William (Bill) Blau Sr. age 76 died Tuesday February 8th 2011 with his family at his side.

William was born in Jersey City, NJ and after meeting and marrying his wife Charlotte, settled in Wayne NJ where they lived and raised their family for the past 40 years.

Bill was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He proudly worked tirelessly at his career in the sheet metal industry and relaxed by being with his family, playing golf and enjoying down time with his wife and family at his home on Long Beach Island NJ. He will be forever loved and missed.

Bill is survived by his wife Charlotte of 55 years, daughter Janet Carafello and family, daughter Diane Torres and family, daughter Cathy Blau, daughter Tara Blau and family, Son William A. Blau Jr, son David Blau Sr and family, Sister in law Pauline Monti, sister in law Patricia Brunje and brother in law Charlie Brunje. Bill cherished spending time with his seven grandchildren, Kristen Iattarelli, Frank Iattarelli, David Torres, Samantha Torres, Alexandra Blau, Kimberly Blau and David Blau Jr.

Rose K. Salva, 101, of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, February 7, 2011, at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. Rose was born on October 1, 1909 in Duisburg, Germany to the late Edmund and Mary Koch. She previously lived in Dunmore, PA prior to coming to Wayne in 2005 to reside with her daughter, Mary Ann Minasian who was dedicated to her care and well-being in recent years. Mrs. Salva was a devoted member of the Catholic faith and attended St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Dunmore, PA where a memorial funeral Mass will be held at a later date.

Rose was brought to the United States as an infant by her parents who came seeking the promise and opportunities for a better life. Her father immigrated to Reading, OH where he worked as a bricklayer. Later the family moved to Youngstown, OH where he worked in the steel mills using the skills and training he acquired at the huge Krupp Steel Mill in Germany. Rose’s parents carefully saved as they worked to enable Edmund to purchase a piece of property in the Youngstown suburbs where he could be closer to his work. He then ordered the materials and pattern for the family’s first home from the Sears Roebuck Catalog, a fact in which Rose’s mother always took great pride. It was in this home that Rose spent her formative years, where the family continued to maintain the frugal living habits that they were forced to learn in Germany. This lifestyle helped them to prosper and served them well as they pursued their own life journeys and enthusiastically embraced the freedoms and opportunities afforded them in America. Rose attended Catholic school for 8 years, as was the custom of the day. She then attended business school and became a legal secretary. Rose was gifted with intelligence and a personal drive to do her best in whatever she did. She was also gifted with an excellent sense of humor along with a very outgoing personality, traits that remained with her for her entire life.

Rose was married at the young age of 18. She met her future husband, Fedor Salva, at a community swimming pool in Youngstown, OH. They married in 1928 and set up their home in Pittsburgh, PA. They subsequently moved to Scranton, PA where Fedor was hired to be the editor of a local newspaper. Rose was a talented cook, homemaker, and a wonderful mother. She regularly canned food and was a natural in the kitchen, having received special skills from her mother who, in Germany, was a professional cook. Rose learned to sew and was exceptionally talented in making garments of every kind. For a time, she was employed in the dress-making industry and became a member of the Ladies Garment Workers Union. She also used her talents to make clothes for her family, including making her daughter’s wedding dress and veil by hand. Rose was particularly known for her talent for knitting. For most of her life, she made dozens of sweaters and other garments in hundreds of colors, designs, and patterns. She made beautiful sweaters for everyone in the family, from newborn to adult, wrapping each one in warmth and love.

Rose had a wonderful sense of humor and a sparkle in her eyes. She loved to tell stories of her childhood to anyone who would lend an ear: the family’s first Maxwell car, seeing the first airplanes, the end of World War I, and many, many more. It is this and so much more that will be missed about our precious Grandma Rose. The space she leaves behind is much bigger than the years she filled on this earth, and her legacy will be carried on by her loving family for generations to come.

Rose was pre-deceased by her husband of 61 years, Fedor Salva, a sister, Mary Flanagan, a son, Ivan Salva, and a great-granddaughter, Melissa Koger. In addition to her daughter, Mary Ann Minasian of Wayne, NJ, Rose is survived by a son, Fedor Salva, Jr. of McMurray, PA, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Salva of Dunmore, PA. Also left to cherish her memory are her ten grandchildren: Andrea Minasian, Leslie Koger, Drew Minasian, Marney Bonk, John Salva, Elizabeth Cater, James Salva, Suzanne Salva, Michael Salva, and Steven Salva. She was additionally blessed with 21 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Aunt Mary, Age 97 of Paramus, died on Monday, February 7, 2011.

Mary D. Maybe, age 97 of Paramus, died on Monday, February 7, 2011.

“Aunt Mary” as she was known to almost everyone, lived in the Forest Hills section of Newark and worked as a Newark tax collector before retiring in 1972.  She moved to Wayne in 1971 and eventually to Paramus in 2006.  

After Aunt Mary retired in 1972, she still needed to keep busy and took a position with Meyer Brothers and then Macy’s.  She had a strong work ethic and simply couldn’t sit still.  She continued to work until she was eighty nine years old, a testament to her determination.

She had a big heart and was feisty, even fresh at times, which was right in line with her ½ Irish and ½ English heritage.  Of course, if you inquired about her heritage, she would tell you that she was early American…real early.  She was a devoted Catholic, a fantastic socializer, a great people-person, and had a wonderful sense of humor.  She was simply a great woman and you just had to love her.  Her family meant the world to her and she was extraordinarily close with all of them.  She had lived with her brother and sister her entire life until her sister, Rita Coomber, passed in 1995, and then her brother, John Maybe, died in 2006.

Mary is survived by her loving nieces and nephews; Barbara Coomber of Wayne, Donald Coomber and his wife Kathy of Saddle River, Richard Maybe and his wife Margaret of Whippany, John Maybe and his wife Chris of Lakewood, Patricia Smith and her husband Anthony of New York City, and Jean Gates and her husband Thomas of Manheim, PA, as well as many more great nieces, nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.  

Mary lived for more than sixty five years with Diabetes.  In her memory, donations to the American Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated.  You can mail donations to: American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA  22312, or visit www.diabetes.org.

Clara Rolek (Cicchetti), “Gladys” “Claire”, age 85 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, February 06, 2011 at the St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital.

She was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and graduated from Dickerson High School with the Class of 1943.

Clara met a young man named Walter and after taking two different buses to pick her up she told him to go back home and get a tie on.  They fell in love and married on April 26, 1947 at Our Lady of Victories RC Church in Jersey City. They started and raised their family in Kearney having moved to Manchester in their retirement years. They also enjoyed several years of being snow birds in Destin, Florida.  They enjoyed fifty-two years of loving marriage before he passed away in 1999. Clara moved to Wayne to be close to her son in May of 2008.

Her first job was with the Western Electric Company in Kearney and then she took a job at the Harding Pharmacy in North Arlington.  She later became the store manager of Lincoln Card & Gift in North Arlington. She took time away from work to raise her family and returned to the workforce as a teller for Westminster Savings Bank, Kearney and later the National community Bank in North Arlington before retiring in 1991.

She was a devoted Catholic and parishioner of St. Stephens RC Church, Kearney and St. Marys RC Church, Lakewood.

Clara is best described as a friendly and motherly person.  She loved to cook and bake and was in charge of any and all cake cutting at each family function.  Her special touch on Walnut Cream Cake, spaghetti sauce, and Golumpki’s (her mother-in-law’s stuffed cabbage recipe) will be greatly missed.

She was the beloved wife of the late Walter Rolek(1999); loving mother of the late Robert Rolek(2005) and his surviving wife Joanna of Illinois, and Richard Rolek of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Brandon Rolek and his wife Brooke, Kristen and Stefani Rolek; devoted great-grandmother of Bobbie Rolek; loved sister of Peter Cicchetti of Destin, Florida, the late Eugene Cicchetti, Helen McColgan, Mary Hirschmann and Alfred Cicchetti.

Those inclined to make memorial donations are asked to consider Robert W. Rolek Community Service Scholarship Fund, c/o 240 E. Whistler Rd., #2E, Highland Park, IL 60035.

Nery Baez age 67 of Wayne died Saturday, February 5, 2011 peacefully in his sleep.

He was born in Uruguay and came to the United States in 1965 at the age of 22.  He initially settled in Florida and had lived in Old Bridge, NJ before moving to Wayne 35 years ago.

Nery worked in the restaurant business his whole life and worked for Lorry’s Restaurant in Woodbridge, Livingston and Wayne having most recently worked as a bartender for the Sevilla Spain Restaurant in Pine Brook for the past 15 years.

Nery has always enjoyed watching soccer matches, solving crossword puzzles, and trying his luck with scratch-off lottery tickets. One of Nery’s favorite quotes was: “Jason, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me”.

He was the beloved husband of thirty-five years to Marlene (DiMaio) Baez and cherished father of Jason Baez of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers donation to the family c/o Jason Baez, 99A Traphagen Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated

Josephine Rae Hyatt “Skelly” (nee Viola) age 83 of Wayne passed to a new and glorious eternal life on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at home.  Her loving family had assembled at her bedside with love and caring to witness her peaceful passing.

She was born in Jersey City one of three children in a very difficult family environment.  Her mother died when she was nine and her father was not a responsible parent.   Her sister Clara then fourteen took over the mothering in the family.  Clara cared for her, until Josephine wed.  They remained close over the years.

She lived in Jersey City until 1974 then to find a better place for her daughters she moved with Tom to Clark, NJ and in 2001 she moved to Wayne to be close to her grandchildren.

Her parents were both born in Italy of strong Italian Stock and she was proud of her family heritage.

Josephine’s formal education was only through the sixth grade because everyone had to work to keep the family within their needs of food and shelter.  It was a hard scrabble life for young Josephine.

At age twenty-one she married a sailor named Tommy Hyatt, a Seaman Second Class, who had just returned home from the War.  They married in 1948 by eloping to Elkton Maryland which, in those days, was the marriage mill of the North East. In Elkton no questions were asked such as age to get a marriage license.  The final result was sixty-three wonderful years.

Tom her husband was a big man and Josephine was only four foot nine inches tall.   It was well described as a giant and a peanut together.  They loved to dance and Tom had no problem swinging Josephine through the air as they did the jitterbug.  She also spent a good deal of time roller skating to the melodies of classic artists.

Josephine was very devoted to her Catholic faith and had a special dedication to the Blessed Mother.

Her daughter recalls that she was an excellent mother to her and just wanted a good life for her daughters.  She was a wonderful cook and made the best lasagna. She also had a sweet tooth for cakes and candies, she would hide sweets around the house so Tom would not steal them.

Josephine loved to travel to California where she would stay in Los Angeles and make day trips to the countryside and the beach.  Early summers were spent at Greenwood Lake and the Jersey Shore.

Surviving to mourn her loss are her husband Thomas H. Hyatt , two daughters Lois Hyatt and Gail Rovere and her husband Craig all of Wayne; three grandchildren Hunter, Jillian and Collin Rovere as well as her sister Clara Habbermann of Jersey City.

Her sister Margaret Patella predeceased her.

Barbara J. Hungler (nee Hemmer), age 69, of Haledon, died on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at home, while receiving the loving care of her mother, husband, and children.  She had endured a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes.

Barbara was born in Orange, New Jersey and grew up in Maplewood and Irvington.  She graduated from Irvington High School in 1958 and began her college studies at the Newark City Hospital Nursing School.  She began her career as a Registered Nurse and soon landed a position with the Bergen Pines Hospital.  She remained there throughout her career, retiring in 1994.

Barbara couldn’t have found a better career path.  She was a selfless person, always concerned for the wellbeing of others, very kind and caring.  When her children were young, she always worked the night shift so she could be there for the kids during the day.  No one is quite sure when she slept, because she was tirelessly cooking, cleaning, sewing clothes for her family, and best of all; baking.  She was a wonderful baker and unquestionably famous for her brownies.  Her children recall that during any bake sale, at school or otherwise, “Mrs. Hungler’s brownies” were always in high demand, requested by everyone.  If you ever had her over to visit, you know she always brought dessert, and if you were lucky, she brought her brownies.  

Barbara also loved the beach.  Every summer she would take the family to Wildwood Crest for their vacation and enjoy the sand and relaxation.  Her children have a great trove of memories from those vacations, enough to last a lifetime.

Barbara met her husband Antal at a local dance in Irvington.  She was still in high school at the time, but after that first dance, the two of them never parted.  They were married in 1962 and enjoyed a scenic honeymoon in Niagara Falls.  They were devoted to one another and have enjoyed forty eight years of marriage, side by side, hand in hand.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Antal, her four devoted children; Kristine Len and her husband James of Pompton Lakes, Barbara Cakl of Wayne, Antal M. and his wife Tracy of Saddle Brook, Matyas of Lansdale, PA, her mother; Helen Hemmer, and five granddaughters Kristina, Erika, and Andrea Len, Rachel Cakl and Jessica Godowsky; and beloved brother William Hemmer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 4527, NY, NY 10163 www.nationalmssociety.org 1-800-344-4867 or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 www.diabetes.org 1-800-342-2383would be greatly appreciated.

Helen Kovalycsik (nee Gombos), age 83 of Pequannock, died on Thursday, February 3, 2011 in Wayne.

Born in Monecssen, Pennsylvania, she lived in Garfield before moving to Pequannock in 1958.

She was a member of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection in Wayne for many years.

Mrs. Kovalycsick was a clerical typist for Hoffman LaRoche, Nutley and later held the same position at State Farm Insurance Company in Wayne.  

Surviving are her devoted husband of sixty three years, Nicholas, one sister; Mildred Turner of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, one brother; Edward Gombos of Addison, Illinois.  She was predeceased by three sisters; Rose Tylutki of Elmwood Park, Anna Gombos and Mary Buck and two brothers, Steve and Michael Gombos.

Mike Struz, age 86 of Wayne, died suddenly on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 after a brief illness.  He had lived in Wayne since 1970.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, one of six children.  Sadly he lost both of his parents when still just a young child.  To avoid foster care, his aunt and uncle took him in, along with one of his sisters.  They grew up in Paterson and as soon as Mike finished high school, he joined the U.S. Navy.

During World War II he served aboard the USS Hawkbill SS-366, a submarine, throughout the Pacific Theatre, as a Torpedoman 1st Class.  He did his torpedo training in Florida, and then was at the launching of the Hawkbill in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, January of 1944.  As a member of the original crew, he was aboard during testing in the Great Lakes, and during her journey down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.

 They passed through the Panama Canal and began operations in the Pacific.  Aboard the Hawkbill, Mike served up and down the west coast, in the South Pacific, Philippine Sea, and the Japanese Islands on many successful patrols during the war.  He saw the world during his time with the Navy and really enjoyed every bit of it.  He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for many years, and had his own apartment off-base in Pearl City.  He also served as a recruiter in Michigan for a few years towards the end of his Navy career.  He concluded his active duty in 1963 and officially retired from the U.S. Navy in 1973, after a thirty year career.

He opened the Marybrook Diner on Goffle Road in Hawthorne with his cousins in 1963 and they operated that together for seven years before Mike decided to retire.  Mike was an avid reader and has a collection of books to rival any library, along with a music collection that’s equally large.  He was introduced to ice hockey while serving in Michigan and quickly became a big fan of the sport.  He followed the NY Rangers closely and enjoyed watching them play at every chance he got.

Mike had a great sense of humor and was able to find the funny side of just about everything.  He always had a witty comment to offer and on the day before he passed he was asking the nurses if they could put beer into his IV bag.  He could always find a way to make you laugh and he had a collection of funny phrases that he’d use like “money isn’t everything, but don’t get caught without any.”  He would also tell you that “you haven’t lived until you’ve fought your way out of a bar, back-to-back with your buddies.”

Mike’s family gave him an unexpected treat this year as they all gathered at his house during the Christmas Holiday.  Mike was thrilled to have everyone there and little did they know at that time what a blessing it would be that they all were able to spend the holiday together.

Mike is survived by his sisters Pauline Grecco and Anne Churik, his devoted nephews; William Struz and his fiancé Josie Gaughan, of Paterson and Robert Struz and his fiancé Ann Opirhory, of Hawthorne, Warren Struz and his wife Patricia of North Haledon, and his nieces; Carol MacKinnon and her husband Larry of Upper Greenwood Lake and Linda Struz.  He was predeceased by his sister Olga, his brothers John and William, and one nephew; Thomas Struz.

Madeline was born in Long Island City, New York and as a child lived in Asbury Park, Nutley, Clifton, Rutherford, Atlantic City, and Syracuse, NY.

When playing outdoors, Madeline often went by the nickname "Sandy.” She'd tuck her hair up under a baseball cap for sandlot games with the neighborhood boys. Many boys on opposing teams never realized "Sandy" was a girl as her athleticism could outshine theirs at times!

This served her well later as a mother to six children, and coaching "The Violets" T-Ball team of her daughters with long-time friend Ruth Carlson.

When Madeline was about 16 yrs old, she wanted very much to enter a convent and become a nun. Her best friend had become a nun, but Christine & W.P. Snyder, Sr. would not give Madeline permission. She argued about this, but they did not relent. Mom has since remarked her parents at the time said she was "Too smart and too pretty to be a nun." (The clergy today may not be as amused by that comment as her kids may be!)

Madeline was in the Miss Atlantic City Pageant. In the following Miss America Pageant she was thrilled by the honor of riding in the first car of the pageant parade with Burt Parks, representing Atlantic City as a welcoming hostess. Other duties included posing on the beach with a beach ball displaying current temperature readings for television audiences. Madeline's most cherished memory of her pageant experiences was a love-filled poem her mother, Christine, composed to her and presented as Madeline readied for that Miss America Pageant. Madeline and Bill were dating at the time of those pageants and often made trips with friends to fish and boat in North Jersey lakes.

In high school she was a member of the Latin Club Honor Society and on the debate team, where she was voted “Golden Tongued Orator". She was elected a member of the National Forensic League for Oratory in 1954, and also became a member of the MENSA Society. Madeline graduated from Holy Spirit High School in Atlantic City with the Class of 1955. She later attended the 50th and 55th year reunions of Holy Spirit Alumni. Madeline later continued her education at the New York School of Interior Design and in Real Estate.

Madeline met the love of her life, William F. O’Brien, Jr., on a blind date set up by family friends. Bill proposed to Madeline at her mother's dining table after hiding the engagement ring inside the pizza box he'd brought for dinner. They were married by the Rev. Thomas Walsh on May 17, 1958, in a noon wedding at St. Mary's Church in Rutherford, NJ. The maid of honor was Irene Gallagher, and bridesmaids were Mary Lou Noble and Helen Rieger. The best man was Ernest J. Scheidermann and ushers were William Terry and John Downey. That day Madeline and Bill hosted their reception at what was The Circle Inn on the old Wayne Circle on Route 23 in Wayne, NJ.

Before settling in Wayne, Madeline and Bill's first home was in Baltimore, MD. They next lived in Cedar Grove, NJ, where their three girls were born, then in 1961 moved to Clearwater, FL, where their next two children, two sons, were born. By 1966, the family settled in Wayne, where their youngest son and sixth child was born. Madeline enjoyed 35 years of loving marriage before William passed away on June 12, 1992. After Bill's death, Madeline drew on her faith and inner strength, and devoted herself to her work, home, and family.

Raising six children wasn't enough for Madeline; she started her own business, Interiors by Design, which she operated in Wayne for several years. She served on the Board of Education for Wayne and was instrumental in changing the status quo to allow Catholic school children to receive textbooks with State funds. She later found her niche as a Realtor, eventually earning her broker's license and working in real estate for more than 33 years. Madeline began with DeMattia-O'Brien Realty in Clifton, later working for Soldoveri Agency and Weichert Realtors in Wayne before retiring in 2009. During her career as a Realtor she was known as Madeline Sandra O'Brien, G.R.I. Broker/Sales Representative, Condo Coop Specialist, Historic Homes Representative.

Madeline was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne. She had a deep humanitarian resolve and volunteered with the Wayne Interfaith Network’s Food Pantry and also traveled to New Orleans to assist in the post-hurricane Katrina rebuilding effort with Our Lady of Consolation church’s Social Justice Ministry.

Madeline was known for her quick wit and easy smile, her gracious, charming ways, and her love of language. At home she could often be found in her yard gardening and working on her landscaping. Madeline also had a love of the beach. She enjoyed all seasons at the New Jersey shoreline and in her latter years took to photography there.

Madeline was the beloved daughter of the late Wilfred and Christine Snyder; after Madeline their other children are Tina (Snyder) Lamberski , W.P. "Buddy" Snyder, Jr., and finally Patrica Snyder.

She is survived by her beloved sister-in-law Rosellen "Mickey" Titmas; her loving children Laurie Murray and her husband Patrick of Howell, Nadine M. Simms and her husband James of Haledon, Eileen M. O’Brien and her husband Tony of Maryland, William F. O’Brien, III and his wife Diane of Kinnelon, James P. O’Brien of Morristown, Thomas J. O’Brien and his wife Kori of Los Angeles, CA; she was the loved sister of Christine Lamberski of Wayne, Wilfred P. Snyder and his wife Mary Beth of Tucson, AZ, and Patricia Lee Snyder of Wayne. She was the cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Madeline leaves devoted and loving nieces, nephews, their children, and several close and loving cousins and friends in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and California.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wayne Interfaith Network (WIN), PO Box 3341, Wayne, NJ 07474-3341 would be appreciated. A union of churches and synagogues in Wayne, besides their food pantry program WIN also helps Wayne's needy with a sneaker and clothing program where gift cards are given out to the needy for the purchase of a new pair of sneakers at the start of summer and a new outfit and shoes for the start of school.

Stanley W. White age 89 of Wayne died Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Wayne and lived in West Paterson, Little Falls and San Diego, CA having lived in Wayne for the past sixty years.

Stanley was a lathe operator and machinist for the Curtis Wright Corporation, Woodridge before enlisting in the US Navy.  He was a United States Navy Veteran of WWII having served on the destroyer USS Wilkes.  He not only regularly attended reunions of the Wilkes crew at many locations around the country, but he proudly hosted one here in the NJ/NY area. For most of his life kept in regular contact with a number of the crew members that he served with during the war.

After serving his country in the Navy he returned to the Curtis Wright Corporation where he worked before retiring in 1984.

He met Margaret Condon in grade school and married her in 1946.  They have enjoyed sixty-five years of happy marriage.

Stanley was a dedicated member of the Wayne Police Athletic League(PAL). Donating of his time and talents he served as a Trustee for the Board of Directors, and baseball coach for over forty years. The team he coached was originally called “Dan’s Steakhouse”, later the “Wayne Cattleman” and finally “McDonalds”. He also served as Chairman of the American League with the Wayne PAL. Both Stanley and his wife Margaret were recipients of the Wayne PAL’s “Chief’s Award” for the dedicated service.

After his retirement he enjoyed travel including destinations such as: Hawaii, Ireland, England, Canadian Rockies, the Grand Canyon and many others. He found great satisfaction from growing fresh vegetables in the family vegetable garden, and peaches from "his" peach tree. Stanley was also a "do it yourself" man who seemed to be capable of fixing, repairing, or building just about anything. He loved swimming in the ocean or the family pool. He also enjoyed his 2 week "Jersey Shore" vacations to Long Beach Island, and the participation with his children in the purchase of a "family vacation home" in the LBI vicinity at which he was able to spend a good amount of his retirement doing what he liked best. Spending time with family and friends, golfing, fishing, eating fresh sea food (clams on the half shell and homemade Manhattan clam chowder being his favorite), tinkering and fixing up the house, are all things he will be fondly remembered for.

Stanley was the loving husband of Margaret (Condon) White; loving father of John White of Wayne, Stanley White and his wife Jerri of Butler, Robert White and his wife Sarah of Queens, NY, and Judy White of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Connor White;  loved brother of Betty Strickland of Georgia and Timothy “Harry” White of Myrtle Beach, SC, and the late Mary Douglas. Owen, John, and  Robert White.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne PAL, 1 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474-0291 would be appreciated.

Michael T. Nershi, 89, died on January 28 at Oneonta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Oneonta, NY.

Mike was born April 8, 1921, the fifth of seven children to Thomas (Toufic) and Anna (Ruda) Nershi in the family home in Union City, NJ.  His early years were spent in Union City where he graduated from Emerson High School in 1938.

Mike served in the US Navy from 1943-1946. During this time he was stationed in Australia on the submarine tender USS Clytie.  Following the service, he attended George Washington University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1949 and Bachelor of Law in 1950.  After working briefly in New York City, Mike settled in Gloversville, NY in the early 1950s, where he became a member of the Fulton County Bar Association, practicing law with Ernie Abdella and later with Andrew Schlusberg. Mike then became the attorney for the Gloversville Urban Renewal Agency. He also served as assistant city judge in Gloversville. Mike was also law clerk for the New York State House and Senate in the mid 1960s, and law clerk for New York State Supreme Court Judges Willard Best, Arthur Aulisi and Carrol Walsh and Fulton County Surrogate Court Judge Michael Mazzone.  Mike retired in 1996 after the death of Justice Mazzone.

Mike was a member of many organizations and active in local politics.

Mike was an avid reader, enjoyed family gatherings, traditional jazz and smoking cigars in his earlier years. Never having a TV, he followed the news and especially baseball on the radio. Mike was dedicated to the well being of his family and friends, giving freely of his time, legal expertise and financial aid. His meticulous work ethic and attention to detail made him highly respected in the area.

Mike is survived by a brother, Meno, and wife Edna of Keystone Heights, Flordia along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother George and sisters Wedad, Helen and twins Gladys and Beatrice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike's memory be made to: Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Lynn A. Makara, “Lynnie”, age 47 of Pompton Lakes passed into Life Eternal on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011. Her passing took place quietly and peacefully with the love of her mother and sister, who were at her bedside.

Lynn was born in Passaic and lived in Wayne and Denville for most of her life. She attended Wayne Public Schools, graduating from Wayne Hills High School Class of 1981. Lynn was quite a drummer, participating in both Marching and Stage Band.

After High School, Lynn attended Cosmetic Academy, earning a license as a Cosmetician. Later she studied Computer Science and was active in professional certifications offered by the Microsoft Corporation. She was a PC Technician and her expertise was repairing/solving software/hardware computer problems.

“Lynnie” was reserved; peppered with a dry and humorous personality that enabled her to be liked by both the young and old. She made many friends, especially through her work.

Family was very important to her and she never missed family gatherings or celebrations. She adored and loved her grandparents and found pleasure in spending time with them. Within the family, she was affectionately called, “Aunt Lynnie”.

As a child, Lynn was always very curious, always asking, “why”? She loved music, especially the “Big Band Era” and the “Hits of the 80’s”. She loved movies and watching reruns of old TV Shows (“The Andy Griffith Show”, “Little House on the Prarie”, “I Dream of Genie”, “The Honeymooners” and “Star Trek”). Lynn loved to cook and was quite good at it, insisting everything be made from “scratch”. She enjoyed “The Food Network”, reading; and, after taking several literary courses, Lynn’s writing

skills became quite apparent.

Surviving are her Mother, Edith Makara of Wayne; her Father, Ronald Makara and his Wife, Gail, of Santa Rose, CA; one Sister, Lori Fadil of Woodstock, NY; her Maternal Grandparents, Connie and Joseph Capobianco of Wayne; Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Robert Klein of Pequannock; Cousins Robert L. Klein and his Wife, Maria of Whippany; Jennifer Klein and Fiance Phillip Damiano of Weehawken; Captain Gary J. Klein, who is serving his country in Afghanistan and his Wife, Jeannine of GA; Second Cousins Jessica and Hannah Klein and Clarrisa and Killian Klein.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Lynn’s memory are asked to consider St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 322 N. Lauderdale St., Memphis, TN 38105 – 2729.

Joseph P. Senyk age 36 of Wayne died with the comfort of his family by his side; after a brave and inspirational two year battle with cancer.

He was born in Paterson and has been a lifelong resident of Wayne.  Joseph graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1993.

Joseph previously worked for Levitz in Paramus and has worked for the Wayne Board of Education for thirteen years. He was promoted to Head Custodian at the Anthony Wayne Junior High School before being forced to leave because of his illness.

He loved and had a talent for refurbishing older cars and especially enjoyed 1970’s muscle cars.  He owned and enjoyed taking his Pontiac Trans Am, Chevrolet Monte Carlo and also a Dodge Challenger to local car shows to exhibit his talents.

Joseph is best described as a courageous, big hearted, giving and compassionate person.  He took great pleasure in helping family and friends with anything he could.

He was the loving and devoted son of Judith Senyk of Wayne and the late Dennis Senyk(1999); devoted father of Noah Senyk of Wayne; loved brother of Christopher Senyk and his wife Michele of Riverdale, Brian Senyk and his wife Christina, Deneen Vergano and her husband Christopher of Wayne, and Jackie Fabiano of Wayne; cherished uncle of Kyle and Allison Vergano, Nicole and Danielle Fabiano, and Christopher, Zachary, and the late Alexa(2002) Senyk.

In lieu of flowers  St. Judes, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.

"Judy", age 70 of Wayne, died at home on Friday, January 28, 2011

Helen Julia Brady Hill, “Judy” as she was known to most everyone, passed away at her home on Friday, January 28, 2011, with her family gathered at her bedside.

Judy grew up in White Plains, NY, and lived in Columbia, MD, before settling in Wayne, NJ, in 1976.

She completed an undergraduate degree from Cornell University, a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University and a Master’s degree in Public Health Administration from Rutgers University.  She taught high school science in Maryland, and upon moving to New Jersey, became the laboratory administrator at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where she worked until 1998. She was an extraordinarily bright person and always considered her greatest life accomplishment to be raising her five children.

Judy enjoyed many hobbies in life, including singing, playing piano and interior decorating.  She considered herself a devoted Yankees fan. She always enjoyed supporting her children in their athletic endevears. She was also an avid supporter of her local fire department.

The births of her grandchildren were a blessing to her, as she treasured every moment she had with them.  

A constant in her life was caring for the wildlife that ventured into her backyard. She always made sure food was readily available for the birds, squirrels and deer. She also cared deeply for her cats, and supported the local animal shelter.  

Judy is survived by her five children, Jane and her husband Wayne of Spring City, TN; Andrew of Garfield, NJ; Mark and his wife Lisa  and their daughter Gianna of Bossier City, LA; Thomas and his wife Tobey and their children Tommy, Alexandra and Kiana of Hong Kong, and Laura and her husband Hendrik and their children Juliana and Emily of Wayne, NJ. Judy is also survived by her sister, Sister Jane Frances Brady of Lincoln Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Packanack Lake Fire Company #5.

Warren M. Croucher passed away on Monday, 24 January, 2011 after an extended hospital stay with family by his side.

He was born on 11 June 1928 to Percy and Florence Croucher of Fair Lawn, NJ.  His parents are deceased as well as his brothers, Eugene Croucher of Midland Park, Calvin Croucher of Blairstown, and his sister Enid Hamilton of Glen Rock.

Warren grew up on the family farm in Fair Lawn and later worked for Charles Pharmacy in Fair Lawn, then the Fair Lawn Board of Education, and finally Ketchum Distributers of Cranford NJ until he retired in December of 1995.

Warren is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen Tanis Croucher; sons Douglas Croucher and his wife Kerrie of Millington NJ; Drew Croucher and his wife Karen of Whispering Pines NC; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Croucher, Jennifer Bush and her husband Nathan, and Jamie Croucher, as well as his brother James Croucher and his wife Greta of Fair Lawn NJ.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne NJ 07470-0291.

Margaret A. Martin, age 89 of Wayne, died on Monday, January 24, 2011 at home with her loving children at her bedside.  She had been receiving the best care possible from Adriana Chala, her live-in nurse, who kindly made Margaret’s last few years comfortable and dignified.  Marge had been a Wayne resident, living in Lion’s Head Lake, for more than fifty years.  

Margaret enjoyed a career with AFIA Insurance in Wayne from 1977 to 1985.

Marge was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and graduated from high school there.  She took a job working in the Pentagon, Washington, DC, and was one of the very first employees in the newly built facility.  As a young, single woman living so far from home, her mother insisted she return to Brooklyn each weekend, for her own safety, of course.  Fortunately for Marge, she met her husband on one of those weekends home to Brooklyn.  They were at a local Irish dance and Frank was home on leave from the War.  They married in 1943 and moved to Elmhurst, Queens for a few years before building their home in Wayne in 1960.  They enjoyed sixty five years of marriage together before Frank’s passing in 2008.

Marge was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne and was active in the founding and establishment of the church back in the 1960’s.  She attended some of the earliest Masses, which were held in the basement of Father Wolsin’s home in Wayne.  She and her husband Frank put their heart and soul into the church and proudly raised their children in the Catholic faith.  Her faith and her family were the foundations of her life.  

Marge was very proud of her Irish Heritage.  Her parents were both from County Mayo and Marge visited Ireland on two occasions.  She was a good Irish cook and made the best soda bread, pot roast, and always enjoyed a hot cup of tea.  She was a prolific reader of fiction and romance novels.  She kept up on world events by reading the Daily News and The Beacon.  

Marge was simply a lovely lady who never took herself too seriously and was grateful for all that she had.  She was a great conversationalist with a quick wit that would often surprise you, and she’d always speak her mind without passing judgment.  You always knew where you stood with Marge.

Margaret is survived by her four loving children; Bill and his wife Janet of Franklin Lakes, Eileen and her husband Bob of Wayne, Gerald and his wife Deborah of West Caldwell, and Jack and his wife Debbie of Wayne.  Ten grandchildren; Brian Martin and his wife Tara of Wayne, Suzanne Ward and her husband Sean of Franklin Lakes, Michelle Joyce of Riverdale, Kevin Joyce and his wife Melissa of Bayonne, Laura Rumana and her husband Scott of Wayne, Alyson and Nicholas Martin of Wharton, and Daniel, Rachel, and Grace Martin of Wayne, three great-grandchildren; Brendan, Max and Thomas, her dear brother-in-law Edward Martin of Fort Lauderdale, and many nieces and nephews.  She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband; Frank, one brother; John Mulqueen of Washington, DC, and one sister; Agnes Hickey of Massapequa, NY.  

Donations in Margaret’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research,ATTN: Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780, would be greatly appreciated.

Edward H. Travers, Jr. age 83 of Wayne died Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Valley Hospital, Ridgewood.

He was born in Union City and raised in North Bergen before moving to Wayne in 1957.

He sang soprano in the Boys Choir of  Saint James Episcopal Church, Manhattan from 1937 through 1939. Edward graduated from the Dwight School, Manhattan with the Class of 1945.

He went on to attend Brooklyn Polytechnic University. Before graduating Brooklyn Polytechnic he decided to enlist in the United States Army.  He attained the rank of sergeant before being discharged in February of 1948.

After his service he attended Rutgers University where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with the Class of 1957 and was elected to the  Rutgers University Honor Society that year.   He continued his education having graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with the Class of 1969.

His work history includes repairing cash registers for the Pitney Bowes Corporation, assembly work at the Bendix Corporation, Teterboro, NJ, engineering work at the Curtis Wright Corporation, Woodbridge, NJ and finally he took a job in 1956 at the New York Telephone Company where he started out as an installer, was fast-tracked into management, and finally the engineering department before retiring in 1988. While at the New York Telephone company he wrote and taught a course entitled “Accounting for Engineers” which he taught at the historic Thayer Hotel in West Point, NY for several years.

He met the love of his life Lorraine Baechtold at a house party that she initially attended with one boy but left with Edward.  Two weeks later Edward gave Lorraine gold earrings for her birthday and she was smitten.  They married on September 3, 1955 at the Woodcliff Community Church, North Bergen and honeymooned and trout fished in the Adirondacks.  Lorraine didn’t mind accommodating Edward’s second love – trout fishing. She didn’t like traipsing up and down streams in hip-waders, and was more amenable to doing her fishing from a boat. They have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of more than fifty-five years.

Edward will be fondly remembered for his ready wit and sharp mind. Even on the day of his passing he was quick with a quip. He loved trout fishing and was especially grateful for the relaxation he came to know while fishing on the Esopus River in New York State.

He was the beloved husband of Lorraine (Baechtold) Travers; loving father of Brian Travers of Wayne and Douglas Travers of Butler; loved brother of Doris Hart of Graham, NC and the late Carol Bullard.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to The Valley Hospital, 223 North Van Dien Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 – Attn: Foundation, would be appreciated.

Joi Ellen Mann (nee Varcardipone), age 44 of Little Falls, died on Saturday, January 15, 2011.  Joi grew up in Wayne and had lived in Little Falls for the past fifteen years.  

She began her nursing career at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in 1987 as a graduate nurse in the BICU, caring for severely burned patients and it was there that she became interested in pediatrics.  She became the first nurse manager of the newly established Pediatric Intensive care unit in 2000 before taking leave to care for her newborn twins.  While raising her children, she worked part time as a nursing supervisor at Saint Barnabas before returning full time.  Caring for children wasn’t just her passion as a mom, but it was her passion in life.  She discovered her greatest joy working in the PICU at St. Barnabas, like the devoted mother that she was to her own three children, she lovingly and sincerely cared for all the ill kids in her charge.  Her job provided her with an emotional reward that perhaps only another PICU nurse would truly understand, and Joi felt lucky to be there every day.   She will be dearly missed not only by her coworkers, but also by the untold number of young people she nursed back to health.

As a young woman, Joi was always on the go; travelling, skiing in Europe, taking wine tasting classes, and socializing.  After having children, her focus changed to being a mom and caring for her kids.  She became involved in her community, the school, PTO, and essentially overindulged to the point where she felt she was doing everything she could for her kids – and then she’d do just a little bit more.  She loved Mackenzie, Cameron, and Delaney with every bit of her soul and they will now have to carry her memory safely in their hearts.

Joi is survived by her three loving children: Mackenzie Elizabeth, Cameron Joseph, and Delaney Ellen, her dear mother; Ellen Varcardipone of Ocean City, Maryland, her sister; Jill Stagg and her husband George of West Milford, her nephews; Christian and Erik Stagg, and a very large, extended family of cousins, caring friends, and coworkers.  She was predeceased by her dear father, Joseph Varcardipone just five short months ago, in August of 2010.

In Joi’s memory, donations to support her three children’s education would be greatly appreciated.  A fund is being established and donations can be delivered to the funeral home, made payable to “Jill Stagg”.  As an alternative, donations would also be appreciated to the St. Barnabas Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Fund, care of St. Barnabas Hospital.

John “Jack” Donhauser of  Wayne died Friday, January 14, 2011 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne while receiving the loving care of his family who dedicated much time to loving and caring for him. His passing was graciously peaceful.

He was born in Newark, NJ and spent his formative years in Belleville. Later in life he lived in Monroe, New York, and Pompton Lakes before moving to Wayne thirty years ago.

John  received his formal education at Belleville Grammar School No. 8 and then at Belleville High School graduating with the Class of 1948. After High School he enrolled at Seton Hall University in South Orange where he received a B.A. in Education. He went on to Columbia University in New York where he received a Masters in Education. Still later he went to New York University and was just a few credits short of his Doctorate in Education Degree.

He began his teaching career at Saint Cecelia’s School in North Arlington the changed to the Belleville School System and then he obtained a job as teacher and principal at Central Valley, New York School System. He moved to Wayne and taught remedial reading in the District Grammar Schools until his retirement.

He served in the Army during the Korean War.

In his retirement he very much enjoyed volunteering at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.

He was dedicated to his Roman Catholic Faith.

John was graced with a quiet discerning personality that had a way of shining out to others causing him to have a host of friends.   He also had a great sense of humor that could light up a room with joy and laughter.

He was very family oriented and his children recall him as the best dad God could have given them. He was a wonderful provider and was always concerned about his children no matter how many birthdays they had. When the grandchildren came into his life he was thrilled and very proud of them. He loved them to pieces.

John, for entertainment, enjoyed horse racing and the Lottery.

Surviving to mourn his passing are one son John Donhauser of Pompton Lakes; three daughters Beth Eutermarks and her husband Ray of Pequannock, Trudy Donhauser and Jean O’Connell and her husband Chris of Pompton Lakes; one sister Mary D. Hoey of Cedar Grove.; nine grandchildren Raymond, JeanE, Ryan and Robyn Eutermarks, Johnny and Kristen Donhauser, Nicole Rabbito, Lauren and Danielle O’Connell; one Great Granddaughter Mikayla Eutermarks.

“Gert" and "Trudy” (nee Griffin) age 85 of Wayne died on January 14, 2011.

Gertrude Ann “Gert/Trudy” Kuczynski (nee Griffin) age 85 of Wayne died on January 14, 2011.

She was born and raised in Paterson and lived in Wayne for the past thirty five years.

Gert loved to crochet and has created many family heirlooms such as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Christmas trees and doll outfits. Her special touch on Yankee Pot Roast, miniature cheesecakes, grapefruit pie, and stuffed cabbage Galumpies will never be duplicated.  She also loved to play Yahtzee! and no one was ever able to beat her.

She is the loving wife of 64 years to John “Ski” J. Kuczynski; loving mother of Joyce Fierro of Goffstown, NH and Linda Cascio and her husband Garry of Ocean View, NJ; cherished grandmother of six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, and one brother; Peter Griffin and his wife Hazel of Fairlawn, NJ.  She was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

Daniel T. Dolan age 74 of Wayne died Friday, January 14, 2011 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock.

He was born in Jersey City and lived in Elmwood Park having graduated from Pope Pius High School, Passaic with the Class of 1955 before moving to Wayne in 1960.

Dan was the owner of Dan Dolan Construction for ten years before taking on the job of Fire Official for Wayne Township which he did for twenty five years before retiring in 2002.

He was dedicated to Wayne Township having volunteered for the Community Fire Company #1, Wayne, Wayne Township First Aid Squad, Life Member of the Wayne Elks Lodge #2181, coaching Wayne P.A.L. baseball teams, and being a ski chaperone for the Wayne Grammar Schools and DePaul High School, Wayne. He also served twenty years on the Board of Directors of Sisco Village, Wayne. Dan was extremely sociable, loved the NY Giants and had a great sense of humor.

Dan met his wife, Elsie Unger, at the ice cream and candy store that was located at Hope and Harrison Street in Passaic. Their first date and Dan’s proposal of marriage were both at Rutt’s Hut, in Passaic.  They married on November 26, 1960 at Holy Trinity RC Church, Passaic and honeymooned in Florida.  Before their marriage Dan had built a home in Wayne Township.  Upon their return from Florida there was a large snowstorm and Dan had to stay in Elmwood Park to help his father deliver milk.  Elsie spent the first two nights alone, in the farmlands of Wayne Township,  after arriving home from their honeymoon. They have enjoyed a loving marriage of fifty years together.

Dan was the beloved husband of Elsie(Unger) Dolan; devoted father of Kenneth and Colleen Dolan; loved brother of Donald and his wife Jean of Jacksonville, FL, James of Nutley, Thomas of Elmwood park and Lynne Mulholland and her husband Richard of Clifton, loving brother-in-law of Elaine Unger of California and her late husband Walter; much loved uncle of Gregory Dolan, Jessica Unger and Kelsey Mulholland.

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

Age 93, of Wayne passed away January 14th surrounded by her loving family.

Annette Attardi (nee Esoldi), age 93, of Wayne passed away January 14th surrounded by her loving family.

Predeceased by her husband Charles (professionally known as Charlie White in 1987).

Devoted mother of Charles Jr and his wife Nel of Raleigh NC, and Loretta Werkley and her husband Tim of Wayne. Also survived by grandchildren Terry and her husband Perry Ray of Raleigh NC, Timothy S Werkley and wife Rosa of Wyckoff NJ, Christopher Attardi and wife Jennifer of Winterville NC, and David Attardi of Bethesda, MD, her cherished great grandchildren Ashley, Perry Neal, Julia, Emma, Christopher and Alexis.

Othelea G. Holzl “Tillie” (nee Munich) age 98 of Wayne passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.  Her passing was graciously peaceful after having the love of her family who spent much time at her bedside in anticipation of her passing.

She was born on July 10, 1912 in Garfield. Eldest child of Andrew and Margaret Munich, immigrants who came to Garfield  from Hungary.  Although they came here through Czechoslovakia they were of Hungarian heritage. Her parents arrived on these shores as young people and met each other here in America. They found great joy in the freedoms and opportunities to make a living and live your own dream in this land called America.

Tillie spent her childhood years with her sisters Olga, Ella, and Margaret in Garfield at 22 Willard Street and later on Pershing Street. She used to tell us that the home didn't have heat upstairs at first, and that she went to bed with a brick that had been warmed in the oven to put at the foot of the bed. She received her formal education at Garfield Grammar School up to the eighth grade.  In that part of her personal history America also was in financial distress and as soon as possible you had to get a job to help support the family.  She started work right out of Grammar School and her first job was as a very young nanny taking care of neighbor’s children while their parents went to work. Being very determined and hardworking she continued to be self-employed, cleaning homes, baby sitting, and hairdressing.  She was later employed at Botany Woolen Mills in Passaic where her parents also worked and tended very large weaving machines.  Her job was to keep the threads on those machines in order. She often spoke of her work there, and remembered that it kept her continually on her feet, running from machine to machine to restart them when a thread had broken. She recalled many times when all the looms she was tending would be off at the same time. One of the "bonuses" of her employment there was the wool scraps she would bring home and weave into the braided rugs many of us remember seeing.

On September 28, 1935 she and Frank Holzl were married. She was married in a silk dress made by her mother. Othelea and Frank first lived in Garfield, and then built a home in Saddle River on Saddle River Road where they raised their children Carol and Frank with the river in their backyard. This was the home which the state purchased to build Route 80, which now runs through where their living room once stood. They then lived in Paramus on Farview Avenue where the backyard backed up almost to her daughter's home.  She continued to work outside the home for a time as they established the family business, Lodi Lumber, on Main Street in Lodi. In time she became a homemaker and full time wife and mother.  When the children matured and her husband Frank passed away she got a job in E.J. Korvettes Clothing Store on Route 4 in Paramus where she made and kept several new friends whom she was still in touch with. She finally retired from work in 1970 and was able to concentrate on spending time with friends, family and her hobbies. She had always been artistic and started to take oil painting lessons and making ceramics. At the same time she moved in with her daughter Carol and her family also in Paramus, around the corner. She and Frank had thirty-three years of a devoted “two peas in a pod” marriage together. She still has many of the cards, poems and personal notes he sent to her in those years. It is interesting to note that she met her future husband in the baby nursery at the hospital where they were both born in the same day and date minutes apart in the same year.  Their mother's both worked on the same woolen mill together, left to have their babies and when they returned to work discovered that their children had been born the same day. In 1990 she relocated with her daughter's family to Anderson, South Carolina for ten years. There she continued to make numerous new friends in her neighborhood and church. Here she continued her independent lifestyle and was driving until just before the return to New Jersey in 2000 to Wayne, on Parkside Court.

As we sift through the memories of photos we will remember the stories she told of the family, some her mother had told her. As we cook from her many recipes we will remember the great cook and the great eater who insisted we could always find room for "just one more bite". We will especially remember her stuffed cabbage and nut cake. When we look on the walls of our homes and see her oil paintings often created especially for the recipient we'll remember the artist at her easel on the kitchen table. Each cold night we curl on the sofa cocooned in the warmth of one of her many crocheted afghans we will remember her loving embrace, and recall visions of her in her armchair with the growing blanket spread on her lap. Those who travel will remember the world traveler as they retrace her footsteps gone before them. We will be reminded of her presence each June when her favorite flower, the purple iris's bloom in our gardens and as we turn the soil for the new young plants as she so often did year after year in her own garden.

We'll remember her quirks too. She always had to have a mug where the inside was white, because she wanted to see what she was drinking.

Tillie’s most important dedication in her life was family.  They were the most important thing in her life and she adored them. In our family we have the "afghan factor"; the increased number of gram's afghans you posses indicates increased closeness.  There is no doubt that every day of motherhood including grandchildren were uppermost in her mind.  No matter how many birthdays they had she remained the matriarch of the family and she never ceased in her guidance and concern for their well being.

We will always remember Tillie for her compassion and humor. Tillie was gifted in life with an upbeat personality and a great sense of humor that caused her to be a welcome person at any gathering.  As a result she made and kept many friends.  She was an avid letter writer for many years, especially when she was in South Carolina, often painting her own stationary cards with watercolors of flowers for her letters. We also have the evidence of her fun-loving side in the photos she and her sisters took on vacations; where they "dressed-up" in the hotel at night and took joke photos.

Thanks mom and grandma for all of your love and devotion to our family.

Surviving this very special wife, mother and grandmother are one daughter Carol Polito of Wayne; one son Frank Holzl of Wayne; four grandchildren Margaret Sabino and her husband Joseph, Emil Polito and his wife Kathey, Frank Polito and Dawn Holzl; three great grandchildren Paul Sabino, Ian and Anya Polito.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank Holzl in 1969, her daughter-in-law Leanore Holzl in 2001 and her son-in-law Emil Polito in 2008.

Eleanor M. Schweizer, (nee Vanderhoof) age 85 of Wayne, died on Monday, January 10, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in 1925 at home in Wayne and has lived in the same house her entire life.  The town was surely different then; mostly farms.  She met her husband Leon and they married in 1943, before he shipped off to join the war.  She and her husband Leon moved into the family home in Wayne and together they raised their family right there where she was born and grew up.  They celebrated sixty seven years of loving and devoted marriage together at their last anniversary.  

Eleanor was a hard worker and spent many years with A&P as a Deli Manager.  She started out working at the A&P on Rt. 23, where Staples is now, and retired in 1991 after a long career.  

In her spare time, Eleanor enjoyed her flower garden which was always blooming with roses, pussy willows and poppies.  She also made many trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City to exercise her other favorite pastime; playing the slots.   She also enjoyed coming home from the grocery store with a few pounds of peanuts and a couple of loaves of bread to feed the birds and squirrels that frequented her yard.  More than anything though, she treasured her family.  Being a grandmother and great-grandmother was a joy to her like none other and she had the patience of a saint at times, with a large, generous heart.  

Eleanor is survived by her husband Leon, four children; Penny Casey and her husband Pastor Edward of Hamburg, NJ, Sherry Schweizer of Wayne, Ruth Wilbert and her husband Bruce of Dingmans Ferry, PA, and Leon Jr. of Wayne, three grandchildren; Kimberly Rogers and her husband Tom of Lake Placid, FL, Ernie Christensen Jr. and his wife Janmarie of Hamburg, NJ, and Dr. Charity Wilkinson of Wyomissing, PA, and four great grandchildren: Crystal and Thomas Rogers of Lake Placid, FL, and Michael and Daniel Christensen of Hamburg, NJ.

Alice W. Vitale (Van Houten) age 81 of Franklin Lakes died Monday, January 10, 2011 with the comfort of her husband by her side.

She was born in Hawthorne and lived in Fair Lawn, Paterson and Wayne before moving to Franklin Lakes fifty years ago.

She graduated from Fair Lawn High School with the Class of 1947.

Before she was married Alice worked as a bookkeeper for the Haband Store in Paterson. Alice married Armando Vitale on July 23, 1949 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Paterson.  They honeymooned at Niagara Falls, NY and rode horseback, something Alice was very comfortable with - Armando not so much.

She is best described as a shy and quiet person, she was voted “most bashful” in high school, but also had a very strong, take charge personality.  She was extremely devoted to her husband and family and always had a calming, caring, motherly, way about her. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and enjoyed sewing.

Alice was the beloved wife of sixty-one years to Armando Vitale; loving mother of Joyce A. Riley and her husband John of Bloomsburg, PA and Elaine M. Kaufman and her husband Benjamin of Hopewell Junction, NY loved sister of Jean Luthringer and her husband Albert of Monroe Township and Doris McDonough of Morgan Hills, CA; cherished grandmother of John Riley, Paul Riley and his wife Bryn Benford, David Kaufman and his wife Dianna Chan, Steven Kaufman and his wife Natalie Dolce and Michael Kaufman.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to American Diabetes Assoc., PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312  would be appreciated.

Robert E. Woodruff, "Woody," age 76 of Tampa, Florida formerly of Wayne, passed into life eternal on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at his home in Tampa. His passing was sudden and unexpected with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Paterson, New Jersey where he lived his early years. Woody was an only child, however he grew up with his first cousin, Harry Sargeant, as if they were brothers. Harry was also an only child and the two of them had a wonderful brotherly relationship.

He and Rose settled in Wayne in 1965 and lived there for forty-one years until Rose's death in 2007. He then moved to Tampa, Florida to live with his daughter Debra Burns. A Florida lifestyle had always been one of his dreams; fishing was a passion of his. His time in Florida was spent trying to recapture some of those dreams.

Being of genuine Irish stock, he would find himself with family members at local pubs at the age of ten where he would sing with his beautiful voice and entertain the patrons. He also was a member of the church choir at St. Josheph's Catholic Curch.

Woody received his formal education at Eastside High School in Paterson. He graduated from high school in June with the class of 1951. Right out of High School he joined the United States Navy and spent eight years in service. He was certified as a salvage diver and metalsmith. He never lost his affinity for the United States Navy; he tracked the history of battleships, made donations to the Memorial Funds, and kept up with the sports teams.

He was a good student, hardworker, and an achiever by nature; he went on to college at William Paterson University, graduating with the Class of 1975. He held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration and and Associates Degree in Fire Science. He later became a certified instructor at the Passaic County Fire Academy.

He applied for employment at the City of Paterson Fire Department and worked his way through the ranks to Captain. He retired from the fire department in 1987. After his retirement he became a fire inspector for Wayne Township and spent fourteen years on that job, finally retiring in 2000.

He was a member of many fireman's related groups throughout his career; having served as treasurer of the Paterson Fireman's Benevolent Association, charter member of the Paterson Police and Fire Emerald Society, NJ Association of Arson Investigators, Retired Police and Fireman's Association of Passiac County, and the New Jersey State FMBA. He was a licensed inspector by the Bureau of Fire Saftey in Trenton and a licensed EMT by the NJ State Board of Health in Trenton. He recieved the American Legion Valor Award, the NJ State FMBA Valor Award, mayor's and chief's medals in the fire department and company unit citations. He was proud to serve over the many years in all capacities of the fire science.

Perhaps the finest dedication of his life journey was his family whom he loved with all of his heart. Throughout his work career he would have several jobs so that he could provide especially well for his wife and children. His children recall him as the best father in the whole world.

Woody was gifted with a wonderful personality that easily made a host of friends. He could light up a room with humor as a result he had friends in many circles.

He met a cute girl named Rose Felice at the skating rink in Paterson. They married and had fifty-two years of wonderful marriage together until Rose's passing in February of 2007.

While living in Wayne he was a parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church.

Surviving to mourn this very special father and grandfather are a son, John Woodruff and his wife Jane of Kinnelon; three daughters, Debra Burns of Tampa, Florida and her partner, Tim Thompson, Sharon Schwake and her husband Peter of Howell, New Jersey, and Gail Woodruff of Wayne; seven grandchildren including John Ryan and Jake Woodruff, Jenna and Nicholas Tulino, Sara Rose, Dana, and Amanda Schwake.

A special thanks goes to his caretakers from Tampa, especially Brian Sawyer, a Tampa firefighter and his wife Daniella, Ivana Small, Emmanuel, Nelly, Dalia, Camilla, Stacey, and many others. These people provided an extended family for Woody when he was so far from home. Their care and concern will be forever appreciated.

Eugene J. Reynolds, age 86 of Toms River, NJ died on Sunday, January 9, 2011.

Gene was born in Manhattan and grew up in Our Lady of Victory Parish in Brooklyn, NY.  After marrying he lived in Park Slope until 1962 when he and his wife Mary moved to Marine Park.  In 1994 they retired to Toms River, NJ and wintered in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Gene earned his B.B.A. degree from Pace Institute in Manhattan and began a lengthy career as an auditor.  He worked in the insurance industry before becoming an auditor with the State of New York.  Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  Inducted at the age of eighteen, he served for more than two and a half years and was honorably discharged in 1946.  

In 1948, Gene met Mary Crowley at a Sunday afternoon Knights of Columbus dance in Park Slope.  A year later they were married.  They enjoyed nearly sixty two loving years together.  They took family vacations in the Catskills, at the Jersey shore, and later spent summers at the beach in Breezy Point.  

Gene was a quick-witted and friendly man who could be serious when he needed to be, and always watched out for the entire family’s well-being.  He was extremely organized, as would be expected of an auditor, and especially loved to listen to his Irish music.  In his later years Gene enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, reading to them and playing games.  He loved his grandchildren very much and they will all miss him dearly.

Gene is survived by his wife of sixty one years, Mary of Toms River.  Gene is also survived by his son Eugene and wife Kathleen, and their children Mary Beth, Claire, Meghan, and Kelly, of Wayne; his son Michael and wife Joyce, and their children Michael, Cara, and Colleen, of Clifton, and their daughter Jennifer Sailer and husband Craig of Rutherford; his daughter Maureen Lynn and husband Timothy, and their children Katherine, Brian, and Kevin, of Nanuet, NY; and one brother, James Reynolds and wife Peggy of Toms River.  He is predeceased by his brother Thomas and sisters Mary Mullen and Anne.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center Melanoma Research Program would be appreciated.

Robert E. Logan age 69 of Wayne died Saturday, January 8, 2011 at St. Josephs Paterson Hospital.

He was born in Jersey City and was raised and lived in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne.  He graduated from Wayne Valley High School, where he was an all star athlete in both basketball and baseball, with the Class of 1959.  He received a full basketball scholarship to the University of Rhode Island where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with the Class of 1963. Robert was then drafted into the US Army and served for two years during the Vietnam War.  After his military service he worked as a salesman for the Coca-Cola Corporation and later as a salesman for the Yellow Pages before retiring.

He was a dedicated family man who was always available to play sports with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as an optimistic person who had a great sense of humor. Always the sports enthusiast he enjoyed watching all kinds of sports on television, loved old movies, and enjoyed listening to music from the 50’s and 60’s.

Robert was the loving son of Vivian (Lindell) of Wayne and the late John Logan; devoted father of Monica Goodwin and her husband Kevin of Wayne and Scott Logan of Johnston, Rhode Island; cherished grandfather of Kevin Jr., Jessica, and Nicholas Goodwin; loved brother of James Logan of Wayne.

Gilbert Owen Murphy age 83 of Wayne died Friday, January 07, 2011 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Hollis and Oceanside, NY before moving to Wayne forty-seven years ago.

Mr. Murphy was a United States Navy veteran of WWII.

He graduated from Adelphi University in New York with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.

Mr. Murphy was a District Sales Manager for the American Tobacco Corporation, New York City where he worked for forty-five years before retiring in 1992.

He was the loving husband of fifty-six years to the late Phyllis L. (Pisciotta) Murphy(2006); loving father of Dianne Verrinder of Wayne, Bryan Murphy and his wife Alison of Madison, CT, Veronica Murphy of Madison, CT; cherished grandfather of Caitlin Verrinder, Cooper, Cullen and McKay Murphy.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation, in Gilbert's memory, are asked to consider Fowa.petfinder.com to rescue animals.

Passed into life eternal on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.

Arthur A. Mayer “Art” age 88 of Wayne passed into life eternal on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at the Wayne View Care Center in Wayne. His passing was graciously peaceful after having received the loving care of his family who spent many hours at his bedside.

He was born in Paterson and spent his formative years in North Haledon. He received his formal education at the North Haledon Grammar School then at Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne graduating with the Class of 1942. Later that year he enlisted in the Army and after a short period of time was assigned to the Army’s Air Force Division. He served in the 2132^nd Army Air Force base unit as a Radar Mechanic. He was discharged with the rank of Corporal in November of 1945. He received the American Theater Ribbon, The European-African Medal Middle Eastern Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Upon completing his Military obligation he returned home and went to the University of Pennsylvania and studied engineering. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He went to work for Bell Communications Research Division in Piscataway which later changed to Telecordia Corporation and he finally retired in 1993 after forty-three years of career service.

During his college days he had an offer of a blind date with this real cute girl named Camille Failla. At the same juncture of time Camille Failla was offered a blind date with a very handsome fellow by the name of Arthur Mayer. It was finally agreed that Arthur would come by in a car and Camille would take a look from the house window to see him. If she liked what she saw it was a date. Well history revealed that she liked his looks and it was the beginning of a long relationship. They married on December 28, 1947 and had sixty-three years of “wonderful” marriage together.

Art was of German heritage. His grandfather came to America in the era of 1920 having experienced war torn Germany during World War I. He immigrated to America seeking relief from the travails of War and found that America was indeed a land of opportunity. It was because of his need to have a better life for his future family that his son Arthur has enjoyed the American Dream. 

He was gifted with a reserved personality that perhaps was the product of his parents experiencing the stress of War and in turn maintained a very conservative family life in their new found land called America. His family recalls how close he was to his Mother who showed him motherly affection and was so pleased with his choice of Camille as his wife so that he would have someone to take care of him when she would pass on.

Art was a homebody who went to work and returned to his family on a daily basis with many household tasks to complete. He was gifted with a “green thumb” and would make work of growing in his garden beautiful tomatoes and peppers. 

He loved his boxer dogs and his favorite “Zoie” a brindle show dog Boxer predeceased him. 

Surviving to mourn his passing are his loving wife of sixty-three years Camille (nee Failla) Mayer; one daughter Lynne Mayer of Wayne; two special companion dogs Kasper a white boxer and Chloe a brindle boxer.

Alice M. Pensky, age 85 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.  Alice had been a Wayne resident since 1965 and enjoyed her many friends at the Wayne Adult Community Center. As a young woman, she found her true joy in life after becoming involved with the Salvation Army and she volunteered endlessly; counseling at Star Lake Camp, working at the Store in Pompton Lakes, and raising her family all around activities with the Salvation Army.

Alice is survived by her three daughters; Patrice Pensky of Wayne, Pamella Pensky of Colorado, and Petrine Pensky of Moonachie, five grandchildren; Liza, Harry, James, Jessica, and Michael, and one brother; William Worthington.  Alice was predeceased by her husband Paul in 1982.

Edna M. Cannon (nee Decker) age 92 of Pompton Lakes died Monday, January 3, 2011 at the Preakness Hospital, Wayne surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Mount Arlington, was raised in Paterson, and lived in Little Falls, Wayne and Lafayette before moving to Pompton Lakes, with her daughter and family, in 2006.

Edna was a terrific cook and hosted most all holidays and family gatherings.

Edna was the loving wife of Clifford Cannon who predeceased her in 1986; devoted mother of Clifford Lee Cannon and his wife Donna of Winston-Salem, NC and William Edward Cannon and his wife Donna of Winston-Salem, NC, Marybeth Krevinko and her husband George of Stanley, NC and Noreen Hartung and her husband Ronald of Pompton Lakes; loving sister of the late Anne Siefert and her husband Louis of Largo, FL; cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; long time good friend of Ethel Farrell.

Arie A. Heykoop age 83 of Montville died on Monday, January 03, 2011 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

He was born and raised in Boskoop, the Netherlands. He married Rina Hoogendoorn on November 25, 1953 in Boskoop and they moved to the United States with his wife in 1954. They lived in Towaco for several years before moving to Montville where they lived for the past fifty years. They were married for fifty-seven years.

When he first came to this country he worked in the drywall business and later was employed by the Preakness Dairy in Wayne.  He was the owner of Arie Heykoop Dairy Products and operated a milk route serving Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties until 1980 when he sold the route. Arie worked for one year as a custodian for the Cedar Hill Elementary School in Towaco before retiring.

He was a member of the Ebenezer Netherlands Reformed Congregation, Franklin Lakes.

Surviving to mourn his loss are his wife Rina Heykoop (nee Hoogendoorn) of Montville; four daughters: Nellie Van Grouw and her husband Bill of Blairstown, Cornelia Vlietstra and her husband David of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Helen Ruby and her husband Shawn of Towaco and JoAnn Baum and her husband Allan of Kinnelon; grandchildren: Kristen Berkenbush and her husband Dave, Peter Van Grouw and his wife Sadie, Susan Van Vugt and her husband Tom, Leah Koppelaar and her husband Nathan, Nathaniel Vlietstra and his wife Nadia, Timothy, Kathryn, Karalyn, Heidi, Mark, MaryBeth, Amber, Heather and Cynthia Vlietstra,  Melissa, Samantha and Natalie Ruby, Allan Jay III, Alicia, Jeremy, Alaina and Julie Baum; great-grandchildren: William and Anabelle Berkenbush; brother: Cortland and his wife Jeanne of Ohio; sister: Nel and her husband Andre Karens of the Netherlands; sister-in-laws: Wil Heijkoop of the Netherlands, Joanne Heykoop of the Ohio, Janny Hoogendoorn, Janie Hoogendoorn, Cok Hoogendoorn, and Adrie Hoogerbrug of the Netherlands, Riet Bosch and her husband Henk of New Zealand.

He was predeceased by his son Arie A. Heykoop III in November of 2010; his brothers: Johannes and Gerrit; and his sisters: Sjaan Jongejan and Cor Heijkoop.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Arie’s memory to the Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Road, Pompton Plains, NJ  07444 would be appreciated.

Sandra J. Hellerman "Sandy" (nee Romaine) age 71 of Pompton Lakes passed away Friday, December 31, 2010 at Chilton Memorial Hospital.  Her passing was tranquil and gracious while receiving the loving care of her family who were at her bedside.

She was born in Pompton Plains and lived there before moving to Pompton Lakes 47 years ago.

Sandy received her formal education at Pequannock Valley School and at Butler High School graduating with the class of 1957.

One of her first work experiences was at Prudential Insurance Company in Newark where she was a Secretary.  She later worked for K/M Kinetic Enterprises in Butler and later for Brookside Heights Condominium Association in Wanaque as an Office Manager before her retirement in 2005.

She was a member of the First Reform Church of Pompton Plains where she was a Sunday school teacher and a Girl Scout Leader.  She also served on the Board of Health in Pompton Lakes.

Sandy was gifted with an upbeat personality that made friends easily and was call "friend" by a host of people.  She had a great sense of humor and was always ready with a joke or two.

Her finest dedication in her life's journey was being a mother and grandmother.  Her children described her roll in their lives as a very caring, giving and loving mom. She was always concerned about their well being.  She was a great cook and her kitchen was always open to everyone.

Don and Sandy met at the Alderney Milk Barn on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne.  It cost Don a few ice cream cones but he won Sandy's heart and they married on January 22, 1961 and had fifty years of a wonderful "exciting" marriage together.

She leaves her family with wonderful memories of may cruises on the Hudson River with the families own boat as well as many trips to Ortley Beach where the family rented a shore house each year and the whole family took their vacation together.  Somehow Mom would end up making the food for the whole Hellerman tribe and then some.  At the yacht club on the Hudson where the family docked their boat she ran the snack shop.

Her whole family joins their hearts together to say "Thank You", one more time, for being such a wonderful wife, mother and mom-mom.  You were the best, and will always be in our hearts forever.

Great sadness struck her life journey when in 2009 her sister Sue Whritenour passed away.

Surviving to mourn her loss are her loving husband Donald G. Hellerman; three Daughters Donna Boss of Pompton Lakes, Susan Kozak-Manna and her Husband Robert of Pompton Plains, Nancy Ficklin of Wanaque; two sisters Darlene Ahmad of Pompton Plains and Sharon Rakshys and her husband Edward of Wantage; three cherished Grandchildren Cassandra Ficklin, Deena Kozak and Jenna Manna.

Steven L. Hunter, age 63 of McAfee, NJ died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, December 28, 2010.

He was raised in Hawthorne and graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1965. He was captain of the wrestling team in high school and later served as assistant coach.

After graduating from Montclair State University, Steve began his forty year career as a physical education teacher in the Hawthorne school systems, retiring in 2009. He absolutely loved working with kids, the vitality they provided to him, and the great sense of accomplishment he felt watching them grow and achieve. He seemed to have picked the perfect career path, as he loved everything to do with athletics and kids. He followed local high school sports with a passion and could site statistics and players names better than anyone. He had an incredible memory for details too and could easily surprise you with his broad knowledge. He was an avid chess player and would often surprise his opponents with his skill at the game. He had also been a cycler, tennis player, recently a golfer, and a true New York Giants fan. His true passion though, was skiing.

Along with his family, Steve spent countless weekends skiing in Vermont and had been a ski coach at Hidden Valley in Vernon. His son, Jonathan, took up ski racing and recalls his father selflessly driving to Vermont every single weekend, stopping at Manchester Pizza for dinner, and then skiing the weekend at Stratton Mountain before the long ride home again. Those memories, and many more like them, will surely be cherished forever.

Steve met his wife, Barbara, in Hawthorne and they married in 1978. Together they enjoyed a ‘fun’ marriage, full of Steve’s witty sense of humor and teasing, but also his truly respectful nature. They complimented each other perfectly.

Steve is survived by his loving wife; Barbara (nee Hoogland), his devoted son Jonathan of Boston, MA, one brother; Kevin Hunter of Vernon, a sister; Sharon Twiddy and her husband David of Wyckoff, and his mother; Roberta Hunter of Vernon. Steven was predeceased by his father, Walter.

Steve truly enjoyed working with children during his career and life. Therefore, Steve’s family would appreciate that memorial donations be made in his honor, in lieu of flowers, to a children’s charity of your choosing. Some suggestions would include the Make-a-Wish Foundation, www.wish.org, and the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Marie M. Garofalo, “ReRe”  (nee D’Amato) age 74 of Wayne on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at home.  Her passing was quiet and peaceful at home after having made a two year courageous battle with lung cancer.

She was born in Newark, NJ and lived her formative years in Newark.  Marie received her formal education first at Abington Grammar in Newark  and then at Barringer High School in Newark where she graduated with the Class of 1954. She then went on to study textile dress design at the Essex County Vocational School.  Marie later lived in Jackson, Springfield, and Wayne, New Jersey and then had retired to Arizona.

Marie was gifted with a quiet and reserved personality that was totally dedicated to her family.  Her children recall with warmth the many ways she showed love and caring as a mother.  No matter how many birthdays they had she was still Mom and showed deep concern for their well being.  Holidays were always special and her wonderful cooking made them even more enjoyable.  Her best recipe, for everyone to enjoy, was her cheese cake or any number of Italian dishes and her homemade sauce and meatballs.

Besides being a skilled seamstress and dressmaker she also worked as a Real Estate agent.  She later became interested in quilting and made beautiful quilts for her family and friends.

Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives.

Surviving to mourn her loss are two daughters Lisa Smith of Mesa, Arizona and Linda French of Wayne; one brother Michael D’Amato and his wife Lucille of Roseland; and two grandchildren Ben and Kevin French.

James Guy Lacava (Jimbo) age 43 died peacefully in his sleep at his Bayville home.  Jim was born in Paterson and raised in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne.

A graduate of Immaculate Heart of Mary grammar school, and DePaul Catholic High School, he attended the University of North Carolina and Widener University where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He was a sales manager for the Oceanside Mortgage, Forked River holding licenses in many states.

Athletically inclined he played baseball, basketball and football at DePaul.  They were his fondest memories.  He was selected for the All-Passaic County Football team in 1984.  Jim also pitched for the Wayne A’s a Metropolitan Baseball Semi-Pro team for several years. He also participated in the CYO and PAL programs as a youth.  An avid New York Giant and Yankee fan, his football tailgate parties are legendary.

Fishing was his summertime love along with golf.  Trips to Key West, FL and the Outer Banks in NC were his favorite.  He also enjoyed and was quite good at playing darts.

Jim was a loyal, trusted, and wonderful friend to all who knew him.  He loved being with his shore contingent and organizing dart leagues, fantasy football pools, and cooking for these groups.  He was their leader and will be surely missed by all.

He was active in the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge #399, Seaside Heights, the National Saltwater Anglers and active alumni of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

He is survived by his parents James S. and Beatrice (McCauley) Lacava; devoted brother of Lynn and her husband Eric Kahn of Florham Park and Beth DeMayo of Lincoln Park; cherished uncle of Amanda-Marie DeMayo and Nicole and Courtney Kahn; loved nephew of Letitia Pellosie of Hawthorne; loving cousin to Carmine O. Pellosie, III and his wife Jennifer of Brick; loving companion of Jennifer Maino of Bayville.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Sister Patricia Flarity Scholarship Fund, c/o DePaul Catholic High School, 1512 Alps Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Phyllis LaPorta (nee Corso) age 89 of Wayne died Saturday, December 25, 2010 at home.

She was born in Lodi and had lived there before moving to Wayne(since 1975).

She received her formal education graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Lodi with the Class of 1937.

Mrs. LaPorta was a secretary at Marchese and Cavallo Realtors and Insurance Agency in Lodi before her retirement.

She was a parishioner of Our Lady of The Valley RC Church in Wayne and was a member of the Wayne Golden Agers and the Sisco Village Pinochle and Canasta Club.

Her hobbies included cooking for her family and the immense joy of being a Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She just loved her Thursday lunches with her children and playing Kalooki with Dad.  She truly made everyone who met her feel special. Her caring and nurturing nature brings a special closeness in her family life.  Her children toot the horn as a last goodbye as they leave from visits.  On the day before she went to heaven she baked a whole slew of goodies for our Christmas dinner and looked forward to spending the day with family.  In the weeks before her passing instead of sending Christmas cards Mom called all friends and families and wished them blessings and joy for the holiday season leaving them with a lasting memory of her joy and spirit.  But the greatest blessing of all was the gift of faith that she gave to each one of us.  Her rosary was ever at hand and the blessed names of Jesus and the Blessed Mother were always on her lips and in her heart and for this we will always be thankful.

Phyllis left the following message to her family. “ I enjoyed every moment of life with you through tears and laughter because it brought personal joy into my heart”  “I loved all of you”

She will be missed dearly by her husband Joseph, daughters Lucille and her husband Charles Palmeri, Maria and her husband Louis D. March, Terry Sabatini, Debbie and her husband Ronald Aiosa, sons Joseph and Charles LaPorta, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

She is also survived by brothers Joseph and his wife Betty Corso of North Carolina, Vincent and his wife Pat Corso of Paramus, NJ, Frank and his wife Marie Corso of Lodi, NJ, her sister Anne Wiggins of Florida; her brother Michael Corso predeceased her; her sister-in-law, Michael’s wife Marie Corso, also survives; she was predeceased by her sister Annette and her husband Jack Mazzola.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Phyllis LaPorta’s memory  are asked to consider The St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 322 N. Lauderdale St., Memphis, TN 38105-2729

Henry Louis Gates, Sr., age 97, died at home in Wayne on Friday, December 24, 2010, with his family gathered at his bedside.

Mr. Gates is survived by his two devoted sons; Dr. Paul Gates and his wife Gemina of Wayne and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. of Cambridge, Massachusetts, ten grandchildren; Maude and Elizabeth Gates, both of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Eboni Gates of Harlem, New York, Jennifer Rogers and her husband Shane of  Durham, North Carolina, Aaron Gates of Wayne, Louis Pena and his wife Yiwen of Queens, New York, and Matthew, Michael, Kristen, and Alexander Pena, all of Wayne, as well as three great-grandchildren; Gage Rogers of Durham, North Carolina, and Shelby and Sydney Pena, both of Queens, New York.  Henry was predeceased by all seven of his siblings.

Kenneth V. Noble “Ken” of Wayne passed peacefully in the comfort of his  home on Thursday, December 23, 2010 after a courageous battle with declining health which included pulmonary fibrosis and heart failure.

He was born in Teaneck  and received his formal education at Teaneck High School graduating with the Class of 1947.  He then went on to study at Walter Hervey Jr. College in New York.

His first job was with his father doing building maintenance including waxing floors.  Ken had an ambitious sense of entrepreneur independence and did his first independent business activity at flea markets.  As he experienced business life he decided to establish a magic and costume business in Fair Lawn.  He named it “Ken’s Magic and Costume Shop” and he ran a successful business for many years before his retirement.   This shop touched the kid in all his customers.  Ken delighted in demonstrating magic gizmos and illusions which in turn created a need “I got to have that”  in the big and small kids on the other side of the counter. He was very successful and well known for his work and wonderful sense of humor.

Ken considered himself an introvert but for his family, many friends and customers he was an extravert that readily shared himself with others especially in the business community.  Ken was a very likeable person.

He will always be admired for his dedication to family.  He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  He simply loved his role as a father.

He met the love of his life Carolyn Dunster at a singles’ brunch.  They courted for three years and spent much time ballroom dancing many an evening away.  They married on December 21, 1996 and had fourteen years of “good and loving marriage” together.

Ken enjoyed travel with his Carolyn making many trips to Las Vegas and Caribbean cruises. Perhaps his favorite hobby was visiting Atlantic City casinos.

Surviving to mourn the loss of this wonderful man are his wife Carolyn; five children Teri Noble and her partner Don of Austin, Texas, Michael Noble and his wife Dianna of Austin, Texas, Trish Noble of Phoenix, Arizona and Sandy  Rosati,  her husband Glen of Phoenix, Arizona and Cathy Noble-Hornsby and her husband Terry of Denver, Colorado;  a stepdaughter Nicole Young and her husband Tim of Santa Barbara, California ; a stepson Jason Dunster of Studio City, California; three grandchildren Michael Noble Jr., Danny Beattie and Blake Hornsby.  He is also survived by his former wife Marge Noble of Barnegat, NJ.

Laura Clara Loffredo, age 75, of Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at home, after a short declining illness. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her loving family at her side.

Laura was born in Paterson and had lived her formative years in Haledon, NJ, where she lived with her adoptive parents, Eric and Clara Zinn. She loved them very much and they also loved her so very much. She received a formal education at Haledon Grammar School and at Central High School, in Paterson, NJ, graduating in 1953.

Very shortly after graduating high school she married, and resided with her former husband, Ronald Loffredo, in Lincoln Park, NJ. After 5 years into her marriage, she moved to Wayne, NJ. She was a homemaker, mother and wife, raising two children, a daughter and a son. When the children were in school, she obtained work at the Shop Rite Grocery Store in Wayne, NJ, where she worked for several years as a cashier. She later worked as a switchboard operator for several years. Always trying to advance herself, she then took a better position for herself and family, with Paid Prescriptions Company of Parsippany, NJ, where she worked as a Pharmaceutical Administrative Assistant for over 20 years, until her retirement in 2008.

Laura was a member of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Evangelical Church in Wayne, NJ.

She was a very gifted with a quiet and private personality that focused much of her energy on being a dedicated mother to her children. She very much enjoyed volunteering for tasks that related to her children’s advancement and education.   She especially enjoyed being a volunteer class mother and filling the role of softball coach for her daughter’s softball team. She would never miss any of her son’s baseball games and always took a very active interest in each and every game. She recognized her daughter’s and son’s love for the water at a very early age in their lives, and loved to join swim clubs and enjoyed watching them swim and dive for hours. She attended all of her daughter’s swim meets and always gave her encouragement. She always had a great love of the ocean and enjoyed many summer trips to Wildwood Crest, and Long Beach Island, an in later years, Avon by the Sea.

During the Viet Nam war, when her former husband’s work brought the family to live for two summer’s in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where her former husband was designing navigational and guidance systems, she was so excited to find out that the famous actor, John Wayne would be staying at their hotel. She was so excited, and no one will ever forget how happy she was about his coming to town to film the Green Berets. When he finally arrived, there were hundreds of people standing around him. Laura, who was so excited about this, pushed her way through the crowd and said “Hi Mr. Wayne…. I’m from WAYNE, NJ”. John Wayne immediately loved the way she introduced herself and took an immediate liking to her and her family.

Laura also recognized her children’s interests, such as sports and always encouraged them in their love of sports, as well as their musical talents. She had played piano as a child and passed this on to her daughter and gave her lessons at a very early age, which brought out her daughter’s gift in music. She enjoyed each and every one of their interests.

Laura was very gifted and for her idle time, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting and needle point work. Her work was extremely impressive and when women saw her beautiful work and raved over it, Laura would then teach them to do the very hard and intricate stitches and patterns that she did herself so easily. She loved the arts. She also loved to shop for her loving grandchildren’s needs. This gave her such great joy. She also loved to bowl and spent many years on a bowling league, and also loved to play marjon with the neighborhood women. She also had a great love of the Irish culture and their holidays, such as St Patrick’s Day, and all their other cultures. Also remembered are Laura’s long time friends, Lefty and Marty.   She enjoyed attending all the events having to do with Irish culture.

Laura’s first marriage had ended to her former husband Ronald (who predeceased her in 2008), and her more recent companion, Charlie Drew, spent many years together. She loved to dine at very fine restaurants with the famous entertainer, Charlie Drew, and enjoyed meeting the many famous people that Charlie had known throughout his life. She also loved to hear him entertain with his beautiful Grand Piano, and music that he wrote and performed.

Surviving to mourn her loss are two children, her daughter, Linda D. Loffredo of Rockaway, NJ and her son Anthony R. Loffredo and his wife, Rose Marie of Ringwood, and two cherished grandchildren, Melanie and Breanna Loffredo

Laura will be sadly missed by all who knew her and especially by her son and daughter, her daughter in law and her two beautiful grandchildren.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Laura Loffredo’s memory are asked to consider The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Northern New Jersey Chapter, 560 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 or The Wayne Animal Shelter, 187 Dey Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

The "Voice of Wayne."

Arthur Smith, the "Voice of Wayne", died suddenly on Sunday, December 19, 2010 while visiting his family in Florida.

Art was well known throughout the community for his relentless pursuit of a good argument within the Wayne Township council chambers and courtroom. He also enjoyed a bit of celebrity status on the Wayne TV channel, bringing intrigue and color to the otherwise mundane political goings-on of the Township.  There are few people in town who don’t know who Art Smith is and his presence within Town Hall will be missed.

Ramona Antonia Duran age 82 of Wayne died on Friday December 17, 2010 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.

Ramona was born in the Dominican Republic and came to USA in 1984 following her husband’s death.  She lived and settled in Clifton before moving to Wayne 21 years ago.

Her family remembers her as being a devoted mother and grandmother as well as a devout catholic.  She loved to cook for her family, she enjoyed spending time at the Wayne Pool, and she was quite a Soap Opera Buff.

Surviving are her two sons Juan Marte and his wife Sonia of the Dominican Republic, Tony Marte and his wife Milagros of Utika, NY; four daughters Ellie Laskowski and her husband Robert of Wayne, Dioni Marte and her husband Manuel of Haledon, Josefina Marte and her husband Jose of NYC, NY, and Blanca Marte of Haledon; two brothers Julian and Jose Duran of the Dom. Rep; two sisters Felicita and Benera Duran also of the Dom. Rep.; fourteen grandchildren Nikaulis, Johnny, Elayne, Licelot, Adele, Emmanuel, Leidy, Tommy, Luis Angel, Lisanna, Erika, Janibel, Milly, Ariel; 7 great-grandchildren Alayzha, Jeremy, Johnny Jr, Anthony, Emmanuel Jr, Dileymi and Adrian; she was pre-deceased by her husband Antonio Marte in 1984, her sister Celestina, and her two brothers Eusebio and Estenislao.

William F. Geraghty, Jr., age 87 of Manahawkin, formerly of Wayne, died on Thursday, December 16, 2010.

Bill was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and graduated from Henry Snyder High School.  He began working for Western Electric Company before the outbreak of World War II. Bill enlisted in the Army in August 1942 and became an early member of the 506th Parachute Regiment of the famous 101st Airborne Division.  He earned his Parachutist’s Badge after completing Parachute Jump School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, as well as his Combat Infantry Badge.  Bill was among those brave men, during the D-Day Invasion, who were dropped behind enemy lines in gliders hours before the land invasion was set to begin.  He fought for three days before being captured by the Germans on June 9, 1944 and taken as a prisoner of war.  As the Allies continued their advance, Bill was moved from one POW camp to another, either on freight trains or in the backs of trucks.  He was finally liberated from Stalag IIIC, Kristern, Germany, on January 29, 1945, three days after his twenty second birthday, by the advancing Russian Army. As was the custom of the Russian Army, Corporal Geraghty was left to his own resources to find his way back to friendly forces.  Despite over seven months of minimal sustenance, and operating in enemy-occupied territory, he advanced through Eastern Germany and most of Poland, finally arriving in Odessa, Russia on February 28, 1945.  Corporal Geraghty was formally received by Allied Military Control on March 1, 1945.  After leaving Odessa, he arrived in Port Said, Egypt on March 17th, then went on to Naples, Italy where he stayed for ten days before shipping out and arriving in Boston on April 8, 1945, nearly ten months after being taken prisoner.  With Bill’s passing, we have surely lost another brave man from the Greatest Generation.

After the war, Bill returned to Jersey City and began working at Western Electric again.  He ultimately retired after forty five years of devoted service with Western Electric. He married his pre-war sweetheart, Marjorie McKenna, in 1946 and they started a family.  Within a few years, they outgrew their Jersey City home and moved to Clifton and then finally to Wayne in 1962.  Raising six boys was a journey full of joys and challenges.  The 6 foot D-Day veteren had his hands full with his 5 foot 2 Margie.  They enjoyed fifty seven years of the perfect “Irish” marriage before Marjorie passed in 2003.  Bill was heartbroken and lost, to a degree, because Marjorie was the steady hand that kept everything in order for him.

Throughout life, Bill was his own man, a simple man, and content doing what he felt was right.  During his working days, he had his daily ritual which included too many cigarettes for any one person, and a six pack of Piel’s Real Draft beer as he watched the New York Mets or the football Giants on his 19" Zenith TV perched on the kitchen table.  He was also very happy to go fishing, especially at Lake Gerard in Hardyston, New Jersey, where his family spent many summers.  His boys all have fond memories of their times at Lake Gerard and of their dad fishing and winning at horseshoes - memories only offset by those spam and scramble egg dinners on the nights Margie wasn't there.  

After retiring, Bill and Margie were able to do some travelling.  They went to Hawaii, Colorado, and California, but Bill was most relaxed in Manahawkin, at his home on the water, where he retired in 1985 and has lived ever since.  

Bill is survived by his six sons: William and wife Susan of Nutley, Richard of Manahawkin, Robert and wife Laurie of Roseland, James and wife Rahel of Wayne, John and wife Leslie of Wayne, and Michael and wife Kelly of Denver, NC, as well as seventeen grandchildren: Gary, Ricky, Christopher, James, David, Douglas, James, Anna, Patrick, Geena, Kevin, Matthew, Danny, Michael, Amanda and Grace, four great grandchildren: Madison, Jackson, Mia, and Isabel.  Bill was predeceased by his wife Marjorie in 2003 and grandson Peter Geraghty of Roseland in 2009.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 322 N. Lauderdale St., Memphis, TN 38105-2729 would be appreciated.

George M. Mazie, formerly of Clifton and Wayne, died Thursday, December 16, 2010 at Virtua Hospital, Mt. Holly.

He was a US Army Veteran of WWII.  On June 23, 1942 he enlisted in the Army and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the American Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He attained the rank of Corporal with the 315th Air Service Group before being discharged on January 18, 1946.

George was an avid golfer who had a quick wit, was always jovial, optimistic and positive. At family gatherings he would always entertain the family with his ability to recite joke after joke.

Surviving is his beloved wife of sixty years Elizabeth “Lisa” (Dechant) Mazie.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation in George's memory are asked to consider the "Touch at Leisuretown", 202 North Plymouth Court, Southampton, NJ 08088 - (609)859-2980.

Emily Scrivens of Little Falls died Wednesday, December 15, 2010 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Fair Lawn on April 29, 1915. She was predeceased by her first husband John De Freitas and her second husband, William Scrivens. She was also predeceased by three sisters and five brothers.

Surviving are her step daughter Barbara Scrivens Amatruda, three grandchildren, Kristan Ruggiero, Tara Ohland and Peter Ohland and three great grand children, Ryan Ruggiero, Paige Ruggiero and Dylan Ohland. Emily had a very special relationship with her nephew Jack Scrivens, his wife Kathy and their sons John and Mark. They traveled together, spent holiday time together and helped her in many ways.   She leaves two other nephews, Charles Scrivens and Roger Ackerman.   She was predeceased by nephew, Ivan Ackerman, whose wife Joan survives.

Emily was employed at Little Falls Laundry for many years as a head seamstress. She was a star member of their bowling team. She and her husband Bill traveled extensively, especially enjoying cruises. Emily was an excellent knitter and was always making beautiful knit wear for young and old. She was also an excellent cook and often cooked for her older neighbors in Little Falls.

Memorial donations in Emily’s memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Northern New Jersey Chapter, 560 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.

Corinne R. Tkac, age 80 of Wayne, died on Sunday, December 12, 2010 at her home.  She had lived in Wayne since 1958.  

Corinne was actively involved with Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne from its earliest days.  She enjoyed nearly twenty five years bowling with the OLV Women’s League at T-Bowl and went on several European trips with the church.  Her faith was her foundation.

In 1954 she married Eugene Tkac and they enjoyed thirty five years of loving marriage together before his passing in 1989.  

Corinne is survived by her three devoted sons; Eugene Jr of Toms River, NJ, Tracy and his wife Aggie of Lincoln Park, NJ, and Kelly and his wife Leslie of Marietta, Ga., six grandchildren: Stephanie, TJ, Alyssa, Megan, Christian, and Brendan, and one sister; Doris Kruegel of Stewart, Fl.

Robert R. Alexander, Jr. age 85 of Wayne passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2010.

He was born and raised in Paterson having moved to Wayne in 1953.

When in the eighth grade he was told he had to walk miles to school so he opted to get a job instead.  He got his first job at the Wonderbread Factory, Paterson where he commented that it took a long time to get used to handling the hot loaves from the oven.

At the age of seventeen he tried to enlist in the Navy but they rejected him because he had a few bad teeth.  He proceeded to go to the dentist and have the teeth pulled.  He then went and lied about his age and enlisted in the Merchant Marine.  During his service he was trained in the maintenance of ship boilers. He served from November 1942 through May of 1946 on the following vessels: Thomas Johnson, Isaac Coles, Richard Henry Dana and the John M. Schofield. During his service he received the following medals: Atlantic War Zone Medal, Merchant Marine Emblem and the Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone Medal.

After his service in the military he worked at the Ford Motor Company, Mahwah, Whippany Paper Board Co., Whippany, and later the American Cyanamid Corporation, Linden where he retired from in 1995.  To advance his career he attended the County College of Morris and received several boiler engineering seals.

Robert loved to walk and could often be found taking his daily two mile trip to Wolfson’s Market in Lincoln Park.  On one occasion he walked all the way to the Shop Rite Supermarket in Lincoln Park which was a six mile roundtrip that had the police searching for him. He was always smiling and generous to all he met. His daughter even recalls that she couldn’t remember her father ever being in a bad mood. He loved his vegetable garden where he grew tomatoes, peppers, carrots, many other vegetables and even had an apple and pear tree.  Each year his wife would tell him to stay out of the apple tree and each year he would fall out of the apple tree while pruning it. He would share his harvest for friends, family, and neighbors.

A dedicated family man,  he took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed helping each of his three children establish a home they could call their own.  He also helped them maintain their homes and just ten years ago or so was thirty-five feet up on a ladder painting his daughter’s home in Morristown. One of Robert’s favorite family stories was about the Prohibition years when his family was brewing bathtub whisky in Totowa.  They would drive the illegal brew to bars in Paterson, Boonton, and even to a few places in Pennsylvania.

After his service in the Merchant Marine Robert always had a love for the ocean and ships.  He enjoyed watching the History Channel and documentaries about WWII.  The family would make annual trips to Long Branch and stay in a bungalow or make day trips to Sandy Hook.  At both beaches Robert would sit with binoculars to watch and identify the passing vessels.

He was the loving and devoted husband of fifty-three years to the late Bernice (Wilday) Alexander; loving father of the late Dennis Alexander(2000), Bernice Caravaglia of Morristown, and Robert R. Alexander III of Totowa; devoted grandfather of the late David Caravaglia(2009), Michael and his wife Therrisa, Adam, Vanessa, Joseph, Mark, and Paul Caravaglia, Daniel Alexander, Tim, and Colette Enos; much loved great-grandfather of Amanda, Kaitlin, Michelle, and Michael Caravaglia.

Elvira M. DelGuidice age 77 of Wayne died Wednesday, December 8, 2010 with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born in Paterson and raised in Prospect Park before moving to Wayne thirty-eight years ago.

She graduated from Hawthorne High School at the age of sixteen and continued her education at Business School. She worked for the Wright Aeronautical Corporation, Woodridge as a secretary, later as a legal secretary for J. Mortimer Rubenstein, Esq, Totowa and finally as an executive secretary for the Singer Kearfott Corporation, Totowa where she worked for fifteen years on the J. Tids Project before retiring in 1994.

She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne and a member of the church’s Women’s Club.

She was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge #2181, Wayne.

She is best described as being young at heart, ahead of her time, very creative, enjoyed sewing, and was the glue behind the family.  She was a great cook, always had Christmas at her home, and made the best Italian Biscotti.

She was the beloved wife of forty-six years to the late Eugene DelGuidice(1998); loving mother of Karen LoSasso and her husband Martin of Cape May, Annette Brescia and her husband Rocco of Newport Coast, CA, Robert E. DelGuidice  and his wife Donna of Spring, TX, and James E. DelGuidice and his wife Carol of Clifton; cherished grandmother of Christopher and Emily DelGuidice, Monty LoSasso, Nicole, Noelle and Michelle Brescia and Erica and Natalie DelGuidice; loved sister of Louis Russo of Wayne and the late Rose Fiore(1991).

William Henry Hauer Jr. “Bill” age 88 of Pompton Plains passed into life eternal on Monday, December 6, 2010 at home.  His passing was graciously peaceful while receiving the loving care of his family who were at his bedside.

Bill was born at home in Irvington, NJ, son of William H. Sr and Othelie Vorberg.  He lived his formative years in Nutley, and moving to the Valley area of Wayne.  He moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains in 2005.

Bill received his formal education at Nutley Grammar School and Nutley High School graduating with the January Class of 1940.  

After high school graduation he worked for a time as short order cook, making sandwiches and then as a route salesman.  He enlisted in the Army in October 1942.  

He served in the Army and was involved in several campaigns and battles including Ardennes, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe.  At his discharge from the service in November 1945, he received  the American Service Medal, the European African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

His military duties included being a postal clerk and receiving special training at Camp Crowder wire school where he learned Army regulations regarding electrical drafting. When he was discharged it was a natural inclination for him to put his electrical skills to work at Bell Telephone Company in Newark.  The telephone company trained him further in telephone equipment installation.  After several promotions, he was retired as Supervisor of Telephone Equipment in 1987, overseeing the transition of telephone service to electronic switching.

Bill was a dedicated family man who always put the needs of his family first.  He was a good and faithful husband and a dedicated father to his three daughters.  One particular highlight of his life was the arrival of his grandchildren whom he loved with all of his heart. PopPop Hauer provided each grandchild with the kinds of special attention and experiences that only a grandfather can give.

Bill knew his future wife, the former Ada Cole, while in High School, and began seeing each other after he returned from military service. They were married October 7, 1950 and had had sixty years of “devoted and loving” marriage.

Bill's favorite activities involved working crossword puzzles, helping his children remodel their houses, taking care of puppies and dogs, having coffee at McDonald's with Ada and taking his grandchildren on special adventures, including camping in his pop-up tent and RV and going to the zoo and Wild West City.

Surviving to mourn his passing are his loving wife Ada (nee Cole) Hauer; three daughters: Ada Lee Williams and her husband Bill of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, Patty Valente and her husband Bob of Stockton, NJ and Janice Paulussen and her husband David of Long Valley, NJ; five cherished grandchildren: Glenn Wonsettler, Anne Cole Wonsettler and her husband Nathan Robinson, Lindsay Valente-Posluszny and her husband Russ, Kimberly and Benjamin Paulussen.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s Hauer’s memory are asked to consider The Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, Florida  32256.

Sandra Mary (nee Di Salvo) Mitch of Wayne, NJ died on Monday, December 6, 2010 in Morristown Memorial Hospital after a courageous seven-year battle with breast cancer.

Born and raised in North Arlington, Sandra graduated from Queen of Peace High School. She earned a BS in mathematics from St. Peter’s College and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

She was a mathematics teacher at Queen of Peace High School, her alma mater,  and worked for many years as a Credit Manager for both Union Camp Paper Company in Wayne, NJ and the Minolta Camera Division in Ramsey, NJ.

In recent years, she was a mathematics teacher at De Paul High School, Wayne, where she also initiated and taught an innovative financial literacy course. Sandra was a member of the Credit Institute in New York City.

Sandra was a loving wife to Brad and a devoted mother who took leave from her successful career to care for their daughter, Victoria.  She was also a parishioner at the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne.

Sandra leaves her husband, Brad, and daughter Victoria, of Wayne; a sister, Carol and her husband, Dr. Jerry Aquino, of New Vernon, NJ; several uncles and aunts; seven nieces and nephews; and several first cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Lonnie Di Salvo of North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory of Sandra to De Paul High School, 1512 Alps Road, Wayne.

Joseph G. Di Carlo, 80, of Wayne, died December 5, 2010.

He was born in Montclair, NJ and received his formal education there.

He graduated from Montclair High School, and after high school, he served in the U.S. Army.

After serving his country he attended the Newark College of Engineering and was employed by Marotta Scientific Controls in Montville, as an Engineering Services Manager, for over thirty-five years having retired in 1995.

He met Patricia Padula on a blind date set up by his aunt Helen and Uncle Joe.  They went to a drive in movie in Totowa Boro.  Before proposing he queried Pat as to what she would say if he asked her to marry him.  When she said she would say “yes” he then went to her parents to ask for her hand in marriage. He proposed to Patricia at the front door of her home at 15 Hudson Avenue, Totowa Boro.  They married on June 14, 1953 at St. James RC Church, Totowa Boro.  They honeymooned in Atlantic City. Being the furthest Pat had ever been from home she was homesick and called home everyday. The newly married couple settled in Totowa Boro just one block from Pat’s parents home.

Dedicated to his Catholic faith, Joseph was the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 11943, of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church in Wayne.  At the church he was a dedicated parishioner, greeter, member of the choir, served as a board member of the Parish Council, and was a member of the Men’s Council. He was also instrumental in the preparation of the food for the parish picnic for many years.

Joe loved to travel and has been to Italy, France, England, Puerto Rico, Arizona, California and the Netherlands just to name a few. In his younger years he enjoyed bowling and golf.  He is best described as a quiet, loving man who loved to dance, and was a “Mr. Fix It” for family, friends, and neighbors. He also had a love of photography, had taken classes to enhance his skills, and enjoyed many years working at Wayne Camera.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-seven years to Patricia (Padula) Di Carlo;  devoted father of  Steven Di Carlo, Richard Di Carlo and the late Joseph Di Carlo(1987); cherished grandfather of  Joseph, Dominic, and Isabella Rose; much loved brother-in-law of Jerry and Barbara Speziale, and Tony and Coleen Padula, loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Hospice of NJ, 400 Broad Acres Dr., #1, Bloomfield, NJ 07003-3156 would be appreciated.

Adrianna Stefanacci (nee Vander Maas) age 87 of Wayne died on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at the Atrium Health Care Center in Wayne.

She was born in Clifton and lived there until 1960 when she moved to a new and expanding farm community named Wayne

Adrianna along with her husband John were very active in the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181.

She was employed for over fifty years by Becton Dickinson Pharmaceutical supply manufacturing as a medical needle inspector.   She retired in 1985.

She enjoyed the Jersey Shore for many years and her favorite locations were Point Pleasant and Ortley Beaches.

Surviving are two nieces Jacqueline “Jackie” Vander Laan of Lincoln Park and Margaret “Peg” Oates of Wayne.

Her husband John predeceased her in 2009 and her sister Margaret Sullivan died in 2004.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Adrianna’s memory to the Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Drive 4th Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Giovanni Giammona, age 78 of Wayne, died at home on Monday, November 29, 2010 with his loving family gathered around him.

Giovanni was born in Palermo, Italy where he lived before bringing his family to America in 1980.

Growing up in Sicily was beautiful, but also had its challenges.  Giovanni lived very near to an airfield in Palermo and survived many Allied bombing raids during World War II.  He was a boy of just 9 years old.  In one instance, his grandfather was killed while protecting him from the falling bombs and debris.  Giovanni was severely injured and carried those scars throughout his lifetime.  He also learned to garden while living in Sicily.  His family had a garden that Giovanni would tend to and his crops varied from season to season.  He grew just about everything from lemons and tangerines, to figs and tomatoes.  He even hunted quite a bit with a group of close friends.  When he came to America in 1980, they settled in Paterson where he quickly took over the back yard with his garden.  It got to the point where his garden was too big and the kids had no yard to play in, so he moved the garden farther out into the yard.  Then, in 1997, when the family moved to Wayne, Giovanni now had a beautiful, hillside garden to work with.  He loved his garden and would spend countless hours with his plants.  For a time, he was even raising rabbits, just as he had as a boy in Italy.

He visited Italy several times after moving to America.  He behaved like a tourist when he went back,  visiting the tourist attractions, such as Pompeii.  He absolutely loved Italy and seeing his family and friends.

In 1958, Giovanni married Susanna Graziano and they raised five children together.  They enjoyed a loving relationship for fifty two years and it’s difficult to imagine them apart.  Susanna and her whole family will miss him dearly.

Giovanni is survived by his loving wife; Susanna (nee Graziano), five children: Domenico Giammona, Vincenza Giammona, Giuseppa Giammona, Lorenzo Giammona, all of Wayne, and Maria Fiorello and her husband Brian of Wayne, two grandchildren; Anthony Dominic Fiorello and John Ryan Fiorello, his brother; Giuseppe Giammona of Palermo, Italy, many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in Giovanni’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07511 would be greatly appreciated.

Hedwig A. “Heddy” “Omi” Lauber (Franke) age 91 of Wayne passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2010.

She was raised in Duisburg, Germany, and later lived in Buchenbronn, in Germany's Black Forest. While working the graveyard shift in a factory in Walzrode, Germany, she fainted and fell into the arms of Karl Lauber.  They fell in love and married at the Buchenbronn Evangelical Lutheran Church on January 10, 1942. At the suggestion of Karl’s sister Friedel Bohsner, who lived in Elmont, New York, the couple came with their daughter, Ingrid, to the United States on September 21, 1953 aboard the USS America.  It was 101 degrees that day as they entered this country!  They settled in Elmont, where they had their second daughter, Annette, and later moved to Ridgewood, Queens, New York, before moving to Wayne in 1964.  The family joined the Wayne Presbyterian Church.

Heddy was an athletic person who excelled in gymnastics. She won a regional competition in Germany, receiving a first place laurel wreath in the long jump.

While in Germany, the family lived through some very difficult years, but that never shaded Heddy’s wonderful sense of humor. She was feisty, outgoing, and generous.  She loved knitting, crocheting, completing puzzles, and playing games like chinese checkers, backgammon and her favorite: Mensch Argere Dich Nicht.  A passionate gardener, she also enjoyed anything to do with nature.  She especially enjoyed car trips and toured many United States National Parks.  She loved the change of seasons and often drove to view the fall foliage.  She was an amazing cook and made many traditional German foods including roladen, spaetzle, and the best gravy in the world.

She was the loving and devoted wife of fifty-eight years to the late Karl Lauber (2000); loving mother of Ingrid Lauber of Wayne, and Annette Casey of West Paterson; and cherished grandmother of Tiffany and Krystina Casey. She was much loved by her five siblings, who all predeceased her.

Dena L. Fiduccia age 27 of Wayne died peacefully at home with her loving family and fiancé by her side.

She was born in Hackensack and was a lifelong resident of Wayne.  Dena graduated from Wayne Valley High School, Wayne with the Class of 2001.  She went on to the Dental Studies Institute, Fairfield where she received her certification as a Dental Assistant.  She worked as a Dental Assistant for Dr. Jon A. Molinare, Cedar Knolls for several years.

Dena was strong willed, determined, and outgoing person who had a special brand of humor all her own. She loved to shop both online and on-foot.

She spied a cute guy, Walter Quiroga, while in high school and after several years of knowing each other they went on a first date to a nightclub called MOD in New York City.  They dated and talked about marriage for several years.  When Walter bought an engagement ring there was no time for a proposal as Dena took the ring and put it on her own finger.  They have enjoyed eight years of a loving engagement.

Dena is the loving daughter of Joanna(Carbone) Fiduccia of Wayne and the late Peter Fiduccia(11/2009); loved sister of Gary Fiduccia of Wayne; cherished fiancé of Walter Quiroga of Wayne; much loved by her grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation are ask to consider the John Theurer Cancer Center, 360 Essex St., Hackensack, NJ 07601.

A special tribute to Dena would be if you could enter yourself in the bone barrow donor database.  Simply go www.dkmsamericas.org/bone-marrow-donors/become-marrow-donor to register your name; they will mail you a cheek swab kit.  Once received you would do a simple 10 second cheek swab to put yourself into the system.  You would be Dena’s hero and perhaps someone else’s someday.

Antoinette Cammilleri “Ann” age 93 of Homestead, Florida formerly of Brooklyn, New York.  She lived a long and happy lifetime spending half her life in Brooklyn and the other half in enjoyable retirement with her late husband Salvatore in Homestead, Florida.

In the last few years her health was diminishing and her family found refuge for her at Molly’s House Assisted Living where she passed away on November 25, 2010 on Thanksgiving day.  Her death was graciously peaceful and took place as she slept.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York to Anthony and Lillian Ippolito.  In 1935 she married Salvatore Cammilleri. They set up their home together in Brooklyn where they lived before retiring to Homestead, Florida.  They had a loving marriage for seventy-two years.

Perhaps the finest dedication in her life was family. Salvatore and Antoinette raised three daughters and one son -- Pauline, Lillian, MaryAnn and Sandy.  

As time passed, she became a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren. They remember many hugs from her. On top of that she accumulated fourteen great grandchildren whom she loved with all of her heart.

Over the years Ann worked as a seamstress to help support the family.  Her specialty was high-end special occasion dresses. She also simultaneously helped manage her husband’s plumbing business and care for her grandchildren. She was famous for canning and cooking the fruits and vegetables from her husband’s garden. Her hobbies included sewing, needle point and she very much enjoyed reading the daily newspaper. Ann had a firm dedication to her Roman Catholic Faith and she made sure she passed that on to her children.

Surviving to mourn her loss are three daughters Pauline Maniscalco and her husband Anthony of Cornelia, Georgia, Lillian Satterlee of Wayne, NJ, MaryAnn Amato and her husband Joseph of Valley Stream, NY; one son, Sandy Cammilleri and his wife Josephine of Cape Coral, Florida; nine grandchildren MaryAnn Nobile, Theresa Muoio, Linda Kohberger, Marcella Chateau, AnnMarie Cammilleri, Susan Mastellone, Karen DiGiovanni, Salvatore Cammilleri, Christopher Cammilleri and fourteen great grandchildren.

Helen Bernadette Rokita (nee Muraski) age 90 of Wayne died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, November 24, 2010. Her passing to life eternal was graciously peaceful.              

She was born in Harrison and had lived in Bloomfield before moving to Wayne in 1955.

She received her formal education at Bloomfield High School graduating with the Class of 1939.

Helen was a founding charter parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne.

Mrs. Rokita was a partner with her husband Henry in Wayne Nuts and Bolts Hardware store located in the Packanack Shopping Center. They established the business in 1957. The store is a very popular well known source for everything hardware. Helen’s son Stephen continues the business as Wayne’s most a popular hardware store to this day. The store is an amazing example of a very complete hardware store that caters to homeowners, tradesman and local business. If they do not have the part you need they will either get for you or advise you how to work around your problem.

Helen started her career in Bloomfield working for H.W. Yecie’s Hardware Store where she worked from 1938 to 1945. Helen and her husband then owned Vernon Liquor Shop in Clifton which they operated for ten years and in 1955 they established Wayne Nuts and Bolts Hardware Store in Wayne with Helen finally retiring in January of 2006.

Helen and Hank had a very loving and devoted marriage together for fifty years before Hank’s passing in 1993.

Surviving are two sons Stephen Rokita of Wantage and Richard Rokita of North Miami Beach, Florida; three grandchildren Scott Rokita, Stephen Ryan Rokita and James Rokita;   one sister in law Helen Muraski of Brick; one niece Susan Luchejko of Wayne; six nephews John Josieniecki of Bloomfield, George, Robert, Thomas, Richard Muraski, Thomas Rokita and his wife Laura of Trucksville, PA, Dr. John Rokita and his wife Maureen.

Her brother Walter Muraski predeceased her in December of 2005, her sister Stephanie Jasieniecki died in January 2008, her nephew Theodore Josieniecki died earlier as did her brother in law Edmund Rokita.

Helen will be laid to rest at the Mount Olivet cemetery in Bloomfield with her late husband Henry Rokita.                            

Dr. James F. Barriale, Superintendent of Prospect Park School District, died Wednesday, November 24, 2010 of cardiac arrest.

Dr. Barriale, originally from Secaucus, was graduated magna cum laude from Montclair State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, French, and English as a Second Language.  He was an English as a Second Language teacher at Manchester Regional High School for eight years and became principal of Prospect Park School in 1982 as one of the youngest principals in Passaic County.  He subsequently received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Fordham University in 1984 and became Superintendent of Prospect Park Schools in 2000 where he worked tirelessly to improve the district.  He was beloved by the student body, staff, and Board of Education.  He was the president of the Superintendents Association of Passaic County and was serving a second term at the time of his death.  He was also an active parishioner at the Church of the Annunciation in Wayne for 25 years and served as a greeter there from 1993-1998.  

James’ two great passions, music and theater, were shared by his wife, Rosemarie.  Their attendance at many concerts and trips to New York City to view live theater were known to all their friends and family.  Moreover, James loved to dine out and was always eager to try a new restaurant and bring along his family to enjoy the new experience with him.

James also loved to travel and took his family on at least one vacation every year despite his hectic work schedule.  He loved cruises and sailed to countless destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mexican Riviera with his family on over fifteen cruises.  Additionally, he took great pride in his landscaping abilities, spending many hours meticulously grooming the grounds around his home.

James was a loving husband, an exemplary father, and devoted son.  He and his wife, Rosemarie, just recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.  He is also survived by his children, Krista and Craig of Wayne, his parents Rocco and Rose of Secaucus, his aunts, Palma and Franca of Secaucus, and several cousins.

James loved to help people and would not hesitate to help anyone who needed assistance whether financial, professional, or simply to lend moral support.  He enjoyed making those around him laugh with a witty remark or amusing story.  He was a prolific writer and also an articulate speaker who inspired his audiences every time he took the stage.  Moreover, he was a diligent worker who went above and beyond every task he performed.  He will be sorely missed by anyone whose life he touched.

Grace (Iacuzzo) Tatti, 97, of Wayne, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

Grace was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, moved to Paterson, NJ as a young girl and lived there until moving to Siena Village in Wayne fifteen years ago.

Throughout her life she was employed by the Little Falls Laundry,  Little Falls, The Better Laundry, Paterson and JC Penny, Wayne.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lou(1973); her brothers Charles, Ignatius, Sam, Michael, and Norman Iacuzzo and sister Josephine Sciro and grandson Benjamin.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Nellie Bertelloni of Wanaque, her son Louis and his wife Julie of Wayne, son Michael and his wife Kathy and their children Philip and Elizabeth of Mt. Holly, many loving nieces and nephews and special friends at Siena Village.

Memorial gifts may be made to Department for Persons with Disabilities, 1 Catholic Charities Way, POB 2539, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.

Arie A. Heykoop III  “Adrian” age 51 died on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at his home in Bloomfield.  His passing was quite sudden and unexpected.

He was born in Pompton Plains and lived his formative years in Montville. As an adult he first lived in Little Falls before moving to Bloomfield, where he resided for over twenty years.

Arie received his formal education at Cedar Hill Grammar School in Towaco and at Montville High School graduating with the Class of 1977.

His first experience in work was at Vibra Screw Company in Totowa as a laboratory technician, and for more than twenty years at  Pallmann Pulverizers Company in Clifton as a specialist in plastic recycling.

Arie had a private, quiet, kind, and generous personality.  He especially enjoyed family gatherings.

His favorite pastimes included chess and both salt and fresh water fishing.   He also enjoyed having tropical fish tanks in his home.

Surviving to mourn his loss are his parents Arie and Rina Heykoop of Montville and four sisters including Nellie Van Grouw and her husband Bill of Blairstown, Cornelia Vlietstra and her husband David of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Helen Ruby and her husband Shawn of Towaco and JoAnn Baum and her husband Allan of Oak Ridge; nieces and nephews including Kristen Berkenbush and her husband Dave, Peter Van Grouw and his wife Sadie, Susan Van Vugt and her husband Tom, Leah Koppelaar and her husband Nathan, Nathaniel Vlietstra and his wife Nadia, Timothy, Kathryn, Karalyn, Heidi, Mark, Mary Beth, Amber, Heather and Cynthia Vlietstra,  Melissa, Samantha and Natalie Ruby, Allan Jay III, Alicia, Jeremy, Alaina and Julie Baum.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Arie’s memory to the Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Road, Pompton Plains, NJ  07444 would be appreciated.

Thomas DiMatteo, age 60 of Pompton Plains, died suddenly and unexpectedly while raking his leaves on Saturday, November 20, 2010.  

Tom had been in the retail clothing industry for many years.  He was a Retail Buyer for Annie Sez for nine years, Filene’s Basement, Bloomingdales, and most recently as a buyer with Mayer Berkshire Corp. in Wayne.

Tom was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1968.  He continued his education at Pace University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing.

In 1974, Tom was set up on a blind date with Lynn Baldo.  They went mini-golfing, then out to eat and the date was a great success.  They continued dating for a few years before marrying in 1976.  Together, they moved to Dongan Hills, Staten Island and finally to Pompton Plains in 1989.  They’ve enjoyed thirty four years together.

Raising their twin daughters was the highlight of Tom’s life.  The girls always knew that their dad was there for them and, on a few occasions, Tom even drove into New York City at 3 AM to bring them home after a fun night out.  There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for them.  Of course, Julie recalls her dad not being particularly good at putting things together for her – he always seemed to end up with extra parts, which made everybody laugh.  His daughter Jenna is grateful for having such a wonderful dad and mentor, as she has followed in his footsteps and is currently a retail buyer as well.  

Tom especially enjoyed getting together with all of his family for any occasion, but particularly so on Christmas, with all the fanfare and celebration that accompanies the Holiday Season.  Recently, his family threw him a surprise 60th birthday party, a complete success, and Tom was utterly shocked and happy to see everyone there.  His friends and family are fortunate to have spent that special time with him so recently.

Tom was a big sports fan, including all of the New York teams, being from Brooklyn of course.  He loved hockey and the Rangers, the Jets and Giants, and even the Knicks, despite their current record.  He was the kind of guy who could find the humor in just about everything and would probably be laughing or making a joke right now, about his very own situation, if he could.  His sense of humor ran right along with his strong sense of caring for others, which has earned him some of the most wonderful friends he could have ever asked for.  He’s enjoyed a large family and an even larger group of dear friends who will all miss him very, very much.

He is survived by his loving wife Lynn (nee Baldo) of Pompton Plains, two devoted daughters; Julie and Jenna DiMatteo, both of Pompton Plains, two brothers; Michael and his wife Arlene of Staten Island and Ronald and his wife Linda of Las Vegas, and a large, extended family.  Tom was predeceased by his parents; Michael in 1976 and Concetta in 1980.

Felisa “Feliz” M. Maliksi

Feliz, also called Ching, died of a cerebral stroke on Friday, November 19, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains. She was 81, the faithful wife of Francisco R. Maliksi for fifty-eight years, and loving mother of Leo Rene Maliksi of Taipei, Taiwan and Anna Duffy and her husband Mark of Prospect Park.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Feliz was the sixth of seven children. She attended the V. Mapa High School in Manila and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the Philippine Normal College.

She married Francisco (Frank) in 1952 and worked as a teacher at the T. Earnshaw Elementary School in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila. She gave birth to Leo, the first of her two children, in 1954 and then to Anna Miel in 1958 and struggled to combine the demands of motherhood with her work.

She was very sociable, quick to make friends, and easily moved to compassion at the pain and suffering of others. She was a member of the Varsitarians, a student group that raised money for the poor. It was customary for middle-class families in the Philippines to hire household helpers who typically came from poor families outside Manila. Feliz urged all the helpers who had worked for her to return to school. Those helpers were either illiterate or had only finished elementary school. They all eventually felt a part of the family.

For her, the family was most important and she gave herself fully to caring for her husband and two children, plus the unmarried sister Julita, the eldest of her four siblings. Julita was initially very opposed to her marriage with Frank, but Feliz felt the loneliness in Julita’s heart borne out of her decision to remain single in order to raise her younger three sisters (among them Feliz) and brother Artemio. Their parents had died before the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and their eldest brother never came back after joining the resistance. The second eldest brother was captured by the Japanese and never returned.

The hardships endured by her family during the Second World War gave her an inner strength that enabled her to confront the new challenges from immigrating to the United States in 1971 when she took her two children to join Frank who had arrived the year before. The family moved to Wayne in 1974. Felisa worked at the G.A.F. Corporation, in Wayne as a technical librarian for 24 years before retiring in 1998.

In retirement, Feliz maintained a warmth and openness that made others feel she was genuinely interested in being a friend. She loved being with people and always had a smile for everyone. When she died, her daughter Anna looked out from the window of her 5th floor ICU room and said “A sunny day for a sunny person!”

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474-0291 would be appreciated.

Salvatore “Sal”  DiGiovanni age 90 of Riverdale passed away on November 17, 2010 at home.

In October he became ill with a heart condition and the family honored his request to remain at home in a loving atmosphere.  His passing was graciously peaceful after receiving the loving care of his wife Annunziata, “Nancy”.

He was born in a farming community in Bisacquino, Palermo, Italy where he spent his childhood years and received his formal education.

He served in the Italian Army and was stationed in Genoa, Italy for several years where he served as a censor, record keeper and messenger.

The family had a farm of their own and over time it became impossible to make a living as a farmer. He simply concluded that he had enough of life in war torn Italy.   Sal had heard many stories about the wonderful opportunities for a good life and the possibilities of free enterprise in America and moved to Brooklyn, New York at the age of thirty-four, after waiting many years for his immigration papers. It did not take him long to adjust to this new way of American living.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit that he could not develop in Italy but saw an opportunity to do so in America.  He opened DiGiovanni’s Delicatessen with his nephew in Ridgewood, Brooklyn, NY and made a good living.

His first wife Giuseppina  DiGiovanni was taken ill and died in January 1981.  After a period of loneliness as a widower a friend introduced him to this beautiful girl named “Nancy” Aureli who was also widowed and after a six month courtship they married on March 5, 1984.  They recently celebrated twenty-five years of “good and loving” marriage together.

Sal was gifted with a loud and “passionate” voice coupled with a wonderful sense of humor.  He enjoyed reading his daily Progresso (the Italian language newspaper). He spent many hours socializing and playing card games such as Briscola with friends. His favorite expression was “Fugghedabotit”.

His favorite pastime was to visit casinos to play slot machines. Occasionally, he even won a few jackpots!

His dedication was to his family whom he loved with all of his heart.  He was a very good cook and his famous recipe was escarole and bean soup. His most special dish was pasta with traditional red sauce.

He developed a good old American spirit for sports and adopted the Yankee baseball Team and well as the New York Jets and Giants football teams.  They have not noticed yet, but they have lost their most ardent fan, Sal.

Salvatore was devoted to his Roman Catholic Faith and was a Parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes.  He had a very special dedication to Saint Anthony and the Madonna of Bisacquino of his native town of Italy.

He loved his grandchildren with all of his heart and would reserve bragging rights for his namesake grandson Salvatore.

Sal maintained a garden and grew the absolutely best vegetables and tomatoes to treat his family. He planted flowers and several trees in his daughter’s backyard including fig and peach. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage and working on household repairs. He also enjoyed the family cats and dog.

Great sadness struck his life when his only son Andrew DiGiovanni suddenly died of an aneurism on September 7, 1997.

Surviving to mourn this special person are his loving wife Nancy (Annunziata nee Silano-Aureli) DiGiovanni; his daughter-in-law Antoinette DiGiovanni; one stepdaughter Cynthia Aureli and her husband Charles Ingoglia; one stepson Richard Aureli of Queens, New York; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Salvatore’s memory are asked to consider Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105. For a photo and more information visit www.vandermay.com.

Roland M. Palumbo, age 83 of Wayne died on Wednesday, November 17, 2010.  

Roland was born and raised in the Totowa section of Paterson and graduated from Central High School.  Shortly thereafter he found himself in the US Army, joining the war effort.  He served most of his time in Japan, Korea, and throughout the Western Pacific Theatre as part of the Occupation Forces there.  He was discharged in 1946, having achieved the rank of Corporal, and remained a member of American Legion Post 187.

Roland went on to attend Rutgers University on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in accounting.  He converted that education into a successful career and stayed active with the Alumni Association.  He had worked for Curtiss Wright Corporation as a supervisor of corporate audits which had him traveling extensively.  He spent some time at their Salt Lake City, Utah location where he made many great acquaintances and truly enjoyed the lifestyle and friendly people there.  However, when his audits determined that the operations there had to be closed, they put Roland in charge of terminating the employees.  That task was so upsetting and contradictory to his kind and caring nature, that he left the company and came back East.  He then began working for Vitro Corporation of America in New York City as their Assistant Treasurer before founding Digital Devices, Inc. in Nutley, where he was President for twenty two years before retiring.

Roland met his wife, Madeline Bennington, at a dance in the Passaic Armory.  On the first night they met, he accidentally bumped into her and almost knocked her down.  He was embarrassed of course and may have even blushed a bit, but was afraid to ask her to dance after that.  It wasn’t until a year later, when they met again at another dance, that they finally got the chance to dance.  Roland proposed shortly thereafter and they married in 1951, enjoying nearly sixty years together.

Roland leaves to mourn his beloved wife Madeline (nee Bennington), devoted father of Robert Palumbo and Kim LoBiondo, both of Wayne, son-in-law Joseph LoBiondo, loving grandfather of Tanya, Carissa and Jessielyn Palumbo and Victoria, Joseph and James LoBiondo, and the late Christie Mercuri (1983).  Brother of Joseph F. Palumbo of Totowa.

Donations to Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Dr., 4th floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be greatly appreciated.

John “Jack” L. Miller, Esq. a retired attorney died Wednesday November 17th.

Mr. Miller was 87 and lived at Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains at the time of his death.  Born in Clifton, Mr. Miller lived in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne NJ for 51 years.

He was the son of Ada and William A. Miller, Clifton's first City Manager.  He was a graduate Lehigh University and the University of Virginia Law School. Mr. Miller was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1950 and was in private practice in Clifton and Wayne where he served as municipal prosecutor, tax attorney and attorney for the Board of Adjustment.  He also served Clifton as acting Municipal Court Judge. Mr. Miller was a former member of the Passaic County and American Bar Association.  Jack took great pride in his thirty-four years of practicing law, and the fact that he never missed a single day of work, before retiring in 1984.

Jack met his wife Sally van der Wolk at the Montclair Ski Club and their first date was to play a round of golf.  He proposed to Sally at home after a lavish dinner at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, married on June 23, 1956 at the Union Congregational Church in Upper Montclair, and honeymooned in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Nassau, Bahamas. They enjoyed fifty four years of loving marriage.

He was the founder and past president of the Clifton Rotary Club and a former member of the Wayne Rotary Club.  As a Rotarian he had thirty years of perfect attendance. He was also a member of the Clifton Masonic Lodge, the Packanack Lake Yacht club, the Packanack Community Church, and a charter member of the Packanack Golf Club .  He also served on the Board of Directors of the Passaic Valley Citizens Planning Assoc. and the United Fund of Passaic Valley.

He served in the U.S. army as a combat engineer in Europe during WW II. Surviving are his wife, Sally Van der Wolk, Miller, a daughter Susan L Clark and her husband William of Kinnelon, and a son John L. Miller Jr. and his wife Shirley of Sparta, and four grand children Lee and Chris Clark and Katharine and Amy Miller.  A brother, William H. Miller formerly of Randolph, NJ predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Packanack Community Church, 120  Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Jean T Taraszkiewicz of Wayne died on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at the Regency Gardens in Wayne.

Jean was born in North Bergen and enjoyed her childhood in Garfield, NJ.  After getting married, she lived in Edison, Fort Lee, and Toms River for twenty years before moving to Wayne in 2005.

Jean and her husband George had been in the bakery business for many years.  In the 1960’s, they owned the Raritan Bakery in Edison for seven years and later owned Rudolph’s Bakery in Fairview, NJ for fifteen years before retiring in 1995.  She and her husband worked well together with her handling the front counter and finances while he did all the baking.  

They absolutely loved to travel together and the destinations they had visited took them around the world.  Norway, Japan, Disney World, Singapore, all over Europe including Spain, Portugal, and Poland, Hawaii, and many cruises, just to name a few.  When their children were younger, they used to take their annual summer vacation to the Roaring Brooks Dude Ranch up at Lake George, NY.  The children have many fond memories of those family vacations and, as teenagers, they were elated when mom and dad announced “instead of Lake George this summer, we’re all going to Hawaii!”  It’s safe to say that they saw it all.

Jean’s family recalls her being a very kind and gentle person, soft spoken, with strong maternal instincts.  She was always concerned for her children and when grandchildren entered her life, those maternal instincts emerged even stronger.  When she was around, the kids would always be wrapped in three blankets and more if she thought it necessary, always well fed and never in want of anything. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly.

Jean met her husband George on a blind date that had gotten mixed up – she was not the girl that George was supposed to meet that night.  Fate certainly intervened and they hit it off so well that only three days later George showed up at her doorstep and asked for her parent’s permission to marry.  They married in 1947 and enjoyed fifty five years as a very close and loving couple, always holding hands whenever they walked together.

Jean is survived by her two loving daughters; Gloria Kaufhold and her husband Wayne of Upper Holland PA, and Diane Cleary and her husband Joseph of Wayne, three grandchildren; Christofer Kaufhold and his wife Jeanne of PA, Sarah Kaufhold of PA, and Janet Rutan and her husband Brian of Wayne, two great-grandchildren; Christofer and Jonathan Kaufhold of PA, one One sister; Mary Yurchick of Fairview and one brother Edward Choromanski and his wife Julie of Fort Lee. She was predeceased by her husband George in 2002 and her brother Joseph Choromanski.

D. Stanley Ostrowski age 86 of Wayne died on Tuesday, November 16, 2010

After High School he enlisted in the Navy.

He was gifted with a private and conservative personality that could and did easily make many friends over the years.

In his leisure he especially enjoyed reading, puzzles and camping at the Jersey Shore as well as at campsites in Tennessee and many other locations.

Ruth W. Bartholomay age 92 of North Bergen died on Thursday November 11, 2010 at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff.

Ruth was born in West New York, NJ then moved to North Bergen and lived there most of her life.  She attended Union Hill high school, graduated from the Packard business school and was a Purchasing Agent for Swift Foods in Jersey City for many years until her retirement in the early 1980’s.

She was a long time member of Woodcliff Community Church in North Bergen, where she served as Secretary and Treasurer, and was also a member of the church choir.  

Ruth loved to attend plays in NY and traveled the world after retirement.

Surviving are one brother Julius Watzich and wife Shirley of Middleburg, VA; two nephews Brock Watzich and wife Paula of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ and Chris Watzich of Miami, FL; two nieces Dianne Hess and husband Mike, and Wendy Crowe and husband Daryl both of Middleburg, VA; one great niece Lauren Watzich and great nephew Kyle Watzich; she was pre-deceased by her husband William Bartholomay in 1976.

Friends and loved ones may make donations in Ruth’s name to the Woodcliff Community Church, 7605 Palisade Ave.,  North Bergen, NJ 07047-5509.

John I. Karsmarski, age 92 of Maplewood, New Jersey, died peacefully on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010.  He had been at home receiving the loving care of his family and appeared to be smiling.

John had been born in Camden, New Jersey in 1918.  Soon thereafter his family moved to Newark, where he lived until 1969.  He attended Central High School, but like so many at that time, he left school to support his family.  He began working at J. Wiss & Sons, a tool manufacturer in Newark that specialized in making all sorts of cutting tools; scissors, knives and snips.  His earliest job there was as a ‘dresser’, sharpening tools on a grindstone.  He spent his entire working career at ‘Wiss’, save for three years while he served in World War II.  He retired in 1979, after forty two years of dedicated employ.

In 1943, John began his service in the U.S. Army.  After completing his basic training at Camp Roberts, California, he received additional training as a Fire Control Instrument Operator which would later put him in command of an Anti Aircraft Weapons System in the European Theatre.  He often reminisced about his time in Europe, while he was in charge of a 40mm Anti Aircraft gun and its crew, laughing as he told his friends and family; “I don’t know how we were able to win that war, we couldn’t hit anything with that gun!”  That was John; able to find the humor in just about everything, no matter how emotionally difficult the situation truly was.  He remained in Europe well into 1946 before being discharged and returning home.

John’s family still has many of the wartime letters he sent to his wife Olga.  The terms “sweetheart”, “darling”, and many other endearing terms, are used throughout those notes sent during the years and months that he was away.  She was undoubtedly a strong force in keeping his spirits high during his wartime service.  They had known each other through their community and were married in 1943, just before John ‘shipped out’.  Upon his return, they settled in Newark and began to raise a family.  They moved to Maplewood in 1969 and sadly, Olga passed away in 1978, just one year before John retired from J. Wiss & Sons.  They had been married for thirty five years.

John had always enjoyed bowling and in his retirement he played in several leagues, most of them based at Garden State Bowl in Union.  He played very well and has the trophies to prove it.  On his refrigerator still hangs a newspaper clipping from 1995; “Karsmarski Tops Union Co. Srs.”, a tournament in which he won the ‘over 70’ division, bowling a 718.  To give you an idea how much he loved bowling; his daughter called him from home one evening because the hot water heater had broken and the basement was flooding.  After the bowling alley had him paged over the loud speaker, he made his way to the phone and got the details of the growing disaster at home.  He calmly said to his daughter; “I’m bowling.  We’ll deal with it later.”  As would have been ‘classic John’ fashion, he probably tried to fix that water heater with electrical tape or masking tape before realizing that it needed to be replaced.  He continued to bowl well into his 80’s, when his hips stopped cooperating.  At age 90, his great-grandchildren introduced him to Wii bowling and he was so excited to be able to bowl once again, you could hear his laughter throughout the house.

In the early 1980’s, John met Marion Ferrara at the bowling alley.  She introduced herself and offered a challenge; if she could bowl a certain score, then he would have to take her to dinner.  She lost the challenge, but John was no ‘turkey’ and he took her out anyway.  That challenge turned out to be a ‘win-win’ for both of them, as they built a loving relationship and enjoyed each others company for the next eighteen years.  Marion passed away in 2000 and John was heartbroken.  But lucky for him, he had also built loving relationships with all of Marion’s family over those eighteen years and he found great joy and comfort in visiting and spending time with them, keeping Marion’s memory close to his heart.  The Ferrara and Comforti families all loved him as if he was their own dad and grandpa.

John was also a big Yankees fan.  This year, as he lay in bed watching the play-offs, he was in denial that the Yankees had lost.  He was convinced that the TV reports and the newspapers had it all wrong – ‘there’s one more game for them to play!’  He was confident that they would make it to the World Series once again.  

John spent many family vacations at the Jersey Shore and countless weekends enjoying the beach and surf.  John was a great swimmer and spent hours in the water.  His daughter Nancy recalls as a child feeling ‘so safe’ in his arms as he played with her and her sister Elaine in the waves at Ocean Beach.  To this day, the Fourth of July is one of the families favorite holidays, no doubt because of all the great memories and fanfare enjoyed at the Jersey Shore for so many years.

John had a very clear sense of honesty and integrity as well.  One example is when he was involved in a car accident.  After the insurance company surveyed the damage, they determined that his car was totaled.  When he received the settlement check in the mail, he quickly declared “my car isn’t worth this much!” and mailed the check back!  What a guy.

John is survived by his two loving and caring daughters; Elaine and her husband Craig of Flemington, NJ and Nancy Harlow of Merrimack, NH, three grandchildren; Brianna of Flemington, NJ, Laura Vander May and her husband Ken of Wayne, NJ, and Scott Harlow and his wife Elizabeth of Bedford, NH, five great-grandchildren; Courtney, Emily and Nicholas Vander May of Wayne, NJ, and Kianna and Riley Harlow of Bedford, NH, and his extended family; Alie and Steven Ferrara and their children; Alexandria, Danielle and the late Christopher, and Patty and Don Comforti and their daughter Caity.  John was there at Caity's birth and a special bond developed that exists today, 20 years later, with her and her dearly loved "Grandpa John".  They will all miss him and his infectious laughter.  John was predeceased by his wife, Olga (nee Gasko) in 1978.

Donations in John’s memory to St. Barnabas Hospice, 95 Old Short Hills Road, 1st Floor, West Orange, NJ 07052, would be greatly appreciated.

George Tweer age 84 of Wayne died Friday, November 12, 2010 at the Hospice of NJ, Wayne.

He was born and raised in Paterson having graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1944.  George enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Aviation Radioman Third Class mostly in the South Pacific and West Coast of the United States. He was awarded the American Area, Victory and Good Conduct Medals and was discharged on March 14, 1947.

George met the love of his life Dorothy Kingma at the Lakeview Presbyterian Church in Paterson.  Their first date was just after he was discharged from the military and was to a bowling alley in the basement of the church.  George proposed to Dorothy in the parking lot of the Broadway Highway Movie Theatre in Fair Lawn.  They married on September 10, 1949 at the Lakeview Presbyterian Church and honeymooned in Lavallette, NJ.  Immediately after they married they moved to Minns Avenue in Wayne and have lived in Wayne where they had a loving, feisty and pleasantly normal marriage for sixty one years.

George worked as a pipe-fitter almost his entire working life having worked for the PSE&G in Paterson, Drakes Bakery, the Wayne Water Treatment Plant, and finally the Okonite Cable Corporation, Passaic before retiring in 1989.

He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved bird houses, hunting, fishing, his vegetable garden and flower gardens. Most of all he will be remembered for his fun loving, friendly and teasing personality.

He was the beloved husband of sixty-one years to Dorothy “Dot” Tweer; loving father of Dorothy “Dottie” Nazzaro and her husband Rocco of Kinnelon, George Tweer and his wife Aileen of Butler  and Susan Hargreaves and her husband Marc of Lakeland, FL; cherished grandfather of Rocco George and David Nazzaro, Jennifer, John and Brian Tweer, Marc, Steven, and Ryan Hargreaves.

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

Wilma Jean Spatz “Willie” (nee Pettigrew) age 76 of Wayne died on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne. Her passing was quiet and peaceful after having received the loving care of her husband Victor who was constantly at her bedside.

She was born in Newark and had lived her formative years in Nutley, later after her marriage in 1956 she lived in Belleville before moving to a farm town called Wayne fifty two years ago.

Wilma received her formal education at Nutley grammar school and Nutley High School graduating with the Class of 1952. She then went on to study business at Berkely Business School in Newark where she certified as a professional secretary.

She was employed at Ameriprise Financial in Paramus where she worked for twenty years before her retirement in 2005.

She was a dedicated member of the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne.

Wilma was blessed with and outgoing personality that made friends easily. She also had a joyous heart about helping others in need and she enthusiastically volunteered at the Wayne Public Library, the New Jersey Developmental School in Totowa as well as very often in her church. You could best describe her church volunteer work as an eager church volunteer for all kinds of events. You could depend on her to have a reserve of homemade cookies and baked goods at home to provide a finished treat for her fellow church members.

She was truly a dedicated family oriented wife, mother and grandmother. Wilma cherished the role of motherhood and especially being a grandmother. She loved to have her family gathered around her and was not shy about providing them with the best meat loaf dinners and baked goods.

It was in 1954 that she was outside of her home in Nutley with her parents and they were struggling to get their lawn mower going. This handsome fellow named Victor Spatz came to the rescue and got that beast humming. It was on that occasion that he set eyes on Wilma and started a two year courtship. When Victor returned from four years in the Air Force they married on September 22, 1956 and had fifty four years of “exciting and loving “ marriage together.  

Surviving to mourn this special wife, mother and grandmother are her husband Victor Spatz; one daughter Laura Jean Beuckman of Jupiter, Florida; two sons Mark Alexander Spatz and his wife Christine of Cumberland, Rhode Island and Steven Victor Spatz of West Buxton, Maine; three grandchildren Alexandra L. Beuckman, Timothy Victor Spatz and Christopher Spatz.

Sadness came into her life when her brother Donald Pettigrew predeceased her and her son in law William Beuckman died in April of 2010.

James J. Malone Jr., age 88 of Packanack Lake, Wayne died on Wednesday, November 10, 2010

He did have an interruption in his schooling because after two years at Fordham University, where he was enrolled in the ROTC, he had to take a break to serve in the Army Air Force but after his military service he returned and got his degree.

Jim was gifted with a quiet but friendly personality that caused his to be well liked which resulted in having many friends.

Jim enjoyed drawing cartoons doing oil paintings, enjoyed history and especially old movies as a hobby. He was a huge NY Yankee fan and had seen many of the Yankee greats honored in Monument Park play. He enjoyed traveling both in the United States and Europe.

Patricia Joyce Soroka(nee Puzino) age 69 of Wayne died Monday, November 8, 2010.

She was born in Passaic having been raised in Garfield before moving to Wayne forty seven years ago.

Pat was a legal secretary for a Mr. Hammer in Passaic, retired from the workforce to raise her family, and later worked for the Sears Roebuck Company, Wayne as an office manager for thirty years having retired in 2004.

She is best described as an independent, self sufficient, loving, caring person who hated to cry.  She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed trips to the NJ Shore, Lake George, loved the beach (even though she was allergic to the sun and water), enjoyed reading and taking in a movie.

She was a high school sweetheart and went to the Garfield High School Prom with love of her life Robert M. Soroka. They married at the Holy Cross RC Church, Wayne on September 15, 1962, had their reception at Donahue’s Restaurant, Wayne and went to Acapulco for their honeymoon. They enjoyed a loving and caring marriage for forty years before Robert’s passing in 2002.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert M. Soroka(2002); loving mother of Tracey Tubman and her husband Robert of Wayne and Michael Soroka and his wife Pam of Wayne; devoted daughter of the late Vincent and Mildred(Russo) Puzino who both passed in 2004; cherished grandmother of Michael and Alexa Soroka, and Nicole, Michael and Taylor Tubman; loved sister of Dr. Alan V. Puzino and the late Vincent J. Puzino(2004) and the late Mark V. Puzino(1983).

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lupus Foundation of America, 150 Morris Ave., Springfield, NJ 07081 would be appreciated.

Anita L. "Neat" Bergen (nee Sutter) age 100 of Wayne, formerly of Haledon, died Monday, November 8, 2010.

She was born in Northampton, MA, and lived in Haledon, NJ, for fifty-eight years before moving to Wayne.  For the last eleven years she has lived in Packanack Lake with her daughter and granddaughter, Anita L. & Anita J., where she was cared for lovingly until her death.

Anita was a parishioner and member of the choir of St. Gerard's RC Church, Paterson for many years.

Anita met Walter T. Bergen, Sr. while sharing a soda at Bricky's Store, when she was just sixteen years old; There was no texting back then, so Walter and Anita communicated using Morse Code with their flashlights. They would meet for secret rondavous at Weeda's Ice Cream Parlor.

They married on August 26, 1933 at St. George's Church, Paterson, had a reception at Marucca's Restaurant, Wayne for their reception, and went by car on a two week honeymoon to the Chicago Worlds Fair. Walter was the principal of the Blomingdale Middle School where he worked for fifty years,  which was then named for him.  It is now called the Walter T. Bergen School of Bloomindgale. They had a loving and devoted sixty-five years of marriage until Walter passing in 1998.

Anita was always dressed nicely, a great shopper, a terrific homemaker, and an excellent grandmother. She was a talented seamstress and could often be found making clothes and costumes for her children and later her grand children. She was an active part of her grandchildren's lives well into her 80's. She is said to have made a great Lamb Stew; One wonders if her surviving the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic, helped give her the zest for life she had.

She was the devoted wife of the late Walter T. Bergen, Sr.(1998); loving mother of Anita Cronk of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne, Walter T. Bergen, Jr. and his wife Paula of Estero, FL and Robert H. Bergen and his wife Jerilyn of Clifton; cherished grandmother of Brian Bergen, Amanda Cronk-Brzozowski, Maura Bergen, Erik Bergen, Alexandra Vignola, Anita J. Cronk, Erika Bergen, Jessica Bergen and the late Christopher Bergen(1983); loved great grandmother of Julianna Cronk and Joseph Vignola; loving sister of the late Marie Fischer, Henry and George Sutter.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Salesian Sisters Development. http://www.salesiansisters.org/

Ella A. Conn, of Pompton Plains NJ, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2010.

She was born Raffaella Nardino on October 25, 1928 in Garfield NJ, one of six children.

She graduated from Garfield High School in 1936, and through talent and a love of theatre, became a professional dancer for various stage productions around the United States.

After leaving the world of dance, she worked in the music publishing industry, where she met Jack Conn, who she would marry in 1960.  She became a single parent after the sudden passing of her husband, and did a wonderful job of raising her son Brian.

Throughout the years, she enjoyed being on her bowling team, cooking, her family, trips to Florida, California and the occasional Mets game at Shea Stadium.

Ella is survived by her son, sister, many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, her “grand-cat”, and all the friends and family that she touched in her time with us.

Special thanks to her extended family at Cedar Crest Village and Renaissance Gardens, and the caring staff at Chilton Hospital.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Crest Benevolent Fund, 1 Cedar Crest Village Dr., Pompton Plains NJ  07444.

Marjorie E. Kuiken (nee Fokens) age 93 of North Haledon formerly of Fair Lawn died peacefully on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.  Her loving family was in attendance at her bedside.                

She was born in Rochester, New York and had lived in Fair Lawn since 1946 before moving with her late husband Edward N. Kuiken to the Holland Christian Home in North Haledon in 2003.

She was a member of Faith Community Christian Reformed Church in Wyckoff.

Sadness visited her life in June 2009 when her loving husband Edward predeceased her.  They had sixty three years of “loving and devoted” marriage together.

Ed and Marge, as with everything else in their marriage, made their own funeral arrangements together and wanted to leave a special message to her family upon her death. “To my Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren I want to say one more time for everyone to see and you to know.  “I loved you with all of my heart.”

Surviving are her three sons Edward N. Kuiken Jr. of Fair Lawn and Douglas R. Kuiken and his wife Miriam of Wyckoff, Robert E. Kuiken and his wife Wanda of Ringwood, NJ, eleven grandchildren Edward III, Jennifer, Leigh Anne, Amanda, Matthew, Michael, Brent, Reanna, Aimee, Erin, Meghan, and twelve great grandchildren.

Her Sister Florence Tanis and her brother Henry Fokens predeceased her.

Marjorie will be laid to rest with her late husband Edward at the Fair Lawn Cemetery in Fair Lawn.

Walter E. Hoerig, age 93 of Pompton Plains, and formerly of the Pines Lake in Wayne, issued his final salute on Friday, November 5, 2010, with his loving family by his side.  

Walt was born in Brooklyn, grew up in Bellville, NJ and graduated from the Bloomfield Trade School where he learned his trade as an electrician.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937 because he felt it was a great opportunity to get additional training as an electrician.  He was stationed aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4), the first U.S. aircraft carrier designed and built from the keel up as an aircraft carrier, and his commanding officer was John S. McCain, Sr., grandfather of Senator John S. McCain III.  

He considered himself lucky to have served aboard the Ranger with his brother, Robert, before such situations were prohibited by the Sullivan Act.  He loved his time in the Navy and was particularly proud of having crossed the equator twice.  He was honorably discharged from his first Navy tour only months before the attack on Pearl Harbor.  He returned again to the Navy shortly after the war started with a Warrant Officer commission and served until the end of World War II.

After the service, Walt worked as an electrician first with the Little Falls Laundry, then with Watson Flagg, and most of his career with the General Electric Company before retiring in 1983.

In 1941, during the brief time between his two Navy tours, Walt happened to be in a Jersey City candy store when a young woman there was making a purchase.  She found herself short a penny and Walt willing provided his penny to the pretty young woman.  His ensuing conversation with Margaret Krompasick that day turned into sixty seven years of loving marriage for the two of them.  They married in 1943 during a visit to New Orleans.  He would probably tell you it was the best penny he ever spent.

Walt and Margaret moved to Pines Lake in 1954.  They absolutely loved living there and raised their family for fifty five years in that wonderful community.  They moved to Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains, in 2009.  

Walt was not one to sit still.  He was always working on the house, repairing the cars, or landscaping the yard.  He and “Mugsie”, as he fondly called Margaret, were both excellent ice skaters and loved to go speed-skating as often as they could.  While watching the Squaw Valley Winter Olympics on TV in 1960, Walt thought that downhill skiing looked like a lot of fun, so when he was 43 years old, the whole family began skiing.  They would go to New York State, Vermont and New Hampshire on ski weekends and vacations.  At age 50, Walt managed to break both of his legs in a skiing accident, and this took him out of work for nearly a year.  After that, he became a cross-country skier.  He returned to downhill skiing again at age 70 because he missed his time on the slopes with Mugsie and the family.  He skied regularly, both downhill and cross-country, right into his early eighties.

In addition to skating and skiing together with family and friends, Walt and Mugsie enjoyed traveling during their retirement.  They usually camped with friends and made several cross country trips across both the United States and Canada for weeks at a time.  When they were in their mid-70’s, one particular noteworthy trip for just the two of them was an 8 day raft trip down the Colorado River through the rapids and Grand Canyon and then across Lake Powell.

Walt’s children recall their father working tirelessly for the wellbeing of their family.  He was a very supportive father who took them with their Mom to their swimming meets and other sporting events often after a long hard day at work.  He was a great dad and he’s left them with many fond memories to cherish for years to come.

He is survived by his wife of sixty seven years, Margaret “Mugsie” of Pompton Plains, two children; Jane Hoerig and her husband Ted Garcia of Fairfield, CT, and Dan Hoerig and his wife Kathy Poehnert of Interlaken, NJ, as well as three grandchildren; Cody Hoerig of Interlaken, NJ, Erin Garcia of Fairfield, CT, and Grant Garcia and his wife Natasha of Philadelphia, PA.  Walt was predeceased by his brother Robert in 2002.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Disabled American Veterans, Attention:  GIFT PROCESSING, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or the USO, United Service Organizations, P.O. Box 96322, Washington, DC 20090-6322 would be kindly appreciated.

Long-time resident of Wayne, New Jersey and recent resident of Lutz, Florida, passed away on November 3, 2010.

Our Father Alfred

Our rock, our foundation

Circumspect in thought

Provider of wisdom

Giver with purpose

Guidance through truth

Learn from the past

Cherish the moment

Look toward the future

Kindness toward others

Love always heals

Treasure life's  journey

The spirit endures

Alfred Ayoub, DDS, a long-time resident of Wayne, New Jersey and recent resident of Lutz, Florida, passed away on November 3, 2010.  He was 87 years old.  Born in Passaic, New Jersey to Anthony Ayoub and Sadie Shahadi Ayoub, and brother to Louis, Marie and Theodore.  

Alfred graduated Passaic High School in 1941, and attended Paterson State Teachers College until entering the V12 Navy College Training Program at Drew University in 1943.  He was a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, and served on a minesweeper in the Pacific Ocean.  In 1946, he was honorably discharged.  Shortly following his discharge, Alfred returned to Drew, where he met his future wife, Elaine Ornstein Ayoub, and graduated in 1948 with a B.S. in Chemistry.    

Subsequent to his undergraduate studies, he was accepted into the Temple University School of Dentistry and received his DDS degree in 1952, followed by a Orthodontic Post Graduate degree from New York University in 1961.  He practiced dentistry for 52 years in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, retiring at the age of 81.    

Alfred was an enduring member of the Wayne Presbyterian Church, having served in several leadership roles. He enjoyed golf, bridge, traveling and, most importantly, gathering with family and friends.

Education played a major role in his life, and he was forever grateful for the GI Bill that enabled his career path.  Consequently, he was a strong proponent in the value of higher education, and encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue academics.  

He was predeceased by his wife, Elaine, after 54 years of marriage, and is survived by his son Richard and wife Sonia of Lutz, Florida, son Christopher and wife Jacqueline of Land O' Lakes, Florida and daughter Wendy Shadpour and husband Frank of Escondido, California.  He is the proud grandfather of Laura, Alfred, Michael and Jacob Ayoub, Jillian Ayoub Antinore, and Steven, David and Michelle Shadpour. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him and whose lives he touched.

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As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alfred’s memory to the Wayne Presbyterian Church, 1200 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Marie C. Longo of Pompton Plains died on November 2, 2010.

Vincent Craparo age 88 of Wayne died peacefully on Monday, November 1, 2010.

He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Lodi, NJ in 1951 before moving to Wayne, NJ in 1956.

He served in the United States Army during WWII and traveled throughout the European Theatre of the war having been stationed in England, Germany, France and Belgium.

Vince was a Photo Engraver and partner in United Passaic Graphics in Clifton for many years before retiring in 1987. He was truly an artist at heart and had jobs designing all types of jewelry including rings, necklaces, and bracelets as well as painting ceramic figures. His artistic talents can be seen throughout his home where he has painted portraits, animals, landscapes and even has a crayon drawing of his daughter when she was just one year old.

He met the love of his life, Madeline Carbone, when she was working for his cousin.  Their first date was to the Cameo Theatre in Brooklyn, NY to see a movie.  They could only see each other on weekends as Vince worked nights. He proposed to Madeline in the front hall of her home saying “you got me Maddie…let’s get married”. They married on October 7, 1951 at Our Lady of Lorreto, Brooklyn, NY.  They honeymooned at the Merry Hill Resort in the Poconos. Madeline and Vince lived with his mother on St. Johns Place, Brooklyn, NY until their daughter Camille was born and they moved to Lodi, NJ.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-nine years to Madeline Carbone Craparo; loved father of Camille Mueller and her husband Robert of Riverdale; cherished grandfather of Carly and Stephanie Mueller.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Judes Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Garrison, NY or an animal shelter of their choice.

Nicholas “Nicos” Tseperis, the renowned Greek singer, guitarist, composer, orchestra leader and comedian passes away on October 31, 2010 at the age of 87 surrounded by the comfort of his family. He now joins his loving wife, Nike Ordolis Tseperis who passed away in 2007.  

The "Man with the Golden Voice" enjoyed a lustrous career spanning four decades. His popularity stretched from his homeland of Greece, across Europe and America.

Nicos Tseperis was born September 7, 1923 in Athens, Greece to Daniel and Virginia Tseperis. His father earned his fortune as an importer/exporter of spices, a true “rags-to-riches” story. He grew up in a loving family with his three siblings, Ermolalos, Maria, and Dimitrios. He is survived by four daughters: two from his first marriage, Ioanna and Eleni plus their children, along with two daughters from his marriage to his wife, Nike of over fifty years, Virginia and Danielle. Danielle and her husband Steve also have a son, John Kalas, a delight to his grandfather. His family carries his memory and legacy to the future generations.  

        While he enjoyed a fair amount of celebrity status in his life, like the great Greek thinkers before him, Nicos Tseperis was philosophical. This was illustrated in his love of chess. He appreciated the strategy it required and admired the artistry of the pieces. But he would reflect at the end of the day how the King and the Pawn go into the same box. Furthermore, he was fond of saying, “It’s important to be a giver and happy to give, so practice real generosity.”

        Tseperis lived in many cosmopolitan cities, such as Paris, Cannes, Athens, and Istanbul. But America became his favored home. He lived in a number of cities, including Boston, Washington D.C., Cleveland and New York City. His career began in France; he moved there from Athens and began playing clubs and nightspots. Eventually he was hired to entertain aboard the yacht of a wealthy Greek shipping magnate, Pantelis Pantelakis. The two became good friends. Pantelakis wanted him to continue on, but Tseperis was hearing the siren call of the United States. It was with reluctance that Pantelakis granted him cross-Atlantic passage aboard one of his ships.

        In America Tseperis quickly found favor as an entertainer. He was an instant sensation with an impromptu performance at the Greek Nightclub, the Athenian Corner, where he sang a potpourri of songs in different languages and even engaged the crowd of 200 to sing along with him in Greek. He built up a regular following at Catskill Mountain resorts and entertained many celebrities, among them Van Johnson, Anthony Quinn, Harry Belafonte, Fred Gwynne and Melina Mercouri.

        During the course of his career he appeared on the Mike Douglas and Dick Cavett television shows, recorded six albums and performed for Aristotle Onassis and Queen Frederika of Greece. He also appeared in a Greek film. He was also a successful music producer and record company owner (Nina Records in New York City) and was greatly influential in the Greek and International music scene and worked with some of the great performers, among them Apostolos Nikolaidis, Stelios Katanzidis, Manolis Hiotis and Mary Linda,Marinella, Nicos Gounaris, Poly Panou, Yianni Tatasopoulos, Rena Dalia, Yiota Lidia, Ioannis Papaioannou, Spiros Zagoreos, Nicos Pourpourakis, Duo Acropol, The Trio Bel Canto and Jim Apostolou.

       A consummate professional, hard working and a lover of entertainment, music, family and friends – these are the qualities that characterized Nicos Tseperis life.

            “I have always followed the flow in my life and gone with what is before me.  I have looked for and listened for the opportunities in my life” stated Nicos.  “I do not go against what is natural.  

Ann Lassen (nee Cerrato) of Whiting, NJ.  Formerly of Newark, NJ.  Beloved wife of Norman, loving mother of Martin, David, Steven, Gregory and Gerard Lassen passed on Sunday morning, October 31, 2010.

After 21 years, 5 months and 19 days, Ann is once again reunited with her loving husband.  Family was the most important thing to Ann.  First nursing her mother through her final years, caring for her brothers and sisters, then marrying Norman, the love of her life, and bearing five sons.

A faithful parishioner of St. Michael’s Church in Newark, NJ, Ann will be missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind five sons, eleven grandchildren and many others who’s lives she touched with her love.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Born in Lesylha, Syria on January 1, 1925 and migrated to Jordan twenty years later

Martha Mansour Abbassi was born in Lesylha, Syria on January 1, 1925 and migrated to Jordan twenty years later to lovingly raise a large family and become a humble servant of the Lord through the Mafraq Orthodox Church.

She was married for seventy years and was endlessly devoted to her husband and family.

Martha epitomized and lived Proverbs 31 for her husband, family, and others.

She is survived by nine children, twenty one grandchildren and ten great grandchildren who currently live in Jordan and throughout the world.  

Her legacy as a giving and inspiringly positive individual, who kindly cared for and reached out to the less fortunate, survives her.

Her unwavering kindness to those in need has resulted in continued blessings for current generations and those to come.

Her beautiful green eyes and heart-warming smile will always be remembered.

Frances (Speroni) Evers, age 78, died peacefully on Friday, October 29, 2010, after a short battle with cancer. Her family was by her side at her home in Wayne.

Fran was born August 15, 1932, the youngest of seven children. Her parents, Eugenio and Louisa Speroni, were immigrants from Italy.

Fran grew up in Salamanca, NY, then a bustling railroad town. Despite her own lack of any formal education, Fran’s mother insisted that all of her children not only finish high school but pursue post-secondary education. For Fran, after graduating from Salamanca High School in 1949, it was a nursing degree from the University of Buffalo.

Even after moving away from Salamanca, Fran remained very close to her parents and to her sister Irene (the only one to call her "Frannie"), returning for regular visits. She never stopped referring to where she grew up as "home". She will be buried there alongside her parents and her older brother Peter.

Fran met her future husband, Jack, then a student at nearby St. Bonaventure, while on a double date with her sister Irene. They married in 1955 and moved to Westmont, NJ where Jack took a job selling concrete pipe and Fran worked as a surgical nurse.

After the birth of their two children and a law degree for Jack, Fran and her family moved to Wayne in 1961.

Although she left her nursing career to be a full-time homemaker, Fran’s nursing skills were not forgotten or left idle for very long. The care of her daughter, Valerie, born with developmental disabilities and then acquiring additional medical problems later in life, was a major focus over Fran’s entire life. She was Valerie’s primary caregiver until very recently when her own health prevented her from continuing. Fran was also the primary caregiver for Jack during a prolonged and challenging illness that lead to his death in 1996.

Always an athlete, Fran did find time to pursue golf and bowling and counted her fellow golfers and bowlers among her closest friends. During the colder months, many a Sunday afternoon was spent following the professionals on TV. She loved Arnold Palmer; Jack Nicklaus, not so much. Her latest favorite was Phil Mickelson.

She loved to grow flowers in the yard, and had a very good, usually quite dry, sense of humor. She also made a terrific New York Style cheesecake, the recipe for which was featured in a profile of her in the Wayne Today Newspaper in 1971.

A dog lover, Champ, Bandit (in his own way), Whitney and especially Sam left indelible marks on her heart.

Fran is survived by her daughter Valerie, of Wayne, her son John and his wife Caroline, of New Haven, VT, her sisters Irene Speroni and Mary Dolecki, both of Salamanca, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474-0291 would be appreciated.

December 18, 1916 – October 28, 2010

Emily was born in Clifton in 1916, the daughter of Emily and Edwin Benz. Her sister Margaret was just a year and a half old at the time, and sister Helen came along a few years after Emily. The three sisters were very close throughout their growing-up years and as adults. Margaret and Emily were roommates for one year in Allendale Nursing home, until Margaret’s passing in 2008. Sister Helen is now living in Georgia, but talked to Emily on the phone weekly up until the time of her death.

Emily was an excellent student and an avid reader. She received her formal education at Central High School in Paterson, graduating in 1934 as co-valedictorian with her good friend G. Raymond Reid, who later became her husband. She attended college for two years after high school.

In September of 1939 Emily and Ray were married and had what Emily described as a “wonderful and happy marriage” for forty-three years. Ray supported his growing family with a very rewarding career at Prospect Park National Bank. Seven children were born to the couple over the course of 20 years. Ray went home to be with the Lord in 1983.

Emily was a long time member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Paterson. In later life Emily was a member of Wyckoff Assembly of God Church, Bridgeway Community Church in Haledon, and for the last nine years, Madison Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Paterson.

She had a very special gift of personality that caused others to admire her and want to be with her. Emily maintained an open door hospitality atmosphere at her home and over the years had many houseguests. She and Ray hosted missionaries, “SWIMmers,” and any friends and family who needed a place to stay, whether long or short term.

She was a dedicated volunteer throughout her life. She did clerical work for Operation Mobilization, a mission program, and volunteered at the Eastern Christian High School library and the Midland Park Christian Reformed Church bookstore. She also was a strong backer of the Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Bethany Christian Services and numerous other charities.

Emily was a member of the Prospect Park Seniors and the Passaic County Seniors. She enjoyed the various activities, especially socializing and line dancing.

Emily loved to read, most importantly her Bible, but she also enjoyed devotional books and novels. When her eyesight failed her, she listened to the Bible on cassette tape and borrowed books on tape from the library. She took a walk almost every day, especially enjoying walking in the woods and praising God for his beautiful creation.

Surviving are three sons, Raymond Reid and his wife Carol of Hendersonville, Tennessee, David Reid and his wife Linda of Mahwah, Paul Reid of Milltown; four daughters, Virginia Reid of Atlantic Beach, Florida, Marsanne Reid and her husband Jack Hufty of Ocean City, Jeanne Reid Ruocco of Jacksonville, Florida, Lisa Cooke and her husband Bruce of Holland, Michigan; sister Helen Chapin; thirty-two grandchildren: Cindy and William David, Debbie Reid-Piffer and John Piffer, Carolyn and Steven Swann, Gregory and Christina Reid, Keith Reid, Joy Reid and her fiancé Jonathan Praono, Aaron and Tara Reid, Christopher Reid, Jesse Reid, Steven and Suzanne Greydanus, Lisa and Tito Palomeque, Matthew and Amanda Greydanus, G. T. Ruocco, Adam Ruocco, Brenda Cooke Woods and her husband Steve Woods, Dan and Mia Cooke, Joel Reid, Denise and Steven Hiott, Philip and Richelle Reid, Heather Reid and Christopher Reid; thirty-six great grandchildren: Cassandra, Cameron, Andrew, Jameson, Jesse, Timothy, Rachelle, Abigail and Grace David, Christian and Brielle Reid, Ericca, Rachel, and Joseph Reid, Austin and Landon Reid, Sarah, David, James, Anna, Nathan and Catherine Greydanus, David, Philip, Rachel and Rebecca Palomeque, Abigail, Emily Olivia, Esther, and Eleanor Greydanus, Jackson Hufty, Wyatt Woods, Eden Cooke, and London and Atticus Hiott.

Those considering an expression of sympathy in Emily’s memory are asked to consider the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee.

Susan Antoinette Gutowski Gorman age 50 of Dingman’s Ferry, formerly of Wayne, died Monday, October 25, 2010.

She was born in New York City, having lived in Wayne for forty years before moving to Dingman’s Ferry in 2000; she graduated from Wayne Hills High School, Wayne with the Class of 1978.

Susan worked for AIM Tank Services, Wayne and most recently worked for Century 21 Smith Realty in Lords Valley as a realtor.  She was a member of: Kiwanis of Delaware Valley - where she served as treasurer and received a great deal of personal satisfaction fundraising on behalf of their special causes, the American Cancer Society, Pike Wayne Assoc. of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.  She was also a member of the Wayne Rec. Women’s Softball League for over twenty years. She loved feeding the deer and bear at home, she loved her job in the real estate market, so much so that she made the Million Dollar Club at Wilkins and Associates Real Estate.  

She is best described as a person with a zest for life with an inner strength, and a love for family and friends.  She met the love of her life, Frank Gorman, through Frank’s sister Terri.  Their first date, which was almost their last as Frank wore white socks and black shoes, was to Portobello’s Restaurant, Oakland.  Frank proposed to Susan and they married on March 6, 1999.  They honeymooned in Antigua and have enjoyed eleven years of loving and devoted marriage. They were a truly perfectly paired couple who enjoyed each other immensely. Their marriage was made stronger by Frank’s willingness to say “yes dear”.

She was the loving wife of Frank Frederick Gorman; much loved daughter of William and Winifred Gutowski of Wayne; loving sister of Bernadette Solari and her husband Joseph of Wayne; adored daughter-in-law of Dorothy Gorman of Parrish, FL  and the late Frank Frederick Gorman, Sr.; devoted sister- in-law of Donna Gorman of Parrish, FL and Terri Heidt and her husband Ray of Oak Ridge; much loved niece of George and Anne Gutowski of Farmingdale, NY, and Cheryl and the late George Klein of Panama; cherished aunt of William Solari, Joseph Solari III, Ray Heidt and Bradley Heidt; loved niece of Charles Gutowski. Susan and Frank’s cats were their children and the joy of their lives.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Atlantic Home Care & Hospice, 33 Bleeker St., Millburn, NJ 07041 would be appreciated.

The family would like to send a warm thanks to the 5th floor neuro science unit and the hospice workers of the Overlook Hospital in Summit NJ for their care and compassion during Susan’s time there; and also the Newton Memorial Cancer Center doctors and staff for all of their love and support over the years she was there, because of their constant efforts she was able to be with us longer.

In closing let us all remember Susan and when things are difficult, try to live by her favorite quote: “Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and NEVER regret anything that made you smile…Life may not be the part we hoped for, but while we’re here, we should DANCE…”

Rosanna Fossati (nee Garavetti) age 86 of Wayne, formerly of Palisades Park, died on Monday, October 25, 2010.

She was born in Northern Italy and raised in Cossila, Italy where she met George Fossati and married him in April of 1948.  They moved to the United States almost immediately having settled in West New York before moving to Palisades Park in 1960 where they lived for over forty years.

Rosanna tried to get pregnant for fifteen years to no avail.  She gave up trying to have children and instead bought white rugs for the whole house.  That year she became pregnant with her son Jeffrey.

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Nicholas RC Church, Palisades Park.

Whether shopping, running errands or just exercising she could always be found walking the hilly streets of Palisades Park.  Friends and neighbors would offer her rides home but she would simply say thank you but I prefer to walk.  She would even offer to walk neighbors dogs to keep her company. Rosanna also enjoyed dancing and the music of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

She was a devoted and loving wife and mother who was also a great cook specializing in Northern Italian cuisine.  Among the many dishes she made her Polenta was one of the family favorites.  Rosanna also maintained a little vegetable garden on the side of the house. She was also a fanatical housekeeper.  Her husband’s machinist business was located in the basement of their home.  He would be milling parts while she was sweeping under his feet.  On one occasion George got up in the wee hours of the morning to go to the bathroom, when he returned to the bed it was already made.

Although feisty in nature Rosanna had a special place in her heart for the elderly in her Palisades Park neighborhood.  She would go to visit them, do their ironing, style their hair, and help with any other chores around the house. In September of 2010 her best friend and backyard neighbor, Vickie Piombino, passed away.

She was the beloved wife of sixty years to the late George Fossati(2008); loving mother of Jeffrey Fossati and his wife Kelly of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Cassandra Fossati and Jeffrey Fossati, Jr. both of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Make A Wish Foundation, 1034 Salem Rd, Union, NJ 07083-7058 would be appreciated.

Peter Franco, age 79, of Wayne, NJ was born in Montclair, NJ and raised in Riverdale, NJ.  

Peter was a Korean War Veteran who served in the United States Air Force from 1949 -1953.  Stationed at Elmendorf Air Force base in Anchorage, Alaska, Peter was trained in Radio and helped install the DEW (Distance Early Warning) Line.

Peter was a carpenter by trade for over 40 years before he retired twelve years ago.  Most recently he was employed as a courier for High Mountain Health.

Peter enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending their church, school, and sport activities.  His hobbies included working with stained glass, hunting, boating, and fishing.

Peter will be remembered for his strong devotion to his family, for always being there to lend a hand, and for his tremendous sense of humor.

As proud as Peter was of his government service, he was more proud of his family. Peter is survived by his Beloved wife of thirty-three years, Margaret (Hulbert); their daughter Shelley and her husband Larry Larthey of PA; their son Peter of FL; their daughter Lynn and husband Stephen Heydt; their daughter Diane and her husband David Rasa, M.D.; and their son Bob and his wife Linda.  Peter is also survived by his grandchildren Jenifer, James, Kevin John, Jocelyn, Chelsy, Emily, Andrew, Davina, Nicole, Michael, Peter Joseph, Bobby, and Lilliana and is blessed with eleven great-grandchildren.  Peter was a loving brother of Nicholas, Victor, Betty, Toni, and Lynn and was predeceased by a brother David and a sister Susan.  

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

Harold “Timer” Peer age 89 of Wayne died, Monday, October 25, 2010, suddenly with the comfort of family by his side.

He was born and raised on Ryle Park Avenue in West Paterson having lived in the Mountain View Section of Wayne since 1949.

Harold began working as a plumber’s helper with his father’s company, Edward Peer Plumbing in West Paterson when he was just a young boy. He worked side by side with his father until his retirement when Harold took over the company and changed the name to Harold Peer Plumbing, Wayne.  Having retired at the age of seventy he was a plumber for over fifty years.

Harold met his future wife, Pauline Rusin, on a front porch in Singac.  After dating for a while Pauline would say to him “let’s get married” and Harold would simply wait for the topic to go away.  Eventually Harold proposed to Pauline and she said she wasn’t sure. She soon said yes and they married on February 10, 1946.

Harold built his own home and was truly content there.  He loved life, wanted for nothing, and was a true local history buff.  He was a member of the Little Falls Historical Society, enjoyed old maps, metal detecting for artifacts, and has found many local Indian artifacts.  It was said he should have been a history teacher he loved it so much. He was even in the process of writing a book regarding the Naval Rifle Range, Caldwell Township(Fairfield, NJ) which will be on display at the visitation hours.

He was the beloved husband of sixty-four years to Pauline (Rusin) Peer; loving father of Barbara Jean Hatrak and her husband Michael of Columbus, and Denise VanVlaanderen and her husband Robert of Hawthorne; cherished grandfather of Deanna and Matthew Hatrak and Jade and Codi VanVlaanderen; brother to seven siblings.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474-0291 would be appreciated.

John Joseph Birkner age 73 of Wayne died peacefully on October 24, 2010 with the comfort of his family by his side.

He was born in Paterson where he lived, having lived in Clifton before moving to Wayne in 1969.

John was a United States Army Veteran having served from 1961 – 1963.

He graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School, Paterson with the Class of 1957.  He attended the Rochester Institute of Technology for one year.

John’s first job was helping his father in the family confectionery store in Clifton having later helped in the family’s second store a delicatessen in Paterson.  He later worked at the Rocco Press, Paterson before working for the DeLuxe Check Printers, Inc., Mountain Lakes for thirty eight years before retiring in 1997.

John was dedicated to his Catholic faith having been a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne. He was one of the first Eucharistic Ministers having served the parish for over thirty years. He was a member of the Seniors Club of the church and was a volunteer for the Worldwide Marriage Encounter through the Paterson Dioceses.

He was a Boy Scout in his youth and served on the Troop Committee of Troup 134 at Our Lady of Consolation Church, Wayne. He became a Scout Master in 1982 and received the following Scouting awards: St.George Emblem & Bronze Pelican Award both RC religious awards.  He also received the advanced Scout training award, Wood Badge in 1990.

He was a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne, the Wayne Adult Community Center, and the Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, Parsippany (1965-68). John was also a Master Gardner having served with the Agricultural Extension Service of Rutgers University.

John enjoyed fishing at Lion’s Head Lake in Wayne and would often be surrounded by children yelling “here comes Mr. B” as he would make his way to the lake.  He would help kids with baiting hooks, taking off fish and helped to give them an appreciation of fishing.

The story of how John met the love of his life, Dorothy Tkach, is a long one.  It seems John and Dorothy’s parents knew each other in Czechoslovakia before emigrating to the United States. Once in the States the family’s had some contact but not too much.  It wasn’t until John was in the Army and his aunt included Dorothy’s name, address and a bunch of stamps in a letter to John.  John remembered meeting Dorothy years earlier but wasn’t sure about writing to her out of the blue.  He placed her contact information with his belongings and forgot about it.  It wasn’t until he had spent all his money and was bored enough to clean out his trunk that he found her address and the stamps.  He again questioned whether to contact her and even queried fellow soldiers to see if it was a good idea to write to Dorothy.  They said go for it and he did.  Dorothy was dating a man at the time she received the first letter from John and asked her friends if she should correspond.  They said yes she should, what could it hurt, he was thousands of miles away. He corresponded for a couple of years even sending flowers from Hawaii and a purse and other items from Japan.  Dorothy soon received a letter from John saying he was coming home.  She was no longer seeing the other gentleman but was a little nervous about meeting John after so many years. They married at St. Mary’s Church, Pompton Lakes on November 6, 1965 and honeymooned at the Elbow Beach Surf Club in Bermuda.  They have enjoyed forty five years of loving and devoted marriage. Just this past summer the entire immediate family took a trip to Bermuda.

Surviving are his loving wife Dorothy (nee Tkach) Birkner; devoted father of Jeffrey Birkner of Belleville and Sharon Kelly and her husband Joseph of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandfather of Ryan and Evan Kelly; loved brother of Rose Kumalac of Wayne; much loved uncle of Rosemary Kumalac of Toms River and Thomas Kumalac of Salt Lake City, UT.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Eva’s Village, 393 Main St., Paterson, NJ 07501 of the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 293, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Sveto Cosic, age 70 of Oxford, New Jersey died on Saturday, October 23, 2010 with his family gathered at his bedside.  He retired to Oxford five years ago and had lived in Garfield for thirty five years prior.

Sveto was born in Bosnia and after World War II his country experienced some very hard times.  As a young man he realized that there were better opportunities out there, and many of them were in America.  In his early twenties he made the journey out of Bosnia, through the mountains, and into Austria.  He worked his way along and was eventually able to arrive in America.  He had no relatives or friends here at the time, but he had a heart full of determination.  He quickly made friends, socializing with fellow Serbians at a Paterson club, and he remained very close with many of those friends for his entire life.  He started working in the construction business and established a reputation as a quality craftsman during his career.  Shortly after settling in America, he made plans for his wife to come from Bosnia and join him here.  Her journey took more than a month, but before long Mira found herself here with Sveto.  They started a family and during their forty two years together they truly realized the American Dream through hard work and perseverance.  

Thirty one years ago, Sveto discovered a perfect piece of property in Oxford Township where he planned to build his dream home someday.  Over the years, he and his family would visit the property, camping there, enjoying family gatherings, and making great memories.  Sveto was eventually able to build his dream home five years ago on that property in Oxford, and he retired there with Mira. Sveto had come to America, quite literally with the clothes on his back, and built a beautiful life for himself and his family - “He did it”.

Sveto is survived by his loving wife of forty two years, Mira of Oxford, NJ, his son Peter and his wife Karen of Ogdensburg, NJ, two daughters; Elizabeth Mladenovic and her husband Sava of Totowa, and Linda Roussis and her husband Billy of Bayside, NY, five grandchildren; Ashley Roussis of Bayside, NY, Nick and Alex Mladenovic of Totowa, and Antonio and Isabella Cosic of Ogdensburg, as well as many dear cousins and very close friends.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Sveto’s memory to St. John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church, 119 Carlisle Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07501.

Bob was born in Jersey City and lived in Wayne, moved to Oak Ridge then returned to Wayne to the house he grew up in.

Bob attended the Holy Cross School, Wayne and later attended Wayne Valley High School.

Bob shared many happy days with friends in Oneonta, NY where a close friend owned a farm. He frequently visited friends in Pennsylvania with his son where he shared his love for the outdoors.

As a father, Bob always loved and supported his children Susie, Rachael, and Bobby. Bob knew the value of hard work and instilled it within his kids. He encouraged his children to succeed in school and eventually pursue higher education. Bob expressed his wishes for his children to continue to succeed in school and business.

Bob truly enjoyed the simple things in life and would be happiest while surrounded by his children, family, and friends for a good home-cooked dinner and laughter.

He was predeceased by his father Charles J. McGurr, his brother Charles McGurr.

Modesto “Al” Albarez age 78 passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at home. His loving family was at his bedside. His death came after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer. His passing was graciously peaceful as he past into the hands of his creator who gave him the wonderful gift of life.

He was born in Bronx, New York and he lived his childhood years in Newark, NJ. He received his formal education at Ann Street Grammar School and then at Eastside High School in Newark where he was active in Track and Football teams graduating with the Class of 1950.

Al enrolled at the Newark College of Engineering which is known today as The New Jersey Institute of Technology. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1957.

His first work experience was at Newark Leather Company and later as a leather finishing engineer for Seton Leather Company . He retired from work in 1997.

He was gifted with a strong personality that when it was presented with someone in need flowed with compassion and caring for others.   He was always very generous with his time and talents especially for those less fortunate than himself.

Al met the love of his life MaryAnn Mrocka at a social event. The story of their introduction started with Mary Ann stumbling and Al saving her day. From then on it was a natural, meant to be engagement and marriage. They married on November 27, 1965 honeymooned in Florida and have had forty five years of “loving and committed” marriage together.

The finest dedication of his life was commitment to family. He was especially close to his brother and sister and when he had his own wife and family his love for everything family was carried with loving intensity to all of those relationships. The arrival of grandchildren was especially joyous for him and he loved them with all of his heart.

In 2007 great sadness entered his life journey when his sister Margaret Basmajian died.

He was a parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary R C Church in Wayne.

Surviving are his loving wife MaryAnn (nee Mrocka) Albarez; two daughters Marianne Albarez-Hester and her husband Brian of Wayne, Lauren Rodriquez and her husband Alex of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; one son Richard Albarez and his wife Jacqueline of Short Hills; six wonderful grandchildren Matthew and Alicia Hester, Michael and Anna Rodriquez, Izzy and Mark Albarez; one brother Manny Albarez and his wife Mary of Spring Lake Heights, brother in law Frank Mrocka and his wife Debbie.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in “Al’s” memory are asked to consider the Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Dr., 4th Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 or The Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.

Stella Johanna Downer (nee Pryll) age 97 of Wayne died peacefully on Tuesday, October 19, 2010.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY, lived in Bloomfield and Irvington, attended Central High School, Newark, living in Wayne before moving to Toms River seventeen years ago.

Stella was an extremely astute proprietor who helped administrate the financial end of her husband John’s varied businesses. They owned and operated the Global Machine Shop in Bloomfield for many years. Several years after the fact they found out they had been manufacturing prototype parts for the atomic bomb. When they sold this business they bought a nursery in Bernardsville and named it “Downer’s Nursery”.  They sold the nursery after several years when John’s health took a turn for the worse.

She was the beloved wife of forty-seven years to the late John Downer(1970); loving mother of Marion Botbyl and her husband Howard of Wayne and the late Bernard Downer(1999); devoted sister of the late Theodore Pryll, Alex Pryll, Viola Pyrll, and Helen Stonack; cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Curtis Jay Hellman, age 66, of Riverdale, NJ died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 19th.

Curtis was born in New York City and raised in River Edge, NJ.  He lived in Vernon, NJ for 19 Years, followed by 9 years in Concord, NC, until moving to Riverdale, NJ over 4 years ago.

He was a Product Manager for Avdel Cherry Textron in Parsippany for 43 years until his retirement from the company in 2006.  After moving back to NJ, he landed a job with FastBolt in Hackensack, where he worked until the present day.

Curtis and JoAnn cherished 41 years of marriage.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  His family remembers him as being somewhat of a history buff and taking a special interest in landscaping his property.   He was a big fan of western movies and accumulated quite a large collection of them.  He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife JoAnn (nee) Krumpfer; 2 daughters Kimberly Bacich and her husband Bill of Pequannock, Courtney Nascimento and her husband Greg of Butler; 1 sister Barbara Loman of Woodland Hills, CA; and 6 grandchildren Bryan, Christopher, Daniel, Cristina, Gregory, and Conner.

Helen Marie O’Connor age 81 of Wayne died peacefully on Monday, October 18, 2010.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Staten Island, NY having lived in Bronx, NY before moving to Wayne fifty-five years ago.

Mrs. O’Connor was a Registered Nurse having been trained by Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC with the Class of 1950. She served as an RN for Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC for fifteen years and later practiced at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson where she worked before retiring in 1966.

She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne for many years and most recently was a member of St. Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes.

She will be remembered as a vibrant, active, selfless, gracious person who just recently stated to her family that she had a “great life”.   She enjoyed sewing, was a member of a local sewing club, and will be remembered for the many Baptismal Bonnets that could be used in the future as a something old bridal kerchief.  She rarely watched television but would read several books a week.  She has read so many books that she started keeping a log of the books she read to avoid re-reading a book. Helen played tennis in Wayne for many years before moving to Naples, FL.

Helen first met her husband to be, John O’Connor, when he went to visit his Aunt Carol who was being treated at Lenox Hill Hospital. They met again at a dance at the hospital.  John had to be dragged to the dance by a friend and Helen just happened to swing by the dance after her shift.  Their first date was a visit to the Empire State Building and they married at Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Bronx, NY on February 3, 1951.  They honeymooned in a cottage at Mount Airy Lodge in the Pocono's and enjoyed a loving, supportive, caring and devoted forty-nine years of marriage before Johns passing on December 6, 2000.

She was the loving wife of the late John Francis O’Connor(2000); loving mother of Patricia A. O’Connor and her husband Kenneth Hefferle of Pompton Plains, Nancy J. Lavorgna and her husband Larry of Kinnelon, and John O’Connor and his wife Maryam of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Emily Lavorgna, Alexandra and Andrew O’Connor; devoted sister of Paul Joseph Harris of Raleigh, NC, and the late Dorothy Begley, Vernon Collette, and Midge Harris.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Hospice of the Visiting Nurse Assoc. of Northern NJ, 175 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 would be appreciated.