Vander May Funeral Home

August 22, 2017

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday August 20. 2017 from 2-6PM at VanderMay Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd Wayne, NJ.

Rosa Burrafato (nee Cannata), age 94 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday August 18, 2017 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Rosa was born in Vittoria, Sicily, Italy. As a young girl she battled epilepsy but in no way did it hold her back. She grew up in Italy during World War II and the reign of Mussolini. These years proved to be some of the most controversial times in human history. Rosa remembers her homeland being bombed and later American troops arriving in Italy and handing out chocolates to the children.

Rosa had a neighbor named Angelo Burrafato. Angelo was born in the United States. His family then moved back to Italy when he was four years old. This is when they became neighbors. Angelo served in the Italian Air Force during the war. After living next to each other for several years as fate would have it they fell in love and were married. Their first son John was born shortly after they were married. In 1954 Rosa and Angelo decided they would immigrate to the United States in search for a better life and the American Dream. They first settled in an apartment in Paterson. Angelo worked in the construction industry. They eventually bought a house there after saving for several years. This is when their daughter Doreen was born.

After getting married, Rosa dedicated herself to the daunting but rewarding career of a homemaker. Years later when her children were grown, Angelo and Rosa moved to Florida for five years but eventually moved back to Woodland Park, NJ having missed their children too much. Rosa loved family gatherings and attending family events such as weddings and baptisms. She was always meticulous about how she looked. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith was a parishioner of St Michael’s in Paterson for many years. She loved to dance and was extremely proud of her Italian heritage. Above all of Rosa’s interests and talents, her greatest love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Rosa was blessed to have a long, healthy, and fruitful life. She touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her, family and friends alike.

Rosa is survived by her daughter Doreen Sigona and her husband John of Wayne, her son John and his wife Lydia of North Haledon, one sister Vita Sulsenti of Davie, Fl, two brothers; Biagio Cannata of Davie, FL and Giuseppe Cannata of Clermont, FL, six grandchildren; RosaAnna Filemano and her husband Anthony, Angelo Burrafato and his wife Cheryl, John Joseph Burrafato and his wife Dawn, Cristina Burrafato, Vittoria Busardo and her husband Gerry, and Alessandra Kovacs and her husband James, four great grandchildren; Valentina, Jeremy, Lucy, and Carmelo. She was predeceased by her husband Angelo Burrafato in 1995, as well as her daughter-in-law Lucia Burrafato. She was also predeceased by her two brothers Vincenzo and Gaetano Migliorisi,

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosa’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Rosa Burrafato

August 18, 2017

Lambert A. Rose, 99 of Wayne, passed away on Fri., Aug. 18, 2017. A Wayne resident since 1948, Mr. Rose was Sr. Executive V.P. of National Community Bank in Maywood before retiring in 1993.

Lambert was a very bright student in high school and began working at the Rutherford National Bank as a young man. He was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944 and proudly served until the war’s end in 1946. Upon returning home, he went right back to work for Rutherford National. His career there survived a few acquisitions and eventually spanned more than fifty years. He rose to become the Sr. Executive Vice President of National Community Bank, based in Maywood, and even after his retirement he remained on the Board of Directors until 1993, when the bank was purchased by Chase. He had a remarkable career and was a truly gifted man with a purely ‘banking’ mindset.

Lambert came from a very large family, which included nine children, of which he fell right in the middle of the age order. He remained close with all of his siblings throughout the years and he was the last of them to survive. He remained faithful to the idea of having a large family and eventually had seven children of his own. He and his wife, Matilda, who passed in 2002, met at their church in Passaic and were married on June 4, 1941. They honeymooned at Fort Ticonderoga in New York. They first settled in Passaic before moving to Wayne in 1948. They built their home on Parish Drive in Wayne and proceeded to raise their family there, sharing sixty one years of devoted marriage before Tillie passed in 2002. Lambert was a man of faith and he served many years as a Sunday School Teacher and Elder at the Netherlands Reformed Church in Clifton. One of his hobbies was binding books, often using some tools he had bought on Ebay, and many of the Psalter books in his church were repaired and bound by his caring hands. Attending church on Sunday was essential to Lambert, so much so that even when travelling, he and Tillie would plan their trips such that they would be in the vicinity of a Netherlands Reformed Church every Sunday. They had attended services at NRC churches as far as Washington State and Alberta, Canada. In Lambert’s memory, donations would be appreciated to the Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Rd., Pompton Plains, 07444, or to the Holland Christian Home, 151 Graham Ave, N. Haledon, NJ 07508.

Lambert is survived by his seven children; Lois Marples (Ellis) of Stockholm, Marion Van Houten of Wayne, Ed Rose (Doris) of Jenison, Michigan, Doris Den Herder (Dale) of Macungie, Pennsylvania, Jim Rose (Carol) of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Deb Hults (Bob) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Nancy Slingland (Edward) of West Milford, twenty one grandchildren, sixty-five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, as well as an even larger, extended family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Matilda “Tillie” in 2002, by his grandson; Richard A. Kersten in 1976, by two sons-in-law; Abe Kersten and Jack Van Houten, as well as his eight siblings; Cora Rose, John Rose, Cora “Sis” Bush, Eunice Miester, Tom Rose, Claude Rose, Wilber Rose, and Margaret VanGrouw.

Lambert A. Rose

August 18, 2017

Houda Sabeh, 83 of Clifton, died on Thursday, August 17, 2017. She was raised in Aleppo, Syria and immigrated to the United States in 1980.

Houda and her husband Hikmat were married on May 1, 1960 in Aleppo, Syria. They honeymooned in Damascus, Syria and began to raise their family in Aleppo. Hikmat’s sister had moved to America during the 1970’s and he became inspired to move his family to America as well, seeking a brighter future. After waiting nearly ten years for the Visa to be approved, Houda, Hikmat and their five children packed their bags and came to the United States. They settled in Clifton, NJ where they have resided ever since. They started off in a small two family house, but then grew their family into a one family home

Houda has always been the family’s matriarch and has instilled strong, traditional family values in her children. Today, they all enjoy a close relationship with one another, based upon her loving example. She was a wonderful cook, passing down all the traditional Syrian recipes to her daughters, and she spoiled her boys as a loving mother enjoys doing. She’s knitted countless garments, hosted wonderful family get-togethers, and shared more hugs and kisses than anyone can count. Houda was also a dedicated wife to her beloved Hikmat. The two of them recently celebrated their fifty-seventh anniversary and their love continued to grow even stronger! Throughout the years, they have travelled back to Syria on several occasions to visit family and friends, as well as vacations to Hawaii, Florida, Caribbean cruises, and summer vacations to the Jersey Shore. Their roles switched nearly twenty years ago when her health took a turn, and he has been lovingly caring for her each day since. Their devotion to one another never faltered and Hikmat will miss her dearly.

Houda was blessed with eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. With such a large family, there was reason for a celebration nearly every week of the year, and Houda was always there to take part. Nothing made her happier than being with them all, and her passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

Houda is survived by her devoted husband; Hikmat of Clifton, five children: Albert Sabeh and his wife Rimonda of Parsippany and their children Hikmat and Nadia, Sylvana Sabeh of East Hanover and her children Elias, Lila, Diana and Selena, Gilbert Sabeh and his wife Najla of Wayne and their children Hikmat, Nadia, Jessica, Jennifer, Andrew and Crystal, Alan Sabeh and his wife Mayla of East Hanover and their children Houda, Lani and Hikmat, and Auror LoRe' and her husband Derek of Wayne and their children Mia, Alana and Vienna; and two great-grandchildren: Ethan and Kataleah. She was predeceased by her brother; George Zalat in 2011.

Houda Sabeh

Clifton

August 17, 2017

Henri “Hank” DelDonna, age 81, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2017.

Hank was born in Paterson and grew up in Garfield where he met his beloved wife Corinne. They married in 1958 and enjoyed 42 years together in a loving and devoted marriage until her passing in 2001.

In 1957, Hank earned his B.S. degree from Seton Hall University. He worked as a regional sales manager with Minwax Company until retirement in 2005. He was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne. Hank enjoyed gathering with family and friends, especially during the holidays, to share a delicious meal, a fine glass of wine, and, since he loved to sing, maybe a song or two.

Hank is survived by his two dear godsons: Tom Penn of Wayne, and Dave Penn and his fiancé Ivett Beltran of Wayne; his goddaughter Kathleen Penn of Wayne, and their father Noel Penn of Clifton. In addition to his wife Corinne, Hank was predeceased by his cousin Patricia Penn in 2012.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Henri’s name are asked to consider the American Lung Association, 3001 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011 or at www.lung.org.

Henri DelDonna

August 17, 2017

Kathleen “Ginger” Belle (Booras) age 74 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 16, 2017.

She was born in Long Island Hospital in Brooklyn Heights, New York. She was raised on Pacific Street and Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights and graduated from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School with the Class of 1961. She continued her education at Bergen Community College and went on to William Paterson University in Wayne where she graduated with her Bachelors of Arts Degree in the 1980’s.

In her younger years, Ginger worked as a hostess and waitress in New York City, and after raising her three children, began a career in interior design. She started her own business, called Beau Belle, which she was dedicated to for many years.

Ginger met her husband Louis in Greenwood Lake, where they were introduced by a mutual friend. From a first date at Tavern on the Mall in Paramus, Ginger and Louis would date for four years, before getting married on January 20, 1973. They lived in Haledon before moving to Wayne thirty years ago.

Ginger will be lovingly remembered as being an intelligent, supportive, and loving person. She enjoyed shopping, mostly top shelf items, loved reading, and enjoyed playing Scrabble on her iPad.

She was the loving wife of 44 years to Louis Belle; beloved mother of Robert Belle and his wife Bricia of North Haledon, Lara Belle and her husband Scott Stegen of Tuxedo, NY, and Heather Cruz of Sloatsburg, NY; she was the cherished grandmother of Siena Cruz, Madison Cruz, Alessandra Stegen, Jack Stegen, and Logan Belle; she was also the much loved sister of Patricia Booras of New York City and the late Constance Banta.

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

Kathleen “Ginger” Belle

August 16, 2017

Kristine “Kris” Jones, age 65, of Wayne for the past 23 years, passed away after a long illness Monday, August 14, 2017.

She was born to John and Margaret Jones at the Chelsea Naval Hospital, Chelsea, Massachusetts. She was raised at 13 Rolling Ridge Road in Franklin, MA and graduated from Franklin High School with the Class of 1969. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and soon thereafter moved to New York City. While in New York City she received a Doctorate in Economics from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York .

While living in New York City she began working as an health economist for the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg, New York before retiring in September of 2016.

Kris will be lovingly remembered as a quiet, generous, warm person. She was a great friend who was compassionate, kind, and welcoming to all. She loved Sudoku, reading – especially mysteries and thrillers. She was a founding member of “The Birthday Club,” a group of friends that she met during her New York days that were near and dear to her heart.

Kris tragically lost her husband Frank DeSena in November of 2007. She is the loving mother of Sean DeSena of Wayne; the loving sister of Clifford Jones and his wife Kum Ae of Seoul, Korea, Martin Jones and his late wife Diane Herman (2016) of Cambridge, MA, Gary Jones and his wife Theresa of Franklin, MA, Stephen Jones of Plymouth, MA, and the late John Jones (1998); she was the much loved aunt to many nieces and nephews, including the children of the Birthday Club members.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Lakeland Unitarian Universalist Fellowship would be appreciated.

Kristine “Kris” Jones

August 14, 2017

Rosemary F. DePinto (nee Fecanin), 57 of Pompton Plains, died on Sunday, August 13, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. She has lived in Pompton Plains since 1992.

A 1978 graduate of Clifton High School, “Ro” was a member of the Mustang Marching Band and had performed at many locations across the country. She attended Syracuse University and was also a member of their marching band before transferring to Parsons School of Design. She graduated from Parsons and pursued her career in interior design. Most recently, she was part-owner of “Through the Window Interior Design” in Pompton Plains. She was a very talented designer and her own home was warmly decorated and welcoming. She was an extremely organized person as well, and ‘party planning’ was one of her specialties. She helped to organize gala events for the Catholic Charities, and she was a Dame of Mary Help of Christians Academy in N. Haledon. She loved a good party almost as much as she loved to go shopping, swim in her pool, or relax on the beach.

Rosemary met her husband Steve in the 1980’s when the two of them were working for Stern’s department store. They were married on May 28, 1988 at Holy Spirit Church in Pequannock, followed by a fabulous honeymoon to Spain and Morocco. Steve will tell you that he “couldn’t have found a better wife” and their twenty nine years together have been wonderful. They were fortunate to have explored beaches together throughout the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Florida, with her favorite destination being Grand Cayman Island. Raising two children; Jordan and Jenna, was among her crowning achievements and she couldn’t be more proud of her kids. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them and she loved them both dearly. They’ll miss watching re-runs of “I Love Lucy” with her, or her favorite movie of all time; The Godfather. Rosemary’s dearest friends of all were of the four-legged variety; her dogs Liberty, Rocco, and Louie who she loved so, so much. She will also be missed terribly by her large network of loving and devoted friends throughout her community of Pompton Plains who all know her as a kind and generous person.

Rosemary is survived by her beloved husband Steven of Pompton Plains, two children; Jordan and Jenna, both of Pompton Plains, her mother; Josephine Fecanin of Clifton, one sister; Georgianna Eben Vaughn and her husband David of Horsham, PA, her in-laws; Louis and Frances DePinto of Pequannock, three brothers-in-law; Richard DePinto and his wife Lorin of Pompton Plains, Robert DePinto and his wife Jennifer of Charlotte, NC, and Paul DePinto and his wife Loren of Lincoln Park, and many loved nieces and nephews; Christopher and Alexandra Eben, Catherine Foy and her husband John, Richard DePinto, John DePinto, David DePinto, Jillian DePinto, Dean DePinto, Gia DePinto, Alec DePinto, and Frank Galante, Jr. She was predeceased by her father George Fecanin in 2001.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Rosemary’s memory are asked to please consider the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106 www.mskcc.org. or Villa Marie Claire 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 www.villamarieclaire.org.

Rosemary F. DePinto

Pompton Plains

August 13, 2017

William Haug, President of Northeast Equipment in Cedar Grove, age 83, passed peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2017.

In 1933 he was born in Passaic to the late William and Grace Haug, and raised at the family home located at 66 Merrill Road in Clifton. Bill graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1951. While in high school he met the love of his life, Audrey Lenk, who lived nearby. They dated from the age of fourteen, and it is said they never dated another. Bill and Audrey delayed getting married directly after high school because they were worried Bill was going to be drafted. They later married on June 9, 1956 at the Allwood Community Reformed Church in Clifton, with a reception at the Blue Mirror in Passaic. They drove to Florida and along the Florida Keys for their honeymoon, arriving home only to find a letter notifying them that Bill had been drafted into the Army.

Bill proudly served in the US Army Armored Division from 1956 to 1958, and was stationed in Germany for most of his service. His new bride soon followed, and during Bill’s leave time he and Audrey traveled throughout Europe, including visits to Switzerland, France and Italy, to name just a few of their destinations. Shortly after the end of Bill’s military service and their return to the United States, they purchased a home at 53 Kenzel Avenue in Nutley, where they started their family. In 1968, they bought a home on Clifford Drive in Wayne, where they would raise their two sons and a daughter.

From an early age, Bill was known for his enterprising spirit and ambitious nature. He began working at the age of 12, finding work wherever he could and often holding more than one job at a time. He started out as a newspaper delivery boy, while also working for a local sweet shop and convenience store in the Allwood section of Clifton. After discharge from the Army, he found work at the Walter Kidde Company in Belleville. In 1968, Bill took a job with Bonland Industries in Wayne, where during his 16 years of dedicated service he rose to the position of Controller. However, Bill always had the desire to own his own business, and in 1984 he left Bonland and purchased Northeast Equipment, a lawn and garden power equipment retailer in Totowa. His children joined him at Northeast, and it soon outgrew the Totowa property. To accomodate the growing business, in 1988 he acquired a larger location on Route 23 South in Cedar Grove, which serves as Northeast's current location. Always a tireless worker, Bill was on the job 6 days a week up until June of this year, and was still the President, Manager and top salesman of the company when he passed.

Bill will be fondly remembered for his sharp-witted humor, friendly demeanor and easygoing manner. He was a voracious reader and loved to absorb facts about a wide variety of new things. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others and was always eager to learn even more from their experiences. He and his wife were avid gardeners, and Bill also enjoyed nature, animals, fishing and visiting local car shows.

Bill was the loving husband of 33 years to Audrey R. Haug (nee Lenk), who predeceased him in 1989. A devoted father, he is survived by his son William R. Haug and his wife Laura of Kinnelon, his daughter Debra A. Siciliano and her husband Paul of Wayne, and his son Kenneth A. Haug of Wayne. He was also the cherished grandfather of William G. Haug and Samantha A. Haug, and the dearly beloved brother of Dee Ann Miller of Clifton and Gale Haug of Montclair. In addition, Bill is survived by his late wife's brother, Richard Lenk and his wife Annette of Clifton.

Memorial donations to the Cancer Research Institute would be greatly appreciated.

William Haug

August 11, 2017

Our beautiful Mom and Grammy, Rosemary Anne Stephan, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2017. With her goes a piece of our hearts.

Born in Newark, NJ, Rosemary was the child of immigrant parents from Germany. After high school she was employed at the Newark Airport. It was there that she met United States Air Force pilot Henry A. Stephan.

After marriage, Rosemary and Henry initially moved to Little Falls, NJ. As the family grew, they moved to Verona, NJ where they lived for the next twenty-five years. Rosemary was employed at the West Essex High School in North Caldwell, NJ until retirement. For a time, she and Henry lived in Skaneateles, NY where she learned the craft of needlepoint and she sold her creations to local gift shops. Retirement years were enjoyed traveling across the country to visit family and to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the U.S. National Parks.

After ten years of country living, Rosemary and Henry moved back to New Jersey to enjoy their many grandchildren. When Henry passed in 1999, Rosemary moved to the Summer Hill Senior Living community where she made many close friends and enjoyed the association of the Golden Age Club members from the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wayne, NJ.

Rosemary was an awesome cook and baker. Her family delighted in all her homemade specialties and holiday dinners. She was a fun and happy woman who cared deeply for her children and grandchildren. She always had a warm smile and was generous to all. She was also a very talented artist, skilled in pastel and drawing.

Rosemary raised, loved and supported each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with unconditional love. All have fond memories of the times shared together. The family treasures Rosemary for her caring, strong, graceful and fun personality, as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmom!

Numbers 6:24-26 - May GOD bless you, and keep you protect you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you with favor, surrounding you with loving kindness. May GOD lift up His countenance upon you with divine approval, and give you peace.

Rosemary is survived by her daughters and son: Diane C. Stephan of Princeton NJ, Barbara Stephan of Holladay UT, Carol Danzi of Oakland NJ and Kenneth Stephan of Windsor CA; six cherished grandchildren: Roshan, Keihan and Bijan Rasekhi, Christopher Danzi, Jenna and husband James Cullere, and Alyssa Danzi; and great-grand children: Kasper Rasekhi, James, Brody, and Chloe Cullere, and Christopher Danzi. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Henry A. Stephan and her dear brother of Arthur Benz.

Rosemary Stephan

August 11, 2017

James Mastej, age 69, of Wayne, slipped away peacefully and unexpectedly, on Friday, August 11, 2017.

Jim was born in Hackensack and raised in Teaneck where he attended Teaneck High School. He went on to enlist and proudly serve in the United States Marine Corps where he was a helicopter mechanic and crew chief, and recipient of the Marksmanship Rifle Badge.

Upon his return to civilian life, Jim accepted a position as a grounds crewman with Atlantic Aviation Corporation at Teterboro Airport. One of his responsibilities involved fueling the various aircraft under his care. One day, while driving the fuel truck, his eyes fell upon a young woman walking between the company’s two hangars. Never shy, Jimmy promptly pulled over, jumped out of the truck, walked up to that woman and introduced himself. She introduced herself as Patricia Hauser, then they shared some small talk before going on with their daily duties. A few days later, while Patricia was having lunch, Jimmy ran into her again, but this time he asked her if she would like to go out with him. That first date, which took place on March 15, 1968, began with dinner in a restaurant on the top floor of the Marriott Hotel in Saddle Brook. It was a double date and, after dinner, things were going swimmingly well so Jim, Pat and the other couple decided to head over to the Country Squire (today known as the Cosmopolitan) on Route 23 in Wayne for a nightcap. But the night didn’t end there; on to The Suburban Diner (because that’s the beauty of dating in New Jersey where they’re open 24/7)! It wasn’t until 3:00 in the morning when Jimmy finally dropped Patty off at her parents’ home. Patty’s dad wasn’t even mad - which helped her know how much he liked Jimmy from the start. As the saying goes, that first date was “in the books” but chapter one was just the beginning of a loving and storied relationship. Seven-and-a-half months later, on November 1, 1968, those lovebirds headed to see Patty’s Uncle Fred, who owned a jewelry store in Jackson Heights Long Island. They picked out a ring and that day served as their official engagement. Wedding bells rang on Sunday, June 1, 1969 at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Saddle Brook. After a reception at Natoli’s, Jimmy and Patty left for their honeymoon in New England.

After the honeymoon, the newlyweds settled into their first home together – an apartment on Lupton Lane at Acquackanock Village in Haledon. Two years later they purchased a little two-bedroom house on what was known by the locals as Ely’s Island in the Mountainview section of Wayne. “The little red house on the island,” as Patty and Jimmy always referred to it later, became even more of a home when they welcomed their first child. No, not Stacie (she would come a little later). Max. When many of us think of Jimmy, we think of his deep and abiding love of dogs, which all began with their first golden retriever, Max. A wonderful guard dog and friend, taking care of Max helped Patty and Jimmy know they were ready for parenthood! And so, “the little red house on the island” welcomed its newest resident in June of 1974 with the birth of Jimmy’s first daughter, Stacie Aileen. Another baby was on the way soon thereafter, and “the little red house on the island,” where Jimmy had lived for five years, soon became a rental property as the Mastej family bought their house on Alps Road in August of 1975. They’ve called that home ever since. It was in that new house that Jamie Anne was welcomed in January of 1976, and the Mastej family was complete. For a long time, anyway. Eventually, Jamie would marry Andy and Stacie would marry John. And Jimmy loved this growing family even more. But it was in 2007, when Jimmy became a grandfather that he really took on the role he was born for: Grandpa! First came Erin Mary, and then, less than two years later, came Megan Shannon. The girls describe their grandpa as “the best in the world.” According to Erin and Megan, “Grandpa was kind, and loving, and always thinking of other people before himself.”

Though Jimmy met Patty at Atlantic Aviation, they didn’t work together long. In 1968, Jimmy left his job there to become a truck driver. He was driving for Boss Linco Trucking Company, but deep in his soul, he yearned to be a police officer. His interest in law enforcement was kindled by a great cop, nicknamed Blackie, a man who had the lamentable duty of coming to Jimmy’s house to break the news to him and his siblings that their father had been killed and mother severely injured in a car accident by a drunk driver. Six-year-old Jimmy was deeply moved by Blackie’s kindness that day, and from that time on he knew he wanted to be a cop himself. With Patty’s encouragement, he took the test and, on September 7, 1972, became a police officer with the Township of Wayne. It wasn’t an easy transition since this decision meant a pay cut from the $15,000 he was getting paid to drive a truck to just $8,200 as a first-year cop. Despite the pay cut, Jimmy never looked back. He truly loved being a policeman and serving his community.

While working fulltime as a patrolman, he also started taking night classes at William Paterson College. It wasn’t easy balancing a full-time job, tons of side jobs, two little kids, and college, but in 1980 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Being so sociable, Jimmy enjoyed working those side jobs as a security guard at Fun-N-Games in the Willowbrook Mall and at Burger King. He became friends with everyone he met, and the owner of the arcade was no exception. As a result, Jimmy could bring his girls to the arcade any time he was off duty, and Stacie and Jamie are proud that they learned to drive so well because of a lot of time playing Pole Position.

During his years on the force, Jimmy enjoyed a well-respected reputation for being an excellent marksman. When involved in firearms training, shooting a 300 is considered a perfect score. Well, Jim shot plenty of 300’s and this earned him the privilege of being an FBI-trained firearms instructor with the Wayne Police Department and Passaic County Police Academy. Before retiring in 2004 as a Corporal, he worked primarily as a patrolman but also spent some time in the detective bureau. As a member of the Passaic County SPCA, he also worked to protect the welfare and rights of animals. Above all, Jimmy had a big heart and he loved helping people. For example, he did his best to help a homeless man who had a substance abuse problem. Concerned that giving the man cash for food would result in too great a temptation to buy more alcohol, Jim told the man that any time he got hungry, he could go into a local luncheonette in Mountain View, order any food he’d like, and charge the bill to Jim’s running tab. We could share a hundred stories like this one because Jimmy always did what it took to be the best cop he could be.

James Mastej was passionate about his hobbies outside of work, too. In earlier days, it was motorcycle riding with Patty and their neighbor Joyce. Then it was boating on Lake Hopatcong on the “Offspring” with his offspring and their friend Caren, who he always considered a “Mastej Family appendage!” Later, after retiring, Jimmy started taking flying lessons, but a diagnosis of diabetes prevented him from ultimately becoming licensed. This was a disappointment, but he eventually found his next passion with the game of golf. Not only did he get part-time jobs at the Passaic County and the Sunset Valley golf courses, he always enjoyed playing any chance he got.

On the home front, Jim was the best husband, father, and grandfather anyone could ask for. When he was working the midnight shift, he’d drive by the house and shine his big search light up into Stacie’s bedroom when he saw that she was up reading, just to say hi. He coached Stacie and Jamie’s soccer teams; they were never terribly good, but they sure had fun! He enjoyed simple things in life. A good meal with the family or friends? Yes, please. A midnight ride with Patty to the post office to get their mail? Sign him up. Watching some TV in his comfy leather chair? You bet. A Costco run? Oh, there was nothing he liked more than one of those! Eventually, their basement had more stock in it than Costco itself. When his kids and grandkids came to visit, they could literally shop in his basement. And they did. Always so generous, he was happy to give you anything he thought you might need. More, in fact. It’s safe to say that Jim couldn’t come back from the store without buying Erin and Megan some cute little outfit, toy, or book. With a sparkle in his eye, he’d say something like, “These just happened to fall into my cart at Costco.” When he would visit his daughters, he would hide two-dollar bills for them to discover weeks or months later in the craziest places, like in the toilet paper roll, the ceiling fan, the back of a picture frame, his granddaughters’ dresser drawers, tucked between a stack of shirts. When Erin or Megan would discover one, she’d shout, “Grandpa!” and run to the phone to call him. “Guess what I found,” she’d yell and thank him profusely. They hope they haven’t found the last of them and that they’ll have that rush of joy six months or a year from now in finding another little reminder that he was here, and he was generous, and he loved to surprise us.

Jimmy will be remembered for being one of the most caring human beings that ever walked this earth. This is not hyperbole; it is accurate. Whether it was learning sign language so he could better communicate with his deaf next-door neighbors, or notarizing something that you needed notarized (he was extremely proud that he was a notary), or washing his daughter’s friends’ cars when they came over to visit, Jim would give you the shirt off his back. Don’t ever express interest in something in front of Jim because he would buy it for you. Rest in peace dear Jimmy!

Jim was the beloved husband of Patricia. They were blessed with 48 years of marriage. He was the most loving father of Stacie and husband John Collins of Old Tappan, and Jamie and husband Andy De Vault of Richmond, VA; cherished grandfather of Erin and Megan Collins; and dear brother of Joseph and wife Barbara Mastej of Siler City, NC, Edmund Mastej of Vero Beach, FL, Frank Mastej of West Haven, CT, Michael Mastej of Siler City, NC, and Jerry and wife Judy Wisnofsky of Wayne. He was predeceased by his sister Wanda Mastej, and his two brothers: Stephen Mastej and Henry Wisnofsky.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Jim’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or at www.stjude.org

James Mastej

August 11, 2017

Mary B. Jarger, age 92 of Wayne, passed peacefully on Monday, August 7, 2017.

She was born in Garfield to the late Peter and Pearl Bilanin. Mary was raised at 50 Grand Street in Garfield and graduated from the Garfield High School with the Class of 1943.

Mary married John A. Jarger on May 10, 1947 at SS Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Passaic. They lived on Hope Avenue in Clifton and Stadler Lane in East Paterson before moving to Wayne in 1959 where they raised their three children.

Mary worked as a secretary and then dedicated herself to raising her family. After the children were grown Mary worked as a baker for the Wayne Board of Education. She held the position at the Schuyler Colfax and later Wayne Hills High School before retiring in 1991.

She will be remembered as a quiet person who loved taking bus trips to Atlantic City where she got a roll of quarters, free lunch, and got to play the slot machines for a few hours. She and John enjoyed many years of family vacations to Lake George in New York State and Chadwick Beach at the Jersey Shore. They also traveled and visited family in Czechoslovakia and visited many states including Hawaii, Maine, Florida, Oregon, California, and New York. She will also be fondly remembered for her baking. Apple cake and her special China Chews with apricots, walnuts, and powdered sugar were always favorites.

Mary was the loving wife of forty years to the late John A. Jarger who predeceased her in 1987; devoted mother of Russell Jarger and his wife Carol of Wayne, Paula Greene and her husband David of Jupiter, FL, and Lorraine Covello and her husband Tony of Kinnelon; she was the cherished grandmother of Rosemarie Condrillo and her husband Rob, Laura Covello, Adam Greene, Brian Greene, Amanda Walters and her husband Will, Sarah Greene, Kristin Jarger, Nancy Daly and her husband Brian, Erik Jarger and his wife Lauren, and Emily Jarger; she was the much loved great-grandmother of Ian and Mia Jarger, Penelope Walters, and Matthew Daly. She was predeceased by her four brothers Peter, John, Michael, and Edward.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a donation in Mary’s memory are asked to consider Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Department, 130 Jackson Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470, or at www.waynefire3.com

Mary B. Jarger

August 7, 2017

Edith Margaret Rohrbach (nee Orr), age 91, of Ocean City, formerly of Wayne for over 50 years, passed peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2017.

She was born in the Bronx, New York to the late Sidney and Martha Orr. Edith was raised in the Bronx having moved to Wayne, NJ in 1959. She lived in Wayne for over fifty years and in her retirement she lived in Ocean Grove for 11 years before moving to Ocean City 2 years ago.

For over 20 years she was a Crossing Guard in Wayne before retiring in 2004.

Edith was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wayne for over fifty years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star’s Mountain View Chapter 205 for over 65 years. She was also a member of the Pompton Plains Fellowship Group in Pequannock for many years.

Edith and her late husband Jack met on a blind date arranged by friends. They were married in August of 1959 in Wayne by Jack's father, Edgar. They honeymooned in Myrtle Beach, SC before raising their family in Wayne.

Edith was the loving wife of the late Jackson S. Rohrbach (May 1995); devoted mother of John S. Rohrbach and his wife Holly of Carmel, IN, and James S. Rohrbach and his wife Rebecca of Fort Lauderdale, FL.; cherished grandmother of Haley, Kal, Heidi, and Tarike Rohrbach.

Edith was cared for by the loving staff of the United Methodist Homes. Donations in lieu of flowers to the United Methodist Communities Foundation at 3311 State Rt. 33, Neptune, NJ 07753 would be appreciated.

Edith Rohrbach

August 6, 2017

Joseph Silvestri, Jr., age 81 of Wayne and formerly of Oakland, died peacefully on Saturday, August 05, 2017. He had lived in Oakland for fifty years before moving to Wayne in 2013.

Joe had worked as a sales manager in the heating oil business for most of his career. He started with Hess Corporation and one of his favorite perquisites were tickets to go see the NY JETS play football! He later worked with Home Fuel Oil Company of Englewood, NJ, and he made a lot of dear friends during those years.

Joe was raised in Paterson, NJ and graduated from Central High School where he was an outstanding basketball player. His love of sports never ended and he loved to go to West Point for football games. As a teenager, he moved to Haledon with his family and shortly after high school he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After training at Fort Dix, Joe was deployed to Germany where he really enjoyed himself. He made some lifelong friends in the service and they were fortunate to be able to tour all around Europe while they were there. It was truly a great experience and he spoke about it often.

Upon returning home from the Army, Joe met Rosemarie Remish at a bowling alley one evening. She was a fantastic bowler and caught Joe’s eye that very night. He invited her out on a date for hotdogs at the Falls View Grill and the rest, as they say, is history. They were married on May 2, 1964 at St. Stan’s Church in Garfield and after a memorable honeymoon to Bermuda, they settled to their Oakland, NJ home for the next fifty years. They raised their two daughters there and enjoyed vacations to Chadwick Beach on the Jersey Shore every summer. Joe was a devoted husband and a good provider. His daughter recalls that no matter how hard he worked, and how tired he may have been when he got home, he always made time to play games with his two girls. When Joe was eventually blessed with a grandson, he was delighted to spend as much time with him as possible. He taught Matthew to play sports and they did all sorts of things together. Matthew was like the son he never had, and Joe could not have been happier to watch him grow up into the young man he’s become. Joe loved his family dearly and he’s left them all with many memories to cherish throughout their lifetimes.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years; Rosemarie of Wayne, by his daughter Tina Cillo and her husband James Bennett of West Milford, NJ, his grandson Matthew Cillo of West Milford, two sisters; Victoria Corallo and her husband Peter of Ocean County, NJ, and Elvera “Vera” Mariano of Totowa, and a brother; Pat Silvestri and his wife Mildred of Butler, NJ. He was predeceased by his daughter Lynda in 2015, and by his sister Rose Nativo in 2006.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Joe’s memory are asked to consider the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, www.diabetes.org, or the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, www.kidney.org.

Joseph Silvestri, Jr.

August 5, 2017

Diane L. Petracca “Chiefie” (nee Walsh), age 64 of Lincoln Park passed away peacefully on Monday, August 1, 2017 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Diane was born the only child to Edward and Dorothy Walsh in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1952. Although born in Jersey City, she grew up and spent her formative years in Rutherford. She attended St Mary RC High School in Rutherford and graduated with the class of 1970.

Following her graduation from high school she immediately set her sights on a career and enrolled at Lions Institute in Hackensack where she studied to become a Certified Dental Assistant. Her first job was at the dental office of Leonard M. Kovar located in Passaic. After several years working with Dr. Kovar, the practice was then taken over by another team of dentists named Press & Berman DDS who then moved the office to Clifton. Diane continued working with them until her illness late in 2016 forced her to stop. Diane worked more than forty-six years at the same location.

As a young woman in St Mary’s High School, she would walk home from school and pass the Rutherford High School Track & Field area where the Rutherford students would run and have their meets. Day after day she saw a young man by the name of John Petracca running at the track, who would always flirt with her through the athletic field fence. Eventually, they met near the "wall"--a popular hang out spot for teenagers near a church on Park Avenue. Eventually, John got the nerve up to ask her out to the movies. They dated for a few years and, as fate would have it, they fell in love and were married on September 23, 1972 at St Mary’s RC Church in Rutherford.

Shortly after they were married, John and Diane moved to Lincoln Park. This is where they raised their two sons David and Matthew. John and Diane cherished forty-five years of loving and loyal marriage together. Throughout the years that David and Matthew were growing up, Diane was always by their side and encouraged them to participate in any and all sports they wanted. Diane was always by her children’s side to give them advice throughout their lives. Diane was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also especially fond of her Yorkie-Poo “Meadow”, who was always so happy to see her "mommy." She occasionally enjoyed sewing and knitting in her spare time. She loved taking the time to decorate her house and also enjoyed her daily soap operas such as “General Hospital” and “Days of Our Lives.” She was fond and took pride in how she decorated her house and also of her swimming pool, which she spent many a summer day beside. She was also proud to have owned her “Dream Car,” her Lincoln MKZ. Diane had a soft spot for Atlantic City and the NJ Lottery, and an even softer spot for slot machines. She loved taking trips down to AC and to the Pocono-area casinos. Aside from all of Diane’s interests, hobbies, and talents, there was no greater love for Diane than her family. Diane touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Diane is survived by her husband John Petracca of Lincoln Park, two sons; Matthew Petracca and his wife Stephanie of Kinnelon, and David Petracca and his wife Diana of Wayne, two grandchildren, Natalie, and Amelia. Diane was pre-deceased by her parents Edward and Dorothy Walsh.

Diane L. Petracca

August 1, 2017

William A. Van Kluyve, age 73, of Wyckoff, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2017.

Born in Passaic Bill grew up in Clifton. He attended Eastern Christian High School and it was there that he met his love for all time. Her name was Linda Struck and Bill rode right into her life with his red and white 57 Chevy. Their love for each other was surely mutual and wedding bells rang on March 12, 1962. The newlyweds initially settled in Paterson, moved later to Prospect Park and had most recently lived in Wyckoff since 1990.

Soon after marriage Bill and Linda welcomed their firstborn, a baby girl which they named Sandra Lee. This was followed soon after by the arrival of their son Ronald. Blessed with endless energy and an iron will to do all he could to provide for his family, those early days saw Bill working literally day and night at three jobs at one time. He held a full-time job with Givaudan Fragrances with the added perk of regularly coming home with the latest perfumes for his bride. In between Bill loaded milk trucks in the middle of the night for Stokes Dairy in Franklin Lakes and drove a dump truck mainly for construction on the NJ Turnpike near the Meadowlands.

In search of a steadier career, Bill decided to take the test to become a police officer. He easily passed and, on August 1, 1969, he began a career in law enforcement with the City of Paterson. Just 25 years old when this new career started, Bill was wiry but strong and extremely fast, soon earning him the nickname “The Dart” because no suspect was a match for him in foot pursuits. Over the course of his career, he saw duty as a patrol officer, work in the detective bureau and he also accepted his share of plain-clothes assignments. Bill was always one of the first to accept extra night duty working security. This led to the inspiration for a side-business selling police equipment. He and a partner established the business on Union Ave. in Paterson and called it Silk City Shields. To make himself a better cop, he also attended classes at William Paterson College and, in 1977, received his B.S. degree in Criminal Justice. Attaining the title of Lieutenant, Bill served for numerous years on the executive board of the PBA where he proved to be quite effective in contract negotiations, and he also served as an active member of the police pistol team earning high scores for regularly shooting perfect bulls eyes.

With his career as a police officer well established Bill found himself at a good point in life. A motorcycle enthusiast since the late 1970’s he only owned Harley’s and he always had multiple bikes. The kids were becoming more independent so he and Linda started taking motorcycle trips with friends. They also like stealing away for trips alone. One of their favorite places to go was Aruba so they typically went two to three times a year. Then in the early 1990’s, with the advent of the internet, Bill started exploring his Dutch ancestry. This led to trips to Europe and connections with long lost relatives in Holland. Those relatives showed he and Linda all that was worth seeing in Europe and they reciprocated by hosting those same European relatives here in the United States. What a way to see the world!

Retirement from the police force took place in 1994 and Bill quickly realized that putzing around in his workshop every day was not going to sufficiently burn up his boundless get-up-and-go. He found himself wondering “what should I do now?” Interestingly enough, he started playing around with slot machines – not the sophisticated electronic machines of today. Instead, he found amusement with the pre-1940’s mechanical type. Bill would buy an old machine in a condition which he described as “a rat”, then pour endless hours into taking it apart, refurbing, cleaning, polishing, and painting it to its original authentic beauty and charm. Over a period of years, he had slot machines all over his house which he had restored, and when friends came over for weekly pool parties, they often exclaimed that his house was like a casino. Billy’s grandchildren, who were quite young at the time, would also play with “Opa’s” vintage slot machines, needing to stand on milk crates (which he probably “acquired” from Stokes Dairy) to reach the coin slot and the lever. Over the ensuing years, Bill attended many auctions and trade shows where he met other vintage slot machine enthusiasts. Consequently he earned quite a reputation as a respected authority and he regularly received inquiries from literally all over the world for advice. In the last ten years, Bill joined the Blue Knights and, together with his son Ron, enjoyed the adventure and camaraderie of riding motorcycles with his brother police officers.

Above all else, Bill loved and was deeply devoted to his family. From the time he was a very young man, he always demonstrated a consistent drive and determination to do whatever it would take to provide for them. He always remained deeply in love with Linda and together they made a great team. You could say that Bill made the bacon and Linda cooked it up. When Linda passed away, all too soon, in 2015, he missed her so much and never felt complete again without her. He displayed that same love and enthusiasm for his kids and grandkids, and was delighted with the arrival of his great-grandson Mason who squirmed for everyone but always sat contented on Opa’s lap.

Everyone will remember Bill in their own unique way, and he’ll always be admired by all (even his much loved cat Sonny) for his warm heart, engaging personality and highly commendable character.

In addition to his beloved wife of 53 years - Linda, Bill was predeceased by his dear daughter Sandra Lee Van Kluyve just six days before him, and his brother Robert. He is survived by his dear son Ronald of Wayne; four much-loved grandchildren: Matthew and wife Stephanie La Sala of Wayne, and Nicole, Danielle, and James Van Kluyve, all of Wayne; one cherished great-grandson: Mason; three dear siblings: John and wife Lori Van Kluyve of Woodland Park, Edward and wife Peggy Van Kluyve of Haverstraw, NY, and Marjorie Lucas of Atlanta, GA; and his sister-in-law Virginia Van Kluyve of Virginia.

William A. Van Kluyve

Wycoff

July 31, 2017

Sally Ann Herrmann, of Lake Shawnee of Jefferson Township, formerly of Totowa Boro, Little Falls, Cedar Grove, and Pompton Lakes, passed at home on Saturday, July 29, 2017.

She was born to Salvatore and Anne Longo in Paterson and raised in Totowa Boro for the first twenty-five years of her life. She graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the Class of 1973.

Sally’s work history includes working at Trudy’s Bakery in Little Falls where she loved the crumb buns. She trained to be a cosmetologist and worked at The Gallery in West Caldwell, Hair Power in Fort Lee, and finally opened her own shop called Identity which she operated in West Caldwell. She later worked for the Dynafair Corporation in Parsippany as a Service Manager for all 50 states and Puerto Rico. When the company moved its headquarters to Tampa Florida she worked from home. Most recently she worked as a groomer for Laura’s Pet Spa in Whippany.

Sally will be remembered as a thoughtful, artistic, caring person who was meticulous, patient, and who always put family and friends needs ahead of her own. She made awesome cheesecake, cream puffs, rum cake, and excellent Cannoli’s. All that she baked tasted great but she also used her artistic flair to accentuate the flavors to come. She cared deeply about family and friends which was always evidenced at her Christmas party where she would lovingly shop for unique ornaments to gift to each person who came.

Sally was the loving wife of 37 years to Gene Herrmann; loving sister of Roseanne Fisher and her husband Bill of Franklin Lakes, Bernadette DeSilver and her husband James of Sparta, and Barbara Longo of Lake Hopatcong; she was the much loved aunt of Anna Luna and her husband Scott, Brian Fisher and his wife Leilani, Michael DeSilver and his wife Lauren, and Bradley Fisher and his wife Lina; she was deeply loved by many great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

Sally Ann Herrmann

Wharton

July 29, 2017

Howard Bradford Fisher, age 91, left his earthly life to be with his Lord on July 28, 2017.

Howard was born on March 1, 1926 to Cornelius Fisher and Irene (née Weinbrock). He was raised, along with his loving sister Annette, in Clifton NJ. Despite an early bout with rheumatic fever that limited his activity as a child, his heart found joy in all things in life - great and small.

After graduation from Clifton High School, Howard enthusiastically joined the US Navy. As a first class seaman, he enjoyed training, but his recurrent heart issues forced him to the care of the US Navy Hospital in Miami, until his honorable discharge in 1945.

The navy training experience identified potential vocational skills for Howard for use in his post service life. The testing suggested watchmaking. After countless hours and years of training for this career route, Howard developed a great disdain of all things that tick or chime, but fortunately found joy in a related field - jewelry.

He also found the greatest joy of his life, Ann Conte, and he proposed to her by placing an engagement ring in her Cracker Jack box. She accepted this proposal, and remained his soul mate for the remainder of his earthly life.

Howard trained as a Jeweler and eventually launched his own business, Howard Jewelers, in Paterson, New Jersey. Howard, Ann, and their two young children Irene and Howard, cherished the memories of holidays at the store. Neighbors were always welcome to stop by for a holiday celebration, or to find a caring hand to help them buy an affordable holiday gift. Howard cherished his role in designing and providing gifts that celebrated the lives of others, whether it be births, engagements, anniversaries, or other important life events.

Upon his retirement, Howard and Ann enjoyed golf and tennis in the Florida sunshine of Marco Island among many wonderful friends. Golfing brought Howard great joy, and also great fear by anyone else standing anywhere within 360 degrees of him. Thankfully, his lack of golfing prowess never affected his ability to laugh. Packanack Lake in Wayne NJ remained their family home and “Camelot” from 1968 until his recent passing.

Howard enjoyed dinners and cocktails parties with his local “gang”, and attending sporting and dance events that included his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed taking his family on cruise vacations.

Howard enjoyed reading of the action of WW2 that he missed, as well as breakfast with his friends, the ROMEOs. A regular assistant at Packanack Church, he and Ann cherished all things Packanack.

Howard’s heart may not have been medically strong throughout his life, but we believe it never stopped him from living life to its fullest, and loving everyone and everything that he encountered. He will be greatly missed.

His family wishes to thank the many people were kind to Howard in his time with us and shared his life. We thank God for his presence in our lives, and we pray for the peace of his loving soul.

“Big How” is lovingly remembered by his wife Ann, daughter Irene Hicks and son Howard Fisher, son-in-law Bob Hicks, daughter-in-law Janice (née Steible) Fisher and Howard’s granddaughters: Kristin, Lindsey, Emily, Emilia, and Claire, as well as his niece Joanne Snead.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts be provided to Packanack Community Church.

Howard B. Fisher

July 28, 2017

Marilyn (Lehmer) Helzer, age 78 of Wayne passed peacefully on Thursday, July 27, 2017.

She was born in Paterson to William and Jessie Lehmer. Marilyn was raised in Hawthorne and lived in Prospect Park and Wayne for over thirty years before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado fifteen years ago.

Marilyn was the loving mother of Deborah Vieldhouse, Kevin and Caprice (Antonelli) Vieldhouse, and Jodi (Vieldhouse) and Michael Zaccone, and cherished grandmother of 8 grandchildren. She was the much loved sister of the late Judith Cooper.

She graduated Eastern Christian High School in Hawthorne and graduated with the Class of 1956. She was always the life of the party and enjoyed spending time with her many friends. To maintain her high school friendships a “girls club” was established and a monthly get together lasted over 30 years, but the friendships continued her entire life. After moving to Colorado she became active in her church and was a weekly greeter. Her faith and love for Jesus was relentless as she enjoyed reading her daily devotions. She enjoyed ceramics, painting, reading, was a huge Elvis fan, loved her dogs, and anything that involved using her creative talents. Her outgoing personality won her “Class Flirt” her senior year in High School and a place on the cheer leading team. Her cheer leading skills were evident as she watched her children’s activities as they grew up, especially her son, Kevin’s, wrestling and boxing matches. Much to his embarrassment! She was an avid fan of the Denver Bronco’s and enjoyed watching all types of sporting events.

Marilyn (Lehmer) Helzer

July 27, 2017

Lottie Shefcik Darling, age 98 of Green Pond, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Garfield, NJ to the late Joseph and Sofia Szefczyk. She has lived on the lake at Green Pond for the past forty years.

After graduating from Garfield High School, Lottie went to work for Bigelow Sanford Carpet Company where she met her husband, E. Wallace Darling (Wally). They were married for 66 years until Wally’s passing in 2006. Previously they lived in Teaneck, and Tenafly before moving to Green Pond. They traveled to many parts of the world and had an active social life.

Lottie was a parishioner of Saint Simon the Apostle RC Church, Green Pond, NJ, she was a member of the Green Pond Women’s Club and active in the Green Pond Yacht Club. Aside from her many artistic and design talents, and joy in renovating their homes, Lottie’s greatest love was for her family.

She was the mother of Gary Darling and his wife Jane, of Green Pond; Karen Darling Theodore and her husband George (deceased 2003) of North Caldwell, NJ; and, Donna Mead and her husband Col. Robert C. Mead of Hamden, CT. She was the cherished grandmother of five grandchildren; Suzanne Darling Dieffenbach; Debra Darling Ill; Tara Mead Joffe; Denise Mead Studebaker; and Eric Wallace Darling; and, the beloved great-grandmother of; Katya and Vladimir Dieffenbach; and, Megan, Sabrina and Ella Studebaker.

Lottie is survived by Irene Nawojczyk her sister; and O. Robert Darling, her brother-in-law and Diane Darling, her sister-in-law, many nieces and nephews who she loved, and, over the years were guests at the many parties and celebrations she hosted in her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Simon the Apostle RC Church, Green Pond; 1010 Green Pond Rd., Green Pond, NJ 07435; Green Pond First Aid Squad, 1 Dump Rd., Green Pond, NJ 07435; or St. Barnabas Hospice, 80 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07502.

Lottie Darlin

Green Pond

July 27, 2017

Sandra Lee Van Kluyve, age 54, of Wyckoff, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Her family was gathered with her in loving support at the time of her passing.

Born in Paterson, Sandra grew up in Prospect Park where she attended School Number 1 on Brown Avenue and Manchester Regional High School. She later lived in the Haskell section of Wanaque and had most recently been living in Wyckoff.

Possessing a heart of gold and a seeming love for anyone, it was as natural as breathing for Sandra to strike up a conversation with a total stranger. For many years, she used her magnetic personality to wait on customers as a bartender at the former County Cork in Pompton Lakes, now known as The Side Door Bar & Grill. She also worked for National Beryllia, Inc. – manufacturer of beryllium oxide products in Haskell, as a delicatessen employee at Foodtown Grocery Store in Haskell, and for many years as a dental assistant for Dr. Brian Trava in Hawthorne.

Sandy’s “me time” preferences included pretty-much anything outdoors but she especially enjoyed summer days taking in the sun, sand, and ocean water down the Jersey Shore or going for a hike along the Cannonball Trail off of Skyline Drive in Ringwood, the MacEvoy Trail to Ramapo Lake off of Skyline Drive in Oakland, or at the Ramapo Reservation in Mahwah. She also enjoyed her pets – kitties Smoky and O.J. who passed away before her, and Sylvie, her cockatiel whose wings she admittedly neglected to clip so one day the little bird literally flew the coop.

While days down the shore or hiking in the woods were fun, Sandy also derived great satisfaction by engaging in the act of serving others. She went all-out in support of her son Matthew, in fact, while describing her as somewhat too supportive, Matt admittedly appreciated her mothering attempts to guide him down worthy life paths without dictating specific ones for him to take. Proud to be an American and even more proud of Matt’s U.S. Marine service, Sandy was inspired to join the American Legion, Post 57 of Waldwick to serve in any capacity where needed. Consequently, she served for a number of years as the post’s recording secretary and gladly gave of her spare time to raise funds and to prepare and send care packages to deployed U.S. troops abroad and to their families anxiously waiting at home for their return. Having a healthy intolerance for injustice, she also once helped a veteran of the Vietnam War receive the medals that he didn’t receive but clearly deserved. Sandy also served for many years as a Ladies Auxiliary member of the Apshawa Volunteer Fire Department in West Milford.

Two years ago, Sandra received one of life’s greatest gifts when she graduated to the roll of “Grandma”. Given the gift of grandson Mason by her son Matthew and her daughter-in-law Stephanie, it seemed Grandma Sandy couldn’t spoil little Mason enough. Subsequently, the UPS truck was pulling up to Mason’s house almost daily with gifts from Amazon addressed to Mr. Mason La Sala. He was a lucky little guy to have grandma who was so excited to have him in her life.

Sandra was a true inspiration to countless souls whose life path crisscrossed with hers. Diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when she was just 17 years old, Sandy battled this disease with an “I can overcome anything” attitude for the rest of her life. Those that knew her would tell you that she always wore a smile on her face which was just a reflection of a happy heart that was too busy blessing and encouraging others to be concerned about herself.

Sandra is survived by her dear son Matthew and wife Stephanie La Sala of Wayne; loving father William Van Kluyve of Wyckoff; cherished grandson Mason; dear brother Ronald Van Kluyve of Wayne; and her nieces and nephew: Nicole, Danielle, and James Van Kluyve. She was predeceased by her loving mother Linda Van Kluyve in 2015.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Sandra’s name are asked to consider the Waldwick American Legion, Post 57, 46 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463.

Sandra Van Kluyve

Wycoff

July 25, 2017

Jeffrey A. Guidetti, age 65, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2017 surrounded by his beloved wife and three loving children.

Born in Kearny, Jeff was raised in Lyndhurst. Always a go-getter, following graduation from Rutherford High School with the Class of 1970, Jeff wasted no time starting his own business, Guidetti Wallcovering and Contracting when he was just eighteen years old. He embarked on a direct path to success.

In 1975, while bowling at the Bowl-O-Drome in North Arlington with mutual friends, Jeff met a sweet girl named Donna Abrescia. Their first official date together was to a restaurant called Maxwell’s Plumb in New York City on the Upper East Side. Since they enjoyed their dinner together, they figured they would make the date a little longer by going for dessert to a place called Peppermint Park. For the foreseeable future, this became a Saturday night tradition and, over a series of more dinners and desserts, their love for each other grew and grew. One night, while out for dinner at a venue closer to home – Nico’s Pier 17 in Paramus, Jeff endearingly proposed to his future wife. While she ran to the lady’s room, Jeff slipped an engagement ring on her dessert fork. They married on Friday, March 3, 1978 at the Church of the Annunciation in Wayne. Not only did Donna marry the man of her dreams, but also inherited a loving son Anthony. After making their wedding promises before God, family and friends, they hosted a beautiful reception at the Wayne Manor, then headed off to Acapulco for their honeymoon. Jeff and Donna’s journey as husband and wife began in North Arlington where they resided until 1983 when they moved to Wayne. In all they enjoyed 39 years in a loving marriage.

The months peeled off the calendar quickly and soon Jeff and Donna were the parents of a beautiful daughter Nicole and then a beautiful daughter Denene. Through lots of invested energy and hard work Jeff’s contracting business continued to grow and prosper, blessing him with the means to be able to provide admirably for his adored family. In the fall of 2008, when the economy had a serious setback, Jeff made a necessary life adjustment. He returned to school in early 2009 and obtained his New Jersey home inspection license. Over the course of the following eight years, Jeff started and successfully established Perfection Home Inspections. A determined man and tireless worker, Jeff conducted a home inspection as recently as last week.

Jeff was the consummate “Car Guy”. His most recent project was a 1933 steel Ford coupe which, for all intents and purposes, was complete and ready to gas up and drive. But Jeff was a bit of a perfectionist. Presently, the car was taken apart and Jeff was enjoying the process of making that car into exactly what he envisioned it should be. In the past he had also owned three other cars including a yellow 1937 Minotti coupe. Being the car enthusiast that he was, Jeff derived great joy from attending car shows, cruise nights, and being a car club member.

Jeff found great satisfaction in living a healthful life style. When at the family condo in Myrtle Beach or shore house in Mantoloking, he was always up and outside way before the rest of his family. After an early morning three-mile jog on the beach, he would walk into the house all energized, grab a Krispy Kreme donut, some fresh fruit and his juicer to make himself an energy drink. While standing there enjoying that drink, he’d express wonder as to why Donna and his kids weren’t as raring to go as he was. He loved playing racquetball too. At home he was a member of the Kings Court Health and Sports Club in Lyndhurst where he played semi-pro racquetball. He always wanted to play against younger guys because the guys in his own age bracket were just too easy to beat.

Above all else, Jeff adored his family and one of the greatest chapters in his life came with the arrival of his three grandchildren – five year old Aviana, two year old Lucci, and 4 week old Matteo. They were the light of his life. Nothing made him happier than spending time with them. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t stop by to visit them. They loved coming over his house to play. He played games like "Tiger Bear" with Aviana, read car magazines with Lucci, and took them for pool time at Grams.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife Donna; his dear son Anthony L. Guidetti and Kimmy of Upper Saddle River; two dear daughters: Nicole and husband Nicholas Serapiglia of Wayne, and Denene Guidetti of Wayne; three cherished grandchildren: Aviana, Lucci, and Matteo; and his two nephews: Steven and wife Jennifer Taylor of Mahwah, and Christopher and wife Ana Taylor of Wayne. He was predeceased by his two dear brothers: Stephen Guidetti in 1977 and Richard Guidetti in 2017; and his beloved niece: Jennifer Cantrella in 2006.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Jeffrey’s name are asked to consider, Recanati/Miller Transplant Institute Liver Cancer Research Fund, One Gustave L. Levy Place,

Box 1104, New York, NY 10029.

Jeffery A. Guidetti

July 23, 2017

Doris L. Glowa (nee Lucas), 87 of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, July 19, 2017 at the Christian Healthcare Center in Wykcoff. She had lived in Wayne since 1972.

Doris was raised in East Paterson, now known as Elmwood Park, and she graduated from Lodi High School with the class of 1948. She worked for the Felsway Corporation in Totowa from the 1970’s and into the 1990’s before retiring.

Just one year after high school, Doris met John Glowa at her cousin Irene’s wedding; Doris was Maid of Honor and John was the Best Man. They hit it off and John invited her out on a date. Doris accepted but thought it was a bit odd that John scheduled their date for three weeks later! She eventually learned that John had been saving up his money during those weeks so that he’d be able to take Doris wherever she wanted to go. Lucky for John, she was content to simply go for ice cream, and one year later they married. After exchanging vows at St. Anne’s Church in Fair Lawn, they embarked on a cross country honeymoon to visit Doris’ childhood friend, Sonia Hill, who had moved to Phoenix, Arizona some years earlier. Doris and John loved the American Southwest and made the road trip several times to visit Sonia and the rest of the Hill family. Doris loved to travel and she was a bit of a history buff as well, so their trips were often planned with historical destinations in mind. Doris had a vast knowledge of history and she knew all sorts of trivia. She certainly took advantage of the public library and spent a great deal of time there. She also had a fantastic sense of humor and loved a good joke. She loved to watch movies and her ‘movie knowledge’ was astounding! She knew all the stars, their filmography, awards, and even what some of them were up to in their personal lives. She had a particular liking of Timothy Dalton, who had played James Bond at one point in his career. When she discovered the “Timothy Dalton Fan Club,” she could not resist the temptation to join. It became a sort of social activity for her, corresponding with other members of the club, sharing trivia, making friends, and generally having fun.

When John became ill, Doris took great care of him. She was a devoted wife and did everything she could for her beloved John. He passed in 2003 after fifty three years of marriage and Doris missed him dearly.

Doris is survived by her two beloved daughters; Andrea Galazzo and her husband Joseph of Wayne, and Patricia Pignatello and her husband Paul of Wayne, granddaughter Allison Pignatello of Wayne, a step-grandson Joseph Galazzo and his wife Rachel of Hoboken, her cousin and godson; Jeff Lipesky and his wife Clorinda of Flanders, NJ, and of course her dearest, lifelong friend; Sonia Hill of Phoenix, Arizona. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 2003.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Doris’ name should consider the Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey, 3 Eves Drive, Suite 310, Marlton, NJ 08053, www.alz.org.

Doris L. Glowa

July 19, 2017

Irene C. Hannan (nee Riley), age 92, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 while in the presence of her loving family.

She was born in Paterson to Frank and Clara Riley. She graduated from St Mary’s High School with the Class of 1943 and has lived in Wayne for the past sixty-eight years.

After graduating from High School, Irene went to work in a grocery store for a couple of years. During her employment there a women by the name of Mary Hannan stopped in the store frequently to buy daily groceries. She thought that Irene was a lovely young lady and asked her if she would be interested in meeting her son William Hannan. Eventually Irene agreed to the meeting and as fate would have it they fell in love and were married shortly after the Second World War on December 26, 1948. They were married in Lady of the Lourdes RC Church in Paterson. They lived together in Paterson for a couple of years then in 1950 they moved to Wayne. It wasn’t long after they got married that Irene dedicated her life to a rewarding and noble career of a homemaker. Wayne is where they would call home and raise their six adoring children. William and Irene cherished fifty-two years of loving and loyal marriage together until William’s passing in January of 2000.

Irene loved to cook and was an extraordinary baker. Her family remembers many large family holiday dinners together throughout the years. Irene was also dedicated to her Roman Catholic Faith and was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes for many years. Aside from her cooking and baking and other interests, Irene’s greatest love was for her family. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. Irene touched the lives of many people and she will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

She was the loving wife of the late William J. Hannan, Sr. (2000); devoted mother of Marie Cioletti and her husband Kenneth of Wayne, Patricia Popovich and her husband John of Wayne, Irene Graham of Franklin Lakes, Mary Boughton and her husband Scot of Wayne, William J. Hannan, Jr. and his wife Susan of Franklin, and James Hannan of Wayne; cherished grandmother of twelve grandchildren; Jonathan, Michael, Jason, Matthew, Jeff, William, David, Elyse, Taylor, Barbara, Sarah, and James; loving great-grandmother of; Lina, Gabby, Jackson, Caydence, Kaia, Matthew, Jonathan, Ava, and Mia. She was predeceased by her sisters Lillian Riley and Grace Riley, and her brothers Frank Riley, Charles Riley, and James Riley.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint Mary’s Church, Special Needs Ministry, 17 Pompton Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be greatly appreciated.

Irene C. Hannan

July 18, 2017

Edward John Parks, 75 of Wayne, died suddenly at home on Tuesday, July 18, 2017.

Born on December 10, 1941 in Suffern New York to Elmer and Alice Parks, he was raised in Paterson where he graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in 1960. Ed worked for his father’s business, “Parks & Son Hardware” on Union Boulevard, Totowa, until the age of 20 when he became a meter reader with PSE&G. It was here that he met his beloved wife, Regina (nee Pecoraro), and married on October 27, 1973. They exchanged vows at St. Joseph’s Church in Lodi, honeymooned along the coast of California, and immediately settled in Wayne to raise their family. After 42 years of dedication with PSE&G, Ed retired as an account manager.

Ed enjoyed spending time outdoors tending to his immaculately manicured yard and large vegetable garden. His bountiful harvest was always shared with family and friends and often appearing on the doorsteps of his children’s homes. He was a great cook and an even better artist. His artwork decorated the hallways of his home and won countless awards at the Passaic County Senior Art Shows. Summer vacations were spent at the Jersey Shore even though he preferred deep sea fishing rather than sitting on the beach. He enjoyed traveling with his family and visited wonderful destinations including Cape Cod, Disney, Alaska, Russia, Ireland, and Hawaii.

His grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. His constant tickles and mouth popping sounds always brought out the contagious giggles which he cherished immensely. They will forever miss his art lessons, annual toboggan sleigh riding in the backyard, tractor rides down the hill, and all of the “grandpa” moments made special for each and every one of them.

Ed was a faithful parishioner and active member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish on Valley Rd., Wayne. He has most recently been an altar server with the Funeral Ministry at Our Lady of the Valley, assisting families during their time of need.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Regina of Wayne, three children; Allison Winkler and her husband Thomas of N. Haledon, Aimee Bongiovanni and her husband Thomas of Wayne, and Edward Parks, Jr. and his wife Megan of Lake Hiawatha, eight adored grandchildren; Thomas Winkler, Jr., Braydon Winkler, Nicholas Bongiovanni, Emma Winkler, Justin Bongiovanni, Sophia Parks, Ava Winkler, and Everly Parks, one sister; Gail Stager of Oak Ridge, and a large extended family that includes nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

His presence will be sorely missed by his family, as well as by all who loved him.

He shall live on in our hearts through many wonderful, fond memories we all have to cherish for years to come.

Edward J. Parks

July 18, 2017

Lillian Figlar, age 93, of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Monday, July 17, 2017.

She was born and raised in Wallington and lived for many years in Clifton before moving to Wayne in 2003.

Lillian was a member of St. Clare Church in Clifton until she moved to Wayne, and joined the parish family at Our Lady of the Valley Church.

As a young woman, Lillian loved to roller skate and it was at the roller skating rink in Passaic that she met Stephen Figlar, the love of her life. She became his wife in October, 1943 and their marriage lasted 68 years. Lillian had worked in the electronics field at Kearfott, Litton and ITT. When she retired, Stephen taught her to play golf and together they enjoyed many rounds of golf at the Passaic County Golf Course as well as at various courses they came across while vacationing. Two sets of golf clubs were always kept in the car’s trunk, just in case they came upon a desirable course. They also enjoyed many golf outings at Wyndham, NY with friends.

Lillian even had a ‘hole in one’ at the county course!

She also enjoyed playing golf with the Women’s Golf Club at the Passaic County Golf Course, bowling on the Women’s Bowling Team at T-Bowl Lanes in Wayne, playing bingo with the ladies at the Golden Age Circle of Wayne, and being a member of the Wayne Elks Auxiliary.

Lillian was predeceased by her beloved husband Stephen in 2012. She is survived by her

Four children: Marilyn Borowinski and husband Roger of Wayne, Patricia Jacukiewicz and husband Ziggy of Lakewood, Diane Koenig and husband Warren of Andover, and Gregory Figlar and wife Cynthia of Clifton; seven cherished grandchildren: Jennifer Warren, Dawn Mc Cune, Kim Rodman, Justin Borowinski, Karen Jacukiewicz, Tara Flach, and Marissa Figlar; and eleven adored great-grandchildren: Derek, Madison, Isabelle and Dylan Borowinski, Aiden and Liam Warren, Jonathan, Daniel, and Nicholas Rodman, and Elsa and Landon Flach.

Lillian will be forever missed but will always remain in our hearts.

Lillian Figlar

July 17, 2017

Robert Henry Brockmann Jr., age 84, of Lancaster, SC and a former long- time resident of Wayne, NJ passed away on July 15, 2017, while in the presence of his loving children.

“Bob”, as he was known to most, was born in Hackensack, NJ to Robert Henry Sr. and Edna Ellen (nee Carroll) Brockmann. He was raised in Wood-Ridge, NJ, graduated Wood-Ridge H.S. in 1951 and was a member of the Blue Devils Football State Champions (North 1 Group 1) 1948 and 1949.

Bob joined the navy in November, 1952 during the Korean War, attained the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer and was honorably discharged in October, 1956. While in the service he was awarded the Good Conduct Metal, National Defense Metal and Navy Occupation Service Metal.

After military service Bob entered The Culinary Institute of America in New Haven Connecticut. Attending school in the day and working at night in a box factory to help pay for his education, he graduated with an A.A.S. Degree in Culinary Arts. In 1958 Bob entered New York City Community College and graduated with an A.A.S. Degree in Hotel Technology. Bob worked 36 years in the institutional food service industry, retiring in 1996 as the East Coast Sales Manager for Alberto Culvers Food Service Division.

In the summer of 1958, Bob met Alice Elizabeth “Betty” White while vacationing at Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. They eventually got engaged and Bob married Betty, the love of his life, in November, 1960. They spent 53 wonderful years together.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Alice Elizabeth “Betty” in 2014. He is survived by his five children, Robert and his wife Patricia, William, his daughter-in-law Janet, Douglas and his wife Marian, Brenda Leardi and her husband Michael, and Ken and his wife Carmelina; and his fifteen grandchildren, Clifford Jr., Alyson, Alexa, Douglas Jr., Michael Jr., Kathaleen, Ashley, Brian, Owen, Eric, Veronica, Nicole, Frankie, Amelia and James. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Waldman; he was predeceased by his sister Ellen Brockmann, and his son, Clifford Brockmann Sr.

Robert Brockmann, Jr.

July 15, 2017

Catherine Purdy, 94, of Wayne, New Jersey passed away peacefully, her daughter Kathleen by her side, on July 15, 2017.

Born in New York City, the daughter of the late Mary Elizabeth Moran and Daniel Moran, Catherine lived in Miami, Atlantic City, Paterson and Wayne. Catherine graduated in 1942 from Central High School, Paterson, New Jersey. Catherine worked for Curtiss-Wright during WWII, then Prudential Insurance Company, and she retired from the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles in 1993. Catherine was known to her friends as “Kitty” and to her immediate family as “Mims.”

Catherine married William Purdy in 1948. Together, they lived in Paterson and then Wayne, where they raised their five children. Catherine loved her Wednesday night bowling league. She was also a leader of the Girl Scout Troop of Lionshead Lake. Catherine worked for the Herald News as a reporter of local news from Lionshead Lake. She was an auxiliary member of the American Legion Post in Wayne, NJ. Catherine was also an officer with the Wayne Golden Age Circle. She enjoyed traveling with the club and performing in their talent shows. She also enjoyed regular bus excursions to Atlantic City to play the slot machines.

Catherine is predeceased by her husband William Purdy and survived by her five children. Eileen Kimbell-Meaney (Tom Meaney) of Pompton Lakes, William of Riverdale, Joan Kain of Passaic, Thomas (Karen Volino) of Elmwood Park, and Kathleen Padula (Bob Padula) of Fort Lee. She is also survived by her first-cousin Eileen McGrady as well as nieces, a nephew and many cousins.

Catherine is also survived by her 6 loving grandchildren, William Kimbell and his wife Vicky, Matthew Kimbell and his wife Tracee, Joseph Volino, Thomas Purdy, Max Padula, and Jade Padula. Catherine is also survived by a great grandson, Joshua.

Catherine’s passion was music. She loved 1940’s big bands and enjoyed traveling to marching band competitions with her close friend Nancy D’Amelio. Catherine’s children fondly remember her always singing around the house and introducing them to the American songbook. She genuinely enjoyed the company and laughter of friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, 4370 Tujunga Ave., Suite 330, Studio City, CA 91604.

Catherine Purdy

July 15, 2017

Joan L. Boughton (nee Marshall), age 88 of Wayne passed Friday, July 14, 2017.

She was born in Paterson to Kenneth and Cora Marshall, and was a lifelong resident of Wayne. Joan’s father passed away at the age of 37 from pneumonia when she was just nine years old.

Joan graduated from Pompton Lakes High School (there was no high school in the rural town of Wayne) with the Class of 1946 and soon found employment with the Chase Bank in New York City. She worked for Chase for about seven years before dedicating her life to raising her family.

Through her twin brother, Bob Marshall, she met a cute young man named George Boughton. Their first date was bowling at the O’Dowd’s Bowling Alley in Pine Brook. They soon fell in love and George, after asking her mother and step-grandfather, proposed marriage. George and Joan married on March 31, 1951 at the United Methodist Church in Wayne. For their honeymoon they traveled in a 1940 Black Pontiac that George purchased for $50.00. It was a scrap car with a bent frame. As a young man George worked weekends and holidays at his father’s mechanic garage and repaired the car by replacing the frame. They honeymooned in that car having traveled to Niagara Falls, NY, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C. and home again. George and Joan have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of sixty-six years. George will tell you Joan was the love of his heart.

She was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church in Wayne and for many years ordered the supplies for the Sunday School classes. Her children all remember being recruited to help her sort all of those supplies. Joan was a great baker and her Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, Christmas Cookies, and Anise Cookies left loving memories with all. She enjoyed oil painting, her four Cocker Spaniels, and fishing in Beach Haven and Barnegat Light with George. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years.

Joan was the loving wife of George Boughton; devoted mother of Glenn and his wife Freddie Boughton of West Milford, Ken and Carol Boughton of Ironia, and Thomas Boughton and his wife Mary of Wayne; she was the loved sister of her late twin brother Robert Marshall (2013); she was the dedicated grandmother of Jeffrey and his wife Bambi Boughton, Steven, Kristin, Andrew, and Todd Boughton; much loved great-grandmother of Kailey and Temperance Boughton; she was also dearly loved by her step-grandchildren Deidre and Nicole LaPlaca and her step-great-grandchildren Madison, John, Cheyenne, and Stevyn.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the United Methodist Church, 99 Parish Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Order of the Eastern Star-Mt View Chapter, 15 Hamburg Tpk., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be appreciated.

Joan L. Boughton

July 14, 2017

Ernest Gilbert Wheeler, Jr. age 82, resident of Wayne passed on Thursday July 13, 2017.

He started his life on December 24th, 1934 in New York City born to Ernest Gilbert, Sr. & Catherine Wheeler. Ernest graduated in 1952 from Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan. After high school he served in the U.S. Army for four years. Once he returned home he met Catherine Hall, they were married April 29, 1967 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Brooklyn, NY. Once the family started growing they decided to leave the city and make a home in Wayne, NJ where they spent the last 42 years

Ernie started working in the Theater district in NYC at the age of 16 and was initiated into the Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Union (Local 741) in 1957 and retired from Local 741 43 years later. He loved the theatre and all live performances from the opera house to lectures at college campuses. Ernie had a passion for collecting coins, airmail covers, stamps and casino memorabilia. He enjoyed his regular trips to Atlantic City and going to swap meets looking for his next treasure of casino history.

Ernest is a widower to Catherine Wheeler (Hall) and is preceded by his brother James Wheeler. Survived by his five children Jennifer Duncan, William Wheeler, Michael Wheeler, Veronica Wheeler and Edward Wheeler and four beautiful grandchildren, Seraphine Wheeler, Johnathan Wheeler, Amelia Duncan and Logan Wheeler.

He was a history buff and loved traveling to historic places and learning about history, his travels took him all through Europe, and he and his wife enjoyed many trips as well.

Ernest was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and recently joined the Golden Age Circle in Wayne and looked forward to his weekly get-together with friends.

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

Ernest Wheeler

July 13, 2017

Gloria J. Trongone (nee Pelka), age 74 of Wayne, died Wednesday, July 12, 2017. She had lived in Wayne since 1976.

Gloria was raised in Garfield and graduated from Garfield High School in 1961. She earned her bachelor’s degree and began teaching elementary school in Garfield. Her teaching career lasted three years before she became a wife and full time mother. Then, in 1984, she decided to go back to work and found a position with the Private Industry Council of Passaic County. She started there with the summer employment program, but she loved the job so much that she began working full time. She enjoyed twenty two years at the Private Industry Council before retiring in 2006.

Gloria met her husband Robert when they were setup on a double-blind date. She went to a dance at the East Paterson High School (now Elmwood Park) with Robert and they truly hit it off. They were soon married on June 27, 1964 at St. Leo’s Church in East Paterson, and they honeymooned to Washington, D.C. They settled in Wallington briefly before moving to Clifton and then Wayne in 1976. Robert will tell you she was the “perfect” wife and if he had it all to do over again, he wouldn’t change anything. She was truly the love of his life and he will miss her dearly. Gloria was also the “perfect” mom; devoted to her family. She was an awesome hostess, throwing great parties at their home and filling the yard (and the pool!) with family and friends. Gloria was like a ‘best friend’ to so many people, willing to lend an ear, offer advice, or just be there for you no matter what. Others will recall her skill as a seamstress; hemming a dress, fixing a tear, or making something from scratch; she could simply do it all. She was also very artistic, enjoying painting and marveling at her son’s talented photographic work.

When Gloria’s daughter Beth Ann got married, Gloria made it overtly clear that she wanted to become a grandmother! When Josephine and Frankie came along, it became abundantly clear that Gloria was also the most perfect grandmother! She became their best friend and they loved spending time with her. Some of their best memories are those that included “pool time” with their grandmother, floating in Gloria’s pool. They all loved her very much and will miss her greatly.

Gloria is survived by her devoted husband Robert of Wayne, two children; Beth Ann Russo and her husband Frank of Pompton Lakes, and Robert, Jr., her two beloved grandchildren; Josephine and Frankie Russo of Pompton Lakes, her brother; Richard Pelka and his wife Margo of Downsville, NY, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Peter Pelka in 1966.

In lieu of flowers donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 www.stjude.org or Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Rd, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, www.vva.org.20910

Gloria Trongone

July 12, 2017

Robert Alsdorf age 83 of Wayne passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on July 11, 2017 while in the presence of his loving family.

Robert was born in Mahwah and lived there for the first four or five years of his childhood, then his family moved to Paterson, NJ. It was Paterson where Robert would spend his formative years. Bob then, as a young man, heard the call to serve his country. Bob whole-heartedly enlisted in the United States Army before he graduated High School and served our country honorably from 1953 -1955. After being honorably discharged from the US Army, he completed his GED. Growing up in Paterson he knew a young lady by the name of Lorraine Sofadzis. They were more acquaintances than anything else. One day Lorraine was coming home and parking her car when Robert approached her and started talking to her. He actually asked if he could borrow some money, (10 cents to be exact) to buy a hot dog at the stand down the street. Lorraine had no interest in having a hot dog from the stand, but Bob promised her that later when he got paid he would take her out to dinner. As fate would have it they fell in love and in 1960 they were married and moved to Wayne. They would call Wayne their home for the rest of their lives together, cherished fifty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage and raised their only daughter Karin there.

Bob was an inspector for the Continental Can Company in Paterson. He started working there shortly after he was discharged from the service. He spent more than twenty-five years there until the company had to close up and force Bob into an early retirement.

Bob was an extremely devoted husband and father to his wife and daughter. He would do anything for his little girl anytime, anywhere. The love for his family was extremely deep. Bob loved horse riding. He owned several horses throughout his life that he would keep up in Sussex County New Jersey. Three to four times a week you could find Bob riding his horse up in Sussex. He also enjoyed water skiing and frequently visiting the casinos in Atlantic City and Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA. While in the casino Bob was particularly drawn to the tables of Black Jack and Roulette. Aside from his love of horse riding and his fondness of the casinos, his greatest love was for his family. Bob touched the lives of many people and will be missed by his friends and family alike.

Robert is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years Lorraine (nee Sofadzis) of Wayne, his one daughter Karin Alsdorf of Riverdale. He was predeceased by his brother Richard and his brother Raymond.

In lieu of flowers, those planning on making a donation in Robert’s name may consider the charity of their choice.

Robert Alsdorf

July 11, 2017

Johannes Van Vugt age 90 of Pompton Plains passed away peacefully on July 11, 2017 with his family by his side.

Johannes was born in Ridderkerk, Netherlands and moved to the United States in 1951 with his wife Jennie and their two daughters. They first settled in Wayne for several years then moved to Pompton Plains more than sixty years ago. Johannes was a farmer; he owned and operated Van Vugt Greenhouses in Pompton Plains for more than fifty years. He was a long time member of the Ebenezer Netherland Reformed Church in Franklin Lakes. Johannes was a hard working devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Johannes touched the lives of many people and will be missed sincerely.

Surviving are his wife Jennie (nee) VanWingerden, his daughters; Gerda Vande Vrede and her husband Dave of Lincoln Park, Lona O’Keefe of Royersford, PA, Lenie Bednarski and her husband Ray of Pompton Plains, Janette Van Peenen and her husband Tunis of Lincoln Park, Christine Ziegler and her husband Bill of Raritan, and Joanne Prol and her husband Greg of Pompton Plains, two sons; Arie and his wife Florence of Allamuchy, and John and his wife Debi of Pompton Plains, 38 grandchildren, and 51 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations in Johannes’ name may be made to Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Rd, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Johannes Van Vugt

Pompton Plains

July 11, 2017

Josephine “Jo” Barnett, age 82, of Pompton Lakes passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017 in Newport News, Virginia.

Jo was born to Vincenzo and Bessie Natoli at the family home located at 474 Valley Brook Avenue in Lyndhurst, NJ. She spent her entire childhood in Lyndhurst and graduated from Lyndhurst High School with the Class of 1952.

Jo was very involved during high school as a member of: Yearbook Business and Literary Staffs, Senior Council, Student Council, National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America and Vice President of Theta Kappa. During the production of the high school play, she met the love of her life, John Philip “Phil” Barnett.

Jo and Phil married on September 5th 1953 at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst and moved to Parris Island, SC where Phil was stationed with the US Marine Corps. They arrived there with $2 in their pockets and resided in a small in a trailer. When Phil was deployed to Korea, Jo returned to Lyndhurst to live with her mom and gave birth to their first child, Stephan. Shortly after Phil returned from Korea, they settled into a home in the Pines Lake section of Wayne for 24 years before relocating to Pompton Lakes for the next 35 years.

Family was the most important thing to Josephine and she worked hard at making the job of being a mom and grandma look easy. Her home was always ready and open to family and friends where she always kept them well fed. Her grandchildren will always treasure her hugs, kisses, being spoiled and most of all her unconditional love.

Josephine was the loving wife of sixty-two years to the late John Philip “Phil” Barnett (February 1, 2016); loving mother of daughter Barbara Dygert and her husband Jim of Seaford, VA; son James and his wife Lisa of Wayne; cherished grandmother of seven grandchildren Patrick Barnett, Ryan Barnett, Casey Barnett, Andrea Dygert, Elisabeth Barnett, Stephanie Dygert, and James Barnett, Jr. She was pre-deceased by her son Stephan Barnett in 1996 and her five siblings Sarah Salpepe, Doris DiPasqua, Rose Anyel, Anna Falzarano, and Philip Natoli. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Betty Natoli and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, NY, NY 10001.

Josephine Barnett

Pompton Lakes

July 9, 2017

William Donald Paulussen, age 89 of Wayne died peacefully on Friday, July 7, 2017.

“Don” as he was known to most, was born in Glen Ridge, NJ and lived in Clifton and Nutley before moving to Wayne in 1968.

Don graduated from Nutley High School with the class of 1945 and continued his education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford where he received his Masters of Business Administration, Bachelors of Business, and Associates Degree in Fine Art.

He is a United States Navy Veteran of WWII having served with the hospital corps as a dental technician before being honorably discharged on December 18, 1947 in Charleston, SC. During his service he received the WWII Victory Medal and the United States Marine Corps Marksman Medal.

Working as a pharmaceutical representative, he went to the Passaic General Hospital, Passaic where he met “the most beautiful girl”, Marjorie Drost. His second date with Marjorie was an ice skating excursion to Congers Lake in New York State. Marjorie had no idea how to ice skate and “her ankles were turned sideways” as Don said. He came to the rescue, of course, having to help her up all the time, and as he put it: “I couldn’t take my hands off of her…or she would fall down…strictly in an ice skating capacity!?”

Don and Marjorie were married on June 16, 1956. They raised two loving children; Dr David Paulussen, DMD and his wife Janice of Long Valley, NJ and Mary Beth Haid and her husband Barry of Glenwood, NJ. Don and Marjorie enjoyed over fifty years of what is best characterized as a loving and caring marriage before Marjorie passed in 2015. Marjorie was the love of Don’s life. The blessing of grandchildren came into their lives with Dr. David’s children; Ben and Kimberly, and also Beth’s children; Jennifer and Amy. Don truly enjoyed any time he got to spend with his grandchildren.

Don was a professor at the Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford campus for twenty five years as an evening faculty member teaching Sales, Sales Management and the management of a sales force; and twenty years as a professor of Business Administration. He was also a professor of sales and public relations for three years at Marymount College, NYC and taught the same subjects for two years at Upsala College, East Orange.

He is a member of the US Navy Institute: Annapolis, MD for over fifty years and also belonged to the US Naval League’s North Jersey Chapter.

Don was a member of the Preakness Reformed Church, Wayne.

He enjoyed travel with his wife Margie, has been to the British Isles fifteen times, Europe eight times, Caracas, Venezuela and many Caribbean Islands His hobby of collecting and making toy soldiers eventually became a business called: “Wagons of Wood and other Miniatures”. With the help of his wife Marjorie and his daughter Mary Beth each miniature toy soldier was meticulously hand painted. He would sell his miniatures at shows held both locally and around the world. He also enjoyed cooking, his pet Beagle “Daisy” and collecting autographs.

Don served as appointed Passaic County Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Jerry Speziale. He has completed a one year course at Passaic County Police & Fire Academy in CERTS (Certified Emergency Response Team Specials).

Don is the loving father of Dr David Paulussen, DMD and his wife Janice of Long Valley, NJ and Mary Beth Haid and her husband Barry of Glenwood, NJ; cherished grandfather of Ben, Kimberly, Jennifer and Amy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.

William Donald Paulussen

July 7, 2017

Rose N. DeJoy (born Rose Masi), 75 of Wayne, NJ died on Thursday, July 6, 2017. Rose was raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived in West Hempstead, Long Island, NY before moving to W. Orange, NJ in 1985 and then eventually settled in Wayne, NJ in 1999.

Rose was a free-spirited, confident, and boldly assertive woman who “told it like it is.” She was “hilariously politically incorrect” with a distinctively loud laugh that was unforgettable, with a charisma that endeared her to many. As a young girl growing up in Brooklyn, Rose enjoyed roller skating with her sister Angela, playing stoop ball with the neighborhood kids, and visiting their local library. She also made countless visits to Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, and even a few trips to Playland Park in Rye. She met her husband, Frank P. DeJoy, at Nays Restaurant on Pitkin Ave in Brooklyn, NY, and the two fell in love. Rose and Frank were married on October 27, 1962, and they enjoyed a honeymoon in the Poconos. Rose and Frank had three sons and eventually settled in W. Hempstead, NY in Long Island to raise their family, circa 1974. In 1985, the family moved to W. Orange, NJ and later to Wayne, NJ in 1999.

Rose was a devoted wife to her beloved Frank, and she was also a wonderful and loving mother to her boys Frank, Victor, and Philip. She was very protective and instilled in her sons a bold confidence similar to her own. She encouraged them in all things, including sports and many other activities. She was always there for them. Of course, her sons also recall how fond she was of her husband Frank and how the two of them complimented each other so perfectly. Rose and Frank were dedicated to each other in such a wonderful way, and when Frank passed away in 2004, it was as if a piece of Rose went along with him; she was never quite the same. Rose was very strong, however, and pulled herself together, focusing all of her love on her sons and grandchildren in the years since. Rose was simply a “family person, ” and her love for each of them poured freely.

Rose is survived by her dear three sons; Frank J DeJoy and his girlfriend Minh N. Hong of San Diego, California, Philip M. DeJoy of Jersey City, NJ, and Victor P. DeJoy Sr. of Wayne, NJ, her grandchildren; Leilah, Ava, Sophia, Kristina, Nicholas, and Victor, Jr., her sister; Angela Guiliano and her husband Angelo of Franklin Square, NY, Long Island, and her brother; Philip Masi and his wife Louise of Valley Stream, NY, Long Island. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank in 2004.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society, NJ Chapter, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. www.cancer.org

Rose N. DeJoy

July 6, 2017

Edward J. Sullivan, age 79, a forty-six year resident of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, July 2, 2017.

He was born in the Bronx and lived in the Beechhurst and Bayside sections of Queens, New York before moving to Wayne in 1970. He was educated at Xavier High School, Fordham University (BS/Accounting), and St. John’s University (MBA/Controllership).

Upon college graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and served his country proudly in the US Army.

Ed worked for Union Carbide Corporation for eight years before relocating to Wayne in 1970 to join IBM. He retired as a Corporate Auditor having worked for the IBM Corporation in Franklin Lakes for twenty-eight years.

During his forty-seven years in Wayne, he was a former member of both the Board of Governors and the Board of Directors of the Packanack Lake Community Association. He was a long term member of the Wayne Adult Community Center where he had been on the Executive Committee. For many years he participated in the Wayne Senior Follies.

He was a devoted parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne where he served on the Parish School Board.

He was the loving husband of fifty-six years to Catherine “Kay” (Kennedy) Sullivan; devoted father of Kathleen Witterschein and her husband Tom of Wayne, Maureen Sullivan of New York City, James Sullivan of Annapolis, MD, Andrew Sullivan and his wife Dina of Fairfield, CT, and Michael Sullivan and his wife Tara of Maplewood; he was the cherished grandfather of Colin, Alex, Katie, Brendan, Sean, Roan, Cormac.

He loved his family, his friends, his country, the Atlanta Braves, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his lunches with the PROMEOs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780 would be greatly appreciated. Visit www.hfotusa.org

Edward J. Sullivan

July 2, 2017

David Maltman, Jr., age 86, of Pompton Plains and a former long-time resident of Wayne, passed away unexpectedly, while in the welcomed company of his family who were gathering for a 4th of July celebration, on Sunday, July 2, 2017.

Born in Paterson, David was raised in Elmwood Park. He attended Lodi High School where he excelled at football and track. David also had a love for speed skating and once competed in the Silver Skates speed skating competition at Madison Square Garden in New York City. After graduating from Lodi High School with the Class of 1948, he began studying at Paterson State Teachers College. In the era when he attended, the college was located on 21st Avenue and Market Street in Paterson. It’s known today as William Paterson University and is located in Wayne.

While attending college, David met a lovely young lady named Ruth Wilkes who was also a student there. Their first date was to the movies. David didn’t remember what they saw but he does recall that they took a great liking to each other! Since David enjoyed ice skating, he thought he would share that love with Ruth and a second date soon followed, ice skating on Greenwood Lake.

A year-and-a-half into his studies at Paterson Teachers College, David was called to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He and Ruth continued to date and one weekend, while he was in boot camp in Newport Rhode Island, Ruth came to visit along with David’s parents. Looking for an opportunity to be alone, Ruth and David went for a walk on the beach. While walking, he asked Ruth for her hand in marriage. They exchanged their wedding vows before God, family and friends at St. Anne’s Church in Fair Lawn on Sunday, July 12, 1953. After a reception celebration at the Wayne Manor, they spent their honeymoon traveling through New England, including a stay in Martha’s Vineyard. Then David returned to the Navy where he was stationed in Puerto Rico aboard the U.S.S. Orion. On a lighter note, one of David’s Navy duties involved operating the movie projector and selecting the movies that were presented to fellow soldiers as a form of morale boost and entertainment. David especially enjoyed this responsibility as the projector room also served as his private living quarters.

After four years in the Navy, David returned home in March, 1955 to begin his life with his adored bride. Their first home together was in Paterson and two weeks after returning, he and Ruth welcomed their firstborn – a baby girl which they named Patricia.

David resumed his studies at Paterson Teachers College while simultaneously working full time. He earned his B.S. degree in education and quickly secured his first job as a history teacher in the Wayne public elementary school system. David was passionate about his new role but he was also passionate about learning more so, while continuing to work full-time, he returned to college in pursuit of his master’s degree. He earned his masters and took a job at Glen Ridge Central Elementary School. After teaching there a short time, the school district hired a new Glen Ridge Schools superintendent. This superintendent quickly recognized that David’s educational gifts and talents were special. He promoted David to the position of school principal and together, these two men developed a whole new approach to how schools of the future would be structured. In a short time David began to lead the implementation of developing Glen Ridge School into the first middle school in the state of New Jersey. This caught the attention of other educators and David was soon involved in regular speaking engagements at conferences all over the state of New Jersey. As if this wasn’t enough to keep him busy, during his tenure with Glen Ridge, David also earned his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Delaware. David served the Glen Ridge School District for 18 years, from 1968 to 1986, then he moved on to become adjunct professor at William Paterson College, Montclair State College, and Ramapo College. He retired in 2003.

In 1956, as David’s family was growing, they moved to Wayne. He and Ruth were ultimately blessed with five children and all of them will testify to how they felt exceedingly blessed to have David for a father. As a school principal, he usually got a month off for vacation in the summer, and months in advance, David was planning those vacations. In the early days, there were annual trips with the whole family, including his parents, down the Jersey shore to Lavallette. Being the educator that he was, as the kids got older, David always strove for vacations that would teach and open his kid’s worlds to stimulating but fun adventures. Thus, there were many vacations to national state parks, caverns, and mountains. Then came the era of the pop-up camper. Pulled by his big-as-a-whale Dodge Polara, the whole family piled in for long and lofty excursions to see sites on the east coast like Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina, to sites in the far western part of the U.S. like Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Armed with the Woodall’s Guide to U.S. National Parks, David had as much fun planning these trips as he did taking his family on them. David’s hunger for adventure went back as far as when he was just a young man himself. In the summer before his senior year in high school, he and two of his buddies set out for a one-week campout in the mountain above Lake Hopatcong in Sussex County. The week passed by quickly and since the guys were having such a great time, they mutually agreed that they wanted to camp a bit longer. A little bit longer turned into the whole summer! To sustain themselves, they did odd jobs for the women in the homes surrounding the lake whose husbands were working full time. Quite an enterprising young lad, that David Maltman was!

David worked very hard but he always made time for his family. His youngest son Christopher in particular appreciated that Dad was always there for his Cub Scout events and football games. When the blessings of grandchildren came along, David poured himself into their lives too – just as he had done for his own kids.

Ruth and David had some great retirement years together traveling throughout the U.S. In 1992, they purchased a home in Sarasota, FL. While he loved being with his family, Ruth and David increasingly grew to dislike the cold winters, so when winter arrived, they would say goodbye to their family and head south for a few months. He and Ruth enjoyed their Florida home until selling it in 2013. They enjoyed a great marriage that spanned 61 years until Ruth’s passing in 2015. Shortly after, David sold his home of 60 years in Wayne and moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains. There too, he quickly got involved in the newcomer’s committee and enjoyed lots of good times and laughter with his “Dining Buddies”.

David was dearly loved and respected by his entire family, but he was also loved and respected by many friends and colleagues too. A quiet, gentle leader, he would never push himself on you, but you could count on his undivided attention if you needed him. To many he was considered a father figure, filled with common sense who would always tell the truth, guided by a genuine desire to see to it that people had a good life.

David was predeceased by his beloved wife Ruth. He is survived by his five dear children: Patricia Costello of Totowa, David M. Maltman of Wayne, Kathryn Alvaro and husband Al of Hillsborough, Jayne Maltman of Lawrenceville, and Christopher Maltman of New York City; seven adored grandchildren: Michael Costello, Katelyn Costello, Allison Alvaro, Nicholas Alvaro, Christine Di Bella, Robert Di Bella, Frank and his wife Brittany Di Bella and two cherished great-grandsons: Evan and Miles Di Bella.

In addition to his wife Ruth, David was predeceased by his parents: David and Ruth Maltman, and his son-in-law Thomas Costello.

David Maltman, Jr.

Pompton Plains

July 2, 2017

Joanna A. Zukowski, (nee Piwaski) age 79, of Wayne, passed Friday, June 30, 2017.

She was born in Irvington and lived in Harrison, Kearny, and Wallington before moving to Wayne in 1970. Joanna graduated from Kearny High School with the Class of 1954.

Joanna met a cute young boy named Walter “Buddy” Zukowski at the corner sweet shop in Kearny. The story goes something like this: Buddy and his friend were riding motorcycles and saw some cute girls going into the sweet shop. They hung a U-turn on the motorcycles and quickly followed the girls in. Joanna and Buddy soon fell in love and married on July 26, 1958 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Harrison. They honeymooned in the Pocono Mountains at Mt. Airy Lodge in Pennsylvania and had a committed and dedicated marriage of 49 years before Buddy’s passing in 2007.

Joanna was active in the Wayne community. She was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 in Wayne where she served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, served as a Girl Scout Leader, and worked at the Election Polls for many years.

Joanna will be lovingly remembered for her ability to make her home a safe and loving place. She made the difficult task of being a mother and making ends meet with four children look easy. The children never wanted for anything and Joanna could make the simplest of things memorable. She taught and encouraged her children to cook and bake and made something as simple as baking cookies a memorable experience. Buddy had a garden in the yard and Joanne was always canning or jarring the fruits of his labor. She was outgoing and would strike up conversations with complete strangers, had a curiosity and willingness to try anything new, and loved antiquing. She enjoyed decorating, changing the wallpaper, and accessorizing the house. Joanne had a partner in crime when it came to antiquing and decorating and that was her sister Terry. They did everything together.

Joanna was the loving wife of 49 years to the late Walter L. “Buddy” Zukowski (2007); devoted mother of the late Lori Marcellari (1988), the late Lawrence Anthony Zukowski (1960); Steven Zukowski of Wayne, the late Kathleen Zukowski (1967), and Gregory Zukowski of Austintown, Ohio; dear sister of Teresa Gaffney and her husband John of The Villages, Florida; much loved niece of Connie Wandras of Harrison. Joanna was dearly loved by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joanna A. Zukowski

June 30, 2017

Lois A. Eitel (nee Eliason), age 72 of West Milford, died peacefully at home on Thursday, June 29, 2017. She had lived in Wayne before moving to West Milford twenty years ago.

Lois was raised in Cliffside Park and graduated from the Cliffside Park High School in 1962. During her career, she worked for several area insurance agencies, including Dunlop, Onderdonk, & Wilson in Wayne, and she retired from Hanson & Ryan of Totowa in 2011.

Lois was a wonderful mother to her two children. They have fond memories of their mom waking them up at 4 AM and driving them down to Seaside Heights to watch the sunrise. They also enjoyed annual summer vacations to Wildwood and many visits to Cape Cod. Lois was an avid gardener, loved taking care of her house plants, and she was an unbeatable Scrabble player! She enjoyed reading, doing the daily crossword puzzle, and she was brave enough (and adequately skilled) to do Sudoku with a pen! Lois was also a quiet volunteer, dedicating countless hours to teaching illiterate adults how to read, and she spent many Thanksgivings at area shelters where she helped to feed the less fortunate. Among the vast wisdom she shared with her children, they recall two things in particular: Lois often repeated the old adage; “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” and “it takes a long time to build trust.” They will all miss her deeply, but they also have many memories to hold close to their hearts forever.

Lois is survived by her two children; Edward Brown of W. Milford, and Christine Brown of W. Milford, her sister; Andrea Peloquin and her husband Paul of Orleans, Massachusetts, and a large, extended family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Memory of Lois to SIM International. Send to SIM Donor Care, PO Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241, or www.simusa.org.

Lois A. Eitel

West Milford

June 29, 2017

John J. Munsey, Jr., age 45 of West Milford, formerly of Totowa, passed Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at home after a 20 month courageous battle with Leukemia.

He was born in Paterson and raised at the family home at 238 Totowa Road, Totowa. John graduated from Passaic County Technical High School in Wayne with the Class of 1990.

John’s first job was at Child World in Totowa and after high school he secured a job as an electrician with the IBEW Local 102. He worked for Wayne Township as the Supervisor of Building Maintenance for fourteen years before leaving due to medical reasons. For several years at town hall he served as President of the AFSCME Local 2192 White Collar Union.

John will be remembered for his quiet, friendly, easy way. He had a knack for remembering names, made friends easily, and loved his coffee. He enjoyed electronics and had a passion for wiring since he was a child. Whether it was amplifiers, speakers, or sub-woofers in his music room or car, John enjoyed the challenge of wiring it all. He loved cars and always considered himself a Chevy man. His first car, which set him on his Chevrolet path, was a 1982 silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo that he loved.

He was an exempt member of the Lincoln Fire Company in Totowa and a member of the American Legion Post 227 - SAL on Union Boulevard in Totowa.

John was the loving husband of Janette Pardo; devoted father of Joseph Munsey; cherished son of John and Florence Munsey; much loved brother of David Munsey and his wife Linda of Ringwood, and Pamela Janek and her husband Adam of Warner Robbins, GA; adored uncle of Jordan and Peyton Janek, and Joshua and Rachel Crespo; dear brother-in-law of Lizette Pardo-Crespo of Clifton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Memory of John to support Joey's future education fund. Please make donations to Janette Pardo, c/o Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

John J. Munsey, Jr.

West Milford, Totowa

June 28, 2017

Mary Ann Ruddy, age 93 of West Milford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 27, 2017.

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, she was a resident of Yonkers, West Nyack, NY and later West Milford before convalescing for the last several years in Wayne for much needed care.

Following high school graduation, Mary worked as an executive assistant with Mobil Oil and later with Union Pencil in Mount Vernon, NY.

Mary met her late beloved husband Leon at an American Legion picnic in the Bronx. They started dating but soon after that picnic, Leon was called to service in the war effort as a soldier in the U.S. Army. While Mary was home supporting the troops as a volunteer with the Bronx chapter of the American Women’s Voluntary Services, War Savings Staff, Leon was overseas where he was subsequently shot and wounded in battle. He returned home and soon after, on Sunday, April 6, 1947, Mary and Leon exchanged wedding vows before God, family and friends at St. Raymond’s Church in the Bronx. They honeymooned in Niagara Falls then settled briefly in the Bronx before moving to Yonkers, NY in 1959. While Mary was sincerely grateful that Leon’s injuries were not life-threatening, she used to light-heartedly quip that he went into the Army as a fine-looking strong young man but returned as damaged goods. All kidding aside, they enjoyed a tender and loving marriage for 49 years until Leon’s passing in July, 1996.

Mary’s devotion was always first and foremost to her family and she lovingly and caringly dedicated herself to raising her three dear children and making the Ruddy house a welcome place to call home. First came her two sons, Leon and Dennis, and later came a gift in the form of her baby girl Darlene. The whole family loved her excellent cooking – especially her goulash, noodles and “chopped meat”, and famous macaroni salad and baked beans. Her son-in-law Bill joked that he put on 25 pounds when he married into the family and, in later years, Mary loved teaching her granddaughter Kelly all the tricks of the trade in the kitchen. When her own children were old enough, Mary began dabbling in real estate sales. She even established her own business which she called Foxwood Realty in New City, NY. Being a real estate agent helped Mary earn some extra income but also gave her the flexibility to be present for her family.

Mary never found a romance novel she didn’t like. Her favorite author of all was definitely Danielle Steele and she would read some of Steele’s books numerous times. All activities of leisure centered on family and friends and another favorite pastime was playing cards, especially the game of rummy – an activity you could find her engaged in every week with her girlfriends. With well over 300 movies in her personal collection, she loved movies of almost any theme and variety.

When her family was young, Mary, Leon, and the kids made vacations out of Leon’s annual Army reunions which took place all over the U.S.A. She cherished times spent with family and friends, especially summer gatherings around the pool at her house in West Nyack, NY or at her son Leon’s pool in Wayne. She considered her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be one of life’s greatest gifts from God and time spent with them was never a chore. She was their loving “Grandma/Mum-Mum” who would drop everything if they were sick and needed care. Her grandson Ryan took advantage of her devotion, often calling her on April Fools Days to exclaim “Mum-Mum, can you come over? I’m so sick today!” She always believed him and he’d have to stop her and say “April Fools Mum-Mum” before she could get in her car to come right over to his house to help. Mary’s son Leon spoiled her with many cruises. She loved the cruises but loved the excuse to be with her grandchildren even more. In the Winter time, Mary and her sister June would often steal away to St. Petersburg, Florida for a couple of months in the warmer climate while husband Leon and daughter Darlene shoveled the snow at home.

Mary’s Catholic faith was very meaningful in her outlook on life. Where ever she lived, she faithfully attended mass, whether at St. Denis Parish in Yonkers, St. Anthony’s Parish in Nanuet, or St. Joseph’s Parish in West Milford. While at St. Joseph’s Parish in West Milford, she loved to tell people that it was the same parish that famous New York Yankee great Derek Jeter’s grandmother attended.

Mary’s strong determined “do it my way” personality served her well in her life. Despite her independent nature, she was always caring and affectionate to all. Traditions her family and friends enjoyed because Mary was there will never be the same without her, but her family give thanks for her life and for her legacy.

Mary was the beloved wife of Leon who passed away in 1996; loving mother of Leon who passed away this past November 2016, Dennis and wife Joanne Ruddy of Butler, and Darlene and husband Bill Boylan of Montville; cherished grandmother of Jennifer, Kristy, Sean, Adam, Lee, Ricky, Ali, Kelly, and Ryan; and dear great-grandmother of Kayla, Christopher Jr., and Jackson. She was also predeceased by her two brothers and two sisters: Ray Walsh, John Walsh, Eileen Drummond, and June Leonard.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary’s name are asked to consider Dementia Society of America – P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 (www.dementiasociety.org), or, in honor of her late son Leon, to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation – P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502 (www.npcf.us)

Mary Ruddy

Morris Plains

June 27, 2017

Frederick Charles Weston, age 94 of Wayne, NJ passed away on June 24, 2017.

Fred was born in Cardiff, South Wales, UK to Charles William and Emma Louise (née Jones) Weston and was pre-deceased by his brother, Lesley Frederick and sisters Amy Lillian Jones and Peggy Marjorie Grashoff.

Fred married the love of his life, Florence Jean (née Wilson) at St. Margaret's Church, Cardiff in February, 1949. Jean pre-deceased Fred by only two weeks, a sudden and unbearable loss after sixty-eight years of marriage. Fred married Jean wearing his "de-mob" suit, much to Jean's chagrin, which was provided by the U.K. Government for his voluntary service in the British Royal Navy during World War II. Fred served on various battleships including the HMS Orion, HMS Renown and HMS Defiance.

Fred and Jean's life together was a true love story that began in the lean days of continued rationing in post-war Britain. Jean was secretary of a Cardiff social club and planned trips of cultural interest. Fred elected to sit next to Jean on one of the coach tours and the rest is history.

Fred studied at Swansea Technical College and qualified as an electrical engineer with an expertise in bulk systems handling. While employed by the Steel Company of Wales, Fred accepted a new position in Totowa, NJ and moved with Jean and their three children, Kevin, Barbara and Philip to Wayne, in June, 1966.

Fred was an accomplished sailor and also enjoyed playing Bridge with his lifelong partner, Jean. Fred and Jean traveled all over the world together for both business and pleasure; they were both employed on a three year contract that Fred accepted to live in Narvik, Norway.

Fred and Jean are survived by their three children Kevin Weston and his wife Mary Beth, Barbara Weston and her husband Bob Pronovost and Philip Weston. Grandchildren Shawn Weston and his wife Jaclyn, Bryan Weston and his wife Emily and Laura (née Weston) Granados and her husband Carlos. Great grandchildren Tyler, Gavin, Max and Lia Weston and Sofia Granados.

Fred will be remembered for his quick self-deprecating wit, his wonderful stories and an ability to live life without taking himself too seriously. Jean was Fred's whole world as they were ours.

Frederick C. Weston

June 24, 2017

James Tuit Jr age 55 passed away peacefully Thursday June 22, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born January 30, 1962 to James Tuit Sr. and Eleanor “Curly” (nee Kuiken) Baum living in Hawthorne, NJ until 1978 before moving to West Milford, NJ. He was a 1980 graduate of Passaic County Technical High School where he excelled in autobody work, which became his career.

Known to friends as Jimmy or “Lil Jimmy”, he was outgoing, fun loving, and a caring person who would do anything for anyone. He loved spending time with the lifelong friends he met when he moved to West Milford, playing horseshoes, boating on Greenwood Lake, or just having a great time together.

Born into a racing family, Jimmy followed his father, Jim “Scuffy” Tuit Sr., and his step-father, John Baum, and he began racing. In 1981, he got behind the wheel of the number 318 Street Stock dirt car at Orange County Speedway in Middletown, NY. In 1984 his younger brother Ray would join him, and they became known as “The Racing Tuits.” Jimmy had multiple career wins with his celebratory signature move; putting his left arm out the window as the checkered flags were waving.

Jimmy was a huge NASCAR fan, and in particular; Bill Elliott. He was an avid METS fan and a Dallas Cowboy fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, being the oldest sibling he thrived on playing jokes on them. Intrigued by all types of puzzles, especially jigsaw puzzles, he was always up for the challenge.

Jimmy is survived by his father, James Tuit Sr., his mother; Curly (Eleanor) Baum and her husband John, his sister; Kathy (Tuit) Pass and her husband Bobby Pass, brother; Ray Tuit and his wife Debbie (Cunningham) Tuit, and his sister; Crystal Baum-Orosz and husband CJ Orosz. He was predeceased by his loving step-mother Judy Tuit, and by his beloved cat; Buka.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations would be appreciated to the NYSSCA (New York State Stock Car Association) 10 Matthew Drive, Castleton, NY 12033, www.nyssca.com.

James Tuit, Jr.

West Milford

June 22, 2017

Olga R. Serraro (nee Guarillo) of North Haledon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Olga was born in Paterson, NJ. Her mom and dad actually met on the boat voyage while immigrating to the United States. When she was only seven years old her mother suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. Her dad sent her and her younger sister to Mary Help of Christians Academy, which was an orphanage at the time. Olga and her sister lived there for five years when their father brought them back home. After coming home again, Olga’s aunts played a large part in helping her father raise her and her sister.

Olga went to work at an early age, her first job was at a Hosiery Mill where she made stockings. Later she worked as an Office Clerk at Meyer Bros in Wayne from 1956-1990. Olga met her late husband Angelo at a gas station where he was pumping gas and fixing cars. Angelo too had lost his mother at a very early age and was forced to go to work quite young instead of nurturing his education. This was something special that Olga and Angelo shared in common. They hit it off wonderfully and as fate would have it they fell in love and were married on April 7, 1940 at Our lady of the Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Paterson. After they were married they stayed in Paterson for a while then moved to North Haledon in 1954. They called North Haledon their home and raised their two daughters there as well. Olga and Angelo remained in North Haledon until Angelo’s passing in 1993. Olga stayed in the very same house after her husband died and lived on her own until 2014. Olga and Angelo were parishioners of St Paul’s RC Church in Prospect Park for many years. Following Angelo’s passing, Olga joined the St Gerard’s Senior Club and also worked the St Gerard’s Bingo for many years.

Olga was a “tough’ lady, was sharp as a tack and always convinced people that she was right. Along with instilling to her children wonderful and strong family values, she always made it clear to her kids that they should never let anyone push them around. Olga loved traveling and some memorable places that she visited were Hawaii and Aruba. Actually she loved to travel wherever a casino could be found. Gambling was one of her favorite pastimes. She was fun loving, enjoyed spending time with old friends and making new ones. She was quite the cook as well and was well known for her sauce (gravy) and her meatballs and Braciole at Sunday dinners with the family. However Olga’s family remembers her best dish being her Eggplant. Olga cherished fifty-three years of loving and loyal marriage and took much pride in raising their two daughters. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was extremely proud of her Italian heritage. Olga was blessed to have such a full and healthy life and she touched the lives of many people. She will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her.

Olga is survived by her two daughters; Arlene Mangin of Manasquan and Judith Carilli and her husband Thomas of Florida, two granddaughters; Michele Kuslansky of Ramsey, and Renee Semon and her husband Tucker of Wayne, one great-grandson; Sean Semon of Wayne and one great-granddaughter; Charlie Semon also of Wayne, one sister in Florida. She was predeceased by her loving husband Angelo in 1993.

Olga R. Serraro

June 20, 2017

Elwin “Edward” T. White, age 91, of Davidson, NC and formerly of Paterson, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017. Ed was lovingly cared for in his last days by Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region at the Levine Dickson Hospice House. Family members gathered in the days prior to his passing to show their love and support for Ed.

Born and raised in Paterson, Ed attended St. Bonaventure’s Grammar and High School.

Ed’s mother, Mae White, was left alone to raise him and his six brothers when Ed was just a young boy. As an adult, Ed would often reminisce about his mother Mae, noting his great love and admiration for her. He’d recall stories of the lengths she would go to support her boys, by doing the neighbor’s laundry or using her amazing gift of baking to make homemade bread to sell for income. He’d also tell stories to demonstrate her sense of humor, like how she hid a chunk of limburger cheese under the bed which several of Ed’s brothers slept in. Ed would wait and watch from the other room to see them suddenly squirm when the putrid smell of that cheese hit their noses. He loved stunts like that and he obviously got his own sense of humor from his mom.

Ed met the love of his life, Crucie Angelella, one evening at a local dance. Dancing was a great passion to both of them and they were masters of a dance called the Lindy Hop – a style of dance that was popular during the swing era of the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. Being a proud Italian, at first, Crucie’s father did not want her to be dating Ed because of his Irish descent. Over time though, he realized what a good man Ed was. Ed and Crucie made their wedding promises to each other on Sunday, May 10, 1953 then honeymooned in New York City. At the time, Ed was 28 and Crucie was 20. They settled into their first home together in Paterson and soon began their family. Ed and Crucie enjoyed a loving marriage of 44 years until her passing in 1997.

At age 18 Ed began a career with Bogue Electric of Paterson. Over the next 41 years, he worked up the ranks to become a machine shop foreman. He retired in 1989.

As his mom so wonderfully modeled, Ed’s devotion was first and foremost felt for his wife and children. Always striving to be a good provider, he regularly worked second and third jobs as a banquet waiter on weeknights and weekends at the Friar Tuck Inn and Mayfair Farms as well as many other venues. In his job with Bogue Electric he regularly forfeited a week of his vacation time, choosing instead to work those extra days so that he could take that extra earned money to take Crucie and his children out for dinner and for long weekends down the Jersey shore in Wildwood – almost every year. Ed also spoke lovingly and often about his brothers, especially Leo, who was also his closest friend. Family was the driving passion of Ed's life and he demonstrated his love for his wife and children through his hard work. He exemplified a 'good provider' and often worked an extra shift so the family would have tuition and the things a growing family of four children needed.

Besides his family, Ed derived a tremendous amount of pleasure from participating in sports. His favorites were golf, bowling and basketball and he belonged to many adult leagues, even while his kids were growing up. After retirement and when he moved to Midlothian Virginia, Ed gladly took a job as a golf ranger at the nearby Birkdale Country Club so he could continue playing. He loved this so much so he continued in the job for the next 20 years and played golf at Birkdale until he was 86 years old. He also loved watching all kinds of sports on television, especially the New York Giants and Knicks and golf matches. An avid political news watcher in his later years, he loved to debate the merits of any politician or political trend.

For the first 64 years of his life, from birth to 1990, Ed was a faithful parishioner of St. Bonaventure’s R.C. Church in Paterson. He also served on the Pastoral Council for the Servants of the Holy Cross Prayer Community, working with fellow members to serve God and the church community from 1978 to 1990. Upon his move south to Virginia in 1990, Ed soon found friends and fellowship becoming a parishioner of the Epiphany Catholic Church in Midlothian. He served as a Eucharistic minister for many years. In his later years, when he couldn’t make it to mass, Ed would tune into the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) where he could watch Catholic-themed programming around the clock.

Always the life of the party, Ed had a great sense of humor. More importantly, he will always be remembered for being a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather who was always there when you needed him.

Ed is survived by his four children and their spouses: Ed and Barbara White of Midlothian, VA, Ron and MaryLynne White Pisano of Wayne, NJ, Michael and Elizabeth White of Davidson, NC, and Patrick and Dominie White of Martinez, CA. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Rosemary White of Ocean Acres, NJ. Ed’s fourteen grandchildren include Beth White, Tim White, Amanda White Condrey, Christina Pisano Peppinghaus, Julie Pisano De Pew, Nick Pisano, Joshua White, Kelly White Carpenter, Mary White Roop, Bianca Ochoa, Patrick White Jr., Evan White, and Leo White. His five great-grandchildren are Brandon Peppinghaus, Lily Peppinghaus, April De Pew, Josephine White and Samson White. In addition to his beloved wife Crucie, Ed was predeceased by his mother and father, Mary 'Mae' and John White, and brothers: Joe, Harry, Jackie, Bobby and Leo White.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ed’s name are asked to consider the Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204 or online at www.hpccr.org.

Elwin “Edward” White

Davidson

June 18, 2017

John E. Reenstra, Sr., age 82 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2017. He had been an engineer with Singer-Kearfott for many years.

Raised in Clifton, John graduated from Clifton High School. He was a brilliant kid, but his family didn’t have the means to send him to college. Fortunately, a friend of the family advocated for John and he was given an opportunity to attend Syracuse University. He poured himself into his studies and was able to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, accomplishing this in just three and a half years. It’s only fair to note that his wife, Alice (nee Fields), whom he married during his junior year at Syracuse, provided him with invaluable support and she was responsible for typing most of his papers during his senior year there! Upon graduating, John took a job with ITT in Nutley, NJ and then, shortly thereafter, earned his Professional Engineer license. He then joined Singer-Kearfott where he stayed for the duration of his employment. At Singer-Kearfott, John was responsible for the development of navigation systems that were implemented on the Cassini Spacecraft, Skylab, the space shuttles, and many other satellites that are still in service today. One of the highlights of his career was during the Apollo 13 mission when Mission Control called John at home for direct assistance with restarting the navigational systems on board the Apollo that would ultimately bring the astronauts safely back to earth.

John was always thinking and at home he designed and built many of his own systems to simplify and improve their lives. He also had a bit of a mischievous side to him, and when bees had colonized in the eave of his house, he taught his sons how to eradicate them using explosives! He carefully inserted a large firecracker, called an “ash can”, up in the eave of the house, lit the fuse, and they all ran away. When the dust settled, there was a swarm of unhappy bees, and the gutter had been blown off the side of the house! Alice let her disapproval be known with no uncertainty. John was also passionate about racing his pigeons. He had upwards of 120 birds at the height of his racing days, and “SJ”, short for “Super Jock”, was his fastest bird ever. John was a founding member of the Wayne Pigeon Flyers Club in 1967 and served as the club secretary. He was also a member of the Lakeland Pigeon Flyers Club. John developed some unique and cunning strategies for racing, including the creation of a lighting system in his home that encouraged the birds to have their chicks a few months earlier than usual, meaning that his birds would be slightly more mature, and stronger flyers than the competition. At the time, there were no rules regarding the age of the birds as there are today.

John had his “Achilles heel”, which was ice cream! He enjoyed Slurpees and milk shakes, but ice cream was his favorite. He was known to jump at the sound of the ice cream truck approaching the neighborhood, and he’s chased more than one ice cream vendor down the beach at the Jersey Shore. He would often get two Fudgsicles, because one was never enough!

John met his wife Alice on a blind date while they were still in high school. They married on June 30, 1956 and waited until he finished college before enjoying their honeymoon to Henderson Harbor, near Alexandria Bay on Lake Ontario. Together, they loved to go camping and had taken many trips over the years, including a circuit down around Florida visiting various areas and friends along the way. They celebrated forty eight years of marriage together before Alice passed away in 2004, which understandably left John heartbroken.

John is survived by his four children; Maryalice Reenstra of Lincoln Park, John Reenstra, Jr. and his wife Marie of Pequannock, Richard Reenstra and his wife Heather of Toms River, NJ, and William Reenstra and his wife Rose of Sparta, four grandchildren; John Reenstra, III of Wayne, Kelsey Reenstra of Pequannock, James Reenstra and his wife Jennifer of Manahawkin, and Kathryn Reenstra of Toms River, one great-grandchild; Lucas Reenstra of Toms River, and a sister; Jeanne Bartelt and her husband Howard of Whiting, NJ. He was predeceased by his wife Alice in 2004, and by his three brothers; Robert, Howard, and Arthur.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics of New Jersey via www.sonj.org, or to Mary Help of Christians Academy, 659 Belmont Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508.

John Reenstra, Sr.

June 18, 2017

Catherine A. Hayes, age 89 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. She had lived in Wayne since 1959.

Catherine is a graduate of Nutley High School in Nutley, NJ. She first met her husband Howard when he was her paperboy. Given his dashing good looks, it was likely she fell for him even then. Among other things, they enjoyed roller skating together and made a beautiful couple. They hit it off and just two years later were married on September 25, 1948. They honeymooned in Bushkill Falls Pa and settled for a time in Belleville NJ. Within a few years they had saved up enough money to buy a vacant lot in Wayne, where they proceeded to build their own home over the course of then next seven years. They literally built their future home from the ground up doing most of the work on weekends. Of course, Howard never really ‘finished’ the house, and continued to work on it right up until he passed away in 1994. There was much to admire about Catherine. She was a wonderful homemaker, cook and baker. But her most outstanding trait was her generosity. Her home was welcoming to everyone she came in contact with. Even though her and Howard were not blessed with financial riches, whatever they did have they shared with others.

Catherine was both a great mom and grandmother. She always took interest in their lives and enjoyed seeing both her grandchildren and children participate in whatever activity interested them. The house was always full of goodies and every birthday was a great occasion often filled with wonderful ice cream cake.

Catherine and Howard enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage to one another. They were very happy together and Catherine was nothing short of devastated when he passed away so suddenly. She was even a bit angry at him for leaving her so soon. Perhaps she’s chastising him a bit during their reunion in Heaven. But more likely the reunion was marked with a huge hug and kiss. She often spoke of her mother whom she lost at a very young age. It gave her comfort to think she would also be reunited with her.

Catherine is survived by her four loving children; Katherine Schiefer and her husband Ronald of PA, Howard Hayes and his wife Jacqueline of Wayne, Diane Beers and her husband Paul of Washington, NJ, and Robert Hayes and his wife Lauren of Wayne, and eight grandchildren; Christopher, Jennifer, Robert, Kyle, Jamie, Catherine, Jack, and Megan. She was predeceased by her husband Howard in 1994, and by her brother John Soos.

Catherine Hayes

June 14, 2017

Roy E. Pitcher, Jr., age 95 of Wayne, died Monday, June 12, 2017. He had been a resident of Wayne since 1950.

Roy grew up in Paterson and attended St. John’s High School. As a teenager, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. Upon returning home from the Service, he took a job with the Bendix Corporation where he worked for many years. He preferred to work the night shift at Bendix, which allowed him to operate his painting business during the day. Roy worked two jobs for most of his life and he was fastidious about his painting, retiring at the young age of 80 years old.

Roy met his darling wife, Eleanor (nee Setlock) while bowling (he was an excellent bowler) in the Styretowne section of Clifton. After a brief courtship, they married on May 10, 1947, which was also Roy’s birthday and that little fact helped him to never forget his wedding anniversary! They purchased a vacant building lot in Wayne and began to build their own home. Roy didn’t know much of anything about building houses, so he began to read “how to” books. Lo and behold, he successfully built their house himself, with Eleanor’s help too, of course, and much to the dismay of his critics, that home is still standing strong today! They officially ‘moved in’ to that new home in 1950 and began raising their family. Roy’s children recall countless treasured memories in their home, as well as many memorable vacations to places like Long Beach Island, fishing trips to Alexandria Bay on the St. Lawrence River, and camping in Virginia. Roy always chose their vacation destinations based upon the local fishing activity because he just loved to fish. He was also a devoted NY METS fan, listening to their games on the radio while he painted. His boys painted with him as teenagers, but those experiences didn’t make for the best of memories, as Roy was just too particular about painting that no one, not even his own sons, could meet up to his high standards – and he let them know it! Nevertheless, the kids can all laugh about those days now, and reflect fondly on the memories they made with their dad. They will all miss him dearly.

Roy was predeceased by his dearest Eleanor in 1999, and he is survived by three children; Patrick Pitcher and his wife Linda of Delaware, Brian Pitcher and his wife Mary Beth of Delaware, Maureen Breznovits and her husband Keith of Towaco, NJ, six grandchildren; Justin Pitcher and his fiancé Jade Nelson of Maryland, Shana Jones and her husband Zach of San Diego, Brian and Erin Pitcher of Delaware, and Ryan and Kelly Breznovits of Towaco, and one great-grandchild; Waylon Jones of San Diego, CA. Roy was also predeceased by his siblings; June Hanlon, Alice Menton, and Frank Pitcher.

Donations in Roy’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Passaic County Meals on Wheels program, as they provided wonderful support to Roy throughout the years since he lost his wife Eleanor. Donations can be made directly to “Meals on Wheels” and sent to; “Attn; Bennie Cook, Meals on Wheels, 930 Riverview Drive, Suite 250, Totowa, NJ 07512.”

Roy E. Pitcher, Jr.

June 12, 2017

Peter Blankman, Jr., age 86, of Woodland Park where he resided for 58 years, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2017.

He was born to Peter and Adriana Blankman and raised on 602 Park Avenue and on 608 Garden Street. He attended the Pine Street Christian School in Passaic and traveled to school by train each day. He later attended the Eastern Academy High School on North 8th Street in Prospect Park.

At the age of seventeen Peter left home to join the US Navy. He enlisted on July 19, 1950 in New York City and attained the rank of MM2 (machinists mate 2nd class) while serving during the Korean War. Her served aboard the USS Casa Grande (LSD-13) and received the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (“B” clasp) and Good Conduct Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged on May 13, 1954.

After Peter’s service in the Navy he attended the RCA Institute in New York City. He worked for the Western Union as a messenger while attending school. After school he worked for Albano Construction in Roselle, New Jersey, as an assembler at the Tungsten Contact Company in North Bergen and as a pipe fitter for Bethlehem Steel in Hoboken where his dad was employed. He later worked for the Curtis Wright Corporation , Electronics Division in East Paterson as a system test and calibration flight simulator trouble shoot. Kearfot Corporation in Woodland Park as electronics technician. US Postal Bulk Service Center in Jersey City, and eventually was transferred to the Postal Service Office in Paterson as a mail deliverer for a time before being accepted into the maintenance division. He retired on June 1, 1998.

Peter met Helen Oussoren in 1954 and the two soon fell in love. In 1955 Helen moved with her family to Vancouver, BC Canada. Their relationship lasted the test of distance. They were married on August 31, 1957 at the Christian Reformed Church in Hoboken.

Peter will be remembered as a personable man who was extremely hard working. He could fix anything and once he set his mind to something there was no changing it. His quiet nature was forged during the Depression years where his family lived in poverty. He always enjoyed traveling with Helen and truly loved his grandchildren.

Peter was the devoted husband of Helen Blankman; devoted father of Anita Zito of Wayne and her late husband Sal (2004), Peter J. Blankman of Vernon, and Melinda A. Evans of Wayne; he was the cherished grandfather of Tyler and Brandon Blankman and Trevor and Austin Evans; brother of Audrey Winters of Hasbrouck Heights; uncle of Lisa and Lori Napoletano.

Peter Blankman, Jr.

Woodland Park

June 10, 2017

Victor Biro, age 75 of Lincoln Park, passed Friday, June 9, 2017,

He was born in Nagykanizsa, Hungary and at the age of twelve he and several buddies his age left Hungary and made their way to Austria. When in Austria the boys were taken in by a Catholic organization that took many young people with similar circumstances under their wing. It was through their mentoring that the boys would be schooled and learn a trade. Victor was taught to be a tile worker. This organization also helped Victor and many like him immigrate to America where they had jobs and Hungarian families on the ready to take them in.

Once in America Victor settled in Passaic New Jersey where he became a United States citizen on June 17, 1966. His training as a tile worker helped him find a career in construction in the United States. He worked for Carpenters Local 15 for over forty years before retiring in 2003.

Victor met Angela Graziano through friends. Their first date was a trip to Parsippany where they went horseback riding. As a suitor Victor would come to Angela’s house with a suit and tie and was always a gentleman. He asked Angela’s parents for her hand in marriage and was given their blessing. They married on June 26, 1966 at Mount Carmel RC Church in Passaic and had a reception at the Swiss Chalet in Rochelle Park. They honeymooned in Bermuda and have enjoyed a loving, devoted, and caring marriage of fifty-one years.

Victor will be remembered as a man who loved the outdoors. Deep sea fishing, hunting, crabbing, where all pastimes he enjoyed. He was a great cook, always made too much food, and loved to fire up the barbecue. When it came to barbecuing he was very slow and deliberate with each turn of the meat. He liked having his hand in the soil and enjoyed both flower and vegetable gardening.

Victor was the loving husband of Angela Biro; devoted father of Victor Biro and his fiancé Heidi Wright of Boonton Township; loved brother of Monci and her husband Joseph of Hungary; several nieces and nephews in Hungary; much loved brother-in-law of Joann DiPiazza and her husband Joe of Little Falls; dear uncle of Joseph DiPiazza and his wife Valerie of Pequannock and James DiPiazza and his wife Michele of Little Falls.

Victor Biro

Sean P. Mulligan, 59, of Wayne, died Friday, June 9, 2017.

Sean was a proud member of Local One IUEC of New York and New Jersey for nearly thirty years. Most recently, he had been building skyscrapers in New York City with ThyssenKrupp AG of Germany. He was an incredibly hard-working man.

Born in Manhattan, Sean moved to Packanack Lake with his family from New York’s Upper East Side as a young boy. He graduated from DePaul High School in 1976 as the second-ranked wrestler in the state of New Jersey, for which he received a complete scholarship to the University of Tampa. After attending college, Sean served our country in the US Navy aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was a diver, and specialized in both underwater and terrestrial disaster recovery and rescue.

Upon return from the Navy, Sean capitalized on his advanced military training and joined Local One, where he quickly climbed the ladder. Sean was known as a tremendously talented, resourceful worker, and was often known to work well into the night to get the job done.

Through mutual friends, Sean met his beloved wife, Lisa in the summer of 1987. They married soon after and moved to Packanack Lake to start a family.

Sean had a tremendous sense of adventure and loved to travel. When his sons, Sean and Ryan, were young, he would take the boys into New York City every single Saturday without fail. Whether is was the Guggenheim or Coney Island, rain or shine, a Saturday with Dad was never an idle one. Sean would take his family to the Jersey Shore multiple times each summer, and upon occasion, to tropical islands, where he would show off his tremendous swimming skills he picked up in the Navy. Sean had a phenomenal sense of humor, which his family will miss most. He was known to make light of even the most unfortunate situation, always able to make his family laugh and smile.

Sean is survived by his wife Lisa of Wayne, his two sons; Sean Patrick and Ryan, both of Wayne, his mother; Deborah Mulligan of Montague, NJ, one sister; Julie Barone of Oak Ridge, NJ, and three brothers; Michael Mulligan and his wife Theresa of W. Milford, NJ, Timothy Mulligan and his wife Nessa of Wayne, and Patrick Mulligan and his wife Patty of Wayne, as well as a large, extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sean’s honor would be appreciated to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202, or visit diabetes.org.

Sean P. Mulligan

Luisa Pilar Fontanez, age 97, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 9, 2017.

Born in Coamo, Puerto Rico in 1919, Luisa was the daughter of Meliton and Mercedes Leon. The town of Coamo was very small and opportunities were even smaller for families to have chances to get ahead in life. In fact, Luisa herself quit school when she was just ten years old sewing full time to help her family.

She married Florencio Fontanez in 1934 at the age of 15 to have her own home. Over the years the couple worked hard selling baked goods (Florencio), Pasteles and garments (Luisa). Eventually, they made enough $ to bring the Family to New York.

Strong in her faith, all of her 6 children attended Catholic school at Holy Cross in Hell's kitchen. She was strong and stern, but always defended and took care of her family.

When the kids were almost grown, she took driving lessons, bought an Edsel and headed out to California. She got a job right away and stayed with friends until she could send for the family again. Once she was established in LA, she went back to school – first finishing grammar school, then getting her high school diploma. But Luisa didn’t stop there. Those steps were just a means to her ultimate goal – becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Once she was a nurse, Luisa started work in a local hospital as well as private care. When they were all out of the house, she finished school and studied to be an LPN.

She always visited her children and grandchildren throughout the years and even found time to craft dresses with lace and tulle that today would cost $200 each. She also travelled extensively visiting Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Russia, Venezuela, Columbia, and much of the United States including Death Valley in California. Strangely enough it was Death Valley that was her favorite place to go because the warm dry air and lack of pollution made her allergies almost go away. One of the highlights of Luisa’s life was also seeing Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.

When Florencio passed away, Luisa drove from Florida to New Jersey to come live with her youngest daughter Zoe and her husband Stephen in Vernon, NJ. In 2001, they moved to Wayne and Luisa has called Wayne her home for the last sixteen years. She helped with cooking and cleaning even though no one ever asked her to. She took care of everyone throughout her life. Some of her best dishes were: bacalaitos, alcapurrias, arroz con pollo, and of course, pasteles!

She worked hard all her life but also enjoyed, concerts like Julio Iglesias, Broadway plays, and dances.

Luisa will forever be admired for being a great example of making much of the little opportunities that she was given. She was a great inspiration to her family and despite much sacrifice that all experienced, Luisa was always generous and loving to her family, friends, and patients. Her family always knew she had their back and her presence in their lives and the lives of those she touched will be greatly missed.

Luisa was predeceased by her beloved husband Florencio. She is survived by her dear son and four dear daughters: Julia Montanez of Deltona, FL, Maria Jewell of Deltona, FL, Louie and wife Rosalba Fontanez of Burbank, CA, Martha Schonfeld of Ann Arbor, MI, and Zoe M. and husband Stephen Seda of Wayne; twenty adored grandchildren, and twelve cherished great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her son Antonio in 2015.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Luisa’s name are asked to consider Annunciation RC Church or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72207 (www.heifer.org).

Luisa Fontanez

Jean Weston, age 90, of Wayne, NJ passed away on June 9, 2017.

Jean was born in the small Welsh mining village of Garnant, Carmarthenshire to George Dykins Wilson and Ethel Mary (née Silk) Wilson.

In February, 1949 Jean married the love of her life, Fred Weston and together they raised three children. Devoted mother of son Kevin Weston and his wife Mary Beth, daughter Barbara Weston and her husband Bob Pronovost and son Philip Weston. Proud grandmother of Shawn Weston and his wife Jaclyn, Bryan Weston and his wife Emily and Laura (née Weston) Granados and her husband Carlos. Great grandmother to Tyler, Gavin, Max and Lia Weston and Sofia Granados.

Jean was pre-deceased by her sister Mary Margaret, brother William and sister Rita Eileen and is survived by her brother Brian.

Fred and Jean emigrated to the United States from South Wales in June, 1966 with their three children and since then have traveled all over the world together. Fred and Jean's most recent trip was to Florida in order to celebrate Jean's 90th birthday.

Jean was a member of the Preakness Reformed Church and an accomplished bridge player. Jean will always be remembered for her elegance, poise and unselfishness. Jean's loving, compassionate and caring attention that she shared with all whom she touched is sorely missed.

Jean Weston

Rosa Antonietta Antonucci, age 69 of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Rosa was born in Modica Sicily Italy and at the age of seven she immigrated to the United States just after Rosa’s father, at the age of forty-two, passed away. The came to the United States through New York City and settle into life in South Paterson, New Jersey. Rosa was raised at the home at 400 21st Avenue in Paterson and attended the Eastside High School in Paterson with the Class of 1966. She left Paterson soon after she married Thomas Antonucci and they bought a home in Wayne where they have lived for over forty-five years.

After high school Rosa went to the Roman Academy of Beauty School in Paterson where she found a career in hair dressing that was more of a passion than work. Most recently she worked for over twenty-five years at the L’egance Creative Hair Designers on Union Boulevard in Totowa. She loved the people she worked with and her clients often turned into loyal friends.

Rosa was introduced, by the parish priest at Saint Michaels Church in Paterson, to a young man named Thomas Antonucci. They were married on September 19, 1971 at Saint Michaels Church and honeymooned in Jamaica. Rosa and Thomas were inseparable. They were truly always there for each other, loved to travel, always enjoyed going out to dinner with friends and family, and enjoyed trips to Atlantic City together. They have lovingly enjoyed forty-six years of devoted marriage.

Rosa will be remembered as a strong person who was always positive, selfless, very outgoing, and a kid at heart. She was an excellent cook and the love she stirred into her Italian cooking and specialties like lasagna, rice balls, pizzagaina, and sauce will always be treasured. Most of all Rosa will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Rosa fondly remembered the time she and Thomas traveled to Italy and entered her hometown of Modico. After over fifty years, as soon as she started walking around, cousins immediately recognized her.

Rosa was the loving wife of Thomas Antonucci; dearly loved daughter of Lena Iacono and the late Giovanni Iacono; devoted mother of Rosanne Antonucci of Wayne, Gina Biro and her husband Chris of Pompton Plains, and the late Paula Jean Antonucci (May 1994); cherished grandmother of Justin, Christopher, and Olivia; and loved sister of Gilda Iacono of Woodland Park.

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

Rosa Antonietta Antonucci

June 8, 2017

Irene R. Muir, age 72 of Wayne, died peacefully, with family lovingly by her side, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

Irene was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina while her father was stationed there and serving as a U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper. After his service completed in the early 1950’s she moved with her parents and her sister Marjorie to Newark, NJ.

Irene attended Newark’s Central High School where she met her high school sweet heart – John Phillips “Jack” Muir. Jack was a couple of years older than Irene and, after he graduated, he went to serve in the Army. Irene waited till he returned and they married on Saturday, December 3, 1966.

After getting married, Irene and Jack continued living in Newark and where they started their family. They were blest with two sons and two daughters and Irene enjoyed her role as full-time mom and homemaker. Everyone loved her homemade lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs, and for dessert, her freshly baked cakes were always enjoyed and appreciated because Irene baked the love right in. Irene had a way of making Christmas special which she found easy because it was her favorite holiday of all. One could argue that she got more delight from watching her children and grandchildren’s wide-eyed amazement at the sight of Santa than they got from seeing him. She loved setting up her Christmas village and toy trains and filling the house with holiday music and homemade treats.

Irene and Jack enjoyed a storied marriage of 39 years filled with adoration for each other as they enjoyed the simple things of life together. Irene chose to never get her driver’s license and that was fine with Jack. It just gave him more opportunities to be with her as the two enjoyed doing everyday things like shopping together at the grocery store, going to flea markets, sitting in the back yard to enjoy each other’s company while sipping a cup of coffee, and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune together. There were also the occasional family day trips down the shore to Keansburg Amusement Park, Atlantic City and the Cheesequake State Park that gave Irene a smile in her heart. No one’s heart was more broken when Irene’s beloved Jack passed away in 2006.

Very Italian – Irene’s kids would quip that if you held her hands she wouldn’t be able to speak. She’ll be missed for being a wonderful mother and grandmother who always put the needs of her family and friends before her own.

Irene is survived by her three dear children: John “Jack” Muir and wife Lisa Lefler, Mary and husband Frederick D’Onofrio, and Michael Muir – all of Wayne; her six cherished grandchildren: James, Christopher, Christopher, Gabriella, Jenalise, and Tyler; and her sister Marjorie Macalack. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John “Jack” Sr., and her dear daughter Irene Carson.

Irene Ruth Muir

June 6, 2017

Elaine J. Rendina, age 89, of Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

The year was 1928, and Elaine was born at home in Totowa, on the kitchen table, delivered by a mid-wife. She spent her early years in Totowa. However, after the Great Depression hit, work for Elaine’s father was scarce, forcing them to sell their home and move to Paterson.

Following graduation from Eastside High School with the Class of 1946, it was Elaine’s desire to go into nursing, but instead she went right to work so that she could contribute income towards the family expenses. Her first job out of high school was working as an assistant credit manager at Meyer Brothers Department Store in downtown Paterson.

As a young woman, Elaine was always up for a night out with the girls to catch a Broadway show, or to go dancing to the sounds of Jimmy or Tommy Dorsey or Glen Miller, or a trip down the Jersey shore for a sunny day on the beach.

In 1963 she met a young man named Felix Rendina who had just returned from service in the U.S. Army having served in Germany. It was a blind date, set up by Felix’s sister who worked for Dr. Bonjiorno and Elaine’s mother Rose who was a patient of Dr. Bonjiorno. That first date consisted of a movie and then a trip into New York City for a bit of dancing in the Hawaiian Room at the Hotel Lexington. Elaine got a great impression of Felix and, from that day on, his phone never stopped ringing! Eventually Felix proposed marriage to Elaine at her parent’s home and a short time later, on Sunday, September 27, 1964, the loving couple married at St. Gerard’s Church in Paterson. After a reception at the Rustic Lodge on Route 46 and a honeymoon in Florida at the Hotel Carillon, Mr. and Mrs. Rendina settled into their first home together which they purchased on 264 Sherwood Avenue in the Hillcrest section of Paterson.

Elaine continued in her job with Meyer Brothers until the blessing of her and Felix’s two daughters redirected her priorities towards their care and nurture. While her little girls Maria and Lisa were growing up, Elaine stayed home and lovingly poured herself into their lives, volunteering as a Girl Scout leader and in the PTA at School 27. Her daughters will testify to what a great mom Elaine was, and rave about how Mom taught them cooking skills when they were just ten years old. More importantly, she taught them good old-fashioned values like the virtue of hard work and doing your best. Elaine loved traditions and one of those traditions when the kids were growing up consisted of Friday nights with Felix and the girls out for a night at the Willowbrook Mall. Her daughters especially enjoyed those nights because they could usually count on an ice cream treat and coming home with a 45 record with a recording from one of their favorite artists to play on the family record player. As the girls grew older, the tradition changed a little but continued when Felix would go play golf and the ladies would head to the mall for some shopping, a sandwich at the ham store and a cup of coffee at Starbucks in the food court.

At home, Elaine was the consummate homemaker who kept the house so clean and neat, she could easily accept company at the drop of a hat. While cleaning she would often sing songs along with the music playing on the radio. She could also make the house smell so inviting with her delicious braciole recipe and famous eggplant parmigiana which was requested for all family gatherings. In her spare time she would read the latest issue of Readers Digest from cover to cover, and get together with the other veteran’s wives as a member of the Riverside Veterans Women’s Auxiliary.

When her daughters were in high school, Elaine returned to the workplace as a bookkeeper with Matas Finaly and Morro Business Supplies of Paterson for ten years. After that, she and Felix settled into retirement and enjoyed some wonderful times traveling together with highlights being trips to Florida, some luxury cruises, and a visit to the Smokey Mountains where they got to see the luxurious Biltmore estate. Of course, there were also many good times spent as a growing family, now with the blessing of four beautiful granddaughters, down the shore at Wildwood Crest and Long Beach Island (LBI). These shore trips were another special summer tradition that dated back to when Elaine was raising her own family and they continue to this day.

Elaine was a faithful Parishioner of St. Gerard’s Church in Paterson, and in 1998, when she moved to Wayne, she became a parishioner of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne.

Tough and a bit feisty (her granddaughters called Grandma “Chicken Hawk” because she reminded them of the feisty sidekick of the famed Looney Tunes character Foghorn Leghorn) Elaine was nevertheless extremely loving! She’d do anything for her family or friends and was very protective. She was really ahead of her time and always made the best of the hand that life dealt her. May she rest in the peace of God.

Elaine was the beloved wife of Felix for 52 years of marriage: loving mother of Maria and husband Sal Rafanelli of Wayne, and Lisa Rendina and her husband Potter Earle of Churchville, PA; cherished grandmother of Danielle, Gianna, Celeste, and Maggie; and dear sister of Janet Rigamonti of North Haledon. She was predeceased by her dear brother John Fiorillo.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Elaine’s name are asked to consider Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 (www.alznj.org).

Elaine Rendina

June 6, 2017

Alice Gabel, age 87 of Wayne, died peacefully with her family by her side, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

Alice was born in Paterson and lived there until she was about ten years old. Her family moved to the “down neck” section of Newark where she spent her formative years. Alice proudly contributed to the household as she began to work for a number of large companies. Eventually she became the trusted Executive Assistant to the Vice-President of a large bank. She met many people in the workforce. Some of which became friends for life.

One summer evening Alice met Charles Gabel while dancing at the Osprey in Manasquan, NJ. Realizing their birthdays were only one day apart, Charles asked her out to celebrate. Eventually Alice accepted. After a proper courtship they were married on January 27, 1962. They enjoyed a loving yet feisty marriage for nearly thirty years. Their pride and joy were their two sons, Douglas and Matthew.

Alice and Charles settled in the newly constructed homes in the Tom’s Lake section of Wayne. The community was filled with new families moving in all around them, most of which were young couples with children, just like her and Charles. When the township proposed making their quiet, dead-end street into a through-street, Alice was there with the other moms, lining up their baby strollers across the road to block the construction! She formed long lasting friendships playing cards, games, and attending neighborhood BBQ’s, as recently as last summer! When Charles fell ill, Alice displayed her most loving quality dedicating several years of her life taking great care of him until his untimely passing in 1991.

Alice knew how to keep busy and occupy her time. She was most content watching old movies and continued to do so on a daily basis. Earlier on, Alice was happy relaxing on a beach chair near a jetty, reading a book. Cape May was her favorite place to visit, and Cape Cod took a close second. She also loved dining out, especially at the shore. She truly enjoyed her meals and would never rush. Her sons recall their birthday dinners were always at least three hours long!

Alice was very creative and was a wonderful artist. Her creativity and love of the arts expanded into all areas of her life; from her eye for decorating and great sense of style & fashion to taking in shows with family & friends at NJPAC and Papermill Playhouse. She was known for dressing nicely and always looked great. Her secret to keeping a sharp mind was doing the daily crossword puzzle – and it worked! She was often described as being a “pip”, and having “spunk”. Both meant in the most loving way. At 87 years old she hardly missed a beat! Alice Gabel’s trademark salutation, “Love and Lollipops”, always put a smile on the faces of those she loved.

She was a devoted mother to her two sons whose happiness was of the utmost importance to her. If her sons were happy, so was she. A grandmother of four, “Grandma Gabel” enjoyed watching her grandchildren play. She’d often say “I don't need to have them right next to me, I just love to watch and listen to them.” Once again, proving how her loved-ones happiness made her happy too.

Alice would frequently tell her family members that she loved them. And when she received a reply, they knew she’d respond “I love you more”, and she did. They will all miss her dearly.

Alice is survived by her two sons; Doug Gabel and his wife Carol of Pompton Plains, and Matt Gabel and his wife Karen of West Milford, and four grandchildren; Ryan, Caroline, Jackson, and Kaila. She was predeceased by her husband Charles in 1991.

Alice loved flowers, but she was also a very practical woman. In lieu of flowers, her family would greatly appreciate donations in her memory be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 , Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517, or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Alice Gabel

June 6, 2017

Carmen M. Salotti (nee Manzo), age 83 of Port St. Lucie and formerly of Paterson, NJ, died on June 4, 2017 in Port St. Lucie. She was the daughter of Patersonians Albert and Marion Manzo.

“Cheech,” or “Aunt Carm” as she was known to all, was an incredible, fun loving member of the Manzo family, and the best aunt that her nieces and nephews could have ever wished for! Aunt Carm was always deeply involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews. So much so that she was like a surrogate mom to each of them. She taught them to laugh, love, dance the Cha-Cha, enjoy the theatre, speak Italian, cook Italian, and so much more. Her affection extended to everyone and she has more dear friends than you could ever count.

Aunt Carm also had a wonderful sense of adventure that took her all over the world. In fact, the story of how she met her husband Lou was an adventure unto itself. Carm went on a vacation to Italy in the 1960’s and met Lou. That adventure never ended, and they have remained together ever since. Carm and Lou were married on December 18, 1966 at St. Gerards RC Church in Paterson and they honeymooned in Italy! They lived for several years in Paterson before choosing Southern Florida as their home in 1975. They lived in Fort Lauderdale for about twelve years before making Port St. Lucie their home for the past thirty years. She was devoted to her darling husband for more than fifty years and the two of them did everything together, like the best of friends. They had traveled around the world many times to countless destinations of which Australia was her most favorite, and New Zealand was a close second. Aunt Carm’s passing leaves a large void that will be difficult to fill, but the love and memories she leaves will continue to bring smiles to all who knew and loved her.

Carmen is survived by her beloved husband Louis Salotti of Port St. Lucie, her sisters-in-law; Elisa Manzo and Nina Hundt, her brother-in-law; Michael Mariconda, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her siblings; Albert Manzo, Theresa Mariconda, and Frank Manzo.

Donations in Aunt Carm’s memory would be appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or by visiting www.stjude.org.

Carmen M. Salotti

Port St. Lucie

June 4, 2017

Shirley May Terpstra, age 83, of Wayne, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2016.

Born in Boston Massachusetts, she grew up in Caldwell Township, NJ and graduated from Caldwell High School with the Class of 1952. As a young girl, Shirley was always interested in sports and, in high school, she starred on the Caldwell Chiefs basketball and softball teams as well as playing on her church’s sports league.

Following graduation, Shirley entered the East Orange General Hospital School of Nursing. As part of the nursing curriculum she also took classes at Upsala College in East Orange. She graduated in 1955 as president of her class, bestowed with the title of Registered Nurse - a profession that would serve her well in her desire to be of service to others. She was a lifelong member of the Alumni Association of the East Orange General Hospital. Shirley began her nursing career at the East Orange General Hospital and, over the course of many years, she served patients with excellence also working in a doctor’s private practice in East Orange as well as for several Wayne area nursing homes including Llanfair House and Lakeview Nursing Home. Her career wrapped up with a part time position with Visiting Health Services until retirement in 1995.

While in nursing school, Shirley met the man she would ultimately marry. The year was 1953 and the young man’s name was David Terpstra. He had just returned home from his service in the U.S. Army and was invited by a friend, whose sister was also in the nursing program, to attend a Valentine’s Day party at the school. It was at this party that Shirley met David and it was the beginning of a warm and loving relationship that led to marriage on Saturday, January 21, 1956 at the Methodist Church in Caldwell. After a honeymoon in Virginia, the newlyweds made their first home in Clifton and a year later, they moved into their newly built home in the Lionshead Lake community in Wayne.

Soon after moving to Wayne, Shirley and David became parents as they were blessed with their firstborn – a baby girl who they named Lorrie. The blessing of four additional children – Andrew, Donna, Craig, and Douglas, brought much joy, excitement and busyness to these young parents. While the kids were young, Shirley took a break from her nursing career to concentrate on the love and care of her children. For a number of years, while her daughters were involved, she served as a Girl Scout leader in the Lionshead Lake Girl Scouts chapter.

Shirley and David enjoyed a storied retirement and one of their favorite things to do together was taking to the open road, the air and the seaways to explore this great big world. At last count, they figure they had been able to visit upwards of thirty-five countries as well as most of the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. One of Shirley’s favorite states to visit was Maine as she loved to recall fond memories spending summers there during her childhood. She and David also enjoyed many bus tours where they enjoyed the company of friends they made while on the tours. In recent years they took boat cruises including one to Iceland and Greenland.

Shirley’s love of sports remained a big part of her life rooting for the Mets, Red Sox, and Jets. If her favorite teams weren’t playing, she’d often tune into other sporting events on television. She also enjoyed needlepoint and knitting projects. Each of her children and grandchildren especially appreciated the needle point creations of their college’s crest that Mom/Grandma made for them. Knitting projects were also always ongoing at home. Each of her eleven grandchildren have received or will receive an afghan lovingly made by grandma in recognition of their high school graduation.

Shirley was a longtime member of Preakness Reformed Church of Wayne having joined the church when she moved to Wayne. She enjoyed the fellowship of her church family and participating in the life of the church. She and some friends started a group in the church called Tote Bags and Fellowship. They would gather together on the first Tuesday of every month to enjoy lunch and a meeting in which they would make items to donate to newborn babies in local hospitals as well as to others in need.

Loving people was a hallmark of Shirley’s life. Her love for others inspired her to be a nurse, a loving and giving mother and grandmother, and a friend to anyone that God put into her life. She was always concerned that all were doing well.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years – David Terpstra; four dear children: Lorrie Brandenburg of Hagerstown, MD, Donna and husband Robert Doyle of Belefonte, PA, Craig and wife Sheri Terpstra of Jim Thorpe, PA, and Douglas Terpstra of Clifton; and eleven cherished grandchildren: William, Nicholas, Richard, Tara, Robert, Roxanne, Brian, Kevin, Brittany, Zachary, and Natalie. Bringing great sorrow to Shirley, she was predeceased by her dear son Andrew in 2016.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Shirley’s name are asked to consider Preakness Reformed Church.

Shirley Terpstra

June 2, 2017

Juana Matilde was a strong woman full of love and compassion for her family and her community. She was born in Lircay, Peru (in South America) on September 21st, 1939, but her parents, papa Alfonso and mama Ana registered her on November 1st, 1939 to avoid late fees.

She was very curious and mischievous as a child, and ended up getting married at the very young age of 14 to Francisco Ambrosio. She had her first child, Jesus, at 15 and Maria at 18 years old. She got divorced a year later and Jesus stayed with his dad and Maria with hers. Five years later, she had her third child, Teresa, with her new husband Fausto Arce, and later they separated.

In Peru, she traveled and worked very hard until she came to the United States as a homemaker for Mrs. Angie Maloney in Pompton Plains, who sponsored her with a permanent resident green card. She also worked for Stacey Textile Company in Clifton and later for Nabisco Brands in Fairlawn for about 20 years.

Her health took a turn and she was forced to retire. She was instrumental in her daughter Maria Ambrosio’s dental practice. She was not only her front desk receptionist for a while, but also her public relations person in Paterson.

She volunteered in many community events and political campaigns. She was very well known in the Paterson community. She was responsible to reunite many families, working all hours of the day and night with immigration papers, and meetings in Newark. She also helped many people with family matters as an interpreter and legal representation in the court of Paterson. She would give anything and everything for the needs of the community, to the point of losing her own wellbeing and freedom.

Many people that came from Peru lived with her until they were able to sustain themselves, including her own family. She was very involved with her grandchildren’s activities and enjoyed traveling with them and the family all over the world. She was the abuela, the team grandma and they enjoyed her cooking, love and dedication. When daughter Teresa moved independently, she decided to move in with her, living now a relaxed and quiet life for a period of five years before she fell seriously ill. She will be missed very deeply, not only by her immediate family, but by all the people she touched throughout her life.

Juana was the loving mother of Jesus Ambrosio of Paterson, Maria Ambrosio and her husband Wilson Maldonado of Wayne and Teresa Cabrera of Paterson; she was the cherished grandmother of Julio, Lorena, Kenneth, Sharon, Daniel, Luis, Joselo, Michael, and Andy; she was dearly loved by her great-grandson Jameson and she has another great grandson on the way from her grandson Julio; she was the dear sister of Leonor, Antonia, Maria, Yolanda, Margarita, Juan, Luis, Alfonso, and Haydee.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to SmilesForLife.org would be greatly appreciated. If you want to make a donation, select Maria Ambrosio D.M.D. or you could make a check payable to "Smiles for Life" and leave it with the funeral home staff.

Juana Matilde Sivori Odiaga

June 2, 2017

Richard “Al” Kuser, age 85, of Wayne, passed Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

He was born in Orange, NJ to Thurlow and Anna Kuser. He was raised in Lincoln Park, NJ and was a graduate of Boonton High School.

After graduating from high school Al worked as a Radio Repairman. In 1952, he enlisted in the US Navy. He served during the Korean War aboard the USS Pittsburgh CA72 and was honorably discharged on April 20, 1956, having received the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the China Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service. He was proud to have served his country.

Al was a Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service in the Packanack Lake community of Wayne for 32 years before retiring in 1994.

He will be remembered as a loving and easy going guy. He was a kind, gentle and strong person who had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He loved all kinds of animals, especially horses. Al was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed family summer vacations in Wildwood Crest at the Jersey Shore where he enjoyed swimming in the ocean, digging giant holes in the sand, making boats and cars in the sand for his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed his time with his grandchildren and was the kind of grandpa that would climb down onto the floor and play with the kids.

Married for 61 years, he was the loving husband of Joan (Portacolone) Kuser; devoted father of Debbie Pecchioni and her husband Ray of Flower Mound, TX, Janet Komarnicki and her husband George of Millis, MA, and Karen Kuser of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Raymond Pecchioni, Kyle Komarnicki, Casey Komarnicki, and Ana Kuser; dear brother of Barbara Jennings of Richmond, IN, and the late Thurlow “Buddy"Kuser and Robert “Bobby” Kuser; much loved brother-in-law of Art Porta of Butler, Helen Kuser of Butler and Irene Kuser of Boulder, CO; he was dearly loved by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Interfaith Network, PO Box 3341, Wayne, NJ 07474-3341 would be greatly appreciated.

Richard “Al” Kuser

May 31, 2017

Adele Symon of Wayne passed away peacefully on April 26, 2017. She was 97 years old.

Adele was born in Newark, N.J. on March 16, 1920 to Eleanor and Joseph Duda. The family resided in Irvington, N.J. She had two sisters, Eleaner and Jane and one brother, Robert.

Adele graduated high school, took some secretarial classes and got a job in the Accounting Department of the Budweiser Brewery Company in Newark, N.J. Adele and her husband Frank were high school sweethearts and in later years when they were dating they loved to go dancing to the big bands playing at the local night clubs. They also loved going to the seashore - Coney Island and Atlantic City. On April 29, 1942, Adele and Frank were married.

Shortly after they were married war broke out and Frank was drafted into the Army. When he came home they had a daughter and son, Laurie and Frank. They then moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne, N.J.

Adele was very well liked by everyone who knew her - for her warmth, her sweetness and her helpfulness. She was a wonderful wife and mother and an excellent homemaker. All Adele ever wanted in life was to have children and since she didn't have to work outside the home, she poured her whole heart into her family. She baked cookies, played games with her children, took them to their after school activities and sewed many of her own clothes. She even sewed doll clothes for her daughter's dolls. She was a master seamstress!

Adele hosted summer barbeques and holiday parties at her home. She also enjoyed going on many family vacations with her children and husband - trips to Wildwood Crest and a dude ranch in New York State every year were among her favorites.

Adele and Frank celebrated 71 years of marriage before Frank passed away at the age of 95.

Adele is survived by her Daughter Laurie Kaczor and her husband Peter of Wharton. She is also pre-deceased by her son Frank Roger Symon in 1974 and her husband Frank Symon in 2013.

Adele Symon

May 26, 2017

Adele Symon of Wayne passed away peacefully on April 26, 2017. She was 97 years old.

Adele was born in Newark, N.J. on March 16, 1920 to Eleanor and Joseph Duda. The family resided in Irvington, N.J. She had two sisters, Eleaner and Jane and one brother, Robert.

Shortly after they were married war broke out and Frank was drafted into the Army. When he came home they had a daughter and son, Laurie and Frank. They then moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne, N.J.

Adele and Frank celebrated 71 years of marriage before Frank passed away at the age of 95.

Adele is survived by her Daughter Laurie Kaczor and her husband Peter of Wharton. She is also pre-deceased by her son Frank Roger Symon in 1974 and her husband Frank Symon in 2013.

Adele Symon

May 26, 2017

SWEERUS, Sandra E., 68 of Wayne, was taken to Glory to be with the Lord on May 25, 2017. Among her friends and family she was typically known as Sandy.

Sandy was born August 15, 1948 to Ann (Raywood) and Conrad Sweerus, Jr. and was brought home from the General Hospital in Paterson to the couple's home in Wayne. This was the same home that she later purchased from them and where she went to sleep on her last evening in this life to awaken in her new, heavenly home. The eldest of the couple's six children she grew up in a still rural, but growing, Wayne. The fields, cow pastures, woods, brooks and ponds that surrounded the home made for of a place of adventure and exploration for her and the homes in the developments that replaced farms brought more and more special childhood friends into her life.

Throughout her childhood family vacations to her grandmother's summer place at Lake Hopatcong and weekend picnics in which her family was joined by her aunts, uncles and cousin were loved. Being the eldest child she would help her mom more and more as she grew older and each successive brother and sister was born. This is where she was taught and honed her loving, compassionate, mothering ways.

She went through Kindergarten through 12th grade in the Wayne Schools starting out kindergarten in the little white Preakness School on Hamburg Turnpike, then attending Lafayette Elementary School, Anthony Wayne Junior High, and eventually graduating with the class of 1966 of Wayne High School. She attended William Paterson College in Wayne after high school with plans to become an art teacher. Unsure if that was the life in store for her she delayed applying until the last minute when, urged by her guidance counselor, he drove her up to the school on the last day of admission to submit her application. Once at the school she fit in well creating artwork, working part time jobs at Grant's and Stern's department stores and enjoying lots of fun times with friends. She recounted one time when a group of friends were driving through campus in the friend's Volkswagen Beetle. They were having so much fun the driver became distracted and ran into the car in front of them. Only the car, instead of crashing, rode up the back bumper of the car they hit causing the Beetle to tip backwards!

Her uncertainty of whether she would eventually teach art were justified when she, in 1969, gave birth to a son, Christopher, a role in which her mothering skills would remain active right to her last day. An only child, her own brothers and sisters she helped her mother care for became like brothers and sisters to her own son.

She worked for Prospect Park National Bank at various locations in a variety of positions, once even thwarting a bomb threat phoned into the bank while she worked in the safe deposit area. Eventually, she would take a position in a new department at the bank, working with credit cards. Prospect Park National Bank would eventually close its doors. Many years later a friend, planning to buy the shuttered bank building on North 8th Street in Prospect Park asked her to walk through the building. She walked through the building with the friend and the realtor and could explain the intricacies of oddities in the building's architecture that no one could see the rationale for having not worked there. She commented at the time that it was like walking into a time capsule where all the furniture and fixtures sat just as they did when the building was closed and that not a speck of dust was on anything despite over 20 years having lay dormant. After Prospect Park she went to work with People's Bank as an officer in consumer lending and bank cards. Leaving there she took on a role at Valley National Bank in consumer lending, soon taking a lead role in their bank card operations eventually leading the department and rising to a Vice President title. It was from Valley National Bank that she would retire in 2016. Within weeks of announcing her plans to retire she was, unexpectedly, diagnosed with cancer.

She fought the disease with confidence impressing many medical professionals, friends and family with her ability to rebound quickly from hospital stays, operations and chemotherapy. She never complained, she just forged ahead determined to, with God's strength, overcome. With each month she breathed a sigh of relief at the success of the chemotherapy, praising God for giving her this extra time of healthy, relaxing, living. The cancer would return one last time just weeks before her passing.

In her recreation time she especially loved gardening, bird watching, taking long walks and spent much time continuing to use her artistic talents in a variety of crafts, most especially crocheting and knitting. She was also great at Sudoku, crossword and other puzzles. In recent years she enjoyed spending time on weekends in the Poconos along the Delaware River. She was a great and loving mom and looked forward to being a great and loving angel.

Sandy is survived by her son, Christopher Sweerus of New Jersey; her sisters Joy Curcio (Gary) of North Carolina; Lynn Jackson of Pennsylvania; Beth Sullivan (Robert) of Virginia; brother Paul Sweerus of Pennsylvania, and; sister-in-law Gay Sweerus of North Carolina. She is also survived by three aunts, Ruth Drelich of Iowa; Claire Kutzleb (Edward), and Elaine Bergin (Daniel) of New Jersey. and many nephews, nieces and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother Ann (Raywood) Sweerus (2000); her father Conrad Sweerus, Jr. (2015); brother Richard Sweerus (2014); brother-in-law Robert Jackson (2015); grandmother Nellie (Martin) Sweerus (1968); grandfather Conrad Sweerus, Sr. (1975); grandfather Hubert Raywood (1960); and grandmother Anna Raywood (1976).

On May 31, 2017, the family will hold a graveside service with family and friends beginning with a processional at 10:30 am from Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne for an 11:00 am service at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa, NJ, officiated by Reverend David Klompien of Preakness Valley United Reformed Church of Wayne where she was baptized as a baby (when it was Preakness Christian Reformed Church), made profession of faith and where she enjoyed Sunday worship most Sundays.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Sandra's name to Preakness Valley United Reformed Church, 480 Valley Rd, Wayne, New Jersey.

Sandy Sweerus

May 25, 2017

Marilyn M. Gerardi, age 70, of Wayne, passed at home on Thursday, May 25, 2017 after four years of treatment for ovarian cancer.

She was born to James and Helen E. McEwen at the Staten Island Hospital. She was raised in the Todt Hill Section of Staten Island where she graduated from the Port Richmond High School with the Class of 1964. During her high school years she was a member of the National Honor Society and attained the highest honors for her Spanish studies. She then went on to study and graduate from the Latin American Institute in New York City where she learned bi-lingual secretarial skills.

Marilyn worked in Manhattan as a bilingual administrative assistant for an international bank and the oil company, Citgo. Then as an administrative assistant, research assistant, and office manager for the investment-banking firm Oppenheimer & Co. While raising her children, she furthered her education at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ and then worked for eleven years in the business office of the Wayne Board of Education before retiring in 2012. Marilyn was also a secretary in charge of publicity for the Special Parents Association (SPA) for six years.

Marilyn’s interests were reading novels, piano, Bible study, Spanish, playing Sudoku on her iPad, and most of all keeping in touch with friends and family. She loved people, was patient, kind, supportive, and always interested in others. Her selfless, comforting way made her a wonderful mother, friend, and confidant. She was a devoted Christian and parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne.

Marilyn met Gary Gerardi while walking on the beach in South Hampton. A year later, they married on August 28, 1976 at the Marble Collegiate Church in NYC.

Marilyn was the loving wife of Dr. Gary Gerardi; devoted mother of Gary Mark Gerardi of Wayne and Dr. Helen Gerardi and her husband Craig Chowaniec; loved sister of James McEwen and his wife Paulette of West Virginia; dear aunt of James McEwen and Jennifer Tokash.

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

Marilyn Gerardi

May 25, 2017

Guy L. Lavina, 90, of Wayne and formerly of Waltham, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2017. He lived in Waltham for nearly fifty years before moving to Wayne to be closer to his family.

Guy was born in Somerville, Massachusetts and spent his formative years in Concord, New Hampshire. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and soon found himself serving on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. He served through the remainder of World War II before being discharged and returning home. He started working as an electrician on the Boston & Maine Railroad before taking a position with Raytheon. He eventually joined the Waltham Public Schools, where he served for twenty-five years before retiring in 1988.

Guy met his wife, Josephine (née Bonica), at their church in the mid-1950s. He treated her to dinner and a show on their first date, which led to their marriage a few years later on February 8, 1958. After their wedding at St. Jude's Parish in Waltham, they drove to their honeymoon in Florida, where they were greeted with icy temperatures. Although it wasn’t the tropical honeymoon experience they had anticipated, their marriage of nearly sixty years was warm and loving. Josephine describes Guy as "just a wonderful person” and "a really great man". He was friendly, outgoing, and had a good sense of humor. He loved to read, and Stephen King was among his favorite authors. Guy was also a wonderful sketch artist, and his drawings will be treasured by his family for years to come. Along with his sketches, he loved to tell inventive stories to his granddaughter, and he was a very loving and patient grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

Guy is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Josephine of Wayne; by his son, Robert and his wife, Cynthia of Wayne; and by his granddaughter, Rachael of West Hartford, CT. He was predeceased by two sisters, Ann and Sally, and a brother, John.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Guy's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or visit www.stjude.org.

Guy L. Lavina

May 25, 2017

Richard R. Flynn, Sr., age 74, of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

He was born in Newark. At an early age, the family moved to Montclair, where Richard was raised. He lived in Lake Tamarack before moving to Wayne in 1975.

When Richard was just two years old, his mother Catherine (Dacey) Flynn passed away. He was raised by his father Francis and his stepmother Helen (Conrad) Flynn. Richard met his future wife Karen Crescente on a double date; they fell in love, he proposed, and they married on February 3, 1973 at Saint Francis RC Church in Wanaque. They have enjoyed forty-four years of loving marriage and are best described as "absolute soul mates."

He will be remembered as a funny, fun loving, Mr.-Fix-It who was always cracking jokes and just loved to laugh. He always had a project and was constantly building or making something – he just couldn’t sit still. He enjoyed classic cars and liked to go to area car shows. Richard was a lifelong crossword puzzle enthusiast who regularly tackled the "expert" and "challenger" puzzles. For many years he and his family enjoyed vacations at Wildwood and other locations on the Jersey Shore, where he loved the ocean, boogie boarding, and playing shuffleboard.

Richard served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1964 to 1970. He was a union electrician, having worked with IBEW Local 52 in Newark and later Local 164 in Paramus. He was a foreman for the Reynolds Electric Company in East Hanover, where he was a valued employee for over forty years before retiring in 2005.

For many years Richard coached for the Wayne Little League and served on their Board of Trustees. He was also an avid weekly league bowler at the T-Bowl Lanes in Wayne. Richard served as an Officer and Trustee of the Honorable Judge Joseph J. Crescente Lodge 2382, Order Sons of Italy in America, in Wanaque. You will notice the lodge carries Richard’s wife’s maiden name, as it was named in honor of her father.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife Karen (Crescente) Flynn; dear sons Richard Flynn, Jr. of Pompton Lakes and Sean Flynn of Wayne; dear brother James Flynn of Myrtle Beach, SC; dear sister Mary Rutan of Whiting; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving parents Francis and Catherine (Dacey) Flynn; his stepmother Helen (Conrad) Flynn; and four dear sisters: Joan Lawson, Patricia Lockhart, Barbara Bannon, and Nancy Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Richard Flynn

May 24, 2017

Chris Edward Van Schepen, age 85 of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of Pompton Lakes, NJ, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

On October 14,1931 in Lodi, NJ, Ed was born to Nicholas and Bertha Van Schepen the first son after three daughters. He attended Roosevelt School in Lodi, then attended and graduated from the Eastern Academy of Prospect Park in 1949.

Ed joined the Naval Reserve in 1950 and served until 1954

Ed began his career as a clerk with the A&P. Over the next twenty years, he advanced to the position of store manager and managed several stores in northern NJ. Following that, Ed chose a new career path. He began working for George Harms Construction Company in Lincoln Park where he remained until he retired in 1990.

Ed married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Dykstra in 1951. Ed and Joyce were blessed with four children. They became members of Pompton Plains CRC when it was first established as a new church. They served the Lord diligently and faithfully in many capacities. Ed and Joyce were residents of Pequannock Twp. for many years before settling in Green Pond. Ed enjoyed fishing and boating there with his family. His other hobbies included traveling in his motor home and working on his cars. Those who knew Ed knew of his dedication to the Lord and that "his only comfort in life and death is that he belonged to his faithful savior, Jesus Christ". After 49 years of marriage, Joyce passed away from cancer in 2001.

In 2003 Ed married Alida Michelson and moved to Pompton Lakes. During their 14 years of marriage they enjoyed traveling and being "snow birds" to Boynton Beach, FL where they eventually settled.

Ed is survived by his wife Alida, children Carol and her husband Tim Vanden Hoek, Bob and his wife Gail, Jim and his wife Deb, and Kathy and her husband Jeff DeBell. His 12 grandchildren: Laura and her husband Ben Vander Kodde; Doug and his wife Katie Vanden Hoek, Melissa and her husband Robb Kalman, Kristin Van Schepen, Kevin Van Schepen and his wife Elizabeth, Ryan Van Schepen, David Van Schepen and his wife Lindsay, Megan Van Schepen, Anna Van Schepen, Scott DeBell, Katie DeBell and Tommy DeBell. He also has 13 great-grandchildren.

Donations in Ed’s memory would be greatly appreciated to “The Foundation for Eastern Christian School,” 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508-2449, or to the “Mid-America Reformed Seminary,” 229 Seminary Drive, Dyer, IN 46311.

Chris Edward Van Schepen

Boynton Beach

May 24, 2017

Robert Speidel, age 68, of Lake Ariel, PA, formerly of Wayne, passed suddenly on Friday, May 19, 2017.

He was born in Union City and raised in Wayne. He was a 1966 graduate of Wayne Valley High School.

Just out of high school he worked at the S.B. Engineering Company in Clifton and soon found a lifelong career in the construction business. He founded the B.B.S Construction Company in Wayne that specialized in modular homes and excavating. He was very proud when his son Stephen joined the company in 1990. Robert ran B.B.S. for over thirty-five years before retiring in 2007.

Robert was a fun loving, generous, thoughtful person who loved sports. He was a devoted father and grandfather having attended his children and grandchildren’s games as often as he could. He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors where he could be found fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, or riding quads. He was always a dog lover and had a special spot in his heart for his Belgium German Shepherd “Jake.”

When Robert was attending Wayne Valley High School he became acquainted with a pretty girl named Patricia Scelba who was attending DePaul High School in Wayne. Their first date was at Greenwood Lake. On January 14, 1967 they were married at Holy Cross RC Church in Wayne and after a reception at the San Carlo in Lyndhurst they honeymooned at West Point. Robert and Patricia have enjoyed fifty years of a devoted and loving marriage.

He was the loving father of the late Robert “Bobby” Speidel (December 2012) and his surviving wife Kelly of VA, and Stephen Speidel and his wife Deanne of Vernon; he was the cherished grandfather of R.J. Speidel, Garrison Speidel, Kainen Phillips, Stephen Speidel, and Sean Speidel; he was the much loved brother of Carol Schaefer of PA and his late sister Joanne Sanclementi.

Robert Speidel

May 19, 2017

He had been a pediatrician in Wayne for twenty five years and was the owner of "Wayne Pediatrics."

Nihal S. Nagahawatte, MD, age 71 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

Dr. Nagahawatte was raised in Sri Lanka and graduated from high school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He later graduated from the University of Ceylon in Colombo with a degree in medicine.

He came to the United States to do his residency in pediatric medicine in 1975 at University Hospital in Newark. In 1979 he started his own practice on Riverview Drive in Totowa and about three years later he founded Wayne Pediatrics on Parish Drive in Wayne. Serving the area families for more than twenty five years brought him tremendous gratification and he truly valued the relationships he enjoyed with his colleagues, as well as his patients. Sadly, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the year 2000 and he understood that retirement was a necessary step for him to take at that point. He was always a very proud man and he became fearful that the disease would compromise his dignity. He turned inward therefore, and surrounded himself with just his close family. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side.

Dr. Nagahawatte enjoyed playing tennis over the years, and later took on the game of golf. He and his wife Nelum were able to travel all around the world and played golf together at their destinations whenever possible. He also loved music; all kinds of music, as well as singing and dancing. He made friends everywhere he went, was very kind and sociable, and a generous man. He was very affectionate and a connoisseur of fine foods and fine wine.

Dr. Nagahawatte is survived by his beloved wife; Nelum (Karunaratne) Nagahawatte of Wayne, his two daughters; Neoma Nagahawatte and her husband Peter Burgoyne of Brookly, NY, and Natalie Ohly and her husband Jack of Brooklyn, NY, and three grandchildren; Benjamin Ohly, Oliver Burgoyne, and Raya Ohly.

Nihal S. Nagahawatte, M.D.

May 17, 2017

Ann L. Haffy, age 80, of Wayne, passed away at home on Sunday, May 14, 2017. She died as she lived, peacefully and contentedly; she'd spent Friday at her art class and Saturday baking pie and cornbread in anticipation of Mother's Day dinner with her sons.

Ann was born July 27, 1936 in Glen Ridge, NJ to Genevieve and Bernard Lenehan, who instilled in her a life-long love of learning and a tremendous work ethic.

Ann was a 1954 graduate of Bloomfield High School and a 1958 graduate of Bethany College (WV), from which she earned B.S. in Chemistry. She went on to earn two master's degrees, one in teaching and one in chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Ann was a teacher as well as a student; at various points her in life she taught high school chemistry, college laboratory chemistry, and - in later years - continuing education courses to H&R block tax preparers.

Ann's work life began during high school with a summer hostess job at Howard Johnson's and ended with this year's tax season. In between, she was a chemist for the Shulton Company (now the Old Spice branch of P&G), and a tax specialist at H&R Block from 1988-2014, among other positions. Ann was certified as an IRS enrolled agent, the highest credential the IRS awards.

Ann met the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Haffy III, while teaching atFairleigh Dickinson. They married June 11, 1966 at the Park Methodist Church in Bloomfield and enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of 42 years before Tom’s passing in January of 2008. Together, they raised two sons, Ed and John, with whom they particularly enjoyed exploring the outdoors. Over the years, they visited many National Parks (a bug Ann first caught on a post-college trip with Bethany friends). They camped first in tents and then a pop-up trailer before graduating to their own house-in-the-woods in the Pocono Mountains.

Ann enjoyed Friday art lessons at the American Woodcarving & Art School in Wayne, reading, and a good Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy! double feature. She cherished dinners with her sons and monthly lunches with her beloved sister, Laura. Ann was the rare person who never yelled, never judged, never felt entitled to anything, and never complained. She died in her sleep, likely thinking that she'd had a pretty good day.

Ann is survived by her sons, Edward Haffy of Fair Lawn and John Haffy of Wayne; her sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Ed Lorenson, of Deep River, CT; her nephew, Jimmy Lorenson of Bristol, CT; and her niece Susan Lorenson and family (husband David Watkins and sons Jack and Adam) of Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to NJ Search and Rescue, PO Box 14, Mahwah, NJ 07430 or the Ann Lenehan Haffy Scholarship, c/o Bethany College, 31 East Campus Dr. #7, Bethany, WV 26032 would be appreciated.

Ann L. Haffy

May 14, 2017

Michael Arendacs, Sr., age 86 of Totowa, died peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2017. He had lived in Totowa since 1962.

Michael had worked for many area manufacturing companies, including Curtis Wright, Bendix, and he eventually retired in 1991 after twenty one years with Revlon, where he was a production planner.

Michael grew up in Farfield, NJ and moved to Jersey City when he met Mildred Adamcio. They had initially met in 1955 while competing in a bowling tournament at Cohoes, NY. Mike was a member of the “Far Club” bowling team and Millie stole his heart. They were soon engaged and married in 1958 at Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Jersey City, NJ. They have enjoyed nearly sixty years of devoted marriage together. Mike and Millie’s lives revolved around their son, Michael, Jr., who was born with Down syndrome. Michael Jr. brought an abundance of love into their family the three of them did just about everything together. Michael Jr. enjoyed road-trips and, over the course of many years, they managed to visit all fifty of the United States! They had traveled to California on several occasions, visiting with Millie’s sister as well.

Mike and Millie’s faith in God was certainly the foundation of their relationship. They are both strong believers and their church family meant so much to them. When they moved to Totowa in 1962, they jumped right in to help start the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church on French Hill Rd. in Wayne, which opened in 1964. They’ve been faithful members ever since and they truly loved their church and fellow members. Mike will certainly be missed there by all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife Mildred of Totowa, their son; Michael, Jr., his niece; Claudia Slaby of Ortley Beach, NJ, his nephew Paul Arendacs of Bloomingdale, and his nephew; Anthony Pawlik of Somers, Connecticut.

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

Michael Arendacs, Sr.

Totowa

May 13, 2017

Katherine M. Primavera, age 58, of Pompton Lakes, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

Katherine arrived into the world in somewhat dramatic fashion on Tuesday, July 29, 1958. With not enough time to get to the hospital, Elizabeth, her mother, delivered Baby Kathy right at home with her father Bill Monahan doing his best to assist. The home where she was born was on Grace Valley Road in Butler and her parents must have believed that it took a good measure of God’s grace to help them welcome Baby Katherine into the world without the assistance of a skilled doctor.

Katherine spent her formative years in Butler and graduated Butler High School with the Class of 1976. She attended William Paterson College and, while there, she was a member of Theta Gamma Chi sorority. One night, she met a nice guy a member of TKE fraternity named Floyd Primavera. Then, shortly before finishing college, Kathy was offered a position as a Purchasing Agent at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark and she just could not resist. One could say that she didn’t get her B.S. degree from William Paterson College but she ultimately did get her M.R.S. degree from there as she and Floyd ultimately married. Floyd asked for Kathy’s hand in marriage two days before her birthday while they were out one night at Maggie’s Bar in Butler. They married on Sunday, October 5, 1980 at St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Pompton Lakes, celebrated with a reception at the former Wayne Manor, and then honeymooned in Aruba. They settled in Paterson for three years until the arrival of their firstborn Stephanie necessitated a move. They chose to move to Pompton Lakes where Kathy remained for the rest of her life.

Soon after the birth of Stephanie, Kathy returned to her job at the University of Medicine and Dentistry but only for a short time before her acute motherly instincts told her she needed to be a mom first. Soon Baby Stephanie was joined by her younger sister Nicole and her baby brother Michael. Ask any of Kathy’s three kids and they will testify to what an excellent mom she was. When her kids started attending school, Kathy quickly got involved and pitched in wherever she could. She served faithfully on the school’s PTA and on class trips. She especially looked forward to helping decorate the school halls for the annual “haunted halls” Halloween celebration, and she also served as a Girl Scout leader. As her kids got older they all cherished special times with Mom. Nicole enjoyed taking walks together, the tradition of Mom bringing her hot chocolate in bed, and going out to happy hour with her. Stephanie will always fondly recall how Kathy took her to her first New Kids on the Block concert and recently, her last. And while at Martha’s Vineyard, Kathy’s son Michael loved it when Kathy would take him to the arcade.

From a young age, Kathy loved going to the beach. In college she worked at the surf club and when her own kids were young the whole family spent summer vacations down the shore to Sandy Hook and Point Pleasant. For the past twenty years, Kathy’s whole extended family gathered every summer at Martha’s Vineyard where you could often find Kathy napping or taking a walk on the beach.

When her kids were grown, the blessing of grandchildren soon arrived. Anyone in the world would have loved to have Kathy be their grandmother! She’d get right down on the floor with them to play and enter their imaginative world. She took great delight in taking them on vacation and spoiling them with toys and ice cream lunches.

Kathy enjoyed gardening, mowing her lawn, and keeping her home in tip-top squeaky clean condition. She was opinionated and would often get into conversations with her father about politics or the latest events of the day. Above all, it seemed that Kathy never ran out of love to give. She was always sacrificing her own wants to help friends and family with whatever their needs might be. Sentimental at heart, she saved birthday cards and trinkets she received from family and those she befriended. A parishioner of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Pompton Lakes, Kathy worked in the rectory office when her children were younger, and it’s her faith in God that sustained her through the trying days brought on by her recent illness.

Katherine is survived by her three children: Stephanie Primavera-Rowin and husband Bryan of Oakland, Nicole Primavera of Pompton Lakes, and Michael and wife Corinne Primavera of Haskell; seven grandchildren: Connor, Cooper, Cole, Carter, Madelyn, Mackenzie, and Peyton; her former husband Floyd Primavera of Clifton; a special friend Sue Miracle her parents: Bill Monahan of Butler and Elizabeth Monahan of Stockholm; two sisters: Elizabeth and husband Jack Kirrane of Weymouth, MA, and Patricia Monahan of Vernon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Katherine’s name are asked to consider the Thomas Peterpaul Foundation, 301 Windemere Avenue, Interlaken, NJ 07712, or Candlelighters NYC, c/o Barbara Zobian 345 East 73rd Street, Apt. 2L, New York, NY 10021.

Katherine Primavera

May 13, 2017

Elvira O’Neill, age 87, of Lincoln Park, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

Elvira was born in Havana, Cuba. In her early twenties, she emigrated to the United States and initially settled in New York City. It was there that she met her husband John and they married in 1957. After starting a family, Elvira and John moved to Garfield and later to Lincoln Park where they raised their four children. They enjoyed a marriage that spanned twenty four years until John’s passing in 1981.

Elvira was the loving mother of Maureen O’Neill of Lincoln Park, John and his wife Mary O’Neill of Ellicott City, Maryland, Linda and her husband Robert Schaal of Riverdale, and Margaret O’Neill of Verona. She was the cherished grandmother of Lisa and Jaclyn Schaal, and Michael, Evan and Jillian O’Neill. Surviving also are her dear sister Mercedes Mesa of Tampa, Florida, many dear nieces and nephews and their families, and her devoted dog Chanel. Elvira was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1981, her parents Francisco and Aracelia Rivero, her sister Caridad Otero, and her brother Francisco Rivero.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Elvira’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org) or the Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365 (www.alz.org/nj).

Elvira O’Neill

May 13, 2017

George Bondarenko, age 58 of Wayne, died on Saturday, May 12, 2017. He had battled prostate cancer for nearly nine years.

George was raised in Totowa and graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the class of 1976. He went on to graduate from NJIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He took his first job with Boeing in Seattle, Washington and happened to be living there when Mt. St. Helens erupted in May of 1980. Although he was safely living more than one hundred miles from the volcano, he recalled the daily routine of cleaning the ash off of his car before he could drive anywhere. Living so far from home didn’t sit well with him and when the freezer was empty of his mother’s home cooked meals, he decided to move back home to New Jersey. He then took a job at Picatinny Arsenal where he worked for a few years before joining his father at the family business; Totowa Precision Tooling, Inc. on Riverview Drive in Totowa. George was much more than a “boss” at Totowa Precision; he became endeared by his staff and customers alike. Many of them visited him during his illness, expressing their gratitude for his friendship and compassion. He touched many lives during his career and one of his former employees summed it all up when he told George; “you’re the best boss I ever had.”

George met his wife, Patricia (McCrudden) in 1982 and after dating for a few years, he took her to the Woodcliff Lake Inn where he proposed. They married on October 26, 1985 at St. John’s Church in Hillsdale, followed by a honeymoon at Barbados. They lived in Fair Lawn, NJ for about five years before moving to Wayne in 1991. Throughout the years, they enjoyed traveling, annual July vacations to Pine Lake Manor in the Catskills, and just recently spent a long weekend in Nashville. They created many great memories together during their thirty one years of marriage, and Patty will hold onto those forever.

George was simply an all-around “good guy” and a terrific dad. He took wonderful care of his family, but was the best dad that his daughters could have ever hoped for. He learned the game of soccer just so he could coach them and although he never played the game growing up, George became a coach with the Wayne Soccer Club. There were many days while he was at work, George would study soccer rules and strategy on his computer, working hard just to learn the game – and he did! He strived to be the best he could be for his girls and he never missed a game. But it wasn’t just soccer; George did everything with the girls and he was a very ‘hands-on’ kind of dad. His family was precious to him, and the pictures that fill his office tell that story clearly. But George did have a second love; his pitbull Jasmine, and she was like another daughter to him. Even the screen-saver on his computer was a big picture of her, and she always held a special place in his heart. Surely they shared a special bond that perhaps only another pitbull owner might be able to understand, and Jasmine has been grieving, along with the rest of the family, ever since George passed away Friday. They each have wonderful memories to cherish, but they will all miss him dearly nonetheless.

George is survived by his beloved wife of thirty five years; Patricia “Patty” of Wayne, his three daughters; Kristen Bondarenko of Morristown, Jaclyn Bondarenko and her fiancé Steve Karas of West New York, and Katheryn “Katie” Bondarenko of Wayne, his mother; Maria Bondarenko of Totowa, and two sisters; Irene Upritchard and her husband Douglas of Totowa, and Tina Sili and her husband Dean of Hardyston. George was predeceased by his father Wasyl.

George Bondarenko

May 12, 2017

Giuseppe Auteri, 63 of Ringwood, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 11, 2017. He had lived in Hawthorne before moving to Ringwood in 1995.

Giuseppe was raised in Solarino, Sicily. His father was a shepherd with hundreds of sheep, and Giuseppe learned to work with animals from his earliest years. He also learned many traditional Italian crafts, such as cheese making and, of course, wine making which would become one of the family’s most beloved pastimes. He came to America at the age of 20 and started working in construction. He loved to dance and Saturday nights you could find him at the “Casa Italiana.” It was there, on one spring night in 1979 that he met Liliana Ceraulo. It was Liliana’s first time ever at the dance hall and ultimately her last as Giuseppe was smitten at first sight. One dance led to another and Giuseppe did the honorable thing very soon thereafter and came to her house to introduce himself to her parents. This gesture told Lillian everything she needed to know about Giuseppe and within a year of meeting they were engaged and then married on September 13, 1980.

Lillian and Giuseppe’s marriage was a special one to say the least, they were truly soulmates and their life together was full of beautiful adventures. It was never a dull moment with Giuseppe. There was always an adventure at the Auteri house. Lillian and Giuseppe worked as a team from day one, making decisions at every stage of their lives together. They built their dream home in Ringwood where Lillian raised their three children while Giuseppe worked tirelessly to support his family. He recreated a little slice of Sicily at his home in Ringwood, keeping a few goats, chickens, rabbits and horses. He loved and cared for his animals with great passion, and enjoyed spending time with them at the beginning and end of each day. He was truly proud of his roots and expressed and lived them daily. Another one of his passions was making homemade Ricotta cheese from the fresh goat milk he collected-just the way he had learned to as a young boy in Sicily. He especially enjoyed sharing his cheese with friends and family. Sunday dinners are a weekly tradition at the Auteri household, and as the years passed, the family grew. Spring was his favorite time of year, and Pasquetta was one of the most important days of the year for Giuseppe. The annual Pasquetta tradition was very special to Giuseppe and his family. A gathering of up to 400 people to eat, drink, and be merry, all for a good cause. Giuseppe was happiest when all of his family was gathered around, and “family” to him included all of his dear friends. While sitting together at this past Sunday dinner with his family, he turned and said to his wife, “what could be more beautiful than this?” How true, and how poignant.

Some twelve years ago, Giuseppe fell forty feet off a roof, an accident he was not expected to survive. During his recovery, his greatest concerns were for his family, and how he would continue to provide for them. The severe pain of his injuries was easier for him to handle than the pain of seeing his family’s anguish. The thousands of prayer chains from around the world and Giuseppe’s faith in God carried him through, and every day after that, for the next 12 years of his life. He was grateful for all that God had blessed him with, especially his family. Material things were of little importance, and even his own well-being was secondary to the needs of those around him. He was selfless, generous, and kind-hearted. Some would describe him as saintly, but he wouldn’t want to be acknowledged that way. He was a very humble and simple man who found happiness in every moment regardless of his pain and suffering. He simply trusted in God’s plan and believed that all things happened for a reason. In the end, God took him home peacefully while laying asleep in his own warm bed next to the love of his life.

Giuseppe is survived by his loving wife, Liliana, of nearly thirty seven years, three children; Frank Auteri, Angelo Auteri and his wife Alison, and Paula Greggo and her husband Vincent, four grandchildren; Joseph, Nicholas, Liliana, and Matthew, two sisters; Rosa Auteri and her husband Rosario, Santina Auteri and her husband Luigi, three brothers; Daniel and his wife Suzanna, Michael and his wife Linda, and Sebastiano and his wife Julie, as well as many, many, many dear friends.

Giuseppe Auteri

Ringwood

May 11, 2017

Raymond Yodlowsky, age 83, of Wayne, passed peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2017.

He was born to the late Joseph and late Nora Yodlowsky. Raymond was raised on Hendel Avenue in North Arlington and graduated from North Arlington High School with the Class of 1951. During his high school years he excelled as a pitcher for the high school team.

After high school Raymond went to work as a door to door salesman for the Kirby Vacuum Company. He did extremely well as he was a natural salesman. Raymond would eventually run his own business selling promotional items and premium incentive programs to all types of area businesses. He ran his company until 2013 when he retired at the age of 80.

He truly loved his work and could be defined as a man who ate, drank, and loved his family, his work, and especially his wife. Raymond adored the ground his wife Dolores walked on and affectionately called her “his Dukie” which is a nickname family and friends would lovingly call her. Raymond and Dolores’ lives revolved around each other and even recently he was saying how “I’ll be ok as long as I have my little angel with me.” Saturday, May 13th would have been the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage at the Fiesta in Woodridge. He was a kind, gentle man who grew to love cooking and watching the cooking channel. He would print out recipes and bring them to the store to make sure he got all the required ingredients. He could make just about anything and it was great. He loved his cars, Frank Sinatra, the New York Yankees, fine restaurants, a Martini – dirty with olives, golf, and was always dressed to the 9’s. Raymond’s biggest love was having his family around him. Seeing the accomplishments of his children, relishing in the achievements of his grandchildren, or just gazing into the eyes of “his Dukie”…those are the things that made Raymond happiest.

He was the loving husband of Dolores (Tamburr) Yodlowsky; devoted father of Raymond Yodlowsky and his girlfriend Sheryl of Highland Park, Denise DeZao and her husband Mark of Ramsey, and Dana Yodlowsky and her fiancé Lesley of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Danielle and Julian DeZao, and Layla Maloney-Yodlowsky; loved brother of Edna Kochansky of Tinton Falls and Grace Ramkowsky and her husband Jack of Bayville. He will be greatly missed by all his loving nieces and nephews.

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

Raymond Yodlowsky

May 11, 2017

Barbara Francis Staada, age 65, of Cornelius, North Carolina, formerly of Wayne, New Jersey, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her husband and daughters on Thursday, May 11, 2017.

Barbara was born April 1, 1952 to Thomas and Lillian Higgins and was raised in Wayne. Barbara loved growing up with her siblings, Margaret and Michael even if her sister did try to sell her to the neighbors when she was just a baby.

As a family, Barbara along with her parents and siblings, often spent summer days at Sparta Lake. The lake was a nice reprieve from the hot summer heat, even though Barbara often spoke about the water snakes that could be seen sunning themselves on the rocks. It was one of these many trips to the lake that led to her meeting George Staada, the man who would become the love of her life. The lovebirds were married on December 21, 1969 and they enjoyed a loving 47 years of marriage.

After a short stint in Barbara’s hometown of Wayne, the couple settled in West Milford, NJ to raise their two daughters, Tracey and Jen. Once again, Barbara and George found themselves living lakeside in the family oriented community of Lindy Lake. Barbara enjoyed being a part of the close knit lake community, often volunteering at swim meets, Jr. Olympics, Movie Nights and much more.

Barbara was as committed to her career as she was to her children. She served as the Assistant Business Administrator in the Allendale Board of Education for 25 years. Barbara then went on to finish out her career at the Montville Board of Education before retiring in 2015. All that worked alongside Barbara knew that she loved her job but more than that, she loved the people she worked with and the opportunity to work with teachers on a daily basis.

Anyone who met Barbara loved her, she was easy going and made everyone feel welcomed. Barbara was a constant source of strength for everyone in the family always filling any and every void. When her daughters gave birth in different states, Barbara dropped everything and was there to support them. When her father and brother became ill, Barbara became their care giver and cheerleader. Family was second to none for her and she proved this day in and day out.

Barbara’s overwhelming love was also extended to animals. Her kids knew all they had to do was get any stray animal to follow them home and mom would take them in. The family often spent nights playing running bases and it was after one of these games that Barbara fell in love with a stray cat that soon became the new family pet, Squirt. They say that if it was up to her, Barbara would have taken in any stray she found, including people. One specific dog who stole her heart was Punky. Even though she was a birthday present for Jen, Barbara loved that dog with everything she had.

When their children were growing up, the family enjoyed visiting Long Beach Island every summer. There were many great days spent on the beach and nights spent enjoying the rides and arcade at Fantasy Island. As the girls got older and moved away, Barbara and George continued to take trips together to the beaches of Florida and Aruba always enjoying the warm sunshine.

Once her children married and grandkids came along, the family continued to take beach vacations along the North and South Carolina coast. Barbara loved watching her grandkids play in the sand and ride the waves with their Pop Pop George.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband George Staada of Cornelius, North Carolina; two children: Tracey Cusick and her husband Chris of Huntersville, North Carolina, Jennifer Meisten and her husband Ken of Greenville, South Carolina, four grandchildren; Shannon, Jack, Lily, and Isabella; and her sister Peggy White of Old Forge, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers those inclined to make memorial donations are asked to consider the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to honor Barbara's grandson Jack.

Barbara F. Staada

May 11, 2017

George F. Hundt, Sr., age 85, of Wayne, NJ for forty-five years, passed peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2017.

Born in Queens, New York to Louis and Marie Hundt, he was raised in the family home in Brooklyn. George attended St. Aloysius Grade School in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception High School in Brooklyn with the Class of 1949. Both during and after high school, George worked for his father’s company delivering fresh fruit to local bakeries.

George started his career as an X-ray technician at City Hospital. While working there, he was drafted into the US Army where he continued his career as an X-Ray Technician at Fort Dix, NJ. After completing his active service with the Army, he started working as an office boy at the New York Times where worked his way up to telephone sales. While working at the New York Times, he earned a Bachelors in Business Administration from St. John's University in Queens.

After a brief stint with the Met Life Insurance Company, he secured a position as a salesman with the EKCO/Glaco Company, a commercial baking supply company, in 1963. Starting at the Fair Lawn, NJ plant, he was soon promoted and relocated to Baltimore, Maryland to become the Regional Sales Manager. Seven years later, he returned to the Fair Lawn facility and purchased the family home in Wayne. He worked for the EKCO/Glaco Company for over thirty years and, after spending eight years as the Regional Vice President, retired in 1994 so that he could spend more time with his wife.

George was a man of deep and committed faith and a longtime parishioner and daily communicant at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. No matter where the family settled, George faithfully served the parishes he belonged to in any way he could, helping with youth retreats, Pre-Cana counseling, the parish festivals, and in many other ways. After he retired, he was often seen cooking and serving at Eva's Kitchen in Paterson, NJ.

He will be remembered as a caring, generous, and compassionate man. He loved all kinds of sports and enjoyed playing golf in New Jersey and Florida. In his eighties, he took on a new hobby with his friends in Florida - winemaking. Their wines won gold medals at several statewide competitions.

George was the loving husband of the late Rose (Perini) Hundt (1997) to whom he was happily married for 42 years. He was fortunate enough to find love a second time, on the dance floor, marrying Nina Manzo Hundt sixteen years ago. He was the loving father of Rev. Msgr. George F. Hundt, of Madison, NJ, James Hundt, Sr. and his wife Kathleen of Latham, NY, Mary Papadonis and her husband Paul of Scituate, MA, and the late Jeanine Hundt - affectionately known as “The Bean”; through marriage to Nina, Albert Manzo III and his wife Carolyn, Patty, Tommy and Kenny Manzo; the grandfather of Christopher Hundt and his wife Michelle Lee, Ian Hundt and his wife Amelia, Jillian Marinucci and her husband Matthew, James Hundt Jr., Michael Papadonis and Jodi Papadonis, Albert Manzo IV, Christopher Manzo, Lauren Manzo Scalia and her husband Vito, Kristen Valencia and her husband Jon, Danielle Wardrop, K.J. Manzo, and Nina Manzo; the great-grandfather of Daniel Hundt, Evan and Noah Marinucci, Jayden and Jacob Snyder, Jonathan Valencia, and Marchesa Scalia; and the beloved brother of Marie Funk, Ann Dannenhoffer, Theresa Voegler and her husband Fran, John Hundt and his wife Ronnie and the late Louis Hundt and late Emma Roedel.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, 777 Valley Rd., Clifton, NJ 07013 would be greatly appreciated

George F. Hundt, Sr.

May 5, 2017

Dennis McDermott, age 70 of Lincoln Park and formerly of Bushkill, PA, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 4, 2017. He had moved to Lincoln Park just last year.

Dennis had been employed with Verizon in New York City for his entire career. In the 1960’s, he began working for “Ma Bell” as a linesman and throughout the years he worked his way up the ladder, so to speak. During the 1980’s, the company paid for his college education and after attending classes at night, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree which advanced him into a management position at Verizon. He retired in 2001 after a career of nearly 35 years.

Dennis grew up in Queens, NY and graduated from the Martin Van Buren High School in 1964. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in Okinawa. Upon his return from the Navy, he continued dating his childhood sweetheart; Diane Miata. The two of them had known each other since they were six years old, and lived in the same neighborhood. Dennis was a bit of a rebellious kid during his teenage years, but Diane knew well enough that he had a heart of gold. They were married on August 9, 1969 and honeymooned in the Poconos. They settled in Bellerose before moving to Bushkill, PA, in the Poconos, where they lived for nearly thirty years. Dennis and Diane had two children, a son and daughter. Dennis took great pride in his family and unlike many, he valued that accomplishment above all else. His ultimate goal in life, in which he achieved great success, was to be a good provider and keep his family safe and secure.

In 2016, they moved to Lincoln Park, NJ to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Their marriage was special, and Dennis often characterized it as “wonderful.” They complemented each other perfectly such that their “whole” was greater than the sum of their parts. Dennis was an exceptionally smart man, a great husband and father who always put his family first, with a kind and loving heart. Diane and his children will miss him dearly.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of forty seven years; Diane (Miata) of Lincoln Park, two children; Dennis, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Bellerose, Queens, NY, Deana Fagan and her husband James of Wayne, four grandchildren; Amanda and Robert McDermott of Bellerose, Queens, NY, Kayla and Jayden Fagan of Wayne, and his sister Elaine Orosz of Utah, and many dear nieces, nephews and extended family. Dennis was predeceased by his brother Thomas and by his sister Shirley Turney.

Donations in Dennis’ name would be greatly appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or visit www.stjude.org.

Dennis L. McDermott, Sr.

May 4, 2017

Marianne Steiner, age 58, of Wanaque, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at home. Her family was there to surround her with their love at the time of her passing.

Marianne is survived by her two dear daughters: Cindy and husband Jeff Cain of Flemington, and Jassmine Steiner of Wanaque; one adored granddaughter: Sophie Cain; her loving mother: Carolyn Steiner of Wanaque; her much-loved siblings: Anton J., Jr. and wife Nancy Steiner of Jefferson, Diane and husband Richard Demarest of Boise, ID, Nancy Kay of Wanaque, and Robert and wife Stacey Steiner of Haskell; and thirteen nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving father Anton, Sr. in 1989.

The third of Anton and Carolyn Steiner’s five children, Marianne was born in 1958 in the City of Paterson. She spent the first six years of her life growing up in Fair Lawn, then her family moved to Haskell where she received her education from St. Francis Elementary School and Lakeland Regional High School in Wanaque, graduating with the Class of 1976.

As a little girl of just six years old, her parents could already tell that Marianne was an independent little one who knew very well what she did and didn’t want. The story is told of her love for chocolate ice cream and how her mother would not let her eat it one time because she was wearing a pure white dress. Instead Mom offered Marianne vanilla ice cream as an alternative. Now most people would have found vanilla ice cream to be a delicious substitute, but not Marianne! She chose instead to have no ice cream at all as everyone else sat around enjoying theirs.

Following her post-high school education at Berkley Secretarial School, Marianne worked several jobs including with AT&T in Morristown, selling airtime for a local radio station, and pursuing independent sales. True to her strong-willed, independent nature, she ultimately found her niche, starting her own company in Wanaque, NJ on March 17, 1998. Marianne fittingly named the company Steiner Industrial, Inc. and for the next nineteen years she led the company to enjoy great success as a leading distributor of coated abrasives (think sandpaper) and related products. She was proud that her company was a Certified Female-Owned Small Business and of her service as Past-President of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI).

Marianne’s philosophy was to work hard, make money, and then give it away. She found great joy in contributing much of her spare time, energy and resources to Soroptimist International - an organization special to her heart for their mission of seeking to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. If you went into Marianne’s house, you’d be sure to regularly see a small mountain of gifts that she purchased here and there so that she could quickly bless someone she thought could use a little encouragement and joy.

The only thing more important to Marianne than her career and charity work was family. She was a devoted and loving mother to Cindy and Jassmine and her face lit up whenever she spent time with her granddaughter, Sophie. You could always count on her to be the first person on the floor to play with her nieces and nephews when they were little. When the family stopped the practice of exchanging gifts at Christmas because it was getting too big, Marianne couldn’t resist continuing to spoil the little ones.

Marianne was a genuine lover of people and was a wonderful friend. Almost everything she endeavored, she did primarily to make the lives of those around her a little bit better. So, as a bowler on the Thursday early bird bowling league at the former Butler Bowl, to Marianne, it wasn’t about the best average or winning the championship. Instead it was about the fun of being together and enjoying the camaraderie. She also liked letting her hair down with friends by going out for a night of dancing and she enjoyed crocheting. She would make beautiful baby blankets to give to friends or to donate and she even made her daughter Jassmine a crocheted purse.

Marianne had a strong faith and she preferred walking through life close with God. Her faith helped sustain her through her courageous battle with cancer over the last ten months.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Marianne’s name are asked to consider one of the following charities: Roots & Wings (Supporting young adults who age out of foster care) 75 Bloomfield Ave., Suite 303, Denville, NJ 07834 (www.rootsandwingsnj.org), Strengthen Our Sisters, Inc. (Breaking the cycle of domestic violence, poverty and abuse) P.O. Box 359 Wanaque, NJ 07456 (www.strengthenoursisters.org), Lupus Research Alliance, 275 Madison Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016 (www.lupusresearch.org), or Wayne Interfaith Network Food Pantry, P.O. Box 3341, Wayne, NJ 07474-3341.

Marianne Steiner

Wanaque

May 3, 2017

Anna C. Tumminello (nee Hallock), age 104 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

Anna was born April 3, 1913 in Stirling, NJ, and she was baptized at St. Vincent’s Church on November 23, 1913. She spent the early part of her childhood in Brooklyn, NY before moving to the Riverside section of Paterson. She met Charles Tumminello at a local dance. They were married at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Suffern, NY on July 8, 1933. They also enjoyed a wonderful marriage and loved each other dearly. Playing cards was a regular event in their home, and Poker was Anna’s game. They played every Friday and Saturday night, often with a few friends or family members. They also enjoyed playing Bingo. Visits to Atlantic City were much anticipated, where Anna would prove her skill at the Blackjack tables. She just loved to play cards. Together with their family, Anna and Charles enjoyed vacationing at Wildwood on the Jersey Shore, where they would fill the house with family. Maintaining a close family was always a priority, and Anna often hosted holiday dinners which included everyone. She was a terrific cook.

Sadly, after thirty nine years of marriage, Charles passed away in 1971. A young widow at just fifty eight, Anna moved to Wayne to live with her daughter Joyce. She started playing cards with a few other ladies and eventually they had a regular Poker game going. On one particularly funny occasion, the police raided the card game after having been tipped off that there was illegal gambling going on! The police were surprised to find just a bunch of senior citizen ladies playing cards, and that story gave them all something to laugh about!

Anna was a wonderful mother to her three children, and they eventually blessed her with seven grandchildren who, in turn, blessed her with eighteen great-grandchildren! She loved being around her family and spending time with all of them. They will all cherish her memory throughout their lifetimes.

Anna is survived by her three children; Stephen Tumminello and his wife Elaine of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (and Princeton, NJ), Charles Tumminello and his wife Pat of N. Caldwell, NJ, and Joyce Balzarotti and her husband Joe of Wayne, seven grandchildren; Laurie Treene and her husband David of Montgomery, NJ, Robyn Nini and her husband Kevin of Princeton, NJ, Steven Tumminello and his wife Leanna of Flanders, NJ, Wendy Tumminello and her spouse Laura Motley of New Hope, PA, Debra O’Mara and her husband Eddie of Nutley, NJ, Ann Marie Davis and her husband Jim of Pompton Plains, NJ and Karen Alexander and her husband Bob of Wayne, NJ, and eighteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters; Elizabeth Treglia of Brooklyn, NY and Evelyn Sutherland of Mahwah, NJ. Anna was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles in 1971, by her sister Jennie Kerpchar, and by her brother Anthony Hallock.

In Lieu of flowers Donations in Anna’s memory can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or visit www.stjude.org.

Anna Tumminello

May 3, 2017

Ernesto Cedro “Capt. Cedro”, age 68 of Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Capt. Cedro was born and grew up in Madrid Surigao del Sur in the Philippines. After graduating from St. Michael High School, he originally attended college to study to be an engineer. He quickly realized that engineering was not for him so, without ever telling his mother, he switched his major and in 1969, he earned his Associates degree in Nautical Science from the Philippine Maritime Institute. He immediately took a job as a cargo ship seaman and launched a twenty three year career traveling all over the world on cargo ships, working his way up to the rank of Captain and Master Mariner. It was through this job that Ernesto got the nicknames “Capt. Boy” and “Capt. Cedro”. He loved his work and because of it, having the opportunity to see the world. His travels took him to a vast array of destinations including China, Singapore, Denmark, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia.

Capt. Boy had an uncle – Uncle Nick - who was actually a little bit younger than him. Uncle Nick wanted to take a girl named Annabelle Cericos out on a date. Annabelle suggested that Capt. Boy join them and take her sister Imelda. The four of them went out for dinner followed by a night of dance at a local disco. This first date took place in 1980 and Capt. Boy and Imelda really took a liking to each other. They continued to date but, because Capt. Boy was always at sea, in 1984 they decided on a quick marriage by the justice of the peace while Capt. Boy was home for a short while. A year later their daughter Aimee was born.Four years later, on Monday, April 18, 1988, they got married again! How many people do you know who get married twice…..to the same person? This time they exchanged their vows before God, family and friends at the Sacred Heart Parish in the Philippines. Capt. Boy went back to sea once more and sailed on cargo ships for four more years. In the meantime, Imelda had already immigrated to the United States. She suggested that Capt. Boy come home for good so they could be together all the time. So in 1992, Capt. Boy walked away from his job as a ship captain and came home. Soon after, he and Imelda were blessed with a second daughter name Katherine.

Capt. Boy took a job with AmSpec Services of Linden, NJ as a petroleum tester and inspector. He worked there for 18 years, retiring in 2010 at age 62. His company respected him so much, they asked him to help them out on occasion as an independent consultant and Capt. Boy consulted with some other companies too.

Capt. Boy was very proud of his Philippine heritage. Since he was born on Philippine Independence Day, he always took that day off from work to attend the parades celebrating the occasion in Jersey City and Passaic Park. He also served as President of the United Surigueños Association of America (USAA). This was an organization of other Filipinos whose mission was to reach out to fellow Surigueños Filipinos residing in the USA and to civically extend help to the needs in their home provinces of Surigao in the Philippines. Recently, Capt. Boy had also become a member of the Knights of Rizal – a Filipino version of the Knights of Columbus. On a lighter note, Capt. Boy loved to sing. He was a balladeer who enjoyed going with family and friends to clubs to serenade them with his beautiful voice. His favorite sport was boxing. You could often find him in front of the television watching his favorite boxers, like Manny Pacquiao.

Above all else, Capt. Boy was extremely dedicated to his family. He loved having them all together for special holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter, and for all these occasions, Capt. Cedro was always the chef. A parishioner of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne, Capt. Boy’s faith in God was very dear to him.

Capt. Boy will always be remembered as a loving and caring and devoted husband, father and brother. He was an excellent provider. Funny and outgoing, he was always available to offer advice or to help his family and friends in any way he could.

Capt. Cedro is survived by his beloved wife Imelda; his two adored daughters: Aimee Kristine Cedro of New Orleans, LA and Katherine Cedro of Wayne; three dear siblings: Ludivina Espineli, Susana Ong, and German Cedro – all of the Philippines; and several dear nieces and nephews.

Ernesto Cedro

May 2, 2017

Joseph P Porr age 69 of Wayne, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday April 30, 2017 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Joseph was born in Newark, NJ but was raised in Pequannock. After graduating from Pequannock High School in 1966, Joe attended a Technical school here in New Jersey and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Electronics. He worked as an Aircraft Technician at Aircraft Radio located in Boonton. During this time he also became a licensed pilot. Joe eventually settled in with a company called BAE Systems located in Wayne. He held a position there as a Technician until his retirement.

Joe met Joyce and they fell in love, eloped and were married on December 26, 1969 at Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne. After they were married they settled in Parsippany, but later moved to South Carolina. Joe and Joyce eventually moved back to New jersey in 1979 and settled in Wayne where they would call their home, raise their two sons and spend the rest of their lived together. Joe and Joyce treasured forty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Joe enjoyed bowling and he belonged to several different leagues around Wayne including the Jr. Adult League, Men’s League, and also a Mixed League which he played along with his wife Joyce. He coached football for the Wayne PAL during the late 1980’s. He was a devout New York Mets fan and a Miami Dolphins fan as well. Joe was very proud to have a son enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and his son Justin serving in the Passaic County Sheriffs Department. He also loved to go fishing, salt water in particular. He would take many trips on charter boats, fishing for bluefish, fluke, and flounder. Above all of Joe’s hobbies and interests, his deepest love was for his family. He was a loving husband, and devoted father and always made time for his two sons. He was also a wonderful uncle to his nieces and nephews. Joe was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by all who knew him.

Joseph is survived by his wife Joyce (nee Polizzi) of Wayne, two sons; Joseph Porr of Wayne and Justin Porr of Wayne, his sister Beverly and her husband Thomas Brown of Vestal, NY, Trudy and her husband Richard Lewis of Florida, and Alicia and her late husband Michael Battisti of Wanaque, two sister-in-laws; Joann and her late husband George Cavill and Robin and her late husband Larry Lapinski, and two brother-in-laws; Anthony and Michael Polizzi, and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his sisters Judy Porr and Mary and her husband Barry Osterhoudt .

Joseph P. Porr

April 30, 2017

Leonard “Len” Weber age 84 of Oak Ridge, NJ, passed on Friday, April 28, 2017.

He was born to Ralph and Lillian Weber in the Bronx, New York and raised at number 1550 Nelson Avenue in the Bronx. Len graduated from the Samuel Gompers Vocational High School in the Bronx with the Class of 1950.

Just out of high school Len worked by his father’s side at A1 Venetian Blind & Awning Company on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. He took a job at the Paradise Theatre in the Bronx and found a lifelong career in theatre and broadcasting. He worked with the Theatrical Stage Employees, Local One - IATSE having had positions in New York City with CBS, NBC, and ABC television, and for Channel 13. For many years he was the Head Electrician for the St James Theatre on Broadway in New York and retired, after over sixty years in broadcasting and theatre, in 1994.

Len will be remembered as a loyal friend and gifted individual. He was a caring father, brother, and animal lover. Many fond family memories were made with annual, week long trips to Wildwood Crest at the Jersey Shore. Len truly enjoyed his retirement years and the time it gave him to be with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He truly loved spending time with them all.

Len met a pretty girl in fifth grade, at PS 104 in the Bronx, name Evelyn Morris. Evelyn remembers their first date as being to a candy store that also served as the local hangout for kids. As the years went by they became high school sweethearts and fell in love. Len proposed to Evelyn soon after her sister Joanie was married. They married on December 30, 1951 at the Tremont Temple on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. They honeymooned at the Madison Hotel in Atlantic City. They enjoyed a devoted marriage of sixty-five years together.

He was the loving husband of Evelyn Weber; devoted father of Steven Weber and his wife Suzann of Houston, TX, Laurie Kelly of Pompton Plains, Michael Weber and his wife Carol of Newfoundland, and Lynnette Verhoest and her husband Richard of Kinnelon. He was the cherished grandfather of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild on the way. Len was predeceased by his two sisters Roslyn Harris and Esther Vega.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Len’s memory would be appreciated to “Tomorrows Children’s Fund,” 30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 or by visiting www.tcfkid.org.

Leonard “Len” Weber

Oak Ridge

April 28, 2017

Estelle Aldi, age 91 of Wayne, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, April 27, 2017. She had been a resident of Wayne since 1951.

Estelle was born at home, in Bloomingdale, NJ, and grew up on 3rd Street in Butler. She attended St. Anthony’s Elementary School before graduating from Butler High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the William Paterson Teacher’s College, as it was then known. She taught 2nd grade at the Pompton Lakes Elementary School for two rewarding years before becoming a happy full-time mom.

Along with her full college studies, Estelle took on a part-time job to earn a little income. She was an elevator operator at Quackenbush’s department store in downtown Paterson. On one particular day, she had a passenger that just wouldn’t get off the elevator; Dominic Aldi. Dominic was home on leave from the U.S. Navy and he was shopping with some friends at Quackenbush’s. From the moment he saw Estelle on the elevator, he was smitten. He just kept riding the elevator, unwilling to get off until she agreed to go out on a date with him. Eventually she caved in and their first date was set. Dominic went to her house to pick her up and, much to Dom’s surprise, she took him to church - and not just to Mass, but to confession. Since it was Saturday, it was just the right thing to do. Surely this wasn’t what he had in mind for their first date, but like the gentleman that he is, he was happy to oblige her. Their wedding followed a year or so later, on March 28, 1948 at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Butler. After a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, they lived at her parent’s home before settling to their new home they designed together in Wayne in 1951. They made for an interesting couple, and enjoyed the most wonderful and fortunate marriage that they could have ever hoped for. This past March, they celebrated sixty nine years of a loving and devoted marriage together!

Estelle loved her music and their home was always filled with the sounds of Benny Goodman and the Jazz big bands. One of Estelle's favorite songs was "Blue Skies, smiling at me ", as 'Mom' would sing along "nothing but blue skies, do I see". Like the song, Estelle was always smiling and always positive. Family was so very special to her as she loved being with the whole family for Birthdays and holiday celebrations. After dinners together there would be the opening of gifts, the blowing out of candles and the smiles for pictures to be taken! It became a yearly tradition with an exciting Easter egg hunt in Estelle and Dominic's home where the children would search for 100 eggs! And a family party night would always conclude with just one more thing to do; play cards! She brought cards on vacation, and to be sure, Estelle would always be seated at the card table enjoying the games with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren! For many years, they enjoyed a home in North Wildwood, NJ where Dom kept his boat. They would go out for cruises with the kids, polish the boat, inside and out, and then when it was time to relax, they played more cards!

Estelle, what a great mom she was, and what a terrific grandmother and great-grandmother she has been for many years. She knew how to make you happy and was always sure to deliver a compliment. Estelle freely shared her smile and pleasant positive nature. Each one knew that they were always loved by her. She set a wonderful example for all of her family to follow. Her children recall that it was 'Mom' who taught them at a young age how important it was to recite the Rosary, as Estelle had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Estelle will be missed dearly by a great many, but will always hold a dear place in our hearts.

Estelle is survived by her loving and devoted husband; Dominic of Wayne, by her two children; Estelle Meyer and her husband Jake of Wayne, and Dominic of Wayne, five grandchildren; David Meyer and his wife Nancy of Wayne, Sherry Ligouri and her husband Jerry of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jessica Rowe and her husband Chris of Wayne, Christine Placko and her husband Bill of Oak Ridge, and Marissa Lyons and her husband Sterling of Sandy, Utah, nine great-grandchildren; Kayla, Shayna, Heather, Chloe, Sabrina, Daniella, Dominic, Lily, and Bane, as well as one sister; Charlotte Bishop of Franklin, NJ.

Estelle Aldi

April 27, 2017

Nancy Laughlin (nee Ferguson) age 90, of Lincoln Park, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017.

She was the loving wife of her husband, James, with 63 years of a lasting friendship culminating in his passing in 2009. She was one of three siblings of Charlie and Ada Ferguson of Huntington, West Virginia. Pre deceased by brothers Charles of Huntington, West Virginia and Carol of Columbus, Ohio, Nancy was born in Lawrence County, the hill country of eastern Kentucky on March 13, 1927. A child of the depression era, she always maintained a frugal outlook on life. During WW II, she met her future husband in Jacksonville, Florida. James was stationed nearby in preparation to being shipped overseas to the Pacific theatre with the US Marine Corps. Working part time at a local drug store, she caught the young marine’s eye. Working up the courage to ask her out on a date, he later admitted that this was the girl that he was going to marry. They married in Huntington, West Virginia upon his discharge in 1946 and moved to Alexandria, Virginia. With her husband being selected to be a special agent with the FBI, they relocated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania prior to moving to northern New Jersey, eventually settling in Lincoln Park. Nancy was a homemaker her entire life, devoting herself to her children and the rigors of her husband’s schedule.

Nancy’s passion for antiques was unheralded. Nothing escaped her attempts at salvaging memorabilia for some future event. Nancy passionately pursued antiques, with family members accompanying her on antique quests during family vacations. Many a family vacation was diverted to a local flea market or obscure estate sale off the beaten track in a remote northern New England farmhouse. She was probably one of Johnny Cash’s most loyal fans, surrounding the tempo of the household with her favorite singer’s tunes. Many a dinner was prepared with “I Walk The Line” playing in the background. Her southern roots were evident in her signature fried chicken and homemade lemon meringue pie. Nancy’s idea of the perfect vacation setting was to be surrounded by loved ones at the family cabin on the shores of Little Sebago Lake in Maine. A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Mountain View, she was very active in the church’s Women’s Club events until her health prevented her from further participation.

Nancy was the loving mother of: Rebecca Janicek and husband Walter of Lebanon Township, New Jersey and Robert Laughlin and wife Elizabeth of Weymouth, Massachusetts; adored grandmother of: Marisa and Keith Tucker of Louisville, Colorado and Jeffrey Laughlin and Deborah of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and cherished great grandmother of Jude Laughlin of Philadelphia, and Emma Tucker and Khloe Tucker of Louisville, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the USO (uso.org/donate) or to the National Stroke Association (www.stroke.org).

Nancy Laughlin

April 23, 2017

Joseph Braverman, age 93, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2017.

Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 13, 1923. He grew up in Passaic where he graduated from Passaic High School. After graduation he went to work in his father's mattress factory, United Bedding, in Passaic. Joe joined the Marines in 1943 where he proudly served in campaigns to retake a number of Pacific Islands including Iwo Jima. He participated in the occupation of Japan at the end of World War II.

He was discharged in December of 1945 and went back to work at United Bedding with his father. Upon his father's death in 1956, he took over the business. After marriage, Joe and his wife moved to Clifton where he helped to establish a loving home for their three children. He continued working at United Bedding until suffering from a major heart attack in his mid-fifties. In 1984, Joe moved in with his daughter, Lisa, in Wayne. He was very close to his grandchildren and enjoyed being a loving grandpa. Through a strong will and the care of his loving family, he was able to enjoy many years watching his family grow. Joe was a medical marvel, outliving all medical predictions.

He enjoyed swimming and water sports, and spent many summers at a cottage on Lake Hopatcong with his many dear friends. Joe also got much pleasure watching sports and movies on TV and keeping track of the stock market. He loved animals, especially his beloved German Shepherds, Caesar and Rigo, and later in life his little companions Brie, and Brody. If not for working in the family business, Joe would have pursued a career as a Veterinarian.

He was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, son-in-law, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, friend, and boss. Joe was known to all as a kind, loving, gentle, and generous soul. He was selfless, no matter what the circumstance, he was always there when anyone needed him. He put all others before himself and always had a kind word to say, focusing on the good in all. He had a great sense of humor even if the joke was on him.

Joe is survived by his loving daughter: Lisa Bosco and former son-in-law Ron Bosco of Wayne, two sons: Peter Braverman of Edison and Jon Braverman of Denver. Five dear grandchildren: Kristi and husband Michael McHale, Greg Vincek, Bret Bosco, Brielle Bosco, and Joshua Braverman; five cherished great-grandchildren: Ryan, Caiden, and Brynn McHale, and Lucas and Nicholas Vincek; several nieces and nephews, and his loving dog and companion Brody. He was predeceased by his sister Beatrice Garber.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Joseph’s name are asked to consider the Semper Fi Fund 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057 (semperfifund.org) for his dedication to the U.S. Marines, or Animal Welfare Institute 900 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Washington, DC 2003 (awionline.org) because of his love for animals.

Joseph Braverman

April 23, 2017

Lois Cummings (nee Jackson), age 84 of Wayne, died Sunday, April 23, 2017. She had lived in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne since settling there with her husband in 1957.

Lois grew up in the Greenville neighborhood of Jersey City and graduated from St. Dominic’s High School one year earlier than usual. She went right to work at the Colgate-Palmolive company famously located right on the Hudson River in Jersey City. In 1954, Lois was set up on a blind date where she met Frank Cummings. The two of them hit it off and they married on June 23, 1956 at St. Paul’s Church in Jersey City. They celebrated their honeymoon in Bermuda which kicked off a wonderful, close, and loving marriage that lasted for forty eight years. Lois and Frank were “polar opposites” in many regards, but they made it work well for them. Frank passed away in 2005, just a few months shy of their forty-ninth anniversary.

While living in Packanack Lake, Lois involved herself in many community activities. She was in the Packanack Players, the Harmony Singers, the Pack-a-ladies bowling league, known as “The Strikers,” and many other local clubs and social groups. She loved ‘antiquing’ and you could often find her making the rounds to all the local garage sales and estate sales. She became a licensed antique dealer in 1969 and began officiating estate sales herself. Through her love of antiques, she participated in the PAL Flea Market for many years, and she was a part of the Summit Antiques Center, a co-op owned antique shop located in Summit, NJ. Lois was also a fabulous cook and she could make anything well. She wasn’t afraid to try new recipes either and every time she nailed it; excellent! Raising six kids sure presented its challenges, but Lois somehow made it look easy. Her children recall their mom cooking their favorite meals upon request, and she was skilled at crafting award-winning Halloween costumes for each of them. Lois also enjoyed summer vacation each August at the Jersey Shore, on LBI. There were, of course, occasions when Lois would not allow herself to be disturbed or interrupted, and that was anytime that the NY YANKEES were playing a game! She never played a sport in her life, but somehow she became a devoted and loyal YANKEES fan over the years. She simply loved her YANKEES.

Lois is survived by her six beloved children; Christopher and his wife Jean of Clifton, Griffith and his wife Carol of Wayne, Peter of Plainfield, Douglas and his wife Angela of W. Caldwell, Maura Cummings of Wayne, and Brewer and his wife Maria of Long Valley, as well as her much adored eleven grandchildren; Jack and Mollie Gutt of Wayne, Christopher Jr. and Scott Cummings of Clifton, Chelsea, Samantha, and Abigail Cummings of Wayne, Justin and Sean Cummings of West Milford, Elizabeth and Layton Cummings of Long Valley, her beloved sister-in-law; Margaret, her nephew Christopher Jackson, and niece Cindie Abbott. She had also been predeceased by her brother; Robert Jackson of Lakewood, California in 1984.

Donations in Lois’ memory would be greatly appreciated to Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.

Lois Cummings

April 23, 2017

William James Marshall, III, age 91 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

Bill was born in Passaic where he began life before moving to Clifton. He graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1943.

One day while driving in town, Bill spotted a guy on the side of the road with a flat tire. Good natured as he was, Bill pulled over to see if he could lend a helping hand. The guy with the flat tire was Bud Vander Hoff and, to show his appreciation, Bud invited Bill to his house for a bite to eat. When they arrived at Bud’s house, Bill quickly noticed Bud’s sister Wanita. In fact you could say that sparks of attraction started flying. Looking back, Bill would surely tell you that helping Bud fix his flat tire turned out to be one of the most fortuitous acts of kindness he ever did. He and Wanita started dating and soon after were married by the justice of the peace on Sunday, January 9, 1944. A little over a week later, on January 20, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy as World War II was in full swing. He proudly served for a little under two years when injury caused him to be honorably discharged from active duty.

Upon Bill’s return to civilian life, he resumed his job with manufacturer Mycalex, Incorporated of Clifton. He began working there at age 17 and he enjoyed a long and prosperous career ascending to the position of foreman supervisor and working there for 45 years until retiring in 1987. One of the endeavors his company was involved in required the import of mica from India. Bill liked to tell the story of how one day a cobra snake was found among all of that mica. It must have got caught in the shipment from India and probably didn’t like its new home in the United States so much. Bill loved his work and he always enjoyed the camaraderie and respect of his coworkers.

Soon after returning from Navy service, Bill and Wanita moved to Wayne where they remained the rest of their lives. After several miscarriages, they were blessed with a precious baby girl and they named her Candace. From that day forward, she was “Daddy’s little girl” and Candace will always cherish special childhood memories of spending time with her daddy. He would often take her to work with him and let her ride in the rack truck and sometimes on the truck’s back lift-gate. They’d go fishing together – truly one of Bill’s favorite pastimes, and they shared a love of animals as Candace recalls having all kinds of pets, like their two chickens named Myrtle and Gertrude, as well as various rabbits, German Shepherds and cats. A proud member of the NRA, Bill also enjoyed going to the shooting range.

After retiring, Bill and Wanita took the opportunity to travel a bit, but Bill mostly cherished times spent with his entire family. He enjoyed trips to Saranac Lake in up-state New York camping at a KOA camp with Wanita, his daughter Candace and her husband Doug, and his three grandsons. Those grandsons were very special to Bill! A day spent fishing with them at the Monksville Reservoir or Fayson Lake and teaching them all he knew about catching the “big one” was really special to him. He also enthusiastically chased those boys all over the country to watch them play ice hockey in various tournaments and competitions.

Bill had a great sense of humor and really loved playing pranks on family, friends and coworkers. One time he told his friend Pete, who was deathly afraid of snakes, that there was one in his car. He also liked doing silly, harmless pranks like putting little stones inside the hubcaps of people’s tires. Wherever he went, Bill touched lives with his kind, caring and sensitive nature. Everyone who knew him loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Bill was the loving father of Candace and husband Doug Bright of Wayne; adoring grandfather of Bill and wife Jackie Katinsky, Raymond and wife Kim Katinsky, and Doug Bright and his companion Cori Healy; cherished great-grandfather of Blake, Shae, Travis, and Anna Katinsky. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years - Wanita in 2005, and his dear sister Frances Scalza in 2014.

Bill’s family also want to say a special “thank you” to the staff of Lakeview Rehabilitation and Care Center in Wayne for the loving and caring service given to Bill in the last couple of years.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in William’s name are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365 (www.alz.org/nj).

William Marshall, III

April 22, 2017

John J. Shanley, age 80, of Hawley, PA passed on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Twin Cedars Assisted Living Facility in Shohola, PA.

The son of John and Marietta Shanley, he was born on June 21, 1936 in Paterson, New Jersey.

Mr. Shanley worked for the Township of Wayne, NJ Department of Parks and Recreation, for 25 years and previously worked at the Parks and Recreation Department of the Village of Ridgewood, NJ.

Family members said he enjoyed building model airplanes, bowling, camping, deep sea fishing at the Jersey Shore and Florida, and his beloved cat, “Miss Puss.”

He was predeceased by his wife Katherine Shanley in 1992. Hs is survived by his children Rose Marie Shanley of Roebling, NJ, John J. Shanley and wife Diane of Hillsborough, NJ, Donna Shanley of Suffern, NY, Carla Englehardt and husband William of Wayne, NJ, Jack VanLenten and wife Lois of Wayne, NJ, his brother William Shanley of North Carolina, nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

John J. Shanley

April 22, 2017

Beulah Evelyn Selsor (nee Van Ness), age 90, of Pompton Lakes, passed peacefully at home on Friday, April 21, 2017.

She was born to Edward and Elsie (nee Snyder) Van Ness and raised in Pompton Lakes, having lived on one side of the street or the other, on the same block most of her life. She graduated from Pompton Lakes High School with the Class of 1944.

Beulah’s first job, just out of high school, was as a secretary for Philgas on Colfax Avenue in Oakland. She worked by her husband’s side as a bookkeeper for Selsor's Servicenter at the intersection of Lakeside and Colfax Avenue. The station, a landmark in Pompton Lakes, was founded and stayed in the family for forty-one years.

Beulah met a cute boy named James Russell (“Russ”) Selsor during a snowball fight and they soon fell in love. Their first date was to the Old Barn Milk Bar in Wayne. They married on May 8, 1948 at the Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes. They drove a 1934 Ford five window coupe to Florida for their honeymoon. The honeymoon was short lived as both Russ and Beulah got sunburned so badly they had to return home. They enjoyed fifty-eight years of a loving, devoted, stereotypical marriage of a bygone era. They always made time for each other and took special interest in the other’s pursuits.

The children have fond memories of traveling across the country to Alaska and Canada in a 1962 Buick Electra pulling a Starcraft pop-up trailer. The six week journey was really a trip to see their son Russ, who was in the army and stationed in Alaska.

Beulah will be remembered as a kind, loving, good hearted person who never swore or had a bad word to say about anyone. She was gracious, selfless and nurturing. Beulah was the best cook ever! The love she baked and cooked into the things she made will never be forgotten. Her cherry pie from cherries picked in the backyard, tomato soup cake, apple pie, and strawberry rhubarb pies were just a few of her specialties. She found great pleasure in cooking and baking and expressed her love for all through food. Whether it was her shrimp scampi, stew, fried chicken, Cornish game hen with cherries jubilee, or potato salad, the joy she got from seeing her family together was something she cherished deeply. She will also be remembered for her sewing skills. She has made dresses for her children, prom dresses, flower girl dresses, and even upholstered furniture. Beulah truly loved being a wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother and did it well.

Beulah was the loving wife of fifty-eight years to James Russell Selsor (2006); beloved mother of James Russell Selsor III and his wife Leslie of Oak Ridge, Judy Gasperini and her husband Thomas of Clemmons NC, Douglas Selsor and his wife Linda of Vernon, and Sue Calvani and her husband Jeffrey of Hampton; she was the cherished grandmother of Wayne, Michele, Shane, Julie, Katie, Maggie, and Korey; dearly loved great-grandmother of Rylee, Skyler, Casey, Ellye, Keller, Torii, Maddock, and Marley. She was predeceased by her brother Edward VanNess.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pompton Lakes/Riverdale First Aid Squad, 700 Ramapo Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be appreciated.

Beulah Evelyn Selsor

Pompton Lakes

April 21, 2017

Anna R. Main (nee Bello), 90, of Wayne NJ, passed away on Thursday, April 20th, 2017.

She was born in Paterson, NJ, and after marrying, moved to Wayne NJ in 1962.

Ann’s working life began when she was 16 at a 5 & 10. She later worked at Farmland Dairies where she met her husband, Jim, who worked as a milkman at the time. They were married on June 12, 1955 and later had two children. They were happily married for 52 years before Jim passed in 2007.

Ann is the loving mother of Sharon Trent and her husband Bob, Jim Main, Jr. and his wife Trudy; cherished grandmother of Kerry Sasso and her husband Mark, Jay Main, and Eric and Amy Trent; much loved great-grandmother of Isabella Rose and Colton Charnock. Ann was predeceased by her husband Jim Main, Sr., her parents Rose and Dan Bello, and her two brothers Jack and Dan Bello. Ann was known for the love and generosity that she spread to everyone who knew her. Some of Ann’s favorite pastimes included going shopping, out to lunch, and watching the Yankees.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ann’s name to the American Heart Association.

Anna R. Main

April 20, 2017

Norman Joseph Wazaney Jr., age 78 of Pequannock passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 19, 2017 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Norman was born in Jersey City to Norman and Elaine Wazaney. Norman grew up in Wood-Ridge New Jersey then moved to Pequannock more than fifty years ago. Shortly after graduating from High School, in 1957, Norman heard the call to serve his country. He spent the next four years in the United States Air Force spending time in Japan and was honorably discharged from the service in 1961. Norman’s service to our country was something that his family remembers him being very proud of his entire life.

While Norman was in High School he met and began dating Ann Vara. As fate would have it they fell in love and became husband and wife on September 28, 1963 shortly after Norman was discharged from the Air Force. Soon after they were married, Norman and Ann moved to Pequannock, NJ where they would call home, raise their two children, and cherish the next 53 years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Norman worked as an IT Director, Software Developer and Consultant for many years with a variety of companies and also worked closely with the United States Government, particularly designing Weapons Delivery and Fighter Jet Navigation systems. Norman’s entrepreneurial spirit also led to several published computer software games. Norman enjoyed the work that he did until his retirement approximately ten years ago.

Norman was a loving and loyal husband and a dedicated father as well. He Coached Little League while his children were growing up. He was also an extremely devoted grandfather and never missed any of their games, recitals, school plays or other events. He was an avid New York Giants fan and held season tickets for them for a number of years. He was also very fortunate and held a special memory of attending Superbowl XLVI with his son and grandson when the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots. Norman was also a fan of the New York Yankees and of the New York Rangers. He was also dedicated to his faith and was a parishioner of Holy Spirit RC Church in Pequannock for many years with his wife Ann. Norman also enjoyed traveling with his family to Disney on many occasions. Aside from all of Normans talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family. Norman touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew him.

Norman is survived by his wife Ann Wazaney (nee Vara) of Pequannock, one son; N.J. Wazaney and his wife Beth of Pompton Lakes, one daughter; Debbie Legregni and her husband Garry of Pompton Plains, one brother; Dennis of Longwood, FL, and 4 grandchildren; Michael, Ariana, Justin, and Heather. He was predeceased by his sister Rene Serfaty.

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

Norman J. Wazaney, Jr.

Pequannock

April 19, 2017

Dorothy “Dot” Sturcke (nee Eggeling) age 92 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

Dot was born in West Hoboken and grew up in Secaucus. She met her future husband, William “Bill” Sturcke, on a blind date shortly after he returned home from the Navy. That first date was a great success and just four weeks later, Bill pulled his car over on Century Road in Paramus and proposed to Dot right there. They were married on May 3, 1947 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Montreal.

Bill and Dot settled in Maywood then Rochelle Park before moving to Wayne in 1965. Dot was a homemaker. When Bill retired, they traveled to England, Ireland, France, Germany and Monaco, as well as many other destinations. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of more than sixty-five years before Bill’s passing in 2012.

Dot will be lovingly remembered as a mother and grandmother dedicated to her family. Her love and generosity was unconditional and knew no end. Dot was extremely fortunate to have received a donor kidney at the age of 79. She was a special “grandma” to her loving grand-puppies; miniature dachshunds Remy, Cody, Wolfie, Angel and Pippin who will be greeting her lovingly in Heaven. Bend and Sprout will miss her greatly, as she always made sure that their bellies were full of cheerios and that they were nice and warm as they snuggled close to her in bed when they visited. During the last few years of her life, Dot’s talent for art was discovered in the beautiful pictures she colored and embellished. They are truly frame-worthy.

Dot was predeceased by her husband Bill in November of 2012. She was the loving mother of three children; William H. Sturcke, Jr. and his wife, Trudy, of Ponca City, OK, Arlene Jakubik of Wayne and Audrey Marciniak of Kinnelon (and her late husband, Gary), four grandchildren; Karen Blanco and her husband, Marcos, of Odessa, FL, Kristen Morado and her husband, Jaime, of Simi Valley, CA, Matthew and Katherine Jakubik of Wayne, and five great-grandchildren; Brendan Blanco of Odessa, FL, Ryan and Jenna Stack of Simi Valley, CA and Aaron and Leah Morado also of Simi Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation, 30East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, www.kidney.org would be appreciated.

Dorothy Sturcke