favorite things to say was: “I just want to have fun today”.

She was the loving wife of fifteen years to Brian R. Worell of Wayne; loved daughter of Olivia McKay-Minutolo and her husband Frank of Wayne, and the late Martin McKay (2007); dear sister of Martin J. McKay and his wife Ann of Wayne; cherished aunt of Aidan and Evan McKay; loving daughter-in-law of Sandy and Nancy Galacio of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Guardians of the Ribbon, PO Box 2131, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Cheryle A. Martensen (nee Marter), age 62 of Prospect Park, died on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Cheryle was born in Queens, NY and had lived in many different states during her childhood including: Syracuse, NY, Maryland, Michigan, Dobbs Ferry, NY, and Kensington, MD before settling in Wayne in 1964. She later moved to Prospect Park in 1983 where she has lived ever since.

Cheryle met her husband Jurgen at a wedding. They were later set up on a date and love followed. They were married in 1978 and have enjoyed thirty four years together.

She is survived by her loving husband, two daughters; Debra Martensen and her companion Jason of North Haledon, Melissa Anderson and her husband Brian of Wayne, her mother; Elsie Marter of The Villages in Florida, two sisters; Denise Marter of Wayne and Eileen Marter of Wayne, and two grandchildren; Katelyn and Zachary Anderson whom she loves dearly.

If friends so wish, memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to the Pequannock Reformed Church, 530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Jacob Russell Grish age 91 of Paterson peacefully passed away on Tuesday October 9, 2012 with his loving family by his side at the Daughters of Miriam Nursing Home in Clifton.

Jacob was born in, and was a lifelong resident of Paterson. He was a Nuclear Mechanic for the Curtiss Wright Corporation for 43 years until his retirement in 1983. He then worked for the Blair House in Hackensack for 20 years until retiring in 2003.

Jacob proudly served in the United States Army during World War II in Europe. During his service, Jacob received several medals including; American Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, EAME Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, but he was most proud of receiving the Purple Heart. Shortly after the war he met his wife Mary (nee Quinn). The two of them embarked on a wonderful life together which lasted 56 years and included the raising their four children. Jacob was very devoted to his Catholic Faith and was a parishioner at St George RC Church in Paterson for over 50 years.

Jacob loved music, some of his favorite artists included Perry Como and Barbara Streisand. He was known as a Mr. Fix-it. His friends and neighbors would drop off just about anything at his house and Jacob would be able to fix it for them. His family recalls him being able to make “something out of nothing”, and making the “simplest household chores seem like a day in an amusement park.” Jacob was extremely imaginative and quite an inventor. Above all his interests and talents, Jacob’s true passion was his family, he was an extremely devoted father and grandfather, and to his grandchildren he was known as “Pop Pop”.

Surviving are his one son John Terence and his wife Nancy of Ellington, CT; three daughters Alice Hein and her husband Steve of Bradenton, FL, Maureen Grish Halpin and her husband Tom of Vernon, and Kathleen Covello and her husband Frank of Wayne; eleven grandchildren Colleen, Erin, Brendan, Megan, Michael, Christopher, Nicole, Tommy, Eric, Evan, and Alyssa; and two great grandchildren John and Jack. Jacob was pre-deceased by his wife Mary (nee Quinn) in 2004.

After taking such good care of their dad, the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Daughters of Miriam Center, 155 Hazel St. Clifton 07011.

Dolores M. Morea (nee Shakal), age 76 of Wayne, died suddenly on Tuesday, October 9, 2012.

She was affectionately known as “Dee”.

Dee grew up on Chadwick Street in South Paterson. She attended School #8 and then graduated from Central High School with the class of 1953. Shortly thereafter while attending a Saturday night dance at the local YMCA, she met Philip Morea. The moment Phil laid eyes on her, he told his friends “I’m going to marry that girl”. They danced the whole night together and were married on September 12, 1954. They enjoyed a honeymoon in the Pocono’s and settled in Paterson. They moved to East Paterson and then finally moved into their home in Wayne in 1963 where they have happily lived for forty nine years.

Throughout their marriage, Dee and Phil traveled the world over. They’ve been on many cruises, traveled to Italy, Greece, and Turkey, just to name a few. More recently, they traveled with the Wayne Golden Age Circle to Branson, Missouri and South Dakota. Aruba was by far her favorite vacation spot and she was fortunate to have spent an entire month there on one of her visits – she didn’t want to come home!

Dee was, by all accounts, the ‘hostess with the mostest’. She was an excellent cook and always prepared a feast. Leftovers were common and abundant. She was ‘everyone’s mom’, always concerned about others and cooking for every occasion. Cooking was both her hobby and passion. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her house was always decorated to the nines – inside and out. She was simply a loving and festive person; full of love for her family and friends.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, she helped to run the family restaurant, Francino’s, in New Milford, NJ. She was the hostess, the bookkeeper, and the food ordering specialist. You name it – she did it. She was truly a terrific hostess, given how sociable she was, and everyone loved her there. She will be sadly missed by all of her dear family and friends.

Dee is survived by her loving husband of fifty eight years; Phil of Wayne, three devoted children; Dawn Morea of Woodland Park, Robert Morea and his wife Deanna of Brooklyn, NY, and Donna Morea of Greenwood Lake, NJ, two sisters; Gloria Bsales and her husband Michael of Wayne and Joan DeBlasio and her husband Patsy of Wanaque, NJ, five grandchildren; Daniela Terrana and her fiancé Michael of Saddle Brook, NJ, Kenny Paliana of Elmwood Park, Alisha Paliana of Clifton, and Anderson and Blake Morea of Brooklyn, NY. She was predeceased by her brother Elias Shakal in 2000.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Brain Aneurism Foundation, 296 Hanover St, Bldg 3, Hanover, MA 02339 would be greatly appreciated. www.bafound.org

Frances Sarracino (nee Kellenberger), age 89 of Wayne died on Saturday, October 6, 2012 with her loving family at her bedside.

Frances was born in Clifton on September 4, 1923 and graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1941. She went on to attend Newark Prep Business School where she met some of her best, lifelong friends. She stayed close with those friends from business school and they got together often. She was fondly known as “Kelly” to all of them; a reference to her maiden name, Kellenberger. After business school, she worked at Curtis Wright and for Jersey Carpet before becoming a full-time mother to her four children.

In the late 1940’s, Frances met Michael A. Sarracino. They were set up on a blind date by Michael’s sister-in-law. After going to the movies on Christmas night, 1949, they fell in love and were married on September 2, 1950. They first settled in Clifton before building their home in Wayne and moving there in 1955. Frances kept an immaculate home and was a consummate perfectionist in just about every way. She was a fantastic cook and made sure every detail of the meals she prepared were perfect. Holiday dinners were particularly special. Her Hungarian Kiffle cookies (recipe below) were one of her favorite to bake and were famous among her family and friends.

As a mother, Frances had a creative streak and the amazing ability to invent activities to keep four children occupied, including roller skating in the house and cooking lessons. Particularly memorable were the summers when the children were allowed to create “works of art” on the walls in the house. Trips to Toms River to visit her sister Betty were frequently made with home made fried chicken.

She had a great appetite for knowledge and Frances was always taking night classes. The subjects varied and so did her interests. She was an accomplished seamstress, making all of her own window treatments, reupholstering her furniture, making cloths and children’s costumes, decorating her home and the church. She was an avid reader (Gone with the Wind was by far her favorite book) and she loved “classic movies”. Frances was very involved over the years with Our Lady of the Valley RC Church on Valley Road, heading up the decorating committee for years. She loved to decorate the church, arrange the flowers and make the place look beautiful. Together with her husband Michael, they volunteered countless hours, both at the church where they found great spiritual comfort in their parish community as well as at Wayne Valley Hospital.

Frances is survived by her loving husband of sixty-two years, Michael A. Sarracino of Wayne; her four children, Michael W. and his wife Gail of Rockaway, NJ; Peter and his fiancée Wendy, of Jefferson, NJ; Amy and her husband John of Lincoln Park, NJ; John and his wife Julie of Danville, CA; and five grandchildren, Christine, Ashley, Linda, Stefanie, Kelsey and one great-granddaughter, Lana.

For those wishing to honor Frances, donations may be made to the not-for-profit organization, Our New Journey (www.ournewjourney.org).

Hungarian Kiffles

1 cup unsalted butter

8 oz cream cheese

1 tbsp sour cream

Pinch of salt

2 cups of flour

Combine butter, cream cheese and sour cream with pinch of salt

Sift in the flour

Knead until dough has a smooth texture

Make into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours

When ready roll dough very thin and cut into three-inch squares

Spread each square with Solo apricot butter or prune lekvar

Roll the square from the corner to form a crescent

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes

Let cool and sprinkle with powered sugar

Enjoy!

Margaret M. Cronin age 83 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday October 5, 2012.

Margaret was born in 1928 in Boston, MA, raised in the Dorchester section of Boston and was a 1946 graduate (National Honor Society) of the Jerimiah E. Burke High School for Girls. Upon Graduation she spent three years studying in the Maryknoll Sisters Roman Catholic group.

Margaret met her husband Jim at the Mosely Dance Hall in Dedham, Massachusetts. The two of them danced together that night and remained at each other's side for over fifty years in a wonderful and loving marraige.

Margaret was a volunteer librarian throughout her life. She also was trained as, and worked as a dental assistant. She was fond of gardening, walking and her Cairn Terrier - Maggie. She was most proud of her Scottish heritage and thrift and especially her two sons and five grandchildren. She had a great love for her mother, Peggy (MacDonnell) MacIsaac and three sisters, Mary Anderson, Isabel Pettie, and Gloria Flaherty who survived the great depression.

Margaret is survived by Brian and his wife Charissa of Wayne and Stephen and his wife Nancy of Scituate. MA.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY 10545 would be appreciated.

Theodore “Ted” Robert Holmes age 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at Sunrise Assisted Living, Wayne, NJ

He was born in Paterson, NJ, on August 4, 1926 to James Reid and Elsie Holmes

Ted joined the United States Navy during World War II serving from 1943 through 1946. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946, but was called back to serve in the Naval Reserves during the Korean War.

While serving during World War II, and stationed in Philadelphia, PA for a time, he met his future wife, Betty. Following his discharge they were married and spent 66 wonderful years together.

Ted was employed by the United States Postal Service after his discharge. Starting out as a letter carrier, he progressed to the positions of Superintendent of Mails, Wayne NJ, Postmaster of Dover, NJ and Director of Customer Service and Director of Finance, Paterson, NJ. He retired in 1986.

After his retirement from the Post Office, he managed The Covenant Christian Book Store in Pompton Lakes and worked for the Montville, NJ township library.

Ted was the loving husband of Elizabeth “Betty” Schluth, of Wayne, loving father of Donna Powell, of Sarasota, FL and Betsy Kelly and her husband David of Pequannock, NJ. He was the cherished grandfather of Matthew and Christopher Kelly also of Pequannock. He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy in 1959, and his son-in-law Mickey Powell in 2007.

George M. Carras age 74 of Wayne died peacefully with the comfort of family by his side on Thursday, October 4, 2012.

He was born in New York City and at the age of five his family moved to Fort Lee New Jersey. George graduated from Fort Lee High School with the Class of 1956.

He worked as a Letter Carrier for the Fort Lee Post Office while attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick. He graduated from Rutgers with his Bachelors Degree and entered the Masters Degree program at New York University where he received his MBA degree. In his career as a CPA he was a principal and partner with international accounting firms.

George will be remembered as a highly intelligent man who had a great sense of humor and who loved animals. He was a very generous man with a caring, loving heart.

He was the loving father of Diana Hart and her husband Gary of Pompton Plains, and the late Michael Carras (2006); cherished grandfather of Sophie and Alexander Hart; dear brother of the late Catherine Leffas (1993) and her late husband Nick Leffas; loving uncle of Stacie Elenis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yale University, Michael George Carras Scholarship Fund, PO Box 2038, New Haven, CT 06521-2038.

UPDATE:  Memorial visiting and a memorial Mass are schedule for October 5 and 6.  Please see obituary for complete details.

UPDATE:  Memorial visiting will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 from 6-9 PM at the funeral home.  A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne, at 9:30 AM.

William J. Wetzler, age 87 of Ocala, Florida, died on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at the Veterans Hospital in Lyons, NJ. He was fondly known as “Uncle Bill” to just about everyone.

Bill was born in Brooklyn, New York and graduated high school there.

He began working at American District Telegraph (ADT) when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in northern Africa and Italy during WWII. He was a Field Lineman, running communications wires over the battlefield. On one occasion, Bill and three other men moved to a remote forward position and were relaying information on German positions back to the artillery. Bill’s group was hit with enemy fire and Bill was gravely wounded while the three other men with him were killed. He had no choice but to crawl two and a half miles back, with shrapnel in his leg, to where he could get some first aid. He earned two Purple Hearts during the War. He was treated at a Virginia V.A.

hospital as well as a Daytona Beach, Florida V.A. hospital where he was impressed with the beauty of the Silver Springs area. He then moved to the V.A. Hospital in Brooklyn to recover from his injuries. While in Brooklyn, he met a beautiful young nurse named Nina Giattini, and they fell in love. They enjoyed sixty years of loving marriage together before Nina passed in 2011.

Bill and Nina first lived in Queens, NY after getting married and later moved to Wayne in 1961. Bill continued to work for ADT in Clifton and he retired in 1987 after a career of nearly forty years. Bill had always been “Mr. train-man”, fascinated by locomotives and trains.

Their home was ½ a mile from railroad tracks and he knew the train schedule by heart. He would run down to the tracks just to watch the train go by. He collected Lionel trains throughout his life and he built a spectacular track setup in his home. High up by the ceiling, he had trains that went from room to room throughout his house in Ocala. A bridge that he designed and built carried the trains between the living room and dining room. Everyone who visited remarked on how extraordinary it was. Bill would get giddy, like a little kid, when his trains were running. He also got involved with the “Live Steamers”

which was a club of train enthusiasts that built small trains, just large enough to sit on, that you could ride around on small tracks. In fact, whenever Bill planned a family vacation, their hotel was usually near to a set of train tracks and, when he traveled through the Panama Canal, he didn’t take pictures of the locks – he took pictures of the locomotives that pulled the ship through the locks. He was a certified train junkie.

Together, Bill and Nina moved to Silver Spring Shores in Ocala, Florida where they had a retirement home. They fell in love with the lifestyle in Florida and became very active. All his years in Florida he was involved in the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and with many of their ongoing projects. Being a disabled vet himself, it was an important part of his life. Bill was a trustee and past president of the Lake Joy Association and he ran the local Bingo for a time.

Bill came from a very large and close family, having seven siblings. Between Christmas parties and family reunions if there was a family event, Bill and Nina were there with a smile, a good story, and a deck of cards. They thought nothing of loading up the car and traveling to be with family.

They traveled extensively during their retirement, much of it in their car. They simply loved to drive and going cross-country was fun to them. They had traveled cross country so many times that they covered just about every route you could have taken and some more than once. They went all over the United States and beyond. They had a long and lovely retirement together enjoying each other’s company for many, many years.

Bill is survived by his sons Herbert of Highland Lakes, NJ, James and his wife Rose of Vallejo, CA, his daughter Rosemarie MacPhee and her husband Craig of Pepperell, MA, and Andrew and his wife Debbie of Bloomingdale, NJ; six grandchildren; Verity, Kelly, Russell, Amelia, Rachel, and Alex, two sisters; Dorothy Stachowiak of Long Island, Joan Goodrich of Westtown, NY, and one brother; Ned Wetzler and his wife Betty of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, and his dear sister-in-law; Rosalie Wetzler of Toms River, NJ.

Memorial donations in Bill’s honor would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.

John A. Forlenza age 84 of Wayne, formerly of Clifton, passed peacefully with the comfort of family by his side, on Monday, October 1, 2012.

He was born and raised in Kearny having graduated from Kearny High School with the Class of 1946. He attended Farleigh Dickinson University.

He was a US Army Veteran of World War II having received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation-Japan Medal.

He lived in Clifton from 1956-1993, where he was an active member of Saint Claire’s RC Church, before moving to Wayne nineteen years ago.

He was the President-CEO and co-founder of Einhorn & Forlenza Insurance Co. in Clifton before retiring in 1995. His first job ever was pumping gas on Kearney Ave in Kearney. Soon after he secured employment at a New York City insurance company where he met a beautiful girl, Dorothy Farrell, in the elevator. Their first date was to a restaurant at the South Street Seaport in New York. Once they were engaged they took Dorothy’s mother to a bench on Coney Island to explain that John was Italian and not Irish and that he was not Catholic but Protestant. Nobody knows why they took her to Coney Island but the term “running room” did enter the conversation. They married at Saint Theresa’s RC Church in Brooklyn on February 3, 1951 and honeymooned at Niagara Falls New York. They had a loving and caring marriage of forty-two years before Dorothy’s passing in 1993.

John was a very civic minded person and was a member of the Clifton Elks Lodge, founder and past president of the Clifton Girls Club, past president of the Clifton Lions Club, past president of the Delawanna Little League. John was one of the principals involved in the merging of the Clifton Girls Club into the Clifton Boys and Girls Club. He also unsuccessfully ran for Councilman in Clifton two different times.

He was a member of the Forrest Hills Field Club in Bloomfield for many years.

John’s Insurance Agency’s first location was on Ellison Street in Paterson. He used to get his shoes shined by a blind boy and John’s civic minded heart kicked in. He got the boy to a doctor and eventually paid for an operation to give him sight. John felt this was a significant reason that during the Paterson riots his store remained untouched.

John’s personality was larger than life he was the kind of guy that once you met you would never forget him. He was a classy guy who would do anything to help you. He loved kids and was gifted with the ability to recall the perfect one-liner for any situation.

He was the loving husband of the late Dorothy (nee Farrell) Forlenza (1993); devoted father of Jay Forlenza and his wife Barbara of Wayne, and Rick Forlenza of Wayne and his late wife Marcia (nee Handzo) Forlenza (2009), and Cindy Machovsky and her husband Jimmy of Wayne; cherished grandfather of John, Deana, Nicole, Jessica, Jimmy, Jennifer, and Ryan.

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

Margaret J. Hofbauer, “Margot”, age 75 died suddenly on Saturday, September 29, 2012. She was a resident of Wayne for almost forty years and was recently summering in Long Beach Island and wintering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Margot was raised in Glen Ridge, NJ and attended elementary school at Holy Name School in East Orange and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair with the class of 1956. It was shortly after high school that she met Thomas Hofbauer.

Margot was a schoolmate of Tom’s younger sister, who introduced them. Tom fell for her at first sight but he couldn’t ask her out because he already had a blind date to the upcoming dance at the Glen Ridge Country Club. Tom was a quick thinker and he set his friend up with Margot to be sure she was at the dance. The plan worked; Tom never met his intended blind date that night and instead danced the entire evening with Margot. They were married on June 7, 1958 and after a honeymoon in Bermuda, they settled in a little apartment in Montclair, which Margot decorated exquisitely. They moved to Wayne in 1960, where they raised their four children and have enjoyed fifty four wonderful years together. During the last twelve years they have called Fort Lauderdale their home and spent summers at Long Beach Island.

Margot’s faith was her foundation. From her earliest days at Holy Name School, she was a devoted Catholic and attended Mass typically several times a week. Recently, she and Tom completed a forty day seminar which culminated with her Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Margot also received great satisfaction while serving as the school secretary at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Wayne for nearly twelve years, retiring in 1994.

Margot was a kind and selfless individual. She was a terrific cook and an even better hostess, putting together parties and holiday gatherings like there was nothing to it. She made it look easy and earned herself the nickname “Road Runner” because of her boundless energy and speed at getting things done, and doing it all with elegance. She was the most loving mom and grandmother that her family could have asked for. She also enjoyed a very large extended family, including nearly eighty first cousins, many of whom she stayed in close contact with. A large network of dear friends graced her with many happy times and good memories as well. She will be missed by so many who’s lives she’s blessed over the years.

Margot is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Thomas, her four children; Thomas Jr (Tucker) of Parsippany, Peter and his wife Denise of Kinnelon, William (Billy) and his wife Denise of Parsippany, and Maggie Killackey of Wayne, eight grandchildren; Tara and Max Hofbauer of Kinnelon, Rachel and Billy Hofbauer of Wayne, and John, Brian, Margaux and Tommy Killackey of Wayne.

Donations in Margot’s memory, if friends so wish, to the St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325, or the Catholic Charities, 777 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013 would be greatly appreciated.

Walter C. Liggett, Jr., 82, of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2012.

Walt was born in Passaic and raised in Rutherford. He graduated Rutherford High School in 1949. In 1953, he received his Bachelor Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Physical Education. Later he earned his Masters Degree in Reading from William Paterson College.

He played football for Rutherford High and Colgate University. He wore the number 85 as a fullback. His football ability was recognized in various articles in the sports pages.

His family summered at the family cottage in Metedeconk down at the Jersey shore. Little did Walt know that he caught the eye of one lovely young lady named Ada Ball, who would secretly watch him sail as she pretended to read her book. She would reportedly tell her friends, “I’m going to marry that man some day!” She apparently caught his eye too. Their first date was in 1953, just before Walt entered the United States Army.

His service to his country brought him to Panama as a Military Policeman guarding the Canal zone. While in the Army, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He may have been in Panama but a big piece of his heart was longing to be home with his sweetheart Ada Ball.

After his service in the Army, Walt and Ada were married on February 14, 1957….Valentine’s Day! Ada chose the 14th so that Walt would never forget their wedding anniversary. Soon after marriage, the newlyweds bought a two-family house in Rutherford. Walt joined his father in the family insurance and real estate business, Van Winkle & Liggett.

Walt and Ada were blessed with three children. In 1961, they moved from Rutherford to Packanack Lake into their current home.

In the mid 60’s, he began his career in education and joined the Wayne school system. Over the years, he served as a teacher and principal throughout the school system. He retired in 1991 as the principal of the Randall Carter School.

Walt and Ada were described as inseparable, so it only stood to reason that following retirement from the Wayne School System, Walt would spend more time with Ada, as a real estate team.

A real family man, Walt loved his children dearly. He loved to play games with them. The family has wonderful memories of camping, fishing and sailing. Walt did his best to instill in them the values of self-sufficiency and respect.

He was a member of Packanack Community Church where he served as a deacon.

Beloved husband of Ada (Ball) for 55 years; devoted father of Nancy Vinroot (Paul) of Salisbury, MD, Patricia Liggett of Pompton Plains, James Liggett (Jennifer) of Ridgewood; loving grandfather of Sara Bunting (Mark), Peter Vinroot (Kathleen), Andrew Vinroot, John Mark Vinroot, Kylie Liggett, Eleanor Liggett, great-grandfather to McKenna, Blake and Weston Bunting.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater NJ Chapter, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365 or to The Shepherd’s Haven, 420 Ramapo Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. For a full story and photo, visit www.vandermay.com.

Nina Husseyn (nee Mitus), age 85 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 25, 2012.

Nina was born in the city of Kiev in the Ukraine. At the tender age of sixteen, she was ripped from her home by Nazi soldiers and transported to a war camp in Gelsenkirchen, Germany where she remained until the American forces liberated Germany in 1945.

Soon after World War II, she met a handsome man named Mamed Husseyn at a dance. They fell in love, Nina changed her last name to Husseyn, and Mamed and Nina embarked upon their married life together. They had four beautiful children while remaining in Germany, but they had greater dreams for themselves and in 1956, with just $12 in their pockets, they boarded a ship called the General Taylor and together with their four children, ages eleven, six, three and eleven months, they headed for the United States of America! They arrived in the New York City ports and met their American sponsors who took them to their first home on Market Street in Paterson. Nina was aghast by this first impression of the “New Country.” She cried and wished so much that she could go home.

Nina stayed, worked hard so she could help Mamed provide a wonderful home for her family. One day, Nina received an opportunity to clean house for some good folks from Franklin Lakes. What made the job especially enticing was that it came with separate living quarters for her whole family. Between this new job and Mamed’s several jobs, the Husseyn’s continued to work hard and that hard work was beginning to pay off. They were beginning to realize the American Dream! Their biggest goal was to gain American citizenship within five years of arriving in the U.S.A. Nina and Mamed reached that goal, to the day! Upon gaining citizenship they exclaimed “we are not ouslanders anymore!”

After five years in Franklin Lakes, the family reached another milestone – home ownership. They purchased their first home in Wayne in 1963. Mamed made the living and Nina kept things humming at the new homestead. Every night, she had a home cooked meal waiting when Mamed and the kids came home. And oh boy, could she cook and bake! Everything was homemade! Perogis one night, stuffed cabbage or stuffed grape leaves the next. Some of her children’s favorite recipes were chicken wrapped in cheese and bobkas. At Christmas, Nina was famous for her homemade stoelen, plumb cakes and rhubarb. Lots of what she cooked came from that which she grew in her own gardens. When the growing season was over, Nina could be found in the kitchen canning and jarring the excess crops. The Husseyn’s enjoyed fresh garden-grown tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables all winter long. Nina was a great hostess too and often times the house would be filled with family and friends, eating, drinking and having a great time. Nina had a rule though, if she and Mamed were invited to someone else’s house, they would only go if their children were invited too.

Nina’s was as a wonderful mother who fiercely protected her children like a mamma bear. She never went to bed until all of them were tucked safe and sound in their beds. This proved to be quite inconvenient as the kids got older as sometimes they wouldn’t get home till the wee hours of the morning. She got her revenge though. She didn’t preach to them. Instead, at 7:00 AM the following day, she’d be right outside their bedroom doors running that vacuum. She believed in working for what you got and tried to instill those same values in her children. It must have paid off because today they are all early risers and hard workers.

While Nina was tough on her own children, she was just the opposite with her grandchildren. She would beg to take them for the day, and when she got them, she’d let them sit on the table and she’d take them to McDonald’s at Wayne Hill Mall and let them have whatever they wanted. When it was time for their parents to pick them up, Nina would bring them into her closet in her room and as she handed them a twenty dollar bill she would say, “Don’t tell your grandfather I’m giving you this!” Unbeknownst to her, Grandpa was sneaking money to his grandchildren behind her back too. Those kids went home rich!

Nina was predeceased by her husband Mamed and her son John, both in 2006. She is survived by her daughter Laila Farnow and husband Richard of Chatham, NJ, her son Adil and wife Karen of North Prairie, WS, her daughter Tamella Hassell and husband KJ of Budd Lake; six grandchildren: Nicole, Cassandra, Jamie, Sasha, Alex and Tyler; two great-grandchildren: Ryan and Alicia and her sister Dasha Mitus of the Ukraine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online at www.alz.org.

Nicholas J. Biamonte, age 70 of Wayne, died peacefully, after a brief illness, with loving family praying by his side on Monday evening, September 24, 2012.

Nick, as he liked to be called, was born in Jersey City and was raised in North Bergen. It was there that he met the love of his life Ruthann (nee Menzel). Ruthann said that when they met she was thirteen and he was twenty-one. Nick had the reputation of being “The Stud of North Bergen.” When she turned eighteen, she married that stud and they moved to Wayne where they’ve lived ever since. They enjoyed forty-four happy years of marriage, walking side-by-side through a wonderful life together!

Nick’s profession was plumbing but his passions included salt water fishing, hunting and race car driving. On many weekends Nick would sail out of Belmar, NJ on his beloved boat which he called “Lisa Two”. The number one Lisa in his life was his little daughter Lisa! He especially loved fishing for fluke and once even hooked a ten-pounder which was a fluke in more ways than one. They called flukes of that size “door mats” because they were big and flat. It made Nick feel big and proud! If he wasn’t fishing, he was hunting for turkey, dear or pheasant or drag racing 1955 and 56 Chevys in the quarter-mile modified production event at Island Dragway in Great Meadows, NJ or Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ. Nick’s favorite car to race was his 69 Camaro which he called “Little Green Apple”.

Nick’s musical choice was country and his favorite song was Crazy by Patsy Cline. He was the consummate Italian who ironically hated Italian food. At birthday parties he could often be heard asking “when are we gonna have the cake”, not because he loved cake, but because he didn’t like birthday parties and he wanted to get going! Those who loved him knew Nick to be a stubborn, thick-headed man but a good man with a good heart. When his daughter Lisa was soon to get her driver’s license, Nick said “you need to know some things about cars before I’ll let you drive.” By the time he was done with her schooling, Lisa could pull an engine, rebuild and reinstall it. He loved his dog, a beagle that he called Missy. When Missy came along, Nick and Ruthann had to get a king-sized bed so that Ruthann could still sleep with them.

Surviving are Nick’s beloved wife Ruthann (nee Menzel) of Wayne, his dear daughter Lisa Biamonte of Wayne, his three much-loved grandchildren: PJ, Nikki and Eddie; his sister Anna Seper; many nieces and nephews, his son-in-law Steve Maldonado, and numerous wonderful friends including but not limited to Bill Leening and Jimmy Mara.

Jason R. Cioletti age 33 of Wayne died Sunday, September 23, 2012.

He was born in Paterson and was a lifelong resident of Wayne. He graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1996. After high school Jason enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served with Fast Company as a machine-gunner. Jason served in Italy, Spain, Africa, and Somalia, before he was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

After his service he attended and graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in Mahwah with the Class of 2001.

Jason has worked for the Pipefitters Local Union Local 274 in Ridgefield since graduating from Lincoln Technical Institute.

Jason will be remembered as a quiet, kind hearted, loving husband, father, son, brother, grandson,, uncle, cousin, and friend.

He met the love of his life Dana Rossi at the Metro Lounge in Paramus. Their first date was to the Applebee’s in Totowa. Jason took Dana back to Paramus where they first met and proposed marriage. They married on September 10, 2006 at Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes and honeymooned traveling for two weeks through the Greek islands in the Mediterranean.

Jason was the loving husband of Dana (nee Rossi) Cioletti of Wayne; devoted father of Lina and Gabriella Cioletti of Wayne; cherished son of Kenneth and Marie (Hannan) Cioletti of Wayne; loved brother of Matthew Cioletti of Wayne, and Jeff Cioletti and his wife Raina of North Haledon; dear uncle of Jackson Cioletti of North Haledon; dear grandson of Irene Hannan of Wayne and her late husband William(2001), and Svano and the late Amelia (Nichola) Cioletti; he will also be dearly missed by several cousins.Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations for the benefit of Jason's children - make checks payable to the "Cioletti Family",  and mail c/o Vander May Funeral Home - Cioletti Family, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Agnes A. Kichury, age 84 died peacefully on Sunday, September 23, 2012 with her loving family by her side.

Agnes was born on December 4, 1927 in Port Blanchard, PA to polish immigrant parents Simon and Mary Para. Her father was a coal miner and she grew up in that mining town where, as a child, her brothers would roll her in a tire down hills of coal. Sometimes she would come home from play black beyond recognition!

One day, while still living in Port Blanchard, a friend came to visit Agnes. The friend brought his buddy, a young Navy Soldier named John J. Kichury from Passaic, NJ. At eighteen years of age, she married that handsome soldier and together they moved to West Paterson, NJ where they lived for seven years before moving in 1960 to their new house in Wayne which was built by her husband John and his brothers. It was in that house in Wayne that Agnes lived all these years.

With the exception of working for a season for Otagiri, a Japanese importer in Wayne to make a little extra spending money Agnes first love was being a homemaker, creating a wonderful place for family and friends to gather. She loved to entertain and was known for distributing toys instead of candy to the trick-or-treaters at Halloween. John’s coworkers would join at the Kichury home on New Year’s Eve and Agnes would wow them with her fantastic talents in the kitchen. She was especially good at cooking chicken scampi and baking pineapple squares and apple strudel. When here two grandsons Michael and Jason were born, they spent lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa. Agnes would get them off to school every morning. She also loved to sew, garden and, later in life, root for the New York Mets. She’ll be remembered as a person who was full of life, caring and giving and she will be missed by all.

Agnes is survived by her loving son John Kichury and wife Joan and her loving daughter Carol Pares and husband Michael of Wayne; two adored grandsons: Michael Pares of Wayne and Jason Pares and wife Kate of Barrington, RI. She is also survived by her two sisters: Caroline Wall of West Pittston, PA and Antoinette Zane of Pittston, PA; her brother Jacob Para of Fairfax, VA as well as many nieces and nephews.

Agnes was predeceased by her beloved husband John J. just short of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998. She was also predeceased by four sisters: Stella Para, Catherine LoGuidice, Mary Lynott, and Victorial Blackfeld; and four brothers: Joseph, Andrew, Leo and John Para.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, Number 301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691, would be appreciated.

John A. Malba, age 86 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2012 with his family by his side.

“Mibs” as he was known to many, grew up in the Stoney Road section of Paterson. At a very early age, he tried his hand at various enterprising jobs from delivering newspapers, shined shoes, and as a pinsetter at a local bowling alley. After high school, he joined the Merchant Marine figuring that was safer than joining the Army. But for a kid who couldn’t swim, sailing across the Atlantic during wartime wasn’t much safer. He was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the European theatre. He was a great story teller and would share his experiences with his children and grandchildren over the years, teaching them all the proper way to march in formation.

In the early 1950’s, John met Vivienne Lieberman at a local CYO mixer in Paterson. They hit it off that night and were married two years later on August 1, 1954. They settled in Paterson and began raising their family before moving to Wayne in 1963. John and Viv may have been the classic "Opposites Attract" couple, but they proved their differences actually complimented each other and celebrated 58 loving years together.

John was a generous and charismatic man and everyone liked him. He never had an ill word to say about anyone and if you met him, you were sure to remember him. Certainly his favorite barber remembers him; he went there every single day. He arrived promptly at the barber at 7:00am each morning in order to be the first patron since patience was not his virtue.

John enjoyed golfing and spent many a day playing as well as conducting business. However, nothing was as much fun to him as gambling. He loved to bet on sporting events, the horses, and to visit all the casinos always looking for that "Big Score!". He had many weekends spent at ‘the track’. He wasn’t necessarily the luckiest guy, but he was sure lucky to have his wife Vivienne who kept him from getting into too much trouble.

John was a nationally honored life insurance agent for many years, having worked with most of the big insurance providers. He and a partner eventually started their own agency, S&M Life Assoc., Inc. in Florham Park, which he operated for many years before retiring.

John is survived by his devoted wife Vivienne (nee Lieberman) of Wayne, his three daughters; Susan Foley and her husband Pete of Sparta, Elisse Aiello and her husband Tom of Wayne, Diane Ventura and her husband Dan of Sarasota, FL, and his son John of Wayne, six grandchildren; Tommy and Gena Aiello of Wayne, and Bianca, Dominic, Tia, and Francesca Ventura of Sarasota, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of NJ, Inpatient Unit, 224 Hamburg Tpk, 6th Floor, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Linda Fattal (nee Hatem) age 77 of Wayne, died on Friday, September 21, 2012 while at home with her family all gathered at her bedside.

Linda was born in Aleppo, Syria and lived there most of her life. She met her husband Michael Fattal while he was in Syria visiting family. After they married in 1996, she moved to America. She was an accomplished seamstress. She also took great pride in her home. Linda was also a wonderful wife to her beloved Michael.

Linda was a member of St. Ann Melkite Church in Woodland Park since coming to America in 1996.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband of sixteen years; Michael Fattal of Wayne, and her four step-children; George Fattal and his wife Ellen, Edmund Fattal and his wife Maribeth, Amal Khawam and her husband Norman, and Edma Chidiak and her husband Pierre, all of Wayne.

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Karen Ann Greyshock age 58 of Wayne passed unexpectedly to life eternal on Monday, September 17, 2012.

Karen was born on September 28, 1953 in Fort Worth, Texas, while her dad served in the Air Force. The family then moved to Wayne, NJ where Karen spent her happy childhood years. She received her formal education at Lafayette Grammar School and then went on to Wayne Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1971.

Having a strong will, as well as a natural ambition to earn her own way, she started her first job at Buxton’s Ice Cream on Route 23 in Wayne. She later worked at the European Health Spa in Wayne after graduating from High School. Karen attended Tom Brock College in West Paterson and earned her associate degree in English. After college, Karen, for 10 years, was the manager of Health Spa One in Saddle Brook, NJ. She took great pride in her job and maintained a high level of dedication to her daily responsibilities.

For the past 11 years, Karen was a Department Manager of Kohl’s, located in West Paterson, NJ. Karen loved her job as well as her coworkers. She felt her co-workers were her extended family. She also volunteered and did various charitable events, including walk-a-thons with her fellow co-workers and volunteering for the Children’s Hospital. Karen also had many talents including gardening and making beautiful floral arrangements.

Karen was baptized at Our Lady of The Valley RC Church in Wayne and loved her Roman Catholic faith.

Karen was gifted with an extraverted upbeat personality that was always reaching out to others in their special needs. Because she interacted with people in such positive ways, she had a host of friends. Her heart went out to the needy, whether animal or human.

She had a great deal of love for all kinds of animals. She would often rehabilitate wild life so that they could go on with their lives.

If she heard that someone needed a pint of blood she was up front donating her own blood. The bottom line in her life was that she was a selfless and kind person always ministering to others above herself.

Surviving to mourn this special person in their lives are her mother Martha Greyshock; two sisters Elizabeth Wells and her husband Roger and Victoria Greyshock all of Wayne; two brothers Paul Greyshock of Wayne and Christopher Greyshock and his wife Jean of West Milford; one nephew Nicholas Theobold.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wayne Animal Shelter or the World Wildlife Fund on behalf of Karen would be appreciated.

J. Warren Beardsley, age 89 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, September 16, 2012 with loving family by his side.

Born in Orange, Warren lived in Newark and West Orange before moving to Wayne in 1955.

Mr. Beardsley was a chief switchman for NJ Bell Telephone where he worked for forty two years before retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

As a member of The Methodist Men Club, Warren served in planning the building of the United Methodist Church of Wayne on Parish Drive and remained a member of the church all these years. He was also a member of the Old Guard of Caldwell and the West Orange Livingston Masonic Lodge Number 208.

Warren served this great country in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II in India as a photo technician and was a member of the China-Burma-India Veterans Association. During his service he was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal.

Warren’s greatest joys were traveling all over the United States with his family in their travel trailer and spending time with his two adored granddaughters…..MaryEllyn and Erin. At the time of his passing, he was looking forward to the arrival of his first great-grandchild, due any day now! When at home, he enjoyed wood-working in his shop. A desk which he made still sits proudly in the living-room of his home.

Surviving are his son Andrew Beardsley of Wayne; his daughter Jean Jamieson and husband Paul of Greenville, SC; his brother George Beardsley of Citrus Springs, FL and two granddaughters: MaryEllyn and Erin. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Miriam in 1985.

Vincent Brescia, age 81, who resided in Lake Hopatcong for more than forty-five years, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 15, 2012.

Vincent was born in Paterson and raised in Clifton. He graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1949. He lived in Clifton for thirty years before moving to Lake Hopatcong in 1966.

In 1993, Vincent retired after working 43 years as a heavy equipment operator with Local Union 825 of Operating Engineers. During his free time he worked as a sales representative and realtor under the “Million Dollar Club” with Weichert Realty in Landing, New Jersey.

Vincent will be remembered as a calm, giving, trust worthy, supportive, caring and good natured man. He enjoyed going to Atlantic City for overnight stays and attending dinner dances with his wife Angie, and was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to read the newspaper cover to cover and was steadfast in his Democratic political views.

Vincent was the loving husband of fifty-three years to the late Angie (Noto) Brescia (2004); devoted father of Vincent Brescia Jr. of Jupiter Florida, and Salvatore Brescia of Toms River; cherished grandfather of Wendy Brescia of Stanhope; dear brother of Mary Triolo of Clifton, Gloria Tambe and her husband Arthur of Wayne, Charles Brescia and his wife Roseanne of Brandon Florida, and the late Sam Brescia, Joseph Brescia, Ann Donatelli, Theresa Terrible, and Bill Brescia.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations would be appreciated...donation cards will be provided at the funeral home.

Paul S. Florida age 94 of Oak Ridge, formerly of Toms River and Wayne died peacefully at home on Friday, September 14, 2012.

He was born in New Britain, Connecticut and had lived in Paterson, Wayne for twenty-seven years, Toms River for twenty-one years before moving to Oak Ridge eight years ago.

Mr. Florida was a Security Guard at Hoffman LaRoche Corporation in Nutley for twenty years before his retirement in 1980.

He served in the Army during World War II as a Heavy Machine Gunner in Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons Islands. He received the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

He was a member of, past president of, and three times commander of the American Legion Post 174 in Wayne. He was also a member and honorary life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1931 in Wayne. He was also a member of the Military Order of the Kooties.

Paul was a parishioner of Annunciation RC Church in Wayne.

Paul was the loving husband of the late Frances (nee Puglise) Florida (1983), and the late Lucille Schofield Florida (2004); devoted father of Mary Florida of Clearwater, Florida, Connie Florida and her husband Joseph Chiapperini of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, Vincent Florida and his wife Floriam of Bayonne, and Andrea Drzyzga and her husband Michael of Oak Ridge; cherished grandfather of Paul Harnett and his wife Mary, the late Patricia Harnett (1999), Adrienne and Stanley Kansiewicz, Jon-Vincent Florida, Joanna Florida, Tatjana Drzyzga, Johanna Drzyzga, and Alanna Drzyzga; dear great-grandfather of Eugene Harnett, Justin Paul Florida, and Mickaela Lynn O’Grady; beloved step father of Stanley Schofield, Michela (Schofield) DeTrizio and her husband Nicholas; adored step-grandfather of Nicholas DeTrizio, Jr. and his wife Stephanie, and Michael and his wife Tracy DeTrizio; loved step-great-grandfather of Aiden, Christopher, and Michael DeTrizio,

Georgette Hannoush, age 85, of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, September 14, 2012 with the comfort of her family by her side.

The daughter of Makleh and Zakieh Sayegh, Georgette was born on August 15, 1927 and raised in Damascus, Syria. Shortly after marriage to her late husband Ezzat, the young couple moved to Jordan. It was there that they started and established a thriving jewelry business which they fittingly called The Hannoush Jeweler.

A woman of faith, Georgette’s heart for missions and her church were very dear to her. That zeal motivated her and Ezzat to institute a Catholic mission which they brought from Lebanon to Jordan. The mission consisted of the first Catholic church in Jordan called The Lady of Annunciation Church where they served the Byzantine Masses in Greek, Latin and Arabic. In the church, Georgette also served in the Ladies Society and prayed the rosary every Wednesday. The mission also consisted of a hospital called Sisters of Nazareth and an elementary school that all seven of her children attended and graduated from.

With hopes of giving their children a better future, Georgette moved with her family to the United States in 1979 and immediately settled in Wayne where they became active parishioners of St. Ann Melkite Church in Woodland Park. That church was like a home to her and with her beautiful voice, she was known for her uninhibited singing to God.

A traveler herself, Georgette was the consummate homemaker whose home was always welcome place for visitors from all over the world who especially enjoyed her wonderful cooking of such dishes as stuffed grape leaves and tabouleh.

Georgette instilled a “you can do it” attitude in all she came in contact with. When family and friends faced challenges, she would tell them, “Go do it and God will help you!” She will always be remembered as a woman with a most pleasing personality, a great sense of humor and a positive attitude who humbly worked hard, and who was giving and hospitable to all.

Georgette was predeceased by her beloved husband Ezzat and her loving son Dr. Rafiq Hannoush as well as one brother and three sisters. She is survived by her six children: Reine Wastell and husband Brian of Buckinghamshire, England, Dr. Razouk Hannoush and wife Theresa of Modena, Italy, Reem Hannoush of Wayne, Rosemary Hannoush and husband Joseph Gradzki of Lincoln Park, Rita Awad and husband Ray of Pompton Plains, and Rola Hannoush of Wayne. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Sylvana Zani of Lumizzune, Italy and her eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Melkite Church or the American Heart Association, One Union Street, Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Carol Ann Swackhamer, (nee Holmes), age 77 of West Milford, passed into eternal rest on Thursday, September 13, 2012 in Wayne, NJ.

Raised in Bloomfield, Carol had lived in Towaco, Pompton Lakes, and recently in The Villages, Florida. She received a Masters in Psychology and retired as a supervisor with the New Jersey Division for Developmental Disabilities. Blessed with lifelong friends, she remained in close contact with girls she'd first met as far back as in kindergarten. She was extremely loyal and many friends were near and dear to her heart.

Carol was predeceased by her husband Frank, her son Gary Swackhamer, and is survived by her six children; Mitch Conklin and his wife Naomi, Laurie Eymer and her husband Stephen, Debra Conklin, Linda Swackhamer and her husband Ken Croatman, Robin Merchant and her husband Roger, and Geri Swackhamer; five grandchildren; Elena and Jennifer Conklin, Michael Eymer and his wife Janice, Daniel Eymer, and Renee Levasseur and her fiance Eric Whitney; and one great-granddaughter; Minowa Willow Brake-Eymer.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Bernice L. Tanis (nee Decker) 69, of Bloomingdale, went home to her Lord and Savior on September 13, 2012 at home with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born in Paterson to the late Peter and Clara Decker of Oakland. She graduated from Eastern Christian High School with the Class of 1960. After high school Bernice worked for New Jersey Bank as a secretary for three executives and then dedicated herself to raising her six children. She returned to work for Wayne Savings Bank which merged with Valley National Bank in Wayne before retiring in 2008.

Bernice had known John M. Tanis through school and they formally began dating after her sister, Arlene arranged a date to the Palisades Amusement Park…that John forgot about. They called him and came and picked him up and the rest is a true love story. John proposed to Bernice on one knee after asking her parents for Bernice’s hand in marriage. They were wed on July 19, 1961 at the 3rd Christian Reformed Church in Paterson and honeymooned at Niagara Falls, NY. Bernice and John have had fifty one years of an inseparable, loving, and devoted marriage.

Bernice was a member of the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church for the past 38 years having joined the church after the 4th Reformed Church in Paterson burned down.

The family has many fond memories of Mondays at Island Beach State Park, Bernice’s coleslaw, potato salad, chicken pot pies, and her Dutch Santa cookies.

She was the loving wife of John M. Tanis; devoted mother of John M. Tanis, Jr. and his wife Laurie of Midland Park, Lois LoSacco and her husband Leonard of Emerson, Linda Van Grouw and her husband Brian of Oakland, Cornelius Tanis and his wife Lisa of North Haledon, Karen Sanders and her husband James of Wyckoff, and Patricia Hagedoorn and her husband Henry of Midland Park; cherished grandmother of 22 grandchildren; dear sister of Arlene Durkot and her husband John of Sparta, the late Robert Decker and his wife Ineke, formerly of Franklin Lakes, Garry Decker and his wife Tetsy of Oakland, Peter Decker and his wife Gail of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Walter Decker and his wife Cindy of Pine Bush, NY. Dear sister-in-law to Martha of Lincoln Park, Bernice Tanis of Bear, Delaware, and the late Trina Domokos and brother-in-law, Richard of Ohio, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Eastern Christian School Assoc., 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508 would be appreciated

Helen M. Gutt (nee Ryan) age 76 of Galloway Township, NJ died peacefully with loving family by her side on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.

Helen was born in Jersey City and raised in Harrison. While attending Queen of Peace High School North Arlington where she enjoyed popularity and later graduated, she worked the tables at Nankees Ice Cream Parlor. It was there that a certain young and extremely handsome man named Carl Gutt came in one day. Helen waited Carl’s table coming back with his selection of a Black Raspberry Parfait. They fell in love and, after courtship, they exchanged their wedding vows at Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in North Arlington in 1957.

After love and marriage, then came the babies in the baby carriage: Helen (aka Susie), Carl M., Jeffrey T, Laura, and David. Once the children were raised Helen took a job as Medical Records Clerk at Wayne General Hospital. She enjoyed that job for twelve years developing a reputation for diagnosing her own maladies and the unsolicited maladies of family and friends.

As the children grew the family moved to their house on Sears Place in Wayne. The house quickly became a home and the place to be for swim parties every Sunday. Helen loved the atmosphere and many family memories were made during those years!

After retirement, Helen and Carl moved closer to their second love…..Poker! They moved to Galloway Township, just outside of Atlantic City. Helen’s specialty was Texas Hold’em and she was the quintessential “Lady Luck” often winning big! Retirement also brought time for spending time with cherished grandchildren and she could often be heard saying “bring me that baby!”

A woman described by those she loved as feisty and crafty, Helen loved being with family and friends as much as they loved being with her. She loved driving Cadillacs while playing Neal Diamond songs on the radio.

Helen is survived by beloved husband of 55 years, Carl, her five loving children: Helen “Susie” Anderson and husband Robert of Wayne, Carl M. and wife Sylvia of Long Valley, NJ, Jeffrey T. and wife Maura of Wayne, Laura Ferry and husband Thomas of Randolph Township, and David and wife Deanna of Hardyston, NJ; her thirteen adored grandchildren, and her two dear sisters: Pat Murphy of Whiting, NJ and Kathleen Reitsma of Howell Township, NJ.

Walter Robert Shenton, age 84, of Wildwood Crest, formerly of Clifton, Hasbrouck Heights, and Wayne, died in his sleep on Monday, September 10, 2012 at home.

He was born in the family home on Randolph Avenue in Clifton having graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1945 where he played on the football and basketball teams. He enlisted in the US Army and was part of General MacArthur’s occupation troops stationed in Japan. While stationed in Japan the US troops and Japanese played baseball together (Walter was an excellent catcher) and Walter often wondered if that is what sparked the Japanese interest with baseball.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Walter went to Fairleigh Dickenson University on the GI Bill. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting with the Class of 1952. While in college he also met the love of his life, Patricia Mae Varetoni. They married on April 19, 1953 and had their daughter Kathleen the next year in 1954. Their marriage was an unbelievable love story of two people being dedicated and devoted to each other and their daughter. They had fifty-five years of loving marriage until Patricia’s passing on July 22, 2008.

Walter and Patricia were dedicated to their Catholic faith and founding members of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne where Walter served as an usher for over twenty years.

Walter had a very full and challenging business life. Starting at Home Insurance Company in Accounting, he embraced the role of Systems Analyst at jobs at Columbia University, Boeing Computers, Keith Prowse, and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), from which he retired in 1993.

He was the loving husband of Patricia Mae (Varetoni) Shenton; devoted father of Kathleen Edwina Shenton and her husband Jeffrey Vogel of Shelton, CT; dear brother of Edna Hughes of Elmwood Park, Joan Shane of Pompton Plains, and the late James Patrick Shenton (2003). He will also be missed dearly by his Yorkie-Poo Tory and his Mi-Ki Teddie.

In lieu of flowers, Walter would like donations to be sent in Walter’s name to Wildwood Catholic High School, 1500 Central Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260.

Vera Dobric (nee Mladenovic) age 74 of North Haledon died suddenly on Monday, September 10, 2012.

She was born and raised in Leskovac Serbia and moved to the United States when she was thirty-six years old settling in Paterson. Vera came to America with the hopes of a bright future and to join her two brothers. She has lived in Paterson, Lincoln Park, and Franklin Lakes before moving to North Haledon.

Vera knew her husband Milivoj Dobric since she was a little girl. Their first formal date was to the fairgrounds in Debelijaca Serbia. They fell in love and Milivoj went to Vera’s parents home and asked for her hand in marriage. They married on August 25, 1960 at Saint Nicholas Church in Baranda Serbia. They have enjoyed fifty-two years of loving and devoted marriage.

She worked as a dietician for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa for many years. She left her work to dedicate herself to helping with her grandchildren. She was truly a selfless and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also great at making deserts and her special touch on Strudels, Lemon Cream Tarts, and Gibanica will be greatly missed.

Vera was the loving wife of Milivoj Dobric; devoted mother of Michael Dobric and his wife Dragana of North Haledon; cherished grandmother of Alexandra Busuioc and her husband Nicholas of North Haledon, Peter Dobric and his wife Andjela of Franklin Lakes, and Danielle Dobric of North Haledon; much loved great-grandmother of Damian and Dimitri Busuioc; dear sister of Vojislav Mladenovic and his wife Suetlana of Lincoln Park, Sreten Mladenovic and his wife Smilja of Totowa, and the late Blagoja Mladenovic(1993).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church, 119 Carlisle Ave., Paterson, 07501 would be appreciated.

Herbert Frank Fehrenbach, age 83, of Pequannock, NJ, died peacefully on Monday morning at the Factoryville, Pennsylvania home of his daughter Robin Scala. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gladys (Kieselat) Fehrenbach, also living in Factoryville PA. The couple lived in Pequannock for almost 50 years before moving to Pennsylvania just last week.

Herb was born in Passaic, NJ, to the late Hilda Bernauer Fehrenbach and Frank Fehrenbach and lived in Garfield NJ. He is preceded in death by a sister, Lucy Marton. Surviving are sisters Bunny Orlofski of Washington NJ and Wally Hunt of Michigan.

Private First Class Herbert Fehrenbach served in Korea from Jan 12 1951 until Sept 14 1956, and was awarded multiple service medals.

Herb met Gladys Kieselat and they dated one time before he left for Korea. They fell in love by writing letters during his years in the service and planned their wedding for his return. They were married May 2, 1953 in Clifton NJ.

Five children were born of the couple, who would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2013. He is survived by daughter Lori Fehrenbach of Factoryville, PA; daughter Heide Fehrenbach of De Kalb, IL; daughter Robin Fehrenbach Scala of Factoryville PA; son Herbert Fehrenbach Jr. of Asbury Park, NJ; and daughter Krista Fehrenbach of Hoptacong, NJ and three grandsons, Trevor Scala of Factoryville PA, and David Buller of De Kalb, IL and Arent Moore of Factoryville PA.

Herb worked most of his life as a sheet metal mechanic at Bogue Electric in Paterson NJ. He enjoyed exploring by car during family vacations to Maine and New England every summer. Fishing and bowling were other activities he enjoyed in his rare spare time. He was a wonderful father and a good man, well liked by all. Gardening was always a big part of his life and when keeping a large vegetable garden became too much he grew roses instead.

As an athletic person all of his life, Herb spent much time outdoors walking and usually had a dog for a companion. He hiked in the woods and parks of NJ. He spent many years at his vacation property in Van Etten NY, where his grandson Trevor accompanied him for trips as often as possible.

In lieu of flower memorial donation to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.

Please click on the follow link to make a donation: WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

Theodore C. "Ted" Kopreski, age 93, of Sterling Village of Piscataway, NJ, formerly of West Paterson, NJ, died Sunday, September 9, 2012.

Ted was born in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and raised in Vineland, NJ. He left the family farm as a young man, worked briefly as a doorman in NYC, and soon got a job as a pipe fitter in the Naval shipyards. At the age of 25, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as an Ordinanceman 3rd Class before being honorably discharged in 1946.

After his service in the Navy, Ted found employment with Public Service, where he worked as a bus and trolly operator for 35 years. Upon retirement from NJ Transport, he was hired by Rowe Manse Emporium in Clifton where he constructed elaborate merchandise displays. He enjoyed this job as it allowed him to express his talent and skills; leaving it after 10 years only because of his wife's health crisis.

Ted was industrious and talented, often working 2 jobs to get ahead financially. He loved to sing, was a great Polka dancer, and continued to play the accordion at family gatherings and social events at Sterling Village, the senior residence where he has lived for the past 7 years.

Ted met his wife Helen at one such Polka dance in 1948. They married in 1949 and had a loving and devoted partnership for 51 years, until Helen's death in 2000. Ted and Helen shared a life in the church, enjoyed their family and friends, cared for their home in West Paterson where they lived for 50 years, and travelled to many interesting places together. They particularly enjoyed their daughter, Elaine, her husband Bill, and delighted in their grandchildren, Zach and Christianna.

Ted and Helen were early members of the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Wayne, NJ. Ted served there as Senior Warden, receiving a blessing from the church for his exemplary dedication and commitment to the church's growth.

In 2004, Ted reluctantly and gradually moved from his West Paterson home and community to live near his daughter and her family in Piscataway. He came to love his apartment in Sterling Village, and his community of friends, which afforded him support, sociability, and independence. His friendliness, warmth and sense of humor were appreciated by all. He is dearly missed.

Ted is survived by his daughter, Elaine Kopreski, her husband, William Dobrowski, and his cherished grandchildren, Zachary and Christianna Dobrowski, of Piscataway, NJ, and by his dearly loved brother Stanley Kopreski of Vineland. Ted was predeceased by 5 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, 285 French Hill Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, would be appreciated.

Evelyn M. Mooney (nee Nicol), age 90, of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, died on Sunday, September 9, 2012. She died peacefully surrounded by her five children.

Evelyn was born in New York City and grew up in Teaneck, NJ. She graduated from Teaneck High School in 1939. In 1945, she enjoyed a blind date with a young GI who had returned home from the war, William Mooney. They spent the evening dancing at the Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove and the rest is history. They married one year later on August 3, 1946 and eventually settled in Hackensack. Together they raised six children in a very busy household and enjoyed thirty three years together before William passed in 1979. Evelyn epitomized the strength and character of the Greatest Generation.

Evelyn was a secretary for the Hackensack Schools for nearly twenty-five years before her retirement in 1990. She moved to Wayne in 1987 and after retiring, she kept herself active by volunteering at Wayne General Hospital in the nursery and in the diabetic office. Always an avid reader, she also volunteered at the “Friends Room” at the Wayne Public Library. While living in Hackensack, she was a board member of the Johnson Free Public Library for many years.

Many summer vacations on Long Beach Island in New Jersey were special times for Evelyn and her family. In fact, she just enjoyed a beautiful summer weekend on Long Beach Island a few weeks ago with her daughter and her family. She also enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren from coast to coast.. In her retirement years, she never passed up an opportunity to travel with her family. Her family was the most important part of her life and always was. Her face, even as she neared the end of her life, never ceased to light upon seeing her children and grandchildren--nothing made her happier. She will be dearly missed by them all.

Evelyn is survived by five children; Joanne Venn of Littleton, Colorado, Thomas Mooney and his wife Jadwiga of Tucson, Arizona, Eileen Considine of Loudonville, New York, Brian Mooney of Queens, New York, and Barbara Sommer and her husband Jonathan of Wayne, seven grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, and one sister-in-law, Anna Nicol of Monroe, Connecticut. She was predeceased by her husband William in 1979 and by her son William, Jr.in 1985.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the food pantry at Wayne Interfaith Network, P.O. Box 3341, Wayne NJ 07474-3341 or to Friends of the Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road, Wayne NJ 07470.

John L. McAloney, age 69, of West Milford, died peacefully on Friday, September 7, 2012. John fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer, with his family at his side through it all.

John was raised in Kearny, NJ, and graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1961. He received a certificate in industrial electronics in 1962. In 1963 he joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving as Aviation Electronics Technician with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Five. He married his true love, Judith Tufano, on October 9, 1965, at St. John’s Cathedral in Paterson. They honeymooned at Miami Beach and went on to enjoy five children and forty-seven years together.

In 1967 he began a career that would last more than 33 years with Kearfott Guidance and Navigational Corporation in Little Falls. While working full-time and supporting his ever-growing family, he achieved a bachelor of science degree in engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1978, graduating with honors.

At the peak of his service with Kearfott, as Quality Assurance Director, Inspection and Test, he managed a staff of 165 operations and logistics personnel. He loved his work at Kearfott and all the wonderful people he became friends with as a result. In 2001 he took a position with the U.S. Department of Defense as Quality Assurance Specialist. He took great pride in his work as an inspector for U.S. government-contracted materials and equipment, being meticulous at every turn. On the side, he ran a successful business as a certified home inspector.

His hobbies were hiking, the outdoors, cooking, baking, gardening, crossword puzzles, and especially fixing things. A technical thinker with a natural mechanical inclination, he knew how to fix and maintenance everything from cars to home appliances—as well as how to build additions, rewire electrical systems, repair pipes, and replace just about anything that broke in the home.

In fact, home was where his heart was, and nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by his family. Being married to the love of his life, raising five children together, and then being blessed with nine grandchildren made him a wealthy man, and there was literally nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. He was quite proud of his children, making each one feel like his only child even though there were five! Each of his grandchildren also brought him unique joy, and he loved them all very much. St. Patrick’s Day was a favorite holiday of his, and he loved to prepare a big meal for his whole family and spend the day together. He was especially proud of his Irish heritage. He was also devoted to his Catholic faith, and before his illness, he never missed Sunday Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace RC Church in Hewitt, NJ.

John will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of forty-seven years, Judith of West Milford; his five children, Christina Scienski and her husband, Larry, of Pompton Plains, NJ; Jennifer Godfrey and her husband, Troy, of Washington, NJ; Regina Kelly and her husband, Brian, of Sea Bright, NJ; Danielle Petrelli and her husband, Vincent, of Turnersville, NJ; and John Paul McAloney and his wife, Lindsay, of Vernon, NJ; nine grandchildren, Naomi Godfrey of Washington; Lauren, Patrick, and Matthew Scienski of Pompton Plains; Maren Kelly of Sea Bright; Gracie, Julianna, and Maggie Petrelli of Turnersville; and McKenna McAloney of Vernon; and one sister, Patricia Calandrillo and her husband, Nick, of Andover, NJ.

Memorial donations in John’s honor would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631, or the Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410.

Dorothy J. Popp (Schmidt) – Died at the age of 85 on September 06, 2012 from Alzheimer’s while at Emeritus Assisted Living in Wayne, NJ.

She lived much of her life with her late husband Robert in Ridgefield, NJ. She served as a loving crossing guard in the Ridgefield Police Department and was active in multiple charitable organizations. After living in Barnegat for over 20 years she moved to Little Ferry until needing the care at Emeritus.

She was loved by her daughters, Barbara Venezia of Little Ferry, NJ and Dorothyjean Romano of Fountain Valley, CA. She was a caring, loving influence to her grandchildren Frank, Bobbijean, Gina and Catherine and seven great-grandchildren.

Yvette Dolores (nee Isaacs) McAndrew, age 78 of Wayne. On September 5, 2012 Mrs. McAndrew passed away due to complications associated with aplastic anemia, a disease she was battling for the past 10 months.

Born on June 19, 1934 to Angela Callender and Hugh Linton Isaacs, Yvette was one of eight children. Yvette was raised and educated in Georgetown, Guyana and followed in her mother’s footsteps to pursue a career in nursing. She began her nursing career at the Georgetown (Public) Hospital in Guyana. In 1968 she emigrated to the United States and joined the staff at Greater Paterson General Hospital (which later became Wayne General Hospital and is currently St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital) where she worked as a Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse on the 7th floor for numerous years. She later became head of the newly formed Endoscopy department and worked there until her retirement in 2000. She was a very dedicated nurse and truly enjoyed helping others.

In 1961 she married her beloved soul mate, Nigel McAndrew. From this union she was blessed with three wonderful children: Newell, Nevin (who passed in 2003) and Norville (Norv).

Upon arriving in the United States, Yvette and her husband first settled in Paterson, New Jersey before moving to Wayne in 1977. Over the years, Yvette has persuaded many other friends and family members to come to America and all of them are grateful to her. She had an enormous heart for family and many of her family members are privileged to call these United States of America “home” because of her influence. She was well loved by all she came in contact with. Her words of wisdom, encouragement and advice were profound. “Thank you, Yvette” from all of us who benefitted from your love.

Yvette was well known for her infectious laughter. She had a wonderful perspective on life and found the humor in most everything. For example, Yvette traveled throughout the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, and was well known for bringing back t-shirts and trinkets along with captivating stories of her experiences. Inevitably, Yvette would use an old Guyanese saying or recollection of “what Mother would do,” to make a point, and then burst into laughter. And although Yvette traveled, she was always more comfortable close to home. Yvette loved to entertain at home, surrounded by family and friends, while cooking, catching up, and singing. She liked to cook, but her family will admit that there were some things she was better at, such as singing. One of her favorite songs to sing around the house was “His eyes are on the sparrow” and this hymn brought to light her strong faith in the Lord. Yvette was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, where she raised her boys in the Catholic faith. She placed great trust in the Lord and she is surely enjoying her Heavenly reward today.

Yvette leaves to mourn her husband Nigel of Wayne; her two sons; Newell and Norv; her daughter in laws; Shelly and Amy; seven grandchildren: Schuyler, Nicholle, Brice, Sterling, Raven, Kara, and Owen; her brother Eric and his wife Sheila Callender; her sisters; Evril Scantlebury and Gloria (Bybe) and her husband Austin Silas; her brother in law Wilton McAndrew and his wife Yvonne; her honorary daughter Laurel Martin, her devoted niece Pauline Robinson; her very dear friend Vera Castle and countless nieces, nephews and friends. The family would also like to thank Pauline Robinson for her assistance during this critical time. Yvette was predeceased by her son Nevin in 2003.

Yvette, you have ran the race, finished the course, fought the good fight and now your resting time is here. You will be sadly and truly missed. We love you dearly.

Giovanna Olga Stengel (nee Carducci) age 57 of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, September 1, 2012.

She was born and raised in Naples Italy and married Christian W. Stengel III on June 5, 1976 in Naples. Giovanna and Christian met when he was stationed at the US Naval Base in Naples Italy.  Christian had the basement apartment in the building where Giovanna's family lived on the sixth floor.  Water

pressure was often an issue for the higher floors in the building and Christian would bring water up to them. Their first formal date was with her family and eating Pizza Margherita. Christian proposed to Giovanna after a Christmas vacation in the United States where she met his parents.  They moved to the Newport Rhode Island Naval Base and lived in New Brunswick, NJ to attend Rutgers University for Criss' Electrical Engineering Degrees.

Both worked in Bowie, Maryland for twelve years before being transferred to  Cary, North Carolina where they lived for seven years before moving to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne nine years ago. In 1997 Christian retired from work to care for Giovanna full time. They loved being with each other and have had thirty-six years of loving and truly devoted marriage.

Giovanna was a Dental Assistant for seventeen years before a neurological movement disorder called Dystonia ended her working career in 1994.

She loved to be with people, enjoyed chatting, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed putting her working knowledge of five languages to work helping to translate for others.  She also enjoyed making all kinds of crafts which she would give as gifts.

She was the loving wife of Christian W. Stengel III; devoted daughter of Luigi Carducci and his current wife Rosa and the late Renata (nee Meo) Carducci(1977); loved sister of Ornella Carducci of Naples Italy, Alba Saladino and her husband Pasquale of Pomigliano Italy, and Rosella Carducci of Naples; cherished aunt of Riccardo and Marco Saladino

LaVita DeCroce (nee Torre) age 63 of Fort Myers, Florida formerly of Wayne. Passed to her eternal reward in heaven on Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 in Sarasota, Florida. Her daughter Cheryl was often at her bedside providing her mom with all the love and caring that only a daughter could provide.

LaVita was born in Newark where she spent her early childhood years later moving to Belleville with her family. She received her formal education first at the Newark 14th Avenue Grammar School and then at Belleville High School; graduating with the Class of 1967. She had a very happy childhood. Her finest fantasy in her youth was Shirley Temple and she collect Shirley Temple dolls and memorabilia emulating into her life story the spirit of Shirley Temple. Her life was full of music especially the hits of the 50’s including Motown.

LaVita had a strong faith in her life journey and found great meaning in her Roman Catholic faith. Her health was presenting her with many difficulties over the years and things just kept going down hill. Her passing no doubt was a great relief to her especially knowing that her faith in God would bring her to a new life relieving her of her many illnesses. Her wonderful faith became reality in heaven where no pain and worry exist.

Her first work experience lasted one half a day. Her responsibilities including answering telephones and when lunch time rolled around she just knew that that job was not for her and never went back. She decided to study to be a beautician and enrolled in the Capri Beauty School. She became quite skilled as a beautician and worked for numerous beauty shops. As time went on she opened her own beauty parlor in Lincoln Park named “Lavita’s Park Salon”. When she retired from her beauty business she worked as a professional medical biller.

Lavita was graced all of her life with a personality that was effervescently joyous. Always upbeat and ready for fun. She was a delight to be with and as a result had accumulated many wonderful friends. She especially loved to dance to the best of Frank Sinatra hits. She was very organized and a wonderful decorator maintaining her house and surrounds with impeccable good taste and cleanliness at all times.

Her most important dedication in life was her family. She was very loving and caring. When her husband Anthony was set back with his health she took care of him with loving and devoted love. He finally passed away in December 2005 after thirty six years of “wonderful and loving marriage” together.

Surviving to mourn this wonderful wife, mother, grandmother daughter and sister are one daughter Cheryl Makowsky and her husband Michael of Parrish, Florida; one son Anthony DeCroce and his wife Nadia of Highland Lakes; one grandson Dominic DeCroce age three; one sister Jeanette Casciano and her husband Michael of Hewitt; her cherished parents Harry and Beatrice Torre of Fort Myers, Florida. Caring aunt to Janell and Danielle.

She will be laid to rest with her late husband Anthony at the Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to help with medical expenses. Please send to: Jeanette Casciano c/o LaVita DeCroce PO Box 276 Hewitt, NJ 07421

Wendel Weiner age 89 of Clifton died peacefully on Tuesday, August 28, 2012.

He was born and raised in Stanisitch, Yugoslavia, where he completed his education. He worked with his father in the family owned furniture factory in Stanisitch and was soon drafted into the German Army. He served on the Russian front where he was seriously wounded losing his left eye on the advance into Moscow. Subsequently he served in the army in Moschendorf, Austria. In 1945 when Germany surrendered he went to Salzburg, Austria to turn in his weapon. He returned to Moschendorf as he had found a cute girl named Rosina Domitrovits there. They fell in love and married on December 28, 1947 in Moschendorf, Austria and have enjoyed sixty-five years of loving and devoted marriage. They came to the United States in 1956 and settled in Paterson and Passaic, before moving to Clifton 45 years ago.

Wendel worked for the Sommer Cabinet Company in Carlstadt through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 15 out of Hackensack, for over twenty years before retiring in 1985. He had an extremely strong work ethic, was never late for work, and never missed a day of work. After his retirement he worked as a commercial and residential property manager for his son Joseph.

He was the loving husband of Rosina (Domitrovits) Weiner; loving father of Joseph Weiner and his wife Rita of Franklin Lakes; cherished grandfather of Annemarie “Aimee” Galofaro and her husband David of Wayne; Michele Mazzei and her husband Franco of Wayne; Dr. Michael J. Weiner of Franklin Lakes and Dr. Joseph P. Weiner of Brooklyn, NY; dear great-grandfather of Luke Mazzei, Anthony Galofaro, Michael Mazzei, and Gianna Galofaro.

Wendel is best described as a gentle man, hard working, responsible, and a perfectionist. As a hobby he enjoyed raising honeybees and Rosina had many stings to show for it as she helped him with his hives. This hobby has been taught and passed on to his son and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Salvation Army, 545 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07522 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.

Phocion Lellos age 86 of Wayne died peacefully on Tuesday, August 28, 2012.

He was born and raised in Pearl Street area of Haverhill Massachusetts and soon after graduating from high school he was drafted into the US Navy during World War II. He served from 1944 through 1946 and was Honorably Discharged with distinction as a Quartermaster 3rd Class.

After his service he went to college and graduated from the University of New Hampshire. After college Phocion toured throughout Europe. He worked as a Professional Engineer in the aerospace industry for companies such as Bell and Sikorsky. He started a technical personnel agency in Boston MA.

He met his wife, the late Jean Capolon, while in the Catskill Mountains, they married November 4th, 1961 and lived in Europe before returning to live in Boston MA. They began their family in Massachusetts and moved to the Pines Lake section of Wayne in 1975.

Phocion was a dedicated member of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff and sang in their choir for many years.

He enjoyed sailing on Pines Lake, and was always tinkering with his antique Alfa Romeo and Jaguar cars. For many years he sang with the New York Chorale Society.

Phocion was the loving husband of forty-two years to the late Jean (Capolon) Lellos (July 2003); devoted father of Cion Lellos and his partner Jennifer of Mendon, VT, Jason Lellos and his wife Stacy of Wayne, NJ, Brian Lellos of Mason, OH, and Alex Lellos of Doylestown, PA; cherished grandfather of Sophia, Nikolas, Evangeline, and Cassie Lellos; loved brother of Theodore Lellos of Chelmsford, MA, Mel Tsamparlis of Manchester, NH, and the late Solon Lellos.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 or the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291,  Wayne NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Louis Zuzzolo age 89 of Wayne passed into life eternal on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at the Saint Joseph’s Wayne Hospital in Wayne.

He was born in Yonkers, New York and had lived his formative years in Yonkers. He received his formal education at Enrico Fermi High School in Yonkers graduating with the Class of 1940.

Lou had a happy childhood and obtained his first gainful employment in a local luncheonette near his home as a “Soda Jerk”. He soon joined the Army Air Corp and served his military obligation in both Hawaii and the island of Guam. He was severely injured during his service career and held the status of disabled veteran the rest of his life.

He started out on his life journey in Yonkers and later purchase his first home in West Islip on Long Island, NY and later purchased a home in Carmel, New York.

After his service obligation he went to New York University “NYU” and studied accounting He then worked as an accountant for C.I.T. Financial Corporation in Long Island and later of Pepsico, Inc in Purchase, New York.

Lou was invited on a blind date and met a pretty girl named Elizabeth Lyall. They decided to marry in 1954 and Honeymooned in Miami, Florida. Lou and Elizabeth had fifty-eight years of “Loving and Dedicated” marriage together.

Louis was gifted with an outgoing personality causing him to have many friends. His principal dedication was his family and was a good husband and father. He was a very caring father who was very generous in many ways.

He especially enjoyed vacations to Fire Island, New York where his sister had a summer home.

Surviving to mourn this very special man are his wife Elizabeth (nee Lyall) Zuzzolo; one daughter Angela Balcolm and her husband Terrance of Scotia, New York; one son James Zuzzolo and his wife Karen of Glen Rock; his sister Sadie Hall and her husband John of New York City. Lou was predeceased by his very special companion Smokey who was a cocker spaniel.

Andrew Joseph Lucchesi age 91 of Pequannock died peacefully on Tuesday August 28 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pequannock.

Andrew was born in New York City and was raised in Astoria before moving to Great River, NY where he raised his family with his loving wife Lillian. After living in Great River for over 47 years, Andrew and Lillian recently moved to Pequannock to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

He worked for Colonial Airlines for a time before becoming a New York City Fireman. Andrew was a fireman for 25 years in New York before retiring about thirty-five years ago. During his career he received the Distinguished Award Medal for saving the lives of 3 women while on the job. He was a member of the NYC Fireman’s Honor Society. Before becoming a Fireman, Andrew proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II at Guadalcanal.

Andrew was a member of the American Legion as well as the Suffolk County Retired Fireman’s Association. He was a parishioner of St Mary’s RC church in East Islip while he lived in New York. Andrew also volunteered his time to the study and distribution of plant life to various parks and recreation areas in Long Island, NY.

Andrew cherished 57 years of marriage to his wife Lillian; he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Andrew was an avid fisherman, enjoyed cooking, and loved to travel with his family.

Andrew is survived by his wife Lillian (nee DelPonte), his Daughter Joanne Delaney and her husband Robert of Ridgewood, his son Andrew Lucchesi and his wife Dianne of Wayne, his son Paul Lucchesi and his wife Sophie of Chicago, and nine grandchildren; Sara, Jack, Michael, Andrew, Cristina, PJ, Francesca, Tom, and Charlie.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations in Andrew’s name be made to The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, New York 10475.

Hedwig Herzog (nee Kosakowski) age 92 of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 25, 2012.

She was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and raised in Coatesville Pennsylvania having graduated from Coatesville High School with the Class of 1936. She graduated from Beaver College, now known as Arcadia University, in Glenside Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English with the Class of 1940. She went on to receive her Masters Degree in Library Science from Drexel University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

After college she got a job with the Brooklyn Library in New York City where she worked from 1951 – 1953. She married and raised her family returning to the workforce in 1963 working for the Pompton Lakes Board of Education in New Jersey until 1966 and for the Little Falls Board of Education from 1966 – 1972. She then worked for the Singer Kearfott Corporation in Totowa until her retirement in 1984.

She met her husband William G. Herzog while on a blind date. Their first date was in Morristown and they soon fell in love. They married at Saint Stanislaus Church in Coatesville Pennsylvania on June 21, 1953 and honeymooned at Niagara Falls New York. They enjoyed fifty-two years of a loving, complimentary, opposites attract marriage until William’s passing on January 30, 2005.

Hedwig enjoyed bowling in her younger years but her true passion was playing Pinochle, Bridge, and doing crossword puzzles. She even won $25.00 in a New York Times crossword challenge many years ago.

She was the loving wife of the late William G. Herzog (2005); devoted mother of Carol Herzog of Wayne, and Timothy Herzog and his wife Rosalind of Ridgewood; cherished grandmother of Laura Herzog, Teresa Rose Herzog, William Herzog, and Claire Herzog; dear sister of Helen Alejko of Ephrata Pennsylvania, and the late Raymond Kasakowski.

Ada Cauwenberghs (nee DeRuyscher) age 80 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, August 25, 2012.

She was born in Paterson and raised in Wayne having graduated from Pompton Lakes High School with the Class of 1949.

Ada was serving as a Lab Technician at the Bergen Pines Hospital in Paramus when she met a TB patient named Henry Cauwenberghs. 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 “perfect” sixty-three years of marriage and rarely had an argument.

As Ada’s youngest daughter entered middle school she decided to go to college. She graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Teaching and continued at the university to secure her Masters Degree in Special Education. She worked for the Wayne Board of Education for several years, Our Lady of the Valley School in Wayne, then the Haledon Board of Education for many years before retiring in 2001.

Ada is best described as an outgoing person who was kind, polite to a fault, and extremely honest.

She was the loving wife of Henry Cauwenberghs; devoted mother of Henry Cauwenberghs and his wife Judy of Canajoharia, NY, and Dawn DiPaola and her husband John of Wayne, and the late Diana and Roger Cauwenberghs; cherished grandmother of Jennifer, Joseph, and Daniel Cauwenberghs, and Jeffrey, Kristen, and Stephen DiPaola; and four great-grandchildren.

Jennie Boer (nee Koster) age 86 of Kinnelon passed on Thursday, August 23, 2012.

She was born on January 4, 1926 in Hilversum, Netherlands and when she was just eighteen months old her family moved to the United States. The family came by ship into New York City and settled in Prospect Park New Jersey. Jennie went to the eighth grade before having to go to work to help support the family. She got a job at the Faber Laundry in Haledon where she ironed shirts. She met John Boer at Church in Passaic and the fell in love and married on March 21, 1946. They attempted to go on their honeymoon but after too many flat tires (you couldn’t buy tires as WWII was just concluding and rubber was nowhere to be found) they returned home. Jennie lived in Wayne for forty-one years and lived in Kinnelon for the past twenty-four years.

Jennie was a devoted member of the Free Reformed Church of Pompton Plains.

She is best described as a reserved person with all but family with whom she would share her many and sometimes strong opinions. She also loved to drive and purposely made a detour through North Dakota so she could tell everyone she has driven in all 48 contiguous States. For a number of years she also drove a school bus for the Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Pompton Plains.

Jennie was the loving wife of the late John Boer(2002); devoted mother of Geri Fontana and her husband Philip of Montville, Sarah Okken and her husband John of Pequannock, Jennie Reganess and her husband John of Newton, John Boer and his wife Carole of Jackson, Corie Rieder of Lord’s Valley, PA, and Dereck Boer and his wife Catherine of Kinnelon; dear sister of Evelyn Hoogmoed of North Haledon, and Jasper Koster and his wife Mary of Prospect Park; cherished grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Netherlands Reformed Christian  School, 164 Jacksonville Road, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or the Free Reformed Church, 160 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated.

Frances Kapp (nee Bennett) “Mom Mom” age 86 of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne died peacefully, with the comfort of holding her granddaughter Sara’s hand, on Thursday, August 23, 2012.

She was born in Scranton Pennsylvania and raised in New Jersey having graduated from Barringer High School in Newark with the Class of 1943.

She met John Kapp at Joe Keeleys’ Tavern in Newark “only 72 steps from Broad Street”. John was told to propose to Fran by his mother who said “marry that girl and make it legal.” They married on September 29, 1945 at Saint Bridget’s Church on Plane Street in Newark. They honeymooned in Virginia Beach and have enjoyed sixty-seven years of loving and devoted marriage.

Having moved many times as a young girl it was Fran’s desire to have one place to call home. Fran and John bought their home in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne for $14,200.00 sixty years ago. They have raised their family and lived into their retirement years in this same home.

Fran loved theatre and has directed and acted in many local plays. The Packanack Players was very dear to her heart. During the 1960’s and 1970’s she also helped to run the Miss Wayne Pageant. She volunteered for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation’s Northern New Jersey Chapter and also taught CCD for several years at Holy Spirit RC Church in Pequannock.

Raising eight children would be a challenge for most but with her “iron hand, a wire hanger, or the large metal spoon from the kitchen” she had no trouble keeping her kids on the straight and narrow. Fran was also an excellent cook and her special touch on Pot Roast and Potato Pancakes (John’s favorite) will be greatly missed.

Fran was the loving wife of John Kapp; devoted mother of the late Joanne E. Kapp (1955), and late J. Fred Kapp (1996), Anita A. Kapp, Gordon Kapp and his wife Gail, Melanie Walk and her husband John, Andrew Kapp, Gregory Kapp, Suzanne Mahoney and her husband Robert, and Pamela Sachs-Kapp; cherished grandmother of Joanne, Billy, Brian, Justin, Morgan, Logan, Emily, and Elizabeth Kapp, Sara and Kaity Walk, Shannon and Jake Mahoney; dear great-grandmother of Maggie Grace Kapp; loved sister of Jack A. Bennett.

Those considering a gesture of kindness such as flowers or food are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Patricia “Pat” Marino (Hodgson) age 68 of Wayne died peacefully on Monday, August 20, 2012.

She was born in Cedar Grove and raised in Pompton Plains having graduated from Pequannock High School with the Class of 1962. When she married she lived in Paterson and Lincoln Park before moving to Wayne thirty-six years ago.

She met her husband Douglas Marino while working at Meyer Brothers Department Store in Paterson as they were both working in the administration offices for 90 cents per hour. Their first date was to the movies in Paterson and soon Doug asked Pat to marry him at her parents home. They married on November 7, 1964 at the Italian Methodist Church on 21st Avenue in Paterson. Their reception was held at Lanieve’s Restaurant in Haledon and they honeymooned in Quebec City Canada. Pat and Doug have enjoyed forty-eight years of loving marriage.

After raising her two children Pat worked for the State Farm Insurance Company in Parsippany before retiring in 2007.

She was a very friendly person who would help just about anyone. She loved her children and grandchildren, enjoyed golf and the occasional trip to the slot machines.

She was the loving wife of Douglas Marino; devoted mother of Marcie Romberger and her husband Karl of Berwyn, PA, and Mark Marino of Wayne and his fiancé Sophia; cherished grandmother of Christian, Elise, and Julia Romberger, and Mika Marino.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated. Click here to access St. Jude's website:  St Jude Children's Research Hospital

Josephine “Josie” Cialone age 92 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, August 18, 2012.

She was born in Paterson where she lived a happy childhood. She received her formal education at Paterson Grammar School No. 5.

Josie, as a teenager, needed to find work and she went to a local factory and inquired about employment. She filled out their application and was accepted for a position. Something told her that she should learn more about her potential work responsibilities and she proceeded to ask a few questions. At that point she learned that this company’s main product was condoms. To make a long story short she went into an emotional panic that included a flushed red face, and told them in a forthright manner that she definitely could not do that kind of work. Over the years this life experience was the subject of much good kidding and delightful interfamily humor.

Her sister Teresa was of dating age and she was being pursued by a gentlemen named Rocco Cialone. Teresa being a party girl wanted nothing to do with Rocco and at that point Rocco took an interest in Josephine. They decided to join their hearts in marriage and married on February 19, 1944 and had thirty-one years of extremely devoted and loving marriage together until Rocco’s passing on February 4th, 1975.

Her principal focus in life was her family and when you met Josie she made you a member of that family.

Wayne residents will recall that the Cialone family had green houses and a farm on Valley Road in Wayne. They were highly respected as a warm and popular part of the Wayne citizenry. Josie would reach out to neighbors and help them with their domestic chores, cooking and house cleaning and in particular helping to raise the fifteen children in the VanPeenen family.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her nieces Kathleen Fox of Butler, Annette Meyer of Fredon, Charles Puglia of Dresher, PA, Michael Puglia of Taylors, SC, Joseph Cialone of FL, Philip Cialone of FL, Paul Cialone of CT, and BettyLou Breen of Lincoln Park.

She was predeceased by her loving parents Michael and Antoinette (Rosciano) Puglia; she was also predeceased by her brothers Charles and John Puglia, and Teresa Puglia.

Katherine E. “Kathy” Gibson age 52 of Wayne died peacefully on Friday, August 17, 2012 at the Hospice of NJ in Wayne.

She was a lifelong resident of Packanack Lake in Wayne having graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1978.

Kathy's enjoyed a long career as part of the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat family in Wyckoff, for over thirty-five years.

She was an avid animal lover, a generous volunteer, a lover of music with a beautiful singing voice. One of her most fulfilling efforts was helping out at A Pathway to Hope animal rescue in Passaic County.

Kathy had a brilliant wit and an infectious laugh that will be greatly missed by all she touched.

She was the loving daughter of the late John Donald Sr and Audrey (Mason) Gibson; sister of David Gibson of Knoxville, TN, John Donald Gibson Jr. of Wayne, and Timothy Gibson of Highland Lakes; aunt of Brian and James Gibson.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, 700 Mountain Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 or A Pathway to Hope, PO Box 165, Hawthorne, NJ 07507 would be appreciated. Donation cards for both organizations will be provided at the visitation hours.

Anthony “Mickey” Hanusek age 87 of Wayne died peacefully on Thursday, August 16, 2012 with his wife Dorothy by his side.

He was born in Union City New Jersey where his grandmother gave him the name “Mickey” as he was a Jr and she didn’t want any grandson of hers going through life being called “Jr”. Mickey graduated from Cliffside Park High School with the Class of 1942.

A few months after graduating from High School Mickey enlisted in the United States Navy and served during WWII. Mickey and his father were both serving in the Navy but only once came close to seeing each other during their service. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on February 28, 1947 and soon had a job with the Ford Motor Company. On January 14, 1950 Mickey was called in from the Navy Reserves to serve during the Korean War. Upon his again honorable discharge he returned to the Ford Motor Company having worked in Edgewater, New York City, and Teterboro before retiring as a Field Manager in 1951.

When Mickey was home from his second stint in the Navy one of the neighborhood kids took him out to meet a group of younger neighbors. This group would often go roller skating and dancing together. This is where Mickey met the love of his life Dorothy Olsen. Mickey asked if Dorothy would wait to marry him after his discharge from the service. She responded “no ring…no strings”. On his Christmas leave he asked Dorothy’s father if he approved of the marriage and he gave his blessing. They were married on Valentines Day, February 14, 1953 and went to Lake Placid New York for a skiing honeymoon. They have enjoyed a “good life” together for the past fifty-nine years.

Mickey was Dorothy’s Bionic Man. He had two heart attacks in 1951, triple bypass surgery in 1952, and a third heart attack in 1995. On a ski trip he decided the trails were too easy so he entered the woods where he broke several ribs after hitting a boulder. He broke both of his knees while painting over the garage and the ladder slipped away; had a stroke in 2001 that affected his short term memory; broke one hip after falling down the cellar stairs; fell in the living room at home and broke the other hip; had prostate cancer that was treated with radiation and seed implants; and was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm which he never had treated. It seems no surprise that the family wishes memorial donations be made to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad.

Mickey was the loving husband of Dorothy (Olsen) Hanusek; devoted father of Michael Hanusek and his wife Karen of Franklin; cherished grandfather of Eric and his wife Kristen Hanusek of Ledgewood; and proud great-grandfather of Violet Hanusek.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne 1st Aid Squad, Po Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Anna Brigida (nee Semeraro), age 83 of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, August 16, 2012. Her family was gathered at her bedside.

Anna was born in Paterson and moved to Italy with her family when she was just a young girl. She lived in Italy through her formative years and met her husband Frank there. The two of them were married in Martina Franca, Italy. Frank owned a café/restaurant in Italy and he was a renowned baker and chef. Together, they decided to move to America and Frank sold his business. They settled in Paterson and raised their family. The two of them enjoyed ballroom dancing during their many loving years together before Frank passed in 1985.

Anna had worked at the Manchester High School as a cafeteria aid for nearly 20 years before retiring just this past June. She loved her time at the school and enjoyed all the children and staff that she became acquainted with over the years. Her coworkers treated her to a special retirement dinner at The Manor in West Orange and she had a wonderful time.

Anna was very involved with several social groups and she always kept a close group of friends. She was a member of the Italian American Club of Totowa and the Senior Citizens Club of Totowa. Anna was always taking trips with them to Atlantic City where they would enjoy a good time together. She was also a devout member of St. Gerard’s RC Church in Paterson for many years and you could find her at almost every Saturday Mass.

Family was very important to Anna. She was with her children and grandchildren on a daily basis. She and her sister Angelina were the dearest of friends.

Anna is survived by her four devoted children; Frank and his wife Debra of Wayne, Gino and his wife Susan of Wayne, Antoniette DelPizzo and her husband James of North Haledon, and Susan Inturrisi and her husband Paul of North Haledon, her sister Angelina Scala and her husband Carmen of Wayne, her brother Frank Semeraro and his wife Barbara of Egg Harbor, NJ, and nine grandchildren; Gina and Guy Rose, Frank Brigida, Michael Brigida, Anthony Inturrisi, Christine Brigida, Nicholas Inturrisi, Dana DelPizzo, Justin Brigida, and Alexa Inturrisi.