Catherine A. Orsini (nee Kennedy) age 90 of Wayne, formerly of Paramus, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 after a brief illness.

She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, having lived in Japan for two years and Paramus for fifty-one years before moving to Wayne four years ago.

She was the beloved wife of the late Paul Orsini(1989); loving mother of Maureen Orsini-Mahoney and her husband Peter of Mendham, Kathy Esposito and her husband Wally of Wayne and the late Paulette Soto(2007); loved sister of the late John, Thomas and William Kennedy; cherished grandmother of Colleen Vino and her husband Gil, Cathleen Sullivan and her husband Harry Bullock, Michael Sullivan and his wife Michelle Kirk, Natalie Lois and her husband Gregory, Justin O’Grady and Daniel Mahoney; loving great-grandmother of Michael, Paul and Christiaan Bullock, Connor and Zachary Vino and Alexandra Lois.

Terri Kaetzel (nee Royko), age 50 of Bloomingdale, NJ died quietly on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 with her loving family at her side.

Terri was a teacher’s aide at the Martha B. Day Elementary School in Bloomingdale where her students affectionately called her “Miss Terri”.  She loved helping with the children and was, by her very nature, a caring and giving person.

Terri was born in Binghamton, New York and had lived in Johnson City, New York and North Brunswick, New Jersey.  She moved to Wayne when she was thirteen years old and graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1978.  She attended Annunciation RC Church and it was here that she met Glenn Kaetzel.  They quickly became high school sweethearts and were married in 1981.  Glenn recalls their very-memorable first date to the beach where Terri proceeded to pass-out while they strolled along the boardwalk.  Glenn stood by her side, revived her with some cold water and the rest is history, as they say.  On a subsequent date, he proposed to her on the beach in Lavallette and they enjoyed nearly thirty years of a loving and fun marriage together, filled with lots of laughter.

Terri was an excellent cook and could make anything well.  She loved to cook for her family.  She also loved to go shopping, but would rarely buy anything for herself.  She would spoil her daughters, or buy gifts for others.  She enjoyed day-trips on Glenn’s motorcycle, watching MASH, Survivor, or the Amazing Race on TV, and playing games online like Mahjong. She especially liked Tricky-Trays.  If there was a Tricky-Tray going on, she would be there.

Terri was devoted to her two daughters.  There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them.  The times they spent playing Rummy together, shopping, or trying to decipher their mom’s made-up vocabulary words, will give them memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.

Terri will also be dearly missed by her beloved cocker spaniel; Ginger.  The family often joked that Ginger was her third child, and Terri spoiled her as well.

Terri is survived by her devoted husband Glenn Kaetzel of Bloomingdale, her two loving daughters; Nicole and Karen Kaetzel of Bloomingdale, her mother; Hedy Royko of Hamburg, NJ, four sisters; Janet Royko of Dingmans Ferry, PA, Kathy Garrett and her husband Ron of Hamburg, NJ, Patti Hreha and her husband Al of Wayne, NJ, and Joann Salvatore of Langhorne, PA, her loving father-in-law; Gilbert Kaetzel of Wayne, one brother-in-law; Gary Kaetzel and his wife Rose of Wayne.  Terri was predeceased by her father Joseph Royko.  She was also blessed with a large, loving, extended family of thirteen nieces, nephews, and many more.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Terri’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Nancy Intini age 93 of Wayne, NJ died Monday, June 7, 2010 at the Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville NJ, born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and lived in Wayne for many years,she was employed in her younger years by the Old Gold Cigarette Corporation, Jersey City as a machine operator.

Nancy was a parishioner of Holy Rosary Church, Jersey City.

She enjoyed crocheting but was really known for her baking.  All who knew her well called her the "Cookie Lady".  Family, friends and even the UPS man were given “grandma cookies” all the time. Baking cookies is a tradition that she has passed on to her great-granddaughters.

She met her husband Cosimo through a family friend.  Her parents and his family where both from Monopoli, Bari, Italy.  They often went to Coney Island when dating and married on April 21, 1934 at Holy Rosary Church, Jersey City.  They enjoyed a forty-six year devoted marriage until Cosimo’s passing in 1980.

She was the beloved wife of the late Cosimo Intini; loving mother of Thomas Intini and his wife Marie of Park Ridge, Vito Intini and his wife Josephine of Clinton Twp., and Joseph Intini of West Palm Beach, FL; much loved mother in law to Joanne DePalma- Intini; cherished grandmother of Lisa Cushing and her husband Mark, David Intini and his wife Katie, Lori Ann Gallucci and her husband Sam, Nicole Liccardo and her husband Adam, and Danielle Natusch and her husband David; loving great-grandmother of Paul and Adriana Intini, Samantha, Julia and Ava Gallucci, Ryan Natusch, and Savannah Liccardo.

Nancy is survived by her brother Anthony Fiume and sister Mary DePalma.

In lieu of memorial flowers, donation to the Wounded Warrior Project Center, PO Box 758516, Topka, KS 66675-8516. Tel: 904-296-7350  will be appreciated.(donation cards will be available at the funeral home)

Sylvia Ann Giannella, age 83 of Wayne, died Saturday, June 5, 2010 after a brief illness and less than six months after the death of her husband Silvio Giannella.  They had enjoyed sixty two years of devoted and loving marriage together and were the co-founders of Giannella’s Baking Company, located in Paterson, NJ.

Mrs. Giannella was born on July 1, 1926 in Monongahela, Pennsylvania.  She is survived by her sister Mae Campos, one daughter; Dianna, and four sons; Fiore, Richard, Ralph and Thomas, ten grandchildren; Jamie, Michael, Nicole, Louis, Elizabeth, Sarah, Rachel, Robert, Luciano and Chiara, and one great-grandchild; Nicholas Robert.  Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Silvio in December of 2009, and her son Robert in 1996.

Alice Mc Phee, age 81 of Paterson, died on Thursday, June 3, 2010.  She was born in Paterson and had lived in Boston during her childhood years but Paterson was always her home.

She was employed by the Kopaco Packaging Corp. in Pine Brook for many years and was a dedicated, hard working woman, determined to support her family to the best of her ability.  She was devoted to her children and doted on them at every turn.  They especially loved her cooking and recall that she could cook anything well, but was particularly good at making Italian dishes.  She kept an immaculately clean home.

She also enjoyed travelling and had visited Africa, Spain, Hawaii, Ireland, California and had made several trips to Las Vegas.  She was always fond of the slot machines and made frequent trips to Atlantic City to play the slots and visit with her niece.  Family was always important to her and she was very proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Alice is survived by her two loving children; Craig Mc Phee and his wife Susan of Wayne, and Doreen Piscitelli and her husband Frank of Totowa, two grandchildren; Trisha Mc Phee and Michael Mc Phee, both of Wayne, two great-grandchildren; Marissa Morgan Conca, and Mackenzie Paige Conca, both of Wayne, and one sister; Betty Schilling of Seaside Park, NJ., and long-time companion Frank De Lis of Paterson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.

Age 99 of Totowa, formerly of Paterson, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

Jean Vigorito (nee Volpe) age 99 of Totowa, formerly of Paterson, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

She was the loving wife of forty-eight years to the late Ben Vigorito (1983); loving mother of Ralph Vigorito and his wife Sandy of Totowa and Maryann Sharkey and her husband Timothy of Reno, NV; cherished grandmother of Ralphie & Debbie Vigorito, Tommy & Dianne Vigorito, Darcy & Tom Nash, Patricia & Matthew Babich, Rich & Tracy Sharkey, Jennifer Beesley, and Amanda & Rob Hill; much loved great-grandmother of Brandon & Brianna Vigorito, Justin & Michael Vigorito, Ryan & Kelly Nash, Matthew, Shawn, Rachel Babich, and Riley Sharkey; loving sister of the late Pat Volpe, Charles Volpe, June Volpe, Sadie Polizzi and Teresa Damiano.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470, would be appreciated.

George Roemlein age 86 was born in Jersey City,  New Jersey in January of 1924.  He passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010 at Saint Josephs Hospital in Paterson.

George’s father owned a wagon and auto repair shop.  George’s father passed away in 1936.  At the age of 12 George shined shoes for extra money on the streets of Jersey City helping to support their young family.  His old shoe shine box was a proud fixture in his family’s closet.

George had some of his best early days in his family’s West Milford bungalow.  There they spent summers swimming and having endless fun.

He was close with his brother Bill and sister Marion.

George joined the Army Air Corp.  and served in WW II.  He was stationed in England.  One of his first missions was to bomb his ancestral hometown of Wurtzburg, Germany.  George survived many battles and mishaps including a crash landing in Lake Ponchtrain, LA.  

After the war George enjoyed life to the fullest; traveling the world and making many friends.  He was an avid skier and drove weekly to Vermont as well as multiple trips to Switzerland, Italy and France.  It was on one of these flights , that he and his friends chartered,  that he met his wife, Elfriede.  To get his attention, Elfriede reportedly “tripped” George in the aisle of the plane.  That was a magic trip as they soon married and moved to Packanack Lake, where they lived most of their lives together.

George was a lifetime Giants football fan and season ticket holder following the team from the early “Yale Bowl” days through Super Bowls and now the new stadium.   George retired as a Major in the US Army.

He became a tradesman learning the now almost extinct art of photoengraving.

Georges’ son Chris lives in Rhode Island and owns his own business.  Chris is happily married to his wife Faye and they have three children; Connor, Ethan and India.

Georges’ daughter Vicki was born handicapped.  George dedicated himself to making sure Vicki had as normal a life as possible.  He worked with various groups including The Elks, Spectrum for Living and others to keep Vicki and other handicapped children active and cared for.

Sadly Elfriede passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2005.  It was after her death that George entered another happy stage of his life, selling his home and moving to Cedar Crest Village.  There he made many friends and said to me many times that he was content, at peace and happy with his full life.

Adele Sincavage (nee Dworak) age 88 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock with the comfort of her family by her side.

She was born and raised in Dupont, PA having attended the Dupont High School with the Class of 1940.  During her high school years she was a member of the track team.

She was raised in a devout Polish National Catholic family that attended Holy Mother of Sorrows PNCC Church in Dupont, PA.  Adele was active in the church having sung in the choir and attending many dances there.

She met the love of her life John J. Sincavage as he was an "across the street neighbor".  They dated and were married just before he entered the Army infantry during WWII.  Adele and John were married on October 3, 1942 and when applying for their wedding license John placed a piggy bank full of change on the counter to pay for the license.  The town clerk never opened the bank and displayed it as a unique method of payment.  Adele and John lived in East Rutherford  and Passaic before moving to Wayne in 1971. They enjoyed forty-seven years of loving and caring marriage before his passing on March 21, 1989.

Mrs. Sincavage was a prosthetic finisher for the Howmedica/Pfizer Corporation, East Rutherford where she worked for twenty years before retiring in 1987. Her duties included polishing and cleaning many and varied prosthesis to be used in surgery.

She was a member of SS Peter and Paul PNCC, Passaic and most recently Holy Cross PNCC, Woodland Park.

Adele is best described as a loving, soft spoken, kind, sweet lady who was thoughtful, appreciative and unassuming.  She was a loyal New York Yankees fan

having attended her first game at the age of 71.  She enjoyed sewing, handwork such as making lace, crocheting and knitting.  An excellent cook, she had a real knack for making jelly and traditional Polish foods like pierogie, stuffed cabbage and crusciki.

She was the beloved wife of the late John J. Sincavage(1989); loving mother of Cathy Pietrkowsky and her husband Al of Hamburg, Elaine Mamary and her husband Thomas of Kinnelon, Beverly Vickerilla and her husband Hughie of Totowa and Raymond Sincavage and his wife Susan of Lake Hopatcong; loved sister of Julia Sorbal of East Rutherford, Anna Kotula of Dupont, PA and Fred Dworak and his wife Gerri of Wyoming, PA; adored aunt of many nieces and nephews; cherished grandmother of Jayson Sincavage, Marty Herrick and wife Amber, Stacey McGill and husband Kevin, Marlene Decker and husband Kevin, Jaime Miller and husband Rob, Jacqueline and John Mamary, step-grandchildren Jamie Santos and husband Dan, Stacy Turco and husband David; adored great-grandmother of Zachary, Owen, Adelyn, Brianne, and step-great-grandchildren Aidan, Dylan, Aubrey, and Jesse.

In lieu of flowers, donations in support of great-grandson Zachary Decker to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 would be appreciated.

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Felicita "Phyllis" Borzotta, 79, passed away on Saturday, May 22nd after a long battle with cancer.

Felicita was born in the northern Italian mountainous region of Trentino in the village of Montesover on January 10, 1931. While her mother, Julia, was pregnant with Felicita (which means "Happiness" in Italian) her husband, Felix, came to America but due to the Depression, the looming war and other factors he wasn't able to bring his family here until 1940. At age 9, Felicita  immigrated to the US with her mother, Julia, and brother, Evo, where she finally met her father, Felix Andreatti. The trio were on the very last boat from Italy allowed into the US before the two countries became enemies. After a sometimes arduous three week journey, they arrived in NY but were briefly held up as customs thought the tin of chamomile tea they brought was marijuana! Finally, the family was reunited and they went to live in Atlas, PA, where Felix was working in the coal mines.

It was a difficult adjustment since they didn't speak English and had no relatives here. However, the small town lifestyle suited them and soon Felicita had another brother, Joseph. She graduated from Mt. Carmel Catholic High School in 1949. Prior to that she had begun correspondence with a young man from Clifton, NJ, name Anthony Borzotta who was in the army with brother Evo. Love blossomed and the two were married in May 1950 in NJ where the couple then lived.  Both worked until they started a family . The first four children, Anthony, John, Kathleen, and Joseph were born in Clifton. In 1963 they moved to Wayne, NJ, and shortly thereafter their fifth child, Peter was born.

Felicita was probably best know for four things - her faith, her cooking, her quilts, and her generosity. Her cooking combined northern Italian, Sicilian and American cuisines with which she fed a family of seven and frequent guests - from relatives to college friends. It was a rare event to visit her home and leave without a full belly. Holidays, particularly Christmas Eve, revolved around food and family. She was equally adept in her sewing room where she created beautiful quilts and became a member of the Garden State Quilt Association and the Brownstone Quilters. Her quilts, which received numerous awards, grace the homes of many friends and relatives.

A lifelong devout Catholic, Felicita was a parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley Church for 47 years and was a member of the Adoration Society, Novena Group, helped at parish carnivals, and used her sewing skills to create a bereavement quilt and decorations for the church. She also worked at Eva's Kitchen in Paterson for many years. She and husband, Tony, who died in 2003, were supporters of the Mercy Home for Boys and Covenant House for decades, several St. Joseph charities, Operation Smile, and many others. They also were always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and relatives.

While battling cancer the past year, in her typically humble nature, Felicita expressed being overwhelmed and surprised by the outpouring of love and affection from so many people. When asked why she thought so many people cared for her, she said that throughout her life she never envied people, so she never really had negative feelings toward anyone. "Well, except once when we were in Clifton and we had the four kids, I did want a bigger house."

In 2000, Tony achieved his childhood dream of owning a farm and raising animals. He and Phyllis purchased a beautiful farm in White Township, NJ. Using his nickname for her he dubbed it, “Angel’s Acres.” Felicita is survived by son Anthony and wife Robin, son John and wife Barbara, daughter Kathleen and husband Richard Higgins, son Joseph, son Peter and his partner Jeff Barneson, and grandchildren Justin, Sean, Troy,  Anthony, Alexandra and Zachary.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Phyllis' memory to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, or to Covenant House, Times Square Station, P.O. Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900.

Phyllis A. Maguire (nee Lorenzi) age 71 of Rockaway died Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the Compassionate Care Hospice, Dover.

She was born and raised in Elmwood Park having lived in Saddle Brook, Pompton Plains for twenty-five years, before moving to Rockaway nine years ago.

Phyllis graduated from Lodi High School, Lodi with the Class of 1957.  She continued her education at then Paterson State College, now William Paterson University, in Wayne having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with the Class of 1961.  In college she was active with the Fencing team.

She met her husband to be Robert (Bob) Maguire during a young adults mixer at St. Leos Church in Elmwood Park.  They married at St. Leo’s on June 17, 1961 and enjoyed forty-six years of a loving marriage. They were true partners in marriage and were said to be inseparable

Soon after college, Phyllis dedicated herself to raising her family. She is said to have made one of the best homemade chicken vegetable soups ever. She served as a substitute teacher and was said to be the only sub to hand out homework to the students.  She also donated her time and talents to the Learning Center and Library at St. Phillip the Apostle School in Saddle Brook while her children attended. She also served as a Girl Scout leader in Saddle Brook for many years.

Phyllis most enjoyed spending hours on the beach in Lavallette, reading, and hosting all holiday and family celebrations. She was an avid tennis player right up until recently.  She took great pleasure in watching her grandchildren compete in sports and dance.  She enjoyed camping when her children were younger and they shared memorable summer camping excursions with close friends to places from Niagara Falls, New York to Nashville, Tennessee.  She enjoyed traveling with Bob to places from Branson, Missouri to Florida and among her favorite trips was an Alaskan cruise they took together.  She could often be found listening to her favorite music which included: Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Fats Domino and many country music artists.

Phyllis was a parishioner of St. Bernard Church, Wharton.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Maguire(2007); devoted daughter of Mary Lorenzi  of Barnegat and the late Aladino Lorenzi;  loving mother of Mary Billera of Vernon, Robert P. Maguire and his wife Lia of Wayne and Vincent J. Maguire and his wife Kimberley of Hardyston; cherished grandmother of James Billera, Marissa, Jenna and Vincent Maguire; loved sister of Annette Guadagnino of Barnegat.

Joseph P. Kovach age 87 of Whiting formerly of Paterson passed away on Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Community Hospital in Toms River.  His loving wife and children where constantly at his bedside and witnessed his peaceful passing into life eternal.

He was born on September 14, 1922 in Horne-Otrokovce, Czechoslovakia and immigrated with his parents in 1931 arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The family later moved to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, then moving to the United States in 1965 and settling in Paterson, NJ where he lived for a period of 8 years. After residing in Paterson they moved Elmwood Park for a period of 10 years. He then retired to Whiting, NJ.

The obvious reason that his family moved from Czechoslovakia was for a better life.  The political conditions were becoming first heavily socialist which led into a communist state.  Life was difficult indeed and Joseph’s parents John and Wilma Kovach said to themselves that they had no optimism in their life journey if they stayed in Czechoslovakia.  They decided to leave everything behind and bring their family to a free land called America.  They logistically had to wend their way to Canada first and then to America.  It is hard to understand the courage it took this family to make such a dramatic change to a better life.  The end result was the Kovach family and the continuing generations of their family where able and will be able in the future to live the “American Dream.”  History tells us that Joe’s parents made a very wise decision for themselves and their children.

When he finally was able to move into the United States he settled in Paterson NJ and took a position with Saint Mary’s Hospital in Passaic.  At Saint Mary’s he was a maintenance supervisor where he worked for 25 years before retiring in 1993.

While living in Elmwood Park he was a parishioner of Saint Leo’s RC Church.

Joseph was gifted with a robust personality with a wonderful sense of humor.  He was truly dedicated to his wife and children and was a wonderful provider for all of their needs.  He nurtured his children into getting a good education and long into adulthood he was always concerned about their well being.  He was a good and loving father.  The arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren in his life was very special and he loved them with all of his heart.

His children recall him as a good cook who specialized in wonderful chicken dishes.

He also took time to vacation and had many numerous trips to Windsor, Ontario, Canada to visit relatives that remained there and also he very much enjoyed going on cruises.

Joseph met a beautiful girl named Mary Machovsky in Jersey city and they courted for 2 years and married july 26,1946.  The end result was that they had 70 years of a loving marriage together.

Surviving the wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather are his loving wife Mary (Machovsky) Kovach; four children including Linda Meola of Elmwood Park, Joseph Kovach and his wife Beverley of Pompton Plains, James Kovach and his wife Gloria of Whiting and Kathy Tecza  and her husband Paul of Clifton.; two sisters Margaret Kovach of British Columbia, Isabelle Parker of Windsor, Ontario, Canada; one brother John Kovach of Windsor, Ontario, Canada; eight grandchildren Thomas Meola,  Mellissa Woodard, Christian Kovach, Jennifer Kovach and Donna Marie Kovach, Michael, Katie and Kristen Tecza; five great grandchildren Mathew, Timothy, Joseph, Jeremy and Nicolas.

He was predeceased by two sons Timothy Kovach at age nine and William Kovach at age thirty-one.  He was also predeceased by his son in law Thomas Meola.

Marion Francis Marchetti, age 101 of Totowa, died peacefully on Sunday May 16, 2010 just one day after her birthday.  Her family was with her at her bedside when she passed.

Marion grew up in Paterson and had lived in Totowa for over eighty years.  She moved to Totowa with her father in the 1920’s, shortly after losing her mother.  She recalled that the land on Rosengren Avenue was all wooded when her husband Hank, purchased the lot, and he built the house that she continued to live in until her passing.

While living in Totowa, Marion was very active at St. James of the Marches Roman Catholic Church, on Totowa Avenue.  She was a member of the NANOR Club at St. James, which used to produce plays at the church.  In the early 1940’s, Marion had the lead role in “The Arrival of Kitty” and during the rehearsals she met Henry Marchetti, whom everyone called "Hank".  The two of them fell in love and were married in 1948.  One of their favorite things to do together was dancing; they were fast dancers and excellent at the Tango and the Peabody.  They enjoyed fifty five years of marriage together before Hank passed in 2003.

Marion enjoyed playing Bingo anywhere she could; St. James, St. Brendan’s, St. Thomas, and the PAL, just to name a few.  She was also very talented at home decorating and creating her own elaborate window treatments.

She is survived by her daughter; Alice Marie De Cicco and her husband Thomas of Butler, her grandson Thomas and his wife Myriah of Mays Landing, NJ, and three great-grandchildren; Julia Marie, TJ, and Justin, all of Mays Landing, NJ.

Joanne P. Scheetz age 64 of Kinnelon died peacefully on Sunday, May 16, 2010, after a lifelong battle with Muscular Dystrophy; she had the comfort of her sister Carol by her side.

She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas and lived in El Paso, Texas, Youngstown, Ohio and Sanford, North Carolina before moving to Kinnelon, NJ fifteen years ago.

Joanne’s body physically gave her a hard time, but mentally she was as sharp as a tack.  She enjoyed following politics and world events and was very knowledgeable on these subjects. She was also a devout fan of Notre Dame Football.  She knew all the stats,  the players and even offered in-depth analysis as to why they had won or lost a game. She also had a terrific sense of humor.  She was witty, clever, always smiling, considerate, and never complained.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Raymond John Scheetz, Sr., M.D. and Mary (Coletta) Scheetz; loving sister of Dr. Raymond Scheetz, Jr. and his wife Sherran of Moreland Hills, OH, Carol Borinski and her husband Andrew of Kinnelon, NJ and the late Marilyn Scheetz(1978) and the late Bonnie Scheetz(1982); loved aunt to seven nieces and nephews and eleven great-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation to Our Lady of Magnificat, 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon, NJ 07405 would be appreciated.

Mary Santin age 89 of North Haledon died Saturday, May 15, 2010 peacefully at home.

She was born in Elizabeth and later lived in Belleville for forty years.  She was a secretary for the Mansol Ceramics Company, Belleville for twenty six years.

Mary was the beloved wife of forty years to the late Augustin Santin, Jr.(1981); loving mother of Carol Santin-Gorga of North Haledon; cherished grandmother of Jaymie Carbon and her husband Joe of Wayne, Christopher Gorga and his wife Rayna of North Haledon, and Adam Gorga of Pompton Lakes; loved great-grandmother of Demiana Gorga, Joey Carbone and Ciana Gorga; loved sister of Sixto “Bob” Salgado of Forked River.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Valley Hospice, 15 Essex Road, Suite 301, Paramus, NJ 07652 would be appreciated.

Mary Pelak (nee Szilagyi) age 90 of West Milford died Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the VanDyke Care Center, West Milford.

She was born in Romania and came to this country at the age of one.  The family settled in Passaic and she lived in Clifton before moving to West Milford three years ago.  Mary was of Hungarian descent. Her grandfather was in the Austro-Hungarian Army.

Mary went to IBM Keypunch School in New York City and worked as a keypunch operator for the Curtis Wright Corporation, Woodbridge and later worked for Eastern Overalls Company, Garfield, the Lightcraft Corporation, Passaic and Clifton Savings & Loan, Clifton before taking a position at Hoffman La Roche, Nutley where she worked for twenty years before retiring in 1983.

On the occasion of her retirement the following was written about Mary:

“The lobby in the Research Tower(Building 76) is not the same…and what’s missing is Mary Pelak with her marvelous smile and warm personality at the reception desk.

Mary retired after working for 20 years at Roche.  She began her varied career as a billing clerk.  When computers began to dominate the picture, Mary decided on a new direction by changing to keypunch operations for a period of 8 years.  Because of medical restrictions, Mary was then given another opportunity to change direction, and she became a Secretary and held the receptionist position for the past 10 years.

Mary’s background included attending Feakes Business College where she obtained her secretarial training together with some keypunch courses.  Sawyer School of Business was in Mary’s future, and at the age of 55, she received her diploma.  As receptionist, her duties were varied, including attending to visitors, conference room reservations, chauffeur requests, helping visiting retirees, and many other secretarial tasks.

Because of her personality and basic love for people, Mary was very well suited for her position.  She developed camaraderie among her fellow employees, which developed into a large circle of friends.

She maintains a very active life by devotion to her family, extensive traveling, furthering her educations, and hobbies of many varieties.  She also finds time to volunteer her services to local hospitals.  Mary is a lifetime member of the Deborah Hospital Foundation and devotes much of her time to this effort.

Involvement with Roche retirees is in Mary’s future, and so we shall see her from time to time.

Mary has been extremely supportive to CWR, and we wish to express our sincere thanks.

We will miss you, Mary – the times when some of us stopped to chat, your warm receptive smile, and above all, your understanding.  Our wish for you is that you have excellent health and much happiness in whatever  you choose to endeavor during your retirement.

ALWAYS KNOW THAT YOU LEFT A LEGACY FOR US…YOURSELF.”

She was a devout Catholic having been a parishioner of  St. Andrew’s RC Church, Clifton and a member of their Rosary Society and 39rs Club.  She was also a member of the Hoffman LaRoche Retiree Club, Concerned Women of Roche, the Botany Leisure Village, Clifton, AARP of the Ridgefield Church, Clifton and the Felician College Older is Better Club.

Mary was very active having played performed as a Hungarian dancer as a child, playing Bridge, golfing and bowling in her younger years. She was also a terrific cook specializing in Hungarian foods such as Chicken Paprikash, Kifle Cookies, Hungarian butter cookies and poppy seed and nut bread. She was also a skilled artist focusing her talent on water color painting.

Mary traveled extensively having been to such international locations as China, Israel, Majorca, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Hawaii, London, Ireland, Italy, Budapest, Haiti and the Dominican Republic to name a few.

She was the beloved wife of the late Peter Pelak(1962); loving mother of Lois Patuto and her husband James of Wayne, the late Peter Pelak(1973), and Carol Mesce and her husband Thomas of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Jeremy Patuto and his wife Jennifer, Amy Nazarko and her husband Edward, Dana Muro and her husband Christopher, Alissa, Vincent and Nicholas Mesce; loved great-grandmother of Isabella Patuto and Lily Nazarko; devoted sister of Helen Braeunig of Toms River, Joseph Szilagyi and his wife Ann of Manchester and Evelyn McDonald and her husband Arthur of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Deborah Hospital Foundation, PO Box 820, Browns Mills, NJ 08015-0820, where Mary donated her time and talent, would be appreciated.

Damiano Conforti age 80 of North Haledon died peacefully, on Friday, May 14, 2010, with the comfort of his family by his side.

He was born and raised in Calabria, Italy having come to the United States in 1973 in search of a better life for his family.  He settled in Paterson and lived in North Haledon for the past twenty-two years.

He met the love of his life, Rosaria Belmonte, in Calabria, Italy.  Damiano’s sister married someone who lived close to Rosaria and soon they were courting each other.  Romance was difficult as Rosaria had a very protective father, eight sisters and two brothers.  Damiano and Rosaria were never left alone until their wedding night. They married on February 10, 1957 at the Santa Annunziata RC Church, Calabria, Italy. They have enjoyed fifty-three years of a loving and caring marriage.

Damiano worked in the Paterson textile mills for many years.  He was employed by Zenith Dyeing & Finishing Mill, Roma Printing and worked as a machine operator for Trio Dye & Finishing Corporation for twelve years before retiring in 1995.

Damiano was a parishioner of St. Paul’s RC Church, Prospect Park.

He was a terrific gardener who grew tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and many other vegetables, he also took great pride in his fig trees. He truly enjoyed seeing his garden prosper and was even in his garden the morning he was admitted to the hospital last week. He was also very particular about his wine and has made his own for many years.

Damiano took great pride in his family much like his garden. Damiano and Rosaria left family and friends behind in Italy…moving their garden to America in hopes of a better tomorrow.  As the years progressed he nurtured his children, soon grandchildren, and most recently a great-granddaughter.   Sunday dinner at his home was a family tradition.   Damiano would look on with pride as he saw his courage paid off; his family was growing and prospering -they were comfortable and wanted for nothing.  He was extremely proud of all their accomplishments.

He was the beloved husband of Rosaria (Belmonte) Conforti; loving father of Angelo Conforti and his wife Enza of North Haledon, Luigi Conforti and his wife Franca of Wayne and Frank Conforti and his wife Joann of North Haledon; cherished grandfather of Damiano and his wife Lisa, Anthony, Sara, Michael, Mark, Johnny and Frankie Conforti and great-grandfather of Elizabeth Conforti; loved brother of Giuseppe Conforti and his wife Cristina of Haledon, and Michele, Luisa, Rosaria, Salvatore and Angelo all of Italy.

‍

One of Damiano’s life passions was to help his grandson Johnny’s diabetes; those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 560 Sylvan Ave., Englewood, NJ 07632 would be appreciated.

Robert J. Uhl, age 81, of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.  After a long struggle with his health, his passing took place peacefully with his loving family at his bedside.

Bob was born in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York and had lived his formative years in Glendale, Queens.  He was the first generation of his family to be born in America.  His parents originated in Germany and immigrated to New York City for a better life — a true blessing to Bob and his family who were graced with living the American Dream.

Bob was a bright student who attended the very challenging Brooklyn Technical High School.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, both from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  At MIT, his thesis advisor was Professor Harold “Doc” Edgerton, who was famous for inventing ultra-high-speed and stop-action photography via a stroboscope. Bob was active in MIT Crew and was also a member of the ROTC military program.  

While at MIT, he met Jannine Laurence, who was a student a Simmons College in Boston, and after a four-year courtship, they married in 1953.  They had a wonderful marriage for fifty-seven years.

In August 1953, he joined the United States Air Force and served two years, finally retiring with the rank of Captain in the Air Force Reserve.  He found much satisfaction in his military career because he was assigned work that related to his personal and educational skills, designing technical instrumentation for defense purposes.

Bob’s career included ITT in Nutley, NJ; Mosler Systems in Wayne, NJ; Control Print in Cedar Grove, NJ; and Tele Engineering in Newfoundland, NJ, in addition to engaging in substantial work as a consultant.  He loved the challenge of creating new or better instrumentation to solve technical problems, and he was awarded several patents.  He always had a pencil in hand when he wanted to explain something…and then followed the inevitable detailed drawing.

Possessing an offbeat sense of humor, Bob had a standard repertoire of jokes and stories, which he loved to tell to anyone who would politely listen.  He was always eager to help others with that “random act of kindness.”  He enjoyed fixing his friends’ “broken stuff.”   Those who knew him well admired his strong work ethic, sense of commitment, honesty, and integrity.

Bob was also a very special husband, father and grandfather.  He was a wonderful role model who was always concerned for the well being of his children.  He continued that fatherly quest long into their adult lives; he made the transition from father to friend.

Bob had a large soft-spot in his heart for animals and would take much pride in the rescue of homeless and abused dogs and cats.  One of his nicest triumphs was rescuing a German Shepherd named Bismarck from the Wayne Animal Shelter.  Bismarck was in ill health when Bob took charge of him. Bob nursed him back to health and found him a wonderful and loving home. He did the same thing for numerous other dogs and cats, including Princess and Jackie, who managed to make their foster status permanent.  Animal rescue was very important to him, and he was an avid supporter of Homeless Tails, Inc. in Wayne.

Packanack Lake was home to Bob and Jannine since 1959.  As an active member of the Packanack Lake Community Association, he was always helping out with one project or another and was a member of the Yacht Club for several years. He had also served as Cubmaster of Packanack Lake Pack 404.  In addition, for many years, Bob enjoyed membership in the New Jersey Colonial Militia Fife and Drum Corps and the Morris Canal Society.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jannine, and their three children: son Richard and his wife, Rhea; daughter Christa Ayers and her husband, Donald; and daughter Erica Garbarini and her husband John.  He had eight grandchildren:  Christopher and Alexander Uhl; Timothy, Brian, Daniel, and Lauren Ayers; and John and Laura Garbarini.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bob’s memory  are asked to consider:

Homeless Tails, Inc. Animal Rescue, PO Box 1422, Wayne, NJ  07474 or Chilton Memorial Hospital, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ  07444.

Robert J. Uhl, age 81, of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.  After a long struggle with his health, his passing took place peacefully with his loving family at his bedside.

Bob was born in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York and had lived his formative years in Glendale, Queens.  He was the first generation of his family to be born in America.  His parents originated in Germany and immigrated to New York City for a better life — a true blessing to Bob and his family who were graced with living the American Dream.

Bob was a bright student who attended the very challenging Brooklyn Technical High School.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, both from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  At MIT, his thesis advisor was Professor Harold “Doc” Edgerton, who was famous for inventing ultra-high-speed and stop-action photography via a stroboscope. Bob was active in MIT Crew and was also a member of the ROTC military program.  

While at MIT, he met Jannine Laurence, who was a student a Simmons College in Boston, and after a four-year courtship, they married in 1953.  They had a wonderful marriage for fifty-seven years.

In August 1953, he joined the United States Air Force and served two years, finally retiring with the rank of Captain in the Air Force Reserve.  He found much satisfaction in his military career because he was assigned work that related to his personal and educational skills, designing technical instrumentation for defense purposes.

Bob’s career included ITT in Nutley, NJ; Mosler Systems in Wayne, NJ; Control Print in Cedar Grove, NJ; and Tele Engineering in Newfoundland, NJ, in addition to engaging in substantial work as a consultant.  He loved the challenge of creating new or better instrumentation to solve technical problems, and he was awarded several patents.  He always had a pencil in hand when he wanted to explain something…and then followed the inevitable detailed drawing.

Possessing an offbeat sense of humor, Bob had a standard repertoire of jokes and stories, which he loved to tell to anyone who would politely listen.  He was always eager to help others with that “random act of kindness.”  He enjoyed fixing his friends’ “broken stuff.”   Those who knew him well admired his strong work ethic, sense of commitment, honesty, and integrity.

Bob was also a very special husband, father and grandfather.  He was a wonderful role model who was always concerned for the well being of his children.  He continued that fatherly quest long into their adult lives; he made the transition from father to friend.

Bob had a large soft-spot in his heart for animals and would take much pride in the rescue of homeless and abused dogs and cats.  One of his nicest triumphs was rescuing a German Shepherd named Bismarck from the Wayne Animal Shelter.  Bismarck was in ill health when Bob took charge of him. Bob nursed him back to health and found him a wonderful and loving home. He did the same thing for numerous other dogs and cats, including Princess and Jackie, who managed to make their foster status permanent.  Animal rescue was very important to him, and he was an avid supporter of Homeless Tails, Inc. in Wayne.

Packanack Lake was home to Bob and Jannine since 1959.  As an active member of the Packanack Lake Community Association, he was always helping out with one project or another and was a member of the Yacht Club for several years. He had also served as Cubmaster of Packanack Lake Pack 404.  In addition, for many years, Bob enjoyed membership in the New Jersey Colonial Militia Fife and Drum Corps and the Morris Canal Society.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jannine, and their three children: son Richard and his wife, Rhea; daughter Christa Ayers and her husband, Donald; and daughter Erica Garbarini and her husband John.  He had eight grandchildren:  Christopher and Alexander Uhl; Timothy, Brian, Daniel, and Lauren Ayers; and John and Laura Garbarini.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bob’s memory  are asked to consider:

Homeless Tails, Inc. Animal Rescue, PO Box 1422, Wayne, NJ  07474 or Chilton Memorial Hospital, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ  07444.

Jannine’s Prayer of Thanks

I would like to thank you, God, for creating such a wonderful man, for allowing him to bring such a beautiful family into this world, and for having him share his life with me and oh-so-many dear friends. Thank you, dear Lord…

Gloria N. Manning age 79 of Morristown, died Sunday, May 9, 2010.

She was born and raised in Morristown having lived in Palm Bay, FL, Wayne and Sussex before returning to Morristown five years ago.

Gloria was a keypunch operator for several years at the Western Publishing Company, Wayne.

She was a very independent, strong willed and proud person.  Gloria was also an excellent cook.  Italian cooking was her specialty and her manicotti was exceptional. She loved spending time with her granddaughter and took her to places such as: Disney World, Universal Studios and the Brevard Zoo.  She was a loving mother who also enjoyed history.  She took her daughter to perhaps one too many museums because as a little girl Lisa hated museums.  Now Lisa confides that she enjoys going to museums…much to the dismay of her daughter Marisa.

She was the beloved wife of the late James P. Manning(2006); loving mother of Lisa G. VerHage and her husband David of Ogdensburg; cherished grandmother of Marisa Lee VerHage; loved sister of Santa Yawger and Mike DeBello both of Morristown and the late Nicholas, Ida and Mary.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to: Compassionate Care Hospice, 532 Lafayette Rd., Sparta, NJ 07871 would be appreciated

Eleanor Sinkway (nee Gross) age 95 of North Haledon on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Holland Christian Home.  Her passing was quiet and peaceful and took place with her loving daughter at her side.  A lady of wonderful Christian faith that moved into the blessed assurance and arms of her Lord and Savior at that moment.

She was born in Paterson and lived her formative years there. Eleanor was part of a lively family of nine born to John and Rose Gross.  She went to High School at Paterson Central High School.  She later lived in Glen Rock for thirty-five years and then Hawthorne.  Ten years ago she moved into the Holland Home in North Haledon.

Her ancestry was in the Netherlands and she was proud of her Dutch heritage.

Eleanor was a fine and dedicated Christian lady and was a member and Sunday school teacher for thirty years at the First Baptist church of Paterson.  When she moved to Hawthorne and became a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ridgewood.

She was gifted with an outgoing personality and loved to be with people.  As a result she accumulated many wonderful friends.

She will always be remembered as a dedicated and wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and a friend to many.  She was always there for her children even into their adulthood she remained a guiding influence with high expectancy of their life journey.  She was a good cook and her daughter’s favorite treat was mom’s rice pudding and her son mom’s apple fritter pancakes.   Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives.

Eleanor and her sister  Edna were always very close and dear companions.    One day she and her sister went to a church softball game and met the loves of their lives.  Eleanor met Jim Sinkway and  Edna met Al Vanderweert.   It was not long thereafter that they married these two good friends.  It is a story that good friends married good friends.  Both couples built a home on Grante Avenue in Paterson and lived there for several  years.  Eventually Edna moved to Wyckoff and Eleanor to Glen Rock.  The two sisters no longer lived close to one another but made up for it by spending lots of time on the phone.

In 1968 tragedy struck her life with the death of her husband following a serious illness.  They had enjoyed thirty-one years of “Idyllic marriage” together.  Eleanor gradually adjusted to her loss and moved to a small apartment in Hawthorne.  She remained faithful to her church and to her family.

Surviving to cherish the memories of a very special mother are her daughter Lenore Ochs and her husband Phil of Wayne; her son James Mark Sinkway and his wife Karen of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; three grandchildren including Rebecca Sinkway, Deborah Quinn and her husband Jamie and James Sinkway and his wife Holly.

She was predeceased by her sisters Margaret Berlinger, Clara Van Der Sluys, Helen Dalby, Edna Vanderweert, Clarence, Harry, John and Conrad Gross.

Anita Kientzler, age 81 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Friday May 7, 2010, while on vacation in Turkey.  She had been with her husband Charles, enjoying a hiking tour; the two things she loved most.

Anita was born in New York City and grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey.  She graduated from Miss Beard’s School in Orange, New Jersey with the class of 1948.  Soon thereafter she began working at Steven’s Technical Institute.  She lived in Midland Park with her husband Charles before moving to Wayne in 1983.

In 1952 she joined the Interstate Hiking Club based out of Paterson to pursue her love of the outdoors.  It was here that she met Charles Kientzler, also an avid hiker.  Anita and Charlie had their first date together at the Claudius Smith Den, a cave steeped in history and folklore, on a Halloween night.  The date was a success and they were married on June 17, 1957.  They spent the next thirteen weeks on their honeymoon, camping and hiking all over the western United States.  Their honeymoon was just a preview of the rest of their marriage, as they enjoyed the next fifty two years travelling, hiking, and exploring all over the world, and loving each other every step of the way.  They have been on biking and hiking tours throughout Europe, including Switzerland, Italy, France, as well as Scotland, Whales, and Egypt.  They have been to forty nine of the fifty United States, only skipping Hawaii, and camped in almost all of them, resorting to hotel rooms only on occasion.  Maine was one of Anita’s favorite places to visit, but most of all she loved travelling home.

Their family home is also a part of their story.  Anita’s family has owned the house in Wayne since the 1940’s and she spent summers there, on the Pompton Lake, as a child.  Anita and Charles kept up that tradition and spent their summers there also, moving up from Midland Park as soon as the kids finished school in June and staying through the summer months.  In 1983 they purchased the house from her family and made it their year-round home.  That home has been a part of her for seventy seven years.

Anita became active with the Pines Lake Garden Club for more than the last twenty years and truly enjoyed the Laurelwood Arboretum.  She kept a vegetable garden at home and loved tending to her crops, and also had a garden at the Van Riper House, where you could frequently find her lending a hand with whatever needed to be done.  There was never a dull moment with Anita.  She was always busy, things were always exciting, and she was always involved.

Anita is survived by her devoted husband of fifty two years; Charles Kientzler of Wayne, her two loving sons; Donald Kientzler and his wife Bich of Millstone Township, NJ, and David Kientzler of Sandystone, NJ, two grandchildren; Dolan and Aspen Kientzler of Millstone Township, NJ, his loving niece; Christina Schuck of Georgia and one nephew; Norman Schuck also of Georgia.  Anita was predeceased by her brother Carl Schuck.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Anita’s memory are asked to consider Laurelwood Arboretum, P.O. Box 2433, 725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ  07474.

Joseph Vogt age 83 of Wayne died peacefully at home with the comfort of his family by his side.

Joseph was born in Kries Sharky Lithuania and moved to Germany.  He served in the Germany Army and was stationed on the Russian front during WWII.  He always talked about when the two fronts received word that the WWII was over the soldiers on both sides came out of their trenches and greeted each other with handshakes.  He lived in East Germany and tried to sneak across the border, with his brother, to West Germany in 1947.  After several failed attempts, and even being shot at, the brothers finally made it into West Germany. Once in West Germany he got a job as a laborer on the Wigger family farm in Stenum, Germany.  While working on the farm, there was a restaurant close by called Backenkoeler.

At the Backenkohler Hotel's restaurant they would have dances and that is where Joseph met the love of his life; Minna Roewfsaat.  She was a maid at the hotel and she caught the eye of Joeseph.  One of her responsibilities was milking cows for the restaurant.  She would take a bicycle, with milk cans attached to the side, and ride out to the pastures to milk the cows.  Adjacent to one of the pastures was the Wigger family farm where she would see Joseph working.  They often would exchange waves as they went about their chores. At the living quarters attached to the Backenkohler Restaurant, where Minna lived, Joseph got down on his knees and told Minna how much he loved her and wanted to marry her.

In 1952, at the age of twenty-five and soon after his proposal, Joseph immigrated to the United States where he got a job working for a packaging company in Paterson making cardboard boxes. Minna followed Joseph to the United States in 1954.  They married on April 24, 1954 at St. Pauls Lutheran Church on Smith Street in Paterson.  They have enjoyed fifty-six years of caring and devoted marriage. After they married he got a job at the Continental Can Corporation in Paterson where he worked for twenty-nine years before taking early retirement.  He then took a job at the Joe Kobar Machine Shop in Hawthorne until his retirement.

Surviving are his loving wife Minna (Roewfsaat) Vogt; one daughter Waltraud “Wally” Petteway of Moonachie; cherished grandchildren Lesley Fencik and her husband Joel of Moonachie, Scott Petteway of Moonachie and Marc Petteway and his wife Stephanie of Chesapeake, VA; loving great-grandfather of Aaron Fencik and Adriana Petteway; one sister Adele Kaleda of FL; two brothers Gustav Vogt of Wayne and Henry Vogt and his wife Theresa of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1274 York Avenue, New York, NY  10021 would be appreciated.

Francis Joseph McGovern age 79 of Wayne died peacefully on May, 6, 2010 at the Morristown Memorial Hospital with the comfort of his family by his side.

Joe worked at the Public Service Electric & Gas Company as a lineman for five years. He then took a job with NJ Bell Telephone, which later became Verizon, where he worked for thirty five years having retired as a Lineman Supervisor. After leaving the phone company he worked for the Township of Wayne for eight years having retired in 1998 as a Recycling Supervisor.

He was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181, the NJ Irish Festival, the Brian Boru Association and was a Library Trustee for Wayne Township for many years.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-three years to Veronica “Ronnie” (Moriarty) McGovern; loving father of Patrick McGovern and his wife Allison of Wayne and Mary Anne MacNeill and her husband Mark of Hanover, MA; cherished grandfather of Kevin and Lauren McGovern, Kristin and Samantha Smith, and Mark, Trevor, Jack and Molly MacNeill; loved brother of Terrence McGovern and his wife Peggy, the late Thomas McGovern and his surviving wife Virginia, and the late John McGovern and his surviving wife Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Ann Mace (nee Pisciottano) age 85 of North Haledon passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at St. Josephs Hospital, Paterson.

She was born in Paterson, raised in North Haledon and lived in Saddle Brook and North Bergen, before returning to her childhood home in North Haledon over thirty years ago.

Ann graduated from Hawthorn High School with the Class of 1942.

She was an assembly line worker for the Pacquin’s Hand Cream in Glen Rock which was purchased by the Pfizer Corporation.  She worked for Pfizer Corporation in Parsippany for forty-six years before retiring in 1993.

She was the beloved mother of Judith Fields and her husband Chester of Las Vegas, NV; cherished grandmother of Dustin and Jordan Fields both of Las Vegas, NV; beloved companion of Pepe her faithful Shih Tzu.

Lois Carolyn Burgermaster age 79 of Wayne, formerly of Wyckoff, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 with the comfort of her husband by her side.

She was born L. Carolyn Whitmore in Dayton, OH and attended high school in Centerville, OH. She lived in Wisconsin, Naperville, IL and Wyckoff, NJ before moving to Wayne, NJ twenty-three years ago.

Carolyn graduated from Ramapo College, Mahwah, NJ with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with the Class of 1984.

Her career was varied. She was a stay-at-home mom who attended Madison Business College and then worked for North Central College in Naperville, IL. She was a legal secretary for Sullivan and Sullivan Law Firm in Ridgewood and an Executive Secretary for the Lummus Corporation, Bloomfield, NJ. She was a Realtor for Caldwell Banker, Wyckoff, NJ. Most recently, she was an award-winning artist working at home in Wayne.

Carolyn is best described as a reserved, loving person with a terrific sense of humor. And her family remembers her as a talented, creative craftsperson and gardener.

She met her second husband after filling out the inside of a matchbook cover - the predecessor to dating websites. Their first date was to Maggie’s Dockside, Oakland, NJ and they married on October 14, 1987 at the Wayne Town Hall, Wayne, NJ by Judge Murner and have enjoyed twenty-three years of caring and devoted marriage.

Carolyn was the devoted wife of William Burgermaster of Wayne; loving mother of Paul Kershner of Tidioute, PA, Gail Kershner of New York, NY, Dawn Kershner and her husband, Tim Ryan, of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Robin and her husband, Louie Schoenburg of Sycamore, IL; caring grandmother of Patrick and Daniel Ryan; Rachel, Alan, Leah, and William Schoenburg, sister of the late L. Damon Whitmore, Jr. She was the daughter of Lois R. Keiser and L. Damon Whitmore of Dayton, Ohio.

Marion Spoto, age 76 of Pequannock, died Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pequannock.

Marion was born in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School in 1952.  These were indeed her formative years, as she lost both of her parents within three years of each other, before she was even sixteen.  She remained eternally grateful to her aunt and uncle, Theresa and John Bilowith, who lovingly cared for her in the years following the loss of her parents.  More recently, Marion and her family have been very appreciative of the help they’ve received from John Sawicki, a close family friend who has been there for Marion in the current years.

Back in the early 1950’s, at the local soda shop in Clifton’s Botany Village, Marion met Vincent Spoto.  They fell in love and married in 1955.  Shortly thereafter, Vincent was drafted into the Army and served two years before returning to his Marion.  They started their family in Clifton and then in 1965 made the move to Pequannock.  Together, they enjoyed a wonderful marriage lasting fifty one years before Vincent passed away in 2006.

Marion loved her home and enjoyed raising her family there.  She tended to her garden of flowers and vegetables and was an excellent cook.  She had a flair for both traditional Italian cooking and Slovakian meals, as both of her parents were of Czech descent.  Marion also enjoyed spending vacation time on Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore, or playing the slots in Atlantic City.  Quality time with her family was a priority and she always hosted a big Fathers Day BBQ at her home.  Sometimes there were upwards of forty people at the house for her Fathers Day gathering and she loved having them all there.  She also enjoyed watching baseball on TV and was a big Yankees fan.

Over the years, Marion and Vincent had many dogs and most were rescued; Samson “Sammy”, Max, Butch, Scrappy, and Rocky to name a few.  And Marion loved her “grand-dogs” too; Bruce and Zachary.

Marion is survived by her three children; Vincent Spoto of Honea Path, SC, Michael Spoto of Pequannock, NJ and Janine Spoto of Readington, NJ.  She was predeceased by her husband Vincent in 2006 and her brother Frank Lukas many years ago.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Marion’s memory to the American Heart Association, One Union Street, Robbinsville, NJ  08691.

Fred “Fritz” Woelfle age 81of Wayne, died on Thursday, April 22, 2010.  He was at home, receiving the loving care of his wife at the time of his passing.

He was born in West Brighton, Staten Island and lived there before moving to Pines Lake in Wayne fifty-four years ago.

Fritz received his formal education at Curtis High School in Brighton, Staten Island graduating with the Class of 1946. He then went to Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.  He continued his studies at Springfield College and received a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Fritz had a love for baseball and even during his college years he wrote a paper on the evolution of the rules of baseball.  He began his career as a professional baseball player in the minor leagues.  In 1953 he was fortunate enough to be called up to play with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He was on the field with the likes of Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges, just to name a few.  He cherished those memories throughout his life and always maintained a true love for the game.  He was loyal to the New York teams and after the Dodgers went to L.A., he became a proud Mets fan.

Fritz was drafted into the US Army and served during the Korean War.  After being discharged, he sought a career in manufacturing and began working for the US Rubber Company.  From there, he went to C.F. Mueller Macaroni Company in Jersey City where he enjoyed a long and successful career, retiring as an Executive Vice President of the company in 1984.

Fritz was a very hard worker and when he got home from his job he developed more ambition taking pride in keeping a manicured lawn and gardens around his Pines Lake home.  He was meticulous and kept everything beautiful around his home.

Fritz was a true family man and bestowed love and kindness on his wife and children.  They will always remember him as the ‘best of the best’ husband, father and grandfather.  He was affectionate and caring by his very nature.  In fact, it was a common sight to see them both at home, side by side in their wheel chairs, holding hands and watching the birds outside their window.  Evelyn and Fritz met each other in High School, when Evelyn was just sixteen years old, and it was love at first sight.  They celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary this year and their love for each other is as strong as it was the day they met.  Evelyn recalls years of a wonderful and unbelievable marriage to the best man there ever was.

Surviving are his beloved wife Evelyn (nee Mittag) of Wayne, two loving daughters; Nancy Moses and her husband William of Midland Park, and Jane Woodruff and her husband John of Kinnelon, his dear sister; Margaret Duckworth of Virginia, and three grandchildren; Jason Moses of Midland Park, John and Jake Woodruff of Kinnelon.  His brother-in-law, Jim Duckworth, predeceased him in 1999.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Fritz’s memory are asked to consider Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, “For Cancer Research”, P.O. Box 27106, NY, NY  10087.

Michael D. Ezersky, age 50 of Wayne, died suddenly on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

Michael was born in Carbondale, PA and grew up in Wayne.  He graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1977.

Michael enjoyed his privacy, either home watching movies, at the Meadowlands watching the horse races, or at the beach in Wildwood with the sand between his toes.

He will be dearly missed by his loving mother; Louise Ezersky of Wayne, one brother; Mark and his wife Susan of South Orange, and his faithful and devoted friend; Blanca Ezersky of Oakland.  Michael was predeceased by his sister Ellen Cobuzio of Montville on December 5, 2009.

Joyce E. Fuhrmann (nee Obermann) age 80, of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne for forty-five years, died Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock with the comfort of family by her side.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH and while living there, she taught Physical Education.  Upon moving to Wayne she dedicated herself to raising her family.  Once the children were old enough she began substitute teaching for the Wayne Board of Education, was a route supervisor for the Herald  News Newspaper and before retiring she worked for the RFC Mortgage Corporation, Wayne which was later purchased by the Valley National Bank, Wayne.

She enjoyed all types of sports and activities, such as, golf, skiing, bowling and volleyball.  She coached basketball and T-ball with her children when they were growing up.  She served on the Board of Governors’ of Packanack Lake and donated her skills and time to Wayne Township as a volunteer assisting Wayne Parks and Recreation.

She continually took the stage to perform as one of the dedicated  Packanack Players, belonged to the Montclair Opera Guild and most recently was active with the Senior Follies in Wayne.

She married the love of her life John Fuhrmann on February 2, 1957.  They enjoyed twenty-eights years of loving and caring marriage before his passing in June of 1984.  

She was the beloved wife of the late John Fuhrmann(1984); loving mother of Jill Hamza and her husband Carl of Wayne, Jana Mason and her husband Danny of Butler, James J. Fuhrmann of Westchester, PA and Jeffrey Fuhrmann and his wife Laurie of Port Deposit, MD; beloved sister of Gail Froehlich and her husband Jerry of Kill Devil Hills, NC; cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren.

Donations in Joyce's memory, if friends so wish, can be made to the "Friends of Music Fund", c/o Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Frederick Louis Vlamynck, age 88, of Wayne died Friday, April 16, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson. He was born in Secaucus to Alice Herpe and Octave Vlamynck.

He lived in East Paterson, now known as Elmwood Park and graduated Class of 1939 from Eastside High School, Paterson. After high school he was drafted into the US Army, where they selected him to attend engineering classes at Clemson University. However, World War II needed even more soldiers, so he was taken from his college classes to join the 87th infantry division in the Battle of the Bulge. His division of 200 men had been told to hold their ground at any cost, and he was one of only 42 who survived the devastating battle. Leaving battle with severe frostbite, Fred was sent home on the Queen Mary which was serving as a hospital ship. Fred returned to both his high school sweetheart and the family greenhouse business.

He had proposed to Ruth before going off to war, and on June 25, 1947 they married at St. Joseph’s Church, Paterson. They began their married life in East Paterson, started a family, and built a home near the greenhouses. As the owner of Octave Vlamynck & Co., he raised fine plants for the wholesale trade. He was one of the largest growers of poinsettias on the east coast, supplying Christmas plants for churches and retailers in NYC and beyond. In other seasons, he grew lilies, azaleas, mums, hydrangeas, gardenias, and potted plants. His father had started the greenhouse business in 1919, and when Fred took it over there were 20 greenhouses on the 14 acres of land, with open fields for the plants in the summertime. Fred had a self-reliant farm mentality where he could fix just about anything. He knew enough about things to get himself in trouble and often knew just a little more to find his way out. In the mid-80‘s he sold the family business and moved to Wayne.

Fred had a love of travel and adventure. The family started with car trips across the country and eventually progressed into motor-home travel. Their adventures were not limited to the United States as they rented motor homes in Australia and New Zealand as well. They also strapped their motor-home onto a train car and toured the Copper Canyon of Mexico. Ruth and Fred enjoyed taking cruises, getting off the beaten path, and exploring the world in many different ways. Fred was also very social. He loved to play games including cards, shuffleboard and board games. He enjoyed playing with his family and card groups.

Fred was a long term Rotary member and served as a Past-President of the Elmwood Park Rotary Club.

He was the beloved husband of sixty-three years to Ruth (Smith) Vlamynck; loving father of Patricia Vlamynck of Hartland, VT, Jean Vlamynck of Santa Cruz, CA and Susan Polansky and her husband Hari of Dedham, MA and the late Frederick Richard Vlamynck (May/2009); cherished grandfather of Daniel, Allison and Zachary; loved brother of the late Margaret Mesaros.

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

Mildred E. Porter (nee Beggs) age 90 of Paterson passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 peacefully at home with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born in Quincy, Massachusetts and had lived in Paterson all of her life.

Mildred received her formal education at Eastside High School, Paterson graduating with the Class of 1939.

While at Eastside she was a football cheerleader and met her husband to be Walter W. Porter Jr who was a football star.  They were high school sweethearts for two years and after graduation they married on  September 20, 1941 by the Reverend Elwell at the Broadway Baptist Church in Paterson and immediately after their marriage ceremony they went to Saint Joseph’s RC Church on Market Street and married one more time in a Roman Catholic Ceremony.  They enjoyed sixty-nine years of “wonderful” marriage”.

Mildred left her sons and grandchildren a heartfelt message.  “As your mother and grandmother no words can describe how much you mean to me and I want you to know one more time that I love you with all of my heart and soul and wish  the best of everything .   God promises that we will meet again in heaven.”

She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Jephtha Chapter 134, the Passaic County Republican Organization, and the Haledon Chapter of the AARP.

Surviving are her loving husband Walter W. Porter Jr.; two sons Russell Porter and his wife Natasha of Chantilly, Virginia and Douglas Porter and his wife Robin of Panther Valley section of Allamuchy; grandchildren Matthew Porter, Darren Porter and his wife Tracey of Chantilly, Virginia, Sharon O’Meara and her husband Patrick of Liberty Twp., and Jennifer Schleer and her husband John of Roxbury Twp.; great grandchildren Grace, Colin and McKenna Rose.

James J. McGrogan age 75 of Wayne died on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at home.  His passing took place graciously and peacefully in his sleep.

He was born in Paterson where he lived his formative years.  The economics of the time demanded that he go to work at a very young age to help support his families’ needs.  His first job was for his father who had a painting business.  He then went into auto body repair and developed problems with his health that were related to the chemicals used in that line of work.  Jim recognized that he had within him an entrepreneurial capacity.  A neighbor down the street had a trucking business,  and Jim decided to buy a truck and start his own business.   He was successful at his work and was able to provide well for his family until his retirement in 2000.

He was gifted with a quiet and reserved personality which included a deep devotion to family.  He was a very dedicated husband, father and grandfather.  His personal demeanor was of a generous, warm hearted gentleman coupled with a welcoming nature ready to help anyone who needed assistance.

Jim met Anna May Van Breda by way of an introduction by a family member.  It took him perhaps two or more weeks to work up the courage to kiss her for the first time.  After that kiss it was not long before things turned serious and they married on October 2, 1954.  They now have had  fifty-five years of a happy wonderful marriage together.

Surviving to mourn his loss are his loving wife Anna May McGrogan; four sons Jim McGrogan and his wife Margie of Morristown, Rick McGrogan and his wife Sharon of Pompton Plains, Chris McGrogan and his wife Kateri of Pompton Plains and Barry McGrogan and his wife Patricia of Vernon; three sisters Elizabeth Heberling and her husband Robert of Wayne, Sheila Lothian of Inverness, Florida and Mary Aguani and her husband Phil of Vernon; one brother John McGrogan of Pompton Lakes.; thirteen grandchildren Mark, Dennis, Julie, Patrick, Andrew, Kevin, Matthew, Christopher, Timothy, Alexandra, Erin, Jennifer and Derek McGrogan.

He was predeceased by one sister Eileen Massaro and one brother William McGrogan.

Geraldine Hoskin (Preli) age 78 of Wayne passed away on Monday, April 12, 2010 in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Hackensack and lived in Carlstadt and Wood Ridge before moving to Wayne forty years ago.

Her husband David Wry Hoskin predeceased her in 2007.   She was the loving mother of Kip David Hoskin of Rutherford, twin daughters Heather Ann Hoskin of Green and Heidi Ann Gerhardt of PA, and Samantha June Herink also of PA; cherished grandmother of eleven grandchildren; loved sister of June Preli of Toms River.

Geraldine was a 1954 graduate of William Paterson University, Wayne and taught kindergarten in Wood-Ridge and Moonachie for many years.  She was a member of St. Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, NY, NY 10087-7106.

Denise Donohue age 49 of Rocky Hill, Ct, formerly of Wayne, died Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at home.

She was born in Ridgewood and lived in Elmwood Park having lived in Wayne before moving to Rocky Hill, Ct fifteen years ago.

Denise graduated from Wayne Hills High School, Wayne with the Class of 1978.  She continued her education at Montclair State University and graduated with the Class of 1982.

Denise has been employed in the area banking industry, worked for the FDIC for ten years and most recently worked for the Webster Bank of Connecticut.

Denise, despite fighting a lifelong struggle with diabetes, enjoyed a very full life.  She summered for many years in Lavallette, traveled throughout the Caribbean, took cruises and enjoyed time at the shore in Old Saybrook, Ct.  She loved to go shopping and would shower her nieces and nephews with gifts on birthdays and Christmas.

She was the loving daughter of Robert C. and the late Barbara Ann Donohue(2005); devoted sister of Robert J. Donohue and his wife Patricia of Boonton, Brian Donohue of Bayonne, Karen Pabst and her husband Neal of Wayne and Allison Bokor of Wayne; cherished aunt of several nieces and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, NY, NY 10004 would be appreciated.

Gladys A. Baamonde (nee Stich), age 91, of Hamburg, NJ and formerly of Wayne, died on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Hospice of New Jersey in Wayne.  Her loving family was gathered with her as she peacefully passed.

Gladys was born in Harlem and lived there for much of her childhood.  She later lived in the Bronx and moved to Wayne in 1976 where she lived for twenty three years.  She had most recently been living with her daughter in Hamburg, NJ.

At eighteen years old, she married Placido Baamonde and they enjoyed forty nine years of loving marriage together before he passed in 1985.  Motherhood seemed to be her calling as she simply loved raising her four children.  Her children describe her as the ‘perfect mother’, and recall nothing but fond memories of their many years together.  She was later blessed with nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Gladys was a spry lady with a strong Italian/German heritage.  She was a very good cook and learned most of what she knew about German cooking from her father.  She loved to make pot roast and stuffed chicken, and her Spanish pie was wonderful too.  She also enjoyed playing cards, Gin Rummy, and solving word-search puzzles.  To all that knew her, she was a fine lady.

Gladys is survived by her four devoted and loving children; Ronald Baamonde and his wife MaryAnn of Edgewater, NJ, Mary Miller and her husband Karl of Hamburg, NJ, Richard Baamonde and his wife Anna of Palm Harbor, FL, and Robert Baamonde and his wife Geraldine of Naples, FL, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Placido in 1985, and also by her two brothers.

Age 66 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.  With his family gathered at his bedside, he courageously concluded a nine month battle with lung cancer.  Undoubtedly his son Brian, who tragically died in 2001, was there with open arms to greet him in Heaven.

William “Bill” Rickard, age 66 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.  With his family gathered at his bedside, he courageously concluded a nine month battle with lung cancer.  Undoubtedly his son Brian, who tragically died in 2001, was there with open arms to greet him in Heaven.

Bill was born in Hoboken and enjoyed his childhood there.  He graduated from Seton Hall Prep High School with the class of 1961.  He attended Seton Hall University briefly and then enrolled in computer classes.  Computers were a whole new emerging technology at the time and Bill was utterly fascinated by the machines and programming.  He began working as a systems operator and programmer, having worked at several companies including Dean Witter in the World Trade Center during the 1980’s and most recently he was with The Matlen Silver Group providing computer services to Mercedes Benz.

Bill had a very strong faith and was active at the Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Wayne.  He was a generous volunteer of his time and skills, and was instrumental in starting up the Family Promise of Passaic County.  He also assisted with the church newsletter, was a past committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 108, and especially loved to make Lenten soup for his fellow parishioners during the season.  He proudly served as a Third Degree with the Knights of Columbus Hoboken Council 159.

Bill married Dianne (nee Larson) in 1975 and they originally settled in Nutley before moving to Wayne in 1984.  Together, they raised their two children; Brian and Christina.  Bills daughter Christina is profoundly grateful to her father for being such a great dad.  She was adopted as an infant from Nicaragua and knows full-well that having Bill and Dianne as her loving parents was the best thing that could have happened to her.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Dianne of Wayne, one daughter; Christina of Philadelphia, PA, his brother-in-law; Robert Larson of Stockholm, nephew Robert Larson Jr. of Lake Hopatcong, grand-nieces Katrina, Larissa, and grand-nephew Robert III all of Lake Hopatcong, and his sister-in-law; Sandy Larson of Antrim, New Hampshire.  He was predeceased by his son Brian in 2001.

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

Leo T. Murphy age 77 of Riverdale formerly of Packanack Lake, Wayne passed to his mansion in heaven on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at the Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne.  His passing was graciously peaceful while he received the loving care of his wife Patricia who was at his bedside.

He was born in Paterson, NJ and had resided in Paterson and Totowa Boro later moving to Packanack Lake area of Wayne where he lived for forty-one years before moving to Riverdale in 2001.

Leo spent his formative years in Paterson having received his grammar school education at Our Lady of Lourdes Parochial School in Paterson and then his high School education at Saint John’s Cathedral High School graduating with the Class of 1950.  He then went to William Paterson College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and later a Masters Degree in Education.

His first job after completing college was as a sixth grade teacher at Parsippany Middle School; his second position was at the Lincoln Park  School system where he became Principal of the Pine Brook Elementary School.   He then returned to Parsippany as a Principal at the Northvale School and then the Littleton School in Parsippany finally retiring in 1991 after twenty five years of employment for the Parsippany/Troy Hills Board of Education.

He was a member of the Parsippany/Troy Hills Administrators Association and the Morris County Administrators Association.

He served in the Navy during the Korean conflict.

Pat and Leo Murphy met each other at Saint John’s High School and were high school sweethearts . They married in 1955 at Saint Paul’s RC Church in Clifton and would celebrate 55 years of marriage this August.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Leo you know that he had a wonderful gift of personality.  He would greet you with a smile, a hardy hello and a gracious spirit.  He carried these qualities in his personal and professional life. He loved children and as a teacher he excelled and gifted many a child with his sincere and dedicated teaching skills.  You could say he was just a natural at his work and enjoyed his career path immensely.

He was a parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne and he maintained a wonderful grasp on his Catholic faith.  We can be assured that he met his Savior on April 6th and was received with warmth for all eternity.

Surviving are his loving wife Patricia (nee Lawler) Murphy; one daughter Kathleen Grundy of Englewood, Florida; one son John M. Murphy and his wife Justine of Cherry Hill, NJ;  six grandchildren  Jenny and Sarah Grundy, Katie Maring and Thomas Grundy, Olivia and Dylan Murphy of Cherry Hill, NJ; eight great grandchildren Thomas, Kyleigh, Elias, Lezelle, Insana, Shane Howard Grundy and Dean Thomas Grundy and Gracie Maring; and many nieces and nephews.

A great and overwhelming sadness struck the Murphy family on two occasions and as Leo and Pat  said “it is only because of our faith that we have survived”.  Their son Thomas P. Murphy died suddenly and unexplainably on July 7, 1983 and then a similar fate struck their son in law Dean Grundy On December 9, 1983 that same year.

Helen Patricia Kelly had a beautiful experience on Thursday, April  1st, 2010, which in the Christian world is Holy Thursday. The Heavenly  Gates opened just for her. Her passing was anticipated for about two  weeks due to complications from a stroke. Her wonderful loving family  gathered around her in her autumn days to love and care for her. She  is now free in heaven and in full health with her family and heavenly  father.  

Helen was born in Jersey City in September 1941, the fifth child of  Helen and John Kelly. She spent her formative years in Jersey City.  She later lived in Vineland, Totowa, Plainfield, and New Providence.  For the last several years she has resided in Runnells Specialized  Hospital in Berkeley Heights.

Helen never complained about her life path but rather made the most of  every day taking what life had to offer in stride. Her positive  attitude was not only for herself but for those around her. She had a  happy smile, great sense of humor, and would greet her fellow  residents and visitors with a strong measure of happiness enhancing  their own day to day lives. Her friends would kid her that she was the  “Mayor of Runnells.”

Surviving with wonderful memories of a very special sister and aunt are her brother Jack Kelly and his loving partner Barbara of Sleepy Hollow, New York; her sister-in-law Susan Kelly, wife of Helen’s late brother Eugene Kelly; and many loving nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister Dorothy Belenski in January 2001 and  her brother Eugene Kelly in April 2002.  

Emil Popadics, age 92 of Wayne, died on Thursday, April 1, 2010.  He was at home, with the comfort and caring of his family when he accepted the hand of his adoring God and joined his beloved wife Helen, who passed in 1996.

Emil was born on September 20, 1917 in Wallington, NJ.  His parents, Nicholas and Helen, had emigrated to America from Sedlice, Austria-Hungary, now known as Slovakia, in April of 1912.  He grew up in Lodi and  graduated from the Garfield High School with the class of 1935.  He then attended the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark and began working as an airplane mechanic.

In 1942 he joined the US Army and was assigned to the Air Corps.  His aeronautical experience earned him the position of Aerial Engineer and Mechanic.  He had experience working on P-40’s, P-47’s, B-24’s and B-17’s, just to name a few.  He successfully completed twelve combat missions while serving in the European Theatre and earned himself the Air Medal and one Oak Leaf Cluster.  He and his crew flew missions to resupply troops in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge, in central Europe, Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, and the Rome-Arno Campaign.  He was proud of his service and truly enjoyed the whole experience.  He continued his love of airplanes even after the war, working for thirty-three years with United Airlines as a mechanic before retiring in 1978.

Upon returning from the War in 1945 he married his sweetheart Helen (nee Petrisak) and they first settled in Garfield before moving to Wayne in 1964.  They enjoyed fifty-one years together before she passed away on October 21, 1996.

Emil was a lifelong and devout member of the St. John’s Russian Orthodox Church in Passaic where he had served as a trustee for the church for nearly forty years.  More recently he had been attending services with his son, Joel, at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Wayne.

Emil was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and recently he became a great grandfather to Jack Popadics.  He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his three sons and their families.  In particular, he loved helping his son, Ted, doing home improvement projects, going to Joel's art shows and visiting Mark in Boise, Idaho.  He will be remembered for his quiet and gentle personality, his steadfast guidance and generous spirit.  He always had a kind word to say and a helping hand to lend.  For those who knew him, their lives were enriched by his example and the ways in which he lived his life.  A finer man could not be found and he will be dearly missed.

Surviving are three devoted sons; Theodore and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, Mark and his wife Barbara of Boise, ID, and Joel and his wife Patricia of Wayne, two dear sisters; Mary Czap of Whiting, NJ and Eugenia Sedlar of Cherry Hill, NJ, eight grandchildren; Tanya and Kara Popadics of Wayne, Michael, Daniel and Jonathan Popadics of Boise, Idaho, Christine Johnson and her husband Ian of Minnesota, and Luke and Andrew Popadics of Wayne, and his nieces and nephews; Robert Zak of Charlottesville, Virginia, Rebecca Sedlar of Atlanta, Georgia, Richard Sedlar of Owing Mills, Maryland, Steven Michota of Clifton, NJ, Michelle Amaroso of Clifton, NJ, Danny Cahayla of Wanaque, NJ and Gregory Cahayla of Ringwood, NJ.  In addition to his wife, Emil was predeceased by one sister; Helen Zak.

Irma E. Fleming age 93 of Wayne died Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.  Her passing was graciously peaceful.

She was born in Paterson and had lived there before moving to Wayne seven years ago to live in the Sisco Village Seniors Center.

She was a member of the Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne where she was active in the Young at Heart Seniors and in the community of Wayne she was a member of the Golden Age Seniors.

Irma was a very special and dedicated Mother who loved her children dearly.  Her son Edward had very special  needs and she kept him with her until his fifty-eighth birthday at which time she planned for his future without her by arranging for him to live at “Spectrum For Living” a beautiful group home in Ringwood.  The transition was emotionally difficult for both mother and son but as things turned out it was a necessary resolution to both of their lives.   This is an example of the power of a Mother’s love at work.  Any Mother with a lesser dedication would have given up and institutionalized her son a long time ago.  Instead she dedicated her love to Edward and provided a wonderful loving atmosphere, as long as she could, that only a mother could provide.

As part of her motherly dedication she made sure that Ed was dressed to perfection as a gentleman and she would often be seen in church with Ed at her side.

Edward also made life for Mom a little easier by being compliant and loving his mother in appreciation for her many sacrifices.

Surviving are her daughter Carole Fenners of Oak Ridge; one son Edward C. Matano of Ringwood; three grandchildren including  Doreen Baxter and her husband Len, Marc Fenners and his wife Laura and Debra Guerra and her husband Craig, the late Todd Fenner's wife Christie; eight great grandchildren Alyssa, Amy  and David Baxter, Ethan and Matthew Guerra, Grace, Joshua and Jessica Fenners.

Tragedy visited her life when in 1962 her first husband Carlo L. Matano died and in 1984 her second husband William Fleming predeceased her and in 2005 when her grandson Todd Fenners died of cancer.

For those that are planning an expression of sympathy, in Irma’s memory, are asked to consider the “Spectrum For Living Group Home”, 210 Rivervale Road,  Rivervale, NJ  07675.

Jonathan “Doey” Yee, age 40 of Wayne, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 30, 2010.

Doey was born in New York City and grew up in Miami, Florida.  He moved there when he was just three years old and then moved to Wayne at age fourteen, where he has lived ever since.  He graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of ’87.  He worked at UPS during the early 1990’s and then for Medco as a customer service representative.

Doey was a huge Yankee’s fan – the biggest fan ever.  He loved the Yankees and anything to do with the Yankee’s.  He was lucky enough to get to see a game at the new stadium just last season and he loved every minute of the experience.  Just about the only thing he enjoyed more was Disney World.  He’s been there more times than he can count and most recently went again in January.  He could tell you everything there is to know about the different parks, the characters, attractions, and all the rides.  Winnie the Pooh was his favorite character, but truthfully; he loved them all. He dressed up for Halloween one year as Cruella Deville – the full costume with makeup, wig, and high-heels too!  He was a sight-to-see that year, and had also dressed up as Winnie the Pooh, and many other Disney characters over the years. Halloween and Christmas were his most favorite holidays.

Doey liked to play cards, especially Texas Hold’em, and in his younger days he was a good skier and bowler.  He was really a big kid at heart and absolutely loved children.  He was always joking around and would talk to anybody and everybody.  In particulary, there was one checkout clerk at the Shop Rite that he would always stop and talk to.  Her name was Darlene Depsee, and Doey would frequently go see her and strike up a conversation.  One day he got up the courage to ask for her phone number, and she gave it to him.  On their first date he took her to Seaside Heights, and they fell in love.  They were married in 2000.

Doey was very active in his church; the 1st Lutheran Church on Van Houten Avenue in Clifton.  This past Sunday, he made it to church after just getting out of the hospital on Friday.  He was feeling good, better than he had in a long time, and being able to attend Sunday services was something he had been looking forward to enthusiastically.  His strong faith was his guide, and provided him with much needed strength.  There is peace knowing he is now with his Lord and Savior.

Doey is survived by his beloved wife Darlene of Dover, his loving parents; John and Gloria Yee of Wayne, one brother; Derek Lee of Rockaway, NJ, two sisters; Laura Lee and Alyson Yee, both of Wayne, and his nieces and nephews; Devin, Crystal, and Danica Lee, all of Rockaway, Cinnamon Lee of Wayne, and Sophia Lusardi and Joseph Lusardi, both of Summit.

Richard C. Hansen age 46 of Egg Harbor City, NJ on Monday, March 29, 2010.  His passing was sudden and unexpected.

He was born in Bayonne and at the age of five his family moved to Lyndhurst where he lived his formative years.  Rich received his formal education at Lyndhurst Grammar School and Lyndhurst High School graduating with the Class of 1983.   He then went to Stockton State College where he majored in Computer Technology and received a degree in Computer Science with the Class of 1987.  His family recalls his outstanding ability in mathematics that helped him understand the computer technology world.

Richard was a loving and dedicated father to his beautiful daughter, Rayelle. They enjoyed spending time together, whether riding their quads or just goofing around.

Rich was employed at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point, New Jersey where he served as the Manager of Technical Services.

He was gifted with a friendly personality.  He and his close friend from college, Gary, had many memorable adventures together. He had a great sense of humor and will always be remembered for his quick wit and mischief ways.  He owned a Harley Davidson Motorcycle and with a friend he toured the Western United States.  He had fond memories of that excursion.

Surviving are one daughter Rayelle Hansen of Egg Harbor City; his mother Joan Hansen of Gloversville, New York and his father Richard Hansen of Palm City, Florida; two sisters Christine Bush of Wayne and Debby Meade of Keytesville, Missouri; two nephews Andrew Meade and Corey Meade and a niece Katelyn Bush.

For people wishing to make a financial donation in memory of Richard Hansen please send donations payable to Rayelle Hansen Trust Fund, c/o Shore Memorial Hospital, One East New York Avenue, Somers Point, NJ  08244.

Daniel John Evanchik, age 67 of Milford, Pennsylvania died on March 29, 2010 in Jacksonville Florida with his wife and family by his side.  He fought a courageous ten-month battle with colon and liver cancer.

Dan was born in Wilkes Barre, PA and grew up in Jersey City, NJ.  He graduated from Dickerson High School with the class of 1960 and attended Farleigh Dickinson University.  He was employed as a mechanical engineer for Bankers Trust Company in New York City, the Hilton Hotel in Secaucus and Parsipanny, and also worked at the Playboy Club in Vernon, New Jersey during part of his career.  He retired from Welsh Farms in West Caldwell in 2005.   He was a great technician, able to fix just about anything, and very good with his hands.

He met Arlene (nee Harville) through a mutual friend.  They dated for just over a year when Dan popped the question because he wasn't going to let such a good women go!  Together, they enjoyed forty years of loving marriage.

They first lived in North Arlington, New Jersey and later moved to Pequannock, in 1977.  They moved on Halloween day and, while Dan and Arlene were busy unpacking, one of the new neighbors offered to take their kids trick-or-treating; a random act of kindness that was greatly appreciated and never forgotten.  In 1993 they moved to Wantage, NJ and then to Milford, Pennsylvania where they built their dream home in 2002.

Dan loved to go fishing.  Anywhere he could drop a line in would suit him just fine.  His home in Pennsylvania provided ample lakes and streams to fish.  He also enjoyed his dogs; Lady was one of his early German Shepherds and he also had several Boxers.  His last dog, KoKoa, will miss him dearly.  He collected die-cast model cars and planes and loved his woodworking projects.  He made wooden toys and even made a rocking horse for his grandchild. He also loved automobiles, landscaping the yard, was an avid reader of car magazines, popular science and consumer reports.

Dan is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years; Arlene (nee Harville) of Milford, Pennsylvania, his loving children; Danielle Evanchik of St. John’s, Florida, and Brian Evanchik and his wife Kate of Pompton Lakes, NJ;  four grandchildren; Olivia and Harley Evanchik of St. John's, Florida; Julian and Sylvie Evanchik of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and one sister; Kathy Eyet of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

A memorial garden is being planted in Dan’s memory, therefore in lieu of cut flowers, potted plants and live flowers would be greatly appreciated and can be sent to the church, c/o Arlene Evanchik.

Margaret M. "Peggy" Latham (nee Urcan) age 79 of Wayne died Sunday, March 28, 2010 with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born in New York City and lived in Englewood, NJ, the Riverdale Section of the Bronx, NY, Pompano Beach, FL, and Lincoln Park before moving to Wayne two years ago.

Peggy was a loving, charitable, giving person who could always be counted on to send you a card for your birthday and other occasions.  She was an assertive, outgoing, lively person who could take over a room when she entered; she had a great sense of humor and enjoyed Hollywood gossip, movies, crossword puzzles, and was always answering the questions on Jeopardy.

She was the beloved wife of the late Archie Latham (2001); loving mother of Christine Harrison of Wayne and Denis Brady, Jr. of Bronx, NY; sister of Mary Struck and her husband Walter of Vernon, Michael Wess and his wife Maryann of Allendale, Donald Wess and his wife Ruth of Bogota,; cherished grandmother of Peggy Amato and Jennifer Curcio; much loved great-grandmother of Christopher and Ryan Curcio, McKenzie Johnson, Gianna and Kaitlyn Amato; and former wife of Denis Brady, Sr.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to First Reformed Church, 2420 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, NJ 07024 would be appreciated.

Anna Theresa Russo age 90 of Wayne passed away Sunday, March 28, 2010.

She was born in Newark and lived in The Caldwells before moving to Wayne over fifty years ago.

Anna worked for Cablevision, Fairfield for fifteen years before retiring.

She was a strong willed, generous, giving person who always had a joke.  Anna enjoyed entertaining at her home.  She enjoyed playing Backgammon, crossword puzzles and her boxer dogs.

She was predeceased by her loving husband John P. Russo in 1978; loving sister of the late Lillian Earl and August Schenck; loving aunt of Jane Tink, John Earl and the late Frank Schenck; great-aunt of Gregory Earl, Jackie Paladino, Kathy Covino and Frank Schenck.

Rose Mary Mingione age 76 of Wayne died on Saturday, March 27,

2010 at the Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne. Her peaceful passing took

place with her loving family at her bedside.

Rose Mary Mingione age 76 of Wayne died on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.  Her peaceful passing took place with her loving family at her bedside.

She was born in Paterson where she spent her childhood years.  Rose received her formal education at Paterson Grammar School and then Eastside High School graduating with the Class of 1951.  Rose continued her education at St. Vincent's School of Nursing where she received her credentials as an "Infant Care Technician".  Her career path changed and she became a full charge bookkeeper working at the Passaic County Board of Social Services until her retirement.

Rose lived most of her life in Totowa before moving to Wayne ten years ago.  She was an active member of the Clifton Cosmopolitan Association.

Rose Mary was the first generation of her family to live in America. Her parents were both born in Italy and came to this country in 1914.  Life was indeed unsettling in Italy and they wanted a better life for their future family. They came via Ellis Island and settled in Paterson.

As things turned out their courage to pick up and leave their homeland of Italy was indeed beneficial for themselves and their children who were truly blessed to live the "American Dream" together.

She was very devoted to her Roman Catholic Faith and while in Paterson she was a parishioner of Saint Anthony's RC Church, while in at Totowa Saint James Church and while living in Wayne The Annunciation of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church.

Rose was also a gifted pianist and could fill a room with beautiful music that just seemed to flow from her fingers.  She was endowed with a joyful personality that would light up a room with stories of her childhood and wonderful memories of family times gone by over the years.

Her family recalls her dedication to her children and her wonderful cooking.  Some of her favorite kitchen items included a special eggplant dish, Italian wedding soup, and love knot cookies.

Rose Mary loved animals and especially her favorite dog "Heidi" who predeceased her. She loved playing with her spoiled "granddog" Abby.  

Surviving to mourn this very special mother are one son Michael Pignatello of Toms River; one daughter Genevieve Ferrara and her husband Richard of Lincoln Park.

Sadness came into her life when she lost her brother Louis Mingione in 2000, her sister; Anne Buscema in 2007, and her brother; Tony Mingione who died in combat, at age twenty, during World War II in Nance, France.  She also lost an infant brother Vincent at age 2.  Rose Mary will be laid to rest with her sister and brothers at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.

Robert A. Waldeck “Bob” age 79 of Montville on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the Mountainside Hospital in Montclair.  His passing was unexpected however;it was tranquil and gracious while he received the loving care of his family who were at his bedside.      

He was born in Wayne, the son of Ray and Sara Waldeck who were well respected and lifelong residents of Wayne.  He was raised in the old family homestead which stood in the vicinity of what was then the infamous killer bend of Route 23 in Wayne.  The New York Avenue overpass now occupies that area at the present time.  The year was 1967 when the State of New Jersey decided that that treacherous area of roadway needed to be reconfigured.  It was then that Bob moved his family to Montville Township where he has lived up to the present time.    

He received his formal education at the Mountain View Grammar School and then at Pompton Lakes High School graduating with the Class of 1948.    

He served in the Army during the Korean War.      

During his work career he had a special entrepreneurial drive.  His first business endeavor was selling boats on Route 23 in Wayne adjacent to the family residence.  He then worked as a sales representative for a street sweeping equipment manufacturer and later worked as a plumber.  He finally retired in 1996.      

The Waldeck family share many wonderful memories of a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always put family relationships as his primary interest.  The family shared many vacations together on the ski slopes of Vermont with their favorite destination being the Pico Mountain Ski Resort.  The family has their own Vermont A frame vacation home in the Pico area.      

Bob was gifted with a wonderful outgoing personality that caused others to enjoy his presence and call him friend.  He had a great sense of humor and was especially adept at telling stories that brought much enjoyment to those in his presence. He possessed an inner kindness and deep feelings for his fellow man.      

Bob and Alicia met on a European ski trip and soon  married and had fifty years of loving marriage together.  

Surviving to mourn his great loss are his loving wife Alicia (nee Lozano) Waldeck; two daughters  Karen Waldeck of Basking Ridge and Roberta Diaz and her husband John Diaz of Long Valley; two grandchildren Bobby Diaz and Christian Diaz.  

Bob along with his wife Alicia and family experienced tragedy several times in their life journey.  They lost a beautiful daughter Laura Waldeck at age five to cancer and then in 1985 their son Robert was killed in an auto accident at age 19.

Arlene Post (Malone) age 72 of Wayne passed away on Monday, March 22, 2010 at the Hospice of NJ, Wayne.

She was born and raised in the Bunker Hill Section of Paterson having lived in Franklin Lakes before moving to Wayne 48 years ago.

Arlene graduated from Paterson Central High School, where she was a cheerleader, with the Class of 1955. Howie and Arlene were high school sweethearts and married on February 14, 1959(Valentines Day and the day after his birthday).  They enjoyed thirty-eight years of loving marriage until his passing on February 10, 1997.

She enjoyed playing volleyball for several years beyond high school and always had a special place in her heart for the NY Giants and Country Music. Arlene had an endearing personality and was loved by all.  She enjoyed frequenting Atlantic City and Mt. Airy Casinos “with the girls” and passed down a Christmas tradition of making Struvala to her granddaughters.

Arlene was a secretary at Wayne Hills High School, Wayne for twenty-five years before retiring in 2009.

She was the beloved wife of the late Howard E. Post(1997); loving mother of Daniel Post and his wife Carolyn of West Milford; cherished grandmother of Emily, Kaitlin and Samantha Post; loved sister of John Malone and his wife Diane of Brick and Ralph Malone and his wife Jeanette of Monroe, NY.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Hospice of NJ, 6th Floor, 224 Hamburg Tpk., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Marie Sheeler (Rieman) age 87 of Wayne died on Sunday, March 21, 2010.

Marie's grandparents emigrated to the United States settling in the Buffalo, NY area.  She was born and raised in Union City having graduated from Emerson High School, Union City with the Class of 1941. She continued her education at Catherine Gibbs Secretarial School, New York City.  Marie was a secretary for the Union City Board of Education for several years before marrying and moving to Wayne in 1953.

She met the love of her life Frederick Sheeler while summering in Point Pleasant.  They bought a wedding ring while vacationing in Washington D.C., married on June 28, 1952 at St. Michaels RC Church, Union City and honeymooned in Charleston, South Carolina.  They have had a loving and caring marriage for fifty eight years.

Marie was a selfless mother who would drive her boys everywhere. On the occasion of John F. Kennedy's assassination the children were all let out of school early.  A friend alerted her son Richard that his mom was on the sidewalk handing out jelly doughnuts. He sprinted for the house hoping to get one himself only to find she had run out.  When asked why she was doing that she replied "I didn't want the kids to be sad about the President's assassination".  She was an avid bowler in area leagues up until the mid 1990's, swam as an aquanaut, and was proud of her match-making ability. She was also dedicated to her grandchildren and relished in their accomplishments.

She was the loving wife of Frederick Sheeler; devoted mother of Richard Sheeler and his wife Kris of Franklin Lakes and Robert Sheeler of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Peter, Jeffrey and Adrienne Sheeler and loved sister of the late Clarence James and Frank Rieman.  

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Richard Kovalycsik, age 57 of Wayne died on Thursday, March 18, 2010 with his family by his side.

Rich was born in Passaic and lived his early childhood in West Milford, New Jersey before moving to Garfield.  He graduated from Garfield High School in 1971.  He later received a bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College.

It was during high school in Garfield that he met Cindy Amos, his high school sweetheart.  They were married in 1975 and honeymooned at Paradise Island in the Bahamas.  They enjoyed over thirty four years of loving and caring marriage together.  They moved to Wayne in 1977 to raise their family and have lived there ever since.

Rich was currently working at Schindler Elevator in Morristown, NJ.  He began his career with Harcourt Brace Jovanovich where he worked for nearly ten years before moving to Westinghouse where he worked in the elevator division.

Most importantly, Rich was devoted to his family.  He loved to cook for them and anything he put on the grill turned out great. He was a huge Giants fan and attended many games over the years.  He also loved to go fishing; either in a stream, lake, the ocean, or just casting off the beach, fishing was sure to put a smile on his face.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife Cindy (Amos) of Wayne, his son; Nicholas Kovalycsik of Denville, his daughter; Bethany Kovalycsik of Mamaroneck, New York, and seven nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister, Rhoda Garland of Clifton, in 2007.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Rich’s name are asked to consider The Last Resort Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, 139 Point Breeze Drive, Hewitt, NJ, or visit: www.TheLastResortRescue.com.  The Last Resort was a special place to Rich as he and Cindy just recently adopted two puppies from there; Chip and Cookie.

Edith Frost Hughes age 83 of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne died Thursday, March 18, 2010.

She was born in Everett, Mass.. She attended Marywood College in Scranton, PA and graduated from Syracuse University.  She taught English at Liverpool and East Syracuse High Schools both in New York.  She was a member of the Packanack Community Church, Wayne.

She is survived by two daughters, Lynn Potor of Lewisburg, PA and Janet Wollman and her husband Steve of Middletown, NJ; three grandchildren Terran Potor Knopp, Daniel Hughes Wollman, and Sean Hughes Wollman.  She was predeceased by her husband Edward T. Hughes in 1991.

Kevin E. Boyle age 74 of Wayne, passed away, on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.  His passing took place gracefully and peacefully while receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born in Passaic and had spent his formative years in Garfield.  He received his education at St. Nicholas Grammar School and later at Pope Pius High School in Passaic graduating with the Class of 1954.

His family heritage was Irish and he was very proud to be an Irishman.

He entered military service soon after high school and served in the United States Air Force in the Strategic Air Command until May of 1968.  His Air Force years brought him much enjoyment and he got to see and visit most of the world.  At the conclusion of his military service in 1969, he lived in Toms River and Clifton before moving to Wayne thirty-four years ago.

Kevin then worked for Kean College as a Security Specialist for twenty-seven years before his retirement in November 1997.

From his boyhood forward, his inner dream was to become a veterinarian.  That never panned out however he became a skilled K-9 trainer during his years in the Air Force.

Kevin was gifted with a joyous outreaching personality combined with a wry sense of humor that caused him to have many friends.  He could play a mean Bag Pipe tune for everyone’s entertainment.

He will always be remembered by his family as a very loving, nurturing and caring father and grandfather.

Kevin met a pretty girl by the name of Gloria at a Parents Without Partners meeting and they developed a very beautiful relationship together.  He always, in jest, complained that he had to work hard for the first kiss, but with that accomplished they soon married and had a “fabulous loving” marriage together for thirty-three years.

Kevin enjoyed the community around him and was a member of the Mountain View Masonic Lodge 154 where he had served as Master in 1986, the Scottish Rite in Lincoln Park and Salaam Shrine in Livingston.  He served in the Field Music program at Salaam Shrine Center and as Circus Co-Chairman.  Kevin also gave much of his personal time with the “Shepherd’s” who transported children in need of hospital treatment to both the Boston and Philadelphia Shriners Burn Hospitals for Children.

He served as High Priest of Adelphi Royal Arch Masons #33.

He served as Patron of the Mountain View Chapter #205 of the Order of the Eastern Star, was a member of the Lakeland Shrine Club, the Legion of Honor

Surviving to mourn his loss are his loving wife Gloria (nee DuBois - LaSala) Boyle; one sister Celine (Pat) Gabor of Garfield;  five children Kathleen Jurewicz and her husband Mark of Pompton Plains, Maureen Duthie and her husband Wade of Hewitt, John Boyle of  Manchester, Timothy Boyle of Bedford,NH, Brian Boyle and his wife Kristen of Allendale; two step sons including William LaSala and his wife Deborah of Wantage and Chris LaSala of Fresno, California; ten grandchildren Megan and Patrick Jurewicz, Kristine Duthie, Timothy, Kennedy, Kevin, Shawn, Cassidy, and Riley Boyle and William J. LaSala,

He was predeceased by two of his children: Patrick E. Boyle in 1972 and Sharon L. Boyle in 2003.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Kevin Boyle’s memory are asked to consider The Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA  19140 and/or United Methodist Church, 99 Parish Drive, Wayne, NJ  07470.

Jane “Nickie” Wallin (nee Bucher), of Pompton Plains and formerly of Packanack Lake in Wayne passed on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the age of 85.  Nickie’s passing took place quietly and peacefully at the Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford, Pennsylvania.  Many of her autumn days were spent at the home of her daughter Pamela Scheese in Oxford, Pennsylvania where she received the loving care of her devoted daughter.

She was born in Newark and moved to Packanack Lake in 1952.  Nickie moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains nine years ago.  At Cedar Crest Village, she was very active on many committees.  She was the first vice-president of the resident association and on its council.

Nickie spent her formative years in Maplewood where she graduated from Columbia High School with the Class of 1942.  She then went to the University of Syracuse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Journalism and Business Administration with the Class of 1946. In college she was very active in the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and managed the New Member indoctrination for her Sorority.

Nickie was an active member of Packanack Lake Country Club, and the American Association of University Women of North Jersey.  Previously she had been a member of the Packanack Garden Club, a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, a leader for the Brownies,  a substitute teacher in the Wayne School System for ten  years, and was a very active member of the Packanack Community Church in Wayne and spent many years in charge of the Church Life Committee.

She was employed for many years as an Executive Secretary at the Martin Insurance Agency located in the Packanack Shopping Center in Wayne and retired in 1985.

She was gifted with a very kind and sharing personality and was admired and loved by many people. Nickie was profoundly gifted in the art of interpersonal communication that caused her to be admired by many.  Perhaps her greatest gift of friendship was being a good listener and responding to the issue at hand with genuine concern.  She had a way of lighting up a room with her wonderful upbeat personality.

She was a New York Giant football fan as well as a fan of all the teams on which her children and grandchildren played.

One day in the 1940’s on a Sunday afternoon, Nickie was at home in Maplewood and her cousin came to visit bringing a friend.  That friend was Tom Wallin who she married on September 17, 1948.  They had thirty-seven years of “perfectly wonderful” marriage together until Tom’s passing in June of 1985.

Tom and Nickie took many vacations and enjoyed traveling by car across the United States. They also enjoyed wintering in Pompano Beach, Florida.

She had a motherly humanity coupled with an intense concern for the hearts and souls of  her children and grandchildren.  When interviewed for a story of her life she expressed great pride in all of her grandchildren and their achievements.  When asked what message would be important to tell them after her passing she said “develop a good humor and enjoy life to the fullest.”

She said she always cherishes the memory of a special event in her life when the children, with Tom’s help, treated Nickie and Tom to a very wonderful surprise thirty-fifth wedding anniversary party.  It was two years later when Tom passed away after a valiant battle with cancer.

Surviving are one daughter Pamela Scheese and her husband Joseph of Oxford, Pennsylvania; one son Russell “Rusty” W. Wallin and his wife Eileen of Mountain Lakes, and four grandchildren Thomas R. Wallin, Michael Wallin, Sean Wallin, and Shannon Wallin.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Nickie’s memory are asked to please consider Compassion & Choices, PO Box 101810, Denver, CO 80250, or www.compassionandchoices.org.

Anita Roellke (nee Cerulli) age 62 of Wayne on Tuesday,  March 16, 2010.  Her passing took place peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Please Note:

A “Reception” in celebration of Anita’s life will be held

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 at 4 PM at

The Lakeside Pub in Packanack Lake

Anita Roellke (nee Cerulli) age 62 of Wayne on Tuesday,  March 16, 2010.  Her passing took place peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Anita was born in Paterson where she lived her formative years.  She graduated from Eastside High School in Paterson with the Class of 1965. She then enrolled at William Paterson University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and later a Masters Degree in Education.

Anita was a Science Teacher at  George Washington Middle School in Wayne for thirty-nine years.  At work she was the Wayne Education Association representative for George Washington Middle School and served on the Sunshine and Sick Day Bank Committees.

In 2003 she was honored with a “Teacher of the Year” award.   She was well respected by her colleagues and students and received much satisfaction in her career as a teacher.  Anita strived to make learning hands-on, interactive and fun.  She especially enjoyed taking the students on field trips and showing them her passion for science through her laboratory lessons.  Anita also enjoyed the arts, history and music, especially classic rock.

Anita was gifted with many wonderful personality qualities that caused her to have many friends and admiring students.  She was a kind and generous person who had a wonderful sense of humor and a true dedication as a parent.

Surviving this wonderful mother, teacher and friend are one daughter Erin Roellke of Wayne and many good friends.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Anita’s memory are asked to consider St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Mary Rose Geusic age 83 of Wayne died Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the Hospice of NJ, Wayne with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born in Tamaqua, PA and  met the love of her life, Frank Geusic at a Big Band dance in Pennsylvania.  They married on October 29, 1949 at St Geromes Church, Tamaqua, PA and honeymooned in Chicago, Ill.  Frank was a true gentleman and so loved Mary that he doted on her every chance he got.  He would take her shopping, to the beauty parlor, actually everywhere - to the point that she never bothered got her driver’s license.

They moved to Wayne fifty-four years ago and were members of the Wayne Elks Lodge for many years.  Mary Rose was a founding member of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne where she a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and the OLV Ladies Bowling Team. Mary and Frank enjoyed sixty years of a loving and nurturing marriage.

The following is a poetic note that Frank wrote to his dear wife Mary on the occasion of her birthday just after their daughter Helen’s birth:

“We Love You So”

                                            By Frank Geusic

I do not count the years that pas…..I do not keep a score ……But every birthday that you have .….I love you more and more ……I love you for your gentleness .….your sweetness and your smile …. And for the happiness of life…..that grows with every mile…..

I love you for our Helen who ….is a picture of your face ….but who could never be more sweet ….or ever take your place ….A happy Birthday, Darling, from …. Helen and from me ….. And may this be the Brightest Day …. For all our family, and may your years of life on earth, be many more …. With every moment sweeter than ….the one you had before with Mary and the Angels watching over you, for Helen and I.

Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother.  The grandchildren all called her “Ma” and she loved it.  She relished in their accomplishments and enjoyed the normal grandma things like sleep-over’s, taking them shopping, cooking for them(especially her rice pudding), playing games, and also some extra-ordinary things like going Disney World, and even a trip to the Daytona 500. Her sense of humor was legendary. She was extremely hard of hearing unless you were saying something she wasn’t supposed to hear!  When her great-granddaughters came into her life she was ecstatic.  She loved to draw and dance with them and truly idolized them.

When Mary lost her husband Frank this past December she was devastated; you could say she died of a broken heart.  She was the beloved mother of Helen Petruska and her husband Mike of Wayne and Stephen Geusic and his wife Lynn of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Michael Petruska and his wife Sandy, Eric Petruska and his wife Deanna, Jared Petruska, Brittany Geusic and Stephen Geusic, Jr.; much loved great-grandmother of Madelyn Grace and Olivia Rose Petruska.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Zelanda Hernandez “Zela” age 86 of Clifton died Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Wayneview Subacute Care Center in Wayne.  Her passing took place, peacefully,  after having received the love and caring of her family who were constantly at her bedside.

She was born in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba and lived there before moving to New York City in 1956 where she resided throughout most of her adult life.

Zelanda had a go get it nature that uprooted her, her two sisters and two brothers, from the Cuban setting to a land of opportunity called America. It was her nature to seek opportunity and, she did just that, signing up for schooling at New York Community College finally obtaining a Masters Degree in Social Services.

She obtained employment from the New York City Department of Social Service as a Social Worker.  Zelanda was especially good at that work because she had a genuine gracious nature that she offered to all people.

She kept herself socially active in the community belonging to the Republican Organization and would often find herself involved with Republican Organization traveling to Washington, DC especially during the Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. administrations.

She was family oriented indeed and when at one point her sister ended up in a nursing home she fetched her from that home and took her into her own home.  It was very difficult for her but love ruled her decision making because she knew it was the right thing to do.  Years later she herself was in the same situation and ended up in a nursing home herself.

Her nephew and his wife reacted to her dilemma and took her to their home in Clifton, NJ.  What we are seeing here is a powerful sense of family and family responsibility in action.  In our society we often choose to place the weak one or perceived burdensome one in an institution of some kind.  Out of sight out of mind perhaps.  This is not the case here but because of family loyalty and training that caused them to accept responsibility no matter how difficult the task.  The bottom line is that this family has done the right thing and indeed will be blessed for their dedication.

Zela had a very special devotion to her Catholic and Buddhism faiths.  You can be assured that her spiritual teachings carried her through many difficult challenges.

She was gifted with a personality that reached out to others and she expressed that with her life deeds and wonderful sense of humor that caused others to admire her and call her friend.  These qualities no doubt entwined into her professional social work with clients.  It is specifically these talents that schooling does not give you.  These life practices come from within the person and did so as she pursued her professional life.

Surviving this wonderful lady are her nephew Aurelio Lopez and his wife Janina of Clifton as well as other relatives and friends.

Marie J. Luciano (nee Gubitosa) age 92 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

She was born and raised in Paterson having lived there for eighty-three years before moving to Wayne ten years ago.

Marie attended Eastside High School, Paterson with the Class of 1935.

Dedicated to her Catholic faith she was a member of Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Paterson where she was baptized, received her first communion and was married.

Marie was a administrative assistant for the Paterson Shade Company, River Street, Paterson where she worked for many years.  For several years she and her husband owned John’s Confectionary, 6th Ave., Paterson.

She met the love of her life, John Luciano while on a blind date. They married at Blessed Sacrament RC Church in Paterson on June 22, 1940 and took a bus to Lake George, NY for their honeymoon.  They enjoyed sixty years of devoted marriage until John’s passing in July of 2000.

Marie is best described as a strong willed person who enjoyed crafts, knitting, crocheting and baking. She was a member of the Leisure Club of the Blessed Sacrament RC Church and of Passaic County Adult Day Care Center in Totowa.

She was the beloved wife of the late John Lucian (2000); loving mother of Joan Sarra and her husband Jorgen Hedenhag of Wayne; beloved sister of the late Daniel “Carmine” Gubitosa, the late Charles Gubitosa, and her late twin sisters Anne DePoalis and Ellen Delgaizo and as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Age 86 of North Haledon, died tragically on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  “Jim,” as he was known to all, had just attended the evening mass at St. Paul’s R.C. Church, Prospect Park.

James J. Halloran, Jr., age 86 of North Haledon, died tragically on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  “Jim,” as he was known to all, had just attended the evening mass at St. Paul’s R.C. Church, Prospect Park.

Jim was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and moved to New Jersey when he was just ten years old.  He settled in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School in 1942.  He joined the Navy and proudly served in the Pacific and Asiatic theatres during World War II.  He achieved the rank of First Class Petty Officer as a flight engineer and logged over three thousand hours flying in PBY’s.  After the war, Jim attended Rutgers University. He joined the American Legion and has enjoyed being a part of that group for more than sixty years and served as chaplain of Post 428 for many years.

Jim spent thirty-five years of his career working for the Beattie Rug Manufacturing Company in Little Falls before retiring.  After his retirement, he started his own antique business in the Pocono area with his son Joe and was an avid collector and dealer until his death.

Upon his return after the war, Jim settled in Haledon and married his sweetheart, Edith Pinand.  They had met before the war, when they were both just teenagers, at a roller skating rink in Paterson.  They were married in 1946 at St. Leo’s R.C. Church in East Paterson and have enjoyed over sixty-three years of marriage.  They did everything together and particularly enjoyed their family.

Jim was very active in and around his community.  He loved North Haledon and volunteered tirelessly over the years.  He had served on the Board of Education, was Chairman of the Borough Beautiful Committee, Chairman of the Buehler Cultural Center, Co-Chairman of the North Haledon 75th Anniversary Book; and when his sons were young, he served as Chairman of Cub Scout Pack 70 for six years.  More recently, he’s been active with the Golden Age Club of North Haledon and the St. Paul’s Senior’s at St. Paul’s R.C. Church.  Jim loved his church and was an active member there for over sixty years also.  He had been serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Paul’s for nearly fifteen years and was always the first one there to unlock the doors for the early morning mass.

Jim’s family recalls his great “Irish” sense of humor and how he could find the funny side to just about everything.  He had a great work ethic and could make or fix just about anything himself; electrical, plumbing, auto repair, carpentry, and cabinet making; you name it; he could do it.  His home was always a work in progress, and he did it all himself.

Most importantly, his family was his pride and joy, and he always wished to be with them.  He enjoyed each and every one of them and made sure he and Edith were there for all of the special events in their lives as well as the everyday ones.  Jim and Edith started many family traditions for their large family.  His special affection for Edith was always evident, and his prayers always included asking God to look over her.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Edith (Pinand), two daughters; Janice Lathrop and her husband Clifford of Catasauqua, PA, Joyce Swenson and her husband Jon of Wayne, two sons; James J. Halloran, III and his wife Karen of Oak Ridge, and Joseph Halloran and his wife Lori of Neola, PA, one brother; Joseph Halloran of Massachusetts, and his cousin Richard B. Talty and his wife Marie of Fairlawn, as well as thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  Jim was predeceased by two sisters; Mary Both (1996) of Clifton and Catherine Dillinsky (2002) of Franklin Lakes, and one grandson; Joseph Halloran (1979).

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 301 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis,TN, the North Haledon Emergency Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 8027, Haledon, NJ 07538, or St. Paul’s R.C. Church, 286 Haledon Avenue, Prospect Park, NJ 07508.

Frances  Coccari age 90 of Wayne died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 8, 2010.

She was born in Saint Andrea, Italy and came to this country at the age of sixteen settling in Brooklyn, NY having lived in West Paterson and Little Falls before moving to Wayne twenty five years ago.

Mrs. Coccari was a talented seamstress having first worked in textile factories and later for interior designers.  She was employed by Harold Martin Interiors, Paterson and Wayne and later by Silver Threads of Fairfield.  Dedicated to her trade she continued to work, on a part time basis, until she was eighty one years old.

She was a parishioner of Holy Angels RC Church, Little Falls and more recently Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne.

Frances is best described as a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother.  She was constantly entertaining and “cooking up a storm” for family and friends.  One of her culinary specialties was her rice balls which her grandson is now making with equal perfection. She traveled within the United States and was able to make several trips back to her hometown in Italy.

She met the love of her life Fiori Coccari…  Frances came from a very conservative and protective family and in order to take her on a date Firoi had to take her parents, brothers and sisters with them.

She was a member of the St. Andrews Social Club of West Paterson and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Great Notch Fire Department, Little Falls.

Frances was predeceased by her husband  of sixty-four years Fiori Coccari in 2002; she is the beloved mother of Frank Coccari of Watertown, NY, Anna Marie Fritts and her husband Thomas of Wayne and her daughter-in-law Lorraine Coccari of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Jennifer Herd and her husband Ryan of Pomton Plains , N.J., Thomas Fritts Jr and his wife Monique of Titusville , Florida, Wendy Grecco and her husband Kenny of Wayne, NJ, and Brian Fritts and his wife Janet of Florham Park , NJ,  Sean Fritts of Nutley , NJ, and great-grandmother of Collin Fritts and Deja Fritts, Riley Herd and Ryan Pinder;  loved sister of Mary Mannello and her husband Mario of Pompton Plains, Josephine Jackson of the Great-Notch section of Little Falls and Andrew Stillo and his wife Janet of Riverdale and the late Bruno Stillo.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1717 would be appreciated.

Antoinette “Ann” Ravallese(Nattini) age 86 of Towaco died Monday, March 8, 2010 with the comfort of family by her side.

Ann’s mother, Luisa Ricci, was born and raised in Italy.  She came to live with her brother in Newark, NJ while mourning the loss of her other brother  who died fighting in WW I. Through upstairs neighbors she met and married Benedetto Nattini; they honeymooned during heavy snow in Sloatsburg, NY and never left.

Ann was born and raised in Sloatsburg, NY moved to Paterson, NJ and has lived in Wayne for the past fifty-two years. She attended comptometry school and worked as a bookkeeper at the Ramapo Piece and Dye Works, Sloatsburg, NY.  Through her work she met and fell in love with Albert Ravallese who owned T&R Carriers in Paterson NJ with his two brothers and sister.  They enjoyed 32 years of marriage before Alberts passing in 1979.

She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Saint Joan of Arc RC Church, Sloatsburg, NY, Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne and most recently St. Pius X RC Church, Montville.

Ann was a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved interior design, sewing(she made two wedding dresses…one with only the measurements of the bride), loved to entertain, enjoyed going out for breakfast, and was great at verbal blunders now commonly known as “Yogi-isms”. Family gatherings on Christmas Eve were always celebrated at her home with lasagna and Baccala just a few of the family favorites. She also had a special place in her heart for her Schnauzer Candi.

She was the beloved wife of the late Albert Ravallese(1979); loving mother of Dennis Ravallese of Lake Ariel, PA and James Ravallese and his wife Jody of Towaco; cherished grandmother of Christopher and Lindsay Ravallese; devoted sister of Mary and Rose Nattini both of Sloatsburg, NY; loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of Flowers memorial donations to St. Judes Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-2729 would be appreciated.

Stephen Karbach age 90 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the St. Josephs Wayne Hospital, Wayne.

He was born in Hoboken and had lived on his family’s farm in Lincoln Park later living in Pompton Lakes before moving to Wayne forty-nine years ago.

Mr. Karbach was Lieutenant First Class with the New Jersey State Police and Deputy Commander of the New Jersey Parkway branch of the department where he worked for twenty-five years before his retirement in 1974.  He was very proud of his badge No. 988 which in the perspective of the present day is a very low number.  Stephen was very skilled with his mind in placing names and faces together and being very observant as to details in criminal investigations.

He had a special gift of personality that was always reaching out to others.  He was formerly a volunteer fireman on the Lincoln Park Fire Company, he really believed in his heart that his goal was to “Serve the People” around him.

He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.  His family was very important to him and Stephen and Regina had a very happy and loving marriage together for fifty-seven years.  His daughters will always remember that whatever they needed was “No Problem” to accomplish or provide.  He was always there for them and even to the extent of going out early in the morning and cleaning the snow off of their cars and warming up the engine.

He received his formal education at Boonton High School graduating with the Class of 1937.

Stephen served in the United States Navy during World War II.

He was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council at the church.

He was a member of the Knights Bowling League, the American Legion Post 174 in Wayne and the Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge 1895.

Loving husband of fifty-seven years to the late Regina (Metelski) Karbach(2006); devoted father of Geralyne Dickinson and her husband Philip of Pequannock, Gail Kohan and her husband Gary of Howell, and Dianne Thumann and her husband Richard of Pompton Plains; brother of John “Danny” Karback of Little River, SC and the late William Karback; cherished grandfather of Jason, Christopher and Jonathan Sanzari; Ryan, Shane and Dylan Kohan; and Krystal, Tiffany and Michael Thumann.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations 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 appreciated

Julia C. Burdi(Caruso) age 99 of Riverdale, formerly of Pompton Lakes died on Monday, March 1, 2010 with the comfort of her family by her side.

She was born in the Province of Benevento Italy in the town of Vitalano and came to this country at the age of seven.  The family settled in Dover and lived in Newark before moving to Pompton Lakes in 1959.

Julia’s father, John  Caruso, came to this country in 1912 and settled in Dover, NJ where he found work in a factory.  Five years later he was able to save enough money to have his wife Rose(Pedicini) Caruso and six children(Anthony, Marie, Philomena, Menanto, Angela and Julia)  join him. Eventually work led the family to live in Newark, NJ. They moved to Pompton Lakes in 1959 and tragically Louis died just a year later in 1960.

Julia was an extremely independent woman and dedicated to her family.  For many years her home was where Christmas and many family gatherings would take place.  On all these occasions she would make Italian specialties such as meatballs, sausage and braciole.  Her legacy lives on as she taught her son John to make the best meatballs.

Julia was a parishioner of St Marys RC Church, Pompton Lakes and a member of the Riverdale Seniors.

She was the beloved wife of seventeen years to Louis Burdi(1960); loving mother of the late Rosalyn Cook(1989) and Maria V. McKenna of Riverdale and John L. Burdi and his wife Alice of Jefferson Twp.; cherished grandmother of five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; loved sister of Anthony Caruso of Brooklyn, NY and the late Marie, Philomena, Menanto and Angela.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pompton Lakes/Riverdale 1st Aid Squad, 700 Ramapo Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be appreciated.

Thomas G. Allegri Jr., Tom or "TA" to many of his friends, age 63 of the Pines Lake area of Wayne died Friday, February 26, 2010 at home. His passing was unexpected and sudden.

He was born in Newark and had lived his formative years in Nutley, NJ where he attended Yantacaw elementary, Nutley Junior High and Nutley High School, graduating with the Class of 1965. He then went on to study at Palomar College in San Marcos, California.

He served in the Army in Vietnam as a Medic from January 1967 to January 1968. His tour of duty was with the 37th Medical Battalion attached to the 11th Armored Cavalry Division.

After his discharge from the army, Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit was fueled by his favorite interests, leading him first to follow his passion for motorcycles, and own and operate Jersey Cycle Specialities on Route 46 in Fairfield, NJ. His love for cars, and an innate ability for sales, brought him to Leschel Buick in Paterson, after which he opened Mint Condition, a mobile automotive detailing business. Before retiring in 2003, he was a photogpraher and sales representative for United Advertising. He was a natural for this position because of his love for cars and photography.

His heritage was Italian on his father’s side and Lithuanian on his mother's. The Allegri family, his ancestors, achieved much success living the American Dream. They were a large Nutley family known for the "ice manufacturing company" on River Road and then for their move to electronics during World War II and the new family business, Allied Allegri and then Allegri Tech when the business went public. After the war, they were one of the first to manufacture and utilize printed circuit boards as their family business.

Besides his family, everyone who knew Tom knew that he was passionate about many things. He loved hunting and fishing, and was a proud winner of the Sports Afield award for two trophy catches. His love for fishing brought him out to ice fish on Pines Lake in the winter, and in the summer, his greatest pleasure was to drive his Corvette to Greenwood Lake and relax on his boat.

His love for fine food translated into his mastery of home cooked soups and sauces, which he proudly served to his family and friends. He loved to plan exciting excursions, as much as he enjoyed traveling to, and exploring, many locations up and down the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Alaska and, of course, his favorite destinations, France, Italy and Hawaii.

TA was gifted with intelligence, a great sense of humor and quick wit. He had a contagious laugh and those who knew him well, knew that his ability to capture an audience and tell a great story, was only rivaled by his impressive ability to harmonize with any piece of music.

In August of 1961 he met the love of his life Laura Macieski. A great friendship grew into a great love when they began dating in November of 1962. They became high school sweethearts and married on August 9, 1969, celebrating forty years of marriage this past August. They never tired of spending time together and as the years passed, their marriage grew richer. While they had a great romance, they also had the "I’ll start the dinner " and "You pick out the movie" kind of partnership.

Tom leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his loving wife Laura (nee Macieski) Allegri; one daughter Kristen B. Allegri of Houston, Texas; one son Thomas J. Allegri and his wife Lisa of Wayne; one very special and cherished granddaughter Madelyn Allegri; a sister, Barbara Baldino of Allentown, Pennsylvania; his maternal father and mother- in -law Walter and Dorothy Macieski of Nutley.; nieces, nephews, and a large circle of extended family and friends.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in memory of Thomas Allegri are asked to consider The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 560 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.

Beverly E. Kooreman “Bev” (nee Champin) age 81 of Wayne died Friday, February 26, 2010 at the CareOne Health Care facility in Wayne.  Her passing was peaceful after having received the loving care of her family who were constantly at her bedside.

She was born in Clifton and lived her formative years there.  She was very proud of her English-French heritage.

Beverly received her formal education at Clifton Grammar School and then at Clifton High School graduating with the Class of 1946.  She later lived in Haledon before moving to Wayne fifty-one years ago.

Her first job out of High School was at NJ Bell Telephone Company.  She then became a supreme homemaker and when the children matured she took a job at the former Preakness Fabrics in the Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne for fifteen years.  When Preakness Fabrics closed their doors she went to work at Needle Craft located in Prospect Park for 10 years until her retirement.

John and Beverly met at the NJ Bell Telephone Company and it was love at first sight for John.  They courted for three years and married on June 19, 1948.  They had almost 62 years of “terrific” marriage together.

John and Beverly enjoyed traveling in their own personal camper.  Their favorite destination was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  They started out with a pop up camper and graduated to a bigger camper until they finally had a trailer for their living comfort when on vacation.

Beverly was gifted with an outgoing personality coupled with a wonderful sense of humor making it easy for her to make friends, of which she had for many years.  Her family recalls her gift of gab which caused her to mix well in social settings.  Bev was part of a woman’s group at the Preakness Reformed Church of Wayne and in years past she was a member of the Preakness Vol. Fire Company No.4 Ladies Auxiliary.

She very much enjoyed having everyone gathered around for meals and often her very special potato salad did the trick of calling everyone home.

Last Saturday after her Granddaughter Amy’s engagement party, the entire family gathered at CareOne for a family photo.  Having her family around her was the joy of her life.

Above all she had a very special motherly dedication to her family.  She never stopped nurturing no matter how old her children were.  Her love was a special gift to her family and she did it well.  Thank you, Mom, for being so special in our lives.  You will be a never ending song in our hearts forever.

Beverly leaves to mourn her passing and to cherish her loving memory her beloved husband John Kooreman; one daughter Kathy Ferrara of Wayne; two sons Ken Kooreman of Warwick, NY and Scott Kooreman and his wife Betty of Wayne; five grandchildren Jennifer Lopresti and her husband Joe, Amy and Jonathan Ferrara, Jason and Kimberly Kooreman; two great grandchildren Tyler and Alexis Lopresti.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Beverly’s memory are asked to consider St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or Chilton Memorial Hospital Foundation, designated to the Comprehensive Breast Center, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ  07444.

Rose Marie Graf, age 95 of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Llanfair House in Wayne.

Rose Marie was a resident of East Rutherford since childhood and moved to Wayne with her family in 1959.  She was a homemaker most of her life but also enjoyed ten years as a cafeteria aid in the Wayne Schools before retiring in 1979.

Rose Marie is survived by her devoted sons; William Graf III and his wife Leslie Ann of Bloomingdale, and Gerald Graf and his wife Gail of Sussex, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband William Arthur Graf Jr. in 2004.

Ralph F. Crossley, age 92 of Pompton Plains died on February 25, 2010 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ.

He was born in Paterson, NJ  grew up in Fair Lawn and lived in Paterson as an adult before moving to Pompton Plains fifty years ago.

Ralph was a Jacquard Card Cutter for Arrow Woven Label in Paterson for fifty-eight years before his retirement in 1977.  His previous employment was at Wright Aeronautical in Paterson during World War II as a machinist for precision airplane parts and later as a quality control inspector in the same department.  Because of his skills as a precision machinist he was granted a leave of absence from regular military duty to continue his war effort work at Wrights.

While waiting on line for a bus, as a teenager, he met a beautiful girl by the name of Genevieve Frields and after three years of courtship they married and had seventy years of  “wonderful loving “ marriage together.

He was gifted with a likable private and quiet personality.

Ralph was a member of the Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park.

His hobbies included photography, oil painting, gardening, reading, and playing the accordion.

He is survived by his loving wife, Genevieve Frields Crossley who now resides in Park Ridge, NJ and also several nieces and nephews.

Michael P. Zarella age 89 of Wayne died Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Michael P. Zarella age 89 of Wayne died Thursday, February 25, 2010.

He was born in Passaic, NJ the son of Mary (Griffin) and Michael Zarella.  He was employed at Curtiss Wright Aeronautical Corporation in Woodbridge, NJ for 23 years as Purchasing Agent for Production and Experimental.

After proudly serving his country during WWII in the 20th Air Force, in Guam, he returned to Curtiss Wright and then attended Rutgers University and Fordham University.  

He worked at Mack Trucks, Inc. and retired at the end of 1982 as a member of the Board of Directors, Executive Vice President of Administration, Personnel, Labor Relations and Purchasing.  Upon Retiring , he was honored for his achievements by the Signal Companies of California.

He lived in Hagerstown, Maryland for five years and Allentown, Pennsylvania for fifteen years, where he was active in community services, serving on the Board of Allentown Hospital and the Salvation Army where he was made a Life Time Member.  He was a member of the Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pennsylvania, President for five years of the Eastpointe County Club, in Palm Beach Gardens Florida and President of the Wyndemere County Club in Naples Florida.

He is survived by his daughter, Darleen Rankin and her husband, Donald, grandchildren, Michael and Julie Rankin, and Jill and Edward Cisneros, and two great grandchildren, Anthony Michael Rankin and Robert Donald Cisneros.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy, his son Michael, and his sister, Marie Viviano.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to: Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598-3499 or the St. Josephs Dialysis Fund, c/o Foundation Office, 703 Main St., Paterson, NJ 07503 would be appreciated.

Peter Opirhory, age 80 of Wayne, passed peacefully at his home, on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Passaic, NJ, he graduated from Passaic High School in 1947.  Peter founded Metropolitan Moving and Trucking Company in 1959, which is still operational today.  A combat infantry veteran of the Korean War, he received a combat infantry badge the day he arrived on the Korean Peninsula.  In 1951, he married his sweetheart, Mary (nee Tramonte),  before going overseas.  After completing his tour of duty, he returned home to his wife, where they enjoyed fifty eight years of a devoted family life together raising their six children.  Peter held his wife and family on a pedestal; all of his life’s endeavors were for their benefit.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, and six children:  4 sons, Gregory and his wife Rosanna of Wayne, Douglas and his wife Diana of Wayne, Mitchell and  Peter, Jr., of Wayne; and 2 daughters, Debra Opri and her husband David of Santa Monica, CA, Gail Rolleri and her husband Robert of NC.   Peter has one surviving brother, Michael Opirhory and his wife Emily of Elmwood Park, NJ, and eleven grandchildren: Peter Scott, Mark, Maria, Natalie, Jackie, Ashley, Caitlin, Daniel, Christopher, Lucas, and Rachel.  Peter  is also predeceased by his sister Julia in 1984, John in 2008, George in 2001, as well as a 3 yr old brother, in 1926.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Peter’s name are asked to consider Hospice of New Jersey or Parkinson Research Foundation, P.O. Box 20256, Sarasota, FL 34276.

Audrey Emma Iuso (nee Ryerson) age 80 of Wayne passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital Hospice in Wayne.  Her passing was quiet and peaceful after having received the loving care of her family who were continuously at her bedside.

She was born in Pequannock Township on March 15, 1929 and was a lifelong resident of Wayne.  She grew up on a small farm at the Ryerson Home on Newark Pompton Turnpike and enjoyed horseback riding, hay rides and other aspects of farm life. Her formal education included Mt. View Elementary School, Anthony Wayne Junior High and Pompton Lakes High School (Class of ’47).  Audrey was a member of the Pequannock Reformed Church in Wayne where her parents, Harry and Emma Ryerson, were founding members.

In 1949, Audrey met a handsome fellow named Thom while she was working as a switchboard operator for the Telephone Company in Wayne. Their first date came two days after and led to their wedding on September 5, 1953.  They honeymooned in Florida with a stop in Havana, Cuba.  Two years later came a daughter Diane, followed by another daughter Dawn and finally the long awaited son Thomas Jr. They had fifty-five years of a “happy and loving, two peas in a pod” marriage together until Thom’s passing in November 2008.

Audrey was a wonderful and loving mother who volunteered time doing physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy and also as a scout leader when Diane reached Girl Scouts.  After the sudden death of her second child, Dawn, in a traffic accident, Audrey decided to take a position as a school crossing guard in 1970, taking her final post in front of Albert Payson Terhune School in 1973 from which she retired in 2009.  In this way she could now help to keep children safe on the way to and from school.

Audrey loved to travel and Diane recalls some fabulous cruises she and mom enjoyed together including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska and the Panama Canal.  One family destination was California in 1978. Surprisingly the family logged 2000 miles in two weeks on the rental car traveling the coast.  Her heart was always set on a trip to Hawaii and finally to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary she and Thom traveled to the Aloha State for a two week dream vacation. A 50th anniversary trip to Disney World with her children and grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Her final big trip was a cruise in March 2008 with Thom’s siblings and their spouses, arranged by her brother in law Sal.

Audrey enjoyed visiting Atlantic City and playing the one arm bandits. However the slots lost some of their appeal after the arm was removed. She also loved participating in bowling leagues first at Leisure Lanes, followed by Butler Bowl, and finally at T-Bowl where she bowled until December 2009.

She was the beloved wife of 55 years to the late Thomas Iuso Sr. (2008); loving mother of Diane Johansson and her husband Timothy of Haledon; Thomas Iuso Jr. and his wife Margaret of Wayne; and the late Dawn Iuso (1967); cherished grandmother (Meema) of Zachary and Nicholas Iuso; loving sister of the late Miriam Arnott (2003); and loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to The Pequannock Reformed Church, 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Wayne NJ 07470 in Audrey’s memory.

Margaret  Reiss Hesselbrock  “Billie”  age 95 of Phoenix, Arizona formerly of  Upper Montclair, NJ died Tuesday, February 23, 2010.  Her passing took place quietly and peacefully at Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix.

She was born in Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania where she lived her formative years.  Margaret received her formal education at Temple University in Philadelphia.  She met a handsome fellow by the name of Louis Hesselbrock and they married at the Valley Forge Chapel.  After her marriage, she moved to Upper Montclair, NJ with her husband Louis “Bud” Hesselbrock and after his passing she moved to Phoenix, Arizona,  where she has lived for the past ten years.

She was always proud of her strong German heritage.  Her ancestors came to America in the 1880’s and she was always appreciative of being able to live her life in America.

While living in New Jersey,  Margaret was a member of the Union Congregational Church in Upper Montclair.

She was a very loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Her son recalls her wonderful ways as a mother,  nurturing him even in adulthood. One of her favorite things was telling stories about Hesselbrock family life at every stage of their life’s  journey.

Billie had a soft spot in her heart for all animals and she very much enjoyed feeding the wild birds.  She also shared pets with her son Donald,  and her cat “Treasure” brought her much joy of companionship.

Surviving to mourn her as she travels now the silent way are one son Donald R. Hesselbrock of Scottsdale, Arizona; her grandson Bradley W. Hesselbrock and his wife Audrey of Boston, Massachusetts and her granddaughter Lisa A. Gappa and her husband Chad of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Nicole L. "Nikki" Ramsden age 12 of Kinnelon, formerly of Wayne died peacefully on Monday, February 22, 2010 at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, NYC in the comforting arms of her parents.

She was born in Paterson and lived in Wayne for nine years before moving to Kinnelon two years ago.

Nikki attended the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Wayne and was currently attending the Pearl R. Miller Middle School, Kinnelon.

She is best described as:  a good friend, caring, compassionate, always made others smile, comfortable with herself and her leukemia, witty, sarcastic but not disrespectful and oftentimes feisty.

Surviving are her loving parents John and Mary(Carone) Ramsden; devoted sister Samantha; cherished grandparents Helen and Nick Carone of Wayne and the late Peter and Lorraine Ramsden; pretty aunt Jen and uncle Jeff Montemarano of Kinnelon,  uncle “Sch-nicky” Carone of Wayne, auntie Linda Ramsden of Brielle, aunt Debbie of NV and the late uncle Dave Ramsden; cuzzies Gabriella and Francesca Montemarano and Christopher Romano “Little Man”.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 25 and Friday, February 26, from 4-8 PM at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, 620 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 1 PM.

Nikki disliked the smell of too many flowers and specifically asked if donations in her memory could be made so that she could help others as they have helped her.  For those considering a memorial donation please make checks payable to “Just Have Faith” and mail to: Just Have Faith, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

When Nicole lived in Wayne she was a cheerleader for the Boys and Girls Club.  She was also in Girl Scouts up to 5th grade.  She enjoyed swimming, hiking and reading good books.  Some of her favorite authors were Lauren Myracle and Gail Carson Levine.  Nicole's favorite colors were lime green and blue.  She was passionate about cooking and baking.  She liked to create different recipes which she tested on her little sister, Samantha.  Nicole often brought bake goods to the nurses in the hospital.  She liked making chocolates too.

Nicole aspired to be a few things when she grew up.  She wanted to be a teacher.  Then being exposed to the child life specialists in the hospital, she thought she might want to do that as well.  She imagined herself and her friend opening a restaurant or catering place.  She wanted to be a mom and considered adopting.  She wanted to visit France, England and Africa to go on a safari and dreamt of living in Italy on the island of Capri, when she got older.

Nicole valued her friendships, old and new.  She liked playing in the woods and discovering adventure while in the woods.  She cherished Friday Family Fun Nights with her parents and sister.  They would eat Anthony Franco pizza or get the Outback, played games or watched movies.  Nicole's favorite food was filet mignon. Nicole and her sister enjoyed playing their DS games together and just being with each other.  Nicole loved IM-ing, texting, being on the computer and watching Survivor on Thursday evenings on Channel 2.

Nicole was a very giving child.  She wanted to donate her organs to other people.  But because of her leukemia she couldn't do that, so the family donated her lungs to research.

Joyce Trommelen-Perkowski, age 62 of Ringwood, died unexpectedly on Sunday February 21, 2010, while visiting California.

She was born in Prospect Park and graduated from Manchester High School with the class of 1965.  She was employed with Decker Transport for thirty five years at several of their locations including Riverdale & Parsippany, NJ, Willard, OH, and Memphis, TN.  She was devoted to the company, regularly working sixty hours per week, and truly enjoyed what she did and the friends she made there.  She reluctantly retired in 2007 after the company closed their New Jersey offices.

In 1989 she married Richard Perkowski.  They had been introduced by a mutual friend at Decker Transport and enjoyed nearly twenty  years of devoted marriage.  Joyce’s brother, Ronald Trommelen, was Mayor of Prospect Park in 1989 and he officiated at their wedding.

Joyce was a terrific cook and could make everything taste good.  She particular enjoyed hosting all the big holiday dinners and celebrations.  They hosted more than sixty people at their home this past Fourth of July and Joyce loved getting all those family and friends together.  It was her personal mission to keep the family all very close and she did it well.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of twenty years; Richard Perkowski of Ringwood, one brother; Bill Trommelen and his wife Linda of West Milford, sister-in-laws; Pat Smith of Ringwood, Carol Trommelen of Wayne, and Pat Trommelen of Midland  Park, one brother-in-law; James Perkowski and his wife Lilliana of Clifton, as well as many dear nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sister Janet Fowler of Downey, California in 2009, and by two brothers; Edward Trommelen of Wayne in 1988, and Ronald Trommelen of Prospect Park in 1994.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to the American Heart Association, One Union Street, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.

Ruth M. Safer (nee Reid) age 73 of Packanack Lake of Wayne died suddenly on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at home with her loving husband at her side.

She was born in Jersey City and had lived in Secaucus during her formative years.  Ruth received her formal education at Secaucus Grammar School and then went onto Weehawkin high School graduating with the Class of 1953.

Ruth and Edward met at Weehawkin High School.  Ruth's parents thought "Eddie" was a fine choice and gave him their wedding blessing to marry their daughter.  They married in 1956 at the First Reformed Church of Secaucus and had fifty-four years of an "eventful loving" marriage together.

Her persona was everything Irish in her life, including her annual making of her homemade Irish Cream.

Ruth was gifted with a melody in her heart that exuded dedicated motherhood. The outgoing, joyous personality of a devoted mother was the hallmark of her ways. Her family dedication was exemplary and went beyond her own children to grandchildren and kids in general.

She was gifted with a reach out personality coupled with a wonderful sense of humor, presenting every social greeting with a smile. She was admired by all and was blessed by many friends.

Her daughter Joanne became afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis in 1983 and Mom established a new motherly dedication to care for and provide for her. It was not an easy course.  When you consider the many sacrifices of time, talent, personal freedom and love over a course of twenty-five years you get the true meaning of personal motherly dedication. Mothers are like that; no matter how old you are they still consider their kids their babies. Ruth took care of Joanne at home for the past twenty-five years until Joanne's passing in November 2008.

In addition to her home duties Ruth assisted her husband with the family business, a well known dry cleaners located in their home town known as Safer Cleaners. Prior to that Ruth worked for Wayne Valley High School as the Guidance Department Secretary.

Ruth also enjoyed traveling with her high school girl friend Ruth Sebzda.  They had visited Europe, Africa, Turkey, Egypt and Israel to name a few. She had also made a journey to Ireland and Novia Scotia hoping to find some history of her family ancestry. In recent years she became an expert puzzle maker, replacing her desire to travel.

Leaving behind to mourn her loss are her loving husband Edward T. Safer Sr.; her sons Edward T. Safer Jr. and his wife Lori of Galloway and Robert J. Safer and his wife Doreen of West Milford; her daughter Ruth Ellen Ward and her husband Stan of West Caldwell; four sisters Doris Cabany and Renee McCoy of Grantville, Ga., Beverly Judge of Seattle, Washington and Margaret Graber of Pompton Lakes; ten grandchildren Samantha, Marissa, Rachel, Dylan, Casey, E.J., Kali, Robert, Shannon and Jonathan.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Ruth’s memory are asked to consider The Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 N . Riverview Dr., Totowa, NJ 07512

Angelo and Theresa Mania of Totowa after 72 years of marriage.

Angelo Mania, age 96 of Totowa, died peacefully on Friday February 19, 2010.  His passing was followed by that of his wife, Theresa, on Friday, February 26, 2010.  Angelo was born in Hackensack and Theresa in Haledon. During their marriage of 72 years, they lived in Paterson before moving to Totowa nearly 50 years ago.

Angelo was a produce buyer for Grand Union for 40 years while Theresa worked hard as a homemaker.  After his retirement in 1979, Angelo worked for 30 years at E. Armata Inc. in the Bronx.

Angelo and Theresa were both parishioners of St James RC Church in Totowa.  They were very devoted to their family, especially their grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Angelo and Theresa enjoyed traveling. They cherished their trips to Aruba, Marco Island, Italy, Sicily, France, England and Spain. However, Atlantic City was one of their most favorite places to visit.

Family members remember Angelo and Theresa as having a wonderful loving marriage of 72 years.

Angelo enjoyed woodworking and was a connoisseur of wine. He was an avid fan of the Giants and Yankees.  Theresa will always be remembered for her love of sewing, cooking and gardening. One of Theresa and Angelo's favorite pastimes was spending time with their grandchildren.  

Angelo and Theresa are survived by their daughter Jacqueline DiPasquale of Totowa; predeceased by their son-in-law Joseph A. DiPasquale; survived by their two grandsons Joseph J. DiPasquale and his wife Kristen of Morris Twp, and Steven DiPasquale of Hoboken; and two great-grandchildren Isabella and Ava.

Angelo is survived by two brothers Sam Mania of Texas and Joseph Mania and his wife Dolly of Marco Island, FL;  two nieces Beth and Lori and two nephews Joseph and William. Angelo is pre-deceased by his brother William Mania.

Theresa is survived by one sister Julia Zisa of Paterson; her godchild Linda Zisa and nieces Lisa, Ginny, and Elaine. Theresa is pre-deceased by her two brothers Vincent and Charles Piermattie.

Zena Restivo (nee DiMauro) of Franklin Lakes died peacefully at home on Thursday, February 18, 2010.

She was born in Passaic, raised and lived in Paterson for most of her life before retiring to Franklin Lakes.

Zena was a devoted Catholic in heart, mind and spirit, over the years was a parishioner at St. Anthony’s, Paterson, St. Theresa’s, Paterson and most recently St. Elizabeth’s RC Church in Wyckoff.

Her love of family was infused into her from the age of nine, when she was given the job of caring and cooking for her five brothers, while still going to school.  Her school work ended in elementary school, but her home skills and concern for others was just beginning. Her dedication to her faith and family was evidenced in her unfailing love and care for both her physically handicapped brother William, and her handicapped daughter Judith.

She devoted a great deal of her time to the Fair Lawn Opportunity Center, Fair Lawn, which she considered to be a haven for the developmentally disabled. For a period of time she even took in a displaced developmentally disable person until they could find permanent housing. Zena did all of this while being the Grand Matriarch of her family, always nurturing, caring and loving her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson, treating them each as if they where her only concern.

She had ambition, learning how to drive at age 55, uncommon for most women of her age.  She hosted so many family Holidays, including numerous family Thanksgivings in her basement, Christmases, Easter Brunches and for a select few, traditional Day after Christmas meal. She was tireless and unyielding in her devotion to her family and anyone else lucky enough to be considered family.

At one time, Zena was the co-owner and head chef of Angelina’s restaurant in Atlantic City, Mississippi Ave,  just across from the Atlantic City Convention Center.  Her Italian culinary skills were honed to perfection.  She was even offered  a chef position at the historic Traymor Hotel in Atlantic City.

She was active member in Lady Elks, The Harmonettes Club, and St Anthony’s Senior  Organization and made several pilgrimages to Fatima &  Lourdes -France, Medjugorie- Yugoslavia, and Montreal Canada

She was the loving wife of sixty-nine years to the late Nicholas M. Restivo(2000); loving mother of Rosemarie DeValue of Jupiter, FL, Barbara Passalacqua of Wayne and the late Judith Restivo(1998); cherished grandmother of Rodger, Curtis A.and Stephen N. DeValue, Tim, Gene, Ted and Jamie Passalacqua, Cheryl Nylen and Lori Stuart; devoted great grandmother of Ryan and Joshua DeValue, Christen Heinz, Christopher, Michael and Maria Nylen, Nicholas, Michael and Jake Passalacqua, Nicole & John Anthony Stuart, Lindsay , Christina , Nicolette and Olivia DeValue, and one great-great-grandson Charles Edward Heinz IV of  Fort Hood, Texas.

Mary Patricia O’Connor (nee Slacke) age 68 of Fort Lauderdale, Florida formerly of Wayne passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.  Her passing took place suddenly and unexpectedly at home with her loving husband at her side.  It is indeed ironic that the day of her funeral is her birthday, when she will be celebrating her arrival in heaven.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York where she lived her formative years.  Mary received her formal education at Saint Brendan’s Grammar School and then Saint Brendan’s High School in Brooklyn, graduating with the Class of 1959.  She moved to the Packanack Lake community on August 8, 1974, and lived there before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2000.

Her heritage was Irish, and she was proud of it!  As she traveled life’s byways, a wonderful  and loving Irish spirit accompanied her life.

Mary was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Saint Brendan’s RC Church in Brooklyn, and while living in Wayne, Immaculate Heart of Mary RC was her parish.  She especially admired Saint Jude.

She enjoyed hobbies of sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren.  She even made her daughter’s wedding dress by hand.  Mary also loved to read novels and was the number one Giants football fan.

She was gifted with a vibrant and energetic personality coupled with a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh.  When she entered a room, she exuded warmth and friendliness; and as a result she had a host of friends wherever she went.

Mary had a very special song in her heart of motherly comfort, happiness, and being.  She made life very special for her children and grandchildren.  Mary will be a never-ending song of love in the hearts of her children.  She was truly special and knew well, in her life practices, that love is not to keep or hold but to pass on.  She was a wonderful mother.

She also loved to enjoy life celebrations with her family gathered around her.  She was a very good cook and often used those talents to gather her family.   She had a very special and memorable recipe that everyone enjoyed called “Peking Duck”.

Mary met a handsome fellow in high school named Jim O’Connor and they became high school sweethearts and never parted.  They knew from the beginning that they were made for each other.  They eloped and married on February 22, 1959, and had fifty-one years of a romantic – “two peas in a pod” –  marriage together.

Mary leaves, to mourn in her passing and cherish her loving memory, her husband  Jim; five children Jimmy O’Connor Jr. of Washington, DC; four daughters Maureen Cretella and her husband Joe, Patricia Szlembarski, Irene Yalicki and her husband Steve all of Wayne, and Colleen Youngman of Kingston, New York; one sister Nancy Bianchi and her husband Ron of Avon, Connecticut; one brother James Slacke of Melbourne, Florida; eight grandchildren who called her “Manna:” Annie, Amanda, Amy and Joey Cretella; John, James and Kelly Youngman; James O’Connor III, and two cherished Great Grandchildren Robert and Connor Titus.

She was predeceased by her son-in-law Bob Szlembarski in February of 2001.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary’s memory are asked to consider The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administration, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA  22172.

Lorraine M. Novak age 71 of Wayne died Sunday, February 14, 2010.

A few words about Lorraine …

Our mother, Lorraine Marie Novak (nee Andy), was born in Flushing and raised in the Whitestone section of Queens. Her father, Charles, was an Italian immigrant, an engineer and musician.  Her mother, Alice, was a homemaker and first generation Irish American. From a young age, our mother showed an ability and passion for art that continued throughout her years, and touched almost every aspect of her life.

In 1956, she attended the Manhattan campus of Fordham University, where she met her future husband, Frederick Novak.  They married in 1958, honeymooned in Bermuda, and were together for the next 51 years. They had a great marriage. They adored each other and supported each other in every way. They laughed often, lived well, and respected each other without condition.

She was a beautiful woman. A runner-up Miss Fordham in 1957 (entered only at the urging of her friends – mom was too modest for beauty contests), she had high cheek bones and a beautiful smile. She had style and grace, matched by warmth and an incredibly sweet disposition.

Our mother loved her children. She gave everything she had to us. She never raised her voice in anger and rarely punished. She was there for us throughout our lives – a constant reservoir of love and support, and sage advice.  Mom used to often tell us “Life is not a dress rehearsal”, encouraging us to follow our passions and endeavors, and live each day to the fullest. When we married, she treated our spouses as her own children. As our families grew, she gave all the help she could at every opportunity. Her Christmas shopping began in the summer and involved shopping marathons with her daughter, lists, charts, graphs, receipts, and notebooks. She cooked massive amounts of Lasagna during the Holidays – literally hundreds of pounds – and made sure that everyone took home a tray. She hosted every holiday, made Sunday dinners for the family, served her legendary meatballs, and prepared sausage and peppers for every occasion. She loved it all.  

Our mother believed in the value of friendship. She was open-minded and saw only the best in everyone.  Her friends came from all walks of life.  Every year, our parents would rent a summer house down at the Jersey Shore, and everyone had an open invitation.  On the weekends, the house was packed.  At times, we had 15 or 20 people sleeping in a four bedroom house.  All were welcomed – friends, neighbors and co-workers. Mom put up with surf boards, waters skis, and obnoxiously loud speed boats. She embraced it all. She enjoyed life, and she enjoyed people.

There is so much to remember about these years. Mom traveled to Italy, Greece, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Egypt. She took cruises with our father. Carted boatloads of kids up to West Point to watch football games. Drove a T-Top Corvette. She skied with her family, and golfed with our father and friends. She embarked on a remarkable variety of careers.  She taught in schools, tutored students, and taught religious education at home. She worked in restaurants. She became a travel agent, and eventually the co-owner of Nutley Travel Services.

Above all, Mom was an artist. In the 70s, she volunteered her time teaching art classes at Immaculate Heart of Mary. When the last of her children entered school full time – she went back to school and graduated with a degree in art from Montclair State College. She never stopped learning and took art classes all her life – sculpture, photography, painting, and drawing.  She had great appreciation for all forms and all styles of art, and often visited the New York museums and art galleries.  She turned a vacant bedroom into her art studio, and held art classes for her grandchildren. She did not paint to be recognized or complimented.  She painted solely because it made her happy, a happiness that is still felt through the drawings and paintings that hang in our homes.

Later in life, her grandchildren became her everything. She treated them as she had treated us – patiently and nurturing, never denying any request. She would baby-sit at a moments notice. She hosted sleepovers, made popcorn and watched endless hours of children’s movies. Her grandchildren were her greatest source of joy.  She loved them all so much.

Our mother had Alzheimer’s. Our father cared for her through those difficult times. Meeting her every need, and making her as comfortable as possible. She stayed at home, and in familiar surroundings. She spent time with her family.  She passed in her own bed.

But even as the disease became full, she continued to ask us about our children, tell us that we looked great, and compliment our spouses. She would light up at the site of a grandchild, as if her kindness had been so complete, it had become involuntary and instinctive.  In remembering our mom, Lorraine, we can’t help but celebrate the special light in her eyes that all who met her and knew her shared - her beauty, her warmth and kindness, her  gentle spirit and open arms, and her unconditional love.

We will all miss her dearly.

______________________

Lorraine M. Novak age 71 of Wayne died Sunday, February 14, 2010.

She was a resident of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne for the past fifty years and owner of Nutley Travel Services before her retirement in 2003.

She was the beloved wife of fifty-one years to Frederick Novak; beloved mother of Craig Novak and his wife Sherri of Montville, Linda Kruger and her husband Thomas of Towaco, James Novak and his wife Abigail of Pompton Lakes, Robert Novak and his wife Susan of Allendale and Christopher Novak and his wife Katherine of Allendale.

She was adored by her eleven grandchildren, T.J., Lela, Danielle, Sofia, Matthew, Luke, Gregory, Drew, Jimmy, Ryan and Kelly.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 would be appreciated.

Sheila Joy Pasek, (nee Bungard) age 64 of Wayne, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, February 13, 2010 with her husband Jerry at her side.

“Joy”, as most knew her, was born in Rockwood, PA, and grew up in Somerset County, PA.  She graduated from Somerset High School with the class of 1963.  In 1967 she graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in music.  She began her career as a music teacher in the Garfield, NJ school system where she was able to share her love and passion for music.  In 1969 she met Jerry Pasek, also a school teacher in Garfield.  He took her to the Old Barge Inn for their first date and they enjoyed thirty eight years of loving marriage together after exchanging vows in 1971 and honeymooning in Bermuda.

Joy was passionate about music.  She was skilled at playing the Oboe, piano, and violin.  Her favorite was the piano and she played it whenever she could.  Although M.S. hindered her ability to play, it couldn’t stop her from listening to music and there was always music playing in her house.  Besides being an Elvis fan, she had a collection of soundtracks to Broadway musicals that is second to none.  “Singing in the Rain” is her all-time favorite, but listening to just about any musical soundtrack would make her happy.

She and Jerry also had the opportunity to travel together.  They took two cruises to Bermuda and two to Nova Scotia.  Of course, one of their trips to Nova Scotia was unplanned, as their intended destination was Bermuda again, but a severe ocean storm prompted the captain to take them to Nova Scotia at the last minute.  It wasn’t where they had hoped to go, but it was still a trip to remember.

Joy had a wonderful and silly sense of humor and her happy, positive attitude was a primary reason she enjoyed forty three years after being diagnosed with M.S.  Her ability to laugh was unequaled and she never let the disease take away her joy for life.  She remained eternally hopeful for a cure and that too helped her to press on.

Her family, who frequently referred to her as "LG" (Little Guy), recall how she was always smiling, laughing, or just being silly.  Of course, her children also remember how their mom would force them to practice their musical instruments; a passion that they didn’t necessarily share as deeply as she did.  The girls used to help her bake cookies and Jeff remembers helping his mom to raise his younger twin sisters.  They particularly enjoyed her silly poetry and one family favorite goes like this: “Ode to a Squirrel” –

He sped by fast; up went my feet; dressed in that fur; he sure looked neat!

He hastened around that fruitless tree; he looked for nuts; then looked at me.

So up I jumped and said “Don’t fear, I’ll keep your cheeks well stocked this year.”

So happy was I; ‘till he spied she; a little girl squirrel ran by;

Leaving me alone; one nut by a tree.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerome of Wayne, three devoted children; Jeff of Morris Township, NJ, Jacqueline Pasek of Wayne, and Jennifer Hare and her husband Kevin of Philadelphia, PA, one sister; Kay Shaver and her husband Robert of Seminole, FL, two brothers; Eugene Bungard of Chelmsford, MA and Donald Bungard and his wife Jane of Acton, MA, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother Gerald Bungard many years ago.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Joy's memory to: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter, 1 Kalisa Way Suite 205, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Patrick Joseph Hickey age 71 of Wayne died peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

He was born in County Cork, Ireland and attended the following schools:  Boys National School, Millstreet, County Cork from September of 1944 through July of 1951, Colaiste Mhuire, Douglas Road, Cord City from August 1951 through June of 1953, Colaiste Theresa Passage West, County Cork from August 1953 through June 1954, St Patricks College, Millstreet, County Cork from September 1954 through June of 1956 and the Wandsworth Technical College, London, England from September 1956  through April of 1957.

He worked in England for the Ford Motor Company before moving to the United States of America in 1960.  He settled in the New Brunswick, NJ area and worked in the upholstery department of the Ford Motor Company in New Brunswick, NJ.

In 1961 he joined the United States Air Force. He met the love of his life Catherine Dillane through friends and took her to Central Park in New York City for their first date.  He proposed to her at the Park Avenue Hotel in New York City and they married at St. Catherine of Genoa RC Church, Brooklyn, NY in 1961.  Pat was serving in the US Air Force when they were married and was sent back to Oklahoma so they never had a chance to have a honeymoon.

When he returned from his service in the Air Force he saw an opportunity to start his own business.  He founded the North American Business Machines Corporation in New York City and ran that company for many years.  He later bought and sold real estate and managed, owned and developed real estate in Northern New Jersey.

Pat was an outgoing guy who loved to work, loved history, was generous, caring, had a great sense of humor and was a terrific story teller. He traveled extensively through Europe, enjoyed a good steak and a beer, loved the American holidays Thanksgiving, Fourth of July and was a skilled carpenter having made all types of furniture including book cases, tables and cabinets.

He was the beloved husband of forty-nine years to Catherine (Dillane) Hickey; devoted father of Patrick Joseph Hickey, JR and his wife Karen of Wayne, Deirdre Ann Maine and her husband Patrice of Dole, France and John Douglas Hickey of West Milford; cherished grandfather of Patrick and Colin Hickey; brother of Kiernan, Cornelius and Donal Hickey, Evelyn McEvily of San Francisco and Finola Beaty of Australia.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Red Cross, PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018 – please write Haiti Relief & Development in your checks memo section or go to www.redcross.org and click on the Donate Now button.

Angeline Pezzuti, “Angie”, age 93 of Jacksonville, Florida and formerly of Wayne, died on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Cyprus Village where she had lived since 1999.

Angie was born in Paterson and lived there until 1953.  She was a graduate of Eastside High School with the class of 1934.  Sometime there, in the middle 1930’s, Angie met Alphonse Pezzuti.  They were both guests at a friend’s wedding and Alphonse was smitten right from the start.  As the story goes, Angie might have played a little ‘hard to get’, but Al persevered.  They were married in 1938 and honeymooned in Washington, DC.  At the time, Washington was buried under heavy snow, much like it is today.  Over the years, they travelled to Europe, Bermuda, all over the western United States, and took several cruises.  They were a match made in Heaven and truly adored each other.  They enjoyed 57 years of marriage before Al passed in 1995.

To everyone who knew Angie, she was a true lady; beautiful, gracious and kind.  She was gregarious, but certainly not a ‘social butterfly’.  She simply loved to be with others.  She played Bridge twice a week and often volunteered at Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa to feed the elderly (many of whom were actually younger than her!).

A child of Italian immigrant parents, Angie was a fantastic cook and her meatloaf was unlike anything you’d ever had before.  She was always preparing the Holiday meals where everyone ate well.

Angie moved to Wayne in 1953 and lived there until 1999.  She was an administrative assistant in the Wayne schools, including many years at Wayne Hills High School, before retiring in the mid 1970’s.  She was a devout Catholic, actively involved in the original charter of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne and a parishioner for many years.   Her involvement with Our Lady of the Valley dates back to the times when they celebrated their first services in the gymnasium at Wayne Valley High School, which at that time was simply known as Wayne High School.  Her Catholic faith was her foundation.  She was very well read; enjoying novels, biographies, and history reading.

Angie is survived by her two devoted sons; John Pezzuti and his wife Bobbie of Jacksonville, FL, and Dr. Roger Pezzuti and his wife Margaret of Cape Elizabeth, ME, five grandchildren; John Jr. Pezzuti and his wife Bernadine of Erie, CO, Theresa Foskey and her husband Dan of Jacksonville, FL, Michele Pezzuti-Morse and her husband Jim of Portland, ME, Renee Robinson and her husband Chris of Kennebunk, ME, and Nicole Pezzuti and her husband Rick Jensen of Portland, OR, four great-grandchildren; Amanda and Brian Foskey of Jacksonville, FL, and Robby and Catalina Pezzuti of Erie, CO.

Donations in Angie’s memory to Little Sisters of the Poor St. Joseph's Home, 140 Shepherd Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth L. Petricone, RN (nee Doyle) of Wayne, formerly of Nova Scotia, Canada, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at home. She trained for her R.N. in Canada and worked in several hospitals in the local Wayne area.

A longtime member of the Preakness Bible Church, in Wayne, Bette always looked forward to spending Sundays with her church family.

Betty was known for her generosity, quick wit, and sense of humor.  A sweet tooth to the core, she always made sure there was enough chocolate in the den to share with  the people she loved.

Her dry sense of humor never faltered. She was often heard saying that, "Jesus must be a slow carpenter, because my room just isn't ready."

Most recently, Bep's happiest days were shared with the newest addition to her family, her great-grandson Jack.

The next time you see her, make sure you have a pen ready.  She'll be waiting with a crossword.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Preakness Bible Church, 1108 Preakness Ave., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Robert L. DeLillo Sr. age 71 of Butler, formerly of Garfield, on Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.  His passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of his family who shared prayer and support with him at his bedside.  He was so appreciative of his life that he was often known to say, “I am so blessed”.

Just about one year ago he developed an illness called, “Vasculitis,” that eventually took his life.  He put up a valiant battle with his illness.

He was born in Passaic and received his formal education at Passaic Grammar School and later Passaic High School.  He later lived in Garfield for forty five years before moving to Butler four years ago.

Bob was of strong Italian background and was very proud of his heritage.  His closest friends and- he had many- called him Butch, and everyone else called him Bob.

At the age of nineteen he joined the Army and spent time in Germany as part of the occupation forces after World War II.  While in Germany when he had time off, he would travel to Italy to explore the beautiful country that his ancestors came from.

Bob was a building construction worker and supervisor for Union Local 23 in New York City for twenty-six years and retired from that job in 1983.  He also was an entrepreneur, and for twenty-five years maintained an outlet store of general merchandise in the Stony Hill area of Paterson.  He retired from that work when he became ill.

Bob was a very devout Catholic in his heart, and while in Garfield, he was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church.

He was gifted with an extraverted personality that brought joy to his life and to those around him.  He was a skilled joke teller and was full of kindness and generosity. He often focused on helping people that were less fortunate than himself.  Because of his social skills and big heart, he had many friends.

Butch also was very dedicated to his family, a good provider, and the best dad and papa a child could ever ask for.  When grandchildren arrived in his life he was ecstatic and just loved all of them with his whole heart.  His greatest gift was his legacy of love.

He especially enjoyed having family around him as well as large birthday parties for himself.  He loved a crowd at his birthday celebrations.

In 1960 he met, through relatives, a pretty girl named Jeanette Spoto.  They courted for about one year and then married on April 8, 1961. It is well known that he finally caught Jeanette who played hard to get.   They honeymooned in the Poconos.  The only problem with the honeymoon was that they forgot to bring warm clothing to the mountains, and when winter gave its last blast of snow that week, they nearly froze to death.  As things turned out Bob and Jeanette had forty-nine years of a “mutually fulfilling, loving” marriage together.

Surviving to mourn the loss of this great family man are: his loving wife Jeanette, one son Robert L. DeLillo Jr. and his wife  Geralyn; one daughter Jennifer Tempio and her husband Stephen, all of Kinnelon; one sister Carmella Ross and her husband Richard of Annandale; eight cherished grandchildren Jaclyn, Jillian, Kristen, Katelyn, and Bobby DeLillo, and Jennifer, Melissa, and Stephen Tempio.

His two brothers Joseph and Michael DeLillo predeceased him earlier.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Robert’s memory are asked to consider the Vasculitis Foundation, “For Vasculitis Research” P.O. Box 28660, Kansas City, MO  64188-8660

Norma Rita Slater (nee Straus) age 93 of Wayne died peacefully on February 4, 2009 at The Hospice of NJ.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York and had lived her formative years there.  She attended Abraham Lincoln High School graduating with the Class of 1934.  She then went to Saint Joseph’s College in Brooklyn where she received her BA in Social Sciences and graduated with the Class of 1938.

She later lived in Norfolk, VA, Maywood and Bloomingdale NJ, and Hoffman Estates, IL before moving to Wayne in 1964.

In Wayne, she was employed at the Immaculate Heart of Mary School where she taught fourth grade for over twenty years.  Shortly after retiring from teaching, Norma took a job with the Wayne Counseling Center becoming their Evening Office Manager. She worked there for twenty-four years before retiring in 2008.

Norma was very devoted to her Catholic faith setting aside each day to spend time with God by attending Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, or private prayer. She was a parishioner at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wayne. She also kept in touch with her friends in faith by participating in services at Our Lady of Consolation, Our Lady of the Valley, and Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Being the “lovely lady” she was, she volunteered at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains working with their Social Services Department.  She also applied her faith as a Eucharistic Minister at local nursing homes.

In high school she met Francis Graham Slater and they dated through their college years and beyond. Frank wore down her resistance to marriage, and he finally caught her in 1942, beginning their adventure as “loving partners” in a marriage that lasted forty-three years until Frank’s passing in November 1985.

Norma, by nature, liked people and was always there to help others and lend an understanding ear.  Bringing particular joy and pride into her life’s journey was the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she loved with all of her heart.

In her free time, she enjoyed reading and knitting, making sweaters and hats for her family and for those in need.  She was also a skilled baker, and her chocolate chip cookies were appreciated by all.

Surviving to celebrate this very special lady are four sons Francis G. Slater and his wife Dr. Joan Slater of Spring, TX, Robert V. Slater and his wife Kathe of Palatine, IL, William S. Slater and his wife Carol of Charleston, SC, Mark E. Slater; one daughter Rosemary Johnson and her husband Michael of Wayne; eight grandchildren David Slater and his fiancée Hannah, Kristin & Kylie Slater, Nicole Stacy and her husband Joe, Brian Slater, Melissa Ginsburg and her husband Matthew, Rebecca Slater and her husband Eric Gangloff, William Slater, Jr. and his wife Shayna; five great grandchildren Erik and Matthew Stacy, Caleb and Cecilia Ginsburg and James Slater Gangloff.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Norma’s name may be made to: Wayne Counseling & Family Services, 1022 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470-3209 or The Hospice of New Jersey, 224 Hamburg Tpk.  / 6th Floor, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Joseph Palmieri Jr. of Wayne died suddenly at home on Thursday, February 4, 2010 with his loving wife at his side.  His passing was quiet and peaceful.  Beloved husband of Gertrude R. Palmieri. He was born in Paterson and had served in the Army during World War II and was in active duty with the 104th Infantry Division in Germany.  He received a Bronze Star and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.  

Joseph Palmieri Jr., age 83 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Thursday, February 4, 2010 with his wife by his side.

Richard Tuit age 83 of Pompton Plains entered his Lord’s presence on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at the Renaissance Gardens at Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains.

He was born in North Haledon to Nicholas and Susanna Tuit and resided in Haledon and North Haledon before moving to Highland Lakes where he lived for nineteen years, he wintered in Bradenton, FL for sixteen years before moving to Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains last year.

Richard graduated from Hawthorne High School with the Class of 1944.  He was drafted into the United States Army during WWII in February of 1945 at the age of eighteen. With his skills of operating heavy equipment he was given the task of driving a tank.  He later became a Military Policeman and was stationed in Puerto Rico where he drove a motorcycle and jeep to escort the high echelon of military personnel.

After WWII Richard  and his brother Nicholas partnered to form Tuit Brothers, a paving and excavating company they ran for forty years in the North Haledon area. They both retired on the same day nineteen years ago.

He met the love of his life Wilma Heerema at Sunday evening church services at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Paterson.  Their first date was to 7 Lakes Drive in Bear Mountain, NY. He purchased a diamond in HoHoKus and couldn’t wait to propose to Wilma.  He proposed on a hill in HoHoKus overlooking the lights of Manhattan on December 21, 1950.  They married at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Paterson on March 15, 1951.  They honeymooned in Florida and drove there in a 1940 Buick into which Richard had put a 1950 engine.  

Religion being a very important part of his life, Richard was a member  of the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Paterson from 1951 through 1989; he served as an Elder for three terms and as a Deacon for four terms. He made his profession at the 2nd Christian Reformed Church(Unity), Prospect Park the same night Wilma made hers at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Paterson.  They presently are members of Christ Community Church of Highland Lakes at which Rich served as its first elder.

Richard is best described as a man who could fix anything; he was kind, patient, industrious, and a hard working person with a strong and committed faith in his Lord. He built both houses he has lived in from the ground up. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and golf. He also purchased a vacation farm in Sharon Springs, NY where he built yet another home. He always befriended others and fulfilled thier needs as an expression of his strong faith in Jesus Christ.

He was the loving husband of fifty-eight years to Wilma (Heerema) Tuit; loving father of Ronald W. Tuit and his wife Debbie of Kanab, UT, Rick Tuit of Highland Lakes, NJ,  Janis R. Warden and her husband James of Pella, IA, Glen D. Tuit of Highland Lakes, NJ and Bob C. Tuit and his wife Janine of Bloomingdale; brother of Hilda Borduin of North Haledon and the late John, Nicholas Jr., Alice VanDokkenberg, Wilhelmina Tuit and Jean Mapes; cherished grandfather of thirteen grandchildren Lora and Dr. Robert Smid, Jessica and Mark Van Wyngarden, Merissa and Brandon Nishijo, Brian, Jason, Jonathan, Robert S. and Jeanae Tuit, James Richard, Cory, Steven, Alexis and Briana Warden; much loved great-grandfather of Dalia and Keira Smid, Wyatt Nishijo and Benjamin Van Wyngarden.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Back to God Ministries Intl., 6555 West College Dr., Palos Heights, IL 60463 or the Eastern Christian School Association(ECSA), 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon, NJ, 07508 would be appreciated.

Carmela Haddad, 70, of Davenport, Florida and Wayne, NJ went to be with the Lord on February 3rd.  

Carmela's warmth and outgoing personality brought joy and comfort to all who knew her and friendship to all who met her.  She loved people and she loved the Lord.  She looked forward to spending her eternity worshipping the Lord with the angels.  

She was the beloved wife of her husband, Fred of 53 years, cherished mother of her three children, Debbie and her husband, Frank, Donna and her husband, Win and John and his wife, Zoraida.  She was the adored grandmother of her seven grandchildren, Michael, Jonathan, Daniel, Christy, Timothy, Stephanie and Joshua.  

The family requests no flowers.

Anthony L. Russo, ESQ. age 69 of Wayne died suddenly on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at St. Josephs Hospital, Paterson.

He was born in Paterson and raised in Fair Lawn and lived in Saddle Brook before moving to Wayne thirty-two years ago.

Tony graduated from Fair Lawn High School with the Class of 1958 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Farleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck with the Class of 1962.  He received his Jurisprudence Degree in 1965 from New York Law, NY with the Class of 1965.  He was a private practice attorney trading as Anthony L. Russo, ESQ for the past forty years.

Tony is best described as a well liked, even loved, gentleman.

He was an active athlete who was active in tennis, paddle tennis both at the North Jersey Country Club, Wayne and often played tennis at the Wayne Racquet Club. For many years he played softball in the Wayne Township Softball League.

He literally married the girl next door, Carolyn Feruzzi, and proposed to her outside their adjacent homes in Fair Lawn.  They married on May 10, 1970 at Most Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Paterson and honeymooned in Mexico.  They have enjoyed forty years of a loving and devoted marriage.

He is the beloved husband of Carolyn (Feruzzi) Russo; loving father of Jacqueline Del Gaudio and her husband Anthony of Totowa and Jennifer Crawford and her husband Brian of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Ava, Luca and Amelia Del Gaudio and Ben Crawford.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Our Lady of Consolation Church, 1799 Hamburg Tpk., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Joseph J. Devine  “Joe” age 91 passed into life eternal on Monday, February 1, 2010 at the Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus.  His passing took place with tranquility after having received the love and support of his family who spent much time at his bedside.

He was born in the Singac area of Little Falls and he later lived in Paterson.  He moved to Wayne in 1959 and lived there until 2005 when he went to live with his daughter Kathleen in Franklin Lakes.  For the past two years he was a resident of the Veteran’s Memorial Home in Paramus.

He was born in 1918 to Joseph and Mary Devine and was always exceedingly proud of his strong Irish heritage.

Joe received his formal education at Singac Grammar School No. 3.  It was a time of very difficult economic challenges  and at the age of fifteen Joe got a job with Curtis Wright Corporation to help support his family.  He worked at Curtis Wright all of his life and retired as a Tool Inspector in 1977.

In 1944 he joined the United States Navy and had the opportunity to travel the world.  He served as a

Fireman First Class and was discharged from the service in January 1946.  In honor of his faithful service to his country he received the American Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon and the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon.

He was gifted with a quiet personality with a good sense of humor.  He liked to mix with people and was a member of the Totowa Elks Lodge and the Wayne Golden Age Circle.

In 1941 he met the love of his life Annette Noble and they married in 1942 and had sixty-five years of “good and loving marriage” together until Annette’s passing in 2007.

Annette and Joe had some wonderful trips in their early retirement to New Port Richey, Florida to visit his sister Annamae Agusta.

Great sadness struck his life in February 2008 when his grandson Richard “Rick” Heykoop passed away.

Surviving are two daughters Darlene S. Heykoop of Vernon and Kathleen A. Reid and her husband Dennis of Franklin Lakes; one sister Annamae Agusta of New Port Richey, Florida;  five grandchildren Cindy Kopcso, Kevin Heykoop, Lori Piccione, Lisa Kloster and Greg Reid; five great grandchildren Danielle, Melissa and Ashley Kopcso, Kayla Piccione and Dylan Kloster; one great great grandson Victor Gonzalez.

Thomas J. McBride “Pop-Pop” age 98 of Wayne, New Jersey, passed on January 30, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial hospital in Pompton Plains. At that time, twenty-one loving family members were by his bedside as he peacefully entered into Heaven.

It all started on December 7, 1912, when Tom was born in Paterson, New Jersey into a strong Irish family.  He was very proud about his Irish heritage.  He received his education in Paterson at Saint Agnes’s Grammar School and graduated from Saint Joseph’s High School in 1927.

During the Great Depression, Tom landed a job with the Lehigh Valley Railroad stationed in New York City.  He enjoyed his commute each day playing pinochle with his co-riders. During his lunch hour, he enjoyed the sites of the City.  Tom started at the age of eighteen and retired forty-four years later as a Clerk Estimator in 1975.

Soon after, he met his wife, Wilma Christ who he adored. They were happily married for sixty-seven years until her passing in May of 1999.

When it came to his family, Tom had a wonderful sense of pride.  He loved his family and they meant the world to him. The arrival of his six grandchildren was a highlight in his life.  With the arrival of his thirteen great-grandchildren, he was ecstatic to be able to enjoy three generations of his family.

Throughout his life thoroughly enjoyed horseshoes and was a member of the Paterson Horseshoe League.  Some of his hobbies included monitoring police radios, taking walks at Garret Mountain, listening to music, and playing records from his substantial collection.  Tom was a natural musician and enjoyed “tickling the ivories” for himself and family.

Every summer, Tom and his family packed up and headed for Wildwood Crest, New Jersey of vacation.  A favorite spot was the Crusader room 107, where Tom enjoyed watching the ocean with his binoculars and his family at the beach and pool.

Tom was wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He never missed any of the events and all of his families lives and leaves us with wonderful memories.

Surviving Tom are is one daughter Joan Schmitt and her husband George and his six  grandchildren Debra Mirabelli and her husband Rich, George T Schmitt, Edward Schmitt, Diane Brennan and her husband Dave, Lisa Schmitt and Frank Manghisi and his wife Danielle; and his thirteen great-grandchildren Melissa Welch and her husband Denis, Dana and Michele Mirabelli, Scott and Kayla Schmitt, Ashley, Casey and Shannon Brennan, Mel Green, and Olivia, Paige, Brooke and Luke Manghisi. Also, included are Tom’s niece, Karen McBride and extended family.

He was predeceased by his brother Charles McBride and his daughter Elizabeth “Betty” Manghisi in 2007 and again his wife “Wilma” in 1999.

He will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Totowa, New Jersey beside his beloved wife, Wilma.

Jabra Youssef Daibes, age 86 of Wayne, died on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at home, with the love and care of his family all around him.

Born and raised in Haifa, Palestine, Jabra moved to Lebanon when he was twenty five years old.  At that time, Palestine was occupied by the British, and the State of Israel was about to be created, Haifa was not a very safe place for Christians, so he and his new wife moved to Lebanon.  He raised his family there before the opportunity to come to America presented itself in 1972.  With the help of his brothers, who were already in America, Jabra came here with his family and settled in Edgewater, New Jersey.  The hope of giving his children a better life, and an American college education, was his motivation.  He worked tirelessly to that end.

Jabra’s family was the core of his life and he was devoted to them all.  He was successful at keeping his family very close, both physically and emotionally.  His children all live very near to him, and Sunday dinner was always at Jabra’s house – without fail.  He cooked the best fish dinners for his large family, and was sure to teach his recipes to all that were interested. He would make trips to the Markets to shop for fresh fish. If anybody knew fish it was him, having grown up in Haifa, a sea-front city.  After retiring in the mid 1980's, he devoted himself completely to his grandchildren.  He would drive them to school, pick them up, meet the teachers and other parents, take them shopping to but the best clothes and school supplies, and do everything he could to stay closely involved with them.  He was known as “Jiddo” (Grandpa) to just about everyone, and he loved it. He was extremely friendly and generous, not only towards his family and friends, but also to complete strangers. Everyone that knew him, loved him dearly and grew attached. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life and kept him busy every day, just how he liked it.  Nothing brought him more joy than watching them grow up and being a huge part of it. There was not a thing he wouldn’t do for them.  He was the best Jiddo in the world, and they will each miss him dearly. The wonderful memories are inscribed in their minds and he will ALWAYS remain in their hearts.

While he was a young man in Haifa, Jabra met a young lady named Adibeh Ghafari.  She had moved with her family to Haifa from Lebanon after her father passed away only to become next-door neighbors with her fated true love.  She had been working at a local convent when Jabra met her and they fell deeply in love.  They eloped in 1946 and enjoyed sixty beautiful and blessed years together before she passed away in 2006.  Their marriage had been a love affair; equally and passionately devoted to each other for all those years.  Losing her was devastating to Jabra but, with God’s blessing, they are together again today.

Jabra is survived by three loyal and caring sons; Samir and his wife Manal, Munir and his wife Phyllis, and Amir and his wife Rima, all of Wayne, one loving daughter; Wissam and her husband George of Wayne, thirteen dear grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife Adibeh in 2006, as well as two daughters; Siham Issa and Hiam Issa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Virgin Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, 236 Grandview Boulevard, Yonkers, NY, 10703 would be greatly appreciated.

Giovanna Scaramia “Jenny”, age 92 of Wayne, died peacefully on  January 27, 2010 at the Lakeview Nursing Home in Wayne.

She was born in Santa Croce Camerina, Italy ,  came to America as the bride of Giovanni Scaramia and settled in Paterson where she lived for forty-seven years before moving to Wayne.

Jenny was a skilled seamstress in the garment manufacturing industry in Paterson where she had worked at B & B Fashions Company and at High Fashions Corporation.

In the community where she grew up in Italy, there were no formal education requirements or opportunities and much of what she learned about reading, writing and arithmetic came from home schooling by her father.  Jenny was self educated in many ways.  In her youthful years, like everyone else, she had to find work to help support her family.  One of the things that truly helped her was that she loved reading and that certainly contributed to her life skills.

She was gifted with an extraverted personality and by nature loved people.  Those she met, in turn, welcomed her presence and as a result she had a wonderful circle of friends and family. To say the least she was an intelligent and enthusiastic conversationalist.

Giovanni, in 1959, who later became her husband, took a trip to Italy looking for a nice Italian girl to marry.  He found a wonderful girl in Jenny but her parents had to make sure that he was the right person for their daughter.  He went through a strict examination of his persona before her parents relented and agreed to their marriage.

Giovanni and Giovanna “Jenny” married in Italy in 1959.  Giovanni had to return to America alone because he had to clear immigration papers for Jenny and she finally joined him here in Paterson, NJ in 1961.  They had twenty one years of “solid and loving marriage” together until Giovanni’s passing in 1980.

She loved fashion and designed and made most of her own clothes.  She also made sure her daughter Maria was wearing one of her many creations.  She cooked the best veal and caponata dishes and her most amazing teste di turco, scaccie e focaccie Her Italian cookies were her most popular.  Her favorite foods were cheese, bread and onions and she was the only Italian on this planet that did not like Pasta.  She did love the sauce though.

She had a very deep faith in God.  She went to church and prayed the rosary everyday.  All were blessed by her prayers.  She never spoke negative words about anyone, because she knew that no one was perfect.  She was a dedicated mother and nonna.  Although she forgot many things in the last couple of years.  She never stopped calling for her daughter  “Maria, Maria!”.  She lived her life for Maria.   Her focus in life was always to guide and protect her.  Jenny’s  faith never failed her.  “She died like an angel,” commented one of the nurses who cared for her.  She had no fear and her spirit will always protect those she loved.

Surviving are one daughter Maria Guarino and her husband Gerard of Wayne; three step children: Joseph Scaramia of Totowa, Giovanna Leone of Wayne and Sal Scaramia and his wife Joanne of Hawthorne, three grandchildren; Michael, Gina and Giuliana Guarino of Wayne; step grandchildren John, Josephine and Lorraine Scaramia, Josephine Mirra, Diane Opinhory, Gino, John and David Leone and Lillian.

She was predeceased by three brothers  Antonio,Salvatore, and Giovanni and a sister TriesteBrancato who lived their lives in Italy; a step grandchild Maria Scaramia.

Rosemary C. Brogan (nee Walsh-Callagy) age 87 of Wayne passed into life eternal on Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.  Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her loving family at her bedside.

She was born in Jersey City where she spent her youthful years.  Rosemary received her formal education at Public Grammar School No. 11 in Jersey City and at Dickinson High School in Jersey City graduating with the Class of 1939.

She moved to Lakewood in 1981 where she lived before moving to Wayne to be near her son four years ago.

For Rosemary family was very important and she centered much of her life on being a wonderfully dedicated mother, grandmother, great grandmother and wife.

In her younger years she worked at Pennsylvania Station in New York City as an elevator operator.  It was there that she met John (Jack ) Callagy who was a Police officer.  They soon became a couple and married and had twenty-one years of devoted and loving marriage together until Jack’s passing in May of 1966.  Her second marriage was to Joseph Brogan and together they had a “two peas in a pod” marriage until Joseph’s passing in May of 2006.  Her family recalls how wonderfully Joseph took care of Rosemary and how Rosemary reciprocated with the loving wife role of being the official family decision maker.

Left to mourn this wonderful lady are her one son John Robert “Bobby” Callagy and his wife Felicia of Wayne; one cherished grandson Sean Callagy of Harrington Park, three great grandchildren Tyler, Courtney and Emma as well as her stepdaughter Linda.

Josephine Sliker, age 84 of Wayne, died suddenly and peacefully at home on Monday, January 25, 2010.  Her daughters were at her bedside, providing comfort when she passed.

Josephine (nee Zisa), or “Jo” as many called her, was born and raised in Paterson, where she attended Central High School.  Her family had a grocery store and she began working there at a very early age, doing her part to support the family in the difficult years following the Great Depression.  Her Sicilian born father ran a tight ship and taught Jo how to be stern and compassionate.  Later, she put these lessons to good use at the C&P Coat Factory in Paterson.  She was a seamstress there and worked tirelessly for over thirty years.  She often found herself advocating for many of the immigrant employees working beside her in the factory.  It was not uncommon for her to stand up to her boss in defense of a co-worker too meek to stand up for themselves.  She had a strong will and was proud.  She met Frank Sliker, who also worked in the garment industry.  He was a pressman and after a brief courtship they were married on May 8, 1945.  They enjoyed over sixty two years of marriage before Frank passed in November of 2007 and throughout all those years, they were never apart.

Jo and Frank had lived in Totowa from 1950 to 1960 and then moved to Wayne, where they raised their family and have lived ever since.  Her daughters recall how wonderful their mother was at sewing; she would always help the girls with their school sewing projects and often made the dresses for their proms.  Jo was so willing that she often made the dresses for her daughters friends too.  Josephine was also an outstanding cook and food was her connection.  Her stuffed mushrooms, stuffed artichokes, and chicken soup were unbelievable.  All the local kids loved to come play at the Sliker house because they would never leave hungry.  Mrs. Sliker would always feed them, and the food was always great; “mangia, mangia” she would say.  She was a selfless, benevolent matriarch to her family; a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Josephine is survived by her four loving daughters; Carol Schimpf of Oak Ridge, Linda Novak and her husband Tim Decker of Pompton Lakes, Lori McNeil and her husband Ken of Vernon, and Sandra Van Wettering and her husband John of Wayne, twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters; Mary Letendre and her husband Bill of Scottsdale, AZ, and Francis Jannicelli of Budd Lake, and one brother; William Zisa and his wife Barbara of West Paterson.  She was predeceased by her husband Frank in 2007, by her beloved brothers Joe & Louie, and her sister and best friend, Grace.

James R. Hagan age 87 of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, January 24, 2010 with the comfort of his family by his side.

Jim was born and raised in New York City then moved to Wayne 51 years ago with his wife Catherine and two daughters Bonnie and Cathy. He became a snowbird after retirement and spent some quality time in Sarasota, Florida before moving back to Wayne.  Jim was a fun-loving guy who loved life and made friends where ever he went. Jim was “the Greatest Dad in the World” to his two daughters. He taught them to “Love Much, Laugh Often and to Live Life” to its fullest. He will be missed by all.  He was proud of his accomplishments and so we would like to share his life’s journey with you.

Jim was born in the family home in New York City on January 31, 1922.  They soon moved to Woodside, Queens, NY after the death of his father in 1929 when he was only 7.  As a young boy, during the depression era, he helped his family by selling lemonade to construction workers, delivering newspapers and cleaning stables.  Coming from an Irish family, he was always proud to call himself an Irishman.  He was known as Buddy to all his friends and family.

When WWII began, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy on October 20, 1942.  While in the Navy he served as an Electricians Mate Third Class on the USS Brooklyn.  He saw action in the invasions of Sicily, Salerno and Anzio, and was discharged from the Navy on September 28, 1945. He was always proud of his service in the Navy and to his country.

Jim was a boxer with twenty-six fights in the ring. In 1947 fighting in the126 lb class of The Golden Gloves he won a medal.  Jim was also a semi-pro pitcher for the Barrel Rollers a New York championship softball team.

During this time, Jimmy also met his soon to be wife, Catherine McCarron, at a “Dollar for a Dance and a Beer” dance where he was introduced to her by his older brother Charlie.  They married on November 7, 1948 and honeymooned in Florida.  They settled down in New York City. After the birth of their second daughter they moved to Packanack Lake in 1958. Jim turned an antiquated house into a beautiful home through all his hard work.  They had a loving, fun filled and devoted marriage of forty-two years before Catherine’s passing on February 19, 1990.

Jim worked at a book bindery, was employed by the US Post Office and then secured a job with the New York Telephone Company, New York City, where he worked for 33 years before retiring in 1984. Jim was a Frame man, Lineman, Installer, Foreman and Repairman. After The fire in Lower Manhattan, he was instrumental in getting phone service back to lower NYC, and received an award from the City of New York. During his working years, he and Catherine also went to real estate school and earned their Real Estate Licenses.

Jim loved Packanack Lake and was an active member of the Community. One of Jim’s passions was fishing.  He was a founder and past-president of the Packanack Angler’s Club.  He was a County Committeeman for the Republican Party and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1931, Wayne. Jim was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, Wayne.

His favorite place to be, was sitting on his front porch, with a “nippy dippy do”, watching everyone walk around the lake. Many visitors would stop when they saw him. Jim loved to cook, as well as feed everyone that came to his home, and fed many a visiting friend.  This was one of the ways he “bribed” the friends of his daughters to help him put up his backyard screen house. For an Irishman he cooked the best Italian food!

Jim and Catherine were world travelers, jaunting off to such places as: London, Whales, Scotland, Venezuela, Japan, Ireland, Greece, Morocco, Mexico and many islands of the Caribbean. One of the most memorable trips was in 1965 when they packed up the car and the kids and took a five week trip across the USA. There were many stops at old Navy buddies homes as they crisscrossed the nation, stopping at National Parks and tourist spots.

Being a Grandpa was another thrill in his life. He loved being with Brian and Tara and watching them grow up, and teaching them many things. When in Florida, he would call often. He always ended all their phone calls with a “Hug-Hug Kiss-Kiss”

Jim was a snowbird, at first only spending winters, and then eventually living year round in Sarasota Florida, at Glen Oaks. He was active in his beloved community, going to the pool, playing cards, and having fun at the numerous community parties. He had many wonderful friends there.

He was a longtime Yankee fan, and in his retirement watched the games every day. The Giants were his favorite football team.

He spent his last year back in Wayne at Sunrise, and again made many wonderful friends.

He was the beloved husband of forty-two years to the late Catherine (McCarron) Hagan (1990); loving father of Bonnie Luccio and her husband Kevin of Bloomingdale, Cathy Murphy and her husband Doug of Wayne and cherished grandfather of Brian and Tara Murphy; beloved brother of Kathleen Colgan of Enfield, CT and the late Charles and George Hagan, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, 140 Littleton Road, Suite 200, Parsippany, NJ 07054

Margaret W. “Margie” Bain(nee Weschler) age 86 of West Caldwell and formerly of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, January 22, 2010 with the comfort of her husband by her side.

She was born in Washington, DC and lived in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne for twenty years having lived in Darien, CT, Pinehurst, NC, and Greenbriar Woodlands, Toms River, NJ before moving to Cranes Mill in West Caldwell in 2001.

She graduated from Holy Cross Academy, Washington, DC with the Class of 1942 where she played on the basketball team.  She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Washington, DC where she served on the Altar & Rosary Society and was a member of Sodality.

One evening, when Andrew was attending college, a group of boys were going out and asked Andrew Bain to get a date and go out with them.  He told the guys he couldn’t get a date on such short notice and one of the guys said I’ll get you one – my sister is at home.  They proceeded over to Margaret’s house and tossed stones at her window until she acknowledged them and agreed to go out for drinks.  Andrew was, in his own word “smitten”.  Margaret not so much.  They dated until Andrew was called to serve his country during WWII.  On leave from the service he went to a USO dance and was re-acquainted with Margaret who was at the dance. They dated again for a time but Margaret had her reservations as she thought Andrew’s personality was too conservative for her liking. Andrew was still “smitten” and worked up the nerve to ask Margaret to marry him.  He proposed while parked in the car in front of her house saying “I think we should get married-what do you think?” after a long and agonizing pause she said “that’s a terrible proposal but yes I would like to marry you”. They married on September 1, 1945 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Washington, DC and honeymooned at a New York City motel.  After the first night Andrew went to the front desk and said “I can’t afford this place – we’re checking out” to which the manager told him you have a military service discount, your good friend knows the manager so your getting the manager’s discount, and this room is costing you $7.00 per night.   They have since enjoyed sixty four years of loving and caring marriage.

In keeping with her devotion to her Catholic faith Margaret was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church, Washington, DC, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Wayne, NJ, St. Matthews Church in Darien, CT, Sacred Heart Church, Pinehurst, NC, St. Lukes Church in Toms River and most recently St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell.

Margie will be fondly remembered as having a quick wit, being a fantastic cook - peanut butter pie and chili were just a few specialties; she enjoyed playing bridge, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, enjoyed ceramics, and loved a party.  Her home in Packanack was the scene of many memorable New Years Eve parties. On one occasion Andrew called and said he was bringing home 10 Japanese men for dinner…in ½ hour!  She whipped up some of her spicy chili and those ten men talked about that dinner for years after. She always had a special part of her heart dedicated to animals. She would let tarantulas crawl on her arm and took an interest in her grandson's Gecko lizard.  At one time in her life she even had a pet bull.

Andrew and Margaret both enjoyed traveling and have been all over the United States, toured Japan, Panama, Bermuda, Alaska and loved cruises.  Just last week she was eyeing a cruise itinerary.

She is the beloved wife of Andrew L. Bain, Sr.; loving mother of Margaret E. Bain and her husband Jan Kopecky of Commerce City, CO, the late Andrew L. Bain, Jr.(2003) and his surviving wife Janis, Dr. Frank Bain and his wife Jackie of Towaco, Mary B. Tiefenbacher and her husband Robert of Wayne and Alice Breeman of Morristown; cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

In honor of her love of animals and in lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Associated Humane Society, 124 Evergreen Ave., Newark, NJ 07114 would be sincerely appreciated

Margaret W. “Margie” Bain(nee Weschler) age 86 of West Caldwell and formerly of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, January 22, 2010 with the comfort of her husband by her side.

She was born in Washington, DC and lived in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne for twenty years having lived in Darien, CT, Pinehurst, NC, and Greenbriar Woodlands, Toms River, NJ before moving to Cranes Mill in West Caldwell in 2001.

She graduated from Holy Cross Academy, Washington, DC with the Class of 1942 where she played on the basketball team.  She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Washington, DC where she served on the Altar & Rosary Society and was a member of Sodality.

One evening, when Andrew was attending college, a group of boys were going out and asked Andrew Bain to get a date and go out with them.  He told the guys he couldn’t get a date on such short notice and one of the guys said I’ll get you one – my sister is at home.  They proceeded over to Margaret’s house and tossed stones at her window until she acknowledged them and agreed to go out for drinks.  Andrew was, in his own word “smitten”.  Margaret not so much.  They dated until Andrew was called to serve his country during WWII.  On leave from the service he went to a USO dance and was re-acquainted with Margaret who was at the dance. They dated again for a time but Margaret had her reservations as she thought Andrew’s personality was too conservative for her liking. Andrew was still “smitten” and worked up the nerve to ask Margaret to marry him.  He proposed while parked in the car in front of her house saying “I think we should get married-what do you think?” after a long and agonizing pause she said “that’s a terrible proposal but yes I would like to marry you”. They married on September 1, 1945 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Washington, DC and honeymooned at a New York City motel.  After the first night Andrew went to the front desk and said “I can’t afford this place – we’re checking out” to which the manager told him you have a military service discount, your good friend knows the manager so your getting the manager’s discount, and this room is costing you $7.00 per night.   They have since enjoyed sixty four years of loving and caring marriage.

In keeping with her devotion to her Catholic faith Margaret was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church, Washington, DC, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Wayne, NJ, St. Matthews Church in Darien, CT, Sacred Heart Church, Pinehurst, NC, St. Lukes Church in Toms River and most recently St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell.

Margie will be fondly remembered as having a quick wit, being a fantastic cook - peanut butter pie and chili were just a few specialties; she enjoyed playing bridge, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, enjoyed ceramics, and loved a party.  Her home in Packanack was the scene of many memorable New Years Eve parties. On one occasion Andrew called and said he was bringing home 10 Japanese men for dinner…in ½ hour!  She whipped up some of her spicy chili and those ten men talked about that dinner for years after. She always had a special part of her heart dedicated to animals. She would let tarantulas crawl on her arm and took an interest in her grandson's Gecko lizard.  At one time in her life she even had a pet bull.

Andrew and Margaret both enjoyed traveling and have been all over the United States, toured Japan, Panama, Bermuda, Alaska and loved cruises.  Just last week she was eyeing a cruise itinerary.

She is the beloved wife of Andrew L. Bain, Sr.; loving mother of Margaret E. Bain and her husband Jan Kopecky of Commerce City, CO, the late Andrew L. Bain, Jr.(2003) and his surviving wife Janis, Dr. Frank Bain and his wife Jackie of Towaco, Mary B. Tiefenbacher and her husband Robert of Wayne and Alice Breeman of Morristown; cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

In honor of her love of animals and in lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Associated Humane Society, 124 Evergreen Ave., Newark, NJ 07114 would be sincerely appreciated.

Frank Aiello, age 90 of Pompton Lakes and formerly of Nutley, died with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, January 21, 2010. He was born and raised in Nutley, lived a short while in Clifton before moving to Pompton Lakes in 1955.  He retired to Holiday City, Toms River in 1983 and moved back to Pompton Lakes in 1997 to be close to his family once again.  

Frank worked for Chemical Leaman Tank Lines of East Rutherford where he drove an 18 wheel tanker.  He earned the Safe Driving award for thirty three years of accident-free service upon his retirement, and was very proud of that achievement.   Earlier, as a young man, he made a cross-country trip on his Indian motorcycle.  One of his first jobs was delivering false teeth in the saddle bags on that same motorcycle.  He simply loved being on the road and successfully made his living at it for many, many years.

He enjoyed many trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas.  He loved to play craps .  He was a member of a bowling league for many years in Oakland and made some great friends throughout his years there too.  He was extremely smart when it came to fixing things; he could fix anything.  He especially enjoyed taking care of his grandkids whenever he had the opportunity.  He always took them for a special trip to McDonalds, or when down the shore he would take them to the boardwalk, cherishing every moment.

Frank is survived by his loving children; John Aiello and his wife Linda of Wayne, Debra Sylvestri of Pompton Lakes, Denise Vivino of Pompton Lakes, Dana Balinski and her husband Ron of Wayne;   cherished grandfather of John Aiello, Jr., Steven Aiello and his wife Laura, Kimberly Aiello, Amy Schmidt and her husband Scott, Kristen Sylvestri, Sam Vivino and Max Vivino; great-grandfather of Cadence and Priscella;  and one sister; Marion Turiello and her husband Pat of Toms River.  Frank was predeceased by his devoted wife of sixty years, Irene, in 2009, as well as eleven brothers and sisters.

As expressions of sympathy in Frank’s memory, donations to the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Drive, Box 1007, Totowa, NJ 07511, would be greatly appreciated.