Anthony Eugene Mercaldi age 54 of Wayne died suddenly on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

He was born in Bronx, New York and raised in Mount Vernon New York. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School with the Class of 1975. He lived in Rutherford, Garfield, Paramus and Totowa before moving to Wayne five years ago.

Anthony was a bus boy for Howard Johnsons Restaurant in Yonkers, New York, he later worked for Rye Playland in Rye, New York before returning to Howard Johnsons Restaurant as a chef. He worked as a night shift machinist for fourteen years and was exposed to computerized machinery that sparked an interest in computers. When the company shut down the night shift he took the opportunity and attended Chubb Computer School. After graduating from Chubb he worked as a computer programmer for the Erisco Corporation, a Dunn & Bradstreet Company in New York and the Marsh & McClennan Corporation in the World Trade Center. His career took him to Ohio and Florida before returning to the New York area as a HIPPA/EDI specialist. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start multiple businesses including, owner/operator of an ice cream truck, Mr. T’s Hot Dogs, Brothers’ Video, Yardmaster, Risk Management Technologies, and Anthony E. Mercaldi Consulting. Most recently he worked for 26 New York in New York and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. He has been featured in many national press releases from Microsoft and many other Fortune 500 organizations for his superior skills in HIPPA/EDI processing and management. He was a head of the committees that wrote the HIPPA laws to ensure personal privacy for all Americans in all aspects of health care and insurance information.

Anthony met Maria Ramirez soon after moving to New Jersey. They had a three month courtship before dropping to his knees to propose marriage at the Grand Saloon in Clifton. Eight months later they were married on June 4, 1978. They have enjoyed thirty-three years of loving marriage.

Anthony’s greatest passion was music and playing the bass guitar. He played in multiple southern rock bands throughout the 70’s, culminating with the Branson Brothers Band. In recent years he continued to use his musical talents to host karaoke nights at local bars and DJ for parties. Through the years Anthony was always considered the life of the party. He was quick with a joke and the light of his smoke and loved to make people laugh.

He was the loving husband of Maria (nee Ramirez) Mercaldi; loving father of Anthony Joseph Mercaldi of Wayne and Nicole Mercaldi of Hoboken; cherished grandfather of Anthony Joseph Mercaldi III; son of Marlene and Anthony Mercaldi(deceased 1986); loved brother of Christopher Mercaldi and his wife Maria of Mahopac, NY and Debbie Linarello and her husband Michael of Poughauaq, NY; uncle of Christopher Mercaldi, Anthony’s Godson, and Michael Linarello; beloved nephew to Roseann Belford; cousin to Larry and Vicki Belford, Marlene and Frankie D’Auria, Bobby Belford; cousin to Joe and Donna Cannatella and family, and lifelong friend to Jerry DiScala and his wife Ann Marie.

Anthony was also very close with his in-laws, Dolores and Raul Ramirez(deceased 2004) of Passaic, NJ; brother-in-law to Janet and Ricardo Pabon of Garfield, NJ; Nacio and Sue Ramirez of Riverdale, NJ; uncle to Michael and Daniel Ramirez.

Edward Dutches age 65 of Wayne died suddenly at home on Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

Born and raised in Paterson he graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1964. Ed served two tours in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps having been discharged as a Lance Corporal in 1972. He would talk about how he was upset that during the TET Offensive the basketball court they had built was blown up and how on his way to see a dentist with a tooth ache he saw little puffs of dirt coming up at his feet as a sniper was trying to get him. He said he barely changed his gait walking as he was so consumed by the pain in his tooth.

After his service Ed got a job for just a few years with the NJ Transit Department inspecting the concrete mix being used on the roadways. He then worked for the Railroad as a Fireman for about two years and then secured a position with the Paterson Police Department. Ed was a Sergeant with the Paterson Police Department having worked there for 25 years before retiring in 2000.

Ed’s cousin Joan was attending a secretarial school in Ridgewood and thought he should meet one of her classmates Cathleen Hennessy. They went on a date to Jade Fountain in Hasbrouck Heights. He agreed to a second date so he could get revenge for how poorly Cathleen had treated him on their first date. They soon fell in love and married on August 4, 1973 at Saint Gabriel’s RC Church, Saddle River. They honeymooned in a “chicken coupe” on the property of an Inn in North Conway New Hampshire. Being the romantic guy he was he took Cathleen to a spooky movie and then on a tour of a haunted house. Once back at the “coupe” Ed went out for ice. While he was gone there was a power failure and Cathleen took off out the front door locking herself out. They have enjoyed thirty-nine years of a loving and devoted marriage.

He was the loving husband of Cathleen (nee Hennessy) Dutches; devoted father of Linda Palmiere and her husband Christopher of Parsippany, Michelle Dutches of Charlotte, N.C., and Robert Dutches of Wayne; loved brother of Dianne Strayer of Paterson; dear uncle of Thomas McNamara.

Brian P. McGloin passed away on March 27, 2012 at the age of 41.

Brian was an Assistant Chief Counsel for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of the Department of Homeland Security in Miami.

Brian received his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, where he was an Academic All-American and Captain of the Men’s Swim Team. He also received his M.A. from University of California, San Diego and his J.D. from California Western School of Law.

He is survived by his parents Tom and Ethel, brothers Bill and Kevin, sister Jean, sisters-in-law Linda and Stacy, nieces Melissa, Jessica, Cailey and Madison, and nephew Billy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Johns Hopkins University Men’s Swim Team. To make a donation, please make out your check to "Blue Jays Unlimited" and mail to the following address:  George Kennedy - Swim Coach, Newton White Athletic Center, John Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.

Robert Vander May was born in Little Falls, NJ to Ethel (Velzen) and Barney Vander May.

He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. Later, he attended Westminster College where he met Dorothy, his beloved wife of 63 years.

They had 3 children: Linda, David, and Jill, who consider their father the greatest man who ever lived.

He was a member of the Parsippany Presbyterian Church where he served as both an elder and a deacon. He was president of the Passaic Valley Rotary and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

He leaves behind his two grandchildren, the loves of his life, Dr. Steve Linden of Boston and doctoral candidate Julie Linden of Davis, California. He also leaves behind his dear sisters Frances Van Halsema and Gladys De Vos and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, PO Box 41, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034.

Byron James “Jimmy” Hinderlong of Wayne, died on Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Jimmy was born in Miltonsburg, Ohio (population 29), a small and very rural farming town located in south eastern Ohio. He was raised by his mother Maida and his grandparents. His grandparents owned three small farms in Miltonsburg where they raised beef cattle and later his grandparents purchased the country store in the center of town. It was the only store within sixty miles. Jimmy and his family truly lived off of the land. Everything they ate was grown on their own farm, including their beef, and Jimmy would hunt squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs and deer as well. His mother and grandmother would can and cold pack everything he brought home. His home was the first one in town to be outfitted with indoor plumbing and electricity. He also saw the first street lights in town installed near his home and he recalls a man coming each evening to turn them on and then come back again in the morning to turn them off. Jimmy attended classes at a one room schoolhouse until entering high school. He went to Woodsfield High School and graduated with the Class of 1952.

Jimmy joined the U.S. Army in 1955 and after training he was assigned to the Missle Division. He served at Fort Leonard Hood in Missouri, White Sands Missle Proving Grounds in New Mexico, and at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook, NJ. He was eventually stationed in Wayne, at the NIKE Missile Base off of Rt. 23 and at the Radar Base which was located on Alps Road. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1961. While in the Army, Jimmy rented a room from a family in Pompton Plains. He was introduced to a cute girl from Wayne named Gloria Gailey. They soon fell in love and married on August 1, 1959 at the Mountain View Methodist Church in Wayne by the Rev. Rhorbach. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls, NY and have enjoyed over fifty two years together.

After his service he worked for A&C Paving in Pompton Plains. He later worked for the Grimal Excavating Company in Montville before retiring in 1991 after suffering a severe heart attack.

Jimmy was a true outdoorsman and to say he enjoyed hunting would be an understatement. He was an original member of the Red Barn Hunting Club in the Catskills since 1956, as well as the South Gate Hunting Club at Smoke Rise in Kinnelon, and a Past President of the Deer Run Hunting Club in Branchville, NJ.

He was the loving husband to Gloria (Gailey) Hinderlong; loving father of Lisa Inzalaco of Wayne, and Bryon Hinderlong and his wife Michelle of Oak Ridge, NJ, and Bryon’s step-daughter; Nicole Yatsonsky of California.

For a photo and more information visit www.vandermay.com.

Naomi “Bonnie” Concha (nee Gallagher), age 69 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Friday, March 23, 2012. Her husband was at her bedside.

Bonnie was raised in Lyndhurst and graduated from Lyndhurst High School with the class of 1960. She went on to attend the Rutherford Secretarial School and started working as a paralegal at her father’s law firm in Lyndhurst. She was particularly proud of her father, who was a hard working individual, Mayor of Lyndhurst during the 1950’s and early 1960’s, with some memorial dedications named for him in Lyndhurst. She used her early experiences at her father’s firm to build a successful career in real estate. Bonnie was a Caldwell Banker agent for more than twenty years and retired in 2004. She earned multiple sales awards and professional accolades over the years and was well respected throughout the industry. During her tenure, she also ran the local Caldwell Banker Food Drive, securing donations for the area food pantries. She loved her work and all the friends she made over the years as an agent.

Bonnie was blessed with a wonderful family and they all meant the world to her. She met her husband Alan during her senior year in high school. Their first date was to a local dance and they’ve been together for fifty two years since. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst in 1964 and honeymooned in Miami. The wedding announcement in the newspaper stated that they ‘travelled by jet’, something we all take for granted today. They continued to travel extensively throughout their marriage, having visited Europe, including Paris, Italy, Portugal and Spain, and all around the Caribbean. Among her favorite destinations however, was home.

Her children recall her being a wonderful mother, one who “never missed a game”. She was always there for them, without fail. She was a Girl Scout leader as well, focused on being deeply involved in her children’s lives. She would lend an ear and be there to help listen when they had a problem, and many of Bonnie’s friends will attest to the same – she was always willing to listen and help. She was a kind and loyal person, the glue that held her family together and perhaps many friendships too.

Bonnie’s grandchildren meant the world to her. They brought so much joy to her life and she always looked forward to when it was her turn to watch them. She would often take them to Chuck E Cheese and bowling. Her grandson’s would often request to go to Hooters and “Me-Ma” was all for it! She was a fun grandma, and they will all surely miss her dearly.

Bonnie was also an under-rated athlete, something many people may not know. She was an excellent bowler, ping pong player, and a good basketball player. She made her son proud on one particular occasion when a player from the NY Knicks came to the local YMCA and invited an audience volunteer to come attempt some free-throws. Bonnie sank about twenty shots in a row, surprising the pro and impressing everyone there.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of forty seven years, Alan Concha of Wayne, three children; Alan Concha Jr. and his wife Jo Ann of Lincoln Park, Joseph Concha and his wife Jean of Hoboken, and Maureen Smith and her husband Brian of Pompton Lakes, four grandchildren; Samantha and Brittany Smith of Pompton Lakes, and Alan III and A.J. Concha of Lincoln Park, one brother; William F. Gallagher Jr. and his wife Feliz of Lyndhurst, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bonnie’s memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 21-00 Rte. 208, Ste. 105, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Bonnie’s family couldn’t be more grateful for the exceptional care and kindness this organization provided during the recent weeks.

Anna M. Grochowski, age 99, died peacefully at home on Friday, March 23, 2012. Her family was at her bedside.

Anna was born in Paterson, the seventh child to Michael and Celeste Ferrazzano, and was one of thirteen children in her family. Her birth was nothing shy of miraculous in many ways, as a terrible blizzard had socked in the whole city of Paterson and a midwife delivered her at home. Due to complications during her birth, they didn’t expect little baby Anna to survive and she was given Last Rights soon after being born. They could have never imagined she would live to be 99 years old. In fact, Anna used to frequently say “why am I still here?” and after reaching 90 years old, she reasoned that God may have forgotten about her or perhaps God thought she had died at birth. None the less, Anna had a very strong faith in Jesus Christ and a devotion to the Blessed Mother. That strong faith resounded through her family and two of her sisters became nuns.

Anna began working at a very young age at the Mcinerney Manufacturing Company in Passaic. She made the springs that went into automobile seats. One of her fellow workers, Joseph Grochowski, used to drive her to work. She didn’t like him, quite frankly, but didn’t mind commuting with him. Joe eventually asked her on a date and she agreed, under one condition; he had to get himself a new suit and look presentable before she would go out with him. He did, and the rest is history, so to speak, and the two of them enjoyed twenty years together before Joe’s untimely passing in 1964. She often said how lucky she felt because he was the best husband she could have ever wanted.

Anna used to love to go dancing and Rutt’s Hut was one of her favorite places to dance the night away. She was such a good seamstress too, that she would make herself a new dress every time she went. She never used a pattern, she didn’t need to, she would simply buy some nice fabric, go home and cut it up, and within a few hours she would have a beautiful dress. She also made the wedding dress and bride’s maid’s dresses for her daughter’s wedding. She crocheted blankets for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and some extras for the babies still to come. She wanted them to always be wrapped in her love and prayers, which were sewn into the fabric of everything she made. She also knitted hats to be sent to the homeless. She was very talented, kind, caring and full of love.

She had a huge heart and seemingly took care of everyone. Kind and generous, she always had various people living in her home that she would take care of, yet she was fiercely independent. She loved her family dearly and along with her siblings, she maintained the “Brothers and Sisters Club”, made up simply of her brothers and sisters. They would play cards for nickels and dimes, and enjoy holidays and family occasions together. She loved going to Atlantic City and look forward to her trips there throughout the year. Her motto was “move it or lose it” and she practiced that day in and day out. There was never any moss growing under her feet and from her shaky beginnings, as a baby that wasn’t supposed to survive more than a few days, she ultimately outlived all of her twelve siblings.

Anna is survived by her two daughters; Joann Mosley of Manahawkin, and Pattie-Jo Tripp of Wayne, three grandchildren; Lea Mosley-Jones and her husband Ryehean of Michigan, Christopher Tripp and his wife Marie of Pompton Plains, and Matthew Tripp and his wife Erin of Middlesex, NJ, and four great-grandchildren; Devin and Nathan Jones of Michigan, and Ryan and Alexandra Tripp of Pompton Plains

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Anna’s memory to Passaic Valley Hopsice, 783 Riverview Drive, P.O. Box 1007, Totowa, NJ 07511-9981, or to the Sisters of St. Lucy Filippini, Villa Walsh Infirmary, 455 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960.

Jeffrey L. Keay, age 50 of Wayne, died at home on Thursday, March 22, 2012.

Jeff grew up in Saddle Brook and graduated from Saddle Brook High School in 1980. He went on to Lincoln Tech where he received training as an automotive technician. This led him to continue his education at the RETS Institute and he soon became an electronics technician. He recently went back to Lincoln Tech to keep up his skills and graduated with high honors.

Jeff established his career at the Avatar Studios in New York City, where he worked with his brother, Roger. He loved being in the studio and especially all the wonderful people he got to know over the years, and one of the perks included meeting many music industry superstars along the way. Music was a big part of Jeff’s life and he played bass guitar in several bands over the years. More recently, he played with “Peace Fire” with the same group of friends; Doug Kace, P.J. Keivet, James Doyle. He also played with Anthony Cicillini and had recently been working with his friend Robert Gonzalez planning a tour of Canada and England. Jeff loved the Rock and Roll scene and this upcoming tour was a dream-come-true for him.

Together with his wife, Jeff had also started a company called Eyeball Surveillance, which provided and installed video cameras and surveillance systems. Jeff was a very intelligent individual and he enjoyed the technological aspects of his work. Having his own business helped give him the time he needed to pursue his music career as well.

Jeff met Linda Stimmel in the early 1990’s. A mutual friend invited them to a backyard barbeque and that became their first date. They really hit it off and never parted after that. They were married on October 1, 1994 and enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon to Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand. They were like buddies and had a lot of fun together. Jeff was a great dad too and he loved his daughters. He taught Caitlyn how to ride a dirt bike and they both had quads. He had a huge heart, perhaps bigger than himself, and everyone knew it. He would help his friends, his neighbors, and just about anyone who needed a hand. He was simply everybody’s friend, a great guy, and he will be dearly missed.

Jeff is survived by his wife of seventeen years; Linda, his two daughters; Caitlin and Jacquelyn, his loving parents; Warren and Barbara Keay of Whiting, NJ, his brothers; Gary Keay and his wife Linda of Saddle Brook, and Roger Keay and his wife Roberta of Indian Rock Beach, Florida, his sister; Donna Anzalone and her husband Don of Allentown, NJ, his Aunt Carol VanDuzor of North Wilkes Boro, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Sheila Stimmel in 2002, with whom he was very close.

Memorial donations in Jeff’s honor, if friends desire to do so, would be appreciated. Please consider the Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroads, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Sophie Pawlowski (nee Lasko) age 78 of Wayne died Saturday, March 17, 2012, peacefully with the comfort of her family by her side.

She was born and raised on a farm in Lopon-Podlesie, Poland and came to the United States in 1963 settling in Garfield New Jersey. She lived with her uncle and worked at the Presto Lock Company in Garfield and at her uncle’s tavern Krolls Tavern in Garfield.

In 1964 her husband Stefan Molczyk and two sons John and Victor joined her in Garfield. In 1969 her husband Stefan passed away.

After several years she met Eugene Pawlowski through friends in the neighborhood. The neighborhood friends often traveled together going to places such as Roosevelt Raceway in Long Island, day trips to the NJ Shore, trips to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and the theatre in Montclair. They soon fell in love and married on July 8, 1972 at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Garfield. They have enjoyed forty years of a loving, devoted, and faith filled marriage.

Sophie worked part-time with Eugene at his business, Steigner’s Pharmacy in Paterson and in 1985 took a full time position at the Nabisco Brands Corporation in Fair Lawn as a packer. She formally retired in 2000.

Sophie will be remembered as a generous, sociable, and thoughtful person who enjoyed time with her family and friends.

She was a devoted and active parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne.

Sophie was the loving wife of Eugene Pawlowski; devoted wife of the late Stefan Molczyk(1969); cherished mother of John Molczyk and his wife Loret of Wayne, Victor Molczyk and his wife Karin of Ellicott City, MD, and Christine Mascia and her husband Paul of Eldersburg, MD; dear grandmother of David, Daniel, Stephen, Brian, and Kevin Molczyk, and Thomas, Jacob, and Victoria Mascia; loved sister of Barbara Szczesny of Poland, and the late Jozefa Wozniak, Ignacy and Stanley Lasko.

Joseph Montemarano, age 78 of Kinnelon, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2012 at home. His passing was graciously peaceful with his loving family attentively caring for him. He had bravely fought pancreatic cancer for more than two years.

Joe lived in Kinnelon for the past fifteen years and Bloomingdale for thirty five years before that.

Joe was a construction official for more than thirty years, serving in Riverdale, Butler, Oakland, Mountain Lakes, Wharton, Rockaway, and several other towns. He was one of the founders of Montemarano & Pellosie, Inc. Professional Builders of Midland Park and later having offices in the Broadway Bank Building in Paterson. He also taught a course on building codes at the Bergen County Community College and founded the Peer Review with the DCA (Department of Community Affairs) in Trenton. Joe was very well known and liked throughout the State and widely respected by his peers. His knowledge of construction building codes earned him the nick name “The Godfather”, as he seemed to know it all. Joe was a mentor to many of his students who went on to become inspectors and construction officials themselves, and they often called him for advice or with questions. In fact, as he was lying in the hospital recently, undergoing a procedure, he was taking phone calls from other State officials and still working. He loved what he did and considered it a hobby more so than a job. He will be deeply missed among the entire construction community in New Jersey.

Joe was born and raised in Paterson, growing up right near Hinchcliffe stadium. He met Diane Mongeau at one of their local hangouts. He found himself drafted into the U.S. Army shortly thereafter, but they kept in touch, writing letters when they could. Joe asked her to come visit him in Louisiana and when she showed up, he proposed to her. They were married there in 1953 and have enjoyed nearly sixty years together. She loved his personality, his laugh, and most of his jokes.

Joe was a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Parish in Butler. He raised his family in the church and his Catholic faith was his foundation.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Diane, his three children; Karen Scialla and her husband John of Kinnelon, Carolyn Fantozzi and her husband John of Kinnelon, Jeffery Montemarano and his wife Jennifer of Kinnelon, eight grandchildren; John Joseph Scialla of Kinnelon, Rick Scialla and his wife Arlette of Kinnelon, Brittany, Shelby, Taylor and Johnny Fantozzi all of Kinnelon, Gabriella and Francesca Montemarano of Kinnelon, and three great-grandchildren; Alexia, Rocco, and Marco Scialla of Kinnelon.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joseph’s name are asked to consider The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714, www.lustgarten.org

Dominick “Mickey” Piombo age 82 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 15, 2012.

He was born and raised in Paterson having attended Eastside High School and then graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1947.

After high school he enlisted in the US Marine Corps as a group of his friends were doing so and he thought it would be an adventure. He served during the Korean War and was discharged in 1952 as a Sergeant.

Mickey would often accompany his uncle Michael on visits to his girlfriend’s house. It is there that he met Fay. Fay asked uncle Michael to stop bringing Mickey as she couldn’t stand him. He just wouldn’t take no for an answer and Fay wound up double dating at the drive in movies with Mickey as her date. It is rumored that he was so distracted he drove off with the movie speaker still in his window. Fay’s heart soon made an abrupt turn and they fell in love. Mickey proposed marriage on New Years Eve in 1951. They married on June 1, 1952 at Our Lady of Mount Virgin RC Church in Garfield, had their reception at Terrriblie’s Restaurant in Lodi. Their first purchase as a couple was a brand new Ford car that they drove to Miami Florida staying at the Sorrento Hotel. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage for the past sixty years.

When they were first married they lived for several years with Fay’s parents and eventually bought a home amongst the farms of Wayne Township. He has lived in Wayne for over fifty-five years.

Mickey’s first job was a salesman for his uncle Thomas’ Silk city Leather Company in Paterson. When he was denied a raise Mickey set out on his own and started the Piombo Leather Company. One of his customers in Morristown decided to sell his shoe repair and luggage company and Mickey bought it. He owned the Square Luggage Company, located on the square in Morristown, for 38 years and then semi-retired in 2011.

Mickey was a member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and American Luggage Dealers Association where he served as Secretary from 1999 to 2001 and President from 2001 to 2003. After stepping down as president, Mickey was awarded an M.V.P. for “most valuable president”Mickey was devoted to his Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne. He served as an usher, was a member of the Holy Name Society, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

As you can tell by the attached picture Mickey was a devoted NJ Devils Hockey fan and has had season tickets from day one. He attended Devil’s games until his health no longer permitted him to. Most of all he was a devoted family man. The annual family trips to destinations like Florida or Wildwood Crest left his children with many fond childhood memories.

He was the loving husband of 60 years to Fay (nee Nardino) Piombo; devoted father of Judy Bailey and her husband Christopher of Wayne, Lois McPeek and her husband Kenneth of Cedar Knolls, Donna Franzini and her husband Anthony of Cedar Knolls, Albert Piombo and his wife Suzanne of Wayne, and Patrice Dydo and her husband John of West Caldwell; cherished grandfather of Thomas and Amanda Bailey, Kennie and Kevin McPeek, Melissa and Albert Piombo, and Gianna and Francesca Dydo; brother of Judy Langer and her husband Walter of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Preakness Fire Company #4, 1739 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Betty Lequerica, age 75 of Staten Island, NY died on Thursday, March 15, 2012 with her family at her bedside.

Betty was a true “City girl”, having been born and raised in Manhattan. She lived in the neighborhood of 9th Ave and 21st Street and loved New York for all it had to offer. She was a legal secretary at a law firm in Manhattan for thirty years before retiring and moving to Staten Island fifteen years ago.

Betty was a beautiful woman, independent and strong willed. Although she was a legal secretary for her entire career, she was also a cosmetology school graduate. She loved to look beautiful and would never leave the house without being completely made-up; hair, nails, toes, and dressed perfectly. She had a great sense of style and made much of her own clothing. She had learned how to sew at a young age and truly enjoyed making her own wardrobe.

Probably her most favorite pastime was dancing. She loved Salsa, Cha Cha, and the Merengue. She danced all the time and had competed in many marathons over the years. After retiring, she was very active with a senior citizens group on Staten Island and she would dance with them all the time. They would have great parties, lots of food, and dancing all night long.

Betty’s son Steve recalls how his mother wanted to show him all that New York City had to offer as well. At a young age, Betty began taking him to Broadway shows, the opera, and cultural experiences all around the city. His most memorable show had to be “Hair”, perhaps for the obvious reasons that any young boy might appreciate. Steve is grateful for all the love and kindness his mother gave him and he will miss her dearly.

Betty absolutely adored her grandchildren. Nicole and Andrea became her cosmetology students. She loved teaching them how to do their hair, their make-up, and how to dress. Steven was her little saint – he could do no wrong in his grandmother’s eyes. She loved them all very dearly.

Betty is survived by her son Steve Lequerica and his wife Evelyn of Wayne, her three grandchildren; Nicole Lequerica of California, Andrea and Steven Lequerica of Wayne, her three sisters; Mary of Pennsylvania, Aida of Staten Island, and Rosie of Laguna Beach, California. She was predeceased by her husband Rocco in 2007 and her brother Marcel in 2006.

Donations in Betty’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC, 20004 or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attn; Donor Services, PO Box 65039, Dallas, TX, 75265-0309.

Mary Coremin, age 82, died on Monday, March 12, 2012.

She was born and raised in the family home in Clifton having graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1948. Soon after she married, at the age of 19, she lived on Falmouth Ave. and later of Doremus Place in Elmwood Park. In 1991 she and her husband William picked out a home in Hamburg and just before moving William passed away.

Mary was wheelchair bound for over twenty years having fought Multiple Sclerosis for most of her life. She was affectionately known as the “Iron Lady” as she was a tough cookie but loving at the same time.

She met her husband William while on a blind date. He was the other girls date and eventually he and Mary wound up together. They enjoyed roller-skating and dancing together and soon fell in love. They married at Ss Peter and Paul RO Cathedral in Passaic on June 11, 1949 and honeymooned in Washington DC and Miami Florida. They enjoyed many years socializing with the Garfield JC’s. Bill’s work in the furniture industry took him all over the world with Mary by his side. They traveled to Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Greece, France, and Switzerland together, but one should note that Mary didn’t like to travel. They had forty-one years of marriage together before Bill’s passing in 1990.

She was a member of Ss Peter and Paul RO Cathedral in Passaic for many years.

Mary was the devoted wife of forty-one years to the late William Coremin (1990); loving mother of the late William Coremin, Jr. (2006), Susan LaPorte-Kemler and her husband Harry of the Villages, FL, and Donna Lee Bamond and her husband Bruce of West Milford; sister of the late Michael and Joseph Hruse; cherished grandmother of 6 Grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Robert J. Maiello age 26 of Wayne died Sunday, March 11, 2012 of heart failure brought on by a blood clot.

Rob was born in Pequannock and was a lifelong resident of Wayne. He graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 2004.

He was a carpenter and worked with Carpenters Union Locals in NJ and NY having most recently worked for Gregory’s Contracting in Nesconset, NY.

Rob had a passion for cars, motorcycles and ATV’s. He was a true lover of dog’s, cats and all animals in general. Rob was blessed with loyal friends who stood by him in his recent illness and who shared his passions; for this we are very thankful.

Rob was the loving son of Frank and Joan Maiello of Wayne; cherished brother of Nicole Maiello of Wayne; devoted grandson of Doris Kammerer of Wayne and her late husband Wilbur Kammerer, and the late James and Santa Maiello; loved nephew of Pat and Ray Powers of FL, Eileen Maiello of South River, and the late Angela, Anthony, and James Maiello; and special cousin to Garritt and Kristen Maiello.

Janice L. Nigra, age 61 of Little Falls, died peacefully on Monday, March 5, 2012 at the Arbor Glen Center in Cedar Grove.

Janice was born in Paterson and lived in Little Falls her entire life. She was a 1968 graduate of Passaic Valley High School and earned her nursing degree from William Paterson College in 1972. She began her nursing career at New York Hospital, and then spent many years at the Clara Maass Medical Center in Bellville. She had also worked at Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, as well as with a Hospice service in Butler. She loved nursing and was a very compassionate caregiver to all of her patients.

When she wasn’t working, she truly enjoyed tending to the flowers, planting the garden and maintaining the lawn at her mother’s house in Little Falls. It gave her great satisfaction to keep the yard looking so nice. She could also crochet very well, knit, and do needle point. She was an all-around good crafter. She also had the opportunity to travel around the United States, Mexico, and Spain.

In 1987, at the age of thirty seven, Janice was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She continued to work as a nurse until 1995, when the disease simply made it impossible. The transition from being a caregiver, to needing others to care for her, wasn’t necessarily easy. However, Janice had wonderful people to help her over the years and she is grateful to all of them for their kindness.

Janice is survived by her niece, Tracey Rice of Jersey City and her great-niece, Samantha Rice.

Memorial donations to the Multiple Sclerosis National Research Institute, 11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, www.ms-research.org, would be greatly appreciated.

Thomas S. Brown, age 83, of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

He was born in Passaic, raised in Garfield, attending Garfield High School with the Class of 1946.

He was a US Air Force Veteran of WWII. Tom was employed by the Township of Wayne for 34 years as Superintendent of Public Works before retiring.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne and a life member of the Wayne Elks Lodge #2181.

He was predeceased by his wife of fifty-six years Rosalie (nee Mastrangelo) Brown(2009); devoted father of Scott Brown and his wife Tara of West Caldwell; cherished grandfather of Steven and Michael Brown; loved brother of the late Alma Pasternak.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Valerie Fund, 2010 Milburn Ave., Maplewood, NJ 07040 would be appreciated.

George F. Doran, “Pop”, age 94 of Wayne, formerly of Hawthorne, died peacefully at Sunrise Senior Living on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

He was born and raised in Paterson. He graduated from St. George's School, Paterson in 1933. He married his beloved wife, Hedy, in 1939 and they made their home in Paterson. In 1957, he and his wife had a home built in Hawthorne where they lived for over fifty years before moving to Wayne.

George was a Carpenter for Union Local 253 having worked as Building Superintendent/Foreman for the Edward Riehl Company in Paterson and Thomas Construction in Wayne before retiring in 1987.

He was a member of St. Anthony’s RC Church in Hawthorne for many years.

He was a loving, gentle, happy, selfless, hard working man who was dedicated to his family and adored his wife Hedy. George met Hedy through his family with his older brother, John, having married Hedy’s sister, Louise. George and Hedy often double dated with John and Louise and were married a year later so they would share the same anniversary. George and Hedy married in the rectory of St. George’s Church in Paterson in 1939. They honeymooned in New York City where they went to see Gone With The Wind at its original release. They have enjoyed a dedicated, adoring, and loving marriage for seventy three years. Even in his last days George was seen holding Hedy’s hand, kissing her, and saying: “Isn’t she beautiful;” “I was so blessed that God gave her to me”; and "You’ll be my bride forever”.

He is survived by his loving wife Hedy (nee Haselman) Doran; two daughters Joan Kuehm and her husband Bruce of Estero, FL, and Joy Van Blarcom and her husband Demarest III of Pompton Lakes; loved brother of the late John Doran and his late wife Louise, Joseph Doran and his wife Winnie of Hawthorne, and Helen Schnaidt of Bayville and her late husband Eugene; cherished grandfather of Gayle and Joe Byrne, June and Patrick Jalbert, Joy and Adam Urdang, and Meri and Bob Gupko, as well as cherished great-grandfather of six great grandchildren - Jessica, Brandi (deceased), Hope, Jolene, Matthew and Juliette.

Flowers or memorial donations to  Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, NY, NY 10087-7106 would be appreciated.

Eulogy read by George's granddaughter Meri:

It’s one thing to know your grandfather as a child and quite another to see him through your adult eyes. We were beyond blessed to have Pop in and actively participating in our lives well into our adulthood.

As a child, he was fun and did cool stuff. Having worked in construction, he was on various jobsites and built many buildings over the years. Going to see him on a jobsite was a great experience and one that we carried with us. Even today, we point out buildings he helped build to our kids. Next time you drive by the Sheraton Crossroads in Mahwah, Hoffman LaRoche, the New Jersey Water Commission at the Wanaque Reservoir, Cooper Hall (science building) at Rutgers – Newark (or one of many others) think of him. He had a CB radio and so did we so we could talk to him, his handle was “Chief Redskin.”  He patiently taught us how to ride bikes, play checkers, play pinochle drive the ride-on mower, how to cut a cake or slice the roast at Sunday dinner, even how to parallel park the car as we were getting ready for our drivers test. He would help us get all the pillows and blankets ready with Nana so we could sleep on the screened in porch, knowing full well we would chicken out and be back inside before the night was over. He never missed an occasion to see one of his grandchildren in whatever recital, concert, or other activity he could attend. We were important to him and it showed, we often met people he talked to who knew all about us. More importantly, he always told us he loved us.

As an adult, you see things differently. There were things far deeper than “the stuff” and we got to see Pop as the strong, loving man he was. When you think of Pop, I would say that most people first and foremost will think of - love.  Not just any love but a strong, lasting love particularly for Nana.  It was his foremost desire to take care of her.  As a child that was lost on us but in recent years it was so evident that it became a true blessing and testament of love and faithfulness.  I, Joy, have more than once informed my hubby that he needed to talk about me like Pop talked about Nana or look at me like he did her when God willing, we are their age (no pressure, but we both knew it was a tall order).  How many people can say that after so many years of marriage their spouse lights up when they walk in the room, but Nana and Pop always did.  At the hospital in December, he would say to anyone who would listen, “look how beautiful she is” or “meet my beautiful wife”.  He would tear up when he told her he loved her.  In fact, last week Adam said to me that if we have half the love that Nana and Pop shared for each other, we’d be good for life – that made me cry at the time, but I think he was right.

Pop was always encouraging, loving and supporting and he always prayed and assured that God would handle things - we could list hours’ worth of examples.  I, Meri, remember one time I was facing a very difficult situation and he didn’t say much about it, just reassured God would work it out if I prayed about it, and handed me a poem entitled “Don’t Quit.”   He didn’t over talk the issue but gave exactly what was needed.

When in pain, he would hold your hand assuring things would get better. When in sorrow, he would wipe away the tears.

Nana was not his only love, she just became the most evident recently through our adult eyes.  Pop loved his daughters, granddaughters and great grandchildren. He knew them all and treated them so lovingly and was greatly concerned about the details of their lives. When he asked you about you, you knew he was listening and cared. He was quiet, not quick to offer advice or butt in, but you knew he was there for you no matter what. He was always quick to lend a hand with anything that needed attention or fixing for anyone, anytime.

Pop welcomed each son-in-law and grandson-in-law with open arms. He treated them as if they were his own, and they in fact became his.  He was always willing to lend a hand, he loving worked beside them; for example, teaching some of them how to use tools or talking to them about how to handle things in the house that needed to be done.  Before Bob and I were married, and Bob needed a place to live Pop and Nana without any forewarning or planning opened their home to him.

To see Pop as a great-grandfather was to see pure happiness and delight. Pop had a smile when he saw each of his great grandchildren that beamed with happiness and pride. He would listen to them attentively and play with them even if it meant a tea party with an empty cup, using an “air” steering wheel to be racing imaginary cars, or wearing a crazy hat. He was dearly loved by them and they could be guaranteed a hug and a series of kisses before they left. It is perhaps here that we could most see the reflection of God's love in him, where you could see those rough hard-working hands holding each precious child in his arms in the most gentle

way.

Over the past year and half or so, we were able to spend more time with him. Time that we will forever cherish. We would talk and he would listen. When you were worried about something, he would in his quiet way tell you to pray but not much else. When he spoke or offered advice, you knew to listen – it must be important. But he was grateful. Grateful for any assistance you gave him, grateful for his family, and grateful for his time with Nana.

Pop’s sincerity was evident, if he told you something you knew he meant it. I think it was that and his gentle, loving big blue eyes that drew people to him. Once you met him, his funny wit, compassion and charm won you over. Pop liked to tease people and make them laugh with his quick wit. There were many people he met at Sunrise that came to mean a great deal to him, new friends that he would say were like family and you knew he meant it.

Pop treated everyone with gentleness, kindness and humor.  We’ve been told by so many people, even the aides caring for him how special he was and even in his struggles at the end how he took time to thank them all as they helped him, and to joke with them too.  

And his love of the Lord and faith was clear to all of his family.  In preparation for the funeral, Joy spoke to Hope about Bible verses and Hope picked her favorite verse Proverbs 3:5-6 to be read, which says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all yours ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Her explanation was that it was good to read for Pop because it’s how it lived his life.

So really what thinking of Pop boils down to is love.  His adoring love for Nana, which abounded so much it spilled out in immeasurable ways over all of his other loves – his daughters and son-in-laws, his granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, and his great-grandchildren. Pop worked hard, loved his family, and followed God faithfully and fully in his 94 years.

Tears abound today because we can’t imagine life without that love and leadership, but we know he would want us to go on, be strong, and love others. Our hearts ache because we want to look into his beautiful blue eyes that showed clearly to his heart.  But we rejoice knowing that he is with the Lord, where we will see him again, and until then we hold the treasured memories of him which are deeply rooted in all of us because his love and the time he gave all of us is forever etched in us.

Mary Elizabeth Ostrowski (nee Clemens) age 72 of Wayne died Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

She was born in Luzerne, PA and raised in Pittston, PA having graduated from the Pittston High School with the Class of 1958.

In 1962 she moved to Wayne, NJ after marrying D. Stanley “Stan” Ostrowski after a chance meeting in a cemetery. Stan had been married previously and lost his first wife to an early death. Being proper in social terms he insisted that he wait three years before looking for a girl. After their meeting in the cemetery they soon fell in love and married on April 28, 1962 at Sacred Heart Church in Luzern, Pennsylvania. They enjoyed forty-eight years of loving “good buddies” marriage together before Stan’s passing in November of 2010.

Mary was a bus driver for the Wayne Board of Education for many years before retiring in 1997.

She was a parishioner of Holy Cross RC Church in Wayne and was a member of the Columbiettes.

Mary enjoyed camping with Stan in their “travel trailer” and had many fond memories of their stays in the Poconos and Cape May. She had an outgoing personality and many will recall her willingness to share her opinion. In her heart she was very “motherly” and was a mother to everybody. An excellent cook her special touch on Pot Roast, Meatloaf, and Blueberry Pies will be greatly missed. It is also said Mary loved sewing, crafts, and had a true love of making jewelry.

She was the loving wife of the late D. Stanley Ostrowski(2010); loving mother of David Ostrowski of Scranton, PA, Kevin Ostrowski of Wayne, Marlaine Brunner and her husband Jeff of Pequannock, Krista Toth and her husband Tom of Wayne, and Kristen Snook and her husband Nick of Pequannock; cherished grandmother of Brett and Madalyn Brunner, Justin and Olivia Toth, and Benjamin Snook; she was blessed with two sets of parents Arthur and Elizabeth (nee Fey) Clemens, and Joseph and Madeline (nee Fey) Savokinas; loved sister of Rosemarie and Jasper Butera of Jenkins, PA, the late Lawrence & Deanna Savokinas of West Lake Village CA, Joseph and the late Nancy Savokinas of Pittston, PA, James and Dianne Savokinas of Hughestown, PA, Michael and Georgia Savokinas of Pittston, PA, Raymond and Marie Savokinas of West Pittston, PA, Dorothy and Robert Kroll of Plains, PA, and Cynthia and B. William Hrobuchak of Old Forge, PA; many loving nieces and nephews; and two devoted aunts Christine Dogal and Agnes Stuckart.

Irene A Seidel age 94 of Wayne died peacefully at St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson on Wednesday February 29, 2012.

Irene was born in Passaic and lived most of her life in Totowa, then spent her later years in Wayne. She could be seen always walking around town as she never had her drivers license.

She was a Technical Clerk for ITT in Nutley for thirty-one years until her retirement in 1982. In her entire time of employment she did not take one sick day, which was to her, “my claim to fame”.

Irene was a devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Her family remembers her as being quite a Bingo Fanatic. She loved her German Polka music and her whiskey sours. She loved to take her grandchildren shopping at Willowbrook Mall and always made it a point to host Sunday Dinner. Her grandchildren have fond memories of Irene having fun hiding dollar bills under their water goblets and making the kids try to find the money. She was rarely seen without her lipstick and earrings and she was said to make, “The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever!”

Surviving are her daughter Lorraine Seugling and her husband Raymond of Wayne; three grandchildren Donna DeMarco and her husband Brad of Wayne, William Seugling and his wife Gina of NYC, and Jessica Petersen and her Husband Brian of Wayne; and three great grandchildren Nicholas, Colton, and Allison.

Those who would like to make donations in Irene’s name are asked to make them to St Jude’s Children Hospital 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Parents Hugh and Margaret MaGuire both travelled from Ireland in the early 1900’s. Born East Orange, New Jersey, November 25, 1913.

Mary C. MaGuire married Alan A. Woodruff, Jr., also of Newark, New Jersey, in 1941 after meeting Woody, as he was known, at a dance. Woody was a salesman at Columbia Ribbon and Carbon, New York, New York until he retired in 1973. He was an avid photographer and a devoted golfer. He was a member of Rockaway River Country Club, The New York Athletic Club and Packanack Golf Course. They celebrated their 61st Wedding Anniversary with a party at the Rainbow Room in New York on June 14, 2001 (Flag Day).

Alan A. Woodruff, her devoted husband, passed away May 14, 2002.

Mary C. Woodruff worked as a salesgirl at Hanes, Upper Montclair, but retired in 1949 to become a devoted Mother to Mary Eileen and Susan Ann Woodruff. Mimi, as she is known, is married to Francis A Novak of Deal, New Jersey. Currently Mimi is a first grade teacher at the Kiels School in Kinnelon, New Jersey and they reside in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She graduated from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, New Jersey with a degree in Primary Education.

Susan is married to Jerome E. Barnett of Boscobel, Wisconsin and they are long-time residents of East 28th Street, Manhattan and more recently Hampton Bays, New York. Susan is an artist/photographer having graduated with a degree in Art History from Marymount College, Tarrytown, New York and the School of Visual Arts, New York.

In 1950 Alan and Mary moved to Packanack Lake, New Jersey, a private lake community where Woody built the renowned family home with the beautiful lawn. They resided at Packanack Lake for 61 years. Mary was often seen at the East Side beach where she sat with her friends including her dear friend DeDe Sausville, now of Venice Florida. In later years she could be seen “walking around the lake” with Gretchie Tiedeman who lived close by. One of her favorite pastimes was having lunch with “the girls” at Miranda’s, “across the lake”. Mary often ventured into New York on the 191 bus to meet her daughter Susan who then worked at an art gallery on Madison Avenue. On Saturday afternoons Mary could be seen with her daughter Mimi having lunch at their favorite restaurant Portobello’s in Oakland, New Jersey. She remained a devoted mother and considered her daughters “my greatest achievement”.

Prior to her passing she lived an independent life at her home after her husband died in 2002. She enjoyed her newspaper, her daughter’s daily telephone calls and her view of the lake. Her favorite poem was “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer which she had memorized from grade school. She could still recite it as she had a remarkable memory and keen sense of Irish wit. She attributed her long life of 98 years to her “family” as she said when asked her secret.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Eileen (Mimi) Novak of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and Susan A. Barnett of Manhattan along with her son-in-laws Francis A. Novak and Jerome E. Barnett. She outlived her three sisters Margaret, Catherine and Elizabeth and has a surviving niece, Betsye Hanratty, of Manhattan who will attend her funeral.

Donation’s in Mary’s name can be made to Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501, and would be greatly appreciated.

Aline Halye-Ball (nee Kahrs) age 86, a long time resident of Packanack Lake died on Sunday February 26 at Bently Assisted Living in Branchville, NJ.

Aline was born and raised in Long Island, NY then moved to Packanack Lake where she lived with husband Marvin Halye for over 30 years. She also lived in Beaver Springs, PA as well as Ponce Inlet, FL before moving to Branchville over 2 years ago.

Aline was a graduate of Syrcause University.  She worked as a CPA for many years until her retirement in the late 1980’s.  She was a past parishioner of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Wayne and kept close to her Lutheran faith when she moved to Pennsylvania.

She was very active with Planned Parenthood Charity and made countless donation to the American Cancer Society. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother and a cherished sister to her family. Her family remembers her as being an avid and competitive swimmer and liked to travel when she could.

Aline is survived by her daughter Diane Kimble and her husband Gene of Dingmans Ferry, PA; her son Roger Halye of Manorville, NY one brother Robert Kahrs and his wife Evie of St Augustine, FL; 5 grandchildren Kyle, Kurtis, Kelsey, Trevor, and Jason; and one great grandchild “on the way”.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that friends and loved ones make donations in Aline’s name to Planned Parenthood Affiliates of NJ, PO Box 928 Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

Ann M. Konowich (Nee: Terenghi), 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Wayne, New Jersey on Saturday, February 25, 2012, where she lived with her son, Robert Konowich and daughter-in-law Vita.

She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Jacob and her beloved daughter, Paulette DeFrance. She is survived by her daughter Jackie Wakefield, and three sons Joseph and his wife Joanne, Robert and his wife Vita, and Stephen; her grandchildren: Steven Vanadia and his wife Lynn, Chris Vanadia and his wife Maryann, Suzanne Rivera and her husband Orlando, Lisa Ferguson and her husband Brad, Vita Tangorra and her husband Jason, Katie, April & Bobbi Konowich and Jill Konowich and her fiancé Daniel. Her great-grandchildren: Michael & Mark Vanadia, Michelle & Gabrielle Vanadia, Sophia Rivera, Pauline, Caitlin, Lauren & Jake Ferguson. Her niece Geraldine McCrobie and her cousins Tony Digilio and Charles Terenghi.

Ann grew up in Newark, NJ where she raised her five children prior to moving to West Orange, NJ. There she worked at Ann’s Clam Bar as manager for 27 years. Everyone knew her as “Kay” there. She retired in 1987 and moved to Parsippany. Some of Ann’s hobbies included knitting, crocheting, cooking and bird watching. Ann loved watching her old western cowboy movies. She also loved to play cards and games with all her grandchildren. Ann also couldn’t resist a good game of roulette or the slots every time she got a chance to visit Atlantic City. While living in Wayne, she participated in the Golden Age Circle of Wayne, where she enjoyed socializing with her new found friends and partaking in all the activities.

Ann’s favorite flowers were mini carnations and favorite charity was the Salvation Army. Donations to the Salvation Army can be sent to: PO Box 1976, 31 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07509.

Clarence “Larry” F. McGill age 90 of Wayne passed into life eternal at the Jerry and Delores Turco Care Center in Lincoln Park. His passing was gracefully peaceful with his family spending much time at his bedside in his final days.

He was born in Asbury Park, NJ, son of a horse trainer Floyd and his mother Louise and spent his childhood years in Harrison and Kearny. Larry received his formal education at Kearny High School graduating with the Class of 1939.

He received his Army draft notice in 1942 and served his military duty in the Army/Air Force as a certified airplane mechanic in the China, Burma, India Theater of World War II.

After returning from the War in 1946 he lived with his family in Lyndhurst and continued his education by attending and graduating from Bloomfield Technical School of Aeronautics.

Across the street from his home in Lyndhurst was a two family home where one of his mother’s friends lived. One day while this neighbor was at his house he worked up the courage to ask her if it would be ok to ask her daughter out and her response was “ Go ahead and ask her yourself” and that is the beginning of a lifetime relationship of Larry and Yvonne. They decided to become a couple and on June 18, 1949 they married at The First Reformed Church in North Newark. The final result is that they had sixty-two years of “love and adventures” in a marriage together.

On March 18, Larry’s whole life changed with the birth of his daughter, Sharon, she was his world and he has stood by her with unconditional love. His finest dedication in life was to his wife and daughter. Larry was a hard worker and wonderful provider for his family. He was selfless always being a Dad and holding the true concerns of fatherhood above his own personal needs.

Daddy, Thank you for being so special in my life journey.

His first job was as a grocery delivery boy for the A&P in Kearny, NJ from that very first day

of work he was hooked, he loved the satisfaction of getting a paycheck and a job well done. He was a very hard worker.

His principle occupation was as a butcher and meat cutter and recieved formal training at a Butcher Trade School in Chicago. At one time he was a partner/owner of butcher shops, with 3 locations the Pine Brook Market in Pinebrook and Frankie’s Market in Lodi and Keyport Airport in Keyport. He also worked for a Sumas Brother Shop Rite Group and was a member of Local 464 Meat Cutters Union. Larry took on other jobs after he retired from Shop Right, he was a bank teller, a trainer and meat cutter for Fudrucker’s in Wayne, and then for IGA in Bloomingdale. His last job was with Chilton Hospital as a store room clerk in the mailroom from 1998 – 2007. Then he finally retired from work at the age of 86. He loved his job at the hospital and there was not a person working there at the time that did not know his name and he knew theirs.

Larry was a member and former deacon at the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains as well as a member of the Mountain View Masonic Lodge.

He volunteered at the Pompton Falls Fire Company #3 and thoroughly enjoyed being a fireman for over twenty-three years. His participation with the fire company gave him a lot of personal satisfaction in serving his community. This passion began when as a young boy he was a junior firefighter in Kearny.

He was gifted with a quiet and reserved personality and it took time to get to know you but then became a robust friend to the many lives he touched. Larry was deeply loved by all whose lives he touched and will be greatly missed!

His life on this earth has made a difference.

He was the loving husband of sixty-two years to Yvonne (nee Fraser) McGill; loving father of Sharon McGill of Wayne; devoted uncle of Laura Safar and her husband Russell, Lynn Gianfrancesco and her husband Domineco and their children Christopher and Dana, and Robert Safar.

‍

Donations can be made in Clarence’s name to the:

New Jersey Fireman’s Home

565 Lathrop Avenue

Boonton, NJ 07005

973.334.0024

Please be sure and include “In memory of Clarence McGill” in the memo.

Frank J. Gottas, age 73 of Wayne, died on Friday, February 24, 2012.

Frank was raised in Newark where he graduated high school before joining the Marine Corps. At a young age, his mother taught him how to bake and he really enjoyed it. The Marine Corps apparently liked his baking too, and he served most of his time in the service baking for his fellow troops.

After returning home, he settled in Cranford, NJ and began working for Drakes at their Irvington bakery. He eventually moved to Wayne and continued to work for Drakes in their Wayne bakery until his retirement in 2001, after a career of thirty five years.

When he wasn’t working, Frank loved to go fishing. He had a boat and would often take friends out along the Jersey Shore to go fluking. If he wasn’t fishing, he was working on his garden. Gardening was a year-round affair for Frank. He would start everything from seeds, growing them first indoors and then transferring them outside when spring came. He always had hundreds of plants in his garden and took great pride in nursing them all along. His vegetable garden was his true labor of love. He also helped his wife Helga with all of her flowers. He started them all out as seedlings and nurtured them until they were hardy enough to be planted outside. One year, they planted more than eight hundred impatiens in their yard, all of them started from seeds.

Frank met his wife Helga (nee Wachtel) while working at Drakes. They were on the night shift together and on one evening they stopped at Gabriel’s in Mountain View to have a drink. They hit it off and were married in 1983. They honeymooned at the Jersey Shore and have enjoyed nearly thirty years of loving marriage together. Frank began to get ill right after retiring and Helga did everything she could for him, and gave him the best care he could have asked for during the past several years.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife Helga of Wayne, his sons; William Gottas of Texas, Joseph Gottas of Cranford, NJ, Pearce Hertzberg of Tennessee, his daughters; Beverly Newberger and her husband Seth of Harrisburg, NC, and Taryn Hertzberg of Kentucky, his sister; June Bruen and her husband Buddy of Manchester, NJ, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004.

Patricia A. Reuther (nee Hagar), age 67 of Wayne, died on Thursday, February 23, 2012.

Pat was born in Nyack, New York and grew up in Clifton. She graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1962.

Pat moved to Wayne in 1970 where she raised her daughter Paige. She had a great sense of humor and was very socially active. She was blessed with a lot of friends and loved to entertain in her home. Cooking was her specialty. Her veal parmesan was terrific and her apple pie was legendary.

After working for the Wayne Board of Education as an administrative assistant for nearly twenty years, she retired in 2006 when her first granddaughter was born.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved them dearly and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible.

She was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne. She looked forward to attending Mass with her girlfriends, and then going out to dinner afterward. Pat was also an animal lover and had several dogs and cats over the years. She volunteered on occasion with the Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA) and found it very rewarding.

Pat took great pride in her appearance and her home. She often changed her hair style and was never caught without lipstick. She was a very independent person who did much of her own home improvement, including hanging wallpaper, decorating, and even changing out her light fixtures.

Pat is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Paige and Thomas Labadie, of Chatham, NJ, her two grandchildren; Alyssa and Harley of Chatham, and her sister Paulette Bown of St. Petersburg, FL. She was predeceased by her parents Kurt and Marjorie Hagar of Clifton.

Donations in Pat’s memory to the Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA), PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07474-3701 would be greatly appreciated.

Patricia A Kleinhenz (nee Whritenour) age 66 of Wayne died on Tuesday February 21, 2012 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pequannock while surrounded by her loving family.

Patricia was born in Norwich, England and came to this country with her mom and dad when she was only two years old. Her family settled in West Milford then lived in Kinnelon before moving to Wayne 30 years ago with her husband Robert.

She worked as an Office Administrator for Package Research Lab LLC in Rockaway, NJ for 10 years. Patricia was a selfless person who devoted her life to family and friends alike. She enjoyed ceramics, pottery, gardening, knitting and crocheting. But most of all she was “the best grandma and friend anyone could ever dream of having.”

Patricia is survived by her husband Robert Kleinhenz of Wayne; one son Donald Bott and his wife Barbara of Bloomingdale; one grandson Brandon Bott of Bloomingdale; one granddaughter Analise Bott of Mendham; one sister Diane Nicholson and her husband John of Wantage, one nephew Terry A. Bott of Sussex, one niece; Holly M. Bott of Wantage and one grandnephew; Cayden Bott of Sussex; one step-daughter Jennifer Lynne and her husband Thomas of Oakhurst and one step-son Robert James Jr and his wife Andrea of Mission, CA, four step-grandchildren Lauryn, Nicolas, Mariana, and Megan.

Dorothy M. Daube, age 87, of Wayne died peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2012.

She was born in New York City and raised and lived in Bronx, NY. She purchased a summer home in Wayne, NJ and in the early 1960’s winterized the home and moved to Wayne. As a young lady she worked at the family restaurant Daube’s Steak House in the Bronx. She worked as an administrator for the municipal bond trading firm R. W. Pressprich & Company of Wall Street for over twenty years. Never one to sit idle she found work at the Wayne Township Tax Department where she worked for several years before retiring in 1987.

Dottie was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star while living in New York and later became a member of the Riverview Garden Club in Wayne and the Zonta Club of Paterson.

She was an outgoing person who loved a party and perhaps a Martini or two. She was an excellent cook and made many traditional German foods including the best Peach Kuchen around.

She was the loving sister of Wilhelmina Sherger of Wayne and the late Anna Freund; much loved aunt of Jack Sherger of Hamburg, Robert Sherger and his wife Kathleen of Lincoln Park, Anna Martin of Virginia, and Paul Freund and his wife Lorraine of Midland Park; cherished great-aunt of Erika Sherger of Boonton Twp., Reed Sherger of Lincoln Park, and Sara Varney and her husband Jason of Philadelphia, PA.

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

Andre J. Badalamenti, age 40 of Towaco, died on Sunday, February 19, 2012.

Andre grew up in Lincoln Park and graduated from Boonton High School with the class of 1989. He received his Masters Degree from the Manhattan School of Music and was a self-employed performer and music instructor. He was also involved with the Delbarton School clarinet and saxophone ensembles. He had played in several Broadway show orchestras, movie scores, TV series, and symphonies. He was a multi-gifted and highly respected individual.

Andre was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, teacher, neighbor. To his parents, Andre was their baby boy and source of tremendous pride as he grew to a man. His sister, Danielle, states simply that he was her best friend, her rock. To his nephews Jake and Nick he was a constant source of fun and guidance. Rachel, his wife, has lost her person, the one who always made her feel safe and unconditionally loved. For Rowan and Maddyn he was “my daddy”, and everything that this means to a child.

Andre and his family struggled with his hemophilia, a diagnosis that necessarily placed restrictions on his life. He was not the little boy who was free to run wildly around the playground. He experienced periods of great pain. However, Andre never felt bitter or resentful of his circumstances. With his parents’ guidance, Andre strove for excellence and lived a well-rounded life.

Andre cultivated his love of, and talent for, music into his life’s work. He never forgot a fact, was a fierce competitor in cards and board games, and loved to tell a good story. He was a huge Giants and Yankees fan. In golf he found a sport that he loved and gave him the opportunity to spend time with his dad. It also provided him an opportunity to pursue his love of conversation, fellowship and gossip.

Andre will be remembered as a man who was fiercely loyal to his friends and family. His love for them knew no bounds. Andre met his wife Rachel nine years ago. She was drawn to his kindness, humor and self-confidence. In each other they recognized a bond that only grew stronger during their time together. In their daughters they experienced the realization of the love and commitment they shared. Andre was never happier than when he was with his family and providing his daughters with new experiences. Together they explored museums, Central Park, historical sites and all the things loving daddies do with their little girls.

Andre was relied upon for his good sense, his absolute faith in himself and the courage of his convictions. There is not a member of his family or closest friends that have not come to him for advice when faced with their own dilemmas or were in need of a sounding board. Andre was never short of an opinion on most any topic. Described by many as good and kind and generous, Andre opened his heart and his home to those who were privileged enough to be welcomed into his inner circle.

Andre was also a talented musician and a gifted teacher. Even those who lived with that knowledge daily have been humbled by the outpouring of gratitude that has been memorialized in the volume of tribute that has come to him from former and current students, and from their families. Many have credited Andre not with just their success as musicians, but also with the guidance that has instilled in them their own belief in themselves, their commitment to their craft, and the confidence to steer their own journeys into adulthood.

May we find comfort in knowing that parts of him live on in the music we hear, the giggles of his little girls, and the warmth we feel in our hearts when we mention his name. And maybe, just maybe, the man committed to the rationale and the power of each individual to chart their own course may, nonetheless, be watching over us and offering, as he did in life, his courage, his love, and his strength to guide us forward.

Andre is survived by his loving wife of six years, Rachel (nee Shane) of Towaco; his two daughters, Rowan and Maddyn; his parents, Angelo and Lonny Badalamenti of Lincoln Park; his sister Danielle Badalamenti of Kinnelon; his nephews Jake and Nick Silvoy of Kinnelon; and his mother in law, Joan Shane of Pequannock; as well as many more dear family and friends. A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the First Reformed Church, 529 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Andre’s memory to the Garden Academy, 276 Parker Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040 would be greatly appreciated. The Garden Academy serves children with autism, including Andre’s daughter. Your gift will not only preserve his legacy, but also help other children in need.

Rose L. Kumalac (nee Birkner) age 65, died Saturday, February 18, 2012.

She was born in Paterson and raised in Clifton having graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1964. She continued her education at St Vincent’s Nursing School in Montclair having graduated with the Class of 1965. In 1984 she graduated from Felician College School of Nursing in Lodi and received her credentials as a Registered Nurse.

She lived in Clifton, Lakewood and Howell before moving to Wayne to be closer to family.

Rose was active in nursing from 1965 through 1986 when she formally retired. She has worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson where she was on of the starting staff of the Hemodialysis Unit, was one of the founding nurses for the A.P. Meile Dialysis Unit in East Orange through 1982 and from 1982 through 1986 she worked as a Private Duty Nurse for Meridian Health Care in Toms River.

She was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed needlepoint and gardening and was also a great cook and baker. She enjoyed making traditional Czechoslovakian foods and prided herself in using the original methods of cooking and baking. Some of her specialties were Easter Babka’s and Kipfel’s.

Rose was the loving wife of the late F. Joseph Kumalac(2000). She met Joe through a dating service and they married on November 11, 1978 at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne with Fr. Peter Doody officiating. They had their reception in the hall at St. Marys Church in Pompton Lakes and honeymooned at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz New York. They enjoyed twenty-two years of a loving marriage, and it was said they were like “two peas in a pod”, before Joe’s passing in 2000.

She adopted two children through Holt International and was the proud, loving, mother of Thomas now of Utah, and Rosemary Kumalac currently of Toms River; loved sister of the late David B. Birkner and the late John Birkner(2010) and his surviving wife Dorothy of Wayne; cherished aunt of Jeffrey Birkner of Belleville and Sharon Kelly and her husband Joseph and their children Ryan and Evan of Pompton Lakes.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, 1799 Hamburg Tpk., Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Hospice of NJ, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 1st Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Mary Mahr (nee Kowalevich) age 95 of Montville passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 13, 2012. Her priest gave her last rights and she had resigned herself that is now time pass on. At the moment of her last breath her wonderful faith became the reality of life eternal.

David Richard Spae age 63 of Budd Lake, formerly of Wayne, died Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the Hackettstown Hospital.

He was born in Glen Ridge and raised in Wayne having attended Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1967.

On March 11, 1968 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon(Vietnam), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation w/1 Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Campaign Stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color w/Palm), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions First Class Color W/Palm), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle Marksman Badge. He was discharged as a Lance Corporal.

His first job was working as a ranch hand when he was 12 years old, for .50 cents per day, at the Tripple O Ranch which was located on the property now known as Willowbrook Mall. He always enjoyed driving trucks and operating heavy equipment. He bought his own Mack truck in 1974 and operated as Dave Spae Trucking in Wayne for several years. He later worked for Wayne Township for 25 years before retiring in 2003.

Dave was a member of the Shongum Sportsmans Association of Hackettstown NJ, a Life Member of the Marine Corps League, a Life Member of the Marine Corps League Det 747 in Sussex NJ, a member of the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation, a Life Member of the Disabled American Vets, Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a lifetime member of the NRA and a member of SAS (Single Action Shooting Society).

Dave followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps by joining the Mt. View Community Fire Company. He was a member from 1970-1980. His son Michael completed a four generation run of firefighters at the same company.

He was the kind of guy who was always trying to make you laugh and handed out nicknames like they were going out of style. When you spent time with Dave there was never a dull moment. He loved to cook and it is said his BBQ Rub was fantastic! Dave also loved gardening, had two gardens in his yard at home and would start all of his plantings from seeds in March. He also loved his dogs Misty “The Sheriff”, Ozark “Big Girl”, and Mooney “The Doctor”. All Dave’s dogs were from the Wayne Animal Shelter as it was right next door to the recycling area where he worked for many years.

Dave met his wife Ruth (Fox) while she was working at Mary Jane’s Luncheonette at the Stahl Plaza in Wayne. He proposed in his living room and they were married by the Mayor of Mine Hill as Ruth was a Council Woman there. They had their reception at the New Orleans Steak House in Jefferson.

He was the loving husband of Ruth (Fox) Spae; loving father of Michael Spae and his loving girlfriend Dawn Casale of Wayne, Amelia (Amy) Spae of Wayne, and Jessica Baum and her husband Heath Maxwell of Austin, TX; cherished grandfather of Lanea Baum and Heath Maxwell; loved brother of Diane Norman and her husband Richard of Virginia and their children Jennifer and Jason Norman.

In lieu of flowers, because Dave would have hated you to send flowers, memorial donations to Friends of Wayne Animals, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1007, NY, NY 10020 would be appreciated.

Victoria P. Edge (nee Chapek) age 66 (formerly of Wayne) died Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Renaissance Gardens Center at Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her Mother and her son, Ryan, sharing their love with her at her bedside.

She was born in Jersey City and later lived her formative years in the Pines Lakes area of Wayne where she received her formal education at Wayne High School graduating with the Class of 1962.

Victoria went on to study at Montclair State College for two years majoring in Physical Education.

She was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes and was very dedicated to her Catholic faith.

She was gifted with an outgoing personality. More importantly, she was a fabulous mother and grandmother who never faulted in her unconditional love and dedication to her family. Her strength and compassion will be ever awe-inspiring to her friends and family, especially, her mother, her son, her daughter-in-law, and her three grandchildren.

Victoria enjoyed hobbies, such as arts and crafts, knitting, singing, and dancing.

Victoria is survived by her own loving and devoted mother, Claire Chapek of Pompton Plains; her faithful son, Ryan Edge, and his wife, Jeanice, of Flemington; her brother, Matthew Chapek, and his wife, Betsy, of Underhill Center, Vermont; and three beautiful miracles in her life, her grandchildren, Connor, Riley, and Brady Edge.

Her father Victor Chapek predeceased her in 1986.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Victoria's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365 would be greatly appreciated.

Sylvia W. “Sylv” Lochridge age 83 of the Packanack Lake community of Wayne passed away on 2/10/2012

Sylvia was born in New Brunswick and spent her childhood years in North Arlington. She received her formal education at North Arlington High School graduating with the Class of 1946 and then went on to study at Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her first job was working for Hanes in Newark NJ, drawing fashion sketches for catalogs She continued her love of art throughout her life, from teaching private art lessons out of our home to commissioned paintings for private buyers.

However Mom’s real life dedication was as a wife, mother and grandmother. There was nothing she enjoyed more than taking care of babies and bringing us up in a very loving home filled with laughter, which she then showered on her grandchildren. To keep her grandchildren close to heart, she always wore a gold chain with a charm for each of her grandchildren given to her upon their births.

Sylvia met Bill Lochridge at a friend’s wedding and courted for two years. Dad proposed marriage and they were married on November 18, 1949. The final result was thirty-nine years of a loving marriage until his passing in 1989.

While Mom was the best Mom any of us could have asked for, her “Mom” skills weren’t just dedicated to her 5 children; but also to all our friends growing up. She was the Mom everyone would come to, she always had an open heart and arms for anyone who needed it. Our friends always said “I really love your Mom, she is so cool” which is quite a compliment for a Mom. She always made everyone she was around feel very loved. Our memories of Mom will be of all our “Mom” stories and for anyone who has heard them, they are laughing right now. These stories will keep Mom close in our hearts forever and will be shared for many years to come. She was one of a kind and we are so fortunate that we were raised in her loving arms..

Some of our most memorable times growing up were our summers spent at Beaver Lake. Mom’s father purchased the Beaver Lake cottage back in 1943 and it has been passed down in the family. To this day it can be best described as a cottage, that is loved dearly by us all. While we have running water etc., we still travel to the big hand pump by the store to get our cooking and drinking water. Always entertaining to have new friends to the house and trying to remember to tell them, don’t drink the water out of the sink, it’s lake water, before it was too late. We weren’t always successful, however we never heard of any major ailments.

After we were all grown, Mom and Dad enjoyed some traveling with their favorite trip to England and Scotland and then eventually moved to Hobe Sound Florida in 1986. Upon Dad’s passing in 1989. Mom stayed in Hobe Sound until she moved back to Wayne in 2008. She had many dear friends over her lifetime and she cherished those friendships always. She continued her travels with friends to such places as Korea, Greece and China.

Sadness visited her life journey when our brother Bob died in 1973. He was her first child and she loved him with all her heart. His loss was very hard on her and though she never fully recovered from it, it’s what kept her love for all of us that much stronger. Her devotion after Bob’s death was to Dad and her remaining children and our strong bond was created by this deep family loss. Since Bob’s death Mom has sponsored many children through Children’s International in Bob’s memory.

Surviving to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother are two daughters Liz Sieling and her husband Jim of Wayne and Marge Lenox and her husband John of Hickory, North Carolina; two sons Bill Lochridge and his wife Carey of Wayne and Pete Lochridge of Wayne; four grandchildren Katie (Lenox) Cichocki and her husband Joseph, Emily Lenox, Daniel Sieling and Robert Lochridge.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 10 AM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Sylvia’s memory are asked to consider Children International, 2000 East Red Bridge Road , PO Box 219055 , Kansas City, MO 64121.

William A. Deile, age 94, a long time resident of Wayne, drifted peacefully to life eternal on Thursday, February 9, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Deile was born in Jersey City. He graduated from Dickinson High School in Jersey City and Rutgers University. Bill enjoyed an active career in the family owned Deile provisions business in Hoboken after serving proudly in the Air Force during World War II. Many years later after the business was sold he worked for Henry Thumann. He was a member of the congregation and Eucharistic Minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Wayne.

Mr. Deile is predeceased by his loving and devoted wife, Carolyn, of 57 years. He is survived by his loving son, William P. and his wife, Janet Barron, of Cape Coral, FL and his loving daughter, Carol Jean (Suttile) and her husband, Richard M., of Randolph Township, NJ. He is also survived by grandsons William S. Deile of Newfoundland, NJ, Luke M. Suttile and his wife Jessica and two great grandchildren, Julia and Leo of Mendham, NJ, and grandson Zachary T. Suttile of Teaneck, NJ. He is also survived by former daughter-in-law, Susan Deile of Wayne.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior we commend our loving father. Receive him into the arms of your mercy and rest of everlasting peace and into the company of loved ones and the glorious saints of light and everlasting life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Reverend William J. Coombs, age 63, of South Brunswick, NJ, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. His brother Bob was at his side. At the very moment of his passing, his wonderful Christian faith turned into the reality of life eternal.

He was born in Paterson and raised in Wayne. He attended Preakness Grammar School, Anthony Wayne Jr. High School and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1966.

Upon receipt of a military draft notice, he and two friends enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1967. He was assigned to a tour of duty in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Sergeant and received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal before being honorably discharged in 1970.

Upon the completion of his military service, he attended Eastern College graduating with the Class of 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Psychology. In 1976, he attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 1979 with a Masters of Divinity. He was ordained as an American Baptist Minister in 1980. He founded and was co-pastor of the North Hunterdon Baptist Church in Glen Gardner, NJ, with his former wife, Rev. Linda Hart.

Bill came in contact with substance abuse during his years in high school and Vietnam. As a result, he put aside his clergy duties and pursued his final ‘calling’ as a crisis worker at Center School from 1983 to 1986, a mental health worker at Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ, and finally as an Adult Substance Abuse Coordinator and Quality Management Specialist at High Focus Centers in Cranford, NJ, for the last 12 years. Bill was gifted with a special personality and ability to reach out to those in need of help with their substance abuse as it impacted their lives.

Bill is survived by his sister Jean Day, and her husband Gary, of Las Vegas, Nevada, his brother Bob Coombs, and his wife Jan, of South Brunswick, NJ, and three nephews Walter Todd Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada, Timothy Robert Coombs and Scott Tyler Coombs, both of South Brunswick, NJ.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s memory are asked to consider Embracing Hospice Care, 2101 Highway 34 South, Suite B, Wall, NJ, 07719; or staystrongbrandon.org (a South Brunswick nine-year-old boy currently battling brain cancer).

Claire Catherine Shiber RN (nee Jenkinson) age 82 of Wayne passed Wednesday, February 8, 2012.

She was born and raised in Paterson having graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1948. She lived in Lodi before moving to Wayne in 1963. Claire graduated from the Saint Josephs Hospital School of Nursing in Paterson with the Class of February 1951. Her entire nursing career was spent as an Operating Room Nurse with Saint Josephs Hospital in Paterson.

Claire was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a founding member of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne.

She met her husband Fred Shiber on a double date and they married on April 23, 1955 at St. George’s RC Church, Paterson. They honeymooned in Virginia Beach, VA. They enjoyed thirty-five years of loving and devoted marriage before Fred’s passing in 1990.

Claire was the loving wife of the late Fred Shiber (1990); cherished mother of Mary Claire Shiber, Ph.D. of Wayne; loved sister of Robert Jenkinson of Wayne; and devoted dear friend of over 60 years of Nancy McCorry of Wayne.

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

Robert De Maria

Born March 9, 1947 to Emily and John De Maria he lived in Paterson for 37 years before moving to Clifton. From a young age Robert was involved in Drum Corps and was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Drum and Bugle Corps. From 1964 to 1968, Robert served in the US Air Force in Vietnam and Thailand, reaching the rank of sergeant. He was a member of the VFW. He worked for Public Service Electric and Gas Company for 33 years before retiring in 2006. Robert - also called Bob, Bobby or Bubba - was best known for being a great husband, good friend, pet rescuer and for his love of sports, especially golf which he played whenever he could. When it came to bowling he had the rare distinction of rolling a perfect, ABC sanctioned, 300 game not once, twice, but 3 times. He also had an 800 series.

After Robert was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2008, he became a warrior and took this disease on. He did not let it define him and fought it on his own terms not those of the medical community. Despite this serious illness, he continued to travel extensively with his wife, driving cross country numerous times, attending 2 Kentucky Derby’s and several Rutgers University bowl games across the continent. He hiked in Yosemite and Arches National Parks. They made extended stays in California visiting his niece Michele, her husband Brad, his great niece Skylar and great nephew Bret Robert.

Scheduling his treatment and tee times around their travels, they wandered the rainforests of Costa Rica and, drove 1500 miles touring England and Scotland, hiking through the moors of Bronte country and touring the castles of Scotland and finally playing golf at the famous St. Andrew’s course. Those who knew him well knew that Las Vegas was his second home. He visited there just 2 weeks ago where he renewed his marriage vows.

He is survived by his loving wife Vanessa Van Orden -De Maria, his brothers John Michael De Maria and his wife Elaine of Totowa, Ed De Maria and his wife Geraldine of Jupiter, FL, 4 nieces, 2 nephews, 6 great nephews and 3 great nieces. In lieu of flowers it was Robert’s wish that a small fund be established to assist seriously ill individuals in caring for their pets. In response to this his, wife has begun Bobby’s Buddies to provide volunteer pet care for seriously ill humans.

Stephen E. Saunders, age 21 of Wayne, died tragically on Saturday, February 4, 2012 in Wayne.

Stephen was raised in Wayne and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 2008. He had a lot of hobbies and was passionate about all of them. His mother recalls he had a fascination with airplanes since he was about six months old, when he would stare up at the sky every time an airplane was overhead. Over the past few years he had been to countless air shows and could name just about every type of aircraft just by looking at it. He had been taking flight lessons at Lincoln Park Airport and was planning to get his pilot’s license. He worked part time during the summers at the Aero Safety Training Flight School at Lincoln Park airport and enjoyed being around the airplanes, meeting the pilots, and learning as much as he could. As with all of his hobbies and interests, he immersed himself in each of them and tried to learn as much as possible.

Stephen was a member of the Garden State GTO’s car club, inspired by his father, and always loved to go to car shows. He was like a walking index of muscle car knowledge and frequently knew more about 1960’s muscle cars than many of his fellow club members who were alive in the 1960’s. He enjoyed the club and truly appreciated how the other members took him under their wing and shared so much with him. He was currently working on his own restoration of a 1969 GTO coupe.

He was also passionate about music. It would be an understatement to say he was a huge Beatles fan. Their music was very inspirational to him and he often wore a talisman necklace, just like the one John Lennon used to wear. He also loved Pink Floyd and many of the classic rock bands from the 60’s and 70’s. At eighteen years old he picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play. He was actually getting rather good at it and had even started to study music.

Stephen was currently enrolled at Rutgers University, planning to graduate this May. He was studying engineering but had changed his major recently to English and History. He enjoyed school and thought he might like to be an archivist after graduating. He produced a weekly video on YouTube where he would review various video games. He took it very seriously and the quality of his work was on a professional level. He was proficient at many video games and his online name was “The Judgeinator”.

Stephen also enjoyed day trips to the Point Pleasant boardwalk. He would spend hours playing games in the arcades and he even won a guitar there once. Perhaps that’s what inspired him to begin playing. He and his friends were devotees to the Wo-Hop Restaurant in New York’s Chinatown as well. It was clearly one of his favorite places to eat and he had just been there last Friday for dinner. Surely his friends will cherish those memories forever.

Stephen is survived by his loving mother; Barbara Saunders of Pequannock, his loving father; Edward Saunders of Wayne, his grandmothers; Eileen Saunders of Wayne and Roberta Allen of Whiting, NJ, his grandfather; Milan Marton of Florida, two uncles; Scott Saunders and his wife Diane of Warwick, NY, Tim Saunders and his wife Randi of Wayne, his four aunts; Patricia Saunders and her husband Joe Jacko of Kinnelon, Diane Canseco of Long Beach, CA, Karen Cascino and her husband Frank of Clifton, and Milan “Jim” Marton and his wife Kathy of Cary, NC, as well as a large extended family and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen’s memory to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, 4370 Tujunga Ave., Ste 330, Studio City, CA 91604, www.mhopus.org.  Or, please consider the Two Kids Foundation, LLC, PO Box 103, Whippany, NJ 07981-0103.

Anna Kolodziej age 90 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, February 04, 2012.

She was born in Kozlow Poland. Anna was living with her daughter Joanne, grandparents, aunts and uncles on a farm in Poland when they were separated from the rest of the family by the advancing Germans. Anna and Joanne were rounded up by the Germans and placed into a railroad cattle car and sent to Germany. Anna was sent to a German farm to work as a slave laborer and was able to keep her then three year old daughter Joanne with her. The Americans liberated Anna from the farm and she was sent to a Displaced Persons Camp in Germany where she met and married her second husband Bogumil. They came to the United States on the USS Taylor in 1950 as they had been sponsored to this country by a farmer in Pennsylvania. The farmer backed out of the job offering to Bogumil and they soon found him a job in West Virginia. The family lived there for six months before moving to Irvington, NJ where they lived for twenty years, having lived in Clifton also for twenty years, before moving to Wayne seven years ago.

Anna was a quality control inspector for the Revlon Corporation in Irvington for twenty years before retiring in 1987.

She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart in Irvington, St. Josephs in Passaic and Our Lady of Consolation in Wayne.

She was the loving wife of 57 years to the late Bogumil Kolodziej(2004); loving mother of Joanne Baksa of Wayne, Mary Ann Gentile and her husband Frank of Toms River; cherished grandmother of Victoria and Kristen and great-grandmother of Leo and Max; sister of Bolek Pyziak of Poland and predeceased by her sister the late Frances Nazzaro-Fenamore, and two brothers the late Casmir Pyziak and the late Walter Pyziak.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave, #251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365 or the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Jeanne Ann (nee Golden) Cappo age 65, a forty year resident of Wayne, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 at home surrounded by family and friends.

Her very first job was working at Jolly Cleaners in Belleville, later she worked at the Woolworth’s Five and Dime in Bellville, Public Service in Newark, and the Kwiat Trading Corporation in Paterson. Most recently she worked as a customer service representative for the Willowbrook Mall, which she did for 23 years before retiring in 2007.

Jeanne met her husband John when he was a cashier at the Shop Rite in Belleville. Their first date was to the movies and soon they fell in love. John proposed to Jeannie at her home, after asking for permission to marry her from her parents. They married at Holy Family Church in Nutley on December 6, 1964 and honeymooned at the Crown Hotel in Miami Florida. They have enjoyed forty seven years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Jeanne was an active member of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Parish in Wayne.

Daughter of the late James R. and Lillian Golden she is survived by husband John, daughter Cynthia Sokoli and husband Scott, son John Cappo III and wife Karen, grandchildren Matthew and Kelly Cappo, Jimmy and Evan Sokoli, brother James Golden and wife Betty.

She was a caring, unselfish person who enjoyed knitting, loved to shop, and was a great cook. Her special touch on cheesecake, meatballs and sauce, and stuffed artichokes will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 would be appreciated.

Doreen Eales (nee Weightman) "Purple Egg"  age 80 of Wayne on Thursday, February 02, 2012.

She was born and raised in Montreal, Canada having lived in Passaic and Clifton before moving to Wayne sixteen years ago.

Doreen was an office manager for Hackensack Roofing for thirty years having previously raised her family and worked as a proofreader for a newspaper in Montreal.

She was a loving, sweet, quiet person who was loved by all. Many will remember her calling them “love” in her French-Canadian accent.

Doreen was a member of the Wayne Presbyterian Church for over fifteen years.

She met her husband Dennis Eales while he was working on a ship called the “Ocean Monarch”. The cruise was to Bermuda where they met and fell in love. They married on May 16, 1951 and enjoyed thirty-three years of loving marriage before Dennis passed away in 1984.

She was the loving wife of the late Dennis Eales(1984); loving mother of Doreen Stallard of Wayne and Dyane Adkins and her husband John of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandmother of Christopher and Nicholas Stallard and Amy and Julie Adkins.

Her dogs Max and Katie, her cat Harley, and bird Zazoo will miss her greatly.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Presbyterian Church, 1200 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Carolyn Willard Hazelton passed away on February 1, 2012 at the age of 84.

Carolyn, the daughter of LeRoy and Lottie Willard, was born and raised in Coatesville, Pa. She graduated in 1945 from Scott High School in Coatesville and later Rider College in Trenton, NJ with a BCS in Secretarial Sciences. She married Andrew Hazelton in 1950 and together they lived in East Orange NJ, New London CT, Montclair NJ and for the last 55 years in Wayne, NJ.

She was an active member of the former Women’s Club of Preakness-Wayne and belonged to the Wayne Adult Community Center. Carolyn was an avid reader and also enjoyed a good crossword puzzle or game of bridge. She was also an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church since its founding.

Her husband, Andrew, preceded her in 1992. She is survived by her son Drew Hazelton of Bethlehem, NY, his wife Deborah and their children Andrew, Tegan and Tristan. She is also survived by her daughter, Barbara DeBoer and her children Dane and Bryce living in Oxford, NJ.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to either the American Cancer Society or to the St. Michael's Church Memorial Fund.

J. Allan Provan, Esq. age 77 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Monday, January 30, 2012.

He was born and raised in North Arlington having attended North Arlington High School and then Stony Brook Prep School in Long Island. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and then New York Law School with his Jurisprudence Degree. He was a member of the New York and New Jersey Bar Associations.

J. Allan initially practiced law in Kearny and moved his family and practice to Wayne in 1966. Having initially lived in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne for six years he has lived in the Township for over forty-five years.

He had a funny sense of humor, an outgoing personality and truly was concerned for the well being of others. Sailing was one of his favorite past times. He had a sailboat on the Hudson River for many years and enjoyed sailing to Block Island, NY; Newport, RI; Martha’s Vineyard and Three Mile Harbor. He was also a pilot and had an airplane at the Caldwell Airport for many years. Skiing in Vermont was another activity J. Allan enjoyed. He even had the opportunity to go Heli-Skiing in Canada once and had fond memories of the experience. Many remember him riding a motorcycle around town, something he gave up just a few short years ago. When J. Allan was a young boy he took piano lessons from a man named Fred. Forty years later he decided to take piano lessons once again and sure enough he found Fred who again helped him with lessons.

He was the loving father of James Allan Provan and his wife Terry of Burbank, CA, Allan Paul Provan of Wayne, and David Scott Provan and his wife Pamela of West Milford; cherished grandfather of Jeffrey, Lucy, Bridget, Alejandra and Daniel; loved brother of Lillian Gilkenson and her husband Paul of Cumming, GA.

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

Elizabeth Kneis (nee Altmann), age 74 of Wayne, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at the Oakland Care Center with her family gathered at her bedside.

Elizabeth was born in Hungary and endured a challenging childhood. Her family was driven out of Hungary and they moved to West Germany when she was just nine years old. She came to the United States in 1950 with her parents and brother, settling in Paterson.

She assimilated quickly, learned English at home, and proudly considered herself an “American” ever since. She made many trips back to Europe, visiting family and her home town in Hungary. On at least two occasions, she took her children to see where she had grown up in Hungary.

In 1955 she met Joseph Kneis and they enjoyed their first date at Donohue’s in Wayne, where they always had the best entertainment. They were married in 1959 and their romance has continued for fifty two years. They were utterly devoted to one another. They enjoyed many vacations together, having toured all of Europe, Australia, Scandinavian countries, and the Caribbean. Her favorite destination was Monaco where she exercised her passion for shopping.

In 1968 they moved to Wayne and raised their family. Elizabeth was the best mom her children could have asked for; an excellent cook, baker, and simply a wonderful homemaker. At Christmas time, she would spend a week or more baking countless cookies and she always shared them. She made a great chicken Paprikash, potato dumplings, and tomato soup. Everything she made was fantastic. She kept a garden too, with Joe as her laborer, growing vegetables and beautiful flowers. Her hobbies were all labors of love, and she especially loved her grandchildren. They meant the world to her and nothing brought her more joy than being with all of them. They will all miss her dearly but she has given them wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Together with Joe, she was a member of the Haledon Soccer Club, the Haledon Benefit and Social Club, and also a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes.

She is survived by her devoted husband of fifty two years; Joseph Kneis of Wayne, her four children; Diane Bascelli and her husband Jeffrey of Wayne, Kathleen Kneis of Boonton, Heidi Markell of Rivervale, and Kenneth Kneis and his wife Rosemarie of Wayne, five grandchildren; Alyssa, Christopher, Matthew, Olivia, and Amanda, one brother; Frank Altmann and his wife Mary of Haledon, her niece Linda Kunzig and her husband Michael of Wayne, and her nephew Ron Altmann and his wife Marlene of Wayne.

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

Patricia F. Opalka (nee Fertal) age 74 of Wayne died peacefully at the Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff. She had lived in Clifton before moving to Wayne in 1960.

Pat was a secretary for the Union Camp Corporation in Wayne for five years, Mosler Corp., and American Cyanamid for many years, before she retired in the mid 90’s.

She was born in Homer City, PA and grew up there in the coal mining region of Pennsylvania. As a teenager, she was a contestant in the Miss Indiana County Beauty Pageant. It was a very rural lifestyle there and employment and opportunity for a young lady was not exactly easy to come by. She moved to Lodi, living with her cousins, in the hope of finding work. She found more than that when she met Joe Opalka. Joe was well acquainted with her cousins and met her shortly after she moved to town. He took her to see “Oklahoma” in Passaic on their first date, followed by dinner at Rutt’s Hut. Their romance blossomed and they were married at the Polish National Church in Passaic in 1958. They honeymooned at Cape Cod and have enjoyed more than fifty three years together.

Pat and Joe traveled all over the United States with their travel trailer. They’ve visited many of the national parks and have visited just about every state. They’ve been on sixteen cruises together, also to Europe and Russia. As adults, they took ballroom dancing lessons and loved to go dancing. They would frequently go to Oakland and Upper Montclair to dance, but had a habit of getting on stage just about anywhere to dance. They danced when they went on cruises, often with the spot light on themselves, and also while in Paris, they went onstage to dance at the Moulin Rouge. They had a lot of fun together and made lots of wonderful memories.

When she wasn’t traveling, she enjoyed quilting and sewing. She even used to make her children’s clothes when they were young.

She was the loving wife of more than fifty-three years to Joseph Opalka; devoted mother of Joseph J. Opalka, Jr. and his wife Christine of Wayne, Margaret Hochkeppel and her husband William of Kinnelon, and Cheryll Remus and her husband John of Jefferson; cherished grandmother of William and Patricia Hochkeppel and Andre Remus; loved sister of Marion Martin of Homer City, PA.

Memorial donations to the Christian Health Care Center Foundation, 301 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 would be greatly appreciated.

Mia Angelina Cerretta

We are blessed to announce the very meaningful, but short life of our daughter, Mia Angelina Cerretta “My Little Angel.” She was born and left this world on January 28, 2012. We had a day with our little angel, as God decided she was too perfect for this world. She weighed 6 lbs 12.4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Taking a piece of our hearts with her, she has been lifted to the heavens and is now protected by God and all her loving family members in the Cerretta and Cannatella family. She is survived by her proud and loving parents Billy and Kim Cerretta of Riverdale; her grandparents Joseph and Donna Cannatella of Wayne and Lou and Anna Marie Cerretta of Wayne; her aunts and uncles Christopher and Christina Havens, Anthony and Betsaly Cerretta, & Aubrey Cannatella; her cousin Dylan Christopher Havens; and great grandparents Bill and Judy Brumale.

An Angel in the book of life wrote down this baby’s birth. And whispered as she closed the book “too beautiful for earth.” Mia Angelina Cerretta- We love you. Watch over us. Until we meet again. Rest in peace our little angel.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the “Forget Me Not Foundation, 143 Spencer Pl., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 info@fmnfoundation.com would be appreciated.

Jane Kane (nee Leonard) age 94 of Pompton Plains died peacefully at the Center for Hope Hospice, Scotch Plains.

She was born and raised in Jersey City having graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1935. After high school she was a comptometer operator for several years. Jane married the late Edward J. Kane on June 10, 1941 at St. Patrick’s RC Church, Jersey City and honeymooned in Virginia Beach, VA. Jane would speak of how they drove to Virginia Beach and crossed several long rickety bridges in complete darkness as there weren’t the street lights a Jersey City girl would have been used to. They raised their family in Jersey City and once the children were older she worked first as a clerk and then as management for the Hudson County Credit Union during her ten year career there. She moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains nine years ago.

Jane was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of St. Mary’s RC Church, Rutherford and also regularly attended Mass at Cedar Crest Village.

Jane was an active person and enjoyed many of the activities at Cedar Crest Village. Swimming and weight lifting were some of her favorites. Having learned the art of quilting in 2002, she also belonged to the Needle and Gun Club of Moorestown. Her quilting was displayed at the Kirby’s Mill Quilt Show in Medford several times.

She was witty and caring but most of all she was the “ultimate care giver” as she took care of her mentally challenged daughter for over sixty years. She has a long history of taking care of many in the family when they were ill - including her sisters, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law she dedicated herself to caring for others.

She learned to drive at the age of 75 when her husband Edward passed away. She avoided highways and got a speeding ticket on a local road after she refused to stop for a patrol car as she couldn’t believe the lights and sirens were directed at her. She relinquished her license after having a car accident in a cemetery.

She was the loving wife of forty-nine years to the late Edward J. Kane (1990); devoted mother of Mary Jane Kane of Evanston, IL, Richard T. Kane and his wife Delia of Medford, Patricia Kane of Bogota, and Gerard Kane and his wife Eileen of Rutherford; loved sister of the late Agnes Russell, Catherine Boyle, Mary, Margaret, Hugh, Michael “Duke”, Thomas, William, and John Leonard; cherished grandmother of Brian and Deirdre Kane, Claire McMillan, Francis, Peter, Paul, Mary, John, Andrew, Martin and Richard Liccardo; and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to ARC of Bergen County, 223 Moore Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be greatly appreciated.

Michael Petrula age 49 of Wayne died Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, NYC.

He was born in New York City and raised in Union City and Riveredge, having graduated from Riverdell High School with the Class of 1980, and has lived in Wayne for the past fourteen years.

Michael was employed in the graphics arts industry for twenty five years and worked most recently at the Prisco Corporation in Newark as a salesman. Michael also had his own business of home remodeling having traded as Petrula Home Services in Wayne.

Michael was the assistant den leader for the Boy Scouts Pack 104 and later Pack 192 in Wayne. He truly enjoyed camping with his boys and even made a fire pit surrounded by felled trees from the yard naming it “Camp Petrula” in his backyard.

He was outgoing, social, and some would say unique. His personality was genuine…the kind of person who would say the things you would think better of saying.

Michael and Delia met through business and had their first date on Route 17 for drinks. He fell in love and took Delia to Times Square in New York and had his marriage proposal posted on the Jumbo-Tron. Delia turned to Mike and said “look at that there’s someone else here named Delia”, she then realized Mike had an engagement ring in his hand. They married on June 15, 1991 at St. Brendan’s RC Church in Clifton and honeymooned in St. Maarten.

Michael was the loving husband of Delia (Giustina) Petrula; cherished father of Matthew and Lucas Petrula both of Wayne; devoted son of Louise (Kalanz) Petrula of New Milford and the late John Petrula; loved brother of Theresa Petrula of Oradell, Stephen Petrula and his wife Cheryl of Kearny, and Patty Petrula and her husband Chris Clark of Paramus; dear brother-in-law of Gimi Giustina and his wife Marguerite of Montclair and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 would be appreciated.

Ann E. Drag (nee Lynch), age 88 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Thursday, January 26, 2012 with her family gathered at her bedside.

Ann was born and raised in North Tarrytown, NY, now known as Sleepy Hollow. She was proud of her heritage and the Lynch family name was well known in those days. When Ann was just seven years old, her sister Mary died suddenly and Ann’s mother became overwhelmed with grief. Shortly thereafter, her mother also died. Ann was sent to live with her three aunts in the Phillips Manor section of town. Her aunts did a wonderful job of raising her and Ann was grateful for all they had done during her years as a child and young woman. Ann’s father did remarry and had two more children, but Ann remained with her aunts. She still became very close with her stepbrother Joe Lynch, and her stepsister Barbara Lynch-Orlando. The three of them remained close throughout their lifetimes, but both Joe and Barbara have since passed on.

Ann began working as a young woman for American Cyanamid Company at the Rockefeller Building in New York City. It was there that she met a young veteran, just back from WWII, named Edward Drag. Their office romance blossomed and they were married on September 11, 1948. They first settled in North Tarrytown before moving to Packanack Lake in Wayne in 1962. They have enjoyed sixty three years of marriage together.

Once they started having children, Ann became a devoted homemaker and mother. Nothing brought her more joy than raising her children. She loved her kids unconditionally and did everything she could for them, often having to get very creative with very limited means. She was always supportive and she attended all of their sporting games, school concerts, and events without fail. She was the peacekeeper of the household too, which was no easy task with four boys and a girl, but she did it. Somehow she also found the time to keep her house immaculately clean, which was a feat unto its own. She was the best mom her kids could have asked for, and they all love her dearly for everything she did for them.

When grandchildren came along, Ann realized a whole new level of joy. She attended all of their sporting events, sacraments, concerts and plays too, without fail. If you happened to run into her while she was enjoying one of her walks around the lake, she would surely be updating you on the status of her children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren. She was very proud, devoted, and loving towards each and every one of them.

Ann is survived by her husband of sixty three years, Edward Drag of Wayne, her five children: Edward F. Drag II and his wife Colleen of Columbus, NJ, Thomas Drag of Pompton Plains, Robert Drag and his wife Suzanne of Maple Grove, MN, Martin Drag and his wife Linda of Pompton Plains, and Jane Crank of Wayne, sixteen grandchildren; Jennifer, Dawn, Tom, Tim, Dan, Michael, Sandy, Eddie, Stephanie, Nicole, Marty, Billy, Sami, Melanie, Johnny, and Rilee, and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson Billy Drag in 1985 and her daughter in law Renee Drag in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Foundation for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, 2910 Centre Pointe Drive, Roseville, MN 55113 or online at www.giving.childrensmn.org. After losing her grandson Billy, the Foundation became important to Ann and your donations would be greatly appreciated.

Olga L. Hoskins, age 74 of Wayne died on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Olga had lived in Wayne for over thirty years and had recently resided in Wanaque at the Wanaque Reserve.

Olga was a proud Bronx native. She graduated from Mary Mount High School where she was captain of her basketball team and was on the equestrian team. She even rode horseback in Central Park on several occasions. She continued on to Mary Mount College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. She was very proud of her alma maters, both high school and college, and was grateful for the quality education she received.

Her first job found her working in New York City. When the company moved to Florida, she went too. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Luxembourg where she worked for an airline. It was there that her father encouraged her to learn to speak French. Her father was Corsican and her mother, Cuban, which meant being multi-lingual was not only important, but essentially a requirement for her. Spanish was her native tongue, and of course she could also speak English. Her father was rather strict and insisted that she learn to speak each language without any accent, and she did it.

She eventually settled in Wayne in 1975 and lived there for more than thirty years before moving to Wanaque Reserve in Wanaque just five years ago. Her children recall what a wonderful cook she was. Her Spanish Pork was fantastic, she made a great pot roast, and her black beans and rice were the best. As a family, they travelled quite a bit and Olga had been throughout Europe, South America, Africa, Corsica, Monaco, Aruba and the Caribbean, taking many of those trips with her children.

Olga’s faith was very important to her and she was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation in Wayne and more recently at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Haskell, where she attended Mass regularly. She was very close with her cousin, the Reverend Robert Arce, who is a priest at St. Mary Margaret Parish in the Bronx. Father Robert will be celebrating her Funeral Mass at St. Francis Parish on Monday.

Olga is survived by her two loving children; Yvonne Hoskins of Oak Ridge and Michael Hoskins and his wife Kathy of Lincoln Park, two grandchildren; Michael and Tyler Hoskins of Lincoln Park, NJ, her brother; John Natali and his wife Peggy of Fairfield, her dear cousins; Reverend Robert Arce of Bronx, NY and Ida Cederdahl of Neptune, NJ, as well as many nieces and nephews.

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

Jennie Naples (nee Presto) age 91 and 7 months of Toms River died on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Lakeland Health Care Center, Haskell.

She was born in Saint Louis, Missouri and at the age of three her parents moved to Far Rockaway’ New York. Two years later they moved to Passaic, New Jersey. Jennie received her formal education at Passaic Public Grammar School No. 11.

The Presto family consisted of her parents Perry and Rose Presto and seven children. In those days it was absolutely necessary that as soon as possible that you get a job and help support the family. Jennie did just that and became a seamstress at age 14 and did indeed help support her family. She pursued that line of work until 1969 when she retired from the work force.

In 1980 she along with her husband Tom moved to Toms River and lived in a retirement community.

Jennie was gifted all of her life with a wonderful extraverted social personality that caused her to have many friends. It was that upbeat personality that helped her through life.

Her fined dedication in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She was a wonderful mother to her two daughters JoAnn Spero, Bloomingdale, N.J. and Rosalie Zapotasky, Ringwood, N.J. and when grandchildren came into the world it was a delightful experience being a grandmother.

Jennie was devoted to her Roman Catholic faith and was a parishioner for many years of Saint Anthony’s RC Church in Passaic and while in Toms River at Saint Joseph’s RC Church. Her church life included many societies within the church including the Rosary Society.

In 1943 during World War II she married the boy across the street named Thomas J. Naples. They married while he was on leave from the Army Air Force duty on April 25, 1943 and they had forty-eight years of “devoted marriage” until Tom’s passing on September 13, 1991.

Surviving to mourn the loss of this very special mother are three daughters JoAnn Spero and her husband Joseph of Bloomingdale and Rosalie Naples-Zapotasky of Ringwood, and Pat Chmelar and her husband Rudy of Norton Shores, Michigan; seven grandchildren Thaddeus James Spero, Brian Theodore Spero, Christopher Raymond Zapotasky, Robert Anthony Zapotasky, Paul Joseph Zapotasky, Michelle Chmelar and Rudy Chmelar, Jr.; nine great-grandchildren Nathaniel Thomas Spero, Felicia Elizabeth Spero, Miranda Mae Spero and Garron Joseph Spero, Anthony Raymond Zapotasky, Michael Ribot, Daphne Ribot, Hayden Zapotasky, and Maureen Chmelar.

William H. “Bill” Dymond Jr. age 58 of Oak Ridge, NJ. drifted peacefully to life eternal on Monday January 23, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Paterson, raised in Wayne and spent his adult life in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. He received his education first at Ryerson Elementary School, then at George Washington Middle School and then at Wayne Hills High School. In his early years, his mother saw to it that, he spent much time at the United Methodist Church in Wayne attending Sunday school and Church. He was also a cub scout and played Little League Baseball in Wayne.

Bill was by nature a hard working man. His first job was as a paper boy – delivering the local paper in the old neighborhood in Wayne. In his teen years he worked as a car hop at Stewarts Root Beer Stand, coming home with a fistful of tips and smelling of french fries and root beer. His interest in cars lead him to a job in an auto body shop where he restored a 1965 Mustang among many other cars.

His life job into adulthood was as a Roofer for Barbuto Roofing Company in Wayne for over thirty years. His specialty was hot tar flat roofs. He retired from roofing and became an employee at Home Depot in Dover. Health concerns forced him to retire from work in 2003.

Bill enjoyed spending time on Lake Hopatcong boating and fishing. He had a natural affinity to water, be it a lake, the ocean, a river or a pool. If it held water - he was drawn to it. He was a participant in building and racing of remote control cars on the Jefferson race track. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was an avid New York Giants fan. Bill was an animal lover and had several devoted pets throughout his life. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and restoring his 1975 Corvette Sting Ray. Without a doubt, his most important dedication within his life was to his family. They were his first priority. He was a good provider, working hard all of his life to do so. He was a wonderful, loving father who was a protector and a teacher to his children. He loved his children from infinity and beyond and they were a very important part of his life. They filled his heart with pride.

“Thank you Dad for being so special in our lives, you’ve taught us what is important in life and to cherish everyday you have with one another.”

Bill and his wife Linda met and began a strong, loving relationship for 2 ½ years. They then joined in marriage on July 31, 1982. They have shared a beautiful daughter Krystle and two sons Billy and Brian. They have also been blessed with four grandchildren; Joshua, Jake, Olivia and Dakota Lynn. And also, Bills best buddy and side kick Maxi.

Bill and Linda enjoyed the company of each other. Whether it was boating, riding Bills motorcycle, taking family vacations to the Jersey Shore or Lake George and just recently cruising….even if it was to no where. Anytime spent together was special to them. Bill also enjoyed the company of close family and friends. This all has made the past 29 years so memorable to both Bill and Linda, and also to all that knew and loved Bill.

Surviving to mourn his loss from their life journey are his loving wife Linda (nee Pavia) Dymond; one daughter Krystle of Jefferson Twp.; two sons Billy and his wife Christine of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Brian and his wife Michele of Old Bridge; four sisters Linda Labazzetta and her husband George of Franklin, Judy Perry and her husband Rick of Bedford, New Hampshire, Cindy Fernicola and her husband Chuck of Rockaway and Laura Jean Korkes and her husband Andy of Wayne; four grandchildren Joshua, Jake, Olivia and Dakota Lynn. He is also survived by his in-laws, Ronnie and Cathy Pavia of Brick, Barbara and Pat Hagerty of Pequannock, Debbie and Glenn Ulrich of Garfield, and many nieces and nephews.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s memory are asked to consider The Columbia Presbyterian Hospital Transplant Unit, 622 West 168th Street, PH14, New York, NY 10032.

Vivian H. Logan, age 92 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Monday, January 23, 2012.

Vivian was born in Jersey City and graduated from high school there. She began working as a legal secretary in New York City before getting married. After moving to Packanack Lake in Wayne, she began working as a secretary with the Wayne Schools, first at Randall Carter Elementary and later as a guidance secretary at the previous Anthony Wayne Middle School. She retired in the early 1980’s after a career of more than thirty years.

After marrying her husband, John Logan, in the early 1940’s, they settled in Jersey City. They both desired to move out of the city area and find a more country setting to raise their two boys. They decided to take a ride up to the northern parts of Passaic County when, along the way, they saw a sign for “Packanack Lake”. Having never heard of it before, they turned off of Rt. 23 and followed the signs. They found exactly what they had been looking for and settled on Hillside Terrace, living there for over forty years. They loved Packanack Lake and everything it had to offer. Vivian was active with the club house, the Garden Club, and the Packanack Community Church.

Just after they retired to Tarpon Springs, Florida in 1975, her husband John fell ill and passed away in 1976. She moved back to Wayne and went back to work with the Wayne Schools before retiring officially in the early 1980’s. She maintained an active lifestyle in Tarpon Springs and was very involved with the Kirk of Dunedin Christian Church in Florida. She made some wonderful friends there and they sure didn’t sit still too much. She went walking all the time, line dancing, and travelling. She and her childhood friend Lillian Lyons traveled the world during their retirement, including Australia, Europe, and Japan. They also frequented the theatre, having lots of fun together. She made the best of it, living her retirement years with vigor.

Vivian is survived by her loving son James of Wayne, her grandchildren; Monica Goodwin and her husband Kevin of Wayne, and Scott Logan of Johnston, Rhode Island, three great-grandchildren; Kevin Jr., Jessica, and Nicholas Goodwin all of Wayne, and her beloved niece Gloria McMahon of Long Beach, Indiana. She was predeceased by her husband John Logan in 1976 and by her son Robert Logan of Wayne in 2011.

Armando “Art” J. Vitale age 86 of Franklin Lakes, formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2012 with his daughter Elaine by his side.

He was born and raised in Paterson and graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1944. After high school he got a job with the New Era Corporation as a machinist. He made machine parts for IBM and other equipment manufacturers. While working there he was drafted into the US Army and served during the Korean War. Upon completing his military service he once again worked for the New Era Corporation where he spent a total of 25 years working. After he worked as a machinist for the Sandvik Corporation in Fair Lawn before retiring in 1990 from Royal Master Grinders in Oakland.

Always constructing something, Art and his brother bought property next door to each other on Briggs Ave in Wayne. They both built homes on the property helping each other along the way. There were many family barbecue’s and bon fires between the two houses. And some will remember that he raised parakeets in the basement. Art started a nursery on the property which was eventually taken, along with the property the houses were built on, to be the Point View Reservoir in Wayne. Art used to say that during a drought you could still see the foundations they built. After the property was taken he purchased land and built a home in Franklin Lakes where he sold nursery stock from his yard for many years.

He and his late wife Alice(2011) loved to go the local high school footballs games both while their children attended and for many years after. They enjoyed a cup of coffee, a hot dog, and watching Ramapo, Indian Hills and Wayne Hills football for many years. Art was very sociable and loved being with people.

Art married Alice Van Houten on July 23, 1949 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Paterson. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls and did some horseback riding into Canada. Horses were something Alice was very comfortable with – Armando not so much. They enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage before Alice’s passing last year. He was truly broken hearted when she passed and yearned to be together with her again.

He was the loving father of Joyce A. Riley and her husband John of Bloomsburg, PA, and Elaine M. Kaufman and her husband Benjamin of Hopewell Junction, NY; cherished grandfather of John Riley, Paul Riley and his wife Bryn Benford, David Kaufman and his wife Dianna Chan, Steven Kaufman and his wife Natalie Dolce, and Michael Kaufman; devoted great-grandfather of Gabriella Kaufman; loved brother of Jill Calabrese and her husband Nick of Weeki Wachee, FL, and the late Lena Marino, Joseph, Alex, and Guerino Vitale.

Mary Kay Colucci (nee Starin) age 74 of Manasquan passed into life eternal on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. Her passing was quiet and peaceful as her enduring Roman Catholic faith became a reality.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois and her family soon returned to New Jersey where she spent her formative years. Mary Kay experienced her early formal education at Saint Paul’s Grammar School in her hometown of Clifton. After graduating from Saint Paul’s, Mary Kay felt called to explore the possibility of religious life. She pursued her education at Saint Vincent Juniorate in Convent Station, in preparation for becoming a Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth. Later, she decided to leave that endeavor and graduated from Saint Mary High School in Rutherford. She furthered her education at the Berkeley Secretarial School.

After graduation, Mary Kay obtained a secretarial position with the McGraw Hill Publishing Company in New York City, rising to the position of Assistant to the Publisher of Electronics and Nucleonics magazines. She later worked as a secretary at the Singer-Kearfott and GEC Marconi companies in Wayne and Totowa. In her retirement years she lived in Manasquan with her husband Angelo.

Married on November 14, 1964, Mary Kay and Angelo enjoyed a loving marriage for forty-seven years, in which they lovingly partnered to raise three sons. When their eldest, Thomas, was two years old they learned that he was mentally handicapped. The additional challenges of raising a special needs child solidified their bond and created unparalleled personal strength and character. She is a wonderful example of the mighty power of a Mother’s love.

Mary Kay was gifted with an outgoing personality which helped her make her friends easily and keep them for a lifetime. As a result she has a host of wonderful friends who survive her.

She has been a long time member of the Parents’ Association at the Felician School for Exceptional Children, and presently was a parishioner of Saint Denis RC Church in Manasquan.

Surviving to cherish the memory of this wonderful lady are her husband Angelo Colucci; three sons Thomas Colucci of South Plainfield, James Colucci and his husband Frank of New York City and Joseph Colucci and his wife Alison of Wayne. Triplet granddaughters, age five, Madelyn, Kate and Alyssa; two sisters Madeline Knops and her husband Kenneth of Poughkeepsie, New York; and Sally Starin and her partner June of Montclair.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary Kay’s memory are asked to consider The Felician School for Exceptional Children, 260 South Main Street, Lodi, NJ 07644.

Marian L. Grant (nee Dunleavy), age 95 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Atrium of Wayne.

Marian was raised in Clifton and Nutley, and she graduated from Passaic High School with the class of 1934. She worked as a bookkeeper for Dunn & Bradstreet during her early career.

She met Robert Grant at a party on one occasion and a romance blossomed. They married on September 7, 1940 at St. Nicholas Church in Passaic and enjoyed a honeymoon in Washington, D.C. They settled in Rochelle Park and later moved to Clifton. She dedicated herself to her family, raising three children. She was a very caring mother, always encouraged her children and motivating them to improve their talents. She taught them that they could do anything they put their minds to. She was never judgmental and was the best mom they could have asked for. She was especially proud of her eight grandchildren and was very happy to have been blessed with two great-grandchildren.

Marian was a caring and generous friend to many. She was very outgoing and had a witty sense of humor all her own.

She moved to Wayne in 1989, the year after her husband Robert passed away.

Marian is survived by her three loving children: Barbara Laucius and her husband Wayne of Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania, William Grant and his wife Joan of Wayne, and Marianne Nececkas and her husband Thomas of Wayne, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Robert in 1988 and her five siblings; Rose Woodruff, John Dunleavy, Anna Marone, William Dunleavy, and Daniel Dunleavy.

Dominick DeChico “Mickey” age 91 of Haskell died peacefully on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Lakeland Health Care Center in Haskell. His death took place while receiving the love and care of his daughter Debbie.

He was born in Paterson and had lived his childhood years in Totowa Borough. Dominic received his formal education in Memorial School in Totowa and then Paterson Central High School graduating with the Class of 1938.

Not long after graduating High School he signed up in the United States Navy.

His first employment was at Bograd’s Furniture Store in Paterson where he learned all about hard work moving and delivering furniture. He later worked for Arrow Carrier Trucking in Carlstadt retiring from work in 1985. As a side job later in his work career he did side jobs most often as a bartender at local taverns in Pompton Lakes and Haskell.

Mickey was gifted in life with an extraverted personality that reached out to others he met that caused him to have many friends.

The most important dedication he had in his life was to his wife Olga and his daughter Debbie. He was a wonderful provider who was always lovingly concerned about his wife and very protective of his daughter Deb. He simply loved his family with all of his heart.

Olga (nee Adzima) DeChico predeceased him in 1995 after having a good and loving marriage for forty-nine years.

Thanks Dad for being such an important and loving part of my life journey as well as Mom’s. You were a great husband and Dad to say the least.

Surviving is one daughter Debra DeChico of Wanaque.

Nancy “Guet” Tarricone (nee Romaine) age 80 of Pequannock died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

She was born in Paterson, raised in Fair Lawn and returned to live in Paterson for thirty years before moving to Pequannock eighteen years ago.

Nancy worked in the Manhattan Shirt Company in Paterson as a selector and as a assembly line worker for the Contract Packaging Company in Totowa before retiring many years ago.

"Guet", as she was affectionately known, was loved by her children and grandchildren and was generous with all she had - although she had very little herself. She also loved watching and feeding the birds outside her home.

Nancy met her husband the late Ralph Tarricone at her mother’s luncheonette “Vicki’s” in Fair Lawn. They married at St. Michaels RC Church in Paterson on April 8, 1951. They were supposed to spend their honeymoon at Niagara Falls but Nancy’s father, Anthon Romaine, passed just before they left. They had twenty three years of loving marriage before a heart attack took Ralph in 1974.

She was the loving wife of the late Ralph Tarricone(1974); loving mother of Debbie Federici and her husband Alan of Wayne, and Carmen Tarricone of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Alyson and Johnna Federici; loved sister of Judy Kuri and her husband Alfred of Saddle Brook, Doris Folbrecht of Clifton, Tina DiMaggio and her husband Vincent of North Carolina, and the late Gloria Perone, Eleanor Fontanna, Anthony and Joseph Romaine.

Mary Otie Willson DeLeeuw was born on March 1,1920 in Pearce, Arizona. She grew up in Naco, a small Arizona town on the Mexican border. She had a younger sister, Annabelle, and younger brother, Jim, and her family ran the Naco Mercantile General Store.

She graduated from Bisbee High School in 1937 and from the University of Arizona in 1941. After graduation, she taught in a one-room school house in Douglas, Arizona until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. She then joined the United States Army where she served as a cryptographer in Germany and France during the Second World War.

At the conclusion of the War, she was honorably discharged from the Army. She returned briefly to Arizona before meeting a friend in California. They traveled together to Alaska where they worked as Army civilian employees. On an outing panning for gold, she met her future husband, John DeLeeuw of Lodi, New Jersey. They were married in Fairbanks, Alaska, on June 19,1948. After her husband’s job as a civil engineer on Army projects was complete, they decided to return to the lower 48. It took them thirteen days in temperatures as low as -50 degrees to travel over the Alcan Highway from Fairbanks to Lodi.

She lived with her husband in Rochelle Park, New Jersey, until 1952 when they purchased a home in West Milford, New Jersey. She had three daughters, Ruth, Norma, and Joan. She served as a substitute teacher and worked at the West Milford Public Library. She was active in the Apshawa Fire Department Women’s Auxilliary and the Women’s Association of West Milford Presbyterian Church and served as a Girl Scout leader for many years.

She lost her husband in 1971. In 1980, she moved to Mobile, Alabama to be near her daughter, Ruth. She was an active volunteer with RSVP and the Senior Library and grandmother to Ruth’s two children.

In 2000, she returned to New Jersey to reside with her daughters, Norma and Joan.

Mary was a strong, independent woman with a gypsy spirit and a love for animals.

She is survived by:

Daughter Ruth Larson and husband Tom Fink of Washington, North Carolina

Daughter, Norma Bozenmayer and husband Kurt of West Milford, New Jersey

Daughter Joan Neubert and Rich of Lyndhurst, New Jersey

Former Son-In-Law, Bill Larson

Grandchildren:

Eric Larson of Mobile, Alabama,

Rebecca Bean and husband Cory of Goldsboro, North Carolina,

Mary Bozenmayer of Vernon, New Jersey

Albert Bozenmayer of Hammonton, New Jersey

Great Grandchild: Sophia Bean of Goldsboro, North Carolina

Donations in her honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or your local animal shelter.

John P. Smith, Jr., “Jack”, age 79 of Wayne, died on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Jack was a resident of Wayne since 1964.

Jack served in the U.S. Army, earning the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Star. He was a proud American Patriot, firmly believing in the value of freedom and liberty.

Jack was a salesman, supplying material for large road construction projects in NJ. He worked for Union Building most of his career, providing stone and asphalt to build much of the Garden State Parkway, and many other road projects. Over his 40 years in the industry, he made many good friends. He shared his love of jazz and American standards with everyone he met.

Jack was most dedicated to his family, especially his beloved wife of fifty two years; Joanne R. Smith of Wayne, his son John III of N. Haledon, his daughter Laura Keiter and her husband John of Somers Point, NJ, and his two grandsons; Patrick John and William Keiter of Somers Point. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Hakusa of Lake Como, NJ.

Rose L. Loffredo (nee Migliaccio) “Grandma Rose” passed away peacefully at age 73 on January 18, 2012 surrounded by her loving husband of 52 years and caring children after a long and courageous battle with non-smoker’s lung cancer. Born and raised in Paterson, Rose moved to Totowa Boro in 1960 and then to Wayne in 1964 and has resided there since. Rose graduated in 1956 from Paterson Central High School and received her teaching degree from William Paterson College in 1960. She taught kindergarten in the Paterson School District until 1962, when she then stayed at home to begin to raise her four children. Rose then returned to her passion of teaching in 1978 when she began teaching at Ryerson Elementary School in Wayne. Rose taught Second Grade for 25 years before retiring in 2003. She was blessed to have been an important influence in her students’ lives and remained in touch with many of them. While teaching full time, Rose found time to continue her academic studies in education and graduated along with her daughter, both receiving their Masters’ Degrees from William Paterson University in 1996.

After retiring from teaching, Rose pursued her second career as a full time grandmother, helping to raise and educate her thirteen grandchildren, now ranging in age from 2 years to 20 years old. Rose enjoyed teaching CCD at Our Lady of the Valley, R.C. Church, where she was able to teach many of her grandchildren. In her spare time, Rose was an avid reader who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren at the Wayne Public Library. She also enjoyed peaceful weekends at her vacation home in the Poconos and spending time with her family in LBI. Rose enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively throughout the United States , Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. Rose enjoyed the arts and attended many Broadway Shows.

Always her pride and joy, Rose enjoyed every moment with her grandchildren, including having tea parties, letting the kids play dress up, and creating plays and skits for the kids to entertain everyone. Rose enjoyed planning her grandkids birthday parties, including creating lasting party memory books, and enjoyed participating in her grandkids school activities, including volunteering to read and acting as class art mom. Rose was a fixture at all of her grandchildrens’ sporting events and was their biggest fan.

Rose is now peacefully reunited with her father Joseph ( 1980), mother Mary (1992), son Michael (1996), brother-in- law Ronald Loffredo (2008), sister-in-law Laura Loffredo (2010) and sister-in-law Gloria Loffredo (2011). She is survived by her loving husband Joseph. Beloved mother of Gary Loffredo and his wife Lisa, Dennis Loffredo and his wife Michele and Debi Van Der Velden and her husband Matthew, and mother-in-law of Georgette Fleming, all of Wayne. The youngest of five children, she is the dear sister of Lee Canzano and her husband Vincent of Queen Creek, Arizona, Ida Tribastone and her husband Sam of Pembroke Pines, Florida, Ceil Migliaccio of Haledon, New Jersey, Pat Migliaccio and his wife Chickie of Mahwah, New Jersey, and sister-in-law of Anne Loffredo of Wayne. Beloved Aunt to Tom and LuAnn Tribastone of Worcester, Massachusetts, Diane and Michael Argott of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Steve and Emily Canzano of Gilbert Arizona, Mary and Robert Metzger of Queen Creek, Arizona, Donna and Ciso Macia of Queen Creek, Arizona, Robert Canzano of Tempe, Arizona, Joe and Francesca Canzano of Thousand Oaks, California, Joe and Debbie Migliaccio of Mahwah, New Jersey, Pellegrino and Brenda Migliaccio of Mahwah, New Jersey, Michele and Garry Bostwick of Lambertsville, New Jersey, Tony and Rosemarie Loffredo of Ringwood, New Jersey and Linda Loffredo of Randolph, New Jersey.

Devoted and cherished grandmother of her own Baker’s Dozen: Deanna and Michael Loffredo, Alyssa, Nicole and Victoria Loffredo, Kyle, Michaela, Zachary, Evan and Tyler Van Der Velden, and Shane, Rylyn and Troy Loffredo.

She will be deeply missed by many but never forgotten.

As she always gave more to others than she asked for herself, Rose has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her name to the “Wayne Public Library in memory of Rose Loffredo” and be given to the family or sent to the library at 461 Valley Road, Wayne, New Jersey 07470.

Lillian Mirabile (nee Gambino) age 85 of Mount Arlington, formerly of Wayne for over thirty years, died Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY having lived in South Bend, IN, Silver Springs, MD, Nutley, NJ, Wayne, NJ and Lakewood, NJ before moving to Mount Arlington, NJ five years ago.

Lillian was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church then Annunciation RC Church both in Wayne.

She was the devoted wife of the late Frank Mirabile(1996); loving mother of William Mirabile, Patricia Ferrer of Vernon, Roxanne Stapleton and her husband Craig of Union, and Mark Mirabile and his wife Victoria of Darien, CT; cherished grandmother of Danielle Holmes and her husband Trevor, Joseph Ferrer and his fiancé Maria Parisi, Jennifer Stapleton, Alexander Ferrer, Lauren Stapleton, Perri Mirabile and Rylee Mirabile; loved sister of the late Anthony Gambino(1996).

Josephine Marie Westdyk (nee Yorke), age 90, formerly of Pompton Plains and Wayne, died on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 in Lewisville, TX. She had been recently residing in Texas, near her son Richard.

Jo was born in Paterson and grew up in Clifton. Her childhood wasn’t necessarily easy, and she spent much of her formative years caring for her invalid mother. It was at Clifton High School that she met Donald Westdyk. The two of them were married shortly after high school and enjoyed more than sixty years together, essentially inseparable that whole time. They first settled in East Paterson (now Elmwood Park) before moving to Wayne in 1961. The street they lived on in Wayne was a little too busy for raising three boys, so they once again moved to Pompton Plains in 1969 where they lived until 2004.

Josephine was a wonderful homemaker. She was a very good cook and an especially good baker. Her cakes and pies would bring a smile to everyone’s face when dessert was served. She was also a fastidious housekeeper. Raising three boys sure kept her busy, but her home was always clean and everything was in its place. The boys each had their chores, helping to keep their own rooms clean and beds made, but she kept her house immaculate and it was important to her to do so. Donald was the perfect fit for Jo, and a doting and loving husband. He did everything he could for his beloved Jo. He drove her everywhere she needed to go, paid all the bills, and made sure she never had a worry. After his passing in 2004, she missed him terribly. She lived for a few years with her son John (Jack) in Florida and then most recently with her son Richard, in Texas. She has now been joyously reunited with Donald, this time for eternity, in the Kingdom of Heaven.

She was a devoted member of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Lincoln Park for many years. She attended services there weekly and put all three of her boys through the Sunday School program as well.

She is survived by her three sons; Robert Westdyk and his wife Cindy of Bloomingdale, John (Jack) Westdyk and his wife Barbara of Florida, and Richard Westdyk and his wife Barbara of Texas, nine grandchildren; Steven, Kevin, James, Jackie, Tammy, Keith, Dane, Michael, and Rachel, as well as ten great-grandchildren; Emma, Cooper, Sydney, Carter, Caleb, Katie, Blake, Samantha, Vanessa, and Matthew. Josephine was predeceased by five sisters and two brothers.

Joseph D. J. Gourley Sr. Esq., age 87, passed into life eternal on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 surrounded with loving family at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. His passing was quiet and peaceful after a long and wonderful life journey.

He was born in Paterson, NJ at his family residence at 298 Sussex Street.

Joseph received his formal education at Saint Agnes RC Grammar School in Paterson. He then went on to Saint Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City and after graduation attended Fordham University. He then went on to Fordham Law School. In 1943 at the age of nineteen he enlisted into the Army where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Force. His military assignment was as a tail gunner in a B-29 Super Fortress in the 20th Air Force 314th bomb wing, 29th Bomb Group in the Western Pacific. His base assignment was in Guam where many B-29 Bombers were based.

He was honorably discharged from the service and returned to Fordham University to complete his studies. He graduated from Fordham Law School and was Admitted to the Bar of NJ and the Federal District Court on November 23, 1951. He was later admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in April 1963.

Joseph maintained a private law practice with offices in Paterson and in Wayne.

He served as Secretary to the Mayor of Paterson, Lester F. Titus from April 1954 to December 1955. He served as Judge for the Wayne Township Municipal Court from 1967 to 1970, as the Prosecutor for Passaic County from 1970 to 1975 and as County Counsel for Passaic County from 1983 to 1986.

He was a member of the Passaic County Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, the New Jersey County Prosecutor’s Association, the U.S. Army Air Force Association, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, and the Serra club. He was a third Degree Knight at the Knights of Columbus Council 10206 and was a member of the Princeton Commons Home owners Corporation, along with many other organizations..

Joe was gifted with a charismatic, easy going personality that caused people to admire him and seek out his professionalism. A nice description of him would be that he was a handsome fellow well met and a popular personality in the local community.

He met a beautiful girl by the name of Mary McDonnell in first grade and they married on June 21, 1952. They had forty six years of loving marriage together until Mary’s passing on February 14, 1998.

Joe’s greatest joy in life was his family. He cherished his role’s of husband, father & grandfather. He provided unconditional love, nurturance & guidance. Joe had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved to tell stories. He was an active, involved parent/grandparent. A natural athlete, he enjoyed sharing his love of sports.

Dad, having you as a parent was a gift. To know you was to love you. Thanks for being so special in our lives.

Surviving to mourn his loss are two daughters Mary Beth Hart and her husband Paul of Morristown, Ginny Burgess and her husband Matthew of Colchester, Connecticut; two sons Joseph D. Gourley Jr. and his wife Debbie of Wayne and Dennis Gourley and his wife Joanne of Cape Coral, Florida. Seven grandchildren Douglas, Matthew, Lauren, Gregory, William, Sean, and Katie and one great grandchild, Jack Ryan.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joseph’s memory are asked to consider Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.

James R. “Jimmy” Gabriel age 64 of Wayne died Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Saint Joseph’s Wayne Hospital, Wayne.

He was the son of James Gabriel, Jr. and the late Laura (Dixon) Gabriel; he was the loving father of Tonya Gabriel Miller and Cori Gabriel Plato all of Washington State; loved brother of Ann and David Gabriel.

He lived most of his life in Wayne, previously worked at Gabriel’s Restaurant and was currently employed by Gennaro Trucking Company of South Hackensack. He was also an exempt member and ex-officer of Wayne Fire Company 2.

Jimmy enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, NASCAR, the NY METS, and his Chicago Bears!!! Most of all he loved his friends and Happy Hour Buddies. Jimmy would always put a smile on your face, no matter what the situation was!!!

Lisa A. Hulbert, age 30 of Garfield and formerly of Pompton Plains, died at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City on Sunday, January 15, 2012. She had been awaiting a liver transplant.

Lisa grew up in Pompton Plains. She was a cheerleader for many years, played Little League Softball, and was a wonderful dancer. She loved to dance and took classes with Gloria Francis for several years. She graduated from Pequannock High School in 2000 where she was a member of the high school band, playing the flute. She had a love of music her whole life and listened to everything from 50’s Doo-Wop and Roy Orbison, to Lady Gaga and Sublime. She was also a “Gleek”; loving all the music from the popular TV series “Glee”. She also loved Broadway musicals of which Les Miserables was her hands-down favorite. A dear friend just recently gave her the shows soundtrack and Lisa cherished it. She had good taste in music, there’s no doubt about it. She was also an avid reader and could devour a good novel. She enjoyed books by James Patterson, the Twilight series, and really just about anything she could get her hands on.

Her other passion was caring for animals; all animals. She particularly adored cats, of which she currently has three, and would rescue animals all the time. She would have had many more pets if she could’ve. She had a really big heart and let it show in many ways. She was one of those people born with a natural ‘caregiver’ personality and quality about her. She was very loving, not just with animals, but with everyone, especially so with young children and the elderly. Her kindness and loving spirit refused to be contained.

At fourteen years of age, Lisa had her first liver transplant. This gave her a new lease on life and she became an advocate for organ donation. She even wrote a moving letter to the family of the donor who made her transplant possible, expressing her sincere gratitude. She was also grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation who provided her and her family with an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii, which of course they enjoyed immensely. Due to complications, she required another liver transplant just six years later. The surgery was a success and Lisa was once again incredibly grateful for the gift she had received from her donor. She was able to enjoy ten more years of life, laughter, music, and love because there are people out there willing to be donors. She would undoubtedly encourage all of you to become donors as well, and maybe someday you too can provide the gift of life for someone else. For more information, visit www.sharenj.org

Lisa is survived by her devoted parents; Joseph and Connie Hulbert of Pompton Plains, her sister; Tina McCabe and her husband Michael, one brother; Paul Lasky, her grandmother; Palma Parrillo, two nephews; Aiden and Luke McCabe, and one niece; Madelyn McCabe, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also survived by her longtime boyfriend; David Fenn. She was predeceased by her fraternal grandparents; Joseph and Lillian Hulbert, and her maternal grandfather, Joseph Parrillo.

Lisa was grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and donations in her memory would be appreciated; Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6062, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6662, or www.wish.org.

Charlie A. Rodgers age 42 of Wayne died unexpectedly on January 15, 2012.

He was born in Orange and was raised and has lived in Wayne. Charlie graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1987.

Charlie’s first job was working for his father at OK Towing in Wayne. He later worked towing and doing auto repair for Mazzaro’s Auto Body and Towing in Totowa, as a roofer for CentiMark Roofing, and at Disneyworld’s Space Mountain before returning to New Jersey to start Clever Towing in West Milford.

Charlie was an ambitious, intelligent, person who was comfortable repairing anything mechanical. He was a devoted family man who loved to play cars with Brady who adored his dad. Brady loved to say, "let's play cars daddy!" and must have said daddy 1000 times a day. That little boy was his whole world. He always said that he didn't know he was able to love someone as much as he loves Brady. Charlie would have given the world to his son and his wife Jamie. He gave up his love of singing to make a better life for his family. At the end of Jamie and Charlie’s conversations was always an argument about who loved who the most. Jamie won. Charlie was her rock. Their wedding song was A Whole New World from Disney’s Aladdin. The first song Charlie sung to Jamie and continued to sing to her was Your Man by Josh Turner.

He met his wife Jamie Tara Stone when singing Karaoke in Watchung NJ. Their first date was to Maggie Moore’s in Lincoln Park and Charlie proposed marriage to Jamie at Briarwood Farm in Readington where she boarded a horse name “Clever”. They married on December 19, 2008 while on a Disney Cruise.

Charlie is the loving husband of Jamie Tara (Stone) Rodgers; devoted and loving father of Brady Quinn Rodgers; loving son of Lynfred N. Rodgers of Vernon and the late Cheryl (Southwell) Rodgers(2011); loved brother of Lenny Rodgers of Egg Harbor and Darlene Kinney and her husband Wayne of Ohio.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, PO Box 780, NY, NY 10008-0780 would be appreciated.

Susan Liu of Tinton Falls passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune at the age of 50. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her loved ones at her bedside.

Susan was a very special person not only within her immediate family, but among her friends and colleagues. She was blessed with a powerful drive, determination and love of all she was involved with. She also was gifted with a caring personality that welcomed many people into her personal inner circle. As a result she gained in her life’s journey a host of good friends who will miss her positive contribution to everyone’s life.

Susan was born in Paterson, NJ where she spent her early years until the family moved to Pequannock, NJ. She graduated from Pequannock High School with the Class of 1979 going on to attend Montclair State College and Cook College at Rutgers University where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Natural Resource Management in 1983.

Her love of the outdoors and nature led her to a position in the parks system at Stokes State Forest. Susan moved on to work for the Monmouth County Park System where she has been employed for 25 years most recently as the Assistant Superintendent of Recreation. Susan also found time to work at J.C. Penney on evenings and weekends.

In her tenure with the parks, she was instrumental in the development of some of the Park System's most successful programs and events. She played a key role in the birth of the cultural arts programs as well as serving as the entertainment chair for the Monmouth County Fair. Susan also spearheaded the growth of programs at Thompson Park's Creative Arts Center, the Therapeutic Horseback Riding program, the County's Urban Recreation Initiative, and Environmental Education outreach. She was a tireless and inspirational leader, always looking out for the best interests of her staff and the public, often putting in extra hours to do whatever it took to get the job done.

Susan loved animals especially her dog Asia which she adopted from a local shelter. Her many interests included dance, arts and theater. She volunteered her time to work as a production assistant, wardrobe specialist and planner in fashion and theater events.

Surviving to remember this very special daughter are her parents Ah Fong and Man Hing Liu of Wayne; her loving and dedicated brother Robert Liu, his wife Suzanne and niece Faith of Ringwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations in memory of Susan Liu:

The American Cancer Society, Monmouth County Chapter, 801 Broad StreetShrewsbury, NJ 07702-4201:  1.800.227.2345

or

Friends of the Parks, PO Box 686, Lincroft, NJ 07738-0686: 732.975.9735

or

Monmouth County SPCA, c/o Maria Wojciechowski, 260 Wall Street, PO Box 93, Eatontown, NJ 07724

Loverne Christian Cordes F.A.S.I.D. 84, formerly of Chagrin Falls died peacefully on January 8, 2012. Loving wife, sister, and mother. She was born 2/13/1927 in Cleveland, Ohio to Frank Andrew & Loverne Christian. After graduating from Shaw High School she attended Purdue University. She was in the first graduating class of Interior Designers in 1949. From 1949 to 1967 she was an Interior Designer for the Fred Epple’ Company. From 1967 to 2006 she ran her own Interior Design Firm. She was a recipient of First National Presidential Citation 1973, 74, 75 & 78. She represented the United States at the First International Design Federation Conference in Stockholm, Sweden and also represented the United States at the First Design Seminar in Russia. In 1974 she was made a Fellow of the American Society of Interior Designers, the highest honor one can receive in her profession. She was president of the A.S.I.D. Ohio North Chapter, as well as, National V.P. of the East Central Region. She served on the National Board of Fellows & the National Awards Committee of A.S.I.D.

Mrs. Cordes was also a past President of Kappa Kappa Gamma Cleveland Alumnae Association, past President of the Ohio Chapter of National Home Fashion League; she served on the board for Dunham Tavern and was a past President of Dunham Dames. She also did many of their period rooms. She was a past President of Decorative Arts Trust Cleveland Circle. She was on the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Women’s Advisory Council and designed many of their period rooms. She was a member of: American Furniture Collector’s, The Cleveland Art Museum, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Chagrin Falls Historical Society, Confrierie de la chaine des Rotisseurs, Chagrin Valley Country Club, Intown Club, Arcadian, Dogwood Garden Club and the Cotillion Society of Cleveland. She is listed in Who’s Who in America and The World’s Who’s Who of Women.

Mrs. Cordes was predeceased by her husband, William Cordes. She is survived by her sister, Joanne Merkel of Aurora, Ohio. Her son Christian Cordes of Mt. Kisco, NY. Her daughter, Carey and Bill Lochridge of Wayne, NJ. She has one Grandson, Robert.

Robert R. Alexander III, "Butchie" age 58 passed away at home on Thursday, January 12, 2012.

He graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1971.

He worked in banking and in shipping & packing in factories. He loved animals especially his cat “fluffy tail”.

He was a fan of all sci-fi movies including Star Trek. He loved dancing and was fond of oldies and disco music.

He was predeceased by his mother Bernice Alexander (1999), his father Robert R. Alexander, Jr. (2010), his brother Dennis Alexander (2000), and his nephew David Caravaglia (2009).

He is survived by his loving sister Bernice Caravaglia, his devoted nephews and nieces Michael Caravaglia and his wife Therrisa, Adam, Vanessa, Joseph, Mark, and Paul Caravaglia; great nieces and nephew Amanda, Michelle, Kaitlyn and Michael; and one great-grand niece Ava Elaina.

Shirley Brett (née Thompson) age 85, formerly of Ringwood, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 11 at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ.

Shirley grew up in Dumont, NJ on Delaware Avenue, with her sister, Dorothy and her loving family. After a brief time working in New York, she had an exciting career with Atlantic Aviation at Teterboro Airport. It was there that she met her husband, Herman Brett, who was a pilot for the same company. They were married in 1946 and honeymooned in California and Catalina Island.

They began married life living at the Chester Garden Apartments in Englewood. After the birth of their second child, they built a home in Montvale where they resided for 5 happy years. Needing more space, they purchased a large, fieldstone colonial with acreage and a pond in Park Ridge.

Shirley and Herman had 3 more children from 1960-1965. Along with raising 5 children, Shirley found time to support her husband's positions as councilman and volunteer firefighter. She was active in both the Republican Club and the Women's Auxiliary, and was a scout leader.

In 1969, the family moved to Ringwood and enjoyed many happy hours at Cupsaw Lake. Shirley had lots of good memories about her life there and remained friends with many of the neighbors until her passing.

When Herm retired, the couple moved to Apollo Beach, Florida and also maintained a home in Ridgefield Park, NJ. For the next 15 years, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada in their motor home. They were always happy to be on the road, exploring historic sites, national parks, and attending rodeos, air shows, and balloon festivals.

Later, they moved to an active adult community, Mainlands of Tamarac, in Pinellas Park, FL, where they lived life to the fullest and made many life-long friends. Shirley loved to drive her sporty convertible, top down, to the beaches and was known as “New Jersey Shirley”. After her husband's passing in 2006, she became active in the Women's club, Red Hat, Hospice of Florida, and several activities benefitting hospitalized children.

Shirley was a fun-loving, gregarious lady with a quick wit and a great smile. She loved her NY Yankees and Giants, and was an avid fan of her grandsons' teams, rooting them on at the ice hockey rink or on the field. A city girl at heart, she enjoyed going to NY for shows, shopping, and seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center at Christmas. She also liked to garden, go antiquing, and decorate her home inside and out.

Shirley was the beloved wife of Herman Brett; loving mother of Penelope Hughes of Little Egg Harbor, Gregory Brett and his wife Jane of Hawthorne, Jonathan Brett and his wife Allison of Hewitt, Melissa Heck and her husband David of Ringwood, and Matthew Brett of Hewitt; cherished grandmother of Christopher, Matthew and Andrew Heck and Brittany Hughes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Community Presbyterian Church of Ringwood (communitypc.org) or to Hospice of New Jersey or Florida.

Nicholas R. Mazzarone, age 95 of Middlebury, VT, a 44 year resident of Wayne, NJ, passed into the perpetual care of our Lord on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

Nicholas was born and raised in Paterson, NJ and attended Public School #26 and Eastside High School. He was an athletic man, excelling at football and always keeping physically fit. As a young man, Nicholas left school early to help support his family. He was employed by the Erie Railroad and later by the Watson-Flagg Machine Company which was eventually purchased by General Electric in the late fifties. Nicholas played a vital role in the war effort with Watson-Flagg producing gear and ball bearing motors for the Navy and Army Air Corp. In 1964, he built a home in Wayne where he and his wife Anne raised their family before he retired in 1982. He was a skilled craftsman and an active member of the Wayne Elks. He continued to work part-time after retirement. They sold their home in Wayne in 2008 and moved to independent living in Middlebury, VT.

Nicholas and Anne had two children, a son Robert and a daughter Lori. Robert attended 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 27 who is engaged to be married and resides in Ewing, NJ. Robert is now semi-retired and currently resides with his wife Georgeanne in Harbeson, DE.

Lori attended Wayne Hills High School and graduated from Georgian Court University in 1997. She resides with her husband David Girard in Benson, VT. Lori has two sons, Steven Tursi, age 30 and Brian Tursi, age 27. Steven and his wife, Cristina live in Jackson, NJ. Brian and his wife Nicole are newlyweds and reside a short distance from Lori and David.

Nicholas is survived by his loving wife, Anne, age 94 formerly, Anne Bennardo of Paterson. She also graduated from Eastside High School and held several administrative positions before becoming a full time mother and homemaker. Anne still resides at their home in Middlebury, VT. They were married in 1941 and recently celebrated their 70th anniversary.

John Martin Schoeller age 87 of Pompton Plains died peacefully at home with the comfort of his son John by his side.

He was born in the doctor’s office in Secaucus and graduated from Lincoln Junior High School in Secaucus having also graduated from Union Hill High School in Union City with the Class of 1943.

John served with the United States Army’s 78th Lightning Division during WWII. It is while serving in the Army that he learned to drive…in a tank.

He met the love of his life Annamae Shagan on a blind date setup by his cousin, Caroline. When he came home from the date he told his mother “I just met the girl I’m going to marry”. When he asked her out the next weekend she told him she was busy. Later that week she told Caroline her plans had changed and she was available that weekend. The rest is history.

He proposed on Valentines Day in that year. Having asked Annamae’s father beforehand. He placed an engagement ring in a box of chocolate and gave it to Annamae. She didn’t want to open the box as one was already open. Her father insisted he wanted a piece from John’s box and she found the ring.

They married on June 18, 1949. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls. When they returned home they settled into a two family house in the meadows of East Rutherford where they lived for one year.

John’s father gave them a piece of property adjacent to his own and they moved a boat house onto the lot and converted it into a home. They lived there, 243 Meadow Lane in Secaucus until moving to Wayne in 1959.

They lived in Wayne for twenty-seven years having lived in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania for sixteen years; most recently living at Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains for the past seven years.

He was an electrical foreman for the Givaudan Corporation in Clifton for 30 years before retiring in 1988. Prior to working at Givaudan he worked for the Cologate company. One of his jobs included setting the huge clock that sits on the Hudson River.

John was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back and if that wasn’t enough he would offer his shoes too. He always had a plan as well. Whether it was a vacation or simply just a day together he would have an agenda for the entire time. He was a take charge kinda guy who took 100’s of pictures. He enjoyed photographing birds, especially Cardinals, landscapes, and family. John loved the outdoors and made you love it with him. Whether it was sleigh riding, shuffleboard in the backyard, or building a deck for you – several for Susan as she was always moving - he always enjoyed the outdoors.

He and Annamae traveled extensively and often to a new place each year. Having visited many places in Europe, Thailand, taking several cruises - they saw the world together.

John was the loving husband of fifty-five years to the late Annamae (nee Shagan) Schoeller; loving father of Deborah Becker and her husband Robert of Pompton Plains, Susan Mueller and her husband Martin of Green Bay, WI, John Schoeller III and his wife Susan of Aspen, CO, cherished grandfather of Christopher DeLucca and his wife Michele, Heather Mueller, Martin Mueller, Jesse Schoeller, and Matthew Schoeller; loved brother of Carol Struthwolf and her husband David of East Stroudsburg, PA.

Herbert John Abbott, of Wayne, New Jersey passed into the Lord’s hands Sunday, January 8, 2012 while surrounded by loving family.

Born in 1924 Herb was raised and educated in Paterson, New Jersey. He was one of 5 children born to Charles and Josephine Abbott. Herb learned to work hard at a young age and helped to support his family, having tragically lost his father while still in grade school. Following high school graduation Herb signed on to serve his country during World War II as a Chief Aviation Machinist Mechanic, First Class in the United States Navy.

After being discharged from the Navy on December 18, 1945, Herb returned to Paterson and was employed at White & Shauger. He quickly moved into their electrical department and it was there that he met the love of his life, Doris Mae.

A romance ensued and they were married on November 5, 1950, honeymooning in sunny St. Augustine, Florida. For Herb and Dorie the romance never ended. They were inseparable; holding hands, smooching, loving each other like teenagers for more than sixty-one years. Herb and Doris loved to dance taking lessons for many years and making friends along the way with whom they stepped out on that dance floor every Friday night.

Herb’s hard work, quick mind and business acumen lead to his becoming a licensed master electrician and co-owner of CWA Contracting Company with brother in laws Albert Wache and Edward Ryan Coyle. Together they ran a successful petroleum equipment contracting business for nearly thirty years, installing gas pumps and tanks throughout northern New Jersey.

Although he retired in 1990 life did not slow down for Herb. His family, friends and prodigious skills kept him as he said “busier than ever”. Herb was known as the “Go-to-Guy”. He could fix anything and tackled every problem with patience, kindness and love, always ready and willing to give of himself and his talents. Only a few short weeks ago he was helping a friend troubleshoot a problem with his Jacuzzi!

Herb had a deep faith and was a devoted parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Wayne. His faith was his foundation. His heart was big and loving. He had a tremendous memory and would relay stories that kept family and friends entertained at the kitchen table while Doris, always the consummate hostess, kept everyone well fed. They treated everyone like family; that was their way.

Aside from his passionate story telling Herb was a loyal and diehard Mets fan. He watched every game he could and often watching replays of the games as well. Herb liked to fish and passed this interest on to his children and grandchildren, teaching them the fine art of “pulling one in”. Herb’s love affair with Doris was not his only one. As a young man he trained and raced pigeons, often taking young Herb with him to race the pigeons. Later after raising and feeding five children he and Doris enjoyed feeding the birds that visited their backyard, every spring keeping a faithful lookout for their “hummers”.

Herb was deeply loved by his family and admired by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends but will remain in heart and memory, remembered for his optimistic spirit, gentle caring disposition, and undying love and devotion to his wife Dorie, his one true love.

Herb is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Doris Mae. He is also survived by his loving children: Dr. Herbert R. Abbott and his wife Stella Lombardo of Slingerlands, NY, Wendy Abbott of Wayne, Donna Abbott of Lincoln Park, and Karen Joyce and her husband Tom of Auburn, New Hampshire, eight cherished grandchildren Christopher, Shannon, Dana, Nicholas, Emily, Michele, Melanie and Rebecca and his sister Josephine Larina. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Lauren Abbott in 2008.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Herb’s memory are asked to consider The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605 or visit www.LLS.org.

Thure Tengwall “Ted” age 92 of Pompton Lakes passed into life eternal at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff on Saturday, January 7, 2012. His loving family had spent much time at his bedside and his passing was graciously peaceful.

He was born, raised, and married in Brooklyn, NY. In 1960 the family home was bought so they could build apartment buildings and the family moved to Glen Ridge, NJ where they paid $29,000.00 cash for their new home. In 2006 Thure moved in to live with his son Jim and daughter-in-law Elizabeth in Pompton Lakes.

Thure was a bookkeeper for the National City Bank of New York for 6 ½ years having worked his way up from page boy and messenger. He operated an NCR Bookkeeping Machine, and helped to balanced depositors accounts. On March 30, 1943 he was drafted into the US Army. During his service he learned to be a radio repairman. He tested and made major repairs on radio transmitting and receiving instruments and related equipment in connection with air-ground and inter-plane communications. He was awarded a Bronze Star for outstanding service to his country. After being discharged from the Army on December 17, 1945 the radio repair skills he learned were utilized throughout his remaining working career. Soon after his service in the military he worked for the Bell & Howell Corporation, WABC News and finally the Essex County College in Newark where he served as an audio/video technician before retiring in 1985.

He met his wife Patricia Lynch through mutual friends and married on September 30, 1950. They honeymooned in Adirondacs in New York. They enjoyed forty-one years of a loving and caring marriage before Patricia’s passing in 1992.

Thure was a quiet, dependable, honest, hard working person who loved bird watching, scouting, photography, and volunteering for the American Red Cross in Montclair.

He was the loving husband of the late Mary Patricia (Lynch) Tengwall(1992); loving father of Patrick Tengwall and his wife Beth of Block Island, RI, James Tengwall and his wife Elizabeth of Pompton Lakes, Mary Tengwall of Cedar Grove, Edward Tengwall and his wife Harriet of Union, and Eileen Tengwall of Cedar Grove; loved brother of the late Richard Tengwall(1976); cherished grandfather of Kerrin, Caitlyn, Charles and Edward Tengwall.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Thure’s memory are asked to consider ARC Association for Retarded Citizens, c/o The Arc of Essex County, 123 Naylon Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039.

Eleanor Porzio (nee Faugno) age 82 of Wayne passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 7, 2012 in the love and comfort of family all around her.

She was born and raised in Jersey City having attended Dickinson High School with the Class of 1947. She later lived in Hasbrouck Heights for twenty-seven years before moving to Wayne thirty-four years ago.

Elly's first job, at the age of fifteen, was working as a sales clerk for the Bon Ton Dress Shop in Journal Square, Jersey City - the suits and dresses were beautiful and she always had a petite frame on which the expensive clothes looked gorgeous. She saved her pay each week until she had enough to buy the latest styles - which were then sometimes borrowed by her sisters! During the early 1940’s she worked packaging bacon for the A&P grocery in Jersey City and talked about how you had to slip a piece of not so good looking bacon behind all the nice slices to make the package the correct weight. She then worked as a waitress, along with her across-the-street neighbor, at the bowling alley located within the Bamberger’s shopping center in what is now the Garden State Plaza in Paramus. When the bowling alley closed she found work at the Horn & Hardhart Restaurant in Paramus. Before retiring in 1991 she worked for many years at the cosmetic and fragrance counters for Bamberger’s of Paramus - which eventually became Macy’s Department Store.

Eleanor was an avid bowler for over 40 years having bowled in leagues at the Wallington Lanes and more recently the T-Bowl Lanes in Wayne. She was bowling up until December of 2011.

She will be remembered as a person who loved her family dearly. Elly took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments. Her spunky attitude, good-natured sense of humor and call-it-like-you-see-it personality will be missed by all who loved her. She had a superb green thumb and could make just about anything grow. She loved the beach and sun, not necessarily the water, enjoyed watching pro-golf and was an avid NY Yankees Fan. She could often be heard yelling at the television during a Yankees game or golf match. Her special preparation of Italian Honey Balls - recipe below - (Struffoli) was unmatched and will be greatly missed. Around the Christmas holidays,  she would make them and send them as far as Florida for family, friends and neighbors. She also made the best Eggplant Parmesan in the world.

Elly met her husband Patrick Porzio (she called him George, his family called him Sonny, and the Irish nuns in grammar school simply changed it from Pasquale to Patrick) at a high school dance in Jersey City. They soon fell in love - and were married on April 21, 1951 at the Mount Carmel RC Church, Jersey City. A 'football' wedding reception followed and they honeymooned at the Fontainebleau Hotel 507 Collins Avenue in Miami Florida and when they moved into their first home - a new cape code built just for them their address was 507 Collins Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights. Their mortgage payment in 1951 was $109/month.

Daughter of Enrico of Salerno Italy and Rose (nee Cassara of Palermo, Sicily) Faugno. She was the loving wife of the late Patrick Porzio(2003); devoted mother of Pattie Duca and her husband Larry of Wayne, Donna Scarpone and her husband Tom of Branchville, Joseph Porzio of Wayne, Maria Porzio and her long-time partner Doug Carhart of Wayne, Richard Porzio of Newark; cherished grandmother of Anthony Scarpone, Mindy Brady and her husband Don, TJ Scarpone, Dan Duca and his fiance Lindsey Tierney, Mark Duca and Carly Bravo. She adored her great-grandchildren Benjamin, Justin, Alexa and Jonathan; loving sister of Delores Marciniak, brother Jerry Faugno and 8 siblings that predeceased her: Anthony, Leo, Frank, George, Henry, Lena, Rose Jane, Natalie and their many children.

For those considering a memorial donation please make check payable to: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center - Mail to: The foundation for Morristown Memorial Center, 475 South Street, First Floor, Morristown NJ 07960 and please attach a note/memo: IN MEMORY OF ELEANOR PORZIO, AND IN HONOR OF DR. KENNETH ADLER

Elly’s (nobody makes ‘em like her!) Struffoli

(Italian Honey Balls)

3 cups all purpose flour

¼ to ½ cup self-rising flour

pinch of salt

4 -5 eggs

In large bowl, mix above ingredients with hands (Note, must use sweet but sassy hands!) addin flour a little at a time ‘til dough ball forms correct consistency (Who knows what’s correct? She did!)

Let rest ½ hour in bowl covered w/clean red dishcloth (Why red? Favorite color!)

Meanwhile, heat several cups vegetable oil to about 350 degrees

(She used Dad’s old ‘Fry Daddy’deep fryer.)

Break off handfull of dough, roll on lightly floured board into long ‘ropes’ ~ cut into pieces w/sharp knife (approximate size of a ‘Chicklet’)

Deep fry in batches ‘til golden but not overcooked, drain in colander til cool

(Can be stored in air tight containers for day or so.)

Heat honey in microwave a few seconds so it thins and can pour freely ~ and drizzle over the cooked dough which you should have transferred to a large bowl by now – mix til all balls are covered in honey.

Pour honey coated balls back into colander w/dish beneath to catch any extra honey

Turn onto a plate, sprinkle liberally with multi-colored non-pareil candy sprinkles.

(They will never taste quite as good as hers, but they will be close!)

Send to those you love.

Irene Hanzl (nee Chimileski) age 95 of Pompton Lakes died peacefully at home on Friday, January 6, 2012.

She was born and raised in Clifton and left high school at the age of 16 to seek employment and help with the family finances. She worked at the Old Spice Division of the Shulton Corporation in Clifton for several years. She lived in Paterson, Toms River and Wayne before moving to Pompton Lakes 3 years ago.

Irene met Alois “Al” Hanzl while on a blind date. They fell in love and married on October 14, 1949 and enjoyed sixty-nine years of loving, devoted, marriage before Al’s passing in 2007.

She was dedicated to her Roman Catholic faith and was a member of St. George’s RC Church, and the church’s Rosary Society, in Paterson.

Irene was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her family. A great cook and baker, her special touch on traditional Polish dishes will be greatly missed.

She was the loving wife of the late Alois “Al” Hanzl(2007); devoted mother of Lois Roszko and her husband Robert of Wanaque, and Carol Galamb and her husband Bruce of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandmother of Alyssa Przystawik, Stephen Galamb, Leslie Galamb and Allison Stone; dear great-grandmother of Gunter, Annika and Nolan; beloved sister of the late Stella Del Favero, Theodore “Togie” Chimileski, Edward “Cangy” Chimileski, Benjamin Chimileski, and Adolph “Muzzy” Chimileski.

In lieu of flowers, the famiy request donations to the Visiting Health Services of New Jersey, 783 Riverview Drive, Box 1007, Totowa, NJ 07511.

Virginia Schwarzlow (nee McAlinden), age 90 of Wayne, died on Thursday, January 5, 2012.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she grew up in the Parkchester section of the Bronx. After graduating from Cathedral High School in Manhattan, she attended Hunter College in New York City.

In the early 1940’s, she was introduced to Robert Schwarzlow by one of her cousins. She actually knew Robert through her job, where she frequently spoke to him on the phone for business purposes. Through conversation, she discovered that her cousin in Rutherford, New Jersey was friends with Robert and they met face-to-face at a family gathering. Their relationship blossomed and they married in 1943. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia where Robert was stationed in the Navy. Soon after WWII, they moved to Rutherford and raised their family. They later moved to Wyckoff in 1965 before she moved to Wayne in 1984.

Virginia’s early career included working at a bakery in Passaic where her sons recall her bringing home treats almost every day. She also worked in the administrative offices of Fairleigh Dickinson University before becoming a secretary with Union Camp in New York City. Conveniently, Union Camp moved to Wayne and she continued to work there until her retirement in 1985. It was at Union Camp that she met her dear friend, Jane Dent.

Virginia and Jane toured the world together. All told, Virginia visited seventy five countries. She has literally been all over the world, from Africa to China, Europe to Australia, and many other destinations. As a young mother, Virginia planned adventure trips for her family to rented cabins deep in the Canadian woods. Somehow, she found these exotic, wilderness destinations and her family was never quite sure what to expect. They often traveled to visit with her sister Eileen Wholey at Pleasant Mountain in Maine and for several summers they enjoyed a cabin at Lake Neepaulin in Sussex where Virginia won a swimming competition, along with the trophy to prove it. She was an excellent swimmer, and an even better bridge player.

The greatest joys in her life most recently were her two great-grandchildren and together, they extended her life at least a few years. She loved her family dearly and was very proud of all of them.

Virginia lived her life with passion. She was always happy and had a great attitude. Her laugh was infectious, and she laughed often.

Virginia is survived by her two sons; Bob Schwarzlow and his wife Carol of Palm Coast, Florida, and Bill Schwarzlow and his wife Pat of Wanaque, two grandchildren; Billy and his wife Kim and Craig, and two great-grandchildren. Virginia was predeceased by her husband Robert in 1973 and her two sisters; Eileen Wholey in 1997 and Doris Nolan in 2006.

Heinrich “Henry” Vogt age 76 of Wayne passed away on Thursday, January 05, 2012

age 76 of Wayne passed away on Thursday, January 05, 2012 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock.

He was born in Kries Sharky, Lithuania and lived and was educated in Germany before emigrating to the United States in 1952. He settled in Paterson, NJ and worked at several jobs before getting a permanent position with the Continental Can Corporation. He worked for Continental Can in Paterson and later at their Wayne location. Henry then relocated to Wayne, married and started a family. Once Continental Can closed its doors he found employment with the Aerobics Corporation in Little Falls where he helped manufacture treadmills before retiring in 1995.

Henry enjoyed photography, woodworking, and could fix just about anything. He was always there to help family, friends, and neighbors with just about any project they needed help with. He had a quiet, friendly personality, and a good sense of humor.

He was a long time parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne.

Henry met his wife Theresa (Szwed) Vogt through friends and their first date consisted of a dinner and tour around their hometowns. He asked Theresa to marry him at her home in Wallington and on September 20, 1970 they were married at the Sacred Heart of Jesus RC Church in Wallington. They honeymooned in Miami Beach and have enjoyed forty-two years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Henry was the loving husband of Theresa (Szwed) Vogt; devoted father of Ryan Vogt of Wayne and Matthew Vogt and his wife Aurelie of Gaithersburg, MD; loved brother of Adele Kaleda of Florida, Gustav Vogt of Wayne and the late Joseph Vogt(2010).

Professor Ruth Fern

Ruth Kane Fern age 92 of Wayne died Monday, January 2, 2012 at the Seabrook Village Assisted Living in Tinton Falls. Her passing was graciously peaceful after a wonderful life journey.

She was born in Somerville to the late James A Kane and Marguerite (Carberry) Kane and had lived there and Newark before moving to Wayne in 1958. Ruth graduated from Somerville High School with the Class of 1937 and received a car as a graduation present from her parents. She is pictured with friends Helen Holcombe(left), Mary Masker(middle), and Ruth(right) in front of that car which she named “Geraldine”.

She received her formal education at Trenton State College where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, English and Secondary School Education. In 1944 she received a Masters of English at the Graduate School of Arts and Science in of New York University and in 1953 she received a Masters in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University. Mrs. Fern studied also for her Doctorate in Education also studying at New College at Oxford University in England as well as Bedford College at the University Of London, England.

Mrs. Fern was a college professor of English and Education at William Paterson University where she worked for thirty-seven years before her retirement in 1995.

Mrs. Fern was past president of the Passaic and Morris County Historical Societies. She was a member of Alpha Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society for distinguished women, was a member of Pi Lamb Da Theta International Honor Society.

She was the devoted wife of the late Wallace E. Fern (1988); loving second cousin of Mary Carberry Meek Tutko of Rockaway and her husband William, the late James Kane(2003), and several other loving cousins.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Ruth Fern’s memory are asked to consider the William Paterson University Scholarship Fund.

Robert Thomas W. Gerding, age 79 of Totowa, died on Sunday, January 1, 2012. He has been a Totowa resident since 1959.

Bob grew up in Union City, New Jersey and graduated from Emerson High School with the class of 1952. He had been in the Navy reserves during high school and upon graduation, the U.S. Army sent him a draft notice. He wasn’t excited about having to join the Army, so he went to his Navy superior with the news and they put him on active duty with the Navy. He enjoyed his time in the service and was discharged in 1956.

In 1954, while on leave from the Navy, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Udland, on September 11, 1954. They took a bus to “Honeymoon Haven” in Dingman’s Ferry, Pennsylvania for their honeymoon. They celebrated their 57th anniversary this past September and have enjoyed many loving years together. Family was very important to Bob and made many happy memories with all of them over the years. Summer vacations at Cazenovia Lake in New York State, and at their friend’s dairy farm in Caroline, NY, where they worked all week; milking the cows, stacking the hay bales and driving the tractors. They were exhausted by weeks-end, but it never seemed like work to them; it was too much fun. They also enjoyed a family reunion every year since 1989 and sometimes had more than fifty people in attendance. He had been on several cruises and visited Alaska and Norway over the years.

Bob began his professional career even before going off to the Navy, working in a machine shop in Hoboken. In his early 20’s, he was fortunate enough to get an apprentice position with the local sheet metal union, which eventually became Local 25. He worked his way up the ranks and went to school where he received his draftsman’s certificate. With that certificate in hand, he moved from the shop to the office and did mechanical drafting for the later part of his career, working for McBride Mechanical and Independent Sheet Metal. He retired in 1993 after a lengthy career.

Bob was an active member of the St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Wayne for fifty years and recently received a commendation from the choir for his forty nine years of singing. When he first joined the church, he wasn’t a choir member. He would sing from his seat in the pew until finally his wife elbowed him one day and said “if you’re going to sing along, just go join the choir”, and he did. He loved his time there at the church and in the choir. There couldn’t be a more appropriate place to have his funeral. He was also a proud member of the Sons of Norway, Nor-Bu Lodge in Rockaway, NJ.

Bob loved to tell jokes and he had perfect delivery for his punch lines. Some of his favorites were told over and over, but they never got old. His grandchildren would beg him to tell jokes when they visited, but he always made sure to only tell them the age-appropriate ones! He loved to make people laugh and he has certainly left many of you with big smiles on your faces and perhaps even tears of joy streaming down your cheeks.

Above all else, he loved to golf. He played the Passaic County Golf Course so often than he probably should have had his mail sent there. Anytime that he went away on vacation, even just for a weekend away, it was a prerequisite that his clubs had to go with him. He played courses all over and always hit the fairway with his tee shot. He was very good, although he would tell you that he needed to improve his game. He was also a huge GIANTS football fan, having attended countless games since as early as 1976. Rain, wind, and snow didn’t matter – he would stay for the whole game. Tailgating at the Meadowlands was always a big part of the event too. Bob was even fortunate enough to go to Superbowl XXI in Pasadena, California, where the GIANTS beat the BRONCOS. He will surely be rooting from up above for them to win the Superbowl once again this year.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of fifty seven years, Peggy of Totowa, his three sons: Thomas and his wife Roberta of Florida, Paul and his wife Lisa of Basking Ridge, NJ and Andrew and his wife Jacqueline of Cary, NC, seven grandchildren: Erika, Dustin, Thomas Jr., Jeffrey, Brett, Casey, and Christian, 1 step-grandchild; Catherine Clifford, as well as many more loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends who will all miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory to St. Timothy’s Church, 395 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

James Robert Kehoe, son of James Robert Sr. and Agnes Kehoe, age 79 of Wayne, died on Friday, December 30, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. His family had all gathered at his bedside and his passing was quiet and peaceful.

“Bob”, grew up in Clifton and graduated from St. John’s High School in Paterson. He attended Seton Hall University until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was stationed with the 1st Cavalry in Japan during the reconstruction after WWII. Much of his time there was spent in sub-zero temperatures on Mt. Fuji, carrying equipment up the snow covered mountain, skiing down the slopes, and sleeping on the cold ground.

After the service, he finished his bachelor's degree in business, at Seton Hall University, and graduated the Academy of Advanced Traffic School in New York City, in the field of logistics and international freight. He worked for several large multi-national corporations where he specialized in managing international freight. He started with DL&W Railroad, then IT&T where he worked on the Defense Early Warning system in the Arctic, W.T. Grant, Smith Corona Marchant, and JP Stevens textiles. He retired as a manager in 1998 from Rickel’s Home Center.

Bob’s passions in life included his family, his friends, and his faith. He was a founding member of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne and remained active throughout the years as an usher. He worked hard to put his children through school at Consolation and was proud to see all three of his boys graduate from DePaul High School, where he supported them in all their athletic endeavors. His family recalls some great summer vacations on LBI. Bob loved to go deep-sea fishing for bluefish and he took the boys on many occasions. Bob was also an avid reader of history and a Yankees fan. He and his brother Jack enjoyed model trains and would go to train shows and exhibits.

Bob and Ona were introduced to each other by dear mutual friends and they were married in 1959. They have enjoyed fifty two years together of a loving and devoted marriage.

Bob is survived by his loving wife ; Ona (Nee Yuskaitis), son; Robert Edward Kehoe of Wayne, son Thomas Joseph Kehoe, wife Laura A., grand children James Ryan and Dylan Thomas of Wayne, son Brian James Kehoe, grand children Annaliese, Tanner, and Jordan, of Colorado, brother, Jack G. Kehoe and his wife Patricia of Arlington, Vermont, his dear in-laws; John Yuskaitis, Dr. Anthony and his wife Beverly Yuskaitis, Mary F. and her husband Jim Schneider, and Joseph Yuskaitis, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the church would be greatly appreciated. Our Lady of Consolation, 1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Patrick F. Elwood, age 53 of Newton, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2011.

Born in Paterson, Patrick grew up in Wayne and attended the Wayne schools. For the past fifteen years or so he has been living at the S.C.A.R.C. group home in Newton, NJ. His fellow residents there were like extended family to him and the staff provided him with excellent care.

Ever since he was a young man, Patrick always loved cars and helped his dad with car repairs, tune ups, changing spark plugs and checking fluids. The highlight of his life was the day he received his driver’s license. Finally being able to drive was a tremendous accomplishment for Patrick. Nothing made him happier than a joy ride in the car and he was truly an excellent and cautious driver. On one occasion he may have gotten a little carried away and found himself lost and out of gas in Manasquan, NJ. The police found him and recognized that he had some special needs. Being courteous, they brought him to the station where they contacted his parents. They had hoped that this experience might scare Patrick a little and make him think twice about driving so far from home. But when they arrived at the police station, they found Patrick eating cookies, cake, and drinking tea with the officers. Things turned out just fine in the end, and recalling that story makes everyone laugh.

Patrick’s earliest driving experience was on his Honda Trail 90 dirt bike. He loved to ride down on the ‘cow path’ in Wayne, along the river by Farmingdale Road, and in the sand pit areas in the woods there. He had a few run-ins with the Wayne Police too, while riding his dirt bike, but they were always kind and escorted him home, reminding his parents that he wasn’t supposed to be riding there. He was a special boy, simply having a little fun. Who could deny him that?

Besides cars and driving, his other passions included music and food, and not necessarily in that order. He was always listening to some kind of music and his preferences ranged from soft rock like the Beatles and ABBA, to Country music and even Gospel at times. His favorite foods were mostly Italian dishes, but he had a special appetite for Burger King Whoppers. At the local pizzeria and Dunkin Donuts, they all knew him by name and enjoyed when he would visit. Surely, they will all miss him too.

Over the years, Patrick had several jobs but his favorites were working at the Father John’s Animal Shelter in Sussex, at Sears Hardware in Newton, and he was currently volunteering at Bristol Glen Retirement Facility. At Father John’s he would tend to the cats and clean their cages. He loved cats and working there wasn’t much like work at all for him. He also worked at the Sears Hardware store in Newton for a few years, where he enjoyed the work as much as the staff and customers enjoyed having him there to help.

Patrick is survived by his loving and devoted parents; Francis and Joyce Elwood of Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains, his brothers; Kevin Elwood and his wife Gerry of Edison and Brian Elwood of Wayne, and his nieces Lauren and Alyssa and nephews Steven and Brett. Patrick was predeceased by his brother Keith Elwood of West Orange in 2008;

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Patrick’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the SCARC Foundation, 11 US Route 206, Suite 100, Augusta, NJ 07822 or visit their website at www.scarc.org. SCARC has been helping those with developmental disabilities since 1957 and helped Patrick enjoy a quality of life that would have been difficult to find anywhere else. His family is grateful for all that SCARC did for Patrick, and all that they continue to do for others with developmental disabilities like him.

Jeanne E. Kuehm (nee VanWagenen) age 94 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Monday, December 26, 2011.

She was born and raised in Ridgewood having graduated from Ridgewood High School with the Class of 1935 and lived in Wayne for the past fifty-five years.

During WWII Jeanne was a spotter having climbed a tower at the corner of Hamburg Turnpike and Alps Road to watch for incoming aircraft. She had a pair of binoculars and a chart of what friendly and enemy aircraft looked like.

Jeanne was a caring, loving and adventurous woman who loved a good party. She met her husband Edgar when shopping for a Christmas tree. She was waiting in line to be helped and Edgar spied her. He bypassed the next person in line and said “this one’s for me”. They fell in love and married on October 28, 1950 at the Ridgewood Presbyterian Church, had a reception at the Hanson House (now Portobello Restaurant in Oakland), and honeymooned at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. The enjoyed fifty years of loving and dedicated marriage until Edgar’s passing in November of 2000. Her memory of their first meeting inspired her to have an evergreen engraved into his monument at the cemetery.

Jeanne had a love for travel and she and Dad traveled often, but her favorite place was their home in Kona, Hawaii.  They spent the winters there and also, traveled there during other times of the year.  Through the years they made many new friends, with the friendships continuing on.  Jeanne was lucky enough to spend time with her family and friends on the Big Island up until 5 years ago.

She was the loving wife of the late Edgar Kuehm(2000); loving mother of Michael Looney and his wife Kristyn of Indianapolis, IN, Carol Connolly and her husband Terry of Clifton, Karen Frederick and her husband Norman of Pequannock, and Lauren Hermann and her husband Nick of Wayne; loving grandmother of ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. She was predeceased by two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Judes Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-2729 or the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, 1034 Salem Road, Union, New Jersey 07083-7058 would be appreciated.

Joseph Labazzetta “Joe” age 87 of Wayne died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at the Veterans Nursing home in Gallatin, Missouri the day before his birthday which was on Christmas Day. His passing was graciously peaceful after at difficult battle with his health.

He was born and named Guiseppi Labazzetta in Brooklyn, New York and spent his childhood years in Newark, NJ and Wayne. He grew up speaking only Italian, he learned English in Catholic School As was the case in those years he had to go to work and help support himself and his family. He left school in the seventh grade and began his work life. His first job, as a teenager, was as in a slip factory and a fedora hat factory in Newark then he went to work for a tailor sewing and ironing men’s trousers. When he lived in Wayne he worked for Strawberry Blossom Farms.

Later he took a job as a stone mason with Ruffalo Brothers in Little Falls until 1958 then at Jon Construction Company in Saddle Brook and was responsible for building many area homes. His tenure at Jon Construction Company was from 1958 till his retirement in 1985 after receiving a very serious knee injury.

He lived on Warren Street in Newark before he joined the Army during World War II and was a member of a Tank and Howitzer Cannon crew. He served under General George Patton in the North African Theater, and later in Europe where Joe fought at the Battle of the Bulge, the Black Forest in Germany as well as taking part in the Normandy invasion. He was often called on to be the camp cook because of his innate Italian cooking skills. He was wounded with shrapnel and carried small metal pieces in his body the rest of his life. He received a Purple Heart. His Army service career spanned from 1943- 1945.

He was a proud gentle Italian man & proud of his heritage, that he passed on traditions to his children. He enjoyed playing the guitar which he played by ear because he never learned to read music.

Joe’s construction experience and ambition over the years, benefited himself as well as other family members as he built his own home and that of his children.

He was gifted with a friendly outgoing nature that was always enthusiastically reaching out to others in their time of need.

After returning from war Joe lived on Ford Street in Wayne and he met this pretty girl named Catherine Anderson, who lived a block away on Newark Pompton Turnpike. Love blossomed and they married on April 30, 1949. They had fifty six years of “loving and devoted” marriage until Catherine’s passing on March 8, 2005.

His children share that he was an “awesome father”, a hard working man and a wonderful provider for his family. He made it a practice to teach his children skills. He was also a talented Italian cook making all of his own sauces and providing Sunday meals at his home for his whole family. When he was not working he would spend his leisure hours sitting in the sun and would always have a wonderful sun tan.

Thanks Dad for being so special in our lives.

Surviving to mourn the loss of this wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather are one son Dennis Joseph Labazzetta and his wife Ingrid of Gallatin, Missouri; four daughters Catherine Linda Stalter and her husband Gary of Los Osos, California, Joann Landspurg and her husband Randy of Slingerlands, New York, Patricia R. Mastromonico of Sparta and Nanci A. Turner and her husband Barry of Wayne; also survived by ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by one granddaughter Chrystie Jo Landspurg in 2008 and a great grandchild Karly Ison in 2001.

Sietje Cornelia Hof (VanDerStad) age 110 of Hamburg died peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2011 at home with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born and raised on a small island at the Southern end of the Netherlands called Flakkee. She grew up on the farm and spent much time working in the fields. She met and married her husband, the late Hendrik Hof(1988), in January of 1926 at Stadhuis, Dirksland; they met through mutual friends. The family recalls her talking about having her babies in a wooden crate by her side as she worked the fields. The family moved to the United States in 1948 emigrating through New York City and originally settling in Oak Ridge, NJ. She has lived in Prospect Park, Waldwick, Glenwood, Vernon, Towaco and Pompton Lakes before moving to Hamburg to live with her sister.

Sietje was known for her crocheting skills having made beautiful hankies for just about everyone in the family. She would make special ones for those being married and could carry on a conversation and not even look at her work as she crocheted. She loved to travel and has been to Michigan, Canada at 101, and many return trips to Holland.

Sietje was a considerate, polite, loving, caring, and reserved person. She was also straightforward…you always knew where you stood with her. Whenever she asked you to do something for her she would ask “could you…” in a very non-imposing way. She never wanted to be a burden on anyone and enjoyed wonderful health her entire life.

She was the loving wife of sixty-two years to the late Hendrik Hof; loving mother of the late Hendrika Van Wingerden (2004), and the late Maatje Van Wageningen (2006); loving sister of Klaartje de Waal of Hamburg and Willempje VanDerGroef.

Grandchildren • great-grandchildren o great-great grandchildren

Kaatje (Kathy Van Wageningen) and Bruce Hogan

• Bruce Hogan, Jr.

o Draiden and Memphis Hogan

• Shawn & Heather Hogan

Hendrik (Henry) and Deborah Van Wageningen

• Michelle Van Wageningen (O’Connor)

o Jennifer O’Connor

• Hank Van Wageningen and Jen Bombace

o Sadie Van Wageningen

Jan Van Wageningen

• Jan Van Wageningen, Jr. (Deceased 2009)

o Braiden Van Wageningen

o Olivia Van Wageningen

• Dawn Van Wageningen (Burgard)

o Tyler Burgard

o Jenn Burgard

o Matthew Burgard

• Brian & Lindsey Van Wageningen

• Jeffrey & Crystal Van Wageningen

o Riley Van Wageningen

• Shannon Van Wageningen

• Douglas Van Wageningen

• Dennis Van Wageningen

Johannes John Peter Van Wageningen

• Johannes John Peter Van Wageningen, Jr. (JP)

• Joseph Van Wageningen

Cornelius (Neil) and Wendy Van Wageningen

• Pamela Van Wageningen (Ross)

o Katelyn Ross

o Nicholas Ross

• Daniel Van Wageningen

Cornelia (Corry Van Wageningen) and John Pollara

• John Pollara, Jr.

Tanny Edith (Van Wageningen) and Donald Schneider

• Paul Hendrik Schneider

• Kate Elizabeth Schneider

Peter and Cindy Van Wageningen

• Shawna & Nick Garretson

• Peter Van Wageningen, Jr. (PJ)

David and Irene Van Wageningen

• Adam Van Wageningen

• Jacob Van Wageningen

• Colton Van Wageningen

Hendrika Hof (2004) and Leonard Van Wingerden

Lona (Van Wingerden) and Jacob Nijsse

.Jacob and Tanya

o Rachael

o Esther

o Aimee

o Aaron

o Jessica

o Hannah

. Jolayne (Nijsse) and Larry

o Maria

o Stephen

o Andrew

o Melanie

o Abigail

o Kaylee

o Caleb

. Sharon (Nijsse) and Mark

o Austin

o Breeanna

o Casey

o Josiah

o Lonny

o Karena

Cornelia (Van Wingerden) Kaufmann

. Walter and Ashley

. Cara and Ryan

.Marc and Allison

. Alex

. Briana

Leonard and Donna (Russell) Van Wingerden

. Rhonda

o Lily

o Hannah

. Leonard and Melissa

o Rylie

o Colby

. Daniel

. Brian

Henry Van Wingerden

. Hendrik and Maria

. Desiree

o Daniel

Gertrude (Van Wingerden) Breeman

. Kenneth

. Darleen and Sergio

o Bryelle

Peter Van Wingerden (2009)

Cornelius and Robin (Hook) Van Wingerden

. Shawn

. Brittany

Jacob and Heather (Emerson) Van Wingerden

. Kristen

. Jacob

. Kailey

. Aiden

Alfred and Yvonne (Suiker) Van Wingerden

. Krystal

. Kevin

. Kyle

By Tyler France great-great nephew

110 years is a long time to last,

all of which I hope she had a blast.

110 years is an enormous amount of time,

I highly doubt it was an easy climb.

She was a good mother, she was a good wife,

she did obtain a phenomenal life.

Her years became numbered, although she had plenty,

hated by no one, loved by many.

Crossing every obstacle but without ease,

life for her didn`t come as a breeze.

Two kids and 18 grandchildren were created, three sisters standing,

until midnight this morning she continued withstanding.

Her systems weren`t working, they started failing,

after this her life wasn`t far trailing.

It starts in the feet and ends in the head,

I keep trying to believe she isn`t dead.

We abided by her wishes and did what she said,

none of her words or thoughts were left un-read.

She may have passed away but her soul will never die,

it`s weird how things can change in the blink of an eye.

The memories she left and the love she gave me,

I won`t forget if you knew her you`d agree.

She would`ve turned 111 in 14 days,

"If only, if only," ever hear that phrase?

110 years have zoomed right by,

she was incredibly sweet it could make you cry.

I love her forever I promise I`ll never forget,

nor will anyone close to her I can surely bet.

110 years have peacefully come to an end,

your passing wasn`t so bad I can comprehend.

You passed in your sleep without any pain,

and now a guardian angel I highly hope to obtain. ♥

Tante Kee 1/7/1900 - 12/24/2011. You will forever have a place in my heart, I love you.

‍

Anthony A. Meglio, age 91, of East Rutherford, died on Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Thompson House, Rhinebeck, New York.

Tony was born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey and graduated from Lyndhurst High School with the class of 1938. At twenty years old, he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served for six years. He was a Gunners Mate First Class, serving in the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and Africa. In December of 1941, his father passed away and Tony was given leave to come home. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor at the time and set sail for home on December 6, 1941, the day before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Tony spoke of his service often and truly enjoyed his experience with the Navy. He remained extremely active with the East Rutherford VFW for many, many years.

At the end of his Navy tour, Tony returned to live in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Tony married Florence Lillie Vellekamp in May of 1954 and they moved to East Rutherford. They lived there together for twenty two years before moving to Wyckoff, NJ in November of 1976. Sadly, Florence passed away in March of 1977, only a few months after having moved to Wyckoff. Tony remained in Wyckoff, where his mother-in-law, Lillie Vellekamp lived with him until she passed in 1983.

In 1999 Tony moved to Aurora, Colorado to live with his daughter Debra and her family. They had a wonderful 5 and 1/2 years together in Colorado. In mid 2005 Tony returned once again to the east coast to live with his daughter Amanda and her family. Tony enjoyed his 6 years with Amanda and her family and benefited greatly from her physical therapy knowledge and care taking.

During his career, Tony was a stationary fireman, operating high-pressure boilers. Tony's worked at both Inmont in Lodi and Gaines Chemical in Carlstadt, where he retired in 1986. He was a very dedicated and hard worker, often working weeks without taking a day off. He was devoted to providing for his family. Tony was active with his daughters teaching them to ride bikes, fish, and swim! No matter the season Tony would take his daughters for long walks from home to Grammy's house! Tony worked third shift but got up early for many years each spring to coach his daughters' VFW softball team!

Tony was very mechanically inclined and could fix anything. He loved to tinker and was particularly good at fixing cars. He spent a good number of days ( he would say months) under the hood of his daughters 1959 MGA, giving it his best effort to keep the car going. On a few occasions, he even 'gave' some of his cars away to his neighbor boys, after getting them into top-mechanical order, of course. But more than anything, Tony loved animals. He was especially attached to his dogs CJ, Barcleigh and Maggie!

It seemed at times that nothing could put a smile on his face more quickly than a good dish of ice cream or lemon ice (from "Fat Mike's")!

Tony is survived by his loving daughters: Amanda Meglio and her partner Chaia Lehrer of New Paltz, New York and Debra Meglio and her partner Pandora Ray of Lakewood, Colorado; his sister Ceil Luciano of Wayne, New Jersey; three grandchildren: Jacob Meglio of New Paltz, Cori Zaczkowski and her husband Jerod of Thorton, Colorado, Kelly Macnamara and her husband Kevin of Centennial, Colorado, two great-grandchildren: Tyce and Reece Macnamara of Centennial, Colorado, and seven nieces and nephews: Annette Colasurdo, Joan Brucato, Angel Barbado, Margie Parker, Billy Paterno, Michael Luciano, and Donna Daly.

Tony was very fond of animals and in his memory, donations to the Bergen County Animal Shelter would be greatly appreciated. You can mail you donation to 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ, 07608, or you can visit www.co.bergen.nj.us/bcas/ to donate online.

Joanne Custer (nee Conklin) age 55 of Pompton Plains died peacefully on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at home.

She was born in Ridgewood and raised in Oakland having attended Indian Hills High School with the Class of 1974. She later lived in Wayne before moving to Pompton Plains fourteen years ago.

Joanne worked for Budd Vacuum in Wyckoff for ten years, the Kids Stuff clothing store in Wayne and for the last twenty years the Clarins USA Corporation in Orangeburg New York.

She met her husband Ben at Finnegan’s in Wayne and he proposed to her on Christmas Eve in 1989. They married at the Ramapo Valley Baptist Church in Oakland on August 19, 1990 and honeymooned on a cruise through the Caribbean. They have enjoyed a loving and caring marriage for the past twenty-one years.

Joanne was a very giving person who had a strong faith. She was loving, caring person who always put others before herself. For many years she bowled and played on the Bojangles softball team of Wayne. Joanne was a devoted member of the Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne where she was a founding member of the knitting and crocheting group that provided blankets for patients at Chilton Memorial Hospital and for other sick and shut-in’s. Joanne was an avid animal lover and was the mother to Jesse & the late Missy & Zena. She was also the grandmother to cats Bailey and Hunter. She enjoyed helping with animal rescue in any way that she was able.

She was the loving wife of Benjamin Custer; devoted mother of Kimberly Megnin of Pompton Plains, and Christopher Megnin and his wife Andrea of New Providence; cherished grandmother of Ryan and Elena Megnin of New Providence; loving daughter of Barbara (Post) Conklin and the late Abram Conklin; dear sister of Nancy Conklin Dukeshire and her husband Robert of Bloomingdale, and David Conklin and his wife Darlene of Chelmsford, MA; loving niece of Carol Post. Loving aunt of Steven and Ashley Conklin.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Preakness Baptist Church, 1441 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Philip E. Lawler, age 72 of Wayne died on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

Phil was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and had been an accountant in New York City before starting his own accounting practice, “Philip Lawler, P.A.” more than forty years ago. He moved his practice to Wayne thirty years ago.

In 1981, he married Dorothy (nee Anderson) and they moved to Wayne. They have enjoyed a loving marriage of thirty years. Phil was just as devoted to Dorothy as he was to his step-daughter Jennifer, who needed special attention. Phil raised her and helped care for Jennifer many years, and they enjoyed a very special relationship as a result. To all that knew him, Phil was a charming and funny story teller, quick-witted, and very entertaining. Everyone genuinely liked him and he will be missed by all.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, his four step-children; Daniel, Kathleen, Laura, and Jennifer, as well as six grandchildren.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Phil’s name are asked to consider the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474. The Squad was not only helpful to Phil in recent years, but they were always willing help with transporting Jennifer whenever necessary. Phil’s family is indebted to them and donations in Phil’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

Seymour “Zoom” Fleisher age 88 of Frenchman’s Creek Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Passed away peacefully on December 18, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Newark as one of eight children. He received his formal education at Newark grammar school and later at Weequahic High School.

He had lived his formative years in Newark and later in life lived in Wayne, Kinnelon, Fort Lee and Palm Beach Gardens.

Soon after his graduation from High School the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and a ground swell of patriotism, in American youth, which Zoom was a part of, rose up and wanted to join the military to defend their country. In 1942 Zoom along with two of his brothers, signed up in the Army and were assigned to the Army Air Force which was then a part of the Army. He had always wanted to fly and this gave him a chance to pursue this aviation ambition. It was not long before he had his wings and was trained as a pilot in a large bomber known as a B-29 serving in the 20th Air Force, 315th Bomb Wing. He flew a total of ten missions over Japan and other parts of the South Pacific theatre of the war. His rank was Captain Seymour Fleisher. He often said that his military experience led him to great things.

After his discharge in 1946 he went to the Newark College of Engineering, and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was at NJIT that he was given the name “Zoom” for his fast footwork on the basketball team.

He married his sweetheart Estelle and started his own metal manufacturing business which he named Pilot Technologies. His business specialty was precision components and assemblies that served the electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, aviation, medical and utilities industries throughout North America. His shop was impressive with the latest technology in forming and perforating metal for technical completion. As he would take you on a tour of his facility he had saved some older stamping machines and explained to you how he along with Estelle would sit there side by side and work the foot treadles of these machines together. He always said that she had a big part of his success in business.

He had wonderful success in the business world. If you were to evaluate his achievements you would conclude that he always worked at 125% or more and was honest and faithful in his business transactions even to a fault. In the business world he was admired and loved by his customers as well as his employees whom he gave much credit for his successes. He would say it is because of my employees that I am successful and he always considered his customers as the boss.

His favorite saying as written by Mark Twain earlier was : “Always do right, this will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

Zoom and Estelle were married for fifty-two years until Estelle’s passing in 1997. This man just loved his wife with great intensity and even in her years of declining health his greatest daily concern was his loving wife Estelle. He was as perfect at being a husband as his creator could mold him.

Zoom was admired by many people. He had a way within his personality of reaching out to others in very genuine and loving ways. He simply loved people and if he heard of someone in distress or in need he would reach out to them to help and would want nothing in return. He was generous with money as well as his heart and as a result was admired by many people.

He had many celebrations in life including a very special 85th birthday party at his country club inviting over four hundred guests. These celebrations would be parties that his guests would never forget and they would go home afterwards knowing that this gift of enjoyment came right from Zoom and Estelle’s heart. In one format or another they had to say to themselves what a wonderful friend. When he played he played big but did not do it alone. He wanted all of his friends to join in and he made it happen.

As a family man he also excelled with love and caring for his son Bruce and again with his grandchildren. He loved to be called Grampy by his grandchildren. They indeed were the apple of his eye.

Surviving to cherish the memory of this wonderful man are one son Bruce Fleisher and his wife Ellen of Delray Beach, Florida; two grandchildren Ronni Molinari and her husband Gioel; great-grandsons Luca and Max, grandson Steven and his wife Julie; also survived by four brothers and two sisters and his loving partner Anita Fishbein of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

For those who inclined donations can be made in honor of Zoom to the New Jersey Institute of Technology Building Fund, Administrative Offices, 323 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102.

Seymour “Zoom” Fleisher age 88 of Frenchman’s Creek Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Passed away peacefully on December 18, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Newark as one of eight children. He received his formal education at Newark grammar school and later at Weequahic High School.

He had lived his formative years in Newark and later in life lived in Wayne, Kinnelon, Fort Lee and Palm Beach Gardens.

Soon after his graduation from High School the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and a ground swell of patriotism, in American youth, which Zoom was a part of, rose up and wanted to join the military to defend their country. In 1942 Zoom along with two of his brothers, signed up in the Army and were assigned to the Army Air Force which was then a part of the Army. He had always wanted to fly and this gave him a chance to pursue this aviation ambition. It was not long before he had his wings and was trained as a pilot in a large bomber known as a B-29 serving in the 20th Air Force, 315th Bomb Wing. He flew a total of ten missions over Japan and other parts of the South Pacific theatre of the war. His rank was Captain Seymour Fleisher. He often said that his military experience led him to great things.

After his discharge in 1946 he went to the Newark College of Engineering, and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was at NJIT that he was given the name “Zoom” for his fast footwork on the basketball team.

He married his sweetheart Estelle and started his own metal manufacturing business which he named Pilot Technologies. His business specialty was precision components and assemblies that served the electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, aviation, medical and utilities industries throughout North America. His shop was impressive with the latest technology in forming and perforating metal for technical completion. As he would take you on a tour of his facility he had saved some older stamping machines and explained to you how he along with Estelle would sit there side by side and work the foot treadles of these machines together. He always said that she had a big part of his success in business.

He had wonderful success in the business world. If you were to evaluate his achievements you would conclude that he always worked at 125% or more and was honest and faithful in his business transactions even to a fault. In the business world he was admired and loved by his customers as well as his employees whom he gave much credit for his successes. He would say it is because of my employees that I am successful and he always considered his customers as the boss.

His favorite saying as written by Mark Twain earlier was : “Always do right, this will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

Zoom and Estelle were married for fifty-two years until Estelle’s passing in 1997. This man just loved his wife with great intensity and even in her years of declining health his greatest daily concern was his loving wife Estelle. He was as perfect at being a husband as his creator could mold him.

Zoom was admired by many people. He had a way within his personality of reaching out to others in very genuine and loving ways. He simply loved people and if he heard of someone in distress or in need he would reach out to them to help and would want nothing in return. He was generous with money as well as his heart and as a result was admired by many people.

He had many celebrations in life including a very special 85th birthday party at his country club inviting over four hundred guests. These celebrations would be parties that his guests would never forget and they would go home afterwards knowing that this gift of enjoyment came right from Zoom and Estelle’s heart. In one format or another they had to say to themselves what a wonderful friend. When he played he played big but did not do it alone. He wanted all of his friends to join in and he made it happen.

As a family man he also excelled with love and caring for his son Bruce and again with his grandchildren. He loved to be called Grampy by his grandchildren. They indeed were the apple of his eye.

Surviving to cherish the memory of this wonderful man are one son Bruce Fleisher and his wife Ellen of Delray Beach, Florida; two grandchildren Ronni Molinari and her husband Gioel; great-grandsons Luca and Max, grandson Steven and his wife Julie; also survived by four brothers and two sisters and his loving partner Anita Fishbein of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

For those who inclined donations can be made in honor of Zoom to the New Jersey Institute of Technology Building Fund, Administrative Offices, 323 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102.

Henry R. Bogert age 83 of Woodland Park died Sunday, December 18, 2011.

He was born and raised in Paterson having lived in Woodland Park for the past 40 years. He was a veteran having served in the US Navy.

Henry was an Operating Engineer for Local 825, Newark before retiring in 1990.

He was the loving husband of 61 years to Muriel (nee VanHaste) Bogert; loving father of Debbie Sampat and her husband Vijay and RaeAnn Cheon; cherished grandfather of Ronnie and Christopher Cheon and Justin Sampat; loved brother of Kenneth Bogert and his wife Connie and the late Ann Dowd.

Sandra Mattera, “Sandy”, age 26 of Wayne and New York City passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Sandy was born in Summit, NJ and moved to Wayne with her family when she was just five years old. She graduated from Wayne Hills High School with honors in 2003 where she had starred in theatre productions, was the marching band drum major and saxophone soloist in many musical ensembles, and participated in FBLA, varsity fencing and the Honor Society. She was an award winning vocalist who loved to sing, especially when her grandpa played guitar and with the St. Mary's youth choir in Pompton Lakes.

After graduating from Wayne Hills, she went on to the Stern School of Business at New York University where she majored in finance and Spanish. She graduated Cum Laude in 2007, making the Dean’s List each of her four years there. She made her family very proud and set the bar high for her four younger siblings.

After graduating from NYU, she worked for Banc of America Securities as an investment banking analyst before joining Canoe Ventures as manager of business planning and development earlier this year. She was a natural and gifted leader.

Since she was a little girl, she had a love for the theatre and took in plenty of Broadway shows over the past few years. RENT was by far her favorite (she saw it 8 or 9 times!) but she really enjoyed them all. Her new job had freed her up on the weekends to begin auditioning once again for various acting parts in New York, and that brought her a lot of happiness.

Sandy had also enjoyed some world travel, visiting many Spanish speaking countries including Argentina, Spain, and Majorca (her favorite!), just to name a few. She told her family a story of her time in Majorca when she had ordered fish at a restaurant. The waiter wanted to be sure she had the freshest fish possible and she waited for the fisherman to come back with his fresh catch before she could eat it. The meal was wonderful, of course, and she dreamed of going back soon.

She was a strong, independent woman. As the oldest of five children, she was the easy-going one that kept everyone together. Her brothers and sister recall how she was always there to protect them, in school, at home, or wherever they were, she would come to their defense. She was the matriarch of them all and she loved each of them very much. They, and many others, will surely miss her kindness, her love, and her support.

Sandy is survived by her loving mother; Catherine Romania of Wayne, her caring father; Nicholas Mattera of Wayne, one sister; Jessica Mattera, and three brothers; Nicholas, Joseph and Thomas Mattera, all of Wayne, her devoted grandparents; Eleanor and Nicholas Romania of Wayne, her uncles and aunts; Dr. Anthony Romania and his wife Linda Talerico of Stonington, CT, Marie Gunn and her husband Joseph of Jupiter, FL, and Candy Romania of West Milford, NJ, and her boyfriend of four years; Joseph Markisz. She is predeceased by her uncle Nicholas Romania.

Memorial donations in Sandy’s honor would be greatly appreciated. Please consider The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, 4370 Tujunga Ave., Ste 330, Studio City, CA 91604 and the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Marie Teresa Tuminello “MiMi” (nee DiChellis) age 87 of Woodland Park died peacefully on Friday, December 16, 2011 at home.

She was born in Paterson and lived her childhood in the Stony Road area of Paterson. She was one of six children in the household including four sisters and one brother. She managed to outlive all of her siblings.

Marie married Anthony Tuminello and took on the job of homemaker, mother, grandmother and great grandmother for the balance of her career. Anthony passed away in 1980.

Surviving are one daughter Michele Campanello and her husband Donato of Wayne; one granddaughter Raven Campanello of Wayne; one grandson Don Campanello of Wayne; one great granddaughter Vanessa Campanello. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Helen Eberenz (Bodrogi), age 95 of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 peacefully at home.

Helen was born in Passaic, NJ to Michael and Julia Bodrogi on October 30, 1916.  Helen was a professional dancer (ballerina) before she met her husband David while she was on tour in the Panama Canal Zone. They were married on April 3, 1937 and then returned to the Canal Zone to raise a family. She opened a dance studio where she taught her children as well as the neighborhood children how to dance. Returning to Garfield, NJ in 1957, Helen worked for 20 years as a proofreader for Deluxe Check Printing in Clifton and Caldwell, NJ.

She and her husband David were charter members of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne.

Devoted mother of Diane Wilkin and her husband Ted of Garfield, NJ, Sylvia LaCorte and husband Ralph of Wesley Chapel, FL, the late David E. Eberenz and his late wife Diane (Casiello) and the late Michael A. Eberenz. Loving grandmother of Theresa Detrick and her husband Andy, Rachel LaCorte, Ralph D. LaCorte, Jack LaCorte and the late Michael Robert Eberenz. Great Grandmother of Samantha Detrick. Dear sister of the late Michael Bodrogi, Julie Kurz, Elizabeth Csigay and Ernie Bodrogi and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be greatly appreciated.

Elinor Grace “Ellie” Gesner (nee Scheckenback) age 94 of Moonachie peacefully passed into the presence of her creator on December 14, 2011 at Prospect Heights Care Center in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Elinor was born prematurely at her family residence in 1917. Weighing less than two pounds at birth, her family physician declared that there was little hope of baby Elinor’s survival. She was so tiny that her first crib was actually a cigar box. Her family patiently fed their new baby through an eyedropper. In those early days, her mother put her to sleep behind the family’s coal stove to keep her snug and warm in the family’s cold-water flat. Throughout her early years, Elinor suffered through a number of health issues, but as she matured her health gradually improved. History now bears witness that she has long outlived all of her siblings and the doctor who predicted her early demise.

Elinor is predeceased by her sisters Annamae Havecker, Magdeline Donfield, and Viola Spataro.

She grew up in a modest neighborhood in Little Ferry as part of a very loving and caring family. Her father provided for the family well as the driver of a horse-drawn beer wagon. Elinor became a skilled seamstress and obtained a job at the Jonathon Logan Coat Factory where she was charged with the creation of sample clothing.

In 1957, while visiting a neighbor wishing to sell a bedroom set, Elinor met her future husband, Harold Gesner, a decorated World War II veteran who served under General Patton in numerous campaigns. After a brief courtship, they married on April 11, 1959, and had thirty-five years of a good and loving marriage until Harold’s passing in February, 1995.

Although she had no children of her own, a central focus of Elinor’s life was her family, to which she was extremely devoted. Over the years, she helped to love and nurture the children of her extended family and friends. Elinor also enjoyed cooking and, having grown up in a modest background in frugal times, could whip up a good dinner out of almost nothing.

One of Elinor’s greatest gifts in life was that of a wonderful personality. It was easy for her to strike up conversations with others who enjoyed being in her presence. This gift stayed with her to the end of her days as she spent considerable time talking with her great-great nephews and nieces up through the recently concluded Thanksgiving holiday. Until the very end of her life, asking Elinor about events in her lifetime, would elicit detailed, amusing stories about events long forgotten by many, but kept alive in her memory. Until the very end of her life, Elinor lived independently in Moonachie where she had resided for more than fifty years.

Elinor maintained a strong devotion to her Roman Catholic faith, following precepts set down by the early church fathers. She always provided a wonderful example of being a good Christian, living humbly as commanded by Peter in his first letter and embodying the words of Paul in his letter to the Philippians by being content in all the circumstances of her life. Whenever trials and tribulations of life arose, she would often pray, lighting votive candles at home or in church to focus her attention.

Elinor is survived by one niece, Mary Jane Kowalski, and her husband Ronald of Wayne, New Jersey, and one nephew Robert Havecker, and his wife Noreen of Old Bridge, New Jersey, and a considerable number of great and great-great nieces and nephews. All will cherish the memory of their beloved Aunt Elinor. To quote her nephew Ron, “If the world was populated with people like Aunt Elinor, it would be a perfect place.”

Joseph V. Stocus, age 87 of Pompton Plains, formerly of Packanack Lake in Wayne, New Jersey died peacefully on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 surrounded by his children.

He was born and raised in Mahonoy City, Pennsylvania, a coal mining community of mostly immigrants. He went to St. Joseph’s School, where he learned to read, write and pray in Lithuanian. Following his graduation from high school in June 1941, he did whatever odd jobs he could find around town. After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, he was too young to enlist, so he went to work in the coal mines for six months before moving to Philadelphia to work in the shipyards.

In February 1943, he was drafted into the army and sent to Hattiesburg, Mississippi for basic training. He served as a Company A 234th Combat Engineer in England, France, Belgium and Germany. He was scheduled to be sent to fight in the Pacific but never ended up going because the Japanese surrendered. He received an Honorable Discharge in December 1945.

After the war, Joe was able to attend New York University and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He was the first person in his family to graduate college, and he always said it would not have been possible without the help of the GI Bill which paid for his tuition.

Upon completing his graduation, he worked at a major public accounting firm in the Audit Division. However, most of his career was spent as a Certified Public Accountant in private practice in Ridgefield and Wayne.

Joe met his wife, Carmel, a school teacher, at the Wayne Luncheonette on a blind date. They were engaged two weeks later, and spent 56 years together before her death last May. They originally settled in Pompton Lakes, then moved to Wayne in 1961, and Packanack Lake in 1967. They raised five children together. They were parishioners at Our Lady of the Valley Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where for many years Joe was an usher. Joe was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and The Elks.

Joe enjoyed traveling, gardening, billiards and pinnacle. He was an avid angler, and looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Canada with his long-time friends, Benny & Eddie. His family was quite entertained by his pursuit of the squirrels who used to ruin his gardens. Nothing made Joe happier than putting on his green work pants and working around the house on weekends.

Joe was a devoted father to Barbara Holden and her husband Craig of Columbia, Maryland, Richard Stocus and his wife Lana of Kennesaw, Georgia, James Stocus of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Carolyn Mallahan and her husband Joseph of Seattle, Washington, and Linda Jones and her husband Russell of Wayne, New Jersey; cherished grandfather of nine grandchildren Lauren Holden, Allison Holden Wren, Christopher Holden, Katy Stocus, Brittany Stocus, Irina Mallahan, Masha Mallahan, Sean Jones and Timmy Jones. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Stocus of Pompton Lakes.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carmel Stocus (nee Congilose), a sister Frances Stocus, and a brother Jackie Stocus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Carol Simon Women’s Cancer Center, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, P.O. Box 109, Morristown, NJ 07962-1956 would be appreciated.

Albert C. Donofrio, Sr., age 68 of Hackettstown, formerly of Wayne, died Monday, December 12, 2011 at the Morristown Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Paterson, raised and lived in Wayne for many years. He graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1962 and learned the Mechanic Trade at Lincoln Technical School in Union. He lived in Harford, PA for a few years, returning to Wayne from 2000 – 2007, before moving to Hackettstown four years ago.

Al was a mechanic his entire working life having originally worked at the D&D Garage in Pompton Lakes and later Wyckoff. He then took a position with the Township of Wayne’s Parks & Recreation Division, as a mechanic, where he worked for thirty years before retiring in 2007. He had a love of working with his hands and fixing just about anything. He was always helping friends, family, and neighbors diagnose problems, get the right parts and fix everything from cars to snow blowers.

He met the love of his life Nancy Keene at Wayne Valley High School. As high school sweethearts Nancy remembers their first date was a row boat ride along the Passaic River. Nancy lived on Peach Way and the Passaic River was just a block away from her childhood home. They fell in love and married on June 24,1967 at Saint James of the Marches RC Church, Totowa. As they honeymooned in Miami Florida, Community Fire Company #1, helped them by knocking down a small home on Park Lane in Wayne and when they returned the purchased a home from Premier Homes in Little Falls. They purchased the four bedroom model on display and Premier built the home on their location. Soon they filled all four bedrooms.

Al was a quiet man with a big heart. He had a dry sense of humor, was extremely patient and tough as nails at the same time. He had a love of the outdoors where he enjoyed his Honda motorcycle, boating, and many years ago a bicycle built for two with a child seat on the back.

Albert was the loving husband of forty-two years to Nancy(Keene) Donofrio; devoted father of Albert Donofrio, Jr and his wife Patti of Spartanburg, S.C., Charles Donofrio of Paterson, Frederick Donofrio and his wife Mary of Wayne; cherished grandfather of five grandchildren; loved brother of Anthony Donofrio of Wayne, Michael Donofrio and his wife Christine of Matthews, N.C., and Anna Marie Basciano of Wayne.