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Robert Dressler age 68 of Wayne died Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the St. Josephs Hospital, Wayne with the comfort of his family by his side.

He was born in Jersey City and lived in Hudson County having attended North Bergen High School with the Class of 1959 before moving to Wayne forty-one years ago.

Mr. Dressler was a carpet salesman having worked at several area carpet dealers including: Two Guys, Totowa, Kauffman Carpet, Little Falls, The Carpet Store, Little Falls and Old Mill Carpet, Clifton before retiring in 2007.

Robert will be remembered as a strong willed, organized loving father, grandfather and uncle.  He was a dedicated member of the Allstaedt/Dressler gaming association.

He was the loving husband of Carolyn Kalemba for the past thirty years and the late Irene Dressler(1977);  loving father of David Dressler and his wife Eileen of Coaldale, PA; devoted son of Isabel DiDonato and her husband Victor of Lakewood and the late John Dressler(1971); cherished grandfather of David Robert Dressler and Cassandra Fairweather; loving uncle of Gina Pizzimenti who lived with him and several other loving nieces and nephews; loved brother of Al Dressler of Lakewood and the late John Dressler.

Robert Dressler

Wayne
January 12, 2010

John Michael Philips age 84 of Pompton Plains died Monday, January 11, 2010 at home.  He died quietly and peacefully in his sleep with his loving family at his side.

He was born on November 25, 1925 in Yonkers, New York - the son of Michael and Josephine Filipczak.  He spent his formative years in Wallington and received his formal education at Wallington Grammar School and at Lodi High School graduating with the Class of 1943.  He continued his education at Fairleigh Dickinson University and majored in Engineering.

John enlisted in the Army on May 31, 1943 and went on active duty in December 1943.  He served during World War II as a Corporal in the 680th Bomber Squadron 504th Bomb Group.  His original assignment was working in airplane sheet metal maintenance, but he later flew in combat missions as part of B29 crew in the South Pacific.

He actively participated in the Air Offensive of Japan, the China Offensive, and the Eastern Mandates.  Towards the end of the war, he was stationed on the island of Tinian with the crew of the Enola Gay.  He received the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

In 1958 he met Wilma Kuiphoff on a vacation to the Pocono Mountains.  They married on April 23, 1960 and had a wonderful marriage together for forty-nine years.

When he returned from the service he moved back to Wallington before purchasing a home in Maywood in 1955.   Ten years later, he moved to Branchburg.  While living in Branchburg, he spent many happy hours tending to his vegetable garden and peach trees.   He attended the South Branch Reformed Church where he served on the church’s governing board several times from 1966 to 1988. Starting in 1988 he wintered in Ormond Beach, Florida and in 1992 he moved to Ormond Beach for his retirement.  While in Florida he was a member of the Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church.  He then moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains in December 2007.

John began working at RCA in Harrison in 1951 and later for the General Electric Corporation in Bridgewater, and the Timex Corporation.  He was an electronics process engineer.  Originally his specialty was designing vacuum tubes for television sets, radios, and hi fidelity components.  Later in his career he worked on refining technological applications for transistors and liquid crystals.   Before retirement, he moved into the field of writing computer programs to test electronic components.  During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s he appeared in a variety of technical publications as the “RCA TV Repairman.” He also published several scholarly articles on electronic designs. He retired in 1988.

John was gifted with a quiet personality and was a wonderful dancer. He actively participated in the RCA bowling and golf leagues. His life journey was family oriented and he will always be remembered as a father who would do any and everything for his two children.

For many years, he was an active Ham Radio operator and in his younger years he published articles on the subject of radio transmission.  Stamp collecting was another of his favorite hobbies.   John was an active member of the Knights of Columbus before was married.   He also very much enjoyed building and operating Radio Controlled Airplanes with the Flagler County Rams flying club in Flagler Beach, Florida.

Surviving him are his loving wife Wilma (nee Kuiphoff) Philips; one son John Philips and his wife Sarah of Branchburg; one daughter Judy Philips and her husband Paul Scott of Brooklyn, New York; one brother Peter Filipczak of Fair Lawn; two cherished grandchildren William and Peter Philips.

John M. Philips

Pompton Plains
January 11, 2010

John Michael Philips age 84 of Pompton Plains died Monday, January 11, 2010 at home.  He died quietly and peacefully in his sleep with his loving family at his side.

He was born on November 25, 1925 in Yonkers, New York - the son of Michael and Josephine Filipczak.  He spent his formative years in Wallington and received his formal education at Wallington Grammar School and at Lodi High School graduating with the Class of 1943.  He continued his education at Fairleigh Dickinson University and majored in Engineering.

John enlisted in the Army on May 31, 1943 and went on active duty in December 1943.  He served during World War II as a Corporal in the 680th Bomber Squadron 504th Bomb Group.  His original assignment was working in airplane sheet metal maintenance, but he later flew in combat missions as part of B29 crew in the South Pacific.

He actively participated in the Air Offensive of Japan, the China Offensive, and the Eastern Mandates.  Towards the end of the war, he was stationed on the island of Tinian with the crew of the Enola Gay.  He received the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

In 1958 he met Wilma Kuiphoff on a vacation to the Pocono Mountains.  They married on April 23, 1960 and had a wonderful marriage together for forty-nine years.

When he returned from the service he moved back to Wallington before purchasing a home in Maywood in 1955.   Ten years later, he moved to Branchburg.  While living in Branchburg, he spent many happy hours tending to his vegetable garden and peach trees.   He attended the South Branch Reformed Church where he served on the church’s governing board several times from 1966 to 1988. Starting in 1988 he wintered in Ormond Beach, Florida and in 1992 he moved to Ormond Beach for his retirement.  While in Florida he was a member of the Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church.  He then moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains in December 2007.

John began working at RCA in Harrison in 1951 and later for the General Electric Corporation in Bridgewater, and the Timex Corporation.  He was an electronics process engineer.  Originally his specialty was designing vacuum tubes for television sets, radios, and hi fidelity components.  Later in his career he worked on refining technological applications for transistors and liquid crystals.   Before retirement, he moved into the field of writing computer programs to test electronic components.  During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s he appeared in a variety of technical publications as the “RCA TV Repairman.” He also published several scholarly articles on electronic designs. He retired in 1988.

John was gifted with a quiet personality and was a wonderful dancer. He actively participated in the RCA bowling and golf leagues. His life journey was family oriented and he will always be remembered as a father who would do any and everything for his two children.

For many years, he was an active Ham Radio operator and in his younger years he published articles on the subject of radio transmission.  Stamp collecting was another of his favorite hobbies.   John was an active member of the Knights of Columbus before was married.   He also very much enjoyed building and operating Radio Controlled Airplanes with the Flagler County Rams flying club in Flagler Beach, Florida.

Surviving him are his loving wife Wilma (nee Kuiphoff) Philips; one son John Philips and his wife Sarah of Branchburg; one daughter Judy Philips and her husband Paul Scott of Brooklyn, New York; one brother Peter Filipczak of Fair Lawn; two cherished grandchildren William and Peter Philips.

John M. Philips

Pompton Plains
January 11, 2010

Gail Audrey Fahmy age  70 of New Port Richey, Florida died Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Saint Josephs Wayne Hospital.

She was born and raised in Paterson having lived in Midland Park, Lafayette, Branchville and Lyndhurst before moving to New Port Richey, Florida in 2005.

Gail was a waitress having worked at many area locations including: Arlington Diner, North Arlington, The Stack in Lyndhurst and Calico Kitchen in Totowa.

She was the dedicated and loving mother of Donna Conklin, Michael Conklin, Ricky Conklin, Patricia Kirsting, Sandra Garlick, George Poultney, Bonnie Watson, Thomas Mosher; cherished daughter of John Bosland, Sr. and the late Dorothea (Newton) Bosland; sister of John S. Bosland, Linda Riotto, Lorraine Downing, Dolores Harayda and the late James Garner; much loved by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and son and daughter in laws.

Gail Fahmy

New Port Richey
January 10, 2010

Marguerite C. Bonnett (nee Clark) age 90 of Totowa died peacefully on January 9, 2010 with the comfort of her family by her side.

She was born in Jersey City and lived her formative years in Pompton Lakes having graduated from Pompton Lakes High School, Pompton Lakes with the first graduating class in 1936. She has lived in Totowa since 1949 where she and her husband raised their children. She was the youngest president ever elected to the Totowa PTA.

She attended Douglas College on a full scholarship for two years before having to leave school to help financially support her family.

She worked at Picatiny Arsenal, Dover and later at Haband in Paterson where she met her husband Peter Francis Bonnett.  They married in Paterson in 1942 and honeymooned in Atlantic City.

Marguerite was very athletic and excelled at basketball, softball and was an excellent swimmer. She loved being by the water and enjoyed fishing. She was also an expert sharpshooter, who enjoyed target shooting at the Garrett Mountain Rifle Range in Paterson. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting having made many of her children’s clothes. She also had many pets at home and was a true animal lover.  She especially loved her cats Fremont, Kady, and Chauncey.

She was the beloved wife of the late Peter Francis Bonnett(1982); loving mother of Peter Christian Bonnett and his wife Louise of Succasunna, Suzanne Marie Norman and her husband Richard of Ringwood and Peggy Bonnett of Totowa; loved sister of the late John Prentice Clark.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Marguerite’s name are asked to consider the Passaic County SPCA, PO Box 721, Clifton, NJ 07015.

Marguerite C. Bonnett

Totowa
January 9, 2010

Matthew John  Cooper age 31 of Pompton Plains died Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.  His passing was quiet and peaceful as he joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  His loving parents were constantly at his bedside giving him all of their love and support.

Matthew was born in Kentucky and had lived in Wantage in Sussex County before moving to Pompton Plains sixteen years ago.

He received his formal education first at Sussex-Wantage Grammar School and then experiencing his freshman year at High Point High School in Wantage then moving to Pompton Plains where he graduated from Pequannock High School with the Class of 1997.

Matt was afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis at a very young age and his health deteriorated as time went on.  He was gifted with a wonderful extraverted and loving personality that was selfless.  He was always concerned about others and their well being before his own personal difficulties.  He never complained about what life had dealt him but always had compassion for others who he perceived had much worse health problems.  As a result of his positive ways he developed many friends.

Matthew was also patriotic and loved America.  When he would see someone in a military uniform he would take the initiative, approach them, shake their hand and thank them for their contribution of service to our country.

He was also very interested in telling the world about the disease that had devastated his life.  He was the first Poster Child for New Jersey Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was an active and skilled Spokes Person for the Foundation.

The Oakland New Jersey PBA made him an Honorary Member and presented him with a Life Badge.

A very important part of his life journey was Matt’s relationship to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord.  He was accepted into the membership of the Free Reformed Church of Pompton Plains which he held as a high honor.  He also was a dedicated member of the Helping Hands at the Trinity Baptist Church in Montville.

He sought employment at the Chilton Memorial Hospital and became an EKG Technician and a Transport Specialist.  He also was employed at the Target Store in Riverdale as a cashier.

Surviving him are his parents John and Arlene  Cooper, two brothers Brian and Sean Cooper; two sisters Beth and Abigail Cooper all of Pompton Plains; also surviving are his Maternal Grandmother Elizabeth  Meagher of Pompton Plains.

Matthew Cooper

Wayne
January 7, 2010

Laura A. Kreutz (nee Jacobus) age 94, formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday January 7 2010 at the Epoch Senior Health Care Center, Norton MA. after a short illness. She was born in the Mt. View section of Wayne and received her formal education at Paterson Central HS in Paterson.  She lived in Wayne all of her life prior to moving with her husband to  Norton, MA in 2008.  She was predeceased by her husband Charles Kreutz.

Mrs. Kreutz took great pride in being a homemaker. She was also an Accounts Payable clerk for Chemway Corporation in Wayne for sixteen years before her retirement in 1979.

She was a member of Calvary Gospel Church in Wayne.  Prior to her move to Massachusetts she was occasional pianist/organist at the church as well as being actively involved in the church Senior Group along with her husband.

Her hobbies included bowling with the Senior League in Wayne and traveling with her husband Charles to all parts of the United States, Canada and England. An accomplished pianist, Laura took great pleasure in playing the piano for other residents for both entertaining and sing-alongs for residents at Epoch where she was fondly known as 'The Piano Lady'.  She also enjoyed playing Wii Bowling and other group activities and was an avid Yankees baseball fan.

Her most cherished role was that of mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She is survived by one daughter Shirley Kammerer and her husband Gerald of Norton, MA, one son Charles A. Kreutz and his wife Gail of Culver Lake; one brother Howard Jacobus and his wife Kathy of Henderson, North Carolina; five Grandchildren Jodi Vandervoort, Robert Kreutz, Scott, Todd and Wade Kammerer; twelve Great Grandchildren Cassidy, Mikayla and Madison VanDervoort, Slade and Ty Kammerer, Chase and Abby Kreutz, Mark Peltier, Lexi and Max Kammerer, Nathaniel and Lucy Kammerer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Laura's memory to the Calvary Gospel Church, 1559 Hamburg Tpke., Wayne NJ 07470.

Laura A Kreutz

Wayne
January 7, 2010

Angelo Dinielli of Lincoln Park died Monday, January 4, 2010 at Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains with the comfort of family by his side.

He was born in Jersey City and lived in Hasbrouck Heights before moving to Lincoln Park in 1989.

Angelo graduated from Snyder High School, Jersey City with the Class of 1953. He was a Jersey City Fireman for over 25 years before retiring.  Angelo was also the owner/operator of A.D. Central Exterminating Co., Jersey City and was still working this past Christmas Eve.

He was a United States Army Veteran, having served in the occupation force in Germany, and was discharged in 1956. He was a member of the Star Landing Post 2314 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Carteret.

Angelo met the love of his life, Nancy Mercurio, at a dance in the Union Club in Hoboken.  They married on June 6, 1959 at Saint Michaels Church, Union City and honeymooned at the Merry Hill Lodge, Cresco, Pennsylvania. They enjoyed fifty years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Angelo was the beloved husband of Nancy (Mercurio) Dinielli; loving father of Michele Cannata and Joseph Dinielli; brother of Nicholas Dinielli; cherished grandfather of seven.

Angelo Dinielli

Lincoln Park
January 4, 2010

Founding partner of Corporate Investor Communications, Inc.

Born in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, New York on August 14, 1925 to parents Jeremiah and Brigid Mackey, Michael was the fifth child of seven, consisting of all boys and one sister.  A graduate of St. Mary' Star of the Sea Catholic Grammar School in Brooklyn, Michael did not have the opportunity to finish high school.  Michael began his lifelong dedication to his strong work ethic at this young age with many jobs such as delivering Western Union telegrams on bicycle, assisted with the initial construction of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, working at the Daily Mirror newspaper, as a superintendent of a Manhattan building until beginning a career in the 1960's in the field of proxy solicitation.  It was during this period that Michael moved his family to West Milford, NJ for the benefit of his two children.

Michael was a founding partner at Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. in 1975 which grew from 6 employees at its outset to more than 350 employees at the time of a merger in 2000.  Michael continued to work for a few years at the combined entity until his retirement in 2002.

On June 29, 1947, Michael married Roberta McCrossin of Park Slope and remained married for 41 years until her death in 1988.  He is survived by his sister Mary Hannaberry of Brooklyn, by his two sons; Michael and his wife Ann of Clifton and Kevin and his wife Myriam of Wayne, grandson Charlie Warwick and granddaughters Ali and Sam.

Memorial donations, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated to the Chilton Memorial Hospital's Collins Pavillion Cancer Treatment Center, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Michael F. Mackey

Wayne
January 3, 2010

Known to all as "Jack", was a Wayne resident for 42 years.

Norman H. “Jack” Moore, age 91 of Wayne, died on January 1, 2010.  He was born in Paterson and grew up in Lincoln Park.

Jack graduated in 1936 from Boonton High School and soon thereafter moved to Chicago, where he worked for Greyhound for several years.  Upon his return to New Jersey, Jack joined Horton Motor Lines which is where he began his long career in the trucking industry.

In 1942 while working at Horton, he met his future wife, Madeline Vogt.  WW II interrupted his courting and career, and in 1943, Jack joined the US Army Air Corps, specializing in RADAR Observer Reconnaissance. He was assigned to the 335th Bomb Squadron, 95th Bomb Group. Jack and Madeline continued to date when they decided to marry in May, 1943.  While training at Yale in New Haven and unable to get a leave, he went AWOL and traveled to Madeline’s parent’s home in North Haledon where they got married.  Madeline even had a local photographer willing to remain open.  They showed up at his shop around midnight and had their wedding photos taken.  The next morning, they took a train back to Connecticut where Jack rejoined his unit – all seemingly unbeknown to his superiors and thus avoiding punishment.  The train ride was the extent of their honeymoon and Madeline had to ride back home by herself.

After further training in Florida, Jack was shipped overseas with his group and saw much action in the European Theatre.  He was honorably discharged from the service in 1945, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

After Jack returned safely from the war, they settled in Haledon for nearly twenty years.  Jack continued his trucking career at Horton, but left that job to help Jim Johnson start Johnson Motor Lines where he rose to the position of terminal manager. He left Johnson Motor Lines after 20 years for a terminal manager position at Beacon Fast Freight, retiring in 1983.  Jack then came out of retirement and accepted a position in the safety department of Dan Barclay, Inc for several years before ending his career with a broker, New Market Transportation.  

In addition to fishing and vacationing in Maine, Jack loved trains.  If there was anything about the subject of trains, Jack knew about it.  He enjoyed traveling on trains and was fascinated about train travel all over the world.  This was certainly his greatest hobby.  He was also an avid reader and a devout Christian. He was a member of Pequannock Reformed Church in Wayne where he actively participated in the Bible Study class. He also enjoyed the Bible Study class at the Congregational Church in Bridgton, Maine.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife of sixty six years; Madeline, one son; Ken and his wife Joanne of Pompton Plains, his daughter; Betty Pepper of Wayne, one brother; Glenn Moore and his wife Claire of Lincoln Park, four grandchildren; Karen Grogan and her husband Scott of Wayne, Christine Heil and her husband Jeff of Randolph, Brian Moore and his wife Lisa of  Upper St.Clair, PA, and Michael Pepper of Wayne.  Four great-grandchildren; Kayla and Melanie Grogan of Wayne and Julia and Jenna Heil of Randolph, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  He was predeceased by his sister Ethel Monaghan of Lincoln Park.

Memorial donations in Jack’s memory can be made to the Pequannock Reformed Church Memorial Fund, 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Norman H. "Jack" Moore

Wayne
January 1, 2010

Paul E. Tanis, Sr. age 97 of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne died peacefully on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Saint Josephs Wayne Hospital, Wayne with the comfort of his two sons and daughter-in-law by his side.

He was born in Hawthorne, graduated from Central High School, Paterson and has lived in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne since 1930.

Paul was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps having served during WWII as a radio operator.

He met the love of his life, Gertrude Kapp, on the beach at Packanack Lake. They fell in love and married on March 12, 1943 while he was home on leave from the military. They never had a honeymoon as Paul had to return to duty immediately. They started their family in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne Township and have lived in the same house their entire married life. They had a loving marriage of sixty-six years and raised two sons Paul E. Tanis, Jr. and Robert J. Tanis.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Gertrude Tanis; two sons Paul E. Tanis, Jr. and his wife Peggy of Wayne and Robert J. Tanis and his wife Jan of Oak Ridge; he is the cherished grandfather of Rebecca Tanis of Rhode Island.

For those planning an expression in Paul’s memory are asked to consider the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ  07470 as they have been a great help to the family.

Paul E. Tanis, Sr.

Wayne
December 30, 2009

United States Navy veteran of the Korean War.  Resident of Effort, Pennsylvania since 1993, formerly of Bellville, NJ.

Edmond J. Ryan, age 81 of Effort, PA, and formerly of Belleville, NJ died on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Preakness Hospital in Wayne.

Edmond was born in Bayonne and graduated from Bayonne High School with the class of 1946.

He joined the Navy and proudly served from 1950 through 1954, onboard the USS Cowell, DD-547, during the Korean War.  He was a loyal patriot throughout his lifetime.

Shortly after being discharged from the Navy, he attended a barnyard dance in the Bayonne area.  Although he didn’t enjoy dancing much at all, he was quite lucky to be there that night.  It was there, on December 3, 1954, that he met Carmela “Millie” DeLuca.  They were married in 1956 and enjoyed fifty three wonderful years together.  The two of them did everything together.  Since Edmonds retirement they travelled quite a bit; cruises, weekend trips and tours to various destinations, and day trips in the car.  Edmond loved to drive and, along with Millie, they would drive around their new home in Pennsylvania sometimes just to get lost, find a new place to visit, or perhaps a shortcut they didn’t know about before.  On one particular trip to Florida, he and Millie decided it might be nice to take a log flume ride.  No one warned them that the ride ended with a fast drop down a steep slope and a big splash at the end!  Despite the unexpected thrill, and Millie losing her hat, they enjoyed it all.

Whenever he visited his grandsons he would always take them for a drive to see the tank and then go to McDonalds.  Edmond was a picky eater, except when it came to candy.  He had a sweet-tooth like no one else.  During the past few weeks in the hospital, he looked forward with excitement to the simple joy of a chocolate bar that his family would bring to him each visit.

Edmond attended and graduated from Seton Hall University.  He was an accountant for Von Rohr Equipment Corp. in Bloomfield for many years before his retirement in 1993.  He and Millie lived in Belleville for nearly forty years, where they raised their daughter and two sons.  Edmond was a Little League coach for his sons for many years and it was common for him to lose his voice while coaching.

They then moved to Effort, Pennsylvania to enjoy their retirement years together.  Edmond became active with the Sierra View Association and even served as their treasurer for a number of years.  He enjoyed it all very much.

Edmond is survived by his beloved wife of fifty three years; Carmela “Millie”, of Effort, PA, one daughter; Rose Ellen Paradiso and her husband Savino of Wayne, NJ, two sons; Michael of Effort, PA and Edmond and his wife Susan of Flanders, NJ, six grandchildren; Michael, Nicholas, and Alex Paradiso of Wayne and Katie, Ned and Daniel Ryan of Flanders, and one brother; Donald Ryan of Ellicott City, MD, as well as many loved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association-Greater NJ, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.

Edmond J. Ryan

Wayne
December 30, 2009

Kenneth W. Karle age 91, of Gouldsboro, PA, formerly of Wayne died Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

He was born in Passaic and had lived in Rutherford and Clifton before moving to Wayne where he lived for almost fifty years before moving to Gouldsboro, PA to be with his daughter.

Mr. Karle was employed by Tung-Sol Electric in Harrison and later Wagner Electric in Newark.  Ken had started as a bookkeeper and worked his way up in the company as a payroll clerk and finally as Controller of the company before his retirement in 1980.

He received his formal education at Saint Mary’s High School in Rutherford graduating with the Class of 1935.

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

He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He had served as a drill instructor for Marines in training.

Mr. Karle was an active volunteer for ten years at the Wayne Foundation  For the Handicapped, Wayne.  He was a member and past president of the Newark Chapter of the Administrative Management Society, a member of the Bergen Passaic Association of Retarded Citizens.

Devoted husband of the late Irene (nee Schroeder) Karle (12/6/2009); loving father of Karen Kenderdine and her husband John of Gouldsboro, PA, Jeanne Karle of Pompton Lakes and Kenneth H. Karle and his wife Diane of Wyckoff; loved brother of Margaret Karle Schak; cherished grandfather of Janis, Jessica and David Kenderdine, Jonathan and Jacqueline Karle and great-grandfather of Rowen and Jacob Kenderdine.

Kenneth W. Karle

Wayne
December 29, 2009

Jay Renz age 63 of Wayne died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack.

He was born in Paterson and was a lifelong resident of Wayne.

Jay graduated from Wayne High School, Wayne with the Class of 1963.

He was the owner of Jay Renz Painting and Decorating, Wayne.

Jay enjoyed day trips and pleasure riding on his Harley.  He loved going to the Florida Keys and even enjoyed living there for a short time.  Another enjoyment of his was spending time at his home in Conesville, NY.

He was the loving husband of Dawn (Rogers) Renz with whom he had a twenty year engagement before their marriage on April 11, 2007;  the devoted son of the late Arthur John(1991) and late Mae (Verduin) Renz(2008); loved cousin of Ruthann Guest of CO, Gary and Dick Verduin both of FL.

‍

Memorial donations to the American Cancer Society of NJ, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ  07601, the Passaic County SPCA, PO Box 721, Clifton, NJ 07015 or flowers would be appreciated.  

Jay Renz

Wayne
December 29, 2009

Edward R. LaBossiere, 89, died peacefully on Christmas night at the Hospice of New Jersey located at St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital.  Mr. LaBossiere spent his career at IT&T.  He and his wife, Ann, raised their three sons in Wayne, where Mr. LaBossiere continued to live until the time of his death.

He was born in Ware, Massachusetts and moved to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne in 1953.  Edward graduated from Ware High School in Ware, MA in 1938, and went on to attend New York University and the RCA Institute, in New York City.

Edward was a dedicated parishioner and served as an usher at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, having also been a member and Trustee of the Knights of Columbus, Council 10206.

His leisure interests kept up with the times from hours spent as a HAM radio operator, to keeping in touch via email with other computer savvy family and friends.

Edward was predeceased by his loving wife of forty-five years, Ann (nee Hoar) LaBossiere.  He was the devoted father of Richard LaBossiere of Green Pond, NJ, Paul LaBossiere of Rye, NY and Philip LaBossiere of Saddle River, NJ:  He was the cherished grandfather of Robb, Elizabeth and John LaBossiere; and the much loved great-grandfather of Madeline Claire and Michael Robb LaBossiere.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961-0476.

Edward R. LaBossiere

Wayne
December 25, 2009

Edward Labossierre passed away on Christmas day.  Funeral arrangements will  be posted late Sunday afternoon.

Edward Labossiere

Wayne
December 25, 2009

Silvio Vito Giannella was born on June 15, 1921 in San Marco De Castellebate Italy, the youngest of nine children of his parents Raffaelle and Elizabeth Giannella. Silvio's father Raffaelle, fought with the Italian Army in World War l, who were allied with the United States. After the War, U.S. immigration laws were changed by Congress to allow soldiers who fought with the Allies to obtain a visa to come to America. Unfortunately these laws did not provide a visa for family members. Raffaelle was faced with the decision of leaving behind, his wife who was pregnant with Silvio and eight children and moving to America or staying in the poor economically torn fishing village of San Marco. Raffaelle and Elizabeth made their decision to pursue a better life for their children and applied to U.S. Immigration for a visa. Silvio was born in June 1921 while his father made the long journey by boat  over 4,000 miles across the Atlantic in search of the American Dream.

Seven years passed. Raffaelle worked in an Italian bakery in Paterson, New Jersey and sent money home monthly to his family in San Marco. During this time he opened Giannella's Bakery and Pizzeria on East 19th Street in Paterson. In 1928 Raffaelle had saved enough money to return to Italy for a two month long visit. It is during this visit that Silvio met his father for the first time at the age of 7 years old. The visit ended all too quickly for young Silvio and his dad went back to America. 6 more years passed and in 1934 Raffaelle was granted American Citizenship allowing his wife and children to come to America.

Silvio arrived on a ship in New York harbor in 1934 and met his father for only the second time in his 13 year life. He went to public school in Paterson, New Jersey and learned to speak English. Silvio went to school during the day and worked at the bakery after school, nights and weekends along with his two brothers, Fiore and Mario. These were the years of the Great Depression and were tough times for all families.

In 1942 during World War ll, when he was 21 years old Silvio was drafted into the United States Army. His brother Fiore Giannella was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corp. Silvio went off to Europe and Fiore to the Pacific. As fate would have it these two brothers found themselves in two of the bloodiest battles of World War ll. Silvio on Omaha Beach in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, on June 6, 1944 and Fiore on the Island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean in April 1945.

On the morning of June 6, 1944 Staff Sergeant Silvio V. Giannella, with the Army 6th Engineer's Special Brigade hit Omaha Beach at H-Hour + 20. Which is 20 minutes after the invasion began and the first soldiers landed on the beach. The 6th Engineers went in with the Army 2nd Rangers with the job of clearing the beach of mines and opening a path so the rest of the thousands of Allied soldiers can more easily follow. History shows that it didn't quite work out that way. The first hour on "Bloody Omaha" was the worst, with enormous casualties. Silvio saw hundreds of his friends and fellow GI's slaughtered in front of his eyes in a massacre, while fighting for his life. Being dropped off a landing craft in water up to his armpits wearing 100 pounds of backpack, ammunition and rifle Silvio waded through the blood red waters to the beach and managed to survive the German onslaught, just 9 days before his 23rd birthday. The stories he rarely told of that morning and the days leading up to it are both truly amazing and heart wrenching. Silvio and his band of brothers, waited in ships in the English Channel for 2 days, most of them seasick due to rough seas, waiting to embark on the unknown and not knowing if they ever will survive. Rumors traveled around the ships of what they might be facing and unfortunately many of those rumors were true. They gave messages to each other to deliver home to loved ones if they didn't make it and reviewed last wishes to be carried out. They exchanged photographs of their children and families and they prayed together.

By a simple twist of fate, Silvio "made it off that beach". He and his band of brothers, who left footprints on Omaha Beach lived the rest of their lives haunted by the events of "The Longest Day". As boys they saved the world for freedom loving people everywhere and allow us, our children and future generations to live with the freedoms and liberties we so enjoy today.  

Silvio survived Omaha Beach but unfortunately his brother Fiore did not survive Iwo Jima. Fiore was killed in action in April 1945 on Iwo Jima Volcanic Islands, Japan. The news was devastating to Silvio who was then Honorably Discharged from duty On December 7, 1945. He had lost his brother and best friend.

After the War, Silvio went home to Paterson and worked at Giannella's Italian bakery. He soon met Sylivia Martelli who worked in the hardware store up the street from the bakery. They fell in love and were married on September 21, 1947. Silvio and Sylvia have been married for 62 years and have 6 children. A daughter Dianna and 5 sons. Fiore, named after Silvio's fallen brother, Robert, Richard, Ralph and Thomas.

Silvio, Sylvia and their children built Giannella's Bakery into a flourishing business over the years and transformed it from a simple "mom and pop" operation to a commercial and retail corporation in Paterson known as Giannella Baking Company. They continued to expand the business with locations in Wayne and Glen Rock. Giannella Baking Company has employed thousands people throughout the years and has has become a household name in New Jersey, with Silvio as it's Patriarch.

Silvio helped many employees leave his employ and start their own bakery and delicatessen businesses. He also helped dozens of other Italian families obtain visas to come to America by "sponsoring" them and employing them at the bakery over the years. He was always willing to help others live the American Dream as he had.

Silvio is a true American Patriot and War Hero.

On his 88th birthday on June 15, 2009, The United States House of Representatives awarded Staff Sergeant Silvio Vito Giannella a Congressional Commendation and was presented with an American Flag flown in his honor over the United States Capital Building in Washington D.C.,  for his service to his country on Omaha Beach.

On June 15, 2009 The California Legislature and Assembly presented Staff Sergeant Silvio Vito Giannella a State of California Commendation and an American Flag flown in his honor over the California State Capital Building in Sacramento, CA.

Silvio is survived by Sylvia, his loving wife of 62 years. His daughter Dianna, sons Fiore, Richard, Ralph and Thomas. 10 Grand children and 1 great grandchild. Silvio's son Robert Silvio Giannella passed on from cancer when tragedy struck in 1996.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Intrepid Fallen Heros Fund, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NY, NY 10036 would be greatly appreciated. https://www.fallenheroesfund.org/Donate/Online-Donation-Form.aspx

Silvio V. Giannella

Wayne
December 24, 2009

Anne Pellegrini “Annie” (nee Landi) age 88 of Wayne died on Thursday,  December 24, 2009 peacefully at home receiving the loving care of her family and friends who were continually at her bedside.

She was born in Harrison where she lived her formative years on Third Street in Harrison.  Anne received her formal education at Harrison Grammar School and Harrison High School graduating with the Class of 1938. While in high school she was on the softball team and the basketball team.

After high school she worked at IT&T in Nutley as a secretary and met her future husband, William Pellegrini.  They married in September 1946 and had a wonderful loyal and trustworthy relationship for thirty-six years until Bill’s passing in October 1982.

While at IT&T she took up league bowling and enjoyed it immensely and continued bowling until she was 82.

She encouraged her daughter to bowl and they won the mother daughter tournament in Wayne.

After her marriage to Bill they lived in Harrison before moving to Wayne in 1951.

While in Wayne she became a parishioner of Our Lady of The Valley RC Church and was active in the church choir and the church’s Rosary Society.  She possessed a very devoted dedication to her Roman Catholic Faith and passed the precious gift of faith to her children.

She also volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.

As a widow she joined the Oakland Chapter of Parents Without  Partners and became President of the organization.. She enjoyed dancing and developed a great deal of friendships through the organization.

She also loved to played bridge and that is where she met Frank Scotti.  Her  loving companion for the last 12 years of her life.

Anne had a personality that was kind, selfless and had the gracious ability to reach out to others in caring and comforting ways.  She never complained and even in the last year when life was so tough she always said she was fine.  She had many friends as a result of her loving and caring demeanor.

As a Mother she was very loving and devoted.  For many years she ran Mom’s taxi service making sure that her children got to all of their activities and sports games.  It did not matter how old her children were she was still the loving caring Mother who placed her children first in her life.  She made her home a special place for her children that they will always remember.  She loved to travel and one of her favorite places was Cancun. How proud she was when she went to Cancun with her sisters and bought a timeshare for not her but her family.

Another talent Anne possessed was her singing. She was in several musicals and loved to sing at various functions including singing the National Anthem and God Bless America at the Memorial Day parade in Wayne.

At home she was the best at cooking, baking cookies, flower arranging and sewing.  She would make gift platters of cookies and distribute them to family, friends and hospitals.  Oh those famous Greek cookies.

Surviving to mourn this wonderful person are one daughter Rina Pellegrini of Alexandria, Virginia, two sons James Pellegrini and his wife Deborah and William Pellegrini of Wayne; one sister Rose Sturchio of Middletown and one grandson Michael Pellegrini; also her loving companion of ten years Frank Scotti.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Anne’s memory are asked to donate to Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, 260 South Broad Street, Suite 1800 Philadelphia, PA 19102. Web site:

http://www.lindacreed.org.

Anne "Annie" Pellegrini

Wayne
December 24, 2009

Leona “Lee” T. Mulvihill(nee Rizzo) age 83 died Monday, December 21, 2009 at St. Josephs Hospital, Paterson.

She was born in Pittson, PA and raised in Bronx, NY having lived in Oshkosh, WI and Clifton, NJ before moving to Wayne, NJ fifty years ago.

Lee was an Art Teacher at DePaul Catholic High School, Wayne but most of all she was a stay-at-home mom who raised eight loving children.

She was a parishioner of Holy Angels Church, Little Falls.

Lee graduated from Mt. St Ursula Academy, Bronx, NY with the Class of 1944 and went on to Fordham University, Bronx, NY where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and specialized as a Biological Art Illustrator. She was one of the first female students to graduate from Fordham’s Bronx campus.

An artist at heart she would be considered a Renaissance Woman as she had talent in painting, poetry and could play the piano by ear.

She met Robert F. Mulvihill while at Fordham University.  They were both attending a dance and Lee had come with a “wall-flower” who didn’t dance.  Bob asked her to dance and she was swept off her feet.  Bob noticed she began attending Fordham basketball games where he was a star defenseman. Lee’s father gave her two tickets to an opera at Lincoln Center(across the street from Fordham).  She asked Bob to go with her; the lure of spending time with Lee outweighed his reservations about going to the opera.  Bob asked Lee to marry him at her home in the Bronx after securing permission from her father.  They married on April 23, 1949 in Oshkosh, WI as Bob was playing professional basketball for the National Basketball League’s  Oshkosh All Stars. They honeymooned for six weeks in Daytona Beach Florida.  Bob and Lee stopped in Daytona Beach on their way to Miami and in those days the hotels were empty during the month of April.  They spent $15.00 on their first nights stay and the manager offered to let them spend the week for another $7.00.  Each time they went to leave the manager sweetened the deal; by the end of their six week stay they were paying $14.00 for the week. Robert and Lee have enjoyed sixty years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Lee is survived by her devoted husband Robert F. Mulvihill; loving mother of Joseph Mulvihill and his fiance Jill of Clifton, Ellen Monahan and her husband Tim of Westchester, PA; Diane Wilson and her husband Peter of Toms River, Mary Brophy and her husband Kevin of Manasquan, Christine Jablonski and her husband Dave of Cranford, Laura Iurato of Wayne, Dr. Robert Mulvihill and his wife Rosanne of Colts Neck, and Steve Mulvihill of Wayne; loved sister of Regina Erwood of Wayne and the late Raymond Rizzo; cherished grandmother of twenty-five grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

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

Leona "Lee" Mulvihill

Wayne
December 21, 2009

Frank John Geusic age 87 of Wayne died Monday, December 21, 2009 at the Hospice of New Jersey, peacefully with the comfort of his family by his side.

Frank was born in Lansford, PA where he graduated as Salutatorian from the Lansford High School, Lansford, PA with the Class of 1940.  He enlisted in the United States Navy on July 5, 1943 and was honorably discharged on January 8, 1946 having attained the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class.  He was a terrific dancer and met the love of his life Mary Rose Mulhearn 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, the beauty parlor, actually everywhere - to the point that she never bothered got her drivers license.  They have enjoyed sixty years of a loving and nurturing marriage.

Frank was a founding member of Our Lady of the Valley Church, Wayne where he was a dedicated parishioner and he was a life long member of the Wayne Elks.

His first employment was in the coal mines in and around Lansford, Pennsylvania.  He moved to Wayne, NJ and gained employment with Sam Braen’s quarry in Haledon. He later worked for the Tilcon Corporation, Prospect Park until retiring in 1985.  He remained on as a consultant for two more years before fully retiring.

He was the beloved husband of Mary Rose (Mulhearn) Geusic; loving father of Helen Petruska and her husband Mike of Wayne and Stephen Geusic and his wife Lynn of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Michael Petruska and his wife Sandy, Eric Petruska and his wife Deanna, Jared Petruska, Brittany Geusic and Stephen Geusic, Jr.; much loved great-grandfather of Madelyn Grace Petruska and Olivia Rose Petruska; loved brother of the late Theresa Palovchak, Monsignor Stephen Geusic and Joseph Geusic.

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

Frank Geusic

Wayne
December 21, 2009

School nurse/teacher with the Roseland Public Schools for fifteen and a half years and a life member of the Hackensack Hospital Nurses Alumni Association.

Charlotte Simko (Leokadya (Lottie) Baranski), age 85, of Franklin Lakes, died December 21, 2009.  Before retiring in 1989 she was the school nurse/teacher for the Roseland Public Schools for fifteen and a half years.  She was a life member of the Hackensack Hospital Nurses Alumni and held a BA degree from Jersey City State College.  She did post graduate work at William Paterson and Monmouth Colleges.  She was a member of the BCREA, NJREA, and NREA.  She was also a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.  During WW II, as a cadet nurse, she served at Northington General Army Hospital in Alabama.

Surviving are her two sons, Martin and Robert of Franklin Lakes, one niece and two nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Martin in 2008, three brothers, Joseph, Edward and Walter and her sister, Isabel Wozniak.

Charlotte Simko

Franklin Lakes
December 21, 2009

Antoinette Clash age 87 of Totowa died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson while in the company of her beloved family.

Antoinette was born and raised in Manhattan and lived in the Bronx until moving to Totowa 37 years ago.

She was a secretary for S.B. Thomas Co. in Totowa for 15 years before her retirement in 1989.

Antoinette was a volunteer for Passaic County Hospice as well as for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Paterson.  She was member of the Happy Seniors in Totowa and was also a member of “The Nutrition Club of Passaic County”.

Her family remembers her as being a “Social Butterfly” and loved to dance.  She was a devoted Mother Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to her family.

Surviving are her only Daughter Fran Raia and her husband Matt; two grandsons Matthew and his wife Karen, and Thomas and his wife Loree; three great-grandchildren Ryan, Sean, and Jessica; two sisters Rose Romeo and Domenica Mossa.  She was pre-deceased by her first husband Joseph Natriano in 1984 and was pre-deceased by her second husband Hank Clash in 2002.

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Those planning an expression of sympathy in Antoinette’s name are asked to consider Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 North Riverview Drive, Totowa 07512.

Antoinette Clash

Totowa
December 18, 2009

Margaret Norman(nee Sibona) age 90 of Wayne died Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

She was born in Paterson and lived in West Paterson and Pompton Lakes before moving to Wayne ten years ago.

Margaret was a salesperson for Sterns and later Macys department store in Wayne for thirty years before retiring in 1984.

Loving wife of twenty-four years to the late Clarence “Lefty” Norman(1965); devoted mother of Marge Loparo and her husband Ben of West Milford, Victor Norman and his wife Willie of Wayne and Edward Norman, MD and his wife Sherri of Palm Harbor, FL; cherished grandmother of Dr. Benjamin Loparo, Robert Loparo, Dr. Kristine Heck, David Norman, Christie Leigh Norman, Daniel Waring, Brett Bennett, Alan Norman, Alissa Cooper and Jake Reissmann, ; much loved great-grandmother of nine great-grandchildren.

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

Margaret Norman

Wayne
December 16, 2009

"Adventure Bob 509" was 71 years old.

An Eagle Scout, world traveler, and Wayne resident for 46 years.

Robert H. Christie, age 71 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.

Bob was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and moved to Caldwell, N.J.as a young boy. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Caldwell with the class of 1956 and received his bachelors degree from Colgate University in 1960. He later earned his M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

He had been employed by Seatrain Lines, GAF, Shulton, Tambrands, and Solomon Smith Barney before establishing his own financial services company: Trans Atlantic Consultants, Inc.

Bob was active with the Boy Scouts and proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. Both his sons also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition, he volunteered his time to the Wayne Planning Board, Wayne Board of Adjustment, and the Wayne Open Space Committee.

"Adventure Bob 509" traveled the world after his retirement in 1999. He has been to all seven continents including such places as the Great Wall of China, Russia (with a stay at the American Embassy in Moscow), African jungles, the Galapagos Islands, and Victoria Falls. We also visited Hawaii, Alaska, and Nova Scotia together. He was often planning his next adventure before the current one was completed. In fact, he was almost packed for his trip to the Panama Canal on November 30.

After every trip he would distribute a report to all his friends and family, detailing the latest adventure. Those reports now serve as cherished memories of a life well lived.

Bob was also well known for his fantastic garden. If he wasn't traveling, he was tending to the garden. The way his garden is situated, it's easily visible from the street and everyone in the neighborhood knows him as "the man with the beautiful garden". This truly was his pride and joy, after his family, of course!

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of almost fifty years, Rose Marie of Wayne; one daughter, Elizabeth Fojtu, and her husband, Milos, of Chester, N.J.; two sons: Scott S., and his wife, Sylvia, of Basking Ridge, and Robert A., and his wife, Holly, of South Glastonbury, Connecticut; one brother, John, and his wife, Joyce, of Florida and New Jersey; and nine grandchildren: Veronika, Caroline, Peter, and Sebastian Fojtu of Chester; Matthew, Noah, and Anya Christie of Basking Ridge; and Meghan Messier and an expected sibling of South Glastonbury, CT.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Robert's memory to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 or to Fr. Beiting Appalachian Mission Center, P.O. Box 885, Louisa, Kentucky 41230.

Robert H. Christie

Wayne
December 15, 2009

William F. Rasp Sr. age 68 of Totowa passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at home in the loving care of his family.  His passing was quiet and peaceful with his loving family at his bedside.  Bill was indeed ready to meet his Lord and Savior and even on his death bed his loving primary concern was his family and he kept whispering to them I am “OK” and then he slipped away to a new and brighter day.

He was born in Clifton and lived there before moving to Paterson and then to Totowa forty-five years ago.

He received his formal education at Clifton Grammar School No. 5 and then at Clifton High School graduating with the Class of 1959.

After High School he served in the National Guard.

Bill was a fireman for the Paterson Fire Department for thirty years before his retirement in 1994.

A few years after retirement he returned to work to join his wife Janice at “The Gardens at Wayne” a senior assisted living facility.

The Human qualities Bill possessed were evident in the professions he chose.

He also had another love ”Racing Pigeons”.  A sport he learned at an early age from his father.  In 2008 Bill and his favorite racing pigeon, a hen from their coop “The Jablonski Loft” won the “Hoboken Derby” which is the Kentucky Derby of pigeon racing.

He was a member of the Westside and Paterson Pigeon clubs for many years..

To say the least Bill was a very loving and kind person of the highest order.  He was dedicated to his family and had many friends.  One of the highlights of his later years was the arrival of grandchildren who he loved beyond words.

Bill and Janice (nee Daalder) Rasp were married for forty-one years of “wonderful marriage” until Janice’s passing in May of 2006.

He leaves to mourn his passing one son William F. Rasp Jr. and his wife Amy of Totowa, two brothers Robert Rasp and his wife Rita of Lincoln Park and Gary Rasp of California; two cherished grandchildren Lexie and Connor of Massachusetts.

He was predeceased by his daughter Lisa Barry.

William Rasp

Totowa
December 12, 2009

Peter J. Manno age 42 of Wayne died Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the Compassionate Care Hospice, Dover.

He was born in Jersey City where he attended Dickinson High School having lived in Highland, NY, Pompton Lakes and Bloomfield before moving to Wayne in 2006.

Peter was a chef having worked in many New York restaurants and has most recently worked for the Health Exchange Café in New York City and Premier Caterers, Clifton.

Peters favorite pastime was fishing.  Whether in Pompton Lakes, Sandy Hook or on his favorite boat the Cock Robin out of Point Pleasant fishing was by far Peter’s favorite leisure time activity.

He met the love of his life Lori (Ehrlich) while surfing the web at Match.com.  That night Lori had cancelled her subscription to Match.com and got her last email through the site.  The email was from Peter and she sent him back a note saying she had just cancelled her subscription.  He mistakenly hit a “disinterested” button on his browser and was cursing out Match.com for not having an “undo” button.  He persevered and finally made contact with Lori and they fell in love. They married on May 24, 2009 at the Graycliff in Monachie.

Peter was the loving husband of Lori (Ehrlich) Manno; devoted father of Jessica and Corey Manno of Pompton Lakes; cherished son of Mary Manno of Old Bridge and the late Peter Manno(March 2009); much loved brother of Christine Marino and her husband Peter of Jackson and Theresa Clarke and her husband Bobby of Old Bridge; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

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

Peter Manno

Wayne
December 12, 2009

A Wayne resident for fifty years and a Wayne Valley High School cafeteria manager for 23 years.

Jean Palumbo, age 82 of Wayne, died on Friday, December 11, 2009.  She was raised in Paterson and had lived in Wayne for the past fifty years.  Jean had worked as a cafeteria manager at the Wayne Valley High School for twenty three years before retiring.

Jean is survived by her loving husband; Vincent, her daughter; Barbara Gerardo and her husband Pat of Wayne, two sons; Angelo “Buddy” Palumbo and his wife Christina of Stewart, FL, and Jimmy Palumbo and his wife Ginnie of Wayne, two grandchildren; Pat Gerardo and his wife Lorraine of Hardyston, and Vinnie Gerardo and his wife Jacquelyn of Wayne, three great grandchildren; Gabriella Jean Gerardo of Hardyston, Raymond Vincent Gerardo “my Vinnie” of Wayne and Nicolette Gianna Gerardo of Wayne, a sister-in-law; Rose Roatti of Haledon and her favorite niece; Deborah Schmidt (Roatti) of North Carolina.  She was predeceased by her brother Pasquale Roatti in 1993 and her father; Angelo Roatti in 1971.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the St. Jude Shrine, 308 North Paca Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-1879.

Jean Palumbo

Wayne
December 11, 2009

Insurance executive Eugene J. Callaghan of Pompton Plains died on December 10, 2009 after a brief illness.  Founder and CEO of the insurance brokerage firm The EJ Agency, Montville New Jersey, which represents an elite group of clients in the transportation industry and such institutions as the New York Athletic Club, Mr. Callaghan previously was managing director of the prestigious Wall Street insurance brokerage house The Brownstone Agency.  Born in the Bronx, New York on April 8, 1950.  Mr. Callaghan attended All Hallows Institute and later Iona College graduating in 1971 before beginning his Wall Street Career, At the Brownstone Agency, he handled the insurance programs for a variety of major clients in transportation, trucking, and athletics.  An avid traveler, Mr. Callaghan was a longtime member of the New York athletic club and a prominent supporter of Good Counsel Church in Pompton Plains and Holy Spirit School in Pequannock.  His philanthropy also included a number of local charities and Project Children.

He is survived by his wife Rose (nee Masi) son John; two brothers Edward Callaghan of New York; John Callaghan of Pompton Plains  sister-in-law Maryann; sister Theresa Lamberski of Atlanta  brother-in-law John Lamberski; nieces Erin Callaghan Anello, Kerry Callaghan, Casey Lamberski, Jamie Lamberski; nephew Sean Callaghan and grand-nephew Vincent Anello.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Hospice of NJ, 1st Floor, 400 Broad Acres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Eugene "Gene" Callaghan

Pompton Plains
December 11, 2009

Salvatore Bascietto age 87 of Sparta, formerly of Paterson and Haledon, died Thursday, December 10, 2009 with the comfort of his family by his side.

He was born and raised in Vittoria Sicily, Italy.  It was here that he started his own business as a tailor.  His tailor shop was busy and had several employees when he hired a girl Rosa Latino.  Eventually he approached her father and asked him if it he could Marry Rosa. With her father’s permission he asked for Rosa’s hand in marriage at her home in Vittoria. They married on September 25, 1946 at the Sacro Cuore Church in Vittoria, Sicily, Italy.  In September of 1967 he moved to the United States and settled in Paterson gaining employment at the Joseph Spinelli Uniform Shop in Paterson. When the Meyer Brothers store opened up in Wayne he immediately sought and got the job as the tailor for the store and worked there for many years before retiring in 1994.  

Salvatore was a member of Saint Michaels RC Church, Paterson for many years.

He enjoyed music, singing, dancing and always had a song in his heart.  He especially loved ballroom dancing and one of his favorite dance partners was his daughter Joanne.  Salvatore is best described as a very caring and loving person who was a true gentleman.

Salvatore was the loving husband of sixty-three years to Rosa(Latino) Bascietto; devoted father of Giombattista Bascietto and his wife Tina of Rome, Italy and Joanne Rossi and her husband Don of Sparta; cherished grandfather of Veronica and Lorenzo Bascietto of Rome, Italy, Melissa, Veronica Rose and Joseph Rossi all of Sparta; loved brother of Maria Giurato and her husband Angelo of Vittoria Sicily Italy and the late Giuseppe Bascietto.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Michaels Church, 70 Cianci Street, Paterson, NJ 07501-1831 would be appreciated.

Salvatore Bascietto

Sparta
December 10, 2009

Edward M. Polzer “Eddie” age 90 of Wayne on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.

He was born in Paterson and spent his formative years in Totowa Boro where he received his formal education at the Totowa Grammar School.  He also, as was the custom of the day, attended Central High School in Paterson.  While in school he was very active in sports including football, baseball and basketball.

In his youth he excelled at pitching, was a champion pitcher,  for local semi pro leagues and because he was so young the teams would have someone drive him to the game to make sure he was there.

His favorite football teams included the New York Giants and Notra Dame.

Eddie continued his sportsmanship  in other areas.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  His greatest interest was deer and pheasant hunting.  He also pursued his love of deep sea fishing having owned several boats.  He even built his own small cabin cruiser with his dad.

Uncle Ed took up interest in race car driving.  His nephew Jerry Wilson had a race car and Ed enjoyed participating  in that sport.

He also enjoyed snow skiing and golf.  His favorite ski slope was Killington in Vermont where he made many trips with his family to enjoy the great outdoors.

Ed was an Iron Worker for Union Local 483 in Paterson for many years until his retirement in 1981.

He was gifted with an extraverted personality and loved to entertain people around him with his wonderful sense of humor.  As a result he had many friends.

Eddie and Violet met at a dance in Paterson and married on February 7, 1948 and had sixty-one  years of marriage.

He joined the army at age twenty-three and served in World War II. In the service he was a specialist in thirty caliber weapons and saw service in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe.  He received the American Theater Ribbon, European Victory Medal and the  African-Middle Eastern Ribbon.

Tragedy struck the Polzer family when in 2007 his daughter Sue Ann Boote died.  It was a time of great sadness for the whole family.

Surviving are his loving wife Violet (nee DeMauex) Polzer; one son Mark Polzer and his wife Lisa of Wayne; two daughters Mary Ann McAdams and her husband Robert of Jefferson and Diann Jinks and her husband Peter of Kinnelon; six grandchildren Mara McAdams of Philadelphia, Shara Boote of Hackensack, Kimberly Boote of Westwood, Jessica Boote of Boston, Massachusetts, Justin Bader of Kinnelon and Drew Bader of Kinnelon.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Edward’s memory are asked to consider The Michael J. Fox Parkinson Foundation, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY  10163.    Link for donations.donations@michaeljfox.org

Edward M. Polzer

Wayne
December 10, 2009

Gondolfo “Adolf” E. Verra age 75 of Wayne died peacefully on Tuesday December 8, 2009 at the St Joseph’s Wayne Hospice Facility.

Gondolfo was born and raised in New York City until moving to wayne 25 years ago.

He was a construction worker for many years for various companies.  He also started a restaurant with his brother in the 1970’s which eventually became known as the Gold Leaf restaurant in New York City.  His wife Diane was a professional singer and he traveled with her all over the world as she toured.  Gondolfo and Diane met on a blind date in 1975 and cherished 31 years of marriage since then.  His family remembers him as being a devoted husband and father and quite an avid boxing fan.

Surviving are his wife Diane (nee) Galanos of Wayne; two sons John verra of Staten Island and Joseph Verra of California.

Gondolfo E. Verra

Wayne
December 8, 2009

Edward W. Bednarz Jr. age 61 of Wayne on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital.  His passing was quiet and peaceful.

He was born in Paterson and the family lived in Rutherford and then moved to Wayne while he was a child.  He received his formal education at Immaculate Heart of Mary Grammar School and then at Wayne Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1965.

Ed was gifted with a brilliant mind and was one of those students that knowledge just flowed to his mind without effort.  He went on the Farleigh Dickinson University and later Uppsala University in South Orange.  His major was pre med but somehow he kept changing his mind about his future and never graduated and did not complete a college degree.

His gift of intelligence included skills in the field of photography, playing the guitar and the game of chess.  He enjoyed books and was well read.

For a period of time he was a foreman for Pinchal Metal Fabrication in Wayne who built metal buildings that included the toll booths on the Garden State Parkway and other locations..

Edward always lived at home with his mother whom he depended on for many years.  It was a good arrangement for him because his mother’s love gave stability to his everyday life.  It is a wonderful example of a mother’s love and perseverance over the great difficulties that Edward experienced.

His favorite pet was “Fritz” a schnauzer that he purchased at  the local pet store and who kept  Ed company and challenged his Mother’s housekeeping.

Surviving are his mother Bernice Bednarz of Wayne and is also of high intelligence with the alert thinking and communication skills of a much younger person.

He was predeceased by his father Edward W. Bednarz Sr. in 1984 and his brother David Bednarz in 1994.

Edward W. Bednarz Jr.

Wayne
December 8, 2009

Roger Aloysius O’Connor age 91 of Wayne died Monday, December 7, 2009 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.  He was under the continuous loving care of his dearest friend Henrietta Glans and his family.  His passing was quiet and peaceful to a new day in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Roger was born on April 10, 1918 in Akron, Ohio. He spent his formative years in the Bronx, New York where he received his formal education at LaSalle Academy in New York City graduating with the Class of 1936.

He was the youngest of eight children and came from strong Irish stock.  His family roots reached back to County Cork in Ireland from where his family originated.

Roger served in the United States Navy during World War II as an Aviation Ordinance Man with his special responsibility of being an aircraft Tail Gunner.

Shortly after World War II in 1947, Roger married Mary Patricia Margaret Hayes.  Mary and Roger had thirty nine years of a wonderful loving marriage raising five children together.  Mary passed away in 1986.

Roger was a man of many talents.  An accomplished musician mastering many instruments, he enjoyed his younger years performing with his band in New York City night clubs.

A sales representative for radio and television advertising, Roger held multiple positions in the New York Metropolitan area which included ROC, Inc., Young and Rubicam, and the Canadian National Broadcasting Co.  He owned WSEN Radio Station in Baldwinsville, New York, and was the manager of Station KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pa.  Retiring in 1985, Roger resided in Glen Rock, NJ prior to moving to Wayne twenty years ago.

Being a father of five children, his leisure time was spent volunteering coaching basketball, track, and directing one act plays for St. Catharine’s Church in Glen Rock and coaching football for the Town of Glen Rock.  Working with young people brought him great satisfaction.

Roger was gifted with an outgoing personality that could light up any room he entered.  He mixed well, was well liked in all social circles, and as a result he had many friends.

Roger was not comfortable being alone as a widower and had the good fortune of meeting Henrietta Glans.  For the past twenty years they have been very close and were a loving and joyous compliment to each other.  They enjoyed many years of dancing and traveling.  Roger was welcomed as a member of the Lutheran Community at  

Saint Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wayne.  He continued his love of volunteering with his beloved Henrietta by his side.

During his final years of ill health, Henrietta unselfishly gave of herself to care for Roger ensuring that his life was lived to the fullest.

Surviving him are his loving and devoted companion Henrietta Glans, two sons Roger O’Connor and his wife Patricia Swed O’Connor, Kevin O’Connor and his wife Jeanie; three daughters Stacey Oliver, Eileen O’Connor and Mary O’Connor; seven grandchildren Kristie Oliver and Erin Blankenship, Brendan Root, Sarah O’Connor, Alejandra, Kyle and Michaela O’Connor.

Roger O'Connor

Wayne
December 7, 2009

Irene was a 49 year resident of Wayne and member of the Packanack Community Church before moving to Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania to live with her daughter, Karen.

Irene C. Karle (nee Schroeder) age 90 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at VNA Hospice, Scranton, PA.

She was born in Clifton and had lived there before moving to Wayne where she lived for forty-nine years before moving to Gouldsboro, PA to live with her daughter.

Irene was a member of the Packanack Community Church, Wayne and the Women’s Guild of the church.

She is survived by her loving husband of sixty-one years, Kenneth W. Karle. She was the loving mother of Karen Kenderdine and her husband John of Gouldsboro, PA, Jeanne Karle of Pompton Lakes and Kenneth H. Karle and his wife Diane of North Haledon; loved sister of Arthur Schroeder and his wife June of Towaco; cherished grandmother of Janis, Jessica and David Kenderdine, Jonathan and Jacqueline Karle and great-grandmother of Rowen and Jacob Kenderdine.

Irene C. Karle

Wayne
December 6, 2009

Eugenio “Gene” Rocco age 71 of Wayne died on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Hospice of New Jersey at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.  He passed away peacefully to a new day after a courageous battle with cancer while receiving the loving care of his family who were at his bedside.

Gene was gifted with a quiet and private personality, had many friends.  Perhaps his finest dedication in life was to his family including his wife of 42 years, children and grandchildren.  He was a wonderful family man.

He had an Italian traditional green thumb and in his back yard he grew fig trees and wonderful vegetables as a hobby.

 

Gene leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his loving memory  his wife Rosa  Rocco; two daughters Rosa Tandurella and her husband Joseph of North Haledon, Lucy Atanasio and her husband Giovanni of North Haledon; two sons Andrew Rocco of Vernon and Anthony Rocco of Wayne; five cherished grandchildren including Joseph, Matthew and Nicholas Tandurella, Gabriella and Francesca Atanasio; two sisters Elena Montano of Vernon, Angelina Mariconda and her husband Francesco of Serino, Italy, Pasquale Rocco and his wife Angelina and Thomas Rocco both of Serino, Italy.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Eugenio’s memory are asked to consider Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Dr., 4th floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Eugenio Rocco

Wayne
December 5, 2009

Ellen M. Cobuzio, age 48 of Montville, died peacefully on Saturday, December 5. 2009 at Hackensack University Medical Center.  Ellen was employed as an administrator for her husband’s construction company in Franklin Lakes. She enjoyed traveling with her family; bowling at Boonton Lanes; and playing Bunco with her friends.

Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of twenty three years, John D Cobuzio and their daughters Nicole and Danielle of Montville; her mother, Louise Ezersky of Wayne; two brothers, Mark Ezersky and his wife Susan of South Orange  and Michael of Wayne;  her  father-in-law Joseph J Cobuzio of Franklin Lakes;  her brother-in-law Joseph Cobuzio  and  his wife Ronna of Franklin Lakes and their children Alyssa and Joey.  She was predeceased by her father Michael  Ezersky in 1982.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Ellen’s name are asked to consider Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005, www.jdrf.org.

Ellen M. Cobuzio

Montville
December 5, 2009

Ann Louise Grego, age 65 of Franklin, lost her battle with cancer on Friday, December 4, 2009.  Her children, Anthony, Duane and Patricia were at her side.  Ann enjoyed traveling with family and friends, gardening in the sunshine, reading, and preserving the peace and tranquility of nature.  She was employed by and had many friends at the Sussex County Library System.

Ann is survived by her sons, Anthony and Duane; her daughter, Patricia; her granddaughter, Leila; her grandson, Griffin; and brothers Walter Jr. and Ronald Sheluga.  She is preceded in death by her father, Walter Sheluga Sr. in 1973; her mother, Helen Sheluga in 1991, and brothers Raymond and Daniel Sheluga in 2009.

Those wishing to express sympathy in Ann’s memory are asked to please consider the following charities:

American Hospice, supporting the needs of terminally ill and grieving persons.

http://americanhospice.org

The Nature Conservancy, preserving ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

http://nature.org/joinanddonate/donate or please call 800-628-6860

New Jersey SPCA, protecting animals in New Jersey from cruelty and neglect.

http://njspca.org/donate-memorial.html

Ann Louise Grego

Franklin
December 4, 2009

Dorothy A. Hanenberg (nee Stoepker) “Dot”, age 77 of Wayne on Thursday, December 3, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Her passing was quiet and peaceful and took place at her daughter’s residence in Wayne where she received the loving care of her whole family.

She was born in Paterson where she lived her childhood years.  Her formal education was at Paterson Grammar School No. 4 and her High School was Central High in Paterson where she graduated with the Class of 1950.

One of her fondest activities was bowling. During her senior year at Central High there was a bowling awards banquet held at the Paterson YMCA.  It was at the celebration that she sat at a table with the Central High football coach who whispered in her ear what a great guy that Jay Hanenberg was.  That evening Jay and Dorothy walked home together.  They became “High School Sweethearts” and have remained in that relationship for sixty years.

They married on September 29, 1951 and had fifty-eight years of “wonderful marriage” together.

 

Dorothy was a very dedicated and family oriented Mother.  She loved her children and grandchildren with all of her heart. Her heart was so big that she stored all of her children’s joys there.  During good times and difficult times she nurtured her family with her kind counseling and genuine love.

She practically lived in the family car always stocking sports items and traveling to take her children to their games and activities.  She ran Mom’s taxi service and when grandchildren  came along she followed up with Grandma’s taxi service.

Thanks Mom and Grandma for being so special in our lives.

For both Jay and Dorothy bowling was a lifelong joy and was the reason for many vacation trips across the country as they traveled from bowling tournament to bowling tournament.

When she had raised her children and they were out of the house she took a job at T-Bowl Lanes in Wayne where she ran the central desk for seventeen years until finally retiring in 1995.  She and Jay bowled in many local leagues.

Upon their retirement Jay and Dorothy built a house in Boynton Beach, FL. where they enjoyed 11 wonderful years.  In 2006, they moved to Long Neck, DE. to be closer to their family.

Dorothy was gifted with a very outgoing personality and sociable nature which resulted in many long and loving friendships.

Surviving are eight children Cheryl Hunziker and her husband Charles of Lincoln Park, Jay S. Hanenberg and his wife Judy of Wayne, Cathy Sovyrda and her husband Gregory of Wayne, Jeffrey Hanenberg and his wife Cynthia of Stockholm, Terri Potash and her husband David of Oakland, Randy Hanenberg and his wife Kathie of Wayne, Leslie DuBois and her husband Orry of Wayne, Patty Duarte and her husband Sergio of Parsippany; seventeen grandchildren Keith Hanenberg and his wife Katie of Morris Plains, Kevin Hanenberg of Keansburg, Jennifer Villafana and her husband Juan of Wayne, Courtney Murphy of Hoboken, Renee Hanenberg of Wayne, Brian Sovyrda of Wayne, Christopher Hanenberg of Wayne, Justin Haneneberg of Stockholm, Adaria Duarte of Parsippany, Kyle Hanenberg of Wayne, Ryan DuBois of Wayne, Derek Hanenberg of Stockholm, Devon Duarte of Parsippany, Alexander Potash of Oakland, Dakota Duarte of Parsippany, Samantha DuBois of Wayne and Julie Potash of Oakland; one brother Robert Stoepker of Vienna Virginia.  She is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Tyler and Jared Hanenberg of Morris Plains.

Dorothy A. Hanenberg

Wayne
December 3, 2009

Hikmat (Liz) Agresti age 79 of Monroe Township died Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

She was born in Aman, Jordan and married late Ahmad Kamal Kabshura(1984) in 1948. The family came to this country in 1958, settled in Paterson and lived in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne thirty years ago.

Liz was a great cook whose traditional Middle Eastern fare including stuffed grape leaves and Mehluba were family favorites. Her special touch in the kitchen was not limited to traditional cooking; her terrific baked ziti and meatballs, who’s taste was fine tuned with Ritz Crackers, will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure.

Her inclusion of Ritz Crackers in her meatballs can be traced to her twenty-five years of service at the Nabisco manufacturing plant’s Ritz Cracker Line in Fair Lawn where she worked before retiring in 1986.

She later met the late Domenico Agresti(2005) while working at the Universal Corporation in Hawthorne.  They courted for several years and were married on November 23, 1987.

Liz was the devoted wife of nineteen years to the late Domenico Agresti(2005); loving mother of Lu Kabshura of East Brunswick, Kamal Kabshura and his wife Chris of Oak Ridge,  Mimi Kabshura of Lincoln Park, Joanna Cook and her husband Ron of Monroe Township, Margherita Leming and her husband Eddie of Oak Ridge, Clelia Hopper and her husband Bill of Wayne and Angelo Agresti and his wife Erin of Green Township; cherished Teta(grandmother) of Vincent, Mallory, Jason, Dana, Jonathan, Jordan, Justine, Lindsay, Jessica and Alex; much loved sister of Ihsan Tahabsin Carpenters Ville, California, Mahmoud Trakh and his wife Fatwa of Chicago, Ill, Ahmad Trakh of Florida and the late Nehmit Hakooz and the late Jeff Trakh.

Hikmat (Liz) Agresti

Wayne
December 2, 2009

Bruce Eckrote, age 55 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York City.  He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer just five weeks ago and accepted his prognosis with courage.  His family was gathered at his bedside when he passed.

Bruce was the financial controller at Genpro Transportation in East Rutherford for the past three years and had served in the same capacity at Whatman, Inc. in Clifton for many years before that.  He was a true ‘numbers’ guy and accounting was fun for him.  He relied on the ‘numbers’ when making his football picks each Thursday for the pool at work, and especially loved keeping all the statistics for the PAL baseball teams that he coached.  At the end of the baseball season, he would give each of his PAL players a spreadsheet with their stat’s for the season.

Bruce was a big sports fan.  He loved the Mets and the Giants, but you could find him rooting for the Yankees every now and then too.  He was a huge Seinfeld fan – the whole family, in fact, and that speaks volumes about his sense of humor.  Two years ago he satisfied a boy-hood dream of owning a Jeep.  He bought a Wrangler and loved to drive it around, especially with the top down.  Staying physically fit was important to Bruce and he kept himself in shape by working out in his home gym and running around Packanack Lake.  Many of you have probably seen him running up Osborne Terrace, a feat that most people would choose to avoid any day, but he did it with joy and ease.  He also loved to eat!  Food and family meals were a focal point.  They enjoyed eating out at various restaurants but Bruce had a special place in his heart, and stomach, for Lee’s Sushi on Route 23.  He loved the food and the staff there.

Bruce grew up in Little Falls, graduating from Passaic Valley High School with the class of 1972.  It was at PV, the regional high school, that he met Cindi Kailo from Totowa.  Bruce invited Cindi to join his family one summer at their Ocean City, NJ home.  Bruce loved the beach and was an excellent surfer.  Cindi had a keen sense, right from the start, that Bruce would be a great husband.  Of course, his blonde hair, blue eyes and beautiful sun tan probably played a part that summer, when they fell in love.  They wed in 1976 and enjoyed thirty three years of a perfect and loving marriage together.  They continued to vacation in Ocean City, bringing their children there every summer for many years.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Cindi (nee Kailo) of Wayne, four children; Susan and her boyfriend Mike Lueddeke, Marissa, Dan, and Michael Eckrote, all of Wayne, his dear mother; Jacqueline Eckrote of Little Falls, three brothers; Rob and his wife Sue of Little Falls, Richard and his wife Janet of Lincoln Park, and Tom of Clifton, his devoted in-laws; Norman and Marylin Kailo of Wayne, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father George Eckrote in 1994.

Bruce was a practical man and never understood why people would spend money for flowers at a funeral. Therefore, in his honor, the family requests that no flowers be sent for him.  Rather, a fund has been established to help fund the college education of his youngest son, Michael.  If friends so wish, donations to the Michael Eckrote Educational Fund, P.O. Box 3071, Wayne, NJ 07474-3071,  would be greatly appreciated.

Bruce Eckrote

Wayne
December 1, 2009

Doris Anne Terraneo age 84 of Wayne passed into life eternal on Friday, November 27, 2009 at the Atrium Health Care Center in Wayne.  Her passing was quiet and peaceful after having received the love and caring of her friends.  

She was born in Paterson where she spent her formative years and adult years.  She graduated from Eastside High School in Paterson with the Class of 1942. She moved to Wayne in 2009.  Her retirement years were spent working as office manager for Dr. Liebert in Naples, Florida.

Ms. Terraneo was an Executive Secretary at the former Prospect Park Bank in Prospect Park and later for Dr. Sidney H. Jaffe MD at his office in Paterson.

She was a member of the North Jersey Country Club and simply loved the game of golf.

Doris was gifted with a very outgoing personality which caused her to have many friends.  She was always dressed in the most fashionable styles and perhaps the best description of her personal presentation was that of an Italian Princess.

Surviving are her first cousin Marie Evans and her husband Bill of Norwood and her second cousin Carla Higedon of Naples, Florida.   Also surviving are friends Rosanne Buckley, Jean Elm, Nancy and Roy Lindstrom and her devoted companion Thomas Elm Jr.

Doris A. Terraneo

Wayne
November 28, 2009

Angelina Garcia-Aguiar age 77 of Coral Springs, Florida, formerly of Brooklyn, NY died on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains, NJ.

She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY where she attended Erasmus High School, Brooklyn with the Class of 1950.

While living in Brooklyn she was a dedicated member of Holy Family Church on Flatlands Ave., Brooklyn, NY.

She was an assistant to Dr. Michael Tannenbaum in Brooklyn for many years before retiring and moving to Florida.

Angelina is best described as a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who found great joy in the accomplishments of her children.

She was the devoted wife of the late Angel (Babe) Luis Aguiar (1999); loving mother of the late Blanca Rivera (1992), Carmen Toro and her husband Norman of Coral Springs, FL, Evelyn Kolpon and her husband Kevin of Wayne, and Melinda Heuschneider and her husband Robert (Bruno) of Staten Island, NY; she was the cherished grandmother of ten and much loved great-grandmother of five.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Chilton Memorial Hospital, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated.

Angelina Garcia-Aguiar

Coral Springs
November 26, 2009

Evo E. Nicoletti, 86, of Wayne NJ died Monday, November 23, 2009 after battling colon cancer for over two years.

Born Oct. 4, 1923 in Union City, Evo was the son of the late Louis & Mary (nee Sabatini) and brother of Primo.

He is a WW II Army veteran and a mechanical engineer graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology.  He worked for Litton Industries and the past 37 years for Aeronautical Instrument and Radio Co. of Lodi NJ.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Alma Altieri Nicoletti, his two sons, Michael & Gary, and four grandchildren, Vincent, Robert, Lauren, & Michael Jr.

He is remembered as the loving, devoted & appreciative husband, and soul-mate & best friend to his wife Alma.  He relished life & loved making homemade wine the last 17 years with his son & two grandchildren.

Evo Nicoletti

Wayne
November 23, 2009

Patrick “Pat” Talbot O’Donnell age 70 of Wayne died Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains, with the comfort of his family by his side.

He was born in Bronx, NY and was raised in the Astoria section of Queens, NY.  He graduated from Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Astoria and went to Rice High School, Harlem, NY with the Class of 1957.

After school and on the weekends Pat worked at Barricini Candy in Long Island City, NY.  He later got a job at the NY Daily News as a copy boy and advanced into the printing department having worked here for forty-seven years before retiring in 2002; he was a member of the International Typographical Union 6.

He met his wife at McCaffrey & Burke’s on 31st and Grand Ave., Astoria Queens and went on their first date to the Hoffbrau Restaurant, Woodside Queens, NY.  Pat proposed to Patricia at the Merry-Go-Round bar in Queens, NY but his request went unanswered as she felt he had too much to drink.  He later asked her to marry him on the phone and she said yes.  They married on October 19, 1968 at Our Lady of Precious Blood, Astoria, NY and honeymooned in Puerto Rico.  They settled into a home at 2572 43rd Street in Astoria Queens, NY and began their family.  They moved to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne NJ in 1973 and have lived there for the past thirty-six years.

He was dedicated to his Catholic faith having been a member of the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight with council 6954. He was the Chairman of the St. Patricks Day Party at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, Wayne during the late 70’s and early 80’s and most recently was an active parishioner of St. Marys RC Church, Pompton Lakes.

Pat was active in the Packanack Lake Athletic Association having played softball for the “Klorpz” and coached youth baseball and soccer teams.

He was the beloved husband of forty-one years to Patricia (nee Battersby) O’Donnell; loving father of Ellen O’Donnell of Wayne and Bill O’Donnell and his wife Nicole of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Nicole Serio, Erin O’Donnell and Caileigh O’Donnell all of Wayne; much loved uncle of five nieces and three nephews; loved brother of James O’Donnell and his wife Patricia of Ackworth, GA and the late John P. O’Donnell(1991).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Heart Assoc., 1 Union St., Suite 301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 would be appreciated.

Patrick "Pat" O'Donnell

Wayne
November 19, 2009

Thomas P. McLaughlin, 67 of Wayne, New Jersey died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 18 while hospitalized following routine surgery.

Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY, grew up in Allendale, New Jersey, and attended Ramapo College after graduating from Mahwah High School.  He worked at the Fairlawn processing Lab of Eastman Kodak (later Qualex, Inc.) for thirty nine years.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, surviving are two loving daughters; Jacquee Newman of Woodland Hills, California and Maureen McLaughlin-Matisoff of West Hills, California, a cherished sister; Christine Byars of Greenville, South Carolina, and three grandhildren; Katelyn, Nathan and Max Newman.

"For thirty three years, Tom was my loving and devoted husband, my soul-mate, and my best friend.  When my mother developed Alzheimer's Disease, Tom put his long-anticipated retirement on hold to help me care for her.  No matter what I asked for or what I asked of him, he never refused."

"In every way, Tom and I were a team.  Whether we were restoring our Corvairs or playing golf or nursing a desperately sick feline, orphaned bird or other critter in need, we did it together."

"It would be difficult to find a gentler, more compassionate, more principled human being than Tom.  The depth of my love and respect for him cannot be measured and it will outlast time itself."

Thomas McLaughlin

Wayne
November 18, 2009

Florence P. “Flossie” Walker age 89 of Green Pond died peacefully on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Compassionate Care Hospice, Dover.

She was born in Irvington and raised in Kearny having lived in Belleville and summered in Green Pond for many years before moving there year-round thirteen years ago.

Flossie graduated from Kearny High School with the Class of 1938.

She was a member of the North Reformed Church, Newark and the Green Pond Chapel, Green Pond.

Flossie was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Kearny for many years.

She enjoyed knitting, playing piano but most of all she will be remembered as the friend that was always there to help.

Flossie met her husband, the late Peter Walker (November 11, 2000) at Kearny High School but never dated.  They became reacquainted during a dance at the North Reformed Church, Newark where they eventually married on March 27, 1948.  They honeymooned in Niagara Falls, NY and ran out of money on their trip home.

She was the devoted wife of fifty-two years of the late Peter Walker; loving mother of Thomas Walker and his wife Christine of Hilton Head, NC and Lynn Kloss and her husband Robert of Teaneck; loving sister of Lois Bright; cherished grandmother of Gayle Walker-Cillo and her husband Paul of Bridgewater, Susan Walker-Gomez and her husband Dervys of Rochelle Park, Allyson Kloss of Montclair; much loved great-grandmother of Anthony Peter Cillo and Emma Elisabeth Gomez.

Florence P Walker

Green Pond
November 12, 2009

Cedar Crest resident for seven years, mother and grandmother.

Irene B. Pellegrino, age 80 of Pompton Plains, died unexpectedly yet peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.  She had enjoyed a great dinner the night before with her family. Irene was born in Passaic, New Jersey, where she also grew up.  In fact, she kept in close contact with many of her grammar school friends and would get together for lunch with them regularly.  While in her 20's, Irene met a nice gentleman named Hank who used to fill up her tank with gas at the local station.  She enjoyed talking with him and found herself going to his gas station to fill up all the time, even if it was out of her way.  Well, the young man finally caught on and asked her on a date.  The rest is history, as Irene and Henry were married in 1959 and enjoyed nearly thirty years together before his untimely passing in 1988.

After they married, they lived for a brief while in an apartment next to the service station that Henry owned.  Then, in 1962 they moved to Little Falls.  It was here that they raised their family and where active members at the Holy Angels RC Church.  Irene was always actively helping the Felician Sisters as well; she would drive them places, have them over to the house, or simply volunteer her time where she was needed.  Her sons recall how their mom loved to ride her bike around the neighborhood in Little Falls.  She was an accomplished bowler, and loved to root them on during their sports games.  They especially remember their family vacations with mom every summer in Wildwood, NJ, where they made many memories together.

The arrival of grandchildren gave her spirit a much needed lift after having lost her husband.  Each of those kids gave her more energy, and they brought joy and happiness deep in her heart.  She was particularly overjoyed to attend the First Communion of her twin grand-daughters just this past May.  This was a milestone that she had hoped for many years to achieve, and she most certainly did. Her grandchildren will all miss her dearly.

Irene leaves behind her dear children; Mark Pellegrino and his wife Lynne of Wayne, Brian Pellegrino and is wife Roselle of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Henry Pellegrino Jr. and his wife Marilyn of West Milford, seven grandchildren; Joseph, Jessica, and Julia Pellegrino of Wayne, Michael and Brendan of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Anthony and Cristina of West Milford, two sisters; Sally Gennaro of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Helen Zolcinski of Whiting, NJ, and one brother; Raymond Pozder of Manchester, NJ.  She was also very close with her two sister-in-laws; Yolanda Hansen and Theresa Joyce as well as her brother-in-law; Genarro Pellegrino.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three brothers.

Memorial donations in Irene's name, if friends so wish, may be made to the American Heart Association, One Union Street, Robbinsville, NJ  08691.

Irene B. Pellegrino

Wayne
November 11, 2009

Olga “Ollie” Misechko (nee Tkach) age 87 of Wayne on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at CareOne at Wayne. Her passing was quiet and peaceful after having received the loving devotion of her family and many friends, who spent much time with her at her bedside.

Ollie was born in Passaic to Joseph and Anna Tkach. Anna immigrated to America from Czechoslovakia in 1904 at age 16. Anna’s life in her homeland was very difficult. After Anna’s mother had died and her father remarried, Anna was not allowed to attend school, but instead worked as a farmhand and slept on straw behind a stove. When she had the chance to borrow a passport and travel to America, she bravely left her home and came to Passaic to live with friends of her family, who had arrived here before her.

It was because of her mother’s courage to find a better life that Ollie had the opportunity to live the American Dream. Her mother, Anna, met her father, Joseph, here and they set up their home in Clifton. The family spoke Russian at home. Tragically, Ollie’s father was hit and killed by a car in 1930, so Anna had to raise her four children on her own. This proved difficult, as it was the Great Depression and Anna did not speak, read or write in English.

Ollie was very proud of her family’s heritage with their church, Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Passaic. Her father was one of twelve Trustees that had founded the church. Three generations of Ollie’s family have been born, baptized, married and some buried from this church.

Ollie was born at home in 1922 in Passaic and soon after moved to Clifton, where she grew up. She received her formal education at Clifton High School, graduating with the Class of 1940. Her husband, Emanuel (“Manny”) was her classmate. As her mother had no formal education, her family was very proud that Ollie continued her education at New York University.

In 1958, Ollie and Manny purchased a wooded lot and built their house in Wayne. Her mother Anna told Ollie she was moving “into the woods” and that she needed to add a front and back porch onto her new house.

Her first job at age 17 was with the lending office at the prestigious London Terrace Gardens in New York City. Ollie later worked for defense contractor Curtis Wright in NJ, where she served as a secretary. The rules of employment under the umbrella of the defense industry would not allow her to quit her position, so she enlisted in the Navy to escape the job. She served as a Yoeman third class from July 1944 until her discharge in Washington D.C. on December 21, 1945. Ironically, her husband Manny was discharged from the Navy on the same day, but in San Francisco. Ollie always said it was fate the brought her to the discharge office on December 22, 1945. It was there on the steps that she reconnected with her former classmate, Emanuel Misechko, as he was coming out with his friend. They dated for two and a half years, and were married on May 29, 1948. Manny’s passing in April 2003 was their first separation after 55 loving, devoted years of marriage.

Surviving are one daughter, Sue Malanga and her husband Gregg of Wayne; two cherished grand children Sarah and Michaela Malanga of Wayne; and one son, Michael Misechko.

She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Anna Tkach; two sisters Anna Cherewaty and Maria Samowich; and one brother Joseph Tkach Jr.

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

Olga 'Ollie' Misechko

Wayne
November 10, 2009

Marcia Ann Forlenza age 51 of Wayne died Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock.

Marcia was born in Passaic and raised in Clifton where she attended Clifton High School with the Class of 1976. She graduated Farleigh Dickenson University, Rutherford with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with the Class of 1980.

Marcia was a forensic accountant for Campos & Stratis in Teaneck until 1989 when she devoted herself to raising her family. Marcia was also an active member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne where she dedicated many hours and served as a Sunday School teacher for ten years. Her service was extolled by her pastor who praised her many years of service.

Marcia was the beloved wife of Rick Forlenza, devoted mother of Jessica and Jennifer, both of Wayne. Cherished daughter of Marguerite Handzo of Clifton and the late George Handzo; loved sister of Cynthia and Dr. Joseph Mayer of Woodland Park; her father-in-law John Forlenza, Sr. and late mother-in-law Dorothy Forlenza. Her brother-in-law Jay Forlenza and his wife Barbara, and her sister-in-law Cindy Machovsky and her husband Jimmy all of Wayne. She will also be dearly missed by her nephews John, Jim and Ryan and her nieces Deana and Nicole.

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In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 395 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.  For a photo and more information visit www.vandermay.com.

Marcia A. Forlenza

Wayne
November 10, 2009

David Luppino age 56 of Wayne died Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at St. Michaels Hospital, Newark with the comfort of family by his side.

David was born, raised and lived in Hackensack before moving to Wayne fourteen years ago.

He graduated from Hackensack High School with the Class of 1971 and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Ramapo College in Mahwah.

David was a realtor with Coldwell Banker, Wayne for the past five years. He was employed in the family business, Lou’s Service Station in Hackensack, from about the time he could walk until attaining his realtor license.

David was the devoted husband of fourteen years to Mary (Hendry) Luppino; loving father of David Luppino of Wayne and Sandra Rodriguez and her husband Cesar of Bloomingdale; cherished son of Louis and Anna(Grieco) Luppino; loved brother of Cynthia Mucaro and her husband Damian of Hackensack and Louis Luppino and his wife Suzanne of Hackensack.

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

David Luppino

Wayne
November 10, 2009

Robert C. Morgenstern “Bob” age 70 of Fairfield on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at the Hackensack University Hospital in Hackensack. His loving family surrounded his bed and witnessed his peaceful passage to heaven. His passing was the culmination of a long and courageous battle with Leukemia.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he lived his formative years. He lived in Wayne for seventeen years later moving to Prospect Park and then to Fairfield four years ago.

Bob was a Truck Mechanic for Wonder Bread Bakeries in Paterson for eighteen years before going on disability in 1989 because of a back injury.

He was gifted with an extraverted personality that would light up any room he entered. His sense of humor was always topflight and his practical jokes are well known to his many friends.

His favorite football teams were the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys.

Bob and Jackie met each other on a blind date and after a year and a half courtship Bob finally asked Jackie to be his wife. He will always be remembered as a devoted and attentive husband. They had an “outstanding and loving” marriage for forty-two years.

Something very special happened in Bob’s life when grandchildren arrived. He was ecstatic. They were very special in his life journey and he loved them to pieces.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Jackie (nee DeCiuceis) Morgenstern, two daughters Deana Casasanta and her husband Phil of Wayne and Michele Morgenstern of Pompton Lakes; two sisters Marion Girard and her husband Tom of Mt Laurel NJ and Jeanette Eckard and her husband Richard of May‘s Landing NJ: also three cherished grandchildren Christian, Gianna and Isabella Casasanta of Wayne.

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

Robert C. Morgenstern

Fairfield
November 8, 2009

Thomas Little Jr., age 85 of Wayne died on Saturday, November 7, 2009 with his wife and daughter by his side. He had battled with Parkinson’s disease for many years and his wife Connie fulfilled her vow to care for him at home as long as she was able.

Born in Rutherglen, Scotland, he came to America when he was just two years old. His parents had emigrated here and first arrived at their Aunt Betty’s house in Baltimore before settling in Clifton, NJ. As a kid, he made the trip to visit his aunt in Baltimore a few times. The trip was particularly memorable because the roads certainly were not what they are today and the trip took about twelve hours while Tom and his sister sat in the rumble seat of their dad’s car.

Thomas graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1942 and shortly thereafter he attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Force. It was at this time he first realized that his citizenship was in question. Apparently, his parents had not completed his paperwork properly when he first came to America as an infant and he therefore couldn’t be admitted to the Army. So, determined as he was to join the war effort, he went to the British Consulate in New York City and attempted to join the Royal Air Force – but they were unwilling to admit him because he was not British. Still determined, and following the advice of the British Consulate, he took a train to Montreal, Canada where he was gladly accepted into the Royal Canadian Air Force.

After training in western Canada, he was assigned to the 158th Bomber Squadron in Great Britain. His plane was a Halifax bomber named “Friday the Thirteenth”. With a plane named as such, he thought for sure his days were numbered. He couldn’t have been more wrong as he and his crew successfully completed thirty seven bombing missions over Europe; twenty five of which were daytime runs, the most dangerous of all. The aircraft went on to successfully complete 128 missions in all. There are only two fully restored Halifax bombers in the world and both have been named “Friday the Thirteenth”. One is in England and the other in Canada. Thomas was the radio operator on board, well versed in Morse Code, and highly decorated for his wartime service. He was very proud of his years in the service and stayed in touch with his fellow crew members over the years and attended several reunions.

Upon returning to the United States after the war, a naturalized citizen now, Tom learned that his father had been very ill and immediately went to work to help support the family. Eventually his father was able to return to work where they both worked together on a loom at the Van Ralte Company in Paterson, making fine lace for stockings and lingerie. Tom’s father would work the day shift and Tom would work the nights. This enabled Tom to build his own house here in Wayne. He knew nothing about building houses, but was determined. He bought a book titled something like “How to build your Dream House for $23,000” and he went to work. Every day for two years, weekends too, he worked on the house here in Wayne before they moved in in 1955. He became accomplished at wood working and made several pieces of fine furniture for his home. He enjoyed photography which he persued in his dark room at home. He was also an outdoorsman and shared his love of canoeing with his son on Packanack Lake and on a 100 mile paddle through the Adirondacks.

Thomas’ career path took a turn after the Van Ralte Lace Company went out of business. He learned Air Conditioning and Refrigeration repair and took a job at the Morristown Memorial Hospital. He was so good at fixing things that they promoted him to supervisor within two weeks of hiring him. He worked there for many years before retiring. Retirement didn’t last long and he soon took a similar position at Lederle Labs in Pearl River, NY. He retired from that position in 1994.

It was in 1948 at the lace factory that he met his future wife; Constance DeFeo. Thomas asked Connie out on their first date to a drive in movie, which caused Connie to have some reservation. But he proved to be a pure gentleman and they were married four years later, in 1952. Together they enjoyed fifty seven years of “beautiful, happy” marriage. Connie remarked; “every girl should have such a husband.”

Tom is survived by his devoted wife; Constance (DeFeo) of Wayne, two children; Patricia Little of Wayne and Dr. Thomas Little III and his wife Ruth Ann of Easton, PA, three grandchildren; Angela, Ryan and Brenden Little, all of Easton, PA. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth DeVries.

Memorial donations in Thomas’ memory would be greatly appreciated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 or to the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Thomas Little Jr.

Wayne
November 7, 2009

Co-owner of Premio Foods, Inc. in Hawthorne, New Jersey.  Devoted father and husband.

Steven A. Cinque, age 49 of Wayne, died at home on Saturday November 7, 2009 with his family by his side. He had fought a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Steven was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived there until he was twelve, when the family moved to Selden, NY. He graduated with the class of 1978 from Newfield High School.

It was at Newfield High School that Steven met the love of his life; Denise Basileo. On their first date, he took her to the movies. Of all their choices, he decided they would see Kramer vs. Kramer – a film about a divorcing couple! Well, despite that start to their relationship, they went on to enjoy twenty five years of a “fun” marriage together with blessings too numerous to count, including their four beautiful children. Steven did everything for his family, for his kids, for his wife. He worked as hard as he did so that they could enjoy a wonderful life and he could be the best father possible to his kids. Together, they enjoyed family vacations to Aruba, Florida, or just spending time at the house down the shore. Steven loved the sun, always had a tan, and loved being near the water, outdoors, where he could relax. His shore house was his ‘escape’ and he would go there as often as he could, even in the winter months.

Steven was co-owner of Premio Foods, Inc., Hawthorne, NJ with his brother Marc. Their father had started Garden State Sausage Company, where both boys learned the business. As Steven and Marc took over, they transformed the company into Premio Foods and built it to be what it is today. A major part of the Premio success is the ‘family’ of employees that Steven worked with everyday. He loved his Premio family and the hugs and kisses he received everyday at the office provided him with much needed strength to keep up his fight. Despite his advanced illness and confinement to a wheelchair, he kept going to work – even the day before he died. Steven was always grateful for the success and blessings he enjoyed in life and he knew that his Premio family was to thank for much of it. His work-ethic and big heart defined him. He was generous beyond measure, unable to say “no” to anyone. Rarely would he treat himself to anything special, but he always took care of everyone else.

During the past two years, as he battled with ALS, Steven was extremely fortunate to have the aid of his two caregivers; Elizabeth and Belva. Their kindness and care helped the whole family cope with Steven’s disease as it affected each of them profoundly. Everyone in the family is grateful to them for all that they have done.

Steven is survived by his devoted wife of twenty five years; Denise (nee Basileo), his four children; Monique, Joey, Steven and Anthony, all of Wayne, his loving parents; Joseph and Helene Cinque of Wayne, his brother; Marc Cinque and his wife Lisa of North Caldwell, his sister; Elisa Moore and her husband Dave of Glen Rock, his dear mother-in-law; Fanny Basileo of Wayne, his two sister-in-laws: Anette Schimmel and her husband Henry of Long Island, and Michelle DeMarco and her husband Charlie of Long Island, three brother-in-laws; Vinny Basileo and his wife Lynne of Long Island, Paul Basileo and his wife Marie of Long Island, and Lenny Basileo and his wife Pat of Medford, NJ, as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Cinque Foundation, 365 W. Passaic Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 would be greatly appreciated. You can print out a donation form below or go to www.cinquefoundation.com for more information.

Steven A. Cinque

Wayne
November 7, 2009

Peter R. Fiduccia age 68 of Wayne died Tuesday, November 03, 2009 at Hospice of New Jersey,Wayne, NJ.

He was born in Passaic having been raised in Lodi and Garfield before moving to Wayne twenty-seven years ago.

Peter was always interested in fashion and clothes and got a job as a regional representative for a Midwestern “Made to Order” clothing company. Often clothes would not fit correctly and returns to the factory meant weeks of waiting for his customers. Because of this waiting time problem he took it upon himself to go to pattern making school so he could alter the clothing himself. Once proficient at making the adjustments to the clothing he took the next step and began custom making the clothing himself. He started in his basement making custom clothing for Rock Bands in the 60’s and 70’s and expanded his business, “Fiduccia Custom Shirts”, to having a storefront in Hackensack specializing in custom shirt making. A fire in the Hackensack building had him search for a new location which he found in Carlstadt. He initially rented the building then purchased it 6 months later.

He met the love of his life, Joanna Carbone, through mutual friends and went to New York City to deliver clothing on their first date. They married on July 12, 1970 at the Corpus Christi Church in Hasbrouck Heights. They have enjoyed thirty-nine years of loving and devoted marriage.

Peter is the loving husband of Joanna Carbone Fiduccia of almost 40 years; loving father of Gary Fiduccia of Wayne and Dena Fiduccia of Wayne and her fiancé Walter Quiroga; loved brother of John F. Fiduccia and his wife Diana of High Crest Lake; loved brother-in-law of Vincent Carbone of Franklin, NY; and nieces and nephews Cheryl, Frank, Michael and Julie Ann.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the John Theurer Cancer Center, 360 Essex St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated.

Peter R Fiduccia

Wayne
November 3, 2009

Lester Henry Joy age 75 of Pequannock died peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains with the comfort of family and friends by his side.

He was born in Verona and lived in Montclair having attended the Montclair High School with the Class of 1952.

Lester joined the United States Navy after high school having served from 1952 through 1954. During one of his leaves from service he met Julianna Lang, a friend of his sister. They fell in love and he proposed to her in her home in Orange, NJ and they wed on June 22, 1957. They enjoyed a honeymoon at Niagara Falls, NY and began their life together in Orange. They moved to Pequannock, NJ in 1961 and have lived there ever since.

Lester has been employed as a butcher first by the ACME Market, Montclair second by the Shop Rite Supermarket in Butler and later by the Pathmark Supermarket in Butler where he worked for over forty five years before retiring in 1999.

Lester was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fresh and saltwater fishing as well as deer hunting.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-two years to Julianna (Lang) Joy; loving father of Vance Joy of Pequannock and devoted brother of Donald Joy of Florida.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Memorial Donation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 would be appreciated.

Lester H. Joy

Pequannock
November 3, 2009

Robert C. Nichols, age 71 of Towaco, died peacefully at home on Sunday, November 1, 2009 with his wife, children, family and friends, all by his side.

Bob was the well-known and much loved owner of the Towaco B&R Deli on Main Road for almost thirty five years.  He was a fixture at the deli and built a wonderful reputation in town.  His customers were all friends and many will remember his parting salutation; “have a funny day!”  There were many occasions when Bob would open the deli, at all hours of the night, just to make coffee for the Towaco Volunteer Fire Department after they had been fighting fires.  To show their gratitude, they made him an honorary member of the fire department.  Some may even recall that during the 1970’s, Bob was owner of the “Crossbow”, a local watering hole on Passaic Valley Road.  He served his community in many ways and is credited with starting the Montville Bronco’s Midget football league and at one time was an active Little League Baseball coach in town.

Bob was born in Paterson and moved to Wayne in 1947.  On July 3, 1955, at the Preakness Pool in Wayne, his life changed profoundly.  It was on this day, purely by chance, that he met the love of his life; Loretta (nee Finkle).  They were wed in 1958 and enjoyed fifty one years of devoted marriage together.  Loretta is grateful for having such a wonderful husband who gave her “a great life, beautiful children and grandchildren.”  Together, they travelled to over forty seven different countries, five continents, and twenty seven or so States here in America.  They also enjoyed the Jersey Shore where they have a home in Monterey Beach.  Bob’s children recall a loving dad who always stressed the importance of family to them.  He was a great teacher to his children and grandchildren, the ‘life of the party’ to many, and will surely be missed by all.

Bob is survived by his loving wife; Loretta (nee Finkle) of Towaco, three dear children; Robert Nichols and his wife Terri of Towaco, Laurie Barden and her husband Fred of Jefferson, and Kristie Kleczkowski and her husband Michael of Kinnelon, five grandchildren; Kaelen and Shannon Barden, Julia and Stephen Kleczkowski, and Kimberly Nichols, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister Joyce McKowen in 2006.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to one of the following organizations would be greatly appreciated:  Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, SW1, Suite 202C, Atlanta, Georgia 30047 (www.lewybodydementia.org), or the Atlantic Home Care Hospice, 33 Bleeker Street, Millburn, NJ 07041, or the Montville United Methodist Church, 29 Whitehall Road, PO Box 66, Towaco, NJ 07082

Robert C. Nichols

Towaco
November 1, 2009

John P. Menzo age 88 of Wayne died on Friday, October 30, 2009 at the Preakness Healthcare Center in Wayne. His passing was quiet and peaceful. His family had spent much time at his bedside providing the love and care only a family could give.

He was born in New York City and had lived there and Lynhurst and Hackensack before moving to Wayne 26 years ago.

In the late 1930’s he served in the New Jersey National Guard. He had tried to join the army but he had a hearing problem that caused him to not be able to serve.

He was a parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne, was a member of the Wayne Golden Age Circle as well as the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181.

John had lost his first wife Dorothy in 1982 and several years later he met Frances Scaturro (nee Bocina) at a travel club. They dated for several years and John finally caught Frances and they married. They had twenty five years of a “happy and fun” marriage together.

Both John and Frances loved to dance and whenever the occasion allowed for it you would find them together on the dance floor dancing the night away.

He and Frances loved to travel and they together visited twenty-five countries including all of the United States including Alaska and also Brazil.

Surviving are his loving wife Frances; four daughters Cindy Aldighere and her husband Mark of New Milford, twins Barbara Bray and her husband Kevin of Hackensack and Roberta Palino and her husband Ross of Saddlebrook and Melanie Pedalino and her husband Raymond of River Edge; two sons Peter Menzo and his wife Ellen of Prosperity, SC and Roy Menzo and his wife Tina of Hoopeston, IL; two step sons Benjamin Scaturro and his wife Deborah of Bloomingdale, Stephen Scaturro and his wife Nancy of Greenwood Lake; one step daughter Virginia Zalusky and her husband Chester of Wayne; one sister Julia Panaro of Elmwood Park; grandchildren Samuel, David, Benjamin, Andrew, Regina, Michael, Michelle, Gina, Darren, Thomas, Daniel, Samantha, Nicholas, John, Joanna, Michael; great grandchildren Emma, Vincent, Analise, Aaron, Eva, Abigail, Jason, Harrison.

His first wife Dorothy (Dot) Marilyn (nee Reed) Menzo predeceased him in 1982.

John P. Menzo

Wayne
October 30, 2009

Tamara Lukusepp-Remer Douk age 92 of Kinnelon died Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Health Care Center at Bloomingdale.

She was the beloved wife of the late Michel Douk(April 16, 1983); loving mother of Bella Vecchione of Kinnelon, Albert Douk and his wife Ludmilla of Lewisburg, PA, and Taisia Douk of Kinnelon; cherished grandmother of Linda Vecchione-Zagari, Leonard Douk and Victoria Hess; much loved great-grandmother of Cole, Alexandra and Amanda Hess, and Miles Zagari.

Tamara Lukusepp Remer Douk

Kinnelon
October 29, 2009

Effie H. Brozowski (nee Hendry) age 85 of Wayne, died on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital. She was most recently living at the Llanfair House in Wayne.

Effie was born in Clifton and enjoyed her formative years there, graduating from Clifton High School with the class of 1941. She moved to Wayne in 1954. She had worked for over twenty five years as a secretary for Harelick, Dresner & Koch Insurance Agency in Paterson.

She was a devoted parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne. Effie had served as a Eucharistic Minister there for many years.

Effie’s five children remember her as a loving, nurturing mom who was always there for them. They have great memories of family vacations at Friend’s Lake in the Adirondacks, Lake Swannanoa, and Walpak on the Delaware River, with all of them piled into their Malibu station wagon.

Effie and her late husband Edward (Eddie Bee Roofing) had a devoted and loving marriage for forty nine years before his passing in 1995.

She is survived by her five loving children; Roberta McIntyre of Warwick, NY, Eve Urso and her husband Phil of Nutley, James and his wife Tanya of West Milford, John of Andover, Edward and his wife Susan of Pompton Lakes, two dear sisters; Marie Kelly of Mountainside and Barbara Ranley of Hamburg, ten wonderful grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shephard's Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512 would be greatly appreciated.

Effie Brozowski

Wayne
October 29, 2009

Irene (nee Janecki) Aiello age 80 of Pompton Lakes died peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 with the comfort of her family by her side.

She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY where she met the love of her life Frank Aiello on a blind date. They married on August 26, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Clifton, NJ to raise their family. In 1955 they moved to the town of Pompton Lakes, NJ where they lived until 1983 before enjoying their retirement in Holiday City-Toms River, NJ. Then in 1999 they returned back to Pompton Lakes, NJ to be closer to family

Irene enjoyed watching old movies, loved reading-especially autobiographies, crossword puzzles and most of all will be remembered for keeping her home impeccable. She was a devoted “hands-on” grandmother who enjoyed helping with her grandchildren when they were young.

Irene was the devoted wife of Frank Aiello with whom she had sixty years of devoted marriage; she is the loving mother of John Aiello and his wife Linda of Wayne, Debra Sylvestri of Pompton Lakes and her late husband Alfred, Denise Vivino of Pompton Lakes and Dana Balinski and her husband Ron of Wayne; cherished grandmother 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; much loved great-grandmother of Cadence and Priscilla; she was predeceased by her siblings Chester, Frank, Eddie, Sally and Jean.

Irene Aiello

Pompton Lakes
October 28, 2009

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Theresa Pellechia (nee Doyle) went to be with the Lord and join her beloved husband, Victor (April 2009), after an eleven year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on October 28, 2009.

Elizabeth was born in Paterson, NJ, the oldest of five children born to Michael and Mary Doyle.

She graduated from St. John’s High School and then from the Sherwood Business School. Prior to her marriage to Victor, she worked for Bishop Boland and Monsignor Brestol in the Paterson Archdiocese. They married the couple in February 3, 1951 and remained close family friends and celebrated many anniversaries with renewed vows.

The loving mother of five children, Victor (Amy) Pellechia; Mary Anne (Manny) Buendia; Michael Pellechia; Connie Pellechia ; and Elizabeth (Gerry) Monroe; the cherished grandmother of five grandsons and two granddaughters; and cherished great grandmother of three great granddaughters; her sister Genevieve Orland; her cousins Pearline Nazzaro and Loretta Mahoney; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sisters Alice Chopie (1998) and Marie Quigley (1998) and her brother, Joseph Doyle (2008).

In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater NJ Chapter, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 would be greatly appreciated.

The family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to Grace Emile who tirelessly attended to their mother with love and compassion.

Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Pellechia

Wayne
October 28, 2009

Mary Flaccavento (nee Reo) age 88 of Geneva, Illinois, on Monday, October 26, 2009, at the home of her daughter. Her passing was quiet and peaceful to a new heavenly home.

She was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and spent her youth in West New York where she received her formal education at Memorial High School, graduating with the class of 1939.

She met a handsome fellow in high school by the name of Frank Flaccavento and they fell in love and married in 1941.

Frank and Mary lived in North Bergen, later in Teaneck then Maywood until 1984. They then moved to Whiting at Crestwood Village, later moving to Siena Village in Wayne in 2003 and finally to Geneva, Illinois, in 2006 to live with her daughter Maryann.

For 25 years, Mary was the secretary at the Our Town Newspaper in Maywood, a position she thoroughly enjoyed. It was a job that provided her the opportunity to meet many people and to know what was going on in town. She was well-known in the community during the time she worked at the newspaper. She retired from work in 1984.

Mary had many talents as a homemaker, seamstress, cook, and hostess. She loved to entertain family and friends in her beautiful home. She also had a green thumb and was a member of the Crestwood Garden Club.

She and Frank took many vacations to Europe, the Far East, and all of the states, but their favorite destination was Italy. She was a beautiful and special woman who will be greatly missed.

Surviving is her loving husband of sixty-eight years Frank Flaccavento; two daughters Denise Feldman and her husband William of Wayne and Maryann Snook and her husband Alfred of Geneva, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Jennifer and Douglas Offutt of Batavia, IL; Douglas and Kris Snook of Libertyville, IL; Greg and Denise Snook of Sammamish, WA; Melissa and Phillip Izenson of Dublin, OH; Paul and Elizabeth Feldman of New York City; Daniel and Chrissy Flaccavento of San Diego, CA, and Jamey and Molly Flaccavento of Wayne, NJ; and ten great grandchildren.

Sadness struck her life when in 2002 her son Frank Flaccavento died.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834, or a charity of your own choosing, would be greatly appreciated.

Mary Flaccavento

Geneva
October 26, 2009

Pieternella A. “Nellie” Kersten(nee Vander Endt) age 95 of Kinnelon died peacefully at the Chilton Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 25, 2009, with the comfort of family by her side.

She was born in Yerseke, Netherlands where her family specialized in fishing for mussels; a trade extended family members are still engaged in to this day. She came to this country in 1949 settling in Prospect Park having lived in Long Valley, Chester, Oxford and Wayne before moving to Kinnelon fourteen years ago.

Nellie met the love of her life, Adrian Kersten in The Netherlands when he invited her to ice skate on the canals. They were married on August 24, 1938 by Adrian’s father the Rev. G.H. Kersten who was also a sitting member of the Parliament in The Netherlands at the time. They honeymooned in Switzerland and enjoyed fifty-three years of marriage before Adrian’s passing in 1991. During their years together they owned a grain drying business in Holland. In 1949 they moved to the United States having settled in Prospect Park and eventually purchased a dairy farm in Oxford, NJ. The dairy farm, although no longer in the family, is still in operation today.

Nellie was a quiet, gentle, sweet person who was always concerned about the well being of others. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and loved to read. She could often be found reading sermons and other religious material and although she could read English, most of her reading was in Dutch. She was also an excellent cook in her day and enjoyed baking cookies for the family.

She was the beloved wife of the late Adrian Kersten(1991); loving mother of Annette Van Houten and her husband John of Kinnelon, the late Garret H. Kersten(1940), the late Garret Hendrick “Hank” Kersten(1983), and the late Abrahan Kersten(1995) and his surviving wife Marion (Kersten) Van Houten of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Karen Moore, Garry Kersten and his wife Lois, Matthew Kersten and his wife Tammy, Gary Kersten and his wife Rachael, and Gary Van Sweden and his wife Amy; devoted great grandmother of fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Rd., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated.

Pieternella 'Nellie' Kersten

Kinnelon
October 25, 2009

Albert S. Gabriel, Jr. age 57 of Wayne died Sunday, October 25, 2009, peacefully at home with his family by his side.

He was born in Paterson and was a lifelong resident of Wayne.

Albert was the owner and operator of Super Mart in Wayne for the past fifteen years.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne.

Albert will be remembered as a very unique person who: was strong willed, lived for the moment, was an avid fisherman and hunter, ate all he caught, was very thoughtful, loved to teach and take kids hunting and fishing, hunted and fished his way all the way to Alaska and Canada, and most of all was a loving, caring husband and father.

Beloved husband of Marilyn (Cooke) Gabriel of Wayne; loving father of Anthony, Alexa and Lily Gabriel all of Wayne; cherished son of the late Albert S. Gabriel, Sr.(2008) and Barbara(2005) Gabriel; loving brother of Donna Mathisen and her husband Bill of Wayne, Lynne Nakahara and her husband Jay of New York City, John Gabriel and his wife Sue of Wayne, and William Gabriel and his wife Cindy of Carbondale, PA; Dear son-in-law to William and Edith Cooke; loving brother-in-law to William and Donna Cooke, Donna and the late Robert(2008) Cooke, Honey Bun and the late Sam(2002) Miller, Gary Cooke, the late Linda Cooke(1963), Brian and Judi Cooke, Nancy and Charlie Spetz, John Cooke and Jennifer Cooke; cherished uncle to 28 nieces & nephews and three great-nieces

Albert S. Gabriel, Jr.

Wayne
October 25, 2009

Anna Marjorie Rizzo, “Marge” as she was known to all, died on Sunday, October 25, 2009 after a lengthy struggle with her health. She was 76 years old.

Marge was born in Paterson and grew up in the Bunker Hill section of the city. She graduated from Central High School with the class of 1952. She had been a Totowa resident since 1963.

Faith played an important role in her life and she was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Pompeii RC Church on Caldwell Avenue in Paterson. She was a Past-President and active member of the Rosary Society at Our Lady of Pompeii, and a volunteer for the DEBORAH Hospital Foundation. Marge was always willing to help and had served with many charitable organizations throughout the years.

Shortly after high school, Marge took a position at Kearfott in Totowa. It was there that she met her husband, Samuel. They were married in 1961 and enjoyed forty eight years of loving marriage together. They travelled to Brazil, Las Vegas, the coast of California and Florida. Marge enjoyed crafts too. She would always make ceramic Christmas trees, ornaments, and gifts. As a young woman she enjoyed bowling and horseback riding.

Marge was a wonderful caregiver and ‘just had a way’ with babies and children. This was especially true with her grandson, Stephen. Stephen put a spark in her life and he was the driving force that kept her going. He meant the world to her and she loved being actively involved in his life. The two of them shared a very special relationship, leaving Stephen with a trove of wonderful memories.

Marge is survived by her loving husband Samuel of Totowa, two daughters; MaryAnn Rizzo of Totowa and Sandra Hogquist of Belford, NJ, her dear grandson Stephen Hogquist Jr. of Belford, NJ, three sisters; Marie Berwanger of Wayne, Doris Lesko of Deerfield Beach, FL, Ruth Ann Chumacas of Reading, PA, and one brother; Thomas Branigan Jr. of Highland Lakes, NJ, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marge’s memory to the DEBORAH Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 820, Browns Mills, NJ 08015-0820, would be greatly appreciated.

Anna Marjorie 'Marge' Rizzo

Totowa
October 25, 2009

Richard T. Bealer age 61 of Wayne died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 24, 2009 of a heart attack at the Emeritus/Gardens of Wayne. His passing into heaven was quiet and peaceful.

He was born in Paterson and at the age of eleven months he contracted spinal meningitis. Although doctors predicted his imminent demise he did survive and had multiple health problems that challenged his abilities for the rest of his life.

Rich was able to go to school and graduated from Paterson Grammar School No 2. With his father’s help he became a Boy Scout in the Paterson Handicapped Scouts.

Through all of those early health problems he was gifted with a wonderful and gregarious, good humored personality that shined brightly. Because of this positive gift he had many friends, was well liked and offered always to help others.

He was employed for twenty-eight years as a Culinary Specialist at the Preakness Hospital in Wayne.

Richard was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of The Valley RC Church in Wayne.

Surviving are his sister Barbara O’Brien and her husband Edmund of Paterson; one brother Michael Bealer of Paterson; three nieces Judith Colao and her husband Joseph Bubet of Elmwood Park, Michele Colao of Paterson, Jennifer Bealer of Massachusetts; one nephew Michael Bealer Jr. of Tennessee.

Richard T. Bealer

Wayne
October 24, 2009

Justina Isabel Staffanell age 91, of Hialeah, Florida passed away on Friday, October 23, 2009.

She was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, the youngest daughter of Pedro Zapata and Aura (Carillo) Zapata, and came to visit the United States in 1962 and worked as a seamstress in New York City for a short while. She returned to Colombia for a few years and upon the death of her husband in 1976 she returned to the United States, having lived in Miami, Florida before ultimately becoming a United States citizen and settling in Hialeah, Florida.

Justina was a hard working, private and independent person. She enjoyed entering the workforce in the United States as this helped her express her independent side. She had a strong sense of self and family. She was always in contact with her family in Colombia and was generous to all.

She enjoyed a loving marriage of forty years to the late Manuel Staffanell(1976); she was the loving mother of Manuel Staffanell and his wife Alba of Atlanta, GA, Francisco Staffanell and his wife Nora of Monroe, NY and Clemencia Staffanell of Atlanta, GA; cherished grandmother of Virginia, Javier, Mauricio, Laura, Amara, Lilliana, Marianna, Alejandro, Benjamin and Jose; devoted great-grandmother of seventeen great-grandchildren and she had one great-grandchild on the way.

Justina I Staffanell

Hialeah
October 23, 2009

Catherine Eleanor Sadowski, “Cathy” to all that knew her, died on Friday October 23, 2009 at just 37 years old. She was tragically struck by a car while crossing the street in her home town of Lexington, South Carolina.

Cathy was born in Camden, NJ and moved to Wayne with her family in 1980.  She graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1992.  After graduation, she volunteered at a nursing home in Lincoln Park where her big heart and loving nature brought her close to all the residents.  In 1995 she moved to Lexington, South Carolina with her parents.  She quickly made friends there too and soon found herself right at home.  She was particularly fond of animals and would never pass an opportunity to rescue a stray pet, but cats were clearly her favorite.  She was always bringing home something new that needed her care.

Her family recalls summer vacations to Cape Hatteras where Cathy would quickly become friends with the other vacationing families around them on the beach.  She absolutely loved those vacations and wasted no time introducing herself to others, getting to know people from all over.  She will be greatly missed by all those friends she has made over the years.

Cathy is survived by her father; Albert J. Sadowski, Sr. of West Columbia, South Carolina, one sister; Judith F. McLean and her husband Scott of Wayne, three brothers; Kenneth C. Sadowski and his wife Christine of Roxbury, New Jersey, Al Sadowski and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, and Brian A. Sadowski of Wayne, as well as seven nieces and nephews.  Cathy was predeceased by her mother Annetta Marie Sadowski (nee Snyder) in 1999.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Cathy’s name are asked to consider the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terrace, Wayne, NJ  07470.

Catherine E. Sadowski

Lexington
October 23, 2009

Yoland Shalhoub age 79 (Mouracade) of Bayonne on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Her loving sons were constantly at her bedside and felt peace knowing that Mom has now moved into the arms of her Lord and Savior.

She was born in Beirut, Lebanon and came to this country as an infant with her family.

The family first settled in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. After her marriage to her late husband Albert Shalhoub, she moved to Bayonne, New Jersey where she lived the rest of her life.

Yoland was member of Saint Ann Melkite Catholic Church in West Paterson.

She had a very special devotion to her faith which she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Her life dedication was to her family. She was a very warm and giving person that was selfless. She was generous and kind by nature and loved to help people. She was a woman of grace, beauty and wisdom.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and talented cook who joyfully served her family

"Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives."

Surviving are two sons Robert J. Shalhoub and his wife Tania of Chatham and Ronald A. Shalhoub and his wife Samira of Madison; six grandchildren Christopher, Peter, Andrew, James, Renee and Colette Shalhoub; and five brothers Simon, Robert, John, Michael, and Alex.

Her husband Albert J. Shalhoub predeceased her in September 2001.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in Yoland Shalhoub’s memory be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, 386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor, NY, NY 10016.

Yoland Shalhoub

Bayonne
October 16, 2009

Lucille E. (Hoblin) Sergeant Raczkowski age 89 of Whiting, formerly of Wayne on Friday, October 16, 2009.

She was born in Passaic and lived in Wayne and Forestville, NY before moving to Whiting seventeen years ago.

Her husband, Joseph Sergeant, was killed tragically in a fall on a train platform in 1944. She was determined to raise her two year old son Joseph on her own. They moved in with Lucille’s mother and she took a job as a clerk for the Western Union Company, New York City before her retirement in 1971.

She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church, Passaic for many years.

Lucille was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Sergeant(1944) and Joseph Raczkowski(1980); loving mother of Joseph Sergeant and his wife Diane of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Kim Caccavale and her husband Mark of Medina, OH, Kelley Porada and her husband Mark of Wayne and Joseph Sergeant of Wayne; cherished great grandmother of Kristen Caccavale, Briane Caccavel and Ryan Porada; loving sister of Ruth VanHouten of Forked River and the late Olive Leggrotoglie and Evelyn Merbler.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the First Baptist Church, 150 Gregory Ave., Passaic, NJ 07055 would be appreciated.

Lucille E. Raczkowski

Wayne
October 16, 2009

Joseph Moolaplakel of Wayne, NJ passed away on Friday, October 16, 2009.

Beloved husband of Thresiamma Joseph for 38 years. Loving father and father-in-law of Anne, Tony, Satheesh and Neethu Joseph. Cherished grandfather of Justin and Aidan Joseph.

Joseph O. Moolaplakel

Wayne
October 16, 2009

Elsie L. Visser(Arp) age 95 of Wayne died Friday, October 16, 2009, peacefully after a short illness, with the comfort of her family by her side.

On October 3rd she celebrated her 95th birthday with a special ladies tea party. In attendance were her two great-grand daughters, daughter-in-law, grand-daughter-in-law and her dearest friends. She was truly blessed with health as this past Wednesday she ate three slices of pizza, went shopping at Kohls, bought two new sweaters, and later had a strawberry milkshake.

She was born in Paterson and raised in Clifton having moved to Wayne in 1947 after marrying the love of her life William Jacob Visser on June 2, 1936. They met through friends and she enjoyed rides in his Model A Ford with a rumble seat. They honeymooned in Niagara Falls, NY and after a few years in Clifton bought property and had a house built in Wayne.

A fifty-two year resident of Wayne she was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Wayne and the Ruth Circle of the church, member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne, National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees and former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Community Fire Co. No. 1, Wayne.

Beloved wife of the late William Jacob Visser, Sr.(1994); devoted mother of William Visser, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Wayne; loving grandmother of Sherry Tanski and her husband Patrick of Wayne, and Kurt Visser and his wife Jacqueline of Stroudsburg, PA; very proud great-grandmother of Madison and Skylar Tanski, Timothy, Nicholas and William Visser; loving sister of the late Rudolph and Harry Arp.

Elsie Visser

Wayne
October 16, 2009

Helen R. Sepede, age 90, of Wayne, passed into eternal life on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

She was preceded in death by her brother Frank Sepede and sister Juliette Smith.

Helen was born in Garfield on March 18, 1919. She devoted her life to helping others through the nursing profession, most notably 28 years of service at the North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa, NJ.

In her later years she embraced and supported the volunteer work of her sister and niece with the Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA).

To her, family was everything and she leaves behind her remaining sibling, Martha Sepede, nieces Mary and Jane Sepede and Linda and Barbara Smith, nephew Joseph Sepede and wife, Kathy and great nephews Michael and John Sepede.

Donations can be made in her name to FOWA, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470 or a charity of your choice.

Helen R. Sepede

Wayne
October 13, 2009

Frank Urban age 75 of Piney Flats, Tennessee passed away on Friday, October 9, 2009 at The Courtyard Assisted Living in Johnson City, Tennessee. His passing was quiet and peaceful after receiving the continuous daily bedside care of his wife Jeanne.

He was born in Lodi and lived there receiving his formal education at Lodi Grammar School and Lodi High School graduating with the Class of 1951. He later lived in Wayne for twenty-five years before enjoying his retirement years in Piney Flats, Tennessee.

Frank was an Auto Body specialist and worked in that industry most of his life.

For the last ten years he had a very difficult time with his health. Between paint particles and sanding dust from work he developed emphysema and had great difficulty with his breathing

In his spare time he especially enjoyed taking his boat out on Lake George in New York State and fishing.

Frank was gifted with an extraverted personality that loved to mingle with people and within his family they referred to him as “Friendly Frank”.

Surviving are his loving wife of twenty-five years Jeanne E. (nee Decker) Urban; One daughter Jennifer Urban of Paterson; one son Michael Louis of Piney Flats, Tennessee; one sister Ruth Viera of Napa Valley, California; one step sister Carol Vanderlinda of Las Vegas, Nevada; cherished grandfather of Linda Vigilione, Jaime and Christopher Albut. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Lillian (nee Rozporka) Urban; his sister Audrey Friedman, two daughters Cindy Urban and Wendy Albut.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Frank Urban are asked to consider The Caris Healthcare Hospice, 110 A West Springbrook Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604.

Frank Urban

Wayne/Piney Flats
October 9, 2009

Daniel Francis Dowd age 91 died on Friday, October 09, 2009, at the Atrium of Wayne, while receiving the loving care of his family.

Daniel was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, and lived in Paterson for many years having lived in Stone Mountain, GA, and Absecon, NJ, before moving to Wayne in 1997.

During his years at Central High School, Paterson, he received a scholarship to play football in college but had to forgo it to help support the family. It was at this time he entered the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and was sent to Utah.

He met his wife Josephine (Tedesco) through family contacts at the dye house in Paterson where he worked. She stood him up on their first date - a mild infraction considering Josephine’s mother caught a man stealing a pig on their farm in Pennsylvania and shot him with a shotgun - but he persisted and they fell in love. They married on July 20, 1941 at St. Michael's Church, Paterson. They honeymooned in Atlantic City. Their long marriage could best be described as loving and caring.

Soon after their marriage Dan was drafted into the US Navy where he served during WWII. During his service he was awarded the European Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Medal and the American Theatre Ribbon.

He was a fireman for the Paterson Fire Department for over twenty-five years before retiring at the rank of captain in 1975.

Dan enjoyed traveling with his wife and especially liked the freedom of driving his car. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and relished in their accomplishments. He always enjoyed attending their sporting events as he was an athlete himself. He had a special spot in his heart for babies and little children. Once, during his tenure as a Paterson fireman, he was able to catch a baby dropped from a burning building.

He was the beloved husband of Josephine (nee) Tedesco of Wayne; devoted father of Patricia Falato and her husband Richard of Wayne, Daniel Dowd and his wife Lynne of Lawrenceville, GA, Thomas Dowd and his wife Rae Anee; cherished grandfather of Danette Wood, Brian Dowd, Joshua Falato, Bree Falato, Jason Dowd, and Erin Dowd; much loved great-grandfather of Melissa Wood, Samantha, Dean and Vincent Falato and Jaydyn Dowd; beloved brother Ruth Van Der Weghe of Hammonton, NJ, Helen Casteel of Sparta, NJ, and also of the late Mary Schenker, John Dowd, and Francis Dowd. He was predeceased by his parents, Daniel Dowd and the former Etta Mae Congleton.

Daniel Francis Dowd

Wayne
October 9, 2009

Rose Darakjy(nee Kass) age 95 of Fair Lawn died Thursday, October 08, 2009 at the Arbor Care Center, Toms River.

She was born in Dirabakir, Turkey and came to this country at the age of seventeen settling in Paterson where she lived before moving to Fair Lawn where she lived for forty-two years having moved to Toms River two years ago.

She was a devoted member of the Assyrian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary, Paramus.

Rose will be remembered as a quiet person who always avoided confrontation. She enjoyed sewing and cooking. Some of her traditional Turkish specialties were stuffed grape leaves, baklava and shish kabobs. Most of all she was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother.

She was the loving wife of forty-three years to the late Woodrow Darakjy(1988); devoted mother of Lois J. DeMartino of Toms River and Karen R. McGinley and her late husband Joseph(2006)of Manchester; cherished grandmother of Lori DeMartino, Cheryl DeMartino and Michael McGinley.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Alzheimers Association - Greater NJ, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 would be appreciated.

Rose Darakjy

Fair Lawn
October 8, 2009

Maryann T. Montano (nee Longo), age 51 of Lincoln Park, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. Maryann was a caring and generous person, always willing to help others in need and her final act of kindness included donating organs through the Sharing Network. Already we know that she has helped three other people who were awaiting transplants. Although her death was sudden and tragic, she made certain that it was not without purpose.

Maryann was born in Bayonne, NJ and grew up in Wayne. She graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1976. Soon thereafter she went to work at State Farm Insurance where she loyally served as a Commercial Underwriting Assistant for twenty four years at their offices in Wayne. She moved to Lincoln Park twenty years ago.

She met her husband Nick on a blind date that everyone thought would never work out – but it did! Nick described her as “a breath of fresh air” on that first date; a kind and honest girl. They hit it off and were married in 2002. Together they had travelled on a few cruises and made many trips to Atlantic City to visit one of Maryann’s best friends; the slot machine. She truly enjoyed the ocean and the two of them vacationed in Point Pleasant just a few weeks ago. In fact, she had collected a bunch of seashells on that trip and was in the process of crafting them into Christmas decorations for her four brothers. Crafting was one of her hobbies, along with scrap booking and rug-hooking, among many others.

Her family and friends can tell you what a loyal person she was. Many of the friends she has now are friends from her childhood. She was charismatic too and would make new friends seemingly everywhere she went; she just ‘clicked’ with everyone. She was also very fortunate to have a special relationship with her step-daughter Morgan. Nick’s parrot, Guido, even took a special liking to Maryann.

Her four brothers each have fond memories of their sister. You would think that being the only girl with four brothers couldn’t have made it easy for Maryann, but she was caring and nurturing with them too. Their terms of endearment for her, such as “Friz-bomb” or “Pidge”, didn’t stop her from being the best sister they could have asked for. She was particularly helpful raising her little brother John, sharing a room until he was six years old, and she may also have been responsible for teaching her brother Gene how to ride in the clothes dryer. None the less, she has surely left each of them with a trove of memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.

Maryann is survived by her loving husband of seven years; Nick of Lincoln Park, her devoted parents; Armand and Dolores Longo of Wayne, four brothers; James Longo and his wife Marjorie of Middletown, NJ, Armand C. Longo of Barnegat, NJ, Gene Longo and his wife Terri of Raleigh, NC, and John Longo and his wife Vicki of Nutley, NJ, and her step-daughter; Morgan Montano of Toms River, NJ. She will be dearly missed by her nephews Christopher, Mark, Bradley, Matthew, Harley, Jagger, and Ryan, as well as nieces Christina, Casey, Kelsea, Justine, and Sophia.

In Lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Maryann’s memory to Sharing Network Foundation, Attn: Marsha Kefer, 841 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081, www.sharenj.org, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 29119, Phoenix, Arizona 85038-9119, www.wish.org.

Maryann T. Montano

Lincoln Park
October 8, 2009

Annie B. Iaconio(nee Sloss) age 90 of North Haledon died on Monday, October 5, 2009 at St Josephs Hospital, Wayne with the comfort of her family by her side.

Annie was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland and came to the United States in 1946. In Scotland she had been a carpet finisher who sewed the seams in carpets and finished intricate details of carpeting on elaborate staircases. She was sponsored into the US by Mary and Bill Lough; her sister and the US soldier she had married. She settled down in North Haledon, NJ and took a job wiring transformers in Paterson.

In 1951 she married the love of her life James B. Iaconio at St. Bonaventures Church, Paterson. They took the “Manhattan Line” bus from Paterson to NYC where they honeymooned at the St. Vincent Hotel. Married for one year she had her son James and began her career as a stay-at-home mom. When James began school she took a job at the American Bible Society in Wayne where she worked for twenty years before retiring in 1984. Annie and James had a loving and devoted marriage of fifty-eight years.

Annie will be remembered as a terrific cook(she learned Italian cooking from her mother-in-law), she was outgoing, enjoyed knitting, sewing and would read three to four books at a time.

She is the beloved wife of James B. Iaconio; devoted mother of James Iaconio and his wife Eileen of Haledon; cherished grandmother of Jimmy Iaconio and Dana Galusha and her husband Nick; loved aunt of Derek Lough and his wife Charleah and their children Craig and Glynis.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Annie’s memory are asked to consider the Haledon Ambulance Corps, 792 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508.

Annie B. Iaconio

North Haledon
October 5, 2009

Thomas J Vatrano Jr., age 80 of Wayne, died on Sunday October 4, 2009 with his family by his side. He was born in Clifton, NJ and attended Clifton High School before joining the Marine Corps at seventeen years of age and he served proudly until 1951.

Upon returning from the Service he joined the Passaic County Park Police Department where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He was the first mounted officer to patrol Garrett Mountain Reservation and the first motorcycle patrol at the Passaic County Parks and Golf Course. He went on to the Bergen County Police Academy and graduated in 1964 ranked in the top ten for academics and ranked first for firearms and defensive tactics. He retired in 1979 after thirty years of dedicated service to the department. He was also owner of the Wayne Detective Agency.

He became politically active after his retirement, joining the Wayne Republican Organization in 1980 and served in several official capacities over the years. He sat on the Wayne Republican County Committee from 1985 to 2005, was Executive Vice President of the Wayne Republican Organization from 1988 to 1992, and was Campaign Manager for Ed Faber, Fourth Ward Republican Candidate in 1987. He and Elvira always had something going on; social engagements, political affairs and the like. He rarely sat still and always had something to do. Tom was also a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2111 since 1963, a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1980 and served as Grand Knight from 1986 to 1990, a member of the Lions Club of Wayne since 1985 and was also a life member of the Police Benevolent Association.

Tom married Elvira (nee Montalbetti) in 1961 and they enjoyed forty eight years of “exciting” times together. Many know Tom was a great dancer and on one of their first dates, he took Elvira to the Peppermint Lounge in New York City. The place was so jamb packed that night that they had to get up on a table to dance! They did “The Twist” as Chubby Checker played live. They enjoyed great times together, travelling too. They visited Austria, Hungary, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas several times. They made many trips to Atlantic City, most recently just a few weeks ago. Tom was a “sun worshiper” and loved the beach. Their family vacations were typically to Wildwood and later to Ortley Beach at the Jersey Shore. Tom provided his family with many fond memories over the years that they can all treasure.

Tom leaves his loving wife, Elvira of Wayne, four beloved daughters; Linda Kaar and her husband Ed of Wayne, Gloria Turi and her husband Rich of Mendon, Massachusetts, Donna Celmer and her husband Kirk of Warwick, New York, and Roselin Nelson and her husband Michael of Rockaway, ten grand-children; Marielle Kaar of Wayne, Christan and Jesse O’Neill of Warwick, New York, Jenni Favara and her husband Rob of Warwick, New York, Michael, Kevin, Jacquelin and Tommi Nelson of Rockaway, and John Paul and Thomas DiMuzio of Mendon, Massachusetts, as well as two great-grandchildren.

Donations in Tom's memory, if friends so wish, can be made to The Melanoma Research Foundation, 170 Township Line Road, Building B, Hillsborough, NJ 08844. A donation form can be printed out by clicking below.

Thomas Vatrano Jr.

Wayne
October 4, 2009

Leslie was born in Flushing, Queens, New York, and the youngest of 13 children. During the early months of his life, his parents learned that Leslie was deaf. He was born without any eardrums. Therefore, at the age of 3 his parents enrolled Leslie in the Lexington School for the Deaf in Manhattan. At 6 years of age, he was transferred to the New York School for the Deaf in White Plains, New York as his father had died recently.

Leslie’s first language was American Sign Language (ASL). However, in order to give him some hearing capability surgery was performed when Leslie was 9 years old and he received two artificial eardrums. From this point, Leslie could hear although he still had a hearing loss and he began to learn to speak English.

Because of this event in his life, Leslie was “mainstreamed” into a regular public school at the age of 14. In this school, Leslie received Speech Therapy and was encouraged by a teacher to read The New York Times in order to improve his English skills. He graduated from this school, PS 47 in Manhattan.

Upon graduating, Leslie attended a vocational school in Manhattan in order to learn the trade of type-setting and printing. During this employment Leslie realized that he needed to further develop his knowledge of the English language as well as his verbal English skills if he was to succeed in life. He again began to read The New York Times while viewing himself in a mirror in order to enhance his spoken English. This was time consuming and an arduous task but he was determined to improve his communication skills.

Leslie’s next employment was work for a company manufacturing contact lenses. He became an expert machinist and polisher and thoroughly enjoyed this work.

In 1958, a significant event occurred in Leslie’s life. He was invited by a friend to attend a “Sweet 16” birthday party. At this party he met his future wife, Marie Luise Buonocore who was also deaf. On October 20, 1962 Leslie and Marie Luise were married and lived happily together until Leslie’s death.

Another life-transforming event occurred in Leslie’s and Marie Luise’ lives when they attended a Bible study in Staten Island. The Lord Jesus Christ graciously saved both husband and wife and they began a life-long journey of studying the Bible. At this time, they became members of a church for the Deaf in Garden City, Long Island, New York. During their years there, Leslie became a Bible study teacher, a sign language interpreter for the Deaf, and counselor to many Deaf who desired biblical direction in their lives.

It soon became clear that Leslie’s primary calling was that of a Bible teacher of the Deaf and in 1985 he moved to Norfolk, Virginia in order to take up the responsibilities of a pastor for the Deaf in a Southern Baptist Church. He labored in that church until 1995 when he moved to Hope Baptist Church in Flanders, New Jersey, another Southern Baptist Church which had an outreach for the Deaf.

Throughout his years in Virginia and New Jersey as Leslie continued to study his Bible, to listen to the preaching of godly pastors, and to read solid Christian literature, his doctrinal convictions changed so that he embraced what are often termed “the doctrines of grace”. Because of his biblical convictions, he resigned from the Hope Baptist Church of the Deaf and became a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Montville, New Jersey in 1998. He continued his pastoral work among the Deaf and soon became responsible for Trinity’s Deaf Ministry.

Leslie’s love for Jesus Christ, Christ’s church, the Deaf, and the hearing never lessened during his many years of Gospel service. While at Trinity Baptist Church, he conducted regular Bible studies for the Deaf, taught a weekly Sunday School Class for the Deaf, organized special one-day conferences for the Deaf in the spring and autumn of each year, counseled the Deaf, interpreted the worship services and sermons every Sunday morning and evening, and instructed hearing people to learn ASL.

He was a godly member of Trinity Baptist Church and always manifested a loving, gracious, and humble disposition toward everyone he met and knew. He was a true and faithful friend to numerous people and consistently encouraged them to read, study, and follow the teachings of the Bible. Like John the Baptist, he pointed all to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

He will be greatly missed by all his friends, but we know that he truly is in a better place. He now is with his beloved Savior and all of the redeemed in heaven. He no longer struggles with sin, cancer or a hearing loss. He is rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory forevermore. Surely, his life and death remind us that we must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and for eternal life. May God help all who knew Leslie to follow him as he followed the Lord Jesus Christ.

Leslie Samuel Bunn

Montville
October 3, 2009

Herbert C. Lees age 98 of Wayne died peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Milford Manor, West Milford.

He was born in Paterson and lived in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne over sixty years ago.

Mr. Lees was the proprietor of Lees Brothers Servcie Station located at the intersection of Hamburg Turnpike and Ratzer Road in Wayne for fifteen years before working for the Inmont Chemical Company, Wagaraw Road, Hawthorne before retiring in 1973.

Herbert was a WWII Veteran who served with the Army Air Corps Squadron A, 1075th Air Force Base Unit and received the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal.

He had a great sense of humor, was an avid golfer who still has his original Bobby Jones Clubs, a dedicated NY Yankees fan going back to the DiMaggio, Gehrig, and Ruth days.

Herbert married the love of his life, Anna (Besemer) Lees in April of 1948 at the Preakness Reformed Church, Wayne and began their forty-seven year marriage with a honeymoon at Niagara Falls.

He was the beloved husband of the late Anna Besemer Lees(2005); loving father of Thomas Gillespie and his wife Susanne of Lakewood, Herbert A Lees of Wayne and Judy Mett and her husband Otto, Jr. of Stockholm; cherished grandfather of Todd Gillespie and his wife Theresa, Timothy Gillespie, Steven Mett and his wife Amy, Jennifer Mett, Caitlin Mett Henderson and her husband George; devoted great-grandfather of Alexandra and Thomas A. Gillespie; much loved brother of Evelyn DiAugustinis of Morgan, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - donation 120 Wall Street, 19th Floor New York, NY 10005 would be appreciated.

Herbert C. Lees

Wayne
October 1, 2009

Robert H. Hamilton “Bob” age 76 of Wayne died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the Saint Joseph’s Wayne Hospital in Wayne. His passing to heaven took place with his loving family surrounding his bedside.

He was born in Paterson and soon after his birth tragedy struck the family when his father, Henry Hamilton, suddenly passed away. Robert was raised by his maternal grandmother, Henrietta Van Seters.

Bob received his formal education at Paterson Central High School but had to leave school prior to graduating to help support his grandmother.

Bob was traveling down North Fourth Street in Paterson in 1951 when he spotted a beautiful girl on the front porch of her home and started flirting with her. Her name was Hazel Schwerdt and they soon became a couple. They courted for three years and then they married at which time Bob was serving in the United States Army. After his service in the Army, he settled in Wayne with his wife Hazel where he has lived for the past 46 years.

Robert held a job as a truck driver in the construction industry for many years. Later in life, Bob went to work for the Parsippany Hilton Hotel in the facilities engineering department. He recently retired in 2008.

Bob had a fatherly humanity about him coupled with an intense concern for the hearts and souls of his children and grandchildren. Dad worked many long and hard hours because he wanted the best for his family so that they would not experience the harshness that his childhood years presented him. Robert was a very loving and nurturing father. Thanks Dad for being such a wonderful part of our lives. Robert was a devoted husband and together he and Hazel had a "good and happy" marriage for 55 years.

Tragedy struck his life in 1979 when his daughter Diana Lynn Hamilton suddenly passed away at the age of 23. At that time, Robert became a member of the Pequannock Reformed Church in Wayne, where he served as an elder. Bob's deep faith in his savior Jesus Christ guided him throughout his life and has now brought him to eternal rest.

Surviving to savor the wonderful memories of a very special husband, father and grandfather are his wife Hazel (nee Schwerdt) Hamilton; one daughter Patricia Ann Talerico and her fiancé Vincent Nargiso; two sons Robert Curtis Hamilton of Florida and Wayne Hamilton of Wayne; four grandchildren Louis Hamilton, Samantha Hamilton, Jessica Lynn Hamilton and David Michael Talerico Jr.

Robert H. Hamilton

Wayne
September 30, 2009

Sarah Jane Dymond (nee Booth), age 87 of Wayne, died on Tuesday September 29, 2009.

She was born in Wyoming, PA and had lived in Wayne for fifty five years and was a long time member of the United Methodist Church.

Sarah was gifted with a warm and giving personality. She made everyone who entered her home feel welcome with perhaps a cup of hot tea and happy conversation or a sympathetic ear.

She was a women of faith and raised her children with bedtime prayers and Sunday School every week. Saturday nights became a ritual of baths, shampoo, setting hair in curlers for four daughters, ironing and polishing shoes.

Mom never forgot and occasion. The Grandchildren have fond memories of receiving cards in the mail for Halloween, Easter etc. You could tell the mail was from her not only by the return address label but by the beautiful ornate handwriting on the envelope.

Grandma would also recognize the various seasons and holiday by decorating what her children like to call the “birthday shelf”. She had a shelf in the kitchen that she arranged differently at the start of each month honoring the family members who were celebrating a birthday or anniversary. She placed framed photos of the “honorees” that month along with other seasonal decorations. It became a source of pride for both her and the family member she honored.

She was a good cook and had a number of special dishes that no one else could duplicate exactly, although many of us are still trying. Most memorable is he coleslaw, meat pie and potato salad.

Sunday dinners were always special at her house. It called for fancy tablecloths, her Blue Willow Dishes and some type of roast served with gravy and many different vegetables. Speaking of vegetable, potatoes were being peeled in her kitchen everyday and then prepared several different ways; mashed, boiled, home fries, raw fries, baked, scalloped, mashed then fried, in stew…………..

She married William Dymond in April of 1946 and they enjoyed forty one years together before his passing in March of 1987.

Sarah is survived by four daughters; Linda Labazzetta of Franklin, NJ, Judith Perry of Bedford, NH, Cynthia Fernicola of Rockaway, NJ, and Laura Jean Korkes of Wayne, NJ, one son; William Dymond Jr. of Jefferson, NJ, sixteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, a brother; Hiram Booth of Pennsylvania, and a loving cousin; Carol Ulrich.

She was endearingly known as “Aunt Sis” to her many nieces and nephews.

Sarah Jane Dymond

Wayne
September 29, 2009

Raymond V. Maksuta age 84 of Wayne went home on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne. His passing took place peacefully after having received the loving care of his family.

He was born in Cliffside Park where he lived his formative years. Ray received his formal education at Cliffside Park Grammar School and High School. In the later years of high school he joined the Navy and served in World War II for three years. While serving, he was stationed on the USS Ranger, CV-4. This was the first US ship designed and built as an aircraft carrier. During one engagement, Ray’s ship was attacked and hit with a bomb which penetrated through several decks to the magazine where he was, but it didn’t explode. Luck was sure with him that day. A few years later, Ray was summoned by the Navy Reserve to go to Korea. An officer reviewing his service record remarked that Ray had sacrificed enough for his country during World War II and sent him back home to his family.

Ray enrolled under the GI Bill at Manhattan College in New York City and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

He started out his career as an entrepreneur. He founded Everlast Construction Company, which was based in Secaucus. His first jobs where in paving and later he did commercial building construction. In the 1970’s, an opportunity arose for him to work at the New York City Housing Authority as their Principal Engineer for housing and preservation. He then transferred to the Newark New Jersey Housing Authority and continued the same work, finally retiring in 1990.

Ray was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 and had served as Exalted Ruler of the lodge.

He very much enjoyed dancing and would attend dances at the Roseland Ballroom located on Broadway in New York City. It was at a dance that he met the love of his life; a beautiful platinum blond with wonderful blue eyes, Mitzi Schweitzer. They soon became a couple and married on December 2, 1951. The end result was fifty-eight years of the “best two peas in a pod marriage that could be”. Ray and Mitzi are honored at the Roseland Ballroom to this day, their names engraved on a plaque for married couples who first met at the ballroom.

Ray was gifted with an extraverted, friendly personality that was always reaching out in kindness to others.

He leaves his daughter Sue with wonderful memories of a kind, loving, nurturing and understanding Dad.

He experienced sadness in his life having lost his son Raymond at the age of thirty-nine from cancer in 1994.

Left to cherish fond memories of this very special husband and father are Mitzi Maksuta his wife and one daughter Susan Maksuta of Wayne; one brother also survives; John Maksuta of Cliffside Park.

Raymond V. Maksuta

Wayne
September 29, 2009

Virginia Mary “Giny” DeTrolio Miller(McMahon) age 87 of Wayne on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Compassionate Care Hospice, Dover. Her passing was peaceful and made more comfortable by: the loving care of her granddaughter Michele Anderson, the bedside love of her daughter Marie Fein and her husband Alvin, the dedicated care of the Compassionate Care Hospice nurses and the warm and loving care of Dr. Robert Bock.

Giny was born in Croton on the Hudson, NY and also lived in upstate New York having spent her formative years in Morristown, NJ. She married Ralph DeTrolio on January 7, 1940 in the non-traditional and frowned upon union of an Irish girl to an Italian man. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls, NY and enjoyed a loving and caring seventeen year marriage until Ralph’s sudden passing in 1957. During their marriage and until his passing in 1958 Giny took care of Ralph’s brother Gene who was physically handicapped. She later married Robert Miller who owned the Village Inn in Hawley, PA. She helped him manage the restaurant until he passed away in 1974.

Her first job was at the Greystone State Hospital, Morris Plains as a patient aide. After raising her children she reentered the workforce as an answering service telephone operator, and later as a manager, for companies in Rutherford and Summit that specialized in answering for physicians.

Ginny is best described as a loving and caring person who loved knitting, especially afghans, enjoyed singing and dancing, cooking, bingo and was a social butterfly.

She was the loving wife of the late Ralph DeTrolio(1957) and the late Robert Miller(1974); loving mother of Marie Fein and her husband Alvin of Wayne and Anne DeTrolio of Totowa; cherished grandmother of Michele Anderson, Michael Fein, Thomas Fein, Philip Reed, James Robinson and Brianna Robinson all of Wayne.

Memorial donations to the Compassionate Care Hospice, 400 West Blackwell St., Dover, NJ 07801 or the Christian Adult Day Care, 2000 Siena Village, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Virginia 'Giny' Miller

Wayne
September 28, 2009

Kenneth M. Goldberg, age 74 of Pequannock, died on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born in New York City and lived there before moving to Wayne when he was fourteen. He graduated from Wayne High School with the class of 1953 and joined the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. He proudly served from 1954 to 1956 and was in the Army Reserves until 1962.

Ken had been employed as a grocery manager at the Shop-Rite in Lincoln Park where he worked for nearly thirty years. He knew many of his customers by name and they all knew him for his kind and outgoing personality. Still others will recall him taking his daily walk along the Boulevard in Pequannock. He would walk his usual three mile route every day. During the summer season, he would also swim every single day at P.V. Park. Even this summer, while undergoing his cancer treatment, he still managed to swim at the park eleven times.

Ken met his wife Anna May after returning from the service. They married in 1962 and enjoyed forty seven years of marriage together. They travelled often including several Caribbean Islands, and an unforgettable trip to Italy in 2007 where they visited Rome, Florence, and Venice, but their favorite was Aruba. Together they visited Aruba twelve times and most recently in 2007, against his doctor’s orders, he went back for one more visit and had a wonderful, relaxing vacation.

Ken is survived by his wife Anna May (nee Mitton), two nephews; Joseph Hook and his wife Carolyn of Pompton Lakes and Marinus Hook of Bethlehem, PA, one granddaughter; Grace Pia Hook of Pompton Lakes, one sister; Germaine Goodspeed and her husband Donald of California, two dear cousins; Lorraine Laneve and her husband Fred of Wanaque, and Carol Pagano and her husband Rudy of Texas, his sister-in-law; Jean Hook of Wayne, two brother-in-laws; Jack Mitton of Wayne and William Mitton and his wife Carol of Pownal, Vermont, as well as ‘thousands’ of great friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Spirit RC Church, 318 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock, NJ 07440 or The Valley Hospital, 223 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 would be appreciated.

Kenneth Goldberg

Pequannock
September 26, 2009

Joseph Long age 76 of Oak Ridge died on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock.

He was born and raised in Paterson having attended the Paterson Technical High School with the Class of 1951. Joe entered the US Army and served during the Korean War. Upon his return from military service he settled once again in Paterson where he lived before moving to Oak Ridge twenty-one years ago.

Joe was a Steamfitter with Pipefitters Local 274, Jersey City before his retirement in 1995.

He enjoyed traveling and has been to many places including: Hong Kong, the Canary Islands, Majorca, Tunisia and all over Europe. He was enthusiastically involved in politics and was not afraid to voice his views.

He is the beloved brother of Richard Long of Clifton; loved uncle of William Long and his wife Martha of Medina, MN, Catherine Long of Boynton Beach, FL and Jennifer Procopio and her husband Richard of North Brunswick; cherished great-uncle of Allison, Naomi, Ryan and Elizabeth Long and Richie and Logan Procopio.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society could be made if desired.

Joseph Long

Oak Ridge
September 26, 2009

Elizabeth “Betty” Rippey (nee Walsh) age 95 on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Sea Crest Village in Little Egg Harbor Township. Her passing to a new day was graciously quiet and peaceful.

She was born in Paterson where she spent her formative years moving to Wayne where she lived for twenty-five years. In 1980 she and her late husband moved to Spring Hill, Florida and she lived there before moving to Whiting in 1999.

Betty was employed on the culinary staff at Shulton Corporation in Clifton for twenty-three years before her retirement in 1974.

She was gifted with an outgoing personality that had a special ability to light up any room she entered. Her laughter was always a source of happiness, her kindnesses were warm wise and well received. She was blessed with many friendships, loved to dance and was always ready for the next party.

As her children and grandchildren will confirm she had a motherly humanity coupled with an intense concern for the hearts and souls of her children and grandchildren. She was the best mother as measured by her loving devotion to family.

Her family has wonderful memories of her as an excellent cook with her premier recipe that is eternally unforgettable was rice pudding. She kept her household impeccably clean and her normal household pose was with a duster in hand.

Out on a social occasion in 1935 a mutual friend introduced her to John Rippey and they soon became a couple and married. The result was fifty years of very devoted and loving marriage until John’s passing in 1985.

Surviving to mourn this very special mother and grandmother are one son John Rippey and his wife Audrey of Pompton Lakes; one daughter Marilyn Rutkowski and her husband Frank of Manahawkin; four grandchildren Jack Rippey and his wife Sandra, Marlo Rippey, Cheryl Scheuerman and her husband Robert and Troy Rutkowski; two great grandchildren Daniel Rippey and Kayla Scheuerman.

Elizabeth 'Betty' Rippey

Wayne
September 26, 2009

Edith M. D’Arienzo (nee Milite) age 87 of Wayne on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne.

She was born in New York City and had lived in the Bronx throughout her formative years finally moving to Elmwood Park in 1969 before moving to Wayne fifteen years ago.

Edith received her formal education at James Monroe High School in the Bronx graduating with the Class of 1938. She was a long time parishioner of Holy Cross RC Church in the Bronx.

Upon moving to Wayne in 1994 she became a parishioner of Annunciation RC Church in Wayne. She held a special devotion to her Roman Catholic faith.

One of her early jobs was for Woolworth Five and Ten Cent Stores in the Bronx and there she met a handsome fellow worker named Romeo D’Arienzo. It was apparent to Edith that he was in need of nourishment and she set out with her innate cooking skills to beef him up a bit. At least that was her gesture of affection for Romeo. They soon became a couple and ended up at the Holy Cross RC Church altar in the Bronx on September 2, 1945 and exchanged their vows of marriage.

Romeo is remembered as a very compliant husband who would take Edith to the shopping center and with an ice cream cone in hand wait patiently on a bench for her to explore every store before he taxied her home. They had forty five years of loving marriage until Romeo’s passing in March of 1990.

When she moved to Elmwood Park in 1969 she obtained a job as a technician at Biocraft Laboratories a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Elmwood Park. She worked for them for twenty-one years before her retirement in 1986.

Edith was gifted with very loving persona that had a motherly humanity coupled with an intense concern for the hearts and souls of her children and grandchildren.

Her son in law Ralph crowned her with the title “best mother in law in the whole world.”

Her children and grandchildren are left with fond and wonderful memories of the best Mother in the whole world. The same culinary skills that she applied to her future husband she used to feed her children much to their delight. She also was a loving nurturing mother through her autumn days always concerned about her children’s and grandchildren’s well being. She loved the routine of joining her daughter Francine on shopping trips and they were best friends and even more than that, confidents in each other.

Surviving to cherish this wonderful mother and grandmother are one daughter Francine Hamilton and her husband Ralph of Wayne; one son Robert D’Arienzo and his wife Debbie of Wayne; five grandchildren Michael and Jaclyn Hamilton, Nicole, Robert and Julianne D’Arienzo.

She was predeceased by one sister Jean Sullo and four brothers Edward, Joseph, George and Anthony Milite.

Edith will be laid to rest with her late husband Romeo at the George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.

Edith M. D'Arienzo

Wayne
September 26, 2009

Antoni H. Swierkowski age 80 of Wayne died peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2009 with the comfort of family by his side.

Antoni was born in Wilno, Poland, one of eleven children, and was snatched from the streets by the invading German Army at age eleven. He was placed onto a train car where all where machine gunned to death. He managed to survive by hiding under a dead body. He was found alive and transferred to the concentration camp at Dachau, Germany where he spent the next three years before being liberated by American forces. Antoni was a mere skeleton and nursed back to health by the Americans. He was given a United States military uniform and assigned as a security guard to watch the Germans who were now incarcerated. On several occasions he tried, through the Red Cross, to contact his family in Wilno but was repeatedly told there were no survivors. He spent the next twelve years in Germany.

In 1957 Antoni came to the United States and settled in the Newark, NJ area. He managed a Newark soccer team. During one match where Poland was playing a game in New York, Antoni, always the gentleman, saw a young girl standing in the rain and offered her shelter under his umbrella. He fell in love with that girl, Barbara Kacprzak, and they married on February 13, 1970. They honeymooned in Poland and Barbara, unbeknownst to Antoni, arranged to visit Antoni’s hometown of Wilno. Once there they began asking about “the family Swierkowski” and after several attempts they found a woman who said she knew of one survivor, Antoni’s cousin. He found his cousin and simply began asking questions about what happened to her family during the war. She was then asked what happened to the Swierkowski family and she had mentioned that Antoni Swierkowski was killed in Germany. Antoni then told her that it was him whom she had been talking to this whole time. He then asked his cousin who else had survived from his family. She said that one sister is living in Wilno and his mother is living in Gdansk, Poland with one of his other sisters. When they went to Gdansk he met his sister and mother. His mother had asked him to remove his shaded glasses and then realized that it really was her son. His mother told him she never prayed about his death and believed in her heart that he was still alive.

Antoni was a machinist for the Marvel Manufacturing Corporation, Fairfield, NJ. for twenty-one years before retiring in 1999.

He is best described as a quiet man who had a short, one-liner sense of humor. Antoni was the king of one-liners.

Antoni is the beloved husband of thirty-nine years to Barbara (Kacprzak) Swierkowski; devoted father of Adam Swierkowski of Hamburg and Marc Swierkowski and his wife Bree of Wareham, MA; cherished grandfather of Alex and Ella Swierkowski.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Hackensack University Medical Center - HUMC Foundation, 360 Essex St., Suite 301, Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated.

Antoni H. Swierkowski

Wayne
September 24, 2009

Dr. Raymond J. Scheetz, Sr., age 94, who spent most of his life in Youngstown, Ohio, died on Tuesday September 22, 2009 at the home of his daughter in Kinnelon, NJ.

Dr. Scheetz was born in Youngstown, Ohio on September 27, 1914, a son of Albert P. Scheetz (Scheetz Lumber Co.) and Ida M. Raub Scheetz. Following his graduation from Rayen High School in 1932 he attended Ohio State University where he earned a BA in 1937 and his MD in 1940. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa (national honor society) and Alpha Omega Alpha (national medical honorary society).

After a one year internship at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center in Youngtown, Ohio he entered a Radiology Residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota (1941). He was in the program for three and a half years, serving the last nine months as Junior Associate of the Radiology Staff. He was certified as a Diplomat of the American Board of Radiology in October 1944.

He left Mayo’s in December 1944 and entered the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He initially served at Army and Navy General Hospital (Hot Springs, AR), and later at William Beaumont General Hospital, El Paso, Texas, where he was Chief of Radiology. Released from the Army as a Captain in September 1947, Dr. Scheetz returned to Youngstown and practiced the next 30 years in the Radiology Department of St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center. He was chief of the Medical Staff for three years and chief of the Radiology Department for twelve years following Dr. Saul Tamarkin’s retirement.

In the late 1940’s, technicians who were well trained in taking x-rays evinced a desire to take the national exam for Registered Technician. They needed instruction in anatomy and x-ray physics, so Dr. Scheetz arranged for departmental classes in those subjects and the St. Elizabeth Hospital School for Roengenologic Technology was thus born.

Early in the 1950’s, radio-isotopes were coming into widespread use in medical practice. Dr. Scheetz attended the Isotope Clinic at Case-Western Reserve University Hospital for a 6-month course, passed the National exam in Nuclear Medicine, obtained a license from the US Atomic Energy Commission and became the first Youngstown physician to use radio-active isotopes in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. (The Youngstown Vindicator printed an article about this at the time.)

Dr. Scheetz married Coletta Lyden, a Youngstown schoolteacher, February 7, 1942. Miss Lyden, a former May Queen at Youngstown College, was the daughter of Paul E. Lyden and Mary Cronin Lyden. Mr. Lyden served as Sheriff and Water Commissioner of Mahoning Co. and Police Chief of Youngstown at various times.

Dr. and Mrs. Scheetz had five children; Dr. Raymond Scheetz, Jr. (retired from the Cleveland Clinic), Carol Ann Scheetz Borinski and Joanne Scheetz, both of Kinnelon, NJ, and Marilyn and Bonita who both predeceased him.

After his retirement in December 1977, Dr. Scheetz, an avid golfer, and his wife moved to Carolina Trace in Sanford, North Carolina. Mrs. Scheetz died January 2, 1992. Dr. Scheetz then moved to New Jersey to live with his daughter and son-in-law; Carol and Andrew Borinski (of Borinski Bros. Nursery in Lincoln Park).

In addition to his living children, Dr. Scheetz leaves one sister; Arlene Hoover of Sonoma, California. He was predeceased by two sisters; Rosemary Reany of Phoenix, Arizona and Miriam Wardle. He has seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Dr. Scheetz was a member of Our Lady of Magnificat RC Church, Kinnelon, Mahoning County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, American Medical Association, American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, Mayo Alumni Society and “The Hole-in-One Club”.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey Hospice, 38 Elm St, Morristown, NJ 07960 www.vnonnj.org or the St. Elizabeth’s Health Center, 727 E Western Reserve Rd, Youngstown, OH 44514.

Raymond J. Scheetz

Kinnelon
September 22, 2009

Edwin Foster Arthur, 90, died on September 20, 2009. He had been a resident of Wayne for 30 years before retirement.

Foster is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anne (nee) Fleming of Pompton Plains, New Jersey; his loving son Raymond of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Franklin Lakes, NJ; daughter-in-law Tracy of Franklin Lakes, and his loving grandsons Thomas Carey Arthur and Michael Raymond Arthur, both of California. Mr. Arthur was predeceased by newborn son Gordon Holt Arthur in 1956 and son Lt. Carey Alan Arthur, USN, who was killed while serving his country aboard the USS Nimitz in 1981. Foster’s brother, Capt. Charles Snowden Arthur, USN (retired), died in 2004.

Born in Golden, Colorado and raised in Denver, Colorado, Foster joined the Navy in 1940 and was an ensign aboard the USS Oklahoma at the time of the attack at Pearl Harbor. After the Oklahoma was capsized, Arthur was stationed on the USS South Dakota, where he participated in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and the Naval Battle at Guadalcanal. He retired from the Navy in 1946 as a Commander.

Foster received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, and Masters and Doctorate degrees in Chemistry from Columbia University. He served as Chairman of the Science Department at William Paterson College. He was an Eagle Scout and was awarded the Silver Beaver Medal by the Passaic County Boy Scout Council.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the memorial scholarship for Lt. Carey Arthur at Wayne Scholarship & Honors Board, c/o E. Zambrano, Wayne Hills High School, 272 Berdan Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470, or the Thomas C. Arthur Scholarship, in care of Skyline Theatre Company, P. O. Box 128, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, or online at http://www.skylinetheatrecompany.org (donation forms for both organizations can be printed by clicking the "print donation form" below.)

Edwin Foster Arthur

Wayne
September 20, 2009

Joann Niemiec (nee Gordon) age 48 of Fairfield on Friday, September 18, 2009 at the Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown. Her passing was quiet and peaceful and she just slipped away to a new tomorrow.

She was born in Pequannock and had lived in Pompton Lakes and Lambertville before moving to Fairfield.

She received her formal education at Pompton Lakes High School graduating with the Class of 1979. She then went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where she majored in Fashion Design and Marketing and received an Associate’s Degree in Multi Media Art.

Joann was a natural born artist and designer. About 2 and 1/2 years ago she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and many of Joann’s days were filled with extraordinary challenges. Even with this great stress, she never complained to those around her, even though she would readily admit when asked that she did not feel well.

Joann had a unique sense of fashion all her own which accentuated her natural beauty. Using her creativity and fashion sense, Joann wore colorful head scarves that complimented her stunning appearance throughout the extensive course of her treatment.

She was gifted with a very quiet and reserved, perhaps shy, personality and especially enjoyed going on day trips with her Mother, Grandmother, and Daughter to have lunch and go shopping. Her Mother recalls having a wonderful relationship with Joann and when they were together having many laughs along the way.

Joann loved music, riding horseback and all animals especially her dog which she named Great Scott Gordon’s Goat (“Scottie”) a lovable little Scottish Terrier. He predeceased her in 2005. Her only child Sascha recalls a very special mother, best friend and confident that guided her life with love and kindness. Thanks Mom for being so special in my life.

Surviving are her cherished daughter Sascha Niemiec of Fairfield; her mother Betty Gordon of Fairfield and one brother Robert Gordon of Lambertville; her former husband Mario Niemiec of Clifton and her boy friend Peter Tucci of Fairfield.

Her father Robert Gordon predeceased her in 2002, and beloved Grandmother Jo Stewart in 2007. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 10 AM from the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne then to Saint Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes where at 11 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joann’s memory are asked to consider Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Inc., 2010 West Chester Pike, Suite 300, Havertown, PA 19083.

Joann Niemiec

Fairfield
September 18, 2009

Ernest Continanza, age 85 of Wayne on Wednesday, September16, 2009 at the Saint Joseph's Hospital in Wayne. His passing was quiet and peaceful with his loving family at his side.

He was born in West New York, New Jersey and spent his formative years there. He later lived in Cliffside Park and then Fairview for over thirty years before moving to Wayne seventeen years ago.

Ernest received his formal education at Memorial High School in West New York and joined the United States Army serving in the 164th Engineering Combat Battalion. He received an honorable discharge on November 26, 1945.

Ernest married his childhood sweetheart, Tina Tribastone, in 1948 and they were devoted to each other for sixty-one years. They had three children, Linda, Allen and Laura.

Ernest was a hard-working, energetic and outgoing man. He loved people. His family was most important to him. He was a business man in Cliffside Park where he owned his own business, Standard Signs, for over thirty years.

Ernest was an active member of many service groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post. He was also a member of Unico and the Rotary Club.

Ernest and Tina enjoyed spending winters at Cedarwood Circle in Seminole, Florida where they had many friends. They played golf, went to the beach and enjoyed visits from their children and grandchildren.

Ernest was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He leaves behind a loving wife, Tina Continanza;, one son, Allen Continanza and his wife, Doreen of Wayne; two daughters, Linda Zic and her husband, Ron, of Scottsdale, Arizona and Laura Moser and her husband, Paul, of Oakland; and four cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Nicholas Continanza and Jessica and Paul Moser.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Ernest’s memory are asked to consider the Disabled Veterans of America, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.

Ernest J. Continanza

Wayne
September 16, 2009

Barbara Ann Hummel, died at age 67 on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with all of her family at her bedside.

Barbara, or “Bobbie” as most called her, was born in Paterson and moved to Wayne in 1953. She attended the Wayne schools and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1960. It was there, at Wayne Valley, that she met her sweetheart; Charles Hummel. They married in 1964 and enjoyed forty five years of loving, devoted, and active marriage. They did everything together, including raising their four children.

Bobbie found happiness in so many things during her life; like time spent at the beach with sand between her toes – her favorite beaches being in Hawaii and Bermuda. Or reading a good cooking magazine searching for a new recipe. She loved cooking for her family, usually big meals at the holiday’s, or her perfect biscuits and gravy, and no one will forget her famous nut rolls at Christmas. Undoubtedly though, the greatest joy of all in her life, even greater than a good shopping trip, was her grandchildren. She doted on them to no end and they were each the apple of her eye. She would read to them, attend all their school plays, recitals, Halloween parades, and more. At Easter, she would fill eggs with candy treats and money and hide them all over for the kids to find - and then cook a big meal. She had a motto; “What happens at Grandma’s, stays at Grandma’s”, which explains why all of her grandchildren wanted to move in with her. She would often let them dress her up, put makeup on her and just have fun. She lived for them and they will all miss her dearly.

She is survived by her husband; Charles Hummel of Wayne, two daughters; Pandie Napolitano and her husband Vincent of Wayne, and Michele George and her husband Michael of Rockaway, two sons; Dwayne of Wayne and Glenn and his wife Natasha of Rockaway, two brothers; James Warmus of Dallas, Georgia and Richard Warmus of Ithica, Michigan, and four grandchildren; Nicole and Alexa Napolitano of Wayne and Michael and Ashley George of Rockaway. She was predeceased by her parents; Thomas Warmus in 1997 and Helen Warmus in 2004.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.

Barbara 'Bobbie' Hummel

Wayne
September 16, 2009

Bloomingdale Mayor William Steenstra’s Mother

Tanetta “Nettie” Steenstra age 93 of Bloomingdale, died Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Bloomingdale Health Care Center in Bloomingdale. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her loving family at her side.

She was born in Paterson and had lived in Wayne and Butler before moving to Bloomingdale five years ago.

Nettie received her formal education at Paterson Central High School graduating with the Class of 1938.

Mrs. Steenstra was a Receptionist for Vicon Construction Company in Butler for ten years before her retirement.

She was a member of the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church in Pompton Plains.

She was gifted with a motherly humanity coupled with and intense concern for the hearts and souls of her children and grandchildren.

Tanetta and Rensel Steenstra were married in 1941 and had a “Devoted and Loving Marriage”, “like two peas in a pod” together for fifty two years before his passing in 1993.

Surviving are one son William Steenstra and his wife Sandra of Bloomingdale; one daughter Janyce Surpless and her husband William of Bloomingdale; six Grandchildren Rhonda Calvert, William Steenstra, Erik, Megan, Sarah and Emily Surpless; five Great Grandchildren Nicholas, Erica and Lucas Steenstra, Brandon and Amanda Calvert.

Those planning an expression of sympathy, in Nettie’s memory, are asked to consider the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church, 415 Boulevard, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or the Compassionate Care Hospice, 2100 Route 208 South, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.

Tanetta 'Nettie' Steenstra

Bloomingdale
September 15, 2009

This is a short story of a fellow who was gifted with great and practical intellect. A man who held court as a Municipal Judge with such skill and fairness that he was admired by everyone. It could be said with assurance “Well done oh good and faithful servant.”

James J. Murner “Judge Murner” age 90 of Wayne died on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne. His passing was quiet and peaceful after having received the loving care of his family.

He was born in Paterson where he lived his formative years. James received his formal education at Saint Josephs Grammar School and then Saint Josephs High School. He proved himself to be an exemplary student and you would often find him reading books with gusto. After high school he went to Georgetown University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He then went to Harvard Law School where he received a Juris Doctorate Degree. He spent sixty-eight years in the legal profession.

Perhaps the most important mentor in his life was his father James J. Murner Sr. who was a lawyer. Jim followed in the footsteps of his father who was a well-known criminal lawyer in New Jersey and also served on the Passaic County Board of Taxation as Passaic County Tax Administrator.

Jim started his career as a law clerk to Judge Gerald McLaughlin of the United Sate Circuit Court of Appeals, following which he became a Professor of Law at John Marshall Law School where he proudly reported teaching several student who went on to become Superior Court Judges.

He was appointed as a Deputy Attorney General and was sent to Passaic County by the then Governor Robert Meyner. He served with distinction as the First Assistant Prosecutor to then Prosecutor Charles S. Joelson.

In was appointed the Municipal Court Judge in Wayne in 1970. He was considered the “senior judge” by other Municipal Court Judges in Passaic County, both because of the length of his service, thirty-nine years, and the breadth of his knowledge. His wit, compassion and intelligence have made him a legend within the Municipal Court system.

He once described himself as “Attila the Hun” regarding crime. However in his off hours he would spend Christmas Eve in a Santa Clause suit making Christmas deliveries to children and grandchildren of his friends. In administering the law he was not above salting his opinions with humor. In fact he was classic as an orator on legal issues before him. His quick wit and good judgment forgave many a legal sin that came before him. If you repeated your wayward ways he could also be one tough guy the next time around.

He once said the secret of being a good judge is to not always be judgmental.

As his father before him he served for many years on the Passaic County Board of Taxation as Passaic County Tax Administrator an office that supervises the county’s tax assessors.

He was still on the bench through his eighties and going strong.

A good example of his fine judgment is that he had a case before him by the local game warden. Seems a young fellow was brought to court for fishing on the banks of the river in Wayne. The judge found him not guilty. In his dialogue with the prosecutor he said “ I have heard evidence that this boy came to the riverbank. He opened up a tackle box, had a pole which he put over the water. He put a line on the pole but, you know, prosecutor I didn’t hear a word about him putting a hook on the line. This man is not guilty. “You can’t fish without a hook.” He was a kid fishing. We live in a sea of narcotic violations. You have to feel sorry for a kid arrested for something as innocuous as fishing.

One of Judge Murner’s famous quotes “So let it be written so let it be done.”

Judge Murner received very special care in his autumn years and the family would like to acknowledge the wonderful attention given by his special home care giver Cynthia.

Surviving are his sister Rita Murner Costello of Sea Girt and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother Peter P. Murner formerly of Hillsdale in 2001 and his sister Mary May formerly of River Edge in 1972.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Judge Murner’s memory are asked to consider The Wayne Police Athletic League, 100 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 or The Wayne Township First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470

James J. Murner

Wayne
September 15, 2009

Frederick E. Bernert, age 65 of Wayne, died on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. His passing was peaceful with his family at his side.

Mr. Bernert was born in Paterson and grew up in Hawthorne, graduating from Hawthorne High School with the class of 1962. Shortly thereafter he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served during the Vietnam War. His specialty was as a 2542 Communications Center Man and he earned several medals including the Presidential Unit Citation, awarded for extraordinary heroism in action.

After his service in the Marines, Frederick continued in college, earning a Master?s Degree from Rutgers University. He enjoyed many years working at the Anritsu Corporation in Oakland, NJ and later the Radio Detection Company in Mahwah, NJ where he was able to apply his love for electronics engineering.

After attending Rutgers he met his wife, Diane (nee Babich). Frederick and Diane were married in 1975 and enjoyed thirty four years devoted to each other. They enjoyed a dynamic relationship, never a dull moment, which made for a long love affair full of fond memories. Their daughter Kristin recalls a loving father who read to her often when she was a little girl, was nurturing, supportive and encouraging at every turn. He included her in everything throughout the years and strived to provide her with a broad perspective on the world.

Mr. Bernert was also an avid pilot earlier in life and absolutely loved to fly. After he stopped flying privately, he would plan the family vacations so they required a flight to get there, just so he could get some time in the air. Together, Frederick and his wife Diane visited seven countries in Europe, the Midwestern United States, California, The Grand Canyon, and many more destinations. He was an avid reader and enjoyed tropical fish, always keeping an aquarium.

He is survived by his wife of thirty four years; Diane (nee Babich) of Wayne, one daughter; Kristin Shields and her husband Thomas of Wayne, his mother; Gertrude Bernert of Hawthorne, and his brother-in-law; Dennis Babich of Woodland Park.

He was predeceased by his father Emil in 1977.

Frederick E. Bernert

Wayne
September 13, 2009

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