Thomas “Tommy” Vigorito of Wayne, passed on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at home receiving the love and comfort of family and his wife Natalie by his side.

He was born to the late Ralph (link to Ralph's obituary can be found below) and Dorothy (Vigorito) Lukacsko in Passaic General Hospital. Interestingly Tommy was born the day before his wife Natalie in the same hospital and they likely shared time in the nursery together in 1959.

The family lived in Clifton, then moved to Wayne in 1967, where he entered Holy Cross Elementary School in 3rd grade.  He went on to graduate from DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne. He continued his studies at the University of Virginia. Throughout his schooling, he not only pursued academic excellence but also forged lifelong friendships. These enduring bonds, formed at Holy Cross, DePaul, and UVA, flourished and reflected the loyalty and warmth that defined his character.

Tommy’s love for football began in his youth with the Clifton B&C Aluminum Football program at Nash Park. When his family moved to Wayne, he and his brother Ralph would engage in spirited one-on-one tackle football games on the front lawn at their home on Leo Place. Their passion for the sport grew, and both brothers went on to play for the Wayne PAL Football program, where they were coached by their father, Ralph. Football was truly a family affair for the Vigoritos—while the boys played, their mother, Dorothy, led the Wayne PAL Cheerleaders, including sisters Darcy and Patti who cheered on the sidelines. The Vigorito family became a fixture at the Wayne PAL Parish Oval field, a place they grew to love.

A standout high school All-American at DePaul Catholic High School in the Class of 1977, Tommy drew scholarship offers from prestigious programs such as Notre Dame, Boston College, Duke, Purdue, Penn State, and Virginia. Ultimately, he chose to continue his football journey at the University of Virginia, where he quickly earned a reputation for his remarkable combination of toughness and speed.

When he left Virginia in 1981, Tommy ranked second on the Cavaliers' all-time career rushing list. He finished his collegiate career with 2,913 rushing yards, a mark that now places him seventh on the all-time list for Virginia.  His 648 carries remain the fifth-most in program history, and his 3,922 all-purpose yards, including 587 yards in kickoff returns, rank 12th among the Cavaliers' all-time leaders.

Following his successful college career, Tommy was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, joining the legendary coach Don Shula. Over a five-year NFL career, he made his mark with several memorable plays, including an iconic 87-yard game-winning punt return against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which remains one of the most celebrated moments in the history of Thursday Night Football.

Tommy’s work history was a journey marked by dedication and consistency.   His early years saw him selling soda amid the smoke-filled atmosphere of Wayne PAL bingo nights and bussing tables at Gabriel’s in the Mountain View section of Wayne. He later served as a server for Hap Nightingale's legendary beefsteaks. Tommy’s career reached new heights when he played for five seasons in the National Football League with the Miami Dolphins. Following his NFL career, he transitioned into the business world, working several years in financial printing for the Chas. P. Young Company in Miami, Florida. The bulk of his career was spent selling municipal bonds with Roosevelt & Cross Incorporated in NYC, a job that he truly loved.

Tommy was a man of unwavering honesty, loyalty, and devotion, qualities that defined his life as a husband. He met his first wife, Dianne (Quaratino) Vigorito, at Holy Cross School, and the two attended DePaul together.  They shared a long and loving marriage, raising two beloved sons, Justin and Michael, until Dianne’s passing in 2015. The link to Dianne's obituary can be found below.  He untiringly dedicated his time and efforts for many years to caring for her when she was sick, and he protected her with all his might.

In 2016, “Tom” found love again with Natalie (Wagner) Vigorito, another DePaul classmate. Their bond was strengthened by shared faith, as Natalie sang at Mass every weekend. He never missed an opportunity to go with her, sometimes attending back-to-back Masses, even weddings and funerals, just to hear her voice, and afterwards telling her each time how beautifully she sang and complimenting her outfit. His heartfelt gestures such as these captured his enduring admiration and love for both of his cherished wives.

An exceptional golfer, Tommy achieved the rare feat of several holes-in-one and was once a proud member of the Montclair Golf Club in West Orange. His golfing prowess was further highlighted by his two-time status as a finalist in the NFL Alumni Association's Super Bowl of Golf Championship. He was a loyal participant in the annual IGT (Irv’s Golf Tournament)—a cherished tradition organized for many years by “The Commissioner”, longtime friend Bob Mulvihill. For those who didn’t know, Tommy’s father Ralph was affectionately known as “Irv,” making this trip even more meaningful.

Tommy’s interests extended beyond sports. He was an avid reader who read many novels in his youth and always listened to audiobooks in the car while riding with Natalie. His love for oldies music was profound – amazingly, he could sing all the lyrics of hundreds of songs while his actual speech declined due to his illness.  He watched Jeopardy every night and amazed everyone with the breadth of his knowledge and intelligence. His love of Elvis Presley and football legend Joe Namath remained unwavering. His generous spirit was evident in his service on the Board of Directors of the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in Miami, where he avidly supported the organization’s groundbreaking research as well as the Miami Project Great Sports Legend Dinner.

Tommy participated in a research project at the Boston University Alzheimer's and CTE Center, the goal of which was to find tests that could diagnose Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy before death. Tom suffered from suspected CTE and confirmed Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, conditions that both can be caused by repeated head trauma.  With Natalie’s assistance, he organized a fundraiser for the 2024 End CTE campaign run by the Concussion Legacy Foundation, and he was deeply grateful to all those who contributed.  He wanted everyone to understand the potential dangers of long-term playing of football and hockey, and wanted to find ways to protect young athletes.

Tommy was a man of vibrant contrasts—sarcastic yet caring, quick-witted but deeply giving, friendly and outgoing yet somewhat antisocial.  Nevertheless, he loved being with his close friends, teammates and colleagues.   Above all, Tommy was devoted to his family. He never missed a family function—whether birthdays, holidays, or special celebrations—always showing up with his characteristic warmth, enthusiasm and humor, making every gathering more memorable. DGGG - “Do good, get good”, a family saying Tommy would write in his cards to family members.

Tommy had many wonderful healthcare providers, especially Dr. David Goldbloom of Wayne (9 years), and his physical therapist, Joel Menendez of Performance Physical Therapy (4.5 years), also in Wayne. Finally, he was blessed by the assistance and companionship of many kind caregivers in recent years, especially Jireh Brown, his “PBR” buddy for the past 2.5 years.  Everyone took extra good care of Tommy, who was deeply thankful for their friendship, presence and support, and he always kept them entertained in return.

Tommy was the loving husband of the late Dianne (Quaratino) Vigorito (d. 2015) and Natalie (Wagner) Vigorito for the past nine years; he was the cherished son of the late Ralph “Irv” Vigorito (d. 2023) and his late wife Sandy Vigorito (d. 2010), and Dorothy Lukacsko of Pembroke Pines, Fl and her late husband John (d. 2016);  he was the devoted father of Justin Vigorito (Becka) of Jupiter, FL and Michael Vigorito of Brooklyn, NY; he was the dearly loved brother of Ralph Vigorito (Debbie) of Lincoln Park, Darcy Nash of Pembroke Pines, FL, and Patricia Babich (Matt) of Wayne; he was also the proud grandfather of Dominick Vigorito, Mackenzie Payne and Ivy Payne.  Tom was also the proud step-father of Anthony Marzocca of New York City, Charlotte Marzocca (Mike Payne) of Wayne, and Theo Kadela (Ingrid Gres) of Totowa. Tommy will be dearly missed by his aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his cherished friends.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations the Concussion Legacy Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Wesley J. Winkler, Jr. passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025; he was 77 years old.

Born in Paterson to Wesley and Etna Winkler, Wes was raised in Prospect Park, New Jersey. He was active in his church, Cedar Cliff United Methodist, where he met many lifelong friends as well as his future wife. Wes and Merrily were married in 1975 at the church where they’d met many years before. A few years later, they moved to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne where they raised two sons, Keith and Matthew. Wes’ and Merrily’s bond remained steadfast and strong over the years, and they were inseparable until the end.

Wes had a long career at New Jersey Bell and AT&T, where he progressed from installer to successful sales manager. He served in the Navy during Vietnam, and returned to complete the entirety of his higher education – undergraduate at Rutgers and MBA at Montclair State – taking night classes while working full time. Wes later retired from AT&T and had a short but successful tenure with Global Crossing.

One of Wes’ great loves was travel. Wes and Merrily took their children all over the United States, from local historic spots to national parks, as well as resorts in Hawaii. After their children had left home, they continued to travel, from cross-country drives to visit friends and family, to a cruise in Alaska. One of Wes’ proud accomplishments was having visited almost every state in the US.

Wes also loved his family dearly. Anyone who knew him for more than 10 minutes would have already heard proud stories of his children’s accomplishments. When his children were younger, he became very active in their Boy Scout troop, serving for years as Troop 104’s Committee Chairman. Once his sons were older, he and Merrily eagerly attended many of Matthew’s track meets and Keith’s musician gigs. Once he had grandchildren – eventually 6 of them – Wes loved seeing and playing with them, both at home and in the family’s beach house in Brigantine, NJ.

And that shore house was the place Wes loved to be most of all. He and Merrily rebuilt a small shore house into a vacation home that could fit them as well as their adult children and families. He loved time spent with them and with close friends at the beach. Wes had a lifelong love of the ocean, and could often be found body surfing or boogie boarding – either alone or with his kids and grandkids.

Wes was a devout member of the Methodist church, a member of both Wayne UMC and Grace UMC Wyckoff, where he again made lasting friendships. He raised his children in the church, and was active in bible study and other church activities. Through his church, Wes became devoted to helping those less fortunate. He served for many years as a board member of CUMAC food bank in Paterson, NJ; both he and Merrily spent much time volunteering there. Wes also volunteered building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

Wes had many other loves besides those as well. He loved watching sports, in particular football and golf. He was a lifelong handyman, tinkering and repairing his own home and later his children’s. And finally, he loved meeting new people, making friends wherever he went. Everyone he met soon knew Wes for his outgoing personality and love of helping friends and neighbors. He will be missed by all who had the fortune of knowing him.

Wes is survived by his wife, Merrily; his brother Wayne and sister-in-law Merry; his sons Keith and Matthew, and daughters-in-law Vicky and Maya; and his six grandchildren: Travis, June, Miles, Mira, Daphne, and Fern.

In lieu of flowers, donations to CUMAC: Feeding People, Changing Lives in Wes’ name would be greatly appreciated.

Louis A. Vanzini, age 90, of Wayne passed on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Louis was born to Frank and Erminia Vanzini in the family home at 124 Grassy Plain Street in Bethel, Connecticut. Raised in Bethel, he graduated from Bethel High School in 1952, where he served as Class President. Louis pursued higher education at the University of Connecticut, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Following his studies, Louis served in the United States Army, where he was stationed overseas in several countries. His service was marked by dedication, and he achieved the “Marksman” designation before being honorably discharged on August 31, 1963, upon completing his reserve obligation.

Louis built a successful career as an engineer, working for various companies before establishing his own business, P.C. Drilling, in 1972. Originally based in Paterson, New Jersey, the company later relocated to Fairfield. For three decades, Louis led the company with integrity and expertise until his son, Mark, assumed leadership in 2002. Under new management, the company evolved, merging with partners to become PCR Technologies, now located in Pine Brook, New Jersey.

Louis was a man of quiet brilliance, a steady presence whose intelligence and reliability were matched only by his subtle, quick wit. Beneath his reserved demeanor was a man of immense integrity, someone whose word was his bond and whose actions always aligned with his values. An avid snow skier and golfer, Louis found joy both on the slopes and fairways, but it was in his garage workshop that his true talents shined. With a natural gift for craftsmanship, he transformed raw wood into beautiful furniture, from intricate toy boxes and charming rocking horses for his grandchildren to custom fencing that framed his home with care. There was little he couldn’t fix, his hands skilled and his mind ever resourceful. Beyond his woodworking, Louis possessed a remarkable artistic flair, creating stunning paintings that revealed his keen eye for detail and beauty, a quiet testament to his boundless creativity.

He was the loving husband of the late Maureen Vanzini (d. 2022) and the mother of his children Beverlee Vanzini of Budd Lake; he was the devoted father of Mark Vanzini and his wife Lisa of Wayne, and Matthew Vanzini and his wife Jane of Somerset, and his step children Christopher Cerrina and his wife Elisa of Tuscaloosa, AL,  and Terry Davis and her husband Terry of Park Ridge; he was the cherished grandfather of Louis, Christian, Julia, Christopher, Emily and Lindsay; he was the loved brother of Diana Wellman of Newtown, CT; and devoted uncle of Kyle Wellman and Parris Wellman.

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Flowers or memorial donations would be greatly appreciated. For those interested in making a memorial donation please consider St Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Sandra J. Coyle, age 80, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025.

The second of five children and the only daughter of Harold and Grace (Ruuth) Coyle, Sandy was born in Paterson and raised in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, NJ. She graduated from DePaul High School, Wayne, NJ, Class of 1962, and went on to complete her education at Berkeley Secretarial School in West Paterson, graduating with honors.

Sandy’s first job after graduating from Berkeley was with an insurance agency in Montclair.

Following her marriage and the blessing of a daughter and three sons, Sandy devoted the formative years of her children’s lives to being a loving mother and homemaker. Once her children gained a measure of independence, she reentered the workforce in 1991 as a secretary at the Federated Department Stores headquarters in Totowa. Her flair for efficiency, accuracy, and organizational skill quickly led to a series of promotions, culminating in her role as Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Field Logistics. She retired in 2001.

Sandy met her future husband, Edward Coyle, through one of Ed’s coworkers. While in college, Ed worked part-time at Grand Way Grocery, where a coworker excitedly told him about a girl she knew who happened to share his last name. After several attempts to meet—delayed because Sandy was busy babysitting her three younger brothers—the two finally went on a date. Her name was Sandra Coyle, and that first Sunday afternoon trip to Asbury Park launched a wonderful relationship and an even more extraordinary marriage that would span over 61 years.

After just eight months of dating, Ed proposed to Sandy at a boat basin marina on the Hudson River. With her radiant smile, Sandy said yes, and together they began planning their wedding. Her father had one condition: Sandy couldn’t marry until she was at least twenty. So, two days after her twentieth birthday, Sandy and Ed exchanged vows before God, family, and friends on Saturday, September 19, 1964, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Sandy’s hometown of Wayne. Their reception was held at the Friar Tuck Inn in Clifton, and they honeymooned at Elbow Beach in Bermuda. That trip almost took a tragic turn when Sandy, unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road, accidentally steered her moped into oncoming traffic!

The newlyweds began their life together in an apartment above Ed’s parents’ home in Elmwood Park, on 18 Church Street. In 1969, they moved into their brand-new home in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, built on a cul-de-sac with four family homes next to each other along with Ed’s parents and two sisters and brother in laws. At one point, Sandy even petitioned the town to rename their road to “Coyle Way.” Though the effort was unsuccessful, it demonstrated her trademark tenacity.

Sandy and Ed remained in their Packanack Lake home to the present day. It was the perfect place to raise their four children, who enjoyed a warm and structured upbringing. Sandy ran a tight but loving household. Dinner was served daily at 4:30 PM sharp, and on Sundays at 5:00 PM, the Coyles were always at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church—often followed by a family trip to Hardie’s for hot dogs. A resourceful mother, Sandy was always ready to support her children. When algebra posed a challenge, she taught herself the subject so she could teach them. Her children knew they couldn’t get away with much, but they also knew how deeply she loved them—because she told them so every day.

Family vacations were filled with joyful memories. Each summer, Sandy and Ed took their family to Wildwood Crest, staying at the Pan American in Room 114. Fresh donuts from Packanack Bakery sweetened the two-and-a-half-hour drive. In later years, they enjoyed time at their condo in Ocean City, NJ, and wintered at Sugar Creek Country Club in Bradenton, Florida.

Sandy’s unwavering faith in God was the foundation of her life and informed all her most important decisions. Since 1969, she was a devoted parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church. A true prayer warrior, she prayed E-V-E-R-Y D-A-Y for everything and everyone. Despite her fiery spirit, she had a heart full of compassion. Who else but Sandy would give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to her son’s dog during a seizure? And who else but Ed would happen to drive by at that exact moment—and keep on driving in classic, humorous Ed fashion?

Sandy’s love for Christmas was legendary. Each year, she sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus on Christmas Day and hosted Ed’s family on Christmas Eve and her own on Christmas Day—nearly thirty years in a row.

She also had a cherished relationship with her favorite soap opera, The Young and the Restless. Watching it was sacred—no interruptions allowed. Her devotion to the show earned her nicknames like “Marge” and “The Duchess” from her kids.

Sandy will be remembered for countless reasons. Spirited and driven, she set high standards for herself and encouraged others to be their best. A true Energizer Bunny, she wouldn’t rest until she had walked at least 10,000 steps each day. She was a fighter—for her family, her beliefs, and even her cable bill, which she was disputing with Optimum just days before her passing.

To Sandy, her family extended beyond her immediate circle. Her daughters-in-law were daughters in her eyes, and she maintained strong friendships from her DePaul High School days.

The world was truly a better place with Sandy in it. Her legacy lives on in all those she touched.

Sandra was the beloved wife of Edward Coyle, with whom she shared 61 blessed years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Cathy Lynn Coyle of Wayne; Ryan P. Coyle and wife Nancy of Wayne; Mark Coyle and wife Carla of Wayne; and Greg Coyle and wife Lara of Wayne. She was the cherished grandmother of Brittany (Jonathan), Ryan (Emma), Taylor (Zach), Nick (Olivia), Canon (Hannah), Tommy (Carla), Mackenzie, and Chelsea; the proud great-grandmother of Jaxon; and the dear sister of Harold “Buzz” Coyle of South Jersey, Ken Coyle and wife Ginger of Tempe, Arizona, Doug Coyle and wife Donna of North Carolina, and Wayne Coyle and wife Sissy of South Jersey. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Sandy was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Grace (Ruuth) Coyle.

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In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy in Sandy’s memory may consider a donation to one of the following charitable organizations:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

P.O. Box 5028

Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028

To download a mailable form CLICK HERE

John Theurer Cancer Center

c/o Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation

92 2nd Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Sandra J. Coyle

🌹 A Celebration of the Life of Joan Maiello 🌹

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Heaven gained an angel. Earth lost a soul who breathed love into the very air she touched. Joan Maiello was not just a mother, a sister, or a friend—she was a radiant force of love, sacrifice, and joy in human form.

Even at 72, Joan carried a zest for life that danced through every conversation, every moment, and every memory she helped create. She lived not from the world, but for the people in it. And when we say she loved? She chose love. Daily. Intentionally. Endlessly.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank—her partner in all things; her cherished son Robert, whose memory she kept alive with every breath; and her parents, Doris and Wilbur, whose hearts surely greeted her at Heaven’s gates.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Nicole Maiello, a reflection of her strength and spirit, and her loving sister, Patricia Powers.

Her friends and classmates became her chosen family—faithful friends from as far back as four years old. Through every season of life, they stood strong by her side. And in her final days, they wrapped Joan’s daughter in fierce, faithful love—as if she were their own, as if Joan were their sister. That’s not just friendship—that’s forever. That’s the power of belonging, built through decades of devotion, unbreakable bonds, and deep, enduring love.

And it didn’t stop there. Joan’s world pulsed with a vibrant crew of volleyball teammates—bound by a rhythm as timeless as the tides—and former colleagues who transformed into chosen family. Joan was the epicenter of joy, warmth, inclusion, and belonging. She didn’t just create community—she embodied it.

Her love was felt across rooms, through the thickest of walls, beyond the borders of time and space. She brought joy to strangers. She gave kindness without condition. She lit up every room not just with her presence, but with the presence she gave others.

How do you put into words a woman whose impact is felt in silent tears and unfillable space? You don’t. You feel her. You live her legacy. You become her ripple.

We believe in what she believed—that this is not the end. That love does not die. That her spirit is not gone but ascended. Joan hasn’t left us. She’s loving us from a more soulful place. She's still choosing family. Still choosing love. First. Always.

So this is not goodbye. This is farewell for now. Until we meet again.

To honor Joan Maiello is to love with all your heart. To protect with all your might. To laugh like it’s your last day. To give when you have nothing left. To celebrate the people you’re gifted with—and never take one breath of that gift for granted.

She walks now with the angels who missed her dearly—Frank, Robert, Doris, Wilbur. And somewhere beyond this world, they’re laughing, embracing, and saying, “Welcome home.”

Joan Maiello didn’t just leave this world better than she found it. She redefined what better looks like.

And if we could choose family? We’d still choose her.

Elaine M Mingo (nee Tibus), age 90, of Wayne passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 5, 2025 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Elaine M Mingo was born in Clifton, NJ and attended Clifton schools. She graduated Passaic General Hospital School of Nursing and attended Providence Lying-In Hospital in Rhode Island for post graduate study in obstetrics.

An active volunteer in Wayne Township all her life, she coached PAL and Our Lady of the Valley cheerleading squads and was the editor of the PAL newsletter. She worked in crisis intervention at the Wayne Counseling Center and was a member of the medical team for Special Olympics. For 18 years, Elaine was an active member of the Wayne First Aid Squad and as an exempt member continued to volunteer on the fund drive committee.

Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Wayne, was blessed with Elaine’s membership since the 1960s. She regularly prepared meals for Eva’s Kitchen and participated in the Cornerstone Women’s Retreats. Her love of knitting and crocheting inspired her to start the church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry more than 20 years ago. In 2015, she received The Vivere Christus Award in recognition of her outstanding and faithful service.

Elaine started her nursing career at Passaic General Hospital. For 20 years she was employed by Hospital Nurses Registry doing private duty, and was a staff nurse at Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa until she retired.

She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, James A. Mingo, of Wayne, NJ; her father and mother, John and Mary Tibus of Clifton, NJ; and her brother, John D. Tibus of Springdale, Utah.

Surviving is a loving and devoted family. Sons James G. Mingo of Wayne, NJ; Gerard J. Mingo of Wayne, NJ, partner Donna Cahill, and grandsons Michael and Matthew. Daughters Christine Mingo Byrd and grandson Justin of PA; Marianne Mingo Hazzard, husband Thomas and grandsons Jonathan and Joshua of Lake Worth, FL.

More than anything, Elaine loved the Lord, her family, friends, and neighborhood - with all her heart and soul. She was a giver! If you stopped by her home, which was always open and welcoming, you’d likely find her knitting, share a few laughs, and she would definitely try to feed you. She loved to cook, had a great sense of humor, and always put others first.

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In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wayne First Aid Squad.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral mass will also be livestreamed.  Please click the link below to watch livestream.

https://ecatholic.live/I6y40566uVswWhCySGEuIssgRFMVtQHE/channels/1/event/1002/public/view?signature=0a6a460d517d690c9c584418906a3d2db2f5c68ede91d33cecf1bc9185fa2880

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Judith A Kloo (nee Kieck), age 72, of Wayne, NJ.

Judith was born in Jersey City and raised in Secaucus, NJ.  She was one of two children of George and Violet Kieck.  While growing up in Secaucus, Judith attended Holy Family High School in Union City, NJ and graduated with the class of 1971.  After graduating high school, Judy attended Jersey City State College in Jersey City for a couple of years.

In 1971 while at a relative’s wedding, Judy stood as a radiant bridesmaid, not knowing the day would change her life forever. She was paired with an usher, a young man named Chuck Kloo, a close friend of the groom.  Judy initially exchanged only polite small talk.  As the celebration unfolded, their connection blossomed into something more. They hit it off wonderfully and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1974, Judy and Chuck exchanged wedding vows at Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus surrounded by friends and family becoming husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in Secaucus for a few years before moving to Wayne Township in 1977.  While residing in Wayne, Judy and Chuck welcomed the birth of their one and only son, Matthew.  Judy and Chuck called Wayne their home for the rest of their lives together.

Shortly after getting married, Judy decided to become a full-time homemaker.  Judy’s dedication to being a wife and mother was truly her calling and where she flourished.  Those who knew Judy knew that her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Judy than providing for and spending time with her family.  Judy discovered a new kind of joy with the addition of a “daughter” and especially when her grandchildren were born. In her grandchildren, Judy found not just delight, but a new sense of purpose.  She treasured spending time with her grandchildren and spoiling them to no end.  Throughout the years, Judy cherished hosting the holidays at her home, especially Christmas.  Judy and Chuck recently celebrated an amazing fifty-one years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Judy was not only devoted to her family, but also to her Christian Faith.  For many years she was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Wayne.  Judy was a wonderfully social lady who could talk to anyone about anything.  She and her husband Chuck owned a home in Naples, Florida where they would spend their winters.  There, the couple spent countless afternoons and evenings with their friends and neighbors in front of their home eating, drinking and talking.  Those who participated in the gatherings called it “Driveway Therapy.”

Judy will forever be remembered as an outgoing and compassionate lady who deeply loved her family and friends.  She was a very special person who touched the lives of many people.  She will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Judy is survived by her husband Alfred “Chuck” Kloo of Wayne, NJ, son Matthew Kloo and his wife Tracy of Wayne, NJ, sister Patricia Beider and her fiancé James of Toms River, NJ, two grandchildren Braylee and Braeden Kloo both of Wayne, NJ, and many beloved extended family members.  She was predeceased by her parents George and Violet Kieck of Secaucus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Police Unity Tour in Judy’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Peter Mierop, age 87, of North Haledon, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

He was born to Jacob and Elizabeth Mierop at the family home in Clifton. He was raised in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1955.

Pete began his working life early, delivering the Herald & News newspaper as a paperboy in Clifton. As he grew older, he took a job in the produce department of the Grand Union grocery store in town, where he developed a strong work ethic and a knack for customer service. Pete later transitioned into the trucking industry, working as a driver for Oppelaar & Meyer Trucking in Kearny, transporting goods with reliability and care. He went on to become a route man for the Frito-Lay Corporation in Little Falls, where he built lasting relationships with his clients. Eventually, Pete finished his career proudly serving Bergen and Passaic Counties as a trusted route man for Pepperidge Farm, known for his dedication, friendly demeanor, and commitment to doing the job right.

Pete’s life was a living testament to his deep faith and unwavering devotion to the Lord. A lifelong member of Hope Reformed Church in Clifton, he poured his heart into the church community that he loved so dearly. Over the years, Pete served in countless roles — as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Group leader, and Prayer Group leader — always leading with humility, kindness, and a servant’s heart. His quiet strength, compassionate guidance, and steadfast spirit left a lasting imprint on everyone he met. Pete didn’t just talk about his faith; he lived it daily, offering an enduring example of what it meant to walk closely with God.

Pete was a man whose deep faith shaped every part of his life. Outgoing, kind-hearted, and full of genuine warmth, he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. If there was a job to be done or someone who needed help, Pete never hesitated — he simply jumped in without a second thought.

Pete met the love of his life, Karen Meyer, while working for her father at Opelaar & Meyer Trucking in Kearny. Their connection quickly grew into a deep and lasting love, and they were married on September 28, 1963, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Paterson. After their wedding, they set off for their honeymoon in Florida, driving Pete’s beloved 1959 white convertible Pontiac. Over the years, Pete and Karen built a strong, devoted marriage filled with love, laughter, and faith, celebrating sixty-one wonderful years together. Their life together was richly blessed with two daughters, Kimberly and Wendy, who were the joy of their hearts.

At home, Pete was like a real-life Dr. Dolittle, happily caring for a lively menagerie of pets. Over the years, he and his family shared their home with their beloved terrier, Muffin, as well as three cats, rabbits, fish, hamsters, a chameleon, and even a gerbil. Pete had a natural way with animals, showing them the same kindness, patience, and gentle spirit that he offered to everyone in his life.

Pete was the loving husband of sixty-one years to Karen (nee Meyer) Mierop; devoted father of Kimberly Veinberg and her husband Dima of North Haledon and Wendy DeWall and her husband Stephen of Newtown Square, PA; cherished grandfather of Anya Veinberg, Peter DeWall, Nathan DeWall, Elise DeWall, and Anna DeWall; and loving brother of Elizabeth Kranik, Bertha Bassani, and Jacob Mierop.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Pete’s memory may be made to: Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, 297 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne.

Thomas P. Ayres

February 28, 1948 – April 26, 2025

Thomas P. Ayres, age 77, of Parsippany, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born to Raymond and Audrey Ayres at Wickersham Hospital in New York City, Tom grew up in the family home at 47-24 204th Street in Bayside, Queens. He graduated from Saint Helena’s High School in the Bronx with the Class of 1965. The commute to high school and after-school jobs left little time for sports. Still, Tom played catcher for a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) baseball team. In his senior year, he formed his own Police Athletic League (PAL) team with friends, proudly helping them win the 1965 Queens County Championship for their age group.

Following high school, Tom answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably, attaining the rank of Sergeant and receiving the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. His sense of discipline, loyalty, and quiet strength would be hallmarks of his life.

After his military service, Tom pursued his education at night and on weekends while working full time, first at Western Connecticut State College (now University) and then at The New School in New York City. There, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees focusing on Human Resources (HR) - a testament to his self-driven spirit, desire to succeed, and unwavering commitment to providing for his family.

Tom’s professional journey was as hardworking and honest as he was. He started working as a boy with humble jobs — mucking out stalls at Bayside Stables, hauling stacks of Long Island Star Journal on his paper route, bringing home the meat as a delivery boy for “Pete’s” Meat, and hustling as a messenger at the Equitable Life Assurance Company. After his time in the Marines, he joined Xerox Corporation as a service technician, eventually working his way up to become Personnel Operations Manager for the New York Region. His HR career continued to evolve at CYRO Industries, which was ultimately acquired by Evonik Industries in Parsippany, where he rose to the position of Vice President of Human Resources for North America. He retired in January 2011 after a long and distinguished career, respected for his leadership, fairness, wisdom, and unwavering work ethic.

Tom was known for his serious demeanor, but beneath it lay a wry sense of humor and an endless repertoire of "dad jokes" that he delivered with perfect timing. He had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures: photographing quiet moments, tending his roses, reading on the back deck, and hitting the greens as a longtime member — and former board member — of Newton Country Club. He also loved to travel, embracing each new place with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

A natural mentor, Tom guided countless young professionals with patience and encouragement. Outside the office, he shared his love of sports with the next generation, coaching and managing the Morris County Dynamo soccer teams. Both on and off the field, he inspired others through his steady leadership and kind heart.

Tom truly shined in his role as a grandfather, a chapter of life he cherished deeply. After retirement, he became a “professional grandpa,” eagerly cheering from the sidelines, capturing photos of milestones and special events, hosting sleepovers, organizing holiday celebrations, and creating memories that his grandchildren will carry forever.

After years of companionship and love, Tom recently married his beloved Marie Armenio on April 17, 2025. He was the proud and devoted father of Thomas Ayres and his wife Jennifer of Milltown; Sherry Ayres of Jersey City; and MaryAlice Ayres of Wharton. He was the adored grandfather of Fiona Marin-Ayres, Brady Ayres, Alaura Ayres, Jordyn Ayres, and Savannah Budinger.

Tom also leaves behind his loving siblings: Raymond P. Ayres, Jr. and his wife Linda of St. Marys, GA; Nancy Pricci and her husband William of Amityville, NY; Patricia Harford of Patchogue, NY; Michael Ayres and his wife Leslie of Marietta, GA; and Mary Beth Daly and her husband Bill of Kings Park, NY. His many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will forever remember his steadfast love, sharp wit, and generous spirit.

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation in Tom’s honor, supporting the fight against pancreatic cancer — a cause close to the family's heart.

Tom's life was a beautiful example of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and steadfast love. His legacy will live on in every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lustgarten Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral mass will also be livestreamed.

Hans Ruffler, age 88, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Hans was born in Heilbronn, Germany, the third of four children and the only son to his parents, Karl and Else (née Rechkemmer) Ruffler. The Ruffler family lived in a house in the city center, above the family’s furniture store and upholstery rooms.

Hans’ grandfather, Karl Ruffler, had left Germany for the United States in the 1870s and become a U.S. citizen in 1878, but then returned to Germany and opened the furniture store in the mid-1880s.

In 1944, the Ruffler family’s house was destroyed during a bombing of the city center. Hans’ father was killed, and his mother and the four children, sheltering in the basement during the bombing, eventually found refuge outside of the city. After living in multiple temporary locations, the family rebuilt their house and business.

The Rufflers lived near the Neckar River, where Hans swam often. He and his friends once built a raft from scraps they found along the river bank. They toiled many hours. When they finally floated down the river, they realized they had forgotten to account for the current making it impossible to come back. The friends abandoned their raft and resigned to a long walk home.

Hans’ love for adventure was undeterred. As a teenager, he and his friends went on weeklong excursions to Switzerland by bicycle. In his teen years, he also developed a lifelong love of photography, inspired by his father.

During high school, students were encouraged to have an American pen pal. Hans became pen pals with a girl living in Mesa, Arizona. They stayed in contact long after high school.

After graduating, Hans completed a three-year apprenticeship to prepare him to take over the family business. However, plans changed, and in 1957 he followed his sister Eva to the United States instead, landing jobs such as surveyor’s helper and Bond Bread salesman, making early morning deliveries and singing as he drove. (To his surprise, he found out much later that his customers could hear him and had dubbed him the “singing bread man”.)

Hans’ American pen pal’s parents owned a swimming pool business in Mesa. They invited Hans to come and work for them, and he was ready for a new adventure. In Arizona, Hans spent his free time exploring the surroundings in his first car, a Studebaker, marveling at the landscape so different from what he knew.

Hans’ mother, stepfather, and younger sister, Ute, arrived in New Jersey in 1959. His mother sent him a plane ticket to return to New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, he was inducted into the Army and went to basic training at Camp Kilmer, where officers encouraged him to pursue higher education.

After an honorable discharge, Hans began working at Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Company in Morris Plains. He enrolled at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, attending classes at night over the next twelve years and graduating with a B.S. in Marketing and, ultimately, an MBA.

As if he weren’t busy enough during those years, he found time to fall in love with a fellow immigrant, from Sweden, Gunnel (née Larsson), who also worked in the International Division of Warner Lambert. In 1966, they married and held their reception at Germania Park, Dover. They then settled into a garden apartment in Parsippany and over the next few years, they welcomed their daughters Lisa and Susan.

In 1971, Hans took a job with American Cyanamid in Wayne and the family moved to Packanack Lake. The house at 1 Sunset Terrace was a dream come true for the couple. Hans was thrilled to have a workshop in the basement, where he made bookshelves, a toy chest, candlesticks, and later on an incredible dollhouse with handmade furniture. He built a work bench for his girls and introduced them to woodworking. (Much later, he also built a playhouse for the girls, “1½  Sunset Terrace,” from scraps after a renovation project. The playhouse was eventually taken over by his grandchildren. It is still there!)

The family joined the Packanack Community Church, where Hans and Gunnel made lifelong friendships and Hans sang in the church choir, served as a trustee, and helped wherever he could lend a hand.

Hans and Gunnel welcomed a third daughter, Heidi, in 1974.

In February 1979, the Rufflers moved to Gosport, England after Hans accepted a transfer, which lasted until the summer of 1980. The family then returned to their treasured home in Packanack Lake, which had been rented out.

In 1982, Hans accepted a position with Luitpold Pharma, a pharmaceutical company in Munich, Germany. This lasted until 1999, when the company was acquired by a Japanese company, Sankyo GMBH, and Hans retired.

One of Hans’ countless highlights of being back in Germany was reconnecting with his German relatives, including his older sister, Inge, who had stayed in Germany, and her family. He went on many mountain climbing weekend trips with two cousins also named Hans, a cause of confusion when the two other fellows would call out “Hans” and all three responded.

One other highlight was the family’s cabin in Sweden, where Hans used his skills and strength, felling trees and building a stone path when Gunnel asked for one.

Other highlights included making a great group of friends and enjoying an active lifestyle, skiing in the Alps, hiking, learning to play the guitar, and traveling. Hans also developed a love of cooking, exploring many German recipes and keeping track in the margins of his cookbooks of the date and how well the recipe turned out. (Almost all, “very good!”)

After retirement, Hans and Gunnel once again returned to their home in Packanack Lake and were welcomed back warmly by their friends and family. Hans re-joined the church choir and took up watercolor painting with a group of friends at the Packanack Lake Clubhouse. He also loved playing tennis and enjoyed a variety of classes at the Center for Lifelong Learning at Kinnelon Library.

Hans and Gunnel welcomed numerous grandchildren: Alexandra and bonus granddaughter Sarah, Markus, Mia, Annika, and Matteo. The grandchildren were introduced to German nursery rhymes and songs by their Opa (grandfather in German). In time, family members couldn’t help but notice several of Opa’s traits among the grandkids, including athleticism, music, art, curiosity, mischievousness, interest in cooking and sharing food, and a love for nature.

In 2020, Hans and Gunnel sold their beloved home in Packanack Lake and moved to Cedar Crest. The pandemic had just started. In spite of restrictions, Hans and Gunnel were lucky to start playing bocce and meet fellow residents that summer.

Eventually, hiking, gardening, exercise classes, and pickle ball became part of their daily lives. Last summer, Hans had a chance to show some of his watercolor paintings at Cedar Crest, an occasion for an extended family gathering. Time seemed to pass faster than ever.

Hans is survived by Gunnel, his wife of 59 years, daughters Lisa, Susan (Andrew), and Heidi, grandchildren Alexandra, Sarah, Markus, Mia, Annika, and Matteo, his sister Ute Morris, many nieces and nephews, and friends in the U.S., Germany, Sweden, U.K., and Portugal.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed at  https://www.youtube.com/@packanackcommunitychurch/streams.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Hans’ name to the Packanack Community Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Virginia A. Bailey NEE Nazzaro, Age 74, of Pequannock NJ passed away on Wednesday April 23, 2025.

Virginia was born in Paterson to Dr. Rocco and Pearline Nazzaro, the second of five siblings. She grew up in Wayne NJ, attending Wayne schools and graduated from Wayne Valley High School's Class of 1968. She extended her education at The Wilfred Academy.

She worked at various clerical jobs until being employed by New Jersey Bell Telephone Company in Morristown.

She was married to Christopher Bailey and was blessed with a son, Anthony. She leaves behind a son, Anthony Bailey, his wife Heather and two grandsons, Austin and Kyle. Her siblings, Rocco Nazzaro and his wife Dorothy, Kathleen Stanicki and her husband Gary, Loretta Maloney and her husband Martin, Lou Nazzaro and his wife Eileen and five nephews and a niece.

She was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

Patricia “Pat” (nee Lazzaro) Santana, age 71, of Wayne for thirteen years and previously of Clifton, passed Friday, April 18, 2025.

She was born to Salvatore and Theresa Lazzaro in Passaic and raised in Clifton.  Pat graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1972.  

Pat worked as a data processor for entire working career.  First for the ADP Corporation on Market Street in Paterson, then the UPS Corporation in Parsippany, and finally the GAF Corporation first in Wayne and later in Parsippany before retiring in 2018.

Pat met the love of her life, Benjamin “Ben” Santana, at the Dealer’s Inn on Main Avenue in Paterson.  Apparently, Ben’s language was a little salty and Pat called him out for it.  That was their first encounter.  It was soon followed up by a formal date for dinner at the Jade Fountain in Clifton.  They fell in love and decided to spend the rest of their lives together.  Benny and Pat exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends on Saturday, September 8, 1979 at St. John Kanty Church on Speer Avenue in Clifton Pat was just out of high school.  Everyone celebrated the marriage at a reception at the Athenia Veteran’s Post at 147 Huron Avenue in Clifton.  Afterwards, the newlyweds set off for their honeymoon to Virginia Beach, Virginia.  After the honeymoon, the first place they called home was a first-floor apartment at 193 Ludington Avenue in Clifton.  From there they moved into a first-floor apartment in a four-family home at 227 Speer Avenue in Clifton that was owned by Pat’s mother.  In 2010 Ben and Pat moved to Wayne.

Pat was truly a one-of-a-kind person, a vibrant spirit with a personality that could light up any room.  Her love for music was evident in her adoration for The Beatles and Phil Collins, and her caring nature made her a beloved friend to many.  A lifelong cat lover, she formed deep bonds with her furry companions, especially Nika and Jordan, though she welcomed numerous feline friends throughout the years.  Pat enjoyed her evenings, engrossed in her favorite TV shows like Survivor, The Andy Griffith Show, 48 Hours, Court TV,  and various programs on the Lifetime Channel.  In the kitchen, she was a culinary wizard, whipped up delicious sausage, lasagna, savory pastas, and delightful baked goods, including her famous Rum Balls and all kinds of Italian specialties. However, despite her love for cooking there was one dish that she could never bring herself to enjoy: spaghetti, which she humorously dismissed as looking too much like worms.  Pat’s unique quirks and boundless affection left a lasting impression on those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Pat was the loving wife of wife of forty-five years to the late Benjamin Santana (d. 2024); she was the loved sister of Vincent Consalvo of Beverly Hills, FL and his late wife Penny (d. 2021); she was also dearly loved by her in-laws, Juana Santana of Clifton, the late Patrick Santana (d. 2005), Monte Santana, Jr. and his wife Barbara of Clifton, and Maria and Hector Lopez of Clifton; she was the cherished aunt of Monte Santana, III and his wife Ashley and Vincent Santana and Nina Ibarria.

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

John David (Jack) Coleman, age 91, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025.

Jack was born in southern New Jersey, in the town of Matawan. He was the second of two sons born to Edward J. and Agnes (Shields) Coleman and was raised in the family home at 308 Montgomery Street in Jersey City.

A proud member of the Class of 1950, John graduated from Ferris High School before continuing his education at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. Determined and hardworking, he paid his own way through college and earned his bachelor’s degree before being called to serve in the United States Army. From 1956 to 1958, he trained in Ft. Lee Virginia and deployed to Korea where he served his country honorably. While there, he meticulously photo journaled his experiences.

Jack began his professional career with Equitable Life Insurance Company, where he was fortunate to receive early IBM computer training - a fortuitous opportunity that launched him into a long and successful career in the emerging world of technology. As a programmer and systems analyst, he contributed his expertise to several well-known companies, including Union Camp, ABC, Western Union, Otis Elevator, Nasdaq, American Express (in the World Trade Center), ADP and finally, Computer Horizons, where he worked until his retirement in the mid 1990s.

It was at Equitable Life that John met a young woman named Patricia Prior. Though his job would change, his heart stayed with Pat. The two fell in love and were married on Saturday, September 12, 1959, in a church in Jersey City. They began their life together in Jersey City on Varick Street before moving across town to 112 Duncan Avenue. In 1968, they made a lasting move to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, where they raised their three sons and shared a loving marriage that spanned 63 years until Pat’s passing in February 2023.

Outside of work, Jack was a devoted family man. A loving and involved father, he poured his energy into raising his sons, creating lasting memories of pickup basketball games and family bike rides. He was an amateur artist and known for his corny Dad jokes. An avid self-taught handyman, he often spent time working on his cars and home repairs. As a grandfather, he cherished every moment spent with his four grandsons and three granddaughters, always offering kindness, wisdom, and warmth.

John was the beloved husband of the late Patricia (Prior) Coleman; the loving father of John R. Coleman and his wife Robin of Wayne, Robert Coleman and his wife Irene of Butler, and Martin Coleman and his wife Christine of Clifton; the proud grandfather of John Coleman III and his wife Lina, Emily Coleman, Marjorie Coleman, Christopher Coleman, Thomas Coleman, Maura Coleman, and Brian Coleman; the adoring great-grandfather of Jameson and Raelynn; and the dear brother of the late Edward Coleman.

John Matysik Jr., age 82, of Wayne passed on Friday, April 18, 2025 after an illness.

John was born on May 31, 1942, the oldest of John and Genevieve Matysik's three children. John grew up in Clifton, NJ and graduated from Clifton High School. John was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in March of 1966.

John was quiet and humble and had the strongest work ethic of anyone you could ever meet.  John worked as a tool and die maker in various machine shops for most of his life.  His daughter recalls many years of her childhood where her father would work 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, standing in a hot machine shop.  Despite those conditions, he rarely missed a day of work.  Yearly summer vacations took place in Seaside Heights, NJ.  The family also took trips to Washington, DC and Disney World. After his son-in-law Anthony passed away in 2009, John immediately went back into "dad mode" and made sure Heather, Krystian and AJ always had the help they needed. John and Eleanor even moved in with Heather and the kids for the first year after Anthony's passing.

John could fix just about anything and was always the first call Heather made when something broke at the house (which was often).  John took great pride in his lawn, which was often described as a "mattress".  John also spent nearly 16 years taking care of the lawn at Heather's house and taking care of the pool.  Every Sunday morning John would go grocery shopping and bring bagels to Heather and the kids and ham for his grand-dog, JJ.  John took up skiing when Heather was younger because she wanted to ski like her friends. After a few years, Heather decided she didn't like being cold and quit but John continued to ski for many years, into his 70's.  In recent years John began going to Reloaderz where he enjoyed his new hobby of target shooting.  The employees got to know him very well and even got him a cake and sang happy birthday to him a few years ago.

John was introduced to the love of his life, Eleanor, by a friend.  The two dated shortly before John was drafted into the Army.  They wrote letters to each other while he was away and when he returned from the Army he proposed.  John and Eleanor were married on September 22, 1968 at Sacred Heart RC Church in Bloomfield.  After their honeymoon in Niagara Falls, John and Eleanor settled in Belleville.  John and Eleanor welcomed their daughter, Heather, on October 7, 1976 and a few months later moved to Wayne, where John continued to reside in the same home until his passing.  John and Eleanor enjoyed nearly 45 years of a devoted marriage until Eleanor's passing in 2013.  John's greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, Krystian and AJ.  He would tell everyone he met, from the cashier at Stop and Shop to the hospital and rehab staff, all about them.  He attended every school event that he could and enjoyed taking them for ice cream and to Dave and Busters.

John was predeceased by his wife Eleanor in 2013, his sister Elizabeth in 2024 and his son-in-law Anthony in 2009.  He will be deeply missed by his daughter Heather, grandchildren Krystian and AJ Lanza, brother Ralph and his wife Phyllis, nieces and nephews PJ (Kim), Maryanne, Ron (Kim) and Doug (Erin), the Lanza family and many other extended family members, friends and neighbors.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arnold Raquet, age 93, of Wayne, NJ.

Arnold passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025.  Arnold was born and raised in New York City and was one of two children to Andrew and Anna Raquet.  While growing up in New York, Arnold attended Brooklyn High School of Automotive Trades.  

Following his high school graduation with the class of 1950, Arnold found employment quickly with W. & J. Sloane.  There he was hired as a delivery truck driver.  Arnold worked for W. & J. Sloane for more than thirty years until the company’s closing.  After W. & J. Sloane closed its doors, Arnold took a position with the Township of Wayne.  Throughout the years, Arnold held several positions with Wayne Township and eventually became a Water Pollution Control Plant Operator.  This was the position Arnold held until his retirement in 2010.

In the mid 1950’s, Arnold agreed to go on a blind date with a young attractive woman by the name of Gloria Wisloh.  The two hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on April 29, 1956 the two exchanged wedding vows surrounded by family and friends and became husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in Brooklyn after first getting married and then moved to Wayne, NJ.  While living in Wayne, they welcomed the birth of their one and only daughter, Evelyn.  Arnold and Gloria raised their daughter in Wayne and called it their home for the rest of their lives together.

Arnold enjoyed tinkering with all sorts of machinery and electronics and could fix and build just about anything.  He also never lost interest in cars, he treasured working on and maintaining his automobiles throughout his life.  One of his favorite cars he owned was his pink and black 1957 Buick.  In 2005, a truly special event occurred for the Raquet family.  The Norway Spruce tree on the Raquet family’s property was selected to be the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.  

Aside from all of Arnold’s hobbies, talents, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Arnold than providing for and spending time with his friends and family.  Arnold and his wife Gloria cherished over forty-six years of loving and loyal marriage until Gloria’s passing in 2003

Arnold was a man of few words, known for his quiet stubbornness and tendency to keep to himself. He wasn't the type to seek out conversation or spend time in crowds. Those who took the time to look past his reserved nature discovered something unexpected.  He had a warm, thoughtful side marked by loyalty and kindness. Beneath his tough exterior was a man who cared deeply for family and friend.

Arnold will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Arnold is survived by his daughter Evelyn Zerenner and her husband Steve of Newark, DE, two grandchildren: Michael Zerenner, and Kaitlyn Zerenner both of Newark, DE.  He was predeceased by his wife Gloria Raquet in 2003 and by his brother Robert Raquet.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arnold’s name may be made to the Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Agostino V. Rottino, age 84, of Wayne, NJ. He was known by all family and friends as Augie.

Augie was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and was the only child of Anthony and Antoinette Rottino.

One of Augie’s first jobs as a young 5-year old boy was scooping Italian ice in his grandfather’s deli. Then at the age of 15 he started cutting hair at his father’s barber shop. Augie went to barber school and obtained a legal license to cut hair.

He attended St. Aloysius High School in Jersey City graduating with the class of 1959. Upon graduating Augie enrolled at St. Peter’s University located in Jersey City where he earned his Bachelor's Degree. Augie found work quickly after graduating from college and accepted a position as an economics teacher with Snyder High in Jersey City. Later, after establishing his career as a teacher, Augie earned his Master’s Degree in Education at Seton Hall University.

Augie was a dedicated teacher, known for his passion for helping others grow and succeed. After four years in the classroom, he felt a pull toward something new. Teaming up with a close friend who shared his entrepreneurial spirit, Augie co-founded the Commerce Employment Agency in Morristown, NJ. Their goal was to connect talented individuals with meaningful job opportunities. Augie and his partner owned and operated the business for more than ten years.

While the experience was rewarding and full of valuable lessons, Augie eventually felt a strong pull back to his roots. He returned to the field of education with a renewed sense of purpose. This time, he brought with him a wealth of real-world experience, which enriched his teaching and allowed him to connect with students more deeply. He accepted a position as the director of Project Coop in Newark, NJ. He also became the Business Administrator for the Board of Education in Lyndhurst and for Englewood Cliffs Board of Education. Later, Augie earned the positions of Superintendent and Business Administrator for the Leonia Board of Education. Augie would hold these positions until his retirement in 2005. The George Washington School in Leonia dedicated the Agostino V. Rottino Gymnatorium in 2005 to Augie’s legacy. Throughout his life and career, Augie owned and operated several businesses including The Breadbasket Deli and Hollar’s Restaurant in Clifton, NJ. In his retirement, he acted as a consultant to several boards of education in New Jersey including Little Ferry, Hasbrouck Heights, and Paterson. He was hired to oversee the building project of the George Washington School in Edgewater. Throughout his career, which spanned over fifty years, Augie was truly loved and well respected by his colleagues and his peers. Alongside his career, Augie was also on the Board of Directors at The Woods at Waterview Estates in Wayne, where he resided.

Augie and Mary Jane met in September of 1991 and formed a friendship that lasted forever. They moved in together in 2000, married, and lived happily in Wayne, NJ for 25 years. They had a loving and loyal marriage. Augie and Mary Jane enjoyed setting off on cruises to a variety of breathtaking destinations, each vacation bringing new adventures and cherished memories. Among all the places they visited, Aruba held a special place in their hearts.

Augie was a fan of the New York Yankees and the San Francisco 49ers. His greatest hobby was stamp collecting. He also had an obsession for following the New York Stock Exchange. Above all else, Augie’s greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Augie than spending time with and providing for his family.

Augie will forever be remembered as a dedicated educator, a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was truly a special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Augie is survived by his wife Mary Jane (nee Gallagher) of Wayne, NJ, his son Anthony Rottino of Toms River, NJ, two daughters: Alicia Johnson and her husband James of Green Pond, NJ and Denise Donohue and her husband Michael of Myrtle Beach, SC, six grandchildren; Kelly Sherin and her husband Alex of Hoboken, NJ. Michael Rottino and his wife Stefanie of Toms River, NJ, Matthew Rottino of Newark, DE, Jacquelyn Johnson of Green Pond, NJ, Julia Johnson of Green Pond, NJ and Michael Donohue of Cary, NC. Augie was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Antoinette Rottino.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral mass will also be livestreamed. To watch the livestream, please click on the link below.

https://ecatholic.live/I6y40566uVswWhCySGEuIssgRFMVtQHE/channels/1/event/1000/public/view?signature=22e6392aa86265376813592f37c3ee7c1ff5e53f53d9f9117142ed9db8ace767

In lieu of flowers, donations in Agostino’s name may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or The Wounded Warrior Project

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anna M. Froehner (nee Temple), age 101, of Pompton Plains, NJ.

Anna passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 while receiving the loving care of her family.  Anna was born and raised in Secaucus, New Jersey, and her life took a tragic turn before she could even form memories.  Her mother passed away when Anna was just a year and a half old. Left without a mother, she was taken in by her Aunt Ella, who raised her in an apartment above a well-known establishment named Mosie’s Tavern.  Mosie’s Tavern was a local bar nestled in the heart of Secaucus. For the first few years of her life, Anna believed Ella was her mother, clinging to her with the trust and innocence only a child could offer. It wasn’t until she turned five that she discovered the truth.  At five years old, Anna found out that the woman she called “mom” was actually her aunt. The revelation marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of self-discovery.

She attended A. J. Demarest high school in Hoboken graduating with the class of 1941.  After graduating from high school, Aunt Ella handed her bus fare and told Anna to head down to the Social Security office in town where they would help getting a job.  The Social Security Administration Office helped her by finding her a job as a secretary at a local insurance office. 

On Anna’s second day at work a young handsome man by the name of Kenneth H. Froehner spotted Anna in the office window when getting off the bus.  Anna previously met Ken at a church group meeting.  The first night they met, Ken saw Anna from across the room and asked a mutual friend if he could meet her.  When Anna found out, she went to the ladies’ room and hid there for the rest of the night!  She was only fifteen and not allowed to date, but she admits that he was very handsome.  Ken got off the bus, went into the office and spoke to her, inviting her to the movies.  The two hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on May 27, 1944 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Secaucus, they exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife surrounded by family and friends.

Since Ken was still serving in the US Navy, the newlyweds moved around a bit from Oregon to a naval base in Florida.  Anna also lived with her in-laws for a short time in West New York, NJ.  The couple also lived in Lakehurst where they welcomed their first born, their son Ken.  Then, after moving to Dumont, NJ, the family welcomed their second son Gregg and their only daughter Dorell.  As the family grew, they eventually settled in Wayne, NJ where they would spend the next thirty years.  In 1989, Anna and Ken retired, moving to Toms River, NJ.  Later in 1998, they moved to Chester, NJ to be closer to family.  In 2014, Anna and Ken became residents of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains. 

Immediately after getting married, Anna devoted her life to being a full-time homemaker.  This was indeed Anna’s calling and where she flourished.  It was truly apparent to everyone that knew Anna, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Anna than providing for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great granddaughter.  Anna and Ken cherished an amazing seventy years of loving and loyal marriage until Ken’s passing in 2015.  Tragedy also struck Anna and her family’s lives when her son Gregg passed away in the tragic and devastating events of September 11, 2001. 

As Anna’s children got older, she decided to get back into the workforce and found employment quickly with Valley Cleaners in Wayne where she worked as a front counter clerk and seamstress.  She worked for Valley Cleaners for over ten years.  She also co-owned a small gift shop with one of her neighbors in Midland Park, NJ for a short time. 

Anna was not only dedicated to her family, but also to her Lutheran Faith.  She and her husband Ken were long-time members of St Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne.  In her spare time, Anna loved to go shopping with family and friends.  Her favorite item to shop for was by far, clothing.  She also treasured playing a variety of card games with her friends such as Canasta and Pinochle. 

Every Friday night, Anna and Ken would take turns hosting dinner with their close childhood friends, creating a cozy tradition that everyone looked forward to.  The men would settle in for their weekly chess matches, filled with quiet concentration.  Meanwhile, the ladies prepared dinner in the kitchen then afterwards all played their favorite card games.

Friday was also a day set aside for Anna to get her hair done.  Anna was the kind of woman who never left the house without looking impeccably put together. Whether she was headed to the grocery store or a dinner party, she treated every outing like a special occasion. Her makeup was always flawlessly applied and her outfit meticulously coordinated.  

Throughout the years, Ken and Anna traveled across the entire United States.  Anna would never set foot on an airplane or boat, so their traveling was done by way of the automobile.  They visited a variety of placed withing the US including New Mexico, the Locks in New York, The Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park to name a few.  The first and only time that Anna traveled by boat was a memorable trip to Nova Scotia. 

Anna will forever be remembered as truly devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.  She was a very special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sincerely missed by family and friends.

Anna is survived by her son Kenneth A Froehner of Pompton Lakes, NJ, her daughter Dorell McNamara and her husband Tom of Wayne, NJ, Mary M. Froehner, daughter-in-law of Lakewood Ranch, FL; seven grandchildren; Kimberly Gifford and her husband Mike of Massillon, OH, Kenneth W. Froehner and his wife Kristen of Pompton Lakes, NJ, Kyle Froehner and his wife Casey of Wayne, NJ, Meghan Froehner Reyes and her husband Gino of Geneva, Switzerland, Heather Froehner Lawrence and her husband Timothy of Califon, NJ, Matthew Froehner and his fiancé Madeline Floyd of Randolph, NJ, and Kathleen “Katie” Froehner of Wausau, WI, seven great grandchildren; Michaela Gifford, Hannah Gifford, Kenneth John Froehner, Oisin Reyes-Froehner, Rowan Reyes-Froehner, Odin Lawrence and Cian Lawrence, and one great-great grandchild Laila Mae Gifford.  Anna was predeceased by her husband Kenneth H. Froehner in 2015 and by her son Gregg J. Froehner in 2001. 

Donations in lieu of flowers to the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/) or the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge (https://ahscares.org/) are appreciated.

Albert J. Scala, age 74, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Born in Paterson, NJ, to the late George and Eleanor Scala, Al was a proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Class of 1968 – with the “Great 68!” He went on to earn a degree in history from St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, where he was a proud brother of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Following college, Al began his career in the insurance industry, eventually founding his own firm, A.J. Scala & Associates. He was a dedicated and hardworking businessman, but his greatest joy came from serving his community and spending time with his family.

Al was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He met the love of his life, Roxanne, in high school, and their bond only grew stronger with time. The two were named Mr. and Ms. Collegiate their senior year and married on March 22, 1975, at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Paterson. They celebrated their wedding surrounded by family and friends at the Westmount Country Club, followed by a honeymoon in Hawaii. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Jason, Jonathan, and Alicyn; two daughters-in-law, Kathleen and Kristen; and a son-in-law, Chris. Al’s greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Connor, Declan, Brielle, Greyson, Addison, and Talon - with one more on the way.

Al was deeply committed to giving back. He was an active and longtime member of the Rotary Club of Paterson, where he served as President and volunteered tirelessly to support others. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne, where he served as Treasurer. Al loved to grill for his family and found joy in watching his grandchildren enjoy the backyard pool.

He will be remembered for his warm heart, unwavering devotion to his loved ones, and his generosity toward his community.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Al’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the ASPCA would be greatly appreciated.

Robert "Jim" Kauer, age 93 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the comfort of his own home.

Jim was born as the only child to Robert and Henrietta Kauer in Pequannock, New Jersey. Growing up in Wyckoff, he attended Ramsey High School before immediately beginning his lifelong career with PSE&G, where he steadily worked his way up to earn the position of inspector.  

Jim’s life changed forever when he invited a beautiful woman named Rosemarie to go for a ride on his boat at Greenwood Lake. The two hit it off and he formally asked her to go on a date with him to the Mountain Lakes Tavern at Greenwood Lake shortly after. It didn’t take long for Jim and Rosemarie to fall in love and Jim asked Rosemarie to marry him in his distinctive two-toned blue and white Cadillac. The couple married on August 19, 1961, at St. Joan of Arc Church before spending their honeymoon in Quebec, Canada. Jim took great pride in their home in Wayne, New Jersey where they raised their three beloved daughters: MaryAnn, Lisa, and Karen. Jim had a special soft spot for his daughters and grandchildren (and grand pups) loving them dearly and doing everything he could to provide them with an incredible childhood in their close-knit community. His loving marriage to Rosemarie lasted 61 years until her passing in 2023.

Jim’s entire life revolved around the outdoors. His dad taught him to hunt and started a lifelong passion for hunting. Familiar with the Upstate New York area from his formative years, Jim made it his goal to build a vacation home there and with the help of his dad and some friends he made that goal a reality. The family cherished their weekend trips and extended vacations to this retreat, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the cool waters of Lake George.

Jim will be fondly remembered for his generous spirit and willingness to help others. A man of many talents, from woodworking to general repairs, people from all walks of life sought his assistance. His tools were distinctly marked with yellow paint, and he lent them freely along with his advice and expertise.

Even in his later years, Jim maintained a remarkable memory, often recalling small details from conversations that others would typically forget. This attentiveness demonstrated how deeply he really listened to others. His kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in people and their lives will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jim was the loving husband of his wife who predeceased him, Rosemarie Kauer; devoted father of three children: MaryAnn Fallon, Lisa Cullen and Karen Kauer-Kiraly and her husband Jeffrey Kiraly; cherished grandfather of Carolyn Cullen, Erin Cullen, Amanda Fallon, Nicholas Kiraly, and Joseph Kiraly. He will also be dearly missed by his grand pups Milo, Chloe, and Maverick.

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

Kenneth J. Palczewski, 58, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

The son of Leonard and the late Rosemarie Palczewski, Ken was born in Elizabeth, NJ, and raised in Avenel, NJ. He graduated with the Class of 1984 from Colonia High School, where he was a standout athlete—quarterbacking the football team, pitching for the baseball team, and playing forward on the basketball team. Standing six feet, seven inches tall, Ken was a true force on every field and court he played on.

Ken went on to attend La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, where he played basketball and initially pursued a degree in economics, to then obtain a law degree upon graduation. During college, a life-changing week spent volunteering at a camp for children battling cancer shifted the course of his life. Inspired and moved, he changed his focus from law to education.

After graduating from La Salle, Ken began his career in education with a year of teaching in the Woodbridge Public School System. He then spent six years at Manchester Regional High School in Haledon, NJ, teaching Social Studies and coaching football, basketball, and softball. In 1998, he joined Wayne Valley High School as a teacher in the history department, coaching the girls’ basketball and softball teams all while pursuing his master’s degree in counseling at William Paterson University. He then transitioned from teaching to guidance counseling and later served as dean of students at Schuyler-Colfax Middle School after earning his master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration. Eventually, he became a vice principal at Wayne Hills High School. In 2013, he returned to Wayne Valley as principal—a role he cherished and held until his passing.

Ken was passionate about his work and took great pride in being part of the Wayne Valley community. He often said he loved every minute of it. He appreciated the unique energy of each day and the richness of the school environment. His “my door is always open” approach created a welcoming atmosphere for both students and staff. He found joy in the little things—like the student who visited his office daily to share a clever joke.

Ken met the love of his life, Maureen Donohue, at the Parker House in Sea Girt, NJ, a chance encounter that led to not only their love story, but six other marriages as well. Ken and Maureen’s romance blossomed quickly, engaged on St. Patrick’s Day of 1995, then later married in a picturesque beach ceremony in Barbados on Wednesday, August 14th, 1996.They began married life in a cozy home at 4 Sycamore Terrace in Wayne where they welcomed both of their beloved children Peter and Brenna before settling into their current residence in 2003. Over the years, Ken immersed himself in the Wayne community—not just during school hours but through coaching both his children in youth sports, his school’s extracurricular activities, and sporting events. If he wasn’t at school, he was likely at the Passaic County Golf Course, where he served as Co-President of the Elm Tree Golf Club and enjoyed early Sunday tee times with close friends.

Above all, Ken’s greatest joy was his family. Maureen was his partner, his soulmate. Together they raised two children, Peter and Brenna, who were the light of his life. Spring break trips became cherished traditions—from Disney vacations during their early years as a family to more recent getaways to Hilton Head, where Ken would golf and Maureen would relax with a good book. Through their shared love of sports as a family, Ken never missed a game in either of Peter or Brenna’s athletic careers. When Peter became a football coach to follow in his father’s footsteps, Ken and Maureen traveled to support him at games, often tailgating and listening to the classics. Evenings around the fire pit with Maureen, Peter, Brenna, and Amanda, sometimes with a glass of bourbon in hand, brought quiet moments of connection and laughter.

During his nine-month battle with cancer, Ken remained strong, optimistic, and uncomplaining. Every day was a fight—motivated by his desire to spend just a little more time with the people he loved most.

Ken will be remembered for so many things: his love of life and living in the moment, his eloquence and wit, his gift for storytelling, his loyalty, his generosity, and above all, his boundless heart.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 30 years, Maureen (Donohue) Palczewski; his dearly-loved children, Peter Palczewski of Albany, NY, and Brenna Palczewski of Wayne; his father, Leonard Palczewski; his sister, Donna Garcia, and her husband Evelio, of Doylestown, PA; and his niece and nephews: Joshua Garcia and wife Laura, Alec Garcia, Bradley Garcia and fiancée Olivia, Ben Garcia, Catherine Dixon, and Sean Dixon. He was predeceased by his mother, Rosemarie Palczewski, in 2008.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Ken’s lifelong devotion to his students, a scholarship fund has been established in his memory. Contributions may be sent to:

Ken Palczewski Scholarship Fund

c/o Lucy Couso

Wayne Valley High School

551 Valley Road

Wayne, NJ 07470

Please make checks out to Ken Palczewski Scholarship Fund.

In loving memory of Marion Shepherd, age 97, of Wayne, she entered into eternal life on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to Harold and Marion Connelly.  Marion graduated from Watertown High School, Waterbury, CT with the class of 1946.

Marion graduated from the Saint Joseph’s Hospital Nursing School in Paterson. She began her career at Barnert Hospital in Paterson. While raising her four children, Marion worked for Dr. Brogan on Broadway in Paterson. Once her children were older, she returned to nursing at Barnert Hospital, where she continued working until her retirement in 1993.

Marion married the love of her life, Vance, on February 14, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Oakville, Connecticut. Their marriage was a true partnership, blessed with four children: Margaret, Patricia, Phyllis, and Paula. They made their home in Wayne, New Jersey, where they raised their family and spent all their married years together. After retiring, Marion and Vance enjoyed traveling extensively across the United States, creating lasting memories along the way. Their loving union endured for fifty-six wonderful years until Vance’s passing in November of 2009.

Marion was a vibrant and spirited woman with a sharp mind and a deep love for reading. She read extensively and never missed a day without going through the newspaper, staying informed and engaged with the world around her. A loyal viewer of Bill O’Reilly and Fox News, she had strong opinions and wasn’t shy about sharing them—her fiery Irish temper made sure of that. Marion was also a devoted New Jersey Devils fan, cheering on her team with passion and sometimes a beer. In quieter moments, she found joy in watching classic old movies, appreciating the timeless charm of Hollywood’s golden era.

Marion had a lifelong love for dogs, and over the years, she shared her heart and home with several beloved Beagles, including Dandy, Dutchess, Henry, and Dylan; and each one held a special place in her life, bringing her endless joy, companionship, and laughter. In more recent years, she proudly became the devoted dog mom of her Dachshund, Jake, who was her loyal and loving companion. Her deep bond with her dogs was a constant source of comfort and happiness, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Marion was the loving wife of the late Vance G. Shepherd (d. 11/8/2009); she was the devoted mother of Margaret Shepherd, Patricia and her husband Emmett McDowell, Phyllis Bogart, and Paula Shepherd; cherished grandmother of Erin and her husband Leonidas Anagnostopoulos, Charlie Bogart, Elizabeth McDowell, and Meghan McDowell; she was also the loved sister of James Connelly and the loved cousin of Lynn and her husband Dick Timas.

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

Ann Pillar, age 88, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Born and raised in Paterson, Ann was the youngest of four children of Dominic and Carmela (Venditti) Ciarlo. A graduate of Eastside High School’s Class of 1954, after high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at Spotless Dry Cleaning, located near Paterson’s historic falls. In this role, she expertly used a key-driven mechanical calculator, known as a comptometer—an invention dating back to 1887.

Ann’s love story began one evening at Falls View Grill, where she caught the eye of a handsome Marine Corps serviceman, Joseph Pillar, who was home on leave. Over burgers, hotdogs, and French fries, a romantic courtship began—one that would continue through Joe’s military service. The couple exchanged vows at St. Anthony Church in Paterson, celebrating their honeymoon on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls before settling into their first home on Twenty-First Street in Paterson. They later lived on Front Street before moving to Wayne in 1961, where they would spend the rest of their lives together, raising their two beloved daughters, JoAnn and Debbie. Ann and Joe shared sixty years of loving and devoted marriage until Joe’s passing in 2017.

As a young mother, Ann fully embraced her role as homemaker. Her greatest priority was creating a warm, nurturing, and immaculately clean home for her family. Summers were marked by treasured annual vacations to St. Petersburg, Florida, during the last week of July through the first week of August. Once her daughters grew more independent, Ann returned to the workforce—first as a waitress at Casa Mia Restaurant, owned by her brother in Wayne, and later at Patty’s Pancakes in Haledon.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Ann’s life. A devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne, she rarely missed Sunday Mass until health concerns intervened about four years ago. Undeterred, she found spiritual nourishment through a televised 9:00 AM Mass, and her family quickly learned not to call and disturb her in any way during that sacred hour.

Ann was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother “Grammy,” and great-grandmother. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her loved ones. She was the ever-willing, always-loving babysitter for her grandchildren—an experience she found joyful, not a chore. Her baking and cooking were legendary among the family: cranberry cakes, chocolate peanut butter cakes, cream cheese cupcakes, and her Thanksgiving stuffing were all favorites. Her son-in-law Don especially loved her potato croquettes. With nimble fingers and a generous heart, she crocheted countless baby blankets, pocketbooks, and other handmade treasures for her family, and also enjoyed needlepoint.

Ann was a firecracker—spirited, strong-willed, and clear about how she wanted things done. Thank God, her mind remained sharp as a tack throughout her life. Her passing was sudden and has left a sad void in the hearts of those who loved her. Yet, her family takes comfort in the legacy of love, laughter, and beautiful memories she leaves behind.

Ann was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Pillar, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. She was the loving mother of JoAnn Stinnard and her husband Donald of Pompton Lakes, and Debbie Arena, also of Pompton Lakes. She was the proud and cherished grandmother of Michelle Warren and her husband Eric, Aimee Pires and her husband Dan, Mark Stinnard, Dale Arena and his fiancée Misty Yesuda, Jenna Kennedy and her husband Ryan, and Shane Stinnard and his wife Becki. She was the adored great-grandmother of Nathan Pires, Nicholas Warren, Jake Warren, Andrew Pires, Olivia Kennedy, Jackson Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy, and Addison Yasuda. Ann also leaves behind her “adopted” daughter Debbie and husband Robbie Kutcher and their family, who held a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dominic and Carmela Ciarlo; her stepmother, Maria Ciarlo; her brothers, Mario and Angelo Ciarlo; and her sister, Phyllis Ciarlo.

‍

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy in Ann’s memory are kindly asked to consider a donation to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Please be sure to mention that your gift is in memory of Ann Pillar.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Eller, age 92, of Allentown, PA and formerly of Wayne, NJ.  Frank passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Frank was born and raised in Csibrak Hungary and was one of five children to Anton and Anna Eller.  Frank, the son of Hungarian parents, in the wake of World War II, made a move from Hungary to Germany. Germany became a temporary refuge and steppingstone toward immigrating to the United States.  In December of 1951, the family got their chance at a better life, and a new beginning. With courage and determination, they secured passage on a ship bound for America, braving the long and uncertain journey that took thirteen days.

Upon arriving in the United States, the family settled in Temple, Texas. After moving to New Jersey, Frank attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and took courses in fashion and tailoring.  His first opportunity to apply his skills was when he accepted a position as a custom tailor at Tozzi’s Custom Tailoring in Nutley, NJ.

Frank, a hardworking and determined man, opened his own business, Valley Cleaners and Tailoring, in Clifton, New Jersey. Drawing on skills honed through years of hands-on experience, Frank built his business from the ground up, stitching together not just garments, but a loyal customer base that appreciated his craftsmanship and personal touch. Frank owned and operated Valley Cleaners and Tailoring for the next twenty-one years until retiring in 1992.  Upon his retirement, Frank worked part time for several years as a tailor for the Lord and Taylor department store. However his passion was devoted to assist in raising his six grandchildren and set an example and served as a true role model showing them the importance of family, love, kindness, responsibility and hard work.

As a young man, Frank would attend local dance halls where young men and women would get together to dance and socialize.  There, one night in 1960, Frank met a young attractive woman by the name of Teresa Kaindl.  Frank and Teresa started dating and as fate would have it, they fell in love and on August 5, 1961 they became husband and wife at Holy Trinity Church in Passaic, NJ surrounded by friends and family.  The newlyweds settled in Passaic and lived there for only a couple of years.  During their time living in Passaic, they welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Monika.  The family moved to Clifton, NJ where they welcomed their second daughter Renee.  Frank and his family remained in Clifton until 1975 when they built a home in Wayne.  Frank and Teresa remained in Wayne for nearly fifty years.

Frank enjoyed playing golf and bowling with friends.  He was a member of the SportsFriends Soccer Club for many years.  He and his wife Teresa and their friends enjoyed many nights dancing waltzes and polkas at Domyon’s Hall in Clifton or at President’s Palace in Passaic. Frank was also a man who could fix just about anything around the house.  He was intuitively creative and called upon his tailoring and sewing skills to alter or make garments for his family.

Aside from all Frank’s talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Frank than providing for and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He and his wife Teresa cherished nearly sixty-four amazing years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Tragedy struck Frank’s and his family’s lives when his dear daughter Renee passed away. Frank was not only devoted to his family but also to his Catholic Faith.  He and his family were parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne for many years.

Frank was an intelligent man who spoke five languages. He had a playful nature and loved to make Teresa laugh.  His sense of playfulness and humor was one of his ways of showing affection to those he loved.

Frank will forever be remembered as a loving husband, and a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He touched the lives of everyone around him and will be sincerely missed by his friends and family.

Frank is survived by his wife Teresa (nee Kaindl) of Allentown, PA, his daughter Monika Goldman and her husband Eric of Allentown, PA, nine grandchildren; Alexandra Lowry of Seattle, WA, Brittany Fetcho and her husband JD of Kingston, NY, Amanda Lowry of Millbury, MA, Nicholas Li-Lowry and his wife Anne of Long Island City, NY, Taryn Naundorff of Philadelphia, PA, Carly Naundorff who is finishing grad school in Texas, and Eric’s children, Brian Goldman and his wife Lauren of Atlanta, GA, Nathan Goldman of Chapel Hill, NC, and Danielle Goldman of Philadelphia, PA, and two great grandchildren, Reid Goldman and Georgia Fetcho. Frank was predeceased by his three brothers Anton Eller, Joseph Eller, and John Eller, and by his sister Anna Fett. Frank also has many nieces and nephews in NJ as well as Texas and Austria.

The family would like to suggest, in lieu of flowers, a donation to Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne, NJ.

It is with great sadness that announce the passing of Robert Alan Laskowski, age 74, of Wayne, NJ.  Robert passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 3, 2025.

Robert was born in Passaic, NJ, lived in Wallington, NJ with his family until about the age of eleven and then moved to the city of Clifton where he attended Clifton High School.  He was the only child to Benjamin and Adeline Laskowski.

Following his graduation from Clifton High School with the class of 1968, he attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree.  While attending Rutgers University, Bob was a member of the Rutgers men’s basketball team.  Subsequent to earning his Bachelor of Science Degree, Bob furthered his studies and became a Board-Certified Pharmacist.

Bob dedicated his life to serving others through his work as a pharmacist. He began his career working for  Hospital Pharmacy and Williams Pharmacy, both located in Paterson, NJ.  There he gained valuable experience and built strong relationships with his customers. However, his true calling was ownership, and after several years of hard work, he opened his own pharmacy, Kay Pharmacy in Paterson, which he ran for the next thirty-three years. Through his commitment to quality care and personalized service, Bob became a trusted figure in the community, known not just for filling prescriptions but for his kindness, advice, and unwavering dedication to those he served. His pharmacy became more than a business, it was a cornerstone of the neighborhood, a place where people felt valued and cared for.  Bob was truly well respected and loved by the members of the community.

Eventually Bob sold his business but because of his dedication and connection to the neighborhood, he remained on staff as a close consultant.  Bob truly loved his work and the people he served and never had the urge to retire.

In May of 1978, Bob was introduced to a young lady by the name of Eligia Marte, also know as Ellie, by a mutual friend.  Bob asked Ellie out and they had dinner at a local restaurant.  The two hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on March 28, 1984 Bob and Ellie married surrounded by family and friends.  The newlyweds settled in Paterson where they lived for about five years.  While residing there, they welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Elayne.  In 1987, the family moved to Clifton where they welcomed their second daughter, Adele.  In 1989 as the family grew, they moved to the Township of Wayne where they raised their children and have been ever since.

He had a passion for playing dominoes, spending countless hours strategizing and laughing with friends over intense matches. Bowling was another love of his, and he took pride in competing in local leagues with his wife Ellie, always striving to improve his game.

Travel was another venue that Bob and Ellie treasured together.  The two traveled extensively to a variety of different destinations around the world, such as the Dominican Republic, Ireland, Spain, Italy, England, Aruba & Costa Rica.

Aside from all of Bob’s talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Bob than providing for and spending time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.  Bob and his wife Ellie cherished more than forty-one years of loving and loyal marriage together.  His family recalls their many family vacations to their timeshare in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Bob was the kind of guy who could turn any moment into a comedy show with his quick wit and playful sarcasm. A natural jokester, he loved to tease his friends and family.  His humor was never mean-spirited, it was just the right mix of mischief and charm that made people laugh.  Bob always had a way of making even the most ordinary moments entertaining. His laughter was contagious, and his knack for humor made him the life of any gathering, making sure there was never a dull moment when he was around.

Bob will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a dedicated member of his community.  He touched the lives of countless people and will be sincerely missed by all that knew him.

Bob is survived by his wife Ellie Laskowski (nee Marte) of Wayne, NJ, his two daughters; Elayne Laskowski of Clifton, NJ and Adele Torres and her husband Jensen of Wayne, NJ and five grandchildren; Elliot, Emmett, Essex, Sebastian, and Julien.  He was predeceased by his parents Benjamin and Adeline Laskowski.

For those who are unable to attend the Funeral Mass on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 9 AM, the services will be livestreamed. Please click on one of the two links on Friday morning to access the livestream: Facebook or Youtube.

Edward Gilmore, age 90, passed peacefully on April 3,2025, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Paterson NJ to Edward and Dorothy (Waltz)Gilmore on January 6,1935.

Ed worked in the art department of Continental Can in his early years, and owned and operated E.G. Vending since the 1960’s, retiring in 1997. He coached baseball for Haledon PAL for many years and the kids always enjoyed going for ice cream after the games. Ed loved traveling,  golfing, fishing, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and was an avid skier along with his wife. They were members of the North Jersey Whiz Skiers enjoying frequent trips to the Club lodge at Mad River Glen, Vermont. They also traveled more than 20 times to ski the American west with Some of Ed’s favorites being Vail, Park City and Deer Valley. Their adventures also took them to Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Tahiti, Bermuda and many Caribbean destinations.

Ed loved nothing more than spending summer days at his home in Wildwood Crest with family and friends. He was also a member of the Adam Reiser Social Club (known as the club with the heart) whose goal was to provide food and gifts for needy families in Paterson during the holidays and throughout the year. He was truly a generous man always willing to help others and will be missed by all.

Ed was especially proud of his large, loving family. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 67 years, Carol (Platte) of Wayne, their four children, Edward and his wife Debbie of Green Pond, Darren and his wife Rita of Park City, Utah, Scott of Hamilton, NJ and Darlene DeStefano and her husband Scott of Wayne, 11 grandchildren: Chris, Brad, Brittany, Cameron, Corey, Monika, Drew, Paige, Luke, Justin and Taylor, as well as 13 great-grandchildren.

No flowers please. A memorial donation can be made to St Jude’s children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee

Joseph E. Rolandelli, age 87 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Joe was born and raised in Newark – a place that always held a special place in his heart. From a young age Joe had an entrepreneurial mind that his mentors in life encouraged. Coming from a family of blue-collar workers, they recognized his aptitude for business and pushed him to pave a new path for himself. His uncle John was one of the most instrumental in that decision; when Joe would ask for a screwdriver, John would instead hand him a pencil and explain that was what he really needed to learn to use. His entrepreneurial spirit started with a paper route before he turned 10 years old and turned into an egg route shortly after. He was a true self-made man. Starting from humble beginnings, he worked his way up to senior vice president and comptroller of Midlantic/PNC Bank.

One summer day Joseph met his wife Catherine at the beach in Manasquan. He was just minding his own business when a beautiful woman named Catherine started kicking sand on him. His response was simply, “Go away” and their playfully combative relationship began. The two started dating and after falling in love Joe decided he wanted to propose. He convinced Catherine to go with him after he got off work to look at engagement rings, but with her eager anticipation of the trip he decided to play a little trick on her. He told her he was running late at work and would come pick her up as soon as he could. Catherine, stressing that they would not make it to the Jeweler in time exclaimed to him, “By the time we get there, the store will be closed!” Joe’s carefully plotted scheme was timed perfectly as the jewelry store closed and Joe nonchalantly pulled over into a romantic setting in Branch Brook Park to surprise Catherine with the ring that he had the whole time. Cathy went from punching Joe to kissing him, and on Saturday, August 18, 1962, the couple were married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Nutley with Joe’s cousin Bishop Mestice officiating the wedding ceremony. They were blessed with a loving marriage of 56 years until Catherine’s passing in 2019.

After their wedding, Joe and Cathy moved into their first home together – a four-room apartment in a multi-family home on Woodside Avenue in Newark. They created many happy memories there surrounded by extended family as the whole Rolandelli clan lived together in three multi-family homes on the same block. They spent the next 15 years at that home and during that time, were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Karen and Debra, before Cathy convinced Joe to leave the “old neighborhood” and build a new home in Wayne in 1978. Even after moving to Wayne, the apartments in Newark held a special place in Joe’s heart and he never parted ways with the three buildings. He even made regular trips back to maintain them over the years.

Joseph and Cathy had the privilege of traveling extensively through Europe with family and friends, especially Joe’s best friend Victor. Joe and Cathy returned to Italy many times through the years with Joe holding a particular fondness for being there and connecting with his Italian heritage. Joe was also well known for his love of cruises. He went on cruises with Cathy, his kids and grandkids. He was a frugal man but when it came to exploring the world and experiencing all it had to offer, he was incredibly generous to those around him. They share treasured memories of annual cruises with the whole family, including their grandchildren to the Caribbean, Alaska, and a Disney cruise too. Joe’s grandchildren will recall that some of their favorite memories are of the twelve years at the annual Rolandelli & Buttitta family vacation home in Lavallette, NJ nicknamed the “Big Brown House”.

Joe will be remembered as strict and tough but generous and loving. He cared deeply for those around him and always wanted what was best for you. He was a maverick with a zest for life that was rivaled only by his loving wife Cathy. What made Joe tick was his love for making deals and making money. He was clever and persistent, never taking no for an answer. Joseph was the embodiment of the expression, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” A great example of this was Joe’s weekly meetings with his grandkids to go over their stock portfolios that he helped them establish. You didn’t show up to that meeting without having done your “homework”. He insisted on passing his success down to his kids and his grandkids in the form of education and experience. If you showed the initiative, he would provide you with the best opportunities in life. He was so proud to be able to put his kids and grandkids into elite schools throughout their entire education, and even more proud of the success they achieved from their hard work and heeding his advice.

Joseph can be described as driven, tenacious, determined, stubborn and loyal. He was a great storyteller and was fortunate to remain sharp even in old age. He never stopped “wheeling and dealing” making deals right up until his passing. The famous sayings of Joe Rolandelli will be dearly missed by all. Joe will be missed most for his mentorship and love. He was the man you turned to when you found yourself in a bind; despite his tough demeanor he was always there for you when you needed him. He truly wanted the best for those he cared about and went out of his way to help (of course, he also never failed to make sure you remembered that help). Joe reveled in his role as patriarch of his family and was proud to leave a legacy for future generations. His leadership and guidance will be greatly missed.

Linda Maresca Wright, 83, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, in Denville, New Jersey. Born on October 24, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Linda lived a life grounded in faith, family, and cherished traditions.

A devout Catholic throughout her life, Linda was a lifelong member of St. Simon the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Green Pond, New Jersey. Her faith remained a constant source of strength and guidance. While residing in Rotonda West, Florida, she continued her spiritual journey by attending Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Green Pond Lake held a special place in Linda’s heart. It was there she met her beloved husband Larry “Lar” Wright, raised their children, and created a home filled with warmth and laughter. Even after Larry’s passing, the lake remained a treasured sanctuary where memories endured and family traditions thrived.

Linda is lovingly remembered by her sister Barbara; her sons Gilbert, Christopher, Michael, and Joseph; daughters-in-law Leanne, Mindy, and Stephanie; grandchildren Katie, Brianna, Sean, Eric, Megan, Devin and Emma; grandchildren-in-law Eric, Alice, Bridget, Kaitlyn, and Ezra; and great-grandchildren Taylor, Hannah, Michael, Charlotte, Lucas, Elliott, and Ruth.

Linda was an animal lover and particularly enjoyed the company of her Muggins and her many grand dogs over the years.

She found joy in music as a proud member of Sweet Adelines and deeply valued the enduring friendships she shared with her beloved YaYas.

Linda was preceded in death by her devoted husband Larry “Lar” Wright; her father Joseph Maresca; and mother Betty Maresca.

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John Van Hoven, age 94, of Pompton Plains, NJ passed Saturday, March 29, 2025.

He had lived in Woodland Park since 1956 before moving to Cedar Crest Village in 2007.

John was born at home in Prospect Park, NJ and graduated from Paterson Vocational Technical High School.  He worked at various jobs as a draftsman and retired from John Verduin Machinery in Paterson in 1996.

John was an excellent bowler and card player and always assisted his wife Doris when she was baking and making homemade applesauce. He enjoyed getting together with friends for pot luck dinners and card games.  At Cedar Crest he played Wii Bowling and played cards. He was a member of the 2nd Reformed Church in Little Falls for many years and served as an usher.  Once they moved to Cedar Crest Village, John attended the services there.

John met his wife Doris through a mutual friend.  They had been acquainted for years.

John served in the US Army in Germany from January 1952 to January 1954.  Upon his return from the military, they began dating and were married on July 17, 1954 with a service in his sister in laws home, followed by a honeymoon in Lake George.

During his 63 years married they were blessed to share a bond with one another that grew stronger through each year.  John enjoyed family vacations to the Jersey Shore, including Ocean Beach and LBI which made for some wonderful memories and also enjoyed frequent visits to Lancaster, PA and occasional trips to Florida, Viriginia and Mrytle Beach.

John is survived by his two daughters:  Diane Spath and her husband Alfred of Edison, NJ and Nancy Huhn of Parsippany, NJ, Five grandchildren; Stephen Huhn of Houston, Tx, Daniel Huhn of Parsippany, Lauren Caviglia and her husband Marco of Parlin, NJ, Gregory Spath of Edison, NJ and Michael Spath and his wife Laura of Oklahoma, three great-grandchildren Aubrey and Bryce Huhn of Houston, TX and Madelyn Caviglia of Parlin, NJ.  He was pre-deceased by his wife Doris Van Hoven and his sister Elizabeth De Block.

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Eulogy read by John's Daughter Diane:

Dad

Today we bury John Van Hoven our Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.  He was also a husband, uncle, brother and friend to many. He lived to 94 and lived a good life and the most recent 15 months were difficult and challenging for him when we had to move him out of his apartment to LTC. All he wanted was to be able to walk to his meals. Dad and Mom loved their family and enjoyed their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They traveled to Florida, Texas, Virginia, MB and enjoyed frequent trips to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As kids we visited friends in LBI and Ocean Beach. Dad was advic bowler and enjoyed playing cards and watching sports especially if the Yankees loss. Despite him not remembering our names we had good visits with him. We all have great memories of Dad. Dad and all of us have been without Mom for the last 7 1/2 years and He always said I should of gone first. Dad died peacefully at the end but had many trials and tribulation while in LTC which frustrated him and now he is with our Mom. He is now our second angels watching over us now. We all love you Dad. Till we meet again

Sondra “Sandy” Lenore Pine (née Rachesky)

A life devoted to family, faith, and the power of education

Sondra “Sandy” Lenore Pine passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to others. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, to Samuel and Tillie Rachesky, Sandy was a bright light from the very beginning. She grew up in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School (Class of 1952), proudly serving in the Math Club before earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Montclair State University.

A devoted wife, Sandy married the love of her life, Dr. Leonard Pine, in 1955. Their bond was a true partnership, forged in love and shared purpose. When Leonard was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the U.S. Army, Sandy followed him without hesitation, teaching the children of military personnel. She would fondly recall watching paratroopers descend from the sky—her students eagerly pressing their faces to the windows, searching for their fathers.

Sandy poured her heart into teaching, both in and out of the classroom. Whether in Clifton, Wayne Valley, or during her 17 impactful years at Morris Knolls High School, she was known as a gifted and compassionate educator who believed deeply in her students’ potential. Long after retirement, she continued to tutor students well into her 80s—proof that teaching was never just a job, but her true calling.

She was a guiding force in her community as well. A founding member of Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne, she helped establish local chapters of Hadassah and B’nai B’rith and nurtured them through every transition. Together with Leonard, she co-founded the Foundation for the Handicapped in Wayne and later served as its Executive Director, committed to enriching the lives of those she served.

But above all else, Sandy’s greatest joy came from being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the heartbeat of her family, offering strength, unconditional love, and steadfast support. She was the beloved wife of Dr. Leonard Pine; devoted mother to the late Judith Ann Pine-Cooke and Michael Pine and his wife, Lori; cherished Nana to the late Willie Cooke, Brian and Adriana Dela Barrera, Alyssa and Kevin Smith, and Tyler Pine; and adoring great-grandmother to Juliana and Oliver Smith, and Drew Pine. She was the loving sister of Robert Rachesky and the late Herbert Rachesky.

Sandy will be remembered not only for her intellect and dedication, but for her grace, warmth, and the deep pride she took in her family. Her impact will be felt for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sondra's name may be made to Abilities First 167 Myers Corners Road, Suite 202, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

Patricia Lee Gagis (née Bernat), 85, of Wayne, NJ, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and steadfast woman of faith, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, surrounded by her three adoring children and embraced in the love of her family.

Born in New York City to Donald and Antoinette (Caiola) Bernat, Patty moved with her parents to Paterson as a young child. There, she flourished, graduating with the Class of 1957 from Eastside High School.

It was at Eastside where she met the love of her life, Augustus “Gus” Gagis. Patty was a spirited 15-year-old sophomore; Gus, a 17-year-old senior. Their first date—hot dogs “all-the-way” at Libby’s in Paterson—sparked a lifelong romance. Three years later, on December 6, 1958, they exchanged vows at St. Brendan’s R.C. Church in Clifton, celebrating their union with a reception at Natoli’s in Saddle Brook, NJ before honeymooning in the scenic Poconos.

Pat and Gus started married life on Buffalo Avenue in Paterson, where they welcomed their son, John, followed by their daughter, Dona. In 1966, they settled in Wayne, where their youngest, Judeth, was born. Patty embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, considering her children to be among her greatest blessings. She devoted herself to raising them full-time before eventually joining Gus in the workforce at BASF in Clifton, where she took great pride in her efficiency and organizational skills.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Patty’s life. A dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne, she served with devotion—teaching CCD, acting as a Eucharistic minister, organizing food drives, and even helping to clean the church. She found true joy in attending Mass and praying for her loved ones and anyone in need.

As an only child, Patty found immense fulfillment in the family she and Gus built together. She adored her three children and their spouses, treasured her eleven grandchildren, and delighted in her nine great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to share her gratitude for the abundance of love in her life. Patty also held a soft spot for the four-legged canine companions who brought her joy over the years—Maggie, T.J., Josh, and Marcie.

Patricia is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Augustus “Gus” Gagis; her loving children: John Gagis and his wife Judy of Bernardsville, NJ, Dona Meringer and her husband Jim of Wayne, and Judeth DeMonico and her husband John of Parsippany;  her cherished grandchildren: Elizabeth and her husband Grant, Augustus and his wife Bridget, Patricia and her fiancé Huan Tran, Joseph and his girlfriend Emily, Lieutenant Commander Zachary and his wife Micah, Abigail and her fiancé Stephen, Donald, Emily and her fiancé Matthew, Anna, Luke, and Michael; and her beloved great-grandchildren: John Peter, Alessandra, Evelyn, Lyla, Chloe, Sarah, Callum, and Theresa. She was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Antoinette Bernat, and her great-granddaughter, Zoey.

Patty’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, boundless love, and joyful service to others. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

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

Friends of Wayne Animal Rescue

FOWA

PO Box 3701

Wayne, NJ 07470

To download a mailable form, Click Here.

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Patricia Lee Gagis

Our beloved Wesner Pierre, fondly remembered as Wes by his coworkers and friends and NèNè by his family, sadly passed away in the early morning hours on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 73. Wesner was born in Archahaie, Haiti on December 20, 1951 to the late Joseph Legrand Pierre and Asefille Marcellus. He migrated to the US in 1975.

Wes was a bright light in every room he walked into, always greeting others with his signature smile. He was incredibly devoted to his family, and he worked hard throughout his life to give them all the very best. Wes was always a practical man, emphasizing his core values of responsibility, respect, and fairness throughout all of his decisions, and demonstrating a strong sense of maturity from a very young age. Growing up in Haiti, he was affectionately referred to as Pèpè, or “Grandpa.” Wes was a determined and bright professional, he earned his Bachelor of Science while new to the US, learning English, and working several jobs to support himself. After graduating, he married his beloved wife in 1982. He worked a successful and full career as a chemical engineer for several prominent companies, working his way up to be a seasoned and respected leader on his teams. At home, his daughters and wife were constantly showered with love by him, and they enjoyed going on family adventures together that took advantage of his love for exercise and the outdoors. Whether it was a family bike ride, a hike, or just a walk around the lake, Wes was always the fittest and fastest of the bunch. These interests were luckily shared with his wife of 42 years, with whom he shared a friendship since early childhood.

Through date nights, moves, vacations, lighting up various dance floors and all of the twists and turns of raising two children, Wes and Maggie remained deeply committed to one another, and shared a strong bond and deep love that was ever-present in his final days.

Wesner was a beloved husband and father, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. There are not enough words to truly encapsulate what an incredible person he was.

He is survived by his wife Margarett Muse Pierre, daughter Jennifer Pierre and husband Michael Colin Schramm, daughter Stephanie Pierre and husband Jomari Picazo, brothers Marcaisse, Bercon, Jean-Eddy, Getty, and family, sister Yanick, Marie Lucienne, Rosena and family, and cousins Marie Carmel, Maryse and family, and additional family.

Wes was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Knights of Columbus organization, Chapter #6212, would be greatly appreciated. For additional information on the Knights of Columbus Chapter #6212, please visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AL4adywvi/?mibextid=wwXIfr .

David W. Levine, age 32 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25, 2025.

It is with a heavy heart that the Levine family announces the passing of our beloved, beautiful David. David passed away in the early morning of March 25th 2025 and leaves behind his adoring Mother and Father, Theresa and Josh Levine, his two treasured younger brothers; Keith and Marc, his precious dog, Moose, his dear cousins, along with his close friends, his wife Priyal, and countless number of people, all whom he touched with his gentle, easy going personality, wonderful character, and funny and quirky sense of humor, throughout his life. Always so kind and knowledgeable, he could find common ground with just about anyone, and engage in such fascinating conversations. He loved all things related to science, space and the cosmos, and while we are devastated he is no longer on this earth with us, we find great peace in knowing he will always be among the stars.

For those wishing to make a donation in David's memory, please consider the Epilepsy Foundation, www.epilepsy.com. It was through the Foundation that his wife received a certification in seizure first aid, providing her with critical skills to help Dave on many occasions. David had also been planning to participate in a charity walk with the Foundation in the near future, and your support, in his memory, would be very much appreciated.

Carol E. Beatty, age 89, a longtime resident of Wayne, passed Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

She was born in Newark to William and Elsetta Gailey and raised at 174 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Wayne. She was in the first graduating class of the Wayne High School’s Class of 1953.

As Carol would wait for the bus to high school a passing truck would toot its horn at her daily and she would turn her back.  Eventually Carol’s sisters, who worked at the local luncheonette, would introduce her to the horn honking Donald Beatty who often frequented the luncheonette. Their first date was to the movie theatre in Pompton Lakes and as fate would have it they fell in love. Donald proposed marriage to Carol in the kitchen of the family home on Newark Pompton Turnpike and they married at the Pompton Lakes Reformed Church on July 19, 1954. After a reception at Community Fire Company #1 in the Mountain View section of Wayne they honeymooned in Niagara Falls, New York.

Soon after their marriage Carol and Don bought a log cabin in the Pines Lake section of Wayne where they raised their three sons. When Carol’s third son was just nine months old she got a call from a friend at the Wayne Police Department asking if she would be interested in being a crossing guard at the Pines Lake School in Wayne. Carol said yes she would help and figured she would do it for a couple of years. She would cross children along Pines Lake Road to the Pines Lake School for thirty-two years before retiring in 1997.

Carol was a member of the Wayne First Aid Squad’s “Wives Club” for many years. In 1971, she and Don started vacationing in Old Forge, New York and they finally purchased a mobile home in 1985. They moved to Old Forge in 1998 but Carol returned to Wayne shortly after Don's passing to be closer to family.

Carol was an avid crafter enjoying both sewing and crocheting.  You would often find her and her sisters at local craft shows where she sold hand-made pillows and potholders.

Carol was the loving wife of the late Donald Beatty (d. 2004); she was the loving mother of Donald Beatty, Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Wayne, William Beatty and his wife Joyce of Pennsylvania, and Mark Beatty and his wife Kathleen of Bloomingdale; she was the cherished grandmother of Ian Beatty, Kelly Post, Kim Beatty, Brittany Beatty, and Allison Beatty; she was also the dearly loved great-grandmother of Alexandra and Cassandra Post, Brynn, Kyle, and Charley Beatty; she was the loved sister of the late Joyce Fedell of Ormond Beach, FL, the late Merilyn Martin of Holly Hill, FL, Gloria Hinderlong of Jefferson, and Bonnie Longo of West Milford.

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

Dennis James Martin, age 81, of Cedar Grove, passed Monday, March 24, 2025.

He was born to James and Irene Martin in Brooklyn, NY.  When he was about seven years old the family moved to Clifton.  He graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1961.  During his high school years he was a pitcher on the baseball team and learned to play the piano. Dennis continued his education at Montclair State Teacher’s College where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He later continued his education at the University of Maryland where he received his Doctorate Degree in Education.

In his early years, Dennis worked as a helper in an auto repair shop in Clifton. He began his teaching career in Paramus and Passaic, later teaching in Maryland. He also spent time working in the aerospace industry, where he specialized in drafting and mechanical drawings. Eventually, Dennis returned to education, teaching in East Orange and then West Orange, before retiring in 2007.

Dennis was a complex and vibrant soul—moody at times, but undeniably brilliant. He had a sharp mind and a quick wit that made his company unforgettable. A natural performer, Dennis was a talented dancer and singer, and skilled with a piano. He had a deep love for comedy and could light up a room with his spot-on imitations and infectious laugh. Fun-loving at heart, Dennis was the kind of person who brought energy and joy wherever he went. He adored movies, music, and his friends.

Dennis was the loved brother of Robert Martin and his wife Jennifer of Cedar Grove; cherished uncle of Cynthia and Dan Valeri of New Windsor, NY and Tim and Iris Martin of Olethe, KS; he was the dearly loved great-uncle of Dominic and Nico Valeri and Mya and Noah Martin.

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rene Graniere of Atlantic City, NJ.

Born to Richard Charles and Janet Graniere, Rene grew up in Wayne, NJ, where she built lifelong friendships and cherished memories. She graduated from DePaul Catholic High School in 1984 and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management from Stockton University in Galloway, NJ.

In her mid-twenties, Rene began her career at American Express in Manhattan. Through her dedication and strong work ethic, she rose through the ranks, earning leadership positions and earning great success.

Rene was a force of nature—a take-charge woman with a bold personality and an even bigger heart. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her beloved niece and nephews. She adored every moment spent with them and was deeply devoted to her parents, brother, and sister-in-law. Rene’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her aunts, uncles, and cousins, with whom she shared a special bond.

She found peace on the beaches of South Jersey and loved walking along the boardwalk. A skilled Blackjack player, Rene inherited her passion for the game from her uncle and often found herself on the winning side of Atlantic City. She also had a deep appreciation for music, especially The Grateful Dead and Queen.

Rene’s presence and unwavering love will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her mother, Janet Graniere of Lakewood, NJ; her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Ann Marie Graniere of Wayne; her niece, Brooke Graniere of Easton, Pennsylvania; her nephews, Richard, Anthony, and Jake Graniere of Wayne; and many loving extended family members. She is now reunited in peace with her father, Richard Charles Graniere.

May Rene’s memory live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Margaret Kerton of West Milford passed away peacefully, in the comfort of her home surrounded by loving family on March 20th 2025.

Daughter of Olive and Corbin Parkhurst and born in Montclair, NJ, Margaret was raised in Pequannock and graduated from Butler High School.

Margaret’s work experience began with Prudential Insurance in the early 1960’s. She left Prudential to begin raising a family with her new husband, Norman Kerton. Later in 1981, she answered a calling that lasted thirty giving years, opening her home as a safe haven for foster children. Along with her family, she cared for and transitioned roughly two hundred children to many permanent homes. After retirement from her foster career, this kind nature led her to volunteer at Cape May Regional Hospital.

Margaret loved lobster and baked potato. So much that she’d ensure a portion came home from the restaurant on the front of her sweater. She bred and raised exotic cats, and adored her many kitties and the couple’s sweetheart Shih Tzu, Madison. Crochet was often a pastime. The national pastime was also dear to her as an avid Yankees fan. The Pequannock Reformed Church, and her relationship with God held a very special place in her heart. 

Margaret met Norman, the love of her life and husband of over sixty years, at Monahan’s Bar in Wayne on a night out. Finding common ground, after a year together they married. Their first home purchase was in Lincoln Park, where they grew their union by having three children. For the expanding family, a move to Pequannock was necessary and shortly thereafter a fourth child arrived. Soon the couple designed and built a house in Kinnelon, with Norman handling much of the labor and construction. The Kerton family spent eight lively years in this home they built. When the time to move came once again, the family found themselves back in Pequannock. After some years, and with an empty nest, the couple made a move south to beautiful Cape May. Seven enjoyable years passed, and a need to be near their children and grandchildren was fulfilled. They chose West Milford to spend peaceful time together with family. 

Margaret is survived by her loving husband Norman and their children - Daryl Kerton and his wife Kirsten, Linda DeCumber and her husband Jon, and Shane Kerton. She is survived by her grandchildren - Jevon Kerton, Bailey Kerton, Kiana Kerton, Jeremiah Kerton, Connor DeCumber, Mia DeCumber and Riley DeCumber.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Pequannock Reformed Church would be greatly appreciated.

Jo-Ann Nauta (née Harraka)

January 12, 1955 – March 20, 2025

Jo-Ann Nauta, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away in Wayne, NJ, on March 20, 2025, at the age of 70. She was a long-standing resident of Totowa, NJ.

Born in Paterson, NJ, on January 12, 1955, Jo-Ann was the daughter of the late George and Helen Harraka. She was a devoted mother to Dana Nauta and partner Travis Schmeisser of Brooklyn, NY, Ashlee Nauta, and a cherished Sitto to Bear Schmeisser-Nauta and Abigail Manzo.

Jo-Ann is survived by her loving siblings: Patricia Spinella and her husband Peter of Wayne, and Richard Harraka and his wife Maria of Little Falls. She was predeceased by her brother, George (Georgie) Harraka Jr. She was also a beloved aunt to Jeffrey, Keith, and his wife Cheryl, and Rachel, as well as a great-aunt to James and Jordan Spinella.  She is also lovingly remembered by extended family Jessica, Brendan and Matilda Nunn.

She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, love of crafts, Syrian food and watermelon motifs, her enjoyment of bingo and dominoes, and her passion for shopping for the latest fashions.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Jo-Ann’s memory are asked to consider one of the following charitable organizations:

National Ataxia Foundation

To accelerate the development of treatments and a cure while working to improve the lives of those living with Ataxia.

Women for Women

To create a world in which all women determine the course of their lives & reach their full potential.

Margaret Joan Terry affectionately known as P.J. and Peggy. age 82 passed away Monday, March 17, 2025 in the comfort of Bob, Troy, Linda and Dominick.

Her mother Margaret was from Scranton, PA and her father, Frederick,  was from Hawley, PA. They met at Lake Wallenpaupack and married, December 25, 1941. Peggy‘s father was in the weaving industry so they moved to Newton New Jersey where Fred was employed in a weaving mill. Peggy was born in Newton on September 15, 1942 along with her twin brother who died at birth. A few years later, they moved to Scranton to find better employment and it was there that Peggy's sister Florence was born. The family moved to Clifton, New Jersey in 1955, where Peggy and Bob's paths first crossed at Number 10 Middle School. Peggy and Bob graduated Clifton High School in 1960.  Soon after, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and Peggy was hired as a secretary to the owner of Blanchete Tool & Gauge in Clifton.  Several years later, she became the credit manager at Kem Manufacturing in Fairlawn, N.J. while also working part-time during the tax season for the Leibowtz Accounting Firm in Clifton.  In 1967, Peggy and Bob's paths crossed again at the Barn Restaurant in Wyckoff and their relationship grew from there.

Peggy and Bob married December 28, 1968, surrounded by friends and family in Clifton, NJ where they resided and worked, saving money to start a business or buy a home.  In 1971, Peggy gave birth to their son, Troy, and since he was such an easy baby (lol), a few months later, they decided to start their own business.  In 1972 Terry’s Trophy Shop opened on Route 23 in Wayne, NJ where it still thrives today as Hero's Salute Awards Co. (a name change made in the 90's to market nationwide).  With Peggy serving as VP and treasurer and Bob as President and Operations Manager, they spent days and nights working tirelessly in between changing diapers, to make the shop a pillar of the community and recognized all over the tri-state area as the source for LL trophies, engraving and awards for corporations and organizations.  After three years of blood, sweat and tears, the business was thriving enough for Peggy and Bob to buy their first home in Packanack Lake where they raised Troy and developed many deep friendships in the Lake Community.  

Also, during this time they built a cabin in the Catskills and spent many weekends there with friends.  They enjoyed the country life after a busy work week and Troy and his friends and cousins Tim and Jason were able to grow up the "old fashioned way" hunting, camping, fishing, picking berries and riding dirt bikes.  Peggy was an amazing cook and baker and loved using her skills to make family gatherings special at home, or entertain friends they brought with them for weekend trips to the cabin.  To say Peggy was well rounded would be putting it mildly, as not only was she an extraordinary home maker, cook and baker, but she was with Bob every step of the way risking it all and working tirelessly at the shop to build a solid business that not only served the community but provided a great life. When it came to getting ahead, Peggy worked relentlessly from carrying cinder blocks with Bob to build their Catskill cabin to doing accounts payable, receivable and everything in between at the shop while Bob took care of production.  When out of the shop, Peggy would flip the switch to packing all the essentials in by snowmobile or four wheel drive for a weekend cabin getaway or to throw a first-class dinner party at their Packanack home.  Peggy was never afraid of hard work, in fact, it was how she loved others.  When Troy left for college at ASU, Peg and Bob sold the Packanack home and moved to a beautiful custom log cabin in NY State for a few years, before buying and renovating a ranch style house in Montville.  Peggy took great pride in decorating their Montville home tastefully and filled it with a lifetime collection of beautiful antiques and memories of a life well lived.

During the years of raising Troy, Peggy and Bob closed the store during their vacation weeks, exploring the National Parks of the US & Canada. In later years, she and Bob visited Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, Wales, England and finally Italy.  Peggy also enjoyed visiting her beloved Aunt Bev and Uncle Jeff in Indiana.  Throughout adulthood, Peggy remained close with her sister Flossy, a relationship that continued right to the end as Flossy was integral in Peggy's support system while Bob managed her day-to-day care through her Leukemia battle along with Troy and his wife Linda.

Throughout the last 25 years, Peggy enjoyed watching Troy and Linda raise Dominick and took Linda in like a daughter with friendship, advice and unyielding support and love.  She also loved being a grandmother to her grandson Dominick which brought back great memories of raising Troy.  Throughout Dominick's childhood she enjoyed going to as many of his sporting events as possible, from Tae Kwon Do to football, baseball, lacrosse and wrestling.  Just as she did with her own son, she tried to never miss an event and was always glowing when talking about a game or achievement.  Peggy had one of her proudest moments when her grandson, Dominick became a US Marine after high school, just about the time she started her fight with Leukemia.   Despite her uphill battle for the four years Dominick was serving, her focus was always selfless, and the first words out of her mouth each day to Bob, Troy or Linda was, "How is Dom?"  

Of course, this is all just a very brief snapshot of Peggy Terry's life.  Peggy, was kind to a fault and would do anything she could to help any one of the many friends she was blessed with, many of which were friendships that have lasted since her youth.  She was a supportive, loving wife who epitomized selflessness helping Bob to achieve his goals, build a business, keep an immaculate home and allow him to live life to the fullest by following his passion for hunting from North America to Africa for decades.  Peggy will also always be remembered as an amazing mother, grandmother and mother-in-law who never failed to have a kind word, thoughtful advice, a shoulder to cry on, bold encouragement, prayers to Jesus, or, when necessary, a wooden spoon...  God has found another angel for sure.

Memorial donations to the Tunnels to Towers or the Wounded Warrior Project would be greatly appreciated.

Jaime Buchicchio, age 62, of Wayne, passed with the comfort of his family by his side.

Jaime was born in Jersey City to the late Anthony and Teresa Buchicchio. He grew up at 593 Liberty Avenue and graduated from Hudson Catholic High School, Class of 1980. He later studied engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology for three and a half years before pursuing a different career path.

Jaime found his calling at the Hyatt Grand Central New York, where he wore many hats, but most predominantly served as a Banquet Captain for over 20 years. His work was more than just a job—it was a source of immense pride and joy. He took great honor in orchestrating some of the most prestigious events, ensuring every detail was flawless. He had the privilege of meeting celebrities, world leaders, and U.S. presidents, always carrying himself with professionalism and charm. The Grand Hyatt wasn’t just a workplace for him; it was a second home, filled with colleagues who became lifelong friends. Even after retiring in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, his stories from those years remained some of his favorites to share. Jaime also co-founded Nicco’s Restaurant in Jersey City with a partner, successfully running the establishment for more than seven years.

Jaime was a charismatic and personable man with a natural gift for making friends wherever he went. His infectious laughter and sharp sense of humor brought joy to those around him, always ready with a joke or a captivating story. A hardworking and detail-oriented individual. Whether he was riding his bike through the neighborhood, relaxing in his backyard, or tackling projects around the house, he was always on the move, finding joy in the little things that made his home a welcoming and beautiful place for his family.

His wife, Marie, was not just his partner but his best friend and one true love. Jaime adored his wife, from the very first moment he laid eyes on her. When he walked into Rosebuds in Hoboken and saw her, he immediately said, “I’m gonna marry that girl,” knowing right then that she was the one. Their love story began that night, and it would go on to shape the rest of their lives. Their first official date was at Casa Dante in Jersey City, where they quickly realized they had found something special in each other. As their love blossomed, they exchanged vows on August 2, 1987, at Saint Nicholas Church in Jersey City, surrounded by family and friends. Together, Jaime and Marie built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Their thirty-seven years of marriage were a testament to enduring love, devotion, and the unbreakable bond they shared.

Jaime was a devoted father who cherished every moment with his family. His children, Brianna, Matthew, and Giana, were the center of his world—the greatest joys of his life. He found true fulfillment in being their father, always making sure they felt loved, protected, and supported in everything they did. He was more than just a dad; he was their biggest cheerleader, their wisest advisor, and their most loyal friend. Whether it was helping them navigate life’s challenges, celebrating their accomplishments, or simply making them laugh with his sharp wit and unforgettable stories, Jaime’s presence was constant and unwavering. He had a way of making each of his children feel special, as if they were the most important person in the world whenever they were with him.

A devoted family man, Jaime cherished time spent with his loved ones, especially during family vacations and beach trips, where he created lasting memories. He loved to drive his convertible down to Cape May. His passion for travel led him to seek out the best accommodations around the world, ensuring each and every trip was special for his family as well as the many lavish trips he took alone with his wife Marie. He took great pride in knowing these memories shared on vacations would last a lifetime, never batting an eye at any expense.

A true Jersey boy, Jaime had a deep appreciation for classic movies and shows, with The Sopranos being one of his all-time favorites. An avid reader, he enjoyed John Grisham novels, in his downtime. He also loved skiing and fluke fishing beginning in youth and sharing that passion with his son. Jaime valued his friendships deeply. He made it a priority to keep in touch, always picking up the phone to check in, share a laugh, or reminisce about old times. Whether it was a quick call or a long conversation, he cherished those connections and made sure the people in his life knew they mattered to him.

Jaime was incredibly resilient, facing every challenge with unwavering strength and determination. Even in his battle with cancer, his positive spirit never wavered. His warmth, perseverance, and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jaime was the loving husband of thirty-seven years to Marie (Cannizzaro) Buchicchio; devoted father of Brianna Buchicchio, Matthew Buchicchio, and Giana Buchicchio; and the beloved brother Anthony Buchicchio and his wife Joyce of Jersey City, and sister the late Mia Buchicchio.

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

Richard Allen Ruck, age 82, of Wayne, NJ, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born in Passaic, NJ and grew up in Garfield, NJ. He was a graduate of Garfield High School, Class of 1960. Following high school, he began working for Western Electric while attending William Paterson College, where he graduated with a business degree in 1972. He continued his professional career with AT&T until retirement.

Rich met his beloved wife, Joyce Pekaar, in an unexpected way. Though they were acquaintances in high school, it wasn’t until after graduation that they truly got to know each other. Following surgery, Rich was advised by his doctors to take regular walks to regain his strength. His usual route took him past Joyce’s parents’ house, where her family often sat on the front porch, enjoying a cup of tea. At first, they exchanged simple greetings, but those brief moments soon turned into longer conversations. Around that time, Joyce had recently ended a relationship and needed a date for her college prom. She asked Rich, and he happily agreed. However, when his boss threatened to fire him if he took the night off for the prom, Rich chose love over his job. True to his word, he accompanied Joyce to the prom, lost his job, but gained a lifelong partner. In time, he proposed to her at Garrett Mountain and on May 14, 1966, they exchanged wedding vows before God, family, and friends at St. Mary’s Church in Passaic. Their marriage began with a honeymoon in Jamaica, where they stayed at the Half Moon Resort.

Rich and Joyce were blessed with three wonderful children and cherished family life together. They created lasting memories on numerous family cruises and at their summer home in Wildwood Crest, where dining at The Lobster House and feeding the seagulls became a family tradition. Their retirement years were filled with adventure, traveling extensively throughout the Caribbean, across most of the United States, and through numerous European countries, including their ancestral homelands of the Netherlands and Hungary.

At home, Rich was a man of many talents, hobbies, and philanthropic pursuits. A gifted craftsman, he could build or repair just about anything. He constructed the addition to their home, built a deck, and finished the basement himself, mastering everything from framing and plumbing to electrical work, siding, drywall, and painting. He also had a passion for restoring antique furniture and driving classic British cars, particularly his Austin Healey and MG.

Rich had a generous heart and a deep love for animals. Throughout the years he was never without a dog at his side. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend—a man whose kindness, skill, and love left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

Rich was the beloved husband of Joyce (Pekaar) Ruck, blessed in marriage for 58 wonderful years. He was the devoted father of Rick and his wife Margie of Pittsburgh, PA, Lori Varty and her husband Geoff of Annandale, NJ, and Michael and his wife Lilia of Murrieta, CA; proud grandfather of: Hunter Ruck and wife Carlisle Turner, Faith Ruck, Caleb Ruck, Kendall Varty and Abigail Varty. Rich is survived by his brother Kenneth and his wife Rosann of Brooksville FL and his sister-in-law Diane of West Milford NJ as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Rich was predeceased by his loving parents, William and Ethel (Schweighardt) Ruck, and his two brothers, William and Roger.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy for Rich are asked to consider one of the following charitable organizations:

Amyloidosis Research Consortium

320 Nevada Street

Suite 210

Newton, MA 02460

Seeing Eye Dogs

1 Seeing Eye Way

Morristown, NJ 07960

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Richard Ruck.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew M. Marakovitz, age 86, of Wayne NJ.

Matthew, the older of two sons, was born to Matthew and Elizabeth Marakovitz. While growing up, he and his family lived in Garfield and Clifton before settling in East Paterson, now known as Elmwood Park. He attended St. Leo’s Catholic School for several years, often recollecting that this is where he acquired his facility with math facts and calculation.

As a teenager living in Elmwood Park, Matthew attended Lodi High School. He played on the varsity basketball team and was a member of the glee club. He made friends easily, culminating in being crowned “king” of the junior prom and voted Typical High School Boy and Most Popular. Fifty years and many memories later, he served on the reunion committee, celebrating his high school years and bringing together his classmates.  

Following his graduation from Lodi High School with the class of 1956, Matthew found employment quickly as a teller at the Bank of Passaic and Trust Company. In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany, which whetted his appetite for travel, a passion he avidly pursued later in life. He was a member of the Color Guard and the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. Matthew served honorably and proudly in the US Army from 1957 to 1959.

After being discharged from the US military, Matthew returned to banking. He honed his skills and advanced to Assistant Vice President at the Bank of Passaic and Clifton. In 1968, he moved to National State Bank for five years. He returned to the Bank of Passaic and Clifton/Valley National Bank where in 1976 he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing. He made two more moves in his career, first to North Jersey Savings and Loan Association and, finally, to the Trust Company of New Jersey. In 2000, he retired from his position as Senior Vice President, Regional Business Development Officer, at the Trust Company of NJ.

Throughout over 40 years in banking, Matthew brought his indefatigable energy, creativity and business acumen to roles in marketing, personnel, and business development. He built strong professional and personal relationships, never hesitated to serve as a mentor, and valued giving back to the community. He was an active member of numerous organizations including Junior Achievement, Passaic Jaycees, The Red Cross, Salvation Army, The Heart Fund, and United Way. He served on the Board of Directors of the Clifton/Passaic Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 1999, he was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Board of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce. He was known for his strategic vision, passion for local businesses and community engagement.  

Matthew met the love of his life, Lois Jane Keyser, roller skating. Saturday night at the local rink was ‘pick-up night;’ Matthew asked her to skate with him and the rest was history. After dating for a few years including the time that Matthew served in the US Army, he proposed to Lois in Goffle Brook Park while they were listening to the “Caballeros” band play on the lawn. As fate would have it, on July 1, 1961, they were married at St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church in Elmwood Park. The two went on to cherish nearly fifty-two years of marriage until Lois’ passing in February of 2013.  The couple settled and remained in Wayne where they raised both of their daughters - Susan and Sharon.

Nothing in the world meant more to Matthew than providing for and spending time with his family. As a provider, he worked hard and maintained a beautiful home. As a father, he led by example. He took care of the day-to-day and passed on his values. He was a parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and raised his daughters in the Catholic faith. He truly held his wife and girls close to his heart throughout his life, celebrating their successes as if they were his own and supporting them however he could.  

He rounded out his full life with many hobbies and interests, always sharing these with others and making many friends along the way. He was a sports enthusiast, holding season tickets for the Giants and following the Yankees. He was also an avid bowler, ping pong player, and ice skater. He enjoyed skiing, a sport which he and his wife Lois first learned in their forties. Matthew and his wife Lois took ballroom and country western dance lessons regularly.  With their close friends, they enjoyed musicals at the Paper Mill Playhouse. After retiring, Matthew and Lois traveled together extensively along with their close friends. They visited many places in the U.S. and went abroad to Europe, traveling to Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Russia. They also visited many of the U.S. National Parks and covered the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida on their many family vacations.

Matthew will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, father, and man who had a magnetic personality that drew people to him. He had friends from every walk of life and maintained some friends for over 60 years. He could easily strike up a conversation and captivate an audience with his talent for public speaking and storytelling. He was kind, generous, disciplined and civic minded. He will live on in our loving memories and be forever missed.

Matthew is survived by his two daughters; Sharon Marakovitz of Lincoln Park, NJ, and Susan Marakovitz of Cambridge, MA, one brother Edward Marakovitz and his wife Dorinda Jaquith of Somerville, MA, and two nephews; Christopher Marakovitz, and Matthew Marakovitz.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Matthew’s name may be made to the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad or the United Way of Northern New Jersey

Ester Dulay Ocampo, age 81 of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Born in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan, Philippines as the second of five children to Gonzalo and Generosa DeVera Dulay, Ester’s early life was full of wonderful and funny memories with her siblings at her family’s store. Growing up in a large family in the same province, Ester was also close to her many cousins. She worked hard and was admitted to Far Eastern University, one of the Philippines’ premier institutions, to study nursing.

After graduation, Ester lived in a boarding house with other nurses. Ester had to walk back and forth from the hospital at night, and a nurse at the house named Emy suggested her cousin serve as “bodyguard” and keep her company. That was when she was introduced to Carlos Cunanan Ocampo and the couple fell in love. Ester was part of the major recruitment of Filipino nurses to the U.S., so she and Carlos decided to get married and set their sights on the American dream.

Timing was on their side as the two left the Philippines for their honeymoon right before the country fell into a terrible period of Martial Law. Ester and Carlos’s journey did not come without challenge as their flight to Japan experienced a landing gear malfunction which led to an emergency belly landing on the runway in Tokyo. The newlyweds slid down the chute of their small plane to safety and ran away from being in any news reports to avoid creating panic for their family back home. Continuing their travels, the couple finished their honeymoon in Hawaii, and with only a few hundred dollars left in their pockets, Ester and Carlos made their way to New Jersey to build a new better life for themselves and their future family.

Ester passed the U.S. Registered Nurse Boards and immediately earned a position at Passaic General Hospital continuing a nursing career that spanned nearly five decades and included positions in multiple hospitals. She worked at Passaic General (now St. Mary’s General Hospital), Daughters of Miriam, Chilton Medical Center ICU, and Bergen Pines Medical Center (now Bergen New Bridge Medical Center) throughout her long career until she retired in 2020 during the pandemic.

Driven by faith and family, Ester was committed to creating a “colorful life” for her family filled with as many exciting and memorable experiences. Ester took a brief hiatus as an ICU nurse to support the acting endeavors for three of her children as they embarked on unique opportunities ranging from Broadway shows, to commercials, soap operas and films. She traveled with them and helped on set earning her the “stage mom” title that she held with pride.

Throughout her life, Ester’s faith remained constant. As a devoted parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church from 1989 until her passing, she attributed much of her success to God’s grace. Her gratitude manifested in generosity, regularly sending Balikbayan boxes filled with goods to her family and those in need back in the Philippines.

She was known as “Mama Ester” to her beloved “mga apo” (grandchildren). Moments like birthday parties, going pumpkin picking and “just because” visits were made into big memorable moments. Mama Ester attended every dance recital, theater performance, swim meet, sporting event her grandkids took part in. Her minivan was iconic in family adventures, both big and small, symbolizing her belief there was always enough room for everyone to be included. This held true for her grandchildren, shuttling them all around together to all their favorite places, with lots of trips to Chuck E. Cheese. Ester was well known for inviting anyone she met to come to her home to visit, especially for Noche Buena (Filipino Christmas Eve) which was always an open door, an open table and a present for everyone who joined.

Ester took immense pride in her children’s college education, having worked tirelessly to provide them with the opportunity. She always believed in living big and it meant the world to her to see that drive and ambition continue in all her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children. Her legacy of faith, love, and ambition lives on through the generations she helped nurture.

Ester is survived by her husband Carlos Cunanan Ocampo; her four children: Cheryll Ocampo Forsatz and her husband John Forsatz, Christiane  Ocampo and her husband Ronald Pottie, Carlos (Chuck) Ocampo, Jr, and Chester Ocampo and his wife Danielle Krumholz; her six grandchildren: Jordan Rose Bernstein, John T. Forsatz, Cadence Cecile Bernstein, Elizabeth Bernadina Forsatz, Avery Alexandra Ocampo, and Baby Ocampo; three of her four siblings: Ramon Dulay, Juan “Sonny” Dulay, and Teresita De La Vega; and fourteen nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Gonzalo and Generosa DeVera Dulay, and her sister Hilda Bautista.

Marie Corso, 89, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Marie was born in June 1935 to Victor and Isabella “Rena” (Robustellini) DeSalvo. She grew up in the family home on Bell Avenue in Lodi and graduated from Lodi High School with the Class of 1953.

After high school, Marie worked for Trubek Chemical Company in East Rutherford until she married the love of her life, Michael Corso. Their families had long known each other, but their romance truly began when Michael was building a home down the block. Marie often walked by, hoping to catch his eye—her plan worked! They fell in love, and after Michael proposed in front of the grotto at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Lodi, they married on May 5, 1956, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Lodi. Following their morning ceremony, they indulged in one of their favorite pastimes—watching a Yankees game on TV—before celebrating at their reception at Terribile’s in Lodi. After a honeymoon in Bermuda, they began their life together at 39 Central Avenue, where they raised their four children: Michael, Frank, Vicki, and Tracey. In 1976, they moved into the home they designed together, which Michael built in Maywood. Following Michael’s passing in 1993, Marie eventually relocated to Four Seasons in Wayne and, most recently, to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

As a young mother, Marie dedicated herself to raising her children while also serving as the administrative backbone of her husband’s construction business, Corso’s Cabinets. Later, she worked in the business office of Panico’s Hair Salon in Ridgewood.

Marie was actively involved at St. Francis de Sales School in Lodi and participated in the Renew program and Cursillo Movement. She had a special heart for caring for others and lovingly supported a young boy named Johnny by patterning him for several years.

With her impeccable fashion sense, elegance, and grace, Marie was always a true lady. She had a natural talent in the kitchen, creating meals and baked goods so delicious that those lucky enough to enjoy them often said they were restaurant-quality.

Above all else, Marie treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in their company, whether skiing together—more for the camaraderie than the slopes—or simply gathering at home. She adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them, whether playing cards over fresh-off-the-griddle chocolate chip pancakes, making her famous from-scratch chocolate pudding, or spoiling them with her beloved macaroni and egg dish and all-they-could-eat ice cream. Her love of cooking and baking was passed down to her grandchildren, who credit her with inspiring their own culinary passions.

Marie will be remembered not only for her elegance and class but also for her easy-going, sweet disposition. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Marie was the beloved wife of Michael Corso, Sr., with whom she shared 37 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in December 1993. She was the loving mother of Michael V. Corso, Jr. and his wife, Teri, of Kunkletown, PA; Frank Corso and his wife, Teresa, of Pompton Plains; Vicki Conklin and her husband, John, of Pequannock; and Tracey Sujkowski and her husband, John, of Pompton Plains. She was the cherished grandmother of Michael III, Ryan and his wife, Barret, Bobbi and her fiancé, Pat, Kevin, Bridget, Tom, Brendan, and Connor, as well as the sweet great-grandmother of Jaxon. She is also survived by her dear younger brother, Ron DeSalvo, and his wife, Kathy, of Georgia; her nephews, Victor DeSalvo and Dr. Jeff DeSalvo and his wife, Molly and children. Marie is survived by her Aunt Connie Toth and sisters-in-law Anne Wiggins, and Pat Corso, plus numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins on the Corso and DeSalvo sides. Marie is survived by her dear life-long friends Irma and Gary Carabin. Marie was predeceased by numerous cousins with whom she shared cherished memories as an unofficial member of the “Cousins Club.”

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Marie’s name are asked to consider one of the following charities:

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 6704

Hagerstown, MD 21741

Click here to download a mailable form

American Diabetes Association

P.O. Box 7023

Merriefield, VA 22116-7023

Karen M. Hancock (Deblasio), age 71, of Verona, passed Friday, March 14, 2025.

Karen was born in Paterson to Mary and Francis Deblasio and spent many years residing at 159 Liberty Street in Paterson. She attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and later attended John F. Kennedy high school in Paterson and Mary Help of Christians High School in North Haledon. After starting a family, Karen pursued higher education at Montclair State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. Throughout her life, she has lived in Paterson, Wanaque, Montclair, and Verona.

Karen was a truly caring and considerate woman, always showing love and warmth to those around her. She was passionate about art with an emphasis on watercolor painting and sketching.  Her talent for creating beautiful art was matched only by her devotion to her family, especially her beloved granddaughter Bianca, whom she adored. Karen was also a terrific cook and baker. Italian specialties being her favorite from Pasta Fagioli and Broccoli Cavitelli to making Struffoli and chocolate chip cookies during the holidays.

Karen met her future husband Mike at Netzler’s Sweet Shop on Union Avenue in Paterson.  They were just teenagers then, when Mike asked her out.  They went to see “Summer of ‘42” at the local drive-in theatre which soon led to their engagement.  They were married on April 22, 1973 and honeymooned at Lake George later that summer.  They settled to a home on Redwood Ave. in Paterson before eventually moving to Haskell in 1986.  During their marriage, Mike and Karen visited Ireland, Scotland, Spain, London, Rome, and often spent summers at the New Jersey Shore. Karen and Mike have enjoyed forty-five years together, raising their three children.

Karen was a true theatre enthusiast, making a point to visit Broadway in New York at least three times a year, immersing herself in the magic of live performances. She also loved movies and British sitcoms, like Doc Martin and Downton Abbey. A devoted Beatles maniac, she could talk endlessly about their music and legacy. Karen also cherished outings to lunch with friends and family. Antiquing and yard sales were among her favorite pastimes, as she delighted in uncovering unique treasures and hidden gems.

Karen was also a self-proclaimed germaphobe, always mindful of cleanliness, and above all, she had a heart full of concern for others, constantly worrying about their well-being and happiness. Her kindness and thoughtful nature touched everyone who knew her. She had the reputation as a serial card sender. With a stationery store’s worth of cards at her fingertips for every occasion—thank you cards, birthday cards, Christmas cards, and Mass cards, ensuring no milestone or moment went unrecognized. Her generosity and thoughtfulness knew no bounds, always putting the happiness and comfort of others before her own. A true animal lover, Karen shared her life with several beloved stray cats over the years. Currently, she is devoted to her loyal dog, Pharaoh, who brings her immense joy and companionship. Whether through her affectionate gestures or the unconditional love she showed her furry friends, Karen’s warmth and compassion left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

Karen was the loving wife of the late Michael Hancock (d. 2018); cherished daughter of Mary “Mimi” Louise Deblasio of Oakland and the late Francis Deblasio; devoted mother of Tara Hancock of Verona, Kyle Hancock of Ringwood, and Jason Hancock of Montclair; dearly loved great-grandmother of Bianca; and loved sister of Mark Deblasio and his wife Patty of Paterson, Damon Deblasio of Lincoln Park, Diane Arbus and her husband Michael of Paterson, and the late Chris Deblasio.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's name may be made to North Shore Animal League or Verona Ambulance Department

Helen Wisbauer (née Mullanaphy), of Pompton Plains and a long-time resident of Pines Lake in Wayne, NJ, passed peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025. She was 102!

Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, as the eldest daughter of Henry and Helen (née Grosser) Mullanaphy. She had a younger sister, Edna, who passed away in 2012.

In 1944, Helen married William F. Wisbauer Jr., who predeceased her in February 1980. After graduating high school, she worked at Wright Aeronautical in Paterson, NJ, before dedicating herself as a stay-at-home mother to her two sons. In 1962, she began a career at American Cyanamid Co. in Wayne, NJ, where she worked as an operator in the Wire Room and later as a coordinator in the Transportation Department. She retired in 1986 but maintained many cherished friendships with her coworkers.

After their marriage in 1944, Helen and her husband William made their home in Lodi, NJ, before settling in Pines Lake, Wayne, NJ, where she resided for 60 years. She deeply appreciated the lake's natural beauty and joyfully shared it with her family through annual holiday beach celebrations. She was an active member of the Pines Lake Seniors, engaging in entertaining and cultural activities. For the past four years, she lived at Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains, NJ.

Helen had a love for music, dancing at her children’s weddings, and classic movies from the 1940s. She was also an accomplished local artist, winning numerous oil painting awards at the American Cyanamid Hobby Shows and also art exhibitions at Ringwood Manor, NJ. She continued to participate in local art instruction classes with her friends throughout her life.

A devoted member of Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes, Helen attended and supported faithfully for 65 years.

Helen was the beloved mother of James and his wife, Elaine, of Newfoundland, NJ, and David and his wife, Bonnie, of Hackettstown, NJ. She was blessed with eight cherished grandchildren—Kevin, Brian, Denise, Matthew, Laura, Gretchen, Noelle, and Cortney—as well as seventeen special great-grandchildren: Patrick, Brad Jr., Aubrey, Eljan, Tyler, Peyton, Logan, Lincoln, Landon, Wesley, Carter, Gabriel, Hannah, Grace, Rebekah, Charlotte, and Sadie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory, may be made to Pompton Reformed Church, 59 Hamburg Tpke, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Howard J. Botbyl passed peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 13, 2025. He joined his beautiful wife, Marion, in Heaven, where they are holding hands once again.

Howard was born to his parents, Abram Botbyl & Frances Boos at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne and never left town.  Especially once he met the love of his life, Ms. Marion Downer.  They courted for a short time before Howard decided to enlist and join all 7 of his brothers who were serving in the US Army.  On September 28th, 1954, at the young age of 18, Howard left before graduating High School and would serve in Germany.  Marion waited patiently for his return, and soon they were reunited.  On February 1, 1958, Howard & Marion shared their vows, and were together for the next 65 years, before Marion’s passing.  Even though Howard went to serve before graduating High School, in 1979 he was awarded his diploma by the United States Congress, acknowledging his life accomplishments in both the US Army, and his career.

Howard learned the craft of masonry from his father Abram, his brothers, and friends who worked with each other for many years.  He celebrated 50 years of service with the BACNJ Local #4 in Fairfield, NJ, and retired soon after. His specialty was curved structures, with glass block.  Everyone wanted Howard to create magic with their buildings, and that is what he did.

One of the biggest successes of Howards life, was creating the Red Barn Hunting Club.  He identified a piece of property near where he and his brothers hunted, and soon it was theirs.  At first, the only structure they could afford for his family of 12, was a two-room barn.  The main room was all bunk beds, and the smaller room a kitchen.  No running water, and no electric, but they didn’t care.  That mountain, and that barn, has created so many memories for him and his family, and today, still does for the extended family of nearly 300!  The Red Barn is a legacy for the entire Botbyl family to enjoy.  A retreat that sits high up on a mountain overlooking the entire Catskill Mountain range, today with more homes, and yes, electric and running water!  The Red Barn still stands, and if those walls could talk.. the story’s they would tell.  All thanks, to Howard who found the property, and his brothers & sisters who brought that mountain to life.

Howard is survived by his four children: Howard, and his wife Sharon Botbyl of Westbrookville, NY.  Cindy Kelly & Ronnie Lenoir of Butler, NJ.  Timothy and his wife Linda Botbyl of Westbrookville, NY, and Christine and her husband Billy Struble of Newton, NJ.  Howard was blessed with 10 Grandchildren: Justin, Jessica, Tim, Kyle, James, Rebecca, Emily, Ryan, Robert and Randall, as well as 9 Great Grandchildren: Kaylee, Joey, Bently, Hunter, Alexis, Peter, Ronnie, Madelyn & Millie.

Karen Ann Havel (nee Arbucci), age 51 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, with her family gathered at her bedside.

Karen grew up in the Bronx until she was about 8 years old, when her family moved to Wayne, NJ. She graduated from Wayne Valley High School the class of 1991, where she was on the basketball team. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University with aspirations of being a schoolteacher. However, shortly after graduation she began working in banking, which ultimately became her career path. She started with Wayne Savings Bank and then to Valley Bank where she has served twenty plus years working her way up to Senior Personal Banker. She was very good at her job and especially loved her customers and working with her co-workers.

Karen met her husband, Travis, after being introduced by a mutual friend. When the time came for Travis to propose, he gave Karen a new toolbox…which didn’t exactly excite her. But he encouraged her to open the toolbox, and inside she found a sparkling engagement ring! They were married on October 2, 2004, at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, and honeymooned in Hawaii. During their marriage, they attended countless NASCAR races, football games, and minor league hockey and baseball games. They were big fans of the Wilkes-Barre Penguins, and they enthusiastically participated in the “toss a teddy bear” tradition, where fans would throw teddy bears onto the ice after the Penguins scored their first goal. She was able to enjoy this tradition this past December with her sister Patty and nephew Devin.

Karen is survived by her loving parents; Vincent and Barbara Arbucci of Wayne, two sisters; Lorraine Arbucci and her husband David Holowiecki of Saint Cloud, Florida; Patricia Arbucci of Pompton Plains and three nephews; Dylan, Derek, and Devin Rhinesmith and their Father William Rhinesmith. and her sister’s two dogs Penny and Harley of Wayne, NJ.

She was predeceased by her husband, Travis, in 2022, who she missed dearly every day.

Anne Frances Drago (Serpico), age 88, of Wayne passed away peacefully Monday March 10th, 2025.

Anne was born to John and Josephine Serpico in Jersey City, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, she went on to secretarial school and soon after began working as a bank teller in Journal Square. It was there that a handsome gentleman would purposefully get on her line to make the weekly deposits from Paramount Grocery Store. One week, rather than writing the deposit amount on the ticket, he wrote a note asking her on a date. She accepted and the rest was history. Anne and Anthony (Tony) Drago were married on January 4, 1964, and shared a fun loving and faithful marriage until his death in January of 1993.

After Anne and Tony were married, they left Jersey City and moved to Wayne. Anne stayed home raising their only daughter Susan. When Susan was in 7th Grade, Anne took a job as a secretary to the Dean of the Art Department at William Paterson University. It was there she made many friends and had a wonderful career spanning almost 20 years.

Anne was a faithful and devoted member of her church community. She found much joy going to Sunday Mass and singing along to Liturgical Music. Anne was a woman whose thoughts were never a mystery. You always knew exactly what she was thinking, good or bad. She always had a way of keeping her friends and family on their toes. For many years Anne enjoyed taking trips to Atlantic City and Mount Airy to make her donation. She spent many summers visiting her nephew’s marina in Lewisetta, Virginia where she spent long and peaceful hours sitting on the beach waving to the boats that passed by. It was one of her and Tony’s favorite places to be. The yearly family reunions were something she really looked forward to, despite the long car rides and too much traffic.

Anne was Nana to two beautiful granddaughters Jenna and Gabrielle. She took great joy in their game nights. Whether it was a friendly round of Go Fish or an intense checkers match, this competition brought them all closer together creating memories that will be cherished forever.

After Tony died Anne moved in with Susan, Charles and the girls. She enjoyed watching the girls grow up. Some of her favorite things were taking them to McDonald’s after picking them up from school, making the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch and being a fixture at so many of their soccer and softball games. Those are only a few of the precious memories that will be fondly and lovingly remembered.

Anne was predeceased by her husband Anthony (Tony) Drago, her parents Michael and Josephine Serpico as well as her brother Michael Serpico and sister Grace Scerbo. Anne is survived by her loving daughter Susan and her husband Charles and their two daughters Jenna and Gabrielle. She is also “TanTan” to many nieces and nephews who always held a special place in her heart.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Faith Hospice Care, Fairfield, NJ.

Joseph “Joe” Cretella, age 95, of Pompano Beach, Florida – formerly of Wayne, NJ and Brooklyn, NY – passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025.  

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Joe learned the values of hard work and perseverance at an early age. When his mother passed away when he was just 13 years old, he took on the responsibility of helping to support his family, sweeping floors at EJ Trump Printing Company. Through dedication and determination, he earned the opportunity to become an apprentice printer. However, his path took a different turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. Serving as a private first class and a medic during the Korean War, he was stationed in Germany and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal.  Upon returning home from his military service in 1953, Joe resumed employment at EJ Trump Printing Company, where he advanced over the next thirty-five years before concluding his career at Queens College in Queens, NY.  After a decade of service, he retired in 1998, ready to enjoy life’s next chapter.

In 1949, Joe met the love of his life, Angelina Lanza, through mutual friends. Despite the distance and challenges of his military service, their love endured, strengthened by letters and the promise of a future together. When he returned home in 1953, they knew they were meant to be. On November 13, 1954, they exchanged vows and began a beautiful journey together. Their forty-three-year marriage was filled with love, devotion, and the joy of raising their four sons—Louis, Joseph Jr., John, and Frank.

Joe’s adventurous nature shone through the way he embraced new experiences—one of the most memorable being a spontaneous trip to Lake George, NY, inspired solely by a friend’s recommendation. Without reservations, he loaded up the car with his wife, kids, and a batch of homemade eggplant sandwiches before setting off on an adventure. They eventually stumbled upon Whispering Pines, a cozy spot nestled along the Hudson River. That first visit sparked a beloved family tradition, as Lake George became their summer retreat for years to come, filled with laughter, scenic views, and cherished memories that spanned generations.

A natural athlete, Joe excelled in every sport he played, but baseball was his passion. As a phenomenal third baseman and a powerhouse at the plate, he even caught the attention of the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, at his father’s insistence, he pursued a more traditional career path. Though he set aside his baseball dreams, his love for the game never wavered. A true baseball fan and a devoted NY Mets fan, he coached his sons’ Little League teams and loved playing catch in the yard with his grandchildren.

Joe had a quiet strength and a sharp sense of humor, often delighting his grandchildren with funny faces and serenading his family with his favorite Frank Sinatra songs. He found joy in the little things—cheering for his beloved NY Mets, watching classic westerns like "Gunsmoke," and never missing an episode of "Wheel of Fortune" or "Jeopardy." But above all, he was “Pop,” not just to his grandchildren, but to everyone who knew him. His warm, loving, and steady nature had a way of making everyone around him feel special. In his later years, Joe found joy in wintering in Pompano Beach, FL, where he could relax, fish from the pier, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Joe was the devoted husband of forty-three years to the late Angelina Cretella (d. 1997); a loving father to Louis (Josephine) Cretella of Lakeland, FL, Joseph (Maureen) Cretella of Wayne, NJ, John (Rose) Cretella of Manalapan, NJ, and Frank (Debra) Cretella of Staten Island, NY; a cherished “Pop” to his grandchildren—Annie, Joseph, Amanda, Amy, Kristina, Joey, Thomas, Michelle, Stephanie, Francesca, Julianna, Anthony, and John; and a beloved great-grandfather to Allie, Angelina, Isabella, Serena, Scarlett, Joseph John (JJ), Eliana, Christopher, and Gabrielle.  He was also a dear brother to the late Frank, Tessie, Louis, and Anthony.

Joe’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family. His warmth and kindness will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Rob Williams, age 60 of Pequannock, NJ died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, March 7, 2025. “Big Rob,” as he was affectionately known, was raised in Pompton Lakes and lived in Pequannock since 1993.

If you’re reading this, the odds are pretty good that Rob has helped you or bailed you out of trouble at some point in time. He would drop everything to help a friend in need, and was a true “MacGyver” who could build or fix anything. He rarely met a challenge he couldn’t overcome, with skills ranging from HVAC, auto mechanics, motorcycle repair, carpentry, excavating, and just about everything else. His garage was his haven, and at any given time you could find a variety of projects underway, like a Jeep CJ, a Harley-Davidson, or a home improvement project. He was a very smart guy and knew how to do everything.

Rob’s early years were enjoyed in Pompton Lakes where he lived with his adored mother, Bette and forged his lifelong friendships. He graduated from Pompton Lakes High School with the class of 1983. He was a proud member of the Sigma Kappa Delta fraternity in high school, and he remained close with his fellow fraternity brothers throughout the years. As a teenager, Rob loved riding dirt bikes, quads, and going four-wheeling up Federal Hill with his friends. He infamously rode his dirt bike down the halls of his high school, riding a wheely the whole way, earning himself a school suspension (well worth it). He had a reputation for being a bit crazy in those days and his antics were always in the spirit of good fun. It was at Pompton Lakes High School that Rob met Danielle Cappetta. She had no interest in dating a guy with his sort of ‘reputation,’ but he was persistent, and she reluctantly agreed to go out with him for one date – just one. That one date was all it took for Rob to win her heart and their loved blossomed. They were married on September 11, 1993 and bought their home in Pequannock soon thereafter. They began raising a family, eventually welcoming a son, Robbie, Jr. and a daughter, Nikki. Rob was an amazing dad, very hands-on, and he loved watching his kids play sports. He enjoyed taking them camping, quad riding, and on summer vacations to Wildwood, NJ. His kids particularly remember Rob pulling them around behind his quad in a sled after a big snowstorm, riding quads at Uncle Billy’s, and going to monster truck shows. Most recently, Rob was helping his son, Robbie, to fix up his own home. The kids made great memories with their dad that they will hold onto forever.

Rob was a big guy with an imposing, almost scary presence. He had a ‘resting grump face,’ as his daughter describes, which made him look intimidating. But Rob was a big teddy bear at heart, who may very well have loved animals more than people! Although he didn’t smile often, his daughter recalled how Rob had an ear-to-ear smile throughout the sealion show at Hershey Park. Critters made him happy. His own dogs and cats melted his heart daily and they meant the world to him. Rob has had many pets throughout the years, currently loving on Nash & Dakota, his dogs, and two cats named Tigger and Boo. They’re all going to miss him.

Rob is predeceased by his mother Bette Soder and mother-in-law April Cappetta. He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-one years, Danielle, of Pequannock, their two children; Robbie, Jr. of Rockaway, and Nikki of Pequannock, a brother; Bob  Soder and his wife Mary of Bayville, NJ , his father-in-law Frank Cappetta of Lincoln Park, two sisters-in-law; Tracy Rosky and her husband Pete of Wayne, Suzanne Deutsch and her husband Bert of Wayne, as well as his niece and nephews

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul S. Tanis, age 74, of North Haledon, NJ.  Paul passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Paul was born in Paterson, raised in Hawthorne, and was one of four sons born to Roy and Virginia Tanis.  As a boy growing up with three brothers, Paul became a talented athlete.  He played baseball as a young boy and later while a student at Hawthorne High School, he played football and basketball for the school’s teams.  Following his graduation from high school with the class of 1967, Paul enrolled at William Paterson University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.  He later went back for his two master’s degrees in both Administration and Mathematics.

Paul found employment quickly and accepted a position as a math teacher with the Mahwah Board of Education.  He first taught in Park Ridge High School and later the township’s middle school.  It was in middle school where Paul found his career as a teacher most rewarding.  Paul also coached Junior Varsity basketball for a number of years and was the administrator for the school’s summer school program.  Paul was truly dedicated to his profession and was sincerely loved and respected by his colleagues, peers, and his students.  During his summers between school years, Paul would often take on handy man jobs, painting, and building projects.

Paul’s career as a teacher with the Mahwah Board of Education spanned over three decades until his retirement in 2010.

While at his brother’s wedding in 1974, Paul met a young attractive woman by the name of Kathy Bertsch.  The two hit it off wonderfully and started dating.  After about a year, as fate would have it, they fell in love and became husband and wife on June 21, 1975 at St Nicholas RC Church in Palisades Park, NJ.  The newlyweds lived in an apartment for about a year then bought a house in North Haledon where they have been ever since.  While living there, they raised both of their beloved daughters, Jessica, and Lauren.

Paul never lost his love of sports and enjoyed playing in a men’s basketball league well into his forties.  He had a true love of the great outdoors.  He and his family cherished their yearly summer vacations to Cape Cod, where he would lavish freshwater fishing, canoeing, walking and hiking.  He was also a talented cook and was famous by family and friends for his Italian food dishes and recipes.  Paul could frequently be found in his back or front yard landscaping, gardening, and meticulously manicuring his property.  

Aside from all Paul’s talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Paul than spending time with his family and friends.  In 2021, the family’s world was shattered when his beloved daughter Lauren passed away.

Paul had a wonderful and infectious sense of humor and a knack for keeping everyone around him on their toes. He loved to tease his friends and family, always ready with a witty remark or a mischievous grin. Practical jokes were his specialty, he found endless joy in harmless pranks. But beneath all the laughter, Paul had a heart of gold; his jokes were never mean-spirited, just his way of bringing a little extra fun into people’s lives. No matter the situation, he had a way of turning even the dullest moments into something unforgettable.

Paul will be forever remembered as a truly devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man who dedicated his life to teaching others.

Paul is survived by his wife Kathy (nee Bertsch) of North Haledon, NJ, one daughter Jessica Tanis of Montclair, NJ, two brothers, Roy Tanis and his wife Peg of Melbourne Beach, FL, and Tod Tanis and his wife Lisa of Melbourne Beach, FL, one granddaughter Quinn Raineri of Wayne, NJ, and one son-in-law Kevin Raineri of Wayne, NJ.  Paul was predeceased by his daughter Lauren Raineri in 2021 and his brother David Tanis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s name may be made to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church or the Alzheimer’s Association

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Albert Jablonski, age 75, of Wayne NJ.

Albert was born in Germany and was the oldest of three children born to Edward and Stephanie Jablonski.  When Albert was only two years old, his parents left their homeland in Europe and immigrated to the United States for a better life and in search of the American Dream.  The family settled in Newark, NJ upon arriving in the US, then moved to Irvington, NJ after a couple of years.  It was in Irvington where Albert would spend his formative years.  He attended high school in Irvington and graduated with the class of 1968.  Following his high school graduation, he attended Rutgers University in Newark where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology.

Albert was a hardworking and adaptable man who built a diverse career across different industries. With his degree in zoology, he found work in a local laboratory conducting animal research.  However, needing more financial stability, he transitioned into working as a forklift operator, working for multiple companies over the years. Despite the blatant contrast between his two fields of work, Albert took pride in everything he did.

In 1975 Albert met an attractive young lady by the name of Annmarie Griswold.  Annmarie’s brother was dating Albert’s sister.  The two hit it off wonderfully and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and were married on January 27, 1979 surrounded by friends and family.  The couple settled in Wayne, NJ where they raised their three sons: Keith, Alan, and Jason.  After years of marriage and raising three sons together, the couple realized they had grown apart and ultimately decided to separate.

Albert had a deep passion for gardening, spending countless hours tending to his vegetable patches, vibrant flower beds, and carefully cultivated his rose bushes. He could often be found in his front and back yards meticulously manicuring his home’s landscape.  He took great pride in his talent as a gardener and constantly sought to expand his knowledge.  This led him to join a Master Gardening Club in Wayne.

Albert also enjoyed puzzles, billiards and anything having to do with the great outdoors.  However, Albert’s greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Albert than providing for and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Throughout his life he cherished their family vacations to Seaside Heights, Ocean City, MD and other destinations at the Jersey Shore.  Albert was not only dedicated to his family but also to his Christian Faith.  He was deeply spiritual and religious.

Albert was often very quiet and serious.  He was a deeply intellectual man who thrived on learning, constantly immersing himself in books, documentaries, and thought-provoking discussions.  He had a wonderfully dry sense of humor which everyone loved about him.  There was never a question about Albert’s opinion or thoughts due to his bluntness, which many people often appreciated.

Albert will be forever remembered as a loving father, and a devoted and cherished grandfather.  He was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone around him.  He will be sincerely missed by his family and friends.

Albert is survived by his three sons: Keith Jablonski and his wife Virginia of Cape Coral, FL, Alan Marandola and his husband Sabatino Marandola, Jr. of Cedar Grove, NJ, and Jason Jablonski of Wayne, NJ, one sister Mary Toepfer and her husband Mikle of Sand Springs, OK, two grandchildren; Kori Jablonski of Cape Coral, FL, and Elise Marandola of Cedar Grove, NJ, and his former wife Annmarie Kozla of Cape Coral, FL.  He was predeceased by his sister Joan Jablonski.    

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph F. Vitale, age 86, of Wayne, NJ.

Joseph passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.  Joe was born and raised in the Riverside section of Paterson. NJ, one of two children to Joseph and Lena Vitale.  As a child growing up in Paterson, Joe was an avid baseball player where he played on All Wag baseball teams.  As a student at Eastside High School in Paterson, Joe continued his love of the game, playing for the school’s varsity baseball team.  Joe graduated from Eastside High School with the class of 1956.

Joe had always dreamed of serving his country.   The moment he graduated from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines.  Joe was promoted to the rank of Corporal while serving with the marines.  He was stationed in Beirut and Turkey during US peace missions.  Joe served proudly and honorably with the US Marines from 1956 to 1959.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Joe enrolled at Fairleigh Dickenson University where he played baseball and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in May 1963.  While in school he had interned at an accounting firm and decided it was not for him.  Joe realized he wanted to teach and was offered a provisional teaching position with the Hawthorne Board of Education.  He taught business subjects at Hawthorne High School beginning in September 1963.   Joe returned to school at night and Saturdays taking teaching classes at Seton Hall University, where Joe earned his Master’s Degree. He then accepted a permanent position as a teacher at Hawthorne High School, teaching accounting and economics.  Joe also served as Freshman and Junior Varsity football coach at Hawthorne High School.

Throughout his career Joe not only taught but eventually served as Principal of several elementary schools within Hawthorne and Lincoln Middle School.  Joe’s career in education spanned nearly forty years until his retirement in 1998.  Throughout his career Joe was truly and sincerely loved by his colleagues, peers, and students alike.  Although he enjoyed being a Principal, he always missed being in the classroom.

As a young man, Joe was attended a friend’s wedding where he met Elinore Sesso.  Joe and Elinore later became husband and wife.  During their marriage they lived in Paterson, Fair Lawn, and eventually the town of Wayne where they raised their two sons, Stephen and Thomas.

Joe was an avid golfer.  He treasured his golf vacations and golf outings with his friends as well as his trips to college football games.  Joe was a die-hard New York sports fan, dedicating his Sundays in the fall to cheering on, and often complaining about the Giants.  He spent his summers glued to every Yankees game.  Joe was also known as a talented individual in the kitchen.  He was a wonderful cook and famous with family and friends for his various Italian dishes and recipes. Christmas Eve dinner was hosted at the Vitale household for 51 years.

Aside from Joe’s talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion in life was his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Joe than providing for and spending time with his sons, and granddaughters.   Joe could be a “tough guy”, but it was very apparent he had a soft side for his granddaughters who adored him.  He was a true guy’s guy and easy to get along with.  Many of his friends and family would often come to Joe for his advice and knowledge.

Joe will forever be remembered as a truly devoted father, grandfather, and a dedicated teacher and member of his community.  Joe touched the lives of countless people throughout his life, and he will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Stephen Vitale and his wife Lily of Newbury Park, CA, and Thomas Vitale and his wife Florence of Wyckoff, NJ, four grandchildren: Samantha Vitale of Newbury Park, CA, Adelina Vitale of Newbury Park, CA, Gianna Vitale of Wyckoff, NJ, and Ava Maria Vitale of Wyckoff, NJ, former wife Elinore, along with many loving nieces and nephews.  Joe was predeceased by his sister Rosemarie Greco and his brother-in-law Frank Greco.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital , Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Heart Association

Julia Clark-Molloy (née Aboyoun), a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished  friend, passed away peacefully on March 2 surrounded by her loving family.

Julia’s greatest joy was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. Julia also loved sharing her delicious Syrian cooking with loved ones. 

Julia was born and raised in Paterson where she met her lifelong best friend, Patti Tahan (née Coussa), with whom she shared a bond that truly lasted a lifetime. A woman of faith, Julia was an active parishioner of St. Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church, where she found joy in reading the Epistle during Liturgy for many years.

Julia now joins in heaven her beloved parents, Joseph and Mary (née Harraka) Aboyoun, and her dear brother, George Aboyoun, who passed before her. 

Julia was a loving mother to her son, Matthew Clark, and his wife, Melissa; her daughter, Michelle Kight, and her husband, Scott; a cherished Sito to her grandchildren, Caitlin Maeve Tarpey, Lindsay Clark, Marin Tarpey, Gavin Clark, and Julian Kight; devoted sibling to sister Ann Aboyoun, and brother Joe Aboyoun and his wife Robin; and a beloved Aunt to niece Stacy Aboyoun Martinez and nephew Mark Aboyoun.

Julia will be deeply missed, but her warmth, kindness, and love will live on in our hearts until we meet again. 

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In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Ann's Melkite Catholic Church 802 Rifle Camp Rd, Woodland Park, NJ 07424. 

Katherine Torsiello, a loving daughter, sister and aunt, passed away into God’s loving embrace on March 2, 2025.

Katherine, a longtime resident of Kearny, NJ and, more recently Wayne, NJ, was born February 23, 1929 and raised in Newark, NJ by her late parents Anthony and Mary (Lapenz) Torsiello.  Besides her parents, Katherine was predeceased by her brothers Victor and Vincent Torsiello and sister Elizabeth Walendzinski as well as her life partner and love of her life, Edward A. Forfa.   In addition to her beloved brother, Anthony Torsiello of Newington, CT, Katherine leaves to mourn her loss several nieces and nephews as well as several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Mafalda Castellano, age 95, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, surrounded by the loving presence of her family.

Mafalda was born in Frosinone, Italy, the second eldest of four children born to Crescenzo and Antonia (Capozio) DiCocco. Her early childhood was spent in Italy, and she often shared stories with her children about milking cows and tending chickens. At the age of eight, Mafalda, her mother, and her older brother immigrated to the United States to join her father, who had come ahead of them to work as a house painter and mason. Crescenzo helped lay Belgian block to construct the streets of Newark, NJ, all to establish a foundation for his family’s future in their new country.

One evening at a church dance in Newark, Mafalda caught the eye of a handsome young man with a big smile named Carmen Castellano. With his natural warmth and charm, Carmen quickly won Mafalda’s heart, and soon they were a steady couple. They married on April 24, 1949, at Saint Philip Neri Church in Newark. Their first home as newlyweds was a cold-water flat in Newark, where they welcomed their first child, Alex. Before long, they upgraded to a hot-water apartment in Belleville, where their second son, Raymond, was born. When that apartment became too small, the growing family moved again—this time just around the corner—to a larger home where their daughter Diane was born. Mafalda and Carmen raised their family in Belleville until 1988, when they relocated to the Packanack Woods section of Packanack Lake in Wayne.

Mafalda was the quintessential Italian mother and homemaker—capable of just about anything. She painted, wallpapered, gardened, cut the lawn, trimmed the bushes, and even changed electrical outlets and switches all by herself. Most people would think twice about tackling electrical work, but Mafalda’s resourcefulness knew no bounds. Her home was always filled with the mouthwatering aromas of her Italian cooking, and her husband Carmen often said no restaurant could hold a candle to his wife’s culinary talents.

Mafalda also had a gift with a needle and thread. She sewed many of her own clothes and crafted beautiful knitted and crocheted blankets and quilts, which she shared generously with family and friends. To most, her daily work might have seemed exhausting, but to Mafalda, it was a labor of love—she truly enjoyed every minute. There was one other passion that brought her joy: shopping. Wherever Mafalda went, she loved hunting for stylish clothing that would keep her looking her best.

Once her children reached a certain independence, Mafalda entered the workforce. She held positions at Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company in Newark and later at Lummus of Bloomfield, where she served as an engineering administrator.

Family vacations were a cherished tradition, especially the annual trips to Wildwood Crest down the Jersey Shore. Later in life, Mafalda and Carmen enjoyed traveling with friends—visiting Europe several times, taking a memorable trip to Hawaii, and embarking on a number of cruises. After retirement, the couple began a new chapter in a retirement community in Lakewood, NJ, before returning to Wayne in 2013, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Mafalda’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life. While living in Belleville, she was a devoted parishioner of Holy Family Church in Nutley, where she attended Mass regularly and took great comfort in her faith. Her belief in God’s grace gave her strength through life’s challenges and joy in life’s blessings, and it remained a guiding light throughout her years.

Despite her many interests and talents, Mafalda’s greatest love was always her family. Her children and their spouses were her pride and joy, and her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She cherished every moment spent with them. A weekly gathering with her sisters and her mother was another treasured tradition that Mafalda always eagerly anticipated. Her beloved husband Carmen was her forever sweetheart, and together they enjoyed a remarkable 73-year marriage until Carmen’s passing in 2023.

Mafalda was the loving mother of Alex and his wife Nancy Castellano of Colonie NY, and the cherished grandmother of their son Mark Castellano and daughter Laura, along with Laura’s husband Nicholas Stong. She was also the adoring great-grandmother of their children Dylan and Cameron. She was the loving mother of Raymond and his wife Maryellen Castellano of Bradley Beach NJ, and the proud grandmother of their son Steven Castellano. She was the loving mother of Diane and her husband Alfred Ascione of Wayne NJ, and the cherished grandmother of their daughter Nicole and her husband Christopher Diaz, as well as their son Jesse and a daughter on the way, and their daughter Kristen Ascione. Mafalda is also survived by her dear sisters, Norina Fuschetti (predeceased by her husband Alfred in 1999) and Cleo Boiko  (predeceased by her husband John in 1997). She was also predeceased by her brother Dionisio DiCocco in 2013 and his wife Messina in 2012.

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In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Mafalda’s memory are kindly asked to consider a donation to:

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

Attn: Development Department

425 Eagle Rock Avenue, #203

Roseland, NJ 07068

Please make checks payable to Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

Frank Holzl, age 84 of Wayne, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Born as the younger of two children to Frank and Othelia Holzl, Frank grew up in Saddlebrook. His family passed on to him the beauty of being out and around nature. Frank loved taking hunting trips to Nahmakanta Maine where he spent time with his father, grandfather and a number of friends. He forged a special connection with his best friend, cousin and hunting partner John Rabinsky. They were inseparable and would spend hours on end chatting about life, hunting, fishing and working on numerous projects until John's passing in 2022.

Frank enjoyed spending his free time in his backyard. He loved seeing the deer roam his property and quiet time spent watching and maintaining his fishpond along with his four-legged friend Abby, was time well spent. He was also very active in and around his home even in his 80's, there was no project too big or too small.  He was not afraid to climb up on the roof and change or fix whatever needed fixing much to the dismay of his friends and family. He had incredible energy and an amazing will forward. Outside of his wildlife endeavors, frank was a very creative man. He was a taxidermist, a woodworker, and an architect of sorts. He was able to build and recreate almost anything. Truly a talented man.

Frank was the epitome of a family man. He married his high school sweetheart Leanore La Russo on September 4th, 1966, and remained happily married until her passing in June 25th, 2001. Frank's confidant and partner was always his daughter Dawn and will remain so forever. They enjoyed some of the same hobbies such as crafting, spending time down the shore and most notably party planning. Frank was famous for hosting a huge 4th of July party while sporting his famous plaid shirts and sipping on a cold Coors Light.

Frank was calm, fun, thoughtful and loving. He had a huge heart that was best demonstrated by his constantly growing family. He welcomed everyone, genuinely enjoyed the company of others and was always willing to help those in need.

He is survived by his only daughter Dawn Holzl, sister Carol Holzl Polito, his niece and two nephews Margaret Sabino, Emio Polito, Frank Polito and honorary grandchildren, Serenity Rodriguez, Jeramiah Rodriguez and Maya Villarreal.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Frank's memory to the Wildlife Conservation Society, ASPCA, or the American Heart Association.

IMPORTANT:  DUE TO THE SNOW STORM FORCASTED FOR  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025, ALL FUNERAL SERVICES FOR ROSE MASTRORILLI HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE ONE WEEK LATER, ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025. VISITATION WILL BE FROM 2-4 PM AND A SERVICE WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW AT 4:00 PM.

Rose Mastrorilli was truly one of a kind! A big heart and a fiercely independent spirit, she enjoyed life on her own terms. Rose, of Whiting NJ and formerly of Cliffside Park NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the age of 94.

Rose was the daughter of Elizabeth and George Popovich, and one of six children raised in the family’s home on Lafayette Street in Jersey City, NJ. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948.

In 1952, Rose met her beloved husband, Joe, on a blind date at a local bowling alley. While her first impression of Joe’s bowling advice wasn’t exactly favorable - resulting in numerous gutter balls - subsequent dates went much better. Their relationship endured even when Joe enlisted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Munich, Germany. With no email in those days, they stayed connected through countless letters. When Joe returned home, he proposed with a beautiful engagement ring, and on October 30, 1954, they exchanged vows in a joyful autumn wedding. Their honeymoon took them to Miami, Florida.

After the honeymoon, Rose and Joe started married life together in an apartment on Pine Street in Jersey City. They were soon blessed with the birth of their firstborn, Joan, who was followed by baby sister Marian. In 1960, they moved to their own home in Cliffside Park, where they enjoyed a stunning view of the New York City skyline. After 28 years, they relocated to Marietta, GA, for Joe’s job. Sadly, Joe passed away just a year later in March 1989. With no deep ties to Georgia, Rose moved back north, settling in a houseboat in Northfield, NJ, her favorite home ever, at the Jersey Shore. She spent the next eight years there, visiting Atlantic City’s casinos, where she favored slot machines and enjoyed shows by entertainers like Jerry Seinfeld and Don Rickles. Eventually, she moved to a mobile home in Whiting, NJ, until 2023, when at age 92, declining health necessitated her move to Oakland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Oakland, NJ.

Rose was sharp-witted and intelligent. She worked as a secretary for various Manhattan companies, including a role with the Army Signal Corps. After taking time to raise her daughters, she returned to work as a secretary in the physical therapy department at Hudson Manor Nursing Home in North Bergen, NJ. She essentially ran the department and loved every moment of her job, earning the respect of coworkers and residents alike. She worked there for about ten years before leaving in the early 1980s. Rose never needed a driver’s license, she simply walked to work every day.

Despite her sharp mind (she could write backward and upside down), Rose preferred to keep life simple. She never embraced modern technology. Her idea of a cell phone was a well-worn cordless phone held together with tape. Rather than streaming movies, she relied on her VHS player, and she balanced her checkbook to the penny using nothing but a pencil and scrap paper.

Rose found joy in creating handmade gifts for friends and family with liquid embroidery, a fabric painting technique that gave a three-dimensional effect similar to embroidery. She decorated T-shirts with original designs, bed sheets with Archie comic characters, and lyrics from songs including originals by her daughter Marian. She was also a gifted Hungarian cook, known for family favorites like potato soup with kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, kapusta, potato salad and pot roast. Her ability to make perfect gravy from seemingly nothing earned her the affectionate title of "The Gravy Master."

Above all, Rose will be remembered as a devoted mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a kindhearted and generous woman who valued people over possessions and always gave freely to those in need. Rose had particular affection for cats, and always had a cat in her life. She had a wonderful and mischievous sense of humor, making her a joy to be around.

Rose was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Mastrorilli, with whom she shared 35 wonderful years of marriage. She was a loving mother to her daughters, Joan Mastrorilli and her companion Trapper Quinn of Wayne, NJ,  and Marian Mastrorilli and her husband Glenn Govier of Huntington, NY. She was predeceased by her five siblings: George Popovich, Joseph Kizmann, William Popovich, Anna Marie Shustowitz, and Clara McGill. She was also a dear aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Rose’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring, loving, and dedicated staff at the Oakland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for the exceptional compassion and support they provided to Rose during her time there. Their kindness and attentive care brought comfort to both Rose and her family, and their efforts will always be truly appreciated.

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In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Rose’s memory may consider a donation to:

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

Attn: Development Dept.

425 Eagle Rock Avenue, 203

Roseland, NJ 07068

The Humane Society of the United States

1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450

Washington, DC 20037

John “Jack” Dawson, 88, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Jack was born on February 4, 1937, the son of John A. and Emilie (Merkle) Dawson. He was raised in Rutherford, NJ, where he attended and graduated from Rutherford High School with the Class of 1954.

In his early years Jack enlisted in the National Guard to serve his country, where he made lifelong friends. Jack began his working life sweeping floors at Bergen Sheet Metal in East Rutherford while attending Bergen Community College at night. Even after earning his associate’s degree, he continued working at Bergen Sheet Metal, gaining valuable hands-on experience as a sheet metal worker. After ten years with the company, Jack transitioned into a successful career as an engineer in the television industry. Over the years, he designed and installed TV studios across the country—and around the world. Among his many accomplishments, Jack was the creator and designer of the very first mobile television truck, built for ABC Sports and sent to China with Nixon. He loved the challenges of his work and earned the respect of colleagues throughout the industry, working for various companies over the years. Including the Japanese company Fujinon, where he served as Executive Vice President and traveled to Japan multiple times per year. He later went on to serve as the CEO of Vinten. He finished his career working with The Systems Group in Hoboken, where he retired at the age of seventy-nine.

Jack met his beloved wife, Barbara Bogert, through mutual friends. They married on a beautiful, sunny fall day—Saturday, November 11, 1961—at Holy Spirit Church in Pequannock. Afterward, they honeymooned at Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos. As newlyweds, they lived in an apartment in Clifton for a brief time before moving to Wayne. There, they raised their two sons, John “Jack” and Craig Dawson. Jack adored his sons and showed it by being deeply involved in their lives. They frequented Vermont with the Chernalis family, where they taught their family to ski and spent quality time mountainside at Bromley Mountain.

A proud Eagle Scout himself, Jack served as a Boy Scout leader for his grandson, Noah’s, troop, and even after he grew up and their troop became inactive, he and his fellow leaders continued their tradition of gathering for dinner on the third Wednesday of every month.

When Jack wasn’t traveling for work, he cherished time at home with his family. A natural tinkerer, he enjoyed fixing things around the house and spending quality time with his wife Barbara tending to her beautiful gardens. He also loved to ski and play golf whenever the chance arose. Eventually, Barbara picked up golf too, and the couple made wonderful memories of taking golf vacations with friends.

Jack’s career offered him and Barbara many opportunities to travel, including attending National Association of Broadcasting conventions in places like Las Vegas, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. One especially treasured trip was a family-and-friends vacation to Alaska with a group of twenty-one loved ones. Closer to home, Jack found great joy at his house on Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania, where he could relax and make memories with family and friends.

Jack will be fondly remembered for his easy-going nature and the genuine satisfaction he found in helping others. His sons, Jack, and Craig, will always cherish the countless weekends their father spent by their sides, generously giving his time and talents to help them build their homes. His grandson, Noah, will forever be thankful for the guidance and wisdom his grandfather offered, always willing to lend a hand or give a thought any way he could.

Jack was the beloved husband of Barbara (Bogert) Dawson, blessed in marriage for 63 years. He was the loving father of John “Jack” Dawson and wife Melissa of Wayne, and Craig Dawson of Hopatcong; cherished grandfather of John Noah Dawson; dearest brother of the late Dennis Dawson and his late wife Shirley; dear uncle of Kevin Dawson and wife Chelsey, and Glen Dawson; and great uncle of Cooper and Cody, Tyler, Page, and Hunter Dawson.

Kattiparambil "Mr. I" Ingersoll, 89, of Oak Ridge, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Born in Karthikappally, India, Mr. I dedicated 30 years to the Indian government's Textile Commissioner's Office, overseeing import and export licenses for various textiles. He was known for his impeccable appearance, and he often changed outfits twice daily.

His journey to the United States began when he assisted Molly, a nurse aspiring to study anesthesiology in America, in obtaining a passport—a challenging task in India at the time. Molly would later find out that Mr. I had obtained her passport much earlier, but he kept stalling as he wanted their relationship to grow. Their collaboration blossomed into love, leading to marriage and a family. Their love and family stalled Molly’s quest to go to the United States for many years. Life eventually led them to the United States, where they began anew, building fresh relationships and navigating new challenges. For Mr. Ingersoll, it was a fresh start that required strength and resilience, especially as he worked to establish a new foundation for his family in a foreign land.

One of the first places where he found connection was the church, where he became beloved by all who knew him. His friends, along with his children’s friends, affectionately referred to him as “Mr. I.” It was here that he formed lasting friendships that would provide him with the sense of community he so cherished.

In America, Mr. I embraced the role of a devoted husband and father, managing household responsibilities while Molly pursued her nursing career. Known for his distinctive laugh, a passionate cook, Mr. I delighted in preparing meals for friends and family, often remarking, "I don't have a recipe—I just cook." His culinary adventures were complemented by a love for diverse cuisines as he was a “foodie” that loved to explore different foods.

Mr. I had a deep appreciation for music, especially Bollywood classics from the '60s and '70s. He maintained an active lifestyle, walking 2 to 3 miles daily and practicing yoga regularly. A man of faith, he was an active member of the Church of St. Paul’s & Resurrection in Wood-Ridge, cherishing the friendships he formed there. Engaging in political discussions, whether about Indian or American affairs, he was always open to sharing his perspectives. Known for his humility, Mr. I was quick to apologize, often preparing a favorite dish to mend any disagreements.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over fifty years, Molly Ingersoll; his son, Segreen Ingersoll, and his wife, Sara, of Pine Brook; his daughter, Sheryline Ingersoll, of Montville; and his cherished grandson, Ivan Ingersoll. He was the youngest of three brothers and one sister, all of whom predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Fr Agnel Ashram Orphanage would be greatly appreciated.

George Schmitt, 93, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born on July 22nd, 1931, in Paterson, NJ to Robert and Anna Schmitt (nee Mandak). He grew up in South Paterson where he attended elementary school #9 and graduated from Central High School.

After high school, George joined the carpenters union as an apprentice, beginning a four-year journey that shaped him into a skilled carpenter. During this time, he also served in the Construction Battalion of the Navy during the Korean War. He spent many years leading jobsites that are still standing today including the Wayne Municipal Building. His dedication and expertise in the trade led to a swift promotion to supervisor. While still working in the field George taught night classes for the union carpenter apprenticeship programs at PCTI in Wayne. After many successful years in the field, his passion for education grew, prompting him to leave the field and become a full-time shop teacher at PCTI where he eventually was promoted to director of facilities. Throughout his career, George earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers, furthering his commitment to both the craft and education.

On February 14th, 1953, George married the love of his life, Joan McBride. Their love story began when George was 15 and Joan was just 13, and it blossomed into a remarkable 66-year marriage that endured until Joan's passing in November 2019. During their 73 years together, they have welcomed five children: Debra and her husband Richard Mirabelli of West Milford, NJ, George Schmitt of Wayne, NJ, Edward and his wife Kim Schmitt of Warwick, NY, Diane and husband Dave Brennan of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Lisa Schmitt of Wayne, NJ.

George was blessed with 11 grandchildren. Melissa Welch of West Milford, NJ, Dana and her husband Donald Reonieri of Landing, NJ, Michele and her husband Erik Gillis of Ringwood, NJ, Scott and his wife Rosy Schmitt of Belvidere, NJ, Kayla Schmitt of Warwick, NY, Patrick Liszewski of Warwick, NY, Jahne Liszewski and her husband Miquel Gonzalez of Warwick, NY, Ashley Brennan of Wayne, NJ, Casey  and her husband Mike Riccardello of Wayne, NJ and Shannon and her husband Peter Rinsland of Wallingford, CT, and Melvin Green of Woodbridge, NJ.

On their 59th wedding anniversary, George and Joan welcomed their first great-grandchild, and since then, George was blessed with 10 more: Denis, Aubrey, Ryan, Owen, Edison, Daphne, DJ, Wade, Georgie, Francesca, and Peter. He cherished every moment spent with his growing family, marveling at how it expanded over the years. Family was the heart of his life, and he made sure to share stories, sweet treats, especially Tootsie Rolls, Root Beer Barrels, Candy Kisses, and Butterscotch, and plenty of love, earning the endearing nickname "Grandpa George."

As a dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle and friend, George was always there for his loved ones, ready to listen, offer a helping-hand, kind words, or share a laugh. He treasured these precious times together. He had fond memories of summers spent at Lake Hopatcong and annual vacations to Wildwood Crest, where he was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Whether hosting or attending family gatherings, George was always involved in the planning, especially when it came to food. He would always be sure to suggest his favorite, hot dogs all-the-way, especially when everyone just showed up. If nothing else, he always made sure everyone ate. He was always concerned about others, offering love and care to all.

George had many hobbies and passions, including tending to his lawn and garden, cruising around the neighborhood on his John Deere, up keeping his house, tinkering with his next project and sitting out front, giving treats to all of the dogs and waving to his neighbors. Let’s not forget his favorite thing to do was watch sports especially his favorite team, the Mets! George could often be found sporting his Mets gear and eagerly watching his team play, a passion he shared with those closest to him. George was blessed with the gift of gab and was never short of words or conversations with those he met. His stories, his smiles, and his waves were his signature to being the happy person that he was.

After a full and happy life—one spent in the loving company of his wife, Joan, and their four generations of family—George leaves behind a lasting legacy. His memory will live on through the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to love, devotion, and the joy of family. May his love, wisdom, and warmth continue to inspire all those who knew him.

George was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Robert Schmitt and brother Robert. He is survived by his sister, Mildred, and brother, William and many nieces and nephews.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret M. Siegrist (nee O’Brien) of Wayne, NJ.

Margaret passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025 while receiving the loving care of her family.  She was born and raised in the West Village of Manhattan.  Margaret was one of nine children to Patrick and Annie O’Brien, and those who came to know Margaret affectionately referred to her as Peggy. She was part of a group in our country’s society known as “The Greatest Generation.”

As a young girl growing up in the West Village, Peggy spent her summers at Orchard Beach with her friends and family.  Her parents would erect a small cottage where they would stay at the beach for the summer then dismantle it at the end of the season.  She attended a high school on the West Side of Manhattan and continued on at Mary Mount College in New York.  Peggy accepted a position with the City of New York as an Administrative Assistant where she met her future husband, Bill.

Surrounded by family and friends, Peggy and Bill sealed their love in marriage on July 11, 1953, beginning a lifelong journey together filled with devotion, companionship, and cherished memories.  They were married in St Bernard’s RC Church in the City and settled in Riverdale, NY.  While residing in Riverdale, Peggy and Bill welcomed the birth of all four of their children, Mary Beth, Peggy, Bill, and Christine.  In 1964, as the family grew, Peggy and Bill moved their family from the city to Wayne, NJ.  They called Wayne their home for the rest of their lives together and raised all four of their children there.

Shortly after getting married, Peggy made the decision to become a full-time homemaker, dedicating her life to nurturing and caring for her family.  Peggy had a talent for sewing, knitting, and baking. She created beautiful handmade items. Peggy’s talent and creativity excelled in every piece she made, leaving lasting gifts for her friends and family.  She was also a talented and accomplished baker and was famous with family and friends for her cookies, especially her Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Aside from her talents, interests, and hobbies, Peggy’s greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Peggy than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She and her husband Bill cherished fifty-two years of loyal and loving marriage together until Bill’s passing in November of 2005.   Peggy was not only dedicated to her family but also to her Catholic Faith.   She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church where she was extremely active.  Peggy was on several church committees throughout her time at Our Lady of the Valley and was a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound and lunch mother for the church’s school.  She was also a volunteer at DePaul Catholic High School for several years.  Peggy was also devoted to her community where she was truly loved by friends and neighbors.

Peggy cherished the joy of summer adventures with her children, creating unforgettable memories at some of New York’s most beloved destinations. She would pack up for trips to Coney Island, where the kids reveled in the thrill of amusement rides. At Rockaway Beach and Jones Beach, they spent hours swimming in the ocean and soaking up the sun.  Swimming was one of Peggy’s favorite past-times. Hamptom Bays was her home away from home where she loved relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean.

Peggy was blessed with good health and a long life.  She often stated that her secret to longevity and model for life was, “Faith, Family, Friends, and Chocolate!”.  Peggy was a truly special person who touched the lives of countless people throughout her life.  She will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Peggy is survived by her four children: Mary Beth Ryan and her husband Tom of Butler, NJ. Peggy Siegrist of Wayne, NJ, Bill Siegrist of Wayne, NJ, and Christine Dodds and her husband Kevin of Wayne, NJ, five grandchildren; Tom Ryan, Christopher Ryan and his wife Stacey, Colin Dodds, Kirsten Dodds, and Kyle Dodds, and many, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.  Peggy was predeceased by her husband Bill Siegrist in 2005.  She was also predeceased by her eight siblings: Thomas and his wife Kay, Patrick and his wife Kay, Beatrice, Francis, Gerald, John William and his wife Mary Anna, Sister Marita Rose, and Monsignor Edward O’Brien.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret's name may be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson.

“Don’t be sad, don’t cry.  Be happy for me!  I’ve had a long, good life!”

Antionette Gaffney passed away peacefully the morning of February 20, 2025 – those were her last words, in the days prior, to her loved ones.

Ann lived a full life and while not always easy, she always persevered.  That is what anyone who knew her would remember – her strength, her perseverance, and her grace – even during the toughest of times.  One of her go-to sayings was, “Life is not fair, but we keep going and we do the best we can.”  That’s what Ann did and the advice so many of us will continue to carry with us in her absence.

Ahead of her time, Ann always worked and prided herself in doing so.  She had a career as a legal secretary that she loved – even in her later years, she’d spend her time reading contracts, drafting wills, and taking personal notes in short-hand.  She was married to the love of her life, George and after many years of trying, had her daughter Doris who she called “her blessing from God”.  She was blessed to have spent time raising her grandchildren, Gianna and Joseph, and being in the lives of her great-grandchildren, Elyse, Aria and Anthony.

Near the end, Ann recalled all the wonderful people in her life that she’d loved so much and her gratitude.  Whether it be a freshly made apple pie, a crossword puzzle, a crocheted sweater, or a John Grisham novel, we will always all remember Ann in our hearts with the same gratitude.

Dr. Young Bok Kim, 92, passed away on February 14, 2025, at his home in Wayne, New Jersey where he’s lived since 1978.  Born on June 27, 1932, in Taegu, South Korea.  Young was a selfless and generous man throughout his life.  He always put the needs of others ahead of his own, which is the definition of “love.”   At work, Dr. Kim was the epitome of the patient’s doctor who cared for each patient as if they were family.  He was beloved by hospital staff and colleagues alike.

         Young was the son of Jae Gyun Kim (M) born 1905,  and So Nam Go (F) born 1908, and brother to seven siblings.  Young Hee Kim (F) born 1928, Young Tae Kim (M) born 1935, Young Eh Kim (F) born 1938, Soon Ja Kim (F) born 1940, Young Boo Kim (M) born 1943, Soon Hee Kim (F) born 1947, and Kwang Duck Kim (M) born 1950.  Young was raised in Taegu, South Korea and in June 1950 with the breakout of the Korean War, he was drafted as an Infantry soldier at the age of 18.  After the war ended,  Young attended Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and graduated in March 1957 with his medical degree as a board-certified physician.  From June 1957 to February 1964, he served 7 years as an intern, resident, and orthopedist in training at various military hospitals from Seoul to Hawaii.  Upon his discharge from military service as an Army Major in 1964, he moved back to his hometown and served as the Orthopedic resident at the Presbyterian General Hospital in Taegu, South Korea from April 1964 to November 1966.  From 1967 to 1972,  he relocated the family to West Malaysia serving in the Ministry of Health as the Chief of Orthopedics in the City of Johor Bahru General hospital.   In 1973,  he relocated the family to Union City, New Jersey and began his medical career in the United States of America at St. Mary’s hospital in Hoboken, New Jersey.  In 1976,  he relocated the family to Wayne, New Jersey and served as the House Physician at Wayne General Hospital from 1976 to 2015 (39 years).  At the age of 83,  Young retired as a medical doctor.

         Young was always active in his community and served as an Elder for Bethany Church.  He volunteered his time on weekends at the Wayne General Hospital clinic in Paterson, New Jersey serving low to moderate income families seeking medical services and assistance.  He also volunteered his time with the local Wayne township school district as the school  physician for medical screening and consultation for junior high and high school students.  

         Young married Ki Chung Chang of Taegu, South Korea in 1961.  Ki (Kay) was born in 1936 and passed in 2011.  He is survived by his two sons, John Chan-Kyu Kim of Cliffside Park, New Jersey; son James Chan-Ho Kim (Mary) of Aledo, Texas; grandchildren, Amanda, James Jr, Andrew, and Daniel Kim; great grandchildren, Kobe Rose (3) and Kaiya James Kim (1).

Contributions can be made to the Bethany Church, 491 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 in care of Young Bok Kim.

Gerardo“Jerry” Speziale, age 88, of Wayne, passed Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

He was born in Paterson to Bruno and Catherina Speziale and raised in West Paterson.  He was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School.

Jerry entered the US Airforce in 1953 while serving as an Airman 1st Class he received training as a Ground Radio Operator and Radio Interpreter Operator. While enlisted, he served two years in Hokkaido, Japan as a radio operator.  For his service he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Thereafter, Jerry was Honorably Discharged in 1957.

After completing his service in the military, Jerry returned to the family home in West Paterson. Soon after, Jerry entered the New York City Barber & Beauty School where he began his lifelong career as a barber. Jerry served as an apprentice barber at Fazio’s Barber Shop in Little Falls. Later on, he purchased his own barber shop on Market Street in Paterson called Gerard’s Barber Shop,” which he later relocated to Totowa. For the last forty years he has been a partner of Mario & Gerard’s Haircutters in Wayne.

Jerry lived in Paterson, Cedar Grove, and West Paterson before settling with his family in Wayne, his hometown for the past sixty years.

Jerry met the love of his life Barbara Padula through mutual friends at Passaic Valley High School. Their first date was to the Oxford Theatre where they saw the movie “Love is a Many Splendored Thing.” Not long after, Jerry asked Barbara’s father for her hand, to which he readily agreed as he was reassured his then future son-in-law would provide his daughter with a beautiful full life. And he surely did. After receiving her father’s blessing, Jerry proposed to Barbara at the Falls View in Paterson. Jerry and Barbara married on October 5, 1958, at Saint James Church in Totowa and had their wedding reception at The Circle Restaurant. They then set off for their honeymoon in Miami, Florida. Jerry and Barbara had a loving and devoted marriage of sixty-seven years that was blessed with love, kindness, faith, and two children, Jerry and Debbie.

Jerry was a gentle soul with a heart full of kindness. His sweet demeanor reflecting the beauty of his spirit. A deeply religious man, he found immense joy in his faith, which served as a guiding light in his life.   The pride he felt for his family was immeasurable; they were the highlights of his existence, filling his days with laughter and love.  Jerry’s barbershop was not just a place of work, but a sanctuary where each customer felt like a cherished friend-every haircut accompanied by heartfelt conversations and genuine care.  His car and wallet were adorned with memorial cards honoring those who had passed, and cards with prayers of all kinds, while rosary beads were lovingly placed in every corner of his home, reminding him of the sacred connections he held dear.  His grandchildren went through Jerry’s home, and each took a rosary to keep a little of Jerry close to their hearts. In Jerry’s world, love, faith, and community intertwined creating a tapestry of warmth and compassion that touched everyone he met. Although Jerry’s family was central to his being he also held his community close as well.  He was a member of the The Wayne Lions Club, and The Bartimaeus Club in Paterson.

Jerry and Barbara were founding members of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne. He was currently a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6354, a Eucharistic Minister, and each week attended a group aimed at honoring the late Monsignor Mark Giordano.

Jerry was the devoted husband of Barbara (nee Padula) Speziale; devoted father of Jerry Speziale and his wife Beatrice, and Debbie Mastrangelo and her husband Thomas; he was the cherished grandfather of Francesca Richmond and her husband Walter, Brittney Mastrangelo and her fiancé Tyler Hogan, Jerry Speziale, Jr. and his girlfriend Bruna Dos Reis, Paige Speziale and her boyfriend Michael Casasanta, Christopher Mastrangelo and his wife Allyson, Michael Mastrangelo, Kenny Kerwin and Connor Kerwin; he was the dearly loved great-grandfather of Madison, Adriana, Audriana, Emma, and Nicholas. Jerry will be forever missed by his family, and his memory will always be cherished. He is deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Tunnels to Towers or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Janet Von Glahn Dean of Wayne NJ passed February 19, one day after her 66th birthday.

Janet was born to Henry and Frances Von Glahn and graduated Wayne Valley High School in June 1977. She continued her education at Fairleigh Dickinson in Madison NJ and graduated as an X-ray technician. She worked in this field for over 20 years.

Janet met her husband Pete Dean when she watched him p lay at a nearby club. They married and lived in Franklin NJ. Later they moved to St. Petersburg FL where they visited often with Willa and her family, and Grandma Belle.

Janet was always happy and smiling. Her favorite thing was to give and get hugs. She liked to feed the squirrels in her yard (some of whom ate right out of her hand). She loved all the camaraderie in their trailer park where her and Pete lived in a spacious double-wide before buying their house. Janet was always generous and opened her home to everyone.

After she began to feel sick, she searched for answers to no avail. She ended up returning to NJ where her parents worked tirelessly to get her a diagnosis. She has Multiple Sclerosis. Janet continued to live with both of them, and then just with her mom when her dad died in 2008. When her mom got sick, her siblings Willa, Linda, and Hank moved her into Preakness Healthcare Center in Wayne. Her mom died in 2013.

Janet loved living at Preakness Healthcare Center. She was always the happy and upbeat person, and enjoyed welcoming and meeting new people. She loved the staff and they were so good to her. She lived there until her death.

Janet is survived by her siblings Willa Kippert and husband Rick, Linda Laidlaw and her husband Tom, and Henry (Hank) Von Glahn and his wife Sandi. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Jonathon Kippert, Shawn Laidlaw, Lynne Koukoutsakis, Karla Kasumovic, and Carl Von Glahn, as well as their spouses and children.

Although Janet had a hard life, she never once complained. Love, smiles, and hugs- that sums Janet up.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

Susan J. Tantow (nee Carino), age 83 of Wayne, NJ, died on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in her home surrounded by her loved ones. Susan lived in Wayne for twenty-five years, having previously lived in West Orange, Ringwood & Waldwick, NJ.

Susan was a Registered Nurse throughout her professional career, working for decades at the Hackensack University Hospital, as well as at the Christian Healthcare Center in Wyckoff. She absolutely loved her occupation and was truly a nurse at heart.

Having grown up in Waldwick, NJ, Susan went on to graduate from Ramsey High School where she had been a JV Cheerleader and was dating her ‘high school sweetheart’ Karsten Sandsmark. They would marry and eventually build a home in Ringwood, NJ where they raised their two sons, Kirk and Eric. Her marriage to Karsten ended in the 1980’s, years later she met Henry Tantow at a “Parents Without Partners” gathering. They started dating and three years later were married. The two of them worked extremely hard at their professions, Susan would take on two jobs in order to enjoy worldwide travel. In Susan’s own words, they traveled everywhere sometimes two or three times except China. Susan and her husband, Henry particularly enjoyed river cruises and they went on many of them. For a number of years, Susan and Henry also kept a condo in Cape Coral, Florida, where they enjoyed themselves as snowbirds in the winter months. Almost twenty-five years ago, Susan and Henry moved to Four Seasons in Wayne, where they embraced the community. Susan always enjoyed socializing at the Four Seasons club house with her neighbors. Sadly, Henry passed away in 2018 after nearly thirty years of marriage, and Susan has missed him ever since.

Susan adored her family and her world revolved around her loved ones. She enjoyed doting on her sons, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She counted her beloved dogs as family members as well, and her favorite two favorite dogs were Tinker and Zoey. She was also a diehard METS fan and always rooted for the NY GIANTS.

Susan is survived by her two sons; Kirk D. Sandsmark and his wife Tara of Highland Lakes, NJ, and Eric Sandsmark of Highland Lakes, NJ, her step-son Jeff Tantow, six grandchildren; Kirk Sandsmark, Jr. (Sarah), Karley Sandsmark (Sean), Katelynn Sandsmark (Nick), Sarah Sandsmark (Ryan), Taylor Shearer (Josh), and Jeff Jr., ten great-grandchildren, a sister; Rosemary Klingen (Jack), one niece; Jill Hasting (Jon), one nephew; Jack Klingen (Stacey) and predeceased by her beloved parents Carmine and Rose Carino.

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

Annette Ford’s long, blessing-filled life ended peacefully on February 18th, at the age of 104.

Annette was born to Harold & Elizabeth Brown on August 19th, 1920. Elizabeth passed soon after, and Annette was raised by her father & grandmother in Newark, NJ, attending Blessed Sacrament School. Growing up in Newark, she walked up & down the streets to save a dime on bus fare so she could catch a double feature at the movie theatre.

As a young woman, Annette worked in a church rectory, where she met her husband, Fabian O’Neill. Fabian & Annette said “I do” in autumn of 1938, and four years later, moved to Wayne. Annette lived in Wayne for more than 80 years, raising four children of her own; Elizabeth, Kathleen, Jack, & Dennis. While raising her children, she worked at J. Wiss & Sons Co. Scissors in Newark, and at Mack Molding in the early 1950s.

Annette was always a social butterfly with an infectious laugh & contagious smile. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post #174, and part of the Columbiettes Auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus. Annette was part of Elks Lodge #2181, where she volunteered to work bingo nights for 8 years. For over 40 years, Annette was a member of the Golden Key Club for senior citizens. She served as President and as Chaplain of the Club, and always looked forward to having lunch and playing cards with the group on Fridays.

As Annette’s children grew up and their families blossomed, “Gram’s house” down the street became everybody’s favorite place to play cards, assemble puzzles, and have Sunday suppers. She spent her spare time sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and she was always happy to share her skills, knowledge, & stories with others.

Later in life, Annette met her second love, Mike Ford, through the American Legion. When they married in 1977, she became a step-mother to Mike’s three children; Marianne, Ellen, & Martin. The couple enjoyed their retirement by traveling the world; one of her favorite trips was to Ireland, where she & Mike reconnected with their Irish roots.

When Annette turned 100 in 2020, she received the gift of her first great-great-grandchild, and welcomed two more great-great-grandchildren into the world a few years later. She did not take her long life for granted, and knew what a blessing it was to see her family span five generations. The four generations she leaves behind will remember her in every stitch they sew & crochet, on every travel adventure, and while playing her many favorite card games.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband Fabian O’Neill in 1970, daughter Elizabeth Baier in 1983, and second husband Mike Ford in 1997. She is survived by three of her children; Kathleen Thoma, Jack O’Neill, and Dennis O’Neill, three step-children; Maryann Callaghan & her husband Johnny, Ellen Hayes, and Martin Ford & his wife Colleen, as well as Annette’s large blended family of twenty-three grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Covenant House Newark would be appreciated.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Murray, age 102, of Wayne, NJ.  Florence passed away peacefully on Monday February 17, 2025 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Florence was born in Garfield and raised in East Paterson NJ, now known as Elmwood Park.  She was one of three children to Vincent and Josephine Tavone.  While growing up in Elmwood Park, Florence attended Eastside High School where she graduated with the class of 1940. Florence was known to her classmates as an avid ice skater, and she enjoyed badminton as an adult.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Florence enrolled in a local business school where she earned certification as a secretary.  She found a position with Curtis-Wright in one of their plants around Paterson, NJ.  Her work with the Curtis-Wright Corporation directly supported the war effort at home, exemplifying the strength and courage of the Greatest Generation.

Florence met the love of her life, a handsome young man by the name of Charles Murray.  Florence and Charles fell in love and were married in 1943, while Charles was on leave from service during World War II as a proud member of the US Navy Seabees. Following Charles’ honorable discharge from the Navy, the newlyweds settled in Wayne, NJ.  Florence and Charles called Wayne their home for their entire married life and while residing there, welcomed the birth of their only child, their son Glenn.

Florence’s greatest passion in life was for her family and home. Nothing in the world meant more to Florence than providing for and spending time with her husband and son.  Shortly after the birth of her son, Florence decided to become a full-time homemaker, devoting herself to nurturing and caring for her family.  Florence and Charles cherished nearly forty years of marriage until Charles passed away in 1980.

While living in Wayne, Florence was a parishioner of Holy Cross Church and Our Lady of the Valley RC Church for many years.  Florence was also a dedicated volunteer at St Joseph’s Wayne Hospital in Wayne.

In her spare time, Florence enjoyed crossword puzzles and crocheting.  She also treasured traveling with her family to a variety of destinations over the years such as Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada.  Florence was a strong, independent, and very home-oriented woman who was wonderfully organized.  She had a place for everything and everything was in its place.  Florence could often be found keeping busy around her house cleaning and organizing or outside her home meticulously manicuring her front and back yard.

Florence will forever be remembered as a truly devoted wife and mother.  She was blessed with and enjoyed good health for more than a century.  Florence was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be missed sincerely by all who knew her.

Florence is survived by her son Dr. Glenn Murray and his wife Kinuko Fukumine of Wayne, and one niece Marie A Tavone of Elmwood Park.  She was predeceased by her husband Charles Murray, her brother Anthony Tavone, and by her sister Marie Tavone.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Florences name may be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org

Kathy Hogan, age 71 of West Milford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Born in the Netherlands as the oldest of 9 children to Hendrik and Maud Van Wageningen, Kathy’s early life was spent in the Netherlands until her family moved to the United States where they settled in Wayne, NJ. Her family were active members of the Dutch Reformed Church.

After graduating high school, Kathy was introduced to her brother’s friend Bruce Hogan. They started off as just friends, but they quickly fell in love and before long the two became a couple. They dated for a year and a half before marrying on July 3rd, 1974, enjoying a loving marriage of over 50 years together.

After getting married, Kathy and Bruce lived in several apartments until their family started to grow. With the need for more space, the couple decided to buy their first home together in West Milford, NJ where they lived for 12 years before moving once more to their current home for the last 33 years.

Kathy and Bruce loved to travel making annual trips to one of the warm beautiful islands of Aruba, Jamaica, Antigua, St. Thomas, St. Marten and several others. They were well loved by the staff for their generosity and infectious ability to have a great time long into the night.

Kathy will be remembered for her love of life and good times. She enjoyed hosting parties with family and friends, gardening, swimming / sunbathing by the pool, knitting, and enjoying a cold Miller Lite. She loved her children more than words can describe and devoted herself to taking care of them. She participated in their school functions, drove them to all their sports, and spent time with them watching the Giants, Yankees, and Nascar races.

Kathy is survived by her husband Bruce Hogan; her eight siblings; her sons: Bruce Jr. and his wife Amber Hogan, and Shawn and his wife Heather Hogan; and her grandkids: Draiden, Memphis, Weston, Brian, Nathan, and Peyton. She is predeceased by her parents Hendrik and Maud Van Wageningen and her granddaughter Izabella Hogan.

Joseph Celeste Sr, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025 at 98 years old with his wife of over 70 years by his side.  Joseph was born in Newark, NJ and was a long time resident of Clark, NJ and Easton, PA. He attended St. Agnes Church in Clark and St. Mark’s Church in Rahway until moving out of the area.

He was drafted during World War II at only 18 years old and served for several years in the Philippines. His focus was the communication systems for the American Forces in the area. After the war, he spent some time as a real estate agent.  As new electronic items began to be created like TV and stereos, Joseph launched his own business Short Hills TV based in Maplewood, NJ. When the “latest and greatest” electronic items came to market, Joseph was ready to service all of them.  As his business grew, he moved to a custom built building also in Maplewood, NJ and renamed the company JC Electronics and retired in 1985.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, John and Adaline (Cicenia) Celeste and four of his siblings, Madeline Celeste, Michael Celeste, Florence Macera and Helen Racano.

Surviving are his devoted wife, Columbia (Lardiere) Celeste, his loving children, Karen and her husband Patrick Ruby, Joseph Jr and his wife Mary, Diana and her husband Joseph Sznaza and Mark and his wife Loreen.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Jennifer (Ruby) and her husband Joseph Losco, Patricia (Ruby) and her husband William Bachmann, Kristen (Ruby) and her husband Donald Cervellini, Kathryn (Ruby) and her husband Tyler Tresslar, Olivia Sznaza, Joseph Sznaza and Chelsea Sznaza.  In addition, Joseph’s long life provided him the great honor of 8 great-grandchildren - Dylan and Alyssa Losco, Emma and Wyatt Bachmann, Clayton Cervellini and Jack, Ian and Layne Tresslar. He is also survived by his sister Theresa Band.

James “Jim” R. LeFevre, age 79, of Ticonderoga, NY, formerly of Wayne, NJ, passed Sunday, February 16, 2025. Jim moved to Ticonderoga, NY in 2022.

Jim worked as a Metropolitan Life Insurance agent and worked for them at their Wayne, Butler, Saddle Brook, Rochelle Park, and Paramus, New Jersey offices for twenty-five years before retiring in 1993.

Jim loved sports and enjoyed fishing, travel and especially like the Florida Keys and Quebec, Canada.  A little known fact about Jim is that he served as a Fishing Guide in the New Brunswick Province of Quebec, Canada in the 1960’s. Jim was dedicated to his Catholic faith and for many years was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, 473 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ.

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

Peter "Pierre" Massoud, age 74, of Little Ferry, passed Saturday, February 15, 2025.

Pierre, you were my best friend and youngest brother. We communicated all the time and I am going to miss you a lot now. I would see you every Monday. We talk about everything together and I will miss you. You were the baby of the family, the "youngest grape." You had more than your share of tragedy, but you stayed strong. I am going to miss seeing your face. You loved sports and were an excellent baseball player. You went to Public School number 9 in South Paterson at the age of 8 years old when you came here from Lebanon. You graduated from Kennedy High School. You are survived by your wife Nancy and your brothers, John, Nabil, Robert and Raymond, and me, Michele. You were a good, loyal and supportive husband, and you meant the world to Nancy. You were a helpful brother, son, husband, and Uncle. We will all miss you. We cannot believe you are gone. We miss you every day.  Your family, friends, work colleagues, and especially your wife, Nancy. You were a wonderful father to your baby, Justin, who you are now reunited with in heaven. We love you.”

James Stewart Moore

January 10, 1936 – February 15, 2025

James Stewart "Stew" Moore, 89, of Packanack Lake, Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025 at Chilton Hospital due to complications from pneumonia. Born on January 10, 1936, in Lawrence, Kansas, he was the son of George W. Moore and Sylvia (Stewart) Moore. He moved with his family to Packanack Lake in 1953, where he built a life and resided until his passing.

Stew graduated from the University of Maryland in 1959 and went on to have a successful career as a packaging salesman. A longtime resident of Packanack Lake, he was a dedicated member of the Packanack Golf Club, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf including a hole in one and built lasting friendships. He also cherished the time he spent in Freeport, Bahamas, a place that brought him much joy and relaxation.

James was the beloved husband of Mary Lou (Bolster) Moore, his devoted wife of 65 years. In addition to his wife Mary Lou, he is survived by his sister, Pamela (Moore) Grogan; his children, James S. Moore, Jr. and his wife Cathy; Port Moore and his wife Margery; and Kate Moore. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicholas, Jack, and Jonathan. He was predeceased by his sister, Anita (Moore) Sullivan.

James was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his warmth, quick wit, love of golf, and his deep commitment to family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Edythe (Edie) M. Shaw of Wayne passed unexpectedly on February 15, 2025, at the age of 78.

Edie was born to Joseph and Ann Sheridan on June 14, 1946 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Passaic, NJ. She lived in Lyndhurst until moving to Wayne when she was five. Edie graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1964 and married high school sweetheart, James (Jim) Shaw on September 4, 1965.

They welcomed son James jr (Jimmy) in 1966, daughter Edie in 1967 and son Joseph in 1969, all raised in the same house Edie grew up in and where she lived out the rest of her life.

Edie was a housewife and enjoyed ceramics, bowling, trips to Atlantic City and Seaside Heights Boardwalk with her family playing games and enjoying Midway cheesesteaks and lemonade. She loved summer barbecues and pool days with the family and always made it a priority to cheer on the grandkids at sporting events and school events.

Edie is survived by her son Joseph and his wife Bonnie, son in law Steve Sich, grandchildren Tyler and husband Danny, Casey, Nikole, Kerri, Ryan, Steven, Brandon, Megan, Riley, 3 great-grandchildren, sisters Mary Ann Connelly, Mildred Ferraro, brother in law Tom Shaw and his wife Fran, and sisters in law Donna Shaw and Sharon Shaw as well as many nieces and nephews. She was pre deceased by her husband Jim, son Jimmy and daughter Edie, Brother John and his wife Barbara and brother in laws Ed Connelly and Mike Ferraro.

She will be greatly missed by all who love her.

The family would like to invite you to be comfortable and wear any NY Yankee attire to celebrate Edythe's life.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing from this life of John Robert Brown, Sr., 78, of Wayne, NJ, on February 13, 2025.  John passed peacefully in the arms of his wife and son.

John was born to John and Genevieve Brown on January 4, 1947.  He graduated North Bergen HS in 1964 and attended Jersey City State College for years at night. John began his career in 1964 as a butcher with the A&P, later becoming meat manager. He retired in 2010 after 46 years of dedicated service.

While attending JCSC John met the love of his life, Katherine.  They were married for 49 years this past February 7, 2025.  John and Kathy settled into married life in Weehawken in 1976, purchasing their first home in North Bergen two years later. In 1982 they welcomed their son, John, Jr. and in 1986 they moved to Wayne, NJ.

John was a sweet, gentle and intelligent man. He enjoyed being with his family and friends more than anything.  He was a talented carpenter, having created many beautiful pieces of oak furniture for his home.  He was a super handyman around the house and kept his property manicured and attractive. He read the New York Times every day for over fifty years and enjoyed the four dogs he had over the years, walking them every day.  He loved rock n roll and his early Corvettes.

When John was a teenager, his dad was a supervisor of setting up events at Madison Square Garden. John enjoyed ice skating there when the Ice Capades were in town, he met Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, a highlight of visits with his dad at work.

John and his son, John, Jr., were best friends.  They adored each other....they loved being  together, working around the house together, building their train set in the early days, attending car races, playing pinball, and going to Johnny's many sports events and practices and eating White Castles and Hiram's hotdogs a few times a year.

John is survived by his wife, Katherine, and his son, John, Jr. He is also survived by his sister, Arlene, her husband Walter; his sister, Janet; his brothers-in-law Stephen and Robert, their wives Barbara and Pam; and nine nephews and nieces.

Donald F. DeRenzo, 76, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Passaic, NJ, and raised in Clifton, Donald was a proud graduate of Clifton High School, Class of 1966. From an early age, he had an adventurous spirit—selling Civil War relics, working on bridges, and spending summers at the Boys Club camp. His zest for life was matched by his determination, which led him to serve his country overseas in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972, followed by four additional years in the U.S. Army Reserve before graduating from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.

After his military service, Donald embarked on a successful career with Associated Insurance Brokers (AIB) in Clifton, NJ, working his way up to partner. It was there that he met the love of his life, Diane Wojtowicz. Their story began when he invited her to join him and some friends after work at Joey Harrison’s Night Club on Van Houten Avenue. Their first official date was at Francesca’s Restaurant, a night so special that Diane still remembers the outfit she bought for the occasion. That night they sealed a connection that would last the rest of their lives. Donald had a love for the Jersey Shore, spending weekends at the Surf Club with friends, hosting countless parties, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. It was there that he proposed to Diane, sealing their love with an engagement ring the following Christmas. The two were married on Friday, June 24, 1977, at Mt. Carmel Church in Passaic, arriving in style in a Rolls Royce. They honeymooned in Bermuda before settling into their first apartment together on Paulison Ave in Clifton and a second apartment on Grove Street in Clifton. Eventually, they put down roots in Fairfield, where they built a life and a home together for 47 wonderful years.

A devoted New York Yankees and Giants fan, Donald also loved good food, great company, and treating Diane like a princess. While they never had children of their own, he wholeheartedly supported Diane in helping her sisters in caring for their children. Together, they traveled extensively, enjoying cruises to tropical islands, city getaways to Toronto, Boston, Charleston, and Fort Lauderdale, and countless summers at Diamond Beach and Cape May with Diane’s entire family. Donald even rented a yacht on the Hudson River once, and he and Diane enjoyed numerous trips to West Point. He had a deep appreciation for music, especially the music of Frank Sinatra.

Donald was a man of many passions—golfing with his buddies, tending to his yard, and cherishing the time spending time with their beloved golden retrievers, Laddie, and Barney. He was intelligent, well-rounded, and though he carried himself with a quiet, conservative demeanor, he had a warm heart and an incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Donald leaves behind his beloved wife, Diane (Wojtowicz) DeRenzo, with whom he shared 47 years of love and partnership. He was the loving older brother of Delia Gutkin and her husband, Alan, of Fairfield; dear brother-in-law of Monica Demmers and her husband, Barry, of Wayne, and Susan Ramirez and her husband, Nacio, of Riverdale. He was the adoring uncle of Thomas Demmers and his wife, Shannon, Eric Demmers and his wife, Monica, Brett Demmers and his wife, Toni, Michael Ramirez and his wife, Amanda, Danny Ramirez and his fiancée, Tina, David Gutkin, and Amy Gutkin. He was also a cherished great uncle to Thomas, Brooke, Liam, Brody, Brett, and Makaela, and a dear cousin to twelve cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Grace (Cerame) DeRenzo, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Janina and Konstantin Wojtowicz, and his brother-in-law, Edward Wojtowicz.

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

American Red Cross

PO Box 37839

Boone, IA 50037-0839

Dr. Andrea Barbier, D.O., age 59 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. She had fought a courageous battle with head and neck cancer for five years.

Dr. Andrea was a dedicated family physician for more than thirty years with a solo practice in Bloomfield, NJ. She loved her patients and truly cared for each of them. When she became ill herself, one of her greatest concerns was the continued care of her patients, and she is grateful to her medical colleagues who have assisted with seeing her patients. To her patients; she will miss each of you dearly. To all the children who came from Stephen Crane Village in Newark, you can achieve great things in life through hard work and determination.

Andrea earned her undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University and then her doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. During her years of practice, she had been associated with such institutions as Columbus Hospital, Mountainside Hospital, and Clara Maass Medical Center. It was at each of these that she built relationships with innumerable professional colleagues whom she held the highest regard for. She respected and admired them all, and many of them became dear friends. Andrea became the 1st female President of the Clara Maass Medical Staff on 1/1/2020. She served as President with Honor and Dignity always in service to the Doctors, Nurses, Support Staff and patients of Clara Maass. As a medical professional herself, she knew with clarity that her cancer diagnosis would require a fight for her life. She would call upon these colleagues and friends in her time of need, and Andrea is eternally grateful to each of you for the care, support, and encouragement you provided. It meant the world to her that you were there to help in that fight. To all her nurses, you truly run the medical profession, never forget your value and worth to the medical doctors and patients you care for.

Andrea and her husband, Anthony Gagliano, were introduced by one of Andrea’s patients, Pete Benedetto who worked at the NJ Meadowlands with Anthony. They spoke on the phone a few times before meeting at Giants Stadium at a Bruce Springsteen concert in the fall of 2003. They both enjoy classic rock from the 70’s and 80’s, and they went to many concerts over the years. They dated for a few years, settled into their home in the Packanack Lake area of Wayne in June of 2005 and as fate would have it, they were married a few years later on April 21, 2007. They honeymooned to Kauai, Hawaii. Andrea was a student of all thing’s history related, and together they enjoyed road trips to interesting and historic places. Of course, those places always included visiting old Catholic churches, good Italian restaurants and seafood! Andrea also enjoyed spicy foods and she could go toe-to-toe eating long-hot peppers, or even ghost peppers, with the best of them! The hotter the pepper, the better! She was also a big sports fan who had season tickets to the NY YANKEES for decades and had been fortunate enough to meet several of the players throughout the years. She was also a NY GIANTS fan and met Eli Manning on Hospital Charity Golf events. She was also a NJ DEVILS hockey fan and met her favorite player, “Mr. Devil” Ken Danyeko. Whatever the sport, she had a love for the game.

Andrea is survived by her beloved husband, Anthony Gagliano of Wayne, her brother; Charles Barbier of Calicoon, NY, her nephew; Peter John Barbier and his girlfriend Ashley Crawford of Succasunna, NJ, one great-nephew; Julian Barbier, and her three beloved and much adored dogs; Phoebe, Buttons, and Munson, and her predeceased pooches Rocky and Nina. Andrea was predeceased by her father, Peter Barbier, Sr. in 1997, by her mother, Theresa Del Mauro in 2017, and by her brother Peter Barbier in 2018.

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Alfred Fiorentino, age 101, of Wayne, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025.  

Born in New York City to Italian immigrants Luigi and Carmela Fiorentino, Alfred's early years reflected the immigrant experience of his time.  While his father worked as a waiter and his mother a furrier, Alfred spent his first ten years being raised by family friends in Tuxedo Park, NY - an arrangement that spoke to his parents' determination to build a better life in America.

Alfred's education began at Saint Columba School through grade 8 and then continued at the High School of Commerce in NYC.  Just two weeks after graduating from the High School of Commerce in January 1943, Alfred reported to selected service in Fort Dix.  After being trained in radar, automotive and tank mechanics, Alfred was tested by the army in his knowledge of mathematics, and upon achieving high scores, was sent to Georgetown University, Washington D. C. for an accelerated college program for engineering.  It was during a wartime leave in 1944 that a mutual friend introduced him to a beautiful woman named Angelina Catalano.  The two fell in love during a time when the war was escalating, and although Alfred's education was not yet completed, he was deployed to the Pacific Theater of WWII.  He left for the Philippines for the duration of his service, while he and Angelina kept in touch by sending one another letters until Alfred returned home.  His deployment to the Philippines placed him in the unique position of protecting Japanese prisoners of war from retribution by the local Filipinos of Luzon.

Shortly after his return, Alfred and Angelina married in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City.  After their honeymoon at Lake George, Alfred pursued his education at NYU, where he played hockey and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1952.  As their family grew with the birth of their children Fred, Diane and Karen, Alfred and Angelina decided to leave the city for the suburbs.  They lived in Ridgefield, NJ for a time before making Wayne their permanent home shortly thereafter.

Alfred's 29-year career at Picatinny Arsenal showcased his engineering brilliance.  His work on warheads and missiles, particularly in developing heat signature detection technology and corresponding protective measures, earned him military medals and led to collaborations with the Pentagon and NASA.  He retired in 1986 to care for his aging parents, demonstrating the same dedication to family that shaped his early life.

Alfred was well known for his impressive garden filled with delicious vegetables he wouldn't eat.  He notoriously preferred the junk food he playfully credited for his longevity.  His love for Disney World's Soarin' ride, casinos, Wayne Senior Club, the New York Yankees and New York Giants will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to get to know him.

Alfred will be remembered as strong-willed, determined and yet big-hearted and generous.  He held high expectations for others and showed this with a tough love that helped make him into who he was.  His strong will is best evidenced by his refusal to use a walker even after turning 100!  Those who knew Alfred best will know that his strict tough love went soft when it came to his loving wife, Angelina, of 73 years. She was the real boss and everyone knew it.

In his final years, Alfred found comfort in the care of his granddaughter Kaitlyn and her husband David, who purchased his home and lived with him.  His legacy lives on through his children, Fred and his wife Nina Fiorentino, Diane Cottrell, and Karen and her husband Ed Siwicki Jr.; his grandchildren: Michael and his wife Katie Fiorentino, Kristi and her husband James Smith, Daniel and his wife Ann Marie Cottrell, Jacqueline and her husband Keith Heyman, Christine Cottrell, Kaitlyn and her husband David Rose, Edward Siwicki III, Drew Siwicki; and his great grandchildren: Arianna and Dominic Fiorentino, Skyler Smith, Daniel and Madeline Cottrell, Zachary and Brooke Heyman, and Charlotte Rose.

After lighting up every room he walked into, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother Robert Andrew Nick, age 81, of Lincoln Park, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Bobber, as he was known to those who loved him, passed quietly in his sleep after spending the day surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, music that he was moving his feet to, laughter and plenty of love.

Spending time with his family was Bob’s favorite thing, especially his grandkids (Sophia, Jake, Andrew, Taylor, Brandon and McKenna) as Pa loved going to their games, taking them on boat rides, eating their food and pushing their faces into their birthday cake.

His children, Yolanda Weiner (Marc), Robert Nick and Melissa Majocha (Tom) witnessed Bob transform from a disciplinarian to a man who would cry while reading the simplest of birthday cards. He was so proud of who they have become and just wanted to talk and laugh with them and the rest of the family, whether it was the Saturday morning group breakfast, dressing up and winning cornhole every year at the annual theme party, playing blackjack deep into the night or going to Lake George - unless there was a NASCAR race on. If you planned an event at the same time as a race, he would be there but he wouldn’t be happy about it.

This kind of behavior began in Passaic, NJ as the first child to the late Andrew and Lee Nick (Sakas) was born on May 15, 1943. Bob’s favorite place to be as a child was the family farm in Livingstonville, NY, where he would be from the moment school ended in June until it started again in September. He was proud of how surprised everyone in town was when he rolled in driving the family tractor by himself at the age of 12.

The self-proclaimed “Country Boy” proudly served in the US Army 7th Special Forces and loved to talk about his jumps and PLF’s. (Inside joke)

Bob tortured his two siblings for as long as he could, introducing his younger brother Roger Nick (Terri) as his older brother and annoying his sister Denise Budzynski (Jack, deceased) every time he used his favorite phrase, “Your sister’s ass.”

After 20 years working in trucking, Bob moved over to buses before “retiring” to the Wayne Board of Education, as a school bus driver. His love and commitment to his special needs students earned him multiple Perfect Attendance awards and the nickname “Captain Bob”. Those kids were the topic of conversation at dinner each night and his boss repeatedly told Bob he wished he had ten of him.

Wherever Bob was, it was never far from his wife of over 26 years, Liz. His partner in crime had the tall task of keeping him in line. On some occasions when Bobber may have had a bit too much to drink, he would wake up to find his face painted or toenails polished as a reminder that Liz made sure he made it home safe and sound.

Bob loved his yearly drive from New Jersey to Florida with his best friend, Ron, as the two wreaked havoc up and down the East Coast, including a broken rib or two.

While he never got to see his Vikings win a Super Bowl, he watched many Yankees championships and whoever had the best team in college football was suddenly his favorite team so between that and a family that loved him so much, he had plenty of chances to show off that million dollar smile.

Bobber has gone fishing, his other favorite pastime, and you can wish him well on his next journey.

Josephine Florence (Spennicchia) Buononato, 96, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Born on September 5, 1928, in Morristown, NJ, Josephine was the daughter of Biagio and Josephine (Merlino) Spennicchia. Josephine grew up in Wharton, NJ, where the family lived above her dad’s shoe repair shop and she played with her beloved dog Sandy.  She and her sister Antoinette loved their years in Wharton and enjoyed visiting Wharton on recent visits to NJ to reminisce.

Josephine was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Joseph Buononato (1997); her sister Antoinette Barone (2022) and sadly her eldest son, Joseph Buononato Jr (2021).

She leaves behind a large and loving family: her children, Valerie Moravec (Otto), Amy Orrico (John), John Buononato, Blasé Buononato (Katie), Vincent Buononato, and JoAnne Buononato. She was a cherished grandmother to Anthony Mannello (Karen), Jason Orrico (Nicole), Joseph Orrico (Brittany), Dr.  Josephine Starks (Josh), Benedetto Orrico (Brianna), Monica Diffendale (Alex), Thomas Buononato (Lauren) and Dominic Buononato, Jessika Almeida, and Junior Almeida (Fernanda), .  Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Ellie, Cole, and Emerson Mannello, Tucker, Everly, Taylor, Christian, Vanessa, Nella, and Santina Orrico, Jameson Diffendale and Jack Starks, Melanie, James, and Isaac Almeida.

Josephine found joy in the kitchen, cooking for family, friends, neighbors, and the priests at her church. She had a secret ingredient that made everything extra delicious—anchovies. “Don’t tell the kids, or they won’t eat it,” she’d say with a wink. After preparing a feast, she would drink a brandy or her favorite, Riunite Lambrusco wine, to ease her aches and pains.  Every dinner began with a prayer, always followed by blessing the cook.

An artist at heart, Josephine honed her talents at Passaic High School, where she worked on the yearbook committee, contributing photography and layout designs. Known for her striking eyes and petite stature, she made up for height with immense strength and determination. She was deeply involved in her church communities both in Boynton Beach, FL and in Wayne, NJ, where she named Our Lady of the Valley RC Church. She devoted countless hours to church events, cooking for breakfasts after Mass, spaghetti dinners, fundraisers, and annual carnivals—her famous zeppole, which she called “crispellas,” were always a highlight. She even supervised the painting of the carnival clowns.

A passionate advocate for the unborn, Josephine instilled in her children the importance of protecting life. The overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 was a moment of triumph for her, a victory for the lives she fought to protect. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother was unwavering; she prayed The Rosary every morning after Mass and again each night before bed. A rosary was always within reach.

Josephine was a devoted member of numerous church organizations, including the Council of Catholic Women (CCW), The Legion of Mary, The Blue Army, The Columbiettes, and The Madonna Guild. Her artistic talents shone in her work designing programs for church fashion shows, talent shows, and arts and crafts fairs, as well as painting backdrops for performances.

However, her greatest artistry was in the kitchen. If the church was hosting a meal, she was cooking, often alongside her husband, Joe. Holidays and birthdays in the Buononato home were filled with the rich aromas of her legendary dishes—eggplant parmesan, onion pie, baked ziti, and countless other homemade specialties. Nothing compared to the way she woke her family on Sunday mornings: the smell of onions, garlic, and basil simmering on the stove, signaling the start of Sunday gravy.

Josephine’s love, faith, and unwavering strength will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace, watching over them with her rosary in hand.

Fernanda Iacobucci (Salerni), 98, of Wayne, NJ, formerly of Garfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. The third of ten children born to Amilcare and Adelina Salerni in San Valentino, Abruzzo, Italy, Fernanda led a life filled with love, dedication, and an unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

In her early years in San Valentino, Fernanda ran a small shop, crafting sweaters for friends and family. It was during this time that she met and married Lucio, also from San Valentino. Their first child, Robert, was born in Venezuela, and shortly after, the family moved back to San Valentino. Lucio then traveled to America to work and build a future for his family. While Lucio was in America, Fernanda gave birth to their daughter, Linda. In 1968, Fernanda, Robert, and Linda joined Lucio in America to begin their new life and pursue the American dream.

Fernanda was deeply committed to her Catholic faith, and for many years, she was a devoted parishioner at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne, NJ. Each morning, Fernanda prayed her rosary for the health and well-being of her loved ones, ensuring that God’s blessings were always with them. She also had a strong devotion to Saint Padre Pio, whose spiritual presence was always a guiding force in her life.

Known affectionately as Nonna, Fernanda’s life was centered around her family. She could always be found sitting outside her daughter’s home, greeting neighbors and friends with a warm wave. Fernanda’s greatest joy came from cooking traditional Italian dishes, especially for her grandchildren. No Christmas celebration was complete without her famous escarole and meatball soup. She also loved singing Italian songs on the karaoke microphone, often expressing her wish to have been a singer.

Fernanda is survived by her two children, Robert and his wife Gail, and Linda and her husband Anthony. She was the proud grandmother of Anthony, Gabriella, Jordan, Victoria, and her husband Christopher, all of whom filled her heart with joy. She also leaves behind her brother Nicola and his wife Mary, her sister Giovanna and her husband Antonio, her brother Alfonso, and many nieces and nephews both in the United States and Italy, all of whom she adored.

Fernanda was predeceased by her loving husband, Lucio, in 2000, and her dear sisters, Maria and Olivetta. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Rafaele, Carlo, Valentino, and Antonio.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been a part of Fernanda’s life, bringing her so much love and happiness. We ask that you continue to  cherish her memory and keep her in your hearts.

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Fernanda’s memory.

May Fernanda’s spirit rest in peace, forever in our hearts.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Emilia “Lia” Maguire (nee Barca) of Wayne, NJ.

Emilia was born in Paterson and was one of two children to Raffaele and Maria Barca.   She spent her formative years in Saddle Brook and as a teenager, her parents moved their family to North Haledon.  Lia attended Paramus Catholic High School graduating with the class of 1984.  Upon graduating from high school, she attended St Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ where she earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science.  In her mid-twenties, Lia accepted a position at Deloitte LLP and most recently worked in their Morristown, NJ office.  Exhibiting her strong work ethic, Lia advanced her responsibilities through the years and achieved the position of Managing Director.  Lia’s career at Deloitte spanned a period of more than thirty-three years until her retirement in November of 2024.  Lia was truly well respected and loved by her peers and colleagues throughout her career.

In 1993, Lia was introduced to her future husband, Bob Maguire by his friend and Lia’s neighbor. As Lia and Bob struck up a conversation, they were both surprised to realize they had grown up in the same neighborhood in Saddle Brook. The two marveled at how their paths had never crossed before. The more they talked, the deeper their connection grew.  As fate would have it, they fell in love.  On September 23, 1995, Lia and Bob became husband and wife exchanging wedding vows at St Anthony RC Church in Hawthorne, NJ.

The newlyweds bought a house in Wayne, NJ and have been there ever since.  Lia and Bob spent their entire married life in Wayne, building a warm and loving home where they raised their two daughters Marissa and Jenna.

For ten years, Lia was the Cheerleading Commissioner for the Wayne Boys and Girls Club.  Through Lia’s leadership and guidance, she more than tripled the participants in the Cheerleading program to more than three hundred girls.  Lia then proceeded to preside over the Wayne Hills High School Cheerleading Booster Club as well as the Competition Cheerleading Booster Club where she also enjoyed great success.   In addition, she ran the Wayne Hills High School Softball Booster Club for several years.

Lia was a take-charge kind of woman, “A Force of Nature”, known for her strong leadership skills and impeccable organization. Whether managing her career, planning events, or keeping her daily life in order, she thrived on structure and efficiency.  No matter what Lia got involved in, she was always “all in!” Lia also knew how to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. She had a deep love for the beach, owning a home in Lavallette, NJ.  She spent countless days soaking up the sun, taking long walks along the shore, spending time with close friends and listening to her favorite country music.

Aside from all of Lia’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Lia than providing for and spending time with her friends and family.  She loved and provided great care for her mother and loved her brother and sister-in-law with all her heart.   She had a very special bond with her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that brought her tremendous joy.  Her close friends were part of her extended family and she treasured their love and friendship.  She also loved traveling to Tuscaloosa Alabama to cheer on her daughter’s Alabama Crimson Tide football team and spending time with dear friends. She was a talented baker, famous by family and friends for her Christmas Cookies and her Birthday Cakes.  Lia and her husband Bob cherished thirty years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Lia will be forever remembered as a devoted wife and a loving and dedicated mother.  She had an immense pride in her daughters and her love and impact lives on in them.  She was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.

Lia is survived by her husband Bob Maguire of Wayne, NJ, two daughters; Marissa Maguire of Wayne, NJ and Jenna Maguire of Winston-Salem, NC, her mother Maria Barca of North Haledon, NJ, one brother Ralph Barca and his wife Sandy of North Haledon, NJ, four nephews; Ralphie Barca, John Iglesias, James Billera, and Vinny Maguire, her brother-in-law Vincent Maguire and his wife Kim, her sister-in-law Mary Billera, and many loving extended family members.  She was predeceased by her father Raffaele Barca.

Louis (Lojzek) Pekar, 98, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025. Born in Hovezi, Czechoslovakia, on November 10, 1926, to Pavel Pekar and Rozalie Janus, Louis led a remarkable life defined by courage, passion, and unwavering dedication to his family and principles.

At the age of 18, Louis made a bold escape from his homeland, defying the communist regime under the cover of darkness. Hidden in a freight car, he fled to Germany before eventually finding his way to São Paulo, Brazil, where he worked as a livery driver for a wealthy industrialist. This industrialist recognized Louis' ambition and helped him realize his dream of emigrating to the United States. Louis became a proud U.S. citizen in 1953, embracing his new home with fervor.

In the United States, Louis built a long and successful career in the restaurant industry, where he became well-respected as a professional who valued hard work and excellence. Known for his generosity, Louis always provided abundantly for his family and friends making sure there was good food, good drink, and good company at every gathering. His love for bringing people together was especially felt during the Christmas season, which he made truly magical for his loved ones. And when Louis reflected on his past, he would often say with a smile, “It was a good time.”

Louis' meticulous nature was evident in all aspects of his life. He took great pride in maintaining his home and yard and could often be found working outdoors on his day off. Louis also instilled a love of water and the outdoors in his family, creating memories with trips to lakes and summers spent at the Jersey Shore.

Louis leaves behind his beloved children Carmine Pekar and his wife Cindi of Jerome, Idaho; his daughter, Dolores Forget of Hatboro, Pennsylvania; and his son Paul of Mesa, Arizona. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Michael Forget of Hatboro, PA, and Mindi Spencer of Jerome, ID; as well as five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to our wonderful neighbors, the Blau and Sirkus families, and the caring staff at Arbor Ridge Rehabilitation Center, Lisa Gapski, Gertha Francois, and Lucia Ramirez, for their unwavering care and support. They would also like to thank Affinity Hospice, especially Amy Kerr, for the comfort provided in his final days.

In honor of Louis’ commitment to helping others, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Chanson, age 87 of Wayne, NJ.

Bob was born and raised in Paterson, NJ and was the only child to Andrew and Lucy Chanson.  As a student, Bob attended high school in Paterson where he played organized football and worked part time at a local pharmacy to help his parents make ends meet.  

As a young man shortly after graduating from high school, Bob felt it in his heart to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army.  Bob served honorably and proudly in the army as an MP.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Bob found employment quickly as a Pressman with Unified Printing in Fair Lawn, NJ.  After approximately twenty years, Bob left the printing industry and accepted a position with the Wayne Board of Education.  Bob worked for Wayne BOE for more than twenty-five years until his retirement in 2011.

As a young man just out of the army, while at a local dance, Bob met an attractive young lady by the name of Betty Oakley.  Bob asked Betty to dance, and they hit it off great.  They immediately started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and Bob and Betty became husband and wife in Totowa, NJ.  After getting married, the newlyweds moved to the town of Wayne and called it their home for more than sixty years.  While living in Wayne, Bob and Betty welcomed the births of both of their children Roy and Cheryl.

One of Bob’s favorite pastimes was landscaping.  Friends and family could often find Bob in his yard grooming his lawn.  Bob kept his front and back yards meticulously manicured and pristine all year round.  He not only meticulously cared for his lawn but also for his automobiles, keeping them in tip-top shape throughout his entire life.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife Betty throughout the Caribbean and held a time share in Dewey Beach, DE where they spent a great deal of time together.  Aside from all Bob’s talents, hobbies and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Bob than providing for and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He attended all their sporting events and was a little league coach for his son’s baseball team.   He was often seen with his long red horn at Wayne Hills High School football games cheering on his grandsons.  Bob and Betty cherished more than sixty years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Bob’s heart truly broke when his beloved wife Betty passed away in 2022.

Bob was not only devoted to his family but also cherished his Catholic Faith.  He attended mass at Our Lady of Consolation every Sunday, where he treasured the many friendships he made.  

Bob was the perfect example of a gentleman.  He was kind, caring, and compassionate.  He loved to interact with people and could talk to anyone about anything.  He was truly a special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Robert is survived by his son Roy Chanson and his wife Amy of Princeton, NJ his daughter Cheryl Romeo and her husband Ralph of Wayne, NJ, four grandchildren; Nick Romeo and his wife Allie of Wayne NJ, Mark Romeo and his wife Kristy of Little Silver, NJ, Eric Chanson of Princeton, NJ, and Alex Chanson and his wife Nicole of Atlanta, GA, and seven great grandchildren, Mason Romeo, Tenley Romeo, Sienna Romeo, Charli Chanson, Brooke Romeo, Simon Chanson, and Judith Chanson.  Bob was predeceased by his wife Betty in September of 2022, and by his granddaughter Melissa Romeo in 1995.

Marie Drost, 87, of Montville, formerly a longtime resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Born and raised in Prospect Park, New Jersey, Marie was the daughter of Albert and Jeanette Van Grouw. She graduated from Hawthorne High School, was a member of the Ebenezer Netherlands Reformed Church in Franklin Lakes, and worked for many years as a medical secretary at the Holland Christian Home in North Haledon.

Marie married the love of her life, Peter, in Paterson, New Jersey. The couple honeymooned in Florida and shared 48 wonderful years together, wholly devoted to one another, until Pete’s passing in 2004.

Marie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and ability to make friends wherever she went and was always ready with a smile for anyone she might encounter. She found joy in baking, regularly making cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats for her family. She was a competitive bowler, an avid lover of the outdoors, and enjoyed walking, biking, and spending time in nature. A passionate sports fan, she especially loved cheering for the Yankees and rarely missed a game or event involving her children and grandchildren—she was a proud and devoted supporter of all their activities.

During the spring and summer, Marie could often be found tending to her garden, nurturing her flowers, and caring for her home. She had a deep love for swimming and trips to the beach.

Marie’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and kindness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and befriended her, especially in her later years.

Marie was predeceased by her husband, Peter Drost, and her brother, Albert Van Grouw Jr.. She is survived by her children: Nancy Eswood and her husband Lou of Parsippany, NJ; Ken Drost and his wife Dawn of Sarasota, FL; Tim Drost and his wife Jeananne of Verona, NJ; and Laurie Larsen of Wharton, NJ. She was a proud grandmother to Louis Eswood III and his wife Alyssa, Brian Eswood and his wife Anna, Alex Drost, Zach Drost, Heather Larsen, Michael Walshe, Patrick Walshe, Rachael Larsen, Kenny Larsen, and Alana Drost. She also leaves behind her four cherished great-grandchildren.

Marie’s warmth and love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, Please consider a donation to: www.allys-elves.org.   Ally’s Elves, Inc. is a charity inspired by and founded in the special connection between Marie’s granddaughter, Alana (Ally), and the seniors whose lives are brightened by the joy and companionship Alana and her community deliver each holiday season.

Edward Meidl, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Born in Bavaria, Germany to Edward and Maria Meidl, Ed grew up alongside his siblings Gisela and Andrew before their family embarked on a life-changing journey to America. In 1957, they made their new home in Paterson, New Jersey, where Ed developed an interest in engineering.

His path took an unexpected turn in August 1965 when he enlisted into the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Japan, Ed served with distinction for four years utilizing his engineering skills as a mechanic and contributing to rescue operations. This experience fostered a lifelong commitment to veterans' causes, as he continued supporting his fellow servicemembers long after his own military service concluded.

Upon returning to civilian life, Ed channeled his mechanical expertise into a successful career as Chief Engineer at Farmland Dairy. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to establish his own machine shop, specializing in compressor and distributor company work. Ed gave his all to his machine shop business and worked there his whole life.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ed cultivated an impressive collection of coins and stamps from around the world. His passion for soccer made him a devoted fan of Manchester City Football Club, and he found joy in the classic tunes of the 1950s and '60s.

Those who knew Ed will remember him for his incredible generosity and clever wit. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, especially if the gesture might be rewarded with a delicious meal. His caring nature and helpful spirit touched countless lives throughout his journey.

Ed is survived by his sister Gisela; his nieces Denise, Patricia, and Jennifer; and his nephew Andre' and his wife Sylvia. He is predeceased by his brother Andrew.

Christine M. DeWitt (nee Sheehan), age 77, of Riverdale passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025 with the comfort of her spouse, Wayne DeWitt by her side.

Christine was born to John and Jane Sheehan in Jersey City, New Jersey and spent her formative years in Dumont and Wyckoff, New Jersey.  Christine attended Ramapo Regional High School and she was a high school graduate.

Christine worked for years in the hospitality industry before devoting her time to being a homemaker.  

Christine was loving, caring, and devoted to her family.  She was an avid reader of history, had a great sense of humor, and was deeply religious.  Christine loved animals and lavished her cat, Joey with affection.

Christine is survived by her devoted husband Wayne Dewitt, her sister Jane, and her brother Kevin, as well as her nieces Colleen Miri, Tara Reeder, and her nephew, Brendon Sheehan.

Yuda W. Sunarno, age 43, of Oak Ridge, passed at home on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

He was born in New York City to Bambang and Enny Sunarno.  Yuda lived in New York City, and in about the second grade his family moved to Bloomfield, New Jersey.  Yuda was raised in Bloomfield and graduated from Bloomfield High School with the class of 1999.  During his years at Bloomfield High School he played on the football team. Yuda continued his education at Montclair State University in Montclair.

Yuda’s working career started at the Aeropostale store at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, and he eventually worked for their corporate office.  He later applied to the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and after completing courses at the Essex County Corrections Academy in Cedar Grove. he found work as a Corrections Officer for the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department.  Yuda worked as a Corrections Officer for over ten years at their Grand Street Jail in Paterson.

Yuda and Kristina’s love story began in the Aeropostale Store at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne where they both worked.  After sharing countless moments together, Yuda decided to take the next step and proposed marriage. He asked Kristina’s father if he could marry her over drinks and also asked her mother and two sister’s for permission.  On June 20, just a week before Kristina’s birthday, he gently woke her while she was sleeping on the couch, only to find her initially annoyed at being disturbed.  But as she turned around, her annoyance turned into joy when she saw Yuda on one knee, ready to ask for her hand in marriage. Their love culminated in a beautiful wedding on October 25, 2014 at the Crystal Springs Resort in Vernon, followed by a romantic weekend honeymoon at the Inner Harbor of Baltimore and later a trip to Mexico where they celebrated the beginning of their new life together.  Their ten years of a loving and devoted marriage was blessed with two daughters Genevieve (8)and Danyka (4).

Yuda was a man of few words, yet his presence lit up every room he entered, effortlessly bringing laughter and smiles to those around him.  A private individual at heart and a true homebody, he cherished the comfort of his own space while maintaining a large circle of friends from elementary school through high school and work.  His love for his daughters was profound and unwavering, a bond that transcended words.  Yuda found joy in the thrill of sports, proudly cheering for his beloved New York Yankees and New York Giants.  Yuda often showcased an impressive trivia knowledge about all kinds of topics.  He enjoyed cozy evenings watching his favorite shows, including Jeopardy, the Travel Channel, The Office, and The Sopranos, which added to the warmth of his home life. He cherished the outdoors and days spent at the beach. Nothing brought him more contentment than unwinding on his back deck with a cigar and a drink.

Yuda was the beloved husband to Kristina; devoted father of Genevieve and Danyka; beloved brother of Wenny Fahey, her husband Paul, and their daughter Ava of Totowa and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Yuda's memory to the Recanti/Miller Transplantation Institute at Mount Siani Hospital would be greatly appreciated. When you click on the above link please follow the instructions below.

Please click on the “other” under Direct My Gift to… and then type in “Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute”. Also put Yuda Sunarno in the “in memory of” to assure you donation can be properly processed and acknowledged.

Jim Ritter, age 83, beloved husband, father, brother and friend passed away on February 2, 2025. A long-time resident of Wayne and member of Packanack Community Church, his loss is profoundly felt by his family and many friends.

Jim was born on July 10, 1941 to Gerda and Marvin Ritter in the small community of Montevideo, Minnesota.  Growing up, he and his younger brother Norm enjoyed trading comic books, taking turns with their prized crystal radio and learning to play the trumpet, something encouraged by their father who was an accomplished musician. Jim was a good student and loved reading and participating in his school’s current events club. One of his first big adventures out of Montevideo was to Minneapolis where he proudly represented Chippewa County in the state Spelling Bee finals. He loved the big city!

His academic journey took an unexpected turn during his senior year when his father passed away suddenly, requiring Jim to help run his dad’s meat market. Despite this challenge, Jim graduated from Montevideo High School in 1959 and became the first member of his family to attend 4-year college, earning a scholarship to the University of Minnesota where he majored in an exciting new field of study—Broadcast Journalism. After completing his degree, Jim entered the Army as a film librarian and served in the Army Reserves. His first full-time job was in Norfolk, Virginia where he worked as an on-camera news reporter.

A few years later, Jim met the love of his life, Marianne, in Philadelphia while he was working at WCAU- TV and she at United Press International. They were both assigned by their news organizations to cover the same story. One year later, they married on June 24, 1967 in Chester, Pennsylvania and spent the next 57 years devoted to each other.

Jim’s distinguished career in the field of broadcasting spanned more than 40 years. Early in his career, he was honored as a 1969-1970 recipient of the prestigious CBS Foundation News Fellowship at Columbia University. He later served as Vice President of Affiliate Services for NBC and spent 15 years at CBS News.

Jim was known to his friends and family for being kind, big-hearted, generous and always a gentleman. His smile and positive energy would light up a room.

He was a loving father to Scott and Amy and enjoyed attending their school events--band competitions, concerts and plays, and could often be seen in the back of the auditorium capturing everything on videotape. He and Marianne also enjoyed taking the kids on exciting family vacations visiting family in California and Wisconsin, and many national parks-- Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and a spectacular trip to the Canadian Rockies.

Jim enjoyed a life-long passion for travel, and loved exploring new places, cultures, architecture, and cuisine all over the world. He also kept busy in retirement by serving his church community as a Trustee, singing his heart out in the choir and even appearing in some of the church musical productions, including The Music Man and The King and I.  He loved jazz and big band music and often on the weekends he would be seated in front of the TV rooting for his favorite teams---the NY Yankees and Penn State football. Given his background in journalism, he also closely followed current events and read the New York Times cover to cover every day.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marianne, son, Scott Ritter and wife Huichong of Tennessee, daughter, Amy Whited and husband Phil of Colorado, his brother Norm Ritter and wife Mary of North Carolina and their two children Eric Ritter and Andrea Ritter.

He is preceded in death by his parents Gerda and Marvin Ritter and Aunt Mary Ritter.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Jim’s memory to either Packanack Community Church Music Fund or the American Cancer Society.

Mona Georgetti, age 80 of Wayne and formerly of North Bergen died on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Before retiring, she had worked as a secretary for APA Transport in North Bergen, and for Moskowitz Trucking, also in North Bergen.

Mona was born to Nicola and Jennie Giorgetti, and grew up in North Bergen. She went on to graduate from North Bergen High School with the class of 1964 and lived there her whole life. In recent years it was common for her to be seen cruising around North Bergen on her little scooter. She was an avid reader, which is an understatement if you knew how many books she had actually read. She also enjoyed taking pictures of everyday events happening around her, and she spent countless hours doing crochet. Mona was a big fan of CBS FM radio and loved listening to Cousin Brucie. She was also known to have made many trips to Atlantic City, visiting the boardwalk and casinos with her sisters.

Mona is survived by her two sons; Stefan Vassallo and his wife Colleen of Wayne, and Sean Vassallo and his wife Paige of North Bergen, two grandchildren; Abbie and Paul Vassallo of Wayne, and one sister; Delores McDonald and her husband Bob, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mona was predeceased by both of her parents, and by two brothers: Nicholas and Anthony (brother), and by four sisters: Victoria Sabella, Mary McCann, Florence Palumbo, and Josephine Ilovichny.

Louis J. Warner, age 96, of Totowa, and formerly a longtime resident of North Bergen, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Louis was the youngest of five children to Henry and Florence Warner. He attended Dickinson High School until the age of sixteen, at which time he left to tend to his ailing father.

Louis’ first job was in Jersey City, working for a company that baled corrugated boxes. He later drove taxis transporting customers that arrived from the ferry in Edgewater. However, it was trucking that became Lou’s true passion. He began his career driving dump trucks for the construction of the Palisades Interstate Parkway—old-school truckers would appreciate that he drove the chain-drive variety. Eventually, he transitioned to driving tractor-trailers for Langer Transport, a common carrier. When Langer expanded into hauling fuel tankers, the risk was too great for a man with a wife and three daughters, so Louis moved to a company that ultimately became Port Motor Lines in Secaucus. Throughout his career, he drove all the great trucks—Brockways, Diamond T’s, snub-nosed GMC’s, Macks, and big Fords—always taking meticulous care of his rig. His diligence didn’t go unnoticed, and whenever the company acquired a new truck, it was assigned to Lou. After forty years on the road, he retired at age 65—reluctantly, and only at the urging of his beloved wife.

Speaking of his wife, Louis met her by chance one night at a bowling alley. They encountered one another when the owner double-booked their lane. Seeing the pretty gals across the room, Louis quickly made a deal with the owner to have the girls share the lanes with him and his friends. One of them caught Lou’s eye -  Waldtraudt Strecker though he soon learned everyone called her “Wally”. Determined to not let her slip away, he managed to get a car to give Wally and her girlfriends a ride home. He dropped off Wally’s friends first so he could secure a moment alone with her. That night, in typical confident fashion, Louis declared he would marry her in six months. He kept his promise and they shared their wedding vows before God, family, and friends on Sunday, April 8, 1951 at Zion Lutheran Church in Jersey City.

Lou and Wally began their life together living in an apartment near Journal Square before settling in their own home in North Bergen in 1957. There, they raised their three daughters and built a life filled with love and laughter. Sadly, Wally passed away in 2008. Louis remained in their North Bergen home until 2019, when he moved to Totowa to live with his grandson.

A man who cherished time with his family, Louis enjoyed years of weekends at their second home near Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania. Whether boating, riding mopeds, or snowmobiling for hours with friends, he made the most of their little haven. After retirement, he and Wally split their time between Pennsylvania and North Bergen. Lou adored his eight grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and his newest legacy - his great-great-granddaughter. He never missed a milestone, celebrating sporting events, musical performances, graduations, and weddings. Being the family’s professional driver, you could say that he unofficially ran “Lou’s Driving School” as he taught many of his grandchildren how to navigate the roads behind the wheel.  

Lou was the consummate husband and father, always sharing his interests with his family. He loved model trains and took great joy in building intricately creative layouts. His daughters fondly remember nights when their mom was out bowling—Dad would let them run the slot cars, eat ice cream, and stay up late, only to scramble into bed the moment they saw Mom’s car rounding the corner.

Lou and Wally were an inseparable team, whether traveling—always by car, often to Wally’s bowling tournaments—or making wood crafts together in his basement workshop. Lou would cut out intricate wooden designs, from flowers and butterflies to reindeer and welcome signs, while Wally meticulously painted them. Their talent became so well known that one Christmas, the town of Bogota commissioned them to make candy canes to decorate Main Street.

Louis' faith was the guiding force of his life. He and Wally were longtime members of Bethany Lutheran Church in North Bergen. For many years Lou taught Sunday School to four- and five-year-olds at Bethany and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hamlin, PA. Later he played an active role in the Heart and Hands Mission based out of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne. Known affectionately as "Shoe Man," he took pride in cleaning donated shoes and ensuring they reached those in need. A friend once made T-shirts for Lou and his fellow volunteer that displayed his signature saying, “We may not be the best, but there are none better.” —a fitting reflection of Lou’s humor and spirit.

Generally mild-mannered and easygoing, he was as warm and lovable as they come. Everyone who met Lou was drawn to his kindness. Ever the storyteller, Lou was always the last to leave church, lingering to chat and brighten someone's day. He was always know as “Sweet Lovable Lou”.

Louis was blessed with a life full of love, laughter, and good fortune. His legacy of warmth, humor, and kindness lives on in his family, who are endlessly grateful for him. Though he will be deeply missed, they take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord, reunited with those who have gone before him.

Louis was the beloved husband of Waldtraudt “Wally” Warner, with whom he shared a devoted 57-year marriage until her passing in 2008. He was the cherished father of three daughters: Louise Cropley, who predeceased him in 2023; Barbara Kaplan, whose husband, Patrick, predeceased him in 2024; and Betty Pisani and her companion Vinnie Martino.

A proud and loving grandfather, he leaves behind: Steven Jarvis (Cristine), Matthew Kaplan (Erica), Brian Jarvis (Danielle), Patrick Kaplan (Allison), Melissa Mutia (Alex), Nathaniel Kaplan, Daniel Pisani (Jaemma), and Victoria Pisani-Rodriguez (Ruben).

An adoring great-grandfather, he was loved by: Spencer, Savannah, Jasmine, Jenna, Katelyn, Sara, Kaitlyn, Ruben Jr., Alexander, Jesse, Emma, Jaime, Olivia, Avery, Matthew, Eden, Skylar, Michael, Lexi, and Aubrey.

Most recently, he became a great-great-grandfather to Willow.

He was predeceased by his four siblings—Hazel Mueller, Dorothy Bergner, George Warner, and Florence Silver—and was a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Louis’ name are asked to consider St. Timothy Lutheran Church with all gifts going to offset the cost of the recently replaced roof.

Heather Louise Vaccaro, age 52, of Wayne passed peacefully at home with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born in Paterson to Carol and Robert Phelan. Heather was raised in Wayne where she graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1991. Heather began her undergraduate studies at West Virginia University and completed them and her master’s degree in education at William Paterson University in Wayne.

Heather began teaching at the Rockaway Board of Education, and after raising her children, she worked as a science teacher for the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Wayne.

Heather was a loving and kind soul, known for her gentle spirit and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. As a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister, she embraced her family with open arms and an open heart. Heather found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was basking in the sun in Long Branch or exploring the scenic trails of the Ramapo Mountains. Her love for Border Collies was unmatched, with her first beloved dog, Callie, having passed away and now sharing her life with Chloe. A talented cook, she delighted her family with mouthwatering ribs, savory pinwheels, and banana crunch cake. Even in her quieter moments, she found excitement in watching shows like Survivor and Wheel of Fortune, where her competitive spirit shone through. In her final days, the spark of her personality remained evident when her husband, Nick, jokingly claimed he would tell everyone he had beaten her at Wheel of Fortune, prompting her to open her eyes with a playful challenge. Heather’s legacy of love and joy will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Nick and Heather’s love story began as a beautiful friendship that blossomed against the backdrop of the Jersey Shore. In 2001, their bond deepened when they went of their first date to the San Gennaro festival in New York City, where the lively atmosphere mirrored their growing affection for one another. Nicks heartfelt proposal came at their Union Beach residence, although they had envisioned a romantic moment at Sandy Hook, the firerce winds forced them indoors, making the day even more memorable. They celebrated their union with a destination wedding in Mexico on March 30, 2007, surrounded by loved ones, and their marriage flourished into a deep and loving partnership. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Julianne and Fredrick. Heather and Nick built a life filled with love, joy, laughter, and unwavering support for each other.

Heather was the devoted wife of seventeen years to Nick Vaccaro; she was the devoted mother of Julianne and Fredrick; she was the dearly loved daughter of the late Robert Phelan (d. 2023) and Carol Armando and the late Richard Sr(d. 2018); loved sister of Melanie Giordano and her husband Robert of Oakridge NJ, Jennifer Wells and her husband Stephen of Lakeworth, FL, and Rich Armando and his wife Noelle of Wayne, and John Armando and his wife Beth of West Milford. A loved aunt of 11 nieces and nephews.

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

Edward A. Zahn, age 86 of Riverdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Ed was born to Edward and Louise Zahn and grew up in Newark, NJ. He enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old and he was a proud “Navy Man” for the entire duration of his life, which led to a deep love for fishing and the ocean.

Ed retired as the mailroom supervisor for Equitable Insurance in Clark, and had been a Chemical Engineer prior to that for Millmaster Onyx Corporation. He maintained his Black Seal boiler license for many years.

Ed is survived by his wife of fifty years, Victoria Zahn of Riverdale; their daughter: Lisa Marie Cassilli and her husband Richard of Cedar Grove; three beloved grandchildren whom he adored beyond words: Ava Rose, Giovanni and Vincent Cassilli; his sister: Marianne Jones of Ledgewood, NJ and a son: Edward Zahn who resides in Florida. He is also survived by many treasured adopted grandchildren whom affectionately knew him only as “Poppy”.

Ed was devoted to his family and enjoyed traveling the world with the “greatest catch of his life”: his wife Victoria. They checked off each state and country, fulfilling their bucket list with joy. He created incredible videos of these trips and collected baseball hats for his grandchildren to have as permanent keepsakes. When not traveling, Ed enjoyed fishing and going to the racetrack. He taught his daughter how to handicap horses when she was ten years old. Ironically, whenever he returned from the track, he announced that he just “broke even” which is statistically impossible. He loved his son-in-law, Rich, like a son and borrowed every tool he had on a weekly basis.

Ed’s most special moments were spent with his wife and their beloved grandchildren. He never missed a sporting event or a special occasion for them. He watched Ava “Rosie”  and “Johnny Boy” when the Cedar Grove Panthers won the State Championship at Metlife Stadium, which thrilled him due to his love for football. Ed enjoyed watching his buddy “Mr. Vincent” wrestle and laughed at his wild personality. In Ed’s eyes, his grandchildren could do no wrong. He assembled their toys, took them for food they weren’t supposed to eat, and made them beautiful videos of their lives. They will cherish his memory forever. In recent years, he developed a special bond with their dog, Viviana, who considered Poppy her special human and never left his side.

Antonella Klizos, age 93 of Singer Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Born and raised in Rome, Italy, Antonella grew up in an acting household with her parents Armando and Luigia Guarneri and her younger brother Stefano. Her family’s passion for acting led to Antonella’s work as a voice actress, dubbing American films into Italian.

While in Rome, Antonella met a talented musician studying the violin named Stan Klizos. Their shared passion for the arts led to the couple falling in love and after several years together they got married and decided to move to Stan’s birthplace in Sudan, Africa.  A few years later the couple moved once more to the United States where they lived in Brooklyn, New York for a time before settling in New Jersey. In America, Antonella learned English by watching American television shows like “I Love Lucy” and even some she had previously dubbed in Italian while back in Rome.

The couple embraced the snowbird lifestyle, escaping the harsh winters of New Jersey, for the warm shores of Singer Island, Florida, before ultimately moving to the sunshine state permanently. Throughout her life, Antonella’s vibrant personality made her the life of any party. She cultivated friendships with people from all walks of life who will remember her fondly for her fun and lively personality, her appreciation for crispy calamari, and for her love of a chilled glass of chardonnay.

Antonella is survived by her brother Stefano Guarneri; her two daughters: Elaine Klizos and Laurie Klizos; her grandchildren Isabella Rossi and her fiancé Alex Hedgren, and Lily Rossi; and several beloved nieces and nephews, in the U.S and overseas. She is predeceased by her husband Stan Klizos and her son-in-law Robert Rossi.

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

Rose Mastrorilli was truly one of a kind! A big heart and a fiercely independent spirit, she enjoyed life on her own terms. Rose, of Whiting NJ and formerly of Cliffside Park NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the age of 94.

Rose was the daughter of Elizabeth and George Popovich, and one of six children raised in the family’s home on Lafayette Street in Jersey City, NJ. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948.

In 1952, Rose met her beloved husband, Joe, on a blind date at a local bowling alley. While her first impression of Joe’s bowling advice wasn’t exactly favorable - resulting in numerous gutter balls - subsequent dates went much better. Their relationship endured even when Joe enlisted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Munich, Germany. With no email in those days, they stayed connected through countless letters. When Joe returned home, he proposed with a beautiful engagement ring, and on October 30, 1954, they exchanged vows in a joyful autumn wedding. Their honeymoon took them to Miami, Florida.

After the honeymoon, Rose and Joe started married life together in an apartment on Pine Street in Jersey City. They were soon blessed with the birth of their firstborn, Joan, who was followed by baby sister Marian. In 1960, they moved to their own home in Cliffside Park, where they enjoyed a stunning view of the New York City skyline. After 28 years, they relocated to Marietta, GA, for Joe’s job. Sadly, Joe passed away just a year later in March 1989. With no deep ties to Georgia, Rose moved back north, settling in a houseboat in Northfield, NJ, her favorite home ever, at the Jersey Shore. She spent the next eight years there, visiting Atlantic City’s casinos, where she favored slot machines and enjoyed shows by entertainers like Jerry Seinfeld and Don Rickles. Eventually, she moved to a mobile home in Whiting, NJ, until 2023, when at age 92, declining health necessitated her move to Oakland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Oakland, NJ.

Rose was sharp-witted and intelligent. She worked as a secretary for various Manhattan companies, including a role with the Army Signal Corps. After taking time to raise her daughters, she returned to work as a secretary in the physical therapy department at Hudson Manor Nursing Home in North Bergen, NJ. She essentially ran the department and loved every moment of her job, earning the respect of coworkers and residents alike. She worked there for about ten years before leaving in the early 1980s. Rose never needed a driver’s license, she simply walked to work every day.

Despite her sharp mind (she could write backward and upside down), Rose preferred to keep life simple. She never embraced modern technology. Her idea of a cell phone was a well-worn cordless phone held together with tape. Rather than streaming movies, she relied on her VHS player, and she balanced her checkbook to the penny using nothing but a pencil and scrap paper.

Rose found joy in creating handmade gifts for friends and family with liquid embroidery, a fabric painting technique that gave a three-dimensional effect similar to embroidery. She decorated T-shirts with original designs, bed sheets with Archie comic characters, and lyrics from songs including originals by her daughter Marian. She was also a gifted Hungarian cook, known for family favorites like potato soup with kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, kapusta, potato salad and pot roast. Her ability to make perfect gravy from seemingly nothing earned her the affectionate title of "The Gravy Master."

Above all, Rose will be remembered as a devoted mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a kindhearted and generous woman who valued people over possessions and always gave freely to those in need. Rose had particular affection for cats, and always had a cat in her life. She had a wonderful and mischievous sense of humor, making her a joy to be around.

Rose was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Mastrorilli, with whom she shared 35 wonderful years of marriage. She was a loving mother to her daughters, Joan Mastrorilli and her companion Trapper Quinn of Wayne, NJ,  and Marian Mastrorilli and her husband Glenn Govier of Huntington, NY. She was predeceased by her five siblings: George Popovich, Joseph Kizmann, William Popovich, Anna Marie Shustowitz, and Clara McGill. She was also a dear aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Rose’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring, loving, and dedicated staff at the Oakland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for the exceptional compassion and support they provided to Rose during her time there. Their kindness and attentive care brought comfort to both Rose and her family, and their efforts will always be truly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Rose’s memory may consider a donation to:

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

Attn: Development Dept.

425 Eagle Rock Avenue, 203

Roseland, NJ 07068

The Humane Society of the United States

1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450

Washington, DC 20037

Mary Miller's incredible life began in the most extraordinary way. Born at home on Moreland Avenue in West Paterson in 1929, her arrival was nothing short of amazing- her mother, home alone, bravely delivered Mary by herself. After gathering her strength, she made her way to the front door and called out for help, marking the start of Mary's resilient and remarkable journey.

She grew up in that same home with her parents and four brothers, spending her teenage years surrounded by family and friends. A proud graduate of St. Bonaventure, Mary was a cheerleader who brought spirit and joy wherever she went. After high school, she worked as a

clerk in the accounting department at the New Jersey Telephone Company.

At just seventeen, Mary met the love of her life, Russell Miller. Their connection was immediate, and after a whirlwind romance, they married on October 8, 1948. Wasting no time, they built a beautiful life together, raising eight children- because for Mary, family was everything. Her love for children was boundless, and she poured her heart into motherhood.

As their family grew, they moved to West Milford, where all eight children attended St. Joseph Catholic School. A devoted parishioner, Mary's faith was a guiding force in her life. She was also known for her incredible baking skills, especially her famous Christmas gingerbread houses- a tradition she lovingly continued with her great-grandchildren right up until her passing. Her family will proudly carry on this sweet legacy.

When asked by her granddaughters what the best part of her life was, Mary didn't

hesitate- "When my children were little." She truly loved being a mother, and that love only grew as her family expanded. She was blessed with eighteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren, each one adding to the legacy of love she leaves behind.

In 1988, Mary and Russ retired to Venice, Florida, where they embraced beach life, planted orange and lemon trees, and enjoyed their well-earned relaxation. Their time together in Florida was filled with laughter and love until Russ passed away in 1998, just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mary then moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where three of her sons lived, and she thrived in this new chapter of retirement. She filled her days with the things that brought her joy, even partnering with a legally blind shuffleboard player who, despite the odds, was a fierce competitor.

In 2018, she returned to New Jersey, spending her final years surrounded by family, love, and countless cherished memories. Mary lived a truly blessed life, and her legacy of warmth, kindness, and devotion to family will live on for generations to come.

Mary is survived by seven of her children; Russell Miller and his wife Jackie of S. Carolina, Bob Miller of S. Carolina, Jim Miller of S. Carolina, mark Miller of Virginia, Richard Miller of W. Milford, Chris Majcen and her husband Gus of Virginia, and Nancy Lowe and her husband Gene of Wayne, eighteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell, in 1998, and by her son Gary in 2024.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stanley A. Wysocki Jr., a beloved brother, cherished uncle, successful businessman, and loyal friend. Stanley passed away on January 25th, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering support.

As a brother, Stanley was always there with a listening ear, a comforting word, and a helping hand. His siblings will cherish the memories of laughter, shared dreams, and the bond that only siblings can share.

In the business world, Stanley was a dedicated employee of Exxon and Sony for the majority of his career. His collaborative spirit and keen business sense was respected and admired by colleagues and clients alike. His integrity and commitment to excellence set a standard that inspired many.

As a friend, Stanley was loyal and true. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated. His friends knew they could always count on him for support, whether in times of joy or sorrow. His genuine kindness and generosity touched the lives of many.

Stanley will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of caring, hard work, and loyalty will always be remembered. May he rest in peace and may we one day all be re-united in the kingdom of heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Newark Archdiocese in Stanley's honor.