Robert “Bob” Young age 83 of Wayne passed on Saturday, February 28, 2015 in Williamsport, PA.

He was born and raised in Williamsport, PA and came to New Jersey in 1965 as work was scarce in Pennsylvania. He established a home in Wayne, NJ where he lived for the past fifty years. In 1972 he purchased a farm in the Williamsport, PA area as he felt his roots belonged there. He worked for the Frank A. McBride corporation in Hawthorne and had been the construction foreman for the old Giants Stadium. His apprentice back then was appointed as the construction foreman of the new Giants Stadium and even gave Bob a tour of the new facility during its construction.

Bob served in the Army National Guard of the United States and the Army National Guard of New Jersey during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged on November 30, 1960 having attained the rank of Corporal. For his service he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Bob enjoyed fishing in the Florida Keys. He and his loving significant other, Pauline, loved to fish together in the Florida Keys. Bob would tow his boats the “Cork” and the “Cork II” from Wayne down to Florida each year. He will be remembered as a caring and giving man.

He was the loving “significant other” of Pauline Grieves. For many years they were next door neighbors that developed into a loving relationship for over forty-five years. Bob was a father figure to Arnold Grieves, Jr., Donna Carey, Glenn Grieves, and Tom Grieves. He also was a loving grandfather figure to Freddy, Gary, Glenn Jr., Gregory, and Matthew.

Robert W. Heykoop, age 83, of Pompton Plains, passed peacefully, lovingly surrounded by his family, on Monday morning, April 20, 2015.

Bob was born in Wayne, the fifth of six children. He grew up on Ratzer Road, and his childhood home, the first house on the right immediately as you exit off of Route 23 North, still stands. His father Nikolas owned a family nursery – Heykoop’s Nursery- in Pompton Plains. Bob attended Central High School in Paterson where his curriculum focused on agriculture. He graduated in 1950. A pretty good athlete, he was a star on his high school baseball team. He could really hit the ball far. A few years after high school, Bob played ball for a local Wayne softball league. The ball field they played on was literally on the circle of what was the old intersection of Route 23 and Ratzer Road. One night, Bob hit the ball so far, it struck the neon sign on the old Circle Bar and Grill, which was located where the old Fuddruckers stands today.

After high school, Bob worked at his father’s nursery and became interested in stock car racing. He bought a racecar but he was initially too young to race it himself so he had his buddy drive it for him. They raced his car at Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson.

In 1951, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Given the option, he opted to be the ship’s cook. He chose this position because he said it was too loud working in the engine or boiler room. His granddaughters enjoyed hearing stories about his time as a cook. One of their favorite stories was about the oval pancakes he would make when the ship rocked side to side and the motion of the ship would cause the pancake batter to spread into an oval shape. He served his country proudly from 1951 until being honorably discharged in 1955. Upon completion of his service, he was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

In 1953, Bob came home on leave from active duty. He was driving down Black Oak Ridge Road in Wayne, on his way to his girlfriend’s house, when a friend of his, Mabel, saw him and flagged him down. Mabel and her friend Rita Zimmerer were outside shoveling dirt for Mabel’s father. When Bob and Rita laid eyes on each other, it was love at first sight! Bob never did make it to his girlfriend’s house that day. He returned to his Navy service but kept in touch with Rita from that time on. After nine months of dating, Bob asked Rita for her hand in marriage. She said yes! Then, being the honorable man that he was, Bob asked Rita’s father for permission to marry her. With permission granted, on Saturday, March 6, 1954, family and friends gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes to witness Bob and Rita’s wedding promises. After the reception and honeymoon in Florida, the newlyweds made their first home in Connecticut where Bob was completing his Navy Service.

Soon after, in 1955, they celebrated the birth of their firstborn, a cute little baby girl named Linda. Shortly after, they moved in with Rita’s parents in Wayne and lived there for two years. During that time, Bob and Rita were blessed with a baby boy whom they proudly named Robert, Jr. By now, Bob was working with his father at the family nursery. In 1956, he and his family moved into their new home, which they built on the nursery grounds in Pompton Plains. The nursery was a wholesale and retail business that produced mostly shrubs and trees. Bob enjoyed his work and was very conscientious about it, often working seven days a week in the spring and fall seasons.

In his spare time, Bob enjoyed playing softball and competing with his buddies in the Wednesday night bowling league at Butler Bowl. One of the teams he played for was called the Royal Master Grinders – named after the company that sponsored them. Bob’s league bowled at 9:00 PM and he was pretty good, sporting an average in the 180’s. Bob was a real family man and he always cherished time he could spend with them. Every summer, he spent a week with Rita and the kids down the Jersey Shore at Seaside Park. He loved the beach and the sun and surf – especially riding the waves on his canvas raft. Throughout the years, he loved, loved, loved the family picnics at Ringwood Manor and Darlington Park in Ramsey! Those picnics were frequent and they always involved extended family. A man of tradition, Bob considered having his family gathered for the classic holidays – Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, to be times where he felt like he was “living the dream.”

In 1989, Bob sold a portion of the land that comprised the nursery so that he could purchase his own Pepperidge Farm bread route. For the next eight-to-ten years, his days began with delivering bread and other Pepperidge Farm products to the local food stores, then coming home to work at the nursery. Years later, after retiring, Bob would still run into people in the stores he serviced. He always appreciated the warm greetings and friendships he was able to establish over the years.

It was around this time that Bob also pursued another endeavor……horse racing. Not just going to the track, but going to the track to see his very own horse compete. Bob bought a race horse. The horse’s name was Drummer’s Best and, while no U.S. Triple Crown winner like Secretariat, that horse afforded Bob and his family lots of enjoyment and good times. Drummer’s Best raced at Monticello, Pocono Downs, and of course, The Meadowlands. Rita always joined Bob for a night of racing and betting, with Linda, Robert, his grandchildren, and friends joining them to cheer on Drummer’s Best.

Bob didn’t ask for a lot out of life. He enjoyed simple activities like communing with nature while working in the nursery, going to parades, chasing down whatever town was hosting July 4th fireworks, playing horseshoes, getting together with Rita and friends for a night of friendly poker or a card game of Nertz, or enjoying dinner at a restaurant with his family. When dining out, if asked how his food was, Bob’s usual response was “Good, but not as good as Mom’s.”

Bob loved his beloved wife Rita and together they enjoyed a loving marriage of just over 61 years. In later years, Bob had the privilege of becoming a grandfather to three precious girls – Rhonda, Kelly and Kaitlyn. Later, he was blessed to become a great-grandfather to Lily, Hannah, and Laila. All of these girls adored their “Poppy” and have wonderful memories of him making them his famous blueberry pancakes and taking them to the orchards in New York State for apple picking and hay rides. His granddaughter Rhonda considered Bob to be far above and beyond an average grandfather. He held such a special place in her heart. The two of them enjoyed a special bond of mutual love and admiration for each other.

Bob was known to be a quiet man who never sought to be the center of attention. While that was the case, his honesty, integrity, and likeability spoke loud and clear as to the man he truly was. If a family member happened to meet someone who knew Bob, as soon as they realized that “you were related to Bob” they always spoke highly about what a great guy he was. No one ever had a bad word to say about him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Rita; his dear daughter Linda Van Wingerden and husband Vincent Intindola of Pompton Plains; his dear son Robert Jr. and wife Nancy Heykoop of Lincoln Park; three adored granddaughters: Rhonda, Kelly, Kaitlyn; and three cherished great-granddaughters: Lily, Hannah, and Laila.

Bob was predeceased by his four brothers: Johannes, Orrie, Gus, and Richard Heykoop; and his sister Adriana Cleary.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Bob’s name are asked to consider the The Salvation Army, New Jersey Division, P.O. Box 3170, Union, NJ 07083.

Ronald J. Rosen age 74 of Wayne passed Monday, January 26, 2015.

Ronald J. Rosen aka “Ducky” age 74 of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne for 20 years passed Monday, January 26, 2015.

He was born in Jersey City at the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital, son of Abraham and Betty Rosen. Ronald lived on Pleasant Avenue and later moved to Hauxhurst Avenue in Weehawken where he lived until he got married. He graduated from Weehawken High School with the Class of 1958 where he played basketball for the Clover’s and also participated in some theater. As a young boy, Ron delivered groceries on his bicycle for Max’s Deli in Weehawken. Ron grew up across the street from his childhood sweetheart, Rosemarie. They began dating in high school.

After completing high school, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on April 1, 1958. He served in active duty for almost 3 years and then was in the Reserves for an additional 3 years. He was discharged on March 31, 1964. Ron and Rose Marie were engaged to be married for two years before they married at Saint Rocco’s Church in Union City on June 3, 1961. They honeymooned at the San Souci Hotel in Miami Beach Florida. They lived in West New York in their early days of marriage. They had two girls before moving to Palisades Park where they raised their family for over 20 years. Ron was very involved in his town, school, and church. He was councilmen for 4 years. He was a member of Saint Michael’s church where he was on the council and lector. Ron was known as Uncle Ron by most of the kids in the town. Later on, Ron and his family moved to Teaneck and then in 1994 they moved to Wayne, New Jersey.

Ron worked for the G.A.F. Corporation for forty-three years as a Risk Management Specialist, at first in New York City and later in Wayne, NJ. In his younger days, Ron worked as a salesmen in Macy’s in New York City, a banker on Broadway, and Burns and Roe in New York City.

Ron was a family man at heart. He was a proud grandpa to Taisha and Tanner. He loved his grandchildren more than life itself. He was known as “Ducky” by all which was the nickname given to him by his grandchildren. He would light up whenever he talked about them. Ron also enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Donna and his son-in-law, Charlie. They frequently vacationed together, their favorite being Disney World where they were Vacation Club Members. Whether it was taking Rose Marie into lower Manhattan for breakfast, playing board games with his grandchildren, going to the movies, his grandson’s hockey games, or seeing Rose Marie and his granddaughter collaborating on their blog “Taisha’s Table with Granny and Family”, he could never get enough of. He was always found in the circle of six with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. He had the patience of a saint, was very lovable, always had a kiss for the women, would give you the shirt off his back, and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Ron also loved to eat! Ron could eat a meal and snack before and after. His favorite restaurant was the Paris Inn in Wayne. Ron enjoyed fifty-four years of a marriage described as “inseparable” and “forever lovers” with the love of his life Rose. Ron later became a member of Saint Timothy’s Lutheran Church.

He was the loving husband of Rose Marie (Latronico) Rosen; devoted father of Donnamarie Purcel and her husband Charles of Wayne, and the late Debraanne Rosen (1989); cherished grandfather of Taisha and Tanner Purcel; dear brother of Daniel Rosen and his wife Carol of Osprey, FL; loved uncle of Kimberly Zalkin and David Rosen; brother-in-law of Father Phil Latronico, Richie and Anne Greten and their children Denise and Nicole Greten; brother-in-law of Phil and Jennifer Gagliardi; Godfather of Kimberly Zalkin and James Mussara.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Saint Timothy Memorial Fund, 395 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Randolph “Randy” Fila age 58 of Wayne, formerly of Wallington, passed Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

Born in Passaic, Randy grew up in Wallington graduating in 1975 from Wallington High School where he remained friends will many of his classmates to this day, forty years after graduation. Randy was a dedicated husband to his wife, Linda Fila (nee Ward). The couple lived in Wallington after their marriage until they purchased their home in Wayne in 1997.

Randy followed his father into the painting trade in 1980, joining the International Painters Union & Allied Trade, eventually serving as the past Treasurer and current President of DC 711, Local 1007. Randy spent the majority of his career painting the team logos on the field for the Giants and Jets, first at Giant Stadium and then the new MetLife Stadium. In addition to the Giants and Jets, his other professional credits included painting logos for Super Bowl XLIII and the World Series logo behind home plate at Yankee Stadium during one of their many appearances in the World Series.

One of Randy’s passions was big game fishing. During his honeymoon in Hawaii, Randy found time for a short fishing trip where he landed a trophy sized marlin less than an hour into the trip. Other deep sea excursions included Costa Rica, Mexico, Florida and Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

Randy was blessed with an easy going nature that naturally attracted people to him. Quick witted, he had the ability make people laugh and make them feel as if they had known him for years, moments after meeting him. Randy was a friend to all, happy to help all those who needed him, usually going unmentioned.

Randy was introduced to his beloved wife, Linda, through a mutual friend on Memorial Day weekend and they never looked back. Their first date was to the 52nd Bomber Squadron Restaurant in Fairfield follow by a helicopter ride. Randy proposed marriage on one knee as they dined at Jerry’s restaurant in East Rutherford, a favorite haunt of Randy’s, Randy and Linda married on June 7, 1996 on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. They honeymooned for three weeks in Hawaii and have enjoyed a loving, caring, dedicated, “old fashioned” marriage for the past nineteen years.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center would be appreciated.

Richard T. “Dick” Mahoney, age 84 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2015. His family waited lovingly by his bed side at the time of his passing.

Dick was born in Rockville Center, NY. He lived for a short time in the Bronx before moving to Woodside Queens where he spent the bulk of his childhood. Dick attended William Cullen Bryant High School in Astoria Queens, and it was there that he met the girl of his dreams. Her name was Helen Revel and she was one of Dick’s classmates. Along with other students Dick and Helen often went to the local soda fountain after school. They took such a fond liking to each other, as was the custom of the day, on April 18, 1948, they declared that they were going steady.

After high school, Dick worked for a time with United Parcel Service. In 1952 he answered the call from Uncle Sam and was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. The war was going on in Korea and Dick served as a helicopter mechanic at Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia. Separated from each other during the war, Dick and Helen kept in touch primarily through written correspondence. In one of his letters, Dick asked Helen to be his wife. Then, as was their custom, every Sunday night Helen would walk from her house down to the corner where there was a pay phone. There she would wait for Dick’s weekly call. When the phone rang, Helen excitedly answered and accepted Dick’s marriage proposal. During his next two-week leave, Dick came home and on Sunday, July 13, 1952, he and Helen were joined in marriage before family and friends at St. Mary’s Church in Woodside Queens. With a two-week military leave, they took a bus to their honeymoon vacation in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. One of Dick’s favorite honeymoon memories was riding horses with Helen because for some reason, her horse always refused to go forward. After the honeymoon, Dick returned to Quantico Marine Base and Helen continued to live with her parents. She eventually followed them from their home in Queens to a new home in Lodi, NJ. There she waited for Dick to finish his Marine service. He was honorably discharged in 1954 – a proud recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. He and Helen could now begin their married life together.

Dick and Helen quickly moved back to New York City where Helen had a good job with an insurance company. Meanwhile, Dick got a job with 7 Santini Brothers Moving and Storage Company. In 1955 Dick became a proud Papa when Helen gave birth to a beautiful baby girl which they named Nancy. They were living in Jackson Heights at the time but soon after moved back to Lodi where Dick and Helen’s sons Kenny and Bob were born. Dick had been working for an overhead door company but in 1958, he obtained his iron workers book and joined the Iron Workers Local 580 in New York City. This was the beginning of a long and prosperous career that would span over three decades and include work on the Pan Am Building as well as a big project at the 1964 World’s Fair. In 1985, Dick became the proud founder and owner of Professional Entrances, a company he ran until retiring in 1994. The family moved to Wayne in 1962 where they have remained to the present.

Dick’s retirement in 1994 blessed him with many years to enjoy leisurely times with family and friends. He liked playing golf so you could often see him working on improving his handicap at Passaic County Golf Course because it was so close to his house. He also loved getting outdoors and playing in Myrtle Beach. Dick was also a connoisseur of fine wine, and to him, the finest wine he ever had was the wine he made himself. He labeled his homemade wine “Seneca Vineyards” which was actually produced in his garage with grapes purchased from Corrado’s in Clifton. Dick started this hobby in 1987 and, continuing the tradition for the past twenty-eight years, he was all-too-proud to favor you with a bottle.

Twenty five years ago, Dick and Helen purchased a home down the shore in Long Beach Island (LBI). On the older maps it was ocean front property but capitalism must have motivated someone to build two houses in front of it before they purchased it. Ocean front property or three houses in from the ocean – it didn’t matter that much to Dick because the sun was just as beautiful and that’s what Dick really liked. Dick got to spend all his retired years enjoying the sun, surf and most importantly, making memories with his wife, children and grandchildren at LBI. Dick was very handy and always eager to help his kids with any projects around their houses. He also built a beautiful family room off the back of his own house by himself! He and Helen had the privilege of traveling extensively with cruises being their favorite way to travel. In all they took twenty-four cruises including trips to Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, up the east coast of the U.S. and two cruises to Hawaii. Dick really loved Hawaii – so much so that, in addition to the two cruises, he and Helen took seven additional trips there.

Dick was the loving husband of Helen (nee Revel) for 63 wonderful years. He was the loving father of Nancy Mahoney of Pequannock, Kenneth and wife Linda Mahoney of Jersey City, and Robert and wife Suzanne Mahoney of Wayne; dear brother-in-law of Joyce Mahoney of Long Island and Marie Tishy of Pequannock; cherished grandfather of Nicholas, Shannon, Jake, and Lia; and dear uncle of several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers: Harold and Kenneth Mahoney.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Richard’s name are asked to consider American Cancer Society, NJ Chapter, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (www.cancer.org) or The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 (www.heart.org).

Richard A. Stansfield (Dick), age 73, of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2015.

Born in Attleboro, MA, Dick grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and graduated in 1963 with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Rhode Island. While there, he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and, as a member of ROTC, he attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Following graduation, Dick joined the U.S. Army and proudly served in Vietnam in the 1st Calvary Division Air Mobile Unit. Upon his return from Vietnam, he served as a Reservist with the NJ National Guard, then with the 353rd Civil Affairs Command in New York from 1985 to1995, serving tours of duty in Cameroon, West Africa, Germany and Norway. He was a member of the Army Reserve Officers Association. He retired from the military after thirty-two years of proud service to his country, having attained the rank of Colonel. Over the course of his military career, he was the recipient of the Vietnam Service Metal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Legion of Merit.

Dick also enjoyed a career that spanned 33 years in various management positions with Brooklyn Union Gas Company (now Keyspan). After retiring, he operated a furniture repair and refinishing company in Butler for several years. Being the perfectionist that he was, he repaired and refinished each piece of furniture as if it was going to be used to furnish the White House.

Dick was a resident of Pompton Plains for almost thirty years and served on the Pequannock Twsp. School Board in 1982. He moved to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne in 1995. He was a member of Wayne Presbyterian Church and served on the Board of Deacons for many years.

Dick was a man with many hobbies and interests. With his gift for playing the piano, friends and colleagues loved having Dick at their parties and get-togethers. He’d gladly get behind the keyboard and apply his own personal musical style and interpretation to whatever he played. Dick loved to be outdoors working in his gardens. As a member of the Master Gardeners Association of Passaic County, he grew both flowers and almost any vegetable you could imagine. Of course, with great gardening comes a plentiful harvest and with that comes the opportunity to cook. Dick enjoyed spending equal time in the kitchen, preparing meals from his fresh produce. He also had a keen interest in learning about his family’s history and once while being engrossed in a time of genealogical research, he learned that he was a descendant of the founder of Dick’s home state of Rhode Island and staunch advocate of religious toleration and separation of church and state – Roger Williams. Dick subsequently became a member of the Roger Williams Family Association.

Of course, when one considers how many places his military life took him, it’s no surprise that Dick was also a travel enthusiast. During the course of his lifetime, he traveled to many parts of the world including Germany, Holland, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Dick also enjoyed cruising with his wife and family and the most recent cruise took him to Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain and France.

Dick was an avid skier and enjoyed skiing in New England in his early years and then later in Colorado and Utah. He was proud to have been a member of the National Ski Patrol.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Ruth (nee Friesema); his daughter Susan and husband Tracy Cole of Butler, and his son Douglas and wife Sally Stansfield of Stillwater, NJ; his wife Ruth’s three sons: Jeff and wife Mary Goudsward of Woxall, PA, Kevin Goudsward of Green Lane, PA, and Todd and wife Jennifer Goudsward of Harleysville, PA; and eighteen grandchildren.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Richard’s name are asked to consider the Wayne Presbyterian Church or the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714.

Mike Otterbine age 30 of Wayne passed suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Sunday, August 16, 2015.

He was born in Montclair and raised in Clifton until the age of eight. The family moved to Wayne in 1993. Mike graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 2003. He played on the 2003 Championship Football Team at Wayne Hills and was the Passaic County Heavyweight Wrestling Champion that year as well. Mike attended Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut.

He will be remembered as having a larger than life personality and attitude. Mike had an awesome smile and could make friends with just about anyone. He was extremely lovable and crazy stubborn at the same time. As a friend Mike felt like the brother you never knew you had; he always had your back and was loyal to a fault. He loved online gaming and went by the name “Cousin Mikey” in the video gaming world. Mike was a natural athlete who loved weight lifting, wrestling, and mixed martial arts. Mike truly loved the beautiful blue eyes of his Siberian Husky named Diesel. When he first brought Diesel home from Pennsylvania he had a friend in the backseat of the car with Diesel on one side of him and a pet alligator on the other. Mom said: “the dog stays – the alligator goes.” Mike will also be remembered as a lifelong New York Jets fan. Many will remember Mike as a security guard. He worked at many places including Joey’s in Clifton, Pub 46 in Clifton, Joey Harrison’s Surf Club in Seaside Heights, and most recently Mother’s Ale House in Wayne.

Mike was the loving son of Kathleen Otterbine and her loving companion John Gardner, and Frank G. Otterbine and his wife Christine; devoted brother of Frank H. Otterbine and his wife Danielle and Kara Otterbine and her boyfriend Rory Stanley; he was the cherished uncle of Lucy Bernadette Otterbine and loved nephew of John and Pam Borowski.

Those considering a memorial donation for Mike are asked to send a contribution to his niece Lucy Bernadette Otterbine’s education fund. She was very dear to him and this is something he would truly appreciate. Please make checks payable to “Frank Otterbine” and be sure to put “Lucy Bernadette Otterbine Education Fund” in the memo of your check. Please mail to Lucy B. Otterbine Education Fund, c/o Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Robert C. Grahn, 75 of Wayne, died peacefully in his home on Monday, November 09, 2015 with his family gathered at his bedside. He had been a resident of Wayne for sixty years.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife Jean of Wayne, his son Jamie and Jamie's girlfriend Renee of Wayne, and his siblings: Theodore and Arthur Grahn, Susie Grahn, Lorraine Knoller, Marie Van Zant, and Carol Mayer.

Donations in Bob’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Richard “Rick” Meyers, age 83, of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 5, 2015.

Born in Garfield, Rick was raised in Clifton and had been a resident of Wayne for the past 53 years.

When Rick was just thirteen years old, his father passed away. Rick was just finishing eighth grade, but with a need for new breadwinners to replace his dad, Rick never returned to school. Instead he got a job working as a milkman. It wasn’t an easy way to make money at first. Rick would tell his family stories of one-time dropping a whole case of milk, getting stuck in an elevator while delivering, and hitting a snow bank with his milk truck. He eventually went to work for two of his brothers, Al and Louie at a gas station they owned in Clifton. He started out pumping gas, and assisting his brothers with auto repair. He then ended up working for Sadewitz Service Garage in Clifton, strictly doing auto repair.

About this time, Rick met a sweet and pretty girl named Helen, also from Clifton. Everyone called her Heidi. Well, Rick and Heidi’s love for each other grew brighter and brighter each day, so they made their vows, marrying on Saturday, July 12, 1952 at Athenia Reformed Church in Clifton. The church was newly built and Rich and Heidi hold the distinct notoriety of being the first couple married there. Following a honeymoon in Florida, they initially settled in Clifton.

Soon after getting married, Rick and Heidi welcomed their firstborn, a baby girl which they named Gale.

It didn’t take long for everybody’s Uncle Sam to figure out Rick and Heidi’s new address. One day Uncle Sam sent Rick a letter, telling him he was drafted to serve in the Army. The United States was involved in the Korean War so off to service Rick went. That was 1952 and Rick served in the U.S. Army for two years, returning home in 1954, welcomed by his beautiful bride and his baby girl Gale. He came home a corporal and very proud to have had the opportunity to be a defender of the freedoms that all Americans enjoy. For his service to his country Rick was bestowed the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, the United States Service Medal, and the National Defense Medal.

After returning from Korea, Rick and Heidi were blessed with their second child – another girl which they named Leslie. This growing family moved to Wayne in 1962 and they’ve called Wayne their hometown ever since. Eventually, Rich and Heidi were blessed with that little boy they were probably waiting for and they named him Alan.

Rick continued working for Sadewitz Service Center before moving on to Schumacher Chevrolet in Little Falls. He eventually landed a job repairing engines for All Service Contractors Equipment in Pompton Plains. He enjoyed a career there that spanned twenty years until his retirement in 1995.

Rick’s mechanical gifts extended beyond his ability to make engines run well. While many people brought their cars to his house to be serviced or repaired, Rick was also a talented electrician, plumber and carpenter and he did most of the work on his own house. His family dubbed him the “king of home remedy.”

Rick was a good man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it more than him. He often fixed people’s cars for them, most-of-the-time refusing any sort of compensation for the work he did.

Rick loved to fish, and his son Alan recalls great times as Rick took him fishing every weekend during his growing-up years. Favorite fishing holes included Wawayanda State Park, Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, and Lake Musconetcong. They usually rented a boat and they never, ever missed opening day of trout season.

Rick also loved the peaceful act of communing with God’s creation, spending time growing and cultivating his gardens……and beautiful gardens they were! He enjoyed flowers, especially roses, and fruit trees – both peach and cherry. He also grew prize-winning tomatoes and peppers. On Sundays Rick would prepare all the family meals for the coming week and you can bet they included some of the bountiful crops from his own garden. His daughters and son describe Rick as “a great cook” who made family favorites including lasagna, pork roast, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa on Sundays for the Giants game, and some kind-of Hungarian soup recipe that was given to him by his mother whose name no one could pronounce, so they just called it “Hungarian Hooshfalosh.”

Rick enjoyed watching Yankee and Giant games and sometimes while rooting them on, he’d entertain himself by sketching and doodling. He was actually very talented and typically enjoyed sketching birds and people.

While deeply saddened by his parting, his family takes comfort in the fact that he’s once-again reunited with his beloved wife Helen Florence, “Heidi” who passed away just a little over two weeks ago on February 17, 2015. They were blessed with a happy marriage that spanned 62 years and now their relationship continues.

Surviving are Rick’s three dear children: Gale Meyers of Hopatcong, Leslie and husband Bill Seltmann of Green Township, and Alan Meyers of Bloomingdale; and three adored grandchildren: Matthew and wife Larissa, Samantha, and Jake Seltmann. He was predeceased by all of his siblings.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Rich’s and his wife Heidi’s name are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association 400 Morris Ave, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834, or Passaic Valley Hospice 783 Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07512.

Richard Christie of Wayne passed away May 20, 2015 in Morristown, NJ.

Richard Christie of Wayne passed away May 20, 2015 in Morristown, NJ. Dick was born to W. Donald and Dorothy Bensen Christie at the family home in Ridgewood, NJ just as the 6 am trolley passed behind the house. He was raised in Ridgewood and married Jean Anne Grebenstein in 1954. Dick and Jean Anne lived in Bergenfield, Allendale and Ridgewood before moving to Pines Lake in Wayne in 1981. A graduate of Ridgewood High School, the University of Michigan (BSE), and Yale University (ME), Dick worked at Hardesty and Hanover, a bridge design firm in New York City, for 50 years, retiring as a partner in 2001. He was a faithful member of the Pompton Reformed Church, Pompton Lakes, NJ and a volunteer on its Monday morning work crew.

Dick’s life-long passion was boats. He began building boats at age 14, earned a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan, and constructed 18 wooden rowboats, sailboats, and canoes over his lifetime. He also built over 35 major pieces of furniture and countless smaller projects and made many wooden furniture repairs for friends and family.

Dick was active on the Planning Board in Ridgewood and as a Boy Scout leader. He was a charter member of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association. He served on Committee 15 of AREMA (The American Railway and Maintenance-of-Way Association), the American Welding Society, the Canada Public Works/Canadian Standards Association, and was the recipient of over a dozen prestigious bridge engineering awards.

Dick was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Jean Anne, in 2006, and his sister, Kittie C. Kessler in 2014. He is survived by his son Douglas W. (Michelle) of Wayne, daughters Susan E. (Lane) of Ardmore, PA, and Martha A. Shankler of Matamoras, PA; also granddaughters Erin, Emily, and Laura Christie, grandson David Shankler, and dear friend Corinne Tyndall of Pompton Lakes as well as nieces and nephews.

Contributions can be made to Project LINC (transportation program), c/o Catholic Charities, 24 DeGrasse St, Paterson 07505 or University of Michigan, George L. West Jr. Memorial Fund 371610, 3003 South State Street, Suite 8000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1288.

Phyllis Kurtz, 93, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains, NJ.

She was born in Union City, NJ to William G. and Lillian (Bahrenburg) Pierson. Phyllis was a graduate of Union Hill High School, Union City, class of 1939, and received her RN degree from Christ Hospital in Jersey City in 1942. She attended post graduate training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. She returned to Christ Hospital and took a position on the faculty of the Nursing School to teach operating room procedure. Phyllis resided in Pequannock Township for 64 years. She devoted her life to family, friends, and to her nursing career at Chilton Memorial Hospital, where she worked as a labor and delivery nurse for over 26 years. Prior to her position at Chilton Hospital, she worked at the Barnert Memorial Hospital in Paterson, NJ as well as several area nursing homes.

In her youth, Phyllis was a member of the Rainbow Girls organization, serving as a Worthy Advisor. She then entered the Order of the Eastern Star and is currently a member of the Mountain View #205 Chapter. She would have been a 75 year member of the Eastern Star this year.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Walter C. Kurtz of 55 years and a brother; William B. Pierson. She is survived by her daughter Lillian Blair and her husband Kenneth of Rockaway, NJ, daughter Susan Lindeblad and husband David of Lafayette, NJ and daughter Barbara Howland and her husband Charles of O’Fallon, MO. Phyllis is also survived by grandchildren; Christopher Franco and wife Jessica of Ewing, NJ, Keith Franco and wife Christine of Dover, NJ, Michael Franco and wife Patricia of Succasunna, NJ and her five great-grandchildren; Juliana, Benjamin, Maximus, Nicholas, and Brynne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Dial-A-Ride, 520 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 would be greatly appreciated.

Peter R. Blake, Jr., age 73, of Vernon died on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at his home. He had been a pharmacist throughout his career and owned Mark Pharmacy in Wayne for over twenty two-years.

Peter was born in Newark, NJ and grew up in Lincoln Park. He graduated from Boonton High School with the class of 1960 and was passionate about maintaining alumni relations and organizing class reunions. He began his college career at Columbia University learning to be a pharmacist. The tuition was very expensive and he worked his way through one course at a time. He even won a boat in a raffle on the Jersey Shore boardwalk but took the cash prize instead to pay his college tuition. He was eventually persuaded to transfer to the University of Florida in Gainesville where the tuition was much less expensive. He graduated with his degree in Pharmacy in 1967. After a few years of practice, he became a partner in a pharmacy in Franklin, NJ and eventually purchased Mark Pharmacy in Wayne in the mid-1970’s. As the business grew, Pete bought the former Park View Funeral Home building at 38 Mountain View Boulevard, Wayne and transformed that into the new Mark Pharmacy which operated there until 1997. Pete proudly built that business not by making ‘customers,’ but by making ‘friends’ with the countless people who depended upon him. Of course, it also helped that he was a great talker and took a personal interest in getting to know everyone. He was a selfless man, which many of his customers know through his acts of kindness.

Pete was also a very skilled craftsman. He could do plumbing, electrical, carpentry... just about anything. He built his own log home up in the Adirondacks, starting with the excavating. He had no plans of hiring someone to dig and move dirt – instead he purchased two broken machines; a bulldozer and excavator. He read repair manuals, fixed them up, and did all the excavating work himself. He acted as his own general contractor and saw the project through every phase of construction. He loved that home and he, his family and his friends created many wonderful memories there.

Pete met his wife, Peggy MacQueen, in early 1964. They were set up on a date by mutual friends and they hit it off from the start. Pete took Peg to a dance at Columbia University for their first date and the rest is history. They married on December 4, 1965 at the First Reformed Church in Pompton Plains with a reception that followed right there in Friendship Hall. There was no time for a honeymoon; they packed up and moved to Florida so Pete could start classes in Gainesville that same month. They would have been celebrating their fiftieth anniversary this coming December. Pete and Peggy remained deeply in love throughout their marriage. They were not just husband and wife. They were best friends.

Pete’s family was his greatest joy. Pete is survived by his loving wife Margaret “Peggy” Blake of Vernon, his three sons; Kurt Blake of York, PA, Scott Blake and his wife Janel of Ramsey, NJ, and Jeff Blake and his wife Jeannene of West Milford, NJ, eight grandchildren; Spencer and Marita Blake of York, PA, Ben, Jeremy, and Maggie Rae Blake of Ramsey, and Liam, Hannah, and Riley McGill of West Milford, and by three sisters; Alice Arvilla Blake of Rockledge, FL, Cynthia Costello of Cedar Creek, TX, and Elizabeth Moscatello of Lincoln Park, NJ, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in April by his daughter-in-law; Angela N. Dobrinoff-Blake of York, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Pete’s honor would be appreciated to the Healing NET Foundation, 817 3rd Ave N #306, Nashville, TN 37201, www.thehealingnet.org, or to Pete’s church; The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, 529 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Paul Komarnicki, age 82, of Wayne, passed away peacefully while in prayer…on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Paul was born, raised, and lived in Chester, PA before moving with his wife, Kim, to Wayne 54 years ago.

Paul was a teacher for the Wayne Board of Education and taught at Schuyler-Colfax Jr. High School for 25 years until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the Pines Lake Seniors and an active member of the Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne.

Paul's teaching career started in Harlem, working with students to receive their GED. Always one for a challenge, this helped shape his 25 year education career at Schuyler Colfax Jr. High in Wayne, NJ. Many of his fellow teachers became friends for life. He felt responsible for every student he taught. While he never let this affect his wife and three children, his family became much larger. He had a way of looking each student in the eye, letting them know they were important and that he was there for them. This, essentially defined his life.

While his accomplishments are many, most are understated.

An all star basketball player in high school and college, who continued to play in leagues in his 40's. He loved skiing, teaching his family on many a toe freezing nights at Campgaw Mt. in NJ. He ultimately graduated to enjoy skiing with his family in Utah. While he visited every ski area around Salt Lake City, his favorites were Alta, Park City and Deer Valley.

While skiing was his winter pleasure, his springs, summers and autumns were consumed with golf. It wasn't unusual for him and his golfing cronies to play 18 holes in the morning and decide to go back out for another 9 or 18 after lunch. His favorite golfing partner was his wife, Kim, who he taught when they retired. When he wasn't on the golf course you could find him at the beach. He never missed an opportunity to swim in the ocean...even when the water was too cold for the sandpipers to get their feet wet. When he sat in a chair with his sunglasses on, it was easy to imagine him being chased by the paparazzi on the French Riviera.

He explored the U.S. with his family, one summer driving and camping across the country. After retiring, he visited Europe and enjoyed cruises with friends. The laughs were many. The experiences unforgettable. The friendships, for a lifetime.

A scholar, he was knowledgeable on many topics. He taught math and science in school. He achieved his master’s degree and was well on his way to his doctorate. He was extremely well read, able to discuss any topic presented to him. His favorite book was the Bible, which he read every morning with a passion. He modeled his life after the Lord, using his word to help guide his path and others. While not knowing it, he became a mentor for many people.

Paul had the unique ability to light up whenever someone entered the room, making that person feel like the most important person in the world. Because, to Paul, they were. He recognized the innate beauty in every soul, and brought out the light within.

The most important thing was his family. His brothers and sisters. His wife, three children and four grandchildren. His nieces and nephews. His family extended well beyond this. So many considered him family, as he did them. A father figure that made everyone he met feel comfortable. His hugs were memorable and can still be felt.

Paul, Dad, Poppy will be missed, but never forgotten.

Paul is survived by his Wife Kim (nee Manship), 2 sons; George and his wife Janet of Millis, MA, and Joe of Salt Lake City, UT, 1 daughter; Karen and her husband Stan of Salt Lake City, UT, and 4 grandchildren; Kyle, Casey, Micah, and Hope.

Paul M. Lenoir “Junior”, age 52, of Riverdale, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

Paul was born in Hackensack and raised in Lincoln Park. He attended Boonton High School before going to work in his family’s bus business. Along with his wife April, he later became co-owner of D&J (School Bus) Transport and King Coach Charter Bus of Garfield.

He met his wife April in 1980 at the carefree age of seventeen. They dated for five years, marrying in 1985. Initially settling for a short time in North Haledon they later moved to Pompton Lakes. In 2007, they moved one more time – this time to Riverdale.

Junior was a truly fun-loving guy who was somewhat of an old-car enthusiast. He had a 1953 Ford coupe which he restored from the ground up. He’d take that car to shows and once he even trophied! He also owned a couple of Rat Rods.

His family often affectionately referred to Junior as Rain Man because of his quirky “OCDish” tendencies, like always having a banana and a container of Activa yogurt (it had to be Activa) every day at 11:00 AM. He had a fridge in his garage which was full of beer – all in order by brand of beer and the garage was meticulous too. The garage was his man cave. Every day he’d come home from work and the neighbors always knew when he was home because they’d hear music coming from the garage.

Junior was a huge NASCAR fan who always rooted for Dale Earnhardt, Junior’s and Kevin Harvick’s team, and he greatly enjoyed spending time at the beach with his family, especially the beaches in the Caribbean.

Surviving are his beloved wife April; two dear children: Dean and Jenelle Lenoir; his mother Mary Lenoir; six siblings: Cheryl Norton, Ronald, Marc, Danielle Gravatt, Heidi Lenoir, and Matthew; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law Rita Rome; sister-in-law Tammi Caddell; and niece Valerie Caddell. He was predeceased by his father Paul L, Lenoir in 2014 and his niece Ashley Caddell in 2010.

Norman J. Gravino, age 93, of Haledon, died peacefully at home with his family lovingly by his side on Monday, February 16, 2015.

Born in Carbondale, PA, Norman was raised in Paterson. From the time he was just a little boy, Norm was a hustler. At age eight, he figured out that if he polished shoes, people would pay him. When he was twelve, he got a job setting up bowling pins – manually! He was as sharp with his hands as he was with his mind so, after ninth grade, he transitioned from traditional high school to vocational technical school.

When his school days were past him, Norm initially worked various jobs including delivering for a local optometrist, a dress shop, and working for Wright Aeronautical. About this time in his life, he met a sweet young girl named Catherine DiPaola. He was interested in dating her but she wasn’t an easy catch. As she put it, “I couldn’t be bothered” but Catherine didn’t realize how focused Norm was on getting what he wanted. He finally got her to go on their first date – a walk to Paterson’s Westside Park. After that first date she was sort of sold…..sold enough that when he visited her at the local Kresge Five and Dime where she worked part-time, and asked her out again, she obliged. After work, they went on that second date – another walk to Westside Park. This time though, Norman had a secret weapon, namely Fanny Farmer brand candy. This was the crème de la crème candy in its day and it helped Norm win Catherine’s heart. They settled into a nice courtship and one night while Catherine was babysitting for her cousin’s child, Norm stopped by with a ring and asked Catherine to marry him. She said yes but the wedding would have to wait. Read on to find out why.

Norm was seventeen at this time and, while he loved Catherine, he was hungry for some of life’s other pursuits too, so he decided to enlist into the U.S. Navy. There was one problem though; you had to be eighteen. Undeterred and never taking no for an answer, seventeen-year-old Norm came up with the perfect plan. He needed a letter from one of his parents certifying that he was the legal age to enlist. Since he knew his parents wouldn’t cooperate and because he had a friend who also wanted to enlist but was underage too, Norman proposed to his friend that they forge each other’s father’s signature on that required letter. It worked! When he got his notification to report, Norm had his brother stand between him and his father when he told him because he figured his dad would probably want to kill him before the enemy could. So, at seventeen years of age, Norm was on his way to defend his country – a country that he loved so much. He proudly served for three years during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Wilkes 441 in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. As he looked back on his Navy days, Norm often said, “I got to see the world aboard the luckiest ship.” He dubbed it the luckiest ship because, while destroyers were sinking, the U.S.S. Wilkes 441 never sunk and there was never a casualty.

While on leave from his Navy service, early one week, Norm suggested to Catherine that they get married “this Saturday!” Believe it or not, she agreed. What a week it was! Blood work, marriage license, wedding gown, aaaaarph! It was crazy but they pulled the wedding off, marrying that following Saturday, August 14, 1943 at St. Michael’s Church in Paterson. The honeymoon was only one night in Stroudsburg, PA, and then Norm had to return to his Navy ship to finish out his service.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945, Norm came home, hung his trousers on the bedpost and nine months later, he became a father for the first time. Catherine gave him a beautiful girl which they named Virginia. They were still living in Paterson at that time but, in 1946, they moved to Haledon. After welcoming a baby boy named Norman, it was time to move into a bigger home, so they built a brand new one, also in Haledon. Norm was personally involved in the whole process of construction, from design to actually rolling up his sleeves to help. They moved into the new house in 1957 and, over the next few years, three more children were added to the family ranks: Mariann, Michael, and Kathryn. Norm and Catherine continued to live in that home to this present day.

Norm’s first job when he got out of the Navy was working as a custodian in the Haledon Schools, but as always, he longed for greater adventures. He often saw the milkmen delivering their dairy products so one day he asked a milkman what it would take to get his own milk route. “A truck and a lot of initiative” was the reply. Well Norm had the initiative, he just needed a truck. He borrowed money to get that truck and he worked hard. It was a risky venture but Norm had enough confidence in himself to be successful and, successful he was! He canvassed door-to-door and built up a large base of customers in the Lions Head Lake section of Wayne and beyond. Over the years, the wheels kept turning in Norman’s head. He began to realize that instead of working for a local dairy, he could start his own dairy. He got a bunch of other milkmen to agree and he helped them all to establish Westbrook Farms. He went from “working for the man” to “being the man!” Westbrook Farms prospered until stores started selling milk. Before stores, milk was always delivered in quarts. The stores started selling it by the gallon. Norm always said, “The gallon killed door-to-door delivery.” He saw the writing on the wall and one day, while on the way to a Westbrook Farms meeting, he and another guy passed the old Sharry’s Tavern in Oak Ridge. It was a run-down bar and it was for sale. Always a visionary, Norm said to his partner, “Hey, we should buy it.” Long story short, they did buy that tavern. They added on to it and called it the Milton Inn. Eventually, Norm bought out his partner and brought his two sons into the business. Norm always felt that the tavern needed a restaurant, so eventually, while still running the original Milton Inn, he and his sons built a brand new building, right on the same property as the old one. The new Milton Inn opened on November 17, 2004. Then they tore the old one down. This was the culmination and fruition of all of Norman’s dreams. It was his rags-to-riches story. He loved being the proprietor of the Milton Inn. He never really wanted to retire but health issues forced him to slow down when he turned 88.

To Norm, working was his main hobby but he also liked to go fishing and hunting. He especially liked freshwater fishing and deer, pheasant and grouse hunting. He and Catherine owned a home down the Jersey shore in Lavallette. Norm would take his family down to the house, stay a day or two, and then go back to work. When he was a young guy, Norm was very athletic. His kids have fond memories of when they were little and he’d take them ice skating. They were amazed at his skating skills. He’d also take them sleigh riding down Haledon’s Mason Ave. He loved having his wife, children, and grandchildren together and New Year’s Eve was always a great occasion for family celebrations. In the early years, Norm always shot a shot gun to usher in the new-year at midnight. While the shotgun tradition eventually had to be stopped, the New Year’s Eve get-togethers went on for many years.

Norm loved going with Catherine to his Navy reunions. They occurred all over the U.S. and they gave him the opportunity to maintain friendships with his former comrades. Always giving, he also helped build the Haledon Veterans Hall on Mason Ave. and he marched in the holiday parades, always carrying the American flag.

Extremely generous, Norm encouraged excellence in his children and grandchildren. He had a soft spot in his heart for nuns and he regularly donated dairy products to St. Gerard Church in Paterson. It wasn’t unusual for him to invite orphans to his family’s Thanksgiving dinners. This made his children feel a little uncomfortable but it also taught them valuable lessons about counting your blessings and caring for those less fortunate.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 71 years, Catherine; five dear children: Virginia Bator of Lincoln Park, Norman and wife Jane Gravino of Oak Ridge, Mariann and husband Albert Bisaccia of Essex Fells, Michael Gravino of Oak Ridge, and Kathryn and husband Steven Unger of Wayne; ten cherished grandchildren: John, Leann, Catherine, Vito, James, Jessica, Mariann, Norman, Karyn, and Nickolas; eight adored great-grandchildren: Owen, Mariann, Sarah, Jackson, Kendall, Leo, Caroline, and Anna; and his dear brother Patrick Gravino of Toms River.

Norman was predeceased by his two brothers: Sebastian and Carmen Gravino, his sister Rose Fusco, and his son-in-law John B. Bator.

Those wishing to make a donation in Norman’s memory are asked to consider Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07511.

Nanette “Nan” Smith (nee Malzone), of Wayne, died on Friday, December 11, 2015. She lived in Wayne since 1968 and had recently moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

Nan was raised in Paterson and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1948. She had always wanted to be a nurse and began training as an RN at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. Her first assignment was in the maternity ward where she loved caring for all the babies. She eventually joined the staff at the Milford Manor Nursing Home in West Milford where she became the Director of Nursing for the facility. She retired from there in 1982 to care full-time for her aging mother.

Nan was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed mystery novels. She was a selfless person who really understood the joy of giving. She loved shopping, especially for others, and she treated herself from time to time too. She and her husband Bill enjoyed socializing with their group of neighborhood friends and Bill shared a story about one evening when they all went to New York City. They had parked their car in a garage which closed at 2 AM. They arrived to retrieve their car a few minutes before 2 only to find that the staff had already locked up and gone home! Their car was locked inside, it was well below freezing outside, and they had no place to go! After finding a taxi and then a hotel room in that early morning hour, they were able to get the car back the next day and eventually made it home – with a great story to tell for years to come!

Bill and Nan met almost by chance. It was 1955 and Bill had just been discharged from the U.S. Navy, returning home that very day, and he was settling into his aunt’s apartment in Paterson. Nan just happened to be visiting her own aunt who lived in the same two-family home. Their chance encounter resulted in a first date to the Garden Theater in Paterson followed by pizza at a nearby tavern. They hit it off and were married on October 7, 1956 at St. George’s Church, Paterson, followed by a honeymoon to Florida. They settled in Hawthorne upon their return and lived in Paterson briefly before buying a new home in Wayne in 1968. Nan’s parents soon followed, buying the house next door just a few months later. Nan and Bill raised their son there, built lasting relationships with many of their neighbors, and truly enjoyed their forty five years in that home. Just three years ago they moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains and had also been enjoying their new home there. This past October they celebrated fifty nine years of marriage, and also marked sixty years since they had first met.

Nan is survived by her husband William of Cedar Crest Village, and one son; William of New York, NY. She was predeceased by her brother Louis Malzone in 1982.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Nan’s name are asked to consider the Cedar Crest Foundation, 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Patricia G. Manning, age 69 of Paterson, died peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2015 in Brick, NJ. Raised in New Milford, Patricia graduated from New Milford High School with the class of 1963. She’s been a Paterson resident for the past twenty years.

Patricia worked briefly as a secretary in the 1960’s before becoming a full-time mom and raising her two children. In 1983, she began a career with Anchor Savings Bank and remained with the bank through several acquisitions, working there into the 1990’s. More recently, she had been working as a secretary with Joseph Cavalieri Construction in Paterson, a job she enjoyed very much before her health required her to retire in 2012.

Patricia always liked to have fun. In 1977, she bought a red Corvette and loved to drive around in it. That car suited her personality to a “T”. She never left the house without her hair in perfect order and her long, beautiful nails looking like she just left the salon. She enjoyed summers at the shore, in Toms River, where she would go crabbing with her family, ride wave runners on the Bay, and simply relax. Her granddaughters always held a special place in her heart and she made them each feel as though they were her favorite, although she truly loved them all beyond any kind of measure. Patricia loved her animals too, and she always had a dog and usually a few cats. She cared so much for her animals that she crafted homemade car seats to keep them safe before it was ever considered by most people. She needed to be sure they were safe at all times, especially in the car. Cancun, Mexico was her favorite place to vacation and for the most part, the ONLY place she visited. She had been there several times and enjoyed it so much that she really didn’t want to go anyplace else.

Patricia has shared a wonderful and loving relationship with Ralph Vitale of Silverton, NJ, since they met at Anchor Savings Bank. They struck up a relationship that turned into a thirty year love affair. They simply adore each other and have made many great memories together over the years. Ralph lovingly provided great care to Patricia during her health struggles in recent months. He will always be her ‘cupcake’, and she will always be his ‘twinkie’.

Patricia is survived by her beloved Ralph Vitale of Silverton, two children; Shannan Thomas of Wayne and Scott Manning of Pompton Lakes, three grandchildren; Codie and Carson Thomas of Wayne, and Skylar Manning of Pompton Lakes, one sister; Kathy Blando of North Carolina, and by Ralph’s daughter; Lisa Vivino of Verona. Patricia was predeceased by her parents; Raymond and Gloria Baier in 2012.

Donations in Patricia’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Clifton Animal Shelter and made payable to; “FRIENDS OF THE SHELTER INC.”, P.O. Box 4923, Clifton NJ 07015.

Natalie “Lee” Patterson (nee Kosachook) of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2015 after a brave battle with cancer. She passed away at her home while receiving the loving care of her family.

Lee was born and raised in Little Falls, she also lived in Wyckoff for twenty years before moving to Wayne in 1995. She graduated from Passaic Valley High School in 1943, then married her high school sweetheart, George Patterson in 1945. George was in the Navy during WWII. His ship was struck by a kamikaze plane and was towed back to California for repairs. During a two week leave, Lee and George were united in marriage. Lee always told the story to her children of having to get permission from her family to get married. Nonetheless they exchanged their vows in New Jersey, then they took several Greyhound buses from New Jersey back to California so that George could return and finish his service in the Navy.

One of Lee’s first jobs was working as a secretary for the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). She worked there for a few years until accepting another position at Rensselaer University in Troy, NY where she served as Secretary to the Dean of Students. She held various other secretarial positions until she took on her most important role - a full time mother and homemaker. It was the job of caring for her husband and children that would become her life’s work, and she flourished in it. Natalie and George’s hearts were broken in a very deep and profound way in 1966 when their baby daughter Hope passed away suddenly from cardiac complications. Natalie was a devoted wife and loving mother and she and George cherished 69 years of loving marriage.

Lee was quite an accomplished singer and was president of the Ridgewood Choral Group. She also belonged to a Choral group while working at NBC when she was younger. She was a member of the Wyckoff Women’s Club as well as the Little Falls Junior Women’s Club. Lee was also an avid golfer and could be found many-a-day playing rounds of golf with her friends at High Mountain Golf Course in Franklin Lakes. She was very devoted to her faith and was active at Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne. Her family remembers her as being loving and caring to everyone that she knew. Lee touched the lives of many people and she will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Lee is survived by her husband George of Wayne, her daughter Joan Patterson of Oakland, her daughter Elizabeth Patterson of Philadelphia, her son G. Douglas Patterson, Jr. and his wife Ann of Lake Forrest, IL, and her daughter Faith Patterson of South Bend, IN; four grandchildren: Douglas, Katharine, Daniel, and Caraline; and her brother John Kosachook and wife Winifred of Little Falls. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Hope in 1966; one brother William Kosachook; and four sisters: Olga Vassilowitch, Johanna Clancy, Hope Dutko, and Faith Daniels.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Natalie’s name are asked to consider Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church 285 French Hill Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470 or Valley Hospice 15 Essex Rd, Suite 301, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Norine A. Rubinetti (De Vita) age 57 of Wayne passed Saturday, May 23, 2015.

She was raised in Clifton and graduated from Lacordaire Academy, Montclair with the Class of 1975. Norine continued her education at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design with the Class of 1979. She spent her entire working career in the New York City Garment district.

Norine was a parishioner of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church in Wayne.

She will be remembered for her great sense of humor. Her satirical way was still evident in her last days as she made others around her laugh at her most difficult time. She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. An excellent cook, her special touch on lasagna, Italian Easter pies, homemade pizza, and Christmas cookies will be greatly missed. Norine’s creative side was always expressed during her favorite holiday – Halloween. Along with her eye for decorating she enjoyed the creativity and challenge of making handmade costumes for her family. She also designed her wedding gown and many of her own clothes. She loved to travel and even in the hospital during her last days she talked of returning to her beloved Italy where she had many fond memories of Lipari, the beach in Calabria, the Amalfi Coast and her husband's hometown - Pescopagano.

Norine, who was with her sister Irene, met a handsome man name Lorenzo while at Joey’s Place in Clifton in 1981. Their first date was to a restaurant and they continued to date for a few years until Lorenzo proposed marriage at her parent’s home in Clifton. They married on August 24, 1991 at Saint Paul's Church in Clifton and honeymooned in Europe having driven through France, Paris, and all around Italy. They have enjoyed a loving and caring marriage of 24 years.

Norine was the loving wife of Lorenzo Rubinetti; cherished mother of Giancarlo Rubinetti; beloved daughter of Jean and the late Guido (February/2012) De Vita; much loved sister of Irene De Vita of Clifton, Diane De Vita-Chirco and her husband Jan of Glen Ridge, and Dr. Michael De Vita and his wife Susan of Wall; dear aunt of Jacqueline Chirco, Marissa De Vita, Robert Chirco, Matthew De Vita, and Marco De Vita.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations, reflecting Norine’s love of children, to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated.

Norma Swink Hinchman, age 87 of Wayne, died peacefully with her family at her bedside on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. She had lived in Wayne since 1949.

Norma was born on a farm in Cass, West Virginia. She started her schooling before her 5th birthday in a one room schoolhouse. Norma had many pleasant memories of growing up on the farm, but she excelled in school, and left home after high school to attend college. She went to and graduated from Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV, which is where she met her husband, Ronald Hinchman. Ronald, who was attending ‘D & E’ on the GI Bill after his service during World War II, asked Norma out on a date several times before she finally said “yes”. Their romance progressed rapidly and they were married on July 6, 1949. Together they moved to Wayne, where Ronald’s family owned the Herbert J. Hinchman & Son concrete company. Norma worked in the office as a bookkeeper until her second son was born and served as corporate Secretary until 2000.

Norma was an active member of the Preakness Reformed Church on Church Lane in Wayne, where she was a Sunday School teacher, an advisor to the Junior and Senior Youth groups and was active in the women’s groups. She found joy in helping others and volunteered at the Preakness Hospital for twelve years. She was also a cub scout den mother.

Norma and Ronald had many wonderful years together, working and raising their family. They loved to spend time together, whether travelling, visiting the family farm in West Virginia, or relaxing at their lake cottage in Sussex County.

Norma is survived by her sons; Donald H. Hinchman and his wife Karen of Hardwick, NJ and Douglas J. Hinchman and his wife Amanda of Bend, OR, a sister; Mary Frances Kennedy of Fairmont, WV, four grandchildren; David Hinchman of Spokane, WA, Carl Hinchman of Albany, OR, Andre and Sofia Hinchman of Hardwick, NJ and two great-grandchildren; Zoey and Odin Hinchman of Albany, OR. She was predeceased by her loving husband Ronald Hinchman, her sister; Thelma Costello of Clarksburg, WV and by her brother; William ‘Lake’ Swink of Dundalk, MD.

The family has asked that donations be made in Norma’s memory to the Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Nancy M. Jelleme age 68 of Pequannock passed Sunday, April 12, 2015.

She was born in Paterson and lived in Clifton before moving to Wayne to graduate from Wayne High School with the Class of 1964. After high school she attended the Berkley Secretarial School in Paterson. After her education she worked as a secretary for the Mac Boroughs Company in Lincoln Park and later as a legal secretary for Michael Renda, Esq. in Hawthorne. She left the workforce and dedicated herself to raising her family. After her children were older she again found work as a legal secretary for Robert Altshuler, Esq., in Wayne, where she worked before retiring in 2004 because of health concerns.

Nancy will be lovingly remembered for being a very giving person. She had the curse of not being able to say “no” when asked to do just about anything. She was a volunteer at her children’s schools as Classroom Mom, on the PTA, and serving with the Band Parents. She was a volunteer for the Wayne Republican Club and also served on the County Committee. She will also be remembered for opening her doors to all on holidays and special occasions. Friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even friends of the extended family, were always made to feel welcome at her home.

She was raised in the Lutheran church since she was a little girl. As a young lady she played the organ at Saint Pauls Lutheran Church in Paterson. And was currently a devout member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pompton Plains and also served on the church council for many years.

Nancy met her husband to be Tom many years ago as Tom was good friends with Nancy’s brother Don. Their first date was to Patricia Murphy’s Steak House, they soon fell in love and were married on September 14, 1968 at Saint Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne by Msgr. James Rugel and Pastor Gordon Odmark. After a reception at The Holster they honeymooned in Bermuda. Nancy and Tom have had forty-seven years of devoted marriage.

Nancy was the loving wife of Thomas Jelleme; devoted mother of Meredith Panik and her husband Jonathan of Bernardsville, and David Jelleme and his wife Sharon of Metuchen; cherished grandmother of Audrey Panik, Emily Jelleme, Reagan Panik, Mathew Jelleme, and Jack Panik.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714, would be sincerely appreciated.

Nicholas Verduin, Jr., age 83, of Hamburg and formerly of Wayne died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 10, 2015.

Nick was born in Paterson. As a young boy, his parents Nicholas, Sr. and Marie Verduin moved the family, including Nick’s brother Douglas to Hawthorne. Nick was a bright young boy and even skipped a grade in elementary school. He graduated from Hawthorne High School with the Class of 1948, and, at the age of 17, went to work in the family business – John Verduin Machine Corp., manufacturers of textile finishing and converting machinery, in Paterson. He later continued his education at Fairleigh Dickinson University at night, earning his engineering degree.

One night at a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) dance at St. Joseph’s High School in Paterson, Nick spotted a very attractive young lady across the room. Not one who would be described as shy, Nick approached her and politely asked her if she would care to dance with him. Apparently, she found Nick to be rather handsome himself and soon the two were dancing and getting to know each other. Nick learned that this young lady was named Mary Alice Priestly. He also learned that she worked part-time at Meyer Brothers Department Store in Paterson so, a few days later, he showed up at the store to visit Mary, even though there was nothing he needed from a store like Meyer Brothers. They both quickly learned that there was a lot more to each other than just physical attractiveness and a beautiful relationship developed.

One day Nick came home from work and, upon rummaging through the mail, he saw that there was a letter for him from President Harry Truman. It became quickly apparent that the president’s letter was an “invitation” that couldn’t be refused…..for Nick to join the war effort in Korea. Nick had been drafted and was soon off to Fort Dix in South Jersey for basic training. While there, it didn’t take long for upper brass to realize that Nick had some valuable machinery skills. So, instead of going to Korea, the Army sent him to Stuttgart, Germany where his skills could be better leveraged. While there, Nick learned just enough of the German language to be dangerous. The story is told by his daughter Patti of how, later in life, Nick would take her to the German butcher on Belmont Ave., in Haledon. Nick and little Patti would walk into the butcher shop on a Saturday morn and Nick would start to wow those German butchers with his “command” of their native language. This would make the butchers laugh and they would explain to Patti that what her father was asking for in German was “So how is your underwear?”

Corporal Nick Verduin returned from Army service in January of 1954 and Mary, the love of his life, was there at the New York harbor to greet him as he got off that ship. A month later, on February 14, 1954 – Valentine’s Day, Nick took Mary to a restaurant called The Fountain in Belleville where, after sharing a delicious meal and spirited conversation about plans for the future, Nick got down on one knee and asked Mary to be part of those future plans. A little over three months after that magical evening, Nick and Mary exchanged their wedding vows before, God, family and friends at Holy Spirit R.C. Church in Pequannock with dear family friend Monsignor Brestel presiding. After the wedding ceremony, everyone was invited to Mary’s parent’s house at 62 Michigan Ave., Paterson for a celebratory reception. Then the newlyweds set off for their honeymoon to the Poconos – a very popular destination for honeymooners at the time.

Their first home was a third-floor apartment on Zabriskie Street in Haledon. The apartment was cold in the winter and hot in the summer so they soon moved to another apartment on Ninth Ave. in Hawthorne and then, in 1955 to their first house on New Street in Wayne. There they remained for twenty-two years raising their two children Patti and Steve. Another move to another home in Hawthorne took place in 1977, then in 1979 to the Pines Lake section of Wayne where they remained until 2003.

In 1986, now with thirty-eight years of experience in the family machinery business, Nick purchased the business and changed the name to Verduin Machinery, Inc. (VMI). He continued to work with his son Steven until retiring in 2005. Widely known for his integrity, and with his vast experience in the business still in great demand, Nick founded his own consulting firm – Vernon Consulting LLC and continued to be a resource to the textile machinery manufacturing trade to the present time.

Outside of his professional life, Nick had a lot of other ambitions. One of those was his love of the game of golf. Anytime he could get in a few holes, he’d get together with some friends and play. He golfed all over the place as far away from home as Bermuda and Hilton Head, SC and as close to home as The Village at Crystal Springs, a vibrant resort community in Hamburg where he and Mary purchased a home on the 7th hole of the golf course in 2003. As a young father, Nick coached his son Steven’s Wayne PAL baseball teams as Steve rose through the ranks from the Farm League to the Senior Team. In 1970, before the Wayne Little League went on to win the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA, they played against the PAL team that Nick was coaching and Nick’s PAL team beat those Wayne Little League soon-to-be World Series champions. Now that’s not a bad thing to put on your coaching resume! Nick was also a very respectable bowler with a life-time average of 190. Over the years he was active in bowling leagues at Butler Bowl and in Little Falls, bowling in both leagues with his son-in-law Tim. Nick loved to watch sports as much as he loved to play them and he was especially a fan of the Yankees, Giants, Devils, and an endlessly patient fan of the Knicks. He also had a passion and derived great enjoyment from the arts, especially painting and singing. His oil and water color paintings were very good and he especially was drawn to getting outdoors and painting landscapes, boats, and beaches. He would usually sketch a rendering on-site, then go home and put his inspiration to canvas. His beautiful baritone voice was a welcome contribution to the Wyckoff Male Chorus from 1947 to 1986. Nick participated in many concerts and during those years the name of the group changed to the North Jersey Male Chorus. Throughout his life he also sang in choirs at the Wayne United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, and most recently at the Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes under the directorship of his own daughter Patricia Kitchell. As a young couple, Nick and Mary often got together on Saturday nights with friends to go dancing. In those days many restaurants hosted dance nights. One particular place they liked to go dance at was the Meadow Brook Restaurant in Cedar Grove. Nick had his own unique style and expression when dancing which he dubbed the “Hawthorne Shuffle.”

Nick was a lover of family which is evident if you spend a little time in their company. Deeply devoted to his four grandchildren – Tim, Collin, Alex and Kyle, he loved to tell them stories about his experiences as a soldier in the U.S. Army. They’ll tell you that “Grand-Dad” could tell a great story – not just dry facts, but the type of story that got your attention and drew you into what it must have been like to be there. They learned great life lessons from Nick and all of his family found great joy in witnessing how proud he was of his service to his country. In fact, Nick loved it when people thanked him for his service and he often proudly wore his Army veteran baseball cap wherever he went. He also had another cap which said “Awesome Grand-Dad” which he wore with equal pride.

Nick will be sadly missed but fondly remembered. Not just a people person, he was the kind of people person who always saw the good in others. To him, everyone was “a great person” because Nick could always find something good in everyone. You could definitely say he was a “glass-half-full” kind of guy. Almost more important than that was how he earned the respect of so many of his family, friends, and colleagues throughout his life. He was a man of great reputation because he was a man of great integrity! Nick knew no other way than to be generous of heart, always putting the needs of others before his own. For many, many years he served on the board of directors for the local chapter of the Salvation Army, where his son and daughter recall learning great lessons from their dad about how great their own life situation was and how to be of service to those who were less fortunate. A long-time Paterson Rotarian where he was former president, it’s no wonder that, because he was so trusted, generous and full of integrity, he was awarded the distinctive Paul Harris Fellow award.

Nick is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Alice; his much-loved daughter Patricia and husband Timothy Kitchell of Pompton Plains, his much-loved son Steven and wife Elly of Wayne; his four cherished grandchildren: Timothy and wife Stacy Kitchell, Collin Kitchell, Alex (Verduin) and husband Michael Abbato, and Kyle Verduin; two adored great-grandchildren: Theo and Reese Kitchell; and his dear brother Douglas and wife Barbara Verduin of Belvidere, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Nick’s name are asked to consider the Salvation Army, New Jersey Division, P.O. Box 3170, Union, NJ 07083 (newjersey.salvationarmy.org), or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (www.WoundedWarriorProject.org).

Age 70 of Wayne, died on Thursday, May 28, 2015. He had been a resident of Pines Lake in Wayne since 1993.

Michael Chanda, age 70 of Wayne, died suddenly on Thursday, May 28, 2015. He had been a resident of Pines Lake in Wayne since 1993.

Mike was born in Passaic and raised in Newark before moving to Garfield as a young boy. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1962. He joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduation and served proudly. Among his last duties before being discharged in 1963, Mike was a Drill Instructor at Fort Dix. By 1965, he had joined the Operating Engineers Union Local 68 out of West Caldwell and began working for Sterns Department Stores where he maintained all of their heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems throughout many of their retail locations. He truly enjoyed the many friendships he made through the union and was recently awarded with a plaque commemorating his fifty years as a Local 68 member. He was well liked by all who knew him, had a great sense of humor, and loved to bust chops with everybody. Most of the time, it was hard to tell when he was being serious or joking around!

During his retirement, Mike kept himself physically fit with a daily exercise routine using his own gym equipment which he had set up in the basement. He was never one to sit still and joined the Pines Lake Seniors in an attempt to stay as active as possible. But that wasn’t enough for him, so he also joined the Bloomingdale Golden Age and the Wanaque Golden Age! Between those three groups, he and his wife Julia went on many day trips, which almost always included dancing and entertainment! He loved to dance and truly enjoyed those special days. Mike became fond of eating out too, and although he was very health conscious, he knew just about every Italian restaurant in the area! Mike was a generous man, kind to a fault, and always willing to help others in need. He was a proud member of the Giblin Association.

Mike met his wife Julia while working at Sterns at the Bergen Mall in Paramus. Their attraction to one another was almost immediate and the relationship matured over the course of a few years. Considering that they had both been married before, and each of them had children of their own, there was a bit of apprehension on both sides. Nevertheless, Mike finally asked her out on a date to Red Lobster in Parsippany and things began to get serious after that. They married on May 23, 1987 and settled in Clifton before moving to Wayne in 1993. They celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary just this past week and, of course, had been hoping for many more wonderful years together. Julia will miss him dearly.

Mike is survived by his wife Julia (nee Palcsik) of Wayne, his three children; Michael J. Chanda and his wife Monica of Manahawkin, NJ, Doreen Chanda of Garfield, NJ, and James Chanda and his wife Dalia of Hillsborough, NJ, Julia’s children; Eric Martindale and his wife Josephine of Newark, NJ and Gregory Martindale and his wife Liliana of San Diego, CA, one brother; Chester Cyran and his wife Genevieve of Rockaway, NJ, and eight grandchildren; Koryn, Michael J. Jr, and Gabriella Chanda, Robert Jr., Kara Ryan, Olivia, Kenneth, and Anais Martindale.

Michael was always passionate about caring for animals and he loved his cats dearly. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to a local animal shelter of your choice would be very much appreciated.

Peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, with her family by her side.

Nancy Helen Studt of Wayne passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, with her family by her side.

Nancy was born in Paterson, NJ to James and Helen Heaney. She was raised in Fairlawn, along with her three brothers then moved to Wayne many years ago. During her years in High School, her brother Bob was best friends with a boy named John Studt. Apart from being best friends they also played football together during High School. John and Nancy (who affectionately became known as “Bunny”) soon became “high school sweethearts”. Shortly after their graduation, Nancy went to work for Kearfott in Totowa as a Keypuncher. John went off to college at Kansas State on a full football scholarship. During his first year at Kansas State, he realized that could not stand to be away from his true love Nancy. He basically ended his higher education and returned home to be with the love of his life. Soon after he returned they were married. Instead of furthering his education, John went to work for his father as a mechanic.

Shortly after they were married, Nancy and John had their first child. They had three children in all and Nancy made it her life’s work to raise and nurture them. She was a wonderfully devoted homemaker. She was a cleaning fanatic, she could not stand to have a mess. Her children always would joke around with her saying she would own the first ride-on vacuum cleaner. Nancy loved music and dancing, she also loved gardening and would always receive compliments and was asked what her secrets were for getting her flowers to grow so wonderful. But apart from her love of these things, her favorite pastime and her life’s dedication was to her family. Nancy’s family remembers her being kind, soft spoken, and most of all beautiful, however Nancy never thought so herself, she was much too humble. Her family also recalls many vacations at the Jersey Shore, particularly Wildwood, as well as vacations to Lake George and there second home in Coventry, NY.

After Nancy’s children were grown and on their own, she was hired as a caregiver for an elderly person whose relative worked at a Gensinger Motors, a Volkswagen dealership in Clifton. After the person that Nancy was caring for eventually passed away, the family offered her a clerical position at Gensinger Motors based solely on her personality and kindness. She worked there for the next 15 years until her retirement in 2013. Nancy was not only a devoted mother, but an amazing grandmother. She was affectionately referred to as “Mimi” by her grandchildren. Nancy was an extraordinary woman and touched the lives of many people. She will be missed by her family and friends alike.

Nancy is survived by one son; John Studt of Wayne, two daughters Danielle Kalendowicz and her husband Rich of Wayne, and Michelle Orsini and her husband Joe of Boonton, three brothers; Jim Heaney of Maryland, NY, Bill Heaney of Pinebrook, and Bob Heaney of North Haledon, four grandchildren Victoria, Sophia, Anthony, and Jay, she was predeceased by her husband John in1991.

Those wishing to make a donation in Nancy’s name are asked to consider Tomorrow’s Children Fund, 30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, tcfkid.org, or Lusgarten Foundation 111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714, curepc.org.

Nancy A. Rovere (nee Methlie), age 69 of Wayne, died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, September 19, 2015. She had been a Wayne resident since 1977.

Nancy grew up in the hamlet of Franklin Square, located within the town of Hempstead, Long Island. Her family moved to Oakland, NJ during her senior year in high school, a move she wasn’t particularly happy about at the time, but it all worked out rather well. She later graduated from nursing school and began working at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. She worked in the nursery with all of the new babies and she would often reflect on those years with pride and joy in her heart. Although she only worked there for a few short years, you would have thought she spent a lifetime in that nursery just by the stories she could tell.

In 1967, she met Ken Rovere and their romance grew quickly, and they married on May 18, 1968. They first settled in Haskell, NJ before finding a home in Packanack Lake. Nancy and Ken loved living in Packanack, immersing themselves in the community. She golfed in the Packanack women’s league, and was involved with the lake membership committee for several years. She even taught Sunday school at the Packanack Community Church. They also enjoyed annual summer vacations to Long Beach Island, NJ where they rented a house for two weeks in August. This was a tradition for more than ten years and Nancy was in heaven at LBI.

Nancy was a devoted mother, schlepping her kids, as well as many other kids, everywhere and anywhere they needed to go. She coached her daughter’s Packanack soccer teams, and was Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 104, Den 3, hosting meetings at her home for many years. Her home was a gathering place for all the neighborhood kids, and she loved it that way. As a grandmother, she was a pro at spoiling each of them in her own way. She would always have gifts, clothes, or on very special occasions she would make her “perfect” cupcakes! She loved her grandchildren with all of her heart and they will miss her dearly.

Christmas was among her favorite holidays of the year. She insisted on hosting at her house, and she would go all-out with the decorations. It was a very happy time of year for her, in large part due to the weeks of shopping that led up to the holiday! Nancy simply loved to shop. When she went to the mall, she had to look through each and every rack, in each and every store, before she would be satisfied…and sitting down for a meal was always part of the shopping experience with Nancy. To support her shopping habit, she took a job at Charisma Boutique in Wayne and she truly enjoyed it there. When pay day came around, she became of the store’s best customers!

Sadness visited Nancy in 2012 when she lost her husband Ken after forty four years of marriage. Then just two years later, in 2014, she lost her son Kevin suddenly to illness. So much heartache and grief weighed very heavily on her, but she persevered as best as she could.

Nancy is survived by three children; Craig Rovere and his wife Gail of Wayne, Kristen Corby and her husband Jason of Monroe, NC, and Carrie Mundrick and her husband Paul of Chestertown, NY, one sister; Susan Mahoney and her husband Bill of Belmar, NJ, and fourteen grandchildren: Codie, Noah, Grant, Hunter, Carson, Avery, Jillian, Robert, Collin, Joseph, Hadden, Sara, Nicholas, and Molly. She was predeceased by her husband Ken in 2012, her son Kevin in 2014, and her brother; Russell Methlie of Ohio in 1995.

Nancy A. Coss, age 73 and a resident of Wayne since 1966, passed peacefully, her loving family gathered by her side, on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

Nancy was born in Jersey City. As a little girl, her family moved to Wanaque where she spent most of her formative years, attending St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School before moving on to Lakeland Regional High School where she graduated with the Class of 1960.

It was while attending high school that Nancy met the man she would eventually marry. His name was Robert “Bob” Coss and he was in the same grade as her. Now, the clothing style of that era was for young ladies to wear button-up sweaters backwards, matched with a nice skirt. Apparently, Bob found this sweater/skirt combo to work very well for Nancy. They dated some, starting in their junior year, but it wasn’t until after graduation that they started to see each other more seriously. You see, their relationship rekindled when Bob, who was now working as a postal carrier with the U.S Postal Service, was making deliveries in the neighborhood where Nancy’s uncle lived. One day on his route he ran into Nancy who handed him an envelope from her to him. When his workday was over, he opened the envelope and read the note from Nancy in which she declared that she’d be available to go out with Bob any night he chose. They eventually fell in love but marriage had to wait because Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. While away, he mailed Nancy an engagement ring, just to seal-the-deal. While Nancy waited two years for Bob to serve his country, she decided to return to school and received her master’s degree in education from Paterson State College – today known as William Paterson University. When Bob returned home from the Army, Nancy became his wife on Saturday, July 16, 1966. They pledged their wedding vows before family and friends at their hometown parish - St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wanaque. The wedding reception followed at Lydeckers Northwood Banquet Hall in Butler, then they honeymooned in Wildwood Crest, NJ, but only for four short days. That’s all the time Bob’s new employer would allow since he just started the job after returning from Army service.

That same year, the newlyweds moved to Wayne where they soon started a family, blest first with their daughter Tricia and later their son Brian. Nancy became a full-time mom, but when Brian was old enough to begin kindergarten, Nancy embarked on her new career. Previously she had taught at the elementary school level but, with master’s degree in hand, she graduated to the high school level, taking a job as the English-as-a-second-language teacher at Passaic County Vocational Technical School in Wayne. She loved teaching, taking great pride in her profession. An English teacher throughout her thirty years with the school, she regularly took the time to write personal letters to the parents of all of her students in which she praised the children for their accomplishments and challenged them to try harder when necessary. She enjoyed the respect of her students and colleagues and retired in 2009.

In her times of leisure, Nancy loved to read – especially mystery suspense thrillers, and some of her favorite authors included Jonathan Kellerman, James Patterson, and John Grisham. She also loved doing her daily newspaper crossword puzzles. Most of all she cherished her time spent with family and friends especially doting on her two grandchildren.

Nancy cherished great memories of vacations with her young family to Wildwood Crest and pulling the family camper with their Buick Estate Wagon to Maine, Washington DC, Florida – essentially all over the east coast of the U.S. When Tricia and Brian were grown up, she and Bob traveled extensively to Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Canadian Rockies, Grand Canyon glitzy and glittery Las Vegas, and on countless cruises. Her favorite local eateries included Nadie’s Touch of Pasta when it was located in the T-Bowl shopping center, Aldo’s of Wayne, and the Grasshopper Irish Pub and Restaurant, also in Wayne, for lunch.

Nancy enjoyed the love of family and friends including the many dogs she had: Radar, Cindy, Callie, and little Tina. Always devoted to her Catholic faith, she made many great friends as a member of Our Lady of the Valley parish which she lived close to in her early days in Wayne. It was there that she and Bob joined the Mr. and Mrs. Club where the first event they got involved in was a square dance. They made friendships at that dance that have remained for over forty years. For the past thirteen years, Nancy was a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Pompton Lakes where she and Bob so much enjoyed the ministry of the shepherding priests.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband Robert, to whom she was married for 49 years; her dear daughter Tricia L. and husband Ronald Winkler of Haskell, her dear son Brian and wife Francesca of Hardyston; two adored grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Aidan; and her two dear sisters: Dorothy and husband Victor Picazio of Monroe Township and Joan and husband Michael Nagel of Boca Raton, FL.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Nancy’s name are asked to consider Susan G. Komen (for breast cancer), P. O. Box 650309 Dallas, TX 75265-0309, or at komen.org

Minna Vogt (nee Röwfsaat), age 86 of Wayne, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Minna was born in Delmonhorst, Germany, and enjoyed her childhood in that region. Of course, growing up in Germany during World War II wasn’t without its challenges. While working as a maid at the Hotel Backenkohler in Ganderkesee, Germany she met Joseph, who was working at a nearby farm. After the War, Minna was able to immigrate to the United States where she met up with her fiancé; Joseph Vogt. Joe had come to the U.S. in 1952 to get established, and Minna joined him here in 1954. They married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paterson on April 24, 1954. They had one daughter; Waltraud. They lived in Paterson for a few years before moving to Wayne in the 1960’s. Minna enjoyed her home in Wayne, where she liked to tend her garden of flowers and vegetables. She was always there for her grandchildren over the years and loved them very much. They were a quiet couple, enjoyed sitting in the backyard and talking to neighbors. She would always want everyone watch German Music videos and join her for her daily afternoon coffee and cake. They enjoyed fifty six years of marriage before Joe passed in 2010.

Minna is survived by her daughter; Waltraud “Wally” Petteway of Little Ferry, NJ, three grandchildren; Lesley Fencik and her husband Joel of Moonachie, NJ, Scott Petteway of Little Ferry, NJ and Marc Petteway and his wife Stephanie of Pensacola, FL, four great grandchildren; Aaron and Emily Fencik of Moonachie, Adriana and Angelina Petteway of Pensacola, FL, and two brothers; Gerold “Jerry” Röwfsaat and his wife Christa of Florida, and Arthur Röwfsaat and his wife Margot of Germany.

Nancy Ernst Towner age 54 of Boonton, formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2015.

She was born in Seattle, Washington, to the late Henry and Marion Ernst, and raised in Wayne, NJ where she graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1978. Nancy graduated from Rutgers University with her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a minor in French. She loved her junior year as she was studying in France for the whole year. She completed her Masters in Business Administration from Rutgers University and also received an Advanced Certificate in Business Sustainability from the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia, PA.

Nancy was raised in Wayne where she lived through her college years. After marrying the love of her life Larry Towner on September 12, 1987 she lived in West Milford and Pompton Plains before moving to Boonton two years ago.

Nancy began her working career as a lifeguard in Wayne, worked in merchandising at a local department store. She worked in the Telecommunications industry for a short while before taking a position at ADP-Automatic Data Processing having worked in their Clifton and Roseland offices. Again for a short time she worked for Ernst and Young (no relation) in Lyndhurst, a few start-up internet companies, and even established her own company NET Consulting, before returning to ADP. Her Broadridge Financial Services division in Secaucus was spun out of ADP and she worked at Broadridge as the Vice President of Travel and Procurement for the past several years.

Nancy was a beautiful person both inside and out. She will be remembered for her cheerful and bubbly personality, as well as being smart, courageous, and always being concerned about others. She enjoyed skiing, hiking, cycling, windsurfing, and especially loved Yoga. She was a certified Yoga instructor having worked at Ananta in Wayne and enjoyed the concept and teaching of Karma Yoga.

She was the loving wife of Larry Towner of Boonton; devoted mother of Ryan Towner of Constableville, NY and Colin Towner of Boonton; she was the loved sister of William Ernst of Denver, CO, Christopher Ernst of Butler, Brian Ernst and his wife Bonnie of Bradley Beach, and Geoffrey Ernst and his wife Katie of Whippany.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Young Survival Coalition, 80 Broad Street, Suite 1700, New York, NY 10004, would be appreciated. You may also donate online by clicking on the following Pink Young Survival Coalition link: Young Survival Coalition . Once you are on their website please be sure to click on “Honor and Memorial”.

Mary Jane Haffner (nee Shaffer), age 77 of Stockholm, NJ, and formerly of Bloomfield, NJ, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 5, 2015 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mary grew up near Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, in the rural town of South Canaan. She was one of five children and her father worked tirelessly as a logger in the local forests. One of Mary’s earliest jobs was helping a local woman, Gertrude Hawk, make chocolates at her home. Besides helping make chocolate, Mary was also a very loving caregiver and she was often babysitter for Gertrude’s children. Little did either of them know then that Gertrude Hawk chocolates would grow to become a well-known treat throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

As a young woman, Mary took a liking to a local boy she knew, Sy Haffner, and she often visited him at his work – the local slaughter house, of all places. Despite the unpleasant conditions of Sy’s workplace, Mary was drawn to Sy’s close knit family and the two of them hit it off and became inseparable friends. Realizing that they had something special between them, they soon married and started a family there in South Canaan. However, both of them dreamed of ‘getting out’ of that small town and in 1959, an opportunity to move came upon them. They packed up all they had, which wasn’t really that much, and moved to Orange, NJ. Within a couple of years, they had saved enough money to buy a home in Bloomfield, where they lived for nearly fifty years, raising their two daughters. Mary and Sy were absolutely devoted to one another and did just about everything together. Even when Mary began to struggle during the early stages of her Alzheimer’s disease, they relied on their deep faith and trust in God. Sy drew her in even closer and cared for her like no one else could have. Day and night, she was never alone. Sy passed in 2009 and sadly, Mary’s condition had advanced to the point where she no longer knew who he was. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise, as Mary was spared the grief of his loss. Mary then moved to Stockholm, NJ to live with her daughter Terri and John, where she received the same love, care, and devotion. With the care she received all of her family, and her new team of caregivers (who are now adopted into the family) she continued to touch the lives of all those around her.

Mary was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was gifted with a strong, nurturing soul that she shared with so many people throughout her lifetime. She loved caring for children, all children, and served as a babysitter for countless children in her home in Bloomfield over the years. But to simply refer to her as a ‘babysitter’ would not do justice. She truly and sincerely cared for all the children in her care and their families as well. Many of them have since grown to adulthood but still consider her to be their ‘surrogate’ mom, and some even call her ‘grandma.’ She volunteered at her church and soon found herself involved in the nursery. She was a wonderful listener and always provided sage advice when called upon, usually suggesting that you should pray about all situations…for she trusted that God listened and cared for everyone. She was an active member of the Calvary Temple in Wayne since the 1980’s and she prayed daily for all of those in need. She was nothing less than a wonderful, special, kind and loving lady. Although she will be missed dearly by all those who love her, she is surely an angel enjoying her reward in the loving arms of Jesus Christ today.

Mary is survived by her two daugthers; Terri Ferrara and her husband John of Stockholm, NJ, and Lisa Spano and her husband Larry of Roseland, NJ, four grandchildren; Rebecca Spano of Roseland, Jennifer Lopresti and her husband Joseph of Sparta, Amy Sherwood and her husband Ronald “Scot” of Hawthorne, NJ, and Jonathan Ferrara of Wayne, three great-grandchildren; Tyler and Lexi Lopresti of Sparta and Freddy Sherwood of Hawthorne, as well as one sister; Naoma Drozd of N. Plainfield, NJ. She was predeceased by her husband Sylvester “Sy” in 2009 and by three brothers; Lloyd, Evert, and Charles Shaffer.

Memorial contributions, if friends so wish, would be appreciated. Please consider the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860.

Milan Korac age 83 of Wayne passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.

He was formerly the Vice President of Craft Textile Printing Company in Paterson.

Milan was the loving husband of the late Nevenka (Topalovic) Korac (April 30, 2010); he was the loving father of Andre Korac; loved brother-in-law of the late Petar Topalovic and Dr. Pavle Topalovic and his wife Jolana of Wayne; dear uncle of Natalie Topalovic and her husband Tarrance of Wayne, and Petar Topalovic of Hoboken.

Milan, “Milo,” Zagar, age 83, of Fairfield, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

Milo was born and raised in the small farming village of Sutomiscica, Croatia on the Island of Ugljan. His family was farmers of such crops as nuts, olives and figs. They worked hard and made a humble living. Later in life, Milo used to tell his daughters about how, as a little boy, before he and his sister left for school, they would hold out their cupped hands so their mom could fill them with a mixture of cornmeal and olive oil. As Milo walked barefoot to school he would eat the breakfast out of his hands. Often times, he chose to save some and put the leftover mixture into his pants pocket.

Milan’s father Mario left Croatia for the United States, seeking a better life for his wife Matija and their two children. He joined the U.S. Army and in 1950, after adequately establishing himself in New York City, Mario sent for his family to come join him. Like so many other thousands of immigrants, Milan, his sister and his mother’s first glimpse of the U.S.A. was Ellis Island. They arrived on a Friday and had to wait there all weekend to be processed the following Monday morning. Milan’s first home in America was in the famous Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. By now Milan was a young man of eighteen and he soon got a job at the Brooklyn Shipping Yard building shipping crates. He eventually got an opportunity to join the carpenters union. He worked as a carpenter with a company from Linden that had building contracts with many well-known retail establishments including Bamberger’s, Sears, Thom Mcan, and Kinney. Milo worked hard and his generous spirit emerged as he helped many other immigrants to obtain jobs where he worked too, often picking them up for work because he was the only one with a driver’s license and car.

In 1960, now ten years in the U.S., Milo moved to West New York, NJ, got married and, a year later, became a father for the first time. His new little girl was named Frances (after his favorite singer, Connie Francis) and she was joined in 1963 by a little baby sister named Sandra (after the actress Sandra Dee). That same year, Milo moved his family to North Bergen. In 1967, he and his family moved one more time, this time to Fairfield where they built a brand-new home. In those days, with a 30-year mortgage with payments of $100 per month, it was a little bit of a financial stretch but Milan wasn’t worried; this is why he came to the United States. Milan was realizing “The American dream!” He came here, never expecting handouts and he always worked hard, never quitting the job until it was done and done right! One of his philosophies when he did a job was “Measure twice, cut once.”

In 1970, baby Stacy was welcomed into the world. That same year, Milo went to work with his parents in the family business, a restaurant and tavern called Film Center Café located in Manhattan. He worked the night shift from 3 PM to 3 AM so, when the older girls got off the bus after a day at school, he welcomed them home, gave them a kiss and headed off to work in the city. In his work, often tending bar, Milo’s generous spirit was again, a blessing to many. Many times he befriended the friendless and down-and-out, offering to hold their money so they wouldn’t be tempted to waste it all. Many times he’d also give them a meal or take them next door to a little bodega-type establishment called Smiler’s where he’d buy them something to eat. Throughout the 70s, Fran, Sandra, and Stacy have fond memories of going to their dad’s workplace where holidays like Christmas were often spent. The girls loved to listen to the juke-box, play shuffle board, and eat those little bags of potato chips that were never offered at home. The ethnic food served was excellent too and one of the girl’s favorite recipes was the Croatian version of zeppoles called “Frita” that Grandma "Baba" Zagar made.

Milo loved to come home from work and spend time in his huge garden. He had wonderful apple, pear, fig, cherry and peach trees, and he grew many Jersey vegetables. Some of the plants and flowering trees he grew were started from seeds brought back from his native Croatia. Milo’s grapevine was so big that the trellis it grew on covered the whole patio and, in his early days, he converted a washing machine into a grape crusher and made delicious wine in Aunt Teti’s basement. Sunday was grass cutting day and Milan always cut the lawn on an angle that was 45 degrees different than the angle he had cut it the week before. He’d always take a break from mowing to enjoy a nice cold, refreshing beer and when he was finished, he would follow it up with a steak barbecue where everyone could sit outside and enjoy the food as they gazed on his meticulously manicured yard. Later in the day, Milo would tell his daughters to invite their friends over and they all went out for ice cream treats at Carvel. Milo usually had a vanilla milkshake and he treated the girls to whatever they wanted, as long as it wasn’t ice cream in a cone. He believed that cones had a tendency to drip and since Milo was as meticulous about his cars as he was about his yard, he didn’t want ice cream to drip on the seats and carpet.

Despite his friendship and generous reputation with many of his tavern patrons, Milo sustained a gunshot wound working on Christmas Eve in 1983. This led to an early retirement, only occasionally returning to New York to do repairs on the family’s apartment building adjacent to the tavern. Milo spent a lot more time tending his gardens, often shared the fruits and vegetables of his labor, plus his homemade culinary creations, with many of his neighbors and family members. He really enjoyed cooking and talking about food, while he’d watch the experts like Emeril Lagasse on the cooking shows, Milo would often tell you “They don’t know what they’re talking about.

Milo loved having a sense of routine in his life. He took really good care of his 1978 Pontiac Bonneville, with its velour upholstery and an 8-track player, which he still had to this very day and which has only 48,000 original miles. When the girls eventually started driving, Milo insisted they bring their cars over on Sunday to wash and wax them too. On Sunday nights, he always watched the Lawrence Welk Show, and popcorn was always popped the natural way – not in a microwave. Milo was always ready to help his neighbors with chores especially snow blowing. He’d make sure he had enough gas well before the storm so that he was ready. He also liked to save the bone scraps from his cooking so that he could give them to the neighbor’s dogs.

In 1987, Milo returned to his native country of Croatia for the first time since emigrating to the U.S. in 1950. After that first trip back with his daughters, he made it an annual pilgrimage for several more summers, often staying for eight to ten weeks at a time. In spite of loving those visits "back home", Milo was an extremely patriotic American. He was known for regularly saying “God Bless America” and he’d get a little upset when he heard Americans speaking negatively about this country that gave him such great opportunities.

Milan will always be remembered for his enormously generous heart and love of gathering family and friends for all occasion. On the day he passed away, bells were rung in his hometown of Sutomiscica, Croatia, so friends can gather to mourn his loss and celebrate his memory.

Surviving are his three daughters: Frances and husband Mark Allen of Ringwood, Sandra and husband Larry Ennis of Chester, and Stacy and husband Luis Maldonado of Sparta; six grandchildren: Casey, Kayla, Meghan, Samantha, Jack, and Riley; and his former wife Sonja Zagar of Lincoln Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Sveta Eufemija Church (in Croatia) would be appreciated. Checks may be made out to Frances Allen and sent to P.O. Box 3, Ringwood, NJ 07456.

Mary Sullivan Sudovar, age 104 of Wayne, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. She had been a resident of Packanack Lake for sixty four years.

Mary (nee Sullivan) was born in Shelton, Connecticut on September 18, 1910. Mary had previously lived in Lodi and Garfield, NJ. She and her husband, Stephen Sudovar, Sr., to whom she was married for fifty nine years, had moved to Packanack Lake in 1951 and had lived at 23 Highland Terrace for sixty four years. She was a long standing member of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church from its founding.

Mary is survived by her four children; Mary Ann Mirko and spouse William, Kathleen Proulx and spouse Roland, Stephen Sudovar, Jr. and spouse Susan, and Barbara Sudovar. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and twenty six great-grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Stephen Sudovar, Sr., in 1998, one grandson; Michael Mirko, eight sisters and brothers, and her parents; Edward V. Sullivan and Annie Lumen.

Donations in Mary’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07511.

Mary J. Reynolds (nee Crowley) age 89 of Wayne, formerly of Toms River, passed peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2015.

Mary J. Reynolds (nee Crowley) age 89 of Wayne, formerly of Toms River, passed peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2015. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn having graduated from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School with the Class of 1943. She graduated from high school on a Saturday and began working that Monday at the Brooklyn Army Base. She worked as the administrative assistant to the base commander for thirteen years.

In 1948, Mary met Gene Reynolds at a Sunday afternoon Knights of Columbus dance in Park Slope. A year later they were married. They enjoyed nearly sixty two loving years together until Gene’s passing in January of 2011. The family has fond memories of vacations in the Catskills, at the Jersey shore, and summers at the beach in Breezy Point, Queens. They lived in Park Slope until 1962 when they moved to the Marine Park section of Brooklyn. Mary returned to the workforce in 1973 taking a job as an administrative assistant to the director of Quality Assurance at the VA Hospital at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn. Marine Park was home until 1994 when both Mary and Gene were retired. They moved to Toms River, New Jersey and wintered in Gulfport, Florida. Mary moved to Wayne, New Jersey in 2011 after Gene’s passing.

Mary was dedicated to her Catholic faith and for many years she was active with the Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn, New York. She was a member of the church’s Rosary Society and had a special devotion to her namesake Mary.

She will be remembered as a kind, sweet, and smart person whose primary dedication was to her family. Mary’s family meant everything to her and in her heart she shared the joys and grief life sent their way, as only a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother can do. Growing up during the Great Depression, as the second oldest of seven children, Mary was made confident, independent and strong by her life experiences.

She was the loving wife of the late Eugene Reynolds (January 2011); devoted mother of Eugene Reynolds and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, Michael Reynolds and his wife Joyce of Clifton, and Maureen Lynn and her husband Timothy of Nanuet, NY; cherished grandmother of Mary Beth, Claire, Meghan, Kelly, Michael, Cara, and Colleen Reynolds, Jennifer Sailer and her husband Craig, and Katherine, Brian, and Kevin Lynn; dear sister of Edward Crowley of Staten Island, and the late John, Joseph, Thomas and James Crowley and Theresa Dunne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Avenue, #251, Denville, NJ 07834 would be appreciated.

Marion A. Allman, age 83 of Oak Ridge and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2015.

Marion was born in Passaic and grew up in Lodi and Clifton. She was a graduate of Clifton High School.

When she was just eight years old, she met a boy named Marty Allman who was just ten. She didn’t know it but this shy boy immediately took a liking to her. As the years went on and the two moved into their adolescent years, Marty’s admiration for Marion never faded but he was only interested in dating her if she shared his Christian values and he was too shy to go up to her and ask her. Well finally, one night when Marion was a young beautiful eighteen year old girl, to Marty’s delight, she miraculously showed up at his church, Prospect Street Christian Reformed Church in Clifton, to attend a hymn sing. At last the question burning in Marty’s heart all these years was answered…..Marion was a church-going girl! The next day, she was greeted by Marty as she was coming off the bus from school. He immediately asked her to go out with him. Their first date was what could best be described as a park and smooch in the Paterson Mountains. Marty picked Marion up in his very cool 1949 hunter green Dodge Meadowbrook, they headed to the Paterson Mountains. They truly fell in love and one Memorial Day, while Marion was helping Marty wash that 49 Dodge, he bent down as she was scrubbing a white-wall tire and quietly asked her for her hand in marriage. Of course, Marion said yes but the wedding had to wait two years while Marty served in the Army in Korea. When he returned home, they exchanged their wedding vows two weeks later before family and friends at Lodi Christian Reformed Church on March 28, 1953. They drove to Florida in that same Dodge Meadowbrook and recall being wary of sailing together in the glass-bottomed boat. Marion and Marty enjoyed almost 62 years in a blessed marriage. Marion was Marty’s sweetheart – the only girl he ever dated, because to him, there was no one that could ever top her!

After the wedding, the newlyweds came to live with Marty’s mother in Clifton. They lived there for three years and during that time, Marion became a mother for the first time. The baby was a beautiful little daughter which they named Kathy. Their next home was a fixer-upper in Clifton. They lived there a little over seven years and during that time they welcomed another beautiful daughter which they named Carol. Then one day, Marion and her mom went out on one of their favorite pastime excursions – house hunting. They were checking out a model of some new homes that were being built in Wayne. They liked the home and the price was right - $24,000. Excitedly, Marion told Marty about it and they ended up moving into that house in 1963. Marion made that house a beautiful home for Marty and the girls and they lived there for the next forty years until moving to Oak Ridge in 2003.

Early on in their marriage, Marion worked for Curtiss Wright in Clifton and later for National Wine and Liquor in Passaic. While at National Wine and Liquor, a Heineken rep was so struck by Marion’s beauty, he tried to convince her to pose for Heineken adds. When Marty heard about it, he astutely said “No way!”

Marion eventually settled into her role as full-time homemaker. It was a role that she relished very much and she was really good at it! A cooking pro, her family especially loved her breaded fried chicken, meatloaf and, of course, the famous pot roast which was served every Sunday after church. Marion’s gift for entertaining and hospitality went hand-in-hand with her love of cooking. Whenever she hosted guests there was always lots of food. And some of the finest food it was! Everything Marion made was made from scratch and many people from different church groups and neighborhood friends were blessed by Marion’s hospitality and excellent cuisine. Marion was always the one who hosted the wedding and baby showers, graduations, neighborhood parties and Christmas celebrations too.

If she wasn’t cooking, there was a good chance that Marion was crocheting or knitting. There are a lot of Afghans out there that were made with love by her skilled hands.

Marion’s favorite pastime of all was spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She loved to cook for her four grandchildren and sleepovers at Grandmas were the best! She’d put the kids in a nice warm bath, bring the portable TV into the bathroom so they could watch while splashing and playing. And what bath would be good without Grandma serving a steady offering of delicious snacks. She probably didn’t realize what wonderful childhood memories she was making for her little grandchildren.

Marion’s faith in her Lord Jesus Christ was central to who she was. She loved her church and church family and was always an active participator as president of the Ladies society, taking part in the church’s cottage groups and singing with her beautiful soprano voice.

Marion warmed the hearts of a lot of people in her life. Everyone was attracted to her fun-loving disposition. She was full of love and lots of times she expressed that love through friendly teasing and kidding. A smile was always right at home on Marion’s face and she emulated her Lord by consistently being a friend of the friendless, often times spending hours on the phone “visiting” people and being an encourager.

Marion is survived by her beloved husband Martin; her two daughters: Kathy M. and husband Bruce Troast of Pompton Lakes, and Carol L. and husband William Farr of Bloomingdale; and four grandchildren: James and wife Melissa Troast, Peter Troast, Edward Farr and Jessica Farr. She was predeceased by her two brothers: Bert and John Ten Hoeve.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Marion’s name are asked to consider the Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.

Michael J. Policano, age 77, of Macungie, PA, formerly of Wayne, passed Monday, December 7, 2015.

He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York having graduated from the Midwood High School, Brooklyn, New York with the Class of 1957. He continued his education at Hunter College in the Bronx where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Math with the Class of 1961. He later received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck.

After graduating college, Mike worked for Systems Development Corporation (SDC) in Paramus. Soon after he was married, he was transferred to Santa Monica, California. He later came back to New Jersey and worked for Western Union Company. After a short while he settled into a twenty-nine year career as a computer engineer for the ITT Corporation in Nutley before retiring in 2007.

Mike met Erika Fischl at work. Their first date was to the movies, and they soon fell in love. Days after they married at Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 21, 1964, they left for California. Their honeymoon was a roughly 5,000 mile trip, hitting many popular locations across the country and finally settling in California. They enjoyed a few years in California and then moved back to New Jersey settling on Stalter Drive in Wayne, New Jersey before retiring and moving to Macungie, Pennsylvania in 2007. Mike and Erika enjoyed over fifty-one years of a happy and loving marriage.

He was very dedicated to his Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne for many years, as well as being a former member and financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus Council 10206 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Saint Francis Council 2617 in Wanaque, and when he moved to Pennsylvania, he joined the Calvary Council 528 in Allentown, PA.

Mike was also very active in his community in Pennsylvania having served on several committees at the Four Seasons at Farmington Condo Association where he lived. He was also politically passionate and a member of several Tea Parties as well as the Lehigh County Republican Committee of Allentown, PA and a past board member of the East Penn School District in Pennsylvania.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Erika Policano; three devoted sons: Eric Policano of Haskell, James Policano and his wife Bonnie of Herndon, VA, and John Policano and his wife Kelley of Morris Plains; cherished grandfather of Ricky, Shane, Kaleigh, and Jackson; he was the loved brother of Dominick Policano and his wife Genevieve of Glen Rock, NJ, Thomas Policano and his wife Susan of Boca Raton, FL, Andrew Policano and his wife Pam of Irvine, CA, and the late Joseph and Louis Policano.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 would be appreciated.

Maureen E. Donohue, age 73, of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2015.

Maureen was born and raised in Paterson where she graduated from St. Joseph’s High School with the class of 1958.

As a little girl in third grade, Maureen met an equally young boy named Peter Donohue. Already at that tender age, she was smitten. In those days, milk was delivered right to people’s homes. Peter’s father owned a milk delivery route and as a teenager, he would help his dad with his early morning deliveries. One of the houses on the route was Maureen’s parent’s house. So one morning Maureen went outside to fetch the delivered milk from the milk box only to discover that Peter had written “Peter and Maureen” in big letters on the road in front of the house. Eventually, Maureen and Peter did get married. The wedding took place on April 25, 1964 at their church – St. George Roman Catholic Church on Getty Avenue in Paterson, right next door to Maureen’s childhood home. After a reception celebration at the Brownstone House in Paterson, the newlyweds honeymooned in Washington, DC, then settled in Paterson. Maureen continued in a job she had as a secretary with Singer Kearfott until the blessing in the form of a baby girl arrived. Maureen and Peter named her Maureen “Renee”. For quite a few years after that Maureen focused her attention on being a great mom and homemaker. In 1967, Maureen, Peter and the Renee moved to Wayne. Soon after, they were blessed with another little baby girl and Maureen and Peter named her Patricia “Paddy”. Maureen remained in the home in Wayne to this present day.

Maureen returned to the workforce in the early 1980’s, this time as a legal secretary with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 464 of Little Falls. She loved her work and the comradery she enjoyed with her coworkers. It wasn’t until this past January that her health concerns forced her to retire after thirty-one years on the job.

Maureen’s greatest loves in life could be summarized in two words – family and faith. When her daughters were young, she would always take them down to the Jersey Shore in the summer for a week to their aunt’s house in Lavallette. While her husband Peter didn’t like to travel much, that worked fine for Maureen too as a night at home spent with him was just as enjoyable. When Peter passed away suddenly at the age of 55, Maureen’s life was dealt a blow anyone would find hard to take. She turned to her faith in God which was nurtured by her church family at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Wayne. She joined the church in 1967, as soon as she and Peter moved to Wayne. After Peter passed away, she joined a bereavement group at the church called New Journey because she needed emotional support and felt a great empathy towards other widows and widowers. There Maureen made new friends through the monthly support meetings. She also discovered that she liked to travel and she and her friends enjoyed various trips and cruises over the years. Maureen delighted in being “Grammy” to her four grandchildren: Peter, Catherine, Brenna and Sean. Her grandchildren will always have the special memory of getting cards with money stuffed inside on many of the different holidays. She loved having them over her house for sleepovers and pizza parties. She also had a special bond with her sister Bernadette from Maine, often calling her just to talk.

Maureen had one other love in her life – reading. She especially enjoyed reading about history as well as stories where the characters had to overcome great odds in their lives. You could say she had a heart for hurting people but she also had a great sense of humor. She was quick-witted and, while she could zing you with a one-liner in a second, she was equally gracious about being the butt of the joke.

Maureen is survived by her two loving daughters: Maureen Palczewski and husband Ken of Wayne, and Patricia Donohue-Dixon and husband Rich of Wayne; four cherished grandchildren: Peter Palczewski, Catherine Dixon, Brenna Palczewski, and Sean Dixon; and her dear sister Bernadette Konzelman and husband Charles of Maine.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Maureen’s name are asked to consider the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or at www.lls.org

Marjorie M. Paulussen (nee Drost), age 89 of Wayne, died peacefully during the early morning hours of Saturday, February 7, 2015. She was a Wayne resident since 1968.

Raised in Garfield, Marjorie’s childhood was anything but typical. Sadly, her mother passed when she was just an infant, and her father died very young as well. She was raised primarily by her aunts and grandparents. After graduating from Eastern Christian High School in 1943, she became a Registered Nurse at the Passaic General Hospital School of Nursing. She began nursing at Passaic General and rose through the ranks to become the hospital’s Admitting Director. She worked there for several years before taking on the position of a full-time mom; raising her two children.

Marjorie met her husband Don while she was nursing at Passaic General Hospital. Don was a pharmaceutical rep and he was smitten the first time he met her; she was the most beautiful girl in the hospital. On their second date, Don took her ice skating at Congers Lake. Marjorie had never been on skates before and Don recalls how her ankles were folded over sideways! He had no choice but to hold her tight the whole time…which he was happy to do. They married on June 16, 1956 and settled in Clifton before moving to Wayne in 1968. During their fifty eight years together, they traveled to the British Isles many times, visited Europe on several occasions, and enjoyed a few Caribbean cruises. Marjorie simply loved to travel. They were also long time members of the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne where Marjorie nourished her Christian faith and loved to sing hymns.

Marjorie was a nurturing, loving, and very kind mom. She was devoted to her children and was always there for them. They all have wonderful memories of spending the summers on Long Beach Island where perfecting her tan was a top priority for Marjorie. She was equally devoted to her grandchildren and time with them was precious. Playing board games like Sorry, and trips to Burger King may not have seemed like special moments at the time, but now those memories are treasures for each of her grandchildren. Marjorie loved all of them so much and they will each tell you that they were her favorite. She was the best mom and grandmother her family could have ever hoped to have and they will miss her dearly.

Marjorie is survived by her husband Donald Paulussen of Wayne, her two children; Dr. David Paulussen, DMD and his wife Janice of Long Valley, NJ and Mary Beth Haid and her husband Barry of Glenwood, NJ, and her four beloved grandchildren; Ben, Kim, Jennifer, and Amy.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Marjorie's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834. www.alz.org/nj

Marie T. Martello, age 88 of Wanaque and formerly of Woodside Queens, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2015.

Born at home in Woodside Queens, NY, Marie was the third of Ralph and Yolanda Koplar’s ten children and she was also their oldest daughter. After graduating from high school, she worked for a time at a lingerie store, then she met the love of her life, a handsome young man named Rocco Martello. This loving couple married on Sunday, April 20, 1952 and initially settled in their first home together – an apartment in Astoria Queens. They eventually settled in Whitestone, NY where they rented another apartment before eventually purchasing their first home in the same town – a small white cape on 6th Ave.

After marriage, Marie soon found her life’s calling as a wife, mother and homemaker. She and Rocco were blessed with three beautiful children - daughters Rosemarie and Linda and their son Michael. Soon after Michael was born, the family moved once more, this time to 3rd Ave in Whitestone. For the next forty years, Marie called that raised ranch “home” and, by her loving and dedicated approach to her calling as a wife and mom, she provided a warm-hearted, comfortable and welcoming place for Rocco and the children to live. She was an excellent cook and her family especially enjoyed her home-made meatballs, manicotti, and chicken cutlets, as well as her delicious soups. Nobody made meatballs as good as Marie. Until Rocco’s passing in 1995, he and Marie got to share a blessed 43 year marriage including some great times together on exciting trips to Italy, Hawaii, Bermuda as well as to their condo in Florida. Marie also loved the blessing of being a doting grandma and great-grandmother to her four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Marie remained in Whitestone until 2007 when she moved into Wanaque Reserve, a lovely 55+ retirement community in Wanaque, NJ, so that she could be closer to her daughter Linda.

Throughout her life, Marie professed a deep and personal faith in God and, by following Jesus’ example, she assumed numerous roles of service to countless folks that she was able to meet and bless though out her life.

One example of her selfless volunteerism took place when, as a young wife and mother, Marie was a member of the Maria Montessori Sons of Italy Lodge – a group that raised money to award scholarships and help in other philanthropic endeavors. It was through her involvement with this organization that Marie had her closest brush with fame when the producers of that famous 1972 blockbuster movie The Godfather approached Marie and the other members to be extras in the movie’s wedding scene. These ladies jumped at the chance to be movie stars and eagerly took the ride from Queens to Staten Island where that particular scene in the movie was filmed.

A long-time parishioner of Holy Trinity R.C. Church in Whitestone, Marie was very involved as a member of the weekly prayer group and, as an excellent and very creative seamstress, she designed and sewed an incredible array of huge decorative banners to adorn the church’s sanctuary and to send a message of hope or a life-lesson to her fellow parishioners. Always eager to serve, she also filled the role of Eucharistic Minister in the church as well as during her visits to the shut-in and infirmed residents at local nursing homes. The consummate servant, when Marie visited those residents she was also happy to clean their homes or bring them some special food if it made them happy. Recently she would sometimes say, “I used to visit them and now there are good-hearted people that visit me.”

Marie’s gift of serving was not just limited to helping the elderly. While raising her own children she gladly jumped at the opportunity to care for her neighbor’s daughter Christina so that Christina’s mom could go to work. In all, she took care of Christina for five whole years. It was Marie’s joy as she loved having babies around. Marie and Christina’s relationship lasted throughout the rest of Marie’s life.

Marie had numerous interests in life. Always busy enjoying doing something, she developed a real interest in artistic painting so she took some formal classes and began oil painting still life creations – especially fruits and flowers as well as landscapes being her favorites. Always believing that a sharp mind needed to be exercised, Marie regularly challenged herself with word puzzles and she played a lot of games – especially canasta and the Chinese game of Mah Jongg of which she was a master and both of which she played about twice a week when she was living at Wanaque Reserve.

Living in Wanaque Reserve, Marie was affectionately referred to by many as “little Marie”, but despite her diminutive stature, she quickly earned the reputation of being able to do extraordinary things. She rediscovered her love of crocheting and with that gift she made beautiful hats and blankets as well as outfits for little dolls and cute little stuffed bears. She also painted and did needlepoint from the designs and pictures she created, not designs pre-stamped on the canvas. All of these creations she lovingly made – some for family or friends but much to be donated to hospitals for sick children or anyone else who would be blessed by them.

Marie was graced with a dear life filled with the blessings of a great family and many friendships which developed as a result of her sweet, giving, charismatic nature. She lived with her heart tightly knit with God’s often reading and quoting scripture. It was this extraordinary faith that enabled her to bless others and sustained her through life’s trials such as the tragic loss of her son Michael in 2009. Through the bad and the good, Marie’s outlook is best summed up in what she would often tell others: “Live life in the present because it is a present.”

Marie was the loving wife of Rocco Martello who predeceased her in 1995; dear mother of Rosemarie Maldonado of Savannah, GA, Linda and husband Michael Firriolo of Wayne, and Michael Martello who predeceased her in 2009; cherished grandmother of Justine, Thomas, Jennette, and Andrew; adored great-grandmother of Evren; and dear sister of John, Christine, Dolores, Ralph, Roseann, Raymond, and Thomas. She was also predeceased by her brother Dominick and sister Regina.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Marie’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 (www.stjude.org).

Marilyn J. Ashton, age 78, of Wayne, died on Thursday, April 23, 2015.

Born in Newark, Marilyn moved to Packanack Lake at age five. After graduating from Wayne High School in 1955, she attended Montclair State Teacher’s College on a nursing scholarship. She eventually left Montclair State to take a job in accounting in New York City.

Marilyn was married to Thomas Ashton at Packanack Community Church. She lived in Clifton and, at this time, welcomed the first of her four sons into her life: Allen “Tom”. The family moved to Arkansas where three more boys were welcomed as Marilyn gave birth to Andrew and later to twins: James and John. She and the boys eventually returned to NJ, settling for a time in the family home in Packanack Lake and eventually moving to her present home in Wayne where she lived for the past thirty-six years.

To provide for her four boys, Marilyn worked various jobs but primarily, she was a bookkeeper, mostly with Rotenberg Meril, Certified Public Accountants in Saddle Brook. Her career as a bookkeeper spanned a total of thirty-six years.

Marilyn derived some of her greatest joy from her life-long passion for photography. Whenever she got the chance, she’d venture out to all parts of New Jersey, especially down the Jersey Shore in Sandy Hook or upstate to New York’s magnificent Adirondacks region with long-time friend Robin and second family, the Dwyers, in pursuit of capturing that perfect sunrise or sunset. She loved photographing the magnificence of the sun but she also enjoyed capturing many of the other beauties of nature such as birds and small animals in their natural habitats, and trees, flowers, beautiful blue skies and the ocean. Marilyn was also a talented painter who enjoyed building and painting bird houses for her feathered friends and also painting waterfowl decoys. Every week, when it was just time to kick back and relax, Marilyn loved the tradition of getting together for dinner with her good friend Merlann and her dear brother Jeff. She enjoyed the light-heartedness of these dinner times – just sharing what was going on in each other’s lives lately.

There was only one thing that Marilyn loved more than photography and that was her family. As a single mom, she worked very hard to provide a loving, stable home for her four boys. Nothing made her more proud and contented than seeing them grow up to establish good lives for themselves with families of their own. Becoming a grandmother was one of the sweetest joys of her life and she relished the times that she could spend with her grandchildren. Her house was always filled with toys and things for those kids to do and, quite frankly, it didn’t matter what they wanted to do – Marilyn just wanted to spend time with them, watching them love all that life had to offer them, and seeing them grow through each phase of their own young lives. Of course, she also loved to photograph them too!

Surviving are her four sons of whom she was so proud: Allen “Tom” and wife Ute Ashton of Wiesbaden, Germany, Andrew and wife Reba Ashton of Newfoundland, James and wife Perla Ashton of Lemon Grove, CA, and John and wife Carolann Ashton of Hamburg; five cherished grandchildren: David, Andrew, Jr., Brooke, John, Jr., and Hunter; and her dear brother Jeffrey Ackerman of Wayne. She was predeceased by dear sister Kathryn Ackerman in 2009.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Marilyn’s name are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, NJ Chapter, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Marion Irene (Oxford) Gentile, age 71, of Butler passed away December 22, 2015 surrounded by her family and friends.

Born November 8, 1944 Marion grew up in Paterson where she graduated Central High School class of 1964. She will be fondly remembered for her free spirit and joy for life. Marion had a unique passion for sharing her life with others which she put to use while working as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, where she touched the lives of many patients through her compassion and kindness. Marion passions included family time, friends, bingo, cards, trips to the casino and cooking.

Marion is survived by her daughter Lisa Blackwell -Brown of West Milford and her four cherished grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Joseph, Matthew, and Kirstyn whom admired her for being a beautiful and courageous role model; her sister Norma Tyahla and husband Peter of Toms River; nieces: Michelle Note Munroe and partner Patrick DiPietro of Lebanon, and Sandra Lehr- Cecere of Forked River; her life partner Malcolm Geary of Bloomingdale, NJ; along with many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends who will be left with many joyous memories.

In lieu of flowers donations are welcomed to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 (www.diabetes.org) in honor of her granddaughter Kirstyn Brown.

Martha A. Mahon (Torres) age 83 of Wayne, formerly of Little Falls, passed Friday, November 27, 2015.

She was born in New York City. She spent her childhood Nanuet, New York. The family moved back to New York City when she was about 13.

Martha went on a blind, double date and met Jerome B. Mahon, Jr. They soon fell in love and married at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church on 139th Street in New York City. Jerome’s uncle Leo Benedict Mahon married them on November 30, 1957 and they honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York. They enjoyed fifty-seven years of a loving and caring marriage before Jerome’s passing on June 23, 2014.

Martha was the loving wife of the late Jerome Mahon, Jr (June-2014); devoted mother of James Mahon, Stephen Mahon and his wife Jami of Highland Lakes, Matthew Mahon and his wife Maryann of Wayne, and Kathleen Mahon of Hillsborough; cherished grandmother of Melissa, Jessica, Lisa, Nicole, and Rachel Mahon; beloved sister of Joy (2013), Bertha, Gail, Armand, and Vincent.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, N.J. 07474 would be appreciated.

Marilyn J. Machbitz, age 77 of Pompton Lakes, and formerly of West Caldwell, died peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2015. She had been a resident of West Caldwell for more than forty four years and moved to Pompton Lakes in 2014.

Raised in Little Neck, Queens, Marilyn (nee Levitt) graduated from Bayside High School with the class of 1955. After getting married, she had lived in Flushing, Fresh Meadows, and Bayside before moving to West Caldwell, NJ in 1970, where she raised her two children. As her children grew, she began a career as a proofreader within the catalog printing industry. She retired from Jersey Skyline of Pine Brook, NJ, in 2008.

Marilyn was fortunate to have visited London, Spain, and a very memorable trip to Mexico City with her son, Alan. She was also a big fan of the New York Mets, the New Jersey Devils, and the New York Giants. She cared meticulously for her house plants and has a room in her home that is filled with the most lush, and healthy plants that you can imagine.

Marilyn is survived by her two children; Alan Machbitz of Pompton Lakes, NJ, Ann Jones of Hillsborough, NJ, three grandchildren; Lee Machbitz, Enoch and David Jones. She was predeceased by her sister; Florence Schneider in 2012.

Donations in Marilyn’s memory would be appreciated to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Marie F. Suppa, age 95 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2015. She had been a Wayne resident since 1969.

Marie was raised in Haverstraw, NY and moved to Paterson as a teenager. She attended East Side High School before moving to Hawthorne, where she graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1937. Soon after high school, she became a telephone operator for Bell Telephone. She worked her way up the ranks in Paterson, Totowa, Fair Lawn, and Clifton before eventually becoming a supervisor, which was an accomplishment for a woman of that era. She retired from NJ Bell, Clifton office, in 1983 after more than forty years with the company.

Marie met the love of her life, Anthony “Sonny” Tirri, while roller skating during the early 1940s. The two of them hit it off right from the start and were married in 1944. They honeymooned in Point Pleasant, NJ and then settled in and started a family. Marie’s heart was broken however, when Sonny died in November of 1949 of a heart condition. They were married just five short years, leaving Marie with a three year old son and a daughter on the way. Marie was strong though, and this was truly a test of her fortitude. She moved in with her parents and started working even harder at the phone company to support her young family. She struggled and made many sacrifices throughout the years, but her children know she was a true champion for them. After several years of being on her own, Marie met Domenick J. Suppa. They married February 20, 1958 and their family of four expanded with the birth of another daughter; Cyndie. Marie and Domenick shared their enjoyments in life of roller-skating, music, dancing, movies, and at the Jersey Shore, where Domenick's family owned a motel and bungalows in Seaside. This began a new journey for Marie and the two of them were married for 23 years. Marie has just about every piece of music ever recorded by Frank Sinatra and she listened to him all the time. She loved to dance to his music and on cleaning day her kids recall Frank playing throughout the house while they did their chores. Spending time with family, especially during the holidays, was precious to Marie and she enjoyed every minute she could with each of them. Summers at the Jersey Shore, in Ocean Beach III and at Seaside were among her most favorite and most memorable times. Marie loved being on the beach, getting her toes wet, and watching her children and grandchildren enjoy themselves. Mini golf was always part of those summers at the shore, and Marie had an annual “mini golf tournament” with her granddaughter Angela. Each summer the competition would become fierce for the title of “Mini Golf Champion” and possession of the Golden Putter trophy was the highest honor. Her family all recall the summer that Marie won the tournament, and she triumphantly paraded around the house with her Golden Putter trophy high above her head! Those memories are sure to last a lifetime and will serve to keep Marie alive in all their hearts for many years to come.

In retirement, Marie became busier than she ever was before. First of all, she wouldn’t go out unless she looked “band box perfect.” She passed that on to her daughters as well; don’t leave the house unless you’re dressed nicely, makeup is on and your hair is done just so. She would go bowling with her friends, take day trips often, and she stayed generally active every day. Marie was involved with the “Pioneers,” a group of retired telephone company employees who also became her travel companions. They enjoyed many trips together, as well as a few cruises, a trip to Branson, MO, and to Michigan. Marie also became a Rutgers Football fan, attending many home games with her son Peter. Peter recalls how much she really got into the sport, yelling and screaming throughout the whole game! She became passionate and wouldn’t hold back if she thought the ref’s made a bad call – she would let them have it at the top of her lungs! She really enjoyed going to those games at Rutgers and her family will miss those special times too.

Marie is survived by her three loving children; Peter Tirri and his wife Francine of Pequannock, Toni Gennarelli and her husband Joseph of Franklin Lakes, and Cyndie Suppa of Pequannock, six grandchildren; Angela Tirri Van Do and her husband My Van Do of Westminster, CO, Cpt. Vincent Tirri and his wife Stephanie of Jackson, NJ, Jesse Gennarelli and his fiancé Angelina of Bergenfield, Joseph Gennarelli of Franklin Lakes, Jennifer Van Grouw Dixon and her husband Kurt of Pequannock, and Jessica Van Grouw of Pequannock, as well as four great-grandchildren; Ava Marie Tirri, Isabella Virginia Tirri, Stella Sophia Hanh Do, and Jaylen Justice Dixon, and her three brothers; Frank Smith, Jr. of Paramus, Raymond Smith and his wife Josephine of Bradenton, FL, and Robert Smith and his wife Barbara of Fair Lawn, and many loving nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sister; Alice Wanamaker of Morristown and her brother Harold Smith of Pennsylvania.

Donations in Marie’s memory, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated to the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue. Bethpage, NY 11714.

Age 85 of Manchester, NJ and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

Marian E. McLean (nee Cimins), age 85 of Manchester, NJ and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

Born in Easton, PA, the youngest of four, she grew up in Paterson where she attended Paterson School Number 5 and later graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the Class of 1947.

As a little girl, Marian took dance classes and was an especially talented ballet dancer. She danced so well that when she turned sixteen, she was given the opportunity to teach other young girls ballet. Her hope was to one-day be a famous Rockette dancing in Radio City Music Hall. That dream was dashed however when she developed mono, forcing her to stop dancing for a season of her life.

After high school Marian worked with both of her sisters as a telephone operator for NJ Bell in Paterson.

One night while attending a community dance at the Meadowbrook dance hall in Cedar Grove, Marian’s mastery of dance caught the eye of a young man named James McLean who had recently returned from serving in the U.S. Navy.

That first encounter turned into a loving courtship followed by a wedding at St. Bonaventure’s in Paterson in September of 1951. Jim and Marian honeymooned at the famous Holiday House in Echo Lake, Pennsylvania, which was a favorite among honeymooners at the time. Upon their return, they settled in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne in 1955.

Marian taught first grade at St. Mary’s School in Pompton Lakes for a time, then took a break to stay at home and raise her and Jim’s three children: Patricia, David, and James. In those early years, she and Jim enjoyed vacations with the kids in Wildwood Crest and later at Lake George where they always stayed in Smugglers Cove. Once they were old enough, Marian returned to the classroom, this time as a teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Wayne. Marian taught there from 1966 to 1974. Seeking a career change, she went to work for Crazy Horse Clothing in Little Falls where she worked as an accounts receivable clerk. When the company decided to move their operations to North Bergen, Marian decided the commute would be too long, so in 1979, she went to work for Union Camp in Clifton as a payroll clerk. She remained with Union Camp until retiring completely in 1993.

Marian was devout in her catholic faith. Every time she passed a Roman Catholic church, she faithfully made the sign of the cross and for most of the years she lived in Wayne, she was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church until she and Jim moved to Manchester in 2009. After retirement she became a Eucharistic minister, serving communion to the elderly and shut-inns on Saturday mornings. She and her girlfriends had a tradition of attending daily mass together, followed by lunch at one of their favorite restaurants or diners. Once a month they all got together to go to the Paper Mill Playhouse and sometimes to the Red Barn in Montville to see plays.

Over the years, Marian and Jim had as many as nine pet dogs. Their first dog was Ginger. She was sort-of-a fox terrier with long fur that Marian lovingly nursed back to health from a bad case of distemper. Ginger was followed by Honey, Bootsie, Rascal, Brandy, Teddy, Foxy, Amber and finally Snoopy who had the face of a jack-russell terrier and the body of a pit bull. Snoopy was commonly referred to as “Little Sausage” because he showed clear signs of being very well fed, and very well loved. He would hop up on their laps and give them boundless affection in return for their generous care.

As a young couple, Marian and Jim loved getting together with friends about once a month for a night of canasta. Over the years they traveled together throughout the Caribbean Islands, had taken several cruises, and enjoyed a spectacular trip to Alaska. Basically they liked going anywhere there was a nice beach. Jim and Marian enjoyed sixty one years of a very loving and wonderful marriage until Jim passed away in May, 2013. Three months later, in August, 2013, Marian and all the family’s hearts were saddened again at the loss of their son, brother, uncle and cousin James McLean, Jr. who died after a valiant one-year battle with Multiple Myeloma and Leukemia. May they all be enjoying a blessed reunion together!

Marian will be forever adored and remembered for her big smile and great laugh. She loved to pull a prank, especially if it involved dousing someone with water but ironically, you better never get her hair wet! The amazing thing was how often she’d pull a prank on someone and they’d never know it was her that did it. Marian had love in her heart for anyone and she’d bend over backwards for you if you needed help.

Marian is survived by two children: Patricia McClure and husband Vernon of Wanaque, and David McLean of Wayne; four grandchildren: Gregory McClure (Jill), Glenn McClure (Malissa Aiken), Caitlyn Batche (Ryan), and Thomas McClure (Irene); two great-grandchildren: Madison and Alexis; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband James McLean, Sr., and son James McLean, Jr., both in 2013; her brother John Cimins, Jr.; and her two sisters: Sister John Clare, OSF, and Dolores Brennan.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Marian’s name are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834, or at www.alz.org/nj

Margaret Elizabeth Celentano, 51, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2015 after being involved in a tragic accident while returning home from work.

Margaret, an eighteen year resident of Wayne, NJ, was born Margaret Finlay on December 25, 1963 in Queens, NY. Before getting married on March 5, 1994 and moving to Wayne, Margaret grew up in Manhasset, NY graduating from St. Mary’s High School. She went on to attend Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY graduating in 1985 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration/Finance and a minor in Accounting.

Margaret worked tirelessly to build a solid career in finance. She spent the majority of her career with The Bank of New York before ultimately shifting over to their brokerage operation. After being spun off from the bank, Margaret stayed with the newly formed ConvergEx Group where she held the position of Vice President of Global Transition Management Operations. Margaret had recently begun a contract position with Brown Brothers Harriman.

By no means was Margaret all work and no play. In addition to her business acumen, she was an accomplished artist. Although an impressive painter, her passion was stained glass and she produced many exquisite pieces over the years. Margaret’s artistic ability was only surpassed by her love of friends and family, especially her niece and nephews.

Margaret is survived by her beloved husband of twenty-one years, John Celentano; mother Margaret Finlay; father-in-law and mother-in-law Fred and Mary Ellen Celentano; brothers Thomas, Donald (Michelle), Gregg (Frances) and Brian (Peggy) Finlay, brother-in-law Alan Celentano (Dolores); nephews Thomas, Dylan (Danielle), Kyle (Allison), and Brian; niece Nora; aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved father Donald Emmitt Finlay; grandparents Elizabeth and Patrick Finlay and Margaret and Thomas Begley; uncles Frank Gazlay, James McCool and Frank Monaghan; and one aunt Maureen Monaghan.

Margaret was a kind and giving person who will be deeply missed by all of those lucky enough to have come in contact with this absolute treasure.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Maggie’s name are asked to consider the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), or Shriners Hospitals for Children (Office of Development), 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org).

Marguerite K. Lenas - Merrell, age 77, formerly of Wayne, passed Saturday, May 9, 2015.

She was born in the family home in the Bronx, New York, she also lived in Englewood, Tenafly, and Wayne New Jersey during the time she was married to Spyros Lenas. She later lived in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Marguerite was a loving person who often put the needs of others before her own. While living in Florida she donated much of her time and talents to the Art Guild, served as President of the Women’s Club, volunteered with the Eyelets who helped beautify Treasure Island, and helped a local battered women’s shelter. Many will remember her love of knitting. She was always starting a new sweater, or helping others learn to knit. She had excellent people skills and was gifted with a personality that helped her as a gracious host of all kinds of parties and social events. She will be remembered as being a vivacious, feisty, fun loving, loyal person whose strength, tenacity, and will to do good positively influenced those around her. This love of others also translated into the animal world. She had as many as three dogs at a time and loved them all while also volunteering at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.


She was the loving mother of Constantine Lenas and his wife Erriette of Franklin Lakes, Spyros Lenas and his wife Fountain of Morristown, and Elizabeth Lenas of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Alexandra Parker and her husband Sean, Victoria Lenas, Aris Sclavounos, Spyros Sclavounos, and Alexis Donohue; much loved great-grandmother of Winter Victoria Parker and Zephyr Emerson Parker; dear sister of Christina “Tina” and her husband George Minakakis, and the late Arthur “Butch” Haniotis.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations, honoring Marguerite’s love of animals, to the ASPCA (click on the blue text to link to the ASPCA website) would be appreciated.

Maria Pia Alviani (nee De Ciantis) known as Pia to family and friends passed away Saturday, September 5, 2015. She had been a resident of Wayne since 1971.

Pia was born in Sora, Italy, where she learned to sew and became a fashion designer for La Bassetti, a large clothing manufacturer. In 1970 she met Anthony Alviani while he was visiting his home town of Sora, Italy. He returned to Italy just a few months later and asked her to marry him. They were married July 11, 1971 and after a honeymoon to Naples and Capri, Italy, she moved to the United States with her new husband. Pia could speak only Italian when she came to America, but she was determined to learn English. She began taking English classes at night school and practiced with Anthony.

Pia always held tight to the traditional family values with which she was raised. Her world revolved around her family and those she loved. She loved entertaining and always hosted for the holidays with Christmas Eve and Easter being among her favorites during the year. She was an excellent cook, rarely working off of a recipe, and her family often told her she should have opened a restaurant. Incredibly, she could taste a dish at a restaurant and recreate it at home, determining the ingredients simply by taste. She was truly amazing. Of course, she cherished her garden, made her own sauce and jarred her own tomatoes every year, just like she learned back in Italy.

Anthony and Pia were married for forty-four years. They enjoyed a very loving marriage, often holding hands and kissing each other fondly. They were a happy couple, perhaps aided a bit by the remarkable homemade wine they crafted together year after year. They traveled numerous times back to Sora, Italy, to visit family, and they often visited Quebec, Canada, where more family lived. Keeping those family bonds strong was important to Pia, especially so with her grandchildren. There was never a shortage of hugs and kisses when nonna was around, and she would faun over them at every opportunity. They all brought her so much joy and they will miss her dearly.

Pia is survived by her devoted husband Anthony of Wayne, by her children; Marie Caporaso and her husband David of Wayne, NJ, Michael Alviani of Bernardsville, NJ, and Joseph Alviani and his wife Jennifer of Fredon, NJ, seven grandchildren; David Caporaso of New York, NY, Laura Caporaso of Wayne, NJ, Christopher Alviani of Syracuse, NY, Nicholas Alviani of Eugene, OR, Robert Alviani of Bernardsville, NJ, and Ryan and Peyton Alviani of Fredon, NJ, one sister; Elvira Mammone of Italy. She was predeceased by two brothers; Vincenzo and Giuseppe De Ciantis of Sora, Italy.

If friends so wish, memorial donations in Pia's name would be appreciated to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, N.J. 07470.

Marie Carroll (nee Higgins), 86 of Highland Lakes, NJ died peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 in Suffern, NY. Marie lived in Wayne for forty years before moving to Highland Lakes in 1996.

Marie grew up in the Stoney Road neighborhood of Paterson where she enjoyed a fun childhood. Daily life revolved around her large, extended family and their local church; St. Bonaventure’s. Marie was raised in that church and developed a very strong faith in Christ. She was very proud of her Irish heritage as well. If you knew Marie, then you knew she was Irish! She had a wicked sense of humor, was always ready to go have some fun, and she truly knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. Of course, on the rare occasion that someone upset her, she was very capable of delivering the dreaded “Higgins glare;” squinting her eyes just so, tilting her head a bit, and without a word being spoken, she let you know how displeased she was. Her six daughters can all attest to the power of the “Higgins glare.” Naturally, she loved her family very much and there wasn’t anything she wanted more than to spent time with all of them. She was blessed with ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Marie was a sports fan and in true Irish form, she was always rooting for Notre Dame’s ‘Fighting Irish,’ but the New York GIANTS were he favorite football team. A loyal and devoted GIANTS fan, it was commonplace to find Marie yelling passionately at the TV set on Sunday afternoon, chastising the players or the officials for not doing their best. It was well known among her family that no one was to speak to her during a GIANTS game, and heaven forbid you try to call her on the phone when the GIANTS were playing – you would quickly learn to never do that again! Outside of football season, Marie enjoyed reading mystery novels, listening to Frank Sinatra, and doing her word search puzzles nearly every day. Summer vacations to Lavallette were an annual occurrence for many years; the last week of July through the first week of August was family time down the shore! Those were special times and her children have many memories to cherish for years to come.

Marie met her husband Edmund when they were in their early teens. Truly “high school sweethearts,” they dated for several years before marrying at St. Bon's on March 17, 1951, which was, of all days; St. Patrick’s Day! The wedding and celebration that followed was one for the history books, complete with a honeymooned at Niagara Falls. The two of them were soul mates; very loving and devoted to each other. They enjoyed traditional Sunday drives, vacations to Ireland, and they took in the occasional horse race at the Monmouth track as well. Sadly, Ed passed in 1988 after a brief struggle with ALS. They had just celebrated their thirty-seventh anniversary that year and Marie has missed him dearly ever since.

Marie was predeceased by her sisters, Kathleen Kearns & Margaret Patterson and her brother Charles.

Marie is survived by her six daughters; Ellen Buchney (Tom) of Highland Lakes, NJ, Jayne Maguire (Richard) of Marco Island, FL, Mary Rist (Ron) of Glenwood, NJ, Christine Cooper (Russel) of Franklin, NJ, Kathleen McCall of Marco Island, FL, and Beth Ann Blake (Tucker) of Vernon, NJ, her sister; Jean Trommelen (John) of Totowa Boro, NJ, one brother; Joseph Higgins (Gina) of Wyckoff, ten grandchildren: Maegan, Michael, Caitlyn, Danny, Shannon, Colleen, Kyle, Erik, Connor, and Devyn, and five great-grandchildren.

Donations to ALS Association of Greater NY, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004 or visit:www.als-ny.org.

Margaret “Peggy” Giannetti, age 75 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

She was born in Haledon and graduated from Central High School in Paterson with the Class of 1958. When she was just five years old her father passed away and the family moved from relatives home to relatives home for many of her formative years. When she was thirteen years old she repeatedly walked back and forth in front of the candy store in the Stony Road Section of Paterson with the hopes of catching a cute boy named Salvatore Giannetti’s eye. Salvatore did spy her and soon they had their first date. From the candy store to Garret Mountain their love spanned 60 years. Peggy loved Sal’s big Italian family. They soon fell in love and married on March 29, 1959 at the Wyckoff Reformed Church and honeymooned in Washington D.C. Soon after their marriage Peggy dedicated herself to changing her religious affiliation to become a Catholic. They later had another wedding in the Catholic tradition. After being married the young couple found an apartment in Paterson and lived in Haledon before moving to Wayne in 1963.

Peggy’s first job was as a punch card telephone operator for NJ Bell Telephone in Paterson. She saved every penny she could for their wedding and would buy china one piece at a time. Once married Peggy stopped working and dedicated herself to raising her two children Salvatore and Robert. Once the boys were old enough she would return to work as a Dietician at The Diet Center in Wayne and later worked in the jewelry industry to assist family and friends with their business in Paramus.

Peggy will best be remembered as a fun, bubbly, sweet person with a warm smile and brilliant blue eyes. She was a great story teller, loyal to her family, dedicated to her grandchildren, and was the kind of person you met once and considered her a friend. Her family has fond memories of family trips to Hilton Head, South Carolina and to destinations across the United States. For many years she was fortunate enough to travel all over the world with her husband Sal.

Peggy was the loving and dedicated wife of the late Salvatore Giannetti (2009); devoted mother of Salvatore Giannetti of Darien, CT, and Robert Giannetti of Pompton Plains; cherished grandmother of Lucas and Robert Edward Giannetti; loved sister of Vera Falconieri and her late husband Carmen of Totowa; much loved mother-in-law of Ines and Renee.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, 703 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07503 would be appreciated.

Margaret “Peg” Rocciola (Matera) age 84 of Pequannock, formerly an eighteen year resident of Maywood passed on Saturday, January 24, 2015.

MARGARET “PEG” ROCCIOLA

Our Most Precious Peg has changed her address and gone home to her mansion in Heaven. She “Graduated to Glory” on Saturday January 24th, 2015, the Year of Our Lord. Our hearts cry out to one we love and miss already, so dearly.

We are so thankful to Our Lord Jesus, for in receiving Him and the great work He has done for all mankind, we are assured we will be with her again for all eternity. Thank You Lord we can receive You into our life, just for the asking, and be certain You have provided a place for us in Heaven’s Bounty.

Peg is a virtuous woman whose value is far above any jewels, she is a true Proverbs 31 woman. A much beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, aunt, sister and friend; showing forth God’s unending love in every life she touched.

Our Peg is a person who consistently spent time with God. Her dedication and tenacity to her Church is an example we would do well to follow. God raised up Peg in her lifetime for her part in His Work in Living Grace Ministries, as she traveled and assisted Pastor Denise Lanno with a “spirit of excellence”. Peg was also a founding member and integral part of Living Water Tabernacle and has left an eternal impression that will impact the generations to come.

Margaret Rocciola has fought the good fight, she has kept the faith, she has finished her course on earth, to begin her new assignment in Glory! We love you through eternity, Peg!

In lieu of flowers, donations to Living Water Tabernacle in the memory of Margaret Rocciola will be appreciated in accordance with her wishes.

With Much Love and Prayer,

In Him,

Pastor Denise Lanno

She was the loving mother of Peggy Richter of Conshoeken, PA, Judy Ruja of CA, John Rocciola and his wife Laurie of Pequannock; cherished grandmother of Dawn Bautista and her husband Edward, Heather Brock and her husband Nathan, Douglas Schroer, and Gina Simmons and her husband Louis; much loved great-grandmother of Madison and Samantha Bautista, Owen Simmons, and Lina Brock.

Margaret Ann, “Peggy," Bingle, age 74 of Wayne, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2015. Born in Orange, Peggy was raised in Kearny and had lived in East Rutherford before moving to Wayne in 1975.

Peggy was a Senior Library Assistant at the Wayne Public Library for 20 years before retiring in 2006. She obtained an Associate’s Degree from William Paterson College, and was one of the first women in the North District to join the Elks, a fact that she was very proud of. She was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge #2181 for 19 years, and joined the auxiliary in 2008.

Surviving her is her loving companion of 41 years, Anthony “Tony” Giordano and his daughters Patricia Sudol of Toms River, Debra Di Giorgio of Wayne, and Susan Lopez of Pompton Lakes, and their loving families. She is also survived by her brother William J. Friend Jr, and his wife Anita of Easton, Pa.; her nephew, William J Friend III and his wife Cari of Stroudsburg, Pa.; her grandson Louis Rossi of Ormond Beach, Florida; and her great niece Brianna La Padula of Bethlehem, Pa.

Peggy was predeceased by her niece Jennifer La Padula in 2012.

Per Peggy’s request, those planning an expression of sympathy in her name are asked to consider a donation to, Wayne Elks Lodge #2181, 50 Hinchman . Ave., Wayne, NJ, 07470.

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Proud Armenian and skilled woodworker and craftsman.  

Makarditch Maybalian died on Saturday, April 18, 2015. He was born in Dickranagerd, Western Armenia (current day Diyarbekir, Turkey) on September 15, 1923. He was the first-born child of Armenian Genocide survivors Dickran Makarditch Maybalian and Faima Mumci Maybalian. He was baptized at St. Giragos Armenian Church in Dickranagerd, the largest Armenian Church in the Middle East. He was exiled in 1924 with his family; they were given 24 hours to leave Dickranagerd. His father Dickran was forced at gunpoint to sign a document saying the family was leaving on their own free will and that they would never return to Dickranagerd.

The Maybalians settled in Aleppo, Syria. Makarditch’s brother John and sister Laura were born in Aleppo. His father Dickran was an expert woodworker just like the rest of the Maybalian family members. Makarditch attended the Armenian Evangelical Elementary School in Aleppo. He was a good student but he needed to drop out of school as a young child to help support the family. He started learning woodworking from his father. He had a thirst for education; he used to collect and read newspapers and magazines that the bakeries used for wrapping bread, to learn foreign languages. He registered for correspondence school and furthered his education in languages and woodworking. Makarditch was fluent in five languages: Armenian, English, French, Arabic and Turkish. The tiny woodworking shop established by his father Dickran was expanded to a small woodworking factory. Makarditch used trade magazines to learn more about woodworking and to build woodworking machines. His knowledge and technical expertise helped expand the family business.

In 1954, he married Zevart Nanorian, the daughter of Dickran and Victoria Nanorian, Armenian Genocide survivors from Dickranagerd. They were married in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church in Aleppo by Makarditch’s friend Rev. Soghomon Nuyujukian.

In the late 1950s, the family moved to Beirut, Lebanon. Makarditch valued freedom of speech, he was getting concerned with the political environment in Aleppo. They were blessed with three daughters, Sona, Ani and Arpi. Makarditch was a loving husband and father. His priorities were his family, his woodworking business and the Armenian community. He was a very traditional, strict father but he supported his daughters’ education and encouraged them to follow their passions. He grew his business and became one of the best-known woodworking factory owners in Lebanon. He used to travel to Europe and import machinery; he represented several German machinery companies throughout the Middle East. Makarditch was active in the Armenian community and his church; he was a board member at the Armenian Evangelical Church in Ashrafieh.

In 1976, due to the civil war in Lebanon, Makarditch moved his family to New Jersey. He moved his woodworking factory from Beirut to New Jersey and continued to work with his main clients in the Middle East. Makarditch’s health was poor, he had suffered a heart attack in Beirut in his 40s and he suffered a massive heart attack in the late seventies that disabled him for several years. He was blessed with three son-in-laws, Antranig Melkonian, Harout Chatmajian and Berj Abajian, and three grandchildren, Asdghik Melkonian, Arek Chatmajian and Shant Abajian. Even with his major health issues, Makarditch continued to keep busy with his grandchildren, with his woodworking business and by supporting the Armenian community. He is probably best known in New Jersey for the “Pari Yegak” trivets and the Armenian alphabet blocks he made and donated to organizations like the Armenian Missionary Association of America and The Armenian Relief Society. He was an avid supporter of Armenia Fund, always following their activities and encouraging family and friends to donate for the advancement of Armenia.

Makarditch was suffering from advanced heart disease and dementia in the last ten years of his life. His wife Zevart was instrumental in caring for him throughout his long illness. He is survived by his wife Zevart, his daughters Sona, Ani and Arpi, his son-in-laws Antranig, Harout and Berj, his grandchildren Asdghik, Arek and Shant, and his sister Laura. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He will always be there in their hearts and minds.

Louis Alaimo age 86 of Long Beach, New York, passed Thursday, November 26, 2015.

He was born and raised in New York City, the thirteenth child of the seventeen children of Salvatore and Salvatrice Alaimo. The family moved from Manhattan to Gates Avenue in Brooklyn where Louis attended Bushwick High School for one year. He had to leave high school to find work so he could help support the household financially.

Louis’ work history starts with him selling pretzels on Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn. He eventually found work at the Economy Bias Binding Company in NYC as a shipping clerk. This is where he would meet the girl of his dreams Rosa Semiday. He later worked at Cotton Arts Mills, his nephew’s Chicken Delight franchise, the Boars Head Meats factory loading meat onto trucks, and finally settled into a career in the banking business with the Dime Savings Bank of NY all in Brooklyn. While at the Dime Savings Bank he worked his way from teller to senior teller for all branches, to being the teacher for all new teller recruits. The management at the bank wanted Louis to become an officer at the bank but would require him to return to school and finish his high school diploma. Louis felt time with his family was more important that a title and declined the offer. He worked at the bank for many years before retiring in 1991.

Again Louis and Rosa met at Economy Bias Binding Company in NYC in 1947 and their first date was at a company party where their boss, Mr. Laden, insisted Louis escort her home after the party. Rosa lived on the upper West Side of NYC and Louis lived in Brooklyn; he continued escorting her home, they fell in love, and eventually he proposed to her in the hallway of her apartment house. With Louis at the age of 21 and Rosa 16, they married on February 25, 1950 at Saint Martin of Tours RC Church in Brooklyn with Father Hendel officiating the ceremony. Louis & Rosa did not have enough money for a honeymoon but Mr. Laden gave them a monetary gift which allowed them to go to the Hotel New Yorker for 3 days and see a show at the Copa Cabana night club. After their wedding the newlywed couple lived with Louis’ parents and siblings. The obvious difficulty of living with family was compounded by the fact that Louis, an Italian boy, married Rosa a Puerto Rican girl. The bias of inter-racial marriage was extremely strong in those days but love would prevail. Their first apartment, a cold water flat, at 464 Wilson Ave. in Brooklyn was too cold so they moved to 380 Central Ave. in Brooklyn where they had steam heat. Several years later they moved to the Alfred E. Smith projects on the lower East side of Manhattan where they attended St. Joseph’s RC Church and he became a member of the Legion of Mary. They tried a move to Puerto Rico but that only lasted six months or so. They returned to East New York Brooklyn in an apartment on Skank Avenue then on Weldon Street, and finally bought a home at 107-47 110th Street in the Richmond Hill section of Queens for around twenty-nine thousand dollars. They have lived in Long Beach, New York for the past eight years.

Louis will be remembered as a strong, hard-working man who had a great sense of humor. He was initially shy but warmed up fast. As a young man he enjoyed playing handball, family poker games, boxed a little bit, and was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees. Louis, contrary to popular superstition considered 13 his lucky number. He was the 13th of 17 children, he was born on the 13th, his wife was the 13th child in her family, and his locker at Dime Saving was 1313.

Louis was the loving husband of sixty-five years to Rosa (Semiday) Alaimo; devoted father of Salvatore Alaimo and his wife Sonia of Saint Augustine, FL, Lou Alaimo and his wife Patricia of Wayne, NJ and Dr. Michael Alaimo and his wife Judy of Malvern, NY; cherished grandfather of Hermes, Joseph, James, and Marcus; much loved great-grandfather of, John, Joshua, Alexander and Jesse; Great-Great grandfather of Sophia; loved brother of sixteen siblings.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church, 45 Urban Club Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Mae Joan Gooch, age 85 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2015.

Mae Joan grew up in Franklin Square, Long Island before moving to Washington, D.C. as a teenager. It was there that she met her husband Edward at the wedding of a mutual cousin. After they married, they settled in Uniondale, Long Island. When Ed’s employer, American Cyanamid, built their Wayne headquarters in 1960, they moved to a newly built home in the Lions Head Lake section of Wayne, less than a mile from the offices. The new community was in its heyday then, with most activities revolving around the lake and beach area. The children most certainly outnumbered the adults around Lion’s Head Lake and they couldn’t have wished for a better place to raise their family. During the summers, nearly every sunny day was spent at the beach where the kids would swim and play while Mae Joan read a book or socialized with her neighbors. Her family was her dearest blessing and she loved her husband, children and grandchildren with all of her heart.

Mae Joan was a also staunch Catholic and became involved with Our Lady of Consolation RC Church. She joined the Amity Club and volunteered in various capacities. She was a staunch Catholic and loved her parish very much.

Mae Joan was predeceased by her son, Edward in 2012 and by her husband, Edward in 1992. She is survived by her daughter Kathleen Oleksy (Jimmy) of Wayne, five grandchildren; Megan Darzinoff and her husband Hayri of Lake Hiawatha, Steven Gooch of FL, Kevin DeBoo and his wife Christine of Washington, NJ, Patricia Oleksy of Fair Lawn, NJ, and Jeffrey Oleksy of Wayne, and her great-granddaughters; Fiona and Ashley DeBoo.

Donations in Mae Joan’s memory would be greatly appreciated to her beloved parish; Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, 1799 Hamburg Trpk, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Lynda Mary Silvestri, age 50, of Wayne, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2015.

Since this past February, 2015, just before her 50th birthday party, Lynda began a brave battle with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, also known as LAM Lung Disease, a disorder that is so rare, fewer than 2,000 women are known to have LAM today. LAM overwhelmingly affects younger women causing breathing problems similar to emphysema. This disease is progressive and so far, unfortunately, there is no cure.

Lynda was born in Paterson to her proud, loving parents Joe and Rosemarie Silvestri. She spent her childhood growing up in Oakland where her family moved shortly after her birth. She soon was joined by her little sister Tina and they enjoyed a great childhood together. As she grew, Lynda’s parents become increasingly aware that she had serious hearing impairment in both ears. Despite her inability to hear, Lynda was a bright, pleasant and happy child who attended elementary school through the Bergen County Special Services program. She graduated from Midland Park High School with the Class of 1984, and then went on to further study at Gallaudet University, a highly regarded college for the deaf, located in Washington D.C. She graduated in 1987 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences.

After college, Lynda launched into a rewarding career in the banking industry, initially working for Midlantic Bank before settling into a twenty-three year career as a consumer loan officer with Valley National Bank in Wayne. Lynda loved her work and the people she worked with.

Outside of work, Lynda had a host of interests. For example, she always held a special place in her warm heart for the many pets that she was blest to be loved by and blest to love. These pets included Puff, the sweet little black and white kitty of her childhood and a host of pooches including a cocker spaniel named Sandy, a poodle named Pepper, a husky mix named Benjie and two of her favorites: Chipper, a shepherd/collie mix who had a special bond with Lynda, nuzzling her awake in the morning when her alarm clock went off and letting her know when the doorbell rang-two things she needed help with since she couldn’t hear; and her Brittany spaniel named Buddy who truly was a buddy! The two of them enjoyed long walks together.

Lynda was always creating things and using those creations to bless her family and friends. Cross stitching was one of her favorite leisure-time activities and she made lots of them over the years. Her cross-stitch projects, some of which include a Christmas nativity scene, a church, The Lord’s Prayer, as well as wedding themed ones she made for her sister Tina and other friends when they got married, decorate the homes of many who Lynda generously shared with. She also loved to engage in the activity of scrapbooking. Her father Joe will always cherish a scrapbook Lynda made for him to honor his service in the U.S. Army. It has a beautiful Army-themed cover and is filled with great photographs of him during his Army days as well as other cool and creative decorations to celebrate the pride she felt for her Dad.

Lynda always loved this Christmas time of year. You’d definitely find her in the kitchen baking lots of Christmas cookies which she’d share with family, friends, and co-workers. She loved watching cooking and baking programs on television – especially “The Chew” which was a show dedicated to the exploration of life through food. Her other TV favorites included Switched at Birth, and as a child she could often be seen watching Little House on the Prairie. Then of course, there was that classic Peanuts character Snoopy. Lynda had a special place in her heart for that lovable animated beagle and she was known to collect any Snoopy-themed trinket she ever laid eyes on!

Lynda was extremely susceptible to the travel bugs itch – a trait she definitely picked up from her Grandma Silvestri. She thought nothing of traveling alone or with friends to distant places and she took many trips such as ones to visit her friend in Alaska, her boyfriend Michael in Ocean City, Maryland, to a cruise of the Caribbean including the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and to Puerto Rico as well as Orlando. While those were always great times, she loved being home with her family just as much. Lynda cherished family from the time she was a young girl and embraced things like the long-standing tradition of Friday-night pizza – mostly from Pizza Hut, and when her sister Tina would come over there was no one who treated her more hospitably than Lynda. When her nephew Matthew would come over to be taken care of by Grandma Rosemarie, Lynda would come home from work and spend quality aunt-nephew time with him. They had a great teasing relationship and Lynda enjoyed teaching Matt how to use sign language.

Lynda was truly one of the kindest human beings you’ll ever meet in your life. Her thoughtful caring, giving nature was a blessing to her family and the many friends she made along life’s pathway. No one in this life is perfect but Lynda was pretty-darn close. She just seemed to love everyone and never seemed to have a bad word to say about anyone.

Surviving till they are one-day reunited in heaven are Lynda’s dear parents: Joseph and Rosemarie Silvestri of Wayne; her much-loved younger sister Tina Marie Cillo-Bennett and husband James of West Milford; her adored nephew Matthew Cillo; and her dear cousin Nancy O’Leary who, along with Lynda and her sister Tina, always did life together and soon became known as “The Three Musketeers”.

To help find a cure for that which Lynda battled for the past year, those planning an expression of sympathy in her name are asked to consider The LAM Foundation, 4015 Executive Park Dr., Suite 320, Cincinnati, OH 45241 (http://www.thelamfoundation.org/).

Margaret L. Culler, age 94 of Pequannock, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, November 4, 2015.

Born in Kearny, the third of five children and the only girl sandwiched between two older and two younger brothers, Margaret was raised in Haskell and Pompton Plains and was a Class of 1940 graduate of Butler High School. After graduation, she immediately went to work for Dupont Corp. in Pompton Lakes.

As a young woman, Margaret also worked at the old Donohue’s Restaurant and Night Club on Route 23 in Wayne. Her boss wanted her to wear one of those short dresses and walk around peddling cigarettes, but Margaret felt more comfortable simply working as a hat-check clerk. One night she had the privilege of meeting a rather famous patron by the name of Babe Ruth. History tells us that the Sultan of Swat was good friends with Mr. Donohue and therefore he visited this establishment rather frequently.

Margaret eventually met her husband Richard and the two were united in holy matrimony on Thursday, April 23, 1953 at the Church of God in Butler. Their first home was an old historic stone house in a place called Upper Black Eddy, PA where Rich was partners in a rivet factory. Sadly, they only enjoyed thirteen years of marriage before Rich’s untimely death. Now a young widow with no real ties to a remote place like Upper Black Eddy, Margaret initially moved to Philadelphia and then back home to Pequannock so that she could take care of her mother. She had remained living in Pequannock ever since.

Margaret was one of the most energetic persons you could ever meet. From as early as anyone could recall, she walked everywhere. Once, as a young girl she went to the movie theater in Pompton Lakes. After the show was over, she missed the bus and walked a considerable distance to get back home. She walked the soles off of many-a-pair of shoes, using her feet to get around well into her early nineties. Margaret always felt it was important to stay in excellent shape but how does one exercise in the winter when the ground is covered with snow? Margaret had the solution! She went to the toy store and purchased one of those indoor Nerf-ball basketball hoops and she proceeded to play basketball in her basement during the winter. As she grew older, she enjoyed competing in the Pequannock Seniors Olympics well into her eighties, participating particularly in the softball throw and various foot races.

Margaret kept busy in other ways too. She enjoyed good times with her teacher friends, traveling extensively with them to places like Puerto Rico and Western Europe, and she had a huge Kodak slide collection loaded on those big round carousels to show you the pictures of her travels if you were interested. She also loved making any type of craft that came along and she was very musical. She could play the accordion and the guitar – both electric and acoustic, and she liked volunteering in any way she could, like serving as a Pink Lady at Chilton Memorial Hospital or encouraging and helping the handicapped.

Margaret enjoyed her nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Her family will always remember how she would come over for the holidays – all dressed up in a fancy dress and high heels, only to organize and participate in an impassioned game of backyard football with those nieces, nephews and their children.

For many years she was employed by Reeves International, the exclusive U.S. distributor of high quality specialty toys. What more could her nephews and nieces ask for? Having an aunt who worked in the toy business was way better than having an aunt who worked, for example, in the insurance or cleaning supply business. Those kids always looked forward to their birthdays and Christmas because Aunt Margaret lovingly and generously gave them the best toys they could wish for!

In the past few years, Margaret needed extra help navigating the responsibilities of life. She had a number of different helpers but was especially fond of Jhoana. Margaret’s family would like to express their most heartfelt appreciation to Jhoana! You took such loving and wonderful care of dear Aunt Margaret. You treated her like she was your own mother and she loved and appreciated you more than you can imagine.

Margaret is also survived by many much-loved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her sister-in-law Hilda Arnott. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard in 1966; her four dear brothers: Wilbur, Robert, Russell, and Charles Arnott; her two sister-in-laws Lorraine Arnott, and Miriam Arnott; and her dear friend Doris who always said she adored her “Midge.”

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Margaret’s name are asked to consider Mobius, Inc., 319 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. This organization provides services to people with disabilities and was supportive of Ellen Ferrier, daughter of Margaret’s dear friend Eleanor.

Madeline L. Kelly “Madge”, age 89 of Lakewood and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2015.

Madge was born in Midland Park. During her childhood she lived in Passaic and Paterson where she attended Central High School. At age seventeen she began a long career as a linotype operator on the giant printing machines at the Paterson Evening News. It was 1943. With newspapers being the average person’s medium for receiving all the news of the day, Madge always knew she had job security. In fact, she worked all of her career with the Paterson Evening News, a total of 43 years, until retiring in 1987 at the age of sixty-one.

Madge met her beloved husband John “Jack” Kelly while out with friends at the local park. They were married on Saturday, June 28, 1947 and enjoyed a loving marriage that spanned almost 60 years. As newlyweds, they initially settled down in Clifton and lived there until 1955. That year they moved into a new home that they built in Wayne on MacDonald Drive. Madge was just tough enough during the home construction phase to build rock walls at the house and to help her husband Jack work the other side of a two-man saw, while pregnant! That house became home for thirty-three years and proved to be a wonderful place for Madge to raise her three daughters. In 1988 with the girls all grown up, she and Jack moved to Boynton Beach, FL. They enjoyed the Florida sun for 17 years before moving back to NJ in October of 2005. Madge and Jack lived in Lakewood until Jack’s passing in April 2006. As much as Madge liked to cook she didn’t miss it when first moving there. In fact she got a great kick out of calling her daughter, three months after first arriving in Lakewood, to tell her that she just found the pots and pans – in the stove. Madge remained in Lakewood until Christmas, 2014

Speaking of Christmas, Madge loved that holiday! Her home was often the place of large family get-togethers of twenty or more people including her brothers and all her nieces and nephews. The house was always filled with the delicious aroma of Madge’s fresh-baked Christmas cookies including Dutch treats like spekulaas and krakelingen. When she lived in Florida, she often baked these same delicious cookies for the local neighborhood kids.

Madge had several hobbies, one being dancing which she and Jack shared a mutual love for. Her children remember that it was a somewhat regular practice for their parents to head out with friends on Friday or Saturday night to go dancing and, for many years, it was part of many a New Year’s Eve celebration too. Although she didn’t get to do it as much as she would have preferred, Madge also liked to travel. She and Jack took one great trip together to Alaska and she especially loved the Viking river boat cruise that she made to Holland with her daughters Shawn and Lynne and son-in-law Kent. When Madge moved to Leisure Park in Lakewood, she rediscovered an old hobby – bowling! She created a bowling team and recruited anyone who was willing to join. She also took great pride in her role as treasurer of the Leisure Park Residents Association and chairperson of their hospitality team. Madge was also such a proud grandmother. Her eyes lit up every time she had the opportunity to see her grandson Adam Matthew England, a Physician Assistant at a Philadelphia E.R.

Madge was a loving woman. She had a humble spirit and she always put everyone else’s happiness before her own needs and desires. In 1985, when her beloved Jack suffered a paralyzing stroke, Madge dedicated herself to being his nurturing care giver.

Madge is survived by her three loving daughters: Madeline “Lynne” Hollingsworth and husband Kent of Highland Lakes, Barbara Fitzmaurice and husband John of Toms River, and Shawn Kelly of Long Beach, CA; her adored grandson Adam Matthew England and wife Elizabeth of Philadelphia, PA; and her dear brother Jay Hanenberg of Delaware. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John J. “Jack” in 2006; her dear son Brian Kelly in 1955; and her brother William Hanenberg, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Madge’s name are asked to consider Compassionate Care Hospice 350 Sparta Avenue, Building B, Suite 2, Sparta, NJ 07871.

“And though she be but little, she is fierce!”

Lily LaRue Anderson, 6 years old, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, April 6, 2015 while surrounded by her loving family. She fought a valiant battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) for the past eleven months and her fight can be summed up with a quote from William Shakespeare:

“And though she be but little, she is fierce!”

Lily LaRue, unicorn and rock-star, was a student in the first grade at Ryerson Elementary in Wayne. She won a poetry contest while in kindergarten and anxiously hoped to one day be in the school show; she was a real ham on stage and loved to dance! Her cell phone has all the pictures to prove that she was a “selfie queen” and recently, while 'making more room’ on her phone, her dad found dozens of videos she had taken of herself dancing for the camera! She loved to play “Wii Party” and “Just Dance” more than anything. She was an amazing Wayne Boys & Girls Club Panthers cheerleader and was blessed with caring and supportive coaches, assistant coaches and squad. She told her parents that she wanted to go to circus school. Her Shriner's Family had a large, loving part in that career path. She was born a natural clown. She was a real thrill-seeker who loved roller coasters and had ridden many of them at Disney, Great Adventure, and Hershey Park, just to name a few. She’d been to Disney World, her favorite, most magical place in the world, on many occasions and particularly loved the Disney cruise and her Make a Wish to Aulani Resort on Maui, Hawaii was life changing for all Andersons.

Lily was passionate about animals and told her family that she wanted to be a pet-sitter and “animal doctor.”- equally. Surely she was destined to be a veterinarian. Her favorite animals were Chihuahuas, owls, monkeys and there was a special place in her heart for unicorns. In early March of this year, just about a month ago, a family friend invited Lily to their farm and she learned how to milk a cow. She was a natural, and seeing her interact with the animals was priceless. This was just one of her dreams all of which were documented on her Facebook page http://facebook.com/lilylarueanderson

When Lily was diagnosed in May of 2014, her family prepared for a desperate fight. What they could not have prepared for, or ever even imagined, was how their community and many friends would take Lily’s battle on as if it was their own and charge into that battle with them. Her school-mates, friends, teachers, the administrators at her school and church all took the fight personally, and that’s only the beginning. The Mayor had her light the town Christmas tree this past season. The Wayne Hills High School Girls Soccer Team, named her an ‘honorary senior’ and gave her a soccer jersey with her name and “#1” on it, welcoming her onto the soccer field with the team. The Steven’s Tech lacrosse teams, both men’s and women’s, championed her cause and dedicated their season to Lily this year, making her siblings honorary teammates. Many of the lacrosse players ran in the Born to Run 5K race for Lily around Packanack Lake and they recently delivered a game ball to her family from their first win of the season. During this past year, so many great people and organizations came to support Lily, many of them anonymously, making it nearly impossible to thank them all by name. However, Our Our Lady of the Valley RC Church Family, Knights of Columbus, Davey's Irish Pub and Restaurant of Montvale, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty efforts altered the Anderson's quality of life during their travels and trials. The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors, however, specifically, has been a beacon of light with support, love and helping the family find support via The Valerie Fund Children's Center and Goryeb Children's Hospital at Morristown Medical Center as a home away from home. We are grateful in ways words cannot ever articulate. Nevertheless, be assured that Lily’s brief time here was made better and brighter by all that you did. Her family is grateful beyond words for the love bestowed upon Lily through all of your letters, gifts, notes, art, efforts, prayers, donations, and random acts of kindness. Everyone on #TeamLilyLaRue has been absolutely beautiful.

Lily is survived by her devoted parents; Brian and Barbara Anderson of Wayne, her twin brother; Brady, sister Jasmine and big brother Daniel, her grandparents; Sophia and Eugeniusz Zak of Boca Raton, FL, grandparents Garry and Sue Anderson of Paramus, great-grandfather; Paul Anderson, four aunts; Alicia Mustain and her husband Blake of Boca Raton, FL, Gena Zak of Washington, D.C., Alexandra Zak of Washington, D.C., Christina Zak of Wayne, and one uncle; Eric Anderson and his wife Marlaina of Paramus and Barnegat, NJ, three cousins; Madison Mustain of Boca Raton, FL and Brandon and Hailey Anderson of Barnegat, NJ, and a large extended family and friends of devoted loved ones.

Donations in Lily’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Lily LaRue Foundation, 908 13th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.

Lorraine R. Privitera, age 63, of Newfoundland, passed away, peacefully at home, on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.

Lorraine, also known as “Lorrie” was born in the great city of Paterson. She eventually moved to Wayne where she was a student at Schuyler Colfax Middle School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Edward Privitera. She was thirteen and he was fourteen when they first met.

After graduating from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1969, Lorrie went on to study more at Tusculeum College in Greenville, Tennessee where she received her B.S. degree in Physical Education. Ed was also a student there and their love for each other continued. Lorraine was very intelligent and, always hungry for more knowledge, she went on to receive a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.

Lorraine and Ed pledged their wedding vows before God, family, and friends on Saturday, June 25, 1977 at Our Lady of Consolation Church, Wayne. Following the reception at the Wayne Manor, they honeymooned in Bermuda before settling into their first residence together in Haledon. They moved into their home in Newfoundland shortly thereafter where Lorraine lived out the rest of her life. She and Ed enjoyed a loving marriage of almost thirty-eight years.

Before accepting a position with Camp Hope of NJ, Lorrie worked for a commercial airline but was let go because she refused to wear nylon stockings on a day when the temperatures were blistering hot. She enjoyed a long career as Assistant Director at Camp Hope, a beautiful 62 acre wooded retreat located on the shores of Greenwood Lake in West Milford. She retired in 2007.

Lorrie was a superb cook and her eggplant, veal parmigiana, stuffed pork chops and lobster were some of her family’s favorites. She and Ed loved to travel, especially to sunny destinations like Cancun, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. She was a long-time once-a-week bowler with a solid 140 average at Wayne’s T-Bowl, and she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life like enjoying a quiet evening home in the company of Ed and her three cats – Stanley and Precious, and Black Jack who passed away a couple of months ago.

Lorraine is survived by her beloved husband Edward; her sister Joyce and husband Charles Ernst of Allendale, and her brother John “Jack” and wife Ruth Salek of Crystal, IL; her brother-in-law Joseph Privitera of Richmond, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Lorraine’s name are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, NJ Chapter, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Lillian Anna Roehrs (nee Kleiner) age 93 of Bloomingdale passed peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2015.

Lillian was a secretary to Principal Walter T. Bergen at the Bloomingdale Elementary School and served as a Pink Lady for twenty-five years at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. She served as a medical secretary for Prudential Insurance Company in Newark for several years and later for Dr. Bluestein in Pompton Plains having returned to Chilton Hospital to serve again as a Pink Lady before formally retiring in 1987.

Lillian and Ted met in 8th grade when Ted had placed tacks on Lillian’s chair. They were dating while Ted was serving in the United States Navy. His ship hit a coral reef and he was told he would have a thirty day leave so he called Lillian and said “set a date.” They married on May 3, 1945 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in East Rutherford. They used gas coupons and drove Lillian’s father’s car, a 1937 Dodge, to Niagara Falls, New York for their honeymoon. On the way home Ted picked up a hitchhiker who fell asleep on Lillian’s shoulder. She did not appreciate this at all. They enjoyed sixty-nine years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Lillian enjoyed ice skating, golf, and played Duplicate Bridge for many years and was a member of the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne for eighteen years. She enjoyed traveling all over the world with her husband and have been to destinations such as the Greek and Caribbean Islands, Russia, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Africa, Greece, Turkey, South America, and China to name a few.

She and her husband were founding members (1949) of Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Pompton Lakes. They were leaders of the Youth Group.

She was the beloved wife of Theodore Roehrs; devoted mother of Barbara Tintera and her husband John Green Tintera of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandmother of John Tintera and his wife Sally, Union, New Jersey, Ashlie Garb and her husband Randy,Ridgewood New Jersey and Ryan Tintera and his wife Sayorra, South Korea; much loved great-grandmother of Martin and Teddy Tintera, Andrew George Tintera, Jack Emanuel Garb, dear sister of Mildred DeWitt of Vero Beach, FL and her late husband Roland, and pre deceased by her parents, the late John and Barbara Kleiner and brother John.

For those inclined to make a memorial donation in Lillian’s memory please consider the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terr., Wayne, NJ 07470 or Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 220 Hamburg Tpk., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Loretta P. Hartford, 87, of Pompton Plains and formerly of Nutley, died peacefully in her home on May 3, 2015.

Loretta graduated Summa Cum Laude from Misericordia University in 1949 with a B.A. in English and received a master’s degree in Philosophy from Marquette University.

In 1957 Loretta began what became a ground breaking career with IBM Corp. It was then that she developed critical concepts and techniques for the use of Random Access Memory on IBM’s 305 RAMAC computer, developing the first successful random access application. Many of these techniques are still in use today. After more than 20 years as a successful systems engineer, Loretta became the first woman in IBM to be named a Manufacturing Industry Specialist. Along with ninety seven men, and the two women who followed her, she continued to blaze trails in the use of computers to manage and control various industrial processes.

Loretta was very active in professional societies such as the Association for Systems Management (ASM), and the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). Loretta was elected president of the Palisades Chapter of ASM in 1971, and became an APICS Fellow in 1980.

Loretta and her husband, John moved to Nutley, New Jersey in 1960, and lived there for the following fifty years. Loretta and John were enthusiastic participants in square dancing and round dancing events throughout the U.S. They were also world travelers, visiting both usual and unusual destinations across five continents. In 2010, she moved to Cedar Crest, in Pompton Plains.

She was predeceased by her husband John in 1994, her son James in 2004, and her daughter Diana Hartford-Maoli in 2005. She is survived and will be dearly missed by her daughter Cathleen Hartford-Kubo, her son-in-law Lawrence Maoli, her grandchildren, Christy DeVito, Michael and Meghan Hartford, Danielle and Alison Maoli, and Anthony Kubo, and her great grandchildren Joseph and Thomas DeVito.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or visit www.cancer.org.

U.S. Navy Air Corps veteran, Airship pilot

Kenneth H. Froehner, age 93 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 2, 2015 with his loving family gathered at his bedside. He had recently moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

Ken was born in the small town of West Hoboken, NJ. In 1925, the town merged with Union Hill, NJ and is now known as Union City, NJ. At a young age his family moved to North Bergen. His family owned the local butcher shop and Ken grew up in the family home above the butcher shop. He was very active in Scouting, earning his eagle scout with a bronze palm. His first job as a young teenager was to drive around and collect payments for the Perry Coal Co., which was only slightly more appealing than actually delivering the coal. He soon became an apprentice at the Todd Shipyard in Hoboken where they paid him 35 cents per hour, but the work was grueling. General Electric was hiring apprentice mold makers, so he jumped on that opportunity and moved to Massachusetts. When World War II broke out, Ken and several of his fellow workers at GE decided to all join the Naval Air Corps together and they drove to New York City to take the test. Despite their plan to stick together and serve in the Naval Air Corps, Ken was the only one among them to pass the test, and he shipped off alone! Once in the Navy, he was made a cadet and sent for special training in the Naval Air Corps. Through several different flight schools around the country, including at Lakehurst, NJ, Ken was trained to fly blimps and became a Certified Airship Pilot. If you ever had the chance to talk with Ken about those years, you know how he loved blimps and how enthusiastic he was to share those stories and to tell you blimps were not ridged.

After the war ended, Ken began working for Bendix in Teterboro in an entry level position as a machinist. While working hard to support his young family, he also attended night school at Fairleigh Dickinson where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in engineering. Having his degree gave him the boost he needed to move up to the engineering department and he eventually enjoyed a career spanning twenty five years with Bendix. In 1976 he moved to Singer-Kearfott in Totowa and after nine more years he retired in 1985.

Ken met his wife Anna (nee Temple) at a church group meeting. Their first encounter wasn’t all that promising; Ken saw Anna from across the room and asked a mutual friend if he could meet her. When Anna found out, she went to the ladies room and hid there for the rest of the night! She was only fifteen and the whole idea made her nervous, but she admits that he was very handsome! A couple of years later, and purely by chance, Ken saw Anna through a store front window where she was working as a secretary in a real estate office. Ken went in and spoke to her for a brief time, then invited her to the movies. They began ‘going steady’ and he soon proposed. They married on May 27, 1944 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Secaucus and, since Ken was still serving in the Navy Air Corps, they enjoyed a very brief (one night) honeymoon at the Hotel New Yorker in Manhattan. Anna fondly recalls how they were upgraded to a suite that night, which cost them a total of $11. They eventually settled in Wayne in 1959 where they lived for thirty years. In 1989, they retired to Greenbriar Woodlands in Toms River, NJ, then in 1999 they moved to Chester, NJ to be nearer to family. Just last year, they moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

Ken’s greatest joy has been watching his family grow throughout the years. His own three children have blessed him with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, the youngest of which was just born a few months ago. Nothing made him happier than being with his family and it was a wonderful blessing to have them all gathered at his home when he passed. They will all miss him dearly. Sadly though, heartache also visited their family when Ken lost his son, Gregg Froehner, on September 11, 2001. Gregg was employed with the Port Authority of NY & NJ and was killed while trying to rescue people from the Trade Center towers on that fateful date. It meant a great deal to Ken and Anna when Wayne Township unveiled the 9/11 memorial near the public library, and with the naming of the Gregg Froehner Memorial Park athletic fields off of Runnymede Drive in Wayne.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of seventy years; Anna of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, his son Kenneth A. and his wife Dale of Pompton Lakes, a daughter-in-law; Mary of Oldwick, a daughter; Dorell McNamara and her husband Thomas of Wayne, seven grandchildren; Kimberly, Kenneth W., Meghan, Heather, Matthew, Kyle and Kathleen, and four great-grandchildren; Michaela, Hannah, Kenneth J. and Odin. He was predeceased by his son Gregg in 2001 and by his brother Elmer in 1992.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kenneth’s memory to Popcorn Park Zoo Associated Humane Societies, 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731 (phone 609 693-1900) or Atlantic Home Care & Hospice, 465 South Street, Suite 100, Morristown, NJ 07960 (phone 973 379-8440).

Lois Dath (nee Bader) age 83, a forty-two year resident of Pompton Lakes, passed peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2015.

She was born in Orange, NJ and raised at the family home on Elm Street in West Orange. She graduated from West Orange High School with the Class of 1950 and went on to receive a degree from the Berkley Business School in East Orange. She worked as a secretary on Maiden Lane in Manhattan and at the Mass Mutual Insurance Company in Newark . After raising her family she returned to work many years later after as an administrative assistant at the Union Camp Corporation in Wayne and later found work at the Midlantic Bank in West Paterson, a job she truly loved.

Lois met her future husband Warren Robert Alt at a square dance at the Hilltop Barn in Bloomfield NJ. He proposed to Lois at the Meadowbrook Dance Club in Cedar Grove. They were married in February 1953 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Orange and honeymooned in Atlantic City. Lois and Warren, following his US Navy enlistment, lived for a short while at Yorktown Virginia Naval Base. They eventually returned to New Jersey settling in Clifton. Warren was soon employed as a truck driver for the Flying A Company. He was killed in an accident on Route 1 in Woodbridge, New Jersey with his truck and died on October 31, 1961. Lois had three children ages 7, 5, and 6 months old at the time. She found love again and married Emile Dath Jr. on November 7, 1962 at the Methodist Church in Little Falls. They had a reception at the Friar Tuck Inn in Cedar Grove and honeymooned at the famed Mount Airy Lodge in Pennsylvania. Lois had a fourth child, Emile III (EJ) with Emile in 1964. The family Resided on Kirk St. in West Orange until the spring of 1973 when Lois and Emile moved their family to Pompton Lakes. Emile worked as a teacher in Paramus NJ and passed away in 1988 after twenty-six years of marriage.

A few years after, Lois met a lifetime companion, Mike Pagana of Wanaque. For almost 20 years Mike and Lois enjoyed travel , companionship and their large families of which both were integrally a part of.

Lois was a very social person who was easy to talk to and energetic. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, traveling and loved having family over for the holidays. She was a member of the Pompton Lakes Women’s Club for over twenty years and was an Honor Award recipient 2015. She was also a past vice-president and served as the head of the culinary arts committee of the club.

She was the loving wife of the late Warren Robert Alt (1961) and the late Emile Dath Jr. (1988); beloved mother of Janice Mae Sund and her husband Steven of Greensboro, N.C., Andrew R. Alt and his wife Deborah of Ramsey, Laura Alt and her husband Philip Lacher of Pompton Plains, and Emile Dath III and his wife Kara of Gilbert, AZ; cherished grandmother of Stephanie Vukovich and her husband John, Diana Doss and her husband Rob, Jenna Marden and her husband Allen, Joely Alt, Olivia Lacher, Benjamin Lacher, Kirk Dath, Jake Dath, Lexington Dath, Madeline Johnson and Gwendolyn Johnson; much loved great-grandmother of Nova Stairs, Calvin Stairs, Kellan Vukovich, and Kallie Vukovich; dear sister of Gladys Yates and her husband Ernest of Randolph, and Barbara Bonnet of Rockaway.

She was also the loving ‘Aunt Lois’ of Emile’s children from his first marriage, Joy Viera Dath, Linda Dath Heilig, and David Dath.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Pompton Lakes Women’s Club Scholarship Fund . Please make checks payable to the “Pompton Lakes Women’s Club” and write “In Memory of Lois Dath” in the memo section of your check. Please mail to: Pompton Lakes Women’s Club, c/o Judi Pivirotto, 220 Riverdale Road, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Lucille Nicoletti (Viglione) age 95 of Wayne, formerly of Belvedere, passed peacefully on Sunday March 8, 2015.

She was born and raised in Paterson having lived in Kew Gardens, Queens, NY, and North Bergen, NJ before moving to Belvedere 25 years ago.

Lucille’s first job was working at the Little Falls Laundry. She then worked as a seamstress at a manufacturing mill in Paterson before finding work as a telephone operator in New York City. She was employed by AT&T for thirty years working her way up to supervisor before retiring in 1981. She commuted to work in New York City from Kew Gardens, Queens, NY and eventually North Bergen, NJ having to walk nineteen blocks from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. She attributed her good health to this 38 block daily walk.

She met her future husband Frank in Paterson through Frank’s youngest sister Diana. They were married at Saint Anthony’s Church in Paterson. They honeymooned in Virginia Beach, Virginia and had forty-five years of loving marriage before Frank’s passing in 1995.

Lucille will be remembered as a strong, sweet, loving person who was very family oriented and especially devoted to her siblings. She also maintained a wonderful relationship with her mother and father-in-law as well. She loved to play the organ. She also enjoyed listening to opera, Italian music and traveling with her husband Frank to Spain, Italy, and various other destinations.

She is survived by her sister Agnes Delaney and her husband John of Wayne, and her sister in law Diana Rizzo of Pompton Plains and many nieces and nephews. She was was predeceased by her husband Frank Nicoletti and her brothers Anthony Viglione, Andrew Viglione, and a sister Antoinette Fairchild.

With his loved ones gathered round, Lenard “Lenny” E. Rink, age 51, of Hamburg and formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully from this life into God’s loving, eternal presence, on Friday, August 28, 2015.

A long-time resident of Wayne, Lenny graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1982 and had been living in Hamburg since 1998.

From the time he was a little boy, Lenny showed an enthusiastic interest in cars. He purchased his first car, a VW Bug at 14! His crown jewel, a 1965 Chevy Impala SS, joined his collection at age 16 and remains in the garage today. Over the next 35 years, he had many others including a Chevy Corvair, Monte Carlos, El Caminos, Firebirds and Silverados (notice the theme – General Motors cars). He even had an AMC Rambler Classic during his high school years. In all, Lenny bought and sold well over a hundred cars in his lifetime, and he still owned about a dozen. He started doing engine repairs when he was a teenager and while most people hang tire swings, bird feeders and Christmas lights from their tree branches, in the Rink’s yard, it was chains to pull engines that hung from the trees. While that was years ago, there are still ruts in the tree bark from the weight of those engines. He quickly became a master auto mechanic who was so gifted, his father said that Lenny could change a Volkswagen engine in just two hours.

Lenny also loved to go fishing! Sometimes he’d just call his dad up and say “come on Dad, we’re goin fishin!” His dad would go over to Lenny’s house which, at the time, happened to be right on the banks of the Passaic River. It was in the flood section of Wayne and, Lenny always referred to this as “living down on the bayou.” Lenny was a little carefree and crazy back then. Just for fun, he and his friends would sink each other’s boats. This proved to be no problem for Lenny though. He was really good at fixing things, and he’d say, "I’ll just MacGyver it!”

It’s no wonder that after high school, Len embarked on a career as an auto mechanic. He worked initially in the Service Department of the Willowbrook Mall Sears and later for other auto and small engine repair businesses. Probably inspired by his mother Shirley, a school teacher, Lenny ultimately developed a desire to enter the field of education also. While continuing to work full time, he earned his teaching degree and certification from Kean University and went on to teach industrial arts classes in the Cedar Grove and Newark public school systems. In 1998, Lenny found his dream job in the position of auto shop teacher at the Wallkill Valley Regional High School in Hardyston. It was fun and fulfilling to teach young people how to fix automobiles, and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with them. He often let them work on his cars, towing them into the shop with a tow truck he owned and affectionately called Beulah. He also worked with the students to build demolition derby cars which he drove at the Sussex County Fair. While there was no disputing that Lenny was a well-qualified and excellent auto shop teacher, he was just as concerned about preparing his students for life’s responsibilities. He would regularly remind them that “there are no free rides in life!” You could say that Lenny was just as much about teaching values and integrity as he was about teaching kids how to clean a carburetor.

In 1995, Lenny’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Several courses of chemotherapy, radiation, and trips to Seattle for a bone marrow transplant and leukocyte infusion from his sister, Lisa, eventually resulted in remission. While the remission lasted over 19 years, the treatments also produced chronic side effects. There were plenty of days when Lenny experienced a lot of pain and discomfort but, motivated by the desire to make a difference in a young person’s life, he set aside his own needs and went to work. In all, Lenny worked fifteen years until his illness forced him to retire in 2013.

Lenny was the product of a great up-bringing by his loving parents Edmund and Shirley Rink. It was his parents that taught him about Jesus’ love and grace. His grandpa, Russ Skaling, who was a missionary and one of Lenny’s best friends and mentors, had a very positive influence too. They shared a special bond and Lenny would often seek Grandpa's advice when he faced life’s challenges. Grandpa and Lenny spent many long hours working on car and other improvement projects together and sharing thoughts about God's goodness. Lenny attended Wayne Christian Assembly where he grew in his faith and trust in God. It was this faith that defined who Len was, not the leukemia related issues that warred against his body. His faith also pushed him to encourage others he knew who were experiencing illnesses or tough times of their own. Many people found the inspiration to press on because of the uplifting letters that Lenny sent.

Lenny will be remembered for his kind heart, his never ending encouragement, and his ability to find the good in all situations. Many have benefited from Len's mentoring and support over the years. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his parents: Edmund and Shirley Rink of Wayne; his sister Lisa and husband Glenn MacMoyle of Blairstown, and his former wife Sandy Leo of Hamburg.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Lenny’s name are asked to consider a memorial gift to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109

(http://www.fredhutch.org/en/ways-to-give/honor-memorial/honor-memorial-gifts-cards.html), or Wayne Christian Assembly Youth Programs.

Leonard C. Sielski, age 78, of Paterson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2015, while his wife, children and grandchildren stood lovingly by his side.

Lenny was born in Jersey City, one of Charles and Anna Sielski’s seven children. He called Jersey City home until joining the U.S. Army in 1955 at age eighteen. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, continuing after to serve in the Army Reserves until 1963.

One night in 1957 Lenny attended a polka dance at a dance hall in Dover. There he was introduced to a lovely young gal named Lillian Goik. Now Lenny was an accomplished Polka dancer and it didn’t take long for him to realize that Lillian was too. They impressed each other with their dancing abilities and really fell for each other that night. They married on Saturday, June 13, 1959 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on River Street in Paterson. A reception followed at the Polish hall and while Lenny didn’t have to pay for the reception, to this day, he still had numerous expense receipts from that night. It’s interesting to note that the chicken dinners that were served at the reception were $2.50 each and the open bar was approximately $100 for the whole night. Following a honeymoon in Miami Beach, FL, the newlyweds moved into the house in Paterson where they’ve lived all their 56 years in a wonderful loving marriage together.

Lenny and Lillian were blessed with two sons. Lillian cared for matters of raising those boys and taking care of their home, while also working throughout the years at Barnett Hospital and GAF, and Lenny enjoyed a thirty-year career as an accounting manager with Hostess Brands/Wonder Bread in Paterson. Lenny always worked hard but he enjoyed it. Following retirement from Wonder Bread, he worked into his seventies for Entenmann’s and Drakes and Foods, retiring completely in 2008.

First and foremost, Lenny loved being with his family, extended family and friends. It didn’t matter what he did with you, he just liked having a good conversation and spending time together. Lenny was a great gardener and he especially enjoyed planting petunias with his grandchildren in the spring and tending to his gorgeous roses that probably would have won prizes. A determined-to-win gambler, he and Lillian took regular trips to Atlantic City where Lenny exclusively played the slots. His boys recall hot summer days heading down the Garden State Parkway with the 2-60 air conditioning on in the car (2 windows down going 60 miles per hour) for a day trip to Barnegat Bay to go crabbing. He continued to love polka music and enjoy dancing all night to a good polka band with Lillian.

Lenny especially loved the holidays and holiday foods, mostly because it was a perfect time to share with his whole family. A long-standing tradition of growing horse radish and gathering with his children and grandchildren to make it from scratch took place at the Sielski house every year on Easter morning. While Lenny could frequently be seen around Wayne either drinking coffee with friends or buying lottery tickets, it can’t be said enough how much this man adored his wife, children and grandchildren! He was very relational, sometimes showing up at his son’s house numerous times per week, just to have coffee or to help with a project or take his grandchildren to school. He always wanted to help them by lending a hand in whatever way he possibly could.

Lenny was a man of great determination who fearlessly demonstrated it by fighting and, for many years, surviving a seventeen-year battle with three different types of cancer. He always tried to live life to the fullest and demonstrated that great attitude by doing such activities as back-packing across Poland as well as boogie-boarding down the shore, both well into his sixties! He was also a man of faith who for many years attended St. Gerard R.C. Church in Paterson and later, Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. He learned many good virtues about life there and recently shared the following insightful words of wisdom with his family:

“Be true, patient, and compassionate. Always remember there are people much worse off than you. Keep close ties with family. They are the ones who will help you in times of need. Try to always think positive. It will help you get through many hard times. Live life to the fullest. You can never tell what is going to happen down the road. Always listen to advise from family – you may not like it or agree with it but at least examine the facts and don’t get hostile toward them since they are only concerned about your well-being. Have faith and respect.”

Leonard was the beloved husband of Lillian (nee Goik) for 56 years. He was the loving father of Mark Sielski and his wife Marie, and Brian Sielski and his wife Prin. He was the adored grandfather of Christina, Michael, Aleksandra, and Anastasia. He was also the dear brother of Theresa Rychalsky and is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Leonard was predeceased by his dear parents: Charles and Anna Sielski; his wife Lillian’s dear parents: Wasyl and Katryna Goik; two dear brothers: Walter and Frank; and three dear sisters: Mae, Jean, and Josie.

Because of Leonard’s great love for them, in lieu of memorial contributions, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending flowers.

Leonard T. Parsons, age 93, of Wayne, formerly Linden, passed Friday, April 10, 2015.

He was born and raised in Elizabeth and attended Elizabeth High School with the Class of 1939. The United States involvement in WWII, and the accompanying surge of patriotism, had young Leonard enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted on August 11, 1942 in New York City and was a proud Marine for the rest of his life. Leonard served in the Pacific Theatre of the war and was engaged in the capture and defense of Bougainville, participated in the consolidation of the Solomon Islands, and the capture and occupation of Guam. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on July 25, 1944 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of the war. He was shot, had shrapnel in his leg, and came down with a terrible case of Malaria. He was honorably discharge on October 15, 1945. He was a member of the American Legion Post 102 in Linden and a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization. His wife Minnie is quoted as saying: “His heart never left the Marine Corps.”

After his service in WWII Leonard worked as a machine operator for the Simmons Mattress Copany in Elizabeth and later as a roaster operator and freeze drier for the Tenco Corporation’s coffee plant in Linden where he worked for thirty-eight years before retiring in 1986.

Many years ago Leonard would ride his bicycle around the neighborhood in a constant search for a cute girl named Minnie Venezio. According to Minnie she considered Leonard to be a pest. Minnie’s friends told her she couldn’t get that guy…he was too cute. Again she thought he was a pain in the neck and she couldn’t get rid of him. Their relationship progressed from Leonard throwing rocks at her window and having Minnie’s mother yell out “go home Leonard – leave her alone and don’t come back,” to falling in love during a courtship of just taking walks around the neighborhood. Leonard proposed, just before Minnie’s strict 10 PM curfew, on the front steps of her house at 2110 San Caroline Avenue in Linden. They married at Saint Anthony’s RC Church in Elizabeth on Thanksgiving Day – November 22, 1945. The wedding was delayed as all forgot about getting Leonard’s mother to the church and she was stranded at home. Minnie also remembers Leonard’s father admonishing her: “make sure you take good care of my son.” They honeymooned in New York City and went to see Frank Sinatra at the Paramount Theatre. Leonard and Minnie have enjoyed seventy years of a loving, caring, and devoted marriage.

Leonard will be remembered as loving to go hunting, and fishing trips to the beach and pier in Long Branch. He also had a love of cars. At first it was Buick’s and later it was Lincoln’s. The bigger the car and the bigger the engine the more he liked them. He was also a member of the Knight of Columbus for many years.

Leonard was the loving husband of Minnie Parsons; devoted father of Joanne Young and her husband Dennis of Butler, and the late Leonard Parsons, Jr. who passed at the age of two days old; dear brother of the late Raymond Parsons and the late Jeanette Cashman.

Julia Cicillini (nee Grandioso) age 91 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2015. She had lived in Wayne for nearly twenty years before retiring to Toms River in the 1990’s, and then she recently moved to Riverdale, NJ.

Julia is survived by her two children; John Cicillini and hiw wife Marilyn of N. Haledon, NJ, Phyllis Reed and her husband Neil of Wayne, seven grandchildren; Veronica Finamore and her husband Phil of N. Haledon, John Cicillini and his wife Kelly Sue of Wayne, Julie Trapanese and her husband Jeff of Kinnelon, Anthony Cicillini of Wayne, Vincent Cicillini and his wife Angie of Arizona, Christina Rosselot and her husband Ryan of Great Meadows, NJ, and Mark Reed of Lopatcong, NJ, nine great-grandchildren; Leo, Dominic, Nicholas, Victoria, Ava, Jordana, Daniela, Alissa, and Liliana. She was predeceased by her son Vincent in 2014 and by her beloved husband Anthony in 1999.

Judith M. Seliga, (nee Sparmann), age 71 of North Bergen, died on Wednesday, September 2, 2015. She was born in Jersey City and had lived in North Bergen for more than forty years.

Judy was an only child and lost her father when she was just two years old, a casualty of World War II. Raised by her mother and loving aunts, she graduated from Seton Hall as a Registered Nurse. She enjoyed a career spanning forty years as a public nurse with the Township of North Bergen, in both the Housing Authority and the Health Department. She absolutely loved her job. She was a very caring person, friendly and kind by anyone’s measure. Serving the residents of North Bergen was a joy and she endeared herself to many of those families. She retired in 2008.

Judy enjoyed reading and watching movies. She was devoted to her community and Catholic faith as a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in North Bergen for many years.

Judy is survived by her three children; Karin Seliga of North Bergen, Jeananne Estrella and her husband Fernando of Nutley, and Christopher Seliga and his wife Alecia of Wayne, four grandchildren; Christian and Ryan Estrella of Nutley, Christopher and Katherine Seliga of Wayne.

Julia A. Duderich (nee Sullivan) age 85 of Pompton Lakes, formerly of Lincoln Park, passed Monday, October 19, 2015.

She was born in New York City having been raised in the Bronx, New York. In the mid 1960’s, the family moved to Lincoln Park, New Jersey where Julia lived for thirty years and having recently lived in Pompton Lakes and Wayne.

Before dedicating herself to raising her family, Julia worked for the telephone company in New York serving as a payroll accountant for over 800 employees. She married George Duderich after initially meeting him on a blind date. They married on November 16, 1957 at St. Rose of Lima in New York. They had a marriage best described as “two peas in a pod.” They honeymooned in Montreal, Canada and that was the first and only time Julia ever got on an airplane. They went everywhere and did everything together; whether it was grocery shopping or simply a trip to the Willowbrook Mall – they were inseparable. Julia never got her driver’s license. She did try once; but after not passing the test, she and everyone else thought it better she not get behind the wheel.

Julia was dedicated to her Catholic faith. For many years she was a parishioner of Saint Joseph’s RC Church in Lincoln Park and more recently at Saint Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. For many years, she was a member of the Saint Mary’s Seniors where she enjoyed all types of activities with her friends.

Julia had a great sense of humor, loved all kinds of sports and especially loved the NY Giants and NY Yankees. She was dedicated to her family and during her sons’ formative years; both she and George would sit in folding chairs and were regulars at their sons' baseball games shelling peanuts for hours. She was very creative with needlepoint, sewing, and proud of her Irish heritage. She loved to bake and loved to make cookies and cakes. Julia had a sweet tooth a mile wide. When she would eat at a restaurant, she would look at the desserts first and often try to order one dessert to eat and one to take home for later.

Julia was the loving wife of 36 years to the late George Duderich (1993); loving mother of Michael Duderich and his wife Patricia of Wayne, Barbara Mennella and her husband Thomas of Wayne, and Ed Duderich and his wife Karen of Pompton Lakes; cherished and adored grandmother of Christopher Duderich and his fiancé Kaitlin Lavoie of Weehawken, Kelly Duderich of Arlington, VA, Timothy Mennella of Wayne, Jennifer Mennella of Wayne, Brian Duderich of Pompton Lakes, and Kyleigh Duderich also of Pompton Lakes; dear sister of the late Thomas Sullivan and John Sullivan.

Age 74 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. She had been a resident of Wayne for nearly her entire life.

Joyce Anne Call Tompkins, age 74 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. She had been a resident of Wayne for nearly her entire life.

Joyce was born in Paterson and moved to Wayne with her family at the age of five. After graduating from Wayne High School in 1958, she moved to Illinois for a brief period of time, then to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she lived for about two years. The country lifestyle suited her in Wisconsin and she owned two horses while living there. As fate would have it, her marriage was brief and Joyce moved back to New Jersey in 1965, where she had family that could help raise her young daughter. She settled once again in Wayne and has lived here ever since.

Throughout the course of her career, Joyce worked in the medical field as a medical technologist. She was a State certified phlebotomist and retired from Chilton Hospital after twenty seven years. She continued to serve in the field at the offices of several area doctors before truly retiring just recently.

Joyce loved to travel and took many wonderful vacations. She had been to Disney World several times, rode horse back on the beaches of Barbados, visited Normandy, France with a World War II veterans group, and traveled extensively throughout Europe. She even took a “cruise to nowhere” out of New York once, which turned out to be a great time, even though they only sailed around in circles! Joyce was also an avid bowler, belonging to a league at the Cozy Lanes in Fairfield a few years back. She had bowled in the 260 range on several occasions, using a ball that her mother had passed down to her. That ball weighed in at sixteen pounds, the maximum allowed, and Joyce could wield it with skill. As a young girl, she also enjoyed hunting and fishing with her father, something she reminisced about over the years.

Joyce’s daughter, Tracy, recalls her mom being a very good cook and could make anything well. The two of them did everything together and became “best friends” as their relationship matured. When Tracy’s son, Timothy, was born, Joyce became the best, most caring grandmother she could be. The three of them shared a house and were truly blessed to have such a loving home together, with all three generations living under one roof. Tracy and Timothy will surely miss her very much.

Joyce is survived by her daughter; Tracy Tompkins-Martin of Wayne, her grandson; Timothy Martin of Wayne, and many friends who were all very dear to her heart.

Joyce’s grandson Timothy is afflicted with cerebral palsy and if friends would like to donate in her memory, please consider the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation, CPIRF, 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10019.

Katherine “Katie” M. McGoldrick, age 35 of Washington, D.C. died on Saturday, July 25, 2015 after a brief illness. She had lived in Wayne before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1998.

Katie was born in Scottsdale, Arizona to Melanie and Joseph McGoldrick. Her father was working in the fledgling computer industry and new job opportunities presented themselves often and in faraway places. As a result, Katie lived briefly in Scottsdale before moving to Dallas Texas, then London, England, followed by Silicon Valley, California and then to Wayne, NJ when she was ten years old. She excelled in school and graduated with honors from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1998. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and quickly fell in love with the culture there. After graduating from college, she decided to make Washington her home and she has lived there ever since. She took her first job with Nature Publishing before joining the Smithsonian Institution about two years ago. She was thrilled to be working in the fabled Smithsonian castle located right on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Katie was a strong-willed, independent woman who confidently spoke her mind. She loved cooking, baking, and had a true appreciation for quality food. Her first date with fiancé Warren Dym was to Ella’s Pizzeria, but soon they were sampling all that D.C. had to offer, from Ethiopian to Froyo. After two years of dating, they were engaged just this past May. When Warren proposed on May 23rd, Katie was ecstatic! They had just returned from a trip to California and Katie wasn’t expecting it at all. Katie wanted to use her grandmother's engagement ring, given to her by her uncle after her father died. They celebrated her birthday and their engagement a week later with a fantastic meal at “Volt” in Frederick, MD.

Katie was so happy living in the Washington, D.C. area and had made many wonderful friends there. Her career was enjoyable, her friendships were invaluable, and her engagement to Warren made her happier than she had ever been. All of her loved ones, friends and coworkers will miss her dearly.

Katie is survived by her mother; Melanie McGoldrick of Lincoln Park, one brother; Thomas Schott of Mountain View, CA, her grandmother; Beatrice Lutkehaus of Cincinnati, OH, her Uncle Jack McGoldrick and his wife Betty of Sussex, NJ, and her Aunt Mary Dee Novak and her husband Robert of Cincinnati, OH, her loving fiancé; Warren Dym of Washington, D.C., Warren’s parents; Martin and Sabina Dym of Potomac, MD, Warren’s brothers; Jeff and J.P. Dym, and many cousins and dear friends. She was predeceased by her father, Joseph in 2003.

Those wishing to make a donation in Katie's memory are asked to consider www.beatlivertumors.org, an organization who's mission is to provide information, support, resources, and hope for those affected by cancers of the liver.

Jules M. Dom, age 87, of Whiting and formerly of Wayne, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

A native of Indonesia, Jules was born in 1927 in the city of Pekalongan. His childhood was spent there but when Holland’s rule of his country ended due to the Japanese invasion and occupation during World War II, Jules relocated to Holland.

Jules met his wife Louise (nee Alberti) while still living in Indonesia. They exchanged their marriage vows on Thursday, December 17, 1953 before the justice of the peace in Amsterdam and honeymooned in Paris, France. Jules and Louise enjoyed a loving marriage together for sixty-one years.

While in Holland, Jules began working for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. He remained in The Netherlands for ten years. Then in 1957, due to a shortage of housing and because he and Louise had a healthy spirit of adventure, they emigrated to the United States. They settled initially in Brooklyn, NY where they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Francine and Jules continued in his position with KLM Airlines U.S. affiliate. In 1968, they moved to Rutherford, then to Wayne in 1973. They remained in their home in Wayne for approximately 40 years, then, to be closer to their daughter Francine, they moved to an adult community in Whiting. Jules enjoyed a long and prosperous career with KLM, retiring in 1989.

One of Jules’ greatest enjoyments was playing Tennis. He and his friends often got together for some friendly competition either on the courts in Wayne and sometimes at the indoor courts in Newark. A football and hockey fan, he especially liked to follow the NY Giants and he occasionally visited the arena in The Meadowlands to watch the NJ Devils live! At home, there was oftentimes beautiful classical music playing as this was Jules’ favorite type of music. Jules was also into playing the horses via off track betting (OTB), and he was one of the lottery ticket salesperson’s best customers, regularly purchasing Pick3 and Pick4 tickets. He never hit the jackpot but the anticipation of being a winner was fun too. Jules maintained his ties with his family in Holland, making it an annual tradition to go back once a year to visit. He and Louise also escaped the cold NJ winters by going to Florida twice a year.

Surviving is Jules’ beloved wife Louise (nee Alberti); his loving daughter Francine and husband Joe Wiltshire of New Egypt; his two grandchildren: Lucia and Cassidy Wiltshire; and his three brothers: Harold, Emile, and Richard Dom, all of the Netherlands.

Jules was predeceased by his brother Robert Dom and his two sisters: Henny Remmers and Juultje Gallois.

Kenneth A. Kardux, age 84 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 4, 2015 with his loving family gathered at his bedside. He had been a resident of Wayne since 1963.

Ken was born in Hawthorne, NJ on Sept. 16, 1930 to Mina (nee) Bosland and Aaron Kardux. He started his first life path to be an architect. After 2 years he was drafted into the US Army where in the engineering school he finished first in his graduating class. After his two years in the Army he went back to his previous job at Fanning and Shaw. After one day he quit realizing that architecture was not for him anymore.

The GI Bill paid for 3 days of extensive evaluation and testing. The recommendations were for Ken to be a minister or be in sales. He selected sales and applied for a job at Jersey Carpet Corp in Clifton, NJ. He got the job and met a girl, Jean Ryan, who worked there also. They started going out but he had a dilemma, he could not concentrate on work while he was with Jean. He decided to quit his job to avoid being distracted by her while working.

His next job was the start of his career in the weighing industry. Ken became a mechanical engineer at Richardson Scale Co. in Clifton, NJ. After six months as an engineer he was promoted to salesman.

After his first year in the scale business, Ken and Jean were married. He was transferred to Syracuse NY and developed new customers for Richardson. Ken and Jean bought a house in Camillus, a suburb of Syracuse and started a family. Their 2 oldest children were born there. When Ken designed and had a home built in Wayne, NJ in 1963.

Ken sold for Richardson for 18 years. He sold automatic scales to various industries such as grain, concrete block, food (Gerber, Nabisco, and Pillsbury), rubber and plastics. His customers were located around the world. The products he sold were mechanical and electronic automatic scales.

Richardson Scale merged with Howe Scale Co. During the changes, Ken left Richardson and became Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Henderson Industries. After 14 years at Henderson, Ken moved on to Ohaus Corp where he started the Ohaus Automated System Division. Here Ken met Dan Garlen and they turned Ohaus products into systems. Ken patented a dual auger feeder. This was very special since it improved the accuracy by a factor of 100 times. Ken and Dan decided to become partners and started Kg Systems. The name is comprised of the first letter of their names.

The scale industry now awards the Kardux Cup which is named after Ken and awarded for the Outstanding New Product Award and is a sought after award given at ISWM Scale Conference every 2 years. Ken has many awards, either in the scale industry or in his personal life. He received the Woody Woodland Award that is awarded to honor a person who by his own efforts and services has contributed in an outstanding manner in the scale and weighing industry.

Ken was named “Wayne Man of the Year” for his work in his Church, the Scouts, and for starting a program in a nursing home to adopt patients that never had a visitor, which he did for twenty years till he got ill.

Ken loved to travel with his beloved “Bride”. They had a wonderful life together with love and happiness every day. They were to every state and all 7 continents, and many, many cruises. He loved adventure, flying in hot air balloons, white water rafting, going on safaris, sailing a house boat. Whatever it was and as long as he was with Jean, he was happy. When the children were younger, they vacationed for the month of August in Long Beach Island. After the Grandchildren came, he would take the whole family on cruises to the Bahamas and Canada, and finally going to Keuka Lake for years with the whole family. His favorite place in the whole world was his loved deck, which in his last days he was on all day. He was first a man of God. He loved his family and was so proud of his grandchildren going to their games as much as he could.

He was a past Elder of Wayne Presbyterian Church where he preached when his former pastors took some needed time off.

He leaves his wife of 60 years; Jean (Nee) Ryan Kardux, his son; Kenneth Kardux II and his wife Joyce, of Wayne, his daughters; Karen Stefanski and her husband Michael, of Syracuse, NY, and Kathleen Grenoble and her husband Glenn of Dauphin PA. His five Grandchildren: K.C. & Ryan Kardux, Rachel and Drew Stefanski, and Abigail Grenoble. He also leaves a sister; Marye Heatley, and nieces and nephews.

His family would like to acknowledge the wonderful help and support they received from two wonderful ladies, Jackie and Jasmine Gladden and also Passaic Valley Hospice. We don't know what we would have done without them. With them, we were able to keep him home where he had the love he deserved.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ken's memory to Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Drive, Box 1007, Totowa, NJ 07511 or to Wayne Presbyterian Church, 1200 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Josephine “Josie” Bruno (D’Anna) age 68, of Montague, passed peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2015.

She was born in Sicily, Italy (Siculiana PRV Agrigento) and came to the United States on Thanksgiving Day - November 26, 1955, when she was just eight years old, settling in Paterson, NJ. She lived in Paterson having graduated from Saint John the Cathedral High School with the Class of 1965.

Josie found the job she loved as a Dietician Aid preparing foods for special dietary needs patients at Chilton Hospital in Pompton Plains. She worked there for over twenty-five years before retiring in 2002 because of health reasons.

She lived in Pompton Lakes for many years and was dedicated to her community. She served on the Pompton Lakes Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary, the Pompton Lakes First Aid Squad, and as a Crossing Guard in the township for many years. Josie also worked at St Marys after school care for many years.

Josie was dedicated to her community but her real love in life was her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and really loved being a grandma. She truly enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of her grandchildren and was extremely proud of all they did. She was an excellent cook and the love she cooked into her Italian specialties and cookies will be greatly missed.

Besides her family she had a second family, she called her furry friends, outside the back door. Squirrels would knock on the rear slider looking for food, and the crows would call out to her from the trees asking for food.

Beloved wife of Albert “Butchie” Bruno, devoted mother of Louie Bruno and his wife Christine of Pompton Lakes, and Nanette Crift and her husband Gary of Montague; cherished grandmother of Garret Crift, Isabella Bruno, and Nina Bruno; dear sister of Antonio “Nino” D’Anna and his wife Sylvia of Livingston, Isabelle Siracusa and her husband John of Wayne, and Philip D’Anna and his wife Carol of Lincoln Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Renal Transplant Unit of Saint Barnabas Hospital (click on blue text to donate) would be greatly appreciated.

Jolene M. Flynn (nee Grabowski), age 45 of Sparta, died on Sunday, June 21, 2015. Raised in Clifton, she had lived in Sparta since 2005.

Jolene graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1988 and earned an Associate’s degree from Katherine Gibbs. Right out of college, she went to work for SmithKlein Beecham and left there in 2000 to become a full-time mom.

Jolene was the consummate mother and loved being a mom more than anything else. She had dreamed of having children and once her daughter was born, she found joy in life that only another mother can fully understand. Her family grew to include her two sons as well, and Jolene was euphoric. She loved them all dearly and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do to bring them happiness. Disney World was one of the most special places that she liked to share with her kids, and her family visited at least once a year…sometimes twice! She would take the kids as young as three years old knowing that they might not remember the trip when they’re older, but she knew they would be filled with happiness while they were there and that’s all that mattered. Summer vacations at Ocean City, NJ were an annual tradition for Jolene and her family. They would rent the same house every year, fill it with as many family members as they could fit, and proceed to make great memories each and every summer. Being surrounded by family was always important to Jolene; the more the merrier! She often hosted their family gatherings at her house and she loved to entertain. She was a fantastic hostess.

Jolene met her husband Brian in 1994 at Yakety Yak in Clifton. He spotted her and knew right away that she was the girl for him. They went on their first official date to a billiard room in Hackensack, where Jolene proceeded to beat him at just about every game they played! He proposed to her while they were in Atlantic City and they married on March 21, 1998. They honeymooned in Jamaica and settled in Clifton and Emerson before moving to Sparta in 2005. They have enjoyed seventeen years together and he stood by her side during these most difficult last four years. He will miss her dearly.

Jolene is survived by her husband Brian of Sparta, her three loving children; Victoria, Joseph, and Jimmy, also of Sparta, her parents; Robert and Marion Grabowski of Clifton, her brother; Danny Grabowski of Clifton, Brian’s parents; Joseph and Betty Flynn of New Milford, NJ, and Brian’s sister; Melissa Tolomao and her husband Jim of Rivervale, NJ.

Johng E. Hwang, age 80, of Wayne and formerly of Wanaque and Guttenberg, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2015 after a prolonged illness.

Johng was born in Korea. The youngest of four sons, he came to the United States in 1957 in pursuit of higher education. He attended Stanford University in California where he earned his B.A. in History and his M.A. in Hispanic Studies. He then attended the University of Oregon where he earned his M.A. and PhD in Spanish Literature.

Johng initially taught at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Once he received his PhD in 1971, he continued in his teaching career as Professor of Spanish Literature at Montclair State College – which, in 1994, became Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, NJ. Johng loved being a professor both in the classroom and out. Every summer he was excited to take a group of his students to Spain for more in-depth study. Johng taught for thirty years at Montclair State, retiring in 2002.

In times of leisure, Johng loved visiting New York City and, living in Guttenberg, NJ for many years, it was only a twenty-minute bus ride to some of the city’s best museums, plays, and movies.

Johng met his wife and wonderful companion Emma who was a professor of Italian Studies at Rutgers University. In 1995 the extended Hwang family gathered in Chicago to witness the marriage vows of this loving couple. They enjoyed ten years of marriage until Emma passed away in 2005.

Johng was a kind, intelligent, and gentle man – the perfect gentleman! His family is grateful for his life and happy that his suffering is over.

Johng is survived by his dear brother Jung Eun Hwang of Burnaby, British Columbia, and twelve dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Emma, and two dear brothers: Kwang Eun Hwang and Tae Eun Hwang.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Johng’s name are asked to consider the Montclair State University Foundation John and Emma Hwang Scholarship Fund, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043.

John “Jack” Van Riper age 82 of Kinnelon, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2015.

Jack was born to Wilhelmina and Harry Van Riper in August of 1932 while vacationing in Wayne, NJ. He was actually born on the kitchen table of their vacation home! He was raised in Paterson. During high school, Jack met a girl, Viola See, they became high school sweethearts and were married in 1950. They went on to cherish sixty-four years of loving marriage and raised four beautiful children. The family resided in Towaco for seventeen years before moving to Kinnelon where they lived for the past thirty-six years. Jack’s occupation was a New Jersey Licensed Electrical Contractor. He operated Van Riper Electric Co. Inc. for 35 years. During this time Jack earned his Teaching Degree from Montclair State College. He went on to teach the Electrical Trade at Bergen County Vocational Tech School in Teterboro, NJ.

Jack spent the last twelve years of his career in education teaching Special Education Students science. He was elected to the Montville Township Board of Education, serving nine years, three of the nine years as the Board’s President. He was also a F. & A. Mason and recently celebrated his 50th year. Jack was a devoted father and husband, he was always there for his family when they needed him. He had a passion for sports and was a dedicated New York Mets fan. Jack and Viola loved playing cards with their Friday Night Bridge Group in Kinnelon, vacationing in Aruba, enjoying plays and attending concerts. He was very spiritual and was a devout Christian. Jack touched the lives of many people and he will be sincerely missed by his friends and family.

Jack is survived by his wife; Viola (nee See), 3 sons; John (Jack) Jr. and his wife Susan of Tucson, Arizona, Robert and Carolann of Bloomingdale, Harry and Peggy of Boonton Twp., daughter; Dolores Dorrman of Rockaway Twp., 8 grandchildren; John (Jack) III, Shauna, Douglas, Kevin, Keith, Michaela, Joanna, Irene and 7 great-grandchildren; John (Jack) IV, Joslynn, Kaylynn, Dominic, Lucas, Brody and Emma.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s name are asked to consider The American Cancer Society 468 Parish Dr, Suite 6, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Josephine A. Dunsheath, age 82, of Wayne and formerly of Clifton, on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

Josephine A. “Tootsie” “Jo” Dunsheath, age 82, of Wayne and formerly of Clifton, died unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

A cherished mother, grandmother and sister, Jo was born in Paterson, the oldest of Alexander and Josephine Dunsheath’s three children. She grew up in Passaic where she graduated from Passaic High School.

Following high school Jo went to work as an Administrative Assistant for the ITT Corporation in Nutley. Soon after she married and eventually her role transitioned from office worker to full-time homemaker and mom. While living in Passaic, initially on Hope Ave. and later 6th Ave., she was blessed with a baby boy - Robert “Bob”. In 1964, the family moved once again, this time to Fernwood Court in Clifton. That same year Jo was blessed with the birth of little Allyson “Ally” - that little girl that every mom longs for. Three years later, she gave Bob and Ally a little brother named Thomas “Tom”.

Eventually, Jo returned to the workplace, first for a local publisher in Clifton and later for Popular Club – a mail order catalog company located in Garfield. Her love and devotion to her children, and later her grandchildren, was always Jo’s primary focus and it was through them that she found her greatest life purpose.

Jo derived great enjoyment from the performing arts and that love was contagious, especially to her son Bob who gained his own personal appreciation through Jo’s inspiration. When he was a young boy, she’d take him to Broadway shows and, to this day, he has fond memories of going with Mom to see Dick Van Dyke star on Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie and Richard Burton perform in Camelot. When Bob was older, he enjoyed returning the favor, annually taking Jo to several shows at the New York City Opera in Lincoln Center.

Jo was famous for her amazing birthday cakes, onetime making one for her daughter Ally when she was just a little girl. It was a cake that Jo created to look like a beautiful figure of a Barbie doll. Much to Ally’s horror, the cake was dropped and so her older brother Bob had to come to the rescue with an alternative traditional cake. When Ally grew up and had children of her own, Jo became a great source of support in the care of those children. Allyson’s daughter Samantha was Jo’s first grandchild and the story is told of how Jo didn’t want to be called “Grandma” or “Nana”, choosing the name “Grand-mère” instead because she felt it sounded a bit more dignified. Much to Jo’s chagrin Samantha couldn’t pronounce the name Grand-mère, choosing instead to call Jo “Jar-Jar”. The name “Jar Jar” was endearing and, as the years went on and Jo was blessed with four more grandchildren, they too called her Jar Jar. In 1996, Jo had open heart surgery. It was at this time that she moved in to her daughter Ally’s home in Wayne. Again, the love and inspiration that Jo gave to her dear grandchildren came back to her as a blessed gift as Jo often testified that her grandchildren’s love and devotion was pivotal to nursing her back to health.

Jo had a two-fold reason for taking trips to Arizona. First she got to visit her son Tom and his family; and second, she got to temporarily escape the cold NJ winters. Tom will always have wonderful memories of Jo’s amazing creative flair – especially expressed in the Halloween costumes that she dreamed up and made for him and his siblings. While her best creations included the ostrich costume she made for Ally and the Riddler (a character from the popular Batman series) costume she made for Bob, it was the Evil Knievel costume she made for Tom that was probably her finest moment as Tom was the proud winner one Halloween in the costume contest highlighted that year in Clifton’s City Parade.

Jo preferred to keep things in her life pretty simple and straightforward. Quiet and somewhat private, she was most devoted to her family, and if you were her friend, you were a friend for keeps! Other than trips to see her son in Arizona or her sister Reenie in Florida, Jo didn’t leave the confines of Passaic County that much. Despite this propensity for provinciality, she had an amazing world-wide consciousness. Aided by her love for reading, she enjoyed keeping up on current events. She had a great fashion sense and always exhibited a knowledge for what the most up-to-date styles were and what was going on in show-business. In her day she was a great cook and baker, belonging one time with a group of girlfriends to a gourmet club. Those who had the privilege of knowing Jo will always hold dear memories in their hearts and she will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her three dear children: Robert Marron and wife Denise of Astoria, NY, Allyson Minnella of Wayne, and Thomas Marron and wife Edith of Chandler, AZ; five adored grandchildren: Samantha, Jamie, Anthony, Alyssa, and Thomas; and her dear sister Irene Bonjiorno of Florida. Josephine was predeceased by her brother Richard Dunsheath.

Johna D. Dasteel, 94, an accomplished artist, died on December 15, 2015 at the Cedar Crest Retirement Community in Pompton Plains, NJ. Johna was born on April 16, 1921 in Buffalo, New York to the late Hanna Kopald and Richard Wolff Desbecker. A long-time resident of Essex County (North Caldwell and Essex Fells), Johna was the beloved mother of Lisa Dasteel of Rome, Italy, Wende Dasteel and husband, Neil Cuthbert of Oldwick, NJ, Spencer Sherman of Bernardsville, NJ and Derek Sherman of Sedona, AZ and grandmother of Carli, Andi and Dani Sherman. She was predeceased by husbands, J. Hart Dasteel Jr. and Carl S. Sherman.

Johna began painting as a child in Buffalo. She majored in Painting and Design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and in Advertising Design at the Art Institute of Chicago. An extremely versatile artist, Johna worked in a variety of mediums doing landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, sculpture and calligraphy. A member of many art associations, including over 50 years with the Art Center of New Jersey, Johna was the recipient of numerous awards.

Joseph T. Mysak, age 91 of Roselle, died peacefully with his loving family at his bedside on Saturday, August 8, 2015.

Born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn he graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and joined W.S. Doig, Inc. as a mechanical draftsman.

Joe served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a sergeant in WWII. While in the Fifth Amphibious Corps, Pacific Area, was instrumental in the illustrating and production of relief maps used in the assaults on Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.

Upon discharge from the Marines, he joined H.P. Gridley Co., N.Y. as a technical illustrator and was subsequently hired by Bell Telephone Laboratories as a technical illustrator.

Retired from Bell labs in 1980 after 30 years service. At retirement was a Public Relations Graphic Arts Group Supervisor. Illustrated many of their publications and active during the period encompassing the invention of the transistor to the advent of space exploration.  After retirement from Bell Labs, joined Datex Corp. in New York as Art Director, retired in 1985.

While employed at Bell, illustrated on a freelance basis, the IBM Journal of Research and Development, a monthly publication, for five years. Also on a freelance basis, prepared graphs for publication for the New York Bond Buyers newspaper.

Member, F.B Jewett Chapter of Telephone Pioneers of America, Marine Corps League.

Survived by his two sons; Joseph and his wife Susan Merett of Brooklyn, NY, and Charles and his wife Marilyn of Bloomingdale, NJ, four grandchildren; Nicole Mysak of Bloomingdale, Charles of NY, NY, Joseph of Wayne, and Paul Palmeri, one brother; Bruno Mysak of Jackson Heights, Queens, NY. Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria (nee Rutigliano) Mysak, five of his brothers and sisters.

Josephine A. Magee (Balistrieri) age 94 of Butler passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2015.

She was born in Paterson having lived on Straight Street. She lived in Newark and moved to Haskell in 1948.

Josephine worked in a balloon factory in Haskell where she worked packaging items on an assembly line. She later worked for the Artistic Weaving Company in Haskell and the Fiesta Hut in Butler, and lastly the Bloomingdale Laundromat before retiring in 1999.

Josephine will be remembered as a kibitzer, jokester, and most importantly a nurturing mother and grandmother. Her children remember her Zoro like skill at swinging a coat hanger at them when they acted up as children and her famous saying “wait ‘til your father gets home.” She was feisty, a hard worker, and self-sufficient up until the age of 90 when the family had to take her driver’s license away because of too many unexplained dents on the four corners of her car. Although they thought about it nobody had the nerve to give her a license plate frame that said “My other car is a broom.” She loved her parakeets, enjoyed watching soap operas on television, and was infatuated with Perry Como keeping a picture of him on the wall and refrigerator. Her special motherly touch on quiche, cheesecake, Sheppard’s pie, and all kinds of cookies will be greatly missed. In her retirement she enjoyed babysitting her neighbor’s children.

She was the loving wife of Robert A. Magee (1984); devoted mother of Robert J. Magee and his wife Evelyn of Butler, Barbara Chauvin and her husband Steve of Georgia, and William Magee and his wife Pamela of Oakland; cherished grandmother of Kelly Reape, Robert Thomas Magee, Randi Jones, Billy Max Magee, and Jesse Magee; adored great-grandmother of Ryan Jones, Alexis Jones, Kyle Magee, and Jack Magee; dear sister of Thomas Balistrieri and his wife Tomasina of Wayne, Rose Ricci of Wayne, Sally Thomas and her husband Russ of Vernon, and the late Sam Balistrieri, Concetta Avolio, Tony Balistrieri, and Sister Lucy Balistrieri

Memorial donations to Mary Help of Christians, 655 Belmont Ave, North Haledon, NJ 07508, would be appreciated.

Joan W. Verrone, age 69, of Wayne, passed peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Her family stood by in loving support at the time of her passing.

She and her husband Nick have lived in Wayne for forty two years. Joan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her beloved family and there wasn’t anything else in the world she wanted or needed but each of them. She was the consummate mom who became involved with all her children’s school activities and she continued to do the same with her grandchildren. Joan was an animal lover who always had at least one dog in the house, usually a few cats, and she loved to ride horses. She enjoyed annual vacations to Hunter Mountain, NY skiing with her family, and the Jersey Shore was a summer tradition. Joan was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne for many years and devoted to her Catholic faith.

Joan is survived by her husband of forty eight years; Nicholas of Wayne, her daughter; Linda Bonilla and her husband Adam of Wayne, a son; Mark Verrone and his wife Christine of Kennesaw, GA, four grandchildren; Cayla and Jenna Verrone of GA, and Nick and AJ Bonilla of Wayne, and one sister; Carol in NC.

John Kuczynski, “Ski,” age 89 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.  He was born in Hartford, CT and at six months old his family moved to Paterson, NJ. He attended Central High School, Paterson and has lived in Wayne for the past 35 years.

John’s parents Mary and Walter had seven children, of which John was the youngest. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, the State of Connecticut took the children out of the home and put them into foster care – all except John, of course. Since he was the baby, his mother hid him in a dresser drawer and told the State agents that she only had six kids, not seven. They searched the house thoroughly and after finding nothing, they left. The State continued to make surprise visits to the home, looking for any evidence that there was a baby present, but they never found him. Soon thereafter, his mother moved to Paterson, NJ, where she could raise her son without fear of him being taken from her.  In adulthood, John tried to have a relationship with his older siblings but found that they all carried a great deal of resentment towards him. It was certainly no fault of John’s that his mother chose to keep him as a baby, but sadly that animosity was something none of his brothers and sisters could overcome during their lifetimes.

At the age of nine John had to leave high school and try to make money to help support the family. His first job was shining shoes at the intersection of Market Street and Main Street in Paterson. He later sold newspapers. He would go to the Paterson News and buy papers for two cents and sell them for five cents. He especially remembers selling papers during the following memorable events: The Hindenburg burning and crashing in Lakehurst, NJ, the passing of actress Jean Harlow, and the kidnapping of the Lindberg baby. John also had jobs delivering groceries for the A&P in Paterson, working at a gasoline service station and eventually got a job at the Mountain Ice Company on Lafayette Ave where he cut ice into cubes to sell to ice men.

In 1943, John joined the United States Army and was sent to Europe with the 34th Infantry during WWII. He encountered German infantry in Castalina, Italy, and the Germans began firing a machine gun at him. He took cover behind a rock but was hit in the leg and ankle. He received the Purple Heart for his combat injuries.

After being discharged from the Army he returned to Paterson and married the love of his life; Gertrude Griffin. The two had met in Paterson and were introduced by a cousin while at Pennington Park. They married in 1946 and enjoyed sixty four years together before Gertrude passed in 2011.

John always had a love for performing and especially enjoyed taking roles in Pantomime performances. He was part of the Glee Club at Continental Can having sung songs like Please Mr. Custer and Little Darling; he also performed in a comedy team at nightclubs throughout Bergen County.

John is survived by his two daughters; Joyce Rondeau and her husband Don of Goffstown, NH and Linda Cascio and her husband Garry of Cape May Courthouse, NJ; cherished grandfather of six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; he was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters.

Johanna Willekes age 75 of Pompton Plains passed peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2015.

She was born in Barendrecht, Netherlands and came to the United States on a Holland America Line ship arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1951. The family settled into a home on Valley Road in Wayne. She has lived in Bloomingdale and Wayne before moving to Pequannock where she has lived for the past forty-five years.

Johanna was a member of the Ebenezer Netherland Reformed Church in Franklin Lakes and served with the Lois Circle at the church for many years. She served as the church organist of the People’s Park Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Paterson before they merged with the church in Franklin Lakes in 1972.

She was the loving wife of John Willekes; loving mother of Jo-Ellen Dolengo and her husband Brian of Bloomingdale, and the late Carl J. Willekes (2012); dear sister of Gerda Van Grouw and her husband Don of Pequannock, Julia Steenhof-DeJong and her husband Jop of the Netherlands, Gary DenHollander and his wife Linda of Grand Rapids, MI, and the late Gilian Pols, Mae Waterman, Jacob DenHollander, Elizabeth Tanis, Maria Groenenboom, Nellie Dendekker and her surviving husband Peter, the late Louisa Dendekker and her surviving husband John, and the late Christina DeBat.

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

John P. Hughes, age 90, of Pompton Plains, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

Born in Albany, NY, John was a resident of Nutley for many years before moving to Pompton Plains in 2009.

John was sole proprietor of a number of retail businesses, most notably Centre Confectionary in Nutley during the 1960’s and 1970’s. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Surviving are his dear daughter Ellen and husband Radovan “Ray” Djurin; his two cherished grandchildren: Alexandra and husband Eric Lindorff and Christopher Djurin; and his dear sister Ruth and husband Jack Shiels of Mendham, NJ. John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years, Florence in 2003, and his brother Joe McCabe.

John F. Kapp age 94 of Wayne passed Sunday, January 18, 2015.

He was born and raised in the family home in Newark. He moved to the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne in 1952 when his wife Fran insisted they invest in a house even though he was scared to pay the $14,000 mortgage. They borrowed the down payment from Fran’s sister Mildred.

John met a pretty girl named Frances Bennett at Joe Keelys’ Tavern in Newark “only 72 steps from Broadway”. John was told to propose to Fran by his mother who said “marry that girl and make it legal.” They married on September 29, 1945 at Saint Bridget’s Church on Plain Street in Newark. They honeymooned in Virginia Beach and had enjoyed sixty-seven years of loving and devoted marriage until Fran’s passing on August 23, 2012. Fran’s passing really knocked the wind out of his sails. Their deal was John was supposed to go first!

John’s first job was as a bowling-pin setter and he also delivered ice as a young man. From the age of nineteen he worked for the Walter Kidde Corporation in Belleville. He was known as a “natural engineer” as he had no formal engineering training but was employed as an aerospace engineer for many years. He worked until the age of sixty and only left because the company relocated out of New Jersey. He later worked for Valcor Engineering for ten years before formally retiring in 1990.

John was a volunteer for the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad and served as President of the squad in 1965. He was a member of the Nutley Elks Lodge, volunteered at the Elks Camp Moore, and chaired the Handicapped Children’s Committee for several years. He also helped to build the Holy Spirit RC Church in Pequannock and made his children volunteer along with him.

John was a great dad - you couldn’t ask for better; he thought nothing of piling the kids in the car to go crabbing for the day at the Jersey Shore. On one occasion he took all his kids to the shore but never put sunscreen on them. Everyone wound up with burns and blisters the next day. He also loved to swim. He liked it so much he would forget to keep after his eight children who were running around this way and that, on the beach. Eventually they would hear a whistle as one or more were being held up by the lifeguards in an effort to find the parent of the sobbing lost child. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was especially amazed by the technology that let him Skype with his great-granddaughter Lilja Jene! Friends from all over the country and the world were regular visitors to the Kapp household in Packanack, where everyone was welcome and fed! John never met a stranger; everyone loved him and truly felt welcome in his home. He was the kind of person who would do anything for you. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and was always dropping his pipe into the water. He had a fun, easygoing disposition and as his children grew their relationship transformed from parent-child to that of best friends.

He was the loving husband of the late Frances Kapp (August 23, 2012); loving father of the late Joanne Kapp (1956), the late J. Frederick Kapp (1996); Anita Kapp of Arvada, CO, Melanie Walk and her husband John of Monroe, NY, Gordon Kapp and his wife Gail of Lyndhurst, NJ, Andrew Kapp of Aurora, CO, Greg Kapp of NJ, Suzanne Mahoney and her husband Bob of Wayne, NJ, and Pamela Sachs-Kapp of Fort Collins, CO; cherished grandfather of Joanne Kapp, Kaity Walk and Jennifer Lebron, Sara Walk, Billy Kapp and his wife Lauren, Emily Kapp, Brian Kapp, Elizabeth Kapp and her fiancée Garrett Maki, Morgan Kapp and his wife Sarah, Justin Kapp, Logan Kapp, Shannon Mahoney, and Jake Mahoney; much loved great-grandfather of Maggie Kapp and Lilja Jene Maki, with another expected on March 13, 2015, and yet another expected on April 20, 2015; much loved brother-in-law of Jack A. Bennett.

John, “Pop-Pop” will be dearly missed by his loving Family. His sweet demeanor and propensity to break out into song or laughter were traits cherished by every life that he touched, he was loved by many and never made an enemy his whole life. We the family are truly heartbroken and will have a huge void in our hearts now that he has left our lives but are happy knowing that Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom are together again watching over us from heaven.

Those considering a gesture of kindness such as flowers or food are asked to consider St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

John “Jack” F. Eagan age 91, a forty year resident of the Lake Iosco section of Haskell, passed Tuesday, August 11, 2015. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY having moved to Haworth, New Jersey at the age of thirteen.

Jack graduated from Dumont High School with the Class of 1942. He was a US Navy Veteran of WWII having attained the rank of Ensign during his service. After his service he attended Columbia College in NYC where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with the Class of 1948.

He worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) for his entire career. He was an Industrial Engineer having worked at their New York City Headquarters and continued with them when they moved to Greenwich, Connecticut. He retired in 1989 after a career of forty years.

To say Jack loved to travel is an understatement. He was a member of the Century Travelers Club having visited 189 countries in his travels. Some of the countries on his list he had visited more than once. At the age of eight Jack lost his father and became the “man of the house.” This was a job he took very seriously. He sought out responsibility, was calm, supportive, and as the years went by he would help anyone he could. He was also a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Jack is survived by his two children Chris Eagan and his wife Violet, and Ria Eagan and her wife Pam; two granddaughters Kelsy Eagan and her husband Ren Richmond, and Kristy Eagan, one great-grandson Henry John “Jack” Richmond; and one sister Eileen Mack and the late Audrey Yatchisin.

In consideration of Jack’s love of the world, those considering memorial donations are asked to donate to UNICEF.

Milbauer Sr. - "Milbee" “Chief” "Sr,", age 62, passed Wednesday, March 11, 2015.

He was born on October 31, 1952 in Newark, NJ, son of the late John and Caroline Milbauer. John was a lifelong resident of Wayne, NJ. Graduating from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1970.

When John was just sixteen years old he joined Wayne P.O.L Fire Company #2 as a junior member, where he served as an active member for the past forty-seven years. John worked his way through the ranks eventually attaining the rank of Chief. He served as Chief for a total of six years, 1979, 1994-1996, and again in 1999-2000.

His first job was for Western Book Publishing in Wayne where he worked as a packer. He later worked as a truck driver for L.O. Mead Inc. in Riverdale, NJ and RJ Trucking in Carlstadt, NJ. In 1986 he started his own trucking company, Milbee & Sons Express Inc.

While working at Western Book Publishing, John met his wife Diane Robbins. For their first date, they went to Wayne Theatre at the Preakness Shopping Center to see “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” John proposed to Diane on her mother’s couch in Butler and they were married on February 17, 1973. The wedding reception was held at P.O.L. Fire Company #2 in Wayne. They honeymooned at Disney World in Florida.

John will be remembered for his love of the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and boating were favorite hobbies of his. His favorite snowmobiling destination was Old Forge, NY. His life long dream of building a cabin in the woods in Camden, NY, became a reality in 2002. He also enjoyed four wheeling in Tug Hill, NY. Fishing with his sons, family, and friends on the Black River and camping in Dexter, NY, always brought joy to his life. The family fondly remembers their annual two week vacation at Lake George, NY.

Many will recall his strong willed personality. Most will say his stubbornness got in the way, but it also made him the person he was. Recently at the hospital his family came into his room and asked what he ate, he lifted a lid on the hospital food and said “this is what I was supposed to eat” and then opened the wrapper to an Veal Parmesan sandwich he had ordered to his room from a local pizzeria and said “this is what I actually ate.” His personality came through even when John was on the operating table. Calling the family aside, the doctor said he found something they had to talk about. Thinking the doctor found something else wrong with John, the family learned that he really found a pack of cigarettes hidden in John’s armpit on the off chance John might be able to sneak a cigarette when nobody was looking.

John was the loving husband of Diane Milbauer; devoted father of John Milbauer, Jr. and fiance Cheryl Galley of Albrightsville, PA, James Milbauer and wife Melanie of Ringwood, NJ, and Jennifer Reilly and husband Steven Toth of Wayne, NJ. John "Pop-Pop" was the cherished grandfather of Jessica, James, Brianna, Hayley, Tommy, John, Gina, Cheyenne, and Brittany. He was the dear brother of Debra Antenucci and husband Edward of Bushkill, PA. He was predeceased by his beloved German Wirehaired Pointer “Bridget” and is survived and dearly missed by his Brittany named “Rocky.”

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the DaVita Lincoln Park Dialysis Center, 6 Frassetto Way, Suite A, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035-2055 would be appreciated.

John R. Jacobsen, age 85 of Pompton Plains and formerly of Newtown Square, PA, passed peacefully as his loving family gathered by his side on Sunday, March 15, 2015.

John was born and raised in Jersey City. He graduated from Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City where he was a real star on the track team, earning numerous medals for his athletic talents. As a young man, he also played semi-pro football in Jersey City.

John was working in the banking industry when Uncle Sam called him to serve his country. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War proudly serving from 1951 to 1953, then continuing service in the Army Reserve until 1959 when he was honorably discharged.

John met his wife Dolores while on a trip with friends to Lake George in New York State. They married in New York City on December 29, 1951 while John was home on brief leave from the Army. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage for sixty-one years, often the two of them being described as “inseparable” until Dee’s passing in 2012.

John enjoyed a long and prosperous career as a mortgage banker. Most of his years were spent as Vice President of Peoples Trust Bank in Hackensack and, prior to retirement, as Vice President of Central Penn Bank in Philadelphia, PA.

The consummate family man, John especially enjoying spending his discretionary hours with Dee, his two daughters and two sons. He loved to get up early to make everyone breakfast. The family home was located on two-and-a-half acres so there were always plenty of opportunities for activities like swimming, fishing or ice skating with the kids. John also loved puttering around the house and he took great delight and pride in his home, always fixing something on it.

John was a quiet man with a quick dry wit. He always looked for the humor in every situation, in the good times and the rough times too.

John is survived by his four loving children: Linda and husband Lewis Campanaro of Woodland Park, Brian and wife Beverly Jacobsen of Mount Laurel, Kevin and wife Karen Jacobsen of Fairfax, VA, and Patricia Jacobsen of West Chester, PA; eleven cherished grandchildren; four adored great-granddaughters; and his dear brother Robert Jacobsen of Morris Plains.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife Dolores “Dee” (nee Bunyan) in December, 2012.

John’s family is heartily grateful to his full-time care taker Chris Godsent. Chris’ dedication to John’s care was unmatched and to all of them, Chris truly was a “God-Send.”

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s name are asked to consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Please send your gift to Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5041, or donate online at www.michaeljfox.org.

Jayne Deborah Schneider age 89 of Pompton lakes passed away peacefully on Thursday April 30, 2015.

Jayne was born in Bloomingdale and lived in Pompton Lakes for most of her life. She was an office nurse for Dr. Samuel Bernson & Dr. David Berk in Pompton Lakes for 10 years before retiring in 1955. She would then devote herself to raising her 4 children.

She was an active member of the 1St Reformed Church in Pompton Plains and was a member of the Newark Pompton Choir. She was also a member of the Women’s Consistory and the Elder Guild as well.

Jayne is survived by her daughter Deborah Priestner and her husband James of Pompton Lakes; her son Thomas Schneider and his wife Mary of Pompton Lakes; and 4 grandchildren Carly, Matthew, Brittany, and Janelle. She was pre-deceased by her husband William Schneider in 1981, her son William Schneider Jr. in 2002, also her daughter Marilyn Winfield in 2000, and her sister Joan Rando in 2012.

Jean Marie Van Dalinda, age 68 of Haskell and formerly of N. Haledon, died on Saturday, March 7, 2015 with her daughters at her bedside.

Jean was raised in Paterson and had lived in the Riverside section before moving to North Haledon in 1982. She moved to Haskell in 2006 to be closer to her two daugthers.

For the past seventeen years, Jean has been working at the Hackensack University Medical Center, as a Credentialing Coordinator. She had also been a bartender at Bogey’s in Clifton.

Jean had a warm, wonderful personality and easily made friends. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. More than anything else though, she loved to lounge by her pool and simply relax with a good book.

Despite having two loving daughters and a host of dear friends, there was no denying that Jeans heart belonged to her cats. On one occasion, she found newborn kittens whose mother was only about a year old and too inexperienced to properly care for the newborn kittens. Jean took them into her home and bottle fed them to maturity. Once they were old enough to be adopted Jean had a change of heart and just couldn’t let any of them go! Seven years later, she still has those cats. She was devoted to all of her animals and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. Even as she lay desperately ill in the hospital just a few days ago, Jean whispered to her daughter that she was concerned for the cats. She truly loved them, including her daughters dogs; Romi, Amber and Buddy. They will all miss her dearly.

Jean is survived by her two daughters; Toni DeNoble and her husband John of Haskell, Roxann Unis and her husband Raymond of Haskell, two nieces; Michele Staso and her husband Larry of N. Haledon, Gina Mastrogiovanni of N. Haledon, and one nephew; Matthew Mastrogiovanni, Jr., of N. Haledon, her brother-in-law; Matthew Mastrogiovanni of N. Haledon, and a large extended family and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her sister Joan Mastrogiovanni in 2014.

Since Jean was so dedicated to caring for animals, donations in her memory would be greatly appreciated to P.A.T.C.H., 26 Lakeside Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Jean Louis Martin age 87 of Wayne passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2015 with his family by his side.

Jean was born in Lot et Garonne, France. He was raised in Bretegne, by his mother Jeanne Fitamant and went to school in a Monastery in France as a young boy. He served in the French Army when he was a young man of 18 – 19 years of age. In 1953, Jean went in search of the American Dream and immigrated to the United States of America. Within two weeks of arriving in this country he landed a job as a bottle-washer at Hoffman-La Roche in Nutley, NJ. He worked hard during the day and attended school at night. He attended Fairleigh Dickenson University at night and eventually received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. This was something his family remembers him being very proud of and after having accomplished this, Hoffman-La Roche then offered him a job as a Perfumer Chemist. He would hold this position for 32 years at which time he retired from Hoffman-La Roche.

Shortly after coming to the United States, Jean often attended French community events and dances in the New York area, and through these events and family he met a young woman named Marie-Francoise Le Bellour. Following a wonderful and romantic courtship they were married in 1964. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Wayne Township. They would call this place their home for the rest of their lives and would raise their two loving children Yvette and Claude there as well. Jean and Marie-Francoise cherished 50 years of loving marriage.

The Martin family never called any type of service to fix anything in their home, including their automobiles. Jean could fix just about anything. He had great insight as to how things worked and fancied working with his hands. His family remembers him as being a “Man of Science and Logic”. He enjoyed spending time working in his garden, he loved to read, enjoyed fishing, and followed many French related sports such as Soccer and the Tour de France. Above all of his interests and talents, Jean loved to spend time with his family. He was a truly devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family remembers how throughout his entire life, he always tried to set the proper example for his family. He was outspoken about the things he believed, and at the top of that list was family morals and values. Jean was an extraordinary man who influenced and touched the lives of a great many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Jean is survived by his wife Marie-Francoise (nee Le Bellour), 1 daughter Yvette Martin and her husband Pablo Barcacel of Belleville, 1 son Claude Martin of Hewitt, 2 grandchildren Isaiah and Isarina .

Age 21 of Wayne, died tragically on Wednesday, June 10, 2015. He was full of zeal and eager to begin his career with uncommon passion.

Jason A. de la Osa, age 21 of Wayne, died tragically on Wednesday, June 10, 2015. He was full of zeal and eager to begin his career with uncommon passion.

Jason grew up in Wayne and graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 2013. He joined the lacrosse team his junior year at Hills, a late start for a high school sport by anyone’s standards, yet he amazingly managed to earn team MVP by the end of the season! This is a testament to Jason’s competitive nature and his uncompromising will to be the best he could be.

After high school, he continued his education at the Universal Technical Institute in Exton, PA, graduating with honors just a few weeks ago. Along with one of his UTI classmates, he started a company called Reckless Intentions, LLC and they were planning their first drifting event at the UTI campus in Exton, PA to be held this month. Later this year, he was planning to further his education at the NASCAR Technical Institute located in Mooresville, NC and he had also been accepted into a technical program offered by Mercedes Benz. Needless to say, he had focused his enthusiasm for cars (and horsepower!) into a clear career path which he was anxiously pursuing. In the long term, he had planned to open an automotive business with this brother Matthew, where they could enjoy their love of cars together.

Ever since he was a young kid, he displayed an intuitive mechanical ability that very few people possess. He could take things apart and put them back together again without any instructions. One time, as a young teenager, he replaced the screen on his father’s iPhone without ever having been taught how to do so. He just took it apart, with pieces all over the table, replaced the screen and reassembled it…and it worked like new! As he matured, his interests turned to cars, motorcycles, and just about anything with an engine on it. He simply loved to learn how things worked, and how he could improve upon them.

There was something magnetic about Jason’s personality. Perhaps it was his character, his charismatic sense of humor, his compassion, his handsome smile, his positive attitude towards life, or maybe it was all of these things combined. He was a true friend to so many people and really cared about his friends. He was the ‘go-to’ guy for a lot of people and he would drop everything to help you. He would never say ‘no’ and was happy to be there for you. He had a great sense of humor that made everyone laugh. He had a mischievous bent, but no matter what prank he pulled on you – you just couldn’t get mad at him. He was a peace-loving guy who seemed never to be in a bad mood. His parents describe him as an “amazing kid” who always made them proud. Jason was a very grateful son and he thanked his parents often for everything they provided. His mom recalls how he never, ever left the house without looking prim and proper, well groomed, complete with a splash of fresh cologne. Jason was also extremely close with his twin brother Matthew, and their sister Krystina. They love each other dearly and Krystina could talk to Jason about anything and he would do his best to be a good listener, and he was never judgmental. Krystina jokingly said on many occasions that SHE should have been Jason’s twin because they were just that close to one another. Jason was simply a good human being, a great friend, a loving son and brother, with a genuine personality that people gravitated to. He was the kind of guy the world could use more of, and he will be sorely missed by so, so many.

Jason is survived by his devoted parents; Arthur and Reina de la Osa of Wayne, his sister Krystina and brother Matthew, his grandparents; Josephine de la Osa of Edgewater, NJ, Gisela and Rangel Roche of Union City, NJ, his aunt and uncle, Franky and Maria Roche of Middletown, cousins; Melissa Olmeda and her husband Jason of Middeltown, NJ and Arielle Roche of Middletown, NJ, as well as many dear friends.

Donations in Jason’s memory would be greatly appreciated to Reckless Intentions, LLC and mailed c/o Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

A memorial tribute honoring Jason has been posted on YouTube.  To view it, click here.

Jean M. “Jeannie” Gaviotis, age 80, of Wayne, passed away at home on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Jeannie was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn.

Jean’s first job was working as a clerk in the Woolworth department store in Brooklyn. It was there that she met her beloved husband Christie who also worked there as a manager. They married on Saturday, June 20, 1953 and enjoyed a loving, loyal, and devoted relationship for 46 years until his passing in 1999. In the early years of their marriage, Jeannie and Chris moved from Brooklyn to Buffalo, NY where they were blest with two beautiful daughters – Lynn and Evamarie. Soon after, they moved to Clifton. As a young mom, Jean served as her daughter’s assistant coach in the Clifton girls softball league. She also had a special love for bowling so she got Lynn and Evamarie involved in that sport at an early age too.

In 1968, Jeannie and the family moved to Wayne. She eventually went to work for Thomas’ English Muffins in their location on Riverview Drive in Wayne. In true Thomas’ English Muffin spirit one could say that Jeannie was very conscientious about every “nook and cranny” of her duties and responsibilities as an accounts receivable manager and new hire trainer for the company. Her family will always look back and smile when they remember how proud she was and how she loved to show them her shining written job reviews. She worked hard and deserved those positive reviews but Jean also had fun at her job and loved the many wonderful people she met and got to work with over the twenty-plus years that she was there until retiring in 2000. After retirement, she kept close ties with many of them by going to lunch or for some other fun activity.

Perhaps the thing that Jeannie was most known for over the forty-seven years that she resided in Wayne was her love of being a vendor at the Wayne PAL Flea Market. It took place traditionally on the first Sunday of every month from October to April and you could count on Jean to be there, peddling her wares. Over the years she developed quite a loyal following proudly referring to returning patrons as “my customers”. She sold a lot of jewelry and cosmetics as well as assorted items she picked up herself at garage sales or consignment shops throughout the year. Jean was herself a master negotiator who absolutely loved and embraced the whole flea market experience. She met a lot of wonderful people through this experience and she just flat-out had a lot of fun being a vendor. She was even registered to have a table at this Octobers PAL flea market and her presence there will be greatly missed!

Besides the flea market Jean was a big fan of a nice steak – especially one from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Weehawken. She always cheered for her beloved New York Yankees, and she had a lot of fun playing the lottery and going with her friends to the casinos in the Poconos where she usually played the slot machines but every now-and-then got brave and played some roulette.

Jeannie was a friendly, generous and energetic person who was always ready for a party and fun. Her family will miss the weekly calls and participating in activities like going to flea markets and garage sales with her. She adored her two grandchildren Lucas and Erika who she shared lots of love and good times with including a tradition of bowling every Thanksgiving at T-Bowl in Wayne.

Jean is survived by her two loving daughters: Lynn Gaviotis and husband Gary Edmonds of Bedminster, and Evamarie Gaviotis Whitestone and husband Todd of New York City; two adored grandchildren: Lucas and Erika Gaviotis Whitestone; and her dear sister Aime’e Balkjy of Wayne. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Christie in 1999, and her two dear brothers: Joseph Abdalla and William Albert.

Jeanine Hundt, age 55, went to her new home in heaven on Saturday, February 28, 2015.

Jeanine Hundt, affectionately known as “the bean,” age 55, went to her new home in heaven on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Her parting words were "Stay true to the Lord and He will be there."

A graduate of Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon she attended Montclair State College, for both undergraduate and graduate studies. She was awarded a Masters of Arts degree in 1986 with a major in Counseling, Human Services, and Guidance. She was a certified social worker employed by the North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa specializing in developmental disabilities. There she touched the lives of many clients and families in a very special way as an advocate and caregiver before retiring in 2012.

She was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley parish in Wayne, involved in the Women’s Cornerstone at Saint Anthony’s parish in Hawthorne. In her retirement she volunteered at Saint Vincent’s Martyr School in Madison where she was an inspiration to all.

Jeanine will be remembered as having a bubbly, determined, fun loving personality. She was a fighter through and through. Throughout her life she had numerous physical challenges and overcame each and every one with humor, grace, and dignity. Jeanine loved to go on vacation and was always looking forward to her next adventure. If there was a casino within striking distance all the better as she loved to play the slot machines. She had a love of sports with her favorite teams being the NJ Devils, the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and in her youth she was a dedicated Baltimore Orioles fan. Family and friends meant everything to Jeanine. She cherished her family and friends often serving as the Hundt family ambassador at family functions the others weren’t able to attend. She had a special love in her heart for her dad who was always there for her and who cared for her in a special, loving, and respectful way.

She is survived by her loving father George & stepmom Nina; dear sister of Msgr. George Hundt of Madison, James and his wife Kathy of Latham, NY, and Mary Papadonis and her husband Paul of Scituate, MA; she was loved by many nieces, nephews, and extended family, cherished by her many friends. Jeanine was predeceased by her loving mother Rose Hundt in 1997.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Vincent’s Martyr - Step Into the Future School Expansion Campaign or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund would be appreciated.

Jesus Aviles, age 50, of Wayne and formerly of Paterson, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2015.

Jesus was born and raised in Paterson. In September, 1979, when he returned to Paterson’s Eastside High School for his sophomore year, he immediately spotted this pretty little freshman named Marisol Rodriguez. For some guys, it might be deemed a problem that Marisol already had a boyfriend, but not for Jesus. He was determined to win her over and he did indeed steal her heart…..right out of the clutches of that other guy. Their first date was to Paterson’s famous Fabian Theater and, a year-and-a-half later while at her sweet sixteen party, Jesus asked Marisol for her hand in marriage, promising to love, protect and provide for her. Marisol believed Jesus and they married on August 19, 1981. Jesus kept his promise and they renewed their vows in 2006 at St. John’s Cathedral in Paterson. This coming August, they would have celebrated 34 years in a very happy marriage with many cherished memories for Marisol and all of Jesus’ family.

After the wedding Jesus and Marisol settled into their new life together and soon were blessed with what would turn out to be the first of five children – a baby girl which they named Jasmine. Over the coming years, they would also welcome Jennifer, Jonathan, Jelissa, and Tiana

Jesus had boundless energy and he found lots of places to burn it off. As a young husband and father, he worked three jobs so that he could provide for his family. He owned his own handyman business and there was nothing he was too proud to do. Lots of his work just happened to be in the schools his kids were attending, and when the kids got a little older, he was asked to coach their soccer teams. He coached for Paterson’s St. George Recreation League and later, when the family moved to Wayne in 1999, he coached at the Wayne PAL. The funny thing is he had never played soccer in his life. He just kinda winged it…..and it worked!

Jesus loved being with his family. His children and grandchildren will cherish fond memories of him dancing with them, telling jokes, or trying to pull a prank. His family gave him the honorary title of “Mr. Mom” because, besides doing all his jobs outside the home, Jesus also did a lot of the cooking, cleaning, laundry…..even sewing, and every year they jokingly gave him Mother’s Day gifts and a Mother’s Day card. Jesus was also the guy everyone called when their car broke down. Triple AAA is breathing a little easier now that Jesus has gone to his place of rest.

Jesus’ idea of a vacation was taking a cruise, and he and Marisol took lots of them. Every year they went on a cruise to such destinations as St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Cayman Islands, Cancun, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Barbados, just to name a few. Basically, take a look at a map of the Caribbean and Jesus was there! Everyone else had fun exploring, but Jesus’ favorite part of the cruise was getting room service. His last cruise was this past January, with a total of 85 family members and friends.

Jesus adored just about anyone he met, and he certainly had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He was an awesome grandfather who loved to tell you stories about them or show a video he filmed on his smartphone to anyone who would watch. If his grandchildren asked him for something, he’d always say “Yes you can.” In fact, they wouldn’t have to ask because Jesus was always asking them “Te Sirvo?” which means “Can I serve you?” and he wouldn’t give up until you said “Yes”. An example of how Jesus never said no occurred last November, 2014. One of his granddaughters asked him to go to an event at her elementary school. He wasn’t feeling well but he always said “Yes” and so he went. After, when it was time to go home, Jesus was going to take his granddaughter home too, but the school nurse, who knew Jesus well, observed that he just wasn’t himself. It seemed to her that Jesus was too sick to drive, so in good conscience, she wouldn’t let him take his granddaughter home. Instead, Jesus drove himself to the St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital where later that day, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Five months later, Jesus joined his beloved family for one more vacation, this time to Disney World. That was last month, and when they got home, Jesus went directly to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He never was able to come home again.

Jesus will always be remembered as a funny, loud, energetic chatterbox-of-a-man who would talk to anyone if they’d just listen. Always full of stories, he made friends with everyone. He was always ready and willing to help and was loyal to a fault. He will be dearly missed by his family, whom he loved so much, and by all who knew him.

Surviving this larger-than-life man is his beloved wife of 33 years, Marisol; his five adored children: Jasmine and husband Jorge, Jennifer, Jonathan, Jelissa, and Tiana, all of Wayne; six cherished grandchildren: Jenalise, Jiana, Jazzy, Jaylee, Jordyn, and Jay; his dear father Bolivar of Paterson; three sisters: Olga of Haledon, Carmen of Paterson, Marisol of Haledon; one brother: Edwin of Orlando, FL; and his goddaughters: Jayda and Jiji. He was predeceased by his dear mom Herminia in 2013.