Santina Calafiore, 87 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

Santina was born in Siracusa, Sicily and came to America in 1958.  A talented seamstress, she found work among the mills of Paterson and was able to bring her husband and sons here soon after.  At almost fifty years of age, she made a career shift and started working as a custodian for the Wayne Township Board of Education.  She enjoyed cleaning and worked for nearly ten years at the George Washington Middle School before retiring.

Santina was an amazing cook and many of the memories made in her home happened in the kitchen, with her standing at the stove.  She loved her family and was always there for them.

Heartache and sadness visited Santina much too often in her lifetime.  She lost both her husband and grandson, Luca, to a house fire in 1988, and later she lost her sons; Salvatore in 2009, and Paul in 2014.  Somehow, she found the strength to persevere and she remained grateful for all the blessings in her life, including her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Santina is survived by her grandchildren; Sandra Piccininni and her husband Mario of Cedar Knolls, NJ, Jessica Snover and her husband Anthony of N. Haledon, Anna Calafiore of Wayne, Marco Calafiore of Little Falls, Tina Rose Calafiore of Dover, Doren Calafiore and his fiancé Jaclyn of Pomtpon Plains, , PJ Carradori and his wife Stephanie of N. Carolina, her six great-grandchildren; Harley and Hunter Vandunk, Anthony and Brooke Snover, and Max and Scarlett Carradori, her daughter-in-law; Salvatrice Calafiore of Wayne, and a brother; Salvatore Aliano and his wife Maria of Solarino, Sicily.  She was predeceased by 2 brothers; Michael and Paolo, and by three sisters; Maria, Josephine, and Lina.

Anthony “Tony” Digiorgio, age 26, of Wayne passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Anthony was born in New York City.  He was one of two children to Debra and Alexis Digiorgio.  When Tony was just four years old, his family moved to Wayne where he spent most of his life.  During his formative years, Tony attended Calvary Christian Academy in Wayne.  During his High School years, he attended Eastern Christian School in North Haledon where he graduated with the class of 2011.  During his time in High School, he played tennis for the Eastern Christian High School tennis team.  Following his graduation from High School, Tony enrolled at Ramapo College of New Jersey where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts.  Subsequent to earning his Bachelor’s Degree, Tony took a semester or two off, then re-enrolled at Ramapo College where he then earned his Master’s Degree.

During his time in and out of college, Tony worked with his dad, helping him with sales at his company called Watch and Jewelry Creations, located in Manhattan.  He worked with his father for about two years.  After struggling with his own troubles, Tony dedicated himself to trying to help others and accepted a position working at Turning Point in Paterson, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.  Tony then accepted a position as an Intern at JCC Social Services in Teaneck, NJ where he was employed until his passing.

Tony enjoyed playing tennis as a teenager and also played frequently as an adult.  He treasured playing video games and watching movies, particularly documentaries.  Tony was fascinated by history.  He loved reading, researching, and watching documentaries about many different periods in history including the first and second world wars.  Tony was captivated by Greek Mythology, he could often be found watching specials on television and reading about the subject.

Travel was also something that was a passion of Tony’s.  He had visited Portugal while attending college, and France while in High School.  While in France, Tony visited Paris and Normandy, which of course was his favorite due to its obvious historical content.  One of Tony’s aspired places to travel, although he never got a chance to visit, was Sicily.  Travel and family vacations were somewhat of a tradition in Tony’s life.  During the summers, his family would spend time frequenting Seaside Heights at the Jersey Shore.  He cherished many family vacations with aunts, uncles, and cousins to destinations such as Mexico, Turks and Caicos, and other exotic Caribbean locations.  Tony was a super competitive guy, who took winning very seriously.  If he were to lose at something, he would relentlessly practice and until he was able to eventually win.  Tony was a good hearted person who was often the life of the party.  He was energetic, kind, funny, and the kind of person you couldn’t help but like and want to be around.  Of all his talents, interests, and hobbies, Tony’s greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to him than spending time with family and friends.  Tony was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Tony is survived by his mother Debra Digiorgio of Wayne, his father Alexis Digiorgio of Wayne, his brother Joseph Digiorgio of Wayne, his grandmother Theresa Giordano of Bloomingdale, two Aunts; Susan Lopez and her husband Ray of Pompton Lakes, and Patti Sudal and her husband Ronnie of Toms River, three uncles; Ray Martino of Hewitt, Jimmy Digiorgio of Clifton, and Mario Digiorgio and his wife Pat of Chester, and eleven cousins; Gina, Christopher, Marissa, Michelle, Roseanne, Tina, Ron, Chad, Mario, Annie, and Joanne.  He is also survived by his two dogs; Lucy (a Wheaten Terrier) and Desi (a Havanese).  Tony was predeceased by his Aunt Joann Martino and his grandfather Anthony Giordano.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony’s name to the charity of your choice.

Mark B. Troy died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the age of 77. He suffered a ruptured aneurysm the previous day, resulting in intracranial hemorrhage and coma, then passed away in the early morning.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elaine Kirsh; their daughter, Jeanne Troy Stockwell (Nick); his son, Andrew Troy (Yessenia), and two grandchildren.

Mark was born on November 10, 1942 to Leon and Julia Mayers Troy, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He graduated from Meyers High School in 1960, where he participated in several sports and was a member of the National Honor Society. His family was well-known locally for owning a furniture store, and as active members of the Wilkes-Barre Jewish Community Center.

In 1964, Mark graduated from Wilkes College (now Wilkes University) with a degree in industrial engineering and math. He moved to New York City and began his 36 year career with JP Morgan Chase and its predecessors. He made monthly trips home to participate in the Air Force Reserves from 1964-68, He received an MBA in Finance from Long Island University in 1971,

Mark retired in 2001 as a Vice President in Financial Planning and Control at JP Morgan Chase, having earned a reputation as an outstanding cost accountant, financial analyst, and manager. He then brought that same skillset and extensive experience to Search and Care, a not-for-profit dedicated to independent living assistance for seniors in the Upper East Side and East Harlem. During his 13 years in this role, Mark designed a financial management program (Money Matters) to help elderly clients understand and oversee their own finances with the help of retired professionals.

Mark thrived with an active and healthy lifestyle until his untimely death, with weekends spent in the Packanack Lake community of Wayne, NJ. He especially enjoyed skiing, hiking, swimming, and tennis, as well as long walks and playing with the family dog (Sweetie, and then Zephyr). He took every possible opportunity to travel, including many summers spent in Vermont and Maine, family vacations to Paris, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and regular visits to his daughter in Washington state. In the last few years, he and his wife made world travel a priority, with extraordinary trips to Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Peru, Australia and New Zealand.

He will be missed by the many people who were in his life. They will continue to be in his wife’s. His wife, Elaine, said, “Mark was my best friend. It hurts to lose your best friend but he will remain in my thoughts forever.”

Our exceptionally talented daughter, Jeanne, wrote the following eulogy to her father:

Almost eight years since I left New York, I miss nothing as acutely as the storms. Watercolor sunsets over Jersey, pastel orange and pink suddenly obscured by ominous dark clouds. Rain doesn’t come gradually; no individual droplets, only a relentless cascade. Unhindered by buildings, heedless of traffic, they swallow the city like some harbinger of Lovecraftian myth - fracture the impenetrable sky with exultant lightning, shake the deepest subway lines with thunder, and then move on.

Storms of that magnitude are rare in the Pacific Northwest. The rain here hardly qualifies as more than drizzle; thunder is distant and fleeting, if it manifests at all.

Those summer squalls are more than a cornerstone of my childhood. Formidable and formative in memory, they persist in my absence. They are timeless - individually, each one blows through fierce and fast, disperses within a few hours. Collectively, as a natural element, they continue. Perpetual, inevitable.

Yet we made them our own. Willingly soaked, grinning haphazardly, I was insatiably drawn to each new and dizzying spectacle over the Hudson, and my dad was always at my side.

I never considered that those storms - our storms - would cease to exist. It was simply inconceivable.

I never doubted that he would be there. Always sharing in calculated risk, judging it to be ever-so-slightly outweighed by a mutual sense of adventure. Booking it down double black diamond slopes in Vermont, before I knew how to be afraid. A treacherous zig-zag ascent in a rented Jeep, rising hundreds of feet above vast Utah desert. Snorkeling rough waters in Costa Rica, undeterred by losing his goggles when I jumped in. I never met a rollercoaster too big, and even when I (finally, barely) edged past the height requirement, he didn’t hesitate to join me. He embraced every challenge, savored every new experience, and instilled in me the same - but his own involvement was understated. He possessed a kind of unassuming charisma that doesn’t seek the spotlight, and instead reflects it onto those nearby.

My dad was never beyond reach, never out of sight or earshot - and even when shared adventures became solitary, autonomous, it was for him that I memorized seemingly inane moments. When the default of our stories became my stories, I still brought them home to him.

I don’t know how to do this.

I can construct palaces out of paragraphs, but I don’t know how to translate my incoherent brain-noise into something that resembles closure. I don’t know how to embrace this challenge, let alone articulate it. Past tense does not compute; my internal clock is paused, in limbo, somewhere in the days and weeks before his very essence was suddenly extinguished.

Intellectually, logically, I understand - this vertigo will pass. Eventually I’ll learn to make sense of the world without him in it. I’ll turn to another confidante; my stories will be redirected. But I’m not there yet, and I don’t want to be.

Through emotional freefall, this is the question I shout into the void: Did he know?

He knew I loved him, despite weeks and months of distraction. Three thousand miles apart, finding my way, living on my own terms - I loved him like no other, but we said that readily enough.

What I never said was: You made me.

Not with any particular artistic touch; some early phases of the work in progress were, to put it gently, a cluster*$@#. Nonetheless, it was his influence that gave definition to the messy, awkward hodgepodge. His understated conviction countered every misstep, nudged me back on course. Though he worked best with numbers, he ignited my lifelong passion for words virtually overnight.

So many of my quirks and nuances come from him. Northeastern turns of phrase. Inescapably Jewish tastes, made eclectic through a touch of wanderlust. Pragmatic conversations, iconic movie references. Insatiable hunger for knowledge. A secret love of dad-jokes and bad puns.

It was no real surprise when I eventually fell in love with a man who embodies many of my dad’s same fundamental traits - soft-spoken; slow to anger; goofy humor; affectionate; insightful; humble; quiet confidence; endlessly curious.

But these are just words. Descriptors; adjectives and verbs. Various arrangements of twenty-six letters, more or less contained within the structure of punctuation. They cannot possibly convey who he was (past tense), or who he is to me (present tense, now and always). At best, they illustrate the rain with some measure of accuracy, but losing him - that’s the thunder and lightning. A Nor’easter raging through.

My grief is not verbose. It is unintelligible, unrecognizable, unfathomable. It is halfway-hyperventilating, a waterlogged paroxysm. Relentless and cataclysmic and upside-down. It is the momentary gurgle of misplaced laughter, a sliver of morbid humor, the absurdity of a two-hour breakdown set off by swiss cheese.

It is almost, almost reason to believe in ‘something greater’. Maybe this is all some sort of cosmic jest, at my unapologetically atheist expense?

Bad joke. In his honor, here’s one more:

Mark - you left your mark.

If you wish to make a donation in Mark’s name, consider

Search and Care, Inc:  Seeks out older people on the Upper Eastside and in East Harlem communities who need help in managing life’s daily activities or accessing essential services, and to provide them the support and companionship they require to live with security and dignity in the manner they choose. Mark designed and led their home-based financial management program, called Money Matters. A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. You can make donations online at www.searchandcare.org or by mail at Search and Care, 1844 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10128, 212-289-5300.

Union of Concerned Scientists: Uses rigorous, independent science to solve our planet’s most pressing problems and improve people’s lives.  A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. You can donate online at www.ucusa.org or Union of Concerned Scientists, 12 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 0213

Wildlife Conservation Society: Works to save wildlife and wild places in nearly 60 countries around the world. They also run 4 wildlife parks and 1 aquarium in NYC. Mark and his family were frequent visitors to the wildlife parks. A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. You can make donations on line at www.wcs.org or by mail at WCS Donations, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460.

Louis Cafasso, age 66 of New York City and formerly of Paterson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 3, 2020.

The younger of Aniello and Carmela Cafasso’s two children, Lou was raised in the family home in Paterson on Marion Street. After graduating from Kennedy High School with the Class of 1971, he attended William Paterson College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

Lou’s secured his first job as an English teacher with the local private catholic school in Kearny. He taught for several years until the school closed. Choosing to pursue a different direction, he took a job in construction engineering as a plans and specification proof reader with Syska Hennessy Group in New York City. He truly enjoyed his new career – so much so that he stayed with the company for the next thirty years, only choosing to leave in 2016 to enjoy his next life’s venture – retirement.

Subsequent to beginning his work at Syska and Hennessy, Lou decided to move to New York City feeling that it made the most sense with respect to his daily commute to the office. It turned out to be a great decision as he truly came to love life in the “the city” and he called that coveted *&*!#& 6th floor walk-up studio apartment home.

The City was the perfect place for Lou to indulge his varied outside-of-work interests. A quick jump on the train and he could get to Yankee Stadium in no time to see his beloved New York Yankees. You would swear that Lou had Yankee blue blood running through his veins and his favorite player of all time was Hall of Fame pitcher Mike “Moose” Mussina. He loved going to games with his sister, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Lou also loved attending Broadway shows- day or night. To Kill a Mockingbird was his all-time favorite with King Kong coming in at a close second. He was so bummed that the theater had been closed these past six months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A huge Walking Dead and American Horror Story fan, Lou frankly had an eclectic taste when it came to the movies he enjoyed. He loved everything, from those low budget “B” movies to the greatest classics. He had a huge DVD collection to prove it and he could quote lines right off the top of his head because he watched them so much. Lou’s family always knew what to give him for Christmas or his birthday. One of his gifts they gave him was every season of the original I Love Lucy series.

Being an English major in college, it should come as no surprise that Lou also had a true admiration for great literature. He loved reading the classics like Frankenstein, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Les Miserables. When he was more up for listening to good music, he would reach for an album from his huge vinyl record collection to play songs from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, Meatloaf, and “The Boss” – Bruce Springsteen. Speaking of Springsteen, Lou clocked in at going to over 50 of Bruce’s concerts. One of the most memorable being a Christmas concert performance in Asbury Park that took place on the day of a huge blizzard. New Jersey had declared a state of emergency but hey!......we’re talking about a Springsteen concert in a small venue here! Lou and his niece Jacqui hopped into her Chevy Trailblazer and weathered the storm; made it to the concert and rocked out the entire night.

And then there was Lou’s extremely unique cow collection. These weren’t your ordinary cows! They were certainly interesting in that each one was fashioned along a different theme.

Above all else, Lou’s greatest interest lied in the bonds of love, admiration and affection for his family that were sewn over the course of his entire life. While he loved New York City, frequently took rides across the other side of the Hudson to visit his family back in Jersey where his roots were established. His family will always hold cherished memories of “Sweet” Uncle Lou at all the family Italian barbeques, special holidays and birthday gatherings. And when your birthday was coming up, you could always count on the fact that a gift from Lou was going to be something special. He had such a knack for getting the coolest, most thoughtful presents. Truth be told, he was just as excited to watch the birthday boy or girl open their birthday package as they were.

Lou was the best! Kind hearted and carefree, he didn’t know what it meant to hold a grudge. He was just a free spirit. Shoot! It should come as no surprise when one recalls that he was a long-haired, peace sign’n hippie from the 1970’s. To his nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews, he was “Cool Uncle Lou.” He was always there for his family and friends when they needed a wise, encouraging, or sympathetic ear to listen and was a confidant for many family secrets.

Lou, had a great sense of humor and hardy laugh.  He could take the brunt of any joke thrown at him by his family.  Now you may want to know WHO in his family made him laugh the hardest or WHO in his large family busted his chops the most or you may want to know WHO always seemed to get him to say “WHO”?

Lou was the much loved brother of the late Ann Lemay (2015) and her husband Ernie of Wayne; coolest uncle of: Jacqueline and husband Michael Tirella of Wayne, Ernest and wife Christine LeMay of West Milford, Christopher and wife Jess LeMay of North Haledon, and David and wife Cindy LeMay of West Milford; dearest great-uncle of: Michael, Nicholas, Dominic, Jay, Mathew, Anthony and wife Ashlee, Joey, C.J. Miliana, Donevan, Aaron, and Evan; dear great-great-uncle of Adalynn; and special friend, Cindy, for always being there.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Lou’s name are asked to consider the New York Public Library (https://www.nypl.org/give) or by mail:  The New York Public Library, Membership Office • 445 Fifth Avenue • New York, NY 10016 • 212.930.0653

Karen Lichtenberg, age 68, of Little Falls, left this life unexpectedly on Thursday, September 3, 2020. Her family was lovingly by her side at the time of her passing.

One of James and Loretta (Alfano) Caravetta’s three children, Karen was born in Newark and moved to Little Falls when she was just three years old. With the exception of a short time living in Belleville, when she was first married, Karen lived the rest of her life in Little Falls. In fact, having purchased her parent’s home when they decided to move to South Jersey, she lived almost her entire life in the same house that she was raised in.

Karen was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School, Class of 1970, where she loved being a baton twirler in the school’s marching band. She furthered her studies at William Paterson College earning a bachelor’s degree in the school’s speech therapy program.

It was at Calvary Temple in Wayne that Karen met the love of her life – Dennis Lichtenberg. Active in the church, she started a singles ministry and the kickoff event was a barbeque in the church’s parking lot. She met Dennis at the barbeque and they turned out to be as compatible as a hot dog and a bun. They fell in love, which ultimately led to their marriage. On Saturday, January 8, 1983, they exchanged their wedding promises to each other before God, family and friends at the Calvary Temple in Wayne with Reverend Fogel officiating the ceremony. The honeymoon destination was St. Thomas. They rented a car and were given a street map to help them find their way around the island. While in theory, this should have worked perfectly, the map proved to be almost useless as none of the actual streets had street signs. Karen and Dennis tried to do their best to find their way but it just seemed that all roads ended up in the weeds and swamp grass.

Initially living in an apartment of a two-family house in Belleville, Karen and Dennis were soon blessed with their son Jason. From there they moved to Little Falls where they welcomed baby Ryan, their second son.

Karen dedicated herself to lovingly raising Jason and Ryan. When they were old enough to be in school all day, she entered the workforce, ready to use all the speech therapy knowledge she had learned in college. Her first employment was as a state supplied therapist working at St Philip’s private school in Clifton. From there she moved on to the Lincoln Park public schools where she enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the elementary and middle school. She loved her work and as a result it was so easy for her to bring great compassionate energy to her students. Karen was an awesome speech therapist who strongly advocated for the kids and she was always encouraging to the parents in helping them to reinforce the concepts that their children were learning. Bringing candy and all kinds of things to play with, Karen always tried to make therapy fun. Her husband Dennis even built her a puppet stage to be used as an aid in teaching and it is still being used by the school today. Karen continued to bless children over a long career until retiring in 2018.

You could say that Karen had the travel bug. She especially loved Europe and thus, she took a trip to Italy with Dennis and her sister Mary Ann and husband Tom. She went to London with her girlfriend Marian and she and Dennis took a romantic trip to Scotland. Karen was especially fascinated with the castles in London and Scotland and she thoroughly enjoyed all the romance of floating down the river on a gondola in Venice, while being serenated by an Italian singer and mandolin player. While not quite the same as being there, she would often play the video of that event to recall what a special time it was.

After retirement, Karen had no intentions of morphing into a couch potato. The first thing she did was purchase a pair of crocheting needles. She crocheted many-a baby hat and she donated them to St. Joseph’s hospital in Paterson. She joined the Women’s Club of Little Falls and put her looming skills to work to make more hats and scarves to sell in fundraisers so that the club could raise money to support worthy causes in Little Falls. She also joined the town’s Friends of the Library Club where she served as secretary and membership coordinator to raise funds to help the library be a wonderful place to learn and grow in knowledge.

When she wasn’t engaged in the activity of blessing others, Karen did enjoy time spent with Dennis watching favorite shows on television. She loved the British mysteries on PBS’s Channel 13, especially Downton Abbey. She enjoyed House Hunters and was thrilled when Dennis discovered the British version of House Hunters. While watching it, she would sometimes recall seeing places on the show that she had been to when they went to England. Of course, while settled on the couch, Ashley, – her dear Yorkshire Terrier and later, – Toby her Maltese/Yorkshire , would gladly snuggle up by her side. Karen also had a love for visiting tea houses. She frequently got together with three of her girlfriends from kindergarten for a day at Sally Lunn’s Tea Room in Chester.

Karen had an incredibly generous heart. When she sensed a need, she responded with love and compassion. For example, when her sons Jason and Ryan were little boys, she would often take them to the library. She got to know the librarian staff quite well and, when she learned that one of the librarians was not going to have enough money to purchase Christmas presents for her family, Karen stepped up to the plate. She loved to donate to Goodwill, raise money for back-to-school children’s backpack fund raisers and purchase Christmas gifts for kids by pulling their name off the Christmas tree at her church.

Above all, Karen’s home was where her heart was. She was a devoted wife, mother, and new grandmother. Her sons Jason and Ryan called her every day and, if she was on the phone with a friend when they called, she never hesitated to say, “I gotta go! My son is calling me on the other line!” She was so excited about the arrival of her new grandson James Thomas last year. She loved Facetiming him and getting the daily video tapes which she would play over and over again.
Karen touched the lives of many in a positive way. While her family rests in the assurance that she is with her Lord and Savior, she will be dearly missed.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband Dennis; two sons: Jason and wife Danielle Lichtenberg of Butler, and Ryan Lichtenberg of Kinnelon; her grandson James Thomas Lichtenberg; two siblings: Anthony and wife Karen Caravetta of Cape Coral, FL, and Mary Ann and husband Thomas Warden of Pequannock; her sister-in-law: Donna Poirier of Belleville; and four nephews: Steven and wife Jennifer Warden of Pequannock, Michael Warden of Pompton Plains, Keith and wife Melanie Poirier of Phillipsburg, NJ, and Anthony and wife Danielle Caravetta of Armonk, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Karen’s name are asked to consider donations made to honor her grandson James. All donations will be going to a special needs trust to ensure James’s future is as bright as Grandma wanted it to be. To donate, CLICK HERE.

Carol Lynn De Blasio (nee Quintieri), age 82 of Ramsey, NJ passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

Carol grew up in Paterson, NJ with her parents, Leo and May Quintieri, and her younger brother, Ricky, in their home on West Broadway.  As a teenager, Carol attended Central High School, where she met some of her dearest friends and future husband.  Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Bobby, on June 8, 1958.  In 1960, they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa.  In 1963, they welcomed their second daughter, Lora.

The home she created with her husband, Bob, was full of life, love, and laughter.  Carol filled it with style, and her home was always open to gatherings both big and small.  To put it simply; she had a passion for parties.  She was a woman of great spirit.  Carol loved the energy of a disco, the fun of newest fashions, along with art, cooking, sewing, and traveling.

Cigarette in hand, Carol could always be found bathing in the sun from the Jersey Shore to the casinos in the Dominican Republic.  Carol’s home away from home was their ski house in the Catskills, another venue for her legendary parties.  Her time in the mountains was most importantly spent creating lifelong friends.

Carol was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  The love she had for her family translated into every aspect of her life.  Carol lived life to the absolute fullest with sass and enthusiasm that shined brightly until the end.  To know Carol was to know the life of the party.

She will live on in our hearts, thoughts, prayers, and laughter forever.

Carol is survived by her two daughters; Lisa and Lora, two granddaughters; Jessica and Kayla, brother; Ricky, and two sons-in-laws; Marty and Stan.

Edythe Sich (nee Shaw), 52 of Haskell, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

Edythe was born in the old Chilton Hospital in Pequannock, NJ and lived in Wayne for most of her life with her parents, James and Edythe Shaw, and her brothers; James and Joseph.

Edythe and her husband Steve moved to Haskell with her two children from a previous marriage, Tyler and Nikole, in 1997 and they were married in 1999.  They had two more children; Steven and Brandon.  She was even lucky enough to have her two grandchildren; Meah and Max, live with her after their births in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

She loved playing Bingo, watching wrestling, and being with her friends and family.

Edythe is survived by her mother; Edythe Shaw, by her husband Steven Sich, and her children; Tyler, Nikole, Steven, and Brandon, three grandchildren; Meah, Max and Blake, her brothers; James and Joseph, sister-in-law; Bonnie, nieces and nephews; Casey, Kerri, Ryan, Megan, and Riley, Aunt Maryann Connolly of Fairfield, NJ, Aunt Mildred Ferraro of Wayne, as well as a very large extended family.  She will be very missed.

Janice Zagra, age 57, of Pine Brook passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, August 31, 2020.

Janice was born in Paterson, grew up in Wayne, and was one of two children to Joseph and Nettie Zagra.  She also lived in Franklin Township before moving to Pine Brook, NJ many years ago.  Janice attended Wayne Valley High School and graduated with the class of 1981.

Following her graduation, she was accepted at St Francis University in Altoona, PA where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, graduating with the class of 1985.  Subsequent to earning her Bachelor’s Degree, Janice found work quickly as an accountant and worked for a few different accounting firms.  She eventually accepted a position at Radics Public Accountants & Consultants LLC in Pine Brook where she worked until approximately 1995.

Janice’s favorite past time was spending time with family and friends.  She cherished yearly family picnics where she would organize and participate in a number of different games and family activities.  She was outgoing, compassionate and a truly devoted daughter.  Janice touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.  

Janice is survived by her mother Nettie Zagra of Wayne, one sister Debra Scism of Flanders, and two nephews; Ryan Scism of Flanders, and Stephen Scism of Hackettstown, NJ.  She was predeceased by her father Joseph Zagra in June of 2013.

Zachary S. Wichot, age 66, of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 30, 2020 while his family was lovingly by his side.

Zak was born in Passaic and raised in Clifton. He graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1972 where he starred as a Clifton Mustang on the school’s football and field and track team.

After high school, he was recruited by William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa to play football for the William Penn Statesmen. While attending college, he studied chemistry.

After college, Zak returned to Clifton, New Jersey and began a 23 year career as a mechanic with Frank Taibi and Sons where he worked on diesel engines and installed commercial and residential boilers. In reality, it could be said that Zak’s career with the company actually spanned more years than that. Already as a young boy, Zak displayed a natural, God-given talent for taking complex mechanical things apart and putting them back together. Such activities fed his curiosity of how things work and, since he lived so close to this company, he’d often hang out at the shop to pick the skilled minds of the seasoned mechanics. They took a liking to him and by the mere age of twelve, Zak was driving the big, stick-shift company trucks around the parking lot.

Zak ultimately left that job and went to work for Breure Sheet Metal Company, also of Clifton, where he installed heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial applications. After retiring in 2018, Zak still kept his license active to help out his brother Greg with jobs.

Zak met his wife Donna in 1984. His father Pete and brother Greg were in the plumbing business and were doing a big job at the company where Donna was working. One day Zak’s father got to talking with Donna and came to realize she was single. Not being a man to mince words, he let Donna know that his son Zak was single too and asked for her phone number, suggesting that maybe they should go out on a date. Although Donna was hesitant at first she provided her phone number and a few weeks later, Zak worked up the nerve and gave her a call. Their first date was to the former Victoria Station Restaurant on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne. They fell in love and married on June 7, 1986 at the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne. A year-and-a-half later, they welcomed a beautiful baby daughter which they named Kelly.

Zak was a man with many varied interests. He was a master at working on anything with an engine. This skill started at the age of thirteen when he and his brother Greg built a go-cart and got pulled over by the police while driving it on Route 46. Developing a keen interest in Harley Davidson motorcycles, he rebuilt a 1967 model from the ground up and later bought the 2003 100th anniversary Screamin Eagle Road King model as a homage to the brand and everything that he loved about motorcycles. He thoroughly enjoyed that bike and got a big kick out of accessorizing it with all kinds of personalized modifications. Most recently, Zak had been working on the restoration of a 1975 Chevy Corvette Stingray. Needless to say, much of this work took place in his garage – his getaway and happy place.

Those that knew Zak well will always have a fond memory of seeing him in that garage, working on one of his projects usually smoking his pipe and listening to music all while enjoying the company of his faithful sidekick and companion Nala.  He came to love Nala so much that it sparked an interest in supporting an organization called Long Island Bulldog Rescue whose mission is to provide education, prevention, intervention, and adaption services to ensure that all English bulldogs enjoy long, healthy lives in a loving, safe, appropriate homes where they are provided the life-long care they require.

Friendly, outgoing and approachable, whether greeting them while taking Nala for a walk, or hanging with the guys who would stop by his garage, Zak truly enjoyed the company of his neighbors. He had a heart of gold too. When a family member, friend, or neighbor needed help, Zak was always willing to fix the problem. And even though he is no longer physically in this world, his generous heart continues to bless others through his desire to be an organ donor. Through his gift of tissue and long bone donation, other humans in need will have a new lease on life because of Zak’s altruistic, caring spirit.

It was evident to all that Donna was the love of Zak’s life and he was hers. Every morning he would verbally express his love and admiration for her. Then, concerned for her safety, he’d tell her to be careful driving to work. He also called Kelly a few times a week to check in with her, tell her that he loved her and that he was always thinking of her, just because.

Zak will be truly missed by those whose lives he touched and who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him.

Zak was the beloved husband of Donna (nee Drake), blessed in marriage for 34 years. He was the loving father of: Kelly and husband Michael Messina of Wayne, and Melissa and husband Bill Kohlman of West Orange; adored grandfather of: Matigan and Allison Kohlman; dear brother of Gregory and wife Barbara Wichot of Wayne; dear brother-in-law of: Patricia Drake of Wayne, and Asuncion Drake of Chula Vista, CA and her late husband Robert Drake; uncle of Amanda and husband Marc Dreyer, Pamela Wichot, Jeffrey Wichot and Paul Drake; and great-uncle of Reagan Dreyer.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Zak’s name are asked to consider one of the following two charitable organizations:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research

By Mail:

Donation Processing,

The Michael J. Fox Foundation,

P.O. Box 5014

Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014

Online:  https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate

Long Island Bulldog Rescue

By Mail:

Long Island Bulldog Rescue

PO Box 239

Stony Brook, NY 11790

Online: http://longislandbulldogrescue.org/

(1929 – 2020) On August 30 2020, Sonia peacefully passed in Mystic, Conn with loving sons by her side. Born in Phila, PA on July 28, 1929.

She is preceded by her Mother, Louise Fulmer, a portrait painter and her Father, Paul W. Thomas, a pioneer in aviation. Preceding her are younger sisters Thalia Cohen, Donna Skeen, and former husbands Carter Gardner and Ted Scholnick.

She devoted her energy to her children, grandchildren, extended family, husband, friends, ancestry, community and country. She attended the Univ. of PA. Was always active in civic groups. In Packanack Lake, NJ operated her own Real Estate office for 14 years, appointed Governor of NJ Women’s Council of Realtors, first woman elected to Board of Governors of Packanack Lake, on Board of Directors Planned Parenthood, founder of Wayne Federation of Republican Women, Republican County Committeewoman, President of UNITED GIVERS Plan, Secretary of Yacht Club & active in PLAYERS Theater Group. In Atlanta, GA President of Welcome Wagon, & held positions w/ Council for Art & Atlanta Symphony Allegro Chapter. In Goshen/Litchfield, Conn. Regent to Mary Floyd Tallmadge chapter of DAR, Chair for Social Committee & arts fundraisers, co-hosted a radio program on WPKN, active in garden club. In Mystic, Conn. in Stone Ridge active w/ movies & groups. A participating and contributing Episcopalian.

She had an infectious laugh, spark for life, love for people and made all smile w/ wit. She lived a full & exciting 91 years & was loved by many. Was avid bridge player, walker & swimmer. Loved dancing, music, Broadway shows, dogs, lobster & travelling especially in trains. Strong in spirit after a radical mastectomy, at age 39, she lived cancer free; after formaldehyde exposure, at age 60, she struggled with chemical sensitivities. She passed from dementia.

Surviving are her beloved husband N. Terry Hall of 36 years, her children: Jeffrey T. Gardner of Westerly, RI, David C. Gardner of Silver Spring, MD, and Lisa G. Feibelman of Vienna, VA.; grandchildren Michael, Augie, Todd, Catie, Thomas, Paul and Laura; great grandchild Brooks; nieces and nephews: Jessica, Jonathan, Jacquie, Andy and Ryan. She encouraged good behavior saying: “Did you wash your hands?”, “Go slow and realize your health and now is all you really have.” “Do unto others what you would have done to you.” “Write thank you notes.” “Stand up straight.”

Lakshmikantam Govardhan, age 89, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Saturday August 29, 2020 while receiving the loving care of the family.

Lakshmikantam was born and raised in Bangalore, India and was the only child to TL Kantam and Kanakamma Kantam.  Lakshmikantam grew up and lived his entire life in the house that he was born in.  As a young boy, he had a great love for sports and was an avid fan of Cricket.  After graduating from high school, he attended Bangalore University in India where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree of Science.  He then accepted a position at his alma mater, Bangalore University, as a professor of Microbiology and Biochemistry.  In 1959, Lakshmikantam moved to the United States where he attended the University of North Texas and earned his Master’s Degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry.  During his time in the United States, he also attended Penn State University where he did more post graduate work until moving back to India in 1966.  Following his move back to India, Lakshmikantam resumed his career as a College Professor at Bangalore University and remained there for nearly forty years until his retirement in 1991.  Subsequent to his retirement, Lakshmikantam remained on the staff at Bangalore University for years as a visiting professor.

As with many marriages in India, Lakshmikantam’s marriage was arranged and was introduced to his wife, Padma Akula, and was married on February 25, 1966.  As fate would have it, he and Padma fell in love and cherished nearly forty years of loving and loyal marriage.  In 1972 the couple welcomed their first child, their son Srikant.  Later in 1976 they welcomed their second child, their daughter Kanaka.  After Lakshmikantam’s wife Padma passed away in 2005 he moved to the United States where his son and daughter were living and remained here until his passing.

Lakshmikantam was a fan of all sports, baseball, football, and basketball.  He could always be found in front of the television watching a sporting event.  He was not a fan of a particular team, but a fan of the sport itself.  He was a voracious reader, particularly of crime and detective novels.  He also enjoyed reading and researching, and continued to educate himself on all sorts of topics.  He was like an encyclopedia of just about anything.  He was able to contribute to any conversation, and contribute legitimately. Lakshmikantam had a wonderfully positive attitude, he never complained and never had a bad word to say about anything or anyone.  He was the kind of person you couldn’t help but like to be around, and you were most likely liable to learn a thing or two while in his company.  Lakshmikantam was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by his family and friends alike.  

Lakshmikantam is survived by his son Srikant Govardhan and his wife Gayathri of Wayne, his daughter Kanaka Aspari and her husband Rajesh of Lexington, KY, and three grandchildren; Chetan Aspari of Lexington, KY, Vishnu Srikant of Wayne, and Divith Aspari of Lexington, KY.  He was predeceased by his wife Padma Govardhan in 2005.

June Marie Bangma, age 69, passed on to glory August 29th, 2020.  She was born June Marie Rosendale, to Richard and Henrietta Rosendale (both preceded in death) in June of 1951, in Paterson, New Jersey.

June’s first passion was her grandchildren and she found true joy spending time with each one of them.  Second to her love of family was her love of church.  She attended Bridgeway Community Church in Haledon, New Jersey where she had the privilege to be part of the worship team.  Here, her love of people and constant smile were tools to help bring others to know the joy and love of Jesus.  In her free time, she enjoyed trivia and reading.

June worked for 18 years as a Registered Nurse at the Christian Health Care Center in Wycoff, NJ where her coworkers will always remember her extraordinary faith and her infectious laughter.  Prior to her time at the CHCC, June worked at the Wanaque Center where she was particularly proud of her time working in the first AIDS unit in the State of New Jersey and was very proud of the difference that she was able to make in the lives of those who were suffering.  

June is survived by her 3 children, Deborah Ross (Bangma), husband Kenneth Ross, Michael Bangma, partner Robert Hauck, and Brian Bangma, wife Tiffany Bangma (Heemstra).  Grandchildren, Caleb (19), Jacob (16), Grayson (6), and Sydney (3).  Also survived by Elizabeth Rosendale, Mother, James and Robert Rosendale, siblings, and James Bangma, father of her children.

Although she was taken much too soon, we can find comfort in her favorite song, “No guilt in life, no fear in death.  This is the pow'r of Christ in me.  From life's first cry to final breath.  Jesus commands my destiny…. 'Til He returns or calls me home.  Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand”- In Christ Alone.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund, www.kidneyfund.org, or the courageous first responders of her hometown of Pompton Lakes, www.pomptonlakes-nj.gov/164/First-Aid-Squad.

Frank (Junior) J. Mona, age 80, a forty-three year resident of Wayne, NJ, passed at home on Saturday, August 29, 2020.

Junior was born to the late Francis and Josephine Mona and raised at the family home on 5th Street in Brooklyn, NY. Just after high school Junior was drafted into the US Army and served two years mostly stationed in Panama.  Upon his discharge from the Army he found work in the building maintenance industry in New York City. Through the years he working for the Cigna Company in Wayne, NJ and the GHI Insurance Company in New York City before retiring in 2008.

He met the love of his life, Marie Mansi, while at work in New York City.  Marie would pass Junior’s office each day as she went out for coffee and would often ask him if she could get him a cup. One day Junior offered to take Marie to dinner, as thanks for always offering to get him coffee.  They soon fell in love and married.  After their honeymoon in Costa Rica they had a loving and caring marriage of twenty-nine years that was blessed with a son they named Frank.

Junior will be lovingly remembered as an outgoing, nice guy who made friends easily.  He enjoyed talking to people and loved to go to the Meadowlands to watch and bet on the horses.  He also liked trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas.  His son Frank fondly remembers family trips to Disney World and summer vacations in Wildwood Crest at the Jersey Shore.

Frank was the loving husband of the late Marie Mona (d.2001); the devoted father of Frank Mona and his loving companion Joy cherished grandfather of Adrianna and Francesca Mona; and dearly loved brother of Marie (Dolly) Mona of New York City.

Stephen M. Sohmer, age 50, of Wayne, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

Stephen was born in Jersey City, the firstborn of Mark and Carole Sohmer. He was raised in North Bergen and later moved to Pine Brook. After graduating from Montville High School with the class of 1988, Stephen attended college at Binghamton University, where he earned an honors degree and gained admission into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa academic excellence society. His original desire was to have a career as a certified public accountant but while at Binghamton University, he had a change of heart and pursued a degree in law instead. From there he attended the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, Michigan where, in 1995, he earned his Juris Doctorate degree – again with honors.

After starting his career to gain experience with various law firms, Stephen opened his own practice – Sohmer Law Firm in Fairfield. He practiced law for several years. Then that original desire to be an accountant led him to open his own accounting firm – Freedom Tax and Payroll Services LLC, in Bloomfield. Stephen had been running the service for the past ten years and in the last two years he had been running a concurrent venture called Prime Refunds. Clearly, Stephen was an ambitious man who pursued everything with integrity and hard work. He was also a very family oriented individual and would be the first to give credit for his success to family members such as his niece Carla Pardo, his sister Samantha Sohmer, and his three sons Jeremy, Tyler, and Kyle, who at one time or another all were helping or had helped him in his business.

Stephen met his beloved wife Alicia “Alice” Miclat while representing a client in a real-estate deal where Alice was selling her home. They truly felt a connection and fell in love. They married in one of Stephen’s favorite places – Las Vegas, Nevada, on Wednesday, January 23, 2007 in a little chapel. They moved to Wayne where Stephen had been living to the present. Stephen loved Alice’s three sons like they were his own and did his best to help her give them a great childhood while also guiding them along life’s path and instilling the best of values in them.

Stephen had an endless hunger for knowledge. While his humble nature would never allow him to admit it, he was very intelligent and was in a seemingly constant pursuit to learn new things. He had recently taken some woodworking classes in upstate New York and an end table in his living room and a book shelf were some of the things he built with this newfound knowledge. YouTube was one of his favorite places to learn and it was a place where he turned to get better at one of his favorite pastimes – cooking. He would watch famous chefs on YouTube and try to incorporate the cooking tips he learned into his own work in the kitchen. Dinner time was always exciting at the Sohmer home as Stephen cooked American style while Alice prepared meals more in keeping with her Filipino roots. A real “foodie”, Stephen’s favorite food was steak and his favorite place to go for a nice juicy steak was Arthur’s Tavern in Morris Plains.

Stephen loved going to the movies. It had been a long-standing tradition on his birthday to go out to dinner with his family and to follow it up with a night at the movies, usually to see a Marvel adventure. As mentioned, Stephen was very impressed with and drawn to Las Vegas. It’s not that he was really much of a gambler, he just found the lights and glitter, and also the great entertainment to be so exciting. As an accountant, he couldn’t have been more pleased that, for many years, the annual tax convention was held in Las Vegas. Even when that stopped, he and Alice still made regular trips to the “neon capital of the world”.

Closer to home, Stephen had a great love of reading – especially mystery novels. He loved doing things with Alice and the boys too. They would sometimes go out to the shooting range in Bellville called the Bullet Hole. With his heart of gold and a large generous spirit, he loved to throw big summer parties at his home in Wayne where you could always count on hearing one of his corny jokes.

Stephen was always eager to give of his time, talents and treasure. If you were in need, he’d be there for you and he was the “go-to” guy for many who needed a bit of advice. Stephen felt so blessed and his desire to give back to his community led him to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity in Randolph and to give to many worthy causes including the local ambulance corps and volunteer fire department.

There is great sadness in Stephen’s untimely passing from this life and, while his family grieves his loss, they are so grateful for the time he was here to bless and touch their lives.

Stephen was the beloved and devoted husband of Alicia “Alice” (nee Miclat), blessed in marriage for thirteen-and-a-half years. He was the loving father of Jeremy Ereno of Lodi, Tyler Ereno of Carlstadt, and Kyle Ereno of Wayne; much-loved brother of: Lisa Siperstein and husband Jeff of Lake Worth, FL, Samantha Sohmer of Parsippany, and Nicole Capuano and husband Dominick of Paramus; and dear uncle of: Matthew Siperstein, Kayla Siperstein, and Giovanni Capuano. Stephen was predeceased by his wonderful parents: Mark and Carole Sohmer.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Stephen’s name are asked to consider:

American Diabetes Association          

P.O. Box 15829

Arlington, VA 22215

Please make your check out to American Diabetes Association and click on the following link to print the form to send with your donation:   https://www.diabetes.org/donate/by-mail

If you would like to make a donation online click on this link:  https://www.diabetes.org/donate

Helmut Plein, age 91 of Wayne forty-one years, formerly of Saddle Brook, passed Monday August 17, 2020.

Helmut was born in Hambergen, Germany to Johann and Meta Plein.  In Germany he was trained as an apprentice tool & die maker. At the age of twenty-three he emigrated from Germany in 1952 settling with his aunt Martha Bultman and family in New York City. He found work as a tool & die maker and worked for Western Electric and Arrow Stapler.  He started a side-business called Tri County Irrigation in 1977 while living is Saddle Brook, New Jersey and before long this was his full time work. In January of 1979 he moved his family and the company to Wayne as the company was growing and he needed more space.  He owned and operated Tri County Irrigation until he was sixty-five years old when he sold the company. Helmut always had to be busy so in his retirement he found work with the Shotmeyer Oil Company where he initially did general maintenance and later helped with EPA obligations. He officially and really retired in 2007.

Helmut and Ilse Schaaf met by chance at a home in Germany. An Army buddy of Helmut heard he was assigned duty in Germany and asked him to hand deliver a letter to his mother. When Helmut went to her home Ilse was there mending some clothes as she was a seamstress. With that chance meeting they soon fell in love and married on November 25, 1956 in New York City.  They have had a devoted marriage of sixty-four years.

Helmut wasn’t even a United States citizen when he was drafted into the US Army and began his service on September 28, 1953 in New York City.  Although he served during the Korean War he was assigned to the post-war occupation force in Germany.  It was because of his ability to speak German and English, his knowledge of the German roads, and his jeep and tank driving skills, that he was assigned to drive US Generals and their wives all around Germany.  For his service he received the Occupation Medal-Germany, the Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal when honorably discharged on August 26, 1955.

Helmut will be remembered as a strong willed, hard-working man who was very particular about his work.  He enjoyed planting flowers around the house and planted at least twenty flats of flowers each year. He loved the fish pond in the yard and enjoyed feeding the birds as well.

Helmut enjoyed playing chess for many years and in 1973 he played in a by-mail chess tournament sponsored by Western Electric.  The fifteen enrolled players were in the United States and Canada and would mail a post card with the next move on it to each player. He was very proud of the fact that for two years he had fifteen chess boards set up and won the tournament. He was still playing with an electronic chess device just the week before he passed. Helmut always enjoyed sports and in his youth excelled at soccer. He loved to follow his favorite soccer team Werder Breman based in Bremen, Germany and also enjoyed watching the New York Giants and New York Jets on television. For many years he was also a member of the German Club in Carlstadt.

He was the loving husband of sixty-four years to Ilse Plein; devoted father of Evelyn (Michael) Growney of Rockaway, and Peter (Beverly) Plein of Glen Rock and Wall Twp; cherished grandfather of Christopher (Sarah) Plein, and Kevin (fiancé Cait) and Hailey (Mike) Tubb; loved brother of Herman (Diane) Plein of Beach Haven, and the late Erwin, Marianna, and Lisa; dearly loved uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Santina “Santa” Trama, age 89, of Pompton Lakes and formerly of Paterson and Elmwood Park, passed away on Sunday August 16, 2020.

Santa was born and raised in Gela, Italy in the region of Sicily. When she was just twelve years old, her dear mother passed away. While this was certainly a hard reality for such a young girl to experience, thankfully, Santa’s loving Godmother Lucia took Santa under her wings and helped guide her into her adult years. Santa always spoke fondly of how Lucia  showed such love and especially how she taught her to be a spectacular cook – a skill that she would use throughout her lifetime to bless her family and friends.

Santa met her husband Francesco through family ties in Italy. They married on December 26, 1948 in San Francesco Church in her hometown of Gela, Italy. Soon after their marriage brought the gift of four beautiful children – Emanuela, Giuseppe, Maria, and Vera. With her husband Francesco employed as a merchant marine, he was often gone for months at a time. Santa lovingly and enthusiastically took care of things at home embracing her role as full-time mother and homemaker.

Santa’s greatest pleasures involved anything that made her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives happy. Her favorite place to be was in the kitchen cooking up something delicious for them. All of her family will cherish special memories of seeing Santa cook, oftentimes humming or singing along to some Italian music that would be playing in the background. Santa’s daughter Emanuela shared this love of cooking and the two of them were always in charge of making all the meals for holiday get-togethers. A skilled seamstress, Santa’s two younger daughters, Maria and Vera, were sometimes mistaken for twins because of the beautiful matching outfits that she would hand sew for them, and thanks to those sewing skills, Santa’s children and grandchildren always had the coolest, most creative Halloween costumes. Santa also loved to crochet and make intricate needle work creations.

When Santa and Francesco’s daughter Emanuela married in 1968, it was one of the happiest days of their lives, but it was also one of the saddest. Emanuela’s new husband had dual citizenship and consequently, Santa’s dear daughter moved to the United States. In a very short span of time, Santa missed Emanuela so much that something needed to be done. Not being able to not see her, Santa, Francesco and their three younger children moved to the United States to be near Emanuela. Settling originally in Paterson, after some time the family moved to 50 Newark Ave in Wayne, then back to a three family home all shared by family at 1020 East 24th Street in Paterson, and finally to 135A River Drive in Elmwood Park. Santa remained in Elmwood Park for many years, recently moving in with her daughter Maria in Pompton Lakes in 2018.

Santa and Francesco enjoyed travels to Argentina, Canada, Florida and, of course, back to see family in Italy. Always happy to care for her grandchildren while their parents were at work, Santa’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always have wonderful memories of just spending time with their loving “Nonna” and “Bisnonna” doing simple but memorable things like getting ice cream from the ice cream truck that would ring its bell as it drove by their house.

A real spitfire with a wicked sense of humor, Santa was truly outgoing and adored by family, friends and neighbors. Her generosity overflowed from her heart and she would gladly share her time, talents and treasures to help anyone in need. As the saying goes, she’d give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She will be missed for all these qualities but mostly for that great sense of humor. Even as she spent her final day in the hospital and while waiting for test results, she woke up at 1:00 AM in the morning and started asking her daughter Vera the following questions; ”Do I have COVID? Do I have cancer?” Vera answered “No”. After Vera explained to her mom what the doctors had found Santa dry-wittingly responded, “After all these years, that’s what I get?” And then she concluded “As the old Italian saying goes, a bad seed never dies.”      

Santa was the beloved wife of Francesco, blessed in marriage for 62 years until his passing in 2010. She was the loving mother of the late Emanuela Minardi (2009), Giuseppe “Joe” Trama and wife Daniela of League City, Texas, Maria Ferrigno of Pompton Lakes, and Vera De Frances and late husband Stephen (2014) of Mendham; cherished grandmother of: Neil Minardi and wife Marybeth, Anna Batelli and husband Enrico, Melissa De Frances and husband Derek Disbrow, Stephen De Frances and wife Lauren, Danielle Kornitzer and husband David, Alexander De Frances, and Alexa Trama; adoring great-grandmother of: Gregory, Patrick, Kevin, Nicholas, Gabriella, and Sullivan; and dear sister of the late Joseph Carnevale and Angela Vinci of Sicily, Italy. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or online at www.stjude.org, would be appreciated.

Ronald Maggio, age 70 of Tavernier, Florida, died peacefully at home with his family by his side.  He was born to Thomas and Evelyn Maggio, and for the first five years of his life lived in Haledon, NJ.  The family moved to Wayne and Ron graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1968.  It was during his high school years that he developed a love for snow skiing. Surely his love of skiing influenced his choice of colleges and he continued his education, North of New Jersey, at the Western New England College in Springfield, MA, where he was a member of the Pi Tau Kappa fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Marketing with the Class of 1972.  Although life brought him to Long Island, New York and South Bend, Indiana he has primarily lived in Florida since the 1980’s.

Ron made his living as a real estate developer, having built more than twenty-five hundred homes throughout south-east Florida.  Of course, the first half of his working life was more of an adventure that included the Griffith Company in Jacksonville, FL which converted Toyota Celicas into convertible “Sunchasers,” Stainless Fittings in Boynton Beach, FL where they manufactured fittings, the Avanti Motor Company in South Bend Indiana, Black Fin Yachts where he built ‘boutique’ yachts in southern Florida, a foundry and manufacturing company that built food service equipment on Long Island, NY and much more.  In 1994, he left manufacturing behind and after one year in the Florida Real Estate market he founded RJM Homes.  He was never one to sit still and never afraid to try his hand at anything.  His brothers were always involved with him at the various places he worked.

Ron was married for thirty-seven years to his wife Susan and they lived the majority of those years in Wellington, Florida, before life took them in different directions.  Despite his busy work life, Ron managed his time well and was very involved with his children.  He was very active in all of his kids activities as they were growing up.  They enjoyed many vacations together and they all worked together as well.  His children recall how he enjoyed tinkering in his tool shed, and going crabbing.  Once he moved to ‘paradise’ in the Florida Keys, he went crabbing all the time, catching more crab than many of the commercial fishermen!  His house in the Keys on the water had an open door policy; he invited everyone and anyone to come enjoy his slice of paradise, and there was always someone sleeping on the couch.  Ron’s house was always the Spring Break destination of choice for nieces, nephews, and 37 1st cousins.  He was very generous and caring and a great host who many knew him as the “King of the Conch Republic”!  Recently he formally retired to the Florida Keys to enjoy boating, diving, becoming a good pirate, catching stone crabs-during season of course.  It was here that he met Susan King-Hynes, his love for the past eight years.  Together, they enjoyed life to the fullest.  His family and friends will all miss him dearly.

Ron is survived by his three children; Kim Bunner and her husband Nick of Loxahatchee, FL, Ron Maggio and his wife Julia Dagan of Lake Worth, FL, and Rick Maggio and his wife Stacie of Wellington, FL, four grandchildren; Ethan, Sage, Mia and Cody, his fiancé Susan King-Hynes of Homestead, FL, a brother; Tom Maggio of Wayne, NJ, and one sister; Donna Ash and her husband William of Wayne, NJ and his late brother Richard “Rick” Maggio (d.2009).

Friends wishing to make a donation in Ron’s memory are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org or San Padro Catholic Church, Tavernier, FL 33070.

Genevieve V. Harraka, age 99 of Riverdale, died peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2020.

Genevieve grew up in Harrison, NJ and attended Harrison High School.  She left school in the eleventh grade and began working full-time to help support her family.  Her first job was at the Thermwell Company in Newark where she earned 35 cents per hour!  She felt like a millionaire when they boosted her pay to 50 cents per hour!  Later she worked at Liggetts Drugs in Montclair, then at Stanton’s Drugs in Little Falls where she served malted milk shakes to Yogi Berra on occasion.  After marrying her husband, Jim, she worked at Lee’s Luncheonette in Cedar Grove until they closed their doors.  Together, she and Jim opened “C Jay’s Luncheonette” on First Ave. in Denville and they ran that until retiring in 1987.  She also enjoyed working in the cafeteria at DePaul High School from 1973 to 1983, where Fr. O’Rourke frequently scolded her for feeding the dairy cows grazing nearby.

Genevieve met her husband Jim at his deli; Lee’s luncheonette, in Cedar Grove.  She was having lunch there and he sat down at her table asked her out on a date.  They went to dinner in Clifton and as fate would have it, they hit it off!  They were married on October 5, 1958 at St. Ann’s Church on Mill Street in Paterson, followed by a honeymoon to Niagara Falls.  They enjoyed a very loving and loyal marriage of fifty-five years, raising three daughters, before Jim passed away in 2001.

Genevieve is survived by two daughters; Carolee Mearon and her husband Gene of Wayne, and Jeannie Malone of Hedgesville, WV, six grandchildren; Michael and Jeffrey Luberto, Amy Mehl, Leah and Michael Malone, and Colleen Mearon, five great-grandchildren; Julia and Ryan Luberto, Michael Luberto, Kailee and Kyle Mehl, and one sister; Virginia McCue of Fairfield, NJ.  She was predeceased by her daughter Janet Luberto in 2016, and by her beloved husband Jim in 2001.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org.

Norma M. Mulligan, age 96, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2020.

Norma was born and raised in Newark, NJ during the time of the Great Depression. She graduated from South Side High School with the Class of 1941 where she was a classmate of famous former New York City Mayor Ed Koch who she described as smart and very outgoing. Possessing a bit of a mischievous nature, during her years in attendance at South Side, she was known for occasionally cutting school to go see a rising star named Frank Sinatra perform.

One evening a few years after graduation, Norma was attending a military service dance. While enjoying the evening, she had the fortune of meeting a distinguished young gentleman named Robert Charles Mulligan. A loving relationship began which ultimately led to the exchange of wedding promises on Saturday, February 5, 1950 at St. Peter’s Church in Bellville.

After their wedding Norma and Bob’s adventurous journey as husband and wife began in an apartment in Bloomfield. This was followed by the purchase of their own home in the same town, and ultimately a new home in the Pines Lake section of Wayne where they lived for many years. When Bob retired from ABC Broadcasting Company, they moved permanently into their townhouse in Vero Beach, FL. They enjoyed some special years there until Bob’s passing in 1991. Norma remained in Vero Beach until her home was destroyed by two successive hurricanes in 2004. She decided to return to New Jersey and found a wonderful community at Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains where she remained to the present.

Throughout their marriage and during Bob’s career as an upper-level executive with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Norma loyally supported Bob in every possible way she could. One time she even cleared a field with Bob’s tractor so that he could land his plane. She drew the line though on another occasion when they flew to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Upon landing, Bob wanted to camp together under the wing of the plane. Norma obliged for that night but that was the last. From that time on, it was hotels or Bob was going without Norma. Always desiring to make sure he looked as sharp and professional as possible, Norma frequently purchased the suit, shirt and tie combo that was displayed on the mannequin in the men’s department in the Sears Department Store because it looked so good!    

Norma was the most fastidious homemaker that ever lived. When visiting her home it was expected that you took off your shoes. This rule paid off very well because the white carpet that she had in her home for years never even got one stain on it. Being the granddaughter of a wounded Civil War veteran made a great impression on Norma and sparked a keen interest in reading historical novels. She was an avid reader who regularly read three books a week even up until just three weeks before her passing.   Norma and Bob also enjoyed spending nice days down by the water and sand along the West Beach near their home on Indian Road in the Pines Lake section of Wayne.

Norma was greatly loved and respected by her family for her sharp wit and friendly personality. She was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Cedar Crest Village Scholars Fund, would be appreciated.

Make check out to:

Cedar Crest Scholars Fund

Mail Check to:

Cedar Crest Village

Attention:  Philanthropy Department

1 Cedar Crest Village Drive

Pompton Plains, NJ 07444

James Fitzpatrick, age 71, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday August 12, 2020

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Jim was born in Manhattan and was the oldest of four children to James and Margaret Fitzpatrick.  He attended St. Elizabeth grammar school and served as an altar boy at St. Elizabeth Church.   Jim was a Boy Scout and eventually earned the title of Eagle Scout.  He attended Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, NY.  After his high school graduation, he attended Manhattan College where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Environmental Science.   Jim moved to New Jersey and accepted a position with Hydro Science located in Mahwah, NJ, which became Hydro Qual and eventually HDR Inc.  His career with them spanned 50 years.

Jim was a lifelong fan of the Fighting Irish and the Dodgers.  He became an avid skier, traveling to destinations all over Europe, the United States, and Canada to test his skills.  Jim also frequented Aruba and other exotic destinations where he enjoyed the sport of Windsurfing.  Traveling was one of Jim’s favorite things to do.  He was always willing to travel great distances to be with family and friends.  He was a music lover, particularly of Hot Tuna, and Shilelagh Law.  Not only was Jim a lover of listening to music but also a player of music.  As of recent, Jim was challenging himself by learning to play the Cigar Box Guitar.

Jim was a very happy person throughout his life, had a wonderful sense of humor, and enjoyed being the life of the party.  He was affectionately known to his nieces and nephews as, “Crazy Uncle Jim.”  Aside from all of his interests, hobbies, and talents, his greatest passion was for his friends and family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Jim than spending time with his brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was a very special person who touched the lives of everyone he met and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Jim is survived by his sister Kathy Ferre and her husband Bill of Wayne, two brothers John Fitzpatrick and his wife Mary Ellen of Boynton Beach, FL, and Kevin Fitzpatrick and his wife Peggy of Spring Lake, NJ, four nieces, Laura Fitzpatrick and her partner Tommy of Baltimore, MD, Caitlin Fitzpatrick and her husband Corey of Westbrook, Ct, Keri Fitzpatrick of Hoboken, NJ, and Jocelyn Ruggiero of Madison, CT, one nephew Brendan and his wife Sarah of Cincinnati, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be made to St. Elizabeth School at St E Fund P.O. Box 312 Bronxville, NY 10708.  https://saintelizabethschool.org/

Irene Ann Schulze (nee Muschko), age 85, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday August 11, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family and after a courageous battle with cancer.

Irene was born in Northampton, PA and was the youngest of three children to John and Suzanne Muschko.  As a young girl, Irene and her family moved to the Bunker Hill section of Paterson.  As a teenager, Irene attended Central High School and graduated with the class of 1952.  Following Irene’s graduation, she found work quickly at the Prospect Park National Bank in Prospect Park where she held a clerical position.  Irene worked there for about five years.  During that time in her life she met a handsome young man by the name of John Schulze.  The two of them lived in the same neighborhood, hit it off great, and started dating.  As fate would have it they fell in love.  John got the call to serve his country in the Korean Conflict and after his return home from his service with the United States Army the two became husband and wife on June 1, 1957, getting married in St John’s Lutheran Church in Passaic, NJ.

Irene and John settled in Paterson, in the same apartment building in which Irene’s brother Edward lived.  In 1959, Irene and John welcomed their first child, their daughter Judy.  Shortly after the New Year in 1962, they welcomed their second daughter Diane.  That same year a fire swept through their apartment building and the family was forced to move.  Irene and her family moved to Wayne where they remained for the rest of their lives.  After moving to Wayne, John and Irene welcomed their other two children, their son John in 1963, and their daughter Karen in 1967.

Shortly after the birth of their first child, Irene decided that she would become a full time homemaker, devoting herself to caring and nurturing her husband and children.  This was Irene’s true calling and where she flourished.  She was a totally devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  Not only was Irene devoted totally to her family but she was also wholly dedicated to her Lutheran Faith.  She and her family were members of St Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Wayne for many years.  Irene was a member of the Eastern Star and recently in 2019 received her fifty year service pin.  Irene was also a member of the Scottish Rite Lady’s Auxiliary in Lincoln Park for many years as well.

The one place that Irene considered her home away from home was the beach.  She enjoyed frequenting the beaches of the Jersey Shore and Myrtle Beach, SC.  She loved to swim, bathe in the sun, and spending time on their boat.  Irene and John also treasured traveling and cruising to destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, and various islands in the Caribbean.  She was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed exercising as long as it was fun, and she was also quite a dancer.  Irene was a genuine connoisseur of coffee, she described coffee as being “The Nectar of the Gods,”  Irene could always be seen with a smile on her face, she was one of the nicest, kindest, and wholesome people you could have ever met and never had a bad word to say about anyone.  Aside from all of Irene’s interests and hobbies, her greatest passion was for her family. Nothing in the world meant more to Irene than spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She and John cherished forty nine years of loving and loyal marriage together until John’s passing in 2006.  Irene was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Irene is survived by her three daughters; Judith Lynn Beasley of Pittston, PA, Diane Christiano and her husband Ken of Newton, NJ, and Karen Ann Schulze of Wayne, NJ, one son John Robert Schulze and his wife Joann of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, one brother William Muschko of Totowa, eight grandchildren; Caitlyn Michelle Hollingshead and her husband Brian of Plains, PA, Alyssa Karen Beasley of Inkerman, PA, Dayton Orville Beasley and his wife Layne of Bethlehem, PA, Quinton Kenneth Christiano and his fiancé Tori of Newton, NJ, Danielle Irene Christiano of Newton, NJ, Alexis Diane Christiano of Newton, NJ, Brittany Lynn Schulze of Little Egg Harbor, NJ and Anastasia Alexis Schulze of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, and four great grandchildren; Braedon John Hollingshead of Plains, PA, Bryce Jeffrey Hollingshead of Plains, PA, Brooks Jackson Hollingshead of Plains, PA, and Camryn Michelle Hollingshead of Plains, PA. She was predeceased by her brother Edward Muschko of Oakland, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Irene’s name are asked to consider  St Timothy’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 395 Valley Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470.  https://www.sttimothynj.org/

Carol Mae Vreeland (nee Decker), age 81 of Kinnelon, NJ, died on Thursday August 6, 2020. She had lived in Kinnelon since the 1960s.

Carol grew up in Wayne, NJ with her parents Robert and Relda Decker, and her younger sister Janice, in their home near the Pompton Falls. She graduated from Wayne High School, and went on to earn her teaching certificate from the William Paterson Teacher's College in Wayne. Carol loved her job teaching for several years at the Immaculate Conception School in Mahwah.

Carol was very active in her hometown of Kinnelon and she dedicated countless volunteer hours to protecting the natural beauty of the area for future generations. She served on the Environmental Commission of Kinnelon, the Open Space Advisory Committee, Sustainable Jersey, and the Kinnelon "Green Team." She was most proud when her team successfully preserved nearly sixty acres. That land is now protected permanently and will remain as open space forever.

Carol Mae and her husband, Charles met shortly after high school, when they were introduced by mutual friends. . They hit it off from the start and were soon married on March 3, 1962, at Christ Episcopal Church in Pompton Lakes. They honeymooned in Lake Placid, New York and settled in Pompton Lakes. Within a few years they were able to build their family home in Kinnelon, where they raised their two daughters, Christine and Carin.

Carol had a special love for gardening which was handed down to her by her grandmother Nanny. She enjoyed being a homemaker, driving her daughters to dance lessons, playing tennis and swimming at Lake Rickabear in the summers. Carol's greatest joy of all was cooking and baking wonderful family dinners for her children and grandchildren.

Throughout Carol and Chuck's early retirement years, they enjoyed traveling in their RV to places across the United States including The Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, The Badlands, Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Cape Cod. Their marriage of nearly sixty years has been full of love, laughter, and warm memories to be cherished for years to come.  Chuck and his family will miss her dearly, as well as Carol's beloved Brittany Spaniel, Tara.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband Charles of Kinnelon, their two children: Carin Vreeland of Ramsey, NJ and Christine Schneider and her husband Mike of Westbrook, CT; four grandchildren; Michael, Anna and Charlie Schneider of Westbrook, CT, and Nicole Sulikowski of Ramsey, NJ, and one sister: Janice Avolio and her husband Anthony of North Haledon.

For those wishing to make a donation in Carol's memory, please consider the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, 19 Boonton Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005, web: tlc - nj.org, (973)541-1010.

Due to the effects of the recent tropical storm, Annette's services have been rescheduled as follows:

Visitation hours will be held from 2-6 PM on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Monday August 10, 2020 at the funeral home then to St.Mary's RC Church, 17 Pompton Ave, Pompton Lakes where at 11AM a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Interment will follow at Christ the King Cemetery, 980 Huron Avenue, Franklin Lakes.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Annette Louise Lyons (née Smith), of Wayne, NJ, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 73.

The eldest child of Howard and Giuliana “Julia” Smith (née Tedde), Annette was born in Bayshore, NY, and raised in nearby Freeport. A graduate of Freeport High School, Annette earned a BA in Education from SUNY Potsdam and an MA in Education from Adelphi University. Her 25-year teaching career started in Copiague, NY. After she moved to Wayne, Annette taught at the Packanack Cooperative Nursery School before teaching first grade at Randall Carter and Lafayette Elementary Schools. She loved her students, and many reached out to her in recent years to thank her for always believing in them.

Annette met Francis “Frank” Lyons when he asked her to dance at a Long Island nightclub. They would dance together for the next 48 years. In 1972, they married at Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport, NY, and settled in Merrick, NY, where they added four children to their family. In 1982, they moved to Wayne, NJ, to raise their children. During their retirement, they split their time between Wayne and their beachfront condo in Daytona Beach Shores, FL, which was a favorite vacation destination for the entire family.

Annette and Frank were avid travelers and took trips all over the world— Europe, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, and cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean and Mediterranean to name just a few of their adventures. But Annette’s favorite trip was their tour of America’s National Parks out West. They also enjoyed seeing shows in New York City and dining out with their many close friends. But, most of all, they simply enjoyed spending time together. They would often go out for a ride in their convertible to talk, laugh, and listen to music. They were truly inseparable; where one was, you would always find the other.

Annette’s pride and joy was her family. A devoted mother, she was her children’s constant cheerleader. She loved to make big, traditional meals and have her family gathered around her table, especially during the holidays. One of her friends said Annette had “an explosion of love” for her nine grandchildren and, no matter the distance, she and Frank always traveled to support them during their milestones and activities — just as they supported their own children throughout the years.

Annette is survived by her husband of 48 years, Frank Lyons, and their four children: Sharon Watts and her husband Ryan of Bethesda, MD, Patrick Lyons and his wife Tara of Rockaway, NJ, Peter Lyons and his wife Stacey of West Palm Beach, FL, and Tom Lyons and his wife Amy of Morris Plains, NJ. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Arlene Frederick of Freeport, NY; two brothers: Howard Smith of Hicksville, NY, and David Smith of Port Charlotte, FL. She will forever be cherished in the hearts of her nine grandchildren: Dylan, Kayden, Aidan, Zane, Elizabeth, Emma, Noah, Dylan, and Tyler.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Annette's name are asked to consider The American Cancer Society NJ Chapter, 7 Ridgedale Ave, Suite 103, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927.  http://www.cancer.org

Edwin “Eddie” Spitzers, age 84 of Wayne, died at home on Friday, July 31, 2020.  He was raised in the Netherlands and lived in Wayne since 1974.

Eddie was maître d of the Upper Montclair Country Club for thirty years, where he also served as manager, retiring in 2001.

Growing up in the Netherlands, Eddie started working for the Holland American Cruise Line as a teenager.  Beginning as a busboy, he worked his way up the ranks during nearly twenty years with the cruise line.  When he decided to settle down, he easily transitioned to the Upper Montclair Country Club.

On one occasion in the early 1970’s, Eddie returned to Holland to visit family and friends.  Good fortune struck on the final day of his six-week visit when he met Marianne at a local pub.  Marianne had stopped in to visit her friend who worked at the pub, and a conversation started with Eddie.  After a few hours of conversation, Eddie boldly invited Marianne to come visit him in America – and she accepted!  After a few successful visits, and some quality time getting to know each other, they decided to get married.  They exchanged vows on August 30, 1973 in Clifton and settled to Eddie’s home in Carlstadt, NJ.  They moved to Wayne in 1974, where they have lived ever since.  Together, they’ve vacationed at St. Maarten many times, and he especially loved Sandy Hook at the Jersey Shore.  He also enjoyed cruising on his BMW K75 motorcycle, or relaxing by his pool in the back yard.  Most of all, Marianne will miss their daily card games at the kitchen table.

Eddie is survived by his wife of forty-seven years; Marianne of Wayne, their two children; Diana Spitzers of Wichita, Kansas and Robert Spitzers of Merrimac, Wisconsin, and two grandchildren; Kyler Sianis of Wichita, and Alana Spitzers of Livingston, NJ.

Due to power outages, visiting hours have been moved to Saturday, August 8 from 6-9 PM at the VANDER MAY WAYNE COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 567 RATZER RD, WAYNE, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 7:30 PM on Saturday during the visiting hours.

Marietta A Virges (nee Ballesteros), age 64, of Haskell passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family and after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Marietta was born and raised in Cabusao Camarines Sur, Philippines and was one of six children to Santiago and Maura Ballesteros.  Marietta attended High School in Camarines Sur National High School and graduated with the class of 1973.  Following her graduation from High School, Marietta enrolled at the Bicol University in the Philippines where she graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.  Marietta found work quickly as a registered nurse in a hospital in Manila where she worked for about a year.  Marietta then picked up and moved to Libya where she accepted a position again as a registered nurse.  Marietta remained in Libya for nearly seven years.  During her time there, Marietta was introduced to a handsome young man by the name of Nelson Virges.  The two started dating and as fate would have it they fell in love and after about three years were married on December 11, 1986.

After getting married, Marietta and Nelson returned to their jobs, Marietta went back to Libya and Nelson returned to his job in Oman.  In 1988, the couple made a life-changing decision and quit their jobs and returned to their homeland, the Philippines.  After only a short time back in the Philippines, in 1990, Marietta and Nelson made another momentous and profound decision.  The couple decided that they would immigrate to the United States in search of a better life and the American Dream.  When they arrived in America they settled in the city of Paterson.  Marietta and Nelson lived there for about four years.  Once again, Marietta found work quickly and continued her career as a Registered Nurse employed at the Preakness HealthCare Center in Wayne.  Marietta worked for Preakness HealthCare Center for twenty-six years until her retirement in 2016.  During that time, between 1995 and 2015, she also worked part time for Lakeland HealthCare Center in her hometown of Haskell.

In 1992, Marietta and Nelson welcomed their first and only child, their son Rob.  Marietta was a truly devoted mother and instilled the importance and value of a good education in her son Rob throughout his life.  Marietta was an avid gardener, being able to grow just about anything.  Every summer Marietta had her husband Nelson and son Rob transport all of her tropical plants from inside the house to outside in the backyard.  The guest room in her home was dedicated to her immeasurable collection of tropical trees and plants.  Not only was Marietta a wonderful gardener and dedicated mother, she was also devoted to her Catholic Faith.  Oftentimes on the weekends Marietta would wake up her son and husband and get them to attend Catholic Mass with her.  Throughout her life, Marietta donated to a variety of different charities.  Aside from all of Marietta’s interests and talents, her greatest passion was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Marietta than spending time with, and providing for her family.  Marietta and Nelson cherished thirty-four years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Marietta was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Marietta is survived by her husband Nelson Virges of Haskell, one son Rob Virges of Haskell, three brothers; Raul Ballesteros and his wife Victoria of Los Angeles, CA, Santiago Ballesteros of Cebu City, Philippines, and Adrian Catbagan and his wife Edith of Manila, Philippines, two sisters Grace Atienza and her husband Ding of Napa Valley, CA, and Marilyn Grimes and her husband Randy of American Canyon, CA, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents Santiago and Maura Ballesteros.

In lieu of flowers, those planning to make a donation in Marietta’s name are asked to consider Cancer Treatment Center of America, Gateway for Cancer Research, 500 E. Remington Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173. www.gatewayforcancerresearch.org

Anthony Pagnotta, age 50, of Wayne passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 while in the presence of his loving family.

Anthony was raised in East Northport, Long Island and was one of five children to John and Carol Pagnotta.  While growing up, Anthony developed a great passion for sports, particularly Soccer and Baseball.  As a student at Northport High School in New York, Anthony excelled in Soccer and as a result was awarded a partial Soccer Scholarship.  After his graduation from Northport High School in 1987 he attended Averett University in Danville, VA.  While at Averett, Anthony majored in Business.  He was only there for a couple of years when he was offered an opportunity to work at his Uncle’s Company as a Healthcare Consultant.  Anthony worked for his uncle for several years, he was then offered a position, again as a Healthcare Consultant, for a company called SPS (Self Pay Solutions) based in the city of Clifton.  Anthony worked for SPS for nearly ten years when he decided to branch out on his own and start his own company.  He was the founder and president of Managed Care Recovery Solutions for the last ten years.  Anthony’s career as a Healthcare Consultant spanned nearly thirty years until his passing.

Anthony never lost his love for sports.  He was a fan of the New York Giants and an avid New York Yankee fan as well.  Anthony’s basement was basically a shrine dedicated and decorated with Yankee memorabilia including signed photographs of Yankee legends such as Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.  In 1993, Anthony welcomed the birth of his first child Anthony, later in 1997 his second son Mason.  In 1998, through some mutual friends, Anthony met an attractive young lady by the name of Linda Zalewski.  The two hit it off great and started dating. Anthony and Linda dated for about four years and on March 10, 2002 while in Miami on a cruise ship, Linda and Anthony became husband and wife and set sail on their honeymoon to the Caribbean Islands with their family and friends.  The couple settled in Wayne after getting married and have been there ever since.  In 2004 they welcomed their first child John and in 2006 their second son Jake.  Through the years, Anthony always remained a loyal and devoted father to all of his children.  He and his wife Linda cherished eighteen years of loving marriage together.  He was a generous, kind hearted man who would give you the shirt off his back.  He was the kind of friend that was always there when you needed him.  He invariably had a “larger-than-life” personality, he loved being the life of the party and could regularly be found telling great entertaining stories while surrounded by groups of his friends and family.   Anthony was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Anthony is survived by his wife Linda (nee Zalewski) of Wayne, four sons; Anthony Pagnotta of Bridgewater, NJ, Mason Pagnotta of Bridgewater, NJ, John Pagnotta of Wayne, and Jake Pagnotta of Wayne, his father John Pagnotta of Naples, FL, one sister Gina Pagnotta-Strebel and her husband Robert of East Northport, NY, three brothers; John Pagnotta and his wife Denise of East Northport, NY, Michael Pagnotta and his wife Kerry of East Northport, NY, and Chris Pagnotta and his wife Kristi of San Diego, CA, and many nieces and nephews. Anthony is also survived by one of his new best friends, Coco, the family’s rescued pitbull.   He was predeceased by his mother Carol Pagnotta (nee Beuther) earlier this year.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Anthony’s name are asked to consider The Sumaira Foundation for NMO, PO Box 161 Brookline, MA 02446.  https://www.sumairafoundation.org/

Sean M. Donahue, age 36, of Jersey City and formerly of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2020.

Sean was born in St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. He was raised in Passaic until age nine when he moved to Wayne.

Sean graduated from Wayne Hills High School in 2002 and then attended Chubb Institute where he earned his certification in networking security administration. His first job in technology was with IND Corporation in Parsippany, NJ as a network engineer. Gaining valuable experience, Sean moved on to positions with DeWitt Stern Risk Strategies, New York, NY as Vice President of Technology and XL Catlin Insurance, New York, NY as Assistant Vice President, Underwriter in Cyber Technology. Most recently, he was employed by Beecher Carlson Insurance Services, New York, NY as Senior Vice President/Technology Risk Management. Sean loved his work and he especially enjoyed mentoring and sharing his knowledge with younger professionals and helping them strive to be their best.

Sean met his wife, Erika, at a Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation event in May of 2010. They were married two years later, on August 27, 2012 in a civil ceremony conducted by the justice of the peace at City Hall in New York, NY. A celebration of their union was held on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Tides Estate in North Haledon.

Sean enjoyed numerous hobbies and pastimes. As a young boy, you could often find him outside in front of his house, playing street hockey with his friends. A love of fishing was also sparked during those early years of life and one time, he won a pool for catching the biggest fish. His love of fishing continued throughout his life and he also enjoyed having fish as pets in his beautiful saltwater fish tank. As he progressed into adulthood, Sean’s love of the wonderful invention of things progressed right along with him. He loved playing with all things mechanical but he was also intrigued by the intricacies of how things worked. Sean loved to read about subjects like the workings of the brain and of course computers. He loved playing video games, especially those that involve risk. No doubt, these interests led him to his life’s vocation and, in his spare time, one of his favorite hobbies - being what’s known as an ethical computer hacker. An ethical computer hacker is a person who is hired by companies to try to hack their computer systems as a way of revealing any real-life vulnerabilities. In fact, Sean earned certifications to engage in ethical computer hacking.

Sean was truly a loving, sensitive, caring and gentle soul. Beyond all of his zest-for-life pursuits, was a man who loved his family and friends and always desired that those who spent time with him were enjoying themselves. He loved to take friends out for dinner and wanted them to have a good time. He also had a soft spot in his heart for those in need. Sean never came across a worthy cause he didn’t want to get behind and support. Favorite charitable organizations included but were not limited to the Humane Society, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and most recently any endeavor to help front line workers in the battle against COVID-19 to get the personal protective equipment they needed to protect themselves while caring for others. During 9-11 Sean’s father had a friend who was a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department who commandeered a ferry boat to rescue many who were at ground zero. As Sean learned of this heroic act, it instilled a great love and respect for firefighters in his heart. A charitable organization called the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation arose from that effort and Sean and Erika actively supported the organization. They also frequented a local butcher shop in Jersey City near their home and always left a generous amount of money with the store owner with instructions to use it for the local firefighters when they came in.

Sean was the beloved husband of Erika Donahue (nee Rein), and the loving son of Peter and Judy Donahue of Bradenton, Florida.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be appreciated.

To donate online, click HERE

To donate by fax or mail, you can click HERE to access a Printable Donation Form.

Fax your completed form to 718-987-3909 or mail it to:

Tunnels to Towers Foundation

2361 Hylan Boulevard

Staten Island, NY 10306

Vukosava Vlajovanov, age 74 of Blakeslee, PA, died on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.  She had lived in Paterson and Oak Ridge, NJ for many years before retiring to Blakeslee, Pennsylvania.

Ljuba, as she was affectionately known, was born to the late Stevan and Kristina Lazic, in Budisava, Yugoslavia.  The youngest of five sisters, she was raised in Novi Sad, Serbia before coming to America in 1982 with her husband and two children.  

Ljuba was truly a master of her trade.  Learning to be a seamstress from a young age, she was able to make anything.  She could knit a hat or a sweater, sew a dress or a coat, make sofa covers or curtains, she even made wedding dresses for her daughter and daughter in law.  If anyone needed an alteration, she was just a phone call away.  She made beautiful things with such passion and creativity.  

Ljuba was never afraid to learn something new.  A strong-willed woman, she could change a flat tire on the car just easily as mowing the lawn, or cooking a world-class meal.  She loved to cook and bake, and no one ever left her home hungry.  She enjoyed finding the freshest ingredients at the local farmer’s markets, or harvesting from her own incredible garden.  Her cooking skills were amazing and to this day her children don’t know how she managed to work full-time every day, and then cook a fabulous meal from scratch each night.  She also loved to read and spend time outside.  

Ljuba was a selfless person who was always doing what she could for others.  She put everyone else’s needs above her own.  She was generous and kind.  Her family was her life, especially her grandchildren who called her "Baba". She loved spending time with them, playing games or just talking until late at night.  She loved cooking and baking for them and they enjoyed everything she made. They are heartbroken and will miss her tremendously.

A beautiful soul was lost.  An amazing mother, wife, grandmother, sister and a friend to everyone, Ljuba will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Ljuba is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-five years; Slobodan Vlajovanov of Blakeslee, PA, their two children; Dusan Vlajovanov and his wife Marija of Wayne, NJ and Milica Kear of Monroe, NY, two grandchildren; Daniella and Dylan Kear of Monroe, NY, and two sisters; Marija and Ljiljana of Novi Sad, Serbia.  She was predeceased by her two sisters, Biserka and Miladinka.

James C. Payne, age 90 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.  He had lived in Wayne since 2001.  He had lived in Dumont from 1970 to 2001, Union City prior to that, and enjoyed spending winters in his vacation home in Jupiter, Florida for many years.

James was raised in the Ridgewood section of Queens and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School.  He was a very bright young man, and following high school, began taking classes as Cooper Union in Brooklyn.  He eventually earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering, while working full-time and taking night classes.

He began working at Merkel Meat Market at the age of 14, and in 1947, became a full time machinist at the Wagner Litho Machinery Division of National Standard, rising to the position of factory manager.  This turned into a career lasting twenty-nine years when he retired in 1976. The following year, Jim co-founded Metal Decorating Parts Company, Inc., fabricating parts for lithography equipment.  He operated this company for over twenty-three years before finally deciding to retire in 2000.  By this point, he had been working full-time from the age of sixteen until he was seventy years old!

Jim was a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, St. John’s Council of Dumont and Bergenfield.

Jim met his wife, Joan, while working at Wagner Litho, as Jim’s uncle and Joan’s father, who were childhood friends, both also worked there.  They arranged for Jim and Joan to go on a date, and this led to a relationship.  They married on November 5, 1955 at St. Michael’s Monastery in Union City, NJ and enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon to Bermuda.  They loved Bermuda so much, they went back many times throughout the years.  They also traveled throughout the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, Ireland, France, and many other fabulous destinations.  Together, they have enjoyed nearly sixty-five years of a very loving and happy marriage, filled with great memories.  Jim always took good care of Joan, and his whole family. He was a generous man, kind, and always protective.  He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.  They will all miss him very much.

Jim is survived by his wife Joan (nee Ibold) of Wayne, two children; Karen McMillin and her husband William of Wayne, and David Payne and his wife Helen of Jupiter, Florida, four grandchildren; Audrey and Brian McMillin of Wayne, and Samuel and Olivia Payne of Jupiter, Florida.

Lucy Palatucci, age 106, passed peacefully at home on Monday, July 20, 2020.

She was born to Anthony and Patrina Campagnia in Midvale.  Lucy graduated from Butler High School with the Class of 1931. Just out of high school, Lucy worked as a secretary at a local insurance company before setting out on her own, eventually opening The Pompton Lakes Insurance Agency, which was located at 290 Wanaque Avenue in Pompton Lakes.  At her agency she sold insurance and was a real estate broker. Lucy ran her company for many years and retired in the 1980s.

Lucy met the love of her life, Armand Palatucci in the late 1930s.  They married on October 27, 1940 at St. Francis Church in Wanaque.   They drove down south on their honeymoon, stopping to see the sites in Washington, D.C. As they continued on their journey south, having the time of their lives, the giggling newlyweds attempted to sneak onto a cottonfield to try their hand at picking cotton. They were soon chased off the field by a warning shot. Lucy and Armand enjoyed 43 years of marriage until his passing in March of 1984.

In addition to working and raising her children, Lucy was a Brownie Troop Leader and a member of the Ground Observer Corp., often bringing her two children to the watch tower in Butler in the middle of the night to help out with identifying the planes that flew overhead.

Upon her retirement Lucy became very active with the Saint Mary’s Seniors with whom she took many memorable trips. Some of her favorite vacations, which she enjoyed with the many friends whom she met through the Seniors, included Hawaii, where she took a helicopter ride that flew into a volcano; Rome, where she met the Pope; and a trip through the Panama Canal.  The Pompton Lakes Woman’s Club would host an annual flower competition and Lucy’s roses won several prizes over the years.  Lucy had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed country line dancing, watching the soap opera The Young & Restless, and keeping up with the times by reading Star Magazine. Through the years her home was the go-to place for Sunday dinners and all family gatherings. She would effortlessly prepare huge multi-course meals with love as one of her main ingredients.

She was the loving mother of Armand Palatucci, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Medford, and Barbara Cahill and her late husband Bill (d.2015); she was the cherished grandmother of Christine Wilson and her husband Douglas, Brian Palatucci, Deborah Simpkins and her husband Christopher, Todd Cahill and his wife Michelle, Allison Harraka and her husband Brian, and Melanie Lamon and her husband Randy; Lucy was also the dearly loved great-grandmother of thirteen great-grandchildren; she was also the loved sister of Lena Carlough and her late husband Chester of Mooresville, NC and was predeceased by her siblings Theresa, Mary, Rose, Millie, John, and Frank.

Memorial donations to the Hospice of NJ, 400 Broadacres Drive #1, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Leos Hernandez, age 62, of East Rutherford passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday July, 19, 2020.

Leos was born in Manhattan, NY and was one of three children to Luis and Fermina Hernandez.  Leos spent his formative years growing up in the Bronx and when he was about nine years old, his family moved to Passaic, NJ.  The family was only there a couple of years when they moved again to the city of Paterson.  While living in Paterson, Leos attended John F. Kennedy High School.

As a young boy, Leos was tremendously mechanically inclined.  He was often found taking various things apart in his home to find out just how they worked, including his mother’s radio.  This mechanical inquisitiveness would shape his education and his career for the remainder of his life.  Shortly after high school, Leos found work quickly.  He was employed at a company in East Hanover where they rebuilt generators and train engines.  He performed so well at his position, and his company being thoroughly impressed, enrolled him in courses which taught advanced mechanics.  Leos worked there for about eight years.  During his time at this position, Leos was invited to Niagara Falls where he assisted in rebuilding the famous Hydroelectric Generators.

Leos was then offered a position at a company known as Lanxess Solutions U.S. in East Hanover where he continued his career employed as a mechanic maintaining, fixing, and rebuilding machinery.  Leos held this position until his passing.  Being mechanically inclined at such a young age, it was no surprise that one of Leos’ favorite past times was fixing up and restoring automobiles.  At a young age he could rebuild car engines and transmissions.  Through the years, Leos owned, rebuilt, and restored many different vehicles including a Pontiac GTO, Ford Mustang Cobra, ’63 Chevy Impala, and a ’84 Iroc Z to name just a few.  Leos enjoyed frequenting car shows at the Javits Center in New York, as well as attending and participating in car shows with his own vehicles in Middletown, NY and in Pennsylvania.

Leos was a quiet person, observant one might say, and extremely private.  He was also very spiritual.  Leos was also an avid dancer, particularly of Salsa and as of recent, has been rather passionate about politics.  However, Leos’ pride and joy and greatest passion was given to him in 2006 when his son Gianluccas was born.  Nothing in the world meant more to Leos than providing for, and spending time with his son.  He was a truly devoted father.  Leos was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Leos is survived by his son Gianluccas Hernandez of East Rutherford, one sister Nancy Porta and her husband John of Wayne, one brother Samuel Hernandez and his wife Isabel of Kissimmee, FL, Two children, Luis and Kristina Hernendez Rodriguez,  five nieces; Samantha Hernandez, Megan Hernandez, Alexis Hernandez, and Jacqueline Carter, one nephew Phillip Muniz, and two grandnieces; Kaylin, and Scarlet.  He is also survived by Gainluccas’ sister Ashley Jarllene Tosado.

Eileen Smith, age 69 of Wayne, dies on July 18, 2020.

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Eileen Smith of Wayne died at home with her sister Racquel by her side on July 18, 2020.  She was born in the Bronx to Eva and Henry Bentz and remained close with some of her best childhood friends. She attended Grace Lutheran parochial school, where she was a classmate of former Kiss guitarist, Paul “Ace” Frehley.  Eileen worked many years in New York City for ING Group, in Banking and Finance.  She earned an Associates in Applied Science degree from New York University, a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Pace University.

In July 1972 she married Joseph Smith and moved to Woodside Queens.  Joe and Eileen honeymooned in Mexico, starting in Mexico City exploring the country on their way to Alcapulco. Joe’s jobs required him to travel frequently and Eileen traveled with him whenever possible living for a short period in Redondo Beach, California, Seattle, Washington and Galveston. After 31 years in Woodside they moved to Wayne to be close to her family in Wayne and closer to Joe’s family in Albany.  Eileen made many wonderful friends in Wayne and loved going out to some of the local eateries like the “OD” (Oakland Diner), Bensi and Little Food Café.

It was always a priority for Eileen to stay in close touch friends and to get together with family whenever possible, especially during the holidays.  If you were part of her church communities, pool group, oatmeal club, neighbor, friend or friend of a friend you would most certainly get a plate of homemade Christmas cookies every year. She was an accomplished cook and loved cooking for her family and friends.  Her holiday dinners which she prepared for her family in Wayne were always delicious, creatively presented with name tags and holiday nik-naks and included some unique dishes like worm soup (Passatelli Dei Nonni).  She also prepared and coordinated an immensely popular holiday party for Joe’s family and relatives in Albany.  A considerable undertaking which she loved to do for Joe and his family.

Eileen was very close to her nephews Eric and Scott and was with them throughout their lives.  Whether it was cheering Eric on in baseball or Scott’s band recital she enjoyed watching them grow up.  She conducted a beautiful wedding ceremony for Eric and Nicole just a couple of years ago which had us all in joyful tears.  She was always there to provide them support and instill in them the valuable life lessons which they will remember forever.

Eileen was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer nearly ten years ago.  She immediately researched and learned everything she could about her disease and treatment.  She soon learned there was only limited treatment and few doctors with experience treating the disease.  She actively advocated for more research, funding and greater awareness to help in the fight against this disease and was even awarded by then NJ Governor Chris Christie for her efforts.

Eileen remained active in the church throughout her life.  As an adult she entered the Lutheran diaconate and was set apart as a deacon by the Metro New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on June 17, 1998.  She served faithfully in the Metro Synod, often planning synod-wide educational and administrative events.  She was a gifted preacher and often substituted for vacationing pastors.

When She moved to New Jersey, Eileen joined St. Timothy Lutheran Church and quickly became a faithful worker and congregational leader.  She served on the Mutual Ministry Committee, chaired the Worship and Outreach Committees, and was a faithful sacristan and liturgical assistant.  Eileen founded St. Timothy’s very successful seniors’ program, Prime Timers, planning monthly luncheons and securing speakers for each gathering.  She preached and led worship several times a year when the senior pastor vacationed.  She served as a mentor for several generations of catechism students and coordinated the mentoring program.  Eileen introduced St. Timothy to “Stew Sunday,” which operates in conjunction with Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, providing nourishing meals for the clients of Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson several times a year.

Eileen was a prolific writer, contributing articles to synodical and parish newsletters, as well as several nationally circulated publications, including The Lutheran Magazine and the Lutheran Forum.  She was the editor of the Metro New York Synod’s monthly newsletter.  She was conversant in Lutheran theology and was an avid reader of theological tomes.

Eileen was a wonderful person, who did so much to make our lives and the world a better place.  It is impossible to mention everyone whose life she touched and how much each person in her life meant to her. Her loss will be felt by many.

She is survived by her sister Racquel White, brother in law Arthur White, her nephews and nieces: Eric (Nicole) White, Scott White, Michael (Mary Jean) Jackson, Thomas (Janice) Jackson, Daniel Jackson, Marybeth (Thomas) Huyck, and great nephews and nieces: Stephanie (Jason) Cosco, Renee Jackson, Marissa (Trey and Chase) Jasenski and Thomas Huyck. She was predeceased by her parents Eva and Henry Bentz, her husband Joseph Smith who passed away in 2020 and her great nephew Christopher Jackson.

Donations can be made to:

NET Research Foundation

31 St. James Avenue, Suite 365

Boston, MA 02116

Gary J Denovchik, age 68, of Fairfield passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Gary was born and raised in Passaic, NJ and was one of four children to Nicholas and Etta Denovchik.  While growing up, at the early age of ten years old, Gary began working at the family owned store in Passaic.  Gary worked closely with his family for many years until the closing of the store in 1996.  Gary attended Passaic High School and after graduating with the class of 1970, he enrolled at Lincoln Technical Institute where he studied Refrigeration for a time.  Gary was accepted at Rutgers University where he studied Water Filtration for a short time as well.

In 1982, Gary welcomed the birth of his first and only child, Christopher.  Realizing that working in the family store may not be enough to support his son, Gary set out to find a position with better pay and healthcare benefits.  He accepted a position at Passaic Valley Water Commission in Little Falls where he was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  Gary held this position for nearly twenty years until his retirement in 2001.

One of Gary’s favorite past times was boating, he owned several boats including a pontoon boat which he would frequent the Atlantic City area with.  For nearly fifteen years Gary and his son took yearly vacations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Gary also enjoyed walking his dogs and taking long drives in his cars.  In only recent days, Gary was able to see his first and only grandchild, Emelia.  Gary was a member of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution for many years, as well as the Conover Family Association, and Lake Family association.  He was also a member for many years of the First United Methodist Church in Passaic.

Gary was a football fan, his favorite team being the New York Giants.  Later as his son grew up, Gary jumped the fence and became a New York Jets fan being that his son was a fan.  Gary was funny, witty and always straightforward with everyone he met.  He was the kind of guy that was not afraid to tell you what he thought and never beat around the bush.  You always knew where you stood with him.  Aside from all of Gary’s interests and hobbies, his greatest passion was for his family.  Gary would come up with just about any excuse to jump in his car and visit with his son and daughter-in-law.  He was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Gary is survived by his son Christopher Denovchik and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, one sister Patricia Kerekes of Freehold, and one granddaughter Emelia Denovchik of Wayne, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brothers Nicholas Denovchik, and Mark Denovchik.

Antonio Manente, age 80 of Wayne, left us to be with Our Lord on Thursday, July 16, 2020 with his loving family at his bedside.  He had lived in Wayne for the past thirty years.

Antonio’s career spanned more than forty-five years as a piano technician with Baldwin Pianos, at their showroom on 58th Street in Manhattan.

Antonio was born in Molfetta, Italy, one of seven children.  His father Vito Manente worked as a Longshoreman and was able to establish himself in Hoboken, NJ, in the 1950’s.  He brought his family over to America.  Antonio was blind but you would never know it because of his independence and love of life. He attended a vocational school for the blind in New York City and it was here that he learned piano.  He had already developed a love of music and singing as a young boy, and through this program he learned to play piano in record time.  He graduated from the program in just three months, faster than anyone ever had before that!  His hearing was exceptional and his ability to tune a piano was amazing.  Working for Baldwin Piano in New York City enabled him to earn distinction for his skill.  Throughout his career, he was personally requested to tune pianos for performers such as Leonard Bernstein, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Debra Gibson, and many more elite musical artists.  They all knew him by name.  Antonio had a true love of music, and especially the opera.  He was a marvelous singer himself, and sang in his church choir for several years at Our Lady of the Valley church in his hometown of Wayne.  His talent, passion, and love will be missed by all.

Antonio has been married for sixty years to Antonia (nee Raffaele).  They met when Antonio was a teenager seeking medical care for his blindness.  He was a patient at the Clinica Motolese in Martina Franca, Italy where he met a cute nurse named Antonia.  They began dating and after Antonio came to America, he invited her to join him here and they could get married. Her parents would not allow that, and told her that if he wants to marry, then he will come to Italy and they will marry first.  Antonio obliged, went to Italy and they married on September 4, 1960 in Molfetta.  They lived in Hoboken, Union City, and settled to their home in Wayne in 1990.  They have since traveled back to Italy on many occasions, including a memorable family vacation to Lourdes and Fatima, where they visited with family there.  They have enjoyed sixty years of marriage, always sticking together, through thick and thin, sharing genuine love and loyalty.  Antonia will miss him dearly.

Antonio is survived by his beloved wife Antonia (nee Rafaella) of Wayne, four children; Vito Manente of Union City, NJ, and his daughter-in-law Denise Manente of Union City, NJ,  Filomena Manente of Jupiter, FL, Nancy Antolini and her husband Justin of Wyomissing, PA, and Tony (Reno) Manente and his wife Brianna of Wayne, NJ, eight grandchildren; Christina, Vito, Anthony, Victoria, Jacob, Roger, Antonia, and Antonio James, and three great-grandchildren; CJ, Juliana, and Eleanora.  He is also survived by his six brothers and sisters; Joseph Manente and his wife Maria of Moonachie, NJ, Maddalena Binetti of New York, Louisa Mongelli and her husband Vito of Woodridge, NJ, Tina Petruzzella of Woodridge, NJ, Franca Orsini of Hackensack, NJ, and Antonia Mezzina of Moonachie, NJ.

David C. Menegus, 95, of Spring Hill Florida passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2020.  Born and raised in Clifton, NJ, David served as a naval gunner’s mate during WWII.  Honorably discharged in 1946 he received the American Theatre Ribbon, Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon.  After the war he owned Dayton Wine and Liquors and subsequently Broad Liquors in Clifton, NJ.

David was an avid golfer, snow and water skier and enjoyed playing tennis and swimming at the Montclair Beach Club.  After his retirement, he moved to Spring Hill, Florida where he was a member of the Timber Pines Country Club.  He continued to enjoy tennis, swimming and golf.  Dave hit nine holes in one in his lifetime.

David is predeceased by his mother and father, Amabile and Vincent Menegus; brother and sister-in-law, Bruno and Lilyan Menegus; sister Viola Adamczyk; former wife Eileen Burchill Cortazzo and cherished daughter, Susan Eichen.

David is survived by his loving wife of thirty-four years, June Bardel Menegus and her children: daughter Jackie Van Gelderen of Holmdel, NJ; grandchildren Jeffrey and Ashley Mottley and husband John; great-grandchildren Madison, Morgan, and Adalynn; daughter Jeanne Bardel of Sarasota, Florida; grandchildren Justin and Ryan; son Rene Bardel and wife LoriAnn of Tampa, Florida; granddaughter Ava; grandchildren Rene, Jordan, and Evan; son Robert Bardel of Lutz, Florida and grandson Brandon.

David is also survived by his children:  daughter Kathleen Martello and her husband Philip of Wayne, NJ; grandson Philip and great-grandson Evan; grandson Michael and wife Jessica; daughter Claire Baragona and her husband Peter of Tucson, AZ and Barnegat Light, NJ; grandchildren Ariele and Ben; son David V. Menegus of Bend Oregon; grandchildren Jake and Lina; nephew  Mark Menegus and wife Jane; great nephew Bryan and great niece Sara; niece Donna McLaughlin and husband John; great nieces Brittany Biron and husband Todd and Nicole McLaughlin.

Victor “Vic” Criswell Oburg, age 86, of Kinnelon, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Vic was born on 12/15/1933 in Pittsburgh, PA. the son of Arnett Grunder Oburg and Rebecca Criswell Oburg.  As a youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1950.  He graduated from Peabody High School in 1952 and attended Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in mechanical engineering.  While at Carnegie Tech, he played bagpipes for the marching band, which he picked up again later in life to play on sailing trips and for his son’s wedding.  He was also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Pi Tau Sigma, an honorary mechanical engineering fraternity.  He received a Master of Science degree from Stevens Institute of Technology, in NJ in 1961.

Vic also served in the United States Army and was stationed at the Pentagon for much of his service.  He would recount that he was a Lieutenant and had to salute just about everyone because almost everyone at the Pentagon’s rank was higher than his.

As a young man Vic worked summers for the Koppers Company in Pittsburgh.  They were manufacturers of coke ovens relating of the coal industry. After he graduated from college, he worked for Reaction Motors in Rockaway, New Jersey in Proposal Engineering.  He later worked for the Hoke Company in Cresskill, New Jersey in the Quality Assurance Department. He also worked for the Leslie Valve Corporation in Parsippany, New Jersey as a Quality Assurance Manager before retiring from the Howmedica Division of Pfizer in Rutherford again in Quality Assurance.

Vic was an avid skier for many years and served on the Ski Patrol at Mad River Glenn ski area in Waitsfield, Vermont for thirty-three years. In the late sixties, Vic and friends built an A-Frame house in Bomoseen, VT, and later purchased two other rental houses near Bristol, VT, all to have a place to stay closer to the ski slopes.

In 1975, the family moved to the Fayson Lakes Community of Kinnelon, NJ where Vic became an active member for over 40 years. He served in many roles in Fayson Lakes including Association President and Commodore of the Yacht Club for many years.  He was also instrumental in heading up the lake dredging project from 1982- 1993 that helped clean debris out of all 3 lakes as well as provide funds to the association. When the work was complete and the lake was still drained he placed a statue of a woman at the bottom of West Lake. She stands in about forty feet of water still today and is known as the “lady of the lake.”

He had mutual friends with Kathy Keesler-Barr and heard through the grapevine that she too was divorced. They met again at a Pines Lake home for a brunch meeting of the Ramapo Mountain Ski Club. They began dating and fell in love.  Vic and Kathy married on September 24, 1993 aboard a paddle wheel boat on the Hudson River. Vic and Kathy enjoyed being outdoors and for many years enjoyed sunfish sailing in area regattas. They have enjoyed twenty-seven years of marriage.

His hobbies included skiing, sailing, tennis, playing and teaching bridge as well as being a master at fixing things! He was also an American Heart Association certified CPR Instructor for many years.  He traveled the world with one of his favorite trips being to Antarctica in 2004 where he dressed as a penguin to get closer to the native birds. In 2012, he and Kathy took a trip around the world with National Geographic and he said that was his second favorite trip.

Vic and Kathy were members of the Montclair Ski Club for about 20 years.  They used the club's lodge at Mad River Glen often when Vic was doing his patrol stints.  Over the years they participated in many of the social activities and enjoyed being members.  Vic also organized a ski trip to Big Sky, Montana for members in one of their early years.

Vic is survived by his wife, Katharine Oburg, his sister Mary Louise Oburg Lavender (Richard) of San Antonio, TX and he was a devoted father to his 3 children from his first marriage; Kris Dell of Stanley, NC, Lynn Oburg of Winters, CA, and Marc Oburg (Cherie), of Moore, SC, and grandfather to Katrina Dell, Collin Oburg and Katelyn Oburg.

John Schaffer, age 95, of Wallington, died peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2020.

The oldest of eleven children born to John and Rosa (Glazer) Schaffer, John was born in Kohanyas, Hungary (a town with 17 homes and buildings including a church and school) where he met his future wife Theresa. The two met in grade school when they were about 6 or 7 years old. John was always worried Theresa thought he wasn’t good enough for her so he went around her and tried to convince her father he was worthy of her hand.  Theresa wasn’t impressed by money, but loved the fact that John had a great bicycle - it even had a seat! She was convinced she could convince her dad John had potential. They fell in love and married in the Kohanyas Church, which sat about twenty people, on March 29, 1948.

John and Theresa secretly talked about emigrating to the United States, but leaving Hungary was no easy task.  At 3 AM on the morning they were heading for the boarder they told their family they were leaving for the United States.  John’s father told him he would never make it with a wife and two kids in tow, but they were determined to make a better life for their children. Their journey started in November of 1956. They ran through fields, paid off people to keep their travels quiet, and eventually made it to the boarders of Austria. They were granted political asylum in the United States and took an eleven day trip on the USS Leon to America. They weathered heavy seas and were all seasick by the time they entered the New York Harbor. John’s son Laszlo remembers awaking early one morning and climbing the stairs of the ship to glimpse at the Statue of Liberty. The family spent a few months in Camp Kilmer in New Brunswick, NJ.  A family member, already in America, was to come and sign them out but the public address system was very poor and they kept mispronouncing the family name. Eventually the family was signed out and settled in Passaic.

John and Theresa started out in America with no money and no knowledge of the English language. They possessed nothing but one precious asset – hope. To most people hope would not be enough. But if you were as determined as John and Theresa were, and encouraged by no longer being under the oppression of a communist regime, hope would be a precious possession!

There was one thing that John was never afraid of and that was work. As a young man living in Hungary, John was a farmer by trade. With no farming happening in Passaic, NJ, John had to find an alternative means of work to provide for him and his family. Consequently, starting out in the United States meant doing whatever work he could find that no one else wanted to do. They turned out to be jobs that would give him skills that he could utilize for the rest of his life. These included working as a helper for carpenters, electricians and plumbers. He eventually landed a steady job as a welder for a company called Falstrom in Passaic. John showed great skill and aptitude as a welder and at one point he was even featured on the cover of a welding trade magazine featuring new welding technology called a heliarc welding machine.

John kept working hard and it paid off. After just seven and a half years in his new country, John and Theresa were able to purchase their first home – a two-family in nearby Garfield. They remained there until moving to Wallington in 1969. Eventually, John landed a job that would turn out to be the one he loved the most. He took a position as the animal caretaker for the Hoffman LaRoche Corporation in Nutley. It would turn out to be the closest he would ever return to his farming roots in the sense that, once again, he was taking care of animals. John loved this job so much, he was regularly at work an hour early every morning. During his career there, John was instrumental in getting many other people jobs at the company. Even his wife Theresa worked for Hoffman LaRoche as a Lab Technician. John finished out his full-time working days there and was able to retire in 1986 at the age of sixty-two.

John was never one to sit still as most evidenced by his love of taking daily walks at the park in Wallington. True to his farming upbringing, John dedicated a large portion of his small yard in Wallington to gardening. If you can name it, John and Theresa grew it back there – prize tomatoes, beans, garlic, cucumbers, lettuce, etc. Their crops were so bountiful, they ended up giving a lot of this fresh delicious produce away. They grew the most beautiful flowers too!

John had been a devoted parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Passaic for over fifty-seven years. He was a man who walked close with God and his church was one of his greatest connections to that loving God. It was there that the virtues of caring for others was taught and reinforced and John embraced those virtues wholeheartedly. Utilizing all those trade skills he learned when he was starting out in America, John was always ready, willing and able to volunteer to do small repairs and maintenance at the church. John was also known for his willingness to help anyone with a need. Consequently, many were blessed by his small gestures of help, like helping the old widow down the street by taking out her garbage or giving a person who could not drive anymore a ride to a doctor’s appointment. It seemed that John and Theresa were everywhere and one of their favorite pastimes was attending the Hungarian Club in Garfield. They truly enjoyed the cultural camaraderie and were always a big help when it came to organizing the club’s annual festivals and picnics.

John was a true doer, but everything he did was done with great humility. He walked close with God, gave of his time, talents and treasures and would often express that he truly felt more blessed than a millionaire. In fact one of his greatest beliefs about this life, which he freely shared with his family, was that “In life you have to find that point of comfort and peace in your heart where it does not matter what the next person has.” John lived a blessed life and felt truly blessed by God and truly proud and grateful in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

John was the loving husband of Theresa Schaffer, blessed in marriage for sixty-five years until her passing in 2013. He was the devoted father of Elizabeth Celmer and her husband John of Andover, Laszlo Schaffer and his wife Patty of Williamsburg, VA; cherished grandfather of John Celmer and his wife Anitra, Bonnie Batiuk and her husband Ray, Michael Schaffer and his wife Tammie, Dr. Christine Schaffer and her husband David Cazee, Christopher VanDalinda and his wife Kelly, and Lisa Napora and her husband Krys; much loved great-grandfather of Brandon and Elisa Batiuk, Ariana  and Alexa Schaffer, and Callan and Nolan Cazee; and dear brother of Frank of Budapest, Hungary, Tony of Oraszlany, Hungary and Kati of Oraszlany, Hungary. He was predeceased by his seven other siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Holy Trinity Church, 226 Harrison Street, Passaic, NJ 07055, would be appreciated.

He was born to Richard and Maryann Hester and raised in Newark. Brian graduated from Saint Benedicts High School. He continued his education at Rutgers Newark where he received his undergraduate degree in Economics.  Brian always spoke fondly of being on the radio station for Rutgers,WRNU. He would go on to get his Masters Degree in Industrial Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Brian met Marianne Albarez in November 1990 at a band concert.  They got engaged in December 1991 and married June 1993.   The inside joke was that their vacations were always an adventure and it began on their honeymoon to Cancun during a tropical storm.  Brian’s children were the light of his life.  They were his reason for everything.  Matthew was born in 1995 and Alicia in 1996.  He was the most involved father and was an integral part of their lives and the lives of all their friends

Brian worked for the Verizon Corporation as a Lineman and advanced to management through his twenty years working there.  While at Verizon he enjoyed working with their Disaster Relief Team that was dispatched across the country. He was active in the telephone Pioneers.  After some other positions, he ended up working for the Times Square Alliance in New York City where he was a Public Safety Supervisor overseeing events like the New Year’s Eve ball drop and many other public gatherings in Times Square. In his later years Brian turned his love of photography into a business.

Brian will be remembered for his love of photography.  Many will recall his videos that started with his slogan “We here live.”  He enjoyed photographing anything and everything including the hummingbirds in his backyard…which almost became a hummingbird sanctuary. He was spontaneous, and his willingness to help anyone, anytime, even if it meant going out of his way and cost him money out of his pocket.  He was that friend you could always count on. When it came to friendship Brian became friends with just about anyone, he was loving, charismatic, and spent as much time as he could volunteering. He was truly selfless and would say: “When I win the lottery I will open a soup kitchen.”  He was Rutgers #1 football fan, a sideline photographer, and was always saying and that  they were going to win the National Championship…next year. His children say Brian has more Instagram posts than both his children combined. He also loved NY Giants Football and just last year got Season Tickets.

Brian was the loving husband of Marianne Albarez-Hester; loving father of Matthew Hester of New York City and Alicia Hester of Wayne; he was the loving son of Maryann Hester; loved son-in-law of Mary Ann Albarez; brother of fifteen siblings: Marylou, Maureen, Susan, Siobhan, Sean, Paul, Mary Ann, Edward, Barbara, Bridget,  and Timothy. He was predeceased by his siblings Richard, Owen, Theresa, and Matthew.  He was the brother in law of Lauren Rodriguez and Richard Albarez.  He was the devoted friend of Kim Redstone and Vicki Hickey.  He will be dearly missed by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to either The Children’s Home Society CHSOFNJ.org or Reeve Foundation Team LeGrand would be greatly appreciated.

James “Jimbo” Andrew McManus, age 62, of Wayne, passed Wednesday, July 8, 2020.  Jim has lived in Paterson, Scotland, Texas, Florida , and North Haledon before moving to Wayne in 2009.

He was born in Dumont to James and Marie McManus. He graduated from Manchester High School with the Class of 1976. He served in the US Navy in both Scotland and Texas. He always enjoyed working with his hands and has held many jobs relating to mechanic work and as a truck driver. He loved motorcycles and currently had three.  For over forty years he has been working, tinkering and riding all kinds of motorcycles.  His 1951 Harley Davidson Pan Head, that he built himself, was his baby.

Jimbo loved being outdoors. He enjoyed blasting music in the garage and listened to it while sitting in his chair under the tree in the yard. He enjoyed trips to Disney World and summers in Wildwood.  Most important to him was his family.  The close knit bond they all had was devastated by his passing. The memory of him endearingly calling his daughter Hanna “My Little Pooperella” will always be treasured.  Hanna used to be embarrassed when Jimbo would pick her up or drop her off from school in his old 1964 Ford pickup.  That was until one of the kids said her dad’s truck was awesome.  This gave Hanna her initial appreciation and helped her understand her dad’s love for the beauty of nostalgic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. He was very proud to see Hanna when attending her fencing competitions.  He bought Hanna a cat named Cookie and wound up loving that cat to pieces. Cookie would wait for him to come in the door and roll over for belly rubs. Jim will also be fondly remembered for always saying: “If I don’t see you through the week.  I’ll see you through the window.”

Jim and Lorraine were introduced by mutual friends.  She was living in an apartment above Wizard’s Pub in North Haledon and met Jim when he was going to a concert with friends.  Their first date was to his basement apartment where he made her Italian Sauce and pasta for dinner.  They soon fell in love and married on December 4, 2004.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixteen years Lorraine McManus; his loving daughter Hanna McManus of Wayne; his cherished mother Marie LaBarck of Haledon; His late father James McManus; his dear sister Jill Colella and her husband Rob of Pompton Plains, his late brother Ronny McManus and his surviving wife Valerie McManus of Oakland; his late sister Jackie McManus; and was loved by many nieces and nephews. He was also the loved son-in-law of Louise and Tony Machado of Clifton and her late husband Tom Jobeless; and his sister-in-laws Lois Jobeless of North Haledon and Elaine Bruce and her husband Wil of Clifton.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Arthur “Tom” Frerichs, age 82, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 8, 2020 while receiving the loving care of his family. Family and friends knew him as Tom.

Tom was born and raised in Paterson and was the only child to Arthur and Marjorie Frerichs.  While growing up, Tom developed a great love of the sport of Golf.  He started as a young boy at the age of fourteen while working at the Passaic County Golf Course and never looked back.  While attending St Joseph’s High School in Paterson, Tom was also the manager of the high school basketball team.  After graduating St Joseph’s High School with the class of 1956, Tom was accepted and attended Seton Hall University where he earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1960.

Tom found work quickly following his graduation and in 1961 he began his career employed as an accountant with American Cyanamid in Wayne.  Shortly after starting his employment at American Cyanamid, he went back to school at night at Seton Hall University and obtained his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 1972.  Tom’s career at American Cyanamid spanned thirty five years, during which he worked in the accounting and credit departments and eventually became the Corporate Payroll Manager.  He held this position until his retirement in 1996.  As an accountant at American Cyanamid,he worked on the same floor as a young attractive woman by the name of Susan Carlile.  The two of them hit it off and started dating.  The couple dated for about six years and as fate would have it, they fell in love and became husband and wife on April 21, 1968.   He and Sue were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne and honeymooned on the island of Bermuda.

After getting married the couple settled in Wayne and have been there ever since.  They called Wayne their home for the next fifty two years and raised their family there.  Tom was an avid golfer to put it lightly.  In 1966 he joined the High Mountain golf Club in Franklin Lakes and remained a member there until its closing in 2014.  During his years as a member, he participated in many golf tournaments winning six club championships and earning the nickname, “The King.”  Subsequent to his retirement in 1996, Tom, not being able to stay away from golf, took a job as a landscaper at the Meadows Golf Course in Lincoln Park where he worked for about five years.

After retirement in 1996, Tom and Sue became "Snow Birds" and bought a condo in Naples, FL situated on the Countryside Golf Club, where he was also a member.  They spent several winters in Naples.

Tom was a devoted husband and father.  His greatest passion was his family, nothing in the world meant more to him than spending time with, and providing for his family.  He and his wife cherished fifty two years of loyal and loving marriage together.  He was not only devoted to his family but also to his Catholic Faith.  He and his family were parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne for many years.  He also worked and managed the Bingo nights at Our Lady of Consolation in the early years when Msgr. Wolsin was Pastor..  His personality was a melting pot of everything so to speak.  He was everything he needed to be when the times in his life called for it.  He was strong, serious, funny, compassionate, conscientious, agreeable, open, and private. Tom touched the lives of many people and will be missed by his family and his friends alike.

He is survived by his wife Susan Ann (nee Carlile), his daughter Susan Frerichs of Wayne, his son Thomas Frerichs and his wife Maria of Wayne, his son Michael Frerichs and his wife Patti of Wayne, and his daughter Patricia Frerichs of Wayne, six grandchildren; Natale, Dakota, Lane, Arabella, Caylee and Liam.    

In lieu of flowers, those planning to make a donation in Tom’s name are asked to consider Our Lady of Consolation Church, 1799 Hamburg Tpk, Wayne, NJ 07470, Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 or Wayne Fire Co. #3, 130 Jackson Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Joseph Sindt, age 71 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. His life was a version of the American dream: arriving as an immigrant in 1950 from a refugee camp in Austria, obtaining a solid education and going on to lead companies, launch businesses and build several residences.

Joe’s career was primarily in the wristwatch industry. For several years, he was an executive with Seiko and was selected to run its sister brand, Lorus, producer of the highly popular Mickey Mouse watches.  His most recent position was as President of Hirsch USA, a noted Austrian watchband company.  In the mid-'90s, he formed his own company supplying brand-name watches to a variety of corporate clients.

Joe was not the kind of man to sit still in his retirement. For the past ten years, he and his son Jameson launched and operated a number of "pop-up" seasonal Halloween stores throughout the greater Northern New Jersey area. Four years ago, father and son opened Gotham Comics, a comic book and collectibles store in Caldwell, NJ.

Joe was born in Linz, Austria, and came to the USA with his parents when he was just two years old.  They initially lived in New York City before settling in Emerson, NJ.  Joe graduated from Bergen Catholic High School, earned a degree in political science and business from Fairfield University and a Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson.

At his first job, Joe met coworker Nancy Pier. They were married in 1975 and resided in Bogota, NJ. In 1986, they moved to Nancy's hometown of Wayne, where they raised their son, Jameson; they have lived there ever since.  Joe and Nancy were fortunate to travel together throughout the years, including trips to Asia, Europe, and many parts of the United States.  Joe was always up for a fun adventure, and he enjoyed collecting souvenirs everywhere he went.

In his younger years, Joe was an avid sportsman, playing rugby and softball, tennis and golf. (As his friends attest, he could always be depended upon to shout boisterous comments to fellow players.) Later in life, he enjoyed collecting vintage movie memorabilia and fine wines. Even as his health began to fail in recent months, he agreed with his wife that he “had a good run.”

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Nancy of Wayne, their son, Jameson of Boonton, NJ, and his mother, Rosalie Sindt of Tom's River.  Joe was predeceased by his father; John Sindt, in 1998, and by his sister; Anne Marie Larkins in 1986.

To his family and many friends, Joe was honest and opinionated, but always generous and giving. He will be missed dearly.

Forked River NJ — Eda B. Sole, a long-time resident of the Pequannock NJ and southern NJ area, died July 7th at Community Medical Center in Toms River NJ.

Born in Lincoln Park in 1931 Edie was a long-time resident of Pequannock NJ. She was active at Holy Spirit Church in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. She was also active in many other community activities.

Edie worked at many restaurants and catered events throughout her life. Edie loved cooking, socializing and enjoyed hosting and planning parties with friends and family. She was an avid reader and later in life loved crafting. She had a fun personality and could light up a room with a story or joke.

She is survived by her daughters Linda Sole, Pat Sole, Lorrie Sole. Her grandchildren Amanda Sole, Jimi Ackerman Jr., Cara Purgavie, Tommy Glynn, Dylan and Gavin Purgavie, and great grandchildren Jordyn Thompson and Jimmy Ackerman III and her many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of our mother to Somerset Hills Learning Institute (1810 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921) to benefit children and adults with autism.  This is a cause that our mother admired and was proud to support.  To donate online, please visit Invest - Somerset Hills Learning Institute .  Autism is a life-long, neurological disorder that robs children of the ability to speak and relate to others. It robs families of the hopes and dreams they have for their children.  And until recently, it robbed children of a future.  Autism once led to a life of isolation and institutionalization.  After more than 50 years of research we know that this no longer needs to be the case.  In fact, with early effective treatment, like Somerset Hills Learning Institute delivers, these children go on to lead purposeful and independent lives.

Charles Mario Robertson, nee Ciarfella, of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Known as Charlie to friends and family, he was the owner of Robbie's Music in Wayne for over 60 years.

Charlie was born in 1927, one of nine children to Roberto and Libertina Ciarfella in the Riverside section of Paterson, NJ. The family later moved to Hawthorne where he graduated from Hawthorne High School.

At age 14, restless and growing up during the Great Depression, Charlie and a few friends decided to "see the world." They hitch hiked and jumped freight trains on their way to the Grand Canyon, having many memorable adventures along the way, including nights in jail for vagrancy where Charlie always commented that it was good to occasionally get a warm bed and a hot meal while on "the road!" Thankfully, all returned home safely and in time for school to begin in the Fall.

In his youth, Charlie also belonged to the Golden Gloves boxing program in Paterson. While not a very good boxer, he was always a good sport. Charlie earned the nickname "Canvas Back," and graciously endured the endless teasing of friends for his "less than stellar" skills in the ring.

Charlie was drafted and served in World War II in the Army Air Force Division. He served primarily in Berea, Ohio where he was a member of the ground crew.

After being honorably discharged, Charlie attended college at Florida Southern University on the GI bill, completing his Baccalaureate degree in just over two years.  It was during this time that he legally changed his name from Ciarfella to Robertson.

He eventually returned home to work in the family business, Robbie's Music, started by his father in 1927. The business was successful and grew to include several locations, including the one in Wayne that Charlie owned for over 60 years.  Known as "Mr Robbie", Charlie loved his business and never thought of it as "work." Retail, specifically wheeling and dealing, was in his blood. Luckier than most, Charlie loved what he did for a living. He was also well known and well liked among his employees and peers in the music industry.

In 1957, Charlie met and married Marion DeGrezia of Paterson. She was the love of his life. They met at a meeting of the New Jersey Wiz Skiiers Ski Club where they were both members. After a year of dating, Charlie proposed marriage by holding a box with an engagement ring and saying "here...look!" They married at St. Joseph's Church in Paterson on September 28, 1957, which was also Charlie's 30th birthday. The reception was held at The Fiesta and they honeymooned in Bermuda. After living in Clifton for several years, they eventually settled in Wayne where they raised their three daughters. It was a loving and comfortable marriage.

Charlie leaves behind Marion, his wife of almost 63 years, daughter Lynn Robertson and partner James Dupree, Janice Robertson Craig, husband Michael, grandsons Andrew and Daniel, and Elayne Robertson Demby, husband Glenn and grandchildren Evan and Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to NEHSA.org or the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.

Margaret Kulik, (nee Stefancik), age 92, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday, July, 3, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Margaret was born and raised in Passaic and was the older of two children to Michael and Mary Stefancik.  She was a member of a group in our society known of late as “The Greatest Generation.”  People of the Greatest Generation are people who grew up during the struggling times of the Great Depression and as young adults witnessed and fought for our country in the Second World War.  Marge graduated from High School with the class of 1945 and briefly attended a local secretarial school.  She then found work quickly at a local high school employed as a secretary.  She held this position until about 1949.  

While on a trip to the circus with her Uncle John and his wife Josie, she met a handsome young man (Josie’s brother) by the name of John Kulik.  The two sat apart at the circus but made a connection that would have Marge mailing him letters after he was sent overseas and serving in the Navy during World War II. Upon John’s return from the service, John took Marge to her high school prom and as fate would have it, they soon fell in love. After asking Marge’s parents for her hand in marriage they married at Saint Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Passaic on February 5, 1949 and honeymooned in Florida.

After getting married, Marge and John settled in Passaic and soon started their family in 1953 with the birth of Joanne.  It was time to move out to the country and expand their family so in 1956 they built a house in the Pines Lake section of Wayne the year Michael was born and in 1964 their third child Carol arrived.  John and Marge lived their entire lives in that house that they built.  Shortly after getting married and starting a family, Marge decided to become a full-time homemaker.  This was truly her calling and where she flourished.  She was everything her children could ask for in a Mother and more. She cared deeply about all of her children equally and gave them unconditional love.  She made sure her family had everything they needed and made a good life for them growing up in Pines Lake.

Over the years the Kulik house was filled with family and friends especially on Christmas and Russian Easters.  Marge enjoyed dancing, Jazzercise, and Aerobics, and was a member of the Seniors Follies of Wayne where she treasured performing on stage.  Throughout her life there were many family vacations to the Jersey shore and the big one in 1970 touring the United States in their family camper, a 9,000 mile journey.  Marge also cherished her visits to Florida for a few months in the winter to see her daughter Joanne, her son in law James and her grandson Jimmy.  While there, she would go bowling with Jimmy and never missed his baseball games.  When Marge’s daughter Carol would go on vacation, she and John would dog-sit their pet, Scrufty.  They would frequently take him for walks and truly considered him to be a part of the family.  Being a dancer and performer, it was no surprise that Marge was a fan of the show “Dancing with the Stars.”  She was fortunate enough to attend a touring production of the show at Continental Area along with her daughter Carol.  Marge looked forward to spending Christmas Eve’s with Michael’s family and all the great grandchildren dubbed “Chaos at the Kulik’s”.  Taking the group family photo of 17 all in the same jammies was always a challenge that she enjoyed being part of and then spending a more mellow Christmas day with Carol’s family.  She loved the Holidays.

On several occasions, when Joanne would visit from Florida, Joanne, Carol and Marge would spend a girl’s weekend together dining at Portobello’s Restaurant in Oakland, drinking Moscato wine and eating chocolate mousse cake.

She was a soft spoken lady and very private.  However, Marge was an extremely strong woman.  Not only was Marge dedicated to her family she was also devoted to her Orthodox Faith.  She and her family were members of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Wayne for many years.  She was a long time member of the Pines Lake Women’s Club, Wayne Elks Lodge and the Golden Age Club of Wayne as well.  Marge was devoted to her husband and her children and was adored by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Marge and John were always on the sidelines watching Michael play soccer and ice hockey through high school and college.  They continued that same support for all five of their grand children attending the various sporting events that they were involved in.

Marge and John cherished sixty seven years of loving and loyal marriage together until John passing in 2016.  In her final 4 years Marge counted on her three children to assist her with shopping and driving her to doctors appointments. Michael assumed “the man of the house duties” to handle all of the things that John used to do. Joanne and Carol would call her almost daily to check up on her.  It was her children’s way of caring for the mother that they loved so much. She loved her independence and didn’t want to live anywhere but home.  People were amazing that she lived all alone and took care of herself until her passing.  Marge was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Margaret is survived by her son Michael Kulik and his wife Michelle of Kinnelon, two daughters, Joanne Ferrara and her husband James of Port St Lucie, FL, and Carol Bencivengo and her husband Peter of Flanders, NJ, one brother William Stefancik and his wife Virginia of Denville, five grandchildren; Matthew Kulik and his wife Sarah of Montville, Amanda Galluscio and her husband Robert of Kinnelon, Mark Kulik and his wife Samantha, James Ferrara of Port St Lucie, FL, Justin Bencivengo of Flanders, NJ, eight great grandchildren; Kaylee, Leah, Everly, Adalyn, Alivia, Austin, Maxton, Madisyn.  She was predeceased by her husband John Kulik in 2016.

Margaret will be laid to rest with her husband John Kulik in St Peter and Paul Cemetery, Saddle Brook, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret’s name to Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, 285, French Hill Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470.   https://www.heisrisen.org/

Paul P. DiPetrillo, 87 of Wayne, died suddenly on Thursday, July 2, 2020.  He has lived in Wayne since 2003, and had lived in Mahwah and Oakland prior.

Paul had been an Air Traffic Controller his entire career, first in the U.S. Air Force, then at LaGuardia Airport, JFK Airport, and he retired from TRACON on Long Island.  He had an incredible work ethic and during the famous ‘air traffic controller strike’ of the 1980’s, Paul worked so much overtime at TRACON that he was able to retire almost four years earlier than anticipated!  

Paul grew up in Palisades Park, NJ and graduated from Leonia High Scholl with the class of 1950.  He was a good kid who kept out of trouble, for the most part.  He liked playing hooky from school and almost got caught once when he saw his father approaching the luncheonette where he was hanging out with his pals.  Paul’s friends ran off while he ducked behind the service counter and hid until his father finished having lunch!  Later on, as a teenager, he worked for his dad doing landscaping and also worked at the La France Dye house in Paterson.  After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served until 1955, spending part of that time in Korea.  It was in the Air Force that Paul learned to be an air traffic controller and after being discharged in 1955, he embarked on a lifelong career as such.  He was also active in the VFW, belonging to the Franklin Lakes post, and later to the Glen Rock post.

Paul was a generous man, always willing to lend a helping hand, and a true gentleman. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, devoted to his family.  Years ago, he was a basketball coach with the CYO and an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oakland.  His children have many fond memories of those years, as well as many other area kids who were on his team.  Paul was always anxious to spend time with his grandchildren, and enjoyed frequent family gatherings.  He was affectionately called “Poppy” by his grandchildren, and he loved to be with them every chance he got!  Poppy had an expert ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat, so he wasn’t always the best babysitter or driving instructor, but he was certainly happy to be with them.

Paul had lived in Oakland, NJ for many years, and raised his family there.  Sadly, Paul lost his first wife Joan in 1992.  A few years later, he mustered the courage to ask Janet Horan, who he knew from church, out on a date.  They went to the opera together, and the date went very well, even though Paul fell asleep!  Janet enjoyed that he was a good dancer, a great conversationalist, and a perfect gentleman.  He had a big heart and took great care of her.  Both of their families were enthusiastic when they married on January 14, 1995, and they quickly became one big family.  Paul and Janet have traveled extensively, including to Ireland, England, Italy, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and many more exciting destinations.  Paul especially loved visiting Ocean Beach Shores at the Jersey Shore.  He was truly a “beach guy” and loved floating in the ocean there.  In their twenty five years of marriage, Janet can’t recall a single time that Paul said “no” to her.  They loved each other very much, and she will miss him dearly.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Janet (nee Cappock) of Wayne, five children; Stephen DiPetrillo and his wife Simone of Oakland, Dianne Martello and her husband Dr. Robert of Mt. Dora, FL, Michael DiPetrillo of Oakland, Patricia Capitelli of Totowa, Thomas Horan and his wife Patty of W. Milford, nine grandchildren; Craig, Megan, Sean and Brendan Capitelli, Emily and Andrew Martello, Corrigan and Cameron Horan, and Liam DiPetrillo, one sister; Edith Loehing and her husband Richard of E. Hanover, and one brother; James DiPetrillo of E. Brunswick.  Paul was predeceased by his first wife Joan in 1992, and by his sister Jeanne Barone in 2017.

Those wishing to make a donation in Paul’s memory are asked to please consider his parish; Annunciation RC Church, 45 Urban Club Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Joseph Mazujian, age 96, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

Joseph, known as Joe, was born in Newark and lived in Belleville, Kearny and Clifton before moving to Wayne in 2000.

Joe spent his youthful years in Belleville and received his formal education at Belleville High School, graduating with the Class of 1941. He went on for further study of chemistry at Seton Hall University.

As he was continuing his education Joseph and his brother Edward made a decision to partner and succeed their father in the family dry cleaning and tailoring business. Their enterprise was located in Kearny and was fittingly named Kearny Cleaners. Joe’s original plan was to work days and continue college at night, however the hard work and dedication during the day changed his plans to stay with the family business full time. After graduating from the National Institute of Dry Cleaning in Silver Spring, MD, he and his brother ran Kearny Cleaners for twenty-six years until 1974. Joe then went to work for the International Division of the United States Postal Service in Jersey City, ultimately retiring in 1992.

Joseph served as a member and Past President of the Kearny Optimist Club and was a member of the parish, and member of the Vestry at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Passaic. He was most recently a member of Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church in Wayne. He was also a member of the Copestone-Ophir Mason Lodge #108 in Kearny and reached the 32nd degree.

Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a radio operator and gunner on a B-24 Bomber serving as a Staff Sergeant for the 46th Troop Carrier Squadron and 317th Troop Carrier Group. As Joe described it, his final orders were to fly his B-24 from the Motobu Airstrip on Northern Okinawa with the sole purpose of bombing the southern island of Kyushu – prior to the invasion of Japan. After the atomic bomb was dropped his orders were changed as he was given the mission of transporting allied prisoners in Japan to the Philippines, to be transported to their final destinations. For the last five months he flew on C-46’s and C-47’s transporting service personnel and supplies from Korea and Japan down to the Philippines. His detail objective was to keep radio contact with all the bases en-route. During his life, Joe often expressed his particular joy of flying and aviation and his utmost love and patriotism for his country. For his service Joe was the recipient of the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal.

Joe enjoyed such hobbies as playing bridge and poker, backgammon (teaching both his sons), collecting and studying antiques, and reading books, especially those about history/American history. He was also an active member of the Widows and Widowers Travel Club (WTC) in Passaic County and traveled often to Aruba and many US destinations.

Joseph and his beloved wife Ann (nee Broojian) had thirty-seven years of “a marriage made in heaven” before Ann’s passing in 1994. Joe is survived by his dear son David Aram Mazujian of East Hampton. He was predeceased by his son Stephen Edward Mazujian in 2014, and by two siblings: his brother Edward Mazujian in 1988 and his sister Sara Iskendarian in 1992. Joseph enjoyed spending time with his loving family including his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 W. Century Road, Paramus, NJ  07652 (www.amaa.org).

Leona Eckert age 87 of Wayne, died on July 1, 2020.  She has lived in Wayne since 1969.

Leona had grown up in the Essex, MD area.  She met her husband, Frank, while attending Towson University.  They married on June 27, 1953 and after a honeymoon to Atlantic City, moved to Pennsylvania, Illinois, and North Carolina before settling in Wayne, NJ.

Leona had been a 1st grade teacher at Randall Carter Elementary School in Wayne for 20+ years. She was an active member of St. Timothy’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and very active throughout the community. She had been treasurer of the Wayne Education Association and was always volunteering at the Friend’s Room of the Wayne Public Library and the Wayne Interfaith Network – Food Bank.  Her love of community and teaching, was obvious to all that knew her.

Leona’s children recall her being a great mom, nurturing, supportive, and encouraging them in all their endeavors.  She was a good disciplinarian as well, keeping her four children in line!  She was a strong woman and never stopped working.  She loved gardening and cooking.  She was a great role model.

She and Frank traveled extensively during their marriage, including trips to Alaska, Australia, Egypt, Europe, Fiji, India and many other destinations.  Family members were often included in their excursions to share their explorations and adventures. They enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage before Frank passed in 2013.

Leona’s strength was evident in the years that followed, and she continued to keep herself very busy with groups at the church, her community work, knitting prayer shawls as well as taking care of her gardens.

Leona was predeceased by 1 granddaughter (Sienna Eckert) and is survived by her four children; Cynthia Tschanz of Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, Mark Eckert & Becky Guttstein of Fort Wayne , IN, Keith & Carolyn Eckert  of Wayne, NJ, and Rob & Patty Eckert of East Windsor, NJ, seven  grandchildren (Karl & Qian Tschanz, Sarah Eckert & Tony Dickman, Eric Tschanz,  William Eckert, Kendall Eckert, Gavin Eckert and Lucas Eckert), and 4 great-grandchildren (Jake Dickman, Madison Dickman, Jacqueline Tschanz and Jocelyn Tschanz).

Memorial donations to St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 395 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Caroline Brugaletta (nee Maratta), age 88, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 1, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Caroline was born and raised in Paterson and was one of two children to Salvatore and Carmela Maratta.  Caroline attended Central High School in Paterson graduating with the class of 1948.  Following her graduation, Caroline found work at Food Fair in Paterson.  While at Food Fair, Caroline worked alongside a handsome young man named John Brugaletta.  John asked Caroline out on a date and picked her up in his mother’s car, which he told Caroline was his.  As fate would have it they fell in love and while at church one Sunday afternoon, John proposed to Caroline.   The couple became husband and wife on April 20, 1952 and honeymooned in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

After getting married, Caroline and John settled in Paterson where they grew up and moved into an apartment on Union Ave just upstairs from Caroline’s parents.  During their time in Paterson, the couple welcomed the births of both their daughters Carol Ann and Judy.  As their family grew, in 1963, Caroline, John and their two children moved to Wayne.  The couple remained in Wayne for the rest of their lives together.

Caroline made the decision to become a full time homemaker when her first child was born.  She remained a homemaker until the family moved to Wayne where she then found work at Western Publishing in Wayne.  After a time at Western Publishing, unfortunately, she was let go from her position.  Caroline again found work quickly, this time as a sales clerk at the Meyer Brothers Department Store in Wayne.  Caroline held this position until the store’s closing in 1995.

Caroline was a devoted wife, her husband John “held her up on a pedestal” their entire marriage.  She and John cherished sixty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Caroline was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She also enjoyed crocheting from time to time making blankets and other crafts for her friends and family.  Caroline and her family frequented the Jersey Shore points such as Seaside Heights and Wildwood Crest during the summer for many memorable family vacations.  Caroline was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Caroline is survived by her husband John Brugaletta of Wayne, two daughters, Carol Ann Johanson and her husband Frank of Rockaway, and Judy Hanenberg and her husband Jay of Wayne, one brother Carmen Maratta (Madeline Carini) of Elmwood Park, five grandchildren; Keith D. Hanenberg and his wife Katie, Kevin Hanenberg and his wife Brooke, Renee Ross and her husband Tim, Lori Della Valle and her husband Jeff, and Michelle Johanson and her fiancé Tom, and seven great grandchildren; Tyler Hanenberg, Jared Hanenberg, Hadley Hanenberg, Kendall Hanenberg, Leah Hanenberg, Kaylee Hanenberg, and Sophia Della Valle.

Anna Rich (nee Gargano), age 100, of Wayne passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 29, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Anna was born and raised in Clifton and was one of four children to Louis and Rose Gargano.  Being born in 1919, Anna was a member of group in our society known as “The Greatest Generation.”  People of the Greatest Generation are those who grew up during the struggling times of the Great Depression and as young adults fought in the Second World War.  Anna, like many other teenagers her age, needed to leave school at an early age and work to help support her family.  She worked for Botany Mills in Clifton as a Supervisor for about two years when the events of World War II broke out.  As many American GI’s were being shipped overseas to fight in the Second World War, Anna did her part and found employment as a Head Inspector working on Boeing B17 Flying Fortresses.  She worked alongside her sister, mostly working ten hour days and six days a week.   Anna held this position for approximately five years.

A couple of years before the onset of World War II, in 1940, Anna was out with one of her girlfriends at a “hamburger joint.”  There she met, through mutual friends, a handsome young man by the name of Frank Rich.  The two of them hit it off great and started dating.  After about two years, as fate would have it they fell in love.  In 1942 Frank got the call to serve his country in World War II.  Just before shipping out to the European Theater, Anna and Frank became husband and wife.  Frank shipped out to Europe and served proudly and honorably with the United States Army from 1942 to 1945.

After Frank was honorably discharged from the US Army and returned home, the couple settled in Clifton.  They rented space in special housing units for GI’s returning home from war, which looked very much like army barracks.  Not long after Frank’s return home, Anna and Frank welcomed their first child, Frank, Jr.  While still living in Clifton, the couple then welcomed their second child, Carol.  In 1957, as the family grew, they moved to Wayne where they would remain for the rest of their lives together.  During their first few years after moving to Wayne, Anna and Frank welcomed their third child Roseann.  Shortly after the birth of their first child, Anna made the decision to become a full-time homemaker.  This was clearly Anna’s calling and where she truly flourished.  Anna’s greatest passion was her family and nothing in the world meant more to her than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She cherished fifty seven years of loving and loyal marriage until Frank’s passing in October of 1999.

Anna was a wonderful cook.  Although cooking was not her most favorite activity, Anna became quite good at it.  Anna always made sure dinner was on the table every night when Frank got home from work and that her family sat down together when dinner was served.  Sunday dinner was always at two o’clock sharp.  Saturday nights were usually spent in Totowa with sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Holidays, especially Christmas, were always big family gatherings and filled with many memorable rituals and ceremonies.  Anna was not only devoted to her family but also to her Catholic faith.  She and her family were parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne for many years.  Outside of her family, one of Anna’s favorite past times was frequenting Atlantic City with her husband Frank, her sister Josephine, family and friends.  Her many trips to Atlantic City earned her recognition of family and friends for her excellent playing skills in the game of Black Jack.   Ann was a truly special person blessed with a long and fruitful life.  She touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.    

She was the loving wife of the late Frank Rich (d. 1999). Anna was the devoted mother of Frank Rich, Jr., and his wife Madelyn of Trinity, FL, Carol Rich of Wayne, and Roseann Abate and her husband George of Wayne, and Anita Carpino Godmother and dear friend of the family for over forty years. She was the cherished grandmother of Christopher (Karen), Darren (Megan), Scott (Catherine), Katelyn, Michael and Daniel. She was the loved sister of Josephine Gargano of Oakridge, and was predeceased by her siblings Fred and Violet.

Marcia Anne Steinberg (nee Kasselman), age 81, of Roseland NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2020.

Born in Miami, FL on October 22, 1938, Marcia attended to North Miami High School and went onto University of Miami, where she studied advertising and interior design.  Marcia moved to New Jersey in December of 1963, getting a quick education about winters in the north.  She eventually settled in the Pines Lake section of Wayne where she raised three daughters.

Throughout her life, Marcia enjoyed a variety of jobs and activities highlighting her entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit.   At one point, she and a friend used their love of painting and wallpapering to create an interior design business called “The Paper Dollies”.   Other jobs included real estate and fashion retailing.  She especially enjoyed working with the public.   For many years, Marcia was a devoted volunteer at the Daughters of Israel nursing home in West Orange.  She got much joy out of offering comfort and care to the residents.

Marcia always had a tremendous love of old movies, music, dance, art and culture. She sang and danced her way through life.   In 1999, she married William (Bill) Steinberg, who died in 2005.  Both Marcia and Bill were extremely active in the New Jersey Jazz Society where Bill served as President and she as a board member until her death.  Together, they had an extensive music collection.  But most of all, Marcia adored being a “granny” to her 6 grandchildren.

Marcia is survived by her children: Laurie (Flinn) Micoletti and her husband Greg of South Windsor, CT; Karen (Flinn) Calvert and her husband Chris of Haworth, NJ and Linda (Flinn) Bocco of Robbinsville, NJ, as well as the father of her children, Frank Flinn.  She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Nicole, Ryan, Julia, Siena, Aidan and Brody.

Marcia is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Bill, her parents, Benjamin and Florence Kasselman, her brother David and many treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New Jersey Jazz Society c/o Dave Dilzell P.O. Box 223 Garwood, NJ 07027  or www.njjs.org.

Please click here to view the memorial service held on July 1, 2020.

Joan Pra Sisto, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed Friday, June 26, 2020.

Joan grew up in Clifton, New Jersey. She was one of eight children.  Being the oldest girl, she helped take care of her siblings and that caring nature carried throughout her life. Joan was a cheerleader at Clifton High School and she loved to dance.  After high school, she was employed at the office of Moon Carrier where she met the handsome son of the company’s owner, Jack Pra Sisto. They began dating and were married in May of 1959. They started their lives together in an apartment in Richfield Village in Clifton, but soon built a house in Wayne to raise their family.

Joan enjoyed organizing parties. Her dinner and holiday gatherings would always draw rave reviews.  She enjoyed cooking and took several cooking classes once her children were older.  Joan’s homemade ravioli earned a standing ovation! She loved to have her family at the table and her husband Jack was ready with a nice glass of wine or a Manhattan.

Joan was a loving and attentive mother to her three children and a doting grandmother to her six grandchildren. She adored her grandchildren and was so grateful to spend time with them, spoiling them rotten. Mimi, as she was affectionately called by them, thoroughly enjoyed this role. Her grandchildren enjoyed it, too!

The family summered in Pt. Pleasant Beach where they had a home. Jack would go fishing and Joan would have to figure out what to do with all those fluke and blue fish filets! The kids thought her fried flounder was the best! Joan especially enjoyed the beach and a gin and tonic after a long sunny day. The house would be very full when everyone was there and Joan enjoyed seeing us all help out in the kitchen, washing and drying dishes, and singing along with Mitch Miller music.

Joan always put her family first as that was her number one priority in life. She once said that she married well and was truly grateful for the life she and her husband had created together. Joan truly was a kind and caring soul, always looking out for the people in her life.

Joan lived at Victoria Mews Assisted Living over the past nine years where she enjoyed participating in the bell choir, writing for the newsletter, running the general store, and playing dominos and bingo with her friends. In fact, Joan became rather good at Bingo, always giving her winnings to her granddaughter, Carly.

Joan will be greatly missed by her three children John, Ken, and Jackie along with her their spouses, Sheila, Blake and, Al.  She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Johnny, Matt, Nick, Amanda, Molly, and Carly. She is survived by her sister, Lynn and brother, Jimmy.  She is predeceased by her husband, Jack.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, (www.stjude.org), would be greatly appreciated.

Daniel L. Nevins, age 90, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday day, June 24, 2020.

Daniel was born in New London, Connecticut. The oldest of three children, his father Leonard Nevins was taken from this life when Dan was just an infant of sixth months of age. After his father’s passing, his mother Josephine did her best to love, nurture, and care for Dan. Then, when he was seven years old, he went to live with his paternal grandparents in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. There he attended and graduated from Cathedral High School in nearby Springfield with the Class of 1948. The next four years were a time of further education at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Then, in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country as a member of the 69th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Dix, NJ where he served stateside during the Korean War. Two years later, Daniel was honorably discharged as a sergeant and was the recipient of the National Defense Medal. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves for several more years.

In 1954, with the assistance of the G.I. Bill, Daniel returned to school once again – this time to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he pursued his love for commercial art and design. Three years later, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and began his career. His first job was with the American Management Association in New York City. After gaining some experience, he took a job as a commercial artist with the New York Daily News. He remained with the paper for eight years before going out on his own as a freelance artist. One of his more interesting projects was actually a collaboration he participated in with his wife Ann. She had written a series of children’s books and naturally, she felt that no one would be a better choice to illustrate those books than her dear husband Dan. He also did a series of paintings of historical homes in Wayne. As an independent artist, Dan loved his work and was able to provide a good income to support his wife and three children. Because of that love, he continued to serve his clients into his mid-seventies.

As a young boy growing up in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, one of Daniel’s first jobs was serving as a local paper boy. It was a great experience which taught him the virtues of hard work, taking initiative, being responsible, learning the ins-and-outs of management, interacting with his customers, and having a little spending money in his pocket. While all those things were good, the greatest part of the whole newspaper delivering experience turned out to be that it afforded Daniel the opportunity to meet the girl that would one day become his wife. Her name was Ann Cartwright and Ann was the young daughter of one of Dan’s newspaper customers. She was just fourteen years of age when Dan started to notice that she was the prettiest person on his whole route. Her house became his favorite to deliver to and to collect his pay from. Ann apparently took a liking to Dan too. She quickly learned the approximate time he would show up with the paper every day and she made it her business to be there to receive it. Despite their mutual admiration, due to an age disparity, they had to wait a few years for that first date. It turned out to be worth the wait! The first date eventually came and, over the course of time, they went out many, many times. Ann said that Dan loved to watch movies, so the local movie theater made a lot of money off of them. After a five year courtship, marriage came on Saturday, April 18, 1959. They exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends at St. Matthews Church in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. After a honeymoon in Bermuda, they began married life in an apartment in Brooklyn, NY that today would go for a million dollars. In 1968, Dan and Ann moved to Wayne, NJ and have lived in the town ever since.

Aside from his daily work, Dan had plenty of interests to enrich his life. Being artistically gifted, it’s no surprise that he loved to engage in creating beautiful things like oil paintings and sculptures. His home was adorned with his works and who else’s children could boast that their father had sculpted a bust of each of them? No doubt, music such as old-time country, bluegrass, and Irish folk or even a favorite opera was often being played in the background, setting a nice mood while Dan was working in his studio. Dan was also an avid reader and thus, not a day went by without him devouring many of the articles published in the New York Times, New York Post and the local Bergen Record newspaper. Passionate about certain subjects, he was known to somewhat regularly submit letters to the editorial page of the Record. Sometimes they would be published but other times not. Either way, it proved to be a good outlet for Dan to get things off his chest.

Through their travels throughout the U.S.A. and abroad, Dan and Ann were able to create some special memories. Favorite destinations included a Viking cruise throughout Germany, trips to Italy and Ireland, and taking in the grand magnificence out west in the United States. Having spent his boyhood years growing up in Connecticut and Massachusetts, Dan’s allegiance was strictly to the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Good times at home included watching a game on television, or sitting in his yard on a warm spring, summer or fall day studying the indigenous birds. When he wanted to be with friends, one of his favorite places to go was to the Wayne YMCA for a good workout and pleasant camaraderie.

When asked for words that described Dan, his wife Ann said he was just such a kind person! He was one who was always thinking about others – a quality which was so evidently demonstrated through his 68 year membership in the Knights of Columbus. He joined when he was just 18 years old while attending Holy Cross College. Most recently he was an emeritus member in the local Wayne K of C chapter 6354. Dan loved the opportunity for philanthropy and service to others that being a Knight offered. Ann said that Dan was a proud American who loved to read about and was a true student of American history. And he was a good Catholic Christian who, for the past 52 years, was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church.

Dan’s children truly loved and respected him as the best father anyone could ask for. To them he was a father but he was also like a friend. They will always admire him for his wisdom, his very forgiving nature, and his great sense of humor. They loved how Dan just seemed to have a song for anything that came up and how he had no reservations about breaking out into song, and they would marvel and laugh about how he could talk to anyone – something that in recent years seemed to be his primary focus in going to the YMCA. They loved it that he clearly loved his whole family so very much and how he expressed that love in so many ways.

Dan’s grandchildren also have cherished memories of him and Ann coming to babysit, taking them on hikes, feeding the ducks by their house and on many of their vacations. He loved being around them, enjoying a later-in-life hobby of photographing them, and being the best grandpa he could be.

Daniel was the beloved husband of Ann (nee Cartwright) blessed in marriage for 61 years. He was the loving father of Michael Nevins of Vernon, Kathleen Nevins of Wayne, Thomas Nevins and wife Deborah of Denville, and Bill Nevins of Wayne; cherished grandfather of: Daniel and fiancé Nicole, Erika, Zachary, and Ryan; adoring great-grandfather of Brianna; dear brother of his late sister and late brother: Jeanette Stanton and Robert Martin; and dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, (www.stjude.org), would be appreciated.

Alfreda “Fritzie” Fitzgerald (nee Weinhold), age 102, of Wayne passed away peacefully on June 24, 2020.

She was born in Paterson, New Jersey and moved to Wayne and lived there for over 80 years.  Fritzie was born in February of 1918 and in March the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 began, so it appears she survived two pandemics refusing to yield to either.  Woodrow Wilson was President and War World I was still in progress.

At age 16 she met a 17-year-old Robert Fitzgerald and went on their first date to the movies.  Four years later on June 16, 1938 they were married.  During her lifetime she held many different jobs, seamstress, working making wire products for communications and as a school crossing guard for Wayne Township.  She had been a member of the Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary for over fifteen years.

Surviving her are one son, John and daughter-in-law Karen of Florida, two granddaughters, Stacy Rach of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Amy Meininger of Wantage, New Jersey, step granddaughter Christine Fitzgerald of Vernon, New Jersey and five great-grandsons.  Her husband Robert predeceased her in 2000 and her son Robert P. Fitzgerald predeceased her in 1947.

Radulka Z. Todorov, age 79, of Butler passed away peacefully on June 23, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family.

After a brief battle with cancer, Michael Anthony Sarracino passed away at home on June 21, 2020 at the age of 99 yrs., 9 months.

Michael Anthony Sarracino was born September 1, 1920 in Moonachie, NJ to Anthony and Maria Germana Sarracino. He was the first of four boys the Sarracino’s would have.

During his early years, he attended Moonachie Grammar School #2 through the eighth grade in a single room, multi-grade school house, graduating in 1934 with twenty-two other students in his class. He went on to East Rutherford High School, graduating in 1938. During his childhood, Michael enjoyed playing baseball, being a member of Boy Scouts and working a variety of jobs in farming and construction.

As the threat of World War II loomed, Michael proactively joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he served from 1942 through 1946. The Coast Guard Station where Michael was assigned was on the Potomac River, just below Washington D.C., with the task to patrol and protect the U.S. capital waterway access. When President Roosevelt died in April 1945, Michael was chosen as one of only two Coast Guard members to represent that branch of service to march in the President’s funeral procession.

Michael was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard in 1946 and took advantage of the G.I. Bill attending Western State College in Colorado before transferring to Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He graduated in 1949 with a BA degree in Economics and thereafter returned to Moonachie, New Jersey.

In 1950, on a “blind date” arranged by Michael’s sister-in-law Alice, Michael met Frances Kellenberger of Clifton NJ. A match was made and the two were married on September 2, 1950 at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Clifton NJ. They moved to Wayne, NJ shortly after building their home (literally) and began their family together. The family would soon grow to four children, with Michael W., Peter, Amy and John following over eight years. Michael continued his education attending New York University and graduating with a Master’s Degree in Economics in October 1955. He worked in sales while attending NYU and continued in sales working for Wollen Chemical and Hi-Brett Chemical until his retirement at the age of 83.

Michael had always been very civically minded. While in Wayne, he joined and was an active member of the Elks Club Lodge for many years. Michael was very involved with the Roman Catholic Church even at an early age (having served as altar boy, then Junior Holy Name Society Treasurer in 1936) and he continued that involvement with Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church in Wayne. During his nearly seventy years as a Wayne resident, Michael served on and participated in numerous church committees including Holy Name Society, Church Decorating Committee and Funeral Ministry. He attended mass regularly through February 2020 (only stopping due to the pandemic) and made a long list of friends throughout his years at OLV.

During his “retirement” years, Michael continued to remain busy in other ways, taking several cruises, trips to both Oregon and California, all with his wife Frances, as well as enjoying his family, children and grandchildren still in New Jersey. What kept Michael most busy, however, was his volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne where he logged more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service over sixteen years of volunteering in the MRI department. During that time, he came to know many of the other volunteers as well as staff at St. Joseph’s and he established many friendships there. He also enjoyed a very active social life, going to lunch with friends several times a week. He had every intention of living to at least 100 years old.

Michael was a devoted husband and dedicated father who loved gardening, boating on Greenwood Lake (or anywhere for that matter), the NY Yankees, life-long learning, staying busy through volunteering, service to the church and trying to make a positive impact on other people’s lives. His near century of wisdom, humorous mannerisms, easy smile, laughing blue eyes, willingness to help humbly and without self-promotion, fair-mindedness and “constant motion” will be sorely missed by his family, friends and others whom he touched.

Michael was predeceased by his wife Frances, his brothers Lou and Albert and sister-in-law Alice. He is survived by his brother Aurelio and wife Marie and sister-in-law Phyllis, his four children Michael and wife Gail and their daughter Christine, Peter and his daughter Ashley, Amy and husband John and their children Linda and Stefanie, and John and wife Julie and their daughter Kelsey and two great-grandchildren Lana and Sydney.

Raymond Anthony Seville, age 64 of Newton, passed suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

He was born to Warren and Josephine Seville in Paterson where he was raised at the family home on East 24th Street close to Baer Track Park.  He attended School 18 in Paterson and later Passaic County Technical High School with the Class of 1973. Ray has lived in Totowa, Lake Hiawatha, Ocala, Florida, and Port Saint Lucie, Florida before moving to Newton, New Jersey sixteen years ago.

Through his working years Ray always worked with his hands. In his early years he worked as a mechanic at the Exxon Station on 1st Avenue in Paterson, as a “lugger” moving bulk material in the Paterson textile mills.  For a time he worked at Curtis-Wright Aeronautical making brakes for the Airline Industry - there was always a standing joke that after he saw how the brakes were made he refused to fly. While in Lake Hiawatha he worked at an excavating company and while in Florida he worked with his brother Mike at a restaurant within a Florida Auto Auction and at the Kegel & Stilli Cabinetry Shop in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.  When he returned to Newton, New Jersey Ray in 2004 he started his own business “Ray Seville Home Improvements” where he specialized as a painting contractor. He also worked at Vision Research in Wayne as a carpenter, plumber, and in general maintenance. Each year Vision Research would have an “employee day” where Ray would set everything up and cook for the entire staff.

Ray knew Diane Bonadies from his Paterson days and reconnected with her after their high school years. Their first date was to a picnic at Diane’s mother’s home in Paterson and they soon fell in love. Ray proposed to Diane at a park in Cedar Grove.  She had a family heirloom stone and together they set out to find a setting.  They married in Totowa on August 16, 1980 and honeymooned at the Pocono Palace Resort on Fantasy Road in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Diane characterized Ray as her “rock” and that she was blessed with a forty year, loving, caring, and devoted marriage.

Ray was fun, opinionated, and crazy.  He portrayed himself as a tough guy but in reality he would help anyone and had a heart of gold! He loved his Harley- Fat Boy and always enjoyed day trips and annual trips to Bike Week in Daytona, Florida. Just four months ago he rescued two German Shepherds Stella and Frankie who he adored.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Diane; he was predeceased by his brother Michael and his sister Susan; he is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews Larry Seville, Lisa Fisacaro, Michael Seville, and Sophia Fiscaro; he will also be greatly missed by his brother-in-law Art Bonadies (Joyce), sister-in-law Linda Jantzen (her husband Charles “Andy” Jantzen predeceased in 2017) and their children Phillip Jantzen (Meghan) and their children Elizabeth and Charlie, Daniel Jantzen (Carrie), Stephanie ( Jantzen ) Sigman (Stephen), and Clare Edwards (TJ); nephew Michael (Janel) and thier children Drake, Logan, Amy, Mitchel and Michael.  He will also be dearly missed by other extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Garden State German Shepherd Rescue, https://gsgsr.org/donate/, would be greatly appreciated.

Theresa Suchar (nee Surdel) died peacefully on June 17, 2020.  She was born to Joseph and Josephine Surdel on March 11, 1936 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Theresa led her life with love and demonstrated compassion in everything she did.

She was the loving wife of Casper M. Suchar, Sr. for thirty seven years, until his death in 1997.  She continued to speak about him as if he was in the other room for her remaining twenty three years.  They relocated to Wayne, NJ where Theresa lived for nearly fifty years.

Most importantly, she was a doting mother to her children: Casper M. Suchar, Jr., Mary Therese Gusler, Judith Ann Villani, Alyson Ann Suchar, Sandra-Jean Mayer, David Suchar (deceased 1998), and Daniel Suchar.  Through them, Theresa leaves behind fifteen cherished grandchildren and nine beloved great-grandchildren.  She is survived by her siblings; Joseph Surdel, Agnes Curry, and Deborah Gronkowski.  She is now reunited in Heaven with her siblings; Ray Surdel and Charlotte Shanko.  Through them, she had many treasured nieces and nephews.

Theresa was a devout parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wayne, NJ as well as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, Church Choir, Columbiettes Biship Navagh Council, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and Cornerstone.  Earlier in life, she worked as a bus aide for Laidlaw.  She always enjoyed sewing, bingo, and later in life especially dedicated her time to crocheting baby blankets and prayer shawls to donate to Paterson and those in need.  A special mention to all her driving buddies, bingo buddies, and also M.J.B.

Theresa loved flowers and her family would be grateful to those who choose to send flowers to her funeral.  For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Theresa’s honor, please consider her beloved parish; Holy Cross RC Church, c/o OLV Church, 630 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Sergo P. Gregory, age 96 of Clifton, New Jersey passed away peacefully on June 17, 2020.

Sergo is survived by his loving wife of 66 years June Gregory. He was the devoted father to Lisa Galo and father-in-law to Felix Galo. He is Grandfather to Gina Christiano and her husband Dr. Tom Christiano, Matthew and Caitlin Galo, Thomas Galo and Cristina Giappone.  Sergo was the cherished Great-Grandpa to Thomas and Luke Christiano and Felicity Davis Galo.

Sergo had a lifelong career in the New York stock exchange. He loved traveling and spending time with his beloved family. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Shirley Waldeck (nee Schilling), age 91, formerly of Wayne passed away peacefully on June 15, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born and raised in Riverdale, NJ and was one of three children to Arthur and Mabel Schilling.  While growing up in Riverdale, Shirley’s parents introduced her to music and had her take piano lessons.  Later as a young lady, Shirley gave piano lessons to the local kids and adults in her neighborhood and frequently played the organ in church.  Shirley attended Pompton Lakes High School and while a student there she met a handsome young man by the name of Richard Calvin Waldeck known to his friends as “Cal”.  Shirley and Cal started dating and became high school sweethearts.  While in high school, Shirley accepted a position at Bloomingdale Bank where she was employed as a secretary.  As fate would have it, Shirley and Cal fell in love and a few years after graduating from Pompton Lakes High School, they became husband and wife.  A few years later, Cal and Shirley started their family and moved to Wayne.  While living in Wayne, they welcomed the births of their three children, Richard, David and Cheryl Ann.

Not long after they started their family, Shirley decided to become a full time homemaker.  This was truly Shirley’s calling and where she flourished.  Shirley was a devoted mom and was always there for her children.  Later, as her children got older, Shirley went back to work as a secretary at Jordan Bus Company where her husband Cal worked at the time.  Shirley held this position until her retirement.  Cal and Shirley remained in Wayne until 2004 when they moved to Washington, NJ to be close to their daughter Cheryl and their grandchildren.  Shirley and Cal cherished fifty five years of loving and loyal marriage until Cal’s passing in March of 2005.

Shirley was a lifetime member of the Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star since she was eighteen years old.  Later, Shirley attended Annandale Reformed Church where she was an active member of the Lady's Society and a devoted and respected member of her weekly bible study group.  Aside from all of Shirley’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion was her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Shirley than providing for, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She was often heard to say her favorite bible verse, Matthew 6:21, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" referred to her grandchildren.  Shirley was feisty, outgoing yet shy, compassionate, kind, and spiritual.  She touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Cheryl Mulligan and her husband Robert Wilson of Hampton, NJ, David Waldeck and his wife Nancy of Sauquoit, NY, four grandchildren, Ryan Mulligan, Kevin Mulligan, Kyle Waldeck and Sara Waldeck.  She was predeceased by her husband Cal Waldeck in 2005, her son Richard Waldeck in 1989, and her two brothers Richard Schilling and Arthur Schilling.

Edward A Tumminello, age 60, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2020, at Chilton Memorial hospital, while receiving the loving care of his family.

Edward was born and raised in the Township of Wayne, and was the younger of two children to Edward and Florence Tumminello.  His mother doted on him, his dad was his buddy, and Ed and his sister "Betty Ann", although 8 years apart, were very close.  While growing up, Ed’s father along with his uncles, owned the T-Bowl Bowling Alley in Wayne (Hence, the T in T-Bowl).  There was no surprise that Ed became an outstanding bowler and earned the position of Captain of the Wayne Hills Bowling Team.  Ed loved sports, playing Little League Baseball, where he is still known as the most feared pitcher in the league, and basketball for the Wayne Boys Club.  Sports, especially bowling and baseball, would be passions that Edward carried throughout the remainder of his life.

After graduating from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1978, Ed was offered a full bowling scholarship at the University of Kentucky.  Ed's father was ill at the time, and family always came first.  Ed decided to stay close to home and attend William Paterson College, where he studied Business.  During his time as a child, the family sold the T-Bowl business and formed Dee Jays Amusements, where Ed also worked with his dad for many years.  When Ed was in his third year of college, his father became seriously ill, prompting Ed to leave school and run the carnival business with his dad's partners.  In 1986,  Ed merged Dee Jay Amusements with State Fair Amusements in Belleville.  His children and their friends thought Ed had the coolest job, and they enjoyed many nights at carnivals throughout NJ.   Ed remained a partner until 2009, when he had to leave for various reasons.  Unfortunately, he was never able to return to work and was forced into retirement due to his illness. Ed fought long and hard through multiple illnesses and setbacks through the last 10 years.  He was an inspiration to many, with a positive attitude, and always came through like a champ.

Ed and Elaine had many mutual friends in high school.  In May of 1979, Ed ran into an attractive young woman by the name of Elaine Ambrogio, whom he had attended middle school and high school with.  With Ed being on the shy side, and Elaine the total opposite, she snatched Ed’s watch and told him if he wanted it back, he would have to meet her that night, at a bar called Moustache Pete's, where mutual friends were gathering.  Ed showed up, and from then on, it was always Ed and Elaine.  They had a large group of friends and they enjoyed many good times with them.  Ed could usually be found at the Meadowlands with his buddies.  Ed and Elaine fell in love, dated for 7 years, and were married on October 5, 1986.  They settled in Clifton immediately after getting married but in 1988, moved back to Wayne to Ed's childhood home. During their time living in Wayne they welcomed the births of all three of their sons, Edward in 1989, Nicholas in 1992, and Justin in 1995.  They were fortunate enough to enjoy a great neighborhood, where they had a large group of families that became and still are some of their closest friends. Ed and Elaine enjoyed 34 years of marriage together.

Edward and Elaine participated in a bowling league together throughout the years. For many years, Ed coached Little League Baseball and both basketball and baseball at the Wayne PAL, where he was also a Trustee. He inspired his teams with confidence and a positive attitude to bring out the best in them.  Ed was a dedicated father.  Although he worked long hours, he never missed any of his boys sporting events. Ed and Elaine were active volunteers in the PTA and in the Wayne Hills Football program. He enjoyed the four years while his son Nick played, and as a senior dad, he became in charge of blowing up the giant helmet the team ran through during home games.  His sons were his pride and joy, and coaching them and attending their games made him so proud.  He and his sons also attended many Giants, Met and Devil's games together. They went to many WWE events, as they all loved professional wrestling.  Besides sports, Ed also enjoyed frequenting the Meadowlands for horseracing and going to Atlantic City for his favorite game, Blackjack.  Through the years Ed and his family treasured vacationing at the Jersey Shore every summer, particularly in Lavallette with his sister and nieces and nephew and their children. As a group of 21 people, they took over the Starlight Motel and this was something Ed would look forward to every year.  He loved the ocean and the Jersey shore.

Ed’s greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Ed than providing for, and spending time with his family.  He was happiest when everyone was together for large birthday celebrations and holidays.  He was a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews and their children.  He was also Uncle Ed to many of their close friend's children, who adored him.  As their children got older and Ed was at home, a group of their friends and his nephew Jason, would spend every Monday, Thursday and Sunday at the Tumminello house, watching football with him, and every other sport imaginable. They played poker and his favorite card game Skat with him, on many occasions.  He cherished these moments and looked forward to his Fantasy Football draft with them, and enjoyed arguing over trades and picks during the season. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Edward is survived by his wife Elaine (nee Ambrogio), his three sons Edward Tumminello , Nicholas Tumminello, and Justin Tumminello all of Wayne, one sister, Elizabeth Ann Nabba and her husband Raymond of Mountaintop, PA, his nieces and nephews, Tracy Scala and her husband Anthony, Randi Nochumson and her husband Dr. Joshua Nochumson, Kelly Federico and her husband Jim, Jason Nabba, his mother-in-law Mildred Ambrogio, his sister-in-law Cindy Dolan and her husband Bill, niece and nephew Demi and Jon Dolan, his in-laws Tom and Donna Van Sickell, nephew Thomas Van Sickell and his wife Kelly, and his niece Lisa Farley; Ed is also survived by ten great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins who adored him.

The Tumminello family would also like to thank all the medical professionals who helped Ed through the last 10 years.  They are eternally grateful for the care and dedication they gave to Ed..

Salvatore “Sal” J. Reale, age 87, of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, formerly of Wayne, passed Monday, June 15, 2020.

He was born in Grammichele, Sicily, Italy and came to the United States when he was just nine months old.  The family settled into life in The Bronx, New York and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in The Bronx with the Class of 1951.

After high school Sal enlisted in the United States Army where he served for two years during the Korean Conflict. Upon being honorably discharged Sal attended Manhattan College in New York City where he received his degree in Civil Engineering.  Sal worked for forty-five years at the Foster Wheeler Corporation and lived through several location changes before retiring from the Clinton facility in 1997.

Sal met the love of his life Rita Casatelli while at a dance at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.  He offered to drive Rita home to her house at 14 Riverview Avenue in Cliffside Park, NJ.  Rita accepted but told him he had to drive the two friends she came with home as well.  Sal agreed and upon making it to Rita’s house she invited him in for coffee with her parents.  Rita had given Sal her home number so they could meet up again, however, she confided in her mother that she had given Sal a fake phone number as she wasn’t quite sure about him.  Her mom said he seemed like a nice guy and that she should have given him the right phone number.  Rita called the fake number she had given Sal and asked the girl at the other end of the line to give him her real phone number when and if he called.  Well Sal called the wrong number, then called Rita at the right number and said: “don’t you realize I drove you home and know where you live?”  They eventually fell in love.  Sal arrived to take Rita out one evening and said “hey – look…that’s your ring” as he had placed the engagement ring on a table in the house. They married on May 21, 1960 at Church of the Epiphany in Cliffside Park with the wedding reception in New York City and honeymooned in Puerto Rico. Rita and Sal lived in an apartment on Anderson Avenue in Cliffside Park when they first married and later moved into the second floor of a two family home Rita’s sister Virginia and her husband Andy had purchased. When Rita and Sal purchased a home on Raymar Lane in Wayne, Rita’s sister soon followed and bought the house next door for over 50 years.  Just a short time ago Rita and Sal moved into Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains and celebrated sixty years of marriage last month.

Sal will be lovingly remembered as a quiet, reserved person who enjoyed golfing, swimming at the Lincoln Park Swim Club and later swimming with friends he met at the Wayne Township Pool.  His New York roots instilled a loyalty to the New York Yankees and the New York Jets where for many years he held season tickets and enjoyed taking his daughters to the games.

Rita and Sal’s marriage was blessed with two children Lauren Fuentes and her husband Nelson of Fairfield and Joanne Jaworski and her husband Frederick of Waxhaw, North Carolina; they have also been blessed with three grandchildren: Christopher Fuentes and his wife Kelly, Denean Fuentes, and Lara Jaworski.

In lieu of flowers those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

Herman Thomas Voelkner, age 88, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Clifton for over twenty-five years, passed Sunday, June 14, 2020.

He was born to Herman and Marie Voelkner in Paterson New Jersey.  Herman was raised at 25 Goshen Street in South Paterson where he graduated from Paterson Technical High School with the Class of 1949.

From 1950 through 1951 Herman worked as a Floor Manager for the Haband & Co. in Paterson. He enlisted in the United States Army and began his service on April 12, 1951 in Newark, NJ during the Korean War.  For most of his service he was stationed in Austria and Germany. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army as a Sergeant after three years of service and received the Army of Occupation Medal – Germany, and the National Service Medal.  After his service in the Army Herman found work at the Insulfab Plastics Company in East Rutherford, NJ.  He would work at Insulfab for thirty-six years before he retired as a Plant Manager in 1991.

Herman’s family had a party for him when he was discharged from the Army, where he met a beautiful girl named Mary Lou Stoehr.  Their first date was to one of Herman’s friend’s wedding and they soon fell in love.  They married on July 23, 1955 at St George Church in Paterson, had a reception at the Robin Hood Inn in Clifton, and honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York. When they first married they lived in Richfield Village in Clifton and then bought a home on Maple Hill Road in Clifton where they raised their family before retiring to Fort Myers, Florida. Herman and Mary Lou have enjoyed sixty-five years of a loving and caring marriage.

Herman was deeply dedicated to his Catholic faith and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  For many years he served as an usher, lector, on the finance board, and with the Boy Scout Troop 21 with St. Philip Church in Clifton. Herman’s sons have fond memories of Scouting and overnight trips to Camp Aheka in Towaco, NJ.

He was a dedicated family man and will be lovingly remembered for being efficient, responsible, and a fun loving man.  When Herman was just nine years old, his brother Tom was five, and his mother was nine months pregnant, his father tragically passed away in a truck accident.  Upon coming home from his father’s funeral his mother told him he was now the man of the house. Herman, trying to bring income into the house, had three paper routes to help make ends meet.

He was the loving husband of sixty-five years to Mary Lou Voelkner; devoted father of Herman T. Voelkner, Jr. of Savannah, GA, J. William Voelkner and his wife Rae-Ann Aldrich-Voelkner of Warrenton, VA, Patrick E. Voelkner of Little Falls, and Susan Voelkner of Pompton Lakes; he was the cherished grandfather of Kathryn Voelkner-Silvis and her husband Nicholas Silvis, and Megan Voelkner; cherished great-grandfather of Madison Silvis and Jackson Silvis; dearly loved brother of William D. Voelkner and his late wife Sue of Henderson, NV and the late Thomas Voelkner (d.12/2013) and his late wife Jean (d. 1/2015).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Brittany Lynn McGuinness (Powell), age 32, of Cedar Knolls and formerly of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly, on Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Brittany was born in Ridgewood. She spent the first three months of her precious life in Paterson before moving with her family to Wayne. That’s where she went from being a little girl to a young woman, graduating from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 2005. Throughout her childhood and beyond, Brittany always seemed to have a song in her heart, and with a voice like an angel, she made a joyful noise as a member of many choirs during her years in school. She would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field of music at Monmouth University where she was also a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) sorority, but her career aspirations ultimately took a different path. Most recently, she worked as an I.T. recruiter for TEK Systems in Parsippany.

Brittany was a true daddy’s girl. She was his little shadow, always wanting to be by him. A carpenter by trade, when Daddy was putting the addition on the house, Brittany was his best assistant throughout the whole project. Brittany’s dad also taught her to wet the line in Lion’s Head Lake where she caught her first fish. Once in a while he’d also take her and her brother James, III out on his boat to go deep sea fishing in Sea Girt Reef, down by the Jersey shore.

Brittany and her mom enjoyed an equally special relationship. They called each other on the phone, never missing a day. They shared great times going shopping or cooking up something delicious in the kitchen. Momma taught Brittany how to cook but Brittany took it to the next level! Her family especially enjoyed her broccoli cavatelli with sausage and her homemade Italian meatballs. She would take a recipe and challenge herself to make it even better. Sometimes Brittany and her mom had trouble seeing eye-to-eye. This would result in threats of blocking each other’s number. But that would only last about ten minutes because, when it came right down to it, they truly had the greatest love and admiration for each other.

Brittany also shared a special relationship with her younger brother James, III. She graduated from Wayne Hills High School just before he was coming in as a freshman but she made sure to share all her high school wisdom, helping him to be better equipped to navigate his next four years. James had a dog – a Puggle affectionately named Babe that stole Brittany’s heart and which she enjoyed as a precious companion during her years living home.

One night when Brittany was preparing to leave after getting together with her girlfriends at the Grasshopper Irish Pub and Eatery in Morristown, a handsome gentleman by the name of Matthew McGuinness was just arriving. Their paths crossed and, after some casual conversation, Brittany headed home for the night, but not before obliging Matt’s request for her phone number. He called the next day and they had a pleasant conversation which was followed by several days of texting one another. Their first official date was to the Sunset Grill in Pequannock. Genuine friendship grew to a loving relationship which ultimately lead to Matt’s proposal of marriage. It took place at the Morristown Green – a sort of town square area of Morristown typically referred by the locals as “The Green”. Matt got down on one knee and, while he had a little trouble articulating the longings of his heart in an eloquent fashion, he did manage to communicate his desire for Brittany’s hand in marriage. Fortunately, she understood what Matt was trying to say and, even more fortunate for Matt, she was delighted at his proposal. Brittany and Matt set the date for the wedding and all of their family and friends gathered to join them in celebrating the marriage ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ. After a honeymoon in the capital city of Nassau, in the Bahamas, they chose Cedar Knolls to be the place to begin their married life. Sadly, their marriage spanned a mere six months but thankfully, it was a sweet time of love and abiding devotion. Matt will certainly be able to cherish lots of special memories of the times he and Brittany spent together. They shared a love of summering down the shore in places like Point Pleasant, Seaside and Belmar, hiking to the castle on Ramapo Reservation – a place where her Dad would take her as a child, and celebrating the fall season by taking a ride up to Penning’s Farm in Warwick, NY to go apple picking.

When asked to describe Brittany, her family expressed their feelings about her with words like “caring”, “compassionate”, “loving”, “generous” to the point of giving you the shirt off her back if she felt you needed it more than she did, “strong

willed” to the point of sometimes being a real pain in the posterior, and “fiercely loyal”. If someone spoke ill of a person that Brittany respected, she would defend that person like a mamma lion defending her cubs. You always knew Brittany had your back and she had a natural ability of putting people at ease from the first time she met them. She was the life of the party and lit up the room always able to make people laugh.

Brittany was the beloved wife of Matthew McGuinness; loving daughter of Karen Limone of Wayne, and James Powell of Brick; dear sister of James Powell, III and girlfriend Suzy Falcicchio of Morristown; cherished maternal granddaughter of Lucille Limone of Hawthorne and the late Anthony Limone; cherished paternal granddaughter of the late Marion “Meema” Powell; cherished niece of RoseLynn Shawah and husband Gary, Anthony Limone, Jr. and wife Denise, Mary Powell, Glenda Grandioso, and Melvin Powell; dear daughter-in-law of John and Judith McGuinness, dear sister-in-law of Charlie McGuinness and wife Beth, and Annie McGuinness; sweet aunt of two nephews and one niece; dear cousin of numerous cousins; step grandchild of Anthony “Poppy” Cervone; and step daughter to Maureen Scheper, step sister to Stephanie Reustle of Rumson, Jessica Scheper of Byram, and Christopher Scheper of Bloomingdale.

Robert Juster, age 78 of Wayne, died peacefully on June 11 in hospice care at Sunrise Memory Care in Wayne after a short battle with cancer.

Bob was born to Charles and Alvina Juster, nee Vacca, in 1942 in East Orange and grew up in Clifton, NJ.  He enjoyed growing up and playing with his two younger brothers, Chuck and Jim, and later on with little sister Marianne. Bob also loved being a part of a large extended family. He was one of the oldest of over 30 first cousins.

Bob attended St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark where he ran cross country and track. While in high school, Bob decided he would like to apply to the University of Notre Dame. He found it very funny that his counselor was not sure he would be admitted, but Bob applied anyway, securing a spot in the Class of 1963. He studied Civil Engineering and continued to run cross country and track while at Notre Dame. He enjoyed rooting for the Fighting Irish football team despite the losing record they had during his four years. His ND legacy includes his two brothers, daughter Suzanne, and two nephews who all followed him there. Bob loved cheering for all the Irish sports teams throughout his life.

After college, Bob served as a First Lieutenant in the Army. He was an ammunitions officer. While stationed in Fort Devens, MA, he ran in the Boston Marathon.  He was very proud of this accomplishment. While serving in the Army, he also received a Commendation Medal.

Upon leaving the Army after his service term was completed, he worked as a civil engineer. He was proud to have his Professional Engineer license. He worked as a civil engineer until 1980. At that time he became a self-taught computer programmer for a large construction company. His technical mind and experience enabled him to create techniques that allowed the company to complete hours of manual work into a half hour on the computer.  He retired in 2006.

On April 16, 1966, he married Gail Wilkinson. They settled in Wayne, where they raised their two daughters, Cathie and Suzanne. Bob was a very involved father.  He was an Indian Princess leader and coach of many youth sports teams in the community. As his daughters got older, he was always there to support them and was so happy when both settled in Packanack Lake with their families. Bob was a proud Packanack Lake resident (living in three different homes there) for over 50 years.

Bob always said his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was immensely proud of his daughters, sons-in-law, and his four adored grandchildren, and all their talents. He loved attending everything from track meets, to dance recitals, to gymnastics meets, to basketball and lacrosse games. Everyone who knew him, from his neighbors to the staff at Sunrise, knew all about his family.

While he loved to play tennis and to go bowling, his passion was running. For decades after his high school/college running career, he ran in several races per year. He ran the Giralda Farms 10K each fall since the early 1980s. Every Memorial Day weekend he ran in the Spring Lake 5 mile race with his family from the mid 1990s until 2018. He ran nearly every day into his mid-70s, which included daily runs around Packanack Lake. He was thrilled to find out, just two months ago, that he was inducted into the St. Benedict’s Prep Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1958 Cross Country Team.

Bob particularly enjoyed the outdoors.  He loved working in his yard, and over the years, built a deck and a large shed. He always wanted to own a second home near the beach.  Bob and Gail fulfilled that dream in 2000 when they bought a home on Long Beach Island. He enjoyed vacationing and running in LBI during the summers.

Bob was an unpretentious person with no airs about him.  He was also very generous. He always looked to give to those close to him as well as strangers without looking for anything in return. He donated to many charities over the years. He would even donate money to families he heard about on the news. He would describe himself as fairly shy, yet he always enjoyed making people laugh with his jokes and remarks.  Bob was only at Sunrise a short time, but he made an impact on the staff. They remarked how polite and outgoing he was and they loved his sense of humor.

Surviving are his devoted daughters, Cathie and husband Vin Przybylinski of Wayne, Suzanne and husband Josh Shapiro of Wayne, four cherished grandchildren Brooke and Grace Przybylinski and Katie and Matthew Shapiro. Bob was predeceased by his dear wife Gail in 2013 and beloved brother Jim in 2015.

If you wish to make a donation, please consider Alzheimer’s Association , National Processing Center Alzheimer’s Association, Greater NJ Chapter PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090.  http://www.alznj.org

Patrick G. Donovan, age 50, of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

Patrick was born in Paterson and lived there until age five when he moved to Wayne. He remained a resident of Wayne for the rest of his life.

After graduating from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1988, Patrick studied at Stockton State College where he earned his B.A. degree in business administration.

One of Patrick’s greatest pleasures in his life came from the love he gave and received from his pets. There were numerous ones over the years, most recently two dogs rescued from the shelters named Sadie and January, and two cats named Maxine and Chloe – both of whom lived for just over twenty years.

Patrick is survived by his parents: Urban “Chuck” Donovan, Jr. and Judith Donovan (nee DiLallo) of Wayne; his brother Craig Donovan and companion Tracey Rust and her daughter Kaitlin of Rochelle Park; his sister Jennifer and husband Walter Tauro, Jr. of North Reading, Massachusetts; and his niece and nephew: Samantha and Mason Tauro.  

Because of his love for animals, those planning an expression of sympathy in Patrick’s name are asked to consider Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroads, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Madalyn C. Ulino (nee Cioffe), age 86, of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Madalyn lived her life there before moving to New Jersey in 1955, and later building her home in Wayne, where she remained a lifelong resident.

A model student in Brooklyn, Madalyn received many awards through her academic years, including the Susan B. Anthony Award in high school, later attending Brooklyn College.

She worked for Caravan Products Co, Inc. first in Passaic, then Totowa, for a total of 41 years, retiring her position as VP of Finance. Madalyn held this positon at a time when women were not seen equally in the corporate world.  Her family believes she paved the path for more women to be recognized as corporate leaders.

Madalyn's true love was traveling, especially on cruises, to places like Japan, Italy, Alaska, and more. A true New York Yankees fan, she cruised with them, along with her grandson, a memory she treasured greatly. She enjoyed learning new cultures, and experiencing life through others eyes. She also had a passion for reading, where she enjoyed all genres and had an extensive book collection.

Madalyn is survived by her daughter, Dorinda and her husband, Neil Duclos, of Wayne, two grandchildren, Jonathan Duclos and Alyssa Duclos, both of Wayne, her sister Denyse Cacchione of Hawthorne, NJ, her Godson Vincent Cacchione, his wife Magali and their daughter, Alaska of Brooklyn, NY, her niece, Talya Rose Cacchione of Hawthorne, NJ, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Madalyn's name, may make a donation to the National MS Society, The Sjogren's Foundation or the World Wildlife Fund.

Cynthia Jane Clarke, nee Lempke, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones. She succumbed to the long-term effects of a rare autoimmune disease (relapsing polychondritis) that she successfully battled from adolescence through grandmotherhood. She packed several lifetimes of joy, fun and love into her 64 years of life.

Born and raised in Packanack Lake, the third of five Lempke children, Cindy was taught by her parents Dicka and BEtty never to let her physical impairments stand in her way, and boy did the lesson take. Despite having to live with a tracheostomy from age twelve to fifteen, she enjoyed all the normal activities of high school life, and then some. After graduating from William Paterson University in 1977, she became a Montesorri pre-school teacher. No one was better with little children than Cindy, or loved them more.

In the summer of 1976, she met her husband-to-be, Benjamin Clarke, during Hurricane Belle, while both were marooned in Buxton, North Carolina. Born, as a couple, in a crossfire hurricane, the two never parted. They married in 1982. Memorably, and to the quiet dismay of her always supportive mother, Ciondy allowed Ben to hold a pick-up softball game during their reception, though she declined to play herself. Her bridal radiance was undiminished by the “what’s wrong with this picture” spectacle of having to cut her wedding cake with someone wearing cut-offs.

A few years later, Cindy and Ben were joined by their son Ernest, the true love of Cindy’s life. Due to her narrowed airways, Cindy had to undergo a second tracheostomy prior to childbirth, but it would have taken a lot more than a plastic breathing tube to keep her from fulfilling her life’s dream of being another. Her Montessori training was put to good use on Ernie: the highlights of her adult life were seeing Ernie graduate first in her class at Boston University, attending her wedding to beloved daughter-in-law Pamela Bookbinder and (most of all) living to see the birth of her granddaughter Aviva and grandson Noah.

With a close-knit family that extended beyond siblings, in-laws and offspring to nieces, nephews, cousins, grand-nephews and -nieces, and in-laws of in-laws, and a vast network of friends who were more like family, Cindy enjoyed travel, cooking, homemaking, beach life, gift-giving, card-writing, and anything that promised fun. A glint of mischief was always in her eyes, and remains behind in our memories forever. To those who loved her, and there were so many, her uncomplaining perseverance in the face of physical adversity was super-human, but to Cindy life was to be lived, love was to be shared, and time was to be savored, not wasted. As her brother Richard put it, no one appreciated the gift of a day more than Cindy, and her days with us were all gifts.

Predeceased by her “Irish twin” Susan, she is survived by her husband, Benjamin, son Ernest, daughter -in-law, Pamela, two preposterously adorable grandchildren, Aviva and Noah, her sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and William Cochrane, her niece Lempke, and a bereft fan-club of extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation, 1202 Lexington Ave, Box 112, New York, NY 10028, Planned Parenthood, or any green charity of your choosing.

Carmella “Candy” Gamberale, age 87 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Saturday, June 6, 2020.  She had been landscaping that day, one of her favorite things to do, shortly before she passed away.

Candy had worked for Singer-Kearfott in West Paterson for her entire career.  She was among the most dedicated, hard-working people you would have ever met, and she was particularly proud of her career accomplishments at ‘Kearfott.’  Considering the era she grew up in, there were not many great career opportunities for women, then add on the fact that she hadn’t completed high school.  Yet Candy rose to become a Supervisor at Kearfott, overseeing a large team of engineers, all because of her natural intelligence, perseverance, and hard work.  She had the respect and admiration of her team, and she maintained close friendships with all of her coworkers throughout the years.  To say she was strong-willed and determined to succeed would be an understatement.

Candy grew up in Newark, NJ, in the North End of the city.  She attended Central High School and had a personality that endeared her to everyone she met.  As a young woman, she used to rent a cabin at the Jersey Shore each summer with her many friends, and her place was always ‘party central.’  Candy enjoyed entertaining, and this continued throughout her lifetime.  Her home was the center of some great parties over the years, and all of her family members fondly remember the parties at Candy’s house!  She had a really big heart and was generous to a fault, loved her family and all of her friends.  Nothing made her happier than having people over to her home for a BBQ and a party!  Her house was the location of countless parties and gatherings that typically included serval dozens of guests!  Her lawn shed was converted into a bar, and food never stopped flowing!  Along with her husband, Tom, they threw epic parties and simply loved having everyone over to join them.

Candy was always on the “go” and rarely sat still.  Her house was immaculate, she was always dressed perfectly and her hair was never out of place.  She enjoyed dressing up for holidays, whether it was Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day, she was dressed accordingly and having fun!  She found happiness by sharing her life with friends and family, and nothing made her more happy than having a crowd of loved-ones around the house!

Candy was also devoted to her husband, Thomas Dowd.  They had been together since the mid-1970’s and finally decided to marry sometime in the 1990’s.  They did everything together and took great care of each other.  They loved to go on cruises and were “Diamond” members with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  It wasn’t uncommon for them to go on 3-4 cruises per year, and they especially loved getting away of ten days or more.  They’ve cruised all over the place, and made great memories together.  Sadly, Tom died in 2011 and Candy has missed him dearly ever since.

Candy is survived by her daughter; Joanna Osbun and her husband Lewis of Stockholm, NJ, Brian Dowd and his wife Elizabeth of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, her grandchildren; Tyler and Jenna Dowd, Lori and her husband Brian White, great-grandchidlren; Brianna and Kaitlyn White, a brother; Ben Gamberale of Orlando, FL, and her nephew; Joseph Gamberale of Florida. She was predeceased by her husband Tom Dowd in 2011, by her brother Joseph Gamberale in 2011, by her sister-in-law and best friend; Edith Gamberale in 2009, and by her niece Valerie Gamberale in 2011.

Italina Citro (“Aunt Lee”) - Pioneer Working Woman

Italina Citro of Wayne, New Jersey passed away on June 2, 2020 of natural causes.

She is survived by her sister Mary Civardi, nieces Frances DiSarro and Lydia Pasqualina, nephews John Civardi and Michael Siciliani, and her grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews. Mrs. Citro was born on June 24, 1929.  Three words best describe her beautiful life: Devotion, Loyalty, and Tirelessness.  She is the daughter of Frank and Ida Sartori.  Frank and Ida emigrated to the United States from Italy in the 1920s. None of their siblings followed them to America.  Her parents settled into Astoria Queens.  In 1930, Lee was blessed with the birth of her sister Mary.   As all of their relatives were in Italy, their family relied on each other.  With the onset of the Great Depression and having parents that were still discovering how to assimilate into the changing American culture, Lee became a trailblazer.  She graduated from William Cullen Bryant High school, attended business college, was the first among her friends to learn how to drive and took a administrative job working for Sears and Roebuck eventually rising to a key executive level position - one typically reserved for men at that time.  Life for a working woman in the 1950s and 60s had its challenges but she embraced them and she LOVED Sears.  Even after she retired from Sears after 40 plus years she loved to shop there and engage with the employees.

She married Albert Citro in 1956.   Al and Lee made a great team.  They were a gorgeous fashionable couple who embraced every aspect of life in New York City.  And they were both quick witted, funny and entertaining. Lee and Al did not have biological children but they were blessed with nieces and nephews for whom they were like second parents.  Devotion, Loyalty and Tirelessness to their nieces and nephews,  Lee and Al would take them each summer to spend their vacations in Florida, take them to ball games and concerts, we’re enormously generous to them. When her nephew John was running marathons and needed someone to help drive him home, who would go and spend hours waiting for him to finish and then drive him home? It was Aunt Lee. When her niece Frances performed in summer stock around the country, it was Lee who would travel miles to see her, taking a seat at every performance.

In 1975 Sears relocated her to Chicago and she had to learn a new city and adapt to a changing culture at Sears which she did with determination and good humor.  Unexpectedly Albert passed away in the early 1980s.  In the midst of this change she persevered, and she grew closer to her sister Mary and brother-in-law Frank Civardi.    Vacations and holidays were spent with her sister and brother in law and often with their families. In 1990, Aunt Lee retired from Sears and facing more uncertainty, Frank followed the biblical tradition of taking in his widowed sister-in- law into his home.  Frank affectionately became known as the “Man with Two Wives”.  Aunt Lee became like a sister to Frank. The family all cared for each other in a way that words cannot describe but all those who had the opportunity to spend time with them could feel it and appreciate it.  In our current era where sacrifice and devotion can be uncommon or are thought of in some kind of transactional way, Aunt Lee embodied a selflessness.  When Frank took ill she was his driver and helped her sister during his illness.  When Mary broke her leg and was immobilized for months, Aunt Lee was her Florence Nightingale. She was the go to babysitter for her close by  grand niece and nephews when they were small. And a champion of their accomplishments as they grew.

Aunt Lee was a person of great faith and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary RC in Wayne. She was in church every Sunday no matter the conditions.  Having lived through turbulent times whether it was the depression, WWII, the Vietnam war, the civil unrest of the 1960s, and the recession of the 1970s she was devoted and loyal to her church and recognized that love of her God.

And God had a plan for Aunt Lee.  In 2001, when her brother in law Frank passed away, she became an even greater comfort to her sister.  Only 18 months apart they looked alike and talked alike and folks would sometimes confuse them.  They spent the last 20 years devoted to their family, helping them care for their children, helping their neighbors and friends, and driving them to their Doctor’s appointments.  Even when she took ill, Lee was tireless in her fight.  She continued to drive until she was 89 years old.  She just would not give up.  And she found out she was a good teacher.  Those traits of devotion and loyalty and tirelessness were embodied by her family,  especially in these last years her sister and niece Frances.  During this difficult time Mary and Fran cared for Aunt Lee with a love and compassion that one wishes could be bottled up and shown to the world.  And through  all the people she has touched, her legacy will live on.

While we on earth have lost our beloved Aunt Lee, the trumpets in Heaven are blowing loud and God is preparing a parade to welcome his loyal servant.  

Godspeed Aunt Lee

Frank Maiello, age 67, of Wayne, NJ, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020.

Frank was predeceased by his father James Maiello, mother Santa Maiello, brothers Anthony and Jim Maiello, sister Angela Maiello and son Robert Maiello. He is survived by his loving wife Joan Maiello and by his daughter Nicole Maiello who cherished him deeply.

If you were blessed enough to cross paths with Frank you knew these things were certain: he was brilliantly funny with the quickest wit you'd ever encounter, and he would do anything for the people he loved. To his daughter and many others Frank had been and always will be a hero.

Frank absolutely loved animals and they loved him too. He fed flocks of birds and families of squirrels, deer, rabbits and other wildlife on a daily basis. Thanks to Frank they probably ate better than most people.

Frank truly missed his calling as a chef and baker. Whether it was rice balls, stromboli, home-made pasta, or cookies and cakes that would make Mrs. Fields and the Cake Boss jealous, he always had a masterpiece in the works in the kitchen.

Frank's loving heart and devotion to those he cared about knew no bounds. He was an incredible husband, father, and friend who was kind to all who crossed his path. He lived as an example of love, strength, kindness and character. We were truly blessed to have him in this world and it was and is a better place because Frank was in it. His loss will be felt greatly.

Donald "Don" J. DeRuiter, age 76, of Pompton Plains, entered the Lord's presence on Sunday, May 31, 2020 while in the loving presence of family.

Donald was born in Paterson, New Jersey. He was the oldest son of Nicholas and Marie DeRuiter.

Donald graduated from Paterson Tech and went on to work at Watson Machine Company in Paterson, NJ for many years. In the late 60's he went on a blind date with a woman named Joyce Hook. They fell in love and were married on July 17, 1971, surrounded by their dearest friends and loved ones.

He spent 30 years bowling in leagues all across Northern New Jersey. He recalled many fond memories of those times and the people he met. He introduced his children and grandchildren to the game and many memories included bowling.

Donald was a man of large stature and had a friendly heart. He loved his Lord first and foremost, and he loved to tell a good story. If you encountered him, you most likely heard of one of his adventures in young adulthood or the latest sports news. He enjoyed making people smile.

Donald was very active in the churches he attended in his life. He was quick to join a Bible study and help in the church in various ways. His love for the Lord was evident in his perseverance in life. He loved worshiping in God’s house and showing God’s love to those around him.

Donald was the beloved husband of Joyce, blessed in marriage for 48 years. He was the loving father of: Brian and wife Kerri DeRuiter of  Fair Lawn, NJ, Jennifer and husband Daniel Beato of Pompton Lakes, NJ; father-in-love to Toni Ann DeRuiter of Seaside Heights, NJ; cherished grandfather of: Brandon, Faith, Josiah, Gideon, Moriah, and Evangeline; dear brother of Mary Ann Gacek and the late Robert Gacek; dear brother-in-law of: Wayne and Mieke Hook, Ralph and Marion Hook, Donald and Debbie Hook, and Allen and Marnie Hook, and the late Russell Hook. He was a loved uncle and great uncle to many.

In lieu of flower donations memorial donations may be made in Donald's memory to:

Pompton Lakes Education Foundation http://www.pomptonlakesef.org/ (click the donate button)

Pompton Lakes Ed Foundation

Attention: Diane Gelok, President

91 Durham Street

Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

George Francis Barbour, age 74, of Haledon, passed Friday, May 29, 2020.

He was born in Paterson to George and Edith Barbour, Sr.  and raised at the family home located at 18-02 Morlot Avenue in Fair Lawn. George was drafted into the United States Army and fought in Vietnam War.

George attended Fair Lawn High School with the Class of 1963.  He went to school to learn the printing trade and was soon an apprentice printer.  George spent over forty years in the printing industry and retired from printing as a Journeyman Printer with the Bengal Graphics Company in New York City. In his semi-retirement he worked as a Security Guard for about ten years with Sanofi-Aventis building (now the Novartis building) in East Hanover.

In his leisure George enjoyed playing his Fender Stratocaster guitar, loved action movies, riding his motorcycle, and enjoyed working on his computer.

George met the love of his life Patricia Chesarok as she was attending a class with his sister Karen. Pat was single and Karen set up a first date at a local club with music and dancing. They fell in love and married on August 14, 1982 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Oakland. After a reception at the Fair Lawn Athletic Club they honeymooned in Wildwood, New Jersey.  Pat and George have enjoyed a loving marriage of thirty-eight years.

George was the loving husband of Patricia Barbour; devoted step-father of Christine Del Vecchio and her husband Michael of Dover, and Donna De Leon of Haledon; he was the loved brother of Karen Roenisch and her husband Troy of Fair Lawn; he was also the uncle and Godfather of Ava Mae Roenisch. George was lovingly greeted in heaven by his loving snow-white cat Daisy.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Vietnam Vets or the DAV  (Disabled American Veterans) would be greatly appreciated.

Antonio Rhamades Cruz, age 38, of Wayne passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday May 29, 2020 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Antonio was born and raised in Manhattan and was one of three children to Zoraida Gonzalez.  While growing up in New York City as a young man, Antonio learned a great many lessons that would affect his life and his character.  When Antonio was in High School, he always stuck up for those who were being picked on or bullied.  Many of the fellow students that he so willingly stuck up for were not even his friends, Antonio was just interested and motivated in “doing the right thing.”

After graduating from high school with the class of 1998, Antonio attended the Brooklyn School of Technology, which is now known as the New York City College of Technology.  Antonio graduated in 2004 and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree.  Antonio found work quickly in the Information Technology field working remotely from home for several different companies.  In 2005 his career led him to move to London, England where he remained for about two years.  In 2007, Antonio moved back to the United States where he again worked for a few different start-up companies including CDI based in Massachusetts for two years, and his most recent position at a company called ICF.

In 2008, Antonio met an attractive young lady by the name of Jenelle Eng online at OkCupid.com, which at the time was not as popular and accepted as today’s online dating services.  Antonio and Jenelle decided to meet after work one day.  The two of them were working in midtown Manhattan at the time and went for a cup of coffee at a bakery near to Jenelle’s office.  After having their coffee, Antonio and Jenelle took a stroll through Central Park.  Antonio then escorted Jenelle to where she picked up her bus, and Jenelle then headed home to Queens, NY.  As fate would have it, the two fell in love and dated for many years.  On December 19, 2017 Antonio and Jenelle became husband and wife and welcomed the birth of their first and only child Antonio Eng Cruz.  Antonio and his family remained in Manhattan until October of 2019 when they moved to Wayne, NJ.

One of Antonio’s favorite pastimes was reading, particularly self-improvement or self-help literature.  Antonio was always trying to improve himself and make his life better.  Being able to help yourself and make good decisions was something Antonio wanted desperately to pass on to his son.  Antonio was also motivated to improving the lives of others, he spent a lot of his spare time online connecting with others and trying to help them.  He would often chat with young people who seemed to be at a crossroad in their life, particularly military veterans, and offer advice.  Much of the advice that Antonio would offer to others was based on everyday life situations.  Antonio always felt a great sense of reward when he was able to help someone with his advice.  Improving and fixing things carried over when the family moved to Wayne and bought their house.  Home ownership gave Antonio an abundance of opportunity to “fix and improve” a great many things and situations.  Antonio was a subtle but funny guy and was the type of person that you couldn’t help but like.  Apart from all of Antonio’s interests and talents, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Antonio than providing for, and spending time with his wife, son and family.  Antonio was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be missed sincerely by everyone that knew him.

Antonio is survived by his wife Jenelle Cruz (nee Eng) of Wayne, his son Antonio Eng Cruz of Wayne, his mother Zoraida Gonzalez of New York City, one sister Christina Pagan of New York City, his half-brother Michael A Cruz and his wife Tessa of Leander, TX, his uncle Mario Gonzalez of New York City, two nieces; Jessica Cruz and Savanah Cruz both of Leander, TX, and his cousin Grant Cruz of New York City.

Concetta D’Amico (nee Giubilo), age 89, of Tenafly passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 26, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Concetta was born and raised in Augusta, Italy and was one of nine children to Giovanni and Domenica Giubilo.  Growing up in the 1930’s and 1940’s were a difficult time for everyone in Europe with the onset of World War II displacing many families.  Concetta was more or less forced to leave school at an early age and went to work as a seamstress.  Concetta continued to work as a seamstress after the war and met a young handsome Italian man by the name of Anthony D’Amico.  They started dating and as fate would have it they fell in love.

In 1955 Concetta immigrated to the United States in search for a better life and the American Dream.  Anthony soon followed her to the US a short time later.  On October 6, 1963 Concetta and Anthony became husband and wife.  Anthony and Concetta moved to Paterson, New Jersey a short time later and Concetta found work quickly, once again as a skilled seamstress.  On May 26, 1968, the couple welcomed their first and only child into their lives, and adopted their daughter Maria when she was only three weeks old.

Concetta and her family moved to Elmwood Park in 1978 and remained there for the next twenty-six years.  It was after moving to Elmwood Park when Concetta decided that she would devote herself to being a full time homemaker.  This was truly Concetta’s calling and where she flourished.  Concetta was a devoted mother and a dedicated wife.  She had dinner on the table every night at 5PM and Sunday dinners were always at 2 o’clock sharp.  She was a wonderful cook and treasured the family gatherings and holidays that she hosted in her home.  In 2005 the family moved to Long Valley with their daughter and to be close to her grandchildren.  Eventually in 2014, Concetta moved to a retirement community with her husband.

Concetta and Anthony were parishioners of St. Anne’s RC Church in Fair Lawn for many years.  The couple also hosted and volunteered for the Our Lady of Tears Festival in Bloomfield every year for many years as well.  Not only was Concetta a great cook but she was also an avid gardener.  She took great pride in her front yard and won a variety of prizes over the years for her Christmas decorations and gardening skills.  Concetta was a typical Italian mother and wife.  She was full of drama and passion, and nothing in the world meant more to her than her family.  Concetta was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Concetta is survived by her husband Anthony D’Amico of Tenafly, her daughter Maria Mikol and her husband Robert of Long Valley, four sisters; Anna Sicari of Spotsylvania, Va, Sister Maria Giubilo of Sicily, Italy, Giovanna Nizza of Boston, MA, and Frances Giubilo of Boston, MA, three grandchildren; Brianna Mikol, Amanda Mikol, and Robbie Mikol, many nieces and nephews, as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings; Joseph Giubilo, Pasquale Giubilo, Thomas Giubilo, Umberto Giubilo.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to Sarah’s Fight for Hope Foundation, 10 Amherst Drive, Long Valley, NJ 07853. http://https://www.sarahsfightforhope.org/

George Louis Holterhoff Jr. passed away peacefully on May 25, 2020 at his home in Palm Coast, FL surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was 84.

George was born September 15, 1934 in Paterson, New Jersey to George Louis and Madeline (Van Allen) Holterhoff. After graduating high school from Paterson Tech HS in 1952, George went on to earn his mechanical engineering degree at Newark College of Engineering (NJIT). In February 1957, George entered the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant where he was a flight navigator. After three years of service, George and his wife Sandra, returned to New Jersey with their family. George would go on to earn his MBA from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1969.

Upon his return to New Jersey, George began his engineering career at Kearfott. After several years in engineering he ventured out on his own in 1974 and became president and owner of Standard Springs Incorporated in Paterson, New Jersey. For over thirty years, George dedicated his career to growing the business which remains in the family today.

George met his wife Sandra in February 1956 at a Wonderbread function where his father was an accountant. The two fell in love and were married one year later, on February 2, 1957. They started a family soon after and eventually made Wayne, New Jersey their home in 1966. Spending over thirty years in the same home and raising their family, George and Sandra moved to Pompton Lakes, New Jersey in 1998. After retiring, George and Sandra moved to Manahawkin, New Jersey in 2008 before settling in Palm Coast, FL for the last two years.

George loved collecting classic cars including a rare 1941 Lincoln Continental. He loved tinkering and could fix almost anything. On weekends he enjoyed skiing in Vermont and swimming in the ocean. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was caring for and spending time with his family. He always loved when the entire family spent time with one another at the family beach house in Long Beach Island. He touched so many people’s lives and was well respected by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him both personally and professionally.

George is survived by his wife, Sandra (nee Golchuck) of Palm Coast, his daughter Karen L Pagliaro, his daughter Cheryl A Albanese, his son George L Holterhoff III and wife Kim, and his daughter Loren M Barrows. He also had eight grandchildren Philip, Christopher, Kim (who just passed away last month and welcomed her grandfather to heaven), Katie, Kerry, Joseph, George and Blair as well as seven great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister Nancy Meenen and was predeceased by his twin sister Madeline Holterhoff who passed in 2017.

Like the vintage cars he loved, George will always be remembered as a classic that never goes out of style.

John Alfred Maroon, age 80 of Clifton passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2020.  

John was born in Paterson and was one of five children to Shakeeb (John) and Jeannette Maroon. After graduating high school, John heard the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. John served proudly and honorably in the US Army, assigned duty as an MP and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. John was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1964. Subsequent to his military service, John returned to the states, moved to Clifton, then very quickly started his own business and founded Auto City of Clifton which he owned and operated for over sixty years.  On October 7th of 1967 he married the love of his life Marilyn Power. John and Marilyn remained in Clifton and raised their two children.

John will be remembered for his dry wit, his incredible hard work ethic, and for his love of gardening.

John is survived by his daughter Jeanine Hassert and her husband Kurt of Wayne, two grandchildren, John and Keely, his loving and caring daughter-in-law Noelle Maroon (nee Toohers), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife Marilyn (Power), his beloved son John Maroon, and his siblings; Mary Gorayeb, Gabriel Maroon, Charles Maroon, and Raymond Maroon.

Eleanor Ruth Kelly, age 88 of Hackensack, died on Saturday, May 23, 2020.  She had lived in Hackensack for nearly sixty years and was a sales clerk at B. Altman’s in Paramus for many years.

Ellie loved visiting Atlantic City to play the slot machines!  She would often go with her sisters and stroll on the boardwalk as they went from casino to casino.  She played BINGO as often as she could, sometimes seven days a week.  She always made friends at the BINGO hall, and some of the other players would make ‘good luck’ charms for her!

Ellie was very kind and sweet to all she met, and had a good sense of humor.  She was proud of her home and enjoyed entertaining during the years.  She was also a strong-willed, independent woman who like everything in its place.  She didn’t travel very much, but enjoyed trips to the Jersey Shore and going swimming.

Eleanor is survived by two sisters; Carol Adamo of Pompton Lakes, and Dorothy Kapusta of Wallington.  She was predeceased by four siblings; Fred “Sonny” Boettcher, Joan Bentivegna, Harry Boettcher, and William Boettcher.

Mimma Del Vecchio, age 95 of Wayne and formerly of Paterson, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020.

Mimma grew up on Madison Ave. in Paterson.  She fondly recalled what a great town it had been to grow up in, and all the great stores and shopping that downtown had to offer.  Her father had been a tailor, making fine custom suits.  The doctors at St. Joseph’s Hospital were among his best clients and he claims to have paid for the delivery of all of his children, including Mimma, by making the doctors each a brand new custom suit after each of his babies were born.  Those were the days…

Among Mimma’s earliest jobs was as the switchboard operator at the Paterson Evening News, and later in the same role for ADP.  She also worked for many years at Meyer Brothers department store where she was most recognized as the voice shoppers would hear over the loudspeaker; “Miss B, Miss B…”

Mimma is survived by her children; Marian Reda of Byram Township, Joseph Mendillo and his wife Patricia of Utah, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her son Joseph who died of cancer at just five years old, and by her son Donald Mendillo in 1996.

Charles S. Burt, age 93 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on May 22, 2020 of natural causes.  He has lived in Wayne for more than fifty years.

Charlie was most proud of his job as Director the Boys Club in Astoria, Queens, where he worked for many years.

Charles grew up in Greenwood Lake, NY, and had been a member, along with his dad, of the Greenwood Lake Volunteer Fire Department.  There was a great camaraderie amongst the firefighters and he enjoyed his experiences there immensely.  He remained a firefighter in Greenwood Lake for the better part of his adult life.  

In 1943, at just seventeen years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  Serving aboard the USS Denver CL-58 for nearly all of his time in the service, Charlie saw active duty during World War II and was recalled to the Korean War as well.  Later in life, during his retirement years, he attended annual reunions with his USS Denver shipmates at various events around the country.  He remained fond of his ship, and proud of his time in the U.S. Navy.

After being discharged from the Navy, Charlie began his education and pursued a teaching career.  It was during a student-teaching stint in Greenwich Village, NY, that Charlie met the beautiful Carmela Frezzo.  She was an Arts & Crafts teacher at the same school and they hit it off.  They were married in Greenwich Village in 1950 and started their family there.  Shortly thereafter, Charlie was recalled to the U.S. Navy to fight in Korea.  During his deployment, he learned of the birth of his first child via telegram.  Upon his return, they settled in Flushing, Queens for several years before moving to Wayne in 1967, where he has lived ever since.  Charlie went on to earn his Master’s Degree and Carmela affectionately referred to him as “the professor.”  He and Carmela enjoyed a loving marriage that included hard work and perseverance.  They worked hard for everything that they had.  Throughout their marriage, they traveled to Europe on a few occasions, visited Alaska, and enjoyed annual vacations to Upstate New York, the Lake George region, and the Adirondacks.  To celebrate his retirement, he treated his family to a wonderful Caribbean vacation on the islands of St. Maarten and St. Croix.

Charlie was among those we refer to as “The Greatest Generation.”  He was a good man, generous, honest, and caring.  When he took interest in something, he became passionate about learning to do it right.  His love of golf was proof of that!  He spent many Sunday mornings on the golf course, trying to improve his game.  He often played with the same friends, many of whom he’d been close to since early childhood.  He appreciated his friends and held onto them for life.  He also volunteered at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, perhaps most remembered for being their resident Santa Claus at Christmastime.  He naturally looked the part, with his cute blue eyes standing out against his white hair.  He happily played this role for many years and truly loved it.  He was a good man in many ways, and he’ll be missed dearly.

Charlie is survived by his children; Carol Burt of Greenwood Lake, NY, Charles Burt, Jr. of Hewitt, NJ, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; Richard, Ryan and MaryKaye Peschieri, Anthony and his wife Harriet Peschieri, David and his wife Tanya Carey, Heather and Richard Valeao, Sophia, Bella, and Bianca Valeao, and Helen and Bill Panas, and nephew, John Nehrich.

For those wishing to make a donation in Charles’ memory, please consider the Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroad, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Angelina “Gina” Pandocchi, age 92, of Wyckoff and formerly of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2020.

Angelina was born in Newtown, PA and was one of four children to Leo and Josephine Pandocchi.  She grew up in Newtown, she attended high school and graduated with the class of 1944.  When she was seventeen years old and just after graduating, she moved to New Jersey.  Upon moving to New Jersey she first lived in Paterson.  After a while she moved to Haledon and eventually to the town of Wayne.  She remained in Wayne for many years until moving to the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff about three years ago.

Gina found work quickly after arriving in New Jersey.  She accepted a position at Bell Telephone as an Operator.  Over the years, Gina worked her way up through the ranks, eventually earning the position of Supervisor.  Bell Telephone eventually became Verizon and Gina’s career with them spanned a total of forty-five years until her retirement many years ago.

While living in New Jersey, Gina was a parishioner of St Paul’s Church in Prospect Park for many years.  Gina was extremely gifted in the art of Master Hand Knitting.  Gina was also a voracious reader, she loved picking up a copy of the latest bestselling novel and could always be found with a book in her hand.  Gina was always very independent, even at an early age and her family remembers her as being “ahead of her time.”  While living in New Jersey in her twenties, she frequented New York City where she would attend events of live orchestras and participate in Ballroom Dancing, which she was quite good at. Although Gina wasn’t married and didn’t have children of her own, she treated her many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces as her own.  She was a loving, compassionate and warm hearted person with a wonderful sense of humor who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Angelina is survived by her two sisters; Margaret Favocci of Wayne, and Josephine Smith of Brandenton, FL, four nephews; Rudy Favocci of Wayne, Christopher Favocci and his wife Maria of Wayne, Stephen Smith and his wife Maryanne of Bradenton, FL, and Raymond Smith of Bradenton, FL, one niece Mary La Sala and her husband Joseph of Wayne, and ten grandnieces and grandnephews; Rebecca, Rudy III, Gina, C.J., Frank, Matthew, Morgan, Julia, Austin, Devon.  Angelina was predeceased by her sister Julia Venticinque in 2015.

Those wishing to make a donation in Angelina’s name are asked to consider Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shepherd Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512. http://http://littlesistersofthepoor.org/

Homer E. Martin, Jr., age 93, a resident of Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA passed away on May 20, 2020. Born in Lancaster, PA on August 28, 1926, he was the son of the late Homer E. and Margaret Wagner Martin. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 66 years, Flora Adams Martin.

Homer graduated from Rothsville High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1944. He was accepted into the V-12 Navy Aviation College Training Program at Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD and then transferred to Yale University’s V-12\ROTC program to study naval science. He later served as an Ensign on the USS Cambria in the Caribbean. In 1949, Homer was appointed a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Naval Reserve and returned to Yale. In 1950, he graduated from Yale with a B.A. in History and married his sweetheart, Flora.

Homer discovered his niche in the newspaper library when, in 1953, he took a job with the Lancaster Newspapers. It was the perfect career for a man who loved reading, history, politics, and current events. He worked in that library for seven years until, in 1961, he began his 29-year tenure as Chief Librarian at the Record Newspaper in Hackensack, NJ. Soon after, Homer and Flora moved their family to Wayne, NJ.

Homer was active in the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and served as chairman and officer of SLA’s News Division. In 1986, he won the Agnes Henebry Roll of Honor Award for outstanding service to the Association and in 1989, he won the Joseph F. Kwapil Memorial Award, the highest recognition of the News Division, for major achievement in the field of news librarianship.

Homer put the Record in the forefront of the industry by transferring the library collection of paper files and microfilm to an electronic data base. At the time, it was a technological marvel which became a model for other newspaper and business libraries. In 1987, Homer was honored by the Record, when he won the Chairman’s Award, given to an outstanding employee for extraordinary personal and professional contributions to the paper.

For 40 years, Homer and Flora were active members of Packanack Community Church of Wayne, NJ. Homer served on many church boards and committees, chaired the Church Council, sang in the choir, and was a member of the men’s reading group. Homer was an avid reader and bridge player, and also enjoyed sailing, gardening, and listening to classical and jazz music. After retiring back to Lititz in 2003, Homer and Flora joined the Lititz Moravian Congregation. Homer was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Homer is survived by two daughters: Suzanne, married to Robert Ward, of Burlington, NJ, and Carol, married to David Dickey, of Reston, VA, and three grandchildren: Steven Ward, Jennifer Dickey, and Kevin Dickey. He also is survived by two brothers: James Martin (Lucille Grube) of Manheim and Kenneth Martin (Gladys Sangrey) of Lititz. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Martin and his brother, Glenn Martin (Wanda Emich). Also surviving are his brother-in-law, J. Robert Hess and sister-in-law June Strohm Adams.

A memorial visitation for Aranka has been scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Aranka "Goldi" Rozsa Sonyi (nee Urge), of Wayne, NJ and formerly of Franklin, and Sparta, NJ passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2020, at age 102.

Goldi was born on October 18, 1917 in what is presently known as Subotica,Serbia to Katalin Kurcsák and  Erno Urge. As an only child of factory owners, she was afforded an education that was not common to girls during that time. Learning beyond the finishing’s of a young girl, she learned French and Latin and became fluent in four other languages including Serbian, Hungarian, German and English. During the war, Goldi worked in her parent's factory until the close of its doors.

In December of 1944, Goldi married the late Walter H. Sonyi, a decorated Hungarian cavalry officer, but a honeymoon during the war was not possible. Shortly after they wed, Goldi had to seek refuge in Germany as her husband had been taken to a prisoner of war camp.  Goldi worked tirelessly to find him and thankfully they were reunited. They had their only son, the late Walter Sonyi, Jr., on April 1, 1947 in Pfarrkirchen, Germany. Walter Jr. was a blessing and Goldi loved sharing stories of Walter as a child and her struggles as a new mother during the war. In 1951, the family immigrated to America and settled in Franklin, NJ, as there was a large Hungarian community in this area. The family lived in both Franklin, Sparta, and Wayne, NJ.  Goldi and her husband both worked at a local factory in town until retirement. Sparta aka "the lake house" was one of her favorite places to entertain friends, family and her grandchildren. Goldi was a wonderful host and treasured having family and friends at her home for parties and holidays. Some of Goldi’s fondest memories were watching her grandchildren swim in the lake.  Goldi was an avid reader and loved reading the newest autobiographies while enjoying the sunshine by the lake.  

Most of all, beyond all of Goldi’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion was for her family and spending time with them meant the world to her.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She and Walter cherished fifty-two years of loving and loyal marriage together until Walter Sr.’s passing in 1996.  Goldi was again struck with tragedy in 2009 when her son, Walter Sonyi Jr., passed away unexpectedly. She was blessed with a long and fruitful life, she touched the lives of many people, and she will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Goldi is survived by her daughter-in-law Theresia Sonyi of Southbury, CT, grandson Ernest Sonyi and his wife Leah of Saunderstown, RI, grandson Andreas and his wife Regina of Southbury, CT, and three great-grandchildren; Katherine Sonyi, Sebastian Sonyi, and Vincent Sonyi.

Garry I. Simmons, age 90, of Pequannock, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Garry was born in St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson in the summer of 1929. He spent his formative years growing up in Hawthorne where he graduated from Hawthorne High School.

As a young man, Garry met a loving young lady named Margaret Jean Smith and eventually they married. They were blessed with their son Garry T. Simmons and their daughter Kimberly.

Garry’s lifelong career path was somewhat two-tiered. On one hand, for most of his life, Garry drove a variety of different vehicles. When his children were very young, he ran a milk route for Sicomac Dairy of Wyckoff. He also drove limousines for various livery services, one of them being Executive Limousine of Midland Park. In recent years, driving involved getting behind the wheel of a much larger and brighter colored vehicle when he took on a job as a school bus driver for Jordan Transportation of Butler. Garry loved that job and kept driving all the way up to the age of 86. Interspersed between these various jobs, Garry held positions in various Christian ministerial work. While running his milk route, he spent evenings studying at home in pursuit of a degree in Pastoral Theology from a local bible college. He ultimately graduated and, although he never accepted a call to be the full-time minister of a church, working in Christian ministry did play a prominent role throughout the rest of his life. One of those ministries included moving his family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked for a Christian organization called Youth Guidance Ministry (YGI). He later followed one of his YGI coworkers to Syracuse, New York to work as a minister/counselor at a mission for homeless men. After a few years serving in Syracuse, Garry returned to the Pittsburgh area to rejoin YGI which was now actually operating under a different name. Eventually, he and his wife Marge and daughter Kimberly returned to New Jersey while his son Garry T. remained in Pittsburgh.    

Garry and Marge joined the Trinity Baptist Church in Montville where he was a faithful and active member for many years.

In 1988, Garry began a long season of sadness in his life. That year he and his family grieved the passing of his young daughter Kimberly to a sudden accident. Then, in 1992, Garry’s wife Marge succumbed to cancer and passed away. After laying Marge to rest, Garry moved to Oregon to serve as an interim pastor in a local church. Serving a congregation on an interim basis by definition is a temporary calling, so when his work was done, Garry returned to New Jersey. One day, a good five years after Marge’s passing, Garry asked a kind woman from Trinity Baptist Church named Elaine Lemieux to go out with him on a date. Understandably so, by the end of that date, despite trying, Garry was not successful in convincing Elaine to say “yes” to a proposal of marriage. They continued getting together on a regular basis and three months later, when Garry asked Elaine again, this time she gladly said “yes”. They married on Friday, January 31, 1997 at the Trinity Baptist Church and were blessed by God with 23 years of married life together.

Garry loved the outdoors and so that is where he pursued adventure and relaxation. He was an excellent marksman. So accurate was his aim, many farmers in North Jersey who would call him to control the damage to their crops caused by black crows. The farmers provided the gun shells and Garry provided the firing expertise.  Garry also loved to go freshwater fishing. He put his small boat with outboard motor into many of New Jersey’s lakes and ponds communing with nature while trying to land the “big one”.

Together Garry and Elaine enjoyed taking trips to see his son Garry T. and wife Lael in Murrysville, PA and trips to Michigan to see Elaine’s friend as well as Garry’s nephew Tim Schuil.

Generally speaking, Garry was a quiet-natured guy who kept fairly much to himself, that is, unless he knew you well. Then it was quite a different story altogether. Garry would talk to you forever. He loved people and especially loved working for his Lord Jesus, spreading His word and helping others to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. In recent years Garry worked remotely with a prison ministry, helping inmates learn the life-saving truths of God’s word – the Holy Bible. The inmates would take tests based on what they had learned from the bible and Garry’s primary job was to grade their tests and offer encouraging feedback to these young believers.

Garry was the beloved husband of Elaine; dear father of Garry T. Simmons and wife Lael of Murrysville, PA and the late Kimberly Leadbitter (1988); cherished grandfather of Christopher and wife Rita Simmons of Pittsburgh, PA, and Daniel Simmons of Cranberry Township, PA; adoring great-grandfather of Eloise Simmons; and dear brother of five sisters who have all predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Garry’s name are asked to The Trinity Baptist Church Mission Fund, 160 Changebridge Road, Montville, NJ 07045.

Charles Peter Cunningham, age 27, of Thornton,CO, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Charles was born and raised in New Jersey, and called Boonton his hometown. He was a cherished son to Doug and Lisa, a beloved little brother to Rachel (Rick), Donald (Lisa) and Wendy.

He was the world's best uncle to Leanne, Hailey, Bella, Nevin and Avonlea. He was a nephew, grandson, cousin and friend extraordinaire.He will be remembered for so many things: his blue eyes, his infectious laugh, his incredible sense of humor, his brilliant cello skills. Charles loved his family, traveling, cooking, and making people laugh. Charles was a talented musician and an aspiring comedian. He is well loved and deeply missed.

Robert Francis “Bob” Muller of Wayne, New Jersey passed away on Wednesday, May 13,  2020 at the age of 86.  Bob was a 50-plus year resident of Wayne and longtime President of Farrar Filter Service Co. of Paterson.

Bob is survived by his wife Eileen; his son Robert of Wayne, his daughter Kim Bell and her husband Kevin of Ramsey, and his son Keith and his wife Kristine of Wayne; and seven grandchildren: Thomas, Katherine, Brian, Jessica, Zachary, Nicholas and Dylan. He was predeceased by Carol, his first wife of close to 55 years, and his sister Carole.

Bob was born and raised in Clifton to Joseph and Marian in 1933.  A graduate of Clifton High School, he served in the Combat Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army at the conclusion of the Korean War.  Stationed in the DMZ zone in Korea, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.  Upon returning from Korea, Bob worked for 25 years in the newspaper distribution business.  In 1988 he purchased Farrar Filter and served as President until his retirement.

Bob’s interests included buying and renovating commercial properties, classic cars and his winter home in North Ft. Myers, Florida.  He traveled extensively including driving across country half a dozen times.  He was involved in the Wayne PAL and was an active member of the Wayne Presbyterian church.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bob's name are asked to consider: Special Olympics NJ - Area 3, c/o Betty Lunn, 201 Tulsa Trail Hopatcong, NJ 07843

On the evening of May 13th, 2020 Ernest Chrisbacher of Wayne, NJ died peacefully in his home following a courageous battle with cancer.  Ernie was born to John Chrisbacher and Anna Chrisbacher, nee Meinzinger, in 1933.  He grew up in Hawthorne, NJ and attended Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating, Ernie joined the Air Force and was stationed at Sculthorpe AFB in Norfolk, England.  Following his service, he began a rewarding career with several engineering firms, including his own startups.

Ernie met the love of his life, Marian, dancing at their 10th high school reunion, and they settled at Packanack Lake in Wayne, NJ to raise their three sons.  In his spare time, he was an avid reader, hiker and skier.  After finding arrowheads in local farm fields as a child and later as an adult, he developed a passion for, and expertise in flintknapping, the art of crafting an arrowhead from raw stone.  He also had a passion for discovering his ancestry, and extensively researched his family’s genealogy for over 50-years.  As a result, he became an expert on the German immigrants from Veszprém county, Hungary, and wrote and published a book on the subject that has sold out over 3 printings.  He also wrote a lighthearted book titled Noontime Dancing with short stories from his childhood.

When Ernie was 8, he discovered the world of butterflies and moths. With the help of a neighbor, he learned to catch, preserve, and display his insects, and later how to raise them. Ernie’s interest turned into a full-fledged hobby; he spent nearly his entire life as an amateur lepidopterist, raising and collecting butterflies and moths with his sons.

Ernie taught himself to ski as a young man. He joined, and later became President of Twin Hickory Ski Club of Nutley NJ, and taught his three sons to ski at an early age. Every winter, Ernie and family enjoyed a week of skiing in Vermont or Colorado.  Ernie was still skiing with his sons and granddaughters at the age of 81.

Ernie enjoyed a nice glass of wine and loved to participate in blind wine tastings with his sons and family.  In his retirement, he became a talented, self-taught winemaker and perfected his technique for top-notch, Dry Riesling.

Ernie was predeceased by his brother, John, who passed in March, 2019.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marian, sons and daughters-in-law, Peter & Kathy, George, and Carl & Janeene, as well as his five beautiful granddaughters, Leah, Katie, Julia, Anneliese, and Claire.

Please click here for a slideshow of Ernie throughout the years.

Anthony C Pelosi, age 91 of Wayne, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday May 13th, 2020 of natural causes.

Tony was born to Antonio and Lucia Pelosi and raised in his beloved Paterson,

He is survived by his best friend and love of his life of 56 years Dorine.  Their marriage was a legacy to true love and support of each other and their children.  They were inseparable and Dorine cared lovingly for him in his later years.  He was the devoted and proud father to his daughters Luanne Nemes and her husband Mark of Duxbury, Ma and Regina Casini and her husband Ray of Temecula Ca. He was the cherished “Pop” to Shalen, Katie and Zoe. He was preceded in death by his sister Domenica Rappa.  He has many inlaws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. To know Tony was to love him, he was a kind and caring, handsome gentleman, loved by all that knew him.  

He graduated from Central High School in Paterson.  He was a skilled athlete spending much of his years playing in various Paterson football, baseball and basketball leagues.  He enlisted into the United States Army, served as a corporal during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1952.

He was employed by the US Post Office for 30 years in South Paterson where he served as Union Secretary of Branch 120. He had made countless friends on his route in the Lakeview section.  He was honored in 1967 when he and colleagues heroically rescued 3 children and an adult from a house fire while on duty.

He was a devoted parishioner, usher and member of the parish council at St George Church, Paterson and later Saint Brendans Church, Clifton. He spent countless hours volunteering and always giving of himself.  He was currently a parishioner at our Lady of the Valley Church which he joined after moving to Wayne 10 years ago.

Tony was an active member of the Passaic Valley Elks #2111 for 27 years and served proudly as Exalted Ruler during 9/11. He was the Youth Activities Chairman for many years and was past president of the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency of Clifton. His dedication to the Elks lodge, its charities and membership is infinite.  

Tony’s early love of playing sports followed as he continued as a skilled bowler in leagues and tournaments. He was a familiar face to many working the desk at Bowl O Mat.  He spent countless years at the jersey shore with his family.  He loved to sing and dance, always on the dance floor with Dorine making others smile.  He was a great cook, and loved making and sharing his Italian Sunday gravy, lasagna or amaretto cheesecake. He adored his children and grandchildren while either attending sporting or dance events and was alwaystheir biggest cheerleader.  In his later years he was happy, welcoming, and always chatting with the many neighbors at his home with Dorine at Sienna Village.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency, 1481 Main Ave, Clifton NJ 07011 or Passaic Valley Elks 2111, 1 Fellner Place, Totowa NJ 07512.

Loving wife, mother, Oma and Great Oma

Sieglinde Juliana Kneis, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Wayne on May 11, 2020.

Sieglinde was born in Munich, Germany – the eldest of six siblings. It was in Munich that she met and married Josef, her devoted husband of 66 years.  Together, the young couple emigrated to the U.S. in 1955, in search of the opportunity for a better life. After briefly residing in Haledon, they moved to Wayne, where they’ve lived for the past 62 years.

Sieglinde initially worked as a private housekeeper, and as a bookkeeper, while starting her family. While working full time and raising four young children, she attended evening college classes, earning a degree in accounting. She was employed as a staff accountant by GAF/ISP in Wayne, for over 18 years.

Linda was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne, where she was a member, and at one time, treasurer, of the Amity Club.  She enjoyed classical music, cooking and baking amazing dishes like German potato salad, sauerbraten, rouladen, strudel and stollen - traveling and spending time with family and friends.  With the arrival of her first grandchild, Sieglinde ceased to be known as “mom”, and affectionately came to be known to the entire family simply as “Oma”.  While we will all miss her greatly, she will live on in the fondest memories of her family.

Sieglinde leaves behind her loving husband Josef; four children – daughters Irene Riley (Tim) and Debbie Grant, and sons Walter Kneis (Debbie) and Michael Kneis (Clare); thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren (and counting). She is also survived by three sisters and a brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leon D. Eng, age 96 of Wayne, died Sat., May 9, 2020.

Leon was a quality inspector for Bendix Corp. in Teterboro, N.J. before he retired.  Born in China he came to the U.S. at age twelve.  His family settled in Paterson where he attended Central High School.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and WW II Victory Medal.

Leon is survived by his beloved wife, Sui Yen; 2 daughters, Emily and Marie; 3 sons, William, David, and Gordon; 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Bryan, Nathan, Matthew, Eric, and Jennifer;  6 great grandchildren, Brandon, Julian, Alyssa, Hudson, Daphne, and Sydney.

Ann Marie Corsetto (nee Kinn), age 75 of Wayne, died on May 9, 2020.  She had been a resident of Wayne since the 1960’s.

Ann had worked for the Young and Rubicam firm in Manhattan in the 1960’s before becoming a full-time mom.  In 1983, she went back to work as Assistant to the Bursar at William Paterson University.  She retired from there in 2005 and has maintained a close relationship with many of her co-workers years after retiring.

Ann was born October 21, 1944 in Paterson, NJ.  Her parents; Richard and Marie Kinn, adored their little curly-headed daughter.  Ann had the most beautiful dark curly hair, which she spent the better part of her younger years trying to straighten before she eventually embraced them.  She went on to graduate St. Joseph’s High School in Paterson, where she excelled all around, was cheerleading captain, and the Homecoming Queen!  She was very well liked and always enjoyed a large group of friends.  She remained close to many of those friends throughout her lifetime.

Tragedy struck when Ann was a young girl and her older brother, Richard, was killed in a car accident.  This proved to be a defining moment in her life, shaping her quiet strength and character, bolstered by her Catholic faith.  Her faith would grow throughout her lifetime and she raised her children in the church as well, providing them with a solid Catholic foundation.

In 1959, Ann met Bob Corsetto at a CYO dance in Paterson.  Bob saw her from across the gymnasium before working up the courage to ask her to dance.  They hit if off that night, never separating after that.  They married in 1965 at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Hawthorne and settled in Pompton Lakes.  Ann’s boss at Young and Rubicam liked her so much, he gifted them a honeymoon at a resort in the Pocono’s.  Ann and Bob were immensely grateful…until they arrived and found the place to be an utter dump.  Disappointed as they were, they stayed for the duration, only to find out afterwards that they had checked into the wrong resort!  They laughed about that for years.

Bob truly adored Ann and always put her on a pedestal.  She has been the light of his life since that day, and they are truly soulmates.  For a time, they drove matching convertible Mustangs; one red and one white.  They did everything together, especially laugh.  Raising their family together was also a joy, first in Pompton Lakes before moving to Packanack Lake in the 1960’s.  Ann was a devoted mother, always putting the kid’s needs first.  She loved watching her son’s baseball games, CYO basketball games, and taking the kids to visit their grandmother in Hawthorne.  Time with her daughter Katie was always special, whether going to lunch, shopping at the Five-and-Ten, or simply running errands, they had a great family life together.  Ann also loved New York City, having worked there for years, and would take her kids there for shows and to expose them to all that NYC had to offer.

Ann loved hosting family for the holidays, and Thanksgiving dinner was her favorite holiday.  Even as the family grew and the preparation became harder, Ann would make it happen.  She would have it no other way.  Christmas breakfast was another favorite family tradition that Ann created.  After the kids opened their gifts, Ann would make a big breakfast and they would all gather around the table for eat together.  All these traditions have given her family countless memories to cherish throughout their lifetimes.

In her retirement, Ann looked forward to spending more time with her beloved Bob.  They were rarely ever apart.  They vacationed with family in Ocean City, NJ and in the Carolinas.  Ann cherished time with her granddaughters; Kelley and Catherine, and would make frequent visits there to be with them.  They enjoyed baking Christmas cookies, talking (grandma was the best talking buddy!), and just cuddling on the couch together.  Those memories will bring them all smiles for years to come.

Ann’s legacy is marked primarily by two things; her strong faith and her love of family.  Nothing was more important and she made sure her family knew it.  Her faith reassures them all that although she is gone from their sight, she is always with them.  Her love will always be with them and they know that someday they will be together again.

Ann is survived by her beloved husband Robert of Wayne, three children; Richard and his wife Robyn of Wayne, Robert and his wife Heather of Wayne, and Kathleen Knox and her husband Thomas of Davidson, NC, two grandchildren; Kelley and Catherine Knox, a brother-in-law; Richard Corsetto and his wife Doreen of Wayne, a niece; Pamela Burns and her family of Lavallette, NJ, as well as her cousins and many beloved friends who will all miss her dearly.

Samuel J. Zuidema, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020, after a life well lived and full of love.

Sam grew up in North Haledon, NJ, and attended Calvin College in Michigan before becoming an elementary school teacher in Paterson, NJ.  He spent his entire career at School Number 6 where he gained many valuable friends and strived to make a difference in the lives of his pupils.  In the 1970s he and others created a small camp group for students called The Ravens, which exposed city students to the great outdoors and activities such as canoeing, hiking, and camping.  He was also a member of the Do Good House, a nonprofit local charity that raises scholarship funds for area high school seniors.

He was a true outdoorsman and lover of nature, who also became a part owner of Greenwood Lake Sports in the 1980s, a sporting good store in West Milford that sold fishing and hunting equipment.  He loved to fish, especially on Green Pond Lake, which he regarded as one of the nicest lakes in New Jersey.  Golf was another activity he enjoyed, which enabled him to be outside in the fresh air and closer to nature and the random deer, rabbit, or other animal that might pass through the fairway.

He was married twice, the first of which resulted in his two sons, Samuel “Dean” Zuidema and Russell Craig Zuidema.  Dean and his wife Christine live in Green Pond, NJ with their children, and Russell lives in upstate NY.  Russell shares the same love of the outdoors as Sam did.

With his second marriage he gained a step-son, Nicholas Manzi, whom he never treated like a “step-son” and always like a son.  That marriage also resulted in his only daughter, Samantha Jean Zuidema, whom he affectionately called “Murph” from time to time.  Nick and his wife Annette live in Hawthorne, NJ with their children, and Samantha lives in Florida and Manhattan – traveling back and forth to work in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.  He loved and was proud of all his children, but as the only girl and the youngest, Samantha had a special place in his heart.

He cherished his five grandchildren Tyler, Hunter, Bailey, Nicholas, and Carly.  He was proud of them and loved them dearly, and always supported and attended their activities with fondness and devotion.

After his second marriage Sam had a longtime companion, Lorraine Cece, who was the love of his life.  Their relationship opened him up to more good times, friends, family and experiences.  He and Lorraine supported each other through good and difficult times.  His best years were when he had her in his life – and his children are grateful that Lorraine and he shared so much time together.

Sam was one of six children, and is survived by his sister and her husband, Lois and Harry Prins, his brother Norman Zuidema and his wife Kathy, and his brother Roger Zuidema.  He was pre-deceased by his brother William Zuidema and sister Wilhelmina Dyksen.  He had a particularly close relationship with Roger, with whom he painted houses, fished, camped, golfed, and had a lot of great times through the years.

He also had numerous nephews and nieces, two of whom he regarded as part of his immediate family; Roger Christian Zuidema and Dr. Arthur J. DeMarsico.  They were a constant presence in his life, and were part of the “Cuz Connection” which enjoyed so many fun times with him.

Sam faced some difficult medical issues in the latter part of his life, which he fought through and overcame again and again like a cat with nine lives.  He was always optimistic and positive, and never wanted to complain or be a burden to those that loved him.  He was proud, honest, funny, and always grateful for what God provided him.  His was a life well lived and well loved – which is comforting to his friends and family during this time of loss.

Dolores Ramirez, age 90 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020 with 3 generations of family by her side.

Dolores was born on September 9, 1929 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, one of eleven children to Fidel and Dolores Mejia. Dolores often shared fond memories of her childhood, living above the department store her father owned. She would reminisce about her parents generosity and caring nature. Her father would often give less fortunate people items from his store, while her mother would feed the neighborhood children. It’s these values and many more that she passed down through future generations. She took the utmost pride in her heritage, home, and faith.

After graduating high school and attending secretarial school, Dolores met and married Raul Ramirez in 1953. After 6 years of marriage and the birth of their first two children, Dolores and Raul decided to pursue the American dream. Raul immigrated to NJ in 1959, with plans to procure a job and residence. Dolores and their 2 children followed on July 1, 1960. They lived in Ridgefield Park, NJ for their first two years in the US. Soon after Dolores was pregnant with their 3rd child and the family decided to plant their roots in Passaic, NJ where she happily lived for the next 60 years.

Dolores was a loving, devoted matriarch who cherished and cared for her family above all else. As a devout Catholic, she would attend Sunday services every week, and bestowed blessings upon her children before they left the house. Every day she found time to read her Bible & pray her rosary. On Thursdays, she would spend her morning at the beauty parlor to ensure her hair always looked its best. Some of her other activities included polishing her nails, walking around the mall, and the occasional trip to Atlantic City. Her chicken & rice, pistachio cake, and Jell-O were staples at all family gatherings. After every visit, we could always count on her standing at her 3rd floor window, waving goodbye until our cars drove out of sight.

Dolores was predeceased by her husband Raul Ramirez, all 10 of her siblings, and her sons-in-law Anthony Mercaldi & Ricardo Pabon. She is survived by her children: Ignacio Ramirez and wife Susan, Maria Mercaldi, and Janet Pabon; four grandchildren: Anthony, Nicole, Michael and wife Amanda, and Daniel; two great grandsons: Anthony and Liam; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elaine Lavorgna, age 77 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2020.

Elaine was born on June 7, 1943 in Paterson, NJ, the younger of two children to Frank and Adeline Lavorgna.  She graduated in 1962 from Manchester High School and worked at Gingert Lace, Inc., and then at J.C. Penny until retirement in 2001.

Elaine was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, niece and aunt who cherished and cared for her family above all else. She enjoyed art projects, shopping, cooking and traveling to places like Florida, Colorado, Washington, D.C., and the Jersey Shore.

Elaine is survived by her brother Steven Lavorgna of Wayne, her nieces, Sharon West and husband Darren of Wayne; Tricia Jochaniewicz and husband James of Longwood, FL, and grand-nephews, Dean West of Wayne and James Jochaniewicz, Jr. of Longwood, FL. She was predeceased by her mother Adeline, and her father Frank.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine’s name may be made to the Mental Health Association of Passaic County, 404 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07011.

Dorothy (Dusty) Peters, 93, died peacefully on May 3 in Wayne, New Jersey, just a few weeks shy of her 94th birthday. Dusty and her husband, Louis (Lou) Peters made their annual trip to Florida this winter. While in Florida, Dusty fell in early February. Even though her health steadily declined since her fall, she and Lou were able to share their 38th wedding anniversary together in February. They both relished their time together in what would be her final trip to her beloved Siesta Key.  

Dusty was born May 30, 1926 in Hackensack, NJ to Fred and Ruth (Porter) Coyle, and was raised in Hasbrouck Heights. Her father died during the Depression when she was ten, but her mother Ruth raised and put her children through college by returning to teaching. Ruth was made of tough stock and taught her children self-reliance, a lesson her daughter would value later in life.

While in high school, Dusty shed her childhood nickname of Dotsy, and the new name Dusty was born. Dusty attended Douglas College, the former women’s college of Rutgers University, and graduated in 1948 with a degree in English. She met her first husband, Howard (Howie) Warner, through a college friend, and by 1949, they were married in the First United Methodist Church in Hasbrouck Heights.

Dusty and Howie started a family right away. Her son, Steve (Rita) Warner, and daughter, Jeanne (Michael) DiMonte were already born when they bought their first home at Packanack Lake in Wayne, NJ in 1953. Another daughter Lauri (Hoyt) Masur, and son Bill Warner (Chet Gibas) followed, as did two other Packanack homes to fit the growing family.

Howie died suddenly in 1973. Dusty faced the challenge her mother Ruth had faced with the same grace and determination. Like her mother, Dusty returned to work at a time when most moms did not work outside the home. She began working for New Jersey Bell (now Verizon) in 1974 and stayed there until she retired in 1986. And like her mother, Dusty kept her family together and strong.

In 1981, Dusty met Lou, a fellow Packanack Laker and recent widower, through their mutual involvement with the Packanack Community Church. Dusty and Lou married in 1982 at the same church which meant so much to both of them. Her family grew to include three stepdaughters: Cindy Stucchi; Lynn Dolan; and Missy (Bruce) Thoet; as well as a growing cadre of grandchildren and eventually, great grandchildren.

Dusty and Lou balanced their lives as empty nesters with their role as the head of a large and loving family. They travelled the world to exotic locales, including far-flung adventures to Russia and Australia. But they also made time to meld old traditions with new traditions for the Peters-Warner clan. One example was the annual Easter Egg hunt, which became a cherished memory not just for the grandchildren, but for the kids in the community who were welcomed to join. Many of those kids returned to Packanack Lake as adults to raise their own children, in part for the strong sense of community Dusty and Lou helped to create.

There are many ways to remember Dusty – a deeply intelligent, wry woman who also cared deeply about others; a skilled card player who relished the social interaction of a good game more than the win; an eternally optimistic golfer; a resilient cancer survivor; a pie-maker extraordinaire. But in her final months, Dusty made two comments which stand out. She said that some people went through life without finding their great love, but somehow, she was blessed with two. And she said the one job she loved most was being a mom.

Her greatest legacy is her family that she loved so deeply, and her greatest gifts are the values, courage, and grit she endowed on her descendants, as her mom had endowed to her.

In addition to her husband Lou and their children, Dusty is survived by thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren: Nicole (nee DiMonte) and Jeremy Diroff, and their son Elliott; Leslie (nee Warner) and Frank Aguilar; Jonathan and Kristine DiMonte, and their daughters Grace, Julia, and Adelyn; Erica (nee Stucchi) and Scott Ferkler, and their son, Jackson; Peter Dolan; Timothy and Allison Dolan, and their daughters Cara and Cali; Elise (nee Stucchi) and David Holmes; Emma Masur and Ben Allen; Megan Masur; Ashley Thoet; Amanda Thoet; Annaliese Thoet and her fiancé, John Woltornist; and Austin Thoet. She is predeceased by her first husband Howard; her parents; her brother and sister in law, Don and Kay Coyle; her son-in-law, Tim Dolan; and her grandson, Jesse Warner.  

Anthony P. Zaledzieski, age 77, of Paterson passed away peacefully on Sunday May 3, 2020.

Anthony was a lifelong resident of Paterson.  Where he owned and operated his business, Zinc Service, for nearly 50 years.

Anthony was an avid hunter and fisherman. But his true passion was fishing. As young children we remember our father making his own custom fishing poles and tying flies.  For the last 30+ years he has spent every weekend by his sister in Locust Lake Village in Pennsylvania where he was a member of the community fishing club.

Where he’s known as “The Legend”

Anthony enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge of the sport with other fishermen as well as mentoring children in the community.

Anthony had a big heart and loved to help people. He always donated his time as well as fishing poles and accessories to the community for fishing events.

Anthony is survived by his daughters Roxann Unis and her husband Raymond of Haskell NJ, Toni Marie DeNoble and her husband John of Haskell,NJ.  Sister and brothers ; Connie Infusino, Nancy Lill, Andrew Zaledzieski, Christine Donohue, William Zaledzieski and his wife Pam, Hugo Zaledzieski and his wife Karen, Grace Mathews and her husband Joseph, Wanda Zaledzieski-Schoch and her husband Charles, Matthew Zaledzieski, Joseph Zaledzieski, many nieces and nephews,  and his dear friend Monsignor Mark Giordani.  Predeceased by his parents Edwin and Nancy Zaledzieski.  His brothers Michael Zaledzieski, Edwin Zaledzieski. And sister Frances Joyce Culotta.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Anthony's name may be made to St. Gerard's RC Church, 501 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07522. https://www.stgerardmajella.org/

Marilyn F. Klepacki, age 89, of Wayne died on Saturday, May 2, 2020. Her two children were lovingly gathered by her side at the time of her peaceful passing.  

Marilyn was born and raised in Paterson, NJ.  She was the only child of Thomas and Mary Meneely. She graduated from St. John Cathedral High School in 1948.

Marilyn met and married the love of her life, Walter Klepacki and went on to have two children Thomas and Mary.

Marilyn dedicated her life to being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were the center of Marilyn’s world. Marilyn’s happiest days were those surrounded by her family and friends.

Marilyn spent her entire adult life loving and supporting her loved ones. Marilyn was the type of mother and grandmother that loved to spoil you on every sort of occasion. Her grandchild can tell you best how truly spoiled they were by her. Marilyn loved her five grandchildren that she called her “angels” more than words can do justice to. She filled us all with her warmth and kindness.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Walter Klepacki in 1977. Marilyn is survived by her two children: Thomas Klepacki and his wife Marcella of Pequannock, NJ, and Mary Moran and her husband Dan of Wayne, NJ; five grandchildren: Emily Klepacki, Gregory Klepacki, Daniel Moran, Thomas Moran, and Katherine Moran, along with many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Our family wishes to express our warmest gratitude for all the kind thoughts and prayers extended to us during this time. Marilyn’s presences will be missed dearly. We take comfort in knowing that she was so loved by so many.

In lieu of flowers, please just share with us some of your favorite memories of Marilyn, because we know how much she loved to tell stories and share some of her favorite memories with us.

Dorothy Jean Castro (nee Steen) of Wayne N.J. passed away on Saturday May 2, 2020. Born in Chillicothe, Missouri on February 27, 1928, wife of Ralph Castro Sr. (predeceased in 2004) and daughter of Allen and Inez Steen.

Dorothy met Ralph during WW II when he was in the Army and stationed in Kansas City, Mo. They subsequently were married for 59 loving years and lived in Ridgefield NJ where they were the proprietors of the Bergen Blvd. Soda Shoppe for 30 years.

During Dorothy's life she worked for Walmart and the Rag Shop in the sewing departments and was recognized as a valuable employee. Dorothy was a talented seamstress and gardener. She was a parishioner of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne where she would volunteer her sewing and gardening skills. Her grandchildren still cherish their dolls, Halloween costumes and baby blankets that were made with her love.

Dorothy was a woman of the finest character and never harbored ill will toward anyone. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and is survived by her sister Ruth Colleen White of Blue Springs Mo. and her loving daughter Marilyn Marano and husband Anthony of Wayne, NJ, son Ralph Castro Jr and his wife Jean of Glen Mills, Pa. She had six grandchildren; Alison White and husband Adam of Ho- Ho- Kus NJ, Christine Odell and husband Robert of Wayne, NJ,  Jillian Capalbo and husband Mark of Wayne NJ,  Jacqueline Murray and husband Sean of Garnet Valley, Pa,  and Michael Castro and wife Clare of Pocopson, Pa., and Mark Castro (deceased). She also had ten great grandchildren. Everyone who knew Dorothy enjoyed her love for life, her vitality and quick wit. She will be missed by her many friends and family.

What can you say about a brother, an uncle, a friend like Joey. Joey was the ultimate of these; a one-of-a-kind, special and big-hearted guy with an old soul.

Joey had a knack for refusing to leave us; as a very young child he was in a near-fatal car accident and, as many know, fairly recently beat cancer. We all felt he was just a bit more invincible than most. But the absurd and unbelievable virus plaguing us all took this wonderful man from us cruelly and too soon on April 28, 2020 at Saint Joseph’s hospital in Wayne, NJ.

Joey grew up in Hasbrouck Heights; and was an interesting kid - he loved carrots, fishing and working with his hands. The first of these would find him looking like a pumpkin when his skin turned orange and his face blew up from eating too many; the second could find him and a childhood friend bike pedaling from Hasbrouck Heights to the Ramapo River, a good 20+ miles to cast a line on a lazy summer day; and the third led him to his life’s work and passion, to be a carpenter like his namesake Saint Joseph. He attended Bergen Tech in Hackensack to pursue that goal.

As an adult, Joey loved baseball and played softball as a shortstop with a good bat. He enjoyed music but mostly oldies, doo-wops and the classic crooners, and often followed local bands to hear them. It was in these places he made and enjoyed many long-time friends, always greeting them with a big smile, hearty handshake and a warm, heartfelt greeting. He loved to invite friends and family to backyard BBQs where he manned a busy grill to keep his guests well-fed. Never without a funny or interesting story, he’d regale any and everyone.  He loved food and knew where to find the best happy hour bargains, best burgers or chicken parm. He had uncanny recollection; often opening a conversation thread with something like  “I remember it was back in 1977, on a sunny Saturday in August….” it was remarkable the things he could remember with total recall. He was a natty dresser that followed his own sense of style, complete with a sports coat, dark colored shirt and a pinky ring. And when very informal and relaxed, jeans that often slide down just a bit too low in the back...

Joey was quick to lend a helping hand; many of you reading this will have had something built, repaired or installed by him. He would do it with a smile, and sometimes for a ‘small charge’! But he never said no and would go out of his way to do a friend a favor.

Joey had a unique and unapologizing personality - in addition to all the above, those who know him best would also agree he could be a little impatient, a tad stubborn, a bit argumentative and somewhat ‘frugal’.  But Joey should and will be remembered as the kindest, sincerest, loving brother, uncle and friend anyone could have in this life. There is a hole in our world without him in it. Rest In Peace, dear Joey.

Joey was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Eleanor, his brother-in-law Larry Duca and leaves behind his siblings Pattie Duca, Donna Scarpone, Maria Porzio and Rich Porzio, brothers-in-law Doug Carhart and Tom Scarpone, his nephew Anthony Scarpone and his wife Tara and daughter Alexa, his nephew TJ Scarpone and his wife Liza and their son Thomas, his niece Mindy Brady and her sons Benjamin and Justin, his nephew Dan Duca and his partner Stephanie Parks, and his nephew Mark Duca and his wife Sara.