Evan H. Kuiken age 83 of Fair Lawn died Saturday, March 1, 2008 after a long illness at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff. His passing was quiet and peaceful.

He was born in Paterson and had lived in Fair Lawn all of his life.

Evan received his formal education first at Eastern Christian Academy and later at Pace University in New York City.

He was gifted with a very likeable personality that could best be described as spirited and gregarious causing him to have many friends. Evan had a way with practical jokes that brought enjoyment to everyone around him. He also by nature was a hard worker at whatever he did whether it was at his business or volunteering in the community.

As hobbies he especially enjoyed Golf at the North Jersey Country Club where he was a member for many years. He also loved to go on big game hunting trips out to the Western United States and Canada as well as fishing trips.

Evan was the third son of Nicholas A. and Nellie (nee Vander May) Kuiken. Nicholas Kuiken his father immigrated to the United States at the age of one with his two older brothers, Dirk A. Kuiken and Henry A. Kuiken. After having settled in the Township of Saddle River, NJ(now the Borough of Fair Lawn) he worked as a commercial and residential builder. In 1912, he founded and registered the name The Kuiken Brothers Company. The company subsequently incorporated in 1916. In the early years, the Company was actively involved in residential and commercial construction; in fact, Kuiken Brothers built a large number of homes in Fair Lawn. By 1921 Evan’s uncles Dirk A. Kuiken and Henry A. Kuiken along with his father Nicholas A. Kuiken had founded a lumber yard and opened a mill on the Southeast corner of First Street, machining lumber and building windows, doors and other millwork.

Evan entered the US Navy during WW II directly from high school. He served in the Navy as a Seabee combat engineer, in the Pacific Ocean. He was discharged in 1945. In 1950 Evan graduated from Pace University, having earned a B.A. in Accounting and became the first Kuiken to earn a university diploma. He immediately began working full time for the Company and that same year he met Evelyn Timek who he married in 1958. In the late 1960’s Evan became the third Kuiken involved with banking when he helped found the Fair Lawn State Bank (now Valley National Bank). He became the fifth President of The Kuiken Brothers Company, succeeding Nicholas H. Kuiken. Evan is a member and past President of the Fair Lawn Rotary, district 7490. In June of 1997, he received from Rotary the Walter D. Head Foundation Award for “Service Above Self”. He celebrated nearly 30 years of perfect attendance with the Rotary. Additionally, Evan served as Commander of the American Legion Post 171 in Fair Lawn.

Evan Kuiken was buried with military honors. His brother Edward Kuiken is picutured here receiving the flag in honor of his service.

Husband of forty-nine years to the late Evelyn (Timek) Kuiken(October 2006); brother of Edward Kuiken and his wife Marjorie of North Haledon and Emma Puderbaugh of Manlius, NY; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews including: Douglas Kuiken and his wife Miriam of Wyckoff, Edward Kuiken Jr. of Fair Lawn, Robert Kuiken and his wife Wanda of Ringwood, Kenneth Kuiken and his wife Kathy of Wayne, Gail Puderbaugh of Philadelphia, Pa., Joanne Puderbaugh of Manlius, NY, Greg Hieb and his wife Sherry of Jacksonville, Florida, Alan Hieb and his wife Chris of Jacksonville, Florida, Jamie Puderbaugh of Manlius, NY.

He was predeceased by his brother George Kuiken in May of 2000 and his sister Ada “Babe” Hieb in January 1999.

Robert A. Turatti age 87 of Wayne died Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown. He died after a courageous battle with his health and his passing was quiet and peaceful with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York where he spent his formative years before moving to Wayne forty-eight years ago.

Robert received his formal education at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute where he majored in Metal Fabrication.

He established his own business in 1955 and named it BP Kitchen Equipment located in Saddle Brook. His company made commercial kitchens for many large construction projects of hotels and restaurants. His family recalls that when the Statue of Liberty was refurbished his company provided the culinary equipment. He enjoyed his work and ran the business for forty years before his retirement in 1995.

He served in the Army Air Force during World War II. His service duties included Radio Operator and Gunner Mechanic. The battles and campaigns he participated in included the Air Offensive of Europe, battles of Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno in Italy. He received the Air Medal, five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Unit Badge and the European-African- Middle Eastern service medal.

Robert was a parishioner of the Annunciation RC Church in Wayne.

As a hobby he enjoyed flying and had his pilot license. His favorite plane was a red and white Piper Cherokee. His daughter Barbara recalls that she was the only family member with the courage to ride in Dad’s plane.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a very devoted loving and supportive family man who was always nurturing and concerned about the well being of his children including their emphasis on education.

Robert and Anne Turatti had fifty-five years of close and loving marriage that could be best described as two peas in a pod until Anne’s passing in January of 2000. He somehow never got over her loss in his life.

Surviving are two daughters Barbara Jeckert and her husband James of Lincoln Park and Andrea Onorato and her husband James of Montville; one sister Dolores Guzzon of Weeki Wachee, Florida.

David A. Douma “Dave” age 95 of Spring Hill, Florida passed away Monday, February 25, 2008 at the Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Spring Hill, Florida. His passing was quiet and peaceful while he was receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born in Ridgefield Park and had lived for many years in Little Falls before moving to Spring Hill, Florida sixteen years ago.

Dave received his formal education at Paterson Central High School graduating with the Class of 1928.

His first employment was with Sam Meyer’s Hardware Store located in the center of Little Falls. He would often recall that his pay was ten cents a week with the most of which he contributed to family living expenses. He continued to work a Meyer’s Hardware until the store closed in 1968. He then went to work for Federbush Wholesale Hardware in Totowa finally retiring in 1977.

He was a founding volunteer fireman with Enterprise Fire Company No. 2 in Little Falls. He was an exempt fireman of the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association.

He was a member of the First Reformed Church of Little Falls.

Dave loved sports and was a member of the Kiowa Sports League in Cedar Grove and played both football and baseball. For many years he enjoyed playing golf and especially enjoyed the Passaic County golf course in Wayne.

His daughter Marjorie recalls the happy times Dad took her to Yankee Stadium to see baseball games. His daughter Carolyn recalls her father giving her driving lessons and emphasising that "the middle peddle was the brake for stopping the car."

As a young man he enjoyed riding his 1927 Harley Davidson motor cycle on Route 46 in Fairfield.

David and Marjorie (nee Jacobus) Douma were married for forty-four years in a “loving and devoted” marriage until Marjorie’s passing in 1978.

Surviving are two daughters Carolyn McCawley and her husband Leo of Spring Hill, Florida and Marjorie Cunningham and her husband John of Pequannock, NJ; four grandchildren Dr. Lori Brolsma and her husband Larry, Debbie Tuit and her husband Ray, Judy Luker and her husband Scott and Leonard McCawley; eight Great Grandchildren Ashley, Charles and Alexandra Zulovitz, Shelby and Garrett Brolsma, Jason, Jakob and Karlee Luker.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in David’s memory are asked to consider Enterprise Fire Co. #2, Little Falls, NJ 07424 or The Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12107 Majestic Boulevard, Hudson, Florida 34667-2460.

Annette B. Larusso (Bisceglie) age 92 of Wayne, formerly of Lakewood, died on Monday, February 25, 2008 with her daughter Dolores by her side.

She was born in Newark and worked for fifteen years at the Savory Equipment Company, Newark before moving to Lakewood in 1967. While living in Lakewood she worked for the Community Medical Center, Toms River until her retirement in February of 1983. She moved to Wayne four years ago.

She was a member of the Holy Family RC Church, Lakewood and also a member of the S.M.I.L.E.S. club of St Mary of the Lake RC Church, Lakewood. Mrs. Larusso, a quiet, friendly, reserved and loving person, loved being with her family and “lit up” upon seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

While living in Wayne she became a member of the Ramapo Mountain Doll Club and volunteered to knit hats for new born babies at Siena Village in Wayne. Her volunteerism has been long lived as she donated her time to the Community Resource Services, Lakewood, the Preferred Behavioral Health of NJ Organization, Lakewood and the Kimbal Medical Center also in Lakewood.

Her family fondly remembers day trips to Asbury Park to swim in the pool and ocean as well as summer trips to the MacDonald Beach in Pequannock where her family, including her sister and cousins, would swim and picnic together.

Beloved mother of Dr. Daniel N. Larusso and his wife Susan of Massillon, OH and Dolores LaRusso and her husband Thomas of West Milford; cherished grandmother of Michael, Michele, Thomas, Diane, Amy, Lori and Nicholas; devoted great-grandmother of Owen, Aidan, Dominic, Caitlyn and Lilith; loving sister of the late Marie Possumato and Jeeanette Marasco; much loved aunt of several nieces and nephews.

Marjorie P. Finley(Percey) age 76 of Wayne died Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Saint Josephs Hospital, Paterson with her family by her side.

She was born in South Paterson and lived in Clifton and Wayne, having lived in Brighton, Michigan from 1968 – 1972, before returning to Wayne thirty-six years ago.

Marjorie graduated from Saint Johns High School, Paterson with the class of 1949.

Marjorie was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne she was a founding member of the church’s Bereavement Support Group, a Eucharistic Minister who served at the church and in Preakness Hospital, Wayne, St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Paterson and Wayne and she was a week day lector at Our Lady of the Valley. Marjorie was a member of the church's Nocturnal Adoration Society and an Adoration Adorer at the Our Lady of the Valley Eucharistic Chapel. She was also a member of the Xaverian Missionary League, Wayne.

She was a secretary to the Principal of School #5, Paterson, a secretary to the Superintendent of Schools in Brighton, Michigan. She also worked in the insurance industry having worked for Safeco Insurance, Wayne, Selected Risk Insurance Company, Cedar Knolls and as an Insurance Adjuster for the Hanson & Ryan Insurance Company, Totowa before retiring in 1994.

Surviving are James J. Finley Sr.; six children Patricia Ellen Cappiello of Staten Island, Barbara Joan Bandkau of Brighton, Michigan, James Joseph Finley, Jr. and his wife Maryanne of Pompton Plains, Kevin Michael Finley and his wife Kathy of North Arlington, William Gerard Finley and his wife Claire of Wayne and Christopher James Finley and his wife Kelly of Hardwick; cherished grandmother of Stephen Michael Bandkau, James Irwin Bandkau, Marissa Ann Coppola and her husband Steven, Laura Ann Cappiello, Allison Marie De Fortuna and her husband Christopher, Kevin Michael Finley, Jr., Brianne Claire Finley and Conor Joseph Finley; devoted great-grandmother of John Coppola; loving sister of Barbara Vogel and her husband Walter, the late Regina Schaub and her surviving husband Warren, the late Dorothea Ryan and her late husband James, the late William H. Percey and his surviving wife Lillian; much loved aunt of many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Xaverian Mission, 12 Helene Ct., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Radislav Zelenkov “Deda Rada” age 80 on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 of Totowa. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Izbiste, Yugoslavia on March 17, 1927. He met and married the love of his life, Zlata. They had three children: Nada, Vera and Jovan.

Rada and his wife immigrated to the US in 1983, and have lived in Totowa ever since. He joined the family company, Al & John Inc., a meat processing company. He worked for the company until his retirement, and is fondly remembered as a hardworking, bright and talented mechanic who could fix anything. He maintained the company’s machines and was always able to find a solution to any problem. This was the job he loved the most.

He was a man of many trades, who worked 20 hour days to support his family. He worked as a baker, and as a builder in his earlier years in his home country of Yugoslavia. Out of sympathy for her hard working father and his very long hours of work, his young daughter Vera often accompanied him to work after school and on weekends, to help him whichever way she could.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a very loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Radislav and Zlata were married for fifty-nine years in a “devoted and inseparable” marriage that perhaps could best be described as “two peas in a loving pod”. He recently told Zlata, with a very complimentary gesture, that he should have met her and married her way before he did because she has been a truly wonderful part of his life.

His children remember him as the “Best Dad in the whole world”. He was a kind, loving, patient father who was always there to inspire, to help and to comfort. He always put his children before himself, and was selfless and kind in every way imaginable.

His grandchildren remember him as a funny, warm-hearted grand-dad who was just a blast to have around. He always made everything so fun and always made them laugh until they were in stitches. He was so kind and so warm, and always made them feel like the most important people in the whole world.

After his retirement, he loved to fish. He often could be found at the Haledon reservoir casting his line. A baker by profession, he would spoil his loved ones and friends with his homemade hot pogacice, burek, kifle, and gibanica.

He is remembered as a man of great character and great spirit. He just loved to make people laugh. He was a very hard working, loving family man who was always there with the right words when you needed him. He was always there to help, no matter who needed it.

We will miss his hearty laugh, his funny stories, his trademark uniform of suspenders and that Glen Rock Hat, and of course that pocket knife that not only cut bread and sliced apples, but somehow miraculously was able to fix any broken household appliance. We will miss his enjoyment of country western movies, and we will always remember that period in the 1980’s, when he walked around the house with that cowboy hat (just to make us all smile). There is just no one on earth like you, and we are so grateful for all the years of wonderful memories and love that have touched us.

Surviving are his loving wife of fifty-nine years Zlatica (nee Ivkov) Zelenkov; two daughters Nada Turika and her husband Stevan of Vrsac, Yugoslavia, Vera Oldja and her husband Alexander of Totowa; one son Jovan Zelenkov and his wife Sofia of Totowa; nine grandchildren Jennifer Schulstad and her husband Paul, Diana, Allen and Daniel Oldja, Marinela Zidisic and her husband Goran, Marin Turika, Jovana, Nenad and Verica Zelenkov; two great grandchildren Brianna Schulstad and Isidora Zidisic.

One sister and two brothers died previously.

Margaret E. Bealer (nee Mason), “Molly”, age 89 of Wayne, died on Tuesday February 19, 2008 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne. She had been residing at The Gardens in Wayne.

Margaret was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in the Easton, PA area. Her sister recalls many fond times roller-skating at the Bushkill Park in the summers, and sleigh riding there in the winters. They also had a favorite ‘swimming hole’ near the Bushkill Creek.

In the early 1940’s, her family moved to Paterson where her father was able to find employment in the Wright Aeronautical Factory. Margaret’s boyfriend at the time, Francis Bealer, moved with them to Paterson and they wed shortly thereafter on January 16, 1943 at St. Mary’s Church in Paterson. Margaret and all four of her sisters were able to gain employment at the Wright Aeronautical Factory during the war time and they recall that it was exciting work.

Surviving are three children; Richard Bealer, Barbara O’Brien and her husband Edmund of Paterson, Michael Bealer of Paterson, four grandchildren; Judy Colao of Elmwood Park, Michele Colao of Paterson, Jennifer Bealer of Massachusetts, and Michael Bealer of Tennessee, three sisters; Sadie “Sally” Gaechter of West Milford, Catherine Cunningham “Betty Boop” of Connecticut, and Joan Kemph of Springfield, Vermont. Margaret was predeceased by one son; Francis Jr. in 2004, and one sister; Lena Smits.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Margaret’s name are asked to consider the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terrace, Wayne, NJ 07470, Attn: Betty O’Brien.

Helen (Gresko) Shark age 87 of Wayne died Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at home, receiving the loving care of her family.

She was born in Jeanette, PA and lived in Paterson before moving to Wayne fifty-eight years ago.

Mrs. Shark was a parishioner of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, Wayne where her husband was a founding member.

Helen was a loving mother, grandmother and a meticulous homemaker who fastidiously decorated her home. Family holidays were always at her house and made special by her pirogue, stuffed cabbage, baking and other ethnic foods prepared to perfection.

She met her first husband Edward Gernitis at her brother’s restaurant, Nick and Charlie’s Red Bar in Paterson when he had just returned from service in World War II; together they had two children, Jeffrey and Cathy. He predeceased her in 1963. She met her second husband, Andrew Bohan at the same restaurant; he predeceased her in 1971. Helen met Stephen Shark at Holy Resurrection Church, Wayne; and they were married 20 years until he passed away in 2002.

She is the beloved mother Jeffrey Gernitis and his wife Maria of West Milford and Cathy Pelaez and her husband Armando of Mahwah and loving sister of Charles Gresko and his wife Rose of Wayne, Michael Gresko also of Wayne and the late John and Nicholas Gresko and Ann Kychak, Ella Schwarz and Anastasia Gresko; cherished grandmother of Timothy and Mark Gernitis.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Susan G. Komen Foundation, 5005 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 250, Dallas, TX 75244 would be appreciated.

Theresa Baldino (nee LaCroce) age 58 of Wayne died Sunday, February 17, 2008, while receiving the loving comfort of her husband and daughter by her side.

She was born in Jersey City, raised in Union City, where she graduated from Saint Michaels High School with the class of 1967. She moved to Rutherford, when she married Anthony, having lived there until 1995 when she moved to Wayne.

Theresa met her husband Anthony at a party hosted by her brother Greg. It was Greg’s intention to introduce his sister to one of his friends at the party. When the intended friend showed up with a date, Anthony stepped in. They fell in love, and married.

She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and went on to receive her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at Jersey City State University, Jersey City.

Theresa was employed by the Union City Board of Education for thirty-five years before retiring in 2006. She was a pioneer in bi-lingual teaching having helped many Spanish speaking students become proficient in English. She was also an Adjunct Professor at Kean College and Montclair State Teachers College having taught ESL (English as a Second Language). In her retirement, the teacher in her could not be suppressed, she volunteered as an ESL instructor at the Wayne Public Library and taught ESL for the Wayne Adult School.

She is best described as a family oriented, very approachable, reserved, kind, gentle soul with a dry sense of humor. It is these personality traits, and her love of teaching, that helped her connect with students of all ages.

Beloved wife of twenty-five years to Anthony Baldino; loving mother of Kimberly Baldino; devoted sister of Gregory LaCroce and his wife Susan of N. Bergen and Candy LaCroce also of N. Bergen; cherished aunt of Rebecca and Christina.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103 or the Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Edith Ryle McTighe, 94; family pioneered silk industry in Paterson.

Edith Ryle McTighe, one of the last surviving members of the famed Ryle family, who started the great silk industry with which Paterson came to be known, has died at the age of 94.

Mrs. McTighe was a granddaughter of John Ryle, the pioneer silk manufacturer from Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, who, in 1839, came to the United States and started the first silk mill in Paterson with George W. Murray. Through Ryle’s efforts and years of successes and failures, he later became known as the “Father of the American Silk Industry,” producing more than half of the silk manufactured in the United States out of the Old Gun Mill at the corner of Van Houten and Mill Street in Paterson. John Ryle’s home is a state historic site on Mill Street in Paterson. Ryle owned a significant amount of real estate at and around the Great Falls of Paterson and was responsible for financing the first public park there. In addition to his silk interests, John Ryle also served as Paterson’s 11th mayor from 1869 to 1870, and later went on to establish the Passaic Water Company, along with one of his eldest sons, William Ryle, and other Paterson manufacturers.

Mrs. McTighe’s great-aunt, Mary Elizabeth (Danforth) Ryle, was noted for her philanthropy and financing the entire construction of the Danforth Memorial Library still located and operating on Broadway in Paterson. The funds needed to build the new library were donated to the city by Mrs. Ryle following the disastrous fire of 1902 in which most of downtown Paterson was destroyed, including the original library which stood on the corner of Church and Market Streets. When Paterson officials sought to first appeal for funding for the construction of the new library, Mrs. Ryle was incensed that Paterson would look beyond its own borders for financial assistance.

Mrs. McTighe’s great-uncle, John C. Ryle, a silk manufacturer also, was one of the architects who designed Lambert Castle, the home of silk baron Catholina Lambert. The castle is now the home of the Passaic County Historical Society. John C. Ryle was married to one of Mrs. Catholina Lambert’s sisters, Adelaide Shattuck, and lived for many years with the Lamberts at their estate on Garrett Mountain.

Mrs. McTighe’s grandfather, Thomas M. Ryle, managed and operated the Pioneer Silk Company in Paterson for decades following John Ryle’s death in 1887. He later became active in banking circles, real estate development and served as a Freeholder for many years. Thomas Ryle later purchased a tract of land in present day West Paterson where he constructed an estate on the banks of the Passaic River which later became known as Ryle Park. Ryle Park was a popular recreation area on the present day site of the Beatrice Gilmore School around the dawn of the 20th Century.

Edith Ryle McTighe was the daughter of Reuben and Edith (Carlough) Ryle. Born and raised in Paterson, she lived there before moving to Wayne. Mrs. McTighe was active in Paterson city politics, and devoted much of her time to her family, church and community. During the administration of Mayor Lester F. Titus, and campaigned for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. She later worked at the Paterson Board of Elections before retiring in 1977. She was a member of the former Westside United Methodist Church.

Mrs. McTighe is survived by her son, William, of Sea Girt, a daughter, Edith Ryle, of Wayne, three grandsons and two great-grandchildren. Her husband, James J. McTighe, died in 1993, and her brother, Reuben Ryle, noted athlete and golfer, died in 2000.

At left are Edith and James on their wedding day.

Ethel Tanis (nee Rolsma) age 100 died on Saturday, February 16, 2008 of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of her daughter Ethel Baum who was at her bedside.

Of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Wyckoff, New Jersey and Bradenton, Florida.

She is "Finally Home" with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

She leaves her family and friends with the memory of a very contented person.

She enjoyed making clothing for her children when they were young. She also had a very charitable nature and made many knitted hats that she gave to seamen through a ministry of the Bradenton Christian Reformed Church in Port Manatee, Florida.

Especially memorable was her strong quiet faith in God; her wry sense of humor and her home cooking.

Martin and Ethel were married for sixty-one years in “a very devoted” marriage.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin in September 1992, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

She is survived by her children; Neal Tanis and his wife Janet, RobertTanis and his wife Dorothy and Ethel Baum and her husband Neal; also surviving are 15 grandchildren Ty & Marilia Tanis - Alex, Bryce, Caprice, Dallas; Tom & Janet Tanis - Michael, Jennifer & Matthew; Tal Tanis, Ted & Dani Tanis - Candice, Chase, Clay & Cole; Troy Tanis, Travis Tanis, Taryn Tanis, Lauryn and Lindsay Tanis, Bruce & Olga Tanis, Nora & Ken Englishman - Garrett, Jake & Sam; Alison & Eric Hill - Cathy & Jessica; Janet & Craig Klamer - Joel & Rebecca Klamer, Cheri & Andy Vander Moren, Laura & Philip Boonstra & Jackie Klamer; Jim & Karen Baum - Jay, Kailyn & Tyler Baum; Judy & Kevin Hoekman - David, Rachel, Sarah & Anna Hoekman; John & Dawn Baum - Jennifer & Jackson Brown, Jessica, Jordan & Joshua Baum.

Ethel's great-great grandchildren: Natalie Vander Moren and Jaidyn Brown.

Ethel was a member of Princeton Christian Reformed Church in Kentwood, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ethel's memory may be given to Eastern Christian School Association, 50 Oakwood Avenue, North Haledon, New Jersey 07508.

Margaret Corrado (nee Laudanno) of Wayne, New Jersey. Born in New York City she met and wed James Corrado and together founded Corrado’s Family Affair in Clifton, New Jersey.

Her legacy lives on through the cornerstone of Corrado’s as well as her family. Before moving to Wayne she lived in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

Her husband James died in 1999 and she leaves four children. Peter and his wife Rose, Joseph and his wife Michele, Patricia and her husband George Held, and Gerald and his wife Nancy. Margaret also had 15 grandchildren and the pleasure of being a part of the lives of 17 great-grandchildren. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she will remain forever in the hearts of those who love her...

Catherine F. Strauss “Cathy” (nee Monsees) age 59 of Hewitt, West Milford on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. She slipped away quietly and peacefully while receiving the loving care of her family who where at her bedside.

She was born in Union City and had lived her formative years in Wayne before moving to West Milford thirty-two years ago.

Catherine received her formal education at Wayne High School graduating with the Class of 1966.

Mrs. Strauss was an Office Manager for Selling Precision Company in West Milford manufacturers of hydraulic apparatus. She worked there for twenty three years until her illness caused her to retire from work.

She was skilled at and enjoyed the hobby of stained glass fabrication.

Cathy and Norman enjoyed nine years of a ecstatic “being in love” marriage together. They originally went to school together at Wayne High School and really didn’t know each other because they traveled in separate social circles. One day Norman planned a neighborhood picnic and one his neighbors brought Cathy and to make a long story short they got to know each other and fell in love.

She leaves her family with many fond memories of a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. By nature she just loved her family and was very motherly to her sons as well as loving and nurturing to her two sisters. They spoke daily on the telephone even if it was just to say hello how are you.

A great sadness came into her life when her son Richard Petrowski died in April 2000.

Surviving are her loving husband Norman Strauss; one son Travis Petrowski and his wife Julie of Linden; one granddaughter Victoria Petrowski two sisters Sue LaComis and her husband Bill of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania and Martha Monsees of Pompton Lakes.

She was predeceased by her parents William and Lucille Monsees.

Maria Sautner (nee Mahile) age 90 of Wallington died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne. Her passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of her family who where at her bedside.

She was born in Vertes Bagla, Hungary and due to the stress of War in her home town the family moved to West Germany where they spent nine years as refugees before immigrating to America in June of 1955 first settling in Clifton. The family later lived in Passaic before moving to Wallington fifty-seven years ago.

Life was very difficult during the War and at the end of the fighting Russians came from one side and Germans from another and the local folks were divided according to the language they spoke. The Neukum family ended up seeking refuge in West German for nine years before they could finally get entry into the United States. Their interest in immigrating was influenced by they oldest daughter Elizabeth who married an American Soldier who took her back to the States.

Her first husband Martin Neukum who she was married to for thirty-seven years died in January of 1974.

Surviving are her second husband Gottfried Sautner; loving mother of three daughters Elizabeth Porter of North Carolina, Mary Ilcyn and her husband Michael of Sarasota, Florida, Anna Stadler and her husband Sebastian of Wayne; two sons John Neukum and his wife Patricia of Wayne and Otto Neukum of Wallington; surviving son in law George Kiraly and daughter in law Johanna Neukum; nineteen grandchildren, thirty-eight great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her son Martin Neukum in 2007 her daughter Rose Kiraly died previously.

Anne G. Kuhn (nee Autera) age 83 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 10, 2008. She was surrounded by her family and dear friends.

She was born in Prospect Park, NJ. She later lived in the Hillcrest section of Paterson before moving to Wayne in 1957.

She enjoyed 53 years of marriage with Neil after meeting him at the bus stop on Union Avenue. She and Neil lived at opposite ends of the block in Paterson and often used the same corner bus stop. They simply started talking to each other one day, and courted for almost four years before marrying in 1949. They were a cute couple, and their children describe their relationship as ‘amusing’ at times. Anne and Neil stood by each other through tough times and good, but Anne was always in charge. Their relationship understandably strengthened when grandchildren entered their lives.

A devoted Catholic, Anne was a pioneer member of Annunciation RC Church in Wayne, having been active since the parish inception. Her faith was very strong and her religious convictions guided her daily life.

She worked as a seamstress at Barbizon and also at the Wayne General Hospital in the Insurance and Admissions departments. Her most rewarding career however, was as a social worker for Project Linc, a department of the Catholic Family & Community Services. She was most happy helping others and this job brought her joy on a daily basis. She was also a member of the Mayors Senior Advisory Board of Wayne under Mayor Scott Rumana. She was a very hands-on woman; organized, well educated, and an excellent planner. She ran their household like a pro.

She was also a well-traveled woman. Besides their memorable family vacations to Wildwood Crest, Washington DC, and California, Anne also visited Italy and Hawaii.

Anne’s daughters will always remember their mom as loving, supportive, and active in their daily lives. Both daughters appreciated their mothers’ good advice and the strong faith in God that she instilled in them. They both consider themselves lucky to have had her as a mom. They credit their mother with creating a very strong sense of family within their home, which is why they are all so close with their cousins, friends, and neighbors. Anne was like a ‘second mom’ to many. It is many of those people who Claudia and Barbara credit with making their childhood so memorable and enjoyable.

We would be remiss if we did not mention Annes’ group of fellow card players. She loved to play cards and get together, usually twice a week, with her friends to play. This was something she always looked forward to and enjoyed immensely.

Anne is survived by her two daughters; Barbara Kuhn and Claudia Chase and her husband Kevin of Vernon, two grandchildren; Brian and Stephanie Chase also of Vernon, one sister; Laura LaRosa of Riverdale, NJ and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Neil in 2002, three brothers; Michael, Joseph, and Amadeo (Tommy) Autera, two sisters; Mary Tallone and Theresa (Sue) Kurdock.

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

Anna M. Baruth age 103 of Wayne died Saturday, February 9, 2008. Her passing was quiet and peaceful and, she just slipped away, after telling her family members who were present to “tell everyone I love them”.

She was born in Germany came to this country in 1926 at the age of twenty-one first settling in Englewood later living in West New York, New Jersey before moving to Wayne forty-one years ago. The family left Germany while the country was experiencing a depression. She often spoke of having wheel barrels of money that when taken to the store would only buy you a loaf of bread or a spool of thread. They would spend money as soon as they got it because tomorrow it would buy even less. Germany was going through very difficult times.

When she first arrived she lived in Englewood and worked as a Governess cooking and taking care of the young children for the Jones family who became famous in finance via the Dow Jones stock index. She later worked for Bergen County Judge Lebson in the same capacity. She retired from domestic work when she married Herman Baruth on June 5, 1932 and spent the rest of her life as a mother and exquisite home maker.

She leaves her family with many fond and loving memories of a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Even into her children’s adult life Mom maintained a decorum of nurturing and the Mother in charge. She was a wonderful cook and made the best potato pancakes and apple sauce in the whole world. She was a Mother in charge all the way to her passing.

Herman and Anna had fifty-three years of “excellent and wonderfully loving” marriage together until Herman’s passing in January of 1985.

Surviving are one daughter Joan Baruth of Wayne; two sons Herman W. Baruth Jr. and Fred C. Baruth and his former wife Astrid; four grandchildren David Baruth of Brooklyn, NY, Heather McCarthy and her husband Michael of Cicero, NY, Marilena Flynn and her husband Edward of Golden, Colorado and Colette Baruth of Wayne; three great grandchildren Payton and Casey McCarthy and Kelsey Flynn.

She was predeceased by her daughter in law Miranda Baruth in 2006 and her grandson Erik Baruth August 16, 2002.

Robert M. Cooke age 55 of Wayne on Friday, February 8, 2008.

His passing, although untimely, was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of his family who were at his side.

He was born in Jersey City and moved to Wayne with his family at the age of five. Bobby received his formal education at Wayne Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1970. He then studied for a year at the Morris County Community College.

Robert entered the family business New Jersey Valley Amusements at an early age and has spent the last forty years as an Owner Operator of the business. He possessed a gift of leadership within the family. He was calm and collected, one whom everyone turned to.

He leaves his family with many wonderful memories of a special husband, father, son, brother and uncle who was always concerned about his family. Especially his four beautiful daughters who where his pride and joy in life. His personality was peppered with a great sense of humor that could always make you laugh.

Donna and Bobby had thirty wonderful years of marriage together.

Surviving are his beloved wife Donna (nee Hempstead) Cooke; loving father of four daughters Donna Jennifer, Aimee, Katie and Meghan Cooke; cherished son of William and Edith Cooke; brother of Billy Cooke and "his" Donna, Edith “Honeybun” Miller and Samuel(deceased 2002), Gary Cooke, Brian Cooke and his wife Judi, Nancy Spetz and her husband Charlie, Marilyn Gabriel and her husband Albert, John Cooke and Jennifer Cooke; dear son in law of Cecilia Hempstead. Also survived by seventeen nieces and nephews and two great-nieces also survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.. He was predeceased by the following: his sister Linda Cooke (1963), his father in law Daniel Hempstead(1993), a brother in law Daniel Hempstead(1998) and a nephew William Cooke(2005).

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Robert’s memory are asked to consider a donation to ALS TDI, 215 First St. Cambridge, MA 02142.

Fred Mecky “Freddy” age 69 of Wayne died Thursday, February 7, 2008 at home. His passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of his wife.

He was born in Newark and had lived in Irvington and Union before moving to Wayne forty-two years ago.

Fred received his formal education at Union High School graduating with the Class of 1956. He went on to study Tool and Die skills at Newark College of Engineering in Newark.

He started his work career at Ragen Corporation in North Arlington and then became a Tool maker at Parker Hannifin in Belleville where he worked on government contracts for the aerospace program. He finally retired in 2000 after forty-four years as a Tool and Die maker.

Many of his finest joys in life were experience in the great outdoors where he enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting to the his hearts content.

Fred and Donna met each other on a blind date and their love for each other blossomed into forty-two years of “happy and loving” marriage together.

His personality was conservative with dry humor prevailing. His wife and family will always remember his loyalty, honesty and hard working ethic.

Surviving are his loving wife Donna (nee McNulty) Mecky; his loving mother-in-law Laura McNulty and many extended family members and friends.

He is also survived by his cherished cat “Andrew” who was often on his lap or beside him.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Fred’s memory are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

James E. Layden Sr. age 96 of Wayne died Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at the Atrium Health Care Center in Wayne.

He was born in Paterson and had lived his formative years in Paterson later living in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne forty-seven years ago.

He received his formal education a Paterson Grammar School No. 15, attended Paterson Central High School, then William Paterson University in Wayne and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education from Florida Southern University in Lakeland, Florida.

He was employed at the Paterson Board of Education at School No. 3 and School No. 19 as a Physical Education Teacher before his retirement in 1976.

He was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes.

Jim loved the game of golf and was a member of the Packanack Lake Golf Club for many years.

He leaves his family with many cherished memories of a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Dad was a true family man who was loving and devoted to his family and nurtured them even into adulthood. Perhaps the highlight of his family life was the arrival of grandchildren whom he loved with all of his heart.

Jim was gifted with an easy going nature coupled with a wonderful sense of humor that caused him to be fun to be with and resulted in many friendships.

Mary Claire and Jim had thirty-one years of “happy marriage” together until Mary’s passing in 1990.

Surviving are one daughter Kathleen Reynolds and her husband Eugene of Wayne; two sons James Layden and his wife Joan of Pacific Palisades, California and Robert Layden of Wayne.; seven grandchildren Katie, Mary and Annie Layden, Mary Beth, Claire, Meghan and Kelly Reynolds.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in James’ memory are asked to consider Alzheimers Association-Greater NJ 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834

Christopher Krassowski, age 15, of Wayne died tragically on Sunday February 3, 2008.

Born in Brooklyn, NY he moved to Wayne six years ago.

He was a sophomore student at Wayne Valley High School, Wayne.

Christopher loved hockey. He was a varsity member of the Wayne Valley Indians Hockey Team where he played as a forward having also played for the NJ Bandits at the Ice Vault in Wayne. He coached Wayne Boys and Girls Club Floor Hockey teams last year and was currently a hockey referee for the Ice Vault, Wayne.

He is the beloved son of Wojciech and Ewa(Zukowska) Krassowski; the beloved brother of Emily Krassowski; cherished grandson of Danuta Zukowska and her late husband Leonard and Jadwiga Krassowski and her late husband Jerzy.

Arnold James Mackey age 80 of Harmony, formerly of Wayne, died Sunday, February 3, 2008 at the NJ Veterans Home, Paramus.

He was born and lived in Brooklyn, NY having lived in Wayne and Clifton before moving to Harmony forty-four years ago.

Arnold was a US Army Veteran who served during the Korean War from 1950-1952; having received the Korean Service Medal, the Bronze Service Star and the Purple Heart. He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion Post 131, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Belvidere and the Disabled American Veterans, Warren Chapter 46.

He was a self-employed woodworker and cabinet maker for thirty years having retired in 1993. Previously he worked as a custom weaver at the Beattie Mills, Little Falls.

Arnold enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cooking and art. Many will remember his elaborate Christmas decorations in both his yard and the interior of his home.

Arnold is the beloved brother of Frank Mackey and his wife Noreen of Wayne, Gloria Criger and her husband Howard of Satsuma, FL, Robert Mackey and his wife Joan of Bangor, PA, Lillian Morgan of Satsuma, FL, Douglas Mackey of Satsuma, FL, the late William Mackey(1964), Charles Mackey(1996), Thomas Mackey(1996), Arthur Mackey, Jr.(2000), George Mackey(2000) and Donald Mackey(2004); he is the cherished uncle of many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the New Jersey Special Olympics Area #2, PO Box 747 Ringwood, NJ 07456 or the Lopatcong Emergency Squad, PO Box 267, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 would be appreciated.

Myrtle Conklin (nee Hudson) age 97 of Pinehurst, N.C. died on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the Pine Lake Health Care Center in Carthage, N.C.

Born in Glen Rock, NJ in 1910, Myrtles long life included much struggle but she was never one to complain or speak an unkind word, and she has left her family with many fond memories of a caring, loving, compassionate woman.

Myrtle grew up in a family of twelve children, four of which didn’t live past infancy. She had her appendix removed at the age of 14, before the discovery of antibiotics, and the doctors told her parents that she would not survive. That was 83 years ago. She also survived the Great Depression, begging on a daily basis just to survive. At seventeen years old she married John Conklin, Jr. and was able to keep it a secret from her parents for five months, when she turned eighteen. They lived in a home in Waldwick, near the railroad tracks, that her family describes as a very old wooden house, which had no running water or electricity. She worked very hard to raise her four children there, working many jobs as a housekeeper, including a number of years at the Hermitage in Waldwick for the Rosencrantz family.

After her husband John passed away in 1962, she moved to Ridgewood to live with her daughter Betty Cecere. She continued to work as a housekeeper for Mrs. Ruth Honig, a prominent attorney in Waldwick and she tended to their house in Allendale, helping to raise the Honig children. She served their family for forty-six years before retiring in 1977, at the age of seventy-seven. She then moved to North Carolina in 1995 with her daughter Betty and Betty's now deceased husband, Joseph Cecere.

She was quite modest, yet always meticulous about her appearance. She would dress up exquisitely for her commute, which was usually on the bus or walking, and then change into her work clothes once she arrived. However, almost all of her fancy clothes and high-heeled shoes were graciously given to her by the Honig family. She was extremely appreciative of everything she had, big and small; most certainly an attribute she gained as a result of her Depression era experiences.

Her family remembers her as a kind, giving person who never argued about anything, would never have anything bad to say about anyone, and she could be trusted to keep her promises. Her grandson Bud remembers that she wasn’t very helpful however, when he injured himself as a little boy and came running into the house looking for her help to stop his bleeding. At the sight of his injury and blood, his grandma began screaming and ran out of the house! Bud was left to tend to his own wounds.

Her granddaughter, Nancy Rogers, fondly refers to Myrtle as her ‘soul mate’ and ‘second mother’. Myrtle has lived in North Carolina near Nancy for many years and they attended church together at the Sandhills Assembly Church in Southern Pines.

Myrtle is survived by one sister, Florence DeVoe of Alabama, two children; her son June Conklin of Marchfield, Wisconsin and one daughter Betty J. Cecere of Pinehurst, NC. Ten grandchildren: Thomas Conklin of New Mexico, Wanda Routier and her husband Donald of Wisconsin, Nancy Rogers and her husband Paul of Carthage, North Carolina, Robert ‘Bud’ Randle and his wife Helen of Wayne, New Jersey, Robert Conklin of Washington, New Jersey, Kevin Conklin and his wife Melissa of Washington, New Jersey, Angelyn Conklin of Budd Lake, New Jersey, Billy Joe Scully and his wife Lisa of Oak Ridge, New Jersey, John Scully and his wife Charleen of Kinnelon, New Jersey, Brian Scully and his wife Sissy of Oak Ridge, New Jersey. Nine great grandchildren: David Routier of Wisconsin, Jacob and Chelsea Conklin of Ohio, Elyssa Conklin of Washington, New Jersey, Carla Ann Conklin of Washington, New Jersey, and Sophia Conklin of Kinnelon, New Jersey, and Jillian Marie Za

Anthony A. Rusciano age 78 of Paterson on Saturday, February 2, 2008. His passing took place peacefully while he was receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born in Paterson and virtually lived all of his life on the street where he was born. He enjoyed spending time at the Jersey shore throughout the years and always enjoyed a good cigar.

Tony was a self employed mason contractor for over forty-five years trading as Anthony Rusciano & Sons Mason Contracting of Paterson. He will always be remembered as a very hard worker. At a young age he instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He was admired as a very demanding task master who wanted the best of results. He retired from business in 1995.

He served in the Army during the Korean War and often spoke of the hardship of the snow and cold conditions in Korea that cause him to suffer from frost bite injuries. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Clifton Post 7165.

Anthony leaves his family with many fond memories of a very loving and caring husband, father and grandfather who was always concerned about his family. He was a wonderful provider for his family.

He will be remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, perhaps on his own terms.

Anthony and Ann (nee Tanis) Rusciano were married for forty-five years in a “loving marriage” together until Ann’s passing in September of 2006.

Surviving are one daughter Sally Mazzella and her husband Neil of Pompton Lakes; two sons Anthony Rusciano Jr. and John Rusciano both of Paterson; three grandchildren Carmela, Peter and Anthony Mazzella; one sister Caroline “Dolly” Pepe of Mount Arlington. Son of Angelo & Nancy Rusciano deceased, Brothers Antonio & Michael Rusciano deceased, sisters, Sarah Barrise, Connie Simonelli & Rose Fairless deceased.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Anthony’s memory are asked to consider The Disabled American Veterans, Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076

-

John "Chief" Kuzman age 92 of Packanack Lake, Wayne passed on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at the NJ Firemen’s Home in Boonton. He was receiving the loving care of his wife and family and his passing was quiet and peaceful.

He was born in Coaldale, Pennsylvania and had lived in New Brunswick, NJ before moving to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne fifty-five years ago.

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

John received his formal education first at the Coaldale Grammar School, Pennsylvania, and then at the Coaldale High School. It was in High School that a football scout saw his performance playing football. He recruited John to enroll in the Bordentown Military Institute at Bordentown, NJ where he played football from 1935- 1937. There he was awarded the BMI Skirmisher Cup for Athletic Leadership and Loyalty in 1936. He was a member of the New Jersey All-State Football Team from 1935-1937, he received the Harry C. Bradshaw Shot Put Trophy in 1936 for breaking the Group III indoor shot put record and was elected to the Pennsylvania Carbon County Hall of Fame May 30, 1993.

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Fordham University in Bronx, New York with the Class of 1941 and attended San Francisco State College in California in 1947. He went on to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ where he received a Masters Degree in 1950 and achieved 60 credits toward his Doctorate Degree.

He played football at Fordham University from 1937-1941, on the All-East Football Team from 1938-1940, the all-American Football Team 1938-1940, the all Catholic football team from 1939-1940 and was elected to the Fordham University Sports Hall of Fame on May 21, 1978.

John played Professional Football from 1941-1947. He was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals Team in 1941, then for the Chicago Bears in 1942. He was All-Rookie, All-Pro Football Team Chicago Cardinals 1941, he played on the US Navy Pre-Flight Football Team 1942-1946, on the All-Service, All-American football team 1943. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers in 1946 and for the Chicago Rockets in 1947.

He left professional football during WW II volunteering in the US Navy serving as a Lieutenant 1942-1946. He served in the US Navy Pre-Flight Program, at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC as and Athletic Officer 1942-1944. There he had the responsibility for screening Ted Williams' physical fitness into and out of the Flight Program. He then served at the US Naval Air Station in Seattle Washington in the Air Transport Squadron VR-5, Athletic Director 1944-1945 and US Navy Pre-Flight Program at Saint Mary’s college in Maraga, California as an Athletic Officer from 1945 to 1946. He was employed at the San Francisco State College as a member of the Physical Education Department in 1947, Rutgers University as a member of the Physical Education Department in 1948. He worked coaching and Teaching at Saint Michaels High School in Union City, NJ in 1950 and 1952, he coached and taught at Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, NJ from 1952- 1954 and coached and taught at Bergen County Vocational and Technical High School in Hackensack from 1954-1974.

While living in Wayne he was active with the Packanack Lake Volunteer Fire Department Company #5 and served twelve years of active duty. He was a member of the Packanack Lake Country Club, the Wayne Golden Age Circle, the Packanack Leisure Club and the Wayne American Legion Post 174.

Audrey and John had sixty-six years of “very compatible and loving” marriage together.

Nicholas Riciputo age 87 of Wayne died unexpectedly at home on Monday, January 28, 2008.

Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, he graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class. He was awarded a full scholarship and later graduated from The University of Syracuse through the Naval Officers program as a First Lieutenant and immediately went into active duty during WWII. He was stationed throughout the Pacific theatre and specialized in decoding messages for the Navy.

In 1946 he married Juliette (Nicholosi) in a double-ceremony with Juliette’s sister, Carmella. These double-weddings were always exciting occasions in the years after the War ended. He was truly in love and devoted to his wife until her passing in 2003.

Nicholas was a lifelong, active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pompton Lakes, NJ. He was also a dedicated member of the BPO Elks in Wayne, as well as on a national level. He volunteered much of his time to the Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton, a facility run by the Elks, and truly enjoyed his work there. Nicholas will be greatly missed by his community; Pines Lake in Wayne, where he was a very active resident. He founded the Pines Lake Sailing Club, was a former Commodore of Pines Lake, and a past president of the Pines Lake Association. During his tenure with the Pines Lake Association, he successfully had the ‘New Resident Application’ modified to remove the question regarding which religion the applicant was; he believed strongly that such a thing should have no bearing on whether a person should live in Pines Lake or not, and he was proud to have accomplished this.

Nicholas is survived by his sister Maria Grace Karlik and her husband Paul of Syracuse, NY, two nieces; Arlene Mac Allen and her husband Tom of Ringwood, NJ, and Judy Poultney and her husband Jim of Wayne, two grand-nephews; Ian and Garret Mac Allen both of Jersey City, NJ, and one grand-niece; Michelle Poultney of Wayne. He was also predeceased by his brother Angelo and sister Josephine.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a donation in Nicholas’ memory to the Crippled Children’s Fund, c/o the Wayne Elks, 50 Hinchman Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470. You can print out a donation form by clicking on the link below that says "Print out donation form". Using this form will ensure that you donations are properly received and acknowledged to his family.

Edward “Lor” Burchell age 77 of Wayne died at home on Sunday, January 27, 2008.

Born and raised in Little Falls, NJ, Mr. Burchell moved to Wayne over 40 years ago after marrying his beloved Peggie. Edward was a devoted husband and, as his children describe, “he lived to serve” his dear wife. He would do anything for her, without hesitation. They romantically met during a blind date, quickly fell deeply in love, and married just a few months later. She predeceased him in 2001 and his days were never as happy without her. Peggie had owned the “Olde Turnpike Toll House” in the Mountain View section of Wayne for many years and Edward was the ‘behind-the-scenes’ man who fixed everything, built displays, set up booths at shows, and kept the place in tip-top shape for his wife. They were together for thirty-seven years before she passed.

Edward was self employed as an independent auto parts salesman for ten years. He had many loyal customers who really enjoyed doing business with him. His personality was such that he would do anything or get any part for his customers, no matter what. His career stemmed from an early love of cars. He had hot-rods as a kid and enjoyed anything that had to do with cars. He would often tell stories about the early days and setting record speeds coming back to Little Falls from Greenwood Lake with his teenage friends. Most recently worked for his son’s glass business in Hawthorne and Wayne.

He enjoyed many summer vacations with his family to Wildwood, the Pocono’s, and then later on to their summer home in Lake Gerard, NJ, which he especially enjoyed for many years.

Few people knew that he was a brilliant mathematician and had been an excellent student in his school years. He was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis after high school, but he chose not to go and instead stayed home to care for his ailing parents. He was truly a selfless man and he chose to care for and serve others throughout his life.

His family is grateful that they were all able to spend the day with him on Saturday, the day before he died, for Georgia’s birthday party.

He is survived by two daughters; Georgia McGrath and her fiance' Richard Hausleben of Pequannock and Laura Burchell of Wayne, one son; Christopher and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, five grandchildren; Tyler and Carlye Burchell of Wayne, and Richard, William, and Maggie McGrath of Pequannock, one brother; Art Erbeck of North Carolina, one niece; Lynn DiLuccia and one nephew; Eddie Erbeck.

In lieu of flowers, please consider The Nurturing Place, a child development center for homeless children that the Burchell family supports, and where Laura Burchell is a teacher. This organization is near and dear to the family and your contributions would be deeply meaningful and sincerely appreciated. The Nurturing Place, 81 York Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. You can print out a donation form by clicking on the link below that says "Print out donation form". Using this form will ensure that you donations are properly received and acknowledged to Mr. Burchell’s family.

Carole Ann Latour (nee Budinich) age 70 of Brick, formerly of Wayne, died Sunday, January 27, 2008 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood with her daughter Beth by her side.

She was born in Jersey City, raised in North Bergen having lived in Wayne for twenty-five years before moving to Brick 12 years ago.

Carole was a jeweler's assistant in the New York City "Diamond District" for several years before dedicating her time to raising her family.

She was a former parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne and more recently a parishioner of Visitation RC Church, Brick.

Carole and John had a "storybook marriage" having met on a blind date. Described by her as "love at first sight", she and John were married in 1959 and shared thirty-five wonderful years before John passed away in 1994. We know that she is with him now as they were always meant to be.

She is the beloved mother of John A. Latour and his wife Denise of Elwood City, PA, Elizabeth Ann Collins and her husband Stephen of Wayne, Michael L. Latour and his wife Christine of Ramsey and Joseph M. Latour and his wife Rosaria of Cumming, GA, the late Laura Latour who passed away when she was two and a half years old and the late James Latour who was four months old at the time of his passing.

Carole was blessed with and beloved by her eleven grandchildren. Jenna, John and Anthony Latour, Keith and Juliana Romanski, Michael and Alexander Latour, Joseph, Giovanna, Jackie and Juliette Latour.

Family and friends remember their home as the gathering place for any special occasion. From ritual Sunday dinners with her children and the growing crop of grandchildren, to summer barbeques and New Year's Eve galas, Carole, with her husband John, together made all who came to visit feel welcome and at home.

Her love of children was boundless. After having raised her clan, Carole and John became foster parents to children in need of a warm, loving home. Edith, Brenda and Gilly Lake came to live with them in 1989 and remained for many years as part of the growing family. Their home was, at times, more like a daycare center, filled with the love of their foster kids and visiting grandchildren, cribs and high chairs and baby toys always underfoot.

Those who knew her remember fondly her sense of humor. At times, mischievous and cunning, her sharp wit and buoyant personality never dimmed, even in times of difficulty and sadness.

Her children offer a very special message of gratitude to the nursing staff at Ocean Medical Center, particularly Michelle, Connie and Caroline, who treated Carole with such kindness and compassion, stepping in as surrogate mothers to her children during her last days. And to the dedicated nurses at Valley Hospital who helped them through the process of letting her go.

James M. Dowling “Jimmy” age 87 of Pompton Lakes died Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. His passing was quiet and peaceful with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and had lived there and Oakland before moving to Pompton Lakes eight years ago.

He spent his formative years in Brooklyn where he went to Erasmus Hall High School graduating with the Class of 1937.

Jim was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes.

He was a career seaman in the United States Navy for twenty years before retiring from military service. He achieved the highest rank possible as a Chief Boatswain's Mate at the age of twenty-four. Although he was modest about his Navy experiences he was part of the capture of Iwo Jima, the assault on Okinawa, the storming of the beaches of Normandy, the Battle of Guadalcanal, operations in the Marianas and the Liberation of the Philippines. He witnessed the flight of the Enola Gay on its way to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. He received the Bronze Star and saved a fellow sailor’s life by diving into the sea and assisting him to board the ship. After his retirement from the Navy he worked on ships and tugboats in the maritime industry until finally retiring from work in 1985.

He leaves his family with fond memories of a very loving and nurturing husband, father and grandfather who was a true family man. He was gifted with a personality that could exude humor and caused him to be a positive contributor to the camaraderie at any social event. Jim was very interested in photography and was a skilled at picture taking leaving his family with many photos of their family history.

James and Eileen Dowling had forty-nine years of “loving marriage” together until Eileen's passing in September 1992.

Surviving are one daughter Maureen Maioriello and her husband Bill of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; four sons Kevin Dowling of Mount Pocono, PA and Port Charlotte, Florida, Brian Dowling and his wife Ann of Wyckoff, Dennis Dowling and his wife Deedra of Port Charlotte, Florida, Rory Dowling and his wife Donna of Pompton Lakes.

His son Shawn Dowling predeceased him in February 1994.

Marcia S. "Markie" Sills (nee Smith) age 85, of Wayne, died on Friday, January 25, 2008 at the Sunrise Assisted Living, Wayne.

She was born and raised in Corning, NY having lived in Charleston, S.C. and Baltimore, MD before moving to Wayne fifty-eight years ago.

She graduated from Corning High School in 1939, and received an associates degree in Art and Drafting from Southern Virginia Technical College in Petersburg, Virginia, class of 1941.

Mrs. Sills was an active member of the Totowa Methodist Church and more recently the United Methodist Church of Wayne.

Markie was a devoted member of almost fifty years, and former officer, of the Wayne Historical Commission, giving slide lectures about the history of Wayne and helping to preserve some of its oldest houses. In 2003 the Mayor and Township Council recognized her 47 years of devoted service to the commission by granting her the title of "Historical Commissioner Emeritus" of Wayne Township. Markie worked part-time for the Herald News as a proofreader and also volunteered her time for many years with the Wayne chapter of the Red Cross.

She was the beloved wife of forty-three years to the late Kenneth George Sills(1985); loving mother of Lauren Champion and her husband Earl of Vineland, Lee Sills Turner of Princeton and Amanda Hinchman and her husband Douglas of Bend, OR; cherished grandmother of Scott Hepner, Ami Coia, Autumn Bryant, Benjamin Valle, David and Carl Hinchman; much loved great-grandmother of Henry III and Katrina Coia.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Wayne Township Historical Commission, 533 Berden Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Salvatore Intrieri age 75 of Paterson died on Thursday January 24, 2008 at St Joseph’s Wayne Hospital.

Salvatore was born in S. Pietro Guarano, Italy and came to this country in 1962, settled and lived in Paterson, NJ for the next 46 years.

He was a textile worker for Zenith Dye House in Paterson, NJ for 30 years until his retirement in 1998.

Salvatore always thought it was his “job” to provide for his family and was very devoted to his wife, children and his grandchildren. His family remembers their fun filled vacations at the Jersey Shore every year as well as Sal’s outstanding work ethic.

Surviving are his Daughter Sandra Bernardo and her husband Joseph of Wayne; his son Sal and his wife Ellen of Litchfield Park, AZ, two sisters; Emily Rubino of West Paterson and Victoria Veneziano of Italy, three brothers; Damon of West Paterson, Angelo of Totowa and Agostino of Italy, and six grandchildren; Sal, Lauren, and David Intrieri, Annarose, Jacqueline and Joseph Bernardo, he was also pre-deceased by his wife Anna (nee) Torcicollo in 2001.

George J. Schramm of Wayne, age 91, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2008.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and had lived in Middle Village, Queens, Flushing and River Edge before moving to Wayne fifty-one years ago.

He attended Saint Margaret’s School in Middle Village, then Brooklyn Technical High School where he majored in Architecture. He attended New York University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.

George married Mary "Ciss" Lernihan in 1943. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary last Wednesday, January 16. They had three children and resided in Wayne for his last 51 years.

During World War II George served as a Warrant Officer in the 325th medical battalion of the 100th Infantry Division from 1942 to 1946 in battles and campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe.

George started out his work life with several businesses including a law firm where he was a runner for paperwork. On the side, he played the Trumpet in many bands and parties. His personality was very likeable. When things were quiet he had the knack of interjecting humor into the atmosphere and would light up the room and have everyone laughing.

He began working at the American Tobacco Company in 1940 which became American Brands (and is presently known as Fortune Brands.) Through hard work, dedication and determination he rose in the company to the position of Vice Chairman. He also served for twelve years on the Board of Directors of American Brands. He worked for a total of forty-one years with the company before his retirement in 1981 as Vice Chairman.

He was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes where he sang in the church choir for fifteen years.

He was a founding member of the Packanack Lake Golf Club. He was always ready with a joke, a voracious reader, a puzzle afficionado and a jack of all trades.

He leaves his family with many cherished memories of a very loving and caring man. He was dignified and respected by all and is truly a self-made man.

Surviving are his wife Mary (Lernihan) Schramm; three children -- Gregory J. Schramm of Wayne; Jacquelyn Schramm Honculada and her husband Jev of Wayne and Mary-Therese Schramm of Pompton Plains; one brother, Gerard Schramm of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters, Ann House of Hanover, New Hampshire and Mary Reynolds of Tampa, Florida; five grandchildren: Geoffrey Schramm, Timothy Schramm and his wife Tracy, Amy Schramm Adickes and her husband Chris, Jehda and Jessica Honculada; three great grandchildren: Kayla and Ryan Schramm, and Jake Adickes.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in George’s memory are asked to consider St. Mary’s Church Social Justice Ministry, 17 Pompton Avenue, Pompton Lakes 07442.

A dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Anne (Mingione) Buscema, 90, of Wayne passed from this life into our Lord’s care on January 24, 2008. Despite pain and loss of physical strength, her passion for life and family and her determination to survive were lessons to all who cherished her.

Born in Paterson, she worked from the time she graduated Grammar school, first at the Five & Dime and later at Hall’s Cleaners. Throughout the 2nd World War she, along with thousand of other American women, supported the war effort at Curtis Wright. She labored in the coat factories of Paterson and, while living in Hawthorne, she was employed at Ponds and New Era Company. In the 1960’s she was a seamstress at the Alexander Hamilton Hotel in Paterson. She was promoted to Housekeeper and eventually left the hotel business to face the demands of hospital and nursing home work. St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson, St. Vincent’s Hospital in Montclair, and Lakeview Sub Acute Care Center in Wayne were more like second homes than jobs. She appreciated her career and the opportunities it provided to do challenging and rewarding work. Many of the people she worked with became life long friends.

The July 14, 1971 former Paterson News contained the following article about her:

“Mrs. Anne Buscema, of Paterson, has been nominated for membership in the American Academy of Medical Administrators, a non-profit professional society headquartered in Boston. Some of the aims of the Academy are to encourage and foster a scientific approach to the practice of medical administration; provide a means of inter-communication; promote, conduct and foster educational courses in this specialty; establish and maintain a criteria of competency for those engaged in this profession; and to provide for recognition by means of fellowships, scholarships, and grants to those who are doing noteworthy service in this endeavor.

”A member of the National Executive Housekeepers’ Association, Inc., Mrs. Buscema became a certified member by completing credited work in the field of sociology, personnel management, purchasing, and maintenance and control. In 1969 she completed the Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations. She has also been awarded a certificate from the New York City Community College, Division of Continuing Education and Extension Services in 1970 by having successfully completed the course in Sanitation Management.

“Mrs. Buscema resides with her two children, Nancy and Robert.”

Her Daughter, Nancy and her Son, Bob and his wife Sue, Grandchildren, Janine and Rob Rubino, and Cheryl Buscema, survive Anne. Others who shared her life and mourn her passing include: her Sister, Rose Mingione, Sister-in-law, Ellen Mingione, Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law, Vincent and Marie Buscema, Nieces and Nephews, Genevieve and Rich Ferrara, Margaret and Albert D’Aurizio, Kathy and Ron Vanone, Mary Dube, Dan and Dianne Mingione, Michael Pignatello, Christiane and Ezio Defilippis, Bernadette and Mark Falcon, Cousins Ginny and Kush Popeck, Jeanne and Lou Shamble, Elaine and Henry Deppert, Joe Aceto, Faye Vitale and dear friends, Rose Scurio, Sister Teresa Christine Amero, and Walter Rogge. They, along with her extended family, former co-workers and others whose lives she touched, will remember her with fondness and a smile for who she was to each of them and what she stood for and believed.

Loss was a constant in her life, but defeat was not a word she acknowledged. Poverty and struggle marked her childhood, yet her memories of that time were a rich tapestry of family love and traditions. She laughed easily and often, especially at herself. She would not tolerate injustice. She loved animals and believed in their nobility. Star, her cat, was her constant companion during the final years.

Richard G. Gunther, age 71 of Wayne and Manasquan, after a courageous three month battle with cancer, died on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 peacefully at home with his wife and children by his side.

Richard was born and raised in Lyndhurst and graduated from Lyndhurst High School with the Class of 1953 as a proud “Golden Bear.” He was inducted into the Lyndhurst Athletic Hall of Fame in June 1995. He proudly served his country as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, US Army, Fort Bragg, N.C. He then graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford Campus in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Richard married his college sweetheart, Gail (Gavin). They celebrated their forty-seventh wedding anniversary this past November.

Richard was a top District Manager for Automatic Data Processing (ADP) in Manhattan for twenty seven years, earning the President’s Club award every year. He retired in 2001 as “The Legend.”

Richard will always be remembered by his family as a very loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. The arrival of his grandchildren was a very special highlight in his life. He loved them with all of his heart.

Richard savored time spent with his family at his summer home. In his retirement, he enjoyed golf (almost everyday), many afternoons at the “YMHA” in Wayne, and traveling. His competitive nature and drive to win brought him much satisfaction on the golf course.

Richard was a forty-three year parishioner of Holy Cross R.C. Church in Wayne. He was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181, the Lyndhurst AMVETS Post 20, and former coach of the Wayne PAL Baseball program and the Wayne Boys Club football teams.

Cherished father of Lisa and her husband Edward Janiga, Laura and her husband Andrew Lauckner, and John and his wife Chrissy Gunther. He was the beloved Grandpa to Ryan Janiga, Kaitlyn, Lindsay and Kelsey Lauckner, and Gavin and Jack Gunther. He will be missed by his little dog, Suzie. Also survived by his sister Marie Geraghty of Lanoka Harbor, brother James and his wife Bobbi of Cream Ridge, his brother-in-law Edward Gavin and his wife Barbara of Annandale, and nine nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Cancer Society of NJ, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated.

Emil J. “Mel” Polito age 73 of Wayne died Monday, January 21, 2008, peacefully, at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

He was born in Jersey City and lived in Paramus and Anderson, S.C. before moving to Wayne six years ago.

He graduated from the Lincoln High School, Jersey City with the class of 1952 and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford as a Chemistry major.

Emil was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean War.

Emil was a packaging engineer having worked for Schmid Labs, Little Falls and Anderson, S.C. before retiring in 1998. Previously he was employed by the American Cyanamid Corporation, Wayne, Boyle Midway Corporation, Cranford and the Lever Brothers Corporation, Edgewater.

He was a quiet man who was an avid reader and enjoyed golf. He was a true “family man” and when salesman asked him to go out to dinner he would say “no…that is time I spend with my family.” He was a good cook, especially deserts, and was known for making a wonderful Buche Noel log. He also enjoyed making pizza, a tradition his sons Emil Jr. and Frank have also embraced.

He is the beloved husband of forty-six years to Carol (Holzl) Polito; loving father of Margaret Sabino and her husband Joseph of Pompton Plains, Emil J. Polito, Jr and his wife Kathy of Lawrenceburg, IN, Frank C. Polito and his wife Bonnie of Franklin Park; cherished grandfather of Paul Sabino, Ian Polito and Anya Polito; brother of Joanne Noon of Lodi, Nina Jindela and her husband George of Parsipanny, Nicholas Polito and his wife Jean of Egg Harbor, and the late Rosemary Lewis and Frank Polito.

Samuel Vander Valk age 82 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 20, 2008.

He was born in Hawthorne and has lived in Wayne for the past fifty-seven years.

He was a US Army Veteran of WWII having served with the 137th Ordinance Maintenance Battalion. He received the American Campaign Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Sam was an Official Court Reporter for the State of New Jersey, in Hudson County, for twenty-three years before retiring in 1985.

Surviving are his brother Barney Vander Valk of Brattleboro, VT, two nieces and eight nephews. He was predeceased by his three sisters Rena Kamena, Winifred Singer and Jennie Vander Valk.

Paul Nazaruk age 76 of Wanaque, formerly of Wayne, died Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the Care One Center, Wayne.

He was born in Newark and raised in Cedar Grove having lived in Caldwell, the Packanack Lake section of Wayne and Lakewood before moving to Wanaque one year ago.

He graduated from Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield with the class of 1949 and attended Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC and Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Paul is a United States Army Veteran having served during the Korean War. Upon discharge, his experience in serving food to hundreds as an Army chef was put to immediate civilian use as Paul began exercising his culinary skills to prepare meals for large family gatherings.

He was the Director of Management Information Systems for the Christ Hospital, Jersey City where he worked for twenty-five years before retiring in 1996. His career in M.I.S. began with Blue Cross / Blue Shield in Newark and later with Saint Lukes Hospital, NYC before taking the position at Christ Hospital.

Paul was always the life of the party, his big, loud, booming voice would take over the room. He enjoyed acting and singing having belonged to the Playcrafters of Caldwell and the Packanack Players in Wayne. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, cooking ans spending time with family and friends at the NJ shore.

Real joy came to his life with the birth of his grandchildren. He was extremely proud of their accomplishments and both he and Sonya attended every possible event they had. As a matter of fact they even received an award for attending the most games.

Paul is the beloved husband of fifty-four and one half years to Sonya (nee Kushkowski) Nazaruk. He originally met Sonya at a church conference in Cromwell, CT where upon meeting her threw her in a lake to get her attention. A short time later they re-united at a wedding, fell in love, and wed soon after.

He is the loving father of Michael Nazaruk and his wife Karin of Normandy Beach and Paula Vaccarella and her husband Joseph of Montville; cherished grandfather of Lily Nazaruk and Aidan and Jared Vaccarella.

We can all rest in the knowledge that Paul is now, in the words of the old hymn, "safe in the arms of Jesus."

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Paul's name are asked to consider; American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. You can print out a donation form by clicking on the link below that says "Print out donation form". Using this form will insure that you donations are properly received and acknowledged to Paul's family.

William “Bill” H. Mesmer age 27 died Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at his home in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

He lived on Woodlot Road in Wayne most of his life before making a move of great independence to a new vista at his own private home in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

This is a brief history of family life both tragic and loving. A true story of a family with great health difficulties with the healthiest of the group ending up suffering with the rest because of the overwhelming needs of others. It is a story of nobody wins and yet life goes on as best it can. It all ends with those most severely challenged on earth finding complete respite in their creator. Yes free at last to enjoy eternal life to it’s fullest. It is the story of a beautiful family and their great sacrifices for each other. Those who knew this family can fill in the blanks from their own memories and experiences to sense the real tragedies and the real triumphs of life.

For those who where familiar with Bill and his family it was another difficult personal process that he had to work through especially leaving his local support group in his home town of Wayne. Perhaps others would say that his move was foolish, but to be in his shoes and his desire to be a normal kid and strike out anew it made sense. He often expressed frustration over his many handicaps and always strove to be the best he could be with what life had delt him.

Bill’s grandparents Harry and Olive Derring were down to earth good American citizens who participated in their church, community and were wonderful parents and grandparents. They twice lived the cycle of parenting by raising their children and then their grandchildren under very challenging circumstances. They had two children, Martha and Judith. Martha was born the good healthy individual and Judy was born with many handicaps and could never stand tall. She spent much of her time in a wheel chair or maneuvering on crutches. Judy was very determined to live as normal a life as was humanly possible. She went to local schools, sang in her church choir and obtained skills that eventually led her to work for State Farm Insurance Company in a clerical capacity. She drove her own car and tried her very best to fit into society despite her multiple handicaps. In her early twenties she got married and had a son named Billy. Billy was born with the same handicaps that Mom had and Judy loved him with all of her heart. They all lived together on Woodlot Road in Wayne and truly helped each other despite all of the difficulties. Eventually Grandpa Harry Derring passed away in 1988. Judy was wracked with pain from arthritis and a severe heart condition and she died in January of 1999 and Grandma Olive in her eighties headed the household taking care of her grandson Billy then in November 2001 Olive passed away at age 88..

The household now consisted of Billy who did his best to live a good life on his own, however with his multiple handicaps life was a big frustration. For good or bad this drove him to want new surroundings and a fresh start, and brought on his move to Willkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Whether it a good decision or not is a question that only Billy could answer. He wasn’t completely alone however, he had his faithful companion Jack Russell Terrior Oddie.

Billy loved to attend New Jersey Devils games, at the Prudential Center, and was their number one fan. This was a two and one half hour ride for him in each direction, but he relished the experience. He would cheer so loud and got so emotional about the game that he developed a circle of admirers at the bleachers near him. He had his own cheerleader team of fans where he sat.

Billie will always be remembered as a person who despite having to overcome great physical obstacles on a daily basis would reach out to others to try to bring them joy and laughter. He was also known to have a soft spot in his heart for animals that were sent to shelters especially cats. Perhaps because of his infirmities, he believed that those cats and his dog Oddie loved him in a very special way other living things could not.

Thomas Haffy III, 68, beloved husband and father, died Saturday at his home in Wayne, NJ.

Born in Jersey City, NJ in October 1939, Mr. Haffy was a lifelong New Jersey resident, having lived in Weehawken, Fair Lawn, and Wayne, where he spent his last forty years.

A certified clinical engineer, Mr. Haffy served as Director of Bio-Medical Engineering at Hackensack University Medical Center from 1972-2000. In his first year, he served on a committee which launched a state-wide paramedic training program. In 1976, he founded the Clinical Engineering Association of New Jersey. He taught engineering at a number of local colleges and universities, including Farleigh Dickinson University, County College of Morris, and Bergen Community College.

In addition to his engineering work, Mr. Haffy was a New Jersey State Exempt Fireman, a status granted to those members of municipal fire departments who attend a minimum 60% of fires and drills over a seven year period. Mr. Haffy served the Fair Lawn Fire Department, companies 1 and 3, from 1961-1966. He then served the Wayne Fire Department, companies 3 and 5, from 1971 until the mid-eighties. He was a founding member and eventual chief of the Hackensack Medical Center fire brigade, and a member of the Industrial Fire Chiefs associations of Bergen County and New Jersey.

Mr. Haffy was a district fire warden (1981-present), a member of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (1979-present), and a charter and life member of New Jersey Search and Rescue (1987- present). He also served as Director of the Wayne PAL Junior Rifle Club.

As is clear from his work, volunteerism, and civic affiliations, Mr. Haffy had a deep and abiding commitment to bettering the health and safety of his community.

For over 40 years, Mr. Haffy was married to Ann Lenehan Haffy. In addition to his wife, he is survived by: his sons Edward of Fair Lawn and John of Wayne; his cousin Carol Hoyermann of Indianapolis, IN; his sister-and-brother-in-law Laura and Ed Lorenson of Deep River, CT; his nephew James Lorenson of Bristol, CT; and his niece Susan Lorenson and her family of Washington, DC.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Tom’s name are asked to consider a donation to the National Wildland Firefighters Foundation. Donations should be sent to: WF Foundation, 2049 Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705. Also dear to Tom was the Forest Fire Lookout Association, Gary Weber, Treasurer, 2590 W Versailles Dr, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815. For your convenience, a donation form can be printed by simply clicking on the "Print out donation form" line below. Using this form will ensure that your donation is properly acknowledged to Mr. Haffys family.

Patrick N. Cucco age 84 of Ringwood died Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY having lived in Los Angeles, CA, Garfield and Elmwood Park before moving to Ringwood one year ago.

Mr. Cucco was an aviation mechanic for over fifty years having most recently worked for Consolidated Instrument Corp., Teterboro before retiring in 2001. He received the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award, (named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight, the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft).

He was a WWII Veteran of the US Army where he served in Patton’s 3rd Army. Having served in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland he received the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

His passion for detail work is exhibited by his hobby of fixing watches.

He was the beloved husband of the late Josephine (Migallo)1959 and the late Yolanda (Ruggiero) 2000; loving father of Margaret Cleri of Pompton Lakes, Louis Cucco and his wife Kim of Wayne, Anthony Cucco and his wife Valerie of Staten Island, NY and Patricia LaCorte and her husband Ralph of Ringwood; cherished grandfather of ten grandchildren. He was predeceased by one brother James Cucco and one sister Theresa Wright.

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

Natalie J. Miller (nee Detlefsen-Miller) age 84 of Boonton died Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the Arbor Care Center in Cedar Grove. Her passing was quiet and peaceful.

She was born in Pequannock where she lived her formative years and then had lived in Wayne for many years later in Milo Maine for ten years and four years ago she moved to Boonton so that she could be near her family in her autumn years.

Natalie was gifted with a very kind and generous and compassionate personality as she related to others throughout her life. She also was a talented artist including oil painting and stained glass fabrication.

She had two marriages the first was to Samuel Miller and they shared a “good and loving” togetherness for forty years until Sam’s passing 1980. Her second marriage was to Robert Kittler and they enjoyed a “very nice and affectionate” marriage for four years until Bob’s passing in 1991.

Perhaps the highlight of her life’s experiences was the arrival of Grandchildren who she loved with all of her heart and soul.

In addition she is survived by her very special feline companion “Sasa”.

Tragedy struck her life twice concerning her only two sons. Her son Samuel Miller was killed in a oil well explosion with seven other workers in 2002 and her son Gerald Miller was killed in an automobile accident in 1960.

Surviving grandchildren include Samuel Miller III of Boonton, Natalie, Nicholas, Edie Mae and Linda Miller of Wayne; one Great grandchild Natalie Pelosi; he daughter in law Edith Miller.

Thomas Zachok, age 86 of Wayne, died on Friday, January 11, 2008 at the Chilton Hospital in Pequannock. His passing was quiet and peaceful.

Born in Passaic, Thom moved to Clifton at age three. He graduated from Clifton High with the class of 1940. He began working for the Leslie Company in Lyndhurst, NJ, which was a major supplier of steam equipment, such as train and ship whistles. Except for the time he spent in the service, he worked 45 years for Leslie until his retirement in 1985.

Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor however, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and joined the 41st Bombardment Group of the 7th Air Force. He was in the 47th Squadron, also known as “The Crow Flight”. He was trained as a bombardier navigator, but functioned only as a navigator in combat. He served throughout the Pacific theatre, based in the Marshall Islands, Okinawa and the Macon Islands, just to name a few. He was witness to the dropping of both atomic bombs on Japan from his B-25 Mitchell named “Weezie”. He was awarded the Air Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. One story he would tell was about a time that his squadron was in the San Francisco Bay area. Upon their departure, the squadron pilots all agreed to fly under the Golden Gate Bridge on their way out of the bay. Thom’s pilot was reluctant, but his crew persuaded him. At the last moment, all the other pilots chickened out and flew over the bridge, and Thom’s plane was the only one to fly under it! He never spoke of his military service as anything but ordinary and often said the soldiers on the ground were the ones that saw the real war, he did not think of himself as a hero but he was to his family and they are proud of his service to his country.

His interests were numerous, including reading, riddles, and mathematics, to name a few. He had no formal education in mathematics, but was absolutely brilliant when it came to solving mathematical problems and especially mathematical riddles. Having been a young boy in the depression era, he was also very self-sufficient. He would do everything himself; even electrical, plumbing, home repair, etc., and he taught his sons these skills too. He also loved his garden and would spend 8 hours a day or more there. He made his own compost, sifted the soil, and commissioned his sons to help collected leaves and manure to mix into the soil – a task they not-so-fondly remember. It all paid off however, as his garden did produce beautiful flowers & vegetables, he even tried corn once; planting a large circle of it in the center of his front lawn, where the best sunlight was.

His family recalls his dry sense of humor, sarcasm, and how he loved to argue – often just for the sake of arguing. He really knew how to push-your-buttons too, if he wanted, but never in a way to be mean – it was just who he was.

Thom met his wife, Mary, at the Sagamore Resort in the Pocono’s. He was a great tennis player and often spent the weekends at Sagamore. Mary visited there, with a friend, one summer and met Thom. They courted for 3 years before marrying in 1959. They moved to Wayne in 1964 to raise their family.

Thom is survived by his wife Mary of 48 years, two sons; Timothy and his wife Lisa of Sparta, New Jersey, and Matthew and his wife Lois of Randolph, New Jersey, two grandsons; Jonathan and Christopher of Sparta, two sisters; Olga Zawada of Clifton, New Jersey and Ann Biondi of Toms River, New Jersey, and one brother; Steve, of Florida. He was tragically predeceased by his son Douglas in 1967, two sisters; Sophie Susidko in 1997 and Helen Lisinsky in 2003, two brothers; Peter in 1986 and John in 1998.

Richard Alampi, age 70 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday January 11, 2008. Rich was born in New York City and grew up in the Greenwich Village section. He later lived in Rutherford before moving to Wayne thirty seven-years ago.

Richard founded Advance Foils in 1984. Over the next twenty years, he operated it with his wife and daughters before selling the business in 2004.

Although he was a very hard working man, without a doubt the main passion of Richard’s life was his family; he was all about family and having fun. For his thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, he took his whole family on a cruise to the Bahamas. Every year at Christmas time their dad would take them to Macy’s in New York City to see Santa Claus. He told his girls; the Santa at Macy’s was the ‘real’ Santa, so they had to go there to see him.

He loved to video tape his family, sometimes just walking around the house with a camera, following the girls and taping them, whatever it was that they might be doing. It may have seemed silly at the time, but those tapes are treasures now.

Rich also loved to cook. He would make just about anything, often experimenting after watching a cooking show on TV. His “Grandpa Pancakes” were famous, he sometimes made sausage bread, which everyone loved, and sometimes onion bread, but without fail he always made a mess! He also loved to relax in his pajamas and watch TV.

Rich and Connie enjoyed 52 years of marriage together. They met when Rich was only 15 years old. Their mothers introduced them at a family gathering and Rich immediately started telling his friends that he was going to marry her. They courted for 6 years before marrying.

Rich is survived by his wife Connie (nee Bonanno), four daughters; Debbie Caputo and her husband Mark of Wayne, Donna Giordano of Brick, Lorraine Gunby and her husband Stephen of Wayne, and Barbara Corsale and her husband Joseph of Hewitt. Five grandchildren; Susan Finan and her husband Richard of Wayne, Lisa Reardon of Brick, Stephanie Gunby of Wayne, James Caputo and his wife JoAnn of Jersey City, and Louis Giordano of Brick.

Four great-grandchildren; Gavin Sakas of Brick, and Matthew, Justin, and Christopher Finan all of Wayne.

Rich was tragically predeceased by his daughter, Linda Alampi, in 2005.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Richard’s name are asked to consider donations to: Hospice of NJ, 224 Hamburg Turnpike, 6th Floor, Wayne, NJ 07470

Philip Caramico of Wayne died on Friday, January 11, 2008.

Cecilia Stanowski(nee Strezeski) age 87 of Wayne died, Thursday, January 10, 2008, peacefully with family by her side at the Valley Hospital, Ridgewood.

She was born and raised in Paterson where she lived before moving to Wayne twenty-seven years ago.

Cecilia graduated from Saint Josephs High School, Paterson with the class of 1937.

During WWII she began working in the business office of Bell Telephone’s Paterson and Teaneck offices before leaving in the early 1970’s. She later was employed by the Skyline Auto Auction, Pine Brook before her retirement in 1990.

She was a parishioner of Saint Stephens RC Church, Paterson, and was a former president of the St Stephens Rosary Society and former member and president of St. Stephens Mother’s Guild. More recently she was a parishioner of Annunciation RC Church, Wayne where she was a member of the Prime Timers Club.

Cecilia was an outgoing, social person who loved to dance, travel and who was very proud of the fact that she learned to drive while in her 50’s. She was a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne, the Paterson Council of Catholic Women, the Kosciuszko Foundation, the Polish Cultural Foundation, the Polish University Club, the Saint Josephs Hospital Evening Twigs, Paterson and the Packanack Lake Leisure Club, Wayne.

Beloved wife of forty-six years to the late Chester Stanowski; loving mother of Thomas Stanowski of Greenwood Lake, NY, Christine Mohrmann of Monmouth Beach and Grace Drago and her husband Joseph of Medford; cherished grandmother of Chester Drago. She was predeceased by one brother Frank Strezeski and one sister Harriet Lacz.

Samuel Magarelli age 101 passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.. His passing was quiet and peaceful with his loving son, Vito Magarelli, his wife Jean and his family at his bedside.

He was born in Molfetta, Italy came to America at age twelve with his Mother to join his Father who had moved here earlier. The family first settled in Hoboken where he lived most of his life, later living in Parsippany and Wayne before moving to Hilton Head to be close to his son Vito.

Sam had to leave school at age sixteen to help support his family and was fortunate to have his Father Vito who set him up in the barber shop business in Hoboken. He was popular with his customers and had a loyal clientele. He was affectionately called “Sam the Barber”, He also learned how to be a machinist and went to work for a company in Hoboken called Shulton which later moved to Nutley where he continued as a machinist during World War II and did well for himself as one of their lead machinists. When not working at Shulton he continued to operate his Barber Shop in his off work hours. When he moved to Parsippany he opened a Barber Shop there on Orston Road. He retired from Shulton at the age of sixty-five and at age seventy-five from cutting hair professionally except for family members.

Sam was gifted with a very positive and upbeat personality that caused others to admire him and call him a good friend. Somehow he always saw the good side of people and the positives in every situation. He will always be remembered as having a “soft and happy go lucky” demeanor. His family recalls that he never lost his temper, and was always kind and caring.

He also had music in his bones and played in a big band during the depression. He also was proficient playing the mandolin, guitar, the accordion and the Banjo always with great enthusiasm.

His family will always hold fond memories of this very devoted and loving family man. As a surprise to him, his close families and friends gathered in Hilton Head South Carolina in January 2007 to celebrate his 100th birthday. He had a grand time with his family gathered around him.

In 2007 he fell and broke his hip but even that did not dampen his love of life and upbeat personality.

Maria Antoinette and Sam had a “devoted and loving marriage” together for sixty-eight years until Maria’s passing in November of 1999.

Surviving are one son Vito Magarelli and his wife Jean of Hilton Head, South Carolina; two daughters Susana Facchini and her late husband, Joseph Facchini of Wayne and Diana DeCeglie and her husband Corrado of Secaucus; one brother Vincent Magarelli and his wife Terry of Woodbridge; one sister Angela Groom and her husband Robert of New Port News, Virginia; his grandchildren Maria and Rich Proctor of Hackenesack, Joanne and her husband Steven Ottomanelli of Wayne, Anita Facchini-Gleba of Wayne, Angela DeCeglie, Christopher Magarelli of Oregon, Kim and her husband Christian Gregory of Hilton Head, SC; his great grandchildren Lucia, Susanne and Joseph Anthony Ottomanelli, Katrina Renee and Paul Joseph Gleba, Noah Wyatt and Samuel Finn Gregory.

His brother Pasquale predeceased him in October of 2007 his sister Lucy Angione died earlier and his son in law Joseph Facchini in March 1998.

Jose N. “Joe” Couret age 63 of Charleston, SC died on Monday January 7 at The University of Medicine and Dentistry Hospital in Newark, NJ.

Joe was born in Havana, Cuba to Jose and Inocencia in June of 1944 and came to the U.S. in the early 1960’s. Joe initially settled in New York City and subsequently met and married Julia E. Penate in 1966. They had three children, Mark Anthony, Denise and Richard. Joe and Julia moved the family to North Bergen, NJ in 1979 where they raised their children. In the late 1990’s, his career led him to move to Huntsville, AL before moving to Charleston, SC in 2006.

From December 1960 to October 1962, the U.S. Government supported the relocating of more than fourteen thousand Cuban youths to the U.S. This mass passage was known as Operation Pedro Pan (Peter Pan) and was the largest recorded exodus of unaccompanied minors in the Western Hemisphere. Joe came to this country during this movement.

Joe worked for Panalpina Inc. for 35 years. He initially began his career with Panalpina in September of 1973, working as an import Agent in Downtown Manhattan, NY. In later years he was appointed as the Import Supervisor at The Harborside Financial Center Office in Jersey City, NJ and then subsequently Morristown, NJ. He held the title of Assistant Vice President and was also a Licensed Customs Broker. He was “instrumental” in helping with the set-up of a temporary office in Greenville, SC specifically for the ATME-1 (American Textile Machinery Exhibition International) in the late 1970’s. He was also responsible for all customs and compliance matters associated with this exhibition.

Given his experience he was transferred to Huntsville, AL in the late 1990’s to start-up entry operations there. He later transferred to San Juan, Puerto Rico to oversee the start-up of that business unit as well. Joe transferred back to the mainland in 2006 and was appointed the position of Customs Compliance Manager and Assistant Vice President to oversee custom compliance for the Carolinas, namely Charleston, Charlotte and Greenville.

His family remembers him as hard working, caring and loving. Although living quite a distance away, he was always making every effort to visit with his children and grandchildren regularly and rarely did he miss a birthday or holiday. He was extremely fond of “riding” and his prize possession and source of great fulfillment was his Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide Motorcycle.

Surviving are his ex-wife and friend Julia E. Couret; two sons; Mark and his wife Anastasia of West Milford; Richard and his wife Marsha of Knoxville, TN; one daughter Denise and her husband William Budin of West Milford; his four grandchildren Alexa, Jacob, Katie-Nicole and Isaac; one Brother Alejandro of Rockhill, NC; two sisters Maria-Alicia Marchetti of Jefferson, NY and Maria-Minerva Marchetti of Flushing Queens, NY. He was also pre-deceased by his two brothers Lucas Guillermo (1992), and Fernando Ricardo (1991) and one sister Josefina (1960).

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to The National Pancreas Foundation, 364 Boylston Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02116

or

The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer, 1111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714.

Thomas F. Lynch age 96 of Wayne died Sunday, January 6, 2008 at the Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff.

He was born and raised in Harrison as one of 8 children. His brothers and sisters Bill, Jim, Bob, Joe, Margaret, Mary and Jane all predeceased him. His friends and family called him Tim. In 1941 he married Edna Martin the love of his life and they had a wonderful marriage for 58 years. They had one daughter Kathleen.

Tim was a WWII veteran having served with the Army Air Corps as a Staff Sergeant for the 509th AAF Base Unit. He was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of the war in the Assam Valley of what was then India. He received the Campaign Ribbon with two Battle Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Distinguished Unit Badge.

Tom was an accountant with Continental Insurance Company, NYC for over forty years before his retirement in 1973. Tom and Edna moved to covered Bridge in Manalapan where they enjoyed their retirement.

Tom was a sports enthusiast, who enjoyed playing golf. He was a good golfer, very consistent and proud of his two holes in one. He taught his son in law Jim to play the game. He was a lifelong Yankee fan and loved to watch them play. When he couldn’t get them on the TV he would follow them on the radio.

Tom was a wonderful man…. patient, kind with a terrific sense of humor. He was a loving father who taught life lessons through example. The most important thing to Tom was his family. His granddaughters Lauren and Alison were his life. They have great memories of playing school and waitress when they were little and reading “The Night before Christmas” every Christmas Eve even as they became adults.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Eva's Kitchen, Catholic Charities or Christian Health Care Foundation would be appreciated.

Thaddeus H. Wolos “Teddy” age 82 of Wayne died Sunday, January 6, 2008.

He was born, in the house his father built, and raised in Wallington having lived in Elmwood Park before moving to Wayne forty-five years ago.

He was a US Army Veteran of WW II having served in the North Apennines, Rome-Arno campaigns. He received the Distinguished Unit Badge, the EAME Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Teddy’s mother refused to sign the papers allowing her son to enlist, but somehow he got it done. He related one story to his family in regards to his service in Italy: a family, with no food, offered their daughter in exchange for food. A true gentleman, Teddy refused their offer and was moved so deeply by their desperation that he not only gave them his food but also gave them his money.

Having played in the Minor Leagues himself, Teddy had a love of baseball. As a young boy he got to meet Babe Ruth at a ball park in Passaic. Perhaps this chance meeting is what made him a devout New York Yankees fan.

Teddy was a warehouseman for the Hubinger Company, Saddle Brook for twenty years before retiring in 1979. One of his responsibilities was climbing into a train car filled with corn syrup; he would heat the corn syrup, with a steam emitting hose, to convert it into a liquid state and get it flowing out of the train car.

He was a member of Grace United Presbyterian Church, Wayne. At church he was known as the man with a never-ending supply of candy in his pockets.

His wife Cora enjoyed swimming and Teddy had an in-ground pool installed in the yard. He was meticulous about the pools cleanliness and water. Each day he was vacuuming the bottom, skimming leaves, checking the water temperature, making sure the water was perfectly clear. All this he did for his wife and family because for all the time he maintained the pool he never put a foot within, Teddy couldn’t swim.

He also had a pool table in the basement. Family gatherings would often wind up at the pool table. Teddy, always worried about the comfort of others has never played a game of pool himself.

Teddy was a loving husband, father and grandfather who most would consider a quiet man, but don’t be mistaken, he was as stubborn as they come. Each night as the kids got ready for bed he would say “good night, God bless you”. This is a legacy he has passed on to his children who now say goodnight to their children the same way each night.

He was the beloved husband of the late Cora Joyce (Bennington) Wolos(1990) whom he declared was the “love of my life”; he is the loving father of Kathleen Anzalone and her husband Sal of Wayne, Darlene Serecka and her husband Charlie of Haledon and TJ Wolos and his wife Cindy of Little Falls; he is the cherished grandfather of Trisha, Brian, Nicole, Jim, Jason, Michele, Salvatore, Terry, Maggie and one great-grandson Joseph Henry. He is the beloved son of the late John and Katherine Wolos; loved brother of the late Walter and Stella.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Grace Presbyterian Church, 981 Preakness Ave., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Tunis Boyce age 87 of Wayne died Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at the Atrium Health Care Center In Wayne. His passing was quiet and peaceful.

He was born in Newark and had lived in Passaic Park, Clifton, Kinnelon, Pompton Lakes and had maintained a residence in Sebring Florida before moving to Wayne nine years ago.

Tunis spent his formative years in Passaic Park and had attended Passaic High School.

He was an Electronics Assembler for Bendix Corporation in Teterboro for twenty-six years before his retirement in 1976.

Mr. Boyce was gifted with an affable personality that made him a delight to be with. He often ended up as the “life of the party” when he socialized. He loved to dance and sing and in general shed his personality plus demeanor on those around him.

While in Sebring, Florida he was an active member of the Elks Lodge and at home he would often head for Atlantic City to play his favorite slot machines. He also enjoyed Las Vegas and the accompanying atmosphere.

For his spare time he would often go fishing, play golf and formerly participated in the Passaic Archers Club. He was skilled in making his own arrows.

He served in the Army as a Private in Company “C”, Fourth Infantry during World War II.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a very loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a friend to many. His title of “grandpa” was very special in his life.

Jeannette and Tunis had fifty-one years of “sweethearts together” marriage and delighted in each other’s company until Jeannette’s passing in 1993.

Surviving are daughter Diane Mahoney and her husband Edward of Wayne; two sons Thomas Boyce and his wife Peggy of Barnegat, Robert Boyce and his wife Carol of Lanoka Harbor; one sister Doris Morrell of Allendale; six grandchildren Scott Mahoney and his wife Deborah of Pompton Plains, Jaime Cornell and her husband Jerry of Las Vegas, Nevada, Adam Boyce of Ettera, Pennsylvania, Daniel Boyce of Bethesda, Maryland, Michelle Boyce of New York City and Matthew Boyce of Lavallette; three great grandchildren Logan, Samantha and Heather Mahoney.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Tunis’ memory are asked to consider the Chilton Memorial Hospital Foundation, 97 W. Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Walter J. Jasinski, age 86, of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne died Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at the Kindred Hospital, Wayne, NJ.

He was born in Bellows Falls, VT, and was raised in Claremont, NH. Walter lived in Angola, IN, Beaver, PA, and Verona before moving to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne in 1943.

He graduated from Stevens High School, Claremont, NH, with the class of 1939 and continued his education at the Tri-State University in Angola, IN, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with the class of 1942. Later he went on to receive his Professional Engineer License.

While in his senior year at Tri-State University, Walt was recruited by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation and took a job in their Beaver, PA facility. It was while he worked at this facility that his then to be wife spotted him. As Ruth will tell you “I wasn’t going to let him go anywhere”. Shortly thereafter they married. Walt was then transferred to Curtiss-Wright’s West Caldwell, NJ offices where he designed propeller blades for fighter aircraft. After his career at the Curtis Wright Corporation he worked as a Civil Engineer for the Clinton-Bogert Corporation, Fort Lee, NJ before retiring in 1990.

Walt was a parishioner of the Holy Cross Church in the Mountain View Section of Wayne and later became a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the Packanack Lake section of the township.

Walt was generous with his time, talent and heart. He served Wayne Township as a Councilman for four terms and went on to serve two terms as Mayor of Wayne Township from 1977 – 1985.

Having joined in 1948, Walt is a former Chief of the Packanack Lake Fire Company #5, Wayne and a former Fire Commissioner of the township. He is a NJ State Exempt Fireman and a member of the NJ State Fireman’s Relief Association.

He was a member of the Packanack Lake Country Club and the Packanack Lake Athletic Association where he served as an umpire, coach and commissioner. Walter was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge #2181 and was also an Explorer Scout leader.

Walter’s outgoing personality was complemented by his love of teaching others and his meticulous nature. He enjoyed social gatherings where he could be among his family and friends. Most of all Walt loved the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

He is the beloved husband of sixty-four and one-half years to Ruth (nee Roth) Jasinski; loving father of John P. and his wife Sharyn of Washington Crossing, David W. and his wife Nancy J. of Wayne, JoAnn Shoemaker and her husband Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker of Pocomoke, MD, W. James and his wife Marilyn of Toms River and Elizabeth Catherine “Katie” Jasinski of Salisbury, MD; cherished grandfather of nine grandchildren, Tyler, Reid, Hope, Daniel, Christopher, Andrew, Sally, Ryan and Travis and one great-grandchild, Conner. He was predeceased by his parents John and Catherine (Blazejewicz) Jasinski and his brother Henry Jasinski.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Packanack Lake Fire Company #5, 5 Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ 07470 or The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3170, 4 Gray Rd., Union, NJ, 07083 would be appreciated.

John J. Domansky, age 87 of Wayne died on Monday, December 31, 2007.

Born in Mount Kisco, New York, John lived in Brooklyn before moving to Wayne in 1974.

He served in the Navy during World War II as a Pharmacist’s Mate First Class. He served in several naval hospitals during his three and a half years in the Navy. He also served on two different ships during his tour. First on the USS Gardiners Bay, AVP-39, which was a Barnegat Class Seaplane tender which supported patrol and air-sea rescue operations in the Central Pacific and second on the USS Cumberland Sound, AV-17. The USS Cumberland Sound was a Kenneth Whiting class seaplane tender which served in the Pacific and was present in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered. For his remarkable service to our nation, John was awarded the Good Conduct Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon.

After the war, John’s professional career brought him to GAF Corporation as a credit manager. GAF is a large manufacturer of building materials and he worked there up until his retirement.

His greatest joy in life, second to his wife, was gardening. John absolutely loved to garden and always had an abundant harvest of fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh flowers. He also enjoyed bird watching and feeding the many wild birds that came to his garden. He was also an avid reader and almost always had a book in his hand – any kind of book, it didn’t matter, as long as he was reading he was happy. Crossword puzzles were another favorite of his.

John loved his wife Helen very much and doted on her until her death in 2001. Although they never had any children of their own, John and Helen had a large family of nieces and nephews that they loved very much. After Helen passed away, John focused his love and attention on his many nieces, nephews, and friends.

John is survived by two nieces and six nephews: Andrea Perez (Walcutt) and her husband Mark of Woodstock, New York; Barbara DiDio of Brooklyn, New York; John Clifford (J.C.) Walcutt of Lycoming, New York; Frank DiDio and his wife Virginia of Brooklyn, New York; Thaddeus Walcutt of Ruckersville, Virginia; Andrew Walcutt of Newport News, Virginia; Daniel DiDio of Weehawken, New Jersey; and Gregory Walcutt of Mechanicsville, Maryland.

Dorothy J. “Dot” Voag (nee Mehalco) age 80 of Hawthorne died peacefully on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at the Hackensack Hospital with her daughter Dawn and son-in-law Chuck by her side.

She was born and raised in Passaic, having lived in Haledon for thirty years before moving to Hawthorne twenty one years ago.

She was employed by the County of Passaic where she worked for eighteen years, having retired from their Wayne offices in 2001.

Dot loved to go out to eat, then like clockwork, she would complain about either the food, the service or both. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and was the kind of person you couldn’t talk to when Jeopardy was on television. She loved sports and enjoyed collecting antiques.

She is described by her family as a “strong” person. To understand this one has to look only as far as her childhood. When she was just a teenager, Dot was raised by her maternal grandparents as she had lost her father, a coal miner in Pennsylvania, to Black Lung. After losing her father, she, her mother and brother all came down with Tuberculosis, a common illness of the day, with only her surviving. Knowing the difficulties she encountered as a child helps one to better understand her unconditional love of family and friends.

Beloved wife of the late Robert J. Voag(1980); loving mother of Robert J. Voag, Jr. and his wife Loretta of Cypress, TX, Carl Voag and his wife Maryanne of Highland Lakes, Dawn Dunn and her husband Chuck of Hamburg, Robin Voag of Hawthorne, Jacqueline Levine and her husband John of North Haledon and Lisa Voag of Haledon; cherished grandmother of Paul and Lucy Tafuri of Wayne, Bobby and Sara Tafuri of North Haledon, Chris and Angie Tafuri of Lincoln Park, Lauren Tafuri of North Haledon, Courtney and Matt Hicks of Cypress, TX, Justin and Mindy Voag of Spring Valley, TX, Lucas and Christy Voag of Cypress, TX, Jennifer and Jesse Levine of North Haledon, Carl and Christina Voag of Highland Lakes, Charlie Dunn of Prospect Park, Steven Dunn and Denise of Puerto Rico, Celena Castillo of Cypress, TX, Lucy and Jesse Castillo of Thousand Oaks, CA and great-grandmother of Jonathan Tafuri of Wayne, Hayley, Jacob and Isabelle Voag of Cypress, TX, Lexi and Tanner Voag of Spring Valley, TX, Kayden and Kennedy Hicks of Cypress, TX, Brenton Castillo of Cypress, TX, Steven and Johnathan Dunn of Puerto Rico; she will also be missed by her much loved companions BooBoo and Weezer.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Hawthorne Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 445 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506 would be appreciated.

Lucille E. Schafmeister (nee Sweet) age 83 of Charlestown Rhode Island, on Friday, December 28, 2007 at Sunrise Assisted Living, in Wayne, NJ with her daughter at her bedside. Even with her strong and independent nature, she endeared herself to her caregivers, who in turn are greatly saddened by her passing. Her family is most thankful to the staff at Sunrise for the extraordinary care of their mother.

Lucille was born in Providence, Rhode Island, graduated from New Rochelle High School in New York and earned a bachelors degree from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. For many years she lived in Westerly, Rhode Island where she raised her children. She also volunteered at the Westerly Hospital and was the accounting manager for the family business, The Sportsman’s Corner in Charlestown. She also lived in Carlisle and Danville PA, and Albany, NY before returning to Charlestown in the late 1970s.

Lucille also was employed as the office manager for Dr. R. Bruce Gillie in Westerly, RI for 20 years.

She very much enjoyed reading novels, collecting and studying antiques and had traced her lineage as far back as pre-Revolutionary war days. Much of her genealogy work involved researching public records and finding cemetery records and grave markers.

Perhaps the most delightful events in her life were the arrivals of grandchildren whom she loved with all of her heart.

She was the daughter of Howard C. Sweet and Grace Adams Brightman Sweet. She was predeceased by her two brothers Charles and Howard.

Surviving are one son Vincent J. Schafmeister III and his wife Christine of Thouare sur Loire, France; one daughter Linda Heimburg and her husband Bob of Wayne, NJ; three grandchildren Jeffrey and Benjamin of France and Lindsay Heimburg of Wayne, NJ; her sisters-in-law, Jeanne Sweet of Tempe, Arizona and Jan Sweet of Woolgoolga, Australia, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Katherine “Tootsie” Smith age 90 of Wayne died Wednesday, December 26, 2007 peacefully, after a lengthy illness and while surrounded by her loving family, at home.

She was born and raised on Muller Place in the Singac section of Little Falls having moved to Wayne fifty-seven years ago.

Tootsie is best described as an eclectic collector. She has collected a myriad of items including: buttons, matchbooks, fountain pens, hats, badges, dolls, fishing and hunting licenses just to name a few.

She was often seen as a “tough as nails, been there, done that person” but in reality she had a huge, generous, loving soft heart.

Katherine loved her grandchildren and enjoyed a good joke. She also enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens immensely and had an overall appreciation and respect for nature.

She had a loving and feisty marriage of sixty-one years to Richard P. Smith, Sr., loving mother of Rosemary Santini of Panther Valley, Arlene Fallon and her husband Jim of Kunkletown, PA, Richard P. Smith, Jr. and his wife Sue of Bloomingdale and Kathy Conner of Palm Bay, FL; cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was the loving sister of John, George, Anna, Mary and Lillian who all predeceased her.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 North Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07512 would be appreciated.

Christopher George Marra age 64 of Wayne on Wednesday, December 26, 2007. His passing was very peaceful with his loving family at his side.

Chris fought a courageous battle with cancer for over eleven years. His family including his wife Maureen, his daughter Amy and his son Andrew dedicated themselves to helping him with his fight including support, love and many trips to obtain medical treatment. Chris also attributed his quality of life over the last eleven years to his wonderful, loyal and caring doctor, Susan Slovin at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York City.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and had lived his formative years in Middletown, New York before moving to Wayne thirty-two years ago.

He received his formal education first at Middletown High School graduating with the Class of 1961. Chris then studied at the State University of New York at New Paltz, NY where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics with the Class of 1966. He later went to Rutgers University where he received a Masters Degree in Business Administration with the Class of 1969.

Chris worked in Computer Sales for about 20 years before joining the Investment Management field for 12 years. He was most recently self employed as an Investment Management Client Representative.

He was gifted with a very affable personality that resulted in him becoming extremely popular and well liked by people who met him. Chris was always upbeat and liked to have a good time with family and friends. Chris always found a way to make something positive even out of the worst of situations. He had a special gift of humor and despite his battle with cancer, would always see the joys of life.

For many years his favorite hobby was salt water fishing and he caught many fluke and flounder. He was also known to win an occasional pool on the party boats. He would not miss a chance of going fishing along the New Jersey Shore.

In years of late when his health would not allow him to go fishing he read many novels. He also strived to become owner of more DVDs than Blockbuster, having viewed hundreds of movies over the last several years.

Christopher and Maureen where married for thirty-four years in an “enthusiastically great marriage”.

His children will always treasure in their hearts the love and dedication of the very devoted father that he was.

Surviving are his loving wife Maureen (nee Pustay) Marra; one son Andrew Marra of Boston, Massachusetts; one daughter Amy Marra and her fiancé Douglas Grundhoefer of Bangkok, Thailand. Chris will also be survived by his sister-in-law Claire Marra, eight neices and nephews and their children.

He is also survived by his faithful English Cocker Spaniel companion Spencer.

He was predeceased by his father Salvatore Marra in 1981, his mother Katherine Marra in 1993 and his brother Richard Marra in 2001.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Christopher’s memory are asked to consider the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital, "For Urological Cancer Research", PO Box 27105, NY., NY 10087.

Lori Ann Merlino, age 51 of Passaic and formerly of Wayne died unexpectedly at home on Sunday December 23, 2007.

Lori was born in Passaic and her family lived in Riverdale before they moved to Wayne in 1963. She attended Wayne Hills High School, graduating with the class of 1975.

Her sister Suzanne recalls, when they were children, how much Lori loved to laugh. She also enjoyed singing, dancing, and theatrics in general. The family also enjoyed summers at the Jersey Shore, in Lavallette, Belmar, the boardwalk, and of course, at the beach. Lori absolutely loved the shore.

Spending time with her family was also very special to her, particularly with her niece Madeline and two nephews; Konner and Kristopher. She adored those three kids and they will sadly miss their aunt.

Lori was a born again Christian and truly loved the Lord very much. God took good care of her here and it showed through in her kind, gentle, loving heart. Undoubtedly today she knows the joys of heaven first hand.

Lori leaves behind her loving parents, Edmund and Lenora Merlino of Bricktown, New Jersey; two sisters, Suzanne Kozlowski and her husband Paul of Hawthorne, New Jersey, and Robin Merlino of Granada Hills, California; one niece, Madeline Barkley of Granada Hills, California, and two nephews, Kristopher and Konner Kozlowski both of Hawthorne, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers the family would much prefer memorial donations to In Touch Ministries, PO Box 7900 Atlanta, GA 30357 www.intouch.org, or the National Alliance for Mental Illness NAMI-New Jersey, 1562 US highway 130, North Brunswick, NJ 08902-3004 www.naminj.org would be appreciated.

Ilija Barbu age 81 of Wayne died Sunday, December 23, 2007 at the Bergen Regional Hospital in Paramus. His passing was peaceful.

He was born in Mramorak, Yugoslavia and spent his formative and early marriage years there. He later lived in Italy before moving to the United States in 1969 first settling in Paterson later moving to Wayne six years ago.

He was a member of Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Paterson.

Ilija was unfortunately living under the communist regime in Yugoslavia. He gathered his wife and two children and managed to work his way to Italy where he eventually immigrated to America. In 1969 he made his move to Paterson, NJ. In this day of challenged immigration people do not realize how traumatic and oppressive other political cultures can be. Our present citizenʼs ancestors escaped extremely hard times so that their children and future generations can have good lives. In America we enjoy unprecedented freedoms that others seek. We are a country of great opportunity and our ancestors had hardships and the individual courage to make dramatic moves for our betterment. We as a nation should applaud them. Ilija Barbu is one of those people who made a difference. He was indeed a wonderful American. So much so, that he became a proud member of the Republican Party and was an avid supporter of both Presidents Reagan and Bush.

He was employed at Crown Roll Leaf Company in Paterson as a Machine Operator for many years before his retirement in 1991. Prior to that, he worked many years as a textile worker.

One of his favorite pastimes was fishing at the Haledon Reservoir and the Passaic River. He enjoyed showing off his catch and often gave them away to those in need.

Ilija and Sabina (nee Pelcl) Barbu had a loving and devoted marriage together for 21 years until Sabina passed away due to cancer in 1976.

It is interesting to note that when his wife died he was left with two children Lidia age 11 and her younger brother Jovan. Lidia took over at that point as the Matriarch of the family cooking, cleaning and making sure that Jovan went to school. The Barbu family truly loved and cared about each other and went through very difficult times together.

Ilija was very devoted to his family and was very strict but the bottom line was he loved and cared about his family and wanted them to love and care for each other. He was a success.

Louise Russo (Matera) age 97 of Dumont died Saturday, December 22, 2007 peacefully at home.

She was born in North Carolina and as a small child moved to Union City where she lived most of her life. She lived in Fairview before moving to Dumont thirty-five years ago.

Louise was employed by the International Garment Workers Union for over twenty years having been a seamstress in the textile mills in Union City and Hackensack before her retirement.

She is survived by her sons Chet and his wife Ann of Wayne and Richard and his wife Myriam of Ridgewood; grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of twenty; one brother Frank Matera of CA and sisters Dolly of FL and Anna of WA. She was predeceased by one daughter Janet Morabito.

Douglas J. Fantozzi age 44 of Bloomingdale, on Saturday, December 22, 2007, peacefully in his sleep at home.

He was born in Passaic and raised in Wayne having lived in Newport News, VA before returning to Wayne five years ago and moving to Bloomingdale this past September.

He graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1982. Doug was a technician in the copy machine repair business.

Doug enjoyed skiing, jet skiing and many different outdoor activities.

He is a United States Army Veteran.

Beloved son of Cosmo and Barbara(Delaney) Fantozzi of Wayne; loving brother of Donna of Clifton, Diane of Wayne, Donald and his wife Elisa of Haskell, Thomas and his wife Debbie of Clifton and Jeffrey of Wayne; cherished uncle of Samantha, Casey and Jason.

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

Carl Nils Johnson Sr. age 89 of Wayne died Thursday, December 20, 2007 at home. His passing was quiet and peaceful with his loving family at his bedside.

He was born in Astoria, Queens, New York and had lived in Clifton and Passaic before moving to Wayne fifty-seven years ago.

He served in the United States Navy twice first was just before World War II and when the United States Government declared War he re-enlisted to serve another four years. He was a Machinist Mate First Class.

Carl learned the Machine Tool trade from his father who operated the business as Johanson & Son Machine Corporation. The company manufactured machine parts for many other companies over the years. The business was at first on Main Avenue in Clifton and later moved to Allwood Road in Clifton. Carl took over the business from his father, loved his work, and ran it for forty-two years before his retirement in 1988. He was a very hard worker that provided well for his family. During his tenure he had the privilege of having his two sons Ryer and Carl Jr. join the business and they operate it presently.

He was a founding member of Saint Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wayne.

He leaves his family with warm memories of a very loving and dedicated family man who was always concerned about his family. Perhaps the highlight of Carl’s life was the arrival of grandchildren he simply loved them unerringly with all of his heart. As a matter of fact he was so anxious to see his first newborn grandson that he implied himself a doctor to gain early entrance to the maternity ward at the hospital.

Carl Johnson had a special gift of a fun loving personality that made him welcome in many circles and caused him to have a host of friends.

He was a member and Past Master of Bredablick Masonic Lodge No. 880 in New York City which is now called the Sibelius-Bredablick Lodge.

As a hobby, or perhaps better referred to as a passion for, he loved to go deep sea fishing. He would come home and share his generous catches with friends and neighbors.

Carl and Bertha Johnson had thirty-two years of loving marriage until Bertha’s sudden and tragic passing at age 57 in 1975.

Surviving are one daughter Cheryl Johnson of Wayne; two sons Ryer Johnson and his wife Janet of Wayne and Carl Johnson Jr. and his wife Margaretha Johnson of Wayne; one granddaughter Karen Taylor and her husband Robert of Hardyston; four grandsons Keith, Matthew, Steven Johnson all of Wayne and Eric Johnson and his wife Rebecca of Springfield; two great grandsons Ethan and Jacob Johnson.

He was predeceased by his mother Margaretha Johanson in 1985, his father Nils Johanson in 1964, his wife Bertha Johnson in 1975 and his grandson Ryer Johnson Jr. in 2005.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Carl’s memory are asked to consider The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008.

Agnes A. Meyer (nee Van Ostenbridge) age 90 of Hawthorne died Thursday, December 20, 2007 at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff. Her passing, which was quiet and peaceful, as she was receiving the loving care of her daughters Karen and Marilynn.

She was born in Paterson and lived in Hawthorne all of her life.

She was a Charter member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Paterson and later was a member of Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church in Wyckoff.

Her family, as many folks at the time, had little means and Agnes had to leave school and help support her family. She started out in her youth as a housekeeper in the Haledon area and was a very hard worker. When she was eighteen years old she met Cornelius Meyer who had just moved here from the Midwest to find work. They fell in love and married in 1937. Cornelius was a very skilled mechanic who could fix and adapt machinery which made him readily employable.

Cornie was gifted with a good sport personality and would show off riding a motorcycle standing on the seat and coursing down Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne with no hands and with Agnes in the passenger side car of that motorcycle. Later in life he learned to fly airplanes. As the story goes he took Agnes to Florida in his plane and over Florida his engine conked out and he maintained his flight path by gliding all the time looking for an airport to make an emergency landing. Although these incidents frightened Agnes she continued to join him on his many adventures. You just might say Cornie was a very spirited man.

Agnes will always be remembered by her family as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. Even in her latter days everyone in the nursing home loved her warm smile.

Perhaps her finest hours were spent in the kitchen where she could take the plainest of foods and make them into wonderful treats. Her children especially remember coming home from school and finding the house full of wonderful cooking aromas. Sure enough, sitting on the table for their pleasure, was a pile of chocolate chip cookies or one of Mom’s soft chocolate cakes with wonderful home made creamy frosting on top or the finest bread pudding known to man. It did not stop there, because the next thing you know it was dinner time, and a complete meal was set before them when Dad came home from work.

When hot summer days came along and vacations became possible, Mom would haul the kids every day to Terrace Lake in Butler, a Christian Reformed Church picnic ground for day activities. Ocean City, NJ was another favorite destination. The family then purchased a summer cottage on Greenwood Lake and spent many happy summers together boating, skiing and of course having elaborate meals prepared in “Aggies” kitchen.

Later on in life, with the children grown up, Cornie and Agnes would take yearly vacations to Florida together and spend a month in the sun. When not on vacation they both headed for a golf course and enjoyed each others company honing their golf skills with friends. While at home Agnes and Cornie would peel bushels of apples that they would use to make apple sauce for enjoyment throughout the winter months. That, along with the pies and many breads that she made, caused her kitchen to be a very special place to visit.

Cornie and Agnes would dedicate Friday nights to going out to a good restaurant. Perhaps their favorite spot was the Friar Tuck Inn in Cedar Grove. They spent many evenings with family and friends celebrating life with good food and good camaraderie.

Raising three children was a true joy to her and kept her very busy. She also made a practice of getting up very early in the morning and making her husband’s breakfast.

On top of all those activities she had a heart of

Alice C. Sole (nee DeMauex) age 89 of Clifton died Thursday December 20, 2007 in Wayne, NJ. Her passing was quiet and peaceful.

She was born in Paterson where she lived most of her life before moving to Clifton in 2004.

She received her formal education at Central High School with the class of 1936.

Alice was a Packaging Specialist for Continental Can Company in Passaic where she worked for thiry-nine years before her retirement in 1985.

She leaves her family with many fond memories of a very devoted mother and grandmother.

Her daughter Marlene said that her mother did not have an easy life. When she was a teenager, her parents died within a short time of each other and she took on the task of raising her four siblings. She also lost a sister who, at the age of six, was on a school trip and ate some berries that proved to be poisonous.

She was predeceased by her husband James E. Sole in 1976 and was distressed by the early passing of her two sons James G. in 1993 and Gordon L. in 2002.

She is survived by her daughter Marlene Nezlek of Whiting, NJ formerly of Clifton, NJ. Two sisters; Rose Holloway of Cape May Court House, NJ and Isabella Maurice of Lynnwood, WA. She also leaves seven granddaughters, fourteen great-grandchildren, and many devoted nieces and nephews.

Alice was also predeceased by her two brothers James F. and Joseph DeMauex and one sister, Esther.

Adolph Joseph Zeglen age 83 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

He was born in Mahanoy City, PA and lived in Paterson, Hawthorne and Haledon before moving to Wayne over fifty years ago.

Joseph graduated from St. Stephens Parochial School, Paterson and went on to Passaic County Technical High School, which was then located in Paterson, where he graduated with the class of 1942.

Joseph was a self-employed electrician trading as AJ Zeglen of Wayne for over sixty years. He could be found working day, night, and even when he was sick. Not only did his work support the family but he enjoyed it so much it was considered his hobby as well. Having never retired his skills and passion for work he could be found lovingly plying his trade for his family. He passed his strong work ethic on to his son Craig who initially helped his dad and now does electrical work as an avocation.

Joseph’s work took him to a silk mill in Paterson where he met, his then to be wife, Dolores Cerruti. He was smitten by the lovely receptionist, and she by him, having married nine months later. They enjoyed sixty-one years of wonderful marriage together.

Later in life Joe fell in love once again, but this time it was with his grandchildren. They were the light of his life, he found great comfort and pride in their many accomplishments. He could often be found at their sporting events and school activities; once he became ill he took great comfort in hearing about their endeavors from his family.

Joseph is the beloved father of Denise Ullrich of Barnegat and Craig Zeglen and his wife Cynthia of Oak Ridge; he is the cherished grandfather of Keira, Adam and Jared Ullrich, Kyle and Craig Zeglen; he is the loving brother of Stasia Schwarz, Antonette Weiss, David and Ferdinan Zeglen.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Grace Bible Chapel, 150 Sunset Rd., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

John Palinkas, age 75 of Wayne died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday December 14, 2007 at the St. Josephs Hospital in Wayne.

John was born in Nagytarcsa, Hungary at a time of turmoil that led up to the second world war. As a young teenager he was seriously injured when he and some friends found an unexploded hand-grenade left behind after the war. It unexpectedly exploded in John's hand, but he miraculously survived. One of his friends was not so lucky, and another was left blinded and seriously injured. This tragic event changed his life forever.

After the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and the political change that took place thereafter, John decided to strike out for a better life and he came to America in 1959. He soon found employment at the Glen Ridge Country Club where he has worked ever since. He loved meeting and interacting with all the people at the country club and was dedicated to his work there. He was able to fix or do just about anything. Sadly, he was planning to retire from the Country Club next month.

He enjoyed 29 years of wonderful marriage to his wife Maria who describes him as “a loving, caring, and devoted husband”. John was as selfless as any person could be; he always put everyone before himself. This held true in his personal life as well as his professional life. His wife will tell you how, even while on vacation, John would call the country club to be sure that the work was being done properly. In his personal life, no one came before his daughter Judith; she was his number one and she described him as a “wonderful dad, so loving and caring”.

He also had a distinct calm about him such that nothing really bothered him or got him upset. His calm nature and incredible appetite were some of his trademarks: he just loved to eat! Yet somehow he managed never to become overweight. He preferred traditional Hungarian meals, chicken and rice dishes, but would eat just about anything that was put in front of him. John and Maria enjoyed traveling together and took several cruises, including Hawaii and the Caribbean. On many occasions they visited Hungary, where they both had family. John was also active in his church; Bethany Church in Wyckoff. Many of the trips that he and Maria took were with their fellow church members.

John will be dearly missed by his wife Maria of Wayne, his daughter Judith Hayden and her husband David, and his granddaughter Jennifer Hayden. He was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s name are asked to consider the Bethany Church, in memoriam of John Palinkas, 568 Wellington Drive, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A donation form may be printed out here by clicking on the link below “Print out donation form”. Using this form will assure that your donation is properly acknowledged to John’s family.

William H. “Mickey” Schank age 89 a long time Green Pond resident and recently of Oakridge, died Wednesday, December 12, 2007. His passing was quiet and peaceful with his loving family at his bedside.

He was born in New York City and lived in Richfield Park as a child, where his father owned a gas station and auto repair business in the 1920’s. When the depression took place his father William J. Schank traded his auto service business in Richfield Park for a dairy farm in Andes, New York. The family had a personal crash course in animal husbandry including milking and maintaining a herd of dairy cows. Mickey would start his day with his father and later by himself at 4 AM, taking care of the dairy farm chores including milking the cows and would then head off to school.

He received his formal education at the Andes, New York, K through 12 school. His graduating class had a total of thirteen students. Every one of his male classmates participated in the high school sports teams but they still could only muster six for the baseball team and despite this handicap they won championships. Mickey was an avid softball player in the Green Pond softball league in the 50’s.

It is interesting to note that in those days of the depression it was hard to make ends meet and the family lived on home grown produce, in the winter they often lived only on potatoes and milk, three meals a day. Mickey in his younger days was not as strong and healthy, but the farm work regimen helped him develop into a healthy young man which he carried through life. In the hospital, days before his death he was still proud to demonstrate his strong grip to the doctors, developed while sitting on the milking stool twice a day on the farm.

He later moved to Edgewater where he lived and worked with his uncle in the auto repair business and seasonally commercial fishing on the Hudson River. He also attended Bergen Community College and later Seton Hall University. After the War and marriage to Emily, Mickey ran an “open air” auto repair business on the street in front of his home on Undercliff Avenue in Edgewater. His two sons often watched as he made major repairs to pre War autos. They both learned that by taking things apart you could fix anything, often they were less successful putting things back together than their father. But the lessons were taught well. He then moved his family to River Edge and later to Oradell, summering in Green Pond and later moving to Green Pond fulltime for a total of fifty-eight years.

Mickey served in the Army Air Force during World War II as a First Lieutenant in the 315th Troop Carrier Group, 34th Squadron of the Army Air Force, based in the European Theater of the War. He was specially trained in navigation and for two years he taught navigation in the officers Army training school in Louisiana. He later participated in the Battles in Europe, in Ardennes, Central Europe and in the Rhineland. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Air Medal American Theater Campaign Ribbon. He remained active in the 315th Troop Carrier Group Association throughout his life.

He later went to work for the Ford Motor Company in Teterboro where he was Regional Service Manager. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1984 after twenty-six years of service.

The dormant flying bug again became active in the late sixties and he became a pilot and owned his own Piper Comanche airplane which both he and his wife Emily, also a pilot, took on many fun excursions. Perhaps the most joy came when they flew their plane to see their four grandchildren in Michigan. They also met for family vacations aro

Jessie Meyer age 94, of Wayne for over ninety years died peacefully on Monday, December 10, 2007 with her family by her side.

She was born in her parents home in Prospect Park and moved to Weinmanns Boulevard in the Preakness section of Wayne where her family had a farm. She attended approximately six months of high school at Central High School, Paterson before dropping out of school as the walk along Preakness Avenue was just too far.

She worked with her father on his milk route and then got a job in a Ribbon factory in Paterson where she worked on the assembly line tying lace. Jessie later was employed by the Paterson Box Lunch where she worked for thirty-eight years before retiring in 1975.

Jessie had a love of the outdoors, whether it was camping with her family, gardening or cutting the lawn. She was a quiet, unassuming, loving and supportive person who “was always there for you”.

She was predeceased by her parents Richard and Annie(nee Decker) Meyer; She was the loving sister of the late Louise Meyer(1929), the late John Meyer(2000) and his surviving wife Jen of Michigan, the late Peter Meyer(1982) and his late wife Thelma(1998) and her late brother Gilbert Meyer(1990) and his late wife Wilma(1993).

Jessie is the cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews. Her love was especially devoted to her niece Karen; great nephew Scott; great niece Heather; and her great nephew, friend and “buddy”, Jeff. Aunt ‘Chet’, as she was know to many, will always remain in our hearts.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Jessie’s name are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. A donation form may be printed here by clicking on the ‘print out donation form’ link below. Using this form will insure that your donation is properly acknowledged to the family.

Alfred Cheswick, age 75, of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne died Sunday, December 9, 2007 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in the Greenpointe section, having moved to Middle Village, Queens, NY before moving to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne.

Forty-five years ago, he co-founded the Pork King Provision Company in Bronx, NY, and through hard work, successfully grew it into MegaMeats Inc., before re-tiring in 2005.

No one remained a stranger for long within his Al’s presence. His charm and humor were engaging, instantly making friends of all. Always on the move, and whether expected or not, he was welcomed company, guaranteeing a good time for all present. Al enjoyed life to the fullest, especially when sharing time and a story with the company of others. While we will greatly miss him, we take solace knowing that he is now reunited with his love of his live, wife Irene.

He was predeceased by his wife of forty-six years Irene Cheswick (2005), and brother Thomas Cheswick. He is survived by two sons, Al Cheswick and his wife Angela of Loch Arbour, and Brian Cheswick and his wife Andi of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne; two brothers Charles Cheswick of Breezy Point, NY and Frank Cheswick of Chicago, IL; two sisters, Margaret Henderson and Mary Henley, both of Breezy Point, NY.; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of Flowers memorial donations to Eva's Kitchen, 392 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07505 would be appreciated.

Scott H. Ricker age 45 of Franklin died Saturday, December 8, 2007 unexpectedly and peacefully while on a hunting excursion on Beaver Lake Mountain in Sussex County. His passing took place in his favorite location which was the great outdoors.

He was born in Paterson and had lived in Wayne before moving to Franklin eleven years ago.

Scott received his formal education at Albert Payson Terhune Grammar School in Wayne and at Passaic County Vocation Technical High School in Wayne.

He served in the United States Army for four years and was stationed in Germany.

He worked as a Plumber for Plumbers Union Local No.14 in Lodi.

Scott will always be remembered by his wife, mother, sister, uncle, nieces, nephews many sisters and brother in laws and a host of friends as a “Beautiful Person”. He had this wonderful gift of personality that he shared in many positive ways with those he knew. Happy go lucky is perhaps a good handle for his inner nature that caused him to be a “Nice Guy”.

Scott and Kathleen loved each other more than anything else and had a wonderful marriage together that they considered a “Gift of Togetherness”.

His life dream hobby was hunting and the great outdoors. He enjoyed the sport of hunting and fishing. He would go to lengths to pursue his sports including trips to the Alaska and Canada.

He also belonged to the Safari Club International and would schedule safaris to Africa to hunt zebra, waterbuck and many other animals. He had completed two safaris and was planning his next prior to his passing. His home has on display many trophy mounts of his catches which he himself had prepared in many cases.

Sadness struck his life last year when his long faithful hunting companion a black labrador retriever “Lady” passed away.

Surviving are his loving wife Kathleen (nee Konecke) Ricker; his sister Andrea Richlin and her husband Raymond of Dushore, Pennsylvania; his mother Marven Ricker of Wayne; his uncle Thomas Dunkerley of Saint Peter Beach, Florida; one niece Geraldine Richlin of Dushore, Pennsylvania; two nephews Raymond Richlin III and Jacob Richlin all of Dushore, Pennsylvania.

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

Charles “Chubby” Pisciottano, age 87 of Wayne, died on Saturday December 8, 2007. He was born in Haledon, NJ and had lived in North Haledon and Huntington, Long Island before moving to Wayne in 1959. He is one of eight children and acquired the nick-name “Chubby” in early childhood. To this day he is fondly known as “Chubby”, “Uncle Chub”, or just “Chub”, to many, if not all, who know him.

As a young man, Charles joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which was established under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public works program that put over three million young men and adults to work in the years after the Great Depression and leading up to World War II. He was drafted into the US Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served for four years throughout Europe and Africa. He was awarded the “European African Middle Eastern Service Medal” and the “Good Conduct Medal” with the 85th Heavy Pontoon Battalion.

After returning to civilian life, Chubby entered the automotive industry as a car salesman. He worked at the Paterson Lincoln-Mercury dealership before buying Edwards Pontiac, Huntington, Long Island, in 1957. He sold his interest in Edwards Pontiac in 1959 and began working at Van Ness Dodge, later known as Wayne Dodge, for the remainder of his career.

His family recalls he was a true ‘workaholic’ and loved his occupation. He truly enjoyed meeting people and was very sociable, which most certainly attributed to his successful career in automotive sales. He was also a very sharp dresser – always making sure that he looked good. His hobbies were limited only by his love for his career. However, he did enjoy spending time in the garden which was a skill he acquired from his parents, who were both immigrants from the Naples area of Italy.

Chubby is survived by one son, Paul Pisciottano of Wayne; one daughter, Linda Benlien and her husband Michael of Spring Hill, Florida, and daughter-in-law Catherine of Wayne; three grandchildren, Jason Pisciottano and his wife Cori of Wayne, Jennifer Pisciottano of Wayne, and Brandon Benlien of Spring Hill, Florida; one sister, Ann Mace of North Haledon; two brothers, Anthony of Toms River and John of Sebastian, Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Loretta in 1987, three brothers; Peter, Salvatore, Louis, and one sister, Antoinette.

February 4, 1922 – December 6, 2007

Born in Emental, Romania, to Elias and Deofilia (Mueller) Moss, emigrated to, and was raised in, Estevan, Saskatchewan. Mr. Moss was employed by the Prudential Insurance company for over forty years; first in Toronto, Ontario before being transferred to the office in Morristown, NJ where he retired as a vice president. As a young man, he was briefly employed by the Hudson’s Bay Co. in the Yukon Territory.

Before retiring to Florida he was an active parishioner at Assumption Church in Morristown.

He enjoyed golf, travel, ballroom dancing, entertaining in his home, writing humorous verse and was an avid player of duplicate bridge, attaining the rank of Life Master. He was an active member of Toastmasters for many years.

Surviving are his wife Edna (nee Stephenson) Pringle-Moss; sons Fr. James Moss of Wayne, NJ, Neil and Gary (Nancy) Moss of Scranton, PA; stepson Steve (Kathy) Pringle of Nicolett, MN; grandchildren Joe, Dave and Andrea Moss; brother John (Rose) Moss of Calgary, AB; sisters Clara (Alf) Mehler of Estevan, Saskatchewan, Rose (George) Landeis of Tacoma, WA, Margaret (Clint) Frank of Visalia, CA, and Irene (Bill) Snow of Victoria, BC, plus many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Irene (nee McQuinn) Moss(1993); brothers Joe Moss, Mathew Miller and sister Mary Miiller.

He was also preceded in death by a brother Joseph and a sister Clara, who died in infancy, prior to Robert's birth, while the family lived in Russia/Rumania.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Hospice of the Palm Coast, 149 S. Ridgewood Ave., Suite 400, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 would be appreciated.

Josephine M. Stewart “Jo” (nee Conti) age 88 of Wayne died Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the New Jersey Hospice at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne. Her passing was tranquil and gracious as she received her eternal reward. She was being cared for by her loving family who were at her bedside.

She was born in Little Falls and had lived her formative years in Little Falls later living in Haskell before moving to Wayne forty years ago.

Jo was a skilled professional Hair Dresser who was most recently employed by Sam’s Place a Beauty Parlor located in Pompton Lakes. Her career spanned over fifty years until her retirement in 2001. She was especially good at her work, and with her kind nature she offered, perhaps a lot of psychological counseling to her clients as a by-product of her services Her work career started out as a Waitress in the Lee Bush Diner located in the Mountain View area of Wayne from 1943 to 1944. At that point in her life she decided to join the Army and serve her country in the quest for freedom.

Josephine was a true American Patriot who served in the Army Air Force as a Sergeant during World War II. She would often say that her Army service was the highlight of her life. Jo received the American Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

She was a member of the American Legion Post 121 in Little Falls.

She leaves her family with many cherished memories of a very special mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She had a gift of personality that was always selfless considering the needs of others above her own. Mom was always very loving and concerned nurturing her family even through their adult years. She was a very good cook and loved to have her family gathered around her especially on holidays to share her recipes.

In her spare hours she would enjoy reading novels.

Surviving are one daughter Betty Gordon of Wayne; one son John Stewart and his wife Ruby of Shreveport, Louisiana; two grandchildren Joann Niemiec of Montclair and Robert Gordon of Lambertville; one great granddaughter Sascha Niemiec of Montclair.

Ignazio “Jack” DelBagno age 90 of Wayne died Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at the Raritan Bay Hospital in Perth Amboy. His passing was quiet and peaceful while he was receiving the loving care of his family who where at his bedside.

He was born in Newark and had lived his formative years in Paterson later living in Clifton before moving to Wayne twenty-eight years ago.

Mr. DelBagno was a skilled “Wire Extruder” and had worked for Wilbert B. Driver Company in Harrison as well as consulting in the same skilled occupation for many companies who also did wire extrusion manufacturing. He retired at age sixty-five.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a very delightful, loving family man who was always concerned and nurturing his family even in their adult years. At an early age Iggy was called to go to work to support his family and did so majestically and with pride. He was gifted with very generous ways and a selfless personality that put others needs above his own. Jack loved to interact with people and loved life to the fullest causing him to have many friends.

He was gifted with a genius intellect and was considered a mathematical genius and he could fix anything. He built very elaborate technical equipment by just seeing a schematic drawing of such equipment. He once saw a drawing for an electrical circuit for a television set and with his skills made perhaps the first television set in our area. His children recall that the screen was very small and that there was only one TV station to watch but the neighbors and relatives would gather at their home to see this brand new technology. He also developed and made electric cars. Iggy was the master of many trades and willingly taught others those skills.

It is an interesting element in Iggy’s life history that his father was a well know area Boxer who went by the professional ring name “Mickey Del”. He was elected to the Hall of Boxing Fame for all time.

Ignazio and Mary were happily married for twenty-one years until Mary’s tragic death due to cancer at age fifty-two.

He was also predeceased by his brothers John and Salvatore DelBagno and his sisters, Amelia “Molly” DelBagno and Carmella “Millie” DelBagno.

Surviving are four daughters Mary Lou Schmitt of Key West, Florida, Rose Tittle and her husband Jack of Wildwood, Phyllis Rizzuto of Howell and Antoinette Early of Perth Amboy; twelve grandchildren including Mary Lou and Michael Servidio, Frank Rizzuto, Edna Wright and her husband Michael, Mary Ann Tittle, Jacqueline Kelly and her husband Matt, Mark Early and his wife Joanne, Adam Early and his wife Alex, Nadine Berg and her husband Larry, Eve Elbeck and her husband Tom, Michael Palumbo and Nick Palumbo Jr.; he is also survived by eleven great grandchildren and one nephew retired Newark Police Captain Daniel DelBagno.

Bessie LaRose (nee Olla) age 88 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, December 2, 2007 at the Wayne View Care Center, Wayne.

She was born in Easton, PA and was raised in West New York having lived in Lyndhurst before moving to Wayne fifteen years ago.

Bessie was an impeccable housekeeper who was always at work keeping her home neat and clean. She was an outgoing person who could talk to anyone.

Bessie loved to help out at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Wayne, where her granddaughter Lauren attended school. She was lovingly known as the “school grandma” and would lend a hand wherever needed.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Vincent LaRose(1986); devoted mother of Carole Marazzi and her husband Joe of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Lauren Marazzi of Wayne; much loved sister of Josephine Weichler of Englewood Cliffs, Michael Olla and his wife Perla of Fort Lee and the late Rose Lombardo, Ben and Carl Olla.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 580 Ratzer Rd Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Dorothy Dembitsky age 80 of Parsippany died Saturday, December 1, 2007 at home. Her passing was quiet and peaceful.

She was born in Passaic and had lived her formative years in Nutley before moving to Parsippany fifty-five years ago.

Dorothy received her formal education at Nutley High School graduating with the Class of 1945.

She was an Executive Secretary for Joya Refinishers a truck body manufacturer company in Belleville and previously was employed by DeRosa & Sons Truck Bodies. She retired after forty-eight years of employment.

She was active in league bowling and was a member and former secretary of the Morris County Women’s Bowling League.

She leaves her family with many fond memories of a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Dorothy was gifted with a “generous, loving and caring persona”. She was fun loving jovial and family oriented. One of her joys was preparing holiday meals for her family.

Dorothy and Willie Dembitsky had thirty-seven years of loving marriage before Willie’s passing in 1989.

Surviving are one son David Dembitsky of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; three granddaughters Jennifer, Sandra and Anna Dembitsky; one brother William Law of Wayne.

Kenneth Furber age 85 of Wayne died Tuesday, November 27, 2007 peacefully at home.

He was born in East Rutherford and lived in Clifton before moving to Wayne sixty years ago.

Kenneth graduated from the East Rutherford High School with the class of 1940.

Kenneth was an Assistant Vice-President of the First National Bank of New Jersey where he worked for twenty-eight years. He had worked in the Mt. View section of Wayne, Wanaque, Haskell and West Milford branches of the bank.

He was a member of the Packanack Community Church, Wayne.

Kenneth was a volunteer fireman for Packanack Lake Fire Company #5, Wayne for thirteen years.

He was active in the Packanack community having been involved with the Packanack Lake Country Club, the Packanack Volley Ball Club, Scouting, he had served on the Packanack Board of Governors and was a member of the ROMEOS club.

Some of his hobbies include wood working and tennis.

He is the beloved husband of Juanita (Perry) Furber; loving father of Glenn Furber and his wife Barbara of Vernon, Paul Furber and his wife Claire of Wayne, Russel Furber and his wife Liz of Vernon and Claire Furber of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Andrew, Courtney, Ryan, Jessica and Stephanie. He was predeceased by his brother George Furber in 1999.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Packanack Lake Fire Company #5, Lake Drive West & Osborne Terr., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Irene Margaret Edwards, age 78 of Durham, North Carolina died on Sunday, November 25, 2007.

She was born in Hackensack, NJ and had lived in East Rutherford and Rutherford, NJ before moving to Durham, NC six years ago. She was a graduate of the East Rutherford High School in the class of 1947.

Irene worked for Hoffman la Roche in Nutley, NJ as an administrative assistant for 25 years before she retired in 1992.

Her hobbies included knitting, reading, and most of all; spending time with her family. She had a true ‘love of family’, a great sense of humor, was deeply religious and very hard working.

Irene is survived by two sons; Bill Edwards and his wife Donna of Durham, NC and Doug Edwards and his wife Joanne of Langhorne, PA, three grandchildren; Michael Edwards of Durham, NC and Katie and Matt Edwards of Langhorne, PA, and one sister; Susan Grale of Wayne, NJ.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to the Duke Homecare Hospice, "For I.C.F. Use Only", 4321 Medical Park Drive, Durham, NC 27704. A donation form can be printed out by clicking on the link below. Using this form will assure that your donation is properly acknowledged.

Margaret J. McCann, age 88 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday November 24, 2007.

Born in Garfield, NJ, she spent her formative years in East Paterson, before the town was renamed Elmwood Park, and attended East Side High School . She married Walter in 1938 and they enjoyed 47 wonderful years together before his passing in 1985. She moved to Wayne in 1992 in order to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

She was an active member of the Curtis Wright Supervisory Retirees organization and since she loved to travel so much, she enjoyed the many trips she was able to take with them. She was also a member of the Golden Agers of Elmwood Park. She had been a very devoted and active member of the Warren Point Presbyterian Church in Fair Lawn, NJ. She also volunteered a great deal of her time to an organization that enabled her to go to elementary schools and read to the young children. This brought her a great deal of satisfaction.

Her hobbies include gardening, knitting, crocheting, line dancing, cooking and sewing, as well as playing cards. She especially loved spending as much time as possible with her family. Margaret was a huge football fan.

Margaret is survived by three daughters: Peggy Slater and her husband Bill of Littleton, NC; Eileen Moon of Wayne; and Susan Olsen and her husband Chris of Wayne. Seven Grandchildren: Bill Slater and his wife Jennifer of Morehead City, NC; Susan Pitcher and her husband Chandler of Virginia Beach, VA; Christian and Kevin Olsen of Wayne; Greg Olsen of Chicago, IL; Christina Moon of Wayne; Karen Veale and her husband Jim of Wayne. Five great-grandchildren: Madelyn and Henry Pitcher of Virginia Beach, VA; Cortney and Sam Slater of Morehead, NC; and Jimmy Veale of Wayne. One sister, Alice Vander Pyle of New York. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Walter in 1985.

John N. Tortorella age 61 of Pompton Lakes died suddenly on Friday, November 23, 2007 at home.

He was born and raised in Bronx, NY and lived in Saddle Brook before moving to Pompton Lakes twenty-four years ago.

John was a self-employed financial analyst for the past thirty-three years.

He graduated from Manhattan College, NYC with a Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics with the class of 1968.

John loved numbers, betting on the horses, lottery, golf but most of all loved his family and friends.

He was involved with the town of Pompton Lakes as a long time member of the Pompton Lakes Youth Organization as their football announcer and was active with the Youth Traveling Basketball Team.

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

John is the beloved husband of thirty-five years to Patricia (Darmstatter) Tortorella; the loving father of Timothy Tortorella of Little Falls and Daniel Tortorella of Pompton Lakes; the devoted brother of Adelaide Botti and her husband Frank of Bronx, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pompton Lakes Athletic Booster Club, 44 Lakeside Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be appreciated.

Marie Gilson (nee Andersen) on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 of Pequannock.

She was born in Jersey City and has lived in Pequannock for the past forty-eight years.

Before her years as a homemaker she had worked for the Western Electric Corporation, Kearney and prior to that she worked for the RCA Corporation, Harrison.

Marie was an avid bowler and has many trophies to attest to her skill. She had a very quick mind and a passion for vocabulary. When she heard a challanging word used, she would quiz her family on it's meaning.

She was the beloved wife of thirty-nine years to the late Patrick Gilson(1987); mother of Patricia Scott and her husband Christopher of Pequannock; sister of Larry Andersen and his wife Jean of Jersey City. She was predeceased by three sisters Helen Kilcoyne, Alice Andersen, Cecelia Priest and one brother Peter Andersen.

Please note: a photo will be posted here on Friday.

Frank Sliker age 86 of Wayne died Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at the Saint Josephs Hospital, Paterson with his family by his side.

He was born in Newton and lived in Paterson and Totowa Boro before moving to Wayne forty-seven years ago.

Frank was a baker for the SB Thomas Corporation, Totowa for many years before retiring in 1987.

Frank’s life was his family, be it his wife, daughters or grandchildren he deeply loved them all. He also loved music, big bands, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, he would simply “get lost in the music.” An avid New York Yankee fan and New York Giants fan, he taught his four daughters to love sports. Another of his passions was lottery tickets. He always had a quarter, paper towel and his scratch-off tickets.

Frank and Josephine(Zisa) were married for sixty-two years and were inseparable. That is not to say they didn’t have differences of opinion. Their relationship could be equated to that of Frank and Marie Barone on the television show Everyone Loves Raymond. They could argue about the most mundane things and yet they had a deep love and commitment to each other.

He is the devoted father of Carol Schimpf of Oak Ridge, Linda Novak and her husband Tim Decker of Pompton Lakes, Lori McNeil and her husband Ken of Vernon and Sandra VanWettering and her husband John of Wayne; cherished grandfather of eleven; and much loved great-grandfather of two; his loving bulldog Samantha predeceased him.

Please omit flowers.

Anne ‘Carol’ Miller, age 69 of Lincoln Park died on Sunday November 18, 2007.

Born in London, England, Carol’s childhood was certainly not typical. At six years old she was sent with her four year old sister to live in an orphanage outside of London to spare them from the German bombing campaign that was ravaging London. After the war her father was a British Diplomat, which afforded the family the opportunity to live all over the world. She finished high school in Japan and achieved two Masters Degrees here in the United States; one in nursing and another in psychiatric nursing. Her favorite place to have lived and worked however, was Australia. She worked as a Midwife there, primarily working in Melbourne and also in the Outback. She was dedicated to her nursing profession and naturally enjoyed helping everyone she could, including friends and family. She worked at Greystone Psychiatric Hospital, both as a nurse and administrator, for 30 years and she is also a member of their Longevity Club. She retired from nursing in 1997.

She was a very active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Mountain View Chapter 205 in Wayne, and held dual membership in the Little Falls Chapter 224. Carol and her husband Walter (1987) had also been very active as members of the Salaam Shrine Temple in Livingston, NJ, where they belonged to the Motor Corp. Most Shriners will remember Carol in the ticket booth at the Shrine Circus, where she sold tickets every year for many, many years. She was also a member of the “Red Hat Society”, a social group of ‘55 and over’ women who met regularly for lunch.

Although Carol enjoyed collecting plates and crystal as a hobbie, she most enjoyed spending time on her 33’ Chris-Craft; “MZ. Behave”. She loved to cruise on her boat whenever she had the time.

She is survived by one sister, Jean Pierotti Lewis of Western Supr Mare, UK; one neice, Eirwen “Ellie” Lewis, of Somerset, UK, and one grand-nephew, Rhys Lewis also of Somerset, UK. two step-children; Walter Miller of Bricktown, NJ and Emily Hodge of New Pelham, NH. Three granddaughters; Tracey Kubat of Pt. Pleasant, NJ, Susan Fenlator of Wayne, NJ, Linda Donnelly of Brick,NJ. Three grandsons; John and Jim Hodge of New Hampshire; Tony Ludlow of Nv. and nine great-grandchildren, Christopher and Sarah Kubat of Brick, NJ and Jazmine and Angelica Fenlator of Wayne, NJ, JT, Anthony, Elizabeth, Liam and Hannah Hodge, all of New Hampshire and two great-great-grandchildren, Delaney of California and Belle of Louisiana. Dear neighbors and devoted friends Judy and Nicholas Koldyk were very close with Carol for the past 30 years. Carol treated their children, David Koldyk and Kerri Palen, as if they were her own grandchildren, and Kerri’s children, Nicolas and Zachariah, as if they were her own great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter, in 1987.

Amy Melissa Vanderberg, 36, was born in Pompton Plains, NJ, graduated from Wayne Hills High School, and upon graduation began working for the Foundation for the Handicapped in Wayne.

Amy was an angel on earth that was given to her family and friends for too short a time. She taught us all complete acceptance of everyone, to undertake every challenge with a smile, and to appreciate anything she received.

She was the sunshine everyday but more so on special holidays and birthdays, her favorites. She always made her dad, mom, brother, and sister feel special and loved. You just always wanted to be around her. She also adored her dog, Thunder and took special care of her long-time(18 year old) pet frog, Bruce.

While at the Foundation, she made friends easily and met her special love, Ernest Chase. Everyday they talked on the phone and Amy became an important part of his wonderful family.

Whether at home or work, Amy viewed everyone as special. Although she loved being with her work family, she was always thrilled to have a day off because her dad always took her out to a special place for lunch.

Amy was pure and simple in heart. She viewed each new day as an adventure and always tried to bring joy to those that needed it the most. Although we will miss her sunshine, we know our angel Amy will watch over us and be with us with every smile we share or giving action we perform. She was blessed with a special ability to love unconditionally and the lives she touched were blessed by knowing her.

Even in death Amy continues to share herself by donating her vital organs and tissues so others have a better life. Her special light will never fade but just shine brighter. We love you – Angel Amy.

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

Clara Huntington age 91 of Wayne died Friday, November 16, 2007, peacefully, at The Gardens at Wayne, Wayne.

She was born and raised in Paterson before moving to Wayne fifty-one years ago.

Clara was a cafeteria worker for the Wayne Board of Education, Wayne for twenty-three years before retiring in 1985.

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

The oldest of seven daughters, she was a caring and nurturing sister. Her grandfather was the owner of a circus that was based in Northern NJ and traveled as far as Florida. With her father being a clown in the same circus inspired Clara to love and collect clowns.

Clara was also a loving and dedicated mother of six. She had a remarkably sharp mind and could remember the minutest details including her children and grandchildren’s dates and times of birth as well as their birth weight. She was also terrific at giving directions to all kinds of places…although she never held a driver’s license.

Beloved wife of forty-eight years to the late Herbert Huntington(1979); loving mother of the late Herbert C. Huntington (2005), Claire Salviano and her (Late husband Virgil), Ronald Huntington and his wife Ruth Ann of Hackettstown, Lorraine Parlegreco and her husband Thomas of Dingmans Ferry, PA, Kenneth Huntington and his wife Elaine of Montclair and Clifford Huntington and his wife Jean of Wayne; cherished grandmother of sixteen, thirty great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, loving sister of Rose Mayer of Fair Lawn and Grace Roegler and her husband Darrell of Florida, the late Jean Ingino, Ruth Ingino, Myrtle Carroll and Dolores Eler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3170, 4 Gary Rd., Union, NJ, 07083 would be appreciated.

Mary DeFlora (nee Cozzolino) age 100 died Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

She was born in Mercato Cilento, Italy and came to this country at the age of four with her mother and four siblings. They settled in Paterson, New Jersey where her father had preceded the family a few years earlier.

Mary was devoted to her family and friends and enjoyed nurturing them through her cooking and story telling.

She had a devoted and loving marriage of sixty-nine years to the late Oscar DeFlora(1994); the loving aunt of Jerry Pacilio (who predeceased her in 2006) and his wife Betty of Virginia Beach, VA, Joseph Cozzolino of Florida, Margaret Schad of Oakland, Theresa Kopf and her husband Seymour of Jackson, Alfreda Campos and her husband Richard of Albany, CA, Jan Gavzy and her husband Stuart of Wayne, Lynn Edwards and her husband Cary of Oakland, Verne Taukus and her husband Ted of Ringwood, Tony De Flora and his wife Millie of Little Falls, and Barbara Keller and her husband Lou of Fair Lawn and much loved by many great-nieces, great-nephews and devoted friends.

For those considering a memorial in Mary's name are asked to consider St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 322 N. Lauderdale St. Memphis, TN 38105-2729.

Ricci, Biagio ‘Basil’ – 84 of Wayne, formerly of North Caldwell and Pompton Lakes, NJ. Born April 15, 1923 in Newark, NJ. Owned Veteran Overall Service in Newark until his retirement in 1984.

Predeceased by his first wife Mary Penna, Thomasina Reciniello, his second wife, his sister Rosemary and a brother, Thomas. Survived by his wife Marie (Forte), his brother Gerald of Florida and many dear in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to count.

Basil was proud to be a member of the Wayne Lions Club, Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, Marion Council 3801 having been past Grand Knight, 4th Degree. He was the recent recipient of the Franciscan Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon lay persons in the Franciscan community. He was a supporter of the Passionist Missionaries.

He proudly served his country in WWII from 1942 – 1946. He was a Navy Seabee in the 43rd Naval Construction Battalion, serving in the Aleutians, Hawaii, Saipan, and Nagasaki. He was a member of the American Legion.

Basil was an avid golfer and member of the Rinky Dinks at North Jersey Country Club and a former member of the Fords Colony Country Club in Williamsburg, Virginia.

He was a trustee on the Chilton Memorial Hospital Foundation Board.

Basil loved people and talked to everyone – whether strangers, acquaintances or long time friends, he always had time to listen, share, support and inspire. He was a mentor to many and a man of great integrity and generosity. His kind and loving spirit will live on in all who were fortunate enough to have known him. The man with the big smile, big voice and even bigger heart left a profound void in our lives, community and this world, but memories of Basil will sustain us and we will smile when we think of him.

Memorial donations in Basil’s name may be made to Chilton Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444; or The Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA; or Passionist Missionaries Inc., 526 Monastery Place, Union City, NJ 07087.

William H. Percey, Sr., age 66 of Wayne, on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.

He was born and raised in Paterson having moved to Wayne 45 years ago. He graduated from Central High School, Paterson with the class of 1959.

Bill was a member of IBEW Local 102 and has been employed by Okonite Co., Paterson for the past eighteen years, he was currently a plant manager.

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

Beloved husband of forty-five years to Lillian(Campione); beloved father of Deborah Micka(Percey) and her husband Andrew of Wayne and William H. Percey, Jr. and his wife Shannon of Branchville; cherished grandfather of Matthew and Alyssa Micka and Mackenna and Brendan Percey; much loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his sisters, Marjorie Finley of Wayne, and Barbara Vogel and her husband Walter of Toms River and brother-in-law Warren Schaub of Wyckoff. Survived by sister-in-law, Deborah Spiotti, brother-in-laws, Joseph Campione, and Ronald Campione and his wife Carolyn and sister-in-law, Nancy Campione.

Predeceasing him were his parents, Regina and William Percey, also sisters, Dorothy Ryan and Regina Schaub and brother-in-law, Carl Campione and mother & father-in-law, Evelyn and Joseph Campione.

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

Roy K. Slater Sr., age 86, died peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007 at Saint Joseph's Wayne Hospital.

He was born in Prospect Park and lived in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne forty-eight years ago. For the past 23 years, he also lived in Port Charlotte, FL for the winter months.

‍

Roy is a veteran of WWII Army Air Corp where he attained the rank of Corporal. Having served as an MP, he took part in the Ryukyus campaign and was the proud recipient of the American Theatre Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. He was a member of the American Legion Post 53, North Haledon and most recently American Legion Post 174, Wayne.

Roy's father founded Slater Well Drilling; he was joined in business by his sons, and the company name changed to Slater Brother's Well Drilling. As the company grew the brothers were joined by several of their children. They had offices in Prospect Park, Hawthorne, and North Haledon, before moving the operation to Wayne. The family now has its fourth generation of well drillers.

Roy was an avid bowler and member of the T-Bowl senior's league. He also bowled in leagues with his wife in Florida. In his younger years, Roy enjoyed competitive speed skating.

Roy was a very devoted husband and father. He worked very hard to support his family, and was always there whenever they needed him. The children remember fun times growing up, especially roller skating every Tuesday with mom and dad at the roller rink in Paramus; their mother and father were excellent skaters. As a matter of fact, Roy and Lee initially met while roller skating. Summer memories were made in Wildwood Crest where the family would rent a house every summer. Roy continued to go to Wildwood each summer setting up a camper at the Ocean View Camp Ground. His family would spend the entire summer there while Roy would have to commute back and forth on the weekends. Family gatherings at their home in Wayne were also fun-filled.

Devoted husband of sixty-one years to Lena “Lee” Slater (VanderHorn) who passed away ten days ago; devoted father of Sharon Tant and her husband Jack of Wayne, Donald Slater of Hewitt, George Slater and his wife Diane of Highland Lakes, and Roy Slater Jr. and his wife Esther of Broomfield, CO; cherished grandfather of Ryan and Chris Tant of Wayne, Scott Tant of Eugene, OR; Donald Jr. and Brian Slater of Hewitt; Jennifer Florio of Vernon; Stephen Slater of Highland Lakes; Roy Slater III and Amy Slater of Broomfield, CO; Kimberly Wolfe of Brighton, CO; George Slater of Kalamazoo, MI; One sister; Lorraine Labanowski of Haledon; Two brothers; George Slater and his wife Lorraine of Port Charlotte, FL; and Stanley Slater of Paterson; six great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by four brothers; Robert, Aaron, Russell, and Kenneth Slater and two sisters; Joyce Slater and Ellamae Moscariello.

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

Phoebe R. Wolff (“Hughie”) (nee Reggio) age 78 of the Packanack Lake area of Wayne slipped away to join the angels on Wednesday evening November 14, 2007 at home. Her passing was peaceful and with the loving affection of her husband Stephen who was constantly at her side.

She was born in Boston, Massachusetts and she spent her formative years living in the Chestnut Hill area of Boston and also summering in Chesham, New Hampshire where the family maintained a residence. Phoebe later lived in Medfield, Massachusetts and Long Beach, California before moving to Wayne forty-nine years ago.

She received her formal education attending Windsor School in Boston and later at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, DC and then she went on to study at Simmons College in Boston which is a nationally acclaimed small university.

Phoebe married Ensign Stephen J. Wolff Jr. in December of 1952 and they had fifty-five years of “fulfilling and loving” marriage together.

‍

Hughie always had a soft spot in her heart for animals, especially the dog breed known as Belgium Tervuren. She spent thirty-five years involved in all aspects of dog obedience training and was an accomplished instructor and earned championships with her own Belgium Tervuren dogs.

She was a member of the Ramapo Kennel Club, the American Belgium Teruveen Club and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. She also supported the National Animal Interest Alliance. She loved horses and in her late teens, early twenties, rode hunt and jump activities. She taught dog obedience training at the Wayne Adult School.

Phoebe also had a special affinity to Native American culture as evidenced by her philanthropy and advocacy of American Indians and her extensive collection of their art and crafts.

She enjoyed the hobbies of cross stitching and marquetry picture creation. She was an accomplished knitter and over the years produced numerous needlepoint and cross stitch works of art.

She also was a summer camp councilor who enjoyed teaching swimming at Pine Tree Camp for Disabled Children and Adults in Maine.

She was a member of the National Wildlife Federation and took a strong interest in Native Americans of the South West including charitable work.

Her daughter Leslie recalls fond memories of a very special mother.

“From learning how to eat a lobster to knitting and family Christmas cookies, my mother has been my teacher and compass throughout my life. She taught me many things from the joy of family to having an appreciation for all that surrounds me. It is that spirit of teaching that has guided me through my professional life as an instructor and continues to guide me now as a mother. I know this legacy will continue through me to my children as life moves forward.”

“May all the sunshine my mother has shed on me reflect back on her with warmth and love. My mother, my teacher, I will miss her.”

Her daughter Chris shares with all some thoughts of appreciation for her Mom.

I have always loved the outdoors, and as a child, many of my happiest times were spent exploring and observing the natural world. In a small brook or a rocky tidal pool, on a forest floor or in a grassy meadow, I was always looking for living things.

Mom supported and encouraged my love of nature, and she showed great compassion and caring for all creatures. As a kid, I would bring home all sorts of wild things: orphaned baby birds and small animals that she would always take into our house. She never turned away any wounded or abandoned creature in need of

Frank Brescia age 66 of Pompton Lakes died Friday, November 14, 2007 at the Hunter Mountain, New York Ski Resort. His passing sudden and unexpected while skiing on Hunter Mountain in New York.

He was born in Paterson where he lived for many years before moving to Pompton Lakes ten years ago.

Frank received his formal education first at Paterson Eastside High School graduating with the Class of 1959. He then went to Farleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics.

Much of his business career was as a Purchasing Agent including having worked for McGregor Sporting Goods in East Rutherford and later APC Plastic Molding Company in Hawthorne. More recently he has served as the Executive Director of the Wayne Foundation For The Handicapped located in Wayne. The Foundation employees will certainly miss Frank because he gave that special job two hundred percent just for those very special people. For Frank managing the Foundation was more of a dedication than a job. He will sorely be missed at work.

He had several hobbies including Gymnastics, a Pilot, s Golf, Hunting with bow and arrow but his favorite activity was Skiing.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a very kind and devoted family member who was very special in many ways. His sister Julia recalls how he taught her how to ski as well as teaching many other family members.

Surviving are his sister Julia Coppo of West Paterson, three nephews Frank Coppo and his wife Connie, Thomas Coppo and his wife Lisa and Timothy Coppo; a grand niece Meghan Coppo and a grand nephew James Coppo.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Frank’s memory are asked to consider The Wayne Foundation For the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terrace, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Gertrude(Geertruida) Willekes (nee den Hoed) age 101 died peacefully on Tuesday, November 13, 2007.

She was born in Ridderkerk, Netherlands and emigrated to this country in 1953 settling in Paterson, having lived on Schooleys Mountain, Hackettstown, Wayne for many years and Pequannock for over twenty years.

They were the first family to receive compensation, from the Dutch government, for leaving the country as a result of over-population. They agreed to move as the economy was poor, there was a real fear of war just after WWII and because of land shortages. They came here with very little money, and seven children. An auto mechanic by trade, her late husband Charles J. Willekes(1990), was employed for over thirty years for Brogan Cadillac, Paterson.

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

Beloved wife of fifty-seven years to the late Charles J. Willekes(1990); loving mother of Lourens J. Willekes and his wife Marie(nee Van Der Waal) of Grand Rapids, MI, John J. Willekes and his wife Johanna (nee den Hollander) of Pequannock, Anna Warmenhoven and her husband Paul of Sunnyside, WA, Jacobus J. Willekes and his wife Margaret (nee Kievit) of Newfoundland, Wilhelmina A. Hook and her husband Wayne of Pequannock, Cecilia Sweetman and her husband Barney of Fairfield and Rozetta Heerschap and her late husband William of St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada; cherished grandmother of thirty-three grandchildren, eighty-nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

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

Concetta Iovine(nee Albano) “Aunt Tina” age 82 of Wayne died peacefully, while receiving the loving care of her family, on Sunday, November 11, 2007.

She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY having moved to Wayne over fifty years ago.

Connie was employed by the Wayne Board of Education, Wayne as a cafeteria worker having spent over twenty-three years working at the Wayne Valley High School, Wayne and later the George Washington Junior High School, Wayne before retiring in 1987.

Beloved wife of the late Louis J. Iovine(1994); loving mother of Anthony Iovine of Oak Ridge, Patrick Iovine of Wayne, Marie Iovine of Bayonne and Roseann Iovine-Orland of Kinnelon; cherished grandmother of Jimmy Orland.

Memorial Donations to the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 North Riverview Drive, Totowa 07512 would be appreciated.

John T. Makowski age 77 of Wayne died Friday, November 9, 2007 at the Care One Health Care Center in Wayne. His passing was quiet and peaceful.

He was born in Lyndhurst and had lived his formative years there and he later lived in Rutherford before moving to Wayne forty years ago.

John received his formal education at Lyndhurst High School graduating with the Class of 1948. He then went to Farleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He also went to New York University in New York City where he received a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

He was employed as a Sales Manager for National Starch Company in Bridgwater, NJ where he worked for forty-three years before his retirement in 1996. After his retirement he established his own business known as J.T.M. Associates Food Brokers located in Wayne, NJ. His company was very successful and dealt in starches, tropical fruit juices, flavors and spices.

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

John simply loved life and lived his life to the fullest. He was very devoted to his family. He was a good provider who nurtured his children’s lives, encouraged them in their educations and took them on many wonderful vacations every year.

His travels where to many areas including South America, Europe, Asia and many other places.

He loved domesticity even though he traveled. At home he was Mr. Mom and did the food shopping, cooking and gardening. He loved being busy and was good at whatever he endeavored to do.

His gardening was one of his favorite activities and his flowers were very beautiful.

Florica and John had a “very happy” marriage together for six years. John’s first wife of thirty-nine years was taken ill and passed away. On one of his trips he was in the country of Rumania and met Florica and fell in love. He married her and they had a very happy life together.

Surviving are his loving wife Florica (nee Rontea) Makowski; two sons John Brian Makowski and his wife Dale of North Reading, Massachusetts and Glenn Joseph Makowski MD and his wife Joniece of Texas; one step son Peter Rontea of Lowell, Massachusetts, one sister Alice Sowizral of Wayne; his sister in law Clarice Makowski of North Arlington.

He was predeceased by his first wife Dorothy Makowski and his brother Arthur Makowski.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s memory are asked to consider Eva's Kitchen, 393 Main St., Paterson, NJ 07501.

Carolyn Teeling (nee Tompkins) age 83 of Wayne died Friday, November 9, 2007 at home. Her passing was quiet and peaceful while receiving the loving care of her family who were at her bedside.

She was born in Little Falls, New York and spent her formative years in Doldgeville New York before moving to Wayne fifty-one years ago. Her early years were spent on the family dairy farm in Doldgeville that her parents owned and grandparents before them.

Carolyn received her formal education at Doldgeville High School graduating with the class of 1942.

After graduation from high school she joined the United States Coast Guard and served from 1943 to 1945.

Perhaps as a result of growing up on a farm with many animals around her she loved animals. Especially her cat which she named “Cat”.

She was employed at Singer Kearfott Corporation in Wayne for twenty years as a Circuit Board Assembler for missiles for the United States Defense Department. Carolyn retired from work in 1989.

She leaves her family with many fond memories of a very loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was very important to her and she spent her lifetime nurturing them. Perhaps the highlight of her family enjoyment was the arrival of grandchildren whom she loved to pieces.

Carolyn and Richard had a “very happy” marriage together for fifty-eight years until Richard's passing in 2003.

Tragedy impacted her life in 2006 when she lost her son Richard C. Teeling.

Surviving are one son Robert Teeling and his wife Patty of Andover; four grandchildren Erin Teeling of Washington, DC, Meghan Teeling of Orlando, Florida, Courtney Teeling of Montclair, Brian Teeling of North Haledon; nieces and nephews including Suzanne Gorman of Naples, Florida, Gail Jaust of Oak Ridge, Charles Rath of West Milford and Ellis Rath of Milford, Delaware.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Carolyn’s name are asked to consider The Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, 5055 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244.

Michael Rusin Sr. age 80 of Lincoln Park died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, November 5, 2007 at the Hackensack University Hospital in Hackensack. At his passing his loving family was at his bedside.

He was born in Svidnik,Czechoslovakia and came to this country 1948 first settling in Garfield later living in Clifton and Wayne for twenty years before moving to Lincoln Park.

Mr. Rusin was a Machinist at Okonite Cable Corporation in Passaic where he worked for forty years before his retirement in 1989.

He was a member of The Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of The Three Saints in Garfield.

One of Michael’s joys in life was his fondness for animals. He enjoyed them all especially at his daughters home in Colorado where she has several horses.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved his children and was a dedicated father who was always concerned and nurturing wanting the best for his family. The arrival of grandchildren into his life was a very special experience. He loved them to pieces.

Olga and Michael had a “devoted and loving” marriage together for fifty-five years.

Surviving are his loving wife Olga (nee Milligan) Rusin; 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 brother John Rusin and his wife Christina of Clifton; seven Grandchildren Justan and Jared Pavone, Jessica, Jordan and Jaclyn Wolff, Kaitlyn and Madison Rusin.

Margaret Reinauer(nee MacGowan) age 93 of Pompton Plains went home to glory, peacefully, on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains while receiving the loving care of her family.

She was born in Cambus Lang, Scotland and in her mid-teens she came to the United States settling in Hawthorne having lived in Paterson, N. Haledon and Toms River before moving to Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains five years ago.

Margaret is a former member of Eastside Presbyterian, Paterson and 1st Presbyterian of Elmwood Park, Grace Gospel Church, Toms River, having most recently attended Hawthorne Gospel Church, Hawthorne.

Beloved wife of seventy-one years to Lawrence Reinauer(having been married on his birthday - September 5 ); devoted mother of Iris Hascup of Totowa, Wayne Reinauer and his wife Nancy of Scottsdale, AZ and Bonnie Bornkamp of Marlboro; cherished grandmother of Darren, Lauren, Brad, Todd, David and Timothy; much loved great-grandmother of Jacqueline, Christopher, Cassia, Nicholas, Samuel, Peter and Robert.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Food for the Hungry, 1224 East Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 or Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Rt. 208 North, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 would be appreciated.

Lena "Lee" Slater (nee VanderHorn), age 82, of Wayne lost her long courageous battle with cancer on Sunday November 4, 2007. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her daugther, son, sister, and many other loving family members. Lee loved music and in her final moments, her nephews played guitars and sang to her.

She was born in Passaic, growing up in Clifton and Garfield. While in Garfield, she met the love of her life, Roy Slater, while roller skating. They married in 1946, and spent 61 wonderful years together. They had four children, which they started raising in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne in 1959. She was a very devoted mother, wife, and homemaker. When her husband retired 23 years ago, they became ‘snow-birds’; spending six months of the year in Port Charlotte, Florida and six months in Wayne.

Lee was an avid bowler and member of the T-Bowl "Guys & Dolls" league. She continued to bowl with her husband each year while living in Florida. Bingo and baseball were her two other favorite pasttimes. She made sure to catch each and every Mets game on television, no matter how badly she felt.

Her children remember fun times growing up, especially roller skating every Tuesday with mom and dad at the roller rink in Paramus; their mother was an excellent skater. Summer memories were made in Wildwood Crest where the family would rent a house every summer. Lee continued to go to Wildwood, setting up a camper at the Ocean View Camp Ground and spending the entire summer there with her husband. Family gatherings at their home in Wayne were also fun-filled. Lee has a very large family; at a small gathering you could find no less than twenty or thirty cars in the street and countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is survived by her husband Roy, four children; Sharon Tant and her husband Jack of Wayne, NJ; Donald Slater of Hewitt, NJ; George Slater and his wife Diane of Highland Lakes, NJ; and Roy Slater Jr. and his wife Esther of Broomfield, CO. Eleven grandchildren; Ryan and Christopher Tant of Wayne, NJ; Scott Tant of Eugene, OR; Donald Junior and Brian Slater of Hewitt, NJ; Jennifer Florio of Vernon, NJ; Stephen Slater of Highland Lakes, NJ; Roy III and Amy Slater of Broomfield, CO; Kimberly Wolfe of Brighton, CO; George Slater of Kalamazoo, MI; Two sisters; Marilyn Scarpa of Clifton, NJ and Elsie Reinalda of Tennessee. Four brothers; Clarence, Thomas, Hubert, and Aaron VanderHorn, all of Port Charlotte, Florida. Six great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by one brother, John VanderHorn, who was also of Port Charlotte, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Chilton Memorial Cancer Center, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated. A donation form can be printed here by clicking on "print out donation form" and that form should be mailed in with your gift.

Anne E. Post, age 73 of Wayne on Sunday November 4, 2007. She was born in Newark and had lived in Wayne for the past twenty-seven years.

Anne worked at the Wayne office of the American Automobile Association, known as “Triple A”, for seventeen years, having recently retired in 2005. She enjoyed a very close and special friendship with many of her co-workers at AAA and her years there were some of the most memorable times of her life. Her hobbies included knitting and stitching but she got the most joy out of being a mother to her four wonderful children. She was also the kind of person who would reach out to anyone in need and selflessly help them in anyway she knew how. This was especially evident to her coworkers at AAA.

She is survived by her four children; Kristen Post-DeSantis and her husband Stephen of Clark, NJ; Kevin Post of Fall River, MA; Brian Post of Tarrytown, NY; and Sean Post of Wayne, NJ. One grandson, Devon Post of Clark, NJ; two brothers; Richard George and his wife Janet of Lake Hopatcong, NJ; and Robert George and his wife Marie of Hamilton, NJ, and twelve nieces and nephews.