Marilyn Nilsen (nee Omland) age 71 of Jackson, formerly of West Milford, died Monday, December 29, 2008 at the Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune with her family by her side.

She was born in Bronx, NY and raised in New City, NY having lived in Bergenfield (28 years) and West Milford (20 years) before moving to Jackson last year.

Marilyn graduated from Clarkstown High School, New City, NY with the class of 1955 and continued her education at Barrington Bible College in Barrington, RI with the class of 1957.

She was a secretary for the American Cyanamid Corporation, Wayne and Lederle Labs, Nanuet.

Marilyn truly enjoyed being a mom and grandmother and took great pleasure in knitting, sewing, cooking and baking. Most recently she took great pride in the accomplishments of her grandchildren.

In 1958 she was at a youth group meeting and met Glenn Nilsen. Glenn took her on a date miniature golfing in Nanuet, NY. They fell in love and married on September 10, 1960 at the Park Evangelical Free Church in New City and have enjoyed forty-eight years of a blessed marriage.

She is the beloved wife of Glenn Nilsen; the loving mother of Debora Brown and her husband William of Wyckoff, Donna Thomas and her husband Stephen of Annandale, Dean Nilsen and his wife Maria of Bristow, VA, Derek Nilsen and his wife Krista of Sandy, UT and Diane Boylan and her husband Bob of Washougal, WA; cherished grandmother of William Brown (21), Alexander Brown (16), Mackenzie Brown (15), Ashlee Thomas (15), Katie Thomas (13), Matthew Nilsen (12), Michael Nilsen (10), Rachel Nilsen (8), Thomas Child (20), Tyler Nilsen (11), Hunter Nilsen (7), Nicholas Boylan (11), Karl Boylan (10), Rebecca Boylan (8), and Peter Boylan (6); loved sister of Harry Omland of Littleton, CO, Kent Omland and his wife Carol of Thornton, CO and Nancy Gundersen and her husband Gordon of Woodstock, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Camp Spofford, 24 Route 9A, Spofford, NH, 03462 (www.campspofford.org) would be appreciated in memory of Marilyn.

Vito R. Cassano age 87 of Wayne died Sunday, December 28, 2008 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. His passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of his family who were at his bedside holding his hand.

He was born in Philadelphia, PA and spent his formative years in Long Island before moving to Wayne forty-two years ago. Vito and his wife Jennie were visiting Wayne and toured a model home in the then new Rolling Hills Estates development. Jennie fell in love with the model home and Vito agreed and purchased it.

They spent forty happy years in that home until Jennie’s passing in March of 2006.

Vito was a construction worker for W. George Rodgers Company for many years. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1536 in New York City.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of The Valley RC Church in Wayne and was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 and the Italian American Independent Club of Totowa.

He was a devoted and loving family man who provided well for his family. Vito was a wonderful cook and was especially adept at pasta and sauces all to the delight of his family.

Perhaps the highlight of his life was the arrival of his granddaughter Julie and of course his three great grandchildren Johanna, Giovanni and Xavier Carrasquillo. He loved them with all of his heart.

Surviving are his loving daughter Judy Breen and her husband Richard; one granddaughter Julie Breen of Wayne and three Great grand children.

Joan M. Blum, age 81 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 28, 2008.

Joan was a resident of Wayne since 1964 with the exception of a few years spent living in Hudson, Florida in the early 1990's. She spent her childhood in Rutherford, NJ. She was currently living at the Siena Village in Wayne since 1995.

She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford with the class of 1945 and then attended the Katherine Gibbs School. She began her professional career with Uniroyal and then later with GAF Corporation of Wayne. She retired from GAF in 1989 as an executive secretary.

Joan generally led a quiet life and one of her passions was sewing; she made all of her own clothing and also sewed for her mother. She was devoted to her mother, Emma, and cared for her endlessly until her passing in 1994 at the age of 93.

Joan was also an avid reader of both novels and mysteries; she was a great card player and loved games – all kinds of board games. Her nephews, Edward and Stephen, recall their annual summer vacations to Cape Cod with their Aunt Joan. They built a trove of memories on those trips, and played their share of board games too. Joan had also traveled to Ireland once, as well as to southern California to visit with her nephew Edward.

She is survived by her beloved brother Edward Blum and his wife Rosemary of Wanaque, her two nephews; Edward Blum and his wife Christina of Los Angeles, and Stephen Blum of Wayne, and two great-nephews; Jack Blum and Dash Blum, both of Los Angeles.

James Conti age 89 of Lincoln Park died Thursday, December 25, 2008 at the Lincoln Park Nursing Center, Lincoln Park with his son Joe and daughter-in-law Suzanne by his side.

He was born in Paterson having lived in Clifton and Little Egg Harbor for seventeen years before moving to Lincoln Park six years ago.

James was a US Army Veteran of WWII having served with the Headquarters Battery 981st Field Artillery Division in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the American Theatre Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.

James was a machinist for the Curtis Wright Corporation, Lodi for over twenty-five years having retired in 1970.

He was a member of the Lincoln Park Senior Citizens Group and had fond memories of the many bus trips to various locations including Atlantic City. He also enjoyed watching vintage Westerns, especially if they featured John Wayne.

He married his wife Rosemary J (Revack) on December 7, 1946 at Saint Marys Church, Passaic.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-six years to the late Rosemary J. (Revack) Conti(2002); loving father of Joseph Conti and his wife Suzanne of Lincoln Park and James Conti and his wife Nancy of Jamestown, CA; cherished grandfather of Aaron Conti of Jamestown, CA, Joseph E. Conti, Jr of Paramus, Jordon S. Conti of Paramus and Kayla E. Smith of Pompton Plains; loved brother of Rose Bertani of Little Falls. He was predeceased by two brothers Louis and Vincent and three sisters Louise, Catherine and Mary.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lincoln Park First Aid Squad, PO Box 332, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035-0332 would be appreciated.

Lydia K. Myl age 90 of Wayne died Tuesday December 23, 2008 at home. She passed away quietly and peacefully while she receiving the loving care of her granddaughter Karen and daughter Kathy at the time of her passing who was holding her hand.

She was born in Passaic and had lived her formative years in Garfield before moving to Wayne forty-five years ago.

Lydia received her formal education at Garfield High School graduating with the Class of 1935. She was very active in the school’s athletic program and was a proud member of the Garfield High School Cheerleaders.

She was employed at Belles Fashions a ladies clothing retailer which originated in Passaic and later moved to Willowbrook Mall in Wayne. Lydia was the store’s buyer for thirty-five years before her retirement.

By nature she had a regal manner, about her, always dressed beautifully and always concerned about her appearance. When she walked into a room she would light up the room with her humor, her presentation persona and her wonderful personality traits. She was often the life of the party. Her family recalls that she was gifted with a flirt gene that caused her to be very attractive to others.

Lydia was an excellent cook and used her imagination to ingratiate Polish and Italian recipes. She invented the best zucchini cookies to the delight of her family and friends.

As a mother and grandmother she was very special. Perhaps the highlight of her life was granddaughter Karen her “Sweet Potato.”

Mom, “Gramma” we love you. “Gramma” you are my heart. We’ll miss you and always remember the sound of your beautiful voice.

Surviving are her daughter Kathy Sager of Wayne; her very special granddaughter Karen Sager of Wayne; her very special care giver Ania who took care of her for two years and was a devoted friend, and of course her loving and faithful companion Coco.

Elaine M. Martino, age 61 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Elaine was born in Newark and graduated from the East Orange Catholic H.S. with the class of 1965. She later received her bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University.

She was a resident of Packanack Lake in Wayne where she has lived with her family since 1972. She was a member of the Master Gardeners of Passaic County and she volunteered in the gardens at Skylands. Elaine’s love of animals and gardening made life in Packanack particularly special for her. She had a daily routine which included feeding the many birds and animals living in her neighborhood; she simply loved caring for them. Elaine was also the “Social Coordinator” amongst her friends and family. She would be the one to organize the parties, holidays, special events, and simple get-togethers. Her kindness and hospitality will surely be missed by all, including the neighborhood animals.

Elaine’s daughters will cherish their memories of a dedicated mother who made contest-winning Halloween costumes, was a class-mom at Packanack School, and a great Brownie Troop Leader.

Surviving are her beloved husband of over forty years; Anthony of Wayne, two daughters; Liza Martino and Lori Martino, both of Wayne, her mother; Helen McHugh of Parsippany, and one sister; Joanne Michalek and her husband William of Parsippany.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Elaine’s name are asked to consider the Friends of Wayne Animal Shelter, PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Laura A. Coniglio (nee Braen) age 45 of Wayne died Monday, December 22, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains with her family by her side.

She was born in Paterson was raised in Ringwood having lived in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne seventeen years ago.

Laura graduated from the Lakeland Regional High School, Wanaque with the class of 1981. She continued her education at the Mountainside School of Nursing, Montclair where she received her certification as a Registered Nurse with the class of 1984. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the Edison State College, Edison in Nursing and was working on her Masters Degree in Nursing.

She was the Executive Director for the Family Support Organization of Passaic County, North Haledon for the past four years.

Laura was very active in her community having been nominated as chairperson of the Keep Kids Alive-Drive 25 campaign in Wayne Township, was on the Board of Directors for the Special Needs Camp for the Wayne P.A.L., served as an advocate for area special needs children and helped manage the food pantry associated with the Family Support Organization of Passaic County.

She was truly dedicated to her family, was a phenomenal mother who enjoyed cooking and baking. She dedicated herself to providing the best for her special needs daughter Valerie while at the same time taking a great deal of pride in the accomplishments of her boys Kyle and Ross.

Laura met her husband to be at Victoria’s Station, formerly a restaurant in Wayne, through a mutual friend. On their first date they went to a Chinese restaurant in Fair Lawn where Laura swiped the silverware and made Rick eat with chopsticks. This made for an extremely long first date. Rick asked Laura to marry him at her home on Christmas Eve in 1985. They married on July 26, 1986 at Saint Anthony’s RC Church, Hawthorne and honeymooned at the Elbow Beach Hotel in Bermuda.

Laura is the beloved wife of Richard “Rick” Coniglio of Wayne; loving mother of Kyle M. Coniglio of Wayne who is in his junior year at Montclair State University, Montclair, Ross M. Coniglio of Wayne who is in 6th grade at George Washington Junior High School, Wayne and Valerie Anne Coniglio who is attending the Regional Day School, Morristown; she is the cherished daughter of Donna(Drennan) and Richard Braen of Hawthorne; loving sister of John Braen and his wife Angelique of West Milford and much loved aunt of Steven and David Braen both of West Milford.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Laura Coniglio Memorial Fund, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Kathleen Sullivan, age 52 of Haskell died Monday, December 22, 2008 after a tragic automobile accident.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY and spent most of her childhood in Wayne having moved to Haskell fourteen years ago.

Kathleen graduated from Wayne Hills High School, Wayne with the class of 1974. She was a member of the Monarchs Drum and Bugle Corps, Wayne where she was a Color Guard Captain.

She was an avid NASCAR fan and loved to travel. She easily made friends and traveled all across the country visiting with those friends and attending races.

She worked for Cablevision, Oakland for twenty-three years before becoming a customer service representative for Valley National Bank, Wayne four years ago.

Kathleen is the beloved daughter of William F. Sullivan of Wayne and the late Agnes(Brennen)Sullivan(1974); devoted sister of William F. Sullivan and his wife Karen of Wanaque and cherished aunt of Erin and Kelly Sullivan.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Bloomingdale Fire Department, 101 Hamburg Tpk, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403 would be appreciated.

Nancy Spak (nee Boback) age 77 of Pompton Plains died Saturday, December 20, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

She was born in Passaic and lived in West Paterson and Verona before moving to Pompton Plains six years ago.

Mrs. Spak graduated from Passaic High School with the class of 1949 and attended Farleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck for three years.

She was an administrative assistant for over forty years having worked for area business’ before retiring from Belmont Chemical Company, Passaic in 1996.

She was very active within her church community having been a member of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, Wayne, Holy Apostle Orthodox Church, Saddle Brook, and was a founding member of Christ Our Savior Orthodox Church, Paramus.

She was the beloved mother of Beverlee Langlands and her husband Scott of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Scott and Jason Langlands of Wayne; devoted companion of William Sperry of Cedar Crest, Pompton Plains; loving sister of Julia Sirici of Elmwood Park, Eva Chabora of Aberdeen, Anne Uszynski of Texas and Olga Brinko of Passaic and the late Helen Meyers, Frank, John and Peter Boback.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, 285 French Hill Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

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Anne B. Goralski, age 78 of Wayne, died at home on Thursday, December 18, 2008.

Anne was born in Passaic and graduated from Pope Pius High School with the class of 1948. She later lived in Garfield before moving to Wayne with her husband “Ziggy” in 1959. She had worked many years for the Dime Savings Bank of Wayne where she was in mortgage collections.

If you knew Anne, you are likely to have laughed often and eaten well. She had a wonderful sense of humor and laughing was part of who she was. Cooking was truly her calling. Anne would cook at any chance she had and read cookbooks like novels; cover to cover. Her senses of smell and taste were so keen, they were all she needed to adjust any recipe to perfection. Everything she cooked was from scratch – even her noodles; nothing was pre-packaged or frozen. Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were some of her favorite times to cook and everyone went home with leftovers. She sent the greatest care-packages to her grandchildren in college too, always loaded with the best things to eat.

Anne met her beloved husband, Ziggy, at a Polish social dance in Passaic, which were regular occasions at the time. She had grown up in Passaic and Ziggy, a Polish native, had come to America after being freed from a German labor camp during World War II. They enjoyed fifty six years of “loving and old-fashioned” marriage together, much like that of Lucy & Desi Arnaz in “I Love Lucy”. They also travelled all around Europe, to Poland four or five times, and Canada.

Anne leaves her loving husband of fifty six years, Zygmunt ‘Ziggy’ of Wayne, four children; Joanne Oakum and her husband Daniel of Conyngham, PA, John Goralski and his wife Ruth of Milford, PA, Joe Goralski and his wife Lori of Butler, NJ, and Jim Goralski and his wife Karen of Kinnelon, NJ. She is the dearest Babci to her six grandchildren whom she loved and cherished so much; Danny, Joey, James and Matthew Oakum of Conyngham, PA, Michael Goralski of Boston, MA, and Katie Goralski of Kinnelon, NJ.

Harvey N. Guis age 80, of Wayne and Riverdale died on Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Care One Health Care Center in Wayne.

He was born in Ridgewood where he spent his formative years moving to Wayne where he lived for forty-three years before moving to Riverdale seven years ago.

Harvey served in the Navy twice first during WW II on the USS Fogg, a Destroyer Escort and when the Korean War broke out he was called to return to duty and served in a Shore Patrol unit in the New York City area.

He was a member of the Wayne Presbyterian Church, coached the Wayne P.A.L. Junior Rifle Program, was past president of the Northern NJ Police Revolver League, past committee chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 107, Pines Lake, Wayne, was a volunteer fireman in Ho-Ho-Kus for several years in the early 50's and an accomplished bowler in Hawthorne and more recently Oakland leagues.

Harvey was a police officer in Ridgewood and once married worked for the insurance industry, eventually advancing to the vice-president of claims for the Ambassador Insurance Company in Bergen County before going into his own business Guis & Associates, Insurance Consultants and Claim investigators in Montville which he operated from 1985 – 1992. His son took over the business which still operates today in Riverdale. Harvey was certified as a CPCU by the Institute of America.

He was predeceased by his wife Ruth A. Guis(Lauber) in June of 2000. Harvey met Ruth at a family party where they hit it off as they both shared an interest in hunting, fishing, camping and bowling. They married on July 7, 1956 and had forty-four years of loving and devoted marriage.

Harvey is the loving father of Ted Guis and his wife Robbin of Riverdale and Carol Gorski and her husband Stanley of Monterey Beach, NJ; cherished grandfather of Shawn Mowla, Samantha and Kimberly Guis; loved brother of Florence Kozusko of Sacramento, California and Shirley Griffiths of Chicago, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to The Scholarship Fund - Wayne Presbyterian Church, 1200 Alps Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Jean Goodman age 83 of River Edge died Friday, December 12, 2008 at the Oakland Care Center, Oakland.

She was born and raised in New York City having moved to River Edge in 1951.

Jean graduated from the Julia Richmond High School with the class of 1943.

She was an administrative assistant for the National Community Bank, Hackensack for over ten years having retired in the early 1990’s.

For many years she was a member of the Church of the Annunciation in Oradell.

Jean met her husband Bert through neighborhood friends in Manhattan. Her older brother had a friend named Bert whom she fell in love with. They married on March 1, 1946. Jean and Bert had a thirty-five year loving and devoted marriage until his passing in 1981.

Whether it was newspapers, books or magazines Jean had a true love of reading. The family also recalls annual family vacations to many different destinations. Jean and Bert loved going to Cape Cod and staying in Hyannis and taking day trips to Chatham and Provincetown.

Jean had a special relationship with her twin brother Howard. It was because of his love and dedication she was able to spend her “golden years” in her home in River Edge.

Predeceased by her husband Bert(1981). Loving mother of Diane Rozakis and her husband Harry, Linda and her husband Richard Linskey. Dear Grandmother of Bill, Jason and Lauren Rozakis. Sister of Donald Brady and twin sister of Howard Brady. Beloved Aunt of Patricia Brady, Eddie Brady and his wife Susie.

Memorial contributions in Jean’s name may be sent to PBA Local 201, 705 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, NJ 07661 for all the assistance provided by the River Edge Police Officers over the years.

Marie F. DiMauro( D’Acierno) age 86 of Wayne died Saturday, December 06, 2008, peacefully at home while receiving the loving care of her family.

Marie was born and raised in Paterson having moved to Pompton Lakes in 1966 before moving to Four Seasons, Wayne ten years ago and lived most recently with her daughter and son-in-law in Wayne.

Marie’s father had a barber shop on 21st Avenue in Paterson where she would walk up to the frosted back door of the barbershop and peek through the keyhole to spy a glimpse of the barber named Albert. She didn’t realize that Albert could see her as she was silhouetted by sunlight. Albert and Marie married on April 13, 1941, Easter Sunday, at Saint Anthonys RC Church, Paterson.

She was a parishioner of Saint Marys RC Church, Pompton Lakes.

Marie was devoted to the loving care of her husband, daughter, grandchildren and great granddaughter. She enjoyed going to play the slot machines in Atlantic City and her devoted husband Albert drove her there up until he turned ninety years old. She was a terrific cook whose eggplant parmesan will never be duplicated.

She was the beloved wife of sixty-seven years to J. Albert DiMauro; devoted mother of Frances Auferio and her husband Tony of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Leah Tirch and her husband John of Pompton Lakes and Christopher Auferio of Jersey City; much loved great-grandmother of Lily Tirch; loved sister of Leo D’Acierno and his wife Victoria of Maywood, Matthew D’Acierno and his wife Nancy of Paterson and Joan Scanlon of Fair Lawn.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Hospice of NJ, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 4th floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Norma P. Williams age 84 of Riverdale, formerly of Linden, died Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at home while receiving the loving care of her family.

She was born and raised in Elizabeth having attended Battin High School, Elizabeth with the class of 1942 . Norma met her husband to be, John Williams, at a local dance and they married at Blessed Sacrament Church, Elizabeth in 1953. They established their home in Linden, and Norma belonged to St. Pauls Lutheran Church of Linden. They lived in Linden for nearly fifty years having raised two daughters Erica and Heidi. Norma and John moved to Bloomingdale, less than two years prior to Johns’ passing away on November 17, 2003.

Norma was a loving and caring wife and mother who enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing. She belonged to the Wednesday AM Women’s Group, Linden and also enjoyed going to the Depression Glass Club for many years.

She was the beloved wife of the late John Williams(2003); loving mother of Erica J. Stewart and her husband Joe of Riverdale and Heidi C. Williams and her loving friend Terry Mackintosh of Myakka City, FL; loved sister of Eleanor Stoner of South Plainfield and the late Albert and Leroy Henn.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Shepherds Haven Adult Center, 420 Ramapo Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be appreciated.

Peter Moen age 72 of Pequannock, died Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at home, surrounded by his family. Peter had been battling brain cancer for the past year.

He was born in Elizabeth and lived in Union and Nutley before moving to Pequannock forty-six years ago.

Mr. Moen was a graduate of Nutley High School, Nutley with the class of 1954.

He was a Staff Sergeant in the NJ Army National Guard from September, 1955 till September, 1964. He graduated Rutgers University with a BA in History in 1964.

He was employed with New Jersey Bell starting in October of 1954 and became an employee of AT&T in 1984 when the Bell Company was split. He rose to the position of District Manager in Project Management before retiring from AT&T in 1987. For several years after his retirement, Peter worked at the Pompton Reformed Church of Pompton Lakes where he was the church and cemetery manager.

Peter has been a member of Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church since 1966. Prior to that, he attended the People’s Park Netherlands Reformed Church. Peter’s life has always been in the church. During his time at PPRBC he has held the office of Deacon once and the office of Elder many times. In addition, he was a youth leader, a Cadet leader, and was part of many committees, with the most recent committee being the relocation committee. He knew everybody’s name and was often the first person to meet and greet a new face to the church. Peter’s involvement with the church did not simply stay within the walls of the church. He was a board member of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, IN. In the 1990’s, Peter was a chairman of the Alliance of Reformed Churches and was instrumental in bringing to birth the United Reformed Church of North America. Peter regularly served as an Elder delegate to the church’s Synod meetings.

Peter's faith can be summed up as follows. The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 1. What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Peter was known as an outgoing, friendly, thoughtful, and organized individual. He planned everything and kept notes on everything. He was known for his routine. His favorite vacation spot was the Jersey shore at South Seaside Park where, once he retired, would spend the months of June and September enjoying the peace and solitude of the shore. His love for the shore was passed on to his children and their children. Peter also loved to vacation in the Adirondacks, at a Christian Conference Center known as Camp-of-the-Woods. His vacation routine would be Camp-of-the-Woods and the Jersey shore one year, and a traveling vacation and the Jersey shore the next year. The traveling years Peter took his family to travel through the New England States, Florida, and one year out west where we flew out (back when families rarely flew) and drove back in a motor home. Peter loved to create memories with his family.

He had a loving, caring and wonderful marriage of fifty years to Ann (Stols) Moen who he married on August 30, 1958; he was the loving father of four sons Peter Jay Moen and his wife Donna of Pompton Plains, Neal Edward Moen and his wife Daneen of Pequannock, Mark Alan Moen of Niantic, CT and Steven Scott Moen and his wife Suzanne of Oak Ridge; cherished grandfather of Jonathan David Moen, Scott Nicholas Moen, Elizabeth Ann Moen, Heather Renae Moen, Stephanie Nicole Moen, Alexandria Erin Moen, Samuel Scott Moen, Connor Rhys Moen, Stacy Morgan Moen, Sawyer Nicholas Moen, Sierra Noel Moen, Mykaela Lynn Moen, with one more on the way; devoted brother of Edward Marinus Moen and his wife Susan of Hawley, PA and Barbara Moen Hayford and her husband Mark of Saylorsburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church Relocation Fund, 415 Boulevard, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated.

Martin G. Singer Sr. age 92 of West Paterson on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Milford Manor Nursing Home in West Milford. His passing took place with his loving family at his bedside holding his hand.

He was born in West Paterson and had lived there all of his life.

Mr. Singer was an Aeronautical Machinist for forty years at Curtis Wright Corporation in Woodridge before his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the Wright’s Retirees Association.

He served in France in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion Post 238 in West Paterson. He was honored on several occasions to be the Grand Marshall of the West Paterson holiday parade.

Martin was gifted with an extraverted likable personality and had many friends. He loved to socialize and was an important part of community life.

His family remembers him as being an avid Hunter and Fisherman. They recall fond memories of him hunting on a farm in Bernardsville and vacationing in the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

Martin’s long term hobby was racing homing pigeons. He raised the birds and would often take his family with him and release them at a distant location and then as they returned to their West Paterson home loft record their time of return. This activity was fun for him as well as his family.

Surviving are his son Martin G. Singer Jr. and his wife Donna of Riverdale; one daughter Cathy Dolan and her husband Michael of Jefferson Township; two grandchildren Michael Dolan Jr. and Jonathan Dolan; one great grandson Sean Christopher Dolan.

He was predeceased in 2004 by his grandson Christopher M. Singer.

Joan Marie Minarick (nee Insel) age 79 of Wayne died Tuesday, December 02, 2008 peacefully at home.

She was born in Newark and raised in East Orange having lived in Glen Rock, Wayne, Laguna Niguel, CA and Wilmington, NC before returning to Wayne in 2004.

Joan attended East Orange High School but had to leave school at sixteen to work full time for New Jersey Bell Telephone as an operator to help support her family. During one of her weekend visits to the Jersey shore with friends, Joan met Bob on the beach in Belmar and following a courtship that didn’t last very long he asked her to marry him, twice. Being only eighteen at the time she said no. But when he asked her for the third time to marry him she said Yes, which was fortunate since he told her “Remember, three strikes and you’re out.” They married September 25, 1948 and enjoyed fifty-six years of loving, caring, best friend’s marriage prior to Bob’s passing in 2004.

Following her marriage Joan worked for First National Bank in Wayne at the Preakness branch. After spending a few years at Preakness she was promoted to Bank Auditor and transferred to the main office in Totowa. After fifteen years in banking she retired from First National Bank in 1981.

Joan, Bob and family were parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne during construction of the church, when services at the time were being held at what is now Wayne Valley High School.

Joan was a stay at home mom raising her four children until her youngest entered school. It was only then that she went back to work at the bank full time for the sole purpose of giving her family two beautiful weeks of memories each year on LBI at the Jersey Shore.

Joan and Bob created twenty-one years of special memories while raising their children in their home in Wayne. In our development during the 60’s and 70’s you always knew where the party was, 16 Kimberly Place. The highlight party of the year was always the annual “Pearl Harbor” party which was attended by most of the neighborhood. All who attended had to come dressed as they were in the 1940’s. I’m sure some of you reading this smile when remembering those “Pearl Harbor” parties. Joan was a very dedicated and loving wife. She would have followed Bob to the ends of the earth and she did. Joan and Bob enjoyed life. They experienced traveling to different area’s of the United States and prior to Bob’s illness, finished their travels with a highlight three week trip to Australia in early 1990. Joan was a very outgoing and strong-willed woman which kept her with us during a very difficult past four years. She was very proud of her four children and eleven grand children and people would never have to ask her about them, she would tell them first. Joan formed a very close bond with all her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them as they grew. All of their pictures around her house were a testament to that. Joan enjoyed her life right to the end and left this world peacefully on her own terms, in her own house and on her own bed with one of her daughter’s by her side. As one of her favorite singers Michael Buble would say in one of his songs, “It will all be alright, I’ll be home tonight, I’m coming back home”, which is where she is now. So Mom, give Dad a hug for all of us. We love you and miss you.

Joan is the beloved mother of Susan Bennett and her husband Chip of Oak Ridge, Joann Dalzell and her husband Bob of Wayne, Bob Minarick and his wife Claire of Wayne and David Minarick and his wife Carol of Randolph; cherished grandmother of Leigh, Debbie, Brian, Steven and Danielle Minarick, Robert, Chris, Matt and Joanna Dalzell and Michael and Lisa Bennett; beloved sister of Ed Insel and sister-in-law Kathleen Insel. Beloved Aunt of many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her sister Gloria Hasselbacher in 2001.

Arrangements are by the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.

NOTE: In December of 2004 Joan fought her own medical battles and surgery which progressed into a very severe case of Sepsis. Attending doctors gave her at best a 5-10% chance of survival and really almost no chance to lead a normal life if she survived. Our family is convinced that aggressive cutting edge procedures, technology, and clinical trial medications such as Xigris coupled with the expertise of the Paterson St. Joseph’s Hospital surgical ICU staff and attending Intensivist’s allowed our mom, following therapy, to walk out of a nursing home in August of 2005 and return to her home, live alone and drive to visit family. We know they gave Mom back to us and our families for an additional three years and for that St. Joseph’s, Thank-you. Only when her unrelated severe COPD escalated did her health decline which finally led to her passing.

Barbara A. Cook, age 66 of Wayne died on Tuesday, December 2, 2008. Her passing was unexpected after a sudden illness.

Barbara was born in Brooklyn, NY and then moved to Nutley as a young girl. She graduated from Nutley High School with the class of 1960. She then attended the Berkeley Secretary School where she received an Associate’s Degree.

She moved to Wayne in 1963 with her husband Frank. Soon after Frank passed away in 1981, Barbara began to work for the Township of Wayne. She was Assistant Business Administrator under Mayor Newt Miller and Board of Adjustment Secretary. She also enjoyed a few years working for Senator Scott of Lyndhurst during the 1990’s. She went to work for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs in 1999 and had been there ever since. She poured herself into her work to where it became her life, and she truly enjoyed all the people she got to know throughout her career. She was also a member of the Wayne Republican Club and the Wayne PAL Woman’s Auxiliary.

She would frequently vacation in Lancaster County, PA where she particularly liked the tranquil, country setting. As the shopping outlets and malls began appearing in Lancaster County, she began to like it even more!

Barbara is survived by one son; Frank Cook and his wife Fran of Wayne, three granddaughters; Emily, Kaitlyn, and Jennifer Cook of Wayne, one sister; Alva Antrim of Nutley, one brother; Martin Morrison, one niece; Andrea Marsh of Lincoln Park, and Andrea’s children; Leigha and Eric Marsh of Lincoln Park.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Barbara’s name are asked to please consider the Ryerson School Playground Fund, 30 McClelland Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Antionette (nee Dravello) Cerza, age 92 of Wayne, died Monday, December 1, 2008 at the Berwick Hospital Center, Berwick, PA with the comfort of her daughter by her side.

She was born in Paterson and lived in Clifton before moving to Wayne fifty four years ago.

Nette was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne.

She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who loved cooking for her family. She was known for her great meatballs and loved baking pies for all to enjoy. She considered herself very fortunate to have met the love of her life, Angelo Cerza, who was a neighborhood friend. Ang would forget his pipe at her home as an excuse to go back and see her again. They married on April 14, 1940 and had a loving, devoted and nurturing marriage of sixty-two years before his passing on January 11, 2004. Her dedication to Ang extended beyond his passing as she would not sell the house he had built with bricks and lumber that was held together with the mortar and nails of love.

Nette also enjoyed her retirement years with Ang wintering in Vero Beach, Florida where they had a wonderful group of friends. They were blessed with twenty years of active retirement from 1975 through 1995 here. Ang would golf and Nettie would socialize, enjoyed many different types of crafting, and most of all enjoyed ceramics.

She was the beloved wife of the late Angelo “Ang” Cerza(2004); loving mother of Robert Cerza and his wife Sara of Shore View, Minnesota and Jean Fantry and her husband George of Berwick, PA; cherished grandmother of six grandchildren Debbie Granato and her husband Steve, Shawn Fantry and his wife Christine, Michelle Eddinger and her husband Barry, Andrew Popp, Regan and Bobby Cerza; devoted great-grandmother of Hailie, Jonas, Ryan and Jared Fantry, Mason and Mikayla Eddinger and Nicholas Granato; much loved sister of the late Theresa, Jennie, Louise, and Danny.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terrace, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Joanne Safer Collerd age 49 on Sunday, November 30, 2008 of Packanack Lake, Wayne. She died quietly and peacefully while receiving the loving care of her family. Her death took place after a courageous long term battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

She was born in Jersey City and had lived in Wayne for the past forty-two years.

Joanne was formerly employed at State Farm Insurance Company for five years as a Records Clerk.

Joanne received her formal education first at the Packanack Grammar School and then at Wayne Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1976. She then went on to Berkley-Catherine Gibbs Business College in Ridgewood.

Perhaps her best hobby and pastime was watching every Yankee game she possible could. The Yankees will miss her wonderful and spirited cheering.

Joanne was afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of fourteen when the first symptoms became apparent. The first symptoms suddenly went into remission and it appeared that her health was restored. On her wedding day as she walked down the isle of church it once more surfaced. Then for a time the symptoms went into remission again and then a nurse at State Farm Insurance Company, her employer, noticed her equilibrium was evidencing something and indeed her illness returned and devastated her health for the rest of her life. As this very debilitating disease took it’s course Joanne never complained and was never angry about what this disease was doing to her. She took the course of this disease with acceptance.

Joanne was gifted with a quiet and accepting personality and was always happy.

Perhaps the most beautiful part of Joanne’s life journey was the care she received for over twenty years by her parents. It is often said that a mother’s love is one of the most powerful of gifts and Joanne experienced the power of both her parents love in such a beautiful way. No sacrifice of time, talents and giving can compare with what Ruth and Edward did for their daughter. Joanne was truly and meaningfully blessed with their love and caring throughout her illness and up to the end of her life.

Two very special people came into the Safer family’s life to provide aid to Joanne in her autumn days and those special people were named Sarah Snead and Anna Ora.

The Wayne community will recall that on November 28, 2004 as the Safer family returned from a shopping trip their entire home was in flames and they lost their home and possessions. As they rebuilt their home it was designed with many features to provide for their special daughter Joanne.

Surviving are her Mother and Father Edward T. Safer Sr. and Ruth M. Safer; one sister Ruth Ellen Ward and husband Stan of West Caldwell ; two brothers Edward Safer Jr and his wife Lori of Galloway Township and Bob Safer and his wife Doreen of West Milford Township; Aunts Doris Cabany, Renee McCoy, Beverly Smith, Margaret Reid and Uncles Bill Cortese and Charlie Graber; and several cousins, nieces and nephews including; Samantha, Marissa, Rachel, Dylan, Robert E.J., Kali and Jonathan Safer and Casey and Shannon Ward.

Joanne was pre deceased by her husband Joseph Blidgett and her Aunt and Godmother Judith Cortese and Uncle Charles Reid.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joanne’s memory are asked to consider the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 N. Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07512 or Joni and Friends International Disability Center, PO. Box 2222, Akron, Ohio 44309.

Kenneth G. Dyak “Ken” age 54 of West Milford on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. His passing was sudden and unexpected with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Paterson and had lived his formative years in Wayne before moving to West Milford twenty- eight years ago.

Ken received his formal education at Wayne Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1972. He had a strong desire to achieve higher education and pursued his college education going nights to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford. In 1985 he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson.

He was employed for many years at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Madison as a Financial Specialist.

His hobby included playing the guitar having often played with a local bands at special events. He was also very mechanically inclined and enjoyed maintaining and fixing cars. He was also especially fond of his favorite faithful companion dog Ernie who is a Brussels Griffon.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a loving husband and father. He loved his children and always encouraged them to excel in their life’s endeavors.

Cynthia and Ken met while working at the former Acme Supermarket on Valley Road in Wayne and married. They had thirty years of “good and loving” marriage together.

Surviving are his loving wife Cynthia (nee D’Auria) Dyak; one daughter Cheryl Dyak of Hopatcong; one son Brian Dyak of West Milford; one sister Doris Arena and her husband Tom of Vero Beach, Florida; two brothers Nelson Dyak of Belleville and Charles Dyak and his wife Nancy of Montville; his mother and father in law Joseph J. and Marian B. D’Auria of Wayne; his sister in law and brother in law Jill and Kevin Watts of Nutley; nieces and nephews including Kristen, Kelly and Kevin Dyak, Peter and Mark Arena, Dan and Rachel Watts.

John Kuntzevich age 89, of Howard Beach, NY, died on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock with the comfort of family by his side.

He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY having attended Thomas Jefferson High School, Brooklyn with the class of 1936. Just out of high school he enlisted in the National Guard and entered the United States Navy in 1942 and served as a Sea-Bee, mostly in the Pacific Theatre of WWII, until he was honorably discharged in 1945.

After serving in the National Guard and before entering the Navy he was socializing with friends and bummed a cigarette from a pretty girl named Anna Kulak. They married at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection, on the lower East side of New York City, on May 31, 1942. They honeymooned at Rova Farms in Jackson, NJ.

John served as a New York City policeman for twenty years having spent his entire career with the 77th Precinct in Bedford Stuyvesant, New York before retiring in 1964.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Brooklyn, NY and more recently Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, Wayne.

He was the beloved husband of sixty-six years to Anna (Kulak) Kuntzevich; devoted father of Barbara Kucynda and her husband Fr. Paul of Wayne and Diana Kuntzevich of Bloomingdale; cherished grandfather of Timothy Kucynda, Christin Messina and her husband Michael, Kelly Chabebe and her husband Nejib and Erin Schissel and her husband Matthew; devoted great-grandfather of Katelynn Messina and was expecting another great-grandchild that is due in January; loved brother of the late Konstantine and Walter Kuntzevich and Anne Hanson.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Holy Resurrection Memorial Fund, 285 French Hill Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 or St. Judes Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-2729 would be appreciated.

Gloriana Vaz age 84 on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 of Land O’Lakes, Florida formerly of Pompton Lakes. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her loving family at her bedside.

She was born in Sao Miguel, Portugal came here thirty-six years ago settling in Pompton Lakes and lived there before moving to Land O’Lakes, Florida in 2004.

Mrs. Vaz was employed as a molder at the Plastic Products Manufacturing Company in Cranford before retiring in 1977.

Beloved mother of Mrs. Graca M. Roscoe and her husband Mark, Guida Pereira and the late Armindo Bothelo; also survived by four grandchildren Brittany, Barbara, Melissa and Armindo Jr.

Alan G. Grabowski, age 67 of Wayne, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, November 24, 2008.

He was born in Passaic, NJ and grew up in Clifton. He moved to Wayne over forty years ago with his wife, Marie. She predeceased him in 2003.

Many will remember Alan as the kind deli clerk, always smiling, at the Lincoln Park Shop Rite. He could be found wearing a hat and suspenders along with a big smile on any given day there. Surely many customers will recall Alan and his happy demeanor – they will all miss him.

Alan’s hobbies included trips to Atlantic City where his favorite game was craps. He also loved to go crabbing, but somehow he never got it right; either going on the wrong day, or at the wrong time, he never seemed to catch anything. So after an unsuccessful day of crabbing, he would go to the store and simply buy a few of them for dinner! He was also a big Jets fan, with a room in the house devoted to sports. His greatest, most enjoyable hobby of all was his grandchildren. He loved to baby sit, take them places, or simply stay with them in the car while his daughter went shopping. Nothing brought him more happiness than they did.

Alan met his wife, Marie, when they were teenagers. She didn’t care much for him then, but he was relentless in his pursuit. He told his friends “I’m gonna marry that girl”, and sure enough he did. They enjoyed forty years of loving marriage together before her passing in 2003.

Four of Alan's grandchildren: Christopher, Arianna, Matthew, and Kayla.

He is survived by his three children; Robert Grabowski and his girlfriend Eileen of Bloomingdale, Lori Polifonte and her husband Leo of Bloomfield, and Patricia Grabowski of Jersey City, five grandchildren; Christopher, Arianna, Matthew, and Kayla Polifonte of Bloomfield and Erin Allen of Bloomingdale, one brother; Bobby Grabowski and his wife Marion of Clifton, one sister; Lorraine Zahner and her husband Charles of Wanaque, and one brother-in-law; Jimmy San Filippo and his wife Linda of Freehold, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and loving family and friends.

Sally Haddad (nee Sayde) age 91 of Point Pleasant Beach, formerly of Paterson, died Sunday, November 23, 2008 peacefully at home with family by her side.

She was born, raised and lived in Paterson before moving to spend retirement in Point Pleasant Beach thirty-five years ago.

Sally worked as a quill winder and weaver in the Paterson silk mills and worked for the Garden State Credit Bureau, Clifton for ten years before retiring in 1972.

She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend; loved by everyone and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her ability to remember and tell jokes.

Sally had a loving and devoted “best friends” marriage for sixty-five years to the late Jack J. Haddad who predecased her in 2004.

She was the devoted mother of Jacqueline Massood and her husband George of Wayne, Sandra Swisher and her husband Robert of Wayne, Anthony Haddad and his wife Maureen of Colts Neck and Mary Ann Avallone and her husband Ralph of Montville; cherished grandmother of seventeen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by five siblings: Antoinette Sayde, Helen Lill, Emily Alala, George and Anthony Sayde.

In lieu of flowers Masses or donations to The American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, 6th Floor, NY, NY 10006 would be appreciated.

Thomas James Freeman age 84 of Oakland, formerly of Wayne, died Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at the St. Josephs Wayne Hospital.

He was born in Jersey City and lived in Teaneck and Wayne before moving to Oakland fifteen years ago.

Mr. Freeman was a graduate of Henry Snyder High School, Jersey City with the class of 1946. As a competitive gymnast, Mr. Freemans fall from the swinging rings and the resulting broken elbow dashed his Olympic hopes.

He began his real estate career in 1982 with Century 21 Realtors, Wayne having worked for Schlott Realtors and finally Caldwell-Banker Real Estate in Wayne before his retirement in 1995. Prior to obtaining his broker's license, he was a public relations writer for Flying A Oil, a part of Tidewater Petroleum in Bayonne and transitioned to Getty Oil when the company was acquired. He then served in public relations positions for the GAF Corporation, NYC, the Bozell & Jacobs public relations firm, NYC and ITT, NYC and Nutley. He had served as the editor of the Jersey City Citizen Newspaper in the late fortys through the early fifties, beginning his career as a reporter for the Jersey Journal.

Mr. Freeman was known as the Real Estate Answer Man for the Independent News in the 1990s. He was the recipient of the Freedom Foundations George Washington Medal for a series of articles on the responsibilities of American Citizenship. Formerly a member of the Teaneck Community Church, Teaneck he was last a member of the Preakness Reformed Church, Wayne. He was a member of the Wayne Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 2181, Wayne; and a fifty-year member of the Masonic Order Publicity Lodge #1000, NYC and later the Mountain View Masonic Lodge, Pompton Lakes and a member of the Salaam Shrine, Livingston.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty years Betty Jane (nee Sprague) Freeman.

Surviving are three devoted daughters Penelope Ann Oross and her husband Robert of Avenel, Donna Lee Christensen and her husband William of San Jose, CA and Gail Lynn Freeman-Szal and her husband Peter of Oakland; one loving son Thomas Edward Freeman and his wife Rosemary of Waldwick; cherished grandfather of Mary Penelope Ault, Julia Louise and Beth Anne Christensen, Catherine Veronica and James Peter Szal, Thomas Eugene, Daniel Patrick and Michael Edward Freeman and great-grandfather of Isabelle Christine and Mark David Ault; devoted brother of Roderick Charles Freeman of Lyons and the late Paul Francis Freeman of Jersey City.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Eva's Village, 392 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, would be appreciated.

Stephen Michael “Uncle Sonny” Sametz age 79 of Wayne died Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at the Andover Subacute Care Center in Andover.

He was born in Palisades Park and lived in Wayne for thirty-seven years before moving to Stanhope one year ago to be near his son.

Stephen served in the United States Navy as a Seaman First Class. He enlisted in 1946 and continuing his Navy service during the Korean Conflict finally retiring from the service in 1952. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.

Uncle Sonny enjoyed fishing on charter boats out of Atlantic Highlands Marina, his dog Caesar, vacations at the Jersey Shore. His favored destination was usually Bayville where you could find him crabbing on the pier.

His hobby was visiting garage sales or treasure hunting through junk to find the good stuff .

He was an active member of Calvary Temple in Wayne where he served as a Deacon and just loved to spend time at the church.

The family has very fond memories of Sunday family dinners at his mother Emily’s home in Palisades Park.

Stephen worked for the New Jersey Department of Transportation in Lodi as a transit driver for twenty years before retiring in 1992.

He was predeceased in 1997 by his loving wife Phyllis (nee Frapaul) Sametz. Stephen and Phyllis had thirty-seven years of “loving marriage” together. In the Autumn of Phyllis’s life Stephen made many sacrifices of time and effort to take care of Phyllis personally and did so with much love and caring.

His son Frank recalls how his Dad was a good provider and always lovingly concerned about his family.

Surviving are two sons Frank J. Sametz and his wife Suelyn of Stanhope and Leonard Sametz of Sarasota, FL; a sister Mary DiMecurrio of Goshen, NY and two grandchildren Aaron and Stefanie Sametz of Stanhope.

"My Angel"

This goes out to my beloved aunt

The one who I ran to, the one who I've sought

You watched me grow up literally day-by-day

And as your first niece, you spoiled me in every way

Twenty-two years together, twenty-two years of infinite memories

You taught me to be strong and never let those get the best of me

So beautiful your smile, your eyes hid with every one

You gave the juiciest kisses and the tightest hugs

We'll miss your spontaneous moments, had the heart of a kid

Always made me see the light of the life you lived

I said "I'll see you later, it's never a good-bye"

And I kissed your forehead - you nodded and then I cried

The Lord needed an Angel - but we didn't want you to leave

You did your deed on earth, now you can watch down on me

Love Always Your Niece, Amanda

Silvia Monroig “Chyrin” age 39 of Wayne on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at the Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover. Her passing was quiet and peaceful after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Her loving family were gathered at her bedside.

She was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico and came here as an infant with her family settling in Plainfield later moving to Newark where she lived most of her life before moving to Wayne in April of this year.

Silvia was employed at Ruitenberg Display Company suppliers and creators of retail display equipment and decorating in Haledon.

She was gifted with an extraverted gregarious personality that exuded a wonderful sense of humor.

Silvia leaves her family with many fond memories of a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

She had a wonderful innate artistic talent which she applied to her work as a retail store display decorator. Silvia loved flowers and decorated Christmas trees that especially stood out for everyone to admire.

Surviving are her parents Jaime and Virginia Monroig of Newark; her loving partner Paul Pisciottano of Wayne; one brother Jaime Monroig Jr. and his wife Milna of Newark, three sisters Evelyn Caruso and her husband Rick of Rockaway, Wilda Monroig and her significant other Jeff of Belleville and Virginia Varela of Jersey City; nieces and nephew including Amanda Monroig of Newark, Lori Caruso of Rockaway, a very special baby Jenna Fink who was born on August 8th, 2007 one week before Sylvia was diagnosed with cancer and Jayson Monroig of Newark. Aunt Silvia felt especially close to baby Jenna as she felt the deep threat to her life with her illness. Perhaps on her mind was the often expressed phrase that one comes into the world and one goes out of the world and such is the course of life.

Justo Gonzalez, known to most as “Tito” age 84 of Mendham Township, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover. He laid down quietly and peacefully in the presence of his loving family.

He was born in Santa Fe, Argentina and came to the United States at age forty-seven, settling in Paterson where he lived until his wife, Nelly, passed away six years ago. From there, he went to Montague, New Jersey with his daughter Maria before moving to live with his son Mario in Mendham, three years ago.

Tito and Nelly Gonzalez owned a popular clothing store in Paterson for eighteen years until finally retiring in 1998.

Tito’s life journey was an experience filled with both triumphs and setbacks that deserve mentioning. Tito grew up in Santa Fe, Argentina, where he was forced to leave school at a young age to help support his ailing family. At the age of 18, Tito chose to serve nobly in the Argentine Army’s equestrian cavalry division. He then chased opportunity in Buenos Aires, working a variety of odd jobs until finally finding full-time employment at the Argentine Customs House. Tito later purchased a taxi which he operated in addition to his fulltime job, and though he labored tireless hours, he continued to struggle to support his family. Then, driven by stories of opportunity in the United States, he made his way to Paterson, New Jersey, where he found late night employment at a plastic factory. He worked from 11PM to 7AM and shortly after took an additional job during the day that left few hours to sleep. After moving to construction work and many other factories, in 1975 Tito managed to establish his own store in Paterson. Though he had supported his family to this point, he had pursued their prosperity, and now things had begun to progress exceptionally well. He bought a house on Totowa Avenue. Tito had finally brought his dreams to fruition. And then, Immigration Services, ignoring the fact his documentation was being processed, deported him back to Argentina. He lost his home, his business, and once again struggled. But Tito was resilient. Not easily dismayed, and exploiting his positive personal nature, he decided to make his way back to the United States. With his wife and youngest daughter in tow, Tito crossed the mountains of Mexico on foot and once again found his way to Paterson - now 53 years old with pennies to his name. Working tirelessly, Tito eventually began purchasing merchandise from New York, and opened a new flea market store in Paterson and then another in Rockaway. He received a green card so that he could stay in the United States. Years later, he established a business on Main and Market Street in Paterson named Tito and Nelly’s Clothing Store. He bought the apartment building next door to his store. He bought a new home and finally retired from his prosperous business ten years ago. Here is a man that saw the opportunities available in the United States and lived the American dream despite hurdles and misfortune. What a beautiful story for his family, who now, because of their father’s determination and many sacrifices, can also live this American Dream.

He leaves his family with wonderful memories of a man with principal beyond reproach. A caring family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren with all of his heart. No sacrifice of personal self was too great to improve his family’s lot in life. His personality was selfless - he was perpetually concerned with the needs of others before his own.

We would be remiss if we did not mention his wonderful attributes of meticulous personality and pride. A man who, until the end of his life, would only leave his home dressed to a T. He will be remembered very clearly, in his splendid array of suits and ties.

Tito and Nelly celebrated fifty-four years of “happy marriage” together until Nelly’s passing in June of 2002.

Surviving are a son Mario Gonzalez and his wife Silvia of Mendham, two daughters Marta Susana Restrepo of Clifton and Maria Tracey and her husband Bill of Montague. He is also survived by nine grandchildren Paula Capriglione, Andrea Anselmo, Juan Jose Restrepo, Mario, Gabriela, Gaston and Alejandro Gonzalez, Jessica Lynn and Mark Anthony Tracey; three Great Grandchildren Julia Rose and Ava Capriglione and Isabella Anselmo.

His son in law Pacho Restrepo died Dec. 7th, 2003.

Louis J. Tkach age 99 of Wayne died on Friday November 14, 2008 at home. At his passing he was receiving the loving care of his family. His passing was quiet and peaceful.

Louis was born on August 25, 1909, in Austria Hungary now known as Slovakia, in the town of Velky Saris…As his family was very church orientated, he became and altar server at an early age.

While living in Slovakia, Louis had the opportunity to become an apprentice cabinet maker, which required 8 years of public school and 6 years of apprenticeship training. He earned a diploma for wood working. In his late teens and early twenties he served in the Slovakian Army for 2 years.

Louis played the violin and he and his brother, who played the bass fiddle were in a band in the good old days.

Lou and his wife Victoria were life-long friends since kindergarten. Victoria was actually born in Passaic, NJ and lived there with her parents until 2 years of age when circumstances forced her family to return to Slovakia. Louis and Victoria were married on February 2, 1934. They had a “close and loving” marriage together for 49 years until Victoria’s passing in February of 1983.

Louis came to America in 1935 to join his wife who had traveled there earlier. They settled in Manhattan, New York City where they were greeted by many friends and relatives. Louis was the youngest of 12 children, many of who came to America to seek a better life. With Lou’s knowledge of cabinet-wood working, he found employment with a noted company specializing in antique reproductions—by commission only. He furthered his education by attending night school and studying drafting.

After nine years of marriage and still living in Manhattan, NYC their daughter, Dorothy was born in March of 1943.

By 1951 Lou bought property in Wayne, NJ and started building his own house. In 1957 they moved in and he lived there 51 years until the Lord called him home.

Their daughter, Dorothy, married John Birkner in 1965 and had a house built right next door to her parents.

Lou has always been close by to welcome grandchildren, Jeffrey and Sharon, Sharon’s husband Joseph Kelly, and great grandchildren Ryan and Evan Kelly.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne.

He was very active in the community, and belonged to the Golden Age Circle of Wayne since 1960. He held offices as Vice president, Chaplain, and Sgt.-At-Arms. He drove his car in parades representing the senior citizens. He has been a lifetime member-forever!

He was a member of the Harmony Singers, Wagon Wheels Square Dancers, Our Lady of Consolation Seniors and Choir. He was also a member of the Senior follies for 5 years. He played shuffle board at Kilroy Park…(You guessed it, he also maintained the courts.)

Louis’ hobbies include vegetable and flower gardening, dancing, wood carving, cooking, canning vegetables and watching his favorite TV show, Dancing with the stars. He especially enjoyed listening to classical music, conducted by Andre Rieu.

He changed positions and began working for Columbia University in their Building & Grounds Dept as a trouble shooter and furniture refinisher. With such a variety of skills and interests he started carving Religious statues for presentations to friends and family.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a dedicated man who truly loved his family. His priorities were in this order: God, family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

Those planning an expression of Sympathy in Louis’ memory are asked to consider Eva’s Village, 392 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07505.

Fannie M. Cannatella (nee Danna) age 86 of Pompton Lakes died Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock receiving the love and comfort of her family by her side for the past several days.

She was born in NYC where she was raised and met her husband to be Anthony A. Cannatella, a WWII U.S. Army Veteran. The couple married on June 9, 1946 at Holy Rosary RC Church, NYC and had their first two children, Rose and Joseph, while living in New York City. The family moved to Fair Lawn, NJ and had their third child Linda. Anthony died in 1973, at the age of 55 from a sudden heart attack. Following the death of her beloved husband, Fannie moved with Rose to Pompton Lakes in 1979 where she has lived for the past thirty years.

Before her marriage to Anthony, Fannie worked for the Mutual Life Insurance Company in NYC where she was a draftswoman. She was responsible for creating charts and graphs for the company including the financing for the top secret Manhattan Project during WWII. Fannie also worked for Woolworth’s in Fair Lawn, Midlantic Bank, W. Paterson and the Anthony Wayne Savings Bank, Wayne before retiring in 1985. She was a founding member of the Fair Lawn Opportunity Center for developmentally disabled persons, was a Girl Scout leader in Fair Lawn and served on the Fair Lawn Heavy Rescue Squad’s Ladies Auxiliary.

Fannie had a loving dedication to her special daughter Rose Marie; she treasured her love and companionship dearly.

She was the beloved wife of twenty-seven years to the late Anthony A. Cannatella(1973); loving mother of Rose Marie Cannatella of Pompton Lakes, Joseph Cannatella and his wife Donna of Wayne and Linda Chiodo and her husband Warren of Bluffton, SC; cherished grandmother of Warren Chiodo and his wife Brook, Kimberly Cerretta and her husband William, Christina Havens and her husband Christopher and Aubrey Cannatella; much loved great-grandmother of Dylan Havens; loved sister of the late Samuel and Ralph Danna and Anthony Mercaldi; much loved by her sister-in-law Marlene Mercaldi of Yorktown Heights, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terr., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Henry “Hank” W. Von Glahn Jr., age 82 of Wayne, died on Monday November 10, 2008 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.

Born in Hoboken, NJ, Hank grew up in Woodridge, NJ. He graduated from Woodridge High School with the class of 1944.

He and his wife Fran have lived in Wayne since moving there in 1956.

Hank was employed with Continental Can Company of Paterson for forty two years before retiring in 1989.

Hank was a long time, active member of the Preakness Reformed Church of Wayne, serving as both an Elder and Deacon. They will miss him dearly at the church, especially on Tuesdays which is when he would always bring food and cake to the staff there. He volunteered his time generously for the church and other causes such as the Helping Hands, St. Josephs Hospital in Wayne, and almost anything that had to do with Multiple Sclerosis.

He possessed a “kind and willing heart” which he gladly shared.

Hank's children recall family vacations to Sandy Hook where their father would almost always take them on one of his ‘nature walks’. He continued that tradition with his grandchildren, also taking them on Saturday morning ‘nature walks’. He simply loved the outdoors. He would tell you himself that his favorite vacation spot was probably his own backyard, where he could feed the birds, relax, and just enjoy the outdoors. Hank enjoyed golfing for most of his life, but he and Fran were avid square dancers. They belonged to the “Spinning Wheels of Wayne”, a square dancing group, and they performed at various events around the area.

Hank and Fran met in 1955 on a triple-blind date at a bowling alley. That date was merely the beginning of fifty three years together. They married in 1956 and have enjoyed a loving marriage ever since.

Hank will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Frances “Fran” (nee Templin), four children; Henry VonGlahn and his wife Sandra of Hackettstown, Linda Laidlaw and her husband Tom of Parsippany, Janet Dean of Wayne, and Willa Kippert and her husband Rick of St. Petersburg, FL, and five grandchildren; Lynne and Carl VonGlahn of Hackettstown, NJ, Shawn Laidlaw of Parsippany, and Jonathan and Karla Kippert of St. Petersburg, FL. He will also be missed by his dear sister-in-law Ann Ferguson of St. Cloud, FL.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Hank’s memory to Multiple Sclerosis Swim-In, c/o Barbara Lightbody, 31 Margie Ave, Cresskill NJ 07626.

Ruth V. McAllister(nee Werner) age 95 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Arbor Glen Center, Cedar Grove.

She was born in Bridgeport, CT and lived in Paterson and Clifton before moving to Wayne fifteen years ago.

She graduated from High School in Bridgeport, CT and immediately entered the Passaic General Nursing School, Passaic, NJ where she earned her certification as a Registered Nurse with the class of 1931.

Mrs. McAllister was a Registered Nurse having worked in area hospitals, Straight and Narrow of Paterson and area nursing homes for the past fifty-four years before retiring in 1985.

Ruth was affectionately known as the “Matriarch” of the family. Although she was small in stature she was a tough lady with an extremely soft heart. It is said that up until the day of her passing she hadn’t lost an argument. She enjoyed traveling and has been all over the world. Most of all she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was extremely proud of all their accomplishments. She had an especially close, “best friends”, relationship with her daughter Ruthann.

She was predeceased by her husband of forty-two years, David McAllister, Sr. in 1982. Together, they owned the McAllister’s Meat Market, 489 Market St., Paterson having later moved the market to Huron Avenue in Clifton.

Ruth was the loving mother of the late David McAllister, Jr.(1966), Ruthann Hughes of Wayne and Robert McAllister and his wife Joan of Rumson; she was predeceased by two sisters Dorothy Phalen and Shirley Collins; she is the devoted grandmother of Brian, Sean and the late Kevin(1992) Burns, Kyle and Erin Hughes, Sean and David McAllister, Kelly Branin, Robert Jr., Meaghan, and Kate McAllister; cherished great-grandmother of twelve.

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

Jacob Faber Jr. “JR” age 79 on Sunday, November 9, 2008 of Haledon. His passing took place quietly and peacefully with his loving family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. For JR the passage was just a journey to a new day, a calling that ended in the hands of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a sanctuary of peace.

JR was born in Haledon and lived there all of his life. He was the youngest of three brothers namely John, George and Jacob Jr.

In 1955 the three brothers teamed up and decided to go into the carpet business together. They had humble beginnings starting the business Faber Brothers Broadloom Company in the basement of their personal residence and worked hard every day. As time went on and their children matured they too joined the business in the area of sales and installation of wall to wall broadloom carpet. The business prospered and today they are one of the most successful carpet retailers in North Jersey with many locations in Passaic, Bergen and Sussex counties. In later years the brothers branched into the furniture business and became Faber Brothers World of Carpet and Furniture.

He was very active in the former Prospect Park National Bank and had served on the Board of Directors of the bank and the advisory Board of Citizens Bank for many years. The Prospect Park National Bank, in its day, was a leading financial institution in Passaic and Bergen County where the purchase of many a home or perhaps business loan was done with a handshake.

JR never retired and administered Faber Bros until just before his passing.

He had the knack of balancing family life and business life among all family members. In crisis times he would always take the high road and earned every family member’s respect in resolving tense situations.

He was gifted with an extraverted personality that genuinely cared about others. He would reach out to anyone he perceived in need of care and whatever it took he provided often with great generosity and sincerity. He would do his good deeds in secret and not look for acknowledgement.

He started his Christian walk at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Haledon, later at Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church in Wyckoff and as of late at Bridgeway Community Church in Haledon.

A story about JR would not be complete without mentioning his religiosity. He knew his Lord and Savior within his heart and he lived his life accordingly. He often, in difficult times in life, would ask himself what would Jesus want me to do ? - and followed through with that decision. That is why so many people admired this man “JR Faber”.

One very noteworthy accomplishment was a garden path he constructed in Matamoras, Pennsylvania on his horse farm. It is best described as a Bible path. He hired an artist to depict in picture form passages from the Bible with subject images of those in the passage to tell the story of faith. You would walk through this extensive wooded garden and feel comfort in the promises of the Bible. He also constructed in this path a mini theater and would have hymn singing and musical groups performing for the enrichment of his guests.

Along his life journey he also took time out for fun and maintained a home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in Reading, Pennsylvania, a farm in Albany, New York and a horse farm in Matamoras, Pennsylvania. He would travel with his wife Dorothy to these locations and spend weekends often inviting guests and having a good time for all. In Matamoras and Albany setting he had horses and loved to ride and take guests riding also. In winter months his guests would get a brisk ride on his snowmobiles much to their delight.

Each of these home locations received his special decorating touch on the interior and on the exterior gorgeous flower gardens and lawns. In addition he would construct a picnic house with kitchen facilities and lots of tables to host many parties. JR and Dorothy were wonderful hosts to many friends.

JR was truly a family man who was always concerned about the welfare of his children and grandchildren. Having his family gathered around was an important part of his life.

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JR and Dorothy met at work. Jr’s father had a laundry business in Haledon known as Faber’s Inter Boro Laundry and Dorothy was employed there. They soon became a couple and married and this month they celebrated sixty years of “very happy enjoyed life together” married life together. Dot and JR where like two peas in a pod all of their married life.

Surviving are his loving wife Dorothy (nee Miller) Faber; one son Jacob G. Faber of Haledon, one daughter Grace Vermeulen and her husband John of Haledon; one sister Julia May Martin and her husband Ray of North Haledon; five grandchildren Darlene Gillespie, Jacalyn Faber, Ligen Vermeulen and his wife Deanne Somers, Gavin Vermeulen and his wife Melissa Miley and Kendra Vermeulen; four great grandchildren Kyle, Joshua and Zachary Gillespie and Shelby Vermeulen.

He was predeceased by his two brothers George Faber in November 2000 and John Faber in July of 2004.

William Tanis Sr. age 90 of Green Pond on Friday, November 7, 2008 at the Llanfair House Health Care Center in Wayne. His passing was peaceful.

He was born in North Haledon, NJ the son of Anna and Jacob Tanis Sr. and had lived his formative years in Augusta, NJ later returning to North Haledon where he lived for many years. He also maintained a summer home and later lived year round at Green Pond, in Rockaway Township.

Bill received his formal education at Eastern Christian High School in North Haledon, and then went on to Rutgers University in New Brunswick during World War II, and studied Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.

He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in North Haledon most of his life and while living in Green Pond he was a member of the Green Pond Chaple.

He was a Co Owner of Ideal Farms, Inc. with his father and brothers. Ideal Farms was a large dairy operation located in Augusta NJ, with a Creamery and Milk Distribution facility in North Haledon. Their farm was highly respected and was world famous in the dairy industry for the quality blood lines of their Golden Guernsey cattle herd.

While living in North Haledon Bill was active in the North Haledon community where he had served as President of the Council and Acting Mayor. He also served as the North Haledon Police Commissioner. He was involved in many volunteer and educational organizations. His Philanthropic activities were well known throughout the North Haledon and Green Pond communities, and beyond.

Bill leaves his family with many warm memories of a very dedicated and loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. He was always attentive to his family’s needs and well being, and was a wonderful family man. He was considered the anchor of the family.

Bill and Jean met over seventy years ago as teenagers and soon became a loving couple . They recently celebrated sixty nine years of loving, devoted and inseparable marriage.

Surviving are his devoted and loving wife Jean Tanis, two sons, Peter Tanis and his wife Marlene of Oak Ridge, William Tanis Jr. of Saint James, Florida; two daughters JoAnn Tanis of Hope, NJ and Barbara Gibson and her husband Frank of Tustin California, 9 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren, one sister Lillian Castimore and her husband Emery of Augusta, one brother Jacob Tanis Jr. and his wife Rose of Augusta.

He was predeceased by his daughter Jean Tanis Jr., and his brother John Tanis.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s memory are asked to consider: 1. The Jean Tanis, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund % The Green Pond Women's Club 7 Oak Lane Newfoundland, NJ 07435 2. The Green Pond Ambulance Squad PO Box 251 Newfoundland, NJ 07435 3. The Green Pond Fire Department PO Box 86 Newfoundland, NJ 07435

Robert A. Motichka, age 75 of Wayne, died on Friday November 7, 2008. He was born in Wilkes Barre, PA and had lived in Scranton, PA, and East Orange, NJ before settling in Wayne forty three years ago.

Robert was an extremely bright and well educated individual, having earned his Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University, his Masters degree in Statistics from NYU, and he had nearly completed his PHD in Economics from the New School.

He had served in the US Army as an MP stationed at Fort Gordon, GA during the Korean War. Early in his career he worked for Arbitron Ratings Service in New York City as a Research Analyst and he retired from Valley National Bank in Wayne.

Roberts’s favorite hobby was probably food; he loved a good meal. He knew all the best restaurants in and around New York City and always enjoyed a quality steak. He also enjoyed reading, mostly mathematical and technical books, and he occasionally relaxed with a crossword puzzle.

Robert is survived by two daughters; Laura Rottino (Anthony) of Wayne and Ellen Monarque and her husband William of Pompton Lakes, one sister; Sylvia Motichka of Wayne, one brother; John Motichka and his wife Christine of Wayne, six grandchildren; Gina, Kelly, Michael, and Matthew Rottino of Wayne, and Raven and Chase Monarque of Pompton Lakes, two nephews; Curtis Kasefang and his wife Sharon of Raleigh, NC and John Motichka of Butler, NJ, two nieces; Julie Kasefang of Wayne and Cynthia Wassmuth and her husband Robert of Rockaway, his former wife; Eleanor Motichka of Pompton Lakes, and many close cousins. He was predeceased by his sister Martha Kasefang in 1983.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made to Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 4th Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Nicholas Shark of Jackson, NJ, died at age 84. He was married to Marion (Skuby) Shark for 58 years and lived in Little Falls and Wayne NJ for 72 years before retiring and moving to Jackson NJ.

He was a founding member of the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Christian Church in Wayne and served as Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Senior Warden for many years. He was a regular communicant of the church and a member of the church choir, directed by his wife Marion, for many years until his retirement. One of the original founders of the St. Vladimir's Seminary Foundation located in Cresskill, NY.

Prior to his marriage, Nicholas served in the army during World War II from, 1943-1946. He was a Staff Sergeant in Battery B 562nd Automatic Weapons Battalion-Mobile. He was a recipient of the Meritorious Citation Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-Africa-Middle East Medal with 2 battle stars, Victory Medal, Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. He served as the Provost Sergeant in the Army Prison Camp # 74 in Ludwigsburg Germany. He was a member of the American Legion Post #504.

In addition to his wife Marion, he leaves behind 4 children: Gregory and his wife Tina of Little Falls, Daniel and his wife Cabrina of Montville NJ, Tamara Germann and her husband William of Belle Mead NJ and Leonard and his wife Brenda of Lake Hopatcong, and 5 grandchildren; Kathryn, Jaclyn, Zachary, Anastasia Shark of Little Falls, and Lindsey Shark of Lake Hopatcong.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Nicks name are asked to consider the Holy Resurrection Memorial Fund, 285 French Hill Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470.

James E. Forrest, age 80 of Pequannock went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.

He was born in Glendale, California and had lived in Rutherford, Davao, Panama, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gary, Indiana, Warren Michigan, and Wayne, NJ before moving to Pequannock, NJ forty-one years ago.

Jim received his formal education at Mount Herman Preparatory School in Northfield, Massachusetts. He later studied at Milwaukee Bible College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree.

He served in the United States Army from 1948 to 1950 as an Army Chaplain Assistant in Trieste, Italy.

His father, Albert Walter Forrest, founded Forrest Manufacturing Incorporated located in Clifton, NJ which manufactures specialty high tech circular saw blades. At his father's passing James took over the business and ran it very successfully for forty-one years until his retirement. James turned the business over to his two sons Jay and Jim who currently run the family enterprise. This is the third generation of management of Forrest Manufacturing.

He was a member previously of Preakness Bible Church in Wayne where he served as Choir Director. He was also previously a member of Calvary Temple in Wayne where he also served as the Choir Director. More recently he was a member of Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park. He also had served as a Pastor in a church in Warren, Michigan.

Jim enjoyed hobbies which included model airplanes, fishing with his sons Dan, Jay, and Jim, aviation, Bible study and reading.

He leaves his family and friends wonderful memories of a very patient and uncomplaining gentleman who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his heart.

A memory on the lighter side of life was his ability to put away vast quantities of food and desserts at holiday meals. He was famous and remembered fondly because of his frequent requests for “a small bowl of ice cream”. Fond memories are also recalled of picnicking at Shepherd Lake and fishing for bluefish in cold October weather.

He met his loving wife Lois at college and had forty years of devoted marrige together until Lois’s passing in November 1997.

Surviving are one daughter Lynn Forrest of Wanaque, NJ; three sons James Forrest and his wife Lisa of Boonton Township, Daniel Forrest of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Jay Forrest and his wife Denise of Pequannock; six grandchildren Kyly Power, Elena, Michael, Rebecca, Tristan and Christopher Forrest.

Thomas M. Iuso, Sr. age 83 of Wayne passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2008 suddenly at home.

Tom was born in Orange on June 12, 1925 and spent his formative years in West Orange. He lettered in basket ball in high school. He graduated from Seton Hall University in West Orange with the class of 1947.

Tom met his wife Audrey in 1949 while she was working for the telephone company in Wayne. They had their first date two days after they met and were married on September 5, 1953. They honeymooned in Florida with a stop in Havannah, Cuba. Two years later came a daughter Diane, followed by another daughter Dawn and finally the long awaited son (the prince) Thomas Jr.

Tom’s first job was opening a luncheonette in West Orange – the first taste of being an entrepreneur, taking after his father Salvatore who had his own grocery truck. He sold the luncheonette when his first daughter turned two because he was working seven days a week and never got to see her. He then worked with his brother Sal for 15 years who owned a commercial painting business. His father Salvatore owned apartment rentals so Tom decided to try his hand in real estate which kept him busy up until his death.

Tom will be remembered as a loving husband and a devoted father. The tragic death of his daughter, Dawn, in 1967 on his birthday put a dark cloud over all birthdays after until the christening of his first grandson, Zachary, which was on the date of his 69th birthday. He will also be remembered for family barbeques at the shore which brought his brother, sisters, nieces and nephews together.

Tom favorite vacation spot was the Jersey shore where he vacationed with his family when he was a teenager. He also spent time at the shore with his wife and children in Lavallette. He loved the beach and swimming in the ocean. He enjoyed crabbing with his children when they were young and also with his two grandchildren. Tom had also traveled to Hawaii with his wife, Audrey, for their 30th wedding anniversary. One of his favorite trip was in November 2002 when he and his entire family went to Disney World. This was to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with Audrey, Tom Jr. and Margaret’s 15th wedding anniversary and Diane and Tim’s 1st wedding anniversary. Tom’s other favorite trip was the Caribbean cruise he and his wife took with his brother Sal and wife Gloria, his sister Liz and husband Harry, Mary Jo and husband Bob and Milli Ann with husband Cecil out of New York in March 2008. The cruise was arranged by his brother Sal so that all the siblings could get together.

Tom loved to cook and enjoyed good food. He was a big fan of football and basketball. His favorite car was his new 1957 Ford Farlane retractable hardtop and his wife didn’t like the roof down because it would mess up her hair.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of fifty five years, Audrey (Ryerson) Iuso. He was the loving father of Diane Johansson and her husband Timothy of Haledon, Thomas M. Iuso, Jr. and his wife Margaret of Wayne; brother of Salvatore Iuso and his wife Gloria of Clifton, Mary Jo Ramos and her husband Robert of Carmel, CA, Milli Ann Cox of San Leandro, CA, Elizabeth James and her husband Harry of Allentown, PA; cherished grandfather (Poppy) of Zachary and Nicholas and thirteen nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his loving daughter Dawn in 1967, his brother Anthony in 1982 and his niece Mary Jane in 2001.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Thomas’ memory are asked to consider The Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, 360 Essex Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Helen F. Caldwell (nee Forbes) age 87 of Midland, Texas on Monday, November 3, 2008 at the Manor Park Mabee Center Assisted Living in Midland, Texas. Her passing was quiet and peaceful.

She was born in East Hartford, Connecticut and spent her formative years in Vernon, Connecticut where she graduated from Vernon High School with the Class of 1938. She then went on to study at Mount Holyoke College graduating with the Class of 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in English Literature. Her career choice in life was to be a mom and homemaker all to the benefit of her family. She was always very attentive to her familyʼs needs.

She moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne where she spent many years before moving to Bradenton, Florida where she lived for twenty five years before moving to Midland, Texas a year and one half ago to be near her daughter Diana Miracle and her first great grand child.

Helen was gifted with intelligence and was especially adept at intellectual pursuits. Her personality was reserved and serious but when she made a friend she was very loyal to that relationship. Her thinking skills made her very good at the game of Bridge and she was a member of several Bridge clubs.

Richard (Dick) and Helen Caldwell met as professionals in the Metropolitan area and soon became a couple. They married and had close to forty years of "happy loving" marriage together. As they went through their married life she was always assisting Dick with his business and when he joined an organization she often accompanied him to his meetings and joined the ladies auxiliary of that organization.

In Bradenton Florida she was a member of the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church of Bradenton and while in Wayne she was a member of the Packanack Community Church.

Perhaps her favorite hobby was golf. She was a member of the Packanack Golf Club as well as in her retirement years in Bradenton, Florida where she was a member of the Palma Sola Golf Course.

She also enjoyed reading, her daily cross-word puzzles and traveling with Dick. They both loved the Jersey Shore and had a summer home in Chadwick Beach and later rented on Long Beach Island where the family spent many happy summers. She made photo composite picture frames filled with memories of days spent at the beach, time spent together as a family, playing cards and participating in miniature golf.

Throughout her life she was very active within her community. She volunteered with the American Red Cross and served many years as a "Pink Lady" volunteer at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.

She and Dick had a beloved miniature pedigreed dachshund pet named "Heir Hans of Hillside" as well as a cat named "Whisper". Later to be followed by a Boston Bulldog named "Benji"

Surviving are her daughter Diana Miracle and her husband Lynn of Midland, Texas, two sons Duncan Caldwell and his wife Bonnie of Newton, NJ and Richard Caldwell and his wife Kathy of Rockaway, NJ,; one brother Frank Forbes of South Carolina; seven grandchildren Andrew, Brandon, Randall Whan, Kathy, Richard, Kevin and Kelly Caldwell and one great granddaughter Emily Whan.

Paulette A. DeMarsico, age 58, of Pompton Lakes died on Sunday, November 2, 2008. She was at home surrounded by the love of her husband, her children, and her mother.

Paulette was born in Passaic, New Jersey on October 12, 1950. She was the first child of Antoinette and the late Woodrow Grantham (1984), followed by her younger brother, John. A loving daughter and sister, Paulette was very close to her family. Paulette and her mother had an especially close bond. Not a day went by when the two did not speak or spend quality time together.

Paulette met her husband and love of her life, Girard (Jerry) DeMarsico, at Passaic High School. Taken by her confidence, spirit and beauty, Jerry was smitten with Paulette from the very beginning. While serving a stint in the Navy, he visited and corresponded with Paulette every chance he had, not wanting to lose his one true love. They were married in 1973 and, for the first seven years of marriage, they simply enjoyed one other’s company. Two peas in a pod, they spent their time fishing, hiking, camping, and appreciating their life together.

For a while it seemed that children might not be a part of Paulette and Jerry’s life, as couple hood seemed to suit them so well. In 1980, however, they had their first daughter, Lisa. Their son Damian and daughter Jordan soon followed. For a woman who had not been sure that children would be in the cards for her, Paulette became the most devoted and loving mother a child could have. Nurturing, caring, compassionate, self-sacrificing, gentle, encouraging, and protective, Paulette was a mother in every sense of the word. Her kind brown eyes were always on the lookout, her thoughtful words were always there to heal, and her loving arms were always open to hold and protect the family she loved so much. Her love for her children and her husband was apparent in every meal she cooked, every wound she healed, and every gentle touch she provided.

It is Paulette’s touch that her family will miss the most. Jerry recalls how Paulette would confidently throw her arm around his shoulders even during the first days of their courtship. His heart would burst every time she displayed this simple show of affection. For her children it was the gentle rub she would give an arm or leg every chance she got, just to say “I love you”, that they will forever remember.

A confident and intelligent woman, Paulette DeMarsico had her own way of doing things. She rarely worried what others thought, doing what she knew was right for her and her family. Her no-nonsense way and “Passaic attitude” or “Passaic blood”, as she referred to it, could have easily offended people, but it never did. Paulette approached every interaction with grace and respect. Growing up in the multicultural city of Passaic, Paulette developed into a caring and open-minded individual who valued the differences she saw in those around her. Her ability to accept others for who they were on the inside inspired and influenced her friends and family, especially her children. She knew how to treat people and, by demonstrating to others how to live with an open mind and an unbiased heart, she in turn was appreciated and respected.

Paulette always seemed to effortlessly maintain something others strive so hard for – perfect balance. Loving to help and heal others, she managed a busy medical career with an even busier family life. A super woman before it was fashionable to be one, Paulette always came to the rescue of her patients and her family. She was the perfect mix of salty and sweet, determined and delicate, a lover and a fighter.

Paulette entered this world with a light and love that warmed and enlightened those around her. She now exits this world, but will no doubt continue to shower that light and love down on those she leaves behind, for now they have a very special angel, with loving brown eyes, watching over them.

Paulette will be dearly missed by her beloved husband and friend of forty-one years, Jerry; her three beautiful children, Lisa and her partner Brian of East Windsor, Damian of Pompton Lakes, and Jordan and her partner Bryan of Pompton Lakes; her beloved mother, Antoinette Grantham of Passaic; her brother, John Grantham, his wife Tracey, and their three children, John Jr., Melanie and Jeffery of Jupiter, Florida; her sweet and loyal pets, Honey, Simon, Charlie, and Templeton; and all her extended family and friends.

As expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Paulette’s name to:

Johns Hopkins support for liver cancer research. Checks can be made out to Johns Hopkins University and sent to: Robert A. Anders, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II, Room 346, Baltimore, MD 21231.

OR

The American Liver Foundation online at http://www.liverfoundation.org/donate or by downloading a Memorial Donation form online at http://www.liverfoundation.org/donate/other and sending it to: 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038.

John Harowicz age 89 of Wayne died Sunday, November 2, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. His passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born in Zanesville, Ohio and when he was young his family moved to Garfield where he spent his formative years.

John received his formal education at Garfield grammar schools and Garfield High School.

He was employed twenty-nine years at Hoffman LaRoche Pharmaceuticals in Nutley as a Pharmaceutical Distribution Specialist. He retired in 1983.

He proudly served in the United State Air Force during World War II in the 1984th Truck Company 13th Air Force Battalion. He was stationed at the Air Force base in Tucson, Arizona and served in the Philippines.

After the war he stayed in contact with the men from his group and attended yearly reunions of his air group. He looked forward each year to Christmas greeting from members of his squadron.

His hobby was gardening and in the Easter season and at Christmas he would team up with his brother Leonard and brother in law Joe to make homemade kielbasa.

John was gifted with a quiet nature and was a wonderful family man. His daughter Mary Jo recalls how he loved to introduce her to sports and was lovingly attentive and caring as a father.

Josephine “Jo” and John met at Hoffman LaRoche where they were both employed. Not long afterwards they bumped into each other at Saint Joseph Church on Parker Avenue in Passaic and soon became a couple together. They married on October 25, 1958 and last month they celebrated fifty years of loving marriage together.

Surviving are his loving wife Josephine “Jo” (nee Balut) Harowicz; one daughter Mary Jo Harowicz of Wayne; one sister Bernice Miko of Clifton.

He was predeceased by his brothers Edward and Leonard Harowicz.

Sarah Donaldson, age 63 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 31, 2008. She was born in Paterson, NJ and had lived in Wayne for many years. Sarah was employed by the Tufenkian Importing Company.

She is survived by her three children; Laura Donaldson of Wayne, Glen Donaldson and his wife Jennifer of Philadelphia, PA, and Lisa Batchelor and her husband Dan of Bellmawr, NJ, one grandson; Coleman Batchelor of Bellmawr, NJ and two sisters; Carolyn Arvenitis of Aurora, Colorado, and Sue Olley and her husband Don of Bowie, MD.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Sarah’s memory to the Benedictine School, 14299 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely, MD 21660. Please click on the link below to print out a donation form or call the Benedictine School at 410-634-2112.

Nunzio Calogero, age 92 of Wayne, died Friday, October 31, 2008 at the Saint Josephs Wayne Hospital, Wayne.

He was born in Comiso, Italy and served in the Italian Army from 1939 to 1945. He was captured by the Germans and was a prisoner in Nuremberg for three months. He escaped and went back to Italy where he worked as an iron work designer for many years.

He married Nunziata Occhipinti in October of 1941 during very difficult war years. He came to America in 1952 and settled in Paterson, NJ followed by his family in 1954. They lived in Paterson for eleven years before moving to Wayne where they lived for the past forty-five years. Nunzio and Nunziata were always together and had a loving relationship for sixty-five years. They were truly soul mates.

Nunzio worked for Rainbow Dyeing and Finishing Company in Fairlawn, NJ for a number of years before his retirement in 1978.

Nunzio was kind, generous and admired by everyone. He was blessed with a very large loving family. He cherished all the moments he spent with them. He will be sadly missed by all. His guiding hand will remain on his children’s shoulders forever. He especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great deal of pride in their accomplishments. He had many friends and was a member of the Comiso Casmene Club in Paterson for a number of years.

Nunzio took a great deal of pride in all he did. He loved working in the garden taking care of vegetables and especially his fig trees. He was very handy and would have solutions to any problem. He especially enjoyed telling stories about his childhood and war time experiences; his vivid memory and ability to bring these memories to life has left a deep impression on all those with whom he shared his life experiences.

He is the beloved father of Tina Buraty and her husband Anthony of Wayne, Frances Longo and her husband Giacomo of Wayne and Joann Van Handle and her husband Eric of Wayne; cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren: Tina Maria Abascal and her husband Fred, Nancy Honchen and her husband Ed, Toni Ann Weite and her husband Darren, Mario N. Longo and his wife Jessica, Anthony Longo and his wife Tamara, Danielle Ferrughelli and Michelle Ferrughelli; much loved by nine great-grandchildren: Kyle and Alexa Nyman, Matthew Honchen, Julia, Jack, Mason Longo, Timothy and Samantha Weite, Christian Longo; sister-in-laws Anne Bellassai and Rose Bellassai; many nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nunziata Calogero (nee Occhipinti) in 2007; three brothers Biagio Calogero at age seven in the early 1900’s, Joseph Bellassai in 1999 and Nunzio Bellassai in 2008.

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Nunzio Calogero Il giorno 31 Ottobre 2008 e' scomparso Nunzio Calogero, eta' 92, nell'Ospedale Saint Joseph in Wayne, New Jersey.

Nunzio nacque in Comiso (PA) e presto' servizio militare nell'Esercito Italiano dal 1939 al 1945. Prigioniero dei tedeschi ed internato in Norinberga per tre mesi, riusci ad evadere la prigionia e ritorno' alla sua amata Sicilia.

Nunzio svolse l'attivita' di lavorazioni in ferro per parecchi anni. Nell'ottobre 1941, durante i tempi duri della seconda guerra mondiale, impalmo' la sua consorte Nunziata Occhipinti. Nel 1952 emigro' in America e stabili' residenza in Paterson, New Jersey. La famiglia, moglie e due bambine, lo seguirono nel 1954.

La famiglia Calogero visse in Paterson per 11 anni e poi si sposto' a Wayne ove visse Per i prossimi 45 anni. Nunzio e Nunziata vissero sempre molto uniti e la loro storia d'amore duro' ben sessantacinque anni. Essi furono senza dubbio due anime gemelle. Nunzio lavoro' per parecchi anni presso la Rainbow Dyeing and Finishing Company in Fairlawn, NJ fino al suo pensionamento avvenuto nel 1976.

Nunzio fu un uomo molto gentile, generoso ed ammirato da tutti. Amato e fortunato d'avere avuto una famiglia numerosa, passo' un pensionamento circondato ed amato da figlie e prole. La sua mancanza si fara' sentire per sempre e la sua mano di guida sara' sempre appoggiata sulla spalla delle sue tre figlie.

Nunzio ebbe una larga cerchia di amici e fu membro del Comiso Casmene Club in Paterson per parecchi anni. Nunzio fu sempre pieno di entusiasmo e preferiva prendere cura del suo orticello e delle sue piante di fichi. Si adattava a fare tutti i tipi di progetti. Nunzio si dilettava, altresi', a raccontare le sue avventure di guerra e ha mantenuto la lucidezza di mente fino a qualche giorno prima della sua scomparsa.

Nunzio tristemente lascia dietro se' una sconsolata famiglia composta da sua figlia Tina Buraty e consorte Anthony, sua figlia Franesca Longo e suo marto Giacomo di Wayne, la terza figlia Joan Van Hadle e suo marito Eric di Wayne. I nipoti Tina Maria Abascal e suo marito Fred, Nancy Hochen e suo marito Ed. Toni Ann Weite e suo marito Darren, Mario L Longo e sua moglie Jessica. Antony Longo e sua moglie Tamara, Daniela e Michelle Ferrughelli. I nove pronipoti Kyle e Alexa Nyman, Mattew Honchen, Julia, Jack, Mason Longo, Timothy e Samantha Weite. Christian Longo, cognata Anne Bellassai e Rosa Bellassai. Molte nipotine, nipoti e tanti amici. Nunzio e' stato preceduto dalla scomparsa della sua beneamata consorte Nunziata Calogero (nata Occhipinti) nel 2007, tre fratelli Biagio Calogero eta' sette anni nei primi del 1900. Giuseppe Bellassai nel 1999 e Nunzio Bellassai nel 2008.

William F. Perry III, age 61 of Towaco, died on Thursday, October 30, 2008. He was at home receiving the loving care of his wife, children, extended family and friends during his courageous battle with cancer.

William, or Bill as many knew him, was born in Passaic. He spent his childhood in West Paterson and graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the class of 1965. He had lived in Kinnelon for nearly twenty years up until 1990. He lived in Lincoln Park, NJ for a few years before moving to Towaco in 1997 with his wife Karen.

He is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he earned his BA in Industrial Psychology. He began his career at Singer-Kearfott and then moved to ITT Corporation. He served as Vice President and General Manager of Electronic Systems at ITT. He is a proud recipient of the prestigious Harold S. Geneen Award at ITT. Receiving this award was certainly an honor for him and possibly the crowning highlight of his thirty-year career with ITT. There's a funny story that goes along with his winning of this award; ITT gives a free vacation to the recipient and in this case the trip was to London. However, ITT had recently transferred William; he and Karen were living in England, just outside London, when he won the award! They drove a mere thirty miles to claim their prize vacation.

For those who knew him, he was a very smart man with a huge, warm heart. His friends describe him as one of the most compassionate, giving, and selfless people you could ever meet. He loved his friends, he loved his co-workers, and he would rarely give a handshake without following it up with a hug. He always had a smile on his face, and he never spoke a foul word about anyone. He hated arguing and never yelled. He was always able to talk through any disagreement to a point of resolution.

His hobbies and interests are too numerous to count; hunting, lake fishing in Pennsylvania or upstate New York. He loved to ski, play softball and golf and he coached youth soccer and baseball. He travelled extensively; throughout the western United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Italy, and Scotland. He was also an avid reader; there is a pile of books in their house, Karen will tell you, and he has read every one of them.

William treasured his mother who he recently lost in 2006, and he was very close to his dad, William Jr. and his sister Pat. As a dad, he worshiped the ground that his children walked on. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them. As a husband, Karen will tell you that he's "wonderful, perfect, and fun loving." Who could ask for anything more?

Bill will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Karen (nee Morgan), five children; Katherine (Katie) and Matthew of Towaco, William and his wife Carolyn of East Stroudsburg, Timothy of Kinnelon, and Daniel of Springfield, NJ, his father; William Perry Jr. of West Paterson, his sister; Patricia Maxwell and her husband Jim of West Paterson, as well as two grandchildren; Shane and Dylan Perry of East Stroudsburg, PA, two nieces; Sherri Capobianco and her husband Gary of Hawaii and Michelle Maxwell of Clifton, a nephew; James Maxwell of West Paterson, and one great-niece; Veronica Capobianco of Hawaii.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in William's memory to the Make A Wish Foundation of NJ, 1034 Salem Road, Union, NJ 07083 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-2729. Please click on the link below to print out a donation form.

Thomas A. Zalusky Sr. age 52 of Wayne on Thursday, October 30, 2008. His passing took place at home quietly and peacefully while receiving the love of his family who were at his bedside. After a courageous battle with his health.

He was born in Passaic and had lived there before moving to Wayne forty-four years ago.

Tom received his formal education at Pines Lake Grammar School, Terhune Grammar School and Schuyler Colfax Junior High School. His High School years he spent at Passaic County Technical High School majoring in Electrical Technology and graduating with the Class of 1975.

He was employed with Verizon Communications as a Telephone Technician for the past thirty years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 827. Tom was a member of the Sons of the American Legion.

One of his favorite pastimes was golfing at the Passaic County Golf course in Wayne.

In his spare time he enjoyed hobbies – pass times included, books, sports, golf, favorite teams were the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Rams.

Tom loved spending time and playing with his grandchildren, Robert and Dylan.

His favorite pet was his beloved Beagle Casey. They spent their time together going to the park and of course eating cookies. She will be forever lost without him.

He loved his family and was a loving Uncle to his Nieces and Nephews.

Tom We love you, we’ll miss you and we’ll remember you always.

Dad, we are lost without you. You will always be with us in our hearts and memories.

Tom and Pam met as children and grew up in the same neighborhood. The two have always been Tommy and Pamela.

Surviving are his loving wife of thirty-one years Pamela A.(nee Gawrys) Zalusky; loving father of Jennifer Bubenik and her husband Bill, Thomas A. Zalusky Jr. and his girlfriend Christina and Amy Zalusky and her boyfriend Dino; loved son of Norbert Zalusky; brother of Richard Zalusky and his wife Sunae of Aberdeen MD, Ann Marie Flynn and her husband Bernie of Delran, John Zalusky of Haskell; cherished grandfather of Robert and Dylan Bubenik.

He is also survived by his faithful companion beagle Casey.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Tom’s memory are asked to consider Life Gift, 2510 Westridge Street, Houston, TX 77054. http://www.lifegift.org

Pedro Paredes, age 61, died at the Wayne View Nursing Home in Wayne on October 30, 2008.

He is survived by one brother, Juan Zapada of Paterson, NJ.

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Jane (Austin) Vaughan age 87 of Pequannock, died Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital.

Jane was born in Manchester, NH and lived in Wilmington, DE having lived in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne for over forty years before moving to Cedar Crest Village, Pequannock six years ago.

Mrs. Vaughan graduated from the University of New Hampshire with the class of 1943; where she met her husband Charles L.P. Vaughan.

Jane enjoyed cooking, gardening, politics and reading mysteries. Holiday family gatherings were always at her home and made special by her cooking. Her family recalls a memorable family trip to Greece in 1972 and family vacations with all aunts, uncles and cousins in Saco, ME.

Jane was predeceased by her loving husband of sixty-five years Charles L.P. Vaughan who died in June of 2008; she was the loving mother of Charles Vaughan, Jr. and his life partner Ann-Marie Meulendyke of New York City, Douglas Vaughan and his wife Nancy of Beaufort, NC and Nancy VanDenburgh of Wayne; she was the cherished grandmother of Daniel and Thomas VanDenburgh; loved sister of Gracie Schmidt and her husband Peter of Hilton Head, NC, David Austin and his wife Joanie of Hilton Head, NC and the late Richard Austin(2007)and his wife Janet(2005).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Lung Association, 1600 Route 22 East, Union, NJ 07083 would be appreciated.

Walter Sonyi, Jr. age 62 of Wayne died suddenly at his home on Monday, October 27, 2008.

Son of Walter H. Sonyi, Sr. and Aranka (Urge) Sonyi. Walter's mother had moved to Germany, as her husband had been taken to a prisoner of war camp, during WWII. She found her husband, after his release from the POW camp, and they had their only son Walter Sonyi, Jr. on April 1, 1947 in Pfarrkirchen, Germany. They emigrated to America in 1951 and settled in Franklin, NJ as there was a large Hungarian community in this area. The family lived in both Franklin and Sparta during Walter's formative years.

Walter graduated from Franklin High School with the class of 1965 and continued his education at the New School for Social Research in New York City where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Early in his career, Walter had business analysis responsibility for Venture Capital and Shipping firm, ultimately responsible for recruiting, hiring and training staffs in Zurich, Hong-Kong, Sao Paulo and London.

In 1974, Walter began his Consulting career with Reed, Cuff & Associates, providing developmental coaching services. After four years, the Goodrich & Sherwood Company recruited him to design and build their Leadership and Career Development Practice in New York and New Jersey.

In 1994 he was asked to join Manchester Inc., with full P & L responsibility for an office in New Jersey. At the same time, Walter was "Product Champion" for Manchester's "leaders in Transition" program on a national basis. This very unique program was geared to meet the developmental and career transition needs of senior level executives.

Most recently he was the Executive Vice President of Corporate Services for the Gateway International Group, Parsippany where he provided leadership and Career Development coaching to Fortune 100 Company's senior level executives.

Walter was a member of the International Association of Coaching, Institute of Executive Development, The Human Capital Association, ASTD and SHRM. Walter also served on the Congressional Business Advisory Council.

He had more than thirty years of experience in both domestic and international Human Resource Consulting, was fluent in German, Hungarian and English, but most of all he was recognized for his expertise in Leadership and Career Development.

Walter enjoyed skiing and befriended an Austrian ski instructor working at the Great Gorge Ski Area in Vernon, NJ. They were great friends for ten years before they married, in Austria, on October 31, 1980. Thesie recounts that their first date was to see the Broadway play Man of Lemancha.

Walter was known to take great pleasure in sport hunting, and was well-accomplished in this area. Outdoor activities brought him much joy and he also spent a great deal of time as a Boy Scout Leader with his two sons. He was a great travel enthusiast and spent time abroad discovering foreign cultures with his wife as well.

He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-eight years Theresia "Thesie" (Laube) Sonyi; his mother Aranka (Urge) Sonyi; devoted father of Ernest Alexander Sonyi of North Kingstown, RI and Andreas Sonyi of Denville, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Boy Scouts of America, Passaic Valley Council, 25 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland NJ 07436 would be appreciated.

John Driesse, age 97 of Pompton Plains, formerly of Wayne, died on October 24, 2008.

Mr. Driesse emigrated from the Netherlands in 1930 and was a mason contractor for nearly 50 years in the North Jersey area.

If you knew John, then you knew the most important things in his life were his faith in the Lord, his family, and his commitment to excellence in his work. His children will tell you that he was an excellent provider, no doubt the result of his hard work and Dutch perseverance. While he enjoyed a jigsaw puzzle or a crossword every now and then, his true delight was his family; four children, fourteen grandchildren, and twenty six great-grandchildren. He wanted the best for all of them and they will tell you that the greatest gift he provided was the spiritual lessons they continue to remember. John was an avid reader of religious material, especially his Bible, striving daily to live by the Word. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Montville for many years and had recently been attending the Free Reformed Church in Pompton Plains.

John shared sixty years of loving marriage with his dear wife Marie before her passing in 2001. He is survived by his four children; Nelda Cerynik of Pompton Plains, Henry and Marie Driesse of Pompton Plains, Gerald and Helen Driesse of Pompton Plains, and John and Andrea Driesse of Lincoln Park, fourteen grandchildren; John and Claudia Driesse, Jon and Sharon Keener, John and Laura Prol, Brian and Sara Driesse, Steven and Anita Mol, Bill and Hannah Cerynik, Jeffrey Driesse, Doug and Linda Cerynik, Wayne and Michelle Kruzek, Andrew and Michele Slootmaker, Michael and Nicolette Driesse, Amanda Driesse, Jason Driesse, Brandon Driesse, and twenty six great-grandchildren; Kevin, Shaun, Sophia, Christiana, Jacob, Thomas, Savannah, Joseph, Juliet, Jenna, Rebeccah, Makayla, Seth, Matthew, Stephen, Zacharia, Owen, Judah, Helena, Emma, Liam, Lance, Logan, Lucas, Stefan, and Micah. He was also predeceased by his two brothers; Peter Driesse and Henry Driesse.

Wilson C. DeGruttola age 90 of Wayne died on Thursday October 23, 2008 at the Veterans Center in Lyons, NJ.

He was born in Newark and had lived in Bloomfield and Montclair, moving to Wayne where he lived for seventy years before going to the Veterans Home in Lyons, New Jersey.

Wilson received his formal education at Bloomfield High School graduating with the Class of 1936.

Mr. DeGruttola operated the North End Beauty Shop located on Broad Street in Bloomfield for nearly 50 years before his retirement in 2002.

He served in the Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre from 1942 to 1945. He was badly wounded and upon his discharge was declared a Disabled Veteran.

He was a long time member of the Bloomfield Kiwanis Club and loved to play golf.

His family has many fond memories of him as a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Wilson had a very gentle spirit and was liked by many friends.

Surviving are two sisters Edith Esandrio of Lakewood and Frances Testa of Wayne.

His wife Elvira predeceased him in 2001 and his brother Salvatore DeGruttola died in August of 1997.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Wilson’s name are asked to consider the Bloomfield Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 2431, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

George Rogacki age 54 of Wayne died Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the Hackensack University Hospital in Hackensack. His passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of his wife who was constantly at his bedside. He died after a courageous two year battle with lymphoma.

He was born in Gostynin, Poland and came to America in 1964 at the age of ten with his family. They first settled in Paterson later George lived in Prospect Park before moving to Wayne nineteen years ago.

Jozef and Marianna Rogacki, his parents, decided that they wanted a better life for their children than was available in Poland. They worked up the courage and traveled to the United States with their children in tow and only the clothes on their back. As things turned out this was a wise choice for the whole Rogacki family and their children are now living the American Dream. We should never take for granted the sacrifices and courage of our forbearers.

George was hardworking, determined and full of ambition. He established his own landscaping business “George Rogacki Landscaping” serving many customers in Bergen and Passaic County. He ran the business for thirty years having to retire because of illness in 2006. His sons carry the business on today.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a very loving, caring and selfless person. He was a wonderful provider for his family’s needs. Dad taught his family from his heart and wanted all of them to have a good and prosperous life. He did everything for others putting himself always in the background and elevating his family.

George and Julia met at a Christmas Party in 1972 and George knew right then and there that this was the girl for him. He took six months but then proposed marriage. They married on May 19, 1973 and had thirty-five years of “two peas in a pod” loving and always together marriage. By nature George was a very affectionate and caring man and knew how to make his family feel loved. He provided the best for all of the family.

In his leisure time he especially enjoyed fishing. He had a second home on Lake Hopatcong with a boat and spent many hours angling for the big one. He also enjoyed hunting deer but never shot one. His family says that he was an animal lover and did not have the heart to shoot an animal.

He is survived his loving wife Julia (nee Olszowy) Rogacki; two sons Michael Rogacki and his fiancé Dianne Miller of Wayne and George Rogacki Jr. of Wayne; three daughters Dorothy Cataldo and her husband Domenico of Little Falls, Barbara Cook and her husband Scott of Pompton Lakes and Suzanne Rogacki of Wayne one grandson Domenico Cataldo Jr.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in George’s memory are asked to consider Mass cards.

Andrew J. Foray Jr. age 86 of Nassawadox, Virginia and formerly of Clifton, died October 23, 2008 at the Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Nassawadox.

Andy was born in Passaic and lived most of his life in the Athenia section of Clifton before moving to Virginia just five years ago.

He had worked thirty two years at the Manhattan Rubber Company making brake shoes and bowling balls and later became a truck driver, Teamsters Local 701, for Burlington Trucking where he worked for twenty years before retiring in 1986.

He proudly served more than three years in the US Army during World War II; Company B, 220th Armored Engineer Battalion, in Rhineland and Central Europe. He was a Combat Engineer, Demolition Specialist, and Heavy Truck Driver hauling all types of equipment and personnel within the European Theatre of Operations. In appreciation of his service he earned the American Service Medal, the EAME Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. After the service, Andy became a proud and active member of the Athenia Vets in Clifton and VFW Post #2867 in Garfield, NJ where he continued to honor and support his brothers in arms.

Andy’s children recall memories of their summer vacations on LBI; usually two weeks every summer and many weekend trips there too. Andy’s favorite holiday was New Years Eve. He always enjoyed a big celebration but no matter what, he wanted to be with his family at the stroke of midnight. He hosted a big summer family reunion BBQ almost every year and if you attended you might have been lucky enough to see him dance – he loved to dance.

Andy married Margaret Grant in 1954 and they enjoyed twenty seven loving years before her early passing in 1981. He is survived by his three children; Andrew and his wife Debra of Wayne, Patrick and his wife Luz of Wayne, and Irene Henderson and her husband Thom of Franktown, Virginia, and five grandsons; Andrew, Tom, Michael and Grant Foray all of Wayne, and David Henderson of Franktown, Virginia.

John J. Traynor age 83 of Wayne died Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at home after receiving the love of his family who were constantly at his bedside. He died quietly and peacefully after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

The following essay is a testimony of love, devotion, pride and remembrance carved in warm tribute to a lifetime’s accomplishments.

The Traynor family is left not to mourn his long and prosperous life, but to cherish the memories of the contributions he made to his family, friends, customers and the community. He was a man who always chose the high road in life and in so doing was held in high esteem by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

We are the language of God in this life’s worldly journey and John’s life was a ballad that evoked His image.

“They Just Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To”

The Story of John J. Traynor, My Father – and Hero By Tim Traynor

“They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.”

Today, it’s all about style; my Dad had substance, panache, kindness beyond belief, the extraordinary power of forgiveness, the strength of his word as his bond, generosity that knew no bounds, a sense of humor that could knock you over (laughing, of course), the ability to not only remember your name but your life’s story as well, and an Irish twinkle in his eye that suggested mischief, but really was the glistening star of his warmth as a person of such great character, a person of humility rich with honesty and integrity.

Yeah, that’s my Dad.

I swear this is all true. In fact, I left a bunch of great things about him out for fear you would think this is some “standard issue obituary” where only the good stuff gets mentioned. But then…you wouldn’t have known John J. Traynor, my father. You see, he was all these things and more – just ask anyone who knew him! And everyone who knew him at least liked him, though most loved him!

For some reason, the middle initial “J” was really important to my father - maybe because his father and only sibling, his brother, were both named “James.” But I think there was more to it than that; I think that being from the poor “East side” of Wilmington, DE made my Dad feel special to have such a regal-sounding name: John J. Traynor. I got lucky when I was born because I got my father’s first name as my middle name, meaning I got the all-important “J” also!

When my Dad was only 19 years old, he volunteered to join the Army and go overseas to fight in World War II. Growing up, he rarely talked about the war, although he DID make sure we knew he made it to the rank of “Captain.” Boy…was he proud of that! It was only in his later years, when I showed a great deal of interest in his WWII experience that I found out just how great a role my father played in “the greatest generation.”

Identified early on as a possible officer because of his smarts and his affability, he was enrolled in OCS (Officer Candidates School). He was the youngest one in his class, and he was often called “Kid” by the others, though clearly they liked him. I can almost hear them saying, “Hey kid…you got a cigarette?” Knowing my Dad, he probably gave them his last one without telling them.

Here’s the coolest part of my Dad’s WWII experience. Back in the 1940s, the Armed Services were segregated – black guys and white guys separated into their own units. It’s hard to imagine these days, but that’s what it was back then. My Dad was approached, after he finished OCS and became a Captain in the Army, about leading a company of 100 men – all black. He was asked, “Are you prejudiced?” My Dad said, “No. Why?” He was told that several Captains were approached about leading this company of all-black men, and that they had declined to do it. My Dad was asked, “Will you do it?” My Dad, in one of his proudest moments for me said, “Do it? I would be honored.” And so he became the much-loved Captain of an all-black unit, whose men grew to respect him and willingly and selflessly follow his orders. My dad loved them back!

He led a “transportation unit” of trucks and vehicles that were used to constantly supply and re-supply the front lines, day after day, in Belgium and France. He told me how proud he was of “his men,” and how great they were, and he wondered aloud how people could so easily dismiss them “just because of their skin color.” That helped shape my life and my thinking, especially how proud I was of my father for being a man – not just a white man.

He told me he “never shot anyone,” but his truck supply line and he and his men were sometimes strafed by German aircraft as they drove along the country roads. He told me the routine was always the same: park the trucks along both sides of the road (that made it harder for the machine gunners to hit them), and jump out and under the trucks and just pray that the bullets wouldn’t hit the gas tank of the truck you were beneath. Thank God, because they never did. I will always think of my Dad as a war hero – the kind that did the dirty work but rarely got the credit. He told me he didn’t want any credit; he “just wanted us to win the war and go home.” He got both his wishes!

After marrying his hometown sweetheart, Alice Ford, John wanted to eventually start his own business. He realized that dream in the early 1950s when he started his own Sales Rep Agency out of his garage in Clifton, NJ. He sold plumbing and water drainage specialties, having convinced Speakman Company of Wilmington, DE and Jay R. Smith Mfg. co. of Union, NJ to let him sell their wares in the Northern NJ Territory. “John J. Traynor Associates, Inc.” was founded as a fledgling company – with my Dad as its President and our next-door neighbor as its Executive Secretary. My Dad would “jump the fence” to get a letter typed.

And then one day, John met Bernie Dolan at a church fundraiser. They hit it off immediately after they were paired together as a Team to raise money. John found out that Bernie was selling soap for Colgate Palmolive. My Dad said, “You’re in soap, and I’m in water. We should get together.” And so they did.

In essence, Dolan & Traynor was founded that day, even though John and Bernie did a little back-and-forth between their Manufacturers and their own “rep” agencies for some years. In 1965, the bond was finally made. Bernie Dolan and John Traynor officially became “Dolan & Traynor, Inc.”

The story has become folklore around “D&T.” They flipped a coin to determine the order of the names for the new company. Obviously, Bernie Dolan won that coin flip. They flipped the coin again to see who would become President – John Traynor won that one. And then they decided the most important thing of all: if they ever came to an impasse in business, they would flip the coin a third time and be bound by its outcome. “We never had to flip that coin,” my father would proudly tell anyone who would listen.

After the two coin flips, they shook hands and said, “There…it’s done.” And so it was. And to this day, the only formal agreement between the Dolans and the Traynors to be in business together is the two flips of that one coin. Amazing, huh?

Imagine a world today that takes your word as your bond, and respects the decisions decided by a coin flip, and cemented with a handshake. More likely today, a 250-page document would be drawn up to sign, scaring everyone who had to sign it.

Oh…how I wish times were like they were then.

The ensuing years allowed my Dad, my personal hero, to show what he was made of – and boy did he ever! I’m quite sure they broke the mold after he was made.

Yes, John J. Traynor was a good man, a kind man, a gentle man, a generous man, a great business man, a wonderful partner and friend, an inspiration to all who met him, and a mentor to me – someone I always looked up to and wanted to be like. I remember saying to myself, “If you try and try and try, you just might be able to be half the man he is.” And so that is what I have spent my whole life doing – trying to be just like my old man.

Once in a while, someone will say to me, “You remind me of your father.” And I have to hide my fist-pump as I say “Yes!” to myself.

My Dad made it to just 10 days shy of his 84th birthday. How lucky we all were to have him for all those years.

Yeah…they just don’t make ‘em like they used to.

God speed, Dad. The only pain I can imagine that will be greater than losing you will be the pain of missing you. Oh, how I will miss you…forever and ever.

With all my heart,

Tim Your Son,

Written by Tim -- on behalf of the Traynor Family

John was predeceased by his wife Alice (nee Ford) Traynor in 2005 and his daughter Joanne Wilkinson in 2003 and his brother James F. Traynor died earlier.

Surviving are three sons Daniel F. Traynor of Wayne, Timothy J. Traynor and his wife Roseann of Bloomingdale, Christopher J. Traynor and his wife Noreen of Wayne; two daughters Mary T. Trella and her husband Matthew of Cape May and Colleen M. Tompkins and her husband Daniel of Clifton; ten grandchildren Katie Zinsmeister and her husband Michael, Matthew and Christian Trella, Snowflake Zibura Traynor, Tracy Wilkinson, Jesse and Michael Traynor; Holly, Meghan and Claire Traynor; one great grandson Riley Zibura Traynor.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s memory are asked to consider The Little Sisters of The Poor, 185 Salem Chase Road, Newark, Delaware 19713.

Anna E. Chrisbacher (nee Meintzinger) age 103 of Wayne died Monday, October 20, 2008 at the Atrium Health Care Center, Wayne.

She was born at 82 Lane Street, Paterson on September 25, 1905. Anna was the daughter of immigrant parents. Her father, Ernest Mainzinger, was born January 3, 1878 in Magyarpolany, Veszpem County, Hungary and came to America at age 17 because there was work in the fabric mills of Paterson. Her mother, Mary (nee Fodi) Mainzinger, was born November 8, 1883 in Nemetbanya (Deitschutten), Veszprem County, Hungary and came to Paterson to work as a domestic servant. Ernest and Mary married at St. Boniface Church in Paterson on July 5, 1903. They had six children who were all girls.

Anna’s mother, Mary Mainzinger earned $3.00 per day cleaning houses. She went by bus to the employment office to get the jobs. Bus fare at that time was five cents. Anna was in school as were her younger sisters, Mary and Kate. Her older sister, Theresa, worked. Her mother took her sister Rose (3 or 4 years old) with her to clean houses. They lived in a three-family tenement house at 82 Lane Street, Paterson where rent was $8.00 per month for three bedrooms, a parlor and a kitchen. To supplement their meager income, her mother also took in laundry and washed it in a big boiler pot on the kitchen stove, then hung it out to dry also in the kitchen where it got in the way and everyone complained. During the 1913 silk strike in Paterson, their father would fish every day in the Passaic River because he refused to stand on “the breadline”. The girls soon tired of their Passaic River fish diet and complained bitterly. When WWI was over in 1918, the sirens blew and children were let out of school to celebrate.

On Anna’s birthday in 1919, her mother took her to the Paterson City Hall to get working papers, but Mr. Acorn, the clerk, admonished her for coming in on her birthday and made her go back to school at Our Lady of Victory on Bridge Street for one more week. Anna’s first job was winding cotton at the mill on 7th Street and Belmont Ave., Paterson. She worked from 7:20 AM to 5:30 PM and one day a week she had to go to continuation school until she was sixteen years old. She had five other jobs. The second was in a harness shop, third as a weaver on looms. Her sister Theresa taught her how to weave on a loom. A man also tried to teach her, but because she wouldn’t go out with him he didn’t show her very much.

Anna also worked at edge warping above Miesch’s Ribbon Works. In 1922 her father bought the house at 252 North 7th Street in Prospect Park. They all thought it was a beautiful place even though it had no electricity and no central heat. They had gas lighting. Her father put in central heat several years later. Anna also worked in a file shop for a long time doing piece work and earning about $30.00 for a five-day work week. Another job was doing piece work wrapping finished silk in Weidemann’s Dye House (United Dye Works). She earned $15.00 per week plus 1 ¾ cents per piece for everything over 125 pieces a day. Her father worked at Weidemann’s for a long time as a dyer’s helper. He worked the night shift starting 6:00 PM and came home at 7 AM. Anna paid all of her wages to her father except $1.00 a week. When she turned 21 years old she then paid $7.00 a week room and board to her father and she was allowed to keep the rest.

Anna met her husband at a dance at the Republican Club on West Broadway and Union Avenue in Paterson. She went there with another man who didn’t speak English very well, but when John Chrisbacher came through the door in his policeman’s uniform she was smitten. Later in the evening, after he got off duty, he came back and asked Anna to dance. She accepted his invitation to dance and he later drove her home. She said that leaving the other boyfriend there was a terrible thing to do, but she just fell for John’s uniform and liked him better anyway. John and Anna were married on October 3, 1931, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Prospect Park, NJ.

Anna was the beloved wife of 46 years to the late John Joseph Chrisbacher(1978); loving mother of Ernest Chrisbacher and his wife Marian of Wayne and John Chrisbacher and his wife Sharon of Smyrna, NY; cherished grandmother of Peter Chrisbacher of Kenett Square, PA, George Chrisbacher and his wife Mary Beth of Wayne, NJ, Carl Chrisbacher and his wife Janeene of Bernardsville, NJ, Anne Perry and her husband Neil of Norwich, NY, Jennifer Thornington and her husband Tom of N. Norwich, NY, and Theresa Reina and her husband Tony of Basking Ridge, NJ; devoted great-grandmother of Leah Chrisbacher, Katie Chrisbacher, Julia Chrisbacher, Anneliese Chrisbacher, Sam Perry, Emily Perry, Samantha Reina, Marlayna Thornington and Lily Thornington; loved sister of the late Mary Krautheim, Rose Grimaldi, Theresa Drain and Katherine Petkos. Her youngest sister, Florence LaSalle, resides at Llanfair House in Wayne, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, 140 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054 would be appreciated.

Jessica Nichol Gelok “Jessy ” age 26 of the Newfoundland section of West Milford, died on Sunday, October 19, 2008. She was struck and killed by an automobile while she was walking along Route 23 in Newfoundland.

She was born in Pequannock and had lived there and later in Wayne, before moving to Newfoundland in June.

Jess spent her early years in Pequannock Township attending Stephen J. Gerace Elementary School, and later moved to Wayne where she graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 2002.

She was employed at Willowbrook Mall Management Company as a Customer Service Representative and more recently as an Administrative Assistant at Reno's Appliance Company in Paterson.

Jessy was the most caring person with the biggest heart. In her spare time she enjoyed hanging out with her friends, watching movies, listening to music and playing with her favorite cat Miles.

What better way to describe Jessica is to let her describe herself....

Hmmm lets see...I'm pretty down to earth. I love to go out and have a good time wherever the hell I am. I work full time. I have my Associates Degree and Im a few classes shy of recieving my Bachelors. Love my friends to death and just recently found out who my true friends are. Thank you for being there guys!!! Firm believer that everything happens for a reason. "Who knows where life will take you. The road is long and in the end the journey is your destination."

She touched many peoples lives with her special way. She loved her family and was very close to her sister Jill.

Jessy We love you, we’ll miss you, and we’ll remember you always.

Surviving are her mother Janice Theobald of Wayne; her father Donald R. Gelok and his wife Deborah of Newfoundland; one sister Jill Smith of Pequannock; one brother Michael Smith of Wayne; her maternal grandmother Frances Theobald of Wayne, her paternal grandfather and grandmother Donald and Theresa Gelok of Cape May; her maternal great grandmother Clara Theobald of Meadville, Pennsylvania; a step brother Jason Agosta of Quincy, Massachusetts; a cousin Nicholas Theobald of Wayne.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Jessica’s memory are asked to consider donating to; The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 1000 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 570, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091, or the charity of your choice.

Bette A. Robinson (nee Favata), age 84 of Totowa, died on Saturday October 18, 2008 at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa, NJ.

She was born in Paterson, NJ and had lived in Prospect Park, North Haledon, Haledon and Wayne before moving to Totowa nine years ago. Her daughters recall a “loving and caring mother” who loved to go shopping and especially loved getting her hair done.

Bette will be dearly missed by her three daughters Jonne Plavier of Pompton Plains, NJ, Suzanne Boonstra and her husband Donald of Wayne, and Kimberly Robinson, six grandchildren; Kevin and Brian Boonstra, Jennifer Boonstra-Miller and her husband John, John Plavier and his wife Dina, Earl Plavier and Carrie Plavier, and Valentino and Elizabeth Zamora, six great-grandchildren; Lauren, John, and Skyler Boonstra, Christine Miller, Gianna Plavier, and Alissandra Chiuchiolo, as well as her twin sisters; Ethel Dalquist and Elinor Matthews. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1999.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bette Robinson’s memory to St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly, Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shephard's Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512.

Concetta T. “Connie D” D’Amato died on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at the Hospice of NJ, Wayne.

She was born and raised in New York City and after she married her late husband Raymond D’Amato in November of 1933 they moved to Jersey City where they raised their two children Susan and John having lived in Caldwell before moving to the Claridge House in Verona in 1966.

During her children’s formative years she worked sewing piece work at the textile mills in Jersey City. Once her children were of age she worked at the Jersey Journal having started in the obituary department and later worked in selling advertising space, advertising layouts, advertising copy and telephone solicitation for advertising in the paper. She started working for the Star Ledger Newspaper on January 2, 1964. She wanted to do outside sales for the Star Ledger but was told that wasn’t a job they were willing to let a woman do. She later spied an ad from the New York Times looking for an outside sales representative. They also told her this was not a job for a woman. She ultimately stayed at the Star Ledger and got her chance at outside sales in the real estate division. When she asked her boss if she could wear a pantsuit he was taken back. Women didn’t wear pants, but when she showed up in her Sacks Fifth Avenue pantsuit, he was sold. Her personality, attractive looks and knowledge of the industry helped her attain sales goals of an unprecedented level. She was truly a pioneer for working women in sales. She retired from work at the Star Ledger after some thirty years of service to the paper. Briefly, before fully retiring, she worked for the NJ Business Magazine.

Connie presented herself in a regal manor, her hair always done perfectly, nails just so, and dressed smartly. She loved her family and was generous to a fault with her grandchildren.

She was married to the late Raymond D’Amato for fifty years before his passing in 1985; loving mother of John D’Amato of Fairfax, CA and Susan Kelly and her late husband Eugene(2002); loving grandmother of Eugene R. Kelly, Raymond D’Amato, Joseph Kelly and his wife Sharon and Joey D’Amato and his wife Johanna; cherished great-grandmother of Ryan and Evan Kelly; loving sister of the late Teresa Grillo, Josephine Palumbo, Mildred Catricola, Celestine Amedore and Joseph Ceravole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 4th floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Please click on the link below "Print out donation form" and mail in this form with your donation. This will insure that your donation is properly acknowledged to the family.

Joseph Kaziunas, 100 years old, died on Saturday October 11, 2008 in Lincoln Park, NJ. He had been living in Toms River, NJ before 2001.

Born in Lithuania, Joseph came to America after fleeing from the Russian atrocities that followed World War II. Joseph’s entire family was slain there, but he was able to escape to America where he lived, loved, and cherished life beyond his 100th birthday.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife Helen in 2001 and daughter Eleanor Kasley in 2005. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren; Paul and Cathi Kasley of Rutherford, NJ, Drew and Jackie Kasley of Brooksville, Fl, and Monica and Jim Springer of Hudson, Fl, his son-in-law Peter Kasley of Port Richey, Fl, and his great-grandchildren; Kimberly Kasley of Rutherford, NJ, Ryan, Lucas and Kevin Kasley of Brooksville, Fl, and Eugene and Lena Springer of Hudson, Fl.

Lila Ann Stevens (nee Froschheuser) age 84 of Wayne died peacefully on Thursday, October 09, 2008 at home, surrounded by her family and close friends.

She was born in Hastings, Nebraska where she spent her formative years and where her family owned a restaurant/tavern, having lived in Bronx, NY, Yonkers, NY and Naples, FL before moving to Wayne in 1994.

Lila had a brother Warren Froschheuser who, at age sixteen, was tragically killed while taking flying lessons. He was taking the lessons with his mother’s blessing and had kept the lessons a secret from his father.

She attended Hastings College, Hastings, NE for three years having played first violin in the orchestra.

Lila was a receptionist at a photo studio, in Hastings, Nebraska, who’s desk was visible from a window on the street. James, her husband to be, walked by and spied her through the window. He walked into the studio and started asking about different photo packages, after which he got down to his real mission of asking Lila on a date. Upon leaving the studio he said to his friend “that’s the girl I’m going to marry”. Lila was engaged to the local banker’s son but broke the engagement as she was swept off her feet by James in his US Army uniform. They married, in 1944, in a civil ceremony in Smith Center, Kansas and in 1946 their marriage was affirmed in holy matrimony at Saint Helena RC Church, Bronx, NY. They had two daughters Juliana and Rita and began raising their family in Bronx, NY, later moved to Yonkers, NY, then Naples, FL where they spent their retirement years. At James’ death, in 1988, he was buried in the Florida National Veterans Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl. After his death, Lila moved to the Sisco Village in Wayne, NJ and later Siena Village in Wayne, NJ to be closer to her daughters. She never lost her love for Hastings, Nebraska and always kept in touch with family and friends there.

Lila was a member of the Annunciation RC Church, Wayne where she belonged to the Prime Timers. She was also a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne.

She was a terrific seamstress having made many clothes for her children and her children’s dolls. She also enjoyed crocheting, reading and ceramics. Lila also loved to drive her car. Having driven since she was fifteen years old, she had a great sense of direction and only had one accident in all her years of driving. Her greatest pleasure came from witnessing the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She was always proud of her family and wanted everyone to know just how much she loved them all.

One of her greatest hardships was her almost total hearing loss by age forty. She attributed her hearing loss to the electrical equipment she used as a telephone operator.

She was the beloved wife of forty-four years to the late James H. Stevens(1988); loving mother of Juliana Albertie and her husband Dante of Pearl River, NY and Rita Kelly and her husband Donald of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Dante Albertie, Jr. and his wife Stephanie, Jennifer Tempesta and her husband Marc, Lauren Silverman and her husband Lee, Michael and Lisa Kelly; much loved great-grandmother of Sophia Albertie and Andrew Silverman.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center Foundation, 703 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07503 would be appreciated.

Frederick R. Warburton, Jr. 84, of Lakewood, died on Oct. 8, 2008 after a long illness. He was born in Paterson, NJ and had lived in Kinnelon, NJ for 45 years. Warburton started his career with Graybar Electric and continued in the electrical distribution business until his retirement as Vice President of Sales of Northern Electric Supply in 1992. He retired to Clearwater, Fla.

He served his country in World War Two as a co-pilot in the 390th Bomber Group. He was awarded a Purple Heart and the Air Medal for meritorious service.

Warburton attended Vanderbilt University but left to join the Army Air Corp. When he returned from Europe he finished his college career at the University of Minnesota. He was an avid sportsman; he enjoyed bowling, golf and baseball.

He is predeceased by his wife Marcella Burgin in 1994. Fred is survived by his wife Dorothy, a sister Elizabeth Anne of Belleair, Fla. and three sons James Frederick and his wife Wilma of Melbourne Beach, Fla, David Scott and his wife Dana of Lexington, Ky, Robert Mark and his wife Margaret .of Wayne, NJ. He is survived by grandchildren Tom Warburton of Parsippany, Keri Lynn Hayes of West Milford, David Warburton and Chris Fitzwater of Lexington, Ky, Griffin Warburton of Atlanta, Ga., MelissaWarburton and Meredith Warburton of Wayne, NJ. His great grandchildren include Dylan and Maggie Hayes, Emma Rose and Andrew Scott.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the Original Leisure Village Foundation, 19 Buckingham Drive, Lakewood, NJ 08701. A donation form can be printed out by clicking below. Please use this form and mail it in with your donation. This will insure that your donation is properly acknowledged to the family.

Dennis N. Gorski age 57 of Bloomfield died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, October 8, 2008. His passing was quiet and peaceful.

He was born in Newark and had lived in Irvington, Lincoln Park, Oakland and Wayne before moving to Bloomfield four years ago.

Dennis spent his formative years in Wayne graduating from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1968. He then went on to study at William Paterson University.

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

He was employed at the K-Mart store in Wayne as a Manager of Electronics Sales having recently retired from that position.

Dennis enjoyed the hobbies of photography, cooking and his favorite was being a NASCAR fan.

Dennis was gifted with a quiet spirit and his life journey was done in his own way. He was never one for idle conversation but when he had something to say it was worth listening to. He was well known for his “Big Heart” coupled with his propensity to be generous and always ready and willing to help anyone he saw in need. Perhaps his favorite role in life was being Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. It gave him a warm feeling of joy and acceptance by those around him.

Surviving are one sister Pamela Laguardia and her husband Alex of West Caldwell, Dr. Ken Gorski and his wife Judith of Wayne nephews and nieces including Nicholas and Natalie Laguardia and Katie and Olivia Gorski.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Dennis’s memory are asked to consider Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07505

Kevin L. Riker, age 55, formerly of Wayne, died on Tuesday October 7, 2008 in Sarasota, Florida after a courageous battle of nearly 8 years with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Kevin graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of ’71 where he left his mark in athletics. He is a member of the Wayne Valley Football Hall of Fame and he was a star pole-vaulter on the track team. There’s little doubt that his athletic success must have been a result of the excellent coaching he received from his coach and big brother, Ray Riker. He was also an avid skier and absolutely loved to golf. He was a natural at golf and continued playing well into his adult life, until the disease limited him.

Kevin moved to Key West, Florida in the 1970’s and opened a restaurant called “Poncho & Lefties” on Olivia St. He was passionate about cooking and this was a dream come true for him. His brother Ray recalls Kevin grilling on the sidewalk out in front of the restaurant. He operated the restaurant there for over thirteen years before he and his wife moved to Sarasota, Florida in the late 1980’s. Kevin continued to cook, both occupationally and as a hobby. He simply loved being a chef and he was very good at it.

For the past few years, during the height of Kevin’s illness, his niece and nephew have made regular visits to Florida, often twice a year, to spend time with their ailing uncle. Kevin truly enjoyed and looked forward to their visits. They were very close and will miss him dearly. Kevin has no children of his own and his nephew, Ray “Dee” Riker, recently named his own son in his uncle’s honor.

Kevin is survived by his wife of thirty years, Donna (nee Delsea) of Sarasota, Fl, his mother; Jane Riker, one brother; Ray Riker and his wife Nancy of Wayne, NJ, one niece; Michelle Hoover and her husband Jeff of Wayne, NJ, one nephew; Ray “Dee” Riker and his wife Mari of Pearl River, NY, two great-nieces; Madeline Riker and Morgan Hoover, and two great-nephews; Kevin Riker and Zachary Hoover.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to the Lou Gehrig’s Disease Association of South West Florida, Inc., PO Box 11104, Sarasota, FL, 34278. A donation form can be printed out by clicking below. Please use this form and mail it with your donation. This will ensure that your donation is properly acknowledged to the family.

Mary “Marion” B. Kopcha (nee Bykowsky) age 92 of Wayne died Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Saint Clare’s Hospice in Dover. Her passing was quiet and peaceful after receiving the loving care of her family who were constantly at her bedside.

Mary was born at the family residence at 134 Morris Street in Jersey City. It was customary and considered very natural to be born at home in those days. Her parents took her to church and at the baptismal font she received the gift of faith and the promise of life eternal at her passing. She had a firm grasp on her Greek Catholic faith and was a devoted long time parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus. We can be assured that Mary knows the wondrous promises of her creator this day.

She took a job as an assembler at the Radio Corporation of America in Jersey City to support her family. The company later moved to Edison and she continued her work career at that new location finally retiring in 1978. She was used to being active so after retiring she became a crossing guard for the town of Secaucus and helped school children cross the street safely from 1978 – 1983.

She had very generous and giving ways and donated much time and effort as a volunteer to the Meadowlands Memorial Hospital in Secaucus and for Deborah Heart and Lung Association of Browns Mills, NJ.

Mary and John went out for the evening to a dance and that is where they met and later married in 1939. John, quite the ladies man, approached Mary and said “I’m going to have the next dance with you” to which Mary replied “the hell you are”. This initial encounter resulted in a forty-five year “loving and devoted marriage” until John’s passing in 1984.

She was the beloved wife of forty-five years to the late John Kopcha(1984); devoted mother of Judy Radd and her husband Raymond of Hackettstown and Michael Kopcha and his wife Jean of Wayne; cherished grandmother of six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary’s memory are asked to consider the Alzheimers Assoc., 225 North Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, ILL 60601-7633.

Fred E. Crane, “Buddy”, age 84 of Wayne died Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the Saint Joseph’s Wayne Hospital in Wayne. His passing was quiet and peaceful. His family was at his bedside for most of the day.

He was born and grew up in Bayonne, NJ and lived in Rochelle Park for thirty-three years with his wife and family before retiring to Cape Coral, Florida for 15 years, then moving to Wayne five years ago.

Fred spent his formative years in Bayonne graduating from Bayonne High School with the Class of 1941. He then went on to trade school and learned his skills as an electrician.

Before his retirement in 1989 he was employed as an Electrician for sixty-five years with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 164 in Paramus.

Buddy was gifted with an extraverted personality and had the knack of lighting up the room when he entered with a positive but humorous quick wit. He was very complimentary and thoughtful and admired by all for his wonderful ways.

Fred leaves his family with wonderful memories of a loving and dedicated family man. By nature he was a good man and attentive to his families every need. He can be best described as a “not to worry about anything” provider for his wife, daughter and grandchildren. He was always ready to lend a hand with any project or job that needed to be done. When given a task to do you could be assured that he was going to follow through with professionalism and perfection.

When you consider his life journey perhaps the most positive experience for him was the arrival of grandchildren whom he adored and loved to pieces.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Bayonne and Jersey City.

In his leisure time you would find Buddy on his boat "My Buddy" headed out for a day’s fishing on the sea.

Fred and Muriel shared sixty good years of family togetherness, devotion and love in their marriage. "That's nice!"

Surviving are his loving wife Muriel (nee Stillwell) Crane; one daughter Gail Mesagaes of Wayne; two grandchildren Jonathan and Brieanna Mesagaes of Wayne.

He was predeceased by his two sisters Mildred Hansen and Ruth Woeckener.

Mae V. Renz (nee Verduin) age 99 of Wayne died Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Atrium Health Care Center in Wayne.

She was born in Paterson and had lived in Totowa before moving to Wayne sixty-three years ago.

Mae spent her formative years in Paterson and went to Eastside High School graduating with the Class of 1927. She was very much involved with athletics at the school and won many medals and awards in her school days.

She was employed as a secretary at the Farrell Monument Company in Paterson for many years before her retirement in 1946.

Mae loved sports and enjoyed ice skating, skiing, fishing and swimming all to the fullest of enjoyment.

Mom was always family minded and she leaves her family with many fond memories of a loving wife and mother. Even in the autumn of her days at the nursing home she was extending love and concern for her son. Was he eating properly and how are things at work? Mae truly loved her family.

Her favorite companion was Wolfgang her German shepherd, that she loved and cared for, always feeding him and fussing over him as if her were another child in the family.

Arthur John Renz and Mae where married on May 21, 1942 and had forty-two years of ‘loving and happy’ marriage together until Arthur’s passing in 1991.

Surviving are one son Arthur Jay Renz and his wife Dawn of Wayne.

She was predeceased by her three brothers Ralph, Albert and Elwood Renz.

Frank Muzik Jr. age 85 of Savannah, Georgia on Friday, September 19, 2008 at the Saint Joseph's Hospital in Savannah. At the hospital he had received the loving care of his family.

He was born in Passaic and had lived in Garfield, Clifton, West Paterson and Denville before moving to Savanna, Georgia eighteen years ago.

Frank lived his formative years in Clifton where he graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1941.

He joined the Navy just out of High School and served with the Navy in the Pacific Theater of the War. He became an expert on Sperry Gyroscopes and other Aviation Instruments. He was discharged from the Navy in 1945. During his Naval Service, he was stationed in Panama and Ecuador (Galapagos Islands) as an air crewman flying PBY patrol planes, guarding the Panama Canal.

He attended Oregon State University in 1959-60 where he took courses in Engineering.

He was employed at Heyden Chemical Company in Garfield from 1946-1958. He joined the Bendix Corporation in Teterboro from 1958- 1968 representing them at various Air Force bases throughout the U.S. and Europe. He then joined Singer Kearfott Aerospace Corporation in Wayne until his retirement in 1988.

He worked for thirty years in the defense industry as an Avionics Engineer.

During his retirement he enjoyed his home in Savannah, Georgia where he joined the Kiwanis Club of Skidaway, Island, Georgia, played golf and enjoyed art. After his retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively worldwide to every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

Frank was gifted with a wonderful sense of humor that made others enjoy his presence. He was always ready with a good joke. As he interfaced with family and friends he was straight forward, forthright, selfless, kind, generous and caring. He was a very special man.

He was truly a family man and made family life a priority. He leaves his family with many wonderful memories of a very loving and devoted husband and father. A wonderful and patient teacher and tutor. Dad passed along a lot of his joys and skills especially his mechanical ability. He especially enjoyed family vacations at the Jersey Shore.

Frank and Evelyn were married in a "very devoted and enjoyable" marriage together for sixty-two years.

Surviving are his loving wife Evelyn (nee Sienon) Muzik; one daughter Jeanie Crone and her husband Wolfgang of Bert, France; one son Douglas Muzik of Kennesaw, Georgia and one sister Lorraine Bremer of Wayne, NJ.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Frank's memory are asked to consider The Skidway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411 or The Hospice of Savannah 1674 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405.

Harold “Hal” Meagher, age 84 of Toms River, died Sunday, September 14, 2008 in the loving arms of his wife.

He was born in New Brunswick and lived in Lodi, Oakland and Bloomingdale before moving to Toms River twenty years ago.

He was a United States Army Air Corp Veteran of WWII having served in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe and the Air Offensive of Europe campaigns; attaining the rank of Corporal with the 234th Army Air Force Base Unit. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with six Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal. He was a past Commander of VFW Post 9384, Ernest A. Rutter Post of Oakland.

He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, Oakland and for the past thirty years was a member of the Free Reformed Church of Pompton Plains.

He worked for the Bendix Corporation, Bendix, NJ for several years having worked for the Swiss Precision Instrument Corporation, Carlstadt from 1974 through1998 when he went to work for the Murphy Bus Company, Brick where he was still working.

Hal is best described as a person who was easy to talk to, had a great sense of humor, very patriotic and very Irish. He always had an Irish catch-phrase to offer such as: “Top of the Mornin’ to ya”.

He is the beloved husband of thirty-eight years to Elizabeth (Beversluis) Meagher and was predeceased by his first wife Audrey Pauline(Sherwood) Meagher in 1968; loving father of Mary Bancala and her husband Lou of Towaco, the late Kenneth Vincent Meagher(1989), Michael Meagher of Franklin, Pat Wagoner of Franklin Lakes, Kathleen Friedhoff and her husband Steve of Mt. Laurel; devoted step-father of Don Rogers Sr. and his wife Helen of Pompton Plains, Arlene Cooper and her husband John of Pompton Plains and John Rogers and his wife Cindy of Sebastian, FL; loved brother of the late Kenneth Vincent Meagher, Jr.(1987); cherished grandfather of twenty-four grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

John S. Peragallo, Jr. age 76 died Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Hospice of NJ, Wayne with the comfort of his wife by his side.

He was born in New York City and was a lifelong resident of Paterson. He graduated from Eastside High School, Paterson with the class of 1949 and took several classes at the Newark College of Engineering. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and served as a chaplain’s assistant and in the honor guard.

Since John Jr. was a little boy he helped his father in the family business of building and servicing pipe organs. The Peragallo Pipe Organ Company was founded by his father, Mr. John Peragallo, Sr., in 1918. Mr. Peragallo Sr., originally developed his craft as an apprentice with the famous E.M. Skinner Organ Company. John Jr. joined the company in 1949 and further enhanced the business with a close “father-son” relationship. John Peragallo Jr. was the President of the Peragallo Organ Company, Paterson. He was responsible for the construction and care of many of the pipe organs of New Jersey and the complete renovation of the organs at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC. John Jr.’s sons, John and Frank III, have been actively involved in the family business since the 1980’s and now have a fourth generation of Peragallo’s, Janine, Anthony and John IV, working alongside them. The company has installed almost 700 new instruments and currently maintains approximately 400 instruments, up and down the East coast of the United States, including the organs of St. Patricks Cathedral in NYC.

John was a member of the American Guild of Organists, Northern NJ Chapter, St John Vianney/ St Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity and was active with the Boy Scouts of America during his sons’ formative years.

A selfless, kind, generous and caring person, John, was dedicated to his family, friends and had a love of his craft. He enjoyed tennis, scrabble, bocce, ping pong and travel.

He met his wife, Christine, at the merry go-round during the carnival at St Anthonys Church, Paterson in 1955 and took her to the Plaza Theatre, Paterson on their first date. Christine was indoctrinated into the family business on their second date, as it was to a church so John could check out the organ. They married eleven months after meeting and had a dynamic, spontaneous and loving marriage of fifty-two years.

He is the beloved husband of Christine (nee Rainey) Peragallo; loving father of John F. Peragallo, III and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, Frank Peragallo and his wife Josephine of North Haledon, Stephen J. Peragallo and his wife Debra of Baltimore, MD and Christine Egan and her husband Christopher of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandfather of ten grandchildren and one great-grandson; loved brother of Catherine Miller and her husband Charles of Hawthorne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the John Peragallo Jr. Organ Scholarship for aspiring organists, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509 or the Salesian Sisters of St Joseph Villa, 655 Belmont Ave., Haledon, NJ 07508 would be appreciated.

John “Jack” M. Delaney, age 87 of Wayne, died on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at The Atrium at Wayne. Born in Paterson, NJ, John lived there throughout his formative years, graduating from St. Mary’s High School with the class of 1938. John moved to Wayne with his wife in 1957 to raise their three children.

In 1942, John joined the US Army. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the 78th Army Air Force. His specialty was as a Cryptographic Technician; coding and decoding secret messages in North Africa. He supervised a team of fifteen men handling all sorts of secret communications. For his service during the war he was decorated with the American Theater Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal.

After the war, John attended Seton Hall University and upon graduation became an accountant. His professional life as a CPA spanned nearly forty years, retiring from Grant Thorton of Parsippany, NJ as a managing partner in 1985. His career was the foundation for his lifestyle. He served on the finance committee at the St. Josephs Hospital in Paterson, NJ for over twenty five years, was a Past President of the NJ Society of CPA’s, a member of the American Institute of CPA’s, Past President of the Hamilton Club in Paterson, and founder and treasurer of the Three Arts Club of Paterson. He and his wife travelled extensively, often times in the course of business but they always enjoyed their trips: Hawaii, Colorado, Spain, Europe, and Bermuda, just to name a few of their destinations.

John and his wife Edna met while roller skating and they enjoyed nearly 63 years of marriage. They were a “phenomenally social couple” with many, many friends. Their children recall many fond memories of time the family spent together at the Hamilton Club in Paterson. The club, founded in 1890 by Garrett A. Hobart, Vice President of the United States, was a social club that served to bring leisure and enjoyment to families from Paterson and all around. The club is reminiscent of a bygone era, but one that John and his family were able to realize and enjoy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Edna (nee Peters) of Wayne, two daughters; Donna Delaney and her husband Tom Stoskopf of Atlanta, GA and Diane and her husband Charles Somerdyk of Milmont Park, PA, one son; John and his wife Barbara of Stanhope, NJ, four grandchildren; Grant and Moira Somerdyk, and Lauren and Caitlin Delaney, one sister; Eileen Twomey of N. Haledon, NJ and one brother; Robert Delaney of Toms River, NJ. John was predeceased by his brother William.

Mariann F. Buckey “Buttons” (nee Benedetto) age 72 of Wanaque, NJ on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of her husband, children and grandchildren.

She was born in Alliance, Ohio and had lived in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, then Wayne, NJ for thirty-eight years before moving to Wanaque, NJ two years ago.

Mariann spent her formative years in Alliance, Ohio where she graduated from Saint Joseph’s grammar school in Alliance and later Alliance High School graduating with the Class of 1954. She was gifted with a beautiful appearance and countenance. While living in Alliance, Ohio which is famous as the “Carnation City” she entered the Miss Carnation Beauty Pageant and was honored with a first runner up designation.

Her first job was as a Secretary at Ohio Power Company in Canton where she worked for four years.

She was a very devout Christian who proclaimed her unerring faith in Jesus Christ as her saviour.

Mariann met Daniel Buckey in June at the Clearwater=2 0Park, a recreational water park in Uniontown, Ohio and they soon became a couple marrying the following January. They had fifty-two and one half years of “unconditional and devoted love” together.

She leaves her family and many good friends with cherished memories of a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend. Mariann had an extraverted personality and when she made a friend she kept that relationship for life.

Mariann had a very brave twenty-nine year battle with cancer that went away with treatment and came back again. Her remission was for nineteen years and she went through much treatment but with a very positive attitude about the future. Then ten years ago it came back. Her disease was unrelenting and merciless and filled many days with extraordinary challenges and perhaps terror at what the future would hold. You can be assured that her God gave her the relief that she needed because she has now passed to a new day with no pain or fear. We can be assured that she is free at last from her terrible ordeal. Even with the adversity she faced, she gathered her strength and determined to live life to the fullest. Her pending predicted demise turned into years and she survived ten more quality years.

Surviving are her loving husband Danie l Buckey, two daughters Denise Lynn Gaeta of Wayne and Dana Lynn Baum of Lincoln Park; one son Daniel J. Buckey of Lincoln Park; seven grandchildren Jeffrey and Alex Gaeta, Brooke Spadaro, Megan and Morgan Mariani, Jullian and Daniel J. Buckey.

She was predeceased by her cherished son Jeffrey Allan Buckey who passed away at the age of six months breaking her heart. In addition her son in law Mitchelle Baum died of cancer in October 2006 and her brother Richard Benedetto died in 1992.

Frank E. Jacobs Jr., age 62 of Wayne, died on Wednesday September 10, 2008 at the Columbia University Hospital in New York City. He had been preparing for the installation of a special heart pump when his own heart failed just days shy of his scheduled surgery.

Frank was born in Passaic, NJ and grew up in Lyndhurst, graduating from Lyndhurst High School in 1963. He graduated from Jersey City State College in 1967, which is where he met and fell in love with his wife, Lorraine. They moved to Wayne together twenty eight years ago.

Retired Detective Frank Jacobs was appointed to the Port Authority Police Department in January 1975 and retired in August 2008. As a police officer he worked in the Patrol Division at the various Port Authority facilities. In 1992 he was promoted to the rank of Detective and worked at the Newark International Airport, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the DEA Narcotics Task Force, the Customs Task Force and the Joint Terrorist Task Force. During his career he was cited 7 times for bravery and exceptional police work. He has been credited with participation in the Port Authority Police Departments Narcotics interdiction program and has made and participated in over 250 felony narcotics arrests. In 1993 Frank responded to the World Trade Center Bombing and was instrumental in the search and rescue of many people. After the attack of September 11, 2001, he was assigned to the Intelligence Unit with the Joint Terrorist Task Force. During his career he received recognition from many governmental and law enforcement agencies. He has earned the respect of those he protected as well as those that served by his side. He was loved and will be missed by all.

Franks hobbies include a love for everything sports. He was the biggest Philadelphia Eagles fan, of course a Yankees fan too, and he followed Penn State ever since his son Michael attended there. Frank was completely devoted to Michael and couldn’t have been more proud of his son. They spoke on the phone regularly – often discussing sports in one way or another.

Frank and Lorraine enjoyed traveling together, especially Aruba where they visited frequently – seven or eight times over the years. Lorraine describes Frank as her “best friend” and has thirty four years worth of memories to cherish. Frank was lucky to be surrounded by such a devoted and loving family, including Lorraine’s mother, who he called “J”, and sister; Mary Ann.

Frank will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of thirty four years, Lorraine (nee Rafanello) his loving son; Michael Jacobs of Princeton, his dear “J”; Jennie Rafanello of Wayne, his sister-in-law; Mary Ann Lalicata and her husband Richard of East Hanover, one brother; William Jacobs and his wife Maureen of Verona, one sister; Kathleen Grossnick and her husband Tim of Wisconsin, as well as nieces and nephews; Deanna and Victor Galante, Sean and Patrick Jacobs, and his great-niece Gia Galante and great-nephew Jack Galante. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Frank Sr.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Frank’s name are asked to consider the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. For donation forms, please click on the link below.

Mary E. Orotosky – A short life story.

In a house in the stony road section of Paterson a family has grown up, grown together, and sought their own futures. It’s what we all strive to do in our lives. Their web is woven with happiness, pain, hope, laughter and hard work. They have lost someone very special in their family circle and as they, the next generation, forge into the future, they are creating positive footprints in their own life journey.

Mary E. Orotosky (nee Duffy) age 78 of Pompton Lakes formerly of Paterson died on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. Her passing was quiet, peaceful, and took place at her home , with her sons loving and caring for this very special mother.

Mary is the child of good Irish stock namely Hugh and Mary Duffy. Hugh was born in Belfast and Mary Londonderry, Ireland. The economy and the political situation were not very desirable and Hugh and Mary decided to move to Paterson, NJ.

It took a lot of courage to leave behind the life they were familiar with, but their courage and staunch Catholic faith told them that there has to be a better place to raise the family they dreamed of having. When they arrived in Paterson they struggled with several jobs to make ends meet Hugh worked at Public Service Electric and Gas Company in Paterson and Mary, after she finished her personal family chores, would work as a housekeeper and cleaning lady. They succeeded in supporting themselves and their six children.

Tragedy struck the Duffy family when in a period of eighteen days both their mother and father died unexpectedly. The children had no choice but to carry on themselves and struggle to survive as a family together. Looking back it was so fortunate that Hugh and Mary moved to America and that their children had the chance to live the American Dream.

Mary a parishioner of Saint Bonaventure RC Church in Paterson where she raised her children in their Catholic faith. When she moved to Pompton Lakes she continued her dedication to faith at Saint Mary’s RC Church. Mary would be the first to tell you that in some of the most difficult times of her life’s journey her special dedication to the Blessed Mother carried her through.

Mary met Edward Orotosky and they married in May 15, 1952 and had fifty-six years of loving marriage together until Edward’s passing in May of 1981. It is interesting to note that Mary had been engaged to Ed when her parents suddenly died and wanted to break off her engagement so she could raise her siblings. Ed however changed the landscape of their relationship by saying if she married him he would help her raise her brothers and sisters. They worked together to keep Duffy family a unit.

Mary was employed at Artistic Identification Company located in Pompton Lakes as a weaver of labels as well as an office worker. She finally retired from work in 1985.

She leaves her family with many fond memories of a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her personality was that of a quiet and shy person but able to make other people laugh. She was a champion of a fighter when it came to preserving her family with emphasis on a no nonsense approach to life’s everyday happenings. Mom’s family was a very important focus in her life and she loved to have them gathered around her for special dinners and the holidays. Perhaps the arrival of grandchildren was the most important highlight in her life journey and she loved them to pieces.

Surviving are one daughter Rosemary Miller and her husband Clark of Hanover, Pennsylvania; three sons Keith, Mark and Edward Orotosky Jr. all of Pompton Lakes; one sister Catherine Padula of Tunkannock, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren Jason Miller and his wife Amanda of Spring Grove, Pa., Erin Miller Zendak and her husband Andrew of York, Pa., Megan Miller Kochel and her husband Sam of Hanover, Pa., Stephanie Orotosky of Marlton; two great grandchildren Jack Miller and Ayden Kochel; her life long best friend Esther Peterka of Las Vegas, Nevada; Veronica Caneo her caring friend of Pompton Lakes.

She was predeceased by her sisters Margaret “Peggy” Padula and Roseann Fisher.

Mildred M. Tomkins age 87 of Wayne died on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne. Her passing was quiet and peaceful.

She was born in Weehawken and had lived in West New York, Leonia and Toms River before moving to Wayne six years ago.

Mildred spent her formative years in West New York graduating at a young age from Memorial High School in West New York with the Class of 1936.

She was employed as a secretary for the Leonia borough administrator where she worked for seventeen years before her retirement in 1988.

She was a 63-year member of the Vasa Order of America, a Swedish-American Fraternal Organization, Baltic-Framat Lodge 360. Mildred was very proud of her Swedish heritage.

In 1949 she married Albert R. Tomkins and they had a loving and happy life together for forty-two years until Albert’s passing in 1991.

She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, solving crossword puzzles, and traveling and vacationing with family and friends.

Surviving are three daughters Virginia Sturmfels and her husband Paul of Totowa, Linda Fonti and her husband Albert of Wayne, Ellen Schaper and her husband Peter of Pompton Lakes; one brother Raymond Pearson and his wife Arlene of Hackensack. The arrival of five grandchildren Peter and Emily Schaper, Christopher, Michael and Thomas Fonti, were especially important highlights of her life.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Mildred’s memory are asked to consider a donation to the organization of their choice.

Leslie Edward Daniel, age 70 of Wayne, died Thursday, September 04, 2008 at the Hospice of NJ, Wayne.

He was born in Pequannock having lived in Haledon where he attended grammar school and later attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Haledon through eighth grade. He moved to Wayne and was a graduate of Wayne Valley High School’s first graduating class in 1956.

It was during high school that Les got a job at Chestnut Auto Body in Wayne and found his calling. He worked at Chestnut Auto Body before opening his own auto body shop called Mountain View Auto Body in Wayne. The location of his Les’ new body shop, where it is still located today, was originally a part of his father’ stainless steel diner manufacturing shop called Mountain View Diners. It was in 1985 that Les semi-retired and let his son Les take over the day to day operations of the business that still thrives today.

Les was a man who enjoyed old cars, old car shows, collecting replica models of old cars, his 1931 Model A Ford, his 1953 Ford Pickup, and was a man who could fix just about anything. Having made a living with his hands, he enjoyed taking rides through Lancaster, PA to admire the skill and craftsmanship of the Amish. He also loved his housetrained bunny named Benny.

He is the beloved father of Leslie E. Daniel III and his wife Dorothy of Wayne, Esther A. Daniel of Brick and Clinton J. Daniel and his wife Christine of Point Pleasant; cherished grandfather of Brienne E. Daniel, Michael R. Daniel, Thomas Kiesel and Blake Daniel; devoted brother of Barbara Daniel who predeceased him when she was only six years old.

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

Joseph A. Mistrick age 83 of Wayne, died at home on Thursday September 4, 2008 while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, Joe graduated from East Vandergrift High School with the class of 1942. Shortly after graduation, he joined the US Army and served throughout Europe from 1943 to 1946. Joe was a Sergeant in the Army and served under General Patton as a medic on the Normandy beachhead, in the areas of Northern France, and throughout Germany and central Europe. Joe shared many stories about the fun he had during the war. He learned to water ski on the Riviera and toured Austria – describing it as the “most beautiful country he had ever seen”. He would always finish his war era stories by saying; “all compliments of my uncle…Uncle Sam!”

Joe’s children recall how hard he worked when they were younger. He held three jobs during most of their childhood so that he could provide for them – especially Christmas presents. He would take his family each year back to Vandergrift, Pennsylvania where he and his wife Sophie grew up. It was an annual pilgrimage that the family always looked forward to. Somehow though, Joe never relaxed much there and he would involve himself in projects around the house, such as painting or the like.

Joe was also a big sports fan, primarily of the Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was an avid golfer for many years and was particularly good at bowling and softball. Joe’s greatest love of all however, was his wife Sophie. They were neighbors and sweethearts since childhood and their children describe them as a “good team”; “Joe & So”. Joe was completely devoted and dedicated to his beloved Sophie. He took great care of her during her illness and was by her side every day until she passed in 1996. They had enjoyed forty four years of loving marriage together.

Joe is survived by two daughters; Patricia Frost and her husband Gregory of Wayne and Loretta Molczyk and her husband John of Wayne, one son; Robert Mistrick and his wife Patricia of Pompton Lakes, two sisters; Mary Ann Harold of E. Vandergrift, PA and Patricia Kolon of Florida, two brothers; George Mistrick of Leechburg, PA and Larry Marcin and his wife Shirley of Vandergrift Heights, PA. and two grandchildren; David and Daniel Molczyk of Wayne. He was predeceased by his wife Sophie of forty-four years in 1996.

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

Margaret A. Barnard (nee Abate) age 56 of Montville and Waretown on Monday, September 1, 2008. She passed away quietly and peacefully while receiving the loving care of her family who were at her bedside.

She was born in Teaneck and had lived her early years in Ridgefield Park before moving to Montville thirty years ago. She also enjoyed a summer home in Waretown.

Margaret received her formal education at the Roosevelt Grammar School in Ridgefield Park and also at the Ridgefield Park High School graduating with the Class of 1970. She then went on to study at Jersey City State College graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with the Class of 1974.

She was an Eighth Grade teacher at Our Lady of Magnificat RC Church School in Kinnelon and later held the same position at Saint Pius X Parochial School in Montville. Her teaching skills were an art form molded by her faith and carried through with a wide brush of excellence in the love of teaching her students.

She leaves her family with a legacy of love and will always be remembered for her caring ways. Family was a very special dedication for her and her concerns for her children never wavered. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and a friend to many.

Margaret especially enjoyed family vacations with her favorite destination at Disney World in Florida.

George and Margaret started their life together as high school “Sweethearts” and enjoyed thirty-four years of “wonderful loving marriage together”.

Great sadness visited her life when she lost her daughter Allison Barnard in October 1989.

Surviving are her loving husband George T. Barnard; one daughter Jessica Barnard and one son Gregory Barnard both of Montville; three sisters Mildred Abate of Glen Gardner, Patricia Duca and her husband Anthony of Bergenfield, Eileen Schettino and her husband James of Clinton Township.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Margaret’s memory are asked to consider The Atlantic Health Care and Hospice, 33 Bleeker Street, Milburn, NJ 07041.

Charles Edward Starita age 89 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at the Veterans Memorial Home, Paramus with the comfort of his wife by his side.

He was born and spent his formative years in Jersey City having graduated from Kennedy High School, Jersey City with the class of 1936. He was a career soldier with the United States Army having attained the rank of Sgt. Major. It was during his service in WWII that his tank crew commandeered a farm house in Loiano, Bologna, Italy. It was common during the war for soldiers to take over a local residence to use as their base. In most cases the soldiers were welcomed as ‘liberators’ by the family whose home they moved into, and they all lived there together. It was here that Charles met Anna Marie, the niece of the farm owner. She was a beautiful young woman and he was in love from the moment they met. They married in 1947 and moved to America where they enjoyed sixty one years of “wonderful” marriage. They still have many friends in Loiano and would spend two months visiting there every year. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in Loiano with over ninety five guests – a party that lasted more than eight hours!

Charles certainly had a ‘green thumb’ too. He could make anything grow, and well. His family recalls him taking tomato seeds from a sandwich and growing new plants with them. He had a passion for gardening and in his garden was where he was truly relaxed.

He is the beloved husband of sixty-one years to Anna Maria Starita (nee Dall’Omo); loving father of Carla Scheld and her husband John of Wayne, Robert Starita and his wife Sheila of the Bahamas, Richard Starita ofHackensack and Paul Starita of Saddle Brook; cherished grandfather of Lea Starita and her husband Richard James and great grandson Charles Henry James, all of Seattle, WA and Nicholas Starita and his wife Marisa of Charlotte, NC; Kathy Mullen and her husband Terrance of Villanova, PA, John Scheld Jr. and his wife Karen of Troutman, NC, his sister Anna Sacco and her husband Joseph of Long Valley, Rose Ciano of Queensbury, New York, and Rita Horner of Palm Coast, Florida. As well, he leaves many dear friends in Loiano, Bologna, Italy.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Veterans Home of Paramus, One Veterans Drive, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Charles Kreutz, age 92, a resident of Wayne for the past eighty-eight years, died Friday, August 29, 2008, at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, MA.

Charlie was born in West Orange, having lived in Wayne since 1920. He was a fireman for the Lackawanna Railroad for fifteen years, having also worked for Wayne Township before becoming a supervisor for United Artists Cable, Oakland, prior to his retirement in 1980.

Charlie was a devoted member of the Calvary Gospel Church, Wayne. He was a charter member of the Wayne First Aid Squad, Wayne, where he served four terms as president of the squad. He was a member of the Wayne Historical Commission, the Mountain View Masonic Lodge #154, Wayne, had served as a volunteer for the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains, and was an honorary member of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department.

Charlie (also known to friends as “Red”) was an avid bowler and golfer and proudly related his accomplishment of hitting two holes-in-one. He was also an avid sports fan who particularly enjoyed football and baseball, rarely missing a game with the Oklahoma Sooners, the New England Patriots or the Boston Red Sox. Charlie and his wife especially enjoyed time with their family and until recently looked forward to spending their winters in Lake Worth, FL.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Laura Aileen Kreutz (nee Jacobus); loving father of Shirley Kammerer and her husband Gerald of Norton, MA and Charles Kreutz and his wife Gail of Culver Lake, NJ. He is the cherished grandfather of five grandchildren, Jodi VanDervoort of Westtown, NY, Bobby Kreutz of Grove, OK, Scott Kammerer of Old Hickory, TN, Todd Kammerer of Wrentham, MA and Wade Kammerer of Uxbridge, MA. He was the loving and proud great-grandfather to eleven great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Mikayla and Madison VanDervoort, Nathaniel and Lucy Kammerer, Slade and Ty Kammerer, Lexi Kammerer, Chase and Abby Kreutz and Mark Peltier.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Charlie’s name are asked to consider the Calvary Gospel Church, 1559 Hamburg Tpk., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Victoria Windish (nee Merena) age 80 of Woodcliff Lake passed into life eternal on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Her passing took place peacefully after receiving the loving care of her family who were constantly at her bedside.

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Anna J. Rude(Geiger) age 89 of Clifton died on Thursday, August 21, 2008, suddenly while on a family vacation.

She was born in Bayonne and lived in Jersey City, Teaneck and Bogota before moving to Clifton twenty-five years ago.

Anna graduated from Saint Francis School of Nursing, Hoboken where she received her certification as a Registered Nurse.

She was a RN and Operating Room Supervisor for Saddle Brook Hospital, Saddle Brook for many years before retiring.

She was a parishioner of Saint Brendans RC Church, Clifton.

Her hobbies include delighting in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, being an avid reader, brilliant at crossword puzzles, baking and travel. Her travel destinations include: Japan, China, Australia, Italy and England just to name a few. One trip she looked forward to each year, for the past forty-two years, was a family vacation in Beach Haven, NJ. It was on this trip that she passed away with her family by her side.

She was the beloved wife of thirty-one years to the late Martin A. Rude(1970); loving mother of Patricia Rude of Burbank, CA, Joseph M. Rude and his wife Marie of Wayne, the late John D. Rude(1995)and his surviving wife Judy Rude of New York City and the late Martin A. Rude(1971); cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren; loved sister of the late Elizabeth Hauch and Eleanor Gomer.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Downs Syndrome Research & Treatment Fund(DSRTF), 755 Pagemill Road, Suite A-200, Palo Alto, CA 94304 would be appreciated.

Grandma Rude- Everyone’s Grandma

Euglogy read by her grandson Joseph Rude

When Mom and Dad asked me to do the Eulogy about Grandma on Friday I was not surprised. In fact, I almost expected it for some reason. Soon after Jeanne called me about her passing and the news settled in, I began searching my cloudy brain for what to say about this awesome woman’s life. While we were at Grandma’s house, I found a letter from the Air Force about my Uncle Martin’s passing away and it reminded me about something she gave me. I found a letter in our house that she wrote to me in my first week of college. Now granted my letter was not wrapped in saran wrap and put in a dated Ziploc like hers but I still have it.

At this point in the eulogy Joe read the following letter:

Friday, September 11, 1987

Dear Joe,

Thank you for the beautiful birthday card and your nice note. I took it to your home to share it with your parents and sister on Wednesday. I went there to help celebrate your mother’s birthday. I was the cook and I made a London broil with a different recipe that I got in Manasquan from Aunt Elizabeth. With it we had shrimp cocktail, buttered noodles and wilted lettuce. I just know you would have loved it. As a matter of fact your father’s wished he could mail some to you but couldn’t quite figure out how. Later we had birthday cake that Aunt Jeanne made.

We ate a little late because we wanted to wait for Jeannea. Rather than drive home I stayed over in your bed. It was so comfortable and all those people on your walls didn’t keep me awake for one minute.

Have to get my laundry out of the drier. I am having a problem with my washing machine and they won’t be able to come to fix it until next Friday. It’s a good thing there is a Laundromat down the block because I’m almost as bad or good as your mother when it comes to washing clothes. I’ll write again soon and I’ll remember to make you some choc chips as soon as I have a chance.

Love,

Grandma

Could the girl write or what? Didn’t she put John Grisham to shame? Well, she did for that home sick 18 year old boy who just left Wayne for the first time. Her comforting letters with her chocolate chip cookies surrounded by the edible popcorn packaging brought me home without ever having to leave college. It seems like a lifetime ago.

Anna Jane Rude was born on September 5, 1918 and was in no mood for a surprise party so she stepped out quietly on August 21, 2008 in a place that she loved surrounded by her family. Some say that Garrett’s intense potty training regime next to her bedroom in LBI is what put her over the edge but no one can confirm this for sure.

I can see GiGi laughing at my humor now. Her infectious smile and laugh is one that we all know and will remember. It is one that is inside of all of us. Grandma Rude was always a positive uplifting person to be around. She was a giving friend, a mentor, a teacher, and many of us forget a healer. I am sure when she got to heaven there was a line of people behind Grandpa Rude, Uncle Martin, and Uncle John whom she did not know who wanted to thank her. They wanted to finally thank her for the great job she did as a nurse when they were in the hospital and never got the chance.

When you were down or sick she always had a way of picking you up and making you feel better. She met with Triumphs and Disasters and treated those two impostors just the same. Just think of it…She lived through the Great Depression, World War II and was a contributing part of the Greatest Generation. Together with my Grandpa she raised four children leading us up to today’s litter of 17 great grandchildren, her newest generation.

Annie’s strengths of mind, body, and spirit, are qualities I hope she passed on to our children. Her faith constantly amazed me. The fact that she buried her spouse and two children and did not lose it was awesome. Just when she thought her faith was fully tested we brought her Garrett. Still she did not waiver. She could have given up but instead decided to become Garrett’s favorite bathroom attendant and if you look closely you can still see her quickly opening doors to get us inside for those emergencies.

We are here to celebrate Grandma’s life. We know that Vacations, Birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will not be the same without her (especially since she was buying for me in the grab bag this year). We will miss her apple and minced meats pies (whatever minced meat is?), chocolate chip cookies, not to mention her Butterless Eggless Milk less cakes. She was truly the Matriarch of our family.

While she is gone she will never be forgotten by anyone she has touched.

Before I finish I want to say just a few words to see if they remind you of Mom, Grandma, GiGi, Grandma Rude, Annie, Gram or however you may have known her:

Jersey City, Bayonne, Food Stamps, The Depression, Teaneck High, The Air Force, Stage Hands, The Ed Sullivan Theater, Hello Dolly, Annie, Souvenirs from Abroad, Wilted Lettuce, NonParels, Tissue Packets, Peppermint Lifesavers, Stew, The Buccaneer, Shrimp Cocktail Sauce, Plain M&M’s, the Coloring Books in Clifton, the Rocking Horse in Bayonne, Jewish Coffee Cake, A&W Root Beer, Birthday Cards with $1 Bills for all the Grandkids and Great Grandkids, Saran Wrap, Dated Foods in Ziploc bags, CA, WA, Pea Soup, Applesauce, Crossword puzzles, the Blue Buick, Weekly phone calls, Wayne, the Crab Fest, LBI, Goodbye kisses

We Love You! We will miss you!!

You were everyone’s Grandma!

Stanley S. “Tot” Padreza age 86 of Wayne died Monday, August 18, 2008 at home while receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. He served in Troop C of the 42nd Cavalry during WWII from January, 1943 to November, 1945. Stanley fought in the battles and campaigns of Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. He received the American Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Stanley and his wife Rae were married in January 1952. Later that year they built their home in Wayne, NJ where they have resided together for the past fifty-six years.

Mr. Padreza was a tool & die maker and supervisor for ITT Nutley, NJ, Gilian Instrument Corp., Wayne, NJ and Thomas Electronics, Totowa, NJ before retiring in 1986.

Stanley was an outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-six years to Rae (Mauro) Padreza; loving father of Jill Brennan and her husband Edward of Brookfield, CT and Todd Padreza and his wife Marie of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Michelle and Brian Padreza both of Wayne; loved brother of Charles Padreza and his wife Mildred and the late Anita Petraitis.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Dr., Totowa, NJ 07512 or the VFW Post 1931, 126 Newark Pompton Tpk., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

EULOGY

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” This is a quote from General George S. Patton, one of my father’s heroes.

My father came from very humble beginnings. His parents emigrated from Lithuania in the early 1900’s. Living through the Great Depression, he really understood the meaning of, “hard times.” As a youth, he used to troll the railroad tracks on cold mornings in search of coal to help heat his family’s apartment. Humility, however, was not a word in my father’s vocabulary. He was very proud of his heritage, always thrilled to receive a Lithuanian flag or bumper sticker. He was also very proud, as we all were, of his service to our country in WWII. He was a tank gunner and enjoyed telling war stories – a few of them surprisingly light-hearted. I think one of his favorites involved finding a case of French Cognac under the floor boards of a house they had just occupied. You better believe he and his buddies savored every drop of that Cognac!

Returning after the war, my dad really started to enjoy life – he had a motorcycle and a convertible and by all accounts was quite the man about town. Once, he actually drove his motorcycle through the swinging doors of a Paterson saloon, just to get to the bar. I guess he wanted to let everyone know he was back in business.

My father met his match when he met my mother, the love of his life. They worked together at ITT in Nutley and were married in 1952. After about a year they managed to scrape up enough money to build a house on Mac Donald Drive in Wayne. Back then, Wayne was literally in the middle of nowhere. Many of my parents’ friends and family asked, “Why would you want to live out in the sticks? “

But my father knew exactly what he was doing. He was building the foundation for a great life for his family. There were many magical years growing up in a neighborhood full of wonderful friends, especially our next-door neighbors, the Fritz’s. The open porch above our garage was a favorite stopping ground for any neighbor who happened to be strolling by.

My father’s fondest memories were of summer vacations on Long Beach Island. He loved swimming in the ocean, fishing, mixing cocktails on the boom-boom room, and just hanging out with extended family and friends.

Today, I would like to thank God that such a man as my father lived and to celebrate his life. Looking through the old family pictures it became obvious to all of us how fun-loving and young at heart he was. Like many of you, I have very fond and funny memories of him that I will cherish forever.

I think the following description captures the essence of my father – brutally honest (sometimes to a fault), a good provider for his family, fiercely loyal, a strong protector, and above all a lover of life.

Finally, Stanley had one message that I know he would want me to say today: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, please stop.

Ruth E. Boyle (nee Eagle) age 80 of Wayne died Friday, August 15, 2008 at the Saint Joseph’s Wayne Hospital in Wayne. Her passing was quite sudden and unexpected.

She was born in Lakewood, NJ, lived her formative years in Toms River, NJ and later lived in New York City and Rutherford, NJ before moving to Wayne fifty years ago.

Ruth received her formal education at the Toms River (NJ) Grammar School and at Toms River High School graduating with the Class of 1945. She then studied at Illinois Wesleyan University and later transferred to the Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City graduating with the Class of 1950 with a Registered Nurse's Degree. She was an exceptionally bright student and admired for her academic and practical abilities.

Shortly after her graduation, she was named a Head Nurse at Harkness Pavilion which is a part of Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center where she treated many celebrities and famous New York citizens.

She met James T. Boyle and married in 1954 and had 54 years of “dedicated and loving” marriage together. When the time came to raise a family she decided to become a full time mother and took a leave of absence from her nursing career.

Jim and Ruth had three sons together and being a Wife and Mother was the most important thing for her. She loved her family with all of her heart and raised her children with the spirit of a perfect mother. As her three boys reached maturity she decided to re-pursue her nursing career and took a position as a Registered Nurse at the Mountinside Hospital in Montclair where she in the In-Service department.

Ruth had a very special gift of personable caring built into her personality and had found the perfect job for her life as a Registered Nurse. In fact she enjoyed nursing so much it was not a job to her but rather a loving dedication to help others. Her personality was genuinely selfless, humble, upbeat and always reaching out to help others around her with their problems, being a great listener and putting the needs of others first.

Ruth’s family recalls that she had a wonderful life.

She was an active member of the Packanack Community Church in the Packanack Lake area of Wayne.

Over the years she was very active at the Packanack Lake Tennis Club and enjoyed swimming at the Montclair YMCA, in synchronized swimming with the "Ripples" of Packanack and singing with the Harmony Singers of Wayne.

Surviving are her loving husband James T. Boyle Jr.; three sons James T. Boyle III and his wife Bridget of Marlton, NJ, Kenneth C. Boyle and his wife Pilar of New Providence, NJ and Rick Boyle and Cheryl of Cranford; six grandchildren James T. IV, Elizabeth Ann, John, Allison, Kenneth C. II and Alexa Boyle.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Ruth’s memory are asked to consider the Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470

John Dragonetti age 85 of Wayne died on Wednesday August 13, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock. His passing was quiet and peaceful with his daughters by his side.

Born in Tricarico, Italy, his family came to America on a ship when he was just one year old. They settled in Paterson where he had family. He later lived in Leonia, and Lafayette before moving to Wayne four years ago.

A Navy veteran, John served during WW II on the USS Bibb. The USS Bibb was a 327 foot Coast Guard Escort and served in patrols and as a convoy escort during World War II. She took part in the invasion of Okinawa and was in service in Vietnam.

John enjoyed sports and was a very big Giants and Yankees fan. However, his favorite three sports were golf, golf, and golf. He picked up golf over 40 years ago and played passionately as often as possible.

His daughters recall some wonderful family vacations including a trip to Hawaii and an especially memorable visit back to John’s hometown in Italy.

Surviving are three daughters; Joan Dragonetti of Wayne, Carol Orlowski and her husband Tom of Moonachie, Susan Salmon and her husband Bob of Bonita Springs, FL, four grandchildren; Chris Capasso of Englewood, NJ, Sharon Picinich and her husband Martin of Hawthorne, NJ, Samantha Orlowski of Moonachie, NJ and John Orlowski of Moonachie, NJ., one great-granddaughter; Gianna Picinich of Hawthorne, NJ, and one brother; Joseph Dragonetti of Toms River, NJ. John was predeceased by his wife Katherine (nee Felter) in 1993.

Shirley M. Devlin(nee Joy) age 70 of Vernon died Monday, August 11, 2008 peacefully at home.

She was born in Caldwell having lived in West Caldwell, Montclair and Wayne before moving to Vernon five years ago.

She graduated from Montclair High School with the class of 1955.

Shirley enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needle point and trips to Atlantic City. She was a loving mother and devoted grandmother who took great pleasure in all her granddaughter’s accomplishments.

She is the beloved mother of Thomas A. Devlin and his wife Barbara of Vernon; cherished grandmother of Kyla T. Devlin of Vernon; loved sister of Lester Joy and his wife Julie of Pequannock and Donald Joy of Florida.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860 would be appreciated.

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Paul R. Castello, age 54, of West Paterson, NJ died Monday, August 11, 2008 at the Hospice of New Jersey, Wayne.

He was born in Easton, PA and was raised in Scotch Plains, NJ. He lived in Norwalk, CT before moving to West Paterson, NJ fourteen years ago.

Paul graduated from Rutgers University with the class of 1975 receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Math. He continued his education at Rutgers having received his Masters in Business Administration with the class of 1977. While at Rutgers University he was a member and Treasurer of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

He held several marketing and finance positions for the Ricoh Corporation in West Caldwell since 1993, before his health forced him to retire in 2007.

Paul is the beloved son of Margaret (nee Horan) Castello of Fuquay-Varina, NC and the late Ralph V. Castello; he is the loving brother of Tricia Meade of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Jacqueline Churchill of Westminster, CO, Chris Castello of Green Brook, NJ and Michael Castello of Chapel Hill, NC; cherished uncle of Kaitlin, Jillian, and Olivia Meade and Matthew and John Castello; he will be dearly misssed by numerous other loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Paul enjoyed skiing and golfing with friends, rock n roll music, and sporting events.

If you have favorite pictures or special memories of Paul to share please bring them to the service or remembrance celebration. You can always send our family a note by clicking on the "send condolence" button on this page.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Hospice of NJ, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 4th floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

A Note from Paul and His Family

First, our heartfelt “THANKS” go out to all who have shared their visits, prayers, and presence with Paul and us in these difficult last few weeks since Paul became so ill. During this time Paul’s main desire was to feel safe and loved. Thanks for helping us satisfy his request. Please know that Paul treasured those moments, with all the laughs and memories they evoked.

The last gift we (Paul included) received was the first hand knowledge that he touched so many people so deeply during his life. Paul’s love and commitment for family, his loyalty to friends (his many Bro’s), his generosity, and his fun loving spirit were recognized by everyone. His philosophy on life was black and white, and could be summarized in a few of his favorite expressions: carpe diem!; you can sleep when your dead (said when others wanted to quit the party); clothes don’t make the man; you can’t take it with you; and, Party on! Consider these lessons learned.

Paul, we will miss you dearly, but always with laughter and smiles on our faces.

Mission accomplished. Party on Bro!

Chris, Jacq, Tricia, Mike, Mom

Michael J. O’Brien age 56 of Paterson died peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2008 at home after a courageous two year battle with prostate cancer.

He was born in Newark and lived in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne for many years before moving to Paterson three years ago.

Michael graduated from Wayne Valley High School, Wayne with the class of 1969.

His wife Kathleen met and pursued the “man with the silver hair” fourteen years ago. He was her “knight in shining armor” and held the key to her heart.

He was a roadside assistance technician for Mercedes Benz of Montvale for the past six years.

He enjoyed fishing, motorcycles and anyplace where there was water. The “best day of his life” was when the Maybach car company treated him and his wife like royalty, with a ride in one of their chauffer driven sedans, to an Eagles concert at Madison Square Garden.

He is the beloved husband of Kathleen (Terwilliger) O’Brien; loving son of George and Margaret(nee Kimber) O’Brien of Brunswick, ME; loving father of John Gatti, Jr. of Boonton, Casey and his wife Sheila of Hawthorne, Dawn and Megan Klutsarits of Paterson; cherished grandfather of John Matthew Gatti, III and David Christopher Gatti both of Boston and Matthew Louis Klutsarits of Paterson; loved brother of Anne E. O’Brien of Oregon and much loved by many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Memorial donations to the World Wildlife Fund 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, N.W. P.O. Box 97180 Washington, DC 20090-7180 (202) 293-4800 would be appreciated. Please click on the "print donation form" button and be sure to include this form with your donation.

Rosario “Sal” Carnazza, age 79 of Wayne, died on Saturday August 9, 2008 with his loving family gathered around him.

Born and raised in Comiso, Italy, he attended the Scuola D’Arte there, learning to cut, carve, and sculpt stone. In 1954 he came to America and settled in Paterson, NJ. There he began working for Bergen County Cut Stone as a stone carver, a career he enjoyed for nearly 25 years. Throughout his career he worked on stone projects including landmarks in Rockefeller Center, several New York City churches, and many others throughout the New York City area. He personally carved the Exxon logo on the stone monument outside their New York City offices. He was a true artisan of his craft.

As a young man, he became pen-pals with an American girl named Gina DiQuattro. After a time, Gina made the trip to Italy and met Rosario. Their love was strong and within a few months they married. Within six months of their wedding they moved to America.

He was blessed with a very large family and an equally large group of friends who all love and respect him dearly. His nieces describe him as the “perfect man”; kind, caring, loyal, and honest. Many people looked up to him simply because of the kind of man he was. He was always very helpful too; driving his nieces wherever they needed to go, helping with their children, picking up from school; you name it, he would help them do it. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Sal” to so many people, too numerous to count, and he will be sadly missed by all of them. He was a member and treasurer of the Comiso Casmene Club in Paterson, for many years as well.

He is survived by his wife of fifty three years, Gina (nee DiQuattro) of Wayne, his son Salvatore of Wayne, one nephew; Salvatore Carnazza and his wife Maria of Italy, three nieces; Tina Buraty and her husband Tony, Frances Longo and her husband Giacomo of Wayne, and Joann and Eric Van Handle of Wayne, one sister-in-law; Lina Carnazza of Italy, and his great-niece and nephew; Francesca and Luca Carnazza of Italy, as well as many more great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and loving friends. He was predeceased in 1995 by his brother Giuseppe Carnazza of Italy.

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Sabato 9 Agosto in Wayne, New Jersey all’eta’ di 79 anni e’ deceduto Rosario ‘Sal’ Carnazza, circondato dai conforti dall’amata famiglia.

Nato e cresciuto in Comiso (Ragusa), frequento’ la Scuola d’Arte meritando un diploma con specializzazione in taglio di marmo e scultura della pietra.

Nel 1954 emigro’ negli Stati Uniti e stabili’ residenza in Paterson, NJ. Sal inizio’ la sua carriera per il Bergen County Cut Stone come scultore di pietra e La sua carriera duro’ 25 anni, durante la quale presto’ opera e servizio presso Rockfeller Center, Chiese e Cattedrali di New York. Sal con scalpello incise il logo Exxon nel quartier generale della ditta in New York City. Sal fu un autentico artista nel suo campo.

Durante gli anni ruggenti della sua gioventu’ fu in corrispondenza con la ragazza del suo cuore Gina DiQuattro. Dopo un periodo di corrispondenza, Gina fece un viaggio in Italia ed incontro’ il suo rubacuori. Dopo pochi mesi di corte gli innamorati si sposarono. Entro sei mesi dalle nozze gli sposini si mossero in America.

La sua permanenza in America vide crescere intorno a lui una larga famiglia con cugini e nipotini. Le sue amicizie si allargavano sempre di piu’ a merito della sua amicizia e sociabilita’. Era benvoluto da tutti ed amato dallle sue nipotine, tanto che lo nominarono ‘l’uomo perfetto’. Sempre pronto a guidare I molti nipoti chi a scuola chi a ricreazione chi a lavoro. “Lo zio Sal” era sempre pronto a dare una mano a chi gliela chiedeva.

Sal fu tesoriere per molti anni del club Comiso Casmene Club di Paterson, ove acquisi’ e mantenne numerose amicizie.

Sal tristemente lascia dietro di se una moglie sconsolata di cinquanta tre anni di matrimonio. Lascia dietro di se il beneamato e carissimo figlio Salvatore; un nipote, Salvatore Carnazza e moglie Maria residenti in Italia. Tina Buraty e marito Tony, Frances Longo e marito Giacomo di Wayne. Joann ed Eric Van Handle di Wayne, la cognate Lina Carnazza d’Italia e molti nipoti e pronipoti e tanti amati amici. Sal e’ stato preceduto dalla scomparsa del fratello Giuseppe Carnazza d’Italia nel 1995.

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Bernice M. Scarpa age 78 of Wayne, died on Thursday August 7, 2008 at the Atrium Health Care Center while surrounded by her family. Her passing was quiet and peaceful.

Bernice was born at home in Elmwood Park, NJ; then known as East Paterson. She lived there most of her life, attending Lodi High School and graduating with the class of 1947. She also lived in Fairlawn for fifteen years before moving to Wayne in 1998.

She worked over 30 years for Mona Industries in Paterson, NJ as an office manager before retiring in 1998.

She met her husband Mario and they were married in 1953. They enjoyed a “loving, playful, and adoring” marriage together until Mario’s passing in 1997.

Bernice had a wonderful personality and she could always “light up a room”. She had a terrific sense of humor, always joking, and was very generous, kind, and caring to all she knew. Bernice was a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne, and was an honorary life member of the North Hudson Yacht Club in Edgewater, NJ, where she and Mario kept their boat, “Leo’s Four”. Many club members will tell you that they will never forget the good times spent with Bernice and Mario.

Her sons recall many fond memories with their mom, especially her great cooking. She would come home from work, sometimes as late as 7pm, and proceed to cook up a big, wonderful meal for all of them in what seemed like no time at all. She always cooked for the holidays too – often getting up at 5am to start, and she would cook all day long. She also loved to go to Midnight Mass and most recently was attending Immaculate Heart of Mary RC church here in Wayne.

Bernice is survived by her two sons; Glenn Scarpa and his wife Susan of Wayne, and Mark Scarpa and his wife Victoria of Saddle Brook, four grandchildren; Kimberly and Paul Scarpa of Wayne, and Mark and Kristy Scarpa of Saddle Brook, and one brother; Jack Campbell and his wife Betty of Elmwood Park, NJ.

Albert S. Gabriel Sr. age 84 of Wayne died Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne.

He was born in Stockport, New York and lived in Wayne most of his life.

He was a restauranteur and the owner of Gabriel’s Hotel and Restaurant in Wayne for many years until his retirement in 1974.

For recreation Albert especially enjoyed hunting and fresh water fishing and this photo attests to his hunting skills when he was twenty-three years old. As far as fishing goes he certainly caught his share of bass and trout and could spin a fish story with skill.

Patrick J. O’Leary age 79 of Wayne died Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Saint Josephs Wayne Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born in New York City and raised in Bronx, NY having lived in Hackensack before moving to Wayne ten years ago.

Pat graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry with the class of 1972.

He was a research chemist for Lever Brothers, Edgewater for thirty-five years before his retirement in 1995.

Pat was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church, Hackensack and more recently a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne.

He was a member of The Watchmaker Association of New Jersey and had a passion for the detailed miniature work of watch repair.

He met his wife in 1956 at an Irish dance on 86th Street, New York City and on their first date they went to a Policeman’s dance. They married on June 25, 1960 and have had a loving, caring marriage for the past forty-eight years.

He was the beloved husband of Anne (Ellicott) O’Leary; loving father of Jean Brunelle and her husband Michael of Charlton, MA, Kevin O’Leary and his wife Rima of Wayne, Maureen Russo and her husband Pat of Rochelle Park and the late Mary-Eileen O’Leary; cherished grandfather of Gregory and Dan Brunelle, Kasey O’Leary and Melissa Russo; loved brother of Kay Misiak of Queens, NY, Josephine Simpson of OK and the late Mary Stricklin.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Our Lady of the Valley Church, 630 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Mildred Ackermann (nee Jacobs) age 96 of Wayne died Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Care One Health Care Center in Wayne. Her passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of the staff at Care One.

She was born in Czechoslovakia and came to this country at age eleven with her sister Agnes and her grandfather. Her mother, Anna Jacobs came to this country with daughter Mary prior to Mildred’s journey.

The year was 1922 and there was much hardship and political unrest in Czechoslovakia and her mother wanted a better life for her family. The ravages off World War I were all around them and they had heard good things about America.

The family first settled in Brooklyn, New York and later moved to Newark, New Jersey. The Jacobs girls (Mildred, Agnes and Mary) added another sister (Ann) to their family. It was because of this family’s courage and fortitude to leave their homeland that they were able to live the American dream.

Mildred married Benedict Ackerman and they had fifty-one years of “good close and loving marriage” together until Benedict’s passing. They spent most of their married life in Springfield however they would winter in Jupiter, Florida during their retirement years.

Benedict was a talented vocalist and belonged to a barber shop quartet. Mildred delighted in accompanying him on his many singing engagements. She also loved to read however later in life she lost most of her sight and could no longer enjoy her books.

She leaves her nieces and nephews with many fond memories of a very loving and caring aunt and they in turn loved and cared for her throughout the years. It was a mutual benefit caring relationship all around.

Surviving are nephews William Smith and his wife Annette of Wayne, Kenneth Korec and his wife Joanne of Ohio; William Jude Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina; a niece Karen Korec of Bloomfield; a sister in law, Ben’s sister Josephine Wiener of Toms River

Lisa Rasp age 44 of Totowa died Monday, August 4, 2008 at home.

She was born in Paterson and spent her formative years in Totowa attending Washington Park Grammar School and then Passaic Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1982.

Lisa leaves her family with fond memories of a very loving and dedicated mother and daughter. Her childhood in particular was very happy. As a mother she tried to be the best she could and loved her children with all of her heart. She participated in their lives including living on a mini farm and involving her children in 4-H projects with raising, grooming, and showing sheep including winning ribbons for their skills.

Later in life she developed health problems that could not be overcome. Try as she did her health held her back in many areas and she would often make new efforts to succeed only to fall back again. The health that we all take for granted was not to be for Lisa and God saw that on Monday, August 4, 2008 and he called her back to himself. Her family can now be assured that Lisa is now free of illness and free at last in heaven.

Surviving are her husband Mark P. Barry of Lunenburg, Massachusetts; a daughter Lexie and a son Connor; her father William P. Rasp of Totowa; one brother William Rasp Jr. and his wife Amy of Totowa; her grandmother Annie Daalder of Toms River.

She was predeceased by her grandfather Fred Daalden in July 2008 and her mother Janice (nee Jablonski) Rasp in May 2006.

Sr. Patricia Flarity, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died August 3, 2008 at Hospice of NJ at St. Joseph’s Hospital Wayne, Wayne, NJ at the age of 77.

Sr. Patricia was born in Newark, NJ, the daughter of Aloysius Thomas and Lillian Jean (Mueller) Flarity. She entered the Sisters of Charity on September 6, 1953 and was a member for 55 years.

Throughout her religious life, Sr. Patricia was engaged in educational ministry in New Jersey. She served at the Academy of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station; East Orange Catholic High School; and DePaul Catholic High School, Wayne, where she served first as teacher and then as Principal. After retirement, Sister Patricia continued to serve as a volunteer at DePaul Catholic High School until her death.

The former DePaul Catholic Convent has been renovated and called Flarity Hall dedicated to Sr. Patricia. She was one of the four Sisters of Charity who opened the school.

She is survived by her sisters: Eileen (Mrs. Frank) Cummings, Wall Township, NJ; Mary Ann (Mrs. Bob) Savage , Gwynedd, PA; and Sara (Mrs. Thomas) Lynch, Sea Girt, NJ; nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made to the Sisters of Charity Development Fund, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961-0476 or DePaul Catholic High School Scholarship Fund, 1512 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Olga Rusin (nee Milligan) age 76 of Lincoln Park on Saturday, August 2, 2008. Her passing was sudden and unexpected. Her loving family was at her side.

She was born in Clifton and lived there and in Garfield and Wayne before moving to Lincoln Park eight years ago.

Olga spent her formative years in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1949.

She was a member of Three Saints Orthodox Church in Garfield.

She leaves her family with a wonderful basket of loving memories of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. Without a doubt the highlight of her life was the arrival of grandchildren who she loved with all of her heart and soul. She especially enjoyed spending time in Colorado with her daughter Darlene and grandchildren.

Olga was gifted with a very kind and considerate personality as she related to others. She was a selfless person who always wanted the best of everything for her children and grandchildren. Her family was of paramount importance to her and she made it her life’s endeavor to be a wonderful mother and grandmother.

Michael and Olga had a “devoted and loving” marriage together for fifty-five years until Michael’s passing in November of 2007.

Surviving are two daughters Debbie Pavone and her husband Paul of Wayne, Darlene Wolff and her husband Charles of Aurora, Colorado; two sons Michael Rusin Jr. of Lincoln Park and Andrew Rusin and his wife Mary Beth of Lincoln Park; one sister Marlene Murray and her husband Richard of Flanders; one brother Leo Milligan and his wife Myrna of Littleton, Colorado; seven grandchildren Justan and Jared Pavone, Jessica, Jordan and Jaclyn Wolff, Kaitlyn and Madison Rusin.

Daniel James Patrick McCarthy Jr., age 70 of Oak Ridge, formerly of Wayne, died on Friday, August 1, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, while surrounded by his loving family.

Dan was born in Paterson and spent his formative years growing up in the Valley Road section of Clifton. He graduated from Don Bosco Prep., Paterson, with the class of 1956. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University for two years but the untimely death of his father forced him to leave school and go to work and help support his mother.

Dan’s mind was never idle; he was always innovating something and he was a true inventor at heart. He and Uncle Bruce started the Plastomatic Valve company on Dan’s dining room table, where they designed their first plastic valves. Dan and his family opened “McCarthy’s” in Westwood, an Irish Pub, which they operated for two years before selling it. He started a company that specialized in computerized liquor inventory systems for restaurants, and also owned and operated “Paymaster”, a payroll company which provides payroll services primarily to restaurants. He was founder and Past President of the Metropolitan Cigar Society, which started out meeting once a month at the Brownstone House in Paterson, before opening their own location in Fairfield, NJ. Dan, along with good friend Bob Lesnick and several other dedicated Society members, built the Fairfield club location themselves. Dan also enjoyed trap shooting and was a member of the New Jersey Rifle Association. He was an avid golfer as well. Between playing his own rounds, he had been working at the Bowling Green Golf Course as a starter and ranger. He loved the job so much, and would often say “I can’t believe they pay me to do this!”

Dan was truly a ‘family man’ too. Holidays were a special time for the whole family to get together, especialy Christmas breakfast with Aunt Ket, Uncle Joe, and other close friends and family. No one can forget “Pizza night” at the McCarthy’s. On any given night, Dan would make his homemade pizza from scratch and everyone enjoyed it. His daughters recall their friends asking to be invited to “Pizza night” because it was always such a fun time, not to mention the great pizza. Dan took his family on camping trips to Lake George, Virginia, and canoeing down the Delaware River. He was also a great skier. In fact, it was on a ski trip to Upstate New York where he first met his wife, Gail. She had organized a group tour and Dan was brought along as a ski instructor. Although they had never met before, Gail spotted him getting onto the bus and she then nudged her sister and said “I’m gonna marry that guy.” By the end of the trip, they were dating and have now been married over forty two years. Dan continued skiing and giving lessons; he taught his three daughters to ski, as well as countless friends and relatives. He was never one to be idle. Even after his retirement he continued to work at Bowling Green Golf Course, the Branch Brook store on Rt. 15, he was building trains with his grandson Tyler, and somehow he always found a project to do in one of his children’s houses.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife Gail (nee Hansen) of Oak Ridge, three loving daughters; Stacey Van Houten and her husband James of Wantage, Dana Ralicki and her husband Allen, and Meredith McCarthy and her fiancé Peter Makkai of Bloomfield, and three grandchildren; Abigail Dani Ralicki of Vernon and Victoria Van Houten and Tyler Van Houten of Wantage.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Dan’s memory are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Robert P. Kreutz age 81 of Lords Valley, PA, formerly of Wayne, NJ, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008.

He was born in Orange and raised in Wayne where he lived for over sixty-five years before moving to Lords Valley, PA eleven years ago. Having graduated from Anthony Wayne Jr. High School, Wayne, he went on to Pompton Lakes High School, Pompton Lakes. In the patriotic atmosphere of our country during WWII, and prior to his graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy to help defend his country. He was stationed aboard a heavy cruiser named the USS Oregon City.

After his Navy career Bob got a job at the General Electric Company in Bloomfield, NJ working in their printing department. It is here that he spotted a young girl named June Rupp. Bob asked June to lunch one day and she turned him down because she had a liverwurst sandwich of her own. She later accepted his offer to go on a date. Their first date was at Schums Restaurant in Bloomfield, NJ. They married in 1953 and have enjoyed fifty-five years of loving marriage.

Bob later became self-employed, co-founding Welter & Kreutz Printing Co. in South Hackensack, where he worked for twenty-three years before retiring in 1996 and turning the business over to his two sons.

He is a former member of the Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wayne, NJ and is currently a member of The Church at Hemlock Farms in Lords Valley, PA. Bob is a person who enjoyed his work, was always making jokes, was busy tinkering around the house, known as Mr. Fix It, was a man of integrity, was very young for his age, and always volunteering his time and talents. He especially enjoyed RV’ing and has traveled to every state in our country and even RV’d through the Copper Canyon in Mexico.

He was a volunteer for the Wayne First Aid Squad for over twenty years, volunteered for all kinds of duties at the Wayne Presbyterian Church in Wayne and The Church at Hemlock Farms in Lords Valley, PA.

He is the beloved husband of June(nee Rupp) Kreutz; loving father of Lynne Kreutz-Stewart and her husband Bill of Middletown, NY, Barry Kreutz and his wife Jenny of West Milford and Robert Kreutz and his wife Marie of Ringwood; cherished grandfather of Joshua, Katie, Corey and Alexandra Kreutz and Rob and Sean Stewart; loved brother of Dorothy Silverbrand and her husband Ralph of Warwick, NY and the late Jack Kreutz.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to The Church at Hemlock Farms “Memorial Fund”, 1493 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428 would be appreciated.

Robert R. Winder, age 83 of Manahawkin, NJ died on July 30, 2008 in Wayne.

Born in Kearny, NJ, he graduated from Kearny High School. He lived in Wayne, NJ for 31 years before retiring to Manahawkin in 1988.

He served three years as a member of the 24th Batallion, U.S. Navy Seabees, during World War II. He served in the Solomon Islands and Okinawa Campaigns in the South Pacific. After discharge, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Mr. Winder retired after 31 years with Yardley of London, a cosmetics manufacturer, as Director of Production. He then began a second career with the United States Postal Service as a Principal Program Manager, in the Engineering group, at the USPS headquarters in Washington, DC. He retired from the USPS in 1988.

Mr. Winder was a former volunteer firefighter for Community Fire Company #1 in Wayne, NJ, during the early 1950’s. He was a member of the American Legion Post #232 of Barnegat, a life member of the Seabee Veterans of America, The National Association of Federal Employees, The Stafford Township Regular Republican Club, The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and was Republican County Committee Member for Ocean County.

Surviving is one son James R. Winder of Wayne, two sisters; Betty Christie and Aubra Brett both of North Arlington, NJ. He was predeceased by his wife, Rosalie M. “Lee” Witter in 1999 and by his daughter, Joanne Lee in 1995.