Joseph Alvino, 78 of Wayne, died on Wed., Jan. 4, 2017 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He had been enjoying the winter months in Florida as he had for more than fifteen years.

Joe was raised in the Riverside section of Paterson and attended Central High School. At the young age of twelve he began working for a paving contractor and he learned the trade. He worked briefly for V. Ottilio & Sons and then formed a new partnership with his cousin in 1970, forming the A&A Paving Co. Eventually, he struck out on his own and started Alvino Paving Contractors with a loan from his father-in-law. The investment paid off and Joe built a business that has endured for more than twenty five years. With countless residential driveways and business parking lots to his credit, Alvino Paving has certainly left its mark on Wayne and the surrounding communities. For those who worked with Joe, and those that worked for him, they’ll tell you that he did things one way; his way. He was a strong-willed man, completely unwavering, and never to be questioned. That was his style and you had to respect him for it.

Besides being a very hard worker and determined man, Joe was a survivor of sorts. He pulled his way through adversity that would have crushed most other people. For the past thirty years he’s endured struggles with his health, including a heart attack at forty-five years old that the doctors told him he should not have been able to survive, as well as aortic aneurisms, cancer on several occasions, and a host of other ailments. But he battled through all of it and could amazingly muster the strength to get well again and defy his doctor’s prognosis. He was just a really tough guy.

Golf was something Joe picked up when he began wintering in Florida. He loved the game so much that if there was a way he could have played more often, he would have done it. Of course, nothing was more important to Joe than dinner. He often thought about his dinner all day long, even starting the day by asking at the breakfast table; “what’s for dinner?” He was picky when eating out and always ordered his food just the way he liked it, and if it wasn’t up to par, he wouldn’t eat it! Most of the area waiters and waitresses were afraid of him and he was usually served by the owners at his favorite restaurants. He simply wouldn’t tolerate a poor meal, but he was grateful when it was done well. He loved a good cigar, casinos, the horse track, and he had been able to travel to Italy and Aruba on some memorable vacations.

Joe and his wife Carol have been married for 57 years now. They met as teenagers in Paterson when Joe kindly gave Carol and her friend a ride home one rainy night. After dropping off Carol’s friend, Joe offered to buy Carol a cup of coffee and the rest is history. They were married two years later, on April 18, 1959 at St. Mary’s RC Church in Paterson, followed by a honeymoon to Niagara Falls. Together, they raised their four children in the Hillcrest section of Paterson before moving to Wayne in 1980. In 1986, they began visiting Florida each winter. They owned a home in Boca Raton initially before moving to Hillsboro Beach in 2002.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of fifty seven years; Carol (nee Watson) of Wayne, four children; Debra Firstbrook and her husband Craig of Wayne, Joseph C. Alvino and his wife Donna of Totowa, Gregg Alvino of Wayne, and Chris Alvino and his wife Elizabeth of Wayne, six grandchildren; Ashley, Kaitlin, Alexis, Alyssa, Alivia, and Anthony, and a sister-in-law; Marian Branthwaite of Pompton Lakes. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Scott Watson of Pompton Lakes just last month.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation. Donations can be made by mailing a check to 12902 Magnolia Drive, MBC-FOUND, Tampa, FL 33612, by calling 1-800-456-3434 ext. 1403 or online at www.moffitt.org/donate. Please make a note that the donation is in memory of Joseph Alvino.

Michael J. Dutko, age 88 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. He had been a Wayne resident for 60 years.

Born to John and Fannie Dutko in the Singac section of Little Falls, Mike grew up and graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the Class of 1945. His fond childhood memories include his 6 siblings, playing baseball in school and singing in the St. John's Russian Orthodox choir. Mike was very proud and thankful to be the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Seton Hall University in 1950. Immediately after graduating from college, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years as a medic before he began his career as a chemist in Totowa. He later joined Exeter Manufacturing Company of New York City as a Technical Sales Representative of glass fabrics. He married his sweetheart, Hope Kosachook, in 1955 and they settled in Wayne in 1957. In the late 60's, Mike joined the Industrial Fabrics Department of Uniglass Industries, a Division of United Merchants and Manufacturing, Inc. As a Fiberglass Sales Rep, he was involved in many pioneering projects with IBM. He retired in 1988 as a Sales Executive with Uniglass, supplying fiberglass products to various industries.

Mike was an avid golfer and truly loved the sport. He described watching the sunrise over a fairway as a spiritual experience that he simply would never tire of. He enjoyed membership at Bowling Green Golf Club, playing frequently with his brother Paul and childhood friends. He played many courses over the years. He was also a wonderful family man, always cooking breakfast for his kids on Sunday morning and grilling for the family cookouts. His daughter fondly recalls her father simply as “a wonderful man and father.”

Mike is survived by his daughter Barbara Jean Dutko of Milford, Massachusetts, one sister, Mary Durkos of Little Falls, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife Hope in 2013, by his daughter Mary Beth Dutko in 2007, and by his five siblings, Walter (Charlie), Peter, Steven, Paul and Justine (Sue) Jaworski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made in Mike’s honor would be appreciated to the 'general fund' at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1219 Ratzer Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Joyce Knaus, age 81, a longtime resident of the Wayne, NJ area died peacefully at home on Monday, January 2nd, 2017 surrounded by her family.

Joyce B. Knaus CLU, CFP Obituary

Joyce Knaus, age 81, a longtime resident of the Wayne, NJ area died peacefully at home on Monday, January 2nd, 2017 surrounded by her family. Joyce was born on January 26, 1935 in Spring Bluff, Missouri on the family dairy farm. She attended a one room school house up to eighth grade and later graduated from Sullivan High School. As a young girl growing up on a farm, Joyce had many of your typical farm life chores such as milking and feeding the cows. She soon got a job working at Meramec Caverns where she met a a cute city boy named Roy. He asked for Joyce’s hand in marriage on Christmas Eve of 1955 at her parent’s home in Spring Bluff and they soon married at St. Anthony’s Church in Sullivan.

Shortly before Roy’s graduation from Washington University, St. Louis, they were married and he was then commissioned in the US Air Force. During their first several years of marriage they lived in Corpus Christi, TX, San Antonio, TX, Topeka, KS, Boston, MA, then settling in Philadelphia, PA where their two sons, Mark and Brian were born. During that time Joyce graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in business, majoring in marketing and retailing. They then spent 3 years in Baton Rouge, LA, where their daughter, Chris, was born. Eventually Roy took a job at American Cyanamid in Wayne, NJ, and in 1970 they moved to West Milford, NJ for 10 years. In 1980 they moved to Wayne, NJ where they have lived ever since.

Joyce began her career in insurance in 1978 as an agent for Mutual of New York (MONY), later AXA, where she remained until she retired in 2011. She prided herself in her professional persistence, determination, willingness to work hard, and a strong desire to excel. Throughout her career, she qualified for numerous company awards, including MONY’s Top 50, President’s Council, and Top Club, and was inducted into MONY’s Hall of Fame which was in recognition for her outstanding sales production and service to clients.

During her career she became a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), serving on the procedures committee and as past chairman of the MDRT membership and By-Laws and Ethics Committee. She was also active in the insurance industry association of the National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU), New York City chapter, the Bergen County Estate Planning Committee, the New York City Estate Planning Council, and the International Association of Financial Planners (IAFP).

In addition to serving her profession, she also served in her community. She was active for many years in the Wayne A.M. Rotary, having served as past president and Rotary District Governor’s representative for the club. She was also a professional advisory board member of the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation and fund raised for the Wayne Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Joyce loved spending time at their homes in Bethany Beach, DE and Lake Wallenpaupack, PA. She also loved traveling with Roy, having traveled to Thailand, Hong Kong, Paris, Monaco, Cancun, Costa Rica, Key West, California, Alaska, and Hawaii.

She is the daughter of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Daniken) Blesi. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brothers John and Paul, and her sisters Elda, Margaret, and Virginia. She is survived by her husband, Roy Knaus of Wayne, two sons, Mark Knaus and wife Julie of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Brian Knaus and fiancée Bonita Rutigliano of Wayne, NJ and one daughter, Chris Black and husband John, of Hackettstown, NJ. She is also survived by four granddaughters, Elisabeth, Jenna, and Cydney Black and Violet Rae Knaus, and 19 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joyce’s name to The International Advocate for Glycoprotein Storage Diseases, Make-A-Wish Foundation, or NJ Alzheimer’s Association. (note: you can click on the colored text of the organization and you will be brought to their online donation page.  Please notate that your donation is a memorial donation for Joyce Knaus)

Diane LoFrisco (nee Ingrassi) age 61 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Monday January 2, 2017 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Diane was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. As a child, her parents enrolled her in local Catholic Schools where she received a strong education in academics as well as religion. She graduated from St Edmunds Catholic High School with the class of 1973 and was then accepted to Brooklyn College where she studied Math as a major and education as a Minor. After graduating college, Diane earned a position with US Customs as an import specialist where she held this position for about five years.

While she was attending college, Diane’s mom, Fannie Ingrassi, got her a part time job at a stock brokerage and securities firm in New York City. It was during her temporary employment there in 1974 where she met a young man by the name of Frank LoFrisco. They started dating, and after a romantic and loving courtship, they were married in 1980 at St Catherine of Alexandria in Brooklyn.

After their marriage, Diane and Frank settled in Wayne where both of their sons Daniel and David were born. She then devoted the next sixteen years as a homemaker. Diane ran the household with love and care, as well as efficiency. Schooling was paramount and she always made time to mentor her children with homework, reports, and tests-across all subjects. All the while juggling soccer practices, wrestling matches, doctor’s appointments, and the like, with homemade dinner on the table at night. Always. This was her role as mother, and she wore the mantle well.

In the early 1990’s, the family relocated temporarily to Tampa, Florida before returning to Wayne five years later. They would call Wayne their home for the rest of their years together. During this time, Diane landed a job with Wayne Township in their Building Department. She worked there for approximately three years before becoming a full time Math Teacher at Wayne Valley High School. Diane was a dedicated teacher and took great pride working with her students. This would be the position she would hold for sixteen years until Diane’s illness forced her into an early retirement.

In 2008, Diane was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. She bravely battled the disease with an unwavering positive attitude in the years since. She was extremely smart and educated herself about her illness and treatment options. Through the years, Diane had the courage to face over 10 lines of cancer treatments, from conventional to experimental procedures, side effects and disappointments included. When others may have become disheartened, Diane’s spirit never broke. Her biggest concern rather, was worrying over the burden she was placing on the family.

Despite all that Diane was going through, she always made family the priority. A generous person, and also an animal lover, Diane adopted several rescue dogs over the years that she treated as one of her “boys”. She was a devoted wife, and a loving and dedicated mother. She and Frank cherished thirty-six years of loving and loyal marriage. Diane touched the lives of many people in her lifetime and she will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Diane is survived by her husband Frank LoFrisco of Wayne, two sons; Dan, and Dave, her mother Fannie Ingrassi, and sister Francine Lista of Staten Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane's name may be made to American Cancer Society,NJ Chapter, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 or FOWA Animal Shelter http://www.fowarescue.com

Wilhelmina “Winnie” Lauzon (nee Freund) age 88 of Pompton Plains passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 31, 2014 in the presence of, and while receiving the loving care of her family.

Wilhelmina was born in New York City. She was raised and lived throughout parts of Hudson and Bergen County including Hoboken and Fort Lee and Teaneck. She also was a long time resident of Dumont, NJ for 57 years until moving to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains three years ago.

Wilhelmina learned at an early age from her parents, the value of a good work ethic. She started helping her parents at the age of fourteen in the family owned delicatessen which relocated a few times in the Hudson and Bergen County area, and eventually settling in Teaneck. Shortly after graduating High School, she went to work for her Parents full time. Across the street from Wilhelmina’s family store was another family owned store, H Lauzon Furniture Company. The owners of that store had a son Francis Lauzon who served proudly in the US Navy during WWII. After the war ended, Francis went to work full time for his parents and would visit Wilhelmina’s family deli for lunch practically every day, hoping to get a chance to talk to the “pretty girl behind the counter.” They met in 1947 and after a courtship of about two years, they were married in 1949.

After they were married they moved to Englewood where they lived for about four years then Francis and Winnie moved to Dumont where they would spend the next 57 years and raise their three daughters.

Just after Francis and Winnie were married, Winnie went to work for Francis’ family furniture company as a bookkeeper and would hold this position until they both retired simultaneously in 2002 after the selling of the business.

Winnie and Francis cherished sixty-one years of loving marriage until Francis’ passing in August of 2010. During that time they were avid travelers, visiting many different places including Alaska which was one of their favorites. They traveled by car to many locations and also loved to cruise as well. Winnie was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was devoted to her Catholic Faith which she actually converted to when she married Francis. Winnie was an avid Bridge player, she loved Gardening and Embroidering. She was extremely kind-hearted and always opened up her home to anyone that needed anything. So it was no surprise that she made many friends in Cedar Crest Village where she was very active in social events and gaming. Winnie touched the lives of many people and she will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Winnie is survived by her 3 daughters; Patti Vaspol and her husband Reid of Highland Mills, NY, Charlene Haas and her Husband Ed of Maplewood, and Robyn Ferrentino and her husband Gary of Harrington Park, 7 grandchildren; Darin, Michael, Karen, Katie, Nicholas, Ali, and Tori, 2 nieces; Suzanne and Faith, and 1 nephew; Kenny, she was predeceased by her husband Francis Lauzon in August 2010.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a donation in Winnie’s name are asked to consider The American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer St, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Walter F. Hoffmann age 90, prominent New Jersey Democrat, acknowledged civil rights attorney and tireless advocate for world peace, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2014.

He was born in Newark, grew up in Glen Ridge and spent most of his adult life in Wayne NJ. Walter was an Eagle Scout, graduated from Glen Ridge High School in 1942 and served in the Marine Corp in the Pacific in WW II. Walt was stationed on Tinian Island as a member of the 18th Anti-Aircraft Battalion when the Enola Gay took off from Tinian for Hiroshima, August 6th, 1945.

Walter graduated from the University of Michigan in 1948 and the University of Chicago Law School in 1951, where he was on the staff of Law Review. After law school, he was a bill drafter for the Illinois legislature, a trial attorney for the National Labor Relations Board and a staff attorney for the U.S. House Ways and Means subcommittee investigating the administration of the IRS. He then returned to New Jersey and was a founding partner of Hoffmann, Humphreys & Lafer, which later became Hoffmann & Fiorello in Wayne. From his offices on Hamburg Turnpike and later Valley Road, Walter earned a reputation for honesty, hard work and loyalty to his clients.

Active in Wayne politics, Walt was elected as 2nd Ward Councilman in 1963 and served until 1971. His newsletters, open office hours and door to door campaigning made him popular with constituents in the 2nd Ward. In 1969, he was the Democratic Party candidate for Mayor and placed 2nd in a tight 3 way race. He was also a Democratic Ward Leader, Municipal Chair, candidate for NJ Assembly in 1972, Assistant County Counsel for Passaic County in 1975-76 and a Delegate to the 1980 Democratic Convention in New York.

Political courage never failed him. As a civil rights attorney in the 1960’s, Walter successfully challenged residential covenants in NJ communities that excluded home owners based on race and religion. He was Chair of the Legal Redress Committee of the Passaic County branch of the NAACP and in the face of strong opposition, represented a Wayne school teacher who was fired for not saying “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Passionate for U.N. reform, Walter was a member of World Peace Through Law, founder of the Campaign For U.N. Reform, Center for UN Reform Education and Executive Director of the World Federalists Association in Washington, D.C. In 1993, he was appointed by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives to serve on The Commission on Improving the Effectiveness of the United Nations.

In his spare time, Walter was a Deacon at the Preakness Reformed Church, President of Wayne Kiwanis Club, Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor and Adjunct College Professor at William Patterson and Ramapo Colleges, teaching courses in Government and Political science.

At the University of Michigan, Walter met his first wife, the former Lois Anne Johnson. They married in 1948 and had a good and loving marriage for 52 years until Lois’s passing in 2000. He remarried in 2003 to Nancy Cecere and enjoyed their 12 years together travelling and living in Cedar Crest Village.

No one who met Walter will forget him, not his family, not his friends or office staff, or fellow travelers anywhere. He genuinely wanted to know people and what was important in their lives. His integrity, wise counsel and joy in his family will be missed.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters, Anne Hoffmann, Laura Calixte, son, Charles Walter Hoffmann (Susan), three grandchildren: Sylvianne Mulholland (Michael), Raymond Walter and Gregory Hoffmann; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson Walter and Kellen Mulholland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Walter’s name to the World Federalist Movement 708 Third Avenue, #1705, NYC, NY 10017 or Citizens For Global Solutions 420 7th St SE Washington, D.C. 20003.

Kevin Patrick O’Riordan, of Barre, Vermont, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at his home.

Born on February 20, 1952 in Bronx, NY, he was the son of John Francis and Geraldine Veronica (Martin) O’Riordan. He attended St. Catherine Elementary School in Blauvelt, NY and the Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, NJ. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1980 and a Master’s Degree in Education, Applied Behavioral Analysis from Johnson State College in Johnson, VT in 1985.

On July 10, 1976, Kevin married Helena Frances Roness in Brooklyn, NY. Following their marriage, they made their home in Brooklyn, NY and Cabot, VT before moving to Barre, VT.

Kevin taught Special Education for the Barre City School System, was the program director at Washington County Mental Health for many years, and was the executive director of human services at Sterling Area Services in Morrisville for 18 years. He was a tireless advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities to help insure their best possible quality of life. He and his wife, Helena, were foster parents and home providers for children with disabilities for over thirty years. They were the first to have their own biological children and their foster children in the same home.

Kevin was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre where he taught religious education for several years and of the Knights of Columbus of Barre. He was a former member of the Montpelier Elks Lodge 924.

His interests were gardening, reading, and travelling. He especially enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Helena O’Riordan of Barre; his children, Michael O’Riordan and his wife, Erin of Pomona, NY, Kristen O’Riordan and her partner, Michael Kelley, Elizabeth O’Riordan, Joseph O’Riordan, Skylar O’Riordan and his wife, Christi, Logan Merrill-O’Riordan and her partner, Curtis Sherman, all of Barre, and Heith O’Dell of Brookfield; five grandchildren, Colby, Brendan, Shea, Levi, and Briella; his sister, Ellen O’Riordan-Madeya and her husband, Ray of White Plains, NY; his brother, John Brian O’Riordan of Pomona, NY; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His parents predeceased him.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Kessler Foundation, 300 Executive Drive, Suite 70, West Orange, NJ 07052 (e-mail: give@kesslerfoundation.org) or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, 16 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.

Sam Baten, age 73 of Old Bridge and Delray Beach, FL, died on Monday, December 29, 2014.

Sam was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. When his younger sister married an American, and moved to the U.S., he was quick to follow. When Sam was nineteen, he followed his sister’s lead, emigrating to the United States. His first job was at St. Ann Melkite Church. It was there that he met his wife Carol who was a parishioner. They fell in love and exchanged their wedding vows before family and friends on February 14, 1964 – St. Valentine’s Day! Following a reception at the Manor, they honeymooned in the Poconos, before settling in Oakland where they lived for about twenty-five years. During that time, Sam and Carol raised their two boys and Sam played a very active role in their upbringing, including serving as the boys’ soccer coach through the Oakland Rec. Program.

The family eventually moved to Pompton Plains and Sam enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the trucking industry with National Truck Protection and Dover Diesel Service, both of Moonachie. He loved his work so much; he really considered it to be a hobby. After retiring in 2005, Sam and Carol moved to Old Bridge and simultaneously purchased a home in Ormond Beach, FL. They enjoyed some great years of retirement together, traveling and spending time with family. In 2011, after a wonderful marriage of 47 years, Sam’s beloved Carol passed away. Sam eventually relocated to Delray Beach, FL.

Sam’s faith in God was a cornerstone of his life. During his years in New Jersey, he faithfully attended Sunday services at St. Ann Melkite Church, and he practiced his faith equally in Florida.

Sam was a people person. He was very outgoing and loved to make people smile and laugh. He came to love the finer things of life. He loved fine wines, and quality food. He was a sharp dresser, always taking pride in how he looked. But despite all of that, he will mostly be remembered for his generosity and acts of selfless service to his family and friends. He would do anything he could to help if you needed it.

Sam is survived by his two sons: Lewis of Freehold, and Mark of Pompton Plains; his three siblings: Elias Batinjane and wife Maha of Wyckoff, Sylvie Batinjane-Lombardo and husband Aldo of Delray Beach, FL, and Mire Khalaf and husband Elias of Paramus; and nine nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 47 years, Carol in 2011.

Robert L. Newton, age 87 of Pompton Plains, NJ died peacefully on Christmas day, 2014. Bob had lived in Packanack Lake, Wayne, for forty years before moving to Pompton Plains in 1996 and most recently resided at Cedar Crest Village.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Alma of Pompton Plains, his children; Peg Patten and her husband Chris of Scituate, MA, Russ Newton and his wife Kimberly of Falls Church, VA, and Audrey Newton, Alma’s children; Forrest DeVisser and his wife Jamie of Wayne, and Garrett DeVisser and his wife Marritta, five grandchildren; Jacob, Sami and Robert Newton of Falls Church, VA and Alyssa and Olivia DeVisser of Wayne, NJ, one sister-in-law; Dahlia Newton of TN and her children; Jessica Orvis and Roy Newton. Bob was predeceased by his brother Paul Newton of TN in 2010.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd. (201-512-9348), Mahwah, NJ 07430, or to Spence-Chapin Adoption Services, 410 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.

William Cirangle, age 89, of Wayne, passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2014.

Born and raised in Paterson, Bill spent all of his life there until moving to Wayne 4 years ago.

Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He was an expeditor with American Light Alloys, West Paterson and Singer Kearfott, Little Falls until retiring in 1988.

Surviving are his two brothers: George and wife Theresa Cirangle of Florham Park, and Louis and wife Mary Cirangle of Wayne. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by eight siblings: Rachel, Rose, Frank, Stella, Ernest, Lawrence, Julia, and John.

Rose Leitner (nee Pelonero), age 89 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at her home.

Rose was raised in Garfield during the Great Depression. She left high school early and began working in a shoe factory. Every little bit of income was helpful in those days and Rose wasn’t afraid to work. She became skilled running the machine that put the soles on shoes and boots. Throughout her career, she worked in many of the area shoe factories, running their sole machines. She retired in the 1970’s from a slipper factory in Passaic.

Since she was a young girl, Rose enjoyed dancing and on any given Saturday night, you could find her on a dance floor at one of the area ballrooms. On one particular Saturday evening in 1944, Rose was dancing to the Duke Collins Orchestra at the President Palace Ballroom when she met Bill Leitner. Bill’s nickname was “Billy the whip” because of how he could spin his partner on the dance floor. Rose, who was just nineteen years old at the time, turned out to be a perfect dance partner and the two of them fell in love. They began dating and were married on December 7, 1947 at the Mount Virgin RC Church in Garfield. They traveled to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon and have since enjoyed sixty seven years of a devoted and very loving marriage. Rose was so special to Bill and she had a wonderfully vibrant personality. She could play the piano, was an excellent cook and, of course, she was Bill’s greatest dance partner. Over the years, they traveled extensively including Hawaii and Las Vegas. Their favorite summer getaway was to Wildwood, NJ where they enjoyed the beach. She was also instrumental in starting the “Prime-Timers” social group at her church; Annunciation RC Church in Wayne. She was a very social person and was blessed with many dear friends who will all miss her dearly.

Rose is survived by her sweetheart; William Leitner of Wayne, three sisters; Sally Albano of Elmwood Park, Mary Scrittorale of Delray Beach, Florida, and Anne Paternostro of Las Vegas, NV, two brothers; Peter Pelonero of Santa Anna, California and Bob Pelonero of Las Vegas.

Ruth Glasser, age 83, of Bloomingdale, died unexpectedly on Monday, December 22, 2014.

Ruth was born and raised in Paterson and she graduated from Paterson’s Eastside High School with the Class of 1948.

She quickly got a job working for Bograd’s Furniture Store which, at that time, was located in the downtown Paterson shopping district. She later went on to become an assistant for Doctor Joseph Gorych in his practice in Wayne. She loved to meet and assist the doctor with the care of the patients and she enjoyed a career that spanned twenty-five years, retiring in 1993.

Ruth met her husband Frederick when they were in high school. They married four years after graduating, on July 31, 1952. The wedding took place while Fred was on leave from his service in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After the wedding, Fred returned to the Navy and Ruth moved in with her new mother-in-law so that money could be saved for the purchase of a home. Eventually Ruth and Fred bought a home in Bloomingdale and they stayed in that same house for over fifty years. Through those early years of marriage, Ruth and Fred were blessed with three beautiful girls and Ruth devoted herself to them, balancing their care with her own schedule at Dr. Gorych’s practice.

Ruth and Fred enjoyed some wonderful times and gave thanks to God for the fifty-one years they were blessed to be married. They traveled together to Hawaii, New Orleans, New England, and Florida. When Fred passed away in 2003, Ruth took one more trip – this time on a tour to Alaska with her oldest daughter Diane.

A self-confessed shopaholic, Ruth was always up for a good sale, especially at Macy’s and Kohls. At home she loved to watch the QVC shopping channel and consequently, that big brown UPS truck was always delivering packages to her front door. Ruth was young and heart and always said that she was “too young” to join the senior citizens group in town. She found it much more stimulating and fun to hang out with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to get together with them and play Barbie’s, Legos or make puzzles.

Ruth was very devoted in her faith in God and was very active in the Butler United Methodist Church, both as a volunteer in the Gleaners Thrift Shop and as a member of the church’s Naomi Circle – a church work team that volunteered wherever help was needed.

Ruth was a very sweet person who was extremely generous and self-sacrificing towards her family and the many friends she met throughout her life. While she will be dearly missed by all, including her dear pet Pomeranian Cody, her family gives thanks for the life that God blest her with.

Ruth is survived by her three loving daughters: Diane and husband Gordon Johnson of Bloomingdale, Donna and husband James Hollenback of Barnegat, and Carole and husband Andy Byra of Pompton Lakes; three dear grandchildren: Amanda, James, and Courtney; and four cherished great-grandchildren: Matthew, Emma, and twins Abegail and Evan. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Frederick in 2003.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ruth’s name are asked to consider the Butler United Methodist Church, 5 Bartholdi Avenue, Butler, NJ 07405.

Patricia Dorothy Fox (nee Frazer) age 79 of Wayne passed Monday, December 22, 2014.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in East Paterson having graduated from Lodi High School with the Class of 1953. She also lived in Clifton, Paterson, Oakland, and Fullerton, California before moving to Wayne in 1975.

She met her husband on a blind date. When Bill showed up at the house Pat was cutting the lawn. She was wearing red shorts and a white top and Bill was wearing Levi jeans. Pat thought Bill looked goofy in his jeans. Their first date was a drive to Fort Lee and a walk across the George Washington Bridge. They eventually fell in love with Bill proposing marriage in his 1952 Kaiser-Frazer Henry J parked in front of her family home on Augusta Street in East Paterson. They married on May 26, 1956 at Saint Leo’s Church in East Paterson, had a reception at the Koenig’s Hoffbrau in Westwood and a honeymoon in Bermuda. Pat and Bill have enjoyed fifty-eight years of loving and devoted marriage.

Pat worked in the cafeteria at the DePaul High School in Wayne for the past thirty-six years.

She was a roll up your sleeves and get to it worker. She raised six children and was very involved with her children’s schools while they were attending them. She enjoyed crocheting afghans, reading, and cooking for a gang. Family picnics and holiday gatherings were always a two meal occasion. The family will greatly miss her special touch on mashed potatoes and Swedish meatballs. After hearing about the passing of his grandmother one of her grandsons asked “who's going to make the mashed potatoes?”

Pat was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Pequannock for over thirty years.

Pat's husband Bill is a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and Pat supported his hobby by volunteering to perform many of the functions required to operate such organizations. For example, Pat gladly spent her weekends during the Christmas Season at the South Street Seaport in New York City as the Big Apple Barbershop Chorus sang its annual Christmas Tree performance where they were known as the South Street Seaport Christmas Tree. With the Montclair Chapter of the Society she participated with the Dapper Dans Chorus at its many functions throughout the year including shows, sing-outs and other events. She was the beloved wife of William Fox; devoted mother of William Fox, Jr. and his wife Sandra of Piscataway, Andrew Fox and his companion Cary of North Bergen, Thomas Fox and his wife Lynn of Monmouth Junction, Nancy Meyer and her husband Robert of Oakland, Mary Sabo and her husband Michael of Kinnelon, and Timothy Fox and his wife Elizabeth of Coplay, PA; cherished grandmother of Matthew, Michelle, John, Daniel, Dana, Drew, Michael, Christoffer, and the late Derek; loved sister of Barbara Feist of Florida and George Frazer of Texas.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to DePaul Catholic High School, 1512 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated-please be sure to include “In memory of Pat Fox” in your memo.

Joseph C. Delaney age 88 of Wayne passed Monday, December 22, 2014.

He was born and raised in Paterson having attended Central High School with the Class of 1944.

He was a US Navy Veteran of WWII having served on the USS Saint Paul a Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser. The USS Saint Paul fired the last hostile salvo from a major ship on Tokyo Bay then entered the Bay for the formal surrender ceremony the next day. The ship is also known for firing the last round shot at sea during the Korean War.

Joe was a quiet man who loved sports. He was a gifted shortstop having played at the Polo Ground in New York City. He was talented enough to get an invite to try out for the Saint Louis Cardinals. This never came to be as he felt the call to serve his country outweighed his desire to play baseball. He enjoyed making models of military ships and planes and could often be heard saying “believe me when I tell ya.”

Joe met his wife Josephine “Sophie” Rusciano through an introduction by a close friend of hers. They fell in love and married on June 28, 1952 at St. Michaels RC Church, Paterson. Their honeymoon in Atlantic City was followed by years in Paterson, Clifton, and Hawthorne before moving to Wayne. They have enjoyed fifty nine years of loving and dedicated marriage before Josephine’s passing in June of 2011.

He was the beloved husband of the late Josephine “Sophie” Delaney (2011); devoted father of Joseph Delaney and his wife Gale of Wayne, Anthony Delaney and his wife Nancy of Warwick, NY, and Renee Weinstein and her husband Scott of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Lisa King and her husband Michael, Michael Delaney, John Delaney and his wife Fallon, Cara and her husband Jonathan DellaMonica, Thomas Delaney, and Ryan Weinstein; much loved great-grandfather of Julia King, Jax King, and Hailey DellaMonica.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Tillie Breda, age 83 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2014 after a battle with dementia.

Born and raised in Garfield, Tillie graduated from Garfield High School in 1949. She moved to Wayne with her husband in 1956. She was a devoted wife and mother. She became active in the local community and was an avid athlete. She played for the Wayne Tennis League, Wayne Paddle Tennis League and she enjoyed golfing at the Passaic County course.

Tillie is survived by her husband of sixty-one years; Leo, of Wayne, two children; Linda Neely and her husband Dean of Rye, NY, and Jeffrey Breda and his wife Melissa of Boonton Twp., three grandchildren; Michael and Jennifer Breda of Boonton Twp., and Catherine Neely of Rye, NY, as well as one sister; Jessie Longo of Little Falls. She was predeceased by two sisters; Kathy Yuppa (2006) and Anastasia Zangara (2014).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tillie’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834, (973)586-4300 or visit; www.alz.org/nj

Mary “Mae” Karnas, age 96, of New Brunswick and formerly of Bloomfield, passed peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2014.

Born and raised in Newark, she attended Saint Casimir Elementary School and Eastside High School. Growing up in a big family during the depression made life challenging, so Mae quit high school and got a job at RCA making television tubes on a production line. She was thankful for that job as it enabled her to help her parents make ends meet. Later on in life, she returned to school and received her high school equivalency diploma.

Mae was just a young girl when she met the man she would one day marry. His name was Bronislaus “Ben”, and he grew up right in her neighborhood. One day, as a very young child, she saw him standing across the street and his tall stature caught Mae’s attention. Later they re-met at a wedding. Mae was with her cousin who, upon seeing Ben, excitedly said to Mae, “See that fellow...I'd like to go out with him!” Mae thought, “I don't think so...he’s for me!” Mae and Ben ended up dancing and talking that night. They continued dating and ultimately married on Sunday, February 28, 1943 at Saint Casimir R.C. Church. They moved into a cold-water flat in Bloomfield. Later on they bought a home in Bellville where they remained until 1955. During those years, Mae was blessed with four sons: Anthony, Stephen, Kenneth, and Michael.

The family moved again, this time back to Bloomfield where they purchased their own grocery business. They called it Ben’s Hilltop Market and it became the center of the Karnas family life. The whole family lived above the store. It was tight living quarters, and it got a little tighter when they were blessed with one more child in 1959, a baby girl whom they named Mary. As tight as it was, it worked because there was always lots of love to go around. The business was open seven days a week and Mae worked side-by-side in loving devotion to her beloved Ben. The kids helped out in the store too and it was closed every Sunday from two to four PM so that Mae and Ben could take some time for family or to relax a bit.

Across the street from the store was St. Valentine’s Church. This was a big part of Mae’s life as she had a deep faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother. She was a member of the "Mom's Club." Mae was also proud of her Polish heritage and joined with many other women in the church’s Polish Women’s Association. At home, Mae also carried on many of the Polish traditions. She loved big family gatherings where she prepared hallmark, not-to-be-rivaled family recipes. Favorites included her pierogis and mushroom barszcz. Every year, Mae was thrilled to host the Polish Christmas Eve which was referred to as Wigilia. In 1968, the family moved out of that apartment above the store to a home in the Brookdale section of Bloomfield. Then, in 1978, Ben and Mae retired from the business. They enjoyed a wonderful tour through Poland and lived out their retirement years in simple fashion – enjoying walks together to Brookdale Park, spending time with their children, visiting Mae and Ben's brothers and sisters, and looking forward to time spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 1993, right around the time that Mae and Ben celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Ben’s health began to fail. Mae completely devoted herself to caring for him and stood by his side until his passing in 2003. A few years later she moved to New Brunswick where she remained to the present time.

Mary was a hard worker. She was a sweet woman who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to her family and her faith in God. Rest in peace, Mae.

Surviving are her five dear children: Anthony and wife Claire Karnas of South Carolina, Stephen and wife Barbara Karnas of Florida, Kenneth Karnas of Wantage, Michael and wife Kathleen Karnas of New York, and Mary and husband Peter DiTore of Wayne; twelve adored grandchildren: Stephen, Joy, Scott, Matthew, Colleen, Ryan, Katie, Kenneth, Stephanie, Glen, Michael and Teresa; fifteen cherished great-grandchildren: Jared, Logan, Kathlyn, Quinn, Chloe, Reid, Eliza, Madelyn, Aniela, Juliet, Merjeme, Juniper, Gabriel, Sailor and Zoe; and her dear brother John Zarych of Pompton Plains.

Mae was predeceased by her beloved husband Bronislaus “Ben” in 2003; her adored great-granddaughter Niko Jill in 2010; her two brothers: Walter and Thaddeus Zarych; and her two sisters: Helen and Albina Zarych.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary’s name are asked to donate to a charity of your choice.

Age 93 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2014.

Thelma D. Beissel, age 93 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2014.

Thelma was raised in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, right in the heart of ‘coal-country.’ She used to reminisce about her early childhood when she would help her father mine for coal on Saturdays. Thelma and her dad would drive their Model T Ford out to the mine and her father would go down to the bottom and dig. They would remove the back wheel of the Model T and use a rope and pulley system around the truck axle to raise and lower their coal bucket from the mine. Once their truck was full of coal, they would put the wheel back on and drive home with their supply. Her family home had an outhouse and no indoor plumbing during much of her childhood. It was a very hard existence, but Thelma persevered. She took her first ‘real’ job as a teenager, working at the newly opened Weis Market in Shamokin. After getting married, Thelma moved to Illinois, living on an Army base, while her husband learned to fly B-29 bombers. At the end of the war, they lived in Shamokin, Pa. until 1956 when they moved to Clifton, NJ where they raised their four children.

Thelma was a wonderful loving mother and proudly served as honorary nurse on their block in Clifton. She bandaged up more injured kids than anyone can count and was always willing to help others. She was a Girl Scout leader with her daughters, volunteered for an untold number of causes, and donated blood often. At fifty two years old, she became a school bus driver in Clifton, raising a little extra money to put her son through college. She was simply a very kind and compassionate soul.

Thelma is survived by her four children; Barbara Orban and her husband Michael of Wayne, Kathy Beissel and her husband Bruce Bernard of Wayne, Howard Beissel and his wife Bridget of Basking Ridge, and James G. Beissel and his wife Margaret of Clifton, six grandchildren; Michael Orban and his wife Sue, Timothy Orban and his wife Beth, Jeff Orban, Conor Beissel, James Bernard and Jarret Bernard, six great-grandchildren, as well as a sister, Joan Waugh of North Carolina. She was predeceased by her husband Howard on February 8, 2009.

Margaret Plavier of Whiting, NJ, and formerly of Paterson, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 19, 2014. She was 93 years old.

Margaret was born and raised in Paterson. She graduated from Paterson Central High School in 1939 and later from Sherwood Secretarial School in Paterson. She was a secretary in the insurance field for many years.

Margaret married the love of her life, Earl H. Plavier, on February 13, 1949. They enjoyed over sixty years of a wonderful and caring marriage until his passing in 2009. Her late husband was a Captain on the Paterson Fire Dept., serving for more than thirty one years.

Margaret and Earl resided in Paterson until 1978 when they both retired and moved to Crestwood Village in Ocean County, where she has resided ever since.

Margaret is survived by her daughter; Marilyn Gundry and her husband Gerald of Palm Coast, Florida, and one nephew; Robert W. Plavier of Wayne. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Earl in 2009 and by her parents; Samuel and Hattie Foster.

Josephine Mazza (nee Mignone) age 88 of Wayne passed on Thursday, December 18, 2014.

She was born in Paterson and lived in Totowa before moving to Wayne fifty two years ago.

Josephine worked at a shoe store on Market Street in Paterson and eventually found work with the Wayne Hills High School cafeteria where she worked for twenty years from 6AM to 10 AM. She retired in March of 1988 and said she loved her work there serving breakfast to the students and teachers.

She was a very nurturing person and loved having her family gather at her home for Sunday dinner. She was always making gravy for the macaroni and was famous for her homemade stuffed shells. Josephine was a selfless person and always willing to step in and help whenever needed. She would typically be the first to arrive and last to leave all their family get-togethers. Josephine was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses.

She met a cute boy named Joseph Mazza almost by chance. Joe just happened to be with an Army buddy who had stopped off to visit a girlfriend. Josephine was there as well, and she caught Joe’s eye. They hit it off right from the start. Their first date was to the Regent Theatre in Paterson, which didn’t go so well. Josephine broke out in hives and Joe rushed her home! Nevertheless, they fell in love and Joe proposed marriage at Lake Atrium in Suffern, New York. They were married on February 28, 1948 by the Honorable Judge Milton Shamuck in Paterson, during a pretty severe snow storm. They have since enjoyed sixty-seven years of a loving and devoted marriage. They were always together and they complimented each other perfectly.

Josephine was the loving wife of Joseph Mazza; devoted mother of Debra Mastrogiovanni and her husband Robert of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Jennifer Piro and her husband Marc of Wayne, Laura Mauriello and her husband Al of Wayne; much loved great-grandmother of Madison and Samantha Piro, and Daniel and Andrew Mauriello, and two furry granddogs; Chloe and Charlie; dear sister of the late Raymond Mignone (1980).

Wanda Ann White Nyhuis, of Ringwood, passed on December 17, 2014 surrounded by her loving family.

Wanda, daughter of Louis and Doris White was born and raised in Butler, NJ. She attended Butler High School where she met her husband, Raymond E. Nyhuis, of Haskell, NJ.

Wanda is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, their children; Barry & Kathy Nyhuis, Brian & Jackie Nyhuis, Jill (Nyhuis) & Richard Kearns, Pamela Nyhuis, Daniel & Debra Nyhuis, Jim & Lori Nyhuis, Glen & Debora Nyhuis, Jeffrey & Mary Beth Nyhuis, Michael & Jennifer Nyhuis, her 27 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and by her brother, Rudy White, her sisters Frances Carnevale & Adele MacLeod. Wanda was predeceased by her brothers, Louis White & Ray White, and her sister, Alice (White) Coursen.

Many of her close friends marveled at her limitless kindness and devotion to her family. Wanda was happiest among her loved ones. With her husband Ray at her side, she adored time spent with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed a strong faith in God and was a long time parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi RC Church in Haskell, NJ. Wanda’s presence will be greatly missed by all that were privileged to know her.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 www.stjude.org, would be greatly appreciated.

Connie “Dolly” Mele, age 90, of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2014.

Connie was born in Paterson, the youngest of nine children. She was such a cute little kid, when the milkman stopped by her parent’s house he told Connie’s mom that Connie looked just like a doll. Almost from that day on, Connie was called Dolly.

Paterson was Dolly’s home for all of her childhood and much of her adult life. It was also the home of a nice young boy who lived across the street from Dolly’s family. His name was Anthony and the two of them grew up, eventually falling in love. The saying usually goes, “I married the girl next door.” Well Dolly’s husband Anthony was one of the few guys who could say “I married the girl across the street.” That wedding took place on Sunday, November 3, 1946 at the old Blessed Sacrament Church on 16th Street in Paterson.

They were blessed with their little girl Linda, and Dolly owned the place where all the local woman came to catch up on the neighborhood gossip…..Doll’s Beauty Salon. She started the business on Madison Ave. and three years later she moved it to 18th Street where she made many-a ladies hair look beautiful. The newlyweds continued their lives in Paterson until 1968 when they moved to Wayne. Dolly eventually retired after a total of forty-three years in the business. Tony retired too and the two of them moved to Florida in 1980.

Dolly was a bundle of energy and lots of fun. She was involved in all kinds of activities, especially when living in Florida. You could always find her at Bingo night and she loved to gamble – especially on those slot machines. Since there was no place to gamble in Florida, she would just jump over the state line into Biloxi, Mississippi where they had casinos. She even hit the jackpot once. Dolly also enjoyed playing golf, bowling, playing cards and she was really into crafting. Her family has fond memories of some of her creations like her tissue box covers, decorative night light shades and even jewelry. Dolly and Tony also enjoyed their cruises to St. Thomas and St. Croix and, for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, they went to Italy.

When her beloved Tony passed away in 2003 after a loving marriage of 57 years, Dolly remained in Florida until 2006. Then she came home to Wayne, settling in and making new friends at Siena Village.

Dolly was energized by family and friends and holidays. She made the best homemade pasta and it was even better when it was smothered in her Sunday gravy (that’s what some Italians call tomato sauce). Her Biscotti was excellent too. She loved company and serving big meals, especially around the holidays. The bigger the holiday, the bigger the meal, and to Dolly, the best part of the holidays was preparing those big meals!

Apparently Dolly was also a bit of a klutz. Once, while visiting loved ones at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, she turned her ankle while walking amongst the monuments. She insisted she was OK only to telephone her daughter Linda later that evening exclaiming “I’m ready to go to the emergency room now.” It turned out that her ankle was actually broken. On a different occasion, she sliced her foot on a shell on the first day of a two-week family vacation down the Jersey Shore. Then there was the time the family was vacationing in Wildwood. Dolly decided to ride a bicycle-built-for-two by herself. Again, it was the first day of vacation and she fell off the bike.

Incredibly generous and devoted, Dolly faithfully cared for her dear husband Tony when he was ill before his passing. She equally would do anything for her two adored granddaughters Janine and Sheri. When they were little, she loved to watch them so her daughter Linda could have a break. She’d let those girls do everything they weren’t allowed to do at home including roller skating on the plastic runners that protected the carpet and she even gave them their first lessons in gambling. Dolly also taught the girls some words in Italian – the ones you couldn’t repeat. When Cabbage Patch Dolls were the latest and greatest craze, Dolly stood in line at a store at five AM, just to make sure she could get some. She loved her three great-grandchildren equally and was so excited when they came and blessed her life.

Dolly was a riot…..a lot of fun! Some would describe her as a “corker” because she had no filter. She told it like it was and she was a bit of a sore loser, but with Dolly, it was all in fun because she was fun.

Dolly will be missed but forever adored by her loving daughter Linda and husband Richard Kimble; her two much-loved granddaughters: Janine and husband Dave Citer of Wayne, and Sheri and husband Mike Fischer of Pompton Lakes; her cherished great-grandchildren: Ryan and Sean Citer and Carson Fischer; and her brother-in-law Ben Mele of Franklin. She was predeceased by her four sisters and four brothers.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Dolly’s name are asked to consider Hospice of NJ, 220 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470 .

James H. Shaw, age 70 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 after a twenty-year battle with declining health.

Born in Paterson, Jim graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1964. It was in that school that he met Edythe “Edie” Sheridan. She was friends with Jim’s sister Eleanor and Jim and Edie became high school sweethearts. When their school days were past they wasted no time, marrying on September 4, 1965 at Holy Cross Church in the Mountainview section of Wayne. Following the wedding ceremony, they hosted a reception at the Wayne Manor and it was the first wedding reception ever held there. They honeymooned locally in Atlantic City because Jim had just been drafted by the U.S. Army and wasn’t allowed to venture too far away from home. It’s a matter-of-fact, he and Edie had to change their wedding date because of the draft. The newlyweds settled in Wayne in 1966 and have lived there ever since. They recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

Jim began his service in the U.S. Army in early 1966 and he was an expert rifleman. He came home a few months later to the best prize a man could ask for – a baby boy which he and Edie named James, Jr. In a few short years, he was blessed with two more children: a little girl named Edythe and another little boy named Joseph. Jim loved his kids more than anything. When his boys were young, he was their baseball coach through the Wayne P.A.L. youth recreation program. Jim coached his boys on two different sponsoring teams – Vander May Funeral Home and Milk Barn, and for every game that they won, they always went to the Milk Barn for ice cream.

As a young man, Jim initially worked for his father’s business – S&S Auto Recyclers in Wayne. It was there that he displayed a great interest and talent for fixing cars. He soon got a job working for United Parcel Service as a fleet mechanic. He was an excellent mechanic for UPS for twenty-eight years until illness forced him to retire in 1995. Throughout the years Jim was the neighborhood guy you went to if you needed your car fixed. He generously fixed anyone’s car.

In his spare time, Jim was a golf fanatic. He played on numerous courses including the Knoll Country Club in Parsippany, the Passaic County Golf Course, and with his buddies in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina and in Florida. Jim also enjoyed being a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a Fourth Degree Knight. He loved sports and he loved his grandchildren so he really enjoyed going to their different sporting events. Through the magic of internet, Jim was able to watch his grandson Ryan’s team, the Parsippany Hills Vikings win the football championship at Giant’s Stadium from his hospital bed just this past December 7th. A proud moment for Grandpa Jim indeed!

Jim was cherished by his family and many friends. Everyone loved his happy, easy-going disposition. He always felt he knew a better way to do whatever it was you were doing and he had no problem telling you. He was a kidder and a teaser but he always teased in a loving way.

Surviving are his beloved wife of Edie; three children: James, Jr. and wife Denise of Parsippany, Edythe and husband Steve Sich of Haskell, and Joseph and wife Bonnie of Fairfield; nine cherished grandchildren: Tyler, Casey, Nikole, Kerri, Ryan, Steven, Brandon, Megan, and Riley; two adored great-grandchildren: Meah and Max; and his brother Tom and wife Frances Shaw of Wayne. Jim was predeceased by his two brothers: George and Harold Shaw, and his sister Eleanor Shaw.

Thomas R. Marron, age 92, of Clifton, died on Sunday, December 14, 2014.

The fourth of Edward and Ida Marron’s five children, Tom was born in Washington Heights, NY and grew up in NY where he remained until moving to Clifton in 1964. As a child he spent many summers working on the family’s farm in Jamesburg, NJ because his parent felt he’d only get in trouble if he spent summers in the city. Because of the time spent on that farm, Tom developed a life-long love for working outdoors. Saturdays were meant for completing chores including manicuring his lawn and tending to his gardens where he grew tomatoes and beautiful flowers. He loved how his Forsythia bushes bloomed brilliant yellow in early spring, ushering in the promise of warmer weather. After the chores were done, he would often relax in his lawn chair to read the newspaper while listening to the Mets game playing in the background on his little transistor radio. Tom was a devoted Mets fan and his son Bob remembers how Tom took him to that 1969 playoff game when the Mets clinched the pennant.

One day when Tom was around eighteen years old, he tagged along with his buddy who was going to ITT Corporation to interview for a job. The gentleman who was interviewing his friend asked Tom if he was interested in a job too. Tom started working as a shipping clerk. Two years later, in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly and bravely served his country as a sailor during World War II. He was involved in nine invasions and was the recipient of seven battle stars for tours served in Italy, Africa, and the South Pacific. He didn’t talk about the Navy much unless you asked him. If you asked though, Tom would tell you about picking up paratroopers and the one time events were so intense, he actually asked God to take his life! Upon the completion of the war, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. He came home and resumed his position as a shipping clerk with ITT Corp, staying with the company for fifty years and working his way up through the ranks to the position of Senior Purchasing Agent until retiring in 1995.

Despite the satisfaction he gained from his profession, Tom’s family was always his first priority. If his kids needed his attention, he always stopped what he was doing to help them out. He was a good listener and their number one support. Even when they found themselves in situations that didn’t make him happy, they could always count on Dad to find a way out if they needed him to. Tom was equally-adoring of his grandchildren. They were his world and his daughter Allyson recalls how Tom would care for her daughter Samantha so she could go to work.

Tom always dreamed of being a cowboy, so for many years, the annual family vacations took place at the Rocking Horse Dude Ranch in New Paltz, NY. Tom walked around in his cowboy boots and even rode a horse once or twice. His kids loved that tradition as much as the other family vacation destination…..summers down at the Jersey Shore. They usually stayed anywhere between Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights and Dad will always be fondly remembered for taking everyone miniature golfing (he loved it!) and on early morning walks to Kay’s Bakery for crumb buns. Country music was his genre of choice and Tom enjoyed the classic sounds of Johnny Cash, Gene Autry and Tex Ritter. He was always kind to man’s best friend and found a special companionship with Pierre – his little poodle, and Max – his Bishon Frise. Once he owned a Model T.

Tom was a deeply religious man who walked close to God. You always knew you could find him in church on Sunday mornings and for many years he was a faithful parishioner of St. Paul’s Parish in Clifton. His faith taught Tom to be charitable and some of his favorite charities included St. Labre Indian Catholic High School in Ashland Montana, the ASPCA, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

While his family mourns his passing, they also celebrate his life because Tom knew what it meant to enjoy life. He’d talk to anyone, took life in stride and loved to laugh. He was known for saying “Bye now”. Tom has said his last “Bye now” for now, but you can almost hear him saying “See you soon.”

Surviving are his three dear children: Robert Marron and wife Denise of Astoria, NY, Allyson Minnella of Wayne, and Thomas Marron and wife Edith of Chandler, AZ; five adored grandchildren: Samantha, Jamie, Anthony, Alyssa, and Thomas; his sister Alice Ciulla of Georgia; and his brother Arthur Marron and wife Maryann of Whitestone, NY. Thomas was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Ciulla and his brother Edward Marron.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Thomas’ name are asked to consider the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (www.WoundedWarriorProject.org).

Richard A. Harlow, “Dick,” age 73, formerly of Bedford, NH, died peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2014 at his home in Bradenton, FL. He had lived in Bedford for twenty eight years before retiring to Florida with his wife Victoria (nee Venuti) in 2004.

Dick was born in Jersey City, NJ and grew up in New Milford, NJ. He is the middle son to Elizabeth (1980) and Robert Harlow (2000). Along with his two brothers, Peter (2001) and Jim, the three of them brought their mother more than her fair share of excitement, to say the least. The three boys shared one bedroom, and the whole family shared just one bathroom in their small Cape Cod style home. It wasn’t until the boys were in their teenage years that their father was able to finish the upstairs of the home, making way for a much-needed second bathroom and two small bedrooms. Dick and his brothers each graduated from Bergen Catholic High School and Dick was among the first students to finish all four years at the new high school, graduating in 1959. He began college, majoring in physical education, at Montclair State before deciding to join the U.S. Army in 1962. He proudly served for three years, with most of that time being spent in Germany, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal and the Expert Marksmanship Badge. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1965 and returned to Montclair State to continue his education.

Dick initially settled in Hazlet, NJ with his then-wife, Nancy (nee Karsmarski), and two children, Laura and Scott. In 1977, he took a job with Digital Equipment Corp., “DEC,” and moved his family to Bedford, NH. Moving to New Hampshire from New Jersey was a big step for the whole family, but he quickly became involved in the Bedford community and the whole family fell in love with their adoptive home. Dick became a member of the Bedford Men’s Club and he was among the volunteers at Bedford Mall selling Christmas trees many cold December nights for the annual fundraiser. He also enjoyed the many friends he made at the Bedford Bluffs Swim and Tennis Club. A story that often made Dick laugh includes one particular summer when he spent a great deal of time at the Bedford Bluffs with this family, because he was between jobs. This led some of the gossipmongers at the club to believe he must be independently wealthy when, in fact, he was simply unemployed. Rather than clue them in to the reality of his situation, he instead let them run amok with their rumors! It was comical. Nevertheless, he made many good friends at the Bedford Bluffs and played tennis there as often as he possibly could. An avid sports fan, Dick loved baseball and helped to coach Bedford Little League during the 1980’s. Dick truly became a “New England” sports fan; devoted to the Red Sox and Patriots – watching every game he could. He was a great cook too and his children recall how they always looked forward to his Sunday morning omelets – they were the best! He was a master on the barbeque grill, and the Christmas Lamb he cooked was pure perfection. Christmas was always a special time in his home. For years, a large group of family would gather in Bedford, many traveling all the way from New Jersey to celebrate Christmas together. Summer vacations were also special when Dick would take his family to Eagle Camp on South Hero Island, Vermont. Every year, during the same week in August, the family would pack up and travel to Eagle Camp where they would be joined by several other families from all over the North Eastern U.S. It was an annual ritual for him and they all made great memories. Dick was charismatic, sociable, and made friends everywhere he went. He will surely be missed by his family and a great number of dear friends.

Dick met his current wife Victoria (nee Venuti), “Vici”, and the two of them married in 2004. They moved to Bradenton, Florida that same year at the behest of Dick’s schoolmate and lifelong friend; Denis Dwyer. Dick was a little apprehensive about Florida at first, but he quickly made new friends and settled right in. He joined the Meadows Country Club, started playing tennis, and loved the social scene there. He was very proud of his new home there and even had a fireplace installed so he didn’t feel too far removed from New Hampshire. His screened-in pool became a labor of love and hanging out on his lanai to relax, read, or enjoy an afternoon cocktail was a daily pastime. He and Vici enjoyed entertaining at their home and had some wonderful parties. Vici too is a great cook, and Dick’s friends would often ask him “how can you stay so thin when your wife cooks like this?” He and Vici had a loving marriage and Dick was soft and kind with a “pudding heart.” They had both hoped to have many more years together and she will miss him dearly.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife of ten years; Victoria (nee Venuti) Harlow of Bradenton, Florida, his two children; Laura Vander May and her husband Ken of Wayne, New Jersey and Scott Harlow and his wife Elizabeth of Bedford, New Hampshire, five grandchildren; Kianna and Riley Harlow of Bedford, New Hampshire, and Courtney, Emily and Nick Vander May of Wayne, NJ, one brother; Jim Harlow and his wife Jill of Ohio, his former wife Nancy Harlow of Merrimack, New Hampshire, and many more family and dear friends.

Philip C. Morea age 82 of Wayne passed Monday, December 15, 2014.

He was born in Jersey City and raised in Elmwood Park, having lived in Paterson before moving to Wayne fifty-two years ago.

Many of his formative years were spent on a farm in Saugerties, New York where he learned to be a jack of all trades. He spoke fondly of driving the tractor and tending to the cows there on the farm.

Phil's work history involved working as a mason for Local 4 in Paterson for a few years and driving a truck for Lazzara's Bakery in Paterson. He later settled into work as a Chemical Operator for Hoffman La-Roche in Nutley where he worked for twenty-eight years before retiring in 1986. During his retirement he often helped his daughter Dawn at her restaurant Franchino's in New Milford.

He enjoyed bowling here in New Jersey up until two months ago and in his younger days he traveled to tournaments all over Florida with his dad. His father is even listed in the Bowling Hall of Fame in Florida. Phil also was a great roller skater having danced in competitions, often at the Paramus Roller Rink, for many years. He loved sports and was a New York Mets and New York Giants fan. Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday everyone knew where to find Phil...in front of the TV watching the game.

While attending a Saturday night dance at the local YMCA Phil laid eyes on Dolores Shakal and immediately told his friends "I'm going to marry that girl." They danced the whole night together and were married on September 12, 1954. They enjoyed a honeymoon in the Pocono's and settled in Paterson. They moved to West Paterson and then finally moved into their home in Wayne in 1963 where they have happily lived for forty nine years until Dolores' passing in October of 2012. Throughout their marriage, Dee and Phil enjoyed traveling. Through the years they traveled with the Wayne Golden Age Circle to Branson, Missouri and South Dakota. Aruba was by far their favorite vacation spot and were fortunate to have spent an entire month there on one visit - they both didn't want to come home!

Phil will be remembered as a quiet man of few words, always there for you, loving, compassionate, humble, with a huge heart. He loved to sip his coffee and work around the pool in the back yard. He would also wander the neighborhood and chat up the people he met along the way.

He was the loving husband of the late Dolores M. Morea (10/2012); much loved father of Dawn Morea of Wayne, Robert Morea and his wife Deanna of Brooklyn, NY, and Donna Morea of Warwick, NY; cherished grandfather of Daniela Terrana of Hawthorne, Anderson, and Blake Morea. He will also be greatly missed by his Yorkie "Snickers."

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children's Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 would be appreciated.

Muriel S. Selkridge, age 97 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2014.

Muriel was born in New York City and grew up living on West 62nd Street in Manhattan. Sadly, her mother passed when she was very young, and her father was convinced he didn’t know how to raise a girl, so he sent her off to a boarding school in Bordentown, NJ. Upon returning to New York, she became a seamstress, and worked at one of the infamous garment houses on White Plains Road in the Bronx. Her granddaughter recalls going to work with Muriel one day, and all she could see in the factory were sewing machines the entire length of the building, more than a city block, with women working at a fever pitch, turning out clothing. Naturally, Muriel was a fantastic seamstress and she made all sorts of clothing and garments for her family.

Muriel was a sports fan and loved basketball. She was a big New Jersey Nets fan and had gone to many games over the years. She loved to watch the games with her great-grandson, Connor and they would talk about players and stats all the time. She also loved to cook and was wonderful in the kitchen. Everything she made was fantastic and she could cook just about anything. Muriel was an independent woman and perhaps ahead of her time in many ways. She remained very close to her family and lived with her daughter Sylvia and granddaughter Annise nearly her entire life. The three of them shared a very special bond. Great sadness visited Muriel when her daughter Sylvia passed away in 2007 and life was simply never the same for her. Despite the loss of Sylvia, Muriel was over joyed to spend time with her great-grandson Connor. She raised Connor, to a large degree, caring for him during the day while his parents worked. They too developed a very special and loving bond that few children share with a great-grandparent. Although Connor will miss her dearly, he has a lifetime of memories to cherish for many, many years to come.

Muriel is survived by her loving granddaughter; Annise Valdez-Godek and her husband Ken of Wayne, and her great grandson Connor Godek of Wayne.

Violet M. Polzer, age 89, of Pompton Plains and formerly of Wayne, died on Saturday, December 13, 2014 after a short illness. She had been a Wayne resident for 40 years before moving to Cedar Crest Village in 2004.

Violet grew up in Paterson, attending local schools and St. Joseph’s Church. She went on to graduate from Eastside High School in Paterson with the class of 1943. After high school, she attended secretarial school and became a skilled operator of the comptometer, the earliest mechanical calculators.

Violet was the wife of Edward Polzer for 63 years. Violet met her husband Ed at a dance in the 1940’s. They wed on February 7, 1947, at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Paterson. They were married sixty-two years before Ed’s passing in 2009.

After getting married, Vi resided in Totowa, NJ with her family, becoming a full-time mom. The family moved to Wayne in 1964. Vi didn’t start working again until the children had all grown up. She began volunteering for the Passaic County Adult Day Care Center on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne, where she then accepted a full-time position as “Craft Director.” Using her natural gifts for design, craftsmanship, and color coordination, she was responsible for selecting and facilitating all projects suited to the talents of the seniors, including knitting, crocheting, quilting, and sewing, in addition to a whole variety of other crafts. Each year would bring the annual craft sale at the Center where the seniors sold all the crafts they created with Vi throughout the year. The sales brought eager crowds from the surrounding communities! She retired from that position but continued friendships with her fellow workers.

After moving to Cedar Crest, Vi renewed acquaintances with several friends from her childhood in Paterson, her early years in Totowa and those from the Wayne area. In addition she made many new friends, especially from the 5th floor of Madison Green. She was an active participant in the Catholic Community at Cedar Crest where she was part of the choir at Saturday Mass for many years. She enjoyed the exercise programs, clubs, and Friday Happy Hours. For her 80th birthday, she traveled with the Cedar Crest Catholic Community to Rome marking her first time in Europe.

She loved being a mom to her four children, and was even ‘honorary mom’ to others who knew her. She was caring, comforting, loving, and simply had a wonderful ‘motherly’ quality about her. She had a great sense of humor and loved to make other people laugh. She also enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and throughout the US. Vi was an excellent cook and her recipes have been passed to children and grandchildren as well. Holiday meals were especially important to her. This year, in fact, she offered the prayer at Thanksgiving dinner with her whole family gathered at the table or via Facetime – a special blessing they are sure to cherish for many years to come.

Violet is survived by three children: Mary Ann McAdams and her husband, Robert, of Jefferson; Diann Jinks and her husband, Peter, of Bernardsville; and Mark and his wife, Lisa, of Wayne; six grandchildren: Mara McAdams DeMarco and her husband, Mario; Justin and Drew Bader; and Shara and Jessica Boote, and Kimberly Boote Peterson and her husband Jon; one great-grandchild; Adalin DeMarco; and by her brother, William DeMauex of Greenville, SC. Violet was predeceased by her daughter Sue Ann Boote of Park Ridge, NJ, in 2007, and by her husband, Edward, in 2009.

Sue Sophie Gibbons, age 95 of Wayne, entered into eternal life on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Born in Connecticut, Sue lived in Wayne for over sixty years in a home that she and her husband Ken built with their own hands. Sue worked as a school secretary, opening both the James Fallon and Kennedy Elementary Schools in Wayne.

Sue was married to Ken for more than forty years before he passed. She is survived by her son Brad and his wife Kathy, by her grandsons; Chris and his wife Lauren, and Ryan and his fiancé Lisa.

Donations in Sue’s memory to the Preakness Healthcare Auxiliary, 305 Oldham Rd., Wayne, NJ, 07470 or “Friends of the Word,” P.O. Box 7994, Haledon, NJ 07538.

William J. Mathisen, age 63 of Wayne, died on Friday, December 12, 2014 with his family gathered at his bedside.

Bill grew up in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1969. Bill met his wife, Donna, through his good friend Albert Gabriel, her brother. After the two met, Bill started working for the family restaurant as a bartender for years to come. Throughout his life, Bill loved to cook and often hosted barbeques and pool parties at his house. He loved preparing the big holiday meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas for his family.

Bill was a member and officer of POL #2 fire department in Wayne for many years.

His career eventually took him into the fork lift industry and worked as the General Parts Manager for Raymond of New Jersey in Union for almost 30 years. He consistently achieved recognition for his outstanding work and he even won four all-expenses-paid cruises that he enjoyed with his wife Donna. He was the classic ‘workaholic’ and loved his job. Bill was a selfless man who always put others first and was a great mediator for his family.

Bill’s children will always remember his adventurous spirit, like ziplining and parasailing. He was also a dedicated PAL coach for many years, working with his son through the baseball and football seasons. Bill was a huge sports fan, a diehard Yankee fan and loved his NY Giants. He also enjoyed summer vacations at the Jersey Shore, visiting Point Pleasant where he would fish on the jetty and spend time with his family. Most recently, Bill’s life changed with the birth of his granddaughter; Ryley. She melted his heart and made him the most proud “Pa-Pa” he could have ever been.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Donna (Gabriel) of Wayne, his two children; Kimberly of Clifton and Billy and his wife Megan of Parlin, his precious granddaughter Ryley, his parents; Judith Stewart and John Mathisen, one sister; Judy Gossinger, two brothers; John and Thomas, and many nieces and nephews.

Robert A. DiCarlo, age 78 of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2014 with his family gathered at his side. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Charlotte (nee Capaci), his children; Toni Ann and Anthony Sagnella, Deborah and Gregory Caputo, Maria and Jonathan D’Avirro, and Robert and Shannon DiCarlo, by his brother Pat DiCarlo and sister Barbara Johnson, by his aunt; Olga Ziccardi, and grandchildren; Lisa, Nick, and Cara Sagnella, Chris and Veronica Caputo, Thomas and Danielle D’Avirro, and Francesca DiCarlo.

Bob was born in South Philadelphia and was raised in Paterson. He graduated from East Side High School with the class of 1954 and joined the U.S. Army. After being discharged, he worked for the Guardian Life Insurance Company. He later joined the advertising department of the Paterson Morning Call newspaper which became the Bergen Record. He was married in 1963. He and his wife, Charlotte, began their family in Paterson then moved to their home in Wayne, where they have resided for over 40 years. He established his printing businesses beginning with Minuteman Press in Fairfield and later Images Plus of West Paterson. He was a proud Rotarian for over thirty years, and an Elks Lodge member.

Bob enjoyed many social aspects of his life. He loved to gather with family and friends, and especially enjoyed spending time on the golf course, around a poker table, and at the Monmouth Race Track. Summer vacations were spent down the shore at Wildwood Crest where Bob would go crabbing, enjoy waffles and ice cream on the boardwalk, and visit the Crest Tavern.

Bob will long be remembered for his sharp wit, uncanny sense of humor, and love for his family and friends.

Charitable donations in Bob’s memory would be appreciated to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474, or to Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Department, 130 Jackson Ave, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Patrick J. Franco age 89 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 9, 2014 with his loving family by his side.

Patrick was born in Hoboken, was raised and lived throughout the Hudson County area until moving to Wayne 21 years ago. He was a Master Plumber, self-employed for many years, and the proprietor of Franco Plumbing in Weehawken. He later became a Plumbing and Heating Inspector, working for the cities of Jersey City, Union City, and Weehawken. This is the position Patrick would hold until his retirement in 1992.

Patrick was called to serve his country during WWII and enlisted in United States Marine Corp. Patrick served very proudly in the Marines and saw combat in the Pacific Theater. He was at the battle of Peleliu, where the US Marines met with ferocious resistance from the Japanese. The controversial attack on Peleliu resulted in a higher casualty toll than any other amphibious assault in the US military history. It was here where Patrick was wounded and would receive the Purple Heart as a result.

After the war, Patrick returned home and married Ruth Frantz, his now late wife. During that time together they raised their two children, Laura and Suzanne.

After Ruth’s passing, Patrick would marry Rosemarie Merlino. They too would raise two children of their own, Patrick Jr. and Traci.

Patrick loved to travel to places such as Hawaii, Australia, loved to take cruises to the Caribbean and enjoyed countess other vacations. He had a great talent for landscaping and an enduring love for animals. He was an extremely devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was dedicated to his Catholic Faith, and his family remembers him having a special saying, “I believe in God, Country, and my Family.” He was a member of the Master Plumbers Association as well as the VFW in Weehawken. Patrick was an extremely special person who touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew him.

Patrick is survived by his wife Rosemarie (nee Merlino), Children; Laura Durando and her husband Ron Coccaro of Monroe, NY, Suzanne Rizzo and her partner Rafael Cabrera of Mahwah, Patrick J Franco Jr. and his wife Carrie of Hoboken, and Traci Franco and her partner Bobby Mauro of Lyndhurst, Sister; Marie Poerio and her husband Dominic of Edison, Grandchildren; Jocelyne Greco and her husband Matthew, Gregory Coccaro and his wife Melinda, Anthony Coccaro, Patrick Franco III, Julian Franco, Nicolas Mauro, Great-grandchild; Landon Coccaro. He was pre-deceased by his late wife Ruth Franco and his brothers Joseph, Vincent, Anthony and his sister Madeline Franco.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Patrick’s name are asked to consider Alzheimer’s Association 400 Morris Ave Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or Wounded Warriors Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.

David M. Bellofatto, age 46 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2014.

David was born in Montclair, the second of four children. Raised in Little Falls, he was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School, Class of 1986.

If injuries were worn as a badge of honor, David would have been highly decorated well before adult hood. One day while at work, David’s mother received a call that he had been involved in an accident while riding his moped. This came as a great surprise to her since she didn’t even know he had a moped. (He bought it without permission and kept it at a friend’s house). When she arrived at the hospital she refused to sign authorization for him to receive stitches until he promised to sell that moped. Then there was the time that he was exuberantly riding his bicycle which he won from a contest at the local McDonald’s, David got his pants stuck in the chain. Flying over the handlebars, he landed on his head and sustained a major concussion. His propensity for accidents didn’t cease after childhood and the best story of all took place one Father’s Day. David was out on his WaveRunner at Lake Wallenpaupack in PA when, as he described it, he was accosted by a “rogue wave.” He sustained a badly-sprained ankle but refused to take the crutches because “they weren’t necessary.”

Following high school, David attended RETS Institute of Technology and soon landed a job as a photocopier technician. Then he met the girl he would one day marry. Her name was Sue Van Saun and they met thanks to an introduction by one of her friends. Their first date was down the Jersey shore at Seaside Heights. Apparently, David was impressed by this young lady with whom he shared the same birthday. Not long after that first date, he invited Sue to go on vacation with him to the Bahamas. They fell in love and dated for a year-and-a-half. Then he broke up with her only to ask her out again six months later. On their first reunion date which took place at Chili’s Restaurant, David presented Sue with a beautiful ring and a request for her hand in marriage. She said yes and wedding plans were put into place. Meanwhile, while continuing to fix copy machines, David started working part time at a little start-up company called Courier Car Rental, Inc. in Wayne.

Sue and David eventually married on Saturday, April 2, 1994 at Grace Church in Wayne. Following a reception at the Brownstone House in Paterson, the newlyweds honeymooned in Aruba before settling into their new apartment in Little Falls.

A dedicated and goal-oriented man, David worked seven days a week and that same year that he married, he became Courier Car Rental’s third full time employee. David was proud of his accomplishments working his way up to Vice President while helping the company grow to over forty employees and from one location with one hundred cars to three locations with seven hundred cars.

A year later he and Sue moved to a condo in Pompton Plains and stayed there for four years. Then they welcomed baby Jenna and it was time to move again. So in 1999, the family moved to Wayne where he, Sue and Jenna welcomed baby Sammie and where David remained to the present.

David had a tremendous hunger for life! You could say that his life’s motto was “If you’re not going to do it right, don’t do it at all.” One of his favorite places to be was at the family cabin at Lake Wallenpaupack in PA. It was the perfect place for him to go fishing, riding on his go-cart or taking the girls out on the WaveRunner or tubing behind his Chaparral boat. Every weekend featured laughter filled nights by the fire pit and the sky filled with fireworks. In the winter he loved snowmobiling or even plowing snow with his Polaris Ranger quad. Knowing David’s accident-prone past, it was pure comedy to his family that he was once approached by the locals to be part of the lake’s safety patrol. One of David’s other passions was gambling, and he was really good at winning! If he won, he always took the winnings in the form of a check so he wouldn’t spend it away. He always liked to go to Bally’s in Atlantic City, at least until he discovered casinos like Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos and Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem – both near the cabin in Lake Wallenpaupack. And when those were even too far, there was always online gambling.

David’s family used words like proud, strong willed, driven, energetic (he seldom slept more than five hours a night) to describe him. He was honest in his opinions and he told them to you straight up, but the bottom line was that he was a good man. Down to earth, he took things in stride – like the time his brother-in-law Don’s truck slipped out of gear, rolled down the hill into Sue’s car then continued to roll into David’s garage full of all his “man toys”. He loved his “three” girls–Sue, Jenna and Sammie and would do anything for them. Even as he courageously fought his illness for the last six years, he preferred to do it quietly, never complaining and never wanting anyone to feel sorry for him.

David was the beloved husband of Sue; much loved father of Jenna and Sammie; dear son of Fran Mongioi of Wharton and Ralph Bellofatto of Little Falls; dear brother of Joseph Bellofatto of Oak Ridge, Francine and husband Nick Taylor of Columbus, OH, and Kristine and husband John Schiller of Denville; much loved brother-in-law of Dr. Robert and wife Nancy Van Saun of State College, PA, Richard and wife Debbie Van Saun of Wantage, Theodore Van Saun of Wayne, Cindy and husband Donald Hughes of Jefferson, Randall and wife Lorri Van Saun of Wayne, Thomas and wife Maria Van Saun of Westport, MA, Wendy Deppa of Wayne, Debbie and husband Rory Buchanan of Ringwood, and Daniel Van Saun of Hendersonville, NC; and wonderful uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his dear step-father Ronald Mongioi, and his brother-in-law Thomas Deppa.

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

Rose “Rosie” M. Schubert (nee De Piro) age 96 a sixty-two year resident of Pompton Lakes passed peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2014.

She was born at the family residence at 283 East 149th Street in the Bronx, New York to Italian immigrant parents on May 6, 1918. She lived in New York City and Lyndhurst, New Jersey before moving to Pompton Lakes in 1952. She attended kindergarten through 8th grade at PS 3 in the Bronx, spent six months in Morris High School in the Bronx and then two years at the Bronx Vocational High School where she earned her secretarial degree.

During her younger years Rose lived in the top floor apartment on 159th Street in the Bronx. Her maiden name was Rosina DePiro but everyone knew her as Rose. She grew up near Yankee Stadium and Dauby’s Steakhouse where she was able to see Yankee greats like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio. It was a fun childhood living under the “L.” She met her future husband, Russell there. They wrote letters to each other while he was in Europe fighting during WW ll and when he returned they started dating. They were married on July 6th, 1946. They were to marry at the family home on 153rd Street in the Bronx, but when the priest found out Russell was not Catholic he refused to marry them. A priest in Connecticut agreed to perform the ceremony and they drove to Connecticut, married, and drove back to the Bronx for the reception at the family home.

They bought their first house in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey in 1951 and although it frequently flooded, making life difficult, they lived there for most of their lives raising four children Lorraine, Russell, Debra and Ronald. Though times were tough and money was tight, Rose always had a dime or a quarter to give her kids for a treat like ice cream or a cherry coke from the Milk Barn. They didn’t realize at the time that she was depriving herself to make sure her family had the little extras kids look forward to. Even after her children grew up and moved out they often got together for Sunday family dinners at MOM’s. Her family was always her first priority. After raising her four children she worked for the Pompton Lakes Board of Education both in the cafeteria and supervising the children on the playground. She enjoyed this work very much. Rose is best described as a person with a great attitude, and a wonderful ability to make and maintain lifelong friendships. Her dedication to her children is really a defining quality. She never went to college, she never held a high powered job and she never drove a car; but she played her role as wife and mother to perfection. The focus of her life was her family’s wellbeing. Whether it was just wiping noses, putting Vicks on their chests when they had a cold, putting mustard plaster on to ease the pain of Poison Ivy, holding their hands when they got stitches, sitting at the bedside for surgeries or just offering a shoulder after a fight with a boyfriend or girlfriend she was always there. That is how she lived her entire life, never asking for anything for herself but always ready to help her family or friends. She was always there for them, willing to listen, give support, waiting up at night for them to come home, and making sacrifices all along the way to help their lives to be a little better. Whenever anyone needed something she knew and she responded. She loved being a mom and made it look easy and effortless.

All she asked for was to have her family by her side especially in the more difficult later years. When she could no longer live independently she began living with her children moving from home to home spending a month at a time with each one. She was a voracious reader. Her favorite books were Harlequin Romances and she would frequently finish a book in a day. Her family believes that is what kept her mind razor sharp right to the end. Rose enjoyed crafts, and her dogs Friskie, Muffin, Ginger and Taffy who held a special place in her heart. The family has many fond memories of time spent at Cold Spring Lake in Bloomingdale – although they didn’t have fond memories of the thirteen steps to the outhouse there. Tragedy struck in 1964 when a natural gas explosion inside the home burned their house down. The children remember shoveling snow to try and put out the fire. They rebuilt the house and continued to raise their family there.

One of the fondest memories of her later times was seeing her sitting in a special chair (that she had at each of her children’s houses) and reading throughout the day. When she moved into a local assisted living facility the staff and other residents grew to love her immediately and many of the residents, who were only a few years younger called her MOM. Even the staff frequently referred to her as MOM. She had her wish to have her loving family around her for the difficult times at the end of her life. When she was ready to move on and transition to the afterlife she raised her hands and called out for her departed sister Ida who was surely there helping to make her crossing easier and taking her to the front of the line because that is what she deserved. In the full circle of life she left on her only granddaughter Skylar’s 14th birthday completing the cycle. The heavens opened to allow her entrance and although the family lost an AMAZING person God has gained a MOM.

She was the loving wife of fifty-nine years to the late Russell Schubert (2005); devoted mother of Lorraine Schubert and her husband John McAuley of Jupiter, Florida, Russell F. Schubert and his wife Irene of Wayne, Debra Troast and her husband Brian of Bloomingdale, Ronald Schubert and his wife Veronica of Bloomingdale; cherished grandmother of Skylar Rose Schubert and Cole Schubert; Rose was the sixth born of nine children and has one surviving sister Lillian DePiro of Secaucus. She was predeceased by seven siblings.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation in Rose’s name are asked to consider the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474.

James LaBarck, Sr. age 87 passed peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2014.

He was born and raised in the Riverside Section of Paterson where the family lived in a three family home on River Street just in front of Joe Ordini’s store. Before becoming Joe Ordini’s store the building housed a bowling alley where James set bowling pins and his twin brother would send the balls back to the bowler.

When James was eighteen he was drafted into the United States Army where he served in Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy with the 3rd and 9th divisions. He held five driver’s license as the Army required a special license for each different vehicle he drove. He would recount to family and friends how he drove prisoners of war from camp to camp in Europe and sent his military pay home to help his family with their bills. James was honorably discharged on November 16, 1946 and received the Army of Occupation Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After James’ service he found work in the thriving textile mills in Paterson. His first job was at a coat factory in Paterson where he worked for 42 cents per hour. James saved every penny he could and eventually bought a 1935 Dodge Coupe. He also worked on a textile assembly line and eventually worked his way up to being a textile machinery mechanic. He worked seven days a week for twenty years and then six days a week for another fifteen years. He was a member of the Dyers Local 1733 in Paterson before retiring from Zenith Dye and Finishing on 2nd Avenue in Paterson.

During his years in the textile industry he worked at the Fair Lawn Finishing Company where he met a cute girl named Jennie Pirone. On what would be considered their first date they walked across the Maple Avenue bridge to Johnny & Hanges for a hot dog. James had a special place in his heart for Johnny & Hanges as in his younger years he went to their grand opening with 5 cents, earned shinning shoes, in his pocket and the hot dogs were 10 cents. The counter man gave him the hot dog and took his 5 cents as payment in full. James and Jennie married on November 22, 1953 at Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Paterson. James twin brother Johnny was his Best Man and Jennie’s sister Mary was her Maid of Honor. The honeymooned at Mount Airy Lodge in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains They did just about everything together; Jennie relied on James to get around as she never got her driver’s license. It seems several attempts at parallel parking kept her from getting behind the wheel. They enjoyed fifty-two years of a loving and caring marriage before Jennie’s passing in 2005.

In 1957 James had a home built in Wayne and used the last dollar in his pocket to buy a rake to smooth out the front yard. For many years he cut lawns in Franklin Lakes and did odd jobs to help pay for the house.

James will be remembered as a sociable, outgoing, jokester, who was dedicated to his family. He enjoyed bowling in the Textile Bowling League at the Bowl-A-Mat in Paterson, often could be found on East 18th Street hanging with the guys at the shoemakers shop, again hanging with the boys at the Riverside Vets, and in more recent years meeting the crew for coffee at the McDonald’s on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne. His lifelong love of animals, especially dogs, started with his Fox Terrier “Spotty.”

He was the loving husband of the late Jennie (Pirone) LaBarck (2005); much loved father of James LaBarck and his wife Theresa of Wayne; cherished grandfather of James Thomas LaBarck, Sharen Sullivan and her husband Thomas, and Renee Mucci and her husband Adam; devoted great grandfather of Alyssa and TJ Sullivan, and Justin and Marissa Mucci; dear brother of the late Anthony, Emilio, Minnie, Johnny (his twin), Tony, Paul, Anna, and Antoinette.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Mary Macey (Sabanosh) age 101 passed peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2014.

She was born in the family home on Palisade Avenue in Garfield and raised in Garfield where she lived before moving to Wayne six years ago.

Mary was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Garfield and lived next door to the church for over fifty years. She was a member of the Mary and Martha Ladies Aid Society and the Mr. & Mrs. Club of the church for many years.

Mary loved having her family together and was a phenomenal cook and baker. For many years her special ingredient of love was cooked into her traditional Slovakian recipes that are still used by her family today. As a matter of fact her pumpkin pie recipe was used this Thanksgiving.

She was the loving wife of fifty years to the late Andrew Macey, Sr. (1996); devoted mother of Andrew Macey, Jr. and his wife Barbara of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Sarah Kirk and her husband Jason of Nutley, and David Macey of Hoboken; much loved great-grandmother of Leah Mae Kirk, and Ava Jayne Kirk; she was predeceased by two sisters Lillian Warner and Emma Perzel, and five brothers John, Michael, Andrew, Milan, and George Sabanosh; surviving is a much loved sister-in-law Patricia Schaffran of Oak Ridge.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 340 Palisade Ave., Garfield, NJ 07026 would be appreciated.

Mary “Honey” Ciaravino, age 67, of Wayne, passed peacefully on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

Mary leaves behind her beloved husband Sal and two children Tracy and Sal. Being a loving caretaker brought Mary the most joy in life. Mary gave selflessly to all in need as an LPN, wife, mother, and friend. Words will never capture our gratitude, love and respect. You will forever be in our hearts and minds. Everything we see and do will remind us of you. All our love.

William C. Hunter, age 81 of Lincoln Park, died on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. He had lived in Pines Lake, Wayne, for forty four years before moving to Lincoln Park in 2003.

Bill was born and raised in Paterson, graduating from Paterson Vocational-Technical School where he learned to be a pipefitter. Right out of high school, he joined the Navy and served from 1952 to 1956. He was especially proud of his years aboard the USS Hawkins, a Gearing-class destroyer. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Bill joined Pipefitters Local Union 274. He enjoyed a lifelong career with the Union before retiring in 1995.

Bill was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island during his Navy service and at the wedding of a fellow shipmate he met Choice Getchell of Fall River, Massachusetts. They hit it off from the start and were married on November 30, 1957 at the Unitarian Church in Fall River. They enjoyed a honeymoon to Washington, DC before settling in Totowa. In 1959 they moved to Pines Lake in Wayne where they lived for more than forty four years. Bill took full advantage of all the community had to offer. He loved to go fishing and boating, was active in the lake patrol, and he was a Boy Scout leader for fourteen years. Ironically, after four years in the Navy and nearly half a century living in a lake community, Bill never learned how to swim. Nevertheless, he made sure all of his children learned to be excellent swimmers.

Bill and Choice had a happy marriage with a lot of fun memories. They took no less than seven bus trips around the U.S., about a dozen cruises including a remarkable cruise up the Amazon River during which they crossed the equator. They had also been to Aruba on many occasions and simply enjoyed being together. Choice will miss him dearly.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Choice of Lincoln Park, by his three children; Sally Herman and her husband Ronald of Pompton Plains, Choice Soden and her husband Scott of Pequannock, and John Hunter and his wife Barbara of Lewistown, Montana, eight grandchildren; Amanda, Ashley, Steven, Billy, Nicolette, Hunter, Danny and Garrett; sister, Alva Breithaupt of Wayne and brother, Edward R. Hunter of Vineland.  William was predeceased by his brother John Hunter, Jr in 2014.

For those wishing to make a donation in Bill’s memory, please consider his church; Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Eleanor L McCahill, née Taylor, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 1st, 2014 in her 93rd year.

Beloved wife for 61 years of Andrew McCahill until his death in 2009.

Mother of Ellin McCahill Irwin, Andrew McCahill Jr., daughter-in-law Bonnie Bosland McCahill and son James McCahill who predeceased her in 2014

Eleanor was born in the Bronx and attended St Barnabas High School. Upon graduation she worked in administration for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Manhattan.

Eleanor met Andy in 1947 at a USO function. She was winning at the ping pong table when she challenged him to a game. He won and the rest is history.

After marrying in January 1948 , in the middle of a blizzard,they moved to Pelham, NY where they resided for the next 14 years. During that time they started their family and Eleanor became active in the Mount Vernon Hospital Junior League. The family also joined the Davenport Beach Club where Eleanor and Andy continued their love of ping pong taking on all who dared.

Eleanor and Andrew moved the family to Pearl River, NY where they resided for the next 50 plus years. During that time Eleanor went to work at the Pearl River Public Library as Assistant to the Director. She worked at the library for the next 35 years retiring at the age of 86.

During that time she instituted and ran needlework exhibits and classes, became President of the Rockland Chapter of the Embroiderer's Guild of America, and instituted Bridge classes for beginners.

Throughout her life she had a wide variety of interests and hobbies. One of her favorites was gardening. She came to understand what the "Rock" in Rockland was all about! Eleanor was a voracious reader and a member of a book group that met every month for over 20 years. She dabbled in pottery, upholstery, loved entertaining and was a fabulous baker known for her sweet biscuits, molasses cookies, all types of pies and cakes.

Above all she was all about family and spent many hours at the Pearl River Little League watching her sons play ball. She also did her time running Brownie and Girl Scout Troops. She was a totally involved Mom and her children's greatest supporter.

She loved her role as " honorary Grandma" to Laura and took enormous pleasure in redecorating a room for her sleepovers, decorating a fabulous dollhouse for her and being involved in her life.

Above all Eleanor was a wonderful wife, mother and friend who right to the end was cheerful and appreciative for all the many blessings she had throughout her life. She will be forever remembered and missed by those who knew her and loved her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Pearl River Public Library, 80 Franklin Avenue , Pearl River, NY 10965 ATTN: Wendy Courtney, Assistant to the Director In Memory of Eleanor McCahill.

Diane Wilkins (Eberenz) age 71 of Garfield, formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2014.

She was born in Passaic and raised in Panama as her father was a civilian employee of the US military and in charge of finding housing for Officers of the US military. The family was living in Panama when Diane was conceived but her mother took a trip to the States and was not allowed to return to Panama as the Nazi U-Boats were sinking too many ships. Diane had fond memories of Panama and even though it was against the rules she spent much of her youth exploring the jungle with friends. When Diane was fourteen years old the family moved to Wayne, New Jersey where she graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1961. Diane worked for the American Bible Society in Wayne for over forty-three years and was the Office Manager when she retired in 2003.

Diane loved to go anywhere there was a slot machine. She enjoyed travel and took several cruises, trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Seattle, and Las Vegas. If you couldn’t find her you just had to look in the casino. Her daughter Theresa recalls her making good chocolate chip cookies and rice pudding, but when it came to cooking she was best at making reservations. This was widely known in the family and at Christmas time Diane and Ted would receive enough gift cards to last them an entire year at local restaurants.

Diane and Ted met through friends at a house party. Their first date was to a diner in Fair Lawn to get to know each other over a cup of coffee. They were married in a civil ceremony at Diane’s home in Garfield with the Garfield Mayor officiating. They honeymooned in Seattle where Diane met Ted’s family, and continued on to Hawaii, and finally Las Vegas.

Diane was the loving wife of twenty-three years to Ted Wilkins; she was the devoted mother of Theresa Detrick and her husband Andy of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Samantha Detrick; dear sister of Sylvia LaCorte and her husband Ralph of Wesley Chapel, Florida, and the late David and Michael Eberenz; much loved aunt of Rachael, Ralph, and Jack LaCorte.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association, Center Pointe II, Suite 103, 1160 US Route 22, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 would be appreciated.

Milivoj Dobric age 78 of Franklin Lakes, formerly of Wayne and North Haledon, passed Monday, November 24, 2014.

He was born and raised in Baranda, Serbia having come to the United States at the age of thirty-six in pursuit of the “American Dream.” Milivoj settled in Paterson, New Jersey as he had family already living in the area. He began working in a Paterson silk mill before starting his own company Dobco Inc. initially the company was located in Paterson and later it was moved to Wayne. He ran the company until retiring in 2001.

Milivoj was dedicated to his faith and specifically to Saint John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church in Paterson. Along with religious teaching the church was a source of long standing family fellowship, friendships, and social gatherings; it was a home away from home for Milivoj. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, strong work ethic, and his unending energy.

Milivoj knew his wife since she was a little girl. Their first formal date was to the fairgrounds in Debelijaca Serbia. They fell in love and Milivoj went to Vera’s parents home and asked for her hand in marriage. They married on August 25, 1960 at Saint Nicholas Church in Baranda Serbia. They have enjoyed fifty-two years of loving and devoted marriage until Vera’s passing in September of 2012.

He was the loving father of Michael Dobric and his wife Dragana of Franklin Lakes; cherished grandfather of Alexandra Busuioc and her husband Nicholas of Franklin Lakes, Peter Dobric of Franklin Lakes, and Danielle Dobric of Franklin Lakes; much loved great-grandfather of Damian and Dimitri Busuioc; Milivoj was the oldest of eight siblings.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Saint John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church, 119 Carlisle Ave., Paterson, NJ 07501 would be appreciated.

"The Boss," age 81 of Wayne, founder of Preakness Realty.

Eugene “Gene” Anthony Lowe, Jr. age 81 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 with his family gathered around his bedside. He had been a real estate broker for more than fifty years.

Gene was born in Paterson and raised on East 18th Street in Paterson having graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1951. As a young boy his first job was shining shoes, having later worked for Wright Aeronautical in Woodbridge before serving in the US Army during the Korean War. Gene received the German Occupation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged in 1961.

Gene will be remembered as “The Boss.” He started his career in real estate as E.A. Lowe, Jr. Real Estate on Union Boulevard in Paterson. In 1969 he founded Preakness Realty in Wayne, which he ran for the forty-three years before selling the agency in 2012. Gene's friend, Joe Simone, was more of an honorary family member, a son, and they were devoted friends throughout the years they worked together at Preakness Realty.  He loved the real estate business and could sense a deal from a mile away. Gene also had a huge place in his heart for the employees and tenants of his properties, that all helped contribute to his success. He would help tenants with utility bills, co-sign for cars, and even bring Christmas presents to kids whose parents he knew were struggling to get by. His love of dogs was instilled in him by his childhood German shepherd “Browny.” Throughout his life he had multiple dogs; another German shepherd named “Brandy” and his favorite; a Shih-Tzu named Owen.

He also enjoyed his time in West Palm Beach Florida where, at 70 years old, he met his best friend and kindred spirit; Jimmy Reed. Their condo association wouldn’t allow dogs, so Gene proceeded to help friends and family buy enough units in the association that he soon had enough votes to change the condo association rules! He not only got the companionship of his beloved dogs, but loved having his family and friends all around him.

Gene was the beloved husband of twenty one years to Helen (Shaw) Lowe; he was predeceased by his first wife; Evelyn “Betty” Lowe in 1989; loved father of Eugene A. Lowe and his wife Nancy of Wayne, Patricia Lowe of Wayne, and Thomas Lowe and his wife Katherine of Toms River, Chris Schillander and his wife Jennifer, Barbara Varcadipone and her husband John; dear brother of Eileen Watson and her husband Dan of Wayne, and William F. Lowe and his wife Leah of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Debra Anen and her husband Shawn, Alexis Saley and her husband Michael, Rachel Guez, Eugene Lowe IV, Crystal Snell and her husband Russell, Julianne Schillander, Christopher Schillander, and John and Zachary Varcadipone ; much loved great-grandfather of Shawn Anen, Jr., and Kyle Anen; and devoted long time family member Lorna Palmer, her son Kevin Smith, and Gene’s devoted caretaker; Felix.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroad, Wayne, NJ 07470 or to the St. Mary’s Food Pantry, 17 Pompton Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be greatly appreciated.

Barbara Ann Beach, age 80 of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2014.

Barb was born and raised in Paterson. Because her mother passed away when Barbara was just ten years old, she had to take on most of the homemaking duties for her father and younger sister Patricia.

Following graduation from Eastside High School with the class of 1951, Barb worked for a short time as a teller in a bank before landing a job as a secretary for Kearfott Corporation in Little Falls.

Her future husband Gregory was serving in the Army and stationed in Korea during the Korean War. Barbara had not met him yet. It’s a matter-of-fact Greg was actually dating someone else. Nervous that Greg might not return home from war, his present girlfriend sent him one of those “Dear John” letters, essentially breaking up with him. A friend of Barbara told her that he was now available so Barb started writing Greg some letters of her own. Upon his return from Korea, Barb and Greg began dating. This led to a loving relationship and Greg soon asked Barbara for her hand in marriage while on a trip at Niagara Falls. They exchanged vows before God, their families and friends on Sunday, April 21, 1957 at St. Theresa’s R.C. Church in Paterson. The following year they moved into their new home in Wayne where they raised their three children and have remained for the past fifty-six years.

Barb did an excellent job caring for and raising her two sons and daughter. While they were young she could also be seen every school day, helping other children to safely cross the street as a crossing guard at the busy Hamburg Turnpike and Colfax Ave. intersection. Once her own kids were old enough to be on their own, Barbara returned to the workforce, settling into a nice career as an administrative supervisor for Derricks Sheet Metal on Union Boulevard in Totowa. She enjoyed her work there from 1979 to 2006 – twenty seven years, and then she retired.

In her spare time, one of Barb’s greatest loves was raising and showing German Shepherds. Over the years she had two of them – first Sheba who was sweet and docile, and later Helga who disposition was slightly more aggressive to say the least. Helga was known for sinking her teeth into the softest spot of many-a human anatomy! Nevertheless, she loved both of her dogs.

Somewhere along life’s path, Barb developed a fascination with the state of Vermont. The family vacationed there for many years staying mostly in Glen River Falls, Bridge Water Corners, Ludlow and Belmont. Sometimes they stayed with her sister Pat’s family and Barb’s kids have memories of being served rice pudding three times a day! They hated that pudding but laugh at the memory of it now. With her dear husband Greg, Barb took trips to other exciting destinations including Alaska, Switzerland, Jackson Hole Wyoming and also the Grand Canyon. Hiking and bike riding were a couple of her favorite outdoor activities and these were great places to stretch her legs.

Barbara’s grandchildren meant the world to her and she never missed an opportunity to spoil them with a treat or gift when they visited. In her own spirited way, she kept up with them just fine, taking them on trips to Disney World and other destinations or just enjoying a simple activity like playing cards, playing sock-ball (ask her daughter Kim), going on bike rides or taking them to the playground.

Barb’s energetic, spry outlook toward life was loved by both her family and friends that she’s kept in touch with since high school! Her family will miss her laughter and beautiful smile.

She was the loving wife of fifty-seven years to Gregory P. of Wayne; devoted mother of Gregory P., Jr. and wife Jen of Bangor, PA, Douglas M. and wife Denise of Old Bridge, and Kimberly A. Woll of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Jessa, Kaitlyn, Justin, Rebecca, Olivia, and Kevin; adored great-grandmother of Madison; and dear aunt of seven nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her sister Patricia Atwood.

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

Barbara Carol Felderman, age 80 of Media, PA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.

Barbara was born and raised in New York City and lived in the Bronx. When she was a young woman, she met her ex-husband Robert Felderman. After they were married, Robert joined the United States Air Force. Barbara and Robert moved around quite a bit during this time until settling in Ridgefield, NJ. They lived there from 1959 until 1984. During this time Barbara took on the role of a homemaker and dedicated her life to raising her two sons, David and Michael. David and Michael were both born on the same day two years apart and Barbara always made sure that there was a separate party for each of them.

In 1984, she and Robert divorced. Barbara moved to Media, Pennsylvania to start a Market Research company of her own called TMR, Inc. It was here Barbara worked until she retired in 2009 after a long and successful career.

Barbara loved to travel in her spare time, going places with her coworkers and traveling to Vegas with her sons for the NCAA tournaments. She had a deep interest and love for fine art, and was an aspiring artist herself. She had a very special love for the theatre, especially Broadway shows. Her family holds very special memories of Thanksgiving holidays when they would all get together to see a Broadway show and share Thanksgiving dinner afterwards. Barbara was a very devoted grandmother and traveled great lengths to see and be with her grandchildren. She was extremely proud of her Jewish heritage. Barbara was an exceptional person who will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, David and his wife Rita of Wayne, NJ, and Michael and his wife Kathleen of Denver, CO; one sister, Judith Senyi and her husband Andy of Toronto, Canada; four grandchildren, Max, Sam, Daniel, and Victoria, and four nieces and nephews.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Barbara's name, the family asks you to please consider Relentless Against Cancer, Inc., 19 Briar Court, Hamburg, NJ 07419.

www.relentlessagainstcancer.org

Eva Silvano (nee Mitchell), age 85 of Wayne passed peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2014.

She was born on the Mitchell Farm in Pike County, Ohio, and raised in Greenfield, OH, having lived in Paterson and Haskell before moving to Wayne fifty years ago.

When Eva was a young girl she worked as a line inspector at the Greenfield Pad Company, a business that made padded horse collars. During WWII, the factory was given a government contract to make small nylon parachutes and put them in metal canisters. It was at work that Eva met a wonderful man named Nino Silvano who was a government inspector at the plant. They had lunch together many times and soon fell in love. They were married by a Justice of the Peace, and after Eva converted to Catholicism they were married at Sacred Heart RC Church in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Their first daughter, Melissa, was born in Manitowoc, and then the young couple moved back to Nino’s hometown of Paterson, NJ, where they had children Carla and Nino. They rented a home on 31st Street in Paterson before Nino was able to secure a loan through the GI Bill to buy their first home in Haskell, NJ. Eventually they built a home on Ratzer Road in Wayne, NJ where they had their fourth child, Lisa, and raised their family.

Eva was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne.

Eva will be remembered as a great cook whose special ingredient of motherly love, while making her eggplant parmesan, will be greatly missed. Eva was taught how to cook in the Italian tradition by Nino’s parents soon after they were married. When their children were young, Nino put in a pool at the Ratzer Road house and Sunday dinners in the garage with family, friends, and neighborhood kids were a ritual for many years. That table would be filled with macaroni, roast beef, eggplant parmesan and many other Italian foods. Eva will also be remembered for her plain spoken way in which she would tell it as it is. She loved to read, play solitaire on her computer, and had a collection of over three hundred movies. Many in the family were blessed with one of the several hundred afghans that she crocheted. Eva was also very independent, and even learned how to drive Nino’s International Harvester tractor. He would come home to find she plowed the snow from the driveway. Eva will be remembered as a loving, warm hearted, straightforward person who made the difficult job of raising four children and keeping a household in order look effortless.

She was the loving wife of sixty-one years to Dr. Nino Silvano of Wayne; devoted mother of Melissa Rizzi and her husband Jack of Wayne, Carla Silvano of West New York, NJ, Nino Silvano and his wife Joan of Wayne, and Lisa LaMont and her husband Peter of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Gina, Jacleen, Stephanie, and Allison; she was the last survivor of nine siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Rosina “Rose” Weiner, age 93 of Clifton died peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2014.

She was born in Steinfurt, Austria and came to the United States with her parents, Ignatz and Anna Domitrovits, when she was just two years old. Her family settled in Passaic but when the depression hit, her parents sent Rose back to Austria to live with her grandparents until matters improved and they could get established in their new country.

There was a young Yugoslavian man named Wendel Weiner who met Rose while serving in the army in Moschendorf, Austria. In 1945 when Germany surrendered, Wendel returned to Moschendorf because he wanted to be with Rose. They fell in love and married on December 28, 1947 in Moschendorf, Austria. They came to the United States in 1956 and settled in Paterson and Passaic, before moving to Clifton 47 years ago. Together, they enjoyed sixty-five years in a loving and devoted marriage until Wendel’s passing in 2012.

After their son Joseph was old enough, Rose went to work for Howmedica, Inc. of East Rutherford as an assembly technician. She enjoyed a nice career there until retiring in 1983. Always close to her Austrian heritage, she was a long-time member of the Burgenlander Austrian Club where she enjoyed dancing, playing cards and just being with friends. Rose and Wendel also enjoyed traveling back and forth to Austria and taking trips to the islands, Mexico and Bermuda.

She was the loving wife of Wendel who passed in 2012; loving mother of Joseph Weiner and his wife Rita of Franklin Lakes; cherished grandmother of Annemarie “Aimee” Galofaro and her husband David of Wayne; Michele Mazzei and her husband Franco of Wayne; Dr. Michael J. Weiner of Hoboken and Dr. Joseph P. Weiner of Brooklyn, NY and his fiancé Dr. Rana Mady; dear great-grandmother of Luke Mazzei, Anthony Galofaro, Michael Mazzei, Gianna Galofaro and Jon Mazzei; and dear sister of the late Ignatz Domitrovits.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Rosina’s name are asked to consider Hospice of New Jersey, 224 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Kathleen M. Tooman, age 90 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2014. She had lived in Leonia for forty years before moving to Wayne in 1995.

Kathleen grew up in Jersey City and graduated from St. Aloysius Catholic High School before going on to nursing school at the Jersey City Medical Center. She became an RN and practiced for several years before becoming a full-time mom. During the early years of her marriage to Dr. John Tooman, a physician in the Navy and U.S. Air Force, they were stationed in Texas and California before John was transferred to the newly established Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Upon John’s discharge in 1955, they moved back to New Jersey where they raised their family. The two of them were high school sweethearts and enjoyed an “ideal” marriage for forty-three years before John passed in 1989.

Among Kathleen’s favorite hobbies were decorating, collecting antiques and sculpting. Kathleen was also a talented painter, completing several landscapes and nature scenes. She wrote stories for her grandchildren and was the best “Nanny” they could have wished for. She was as sweet as could be, loved to play with them, and also enjoyed spoiling them! Surely they will treasure her stories and miss her dearly.

Kathleen is survived by her two sons; John Patrick Tooman of Long Island, and Christopher Tooman and his wife Lisa of Wayne, three grandchildren; Conor, Kyle, and Scott Tooman of Wayne, and by her sister-in-law; Patricia Boardingham of Nutley. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1989, by her daughter; Mary in 2012, and by her brother; Robert Boardingham in 2013.

Memorial donations in Kathleen’s honor would be greatly appreciated to the USO, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1200, Arlington, VA  22201 or visit www.uso.org/donate.

James George Western age 83 of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, formerly of Wantage, and Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2014 while in the presence of his loving family.

James was born and raised in Jersey City. He lived there until 1960, and then he and his wife Helen moved to Wayne where they spent the next twenty-seven years raising their three sons James, Harry, and Kevin. Helen and James then relocated to Wantage where they lived for 18 years until Helen’s passing in 2005. It was not very long after James lost his loving wife when he moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

In 1952, while James was a young man living in Jersey City he was called to serve his country in the United States Armed Forces. However, a short time before leaving for the Army was when he met “the love of his life”, Helen Marie Smith. James served proudly in the US Army from 1952 – 1954, and during his service he was stationed in Germany for more than 8 months. Shortly after his service ended, in October of 1954, he married his adored wife Helen and then attended Printing School. Printing was the trade that would stay with James the rest of his life. One of his first jobs was for a company called Printing Craftsman where he worked for over 20 years. He then became Secretary/Treasurer of the Printers Union, Local 183 and 612m of the Graphic Communication International Union in West Caldwell. This was the position that James would hold until his retirement in the early 1990’s.  James was also elected to the board of trustees of the GCIU employer retirement fund.  Throughout all of James’ occupations and endeavors, he was extremely hard-working and dedicated.

James was a devoted father and a cherished grandfather, but his family particularly remembers him as having an unforgettable adoration of his wife Helen. James loved working in his yard and gardening. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting as well as playing Pinochle at Cedar Crest Village with his fellow residents. James was also an active member of the International Pension Fund GCIU. No matter what James did in his lifetime, he dedicated himself to it fully and without question. This included his work and his family alike. James was a very special person and will be sincerely missed by all that knew him.

James was predeceased by his wife “the love of his life” Helen Marie (nee Smith). He is survived by his three sons, James and his wife Mary, Harry and his wife Barbara, and Kevin and his wife Sharon, seven grandchildren James, Rhaea, Hayley, Jillian, Charlie, and Brian Western, and Samantha Kowalak and one great grandchild Talia Evelyn Western.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in James' name are asked to consider the Cedar Crest Resident Care Fund, 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pequannock, NJ 07444.

Leon “Link” Charles Schweizer, Sr., age 91 of Wayne, died on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Born in Boonton, the youngest of John and Edna May’s ten children, he grew up in Elmwood Park, Saddle Brook and Fair Lawn. His parents were in the restaurant business and his mother passed when he was only five years old. When Link was living in Fair Lawn, he attended high school in Paterson, riding his bike there every day, because he liked that school more than the one in Fair Lawn.

Link met his wife Eleanor (Vanderhoff) and they married in 1943, right before he shipped off to join the war. He served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne 509thParachute Infantry Battalion. As a paratrooper, he was first dropped into Africa and later into Rome, Italy. While in Italy, he was wounded and, as the story goes, a nice Italian woman hid him from Mussolini’s forces until he could safely be transported to a nearby hospital. As a result of his injury, Link never fought on D-Day but he was there in Italy to witness Mussolini’s execution by the Italian army.

Upon his return from the war, Link moved into the family home in Wayne and, as they say, he hung his trousers on the bed post. Nine months later he and Eleanor welcomed the first of four dear children – a baby girl which they named Penny. Together, he and Eleanor raised their family including their other children: Sherry, Ruth and Leon, Jr. Link and Eleanor celebrated sixty-seven years of a loving and devoted marriage until Eleanor’s passing in 2011.

Link worked as a foreman with Mac Molding (later called Mac Wayne Plastics) of Wayne for over twenty-five years until retiring in 1977. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing – mostly freshwater, and hunting – mostly deer and pheasant. In his working days, he usually worked swing shifts which oftentimes left him very tired. As a result, he sometimes used the excuse of going hunting just to escape into the woods to take a peaceful nap. Following retirement, he enjoyed spending some time with his son Leon, Jr. as together they ran a small painting business. After those days of jumping from airplanes caught up with him and his knees gave out, Link and Eleanor began enjoying time at the casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. Link had a loving relationship with his grandkids and great-grandkids and enjoyed watching them grow up.

Link will always be remembered, adored and respected by his family who he loved passionately! His love for his country was a very close second!

Surviving are his four children; Penny Casey of Hamburg, NJ, Sherry Schweizer of Wayne, Ruth Wilbert and her husband Bruce of Dingmans Ferry, PA, and Leon Jr. of Wayne; three grandchildren: Kimberly Rogers and her husband Tom of Lake Placid, FL, Ernie Christensen, Jr. and his wife Janmarie of Hamburg, NJ, and Dr. Charity Wilkinson of Jersey City, NJ; and five great grandchildren: Crystal and Thomas Rogers of Lake Placid, FL, Michael and Daniel Christensen of Hamburg, NJ, and Greer Mui Truong of Jersey City, NJ.

Orthopedic surgeon for over forty years, on staff at Chilton Hospital from 1964-2004.

Chester R. Kosarek, MD, age 86 of Wayne, died on Thursday, November 13, 2014. He was an orthopedic surgeon for over forty years with an office in Pompton Plains and more recently at 1335 Rt. 23 South in Butler. He had also been on staff at Chilton Hospital from 1964-2004.

Chester grew up in Passaic, NJ during the Great Depression, experiencing severe poverty throughout his childhood. He lived with his parents on the top floor for a three story walk up, that only had cold running water. Nevertheless, he persevered through and graduated from high school, Seton Hall University for his undergraduate degree, and ultimately from the University of Geneva, Switzerland where he earned his MD. After a residency at Monmouth Medical Center he began a lifelong career as an orthopedic surgeon.

Dr. Kosarek absolutely loved being a physician. He helped countless patients over the years and had many special people that he was able to treat. He enjoyed lifelong friendships with many of them. He was a big history buff and loved the sciences, especially astronomy. He would be very excited about the recent landing of the Rosetta Probe on a comet. Chester also enjoyed many hunting trips over the years with his fellow doctors, and his son, where they would pursue birds, deer, and bear. Fishing was a favorite activity too and he would often go out on the Raritan Bay or around Barnegat with his children to see what they could catch.

Surely Chester’s greatest catch was his wife, Joan (nee Majewski). They met at a dance at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Passaic, where Joan’s uncles were priests. When they announced their engagement, Joan’s grandmother implored them not to marry because she believed they were both too poor. Fortunately, they didn’t heed her advice and were wed on June 15, 1952 by Joan’s uncle, Fr. Francis Majewski, at the same church where they had first met. After a brief honeymoon at the Jersey Shore, they went on to enjoy a marriage of more than sixty two years. Devoted to one another, inseparable, and ‘best friends’ are some of the terms you could use to describe the two of them, and they truly embodied the concept of ‘one flesh.’ From the beginning, when Chester was in medical school, Joan nursed him through a bout of Tuberculosis, doing everything she could to return him to good health and keep his studies on track. Most recently, Joan and Chester were willing to try any and all treatment options if it meant they could be together a little longer. They set a wonderful example of what “true love” really is for their children and grandchildren to follow. Joan will miss him dearly.

Chester is survived by his loving wife Joan, by his three children; Catherine Schlafly and her husband Andrew of Chester, NJ, Chester and his wife Mary C. Keane of Kinnelon, and Francis and his wife Michelle Rivera of Charlotte, NC, and eight grandchildren; Andrew and Caroline Schlafly of Chester, Cassie, Noelle, and Matthew Kosarek of Kinnelon, and Frank, Mia and Alexander Kosarek of Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Chester’s beloved church, Our Lady of Magnificat, would be greatly appreciated.

Nicholas Kovalycsik, Jr. age 87 of Pequannock passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

He was born in Garfield to Nicholas and Mary (Harinet) Kovalycsik. He lived in Garfield before moving to Pequannock in 1956. He was a sheet metal fabricator for Fritze, Dodge, Olcot Company in East Hanover before a debilitating workplace accident when he was about forty years old.

Nicholas was a US Navy Veteran having served from 1944 through 1951 in both World War II and the Korean War. He was a ship’s cook aboard numerous vessels including the: NRS, NY, NY; NTS Sampson, NY, USS Monrovia, SS John W. Griffiths, USS SC 648, and the USS Armstead Rust. He was awarded the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

He was a member of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Wayne.

Nicholas was married to the late Helen (Gombos) Kovalycsik for 63 years until her passing in February of 2011.

Keith A. Bursey, age 29 of Wayne, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. He was a lifelong Wayne resident and had graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 2003. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University in 2007.

Keith was an insurance agent with the AC Marmo Insurance Company of Clifton for the past three years and was enjoying his career.

Keith was an outstanding soccer player his whole life and served as Captain of the Wayne Valley soccer team during his time there. Soccer was in his blood and he never stopped playing. A few years ago, while he was training young soccer players, he was asked to coach the Wanaque ‘Lightning’ girls soccer team, as well as the boys ‘Renegades’ soccer team. He loved working with those kids more than anything, and watching them develop their skills on the soccer field always made him happy. He coached for nearly four years and was just wrapping up the fall season. Keith was also an avid skier and had raced on the Wayne Valley Ski Team. He was a fast skier and typically the first one to make it to the bottom of the mountain! He loved going to Stratton as often as he could, and he had been skiing in California, Colorado, and Deer Valley, Utah.

As a kid, Keith enjoyed the summers at the family home in Lavallette. He loved jet skiing on the bay, going crabbing in the middle of the night when the tide was just right and, of course, hanging out with all of his friends. He worked every summer since he was about thirteen years old and had been employed at the Ocean Beach marina, Spicey’s on the Beach, Boater’s World, and he even sold Chimineas throughout the area. He wasn’t a lazy kid by any means and always had a job. Keith also loved to work out and keep himself fit. He was at LA Fitness in Wayne all the time.

Keith carried a ‘bad boy’ persona but he was truly a very caring person. He would like you to believe he was fierce, but he was really one of the most loyal and invaluable friends you could hope to have. You could count on him when you needed anything and he would surely be there for you. Keith’s little nephew Jaxon was the light of his life and he loved Jaxon like he was the only kid in the world. He was also deeply devoted to his girlfriend, Jackie Pellicciotti. They will all miss him dearly.

Keith is the beloved son of Bruce and Dianne Bursey, loving brother of Scott and his wife Theresa, adored uncle of Jaxon, cherished grandson of Ray and Othilia Boutin, nephew to Raymond and Ellen Boutin and Steve and Penny Bursey, loving cousin of Bryan Boutin and his wife Gena, and Ashley Boutin, and his loving girlfriend; Jaclyn Pellicciotti. Keith was predeceased by his paternal grandparents; Warren and Adeline Bursey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Keith’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Patient Aid Fund, PO Box 64348, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55164.

Pietro Joseph Buongiorno, age 88 of Wayne and formerly Toms River, died on Monday, November 3, 2014.

Born and raised in Clifton, Pete took a break from Clifton High School in 1943 so that he could join the United States Armed Forces. He would one-day finish his high school education but not before proudly serving his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Third Division. Stationed in Germany during World War II, the injuries he sustained led to him being a recipient of the Purple Heart for his valor in the face of great danger.

Following the conclusion of the war, Pete returned home in 1946 where he began a career that would span forty years as an electrician and foreman with Hoffmann-La Roche in Nutley.

Pete met his beautiful wife Marie in 1950. A Clifton girl herself, their first blind date ultimately led to marriage at St. Paul’s R.C. Church in Clifton on September 3, 1951. The newlyweds settled into the second floor apartment in Pete’s parent’s house on 112 Sheridan Avenue in Clifton. In 1955 they welcomed their son John and in 1961 the family grew a little more as Pete and Marie welcomed another child – this time a baby girl which they named Patricia. In 1965 Pete, Marie and the kids moved to a new house in Wayne. They joined Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne and were faithful parishioners for the next thirty-one years until Pete and Marie’s son John got married in 1996. After that, the empty-nest couple moved to Toms River where they could enjoy the Jersey shore and warm sunny days. Pete quickly joined a bowling league, and many evenings were spent working on his game or dining out with Marie and the friends they made.

Pete and Marie also began that traveling phase of life. They enjoyed trips to Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Germany. While in Germany, Pete drove his car on the Autobahn. He was doing 90 MPH but because everyone else was driving even faster, it was like he was standing still. He also went back to the place in Germany where he was injured during the war. A company had been built on the sight but the owner of the company was very hospitable, allowing him to stand in the building in the very spot where he was injured. One year, Pete and Marie jumped into their Mazda pickup truck and travelled across the U.S., enjoying all that this great land has to offer. In his younger years, Pete enjoyed his gardens – both vegetable and flower gardens that he had in Wayne. He played shortstop in the Hoffmann La-Roche softball league and you could always find him in front of his television on Sundays during football season watching his beloved Giants.

Pete was very close to all four of his grandchildren. Eddie was his first grandson so those two had a special relationship. He loved to take Chris and Kelly on vacation with him, and Marie, and Daniel, as well as the others, will always have fond memories of visiting and staying with Grandpa and Grandma down at their home near the Jersey shore. Pete had one dog. She was a toy poodle named Mitsy and after her, no other dog would have been a suitable replacement.

Pete will always live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of enjoying his gentle spirit and great sense of humor. His family will especially miss Pete’s loving presence in their lives.

Peitro is survived by his beloved wife Marie; his dear son John and wife Debra Buongiorno of Clifton; his dear daughter Patricia Balvin of Wayne; and his four cherished grandchildren: Edward Daniel Balvin, Christopher Gerard Balvin, Kelly Marie Balvin, and Daniel Vincent Buongiorno. He was predeceased by his dear son-in-law Edward Balvin in 2009.

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

Maria Skordos, age 82 of Wayne and formerly of Greece, died peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2014.

Born in Andros, Greece, she was the fifth of Demetris and Laskaro Bakelas’ seven children. Maria was a very bright young girl and an honors student in elementary school. She wanted to continue her education but, when she finished sixth grade, her father needed her to work with him on the family farm.

When she was just sixteen years old, Maria met the man she would someday marry. His name was John Skordos and the two of them grew up in Andros. They married in 1960 and began their journey together as husband and wife.

Life in those early years was not easy for Maria and John. He worked on a cargo ship and would be gone sometimes for up to two years. Maria’s Uncle Leonidas lived in the United States, in Brooklyn, NY. With John gone at sea, Maria once went to visit her Uncle Leonidas. She was pregnant at the time and while she was there, she gave birth to a son which she and John named Louis. She stayed in the U.S.A. for six months before returning to Greece. Two years later, in 1966, Maria and John welcomed their second child, this time a beautiful girl and they named her Ritsa. Although he lived in Greece, Maria’s son Louis was technically a U.S. citizen. When he was seventeen, Louis had to make a choice – come live in the United States or lose his citizenship. So Louis and his father came to the U.S., settling in Hazlet, NJ. Meanwhile, Maria and Ritsa stayed back in Greece while John and Louis got established. After Ritsa finished high school, she and Maria joined Louis and John. It was now 1984 and Maria continued her life in her new home doing what she did best – being a loving and caring wife and mother and making their house a home with her wonderful homemaking skills.

Maria loved entertaining friends and family. She would often host dinners at her home and prepare numerous delicious meals and desserts. Everyone loved eating at Maria’s and her family especially loved her homemade moussaka and baklava. She also loved the holidays with Christmas being her favorite. The house was always beautifully decorated and the smell of the fresh-cut Christmas tree reminded Maria of her childhood, growing up in Greece where she cherished going out on the family farm where the family always cut their own tree. It just warmed her heart!

Maria was a highly skilled seamstress too. She embroidered and crocheted beautiful blankets, tablecloths and doilies and, if you have the opportunity to join her family for memorial visiting, you will be able to see some of these beautiful creations made with love by Maria’s skilled hands.

In 1992, Maria and John moved back to Greece because John retired and wanted to be back in his homeland. Sadly, he passed two years later in 1994 after thirty-four years of a blessed marriage with his beloved wife. Maria remained in Greece and embraced the excitement of caring for her new granddaughter Maria, while living with her son Louis and his wife Evangelia. In 1999 she returned once again to the United States, this time settling in Rochelle Park with her daughter Ritsa so that she could care for her other granddaughters, Evie and Maria while Ritsa worked her job as a pharmacist. Her grandchildren were a very special part of Maria’s life and feeding them, playing games or reading with them was all just fun times for her. She taught them Greek too! In 2006, Maria moved with Ritsa to Wayne where she’s remained ever since. She faithfully attended services at Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Paramus for a few years until she suffered a stroke in 2009.

Heartwarming memories of Maria’s selfless, kind and friendly personality and the example she set by her strong, determined view of life, will continue to inspire those who knew her and loved her.

Maria is survived by her dear son Louis and wife Evangelia of Andros, Greece; her dear daughter Ritsa and husband Michael Mckenna of Wayne; and her five adored grandchildren: Maria, Sophia, Yianni, Evie and Maria. She is also survived by her two sisters Erene and Anna as well as her two brothers Themis and Nikos. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John, and her two brothers.

Those planning an expression of sympathy Maria’s name are asked to consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777 or at www.michaeljfox.org/

George “Gibbers” Gibney age 87 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Sunday, November 2, 2014. He was born on September 11, 1927 in Paterson to Syrian immigrants. George was a man who loved his wife, family, friends, his church and his community. He was a lifelong and active member of Sacred Heart Armenian Catholic Church in Little Falls. He was a resident of Wayne since 1964.

George was very sociable and full of life. He had a passion for people and liked to help his friends and family in any way he could. He had many interests including photography, gardening, reading, driving, and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He will be fondly remembered for his warm - outgoing personality, talking on the telephone and/or to anyone who would listen, and his general love of people. George was an active member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Northern New Jersey chapter for over 25 years. He dedicated hundreds of hours of his time for the fight against neuro muscular disease.

He was a retired home builder and developer who owned Trades, Inc. with his brother Raymond. The first built homes in Albany, New York and then later in Pompton Plains, Oak Ridge, and Vernon New Jersey. Together he and Raymond built over 300 homes. In his later years he was an inspector for the Alaimo Engineering Company in Paterson.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former MaryAnn Caruso. He is also survived by three children Susan Gibney Dipre and her husband Frank, Joseph Gibney and Georgene Gibney O’Loughlin and her husband Anthony, and five adored grandchildren, Caroline, Alexandra, Luke, Niamh, and Liam. He is also survived by his brother Henry. His brothers Lawrence and Raymond predeceased him. George was much loved uncle to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Dorothea Jean, age 94 of Lincoln Park, died peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2014. She had lived in Lincoln Park since 1954 and recently resided with her son in Pompton Plains.

Dorothy was born in Hoboken and raised in Weehawken and Pequannock. Sadly, Dorothy lost her mother when she was just ten years old at which point she began living with her older sisters in Pequannock and Weehawken.

While living in Pequannock, Dorothy met a nice neighborhood boy named George Sharpe. They dated for a few years until George went off to the Army. Dorothy rode the train out to St. Louis (along with a train full of admiring soldiers) wearing a green velvet skirt suit to see him in 1943. Upon her arrival, they quickly got a marriage license and tied the knot! They married on April 19, and enjoyed a brief honeymoon in St. Louis, even though George was still actively serving in the Army. He went AWOL for a couple of days so they could celebrate, which cost him a little time in the brig, but he knew that Dorothy was worth it! They were truly in love and spent ten wonderful, loving years together before having children. Dorothy and George settled in Clifton before moving to Lincoln Park in 1954 to raise their family. They spent thirty five years of a very loving marriage before George passed in 1989.

Dorothy developed a love for dancing when she was introduced to tap at a very young age. Her love for dancing continued throughout her life. Often, she was the life of parties and never ceased to amaze people with her dance moves at weddings, birthdays, anniversary parties, and any small gathering for that matter. When preparing for one of her granddaughter's wedding, she massaged her feet for an entire week so that she could dance all night. As usual, she was the life of the party and danced for hours! She had so much fun that she continued to dance with the bird when she got home that night. In addition to tap, the “Jitterbug” and other ‘swing’ dances were her specialties.

Dorothy also loved to sing. She would often recite songs that her father taught her, or that she learned along the way to her grandchildren. In fact, every single one of her children and grandchildren will vividly hold the memory dear in their hearts of her singing the lyrics to the song "The Sidewalks of New York-"East side, west side, all around the town..,"-while she tapped danced in her Park Avenue kitchen.

In addition to singing and dancing with them regularly, Dorothy loved her family unconditionally, and made them laugh with the sound of her youthful and infectious giggle. By example, she also taught them lessons about being strong, overcoming obstacles, and that nothing is more important than family.

Dorothy played an active role in raising her grandchildren and she was a special part of their daily lives.

She was a very loving and caring mother and grandma and loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. They will all miss her dearly.

Dorothy is survived by her three children; Patricia Sharpe of Arizona, George Sharpe and his wife Elcy of Pompton Plains, and Stephen Sharpe and his wife Michelle of Towaco, seven grandchildren; Danielle (and her husband, Michael), Lauren, Olivia, Alexa, Brianna, Danielle, Ava, three great-grandchildren; Sienna, Michael, and Lucas and one honorary grandchild; Andrew. She was predeceased by her husband George in 1989.

Memorial donations in Dorothy’s honor would be greatly appreciated. She was a patriotic woman and enjoyed supporting the American Legion Post #279, 133 Main St., Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 and the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 www.WoundedWarriorProject.org.

Kevin Michael McAuliffe, age 50 of Hewitt and formerly of Wayne, died on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Kevin was a master iron and steel worker whose talents went way beyond his use of those skills to make a living, which he did for many years with VanderMeyde Welding of West Milford and later with Catanzaro & Sons Enterprises of Rockaway. After work hours, Kevin used his welding skills in extremely artistic ways fashioning all kinds of creative sculptors for the home and garden as well as, wrought iron candle and plant holders. He sold many of his creations at Soulshine studios, an artisan shop in West Milford. If Kevin wasn’t creating with steel, he most-likely could be found fishing. He loved all kinds of fishing – lake, ocean and ice!

Kevin is survived by his loving parents: Michael and Jeannette McAuliffe; his dear sister Stacey and husband Girard Thurrott of Dorset, VT; and his two nieces and nephew: Rachel, Julien and Zachary.

Formerly of Wayne, Clifton and Highland Lakes, youngest daughter of Michael and Mary Murphy (nee: Folliard), passed away during the early hours of

REGINA GRACE OPFER passed away on October 31, 2014, in Wayne, New Jersey. “Jeanna” was in her 102 year, having joined the world on April 24, 1913 during the administration of President Woodrow Wilson---also of New Jersey. Her parents, Michael Murphy and Mary Folliard Murphy, had emigrated from Ireland in the latter part of the nineteenth century and settled into the Newark area. Michael and Mary were married at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church on Market Street, which is now the location of the Priory Restaurant. Jeanna had three older siblings---John (Jack), Alice, and Eleanor. The Murphy family resided in East Orange, across from Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, which will now serve as her final peaceful resting place.

Jeanna was working at R.A. McDonough Tire in Newark, when she met her future husband, James D. Opfer, who had recently arrived from Lorain, Ohio. Jimmy and Jeanna frequently went to the popular Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove to dance and enjoy the music of “big bands,” including the Dorseys, Glenn Miller, Kay Kyser, and similar orchestras. During this time, Jimmy shared an apartment with two friends, Ray Geyer and Joe Murphy. He arranged for his two roommates to go on a triple date with Regina’s two sisters and an extended family was created, when the three roommates married three sisters. From then on, it was always Easter at Ray and Eleanor’s, Thanksgiving at Alice and Joe’s, and Christmas at Jim and Jeanna’s. Jeanna is the last surviving member of that generation.

After their marriage in 1934, Jimmy and Jeanna resided in Middletown, New York, then soon moved to Newburgh. They eventually returned to East Orange, where they lived with Mary Murphy. After the birth of their son, James, Jr., they purchased a home in Clifton. Shortly after, daughters Kathleen, Linda, and Ellen made their appearances. Mary Murphy eventually sold her home in East Orange and joined the Opfers in Clifton. Mary became a family fixture, until her death in 1969. A summer home was acquired in Highland Lakes in 1951, and the entire family spent many marvelous moments at “the lake,” until it was sold in 1999.

For many years, Jeanna was involved with the American Cancer Society of Passaic County and its annual fund-raiser. She was also active with volunteerism at Highland Lakes and placed unknown (but numerous) miles on her vehicle, while driving her children to school events, singing lessons, dance lessons, and similar activities. For nearly twenty years, Jeanna worked as a sales associate at Sterns department store. She initially retired at age 75 in 1988, but as a valued employee, she was asked to return. Jeanna finally retired at age 80 in 1993. In that year, her husband of 59 years passed away, and soon after she relocated to Siena Village in Wayne. For the past 2.5 years, Jeanna has resided at Sunrise House, also in Wayne.

Jeanna is survived by her children, James, Jr., and his wife Eileen (Vernon); Kathleen and her husband Joseph Bassett (Wilmington, North Carolina); Linda and her husband James Pollock (Wayne); and Ellen and her husband Kevin O’Brien (Littleton, Colorado). She also has thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews---residing from Florida to California to Canada to all of whom she has given and bequeathed her love of family and her wonderful sense of humor.

Judy Wolf, or Babicka, was born in a small town in Czechoslovakia in a tiny house overlooking a beautiful valley. She was the fifth of seven children. She graduated from college as a teacher and married Stan-ley Wolf. They lived in Czechoslovakia during WW II and the Nazi occupation. During that time they had 2 children Stanley and Judy. After the war when the communist occupation was becoming apparent they fled their beloved homeland. They came to the United States and a year later their third child, Carol, was born. She spent most of her adult life living in the same home in Rego Park, Queens.

As a result of the Communists occupation they had almost no communication with their families for many years. She finally was able to visit her family after the fall of the iron curtain.

Judy embraced her new life in the United States learning to speak English correctly to ensure her children's success. After her husband's death she educated herself about stocks and bonds and health. She was independent to the end and lived almost 95 years, so I guess you could say she learned her lessons well.

She is survived by Stanley Wolf, Carol Fraind, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations in Judy Wolf’s name to Christian Health Care Center Foundation 301 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff, N.J. 07481 would be appreciated.

Jeffrey Moyer, age 48 of Bethlehem, PA and formerly of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. He had been living in Bethlehem for the past twenty years.

Jeff grew up in Wayne and graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1984. He began taking classes at William Paterson College, but that wasn’t his style and he soon moved on. He had been a carpenter for a theatre company, building sets and traveling around, which he really enjoyed. More recently he worked at Niagara Water as a parts manager, but for Jeff, the ‘9 to 5’ grind simply didn't suit him. He had a lot more fun earlier in his ‘career’ when he traveled around to Grateful Dead shows selling ‘hippie stuff’ from his van; tie-dyed shirts, artwork and the like. He would occasionally set up a kiosk in a mall somewhere and sell his goods for a few days, then move on. In 2000, Jeff married Misty Gregus and they shared a beautiful life and home together for more than ten years.  Despite their recent separation, they loved each other very much.  Jeff was a free spirit and a rolling stone.

Jeff was an artist in the truest sense of the term. He was incredibly talented with paints, charcoal, pastels and photography. He was a romantic guy; a true lover with a huge heart. The relationships he had and the love he shared were everything to him, and material things meant very little. He was the life of every party and affectionately known as “the man”, or “Heffay” by almost everyone. He was a devoted Neil Young fan and loved the Grateful Dead too. He truly “lived” his life, every day. He was very giving of himself, his time, and his love to everyone. But Jeff wasn’t a conformist, and he never intended to follow any typical path. He simply viewed each day as a new and fresh adventure, and he let life lead him down whatever path the day brought upon him. He had his steady companions along the way; his black lab; Brutus, and his cat Onyx who journeyed by Jeff’s side for seventeen years; they were best buddies.

Jeff is survived by his mother; Shirley Moyer of Wayne, by his sister; Debbie Craffen and her husband Stephen of Ringwood, his brother; Joseph and his wife Maureen of Frisco, TX, his loving and devoted girlfriend; Christie Hawkins of Hatfield, PA, four nieces and nephews; Sean and Erin Moyer, Carly Craffen, and Michael Ward, his wife Misty Moyer and many loving cousins. He was predeceased by his father Joseph Roger Moyer of Elmwood Park in 2007.

Erla Jean Cullere (nee Jerlat) age 86 of Oakland passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

She was born in Jersey City and lived in Dumont where she spent her formative years. She later lived in Oakland and then Wayne before returning to Oakland thirty-two years ago.

She was a member of the Calvary Assembly Church in Woodland Park.

Perhaps the most joyous thing in her life journey, besides the Lord and her family, was Ball Room and Tap dancing. She danced the night away on many-a dance floors in her day and she taught professional ball room dancing too. She was a true lover of animals, especially dogs and she passed that love on to her kids.

Surviving are her two daughters Karen Kirk and husband Bob of Cocoa, FL, and Kathy Danaher of Pompton Lakes; her one son Al Cullere and his wife Sue of Oakland; six grandchildren: Kim Gross and her husband Shane, Erich Erichsen, Katie Cardenas and her husband Jorge, Kerry Nicholson and her husband Aaron, Heather, and James Cullere and his wife Jenna; fifteen great-grandchildren: Stephanie, Alec, McKenzie, Angel, Summer, Jonathon, Titus, Klae, Kristina, Samuel, Brandie, Paige, Seth, James “LJ”, and Brody; her sister-in-law Marie Jerlat of Toms River; and her very best life-time friend Dolores Grazianni of Tenafly. Erla was predeceased by her brother Bill Jerlat, her granddaughter Heidi Cullere, and her brother-in-law John Erichsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Calvary Assembly would be appreciated.

Beverly A. Tierney, nee Grieco, age 78 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. She had been a Wayne resident since 1956.

Raised in Totowa, Bev graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the class of 1954. She went on to the Sherwood School of Business where she was trained as a secretary. Beginning her career working at the Popular Club, Bev soon became a full-time mom raising her two sons. During that time, she became involved in local politics and befriended local attorney David Waks. He helped her get a job at the Passaic County Surrogates Office, where she worked for several years. A short time later, David Waks was elected Mayor of Wayne and he asked her to become his personal secretary, which she gladly accepted. Bev served not only as Mayor Waks secretary during his term in office, but continued to serve for every mayor since, right up until her retirement in 2013. That speaks as a testament to her professionalism; she was respected by those she worked with, and loyal to every mayor she had served alongside of.

Bev held strong to her political beliefs and was keenly able to appreciate different perspectives as well. She didn’t dislike people simply because their political views varied from hers. On the contrary; she had dear friends from both sides of the aisle.

Bev was also a great cook! She hosted Christmas Eve for many years and the whole family would gather at her house. She could cook for an army and everything was delicious. She was particularly good at making traditional Italian meals and her veal dishes were second to none! Every summer she would vacation at Lavallette with her family. She loved the beach and looked forward to those days every year. They often rented a house on West Point Island where they made many happy memories. Going out to dinner while on vacation was something she always looked forward to, visiting such famous Jersey Shore restaurants like the Crab’s Claw, Lenny’s Pizza, and many others. She and her husband Joe had traveled a lot too, as he was in the insurance business and they were treated to many ‘business’ trips to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and countless other destinations.

At home in Packanack Lake, Bev was very involved in the community. She was an active bowler for many years and went to all the dinner dances and many “Pack-a-ladies” events. She had a crew of friends that went out to dinner every Friday night and she really enjoyed that. Even after her husband Joe died in 2001, the other couples would pick her up and take her out to dinner with them. She really loved her friends and all the good times they had together. She also remained close with several of her high school friends from Passaic Valley.

Bev met her husband Joe when she was just a teenager. In fact, Joe was the neighborhood mailman! They were both very young and married soon after in September of 1956. They moved to Wayne that same year and began to raise a family. They were both great parents; Joe coached his son’s in sports and Bev was at every game cheering them on. She was a terrific mom, always there for her boys and very supportive. Sadly, Joe passed in 2001 after forty five years of loving marriage. Bev devoted herself to her grandchildren and loved them all very much. Her family meant a great deal to her and they will all miss her very dearly.

Beverly is survived by her two sons; Greg of Lavallette, Geoffrey and his wife Evelyn of Charlotte, NC, her brother; Neil Grieco and his wife Barbara of Bloomingdale, four grandchildren; Steven, Christina, Gregory Jr., and Ashley, and one great-grandson; Joseph, and two nieces; Daryl Lynn Hahn and her husband Brian of West Milford and Renee Faber and her husband William of Butler.  She was predecease by her husband Joseph in 2001.

Memorial donations in Beverly’s honor would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Elizabeth Caraballo, age 56 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2014 after a valiant battle with lung cancer. Liz grew up in the Stony Road neighborhood of Paterson, right on the border with West Paterson. She graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the class of 1976.

Liz’s career began at Merrimac Industries in West Caldwell and over the years she worked for Treasure Island, Drug Fair and Walgreens. She had been a fixture at the Walgreens on Valley Road for many years. She always came home with something, be it some new kind of candy, a funny gift, or a special treat for her family.

Liz enjoyed reading and she was an excellent photographer. She loved taking pictures and her family has boxes of photos to prove it. Her greatest love was undoubtedly her family. She was a wonderful, supportive, and encouraging mom who always made sure her children knew how loved they truly were. She became a sort of surrogate mom to many of her children’s friends, some of whom endearingly call her ‘mom.” She was the ‘class mom’ in elementary school, a field trip chaperone on many occasions, and also volunteered in the school library of JFK Elementary School in Wayne. She was actively involved in their lives and always there for them. She was also a great ‘shopping buddy’ and would walk around for hours with you. She could sometimes shop all day and if her indecision got the best of her, she would come home with nothing at all. She loved to get gifts for others and rarely bought anything for herself. She was a selfless person in many ways and was always thinking about the happiness of those around her.

In 1981, Liz met her husband, Osvaldo at work. They went out together after work one day and quickly fell for each other. They married on October 6, 1985 at St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church in Paterson and had no time for a honeymoon; they went right back to work the next day! They settled into Liz’s home in Paterson before moving to Wayne in 1994. They made a great pair together and rarely had an argument that lasted for more than five minutes. She was the greatest person he ever met and he will surely miss her big heart and loving smile.

Liz is survived by her loving husband Osvaldo of Wayne, her daughter; Larissa and her husband Bosco of Parsippany, her sons; Matthew of Wayne and Osvaldo, Jr. and his wife Lori of Nutley, one sister; Raisa Ogarkow and her husband Harold Simon of Simi Valley, CA, two grandchildren; Daniel and Jessica Caraballo of Nutley, and two nephews; Christopher and Greg Simon of Simi Valley, CA.

Susan VerHoven age 43 of Little Falls, formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2014.

She was born in Pequannock and raised in Wayne before moving to Little Falls.

She graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1989. Susan continued her education and graduated with honors from Ramapo College in Mahwah with a double major in Marketing and Business Management, she later graduated from William Paterson University in Wayne with a degree in Art.

Susan’s work history includes working at the Wayne Car Wash on Hamburg Turnpike, the Points of Light company in Fairfield, and she has been an Inventory Control Manager for the Rymax Marketing and Services, Inc. of Pine Brook for the past ten years. Susan worked from home during her recent illness which gave her a sense of pride and elevated her spirits; she worked up until two weeks before her passing.

Susan will be remembered for being: a fun loving person, honest, going to art museums, music, playing her drums, concerts, enjoying a spot of tea at tea houses, antiquing, flea markets, working out at the gym, crafts, and painting (all of her paintings depicted a cat – perhaps because of her love for her cats Patches and Bella). She also enjoyed target shooting, researching the history of the Little Falls’ Beattie Carpet Mill that was converted to condo’s and where she lived, and being a member of the Little Falls Historical Society. After hurricane Sandy and the devastation she saw Susan took the initiative to enroll herself, and her dad, in a class to become “Trained Spotters” for the National Weather Service. Susan was a member of the local CERT (Community Emergency Relief Team). She enjoyed cooking and had at least one hundred cook books. Her favorite chef was Emeril Lagasse who always cooked a “bam” into whatever he was making, and who inspired her to quit smoking many years ago. To thank him for the inspiration she gave Emeril a “Bam-Bam” doll and received Christmas Cards from him for many years thereafter. Susan enjoyed traveling and her love of art brought her to Barcelona, Spain where she truly enjoyed, and was artistically inspired by, the work of the surrealist Spanish painter, sculptor and ceramicist, Joan Miro. Many beautiful memories were also made when she traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana. As she was watching the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade she was pulled into the parade, and was literally dancing in the streets.

Susan was diagnosed with Lupus when she was just sixteen years old. She wouldn’t let the fact that her own body’s immune system was attacking her get her down. She loved life and accepted whatever was sent her way - with her chin held high. In late June of 2014 she began treatment for cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City.

She was the loving daughter of Frances (Tatka) and Robert VerHoven of Wayne; devoted sister of Robert J. VerHoven and his wife Alicia of Elkton, MD, and Jennifer DeHope and her husband James of Hewitt; dearly loved aunt of Catherine and Bryan VerHoven, Michael Nargiso, and Jenna Sue DeHope; much loved soul mate of Brian King of Yardley, Pennsylvania; cherished granddaughter of the late: Cira and Leonard VerHoven, Albert Tatka, and Anna Tatka-Hanak and her husband Joseph Hanak.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lupus Foundation of America – NJ Chapter, PO Box 1184, Springfield, NJ 07081 would be appreciated.

Tatyana Levinskaya-Eskin age 63 of Wayne passed away peacefully at her home in the presence of loved ones and while receiving the loving care of her family.

Tatyana was born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania. It was also here where she received her Bachelor Degree in Engineering. Tatyana also had a degree in Music and was an accomplished pianist.

Shortly after college, she met the love of her life, Sam Eskin. They were married in 1975 and then about 16 years later they decided to immigrate to the United states. It was in 1991 when they arrived in the US and Tatyana landed a job as a Bookkeeper with a shipping company in Totowa. After several years, in 2005 she went to work for her husband's company, Chase Auto Exchange in Leonia. Tatyana worked as a bookkeeper for her husband until her illness forced her to stop about 4 years ago.

Tatyana and Sam cherished 39 years of loving marriage. In that time, they raised and nurtured their only son Cory. Tatyana was a devoted mother and Grandmother. Her family remembers her loving to play the piano, and enjoyed knitting and cooking. Tatyana was a very special person and will be sincerely missed by her friends and family alike.

Tatyana is survived by her husband of 39 years, Sam Eskin of Wayne; one son Cory Eskin and his wife Bianna of Wayne; one brother Michael Levinskaya, and 2 grandchildren.

Henry A. Zdanowicz, age 94 of Wayne and formerly of Toms River, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

Born and raised in Paterson, Henry graduated from St. John’s High School in 1937. He loved to tell stories about his childhood, especially about his experiences working at the local Kresge’s 5 and 10 Store on Main Street in Paterson. It seems he had quite a bit of fun working there. He and his co-working buddies liked to push one of the girls they worked with onto the dumb-waiter and give her rides. You could say that the professional atmosphere was “loose”. If a glass bowl was broken above the vats of ice cream, Henry would just do his best to scoop the glass pieces out rather than throw the whole container of ice cream away. The same remedy was the standard for a cut finger……enough said.

Following high school, Henry attended aeronautical school in Connecticut. After graduating he began a career with Curtis Wright Corporation doing what he liked to do best…..work with his hands. He enjoyed his career as an engineer and second-shift supervisor. He worked for Curtis Wright for 40 years and, upon his retirement in 1982 he was so thankful to his daughter Carolyn for throwing him a beautiful retirement party. He told her that it was the first party anyone had ever thrown for him.

Henry met his first wife Jean in his hometown of Paterson. They were neighbors who happened to fall in love. They got married by a Justice of the Peace in Connecticut, but when his mother heard about this, she told Henry that he had to get married in the church. Never one to want to disappoint Mom, he and Jean exchanged their vows again, this time before God, family and friends at St. Stephen’s Church in, of course, Paterson. Soon after their wedding, Henry and Jean were blessed with their firstborn, a baby girl that they named Carolyn. Ten years later they gave Carolyn a baby sister which they named Lorraine. By now the family was living in Hawthorne. Then in 1963, when Jean was just thirty-nine and the girls were twenty and ten, Jean passed away after a battle with cancer. Henry’s job description quickly expanded from bread winner to primary care giver too. Later on, in the 1970’s, Henry met another wonderful woman named Thelma. She became his second wife and together they enjoyed loving companionship and a great marriage until her passing in 1996.

Besides his family, Henry has a special love affair with cars. He had lots of them over the years and he took such good care of them that he was known for cleaning and polishing them until the paint literally wore off! One of his favorites was his Chevy II Super Sport. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of a ride in his car and, recently as he got older he was known to say, “Taking my cars away from me would be like cutting my legs off.” As recently as two weeks ago he was talking about buying a new car! Retirement gave Henry and Thelma the chance to travel and they enjoyed going back and forth to Florida and down to the Jersey shore. They eventually moved permanently to Toms River and Henry stayed there until eight years ago when he came to live with his daughter Carolyn. Henry also enjoyed building model cars and airplanes. He could fix anything and was always ready to help anyone who needed something fixed in their house. Henry had one other passion in his life…..he loved to dance the polka. When he was young, he and Jean and the girls would go and dance at the Polish Home, a dance hall in Garfield. He dubbed himself the “Polka King” and if they got tired dancing, he would dance with any other woman who was willing.

Henry felt very blessed to have the gift of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would describe them as the apple of his eye. When his great grandchildren would be upset and cry, he would always try to console and encourage them by lovingly saying “poochy poochy, Pop-Pop is here!” They all loved him right back and will dearly miss his warm and sunny disposition.

Henry had a great love for God and knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior. When he was just a little boy, his parents taught him prayers in Polish. Upon entering school for the first time, he was asked to recite his prayers like the other children. Henry couldn’t do it because he only knew them in the Polish language. He learned them in English quickly after that. As a youngster he also served as an altar boy and as an adult, he attended mass daily until his older age made it too hard to get to church. His family takes great comfort and is greatly encouraged that as one of God’s children, Henry is now enjoying the joys of his new heavenly home.

Surviving with wonderful memories of this dear man’s life are his loving daughter Carolyn Mazzotta of Wayne; two adored grandchildren: Ron Mazzotta and wife Nancy of Pompton Lakes, and Stacey Ventre and husband Michael of Wayne; and three cherished great-grandchildren: Addison Ventre and twins Kaitlyn and Sydney Ventre. Henry was predeceased by his first wife Jean and second wife Thelma; his dear daughter Lorraine Hackett; and his sister Irene Kolowski.

Edwin N. Halewicz, age 63 of Wayne, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, October 22, 2014. He has lived in Wayne since 1983.

Ed grew up in Garfield, NJ and graduated from Garfield High School in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves at seventeen years old and served proudly for many years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and enjoyed a lengthy career in the trucking industry.

Throughout the years, Ed had been an executive with Hemingway Trucking, Consolidated Freight, US Lines, and American Intermodal Services (AIS). While working at AIS, an opportunity arose allowing Ed to purchase the company. After several years, he sold AIS in 2000 and joined H&M International, where he was vice president of trucking operations until 2012. Ed was well respected among his colleagues and had a reputation for being tough but very fair. On several occasions, when he transitioned from one company to another, several of his staff members would soon follow him. They respected and believed in him. Most recently, Ed began a new career as a commercial real estate agent for the Blau & Berg Company in Short Hills. He was enthusiastic about the new opportunity, and found the work to be fun and exciting.

On a personal level, Ed was kind, giving, and selfless to a fault. He seemingly took care of everyone and everything. He coached Wayne PAL baseball for many years, often rushing there from work, going straight to the field. He always made time for his boys and was a wonderful dad. He drove them to their hockey games, showed up at band performances and skiing events. He also spent countless hours with his legs stuck in the mud of Lake Hopatcong, teaching his kids to water ski. Ed was a bit of an innovator in this regard; he always loved surfing and he began surfing behind the boat on his longboard long before it became popular. On one occasion, his brother-in-law Martin was hit in the head with a longboard and was knocked unconscious. Ed saw him sinking beneath the water and quickly reacted, pulling him to the surface and undoubtedly saving Martin’s life in the process. To his family, Ed was a hero in many, many ways. They could always count on him to be there for them, and they will miss him dearly.

Ed met his wife Linda (Bruno) when they were in Garfield High School together. This was a risky move for Ed because Linda’s sister just happened to be Ed’s English teacher! Nevertheless, Ed took Linda on a first-date to the finest place he knew; the Hot Grill in Clifton. They hit it off and were eventually married on June 18, 1972 at the Manor in Orange. They enjoyed a honeymoon to Cape Cod and Nantucket. Over the years, Ed turned out to be the most wonderful husband Linda could have wished for. He took excellent care of her and their boys, but he didn’t stop there. As Linda’s parents got on in years, Ed was there to take great care of them too. He was simply the best. Recently, Ed and Linda bought a summer home in Ocean City, NJ and Ed was able to spend the entire summer there this year with Linda. Looking back now, it’s clear that spending this past summer together at the beach was truly a gift for both of them, and Linda will cherish that time forever. Those precious memories will surely help to keep Ed alive in her heart for the rest of her years. He is, and will always be, the love of her life.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Linda (Bruno) of Wayne, three sons; Dan and his wife Kelley of Pompton Plains, Tim and his wife Julia of Katonah, NY, and Ben and his wife Jennifer of Riverdale, two grandchildren; Athena and Tim, Jr., his parents; Edwin and Johanna of Mt. Pocono, PA, his aunt; Helen Choma of Garfield, sister-in-law; Joanne Mooney and her husband Martin of Wall Township, his cousins; Barbara, Chrissy, and Patty Choma of Garfield, his niece; Lynn Massone and her husband Jeff of Wall Township, his nephew; Martin Mooney and his wife Kendra of Everett, Washington, his great-nieces and great-nephews; Casey, Christian, Santiago, and Sofia, his best friends in the world; Karen and Bob Gamble of Basking Ridge, as well as many very dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory to the Wayne PAL, 1 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Ed often shared a few common phrases that became a sort of trademark of his. “Do the right thing” was something he often told his children, or, “one step at a time,” whenever he saw someone becoming overwhelmed. And, perhaps most poignant of all when considering the circumstance of today, Ed said himself on many occasions; “it is what it is.”

Charles W. Ferrara, Sr., age 67 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, October 22, 2014. Born in 1947, in Yonkers NY, to Joe and Lollie(Olga) Ferrara. Along with his sisters Joanne and Susie, the family moved to Maywood NJ a few years later. In 1973, after marrying the love of his life and best friend, Maureen (Fallon), they settled in Wayne where he would live for the next 41 years.

Charlie was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local One and enjoyed a thirty year career with Westinghouse and Schindler Elevator. He was proud of the many buildings he had a hand in building, including 1 Penn Plaza, Giants Stadium and the rest of the Meadowlands, as well as several hospitals and other easily recognizable buildings in the area. He was loved and respected by the guys he worked with. His sons have been fortunate to work with some of these same men many years later, all of whom made clear their appreciation of Charlie's knowledge and his willingness to teach others his craft. He was also fun to work with.

Charlie grew up in Maywood and graduated from Bogota High School with the class of 1965. Among his favorite childhood memories are the summers he spent at his family’s farm in Cooperstown, NY. At the tender young age of five his mother put him on a bus, by himself, headed for Cooperstown. He went every summer until he graduated high school. He worked hard there, tending to the chickens and cows and cutting hay along with a bunch of his cousins. He learned to drive the farm tractor as a young boy, and he went hunting and fishing with his cousins. They all had a blast and Charlie never forgot those wonderful summers.

After high school, Charlie joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a gunner’s mate aboard a destroyer escort, the USS John Willis. He enjoyed the travel, the friends he made, and the time he spent in Iceland. After being discharged in 1970, he was offered a job with Westinghouse Elevator which was eventually purchased by Schindler Elevator.

Charlie learned a lot about the trades over the years and he mastered many of them. He did all his own home improvements, making sure to teach his kids as much as he could. When it was time to rebuild the masonry steps on the front of the house, he bought a cement mixer and did everything himself – with the help of his kids, of course. When he built his own cabinets many years back, he didn’t just buy the wood…he bought an Oak tree and milled it into boards himself. He was a ‘tinkerer’; always working on something and always with a project in the works.

He was a great cook. He could put together a Thanksgiving feast for almost forty people, and he enjoyed doing this for over thirty years. He didn't stop there, a few times every year, he would make a giant batch of his famous beef stew for the church to bring down to Eva's kitchen.

Charlie loved deep sea fishing. Day trips out on the Sea Horse or the Freddie C. with his kids made him as happy as anyone could be. He also loved to visit Atlantic City or Mt. Airy Lodge in the Pocono’s. He loved sports. He and his wife Maureen watched EVERY Yankee game on TV, and during football season you didn’t bother trying to speak to him if a GIANTS game was on. His family couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of having Charlie’s visiting hours on a Sunday. He would never have agreed to that.

Charlie’s kids speak of him as being a “great dad.” He taught them as much as he could and he was always willing to do whatever he could for them. He gladly shared his recipes, his construction knowledge, and he even brought his two sons into the elevator business with Schindler. His grandchildren were the light of his life and they couldn’t have made their Poppy more proud. His family was his number one priority; nothing else mattered to him except making them happy. And for that he succeeded greatly.

Charlie met his wife Maureen (Fallon) on a blind date. She wasn’t exactly smitten at first. After a few dates though, he quickly grew on her. They were married on October 27, 1973 at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne followed by a great honeymoon on the island of St. Thomas. They settled into their home in Wayne a year later. He was the perfect husband to Maureen and they enjoyed a marriage that only best friends could share. He was very good to her and was always a happy person, which made him a joy to be with. He had a great sense of humor, quick wit and many one-liners. They had a lot of fun together and she will miss him dearly.

Charlie is survived by his wife Maureen (Fallon) of Wayne, his daughter; Katie Macones and her husband Jason of Wayne, his two sons; Charles, Jr. “Chuck” and his wife Laura of Wayne, and Joseph and his wife Lisa of Riverdale, six grandchildren; Kaylee, Makenna, Charlie, Max, Natalie, and Reilly, his two loving sisters; Joanne DeLavega of Pearl River, NY and Susan Disanto and her husband Fred of Saddle Brook; brothers-in-law William Fallon, and George Fallon and his wife Betsy; and many nieces and nephews. And his sister-in-law Paddy Fallon. She was not only a trusted and reliable medical consultant, but also one of his favorite people. He was grateful for everything she did for him, but most of all for her friendship.

Donations in Charlie’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 www.WoundedWarriorProject.org, would be greatly appreciated.

Marion Proll (nee Blum) age 92 of York, South Carolina, formerly a thirty-seven year resident of Pequannock, NJ passed peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2014.

She was born and raised in Paterson having lived in Pequannock from 1967 until 2004 when she moved to York South Carolina.

Marion attended School 12 in Paterson up through eighth grade and then went to work at the Manhattan Shirt Factory as a machine operator to support the family. She worked for Faber’s Laundry in Haledon for fifteen years and retired in 1985 after working for sixteen years at the North Jersey Developmental Center as an assistant housekeeping supervisor.

Marion enjoyed sewing, having made everything from wedding gowns to boat covers. Her other leisure activities included camping, fishing and gardening.

Marion was a member of the Westside United Methodist Church on Barnes Street in Paterson for many years. She served her church faithfully as a member of the Wesleyan Service Guild and the Couples Club.

Many years ago, while attending a Halloween party, Marion met Wallace Proll. They married at the 6th Reformed Church’s Parsonage in Prospect Park on June 16, 1945. They had a very small wedding and very big parties celebrating their twenty-fifth and fiftieth wedding anniversaries.

Marion was the loving wife of fifty-three years to the late Wallace Proll (1998); devoted mother of Diane Marie Stackpole and her husband Charles of York, SC, and Janet Rose Shutte and her husband Richard of Wanaque; cherished grandmother of Daniel Richard Shutte and his former wife Kerry of Fort Mill, SC, Susan Anne Pain and her husband Eric of Ringwood, and Audrey Anne Gilbert and her husband Doug of Dummfries, VA, much loved great-grandmother of Deirdre Rose Shutte and Nicolas Joseph Shutte of Ft Mill, SC; loved sister of the late Adrian, Phillip, John William Blum, and Gertrude Vander Sluys and Bellabetty Rozell.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Adnah United Methodist Church, 1 Adnah Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732-9500 or the Midvale United Methodist Church, 490 Ringwood Ave., Wanaque, NJ 07465 would be appreciated.

Nicholas D. Carone age 81 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Thursday, October 16, 2014.

Nick was born on Christie Street in New York City and raised on Grand Street, Broome Street and Kenmare Street all in New York City. He met Helen Dario while on a blind date to the Academy of Music and Movie Theatre on 14th Street in Manhattan. He proposed to Helen at the behest of his father as his dad was a partner in a brand new Italian American Club being built on Avenue U in Brooklyn and he wanted to have the first wedding held at the club. Nick proposed and they married on December 7, 1957 at Saint Josephs Catholic Church on Catherine Street in New York City. They honeymooned in Miami Florida and it was so cold they never got to take off their jackets. Helen being frustrated by the cold weather did take her coat off and lay across the diving board at the pool posing for a photo. Helen and Nick enjoyed fifty-seven years of a loving, devoted marriage.

Nick’s first and only job was working for his father Nicola. Nicola was all about trying to make a buck. He was a self taught refrigeration technician and radio repairman in the 1930’s. Nicola’s understanding of electricity and eye for business had him making electric cheese graters for the restaurants, pizzerias and grocery stores. He then made refrigerated dough retarders to help store pizza dough. Eventually the family went into the restaurant equipment business making pizza ovens and mozzarella shredding equipment. The family business is still in operation today and called Bari Equipment it is located in the Bowery District of New York City. Nick retired from the family business in 1983 due to health concerns.

Nick was a veteran of the Korean War and attained the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged.

Nick shared a great story about his father Nicola’s business life. His father was extremely good with electronics. He once made a radio transmitter and set it up in his building to transmit Italian music over the Irish music radio station’s frequency. His local transmitter overrode the Irish neighbors station and stopped their incessant dancing. Once a local Chinese man got word of this and asked Nicola to make him a local transmitter that he could install in a truck. Nicola refused to make the transmitter until he was told the Chinese man’s intentions. They became partners and Nicola made the truck mounted transmitter. They would park the truck in a neighborhood, with Chinese music and commentary being transmitted from the new Chinese station that only they had the radios for, and sell these special radios to the local Chinese laundries of which there were many. The radios cost $1 to make and they sold them for $5.00 up front and then another $5 in a month…if they didn’t like the radio they would take it back and refund the $5.00. Once the truck left the neighborhood the radio station disappeared and the radios didn’t work. They would then return with the truck to the neighborhood for the second installment of $5.00 and the radio owners would complain the radio’s didn’t work. Nicola would chide them for touching the dials of the radio and re-tune the radio to the truck’s frequency, collect the second $5.00 payment, and again leave the neighborhood.

Nick was one of the founding fathers of the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne. He and his family volunteered many hours in their founding of the club.

Nick is the loving husband of Helen (Dario) Carone; loving father of Nicholas F. Carone of Wayne, Jennifer Montemarano and her husband Jeff of Kinnelon, and Mary Ramsden and her husband John of Kinnelon; cherished grandfather of Gabriella and Francesca Montemarano, Samantha Ramsden, and the late Nicole Ramsden(2010).

For those inclined to send a memorial donation in lieu of flowers Nick personally requested donations to honor the memory of his late granddaughter Nicole Ramsden (2010), be send to: St. Josephs Pediatric Oncology, c/o St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, 703 Main St., Paterson, NJ 07503.

John Alan Opar, Esq., age 54 of Wayne, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. John specialized in Real Estate Law and had been practicing for nearly thirty years.

John was born in Chicago and moved to Wayne when he was just three years old. He graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1978 and received his Bachelor’s degree from Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. He earned his law degree from Seton Hall and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1985. John had his own practice for most of his career, primarily serving as a Real Estate attorney, performing countless home closings. He truly enjoyed his work and the many clients and friends that he made over the years.

John was a huge sports fan and anything athletic was interesting to him. He followed baseball, basketball, football; you name it. He was a fanatic when it came to sports. He was also very fun and outgoing, easily making friends. He enjoyed a little bit of travel over the years and liked to follow politics, although he never became politically involved himself.

Sadly, John is survived by his heartbroken mother; Mildred “Millie” Opar of Wayne and one sister; Mary Opar of Maryland. He was predeceased by his father; John in 1993 and by his three aunts and three uncles.

Charles P. Aunicky, age 75 of West Milford, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. He lived in High Crest Lake, West Milford for thirty years. He served in the Army National Guard from 1961 to 1966.

Charlie worked for V.D. Electric in Ridgefield Park, Bell Electric in Little Falls, Falls Hardware in Little Falls, and he retired in 2004 from Fairmont Coal & Lumber in Hackensack. Charlie volunteered at the Chiton Hospital for thirty years, and at the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne. He was especially proud to be a part of the Rise project, organized through the Reformed Church, performing construction repairs on the homes of families in need.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife Marianne, by his sister; Patricia Frazier and her husband Donald of Ringwood, by his sister-in-law; Lillian Cocce of Ponds Inlet, FL, by a nephew; Donald Frazier and his wife Barbara of Lincoln Park, and one niece; Teresa Neary and her husband Thomas of Big Pine Key, FL, and extended loving family.

Donations in Charlie’s memory to the R.I.S.E. project would be greatly appreciated.  Please make checks payable to the "Preakness Reformed Church" and note "R.I.S.E." in the memo field.  Mail to: 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Henry William Wagner, age 86 of Wayne, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2014.

He was born in the family home at 101 Grand Street in Garfield and soon the family moved to Highland Avenue in Clifton where he was raised. He lived in Elmwood Park until the age of thirty when he married and moved to the Lions Head Lake Wayne to raise his family.

He graduated from Lodi High School with the Class of 1946 and continued his education at William Paterson State Teacher’s College before finishing his Bachelor of Science in Business at Rutgers Paterson campus. He later attained his Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering with the Class of 1956 from Rutgers University in Newark.

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

Henry and Grace (MacFarlane) were both working at Wright Aeronautical in Woodbridge and met while attending a company softball game. Their first date was to Atlantic City in Henry’s brand new white Ford Fairlane. They soon fell in love and married on October 4, 1958 at Saint Marys RC Church on Union Avenue in Paterson. They drove to Miami, Florida in Henry’s white Fairlane and while sharing some of the driving Grace fell asleep at the wheel and awoke to the car riding half in the gravel at the side of the road. They have enjoyed fifty-six years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Henry’s first job was at Wagner Farms in Saddle Brook where he boxed eggs and made ice cream and malted shakes. He later worked at the Meyer Brothers Department Store in Paterson where he was a stock boy. His first job after college was at the Botany Mills in Passaic where he did cost accounting, job evaluations, and time studies. He worked at the Curtis Wright Corporation in Woodbridge, Hoffman LA Roche Corporation in Nutley and the Ciba Geigy Corporation in Summit before working for the United Parcel Service Company having retired in 1991.

Henry was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne. During his children’s formative years he served as a baseball and basketball coach at the Wayne P.A.L.

He was the loving husband of Grace MacFarlane Wagner; devoted father of Henry W. Wagner, Sr. and his wife Nancy of Rockaway, Andrew Wagner and his wife Pauline of Proctorville, Ohio, William Wagner and his wife Cheryl of Wayne, and Mary Beth Chaubard and her husband Pierre of Nyack, NY; cherished grandfather of Leigh, Theresa, Melissa, Sarah, Greg, Nicole, Jackie, Meghan, and Zoe; dear brother of Rudolph of Elmwood Park, the late William, John, Mary, Veronica, and Anne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 www.stjude.org or Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, 1799 Hamburg Tpk., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Brian T. Smith, affectionately known as “Bubba” by all, died on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at the young age of 36.

Bubba was a Wayne resident his whole life and had graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1997, where he had played on the football team.

Brian was a security guard at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson for many years. The irony there is that he was truly a big teddy bear and would never have hurt a fly. He was a big, imposing guy, but really just a gentle giant. He enjoyed riding his quad and would also cruise around in his pickup truck collecting scrap metal as a hobby.

Brian was predeceased by his mother Margaret in 2005 and is survived by his only son; Thomas, by his girlfriend; Heather Klein of Hawthorne, his father; Kenneth of Highland Lakes, and a brother; Kenneth of Wayne, his aunt Joyce Krell and her husband Jace of Butler and his aunt Valerie Tuco of Netcong.

James Goerl, age 52 of Wayne, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, October 11, 2014.

Born in Paterson, Jim was raised in Hawthorne and North Haledon and had been a resident of Wayne for the past twenty years. He attended High Mountain School in North Haledon where, in fifth grade, he met the girl that, little did he know, he would someday marry. Her name was Patty Angelicola and she and Jim became good friends their junior year at Manchester Regional High School in Haledon. Their first date was to the movie theater in Fair Lawn. Jim didn’t have his license yet so his parents had to drive them. They saw the movie Foul Play starring Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn and afterwards, they walked to Gino’s for a snack. Jim and Patty soon fell in love and one night while at the park overlooking the Hudson River, Jim asked Patty to be his wife. Afterwards they enjoyed a delicious dinner at Tavern on the Green, followed by a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the city. They exchanged vows before God, family and friends at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Prospect Park and went on to share many cherished memories together.

Jim graduated from Seton Hall University in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He immediately went to work in the fire protection systems industry. A true professional, Jim was a dedicated worker and, over the course of many years, he learned every facet of fire protection there was to know. In 2005, he started his own business – Metro Protection Systems, Inc. in New York City where he was currently serving as Owner and President. He was Past-President of the New York chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), and currently a member of the New York Fire Alarm Association (NYFAA), New Jersey Fire Alarm Association (NJFAA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Outside of work, Jim was a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. He was just seventeen when he and Patty went together to their first Springsteen concert at the Nassau Coliseum. Over the last thirty-five years, he’s been to literally more than 100 of Bruce’s concerts. He loved the Mets and Giants, and he was just at the Giant’s game last week, enjoying watching Eli Manning lead his team in defeat of the Falcons. Jim also played a lot of golf and was a member of the Packanack Lake Golf Club.

No matter what, Jim’s family always came first. When his two sons, Matt and Nick were younger, Jim enthusiastically coached their soccer, basketball and baseball teams in the Packanack Lake Youth League. He also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader with Pack 104 and in those early years, Jim loved to get out with the boys to go on hikes. As Matt and Nick got older, the three of them spent good times together playing golf. The family also enjoyed many summers at the beach in sunny Ocean City, Maryland and this past August, they enjoyed a beautiful vacation in Ireland. Despite all these pursuits, Jim was just as content to be home with his beloved “Buddy” – his golden retriever who sadly passed away this past June.

Jim could best be described as loving and charismatic. He had a quick wit and was always ready with a joke. Always smiling, he had a great ability to make people laugh and enjoy life. And if you needed something, you could always count on Jim to be there to help.

Surviving is his beloved wife Patricia; his two dear sons: Matthew and Nicholas; his two dear sisters: Sue and husband Tom Ploch, and Mary Ellen Goerl; his loved father-in-law Anthony Angelicola; brother-in-law Carlo Angelicola and sister-in-law Ann and husband Richard Meyer; nieces: Jessica Meyer and Hannah Ploch; and nephew: Sam Groves. Jim was predeceased by his loving parents: Martin and Joan Goerl; his dear mother-in-law Anna Angelicola; and his nephew Jordan Meyer.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Jim’s name are asked to consider St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.

Jesse Brian Sapanaro, age 27, of Warwick, NY and Wayne, NJ, passed suddenly on Thursday, October 9, 2014.

He was born in Hackensack, NJ and raised in Greenwood Lake, NY before moving to Wayne fourteen years ago.

Jesse attended Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 2005.

He worked for his father at the family business, Material Processors Inc., in Warwick. Whether it was operating heavy machinery, charming new clients with his magnetic personality, or working on-site on building projects, Jesse was able to contribute to the company in so many ways.

Jesse will be remembered for his undeniable ability to release his inhibitions, his uncanny sense of humor, and his charismatic nature that brought so much joy to anyone who crossed his path. Not only did he bring joy to everybody around him, but his compassionate nature brought comfort and strength to so many others. He was the first to come to the aid of a family member, friend, or even a stranger in need of a helping hand or shoulder to cry on.

He had a natural proficiency when it came to mechanics, was extremely smart, and truly had a heart of gold. He had a love of boating on Greenwood Lake and the Pompton River, as well as on family trips to the Jersey Shore. Jesse found satisfaction in organizing collectables like stamps and coins. He also loved snowboarding, paintball, and dirt biking, and had a knack for fixing anything from a frozen computer to a broken tub grinder.

Jesse was the loving son of Cheryl Annicaro and her husband Bill of Wayne, and Jeffrey Brian Sapanaro and his wife Carol of Warwick; cherished brother of Kim-Ashley Sapanaro of West Orange, Jeffrey and Brooke Sapanaro of Warwick, and Alexandra Annicaro of Wayne; devoted grandson of Mark and Islay Parno of Wanaque, NJ and Joseph and Iris Sapanaro of Coral Springs, FL.

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Frederick P. “Rick” Guttroff, age 74 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, October 8, 2014. He was at home, with his loving wife and family gathered at his bedside.

Rick was born and raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY and educated through the Catholic schools there. In a book he wrote for his grandchildren titled “The Way it Was,” a sort of autobiography, Rick describes a wonderful, carefree childhood growing up in Brooklyn. Playing stickball in the street with his friends was a daily activity. He went on to play for the “Bonnies” boy’s baseball team with his buddies and they all made great memories. Ed Roebuck was a pitcher for the Dodgers and lived on Rick’s block in Brooklyn. Rick often saw Gil Hodges and Don Hoak picking Ed up on their way to Ebbets Field! There are simply too many wonderful memories and stories to recite here, but Rick truly enjoyed a special childhood that was perhaps very typical, in many ways, for someone growing up in Brooklyn, yet it was profoundly unique to him and he loved every bit of it!

Rick went on to graduate from Holy Trinity High School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, earned his Bachelor’s degree from St. Peters College in New York, and an MBA from St. John’s University. He joined the ROTC in college and was a distinguished and proud member of The National Society of Scabbard and Blade, as well as the Pershing Rifle Group. Rick served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1969, achieving the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged in 1969. Entering the professional work force, Rick began his career with McGraw Hill Publishing and went on to become an executive for such firms as Western Union, and the American Management Association in New York City. Rick was a standout leader and highly respected among his peers.

In 1956, Rick met Cathy Lavelle at Von Dohlan’s Ice Cream parlor in Brooklyn. They began a very loving courtship and were married six years later on June 16, 1962 at the St. Rose of Lima RC Church in Brooklyn. Their wedding was followed by a traditional honeymoon to Mt. Airy Lodge in the Poconos. During the early years of their marriage, Rick was in the Service and they lived “on base” at Fort Gordon, Georgia and Fort Monmouth, NJ. In 1968 they bought their home in Packanack Lake, Wayne, and have enjoyed living their ever since, raising their two daughters. For the past several years they’ve wintered on Marco Island in Florida where they also made many friends. Together, Cathy and Rick have celebrated fifty two years of loving marriage.

Rick was always a ‘type A’ personality and was involved in many different organizations and activities. He was a founding member of the “ROMEOS”, an acronym for Retired Old Men Eating Out on Saturday, and he was a devoted assistant baseball coach at DePaul High School in Wayne for fifteen years. He was recently inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at DePaul.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Cathy, his dear daughters; Patricia DeWoody and her husband Ted of Berwyn, PA and Lisa Gladstone and her husband Richard of Armonk, NY, and seven grandchildren; Kathleen, Madeline, Melissa, Jillian, Matthew, Stephen, and Joshua. Sadly, he was predeceased by his infant daughter Theresa in 1968, as well as his parents; Erma (nee Coco) and Frederick.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Rick’s honor to the DePaul High School baseball team would be greatly appreciated. Please make donations payable to the  DePaul Catholic High School, 1512 Alps Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Alex C. Buscaglia, age 91 of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 with loving family by his side.

Alex was born in New York City. He was raised in Westchester, NY where he graduated from Valhalla High School in 1941. Two years later, Alex was inducted into the United States Army. He was with the 1024th Engineer Treading Bridge Company where, upon landing in Le Harve, France he served for four months there as well as in Belgium, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. He was summarily decorated with the American Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Meeting the love of his life, a young lady named Rena, Alex asked for Rena’s hand in marriage. Two years after the wedding, they settled in Wayne where they stayed and enjoyed a wonderful life together for fifty-seven more years.

Alex enjoyed a career as a police officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where he was stationed mostly working in the Lincoln Tunnel. Exhaust fumes in the tunnel proved to be understandably unhealthy and Alex retired from the police force after twenty-four years of service. He went on to enjoy a second career as a road test administrator with the Motor Vehicle Commission in Wayne where he worked another twelve years, retiring in 1973.

Alex enjoyed his retirement, traveling extensively with his dear wife Rena to such destinations as California, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Italy, England and Scotland. He was very proud of his two granddaughters, Laurel and Heather, and he loved spending time with them. His day always began with reading the newspaper and he loved watching all kinds of sports on TV.

Alex is survived by his beloved wife Rena; his dear daughter Janet and husband Rolf Kamper of North Carolina; his two adored granddaughters: Laurel and Heather; and his brother John Buscaglia of Florida.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Alex’s name are asked to consider the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Janina Wojtowicz (nee Janowski) age 89 of Wayne, formerly of Passaic and Barnegat, passed peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2014.

She was born in Dzeczkowo and grew up in Zdunska Wola, Poland. Her family was moved to Germany as laborers in 1939. In 1952 the family moved to Montreal, Canada before settling in the United States in 1959.

Janina was a homemaker and worked as a seamstress while raising her family. She was a terrific cook whose special ingredient of love was cooked into her traditional Polish recipes…especially her Pirogies. Her talents as a seamstress were often used to make clothing for her children and she was also accomplished at knitting, crocheting, crewel, and needlepoint. Her fun loving, easy going, hard-working, kind nature will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Janina was the loving wife of the late Konstantin Wojtowicz (July 1989); devoted mother of Edward J. Wojtowicz of Toms River, Monica Demmers and her husband Barry of Wayne, Diane DeRenzo and her husband Donald of Fairfield, and Susan Ramirez and her husband Nacio of Riverdale; cherished grandmother of five grandsons Thomas and his wife Shannon, Eric, Brett, Michael, and Daniel; much loved great-grandmother of Thomas and Brooke; dear sister of Janek, Stasek, Ludwig, and Viktor Janowski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice.

Peter G. Brown age 51 of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Thursday, October 02, 2014.

He was born in Passaic and was a lifelong resident of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne.

Peter graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1981.

His work history includes a paper route with his sister Laure, summers working in the mail room at his father’s company, Tarnell Inc. in New York City, working at the Financial Aid Department of William Paterson University in Wayne, in audio production for the Media Bay Company, moonlighting as a bartender throughout the area for many years, and most recently working in the audio production field for Radio Spirits Company in Cedar Grove.

He was an accomplished pianist who loved music from Rock n Roll to Classical. He often filled the family home with music played on his grandmother’s piano. Another of his joys in life was movies. Be it a trip to a movie theatre or simply watching at home he loved them. Many who knew him know Batman was his idol. He even bought a Batman costume and took great pleasure in scaring his many nieces and nephews with it. Another of Peter’s passions was time “down the shore” where he could often be found in Point Pleasant, Long Beach Island, Spring Lake, or Belmar.

As you got to know Peter you realized he was intensely passionate about the things he loved including: the New York Mets, talking, the New York Giants (the family Super Bowl party was crazy in 2007), talking, snow boarding, skate boarding, talking, and sports cars. Aside from his family his greatest love was the dogs he had throughout his life. Peter treated his dogs better than most people treat their family members. He will be greatly missed by his white Boxer, Sophie.

Peter was diagnosed with stage four cancer over a year and a half ago. From diagnosis through the day before he passed Peter never complained, never said “why me,” he maintained a wonderful, and inspirational attitude. His determination is evidenced by the fact that he was working the week before he passed, and even tried to go to work on the Monday of the week he did pass away. His chin up, can do, attitude was an inspiration to those around him.

He was the devoted son of Mary Brown and the late Gregory Brown (2006); loved brother of Kathleen Modavis and her husband Robert of Painted Post, NY, Jeanne Dever and her husband Tim of Westchester, PA, Laure Rowan and her husband Michael of Amesbury, MA, Martha Carey of Wayne, and Megan O’Connell of Salem, MA; cherished uncle of many nieces, nephews, and two honorary nieces.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation to The Hackensack UMC Foundation, in memory of Peter Brown, C/O the John Theurer Cancer Center, 360 Essex Street, Suite 301, Hackensack, NJ 07601, would be appreciated.

Waltraud Werder, age 74, of Wallington, entered into eternal rest, as her family was lovingly by her side, on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

Waltraud was born in Gdynia, Poland in 1940. A child during the Nazi occupation of her homeland, out of fear for her life, she never spoke in any language but German until she was seven years old. As a young girl, caring for the less fortunate was a virtue that was instilled in Waltraud, so, when she became a young woman, she frequently cooked meals for the sick and poor of her hometown.

Waltraud eventually joined the workforce. Taking the bus to get to work, she couldn’t help but notice a handsome man who took the same bus to his job every day. His name was Kazimierz and he took notice of Waltraud too. One day he asked her if she would like to go out on a date. Their first date was on Monday, September 19, 1960. They went to see a movie. Friendship quickly became love and the young couple married on Thursday, December 26, 1963 in their hometown of Gdynia. Over the course of the next few years, they were blessed with three beautiful children as Waltraud gave birth to Beata, Joanna, and Robert. Waltraud and Kazimierz were the most loving of parents and, while they did the best they could to give their children happy and fulfilling lives, they felt constrained by the lack of opportunity that their Polish homeland offered. So in 1987, while Waltraud remained in Poland with Beata and Joanna, Kazimierz and Robert, who was ten years old at the time, came to the United States to join Kazimierz’ family is pursuit of the American dream. In 1991, after Kazimierz found work and got settled, Waltraud and Joanna, who was 17 at the time, joined them in the United States. Beata chose to remain in Poland. The family originally settled in Harrison and then moved to Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Robert got married. He and his wife Edith desired so much to have his parents closer, so in 2005, they fixed up an apartment in their house in Wallington and Waltraud and Kazimierz moved in and never left.

Waltraud was the consummate homemaker. An excellent cook, her family’s favorite recipes included her delicious stuffed cabbage, anything she made with fish, and her daughter Joanna was sure that her mom made the best gulasz in the world. Waltraud’s greatest joy was watching her family and friends enjoy her sumptuous culinary creations! She always had a knack for entertaining. In her native Poland, her house was always filled with loved ones and laughter on Friday and Saturday nights, and when she came to the USA, Sundays became the day. Waltraud was also an excellent knitter, and, on cold winter days, many recipients had equally warm thoughts about Waltraud for the warm socks, scarves, hats and mittens or gloves that she had lovingly made for them.

Waltraud loved life in America! In her times of leisure, she loved going on day trips. She never ever drove, leaving that task to Kazimierz, she just liked being out with her dear husband in the car, taking in the beautiful weather and whatever destination that decided to pursue that particular day. Favorite day trip destinations included Sandy Hook and the Delaware River. While she loved the day trips, it was a trip to Las Vegas in 2001 with Kazimierz, her son Robert and daughter-in-law Edith, that Waltraud described in her own words as “thee vacation!” And why not? It had everything a person could ask for, especially Waltraud. She loved gambling so gambling in the gambling capital of the world – Las Vegas was “thee best!” To top it off, they took a trip to see the Hoover Dam and a trip to the Grand Canyon. Awe inspiring!

The most important parts of life for Waltraud were family and faith. She adored her three grandchildren and would do anything for them. For five years straight, she was a great support to her daughter Joanna and her son-in-law Anthony, taking their children Arianna and Marek to school every day. She was always at their dance recitals, tae-kwon-do events, and baseball, soccer and basketball games, proudly cheering them on. When they were little and she and Kazimierz babysat, she instilled her faith in God to them by teaching them to pray in Polish. Her only regret was not being able to see her grandchild Maciej, who lived in Poland, more often. Not one to have pets of her own, Waltraud did however enjoy Robert and Edith’s dog Stewie “Stuart.” She and Kazimierz would even house-sit for Robert and Edith, if they went away, so that Stewie would be well-cared-for and not feel lonely. Waltraud’s heart was broken when her daughter Beata succumbed to the devastating effects of cancer this past February.

Waltraud was a great example of one who would always go that extra mile for you and one who would never turn her back on you, even if you wronged her in some way. She will always hold a most-dear and special place in the hearts and memories of those that knew and loved her for being the elegant, warm, caring and loving person that she was.

Waltraud is survived by her beloved husband Kazimierz; her dear daughter Joanna and husband Anthony Tortora of Wayne; her dear son Robert and wife Edith of Butler; three adored grandchildren: Arianna, Marek and Maciej; and her brother Jan of Poland. She was predeceased by her dear daughter Beata Jackowski this past February, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Waltraud’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. www.stjude.org

Frederick B. Sheeler, age 88 of Wayne, died on Friday, September 26, 2014.

Fred was born in West Hoboken in 1926. As a young boy, he was educated in St. Michael’s Grammar and High School in Union City, graduating in 1944. Soon after, he served in Czechoslovakia for the United States Navy during World War II. After the war ended, he enrolled at Manhattan College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He enjoyed a fulfilling career with Kruse Associates of Jersey City where he was instrumental in numerous building projects in New York City and near the Bayonne waterfront. Fred served as the company’s president for twenty-five years and retired in 2001 at the age of seventy-five.

Fred met the love of his life Marie Rieman while summering in Point Pleasant. They bought a wedding ring while vacationing in Washington D.C., married on June 28, 1952 at St. Michaels RC Church, Union City and honeymooned in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1958 they moved to the Packanack section of Wayne where they raised their two boys and had a loving and caring marriage for fifty eight years until Marie’s passing in 2010.

When Fred and Marie moved to Wayne, they soon became involved in church life at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Fred served for many years as an usher and, as an engineer, he happily donated time to the parish in the redesign of their roof. Fred continued to attend mass every Sunday until his health no longer allowed.

Fred loved sports. As a young man, he was a Passaic County golf champion. When he moved to Wayne, he became an enthusiastic participant in the town youth sport programs. He served a past-president of the Packanack Lake Athletic Association, where he took great delight in being the coach of the Wayne Lakers baseball team for five years. During those years, his own two sons – Rich and Robert were on the team. He also ran the Packanack Lake Umpires Association and was an umpire himself until he turned sixty-seven! In his spare time Fred was a die-hard Yankees and New York Giants fan.

Fred was easy-going, friendly and service oriented. He never sought the limelight but was always ready to help.

Fred is survived by his two dear sons: Richard Sheeler of Franklin Lakes and Robert Sheeler of Wayne; his cherished grandchildren: Peter, Jeffrey and Adrienne; and his dear sister Ellen Holden of Little Egg Harbor. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Marie in 2010; his brother Charles, and his daughter-in-law Kris.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Frederick’s name are asked to consider the Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church.

Shirley Ruth Abner age 79 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 24, 2014.

She was born in Jersey City and lived in Hasbrouck Heights before moving to Wayne fifty-five years ago.

Shirley’s work history includes being a switchboard operator at Bell Telephone, and a sales associate at Bradlees Department Store in Wayne, before working as a receptionist for the ASME Company in Fairfield for several years before retiring.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who was giving, generous, independent, and a terrific cook. Her special touch, and a bit of whiskey, made her Polish cookie – Cruschiki a family favorite.

Shirley was the loving wife of the late William C. Abner (2011); devoted mother of John Abner and his wife Karen of Glenwood, Robert Abner and his wife Luann of Pequannock, and James Abner and his wife Michelle of Point Pleasant; cherished grandmother of Kyle Abner and his wife Lauren of Tokyo, Japan, and Kelly Abner of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Daniel Abner of NYC, Jennifer Pedri and her husband Eric of Aurora, CO, Summer and Dawson Abner of Point Pleasant; loved sister of the late Joseph and Clara Dressler; loving cousin of Gloria Buongiomo, Marilyn Kearns, and sister-in-law of Elaine Dressler, Maggie Abner Montgomery, and Janis Russell Kitchens;  much loved aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Loretta Roslasky of Wayne, better known as "Sweet Loretta", passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at the age of 93.

She was born and raised in Paterson and moved to East Paterson (Elmwood Park) after she was married. In 1999 she moved to Wayne to be closer to her children.

Through her sister Kay, Loretta met her soul mate, Edward Roslasky. Edward served in the Army during WWII, and the two had a pen-pal romance. Upon his return from the service, they married and honeymooned in Niagara Falls, New York. They had three children before Eddie's untimely passing in 1968. Loretta never fell out of love with Ed and carried her love for him throughout her entire life.

Loretta was the loving mother of Gail Cleeland (wife of Tom), Ronald Roslasky (husband of Margie), and the late Carol Spitzner (wife of David); cherished grandmother of Heather, Tammy, Kerri, Lindsay, Caitlin, Edward, and Phillip; much loved great-grandmother of Tyler, Hunter, Kailey, Hope, and Caeden.

Her kind nature and bubbly personality helped in her profession as a hostess and waitress. She worked at Ten Pin on the Mall, Wolfie's Deli, the Italian Circle, and Dunkin' Donuts. She knew everyone and could always be heard saying, "You know me... I'm Loretta!"

Loretta was devoted to her Catholic faith. She was a parishioner of Saint Leo's Roman Catholic Church in East Paterson and was also active in Saint Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Paterson.

For many years she was a member of the Riverside Vets in Paterson. Loretta also loved being "down the shore" and a member of the "Silver Beach Gang". She enjoyed boating, kayaking, and even jet skiing.

Loretta was an active member of the Passaic County Senior Services group known as "The Seniors" in Totowa for many years. Her outgoing personality within the community was recognized by the Passaic County Sheriff, Edwin Englehardt, when he deputized and issued her a badge. She was very proud of her badge and it was always within an arm's reach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 would be appreciated.

Madelyn E. Bekker, age 86 of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday morning, September 22, 2014.

Born and raised in Bergen County, she had been a resident of Wayne since 1954.

Following graduation from Hackensack High School, Madelyn went to work as a legal secretary in the Hackensack Courthouse for five years with Judge J. Rotolo. During those early working years, like anyone else, Madelyn liked to relax a bit on the weekend and have a little fun. One night, while out roller skating with her girlfriends, a young, handsome ballroom skater named Andy Bekker approached Madelyn and asked if she would like to skate with him. To his delight, Madelyn said yes and a loving relationship was born that night. They married on March 19, 1952 at St. John’s R.C. Church in Leonia. Madelyn continued to work for Judge Rotolo but eventually left the workforce to raise her children.

In 1954, she and Andy moved to Wayne. That year they began attending mass at Holy Cross Church in Wayne’s Mountain View section. While Holy Cross always remained Madelyn’s home parish she also served as a Eucharistic Minister from 2010 to 2012 at Holy Spirit Church in Pequannock. Her faith in God was a foundational part of her life and she put her faith in action for over twenty-five years as a volunteer at Chilton Hospital where she politely knocked on the door of patients and offered to pray with them. She enjoyed volunteering there so much!

Madelyn was also a member and Past Matron of Mountain View Chapter #205 Order of the Eastern Star of NJ for over twenty-five years. She was also a member of Maalas Temple #20 Daughters of the Nile.

She loved spending time in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Ever since 1954, the family vacationed there, always renting a home in the summer. In 1980, when Andy retired, they built their own Cape Cod dream home. Sadly, Andy only got to enjoy one summer in their new house as he passed the following year, but Madelyn continued to summer there until two years ago. She thought nothing of getting into her car, one of her faithful dogs by her side, and driving the five-and-a-half hour trip to the Cape. She made it a game to get there in record time and once she arrived, she cherished the peaceful state of mind and overall sense of calm that Cape Cod helped her feel. Speaking of dogs…..she had many of “man’s best friend” and cherished each one: Robin, Christy, Trevor, Buddy, Penny, Skipper, Duchess, Duke and, most recently, Ginger. Madelyn's traveling wasn't limited to just Cape Cod. With her family and friends, she saw numerous worldwide destinations including Canada, Scandinavia, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, Russia, the Baltic States and the Netherlands, to name a few.

Madelyn also enjoyed knocking down pins with her friends bowling with the Tuesday morning league at T-Bowl. She bowled for over thirty years only giving it up in 2012 due to a fall. A self-proclaimed technically challenged individual, she could always count on her son Michael or her son-in-law Steven to help her program or troubleshoot her VCR, remotes, timers or cell phone. She so much enjoyed daily conversations with her son Stephen and was thankful for how he faithfully helped her maintain her home.

Madelyn’s trade mark words will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her well. If you said “Love you” her reply was always “Love you More!”

Surviving to mourn her loss are Madelyn’s three children: Stephen Bekker of Clifton, Kathleen Bekker and husband Steven Kurdyla of Towaco, and Michael Bekker and wife Sheila of Kinnelon; four adored grandchildren: Kimberly and husband Jason, Dana Lynn, Mackenzie, and Andy; and her sister-in-law Carol LaVigne of Sanford, FL. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Andrew in 1980, and her brother Kenneth LaVigne.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Madelyn’s name are asked to consider the New Jersey Eastern Star Home, 111 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

Ida T. Di Stasi, age 96 of Allendale and formerly of Wayne, joined her loved ones in eternity on Monday, September 22, 2014, with her husband at her side.

What a gal! A woman who cherished being a wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She grabbed the brass ring, making it a keepsake, living and loving life and her family to the fullest.

Born in 1918 to Italian immigrants Frank and Fannie in Trenton, NJ she was one of seven children – 6 girls and 1 boy. She and her siblings were very close. There were lots of family gatherings, and Mom stayed in touch with her family for most of her life.

In their adolescent years, Mom and Dad were acquainted, but Dad being 4 years older, always thought of her as a little kid until he returned from the West Coast in 1943 to find Mom had grown up. A new chapter in her life took off full speed ahead. On one of their first dates, the story about Mom’s appetite still brings a smile. She ordered the most expensive item on the menu leaving Dad little money for his meal…lesson learned…the next time bring more money!

As a traditional couple, Arthur and Ida married in 1944. Her job as a beautician came to an end when she became a mother. In 1945 Bob was born and Linda arrived in 1947.

Mom married her soul mate in the “energizer bunny”. She was an expert at running a smooth operation. Let’s say her management style was to stay organized, keep everything moving forward, and make it look easy. “The look” – that special eye contact mother’s and wives use, was her best and strongest rule enforcer. She was a good sport, learning to water ski because dad bought a boat, snow ski because it seemed like fun and ice skate because our property had a large pond. She took organ lessons because she loved music and learned to paint. A sunlit studio was added to the Pennsylvania house so Mom could pursue her interest in painting. She was also an avid gardener. Her huge garden was the envy of the neighborhood. She spent hours out there, sometimes working into the evenings, when Dad would put the lights on (or out) for her!

She loved to sew, was an excellent cook, and a good dancer - even into her 90’s managing to swing those hips and keep a rhythm without breaking anything…and gave great parties for her family and friends. Always up for a new adventure, she’d pack yet another suitcase for a cruise or trip in the US, the islands and Europe. Mom and Dad took full advantage of the nickel, and penny slots in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. She was the lucky one in the family… and many times came out the “winner”. Once when we were little, with a dime and her intuition; she won an elegantly dressed, porcelain doll from a boardwalk vendor in Seaside.

Mom and Dad belonged to a country club because they loved to dance…and she had a closet full of beautiful, long flowing gowns. She and Dad were the event planners for a while. They engaged theater groups and her creativity blossomed into theme parties for the club, especially around the holidays and particularly New Year’s Eve. She had the vision and dad built the sets!

She was a domestic engineer before the phrase was popular. We relocated several times depending on where dad’s career took us. We lived at 3 locations in New Jersey, 1 in Florida, 1 in Maryland and 2 in Pennsylvania. But Mom kept up her part – usually with a “What, again question” - a smile, an eye roll…and then went to work shaping up a new home. When Dad wanted to build houses she was very active in the design – “I’d like 3 windows here, a large master bedroom, at least 2 bathrooms and the kitchen sink must be in front of a window…etc., etc.!” We had some really beautifully designed homes, which she didn’t want to leave…however, the bunny was on the move and so were we. In seemingly effortless fashion, even though now we understand it wasn’t, she got everything packed, moved and unpacked, and her latest house quickly became our home.

Although she tried a couple of times she didn’t particularly like flying in the small planes Dad loved. That’s where Bob and Linda came in…she was sure her entire family was doomed on the days we all flew together, but she sorted it out and exhaled when we arrived home safely. There is a funny family story about Dad taking a plane trip with his buddies to an out-of-state airshow but neglected to tell Mom he’d be home late. Realizing his error, and facing a cold supper and probably colder shoulder, he cautiously opened the door and threw his hat into the house. Within a fraction of a second, the hat came flying back out! He got the message…then he got “the look”!

She had strong ties to her church and was there every Sunday regardless of the weather. When she could no longer drive, Dad was her chauffeur. Dinners out, dancing with their group of friends and trips to the casinos remained favorite activities for our parent’s into their late 80’s and 90’s. She continued to play and win at the slots, and would “share” her winnings with Dad – she was his lucky charm!

Mom was positive and supportive, our anchor…having a kind heart, a high moral compass and was the minute-to-minute parent completing the family. It was very important to her to look good for her “boyfriend”, as she called Dad, when he came home from work. Her lipstick was on, her hair was combed; he never saw her in curlers. She was a fearless defender of her husband and children, loved and cherished them, and guided them with a firm but gentle hand. Her resolve was her strength and motivated her throughout her life.

Mom embraced and welcomed new additions to the family with all her heart and soul. She loved being a mother-in-law to Lynne (Bob’s wife) and John (Linda’s husband) and delighted in being called grandma by Jeff and Stephanie.

To be nearer their families, Mom and Dad moved from Glen Mills, PA to New Jersey, in late 2009, after almost 40 years. They left behind great neighbors and the religious community at St. Thomas Church in Pennsylvania.

Her beautiful smile and easy laugh were contagious. Her love, enthusiasm and commitment to Dad for 70 years set the standard for strong family values – they were a team and completed each other. Her sense of humor and pride for her family was evident all her life. Today we celebrate her life and the giving of life to us and her grandchildren Jeff and Stephanie. A quote by Helen Keller “what we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose for all that we love deeply become part of us”. We love her and will dearly miss her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of seventy years; Arthur, her son, Robert Di Stasi, wife Lynne; her daughter Linda Di Stasi Schweighardt, husband John; Grandchildren: Jeffrey Di Stasi, wife Jessica, and Stephanie Di Stasi Roewer, husband Ben.

In lieu of flowers, and in celebration of mom’s life, donations noted: In Memory of Ida Di Stasi to Laurelwood Arboretum would be appreciated:

Laurelwood Arboretum

P.O. Box 2433

Wayne, NJ 07470-2433

http://www.laurelwoodarboretum.org/index.htm

Love to all,

Arthur, Robert & Linda

Viola E. Clancy (nee Guenther) age 95 of Honesdale, PA, formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

An open letter from Viola's son Ted, daughter Pam, and her husband Rick:

September 23, 2014

The Lady Has Class

Viola Evelyn Guenther (nee Clancy) was born on April 16, 1919 in the small Pennsylvania farming village of Shohola and raised in rural Sullivan County, New York. Vi, as she was known to family and friends, was at home everywhere. From her gardens to the golf course, nursery and kitchen to the office, her indomitable spirit and easy mastery were universally acknowledged and admired. Vi loved life and had a quiet faith she shared with her beloved husband, Ted, their four children: Ted, Robert, Pam and Alan, their spouses, her grandchildren and friends. Vi communicated with us in deeds and sentiment; and through her actions we learned love, joy and craftsmanship in all things.

Vi’s earliest years in Yulan after the loss of her father, as the youngest of five children, were hard but joyful. She and her siblings developed a close and lifelong friendship that culminated in their reunion in Honesdale, Pennsylvania at the Ellen Memorial Health Care Center. Her roots in Yulan were never far from her as she enjoyed the loving company of her sisters, Edith and Helen, her sister-in-law Marian and her niece, Linda, her husband, Ken and their family throughout her adult life. Her youthful passions were swimming, dancing, horseback riding and a love of nature.

The journey from Brooklyn to Barryville on rough unpaved roads in the late 1930’s was an experience unlike any we know, but Ted courted Vi at weekend dances for a couple of summers, late night dances, and rides in the rumble seat before tying the knot on June 14, 1941 and setting up housekeeping in Glen Cove, Long Island, NY. They had a beautiful country wedding at the boarding house in Yulan topped off with Henry’s extraordinary fruit wedding cake. Viola spoke of this often and she and Edy must have learned the art of cooking and baking from Henry. Mom baked love and kindness into her beloved apple and pumpkin pies, coconut cream, lemon maringue, cream puffs, etc… We all have our favorites, chocolate macaroon cake, strawberry roll, Irish Soda Bread and Mince Pie. They are all baked into our memories. Some of her other talents included knitting, crocheting and sewing. She grew to love golf and walked the 18 hole courses at the age of 86.

Vi and Ted shared her journey from mother to career professional and enjoyed traveling, golfing, family, friends and especially their grandchildren: Cindy, Seth, Kurt, Heather, Eric, Daren and Karl. Encouraged by her family she rediscovered her professional career in dental hygiene and developed close personal friendships with everyone with whom she worked especially Doctors Ferguson and Antonelli and Barbara and John Hall.

Viola endured the tragic loss of her sons Alan and Robert but cherished their memories through the loving support of her daugher in law, Martha Clancy. During the later years of her life, Vi enjoyed the births and adventures of her grand-children and great grand-children. In her last years at Ellen Memorial Health Care Community, the staff, her family and most especially her loving son and daughter, Ted & Pam, continued to provide loving care and support through their companionship and music, fulfilling the last wishes of their father.

This is a note from her grandson Kurt Thoennessen:

Here are my thoughts.

We, the grand kids, were always jockeying to do a sleep over at her house in Wayne. We had so much fun with Grandma and always looked forward to opening the cupboard next to the kitchen in the morning to get the honey nut cheerios out of the cabinet for breakfast. She might also have some of those fabulous biscuits with butter and home made jelly that were so delicious. We also cherished every holiday we spent with her at her house. The food was amazing, but so was the camaraderie, the stories, the music, the games, and the gifts under the Christmas tree. We looked up to Grandma and respected her because of the way she handled the family at gathering and all the wonderful aromas that came from her kitchen. The memories that Grandma left us all with will be with us forever.

This is a note from her grandson Karl Thoennessen:

Hi guys, some of you are already aware but I wanted to let everyone know that I have decided that it'd be best for me to stay with Leslie and Stella. Although my desire is to spend time with you all in celebrating Grandmas life I believe that at this time my energy is best spent here with my new family. You all are always on my mind and in my heart and I hope you know that I'll be there in spirit. For those who will be there, please express my love and admiration for Grandma to our family and her friends. She was a beautiful soul who was always there in love.

Just echoing what Kurt had shared...some of my fondest memories were of waking up to Grandma in the kitchen, corn flakes on the table and that little orange squeeze bottle full of honey. Spending days in her backyard among her beautiful flowers and coming into her home at the holidays to all the smells of our favorite comfort foods being prepared. I am thankful that I was fortunate enough to have such a loving woman in my life. Her presence gave me an appreciation of family and the family unit. I believe that though we're far apart we all feel stronger and closer as a family because of the experiences we all shared together under her roof and at her table...even if it was the kids table :)

Sending love from all of us!

OBITUARY

Viola E. Clancy (nee Guenther) age 95 of Honesdale, PA, formerly of Wayne, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

She was born in Shohola, Pennsylvania and raised in Yulan, New York. She married the late Theodore Francis Clancy on June 14, 1941 and lived in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York and in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, before moving to Wayne where Valley Road was partially dirt and there were more cows than people in the township.

Viola was a Certified Dental Hygienist, having left that occupation to raise her family. After raising her four children she again began working as a Dental Hygienist for Dr. Green in Montclair, Dr. Antonelli in Haledon, and Dr. Van Vliet in North Haledon before formally retiring.

Many years ago Viola’s family owned a boarding house in Yulan, New York where she met the love of her life, Theodore Francis Clancy. Together they raised four children, Theodore F. Clancy of Verona, Pamela Thoennessen and her husband Richard of Fort Myers, Florida, the late Robert Clancy, and the late Alan Clancy. She is now the cherished grandmother of seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Viola was a dedicated mother who was a fantastic cook and baker; the love and kindness she baked into her pumpkin and apple pies, chocolate macaroon cake, incredible variety of Christmas cookies, and cream puffs will be greatly missed. Some of her other talents include knitting, crocheting and all types of sewing. She grew to love the game of golf and was pulling her own cart up until she was 86 years old.

Barbara Ann Possien (nee Stevenson), age 73 of Lincoln Park, died on Sunday, September 21, 2014. She had lived in Lincoln Park since 1978. Barbara was employed with Hack Piro O’Day Merklinger Wallace & McKenna law firm in Florham Park from 1980-2006.

Raised in the predominantly Italian neighborhood of North Newark, Barbara had a difficult childhood. She was the oldest of six children in a household that was rather chaotic most of the time. She preferred quiet and often kept to herself growing up. Later in life, she was an avid crocheter and made countless, beautiful Afghan blankets, which she was reluctant to share with anyone! She also crocheted hats for each of her grandchildren when they were babies. She loved to garden; tending to her flowers and vegetables was something she truly enjoyed. Canning was also a beloved hobby. Barbara often made her own jellies and jams. She and her sisters, with whom she remained very close, would have a Calla lily competition every year too. Although the only prize was a boost to the winner’s pride, Barbara took it all very seriously. She was also active with the Lincoln Park Senior Group.

Sadness visited Barbara on several occasions throughout her lifetime. In 1981 she lost her son, Scott Possien, when he was just seventeen years old. That pain and emptiness never left her. She lost her mother Mildred Stevenson, in 2007 to lung cancer, and more recently lost her nephew Brian Dunn in 2012. Then, just last year, she lost her sister Pamela Decker, as well as Pam’s son Daniel, in a tragic house fire. All of this seemed too much for her heart to bear and soon after her health took a turn for the worse. Surely there is peace for Barbara now as she is joyfully reunited with her son, mother, sister, and nephews in Heaven.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Stacie LaValley of Londonderry, NH, two sisters; Janet Dunn and her husband Gerald of Rockaway, Cheryl Weinowitz of Hopatcong, her two brothers; Gary Eustace and his wife Joanne of Florida, and Craig Eustace of Florida, her two grandsons; Thomas LaValley and Nicholas LaValley, both of Londonderry, NH, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bertha L. Gegarian, age 95 of Wayne, died suddenly on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Born and raised in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, Bertha moved to Wayne in 1968 with her parents and her family.

Bertha was a very proper woman and in many ways she was ahead of her time. As a young lady, she started her own business. She raised her two children in Brooklyn and was devoted to her family and community.

Bertha and her husband were married for fifty years before Benjamin passed away in 1997. Bertha and Benjamin came to Wayne in 1968 where she was active in school, Church and community events. Tragically, she lost her son Robert in 2002. She prayed daily and her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and was devoted and prayed St. Jude. She was involved with her church and loved to cook for the various church groups. She enjoyed a great deal of satisfaction volunteering with the Church; St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park, NJ.

Bertha is survived by her devoted daughter; Diane Moussa of Wayne, three grandchildren Nadine Youseff and her husband Atef of East Hanover, Brian Gegarian and his wife Edith of Florida, and Kyle Gegarian of Florida, three great grandchildren; Alexia and Elianna Youseff of East Hanover and Ryan Gegarian of Florida, one nephew: Richard Mazloom of Wayne, and two nieces; Rosemary Shabouk of Brooklyn and Evelyn Mazloom of Wayne. She was predeceased by her husband Benjamin in 1997 and by her son Robert in 2002.

Donations in Bertha’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 would be greatly appreciated.

William F. Sullivan, Jr., age 89 of Wayne died on Friday, September 19, 2014. He was a Brooklyn native who enjoyed summer visits to Wayne during his childhood and eventually made Wayne his home in 1949.

During his high school years, World War II was raging on and Bill joined the Army as soon as he was able. Two weeks after he enlisted, the war ended. He often said “they heard I was coming!” As a veteran, he enjoyed being a part of American Legion Post #174 in Wayne for many years and was a Post Commander for a period of time. Upon returning from the service, he began working with his father at Metropolitan News CO., delivering newspapers and magazines throughout the New York area. He retired from Metropolitan News Co. after a lengthy career.

During his childhood in Brooklyn, he visited Wayne during the summers where his future in-laws had a bungalow along the Pompton River. At the time, the water was pristine; there were beaches along the banks and even a casino at Sandy Beach which was along Fairfield Road. There was a lot to do and it was very fun. After marrying his wife Agnes in 1949, they moved to Wayne but after a few years, family illness brought them back to Brooklyn. They finally came back to Wayne permanently in 1962 after watching their neighborhood in Brooklyn change. It was the best move they could have every decided to make. They loved living in Wayne and made some wonderful friends. Sadly, Agnes passed in 1974 at a young age. Bill was heartbroken, but he stepped right up and took over the household chores. He learned to cook and soon began to enjoy it. He did the best he could raising his two children, yet heartache visited him once again when his daughter Kathleen died just before Christmas in 2008. As difficult as that was, Bill realized how lucky he truly was to have a loving family, especially two granddaughters who simply adore him; they will miss him very dearly.

Bill is survived by his son William Sullivan and his wife Karen of Wanaque, and two granddaughters; Erin and Kelly Sullivan of Wanaque. He was predeceased by his wife Agnes in 1974, by his daughter Kathleen in 2008, and as the oldest of six children, Bill was predeceased by all five of his younger brothers and sisters; Johnny and Tommy of Queens, Dorothy McLaughlin of Queens, Peggy Sullivan of Queens, and Frances Boyle of Pennsylvania.

Donations in Bill’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, www.WoundedWarriorProject.org, would be greatly appreciated.

Elaine S. Martin, age 68, of Westwood, died peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2014.

She was born in Passaic, NJ and was raised in Wood-Ridge, NJ. She was a graduate of Wood-Ridge High School and Montclair State University. She retired in 2003 from her career as a junior and senior high school mathematics teacher with the Westwood Board of Education. Elaine was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Westwood where she served with a number of church groups over more than four decades. She was a Past Matron of Eclipse Chapter No. 226 OES. She enjoyed reading, word puzzles, Candy Crush, and spending time with her family.

Surviving are her two sons: Dr. John “Jay” L. Martin and his wife, Carol, of Weston, WV, and Ben Martin, and his wife Liza, of Park Ridge, NJ; her brother Chris Spilker and wife Kathy of Haddon Heights, NJ; brother-in-law Ray Martin and wife Dot of Little Falls, NJ; and several nieces and nephews. Elaine was predeceased by her beloved husband, John L. Martin on December 17, 2013, and her parents, Marilynn and Howard Spilker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County, 355 Main Street Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 or www.project-literacy.org; MATHCOUNTS Foundation, 1420 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 or www.mathcounts.org/donate; or Grace Episcopal Church-Accessibility Project, 9 Harrington Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675.

Zygmunt “Ziggy” Goralski, age 90 of Wayne, died suddenly at home on Monday, September 15, 2014.

Born in Poland, Ziggy had a rather typical childhood up to about the age of sixteen. At that time, he was all packed and ready to go off to secondary school when he began to hear loud explosions off in the distance. It was September of 1939 and the Germans had begun to invade Poland. He and many of the young people of his town, Alexandrow Kujawski , were packed onto trains at gunpoint and sent to work camps in Germany. Ziggy spent the next several years in various labor camps working as a farmer and being forced to repair railroads that had been damaged by the Allies. One particular story he told was of exploring a railcar that had derailed and rolled over next to the damaged tracks he was repairing. Ziggy and another boy forced open the railcar door, just to see what was inside, only to discover a frightened Allied airman hiding! Despite the risk to their own lives, they didn’t reveal the airman to the Nazi guards and instead, Ziggy and the other boy helped to draw the airman a map, leading him out of German territory. Ziggy never learned anything more of that airman’s fate, but he knew he had done the right thing. After the war, Ziggy went to work for the Red Cross, distributing aid supplies and helping to translate, as he was fluent in five languages then. Eventually, he earned a ticket aboard the SS Marine Jumper which delivered him to Pier 51 in New York City. The trip was so memorable, Ziggy vowed to NEVER sail again!

He settled in with his aunt in Passaic, NJ and began working at a local handkerchief factory. This led to welding job at a large scale manufacturer and then he landed his career job at the Falstrom Company. He became a fastidious welder and draftsman, designing all sorts of custom equipment for the government, including cabinetry for submarines, and some equipment that ended up onboard the Space Shuttle. He was well respected among his peers and proud to be the President of Union Local 5370 for more than twenty years.

Ziggy co-founded the Vistula Sport Club in Passaic, which speaks to his profound love of soccer; he played the game his entire life. As a referee throughout the area for many decades, Ziggy was an official at many local high school games well into his 70’s. He enjoyed the game immensely.

Ziggy took very seriously his responsibility to serve the community. During his earliest days in Passaic, he became involved with the Polish Peoples Home there, serving as Director for many years, and he was chairman of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Recently, the Polish Peoples Home celebrated their 100th Anniversary and they invited Ziggy as their honorary guest. He was also a fifty-one year member of Wayne Volunteer Fire Company #3, joining in 1963. He loved the fire department and all the great comradery that went along with it. He especially enjoyed earning various accolades and medals for his service, all of which he would proudly display on his dress uniform. Ziggy was also a founding member of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, having attended the earliest services which were held at Schuyler Colfax School. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher for many years and held strong to his Catholic faith.

Ziggy met his wife, Anne (Chrzastek), at a Polish social dance in Passaic, which were regular occasions at the time. The two had known each other living in Passaic and they enjoyed fifty six years of “loving and old-fashioned” marriage together, with many comic moments thrown in there, not much unlike an episode of “I Love Lucy”. Sadly, Anne passed in 2008.

Ziggy was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his four children; John and his wife Ruth of Milford, PA, Joseph of Butler, NJ, James of Kinnelon, and Joanne Oakum and her husband Daniel of Conygham, PA, six grandchildren; Michael E. Goralski, Daniel P. Oakum, Jr., Joseph Z. Oakum, James T. Oakum, Matthew G. Oakum, and Kathryn Goralski, and many nieces and nephews. Ziggy was predeceased by his young son Thomas, who died at just five years of age, and by his beloved wife Anne in 2008.

William Alden Hendricks (Bill) age 77 of Bayville, NJ, Vero Beach FL, and formerly of Fairfield, NJ, passed peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2014.

He was born in Tappan, NY, and following the passing of both his parents, was raised in Clifton by his father’s sister and husband. Bill was graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1955. He soon enlisted in the US Army and served from 1955 through 1957. He attained the rank of Corporal and served on the Honor Guard. Bill attended Rutgers University and was graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with the Class of 1976.

Bill met the love of his life, Valerie Trueman, when she was in seventh grade. Their first date was in 1956 when he took Valerie to the Brasserie Restaurant in New York City, and then to Radio City Music Hall. When Valerie returned home from the date her mom asked how it went, Valerie slid down the wall to the floor and said “I’m in love!” William asked Valerie to marry him at the Windbeam Restaurant in Riverdale. They were married on August 19, 1961 at St. Philip's Church in Clifton, NJ and moved right in to their empty new house in Fairfield, NJ after a honeymoon in Gettysburg, PA and Williamsburg, VA. Their daughters Jill, born in 1968 and Cindy, born in 1971 lived in the house until they were married. It was Bill and Valerie's home for 39 years before moving to the Jersey shore. They also enjoyed their townhouse at Camelback Ski Area in Tannersville, PA for 18 years before building their home in Vero Beach, FL which was Bill's dream..

His work life includes Bendix Corporation in Teterboro, Kearfott Aerospace in Woodland Park, and McDonnell Douglas Corporation in St. Louis, MO, before starting his own company, Tiffany Computer Systems, Inc., in Fairfield. He officially retired in 1999 after selling the company.

Bill enjoyed playing golf, trap and target shooting, and boating on Barnegat Bay. He loved spending time in Vero Beach, FL, and watching Rutgers Football, but he got the most enjoyment from watching his grandsons in their sporting events. He was a lifelong member of the NRA.

He was the loving husband of 53 years to Valerie (Trueman) Hendricks; devoted father of Jill Hendricks-Gawrych and Cindy (Hendricks) Cetrulo, both of Wayne; father-in-law to Ken Gawrych and Michael Cetrulo; cherished grandfather of Justin William Gawrych, Jake Trueman Gawrych, William Anthony Busacca, Luke Alexander Busacca, and Troy Joseph Busacca; dear brother of Joan Mott of Saddle Brook, and Fredrick Hendricks and his wife, Connie, of Fairfield; and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

William D. Hardin, age 87 of Stuart, FL and Green Pond, NJ, died peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2014. Bill was born in Newark, NJ; he graduated from Newark Academy, Princeton University and Columbia Law School; and after a brief stint in the Navy, he joined the family law firm, Pitney, Hardin & Kipp, where he worked until his retirement in 1997.

Bill was active in his community, having served on numerous boards, among them the Boards of the Selective Service Administration, Newark Academy, Family Services of Morris County, Legal Services of NJ, many of which he chaired over the years. His commitment to local causes was deep and enduring.

Surviving are his beloved wife Ruth; his three sons: Dr. William Hardin, Jr. and wife Paula of Colorado Springs, CO, David Hardin and wife Laura of Chatham, NJ, and Peter Hardin and wife Jaimie of Marietta, GA; his step-son Daryl Johnson and wife Keri of Green Pond, NJ; his step-daughter Catherine Johnson of Denville, NJ; and seven grandchildren: Sarah, Kate, David, Jennie, Christina, Brenna and Regan. Bill was predeceased by his beloved first wife Rosemarie in 1996 as well as his three siblings: Robert, Charles and Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s name are asked to consider Martin Memorial Hospital 200 S.E. Hospital Ave., Stuart, FL 34994, Green Pond First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 251, Newfoundland, NJ 07435, or Newark Academy, 91 So. Orange Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039.

Harold C. Coyle age 96 of Wayne passed peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2014.

He was born in the family home at 35 Washington Ave., and raised on 3rd Street, in Clifton. He attended Seton Hall Prep school for two years and finished his last two years of high school at Clifton High School with the Class of 1936.

Just out of high school Harold worked at the Clifton Savings Bank as a teller. He soon found work at the Curtis Wright Corporation’s propeller division in Caldwell. During his time at Curtis Wright he was sent to Indiana to help get a new manufacturing plant going. He had lots of time to think while in Indiana and decided to propose marriage to Grace Ruuth. He proposed over the telephone and had his father place the wedding ring on Grace’s finger. They married at the family home on 3rd Street in Clifton and honeymooned in Philadelphia.

They rented a home in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne early in their marriage. During this time many of Harold’s friends were signing up to join the military and Harold followed suit. He went home to tell Grace he’d signed up to join the Army and Grace informed him she was pregnant with their second child. Grace moved in with her in-laws while Harold served in the US Army’s Air Corps. He attained the rank of Corporal and was a gunnery instructor on B-29’s at “Rattlesnake Bomber Base” in Peyote, Texas. He was awarded the American Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.

After his service in the military he returned to work for the Curtis Wright Corporation in Caldwell and the family returned to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne to buy a home. Grace got into a conversation with the milk man who said he was selling his business. Grace told him her husband may be interested. Harold purchased the business, Blue Ribbon Dairy, and delivered milk in Wayne and Pompton Plains before selling the business in 1970. After selling the dairy business, he worked for the Township of Wayne as the Chief Fire Inspector for many years before retiring in 1983.

Harold was a former Chief of the Packanack Lake Fire Company #5 in Wayne. He joined the fire department after being at a party in Packanack when flames were spotted coming from a home. He witnessed a large group from the party leave to put out the fire. He admired them for their bravery and commitment and decided joining the fire department was for him.

Harold and his wife Grace retired to Crestwood Village in Whiting where they lived until Grace’s passing in 2010. After Grace’s passing Harold moved in with his son Doug and his wife Donna in Wayne.

He is survived by his five children Harold C. Coyle, Jr. (Buz) of Ocean View, Sandy Coyle-Coyle and her husband Ed of Wayne, Ken Coyle and his wife Ginger of Tempe, AZ, Doug Coyle and his wife Donna of Wayne, and Wayne Coyle and his wife Sissy of Parkesburg, PA; cherished grandfather of fifteen grand-children and sixteen great-grandchildren; loved brother of the late Ruth Boardman and the late James B. Coyle.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Irene Ditzel (neeBarno), age 88 of Wayne and formerly of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, died on Saturday, September 6, 2014.

Born in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, deep in coal mining country, Irene moved to New Jersey when she was in her early 20’s, seeking out better employment. She settled in Irvington, NJ and eventually began working as a tax clerk for the township. She retired in 1987 after twenty five years there.

Irene was a good cook and loved tending to her garden. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many, many years and served as a ‘den mother’ when her son Ronald was in Cub Scouts. She was a good mom and he will miss her dearly.

Irene met her husband Raymond in Irvington, NJ and they were married in 1948. They enjoyed sixty four years together before Ray’s sudden passing in January of 2013.

Irene is survived by her son Ronald and his wife Susan of Wayne, three grandchildren; Douglas, Daniel, and Lauren Ditzel, two sisters; Elizabeth Walls of Nesquehoning, PA and Margaret Plummer of Florida, two brothers; Daniel Barno and his wife Frances, and Joseph Barno. She was predeceased by her parents; Stephen and Mary Barno, by one sister; Helen Brunda, and two of her brothers; Stephen and Andy Barno.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ASPCA, 441 E 92nd St, New York, NY 10128, or Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA), P.O. Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be greatly appreciated.

Susan M. Faline age 46 of Wayne passed suddenly on Friday, September 5, 2014.

She was born in Paterson and was a lifelong resident of Wayne having graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1986.

Susan graduated from William Paterson University, Wayne with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with the Class of 1993.

Her work history includes being an administrative assistant at ESC Enterprises in Wayne, sales for BFA Food Service Equipment and Supplies in Fairfield, and a Skagen Watch vendor, before partnering with her sister forming Peace of Mind - pet sitting and dog walking ten years ago.

She loved to travel having crossed much of the United States on a motorcycle and saw much of Europe by train. Susan loved animals and will be missed by her Shepherd – Collie mix “Jack” who she lovingly referred to as “bunny” and her Husky “Montana” who predeceased her.

Susan is the loving daughter of Mary (Lynch) Faline and the late Paul Faline (1994); dear sister of Maureen Janoski and her husband Casimir of Wayne, James Faline and his wife Kathy of Haskell, and Theresa Faline of Wayne; cherished aunt of Stephen and Tyler Janoski.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Husky House, 391 Route 34, Matawan, NJ 07747 or the FOWA (Friends of Wayne Animals), PO Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Roy A. Fanslau, age 93 of Wayne, died peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2014. He has been a Wayne resident since 1962.

Roy began his career at ITT, assembling equipment, and later took a position with the U.S. Postal Service. He enjoyed a career as a postman for over twenty years, retiring in 1985.

Roy was a veteran and served proudly in the US Army. He had been a search light technician for much of his time in the Philippines. He had always enjoyed G gauge model trains and while in the Philippines, he built an O scale model train out of salvaged parts from a downed Japanese Zero fighter plane. His love of trains carried through his entire life and he even built a 1-1/2” scale train in his yard that was large enough for his grandchildren to enjoy riding on! He was a member of the Garden State Railroad Club and simply loved his trains. He was also a hobby-printer. He had purchased a used printing press, learned typesetting and all the nuances involved with it, and soon began printing custom invitations in his home. He did all sorts of custom printing with that machine and he really enjoyed it.

How Roy met his wife, Lillian Grace Schifferdecker, is quite a story. When Roy was eighteen and Lillian just twelve, they met on a bus tour to High Point, riding on the church bus together. They had a very nice day, enjoying each other’s company, but afterword Lillian didn’t hear from him again. Sometime later, he wrote to her while serving with the Army in the Philippines and they began corresponding. They fell in love through those letters, back and forth, and when Roy returned, he proposed to her. They were married on May 10, 1947 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Smith St. in Paterson and enjoyed a honeymoon traveling throughout New England. Throughout their marriage they traveled on many road trips which were among Roy’s favorite. They visited National Parks such as Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. They also toured Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Denmark, and the Scandinavian countries, just to name a few. His favorite destination was, without a doubt, home. Surely Lillian has a trove of memories to keep Roy close to her heart.

Roy is survived by his wife Lillian of sixty seven years, his three children; Richard and his wife Nancy of Saddle Brook, NJ, Wayne and his wife Joan of Pine Beach, NJ, and April Spann and her husband Jeff of Rockaway, NJ, seven grandchildren; Michael Fanslau and his wife Danielle, Sara Hemans and her husband Peter, Megan Rendon and her husband Richard, David Fanslau and his wife Carly, Justin Fanslau, Kelly Spann and Ryan Spann, one great-grandchild; Layla Fanslau, and one brother; Edward Fanslau of Maryland.

Memorial donations in Roy’s name would be greatly appreciated. Please consider St. Timothy Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

James "Jim" Van Ostenbridge age 83 of Wayne passed away after a short illness on Friday, September 5, 2014 with his family by his side.

Jim was born and raised in Hawthorne and lived there until he moved to Wayne almost 60 years ago. He graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1949; soon thereafter he went to work as a surveyor. In 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country in the Korean War. Because of his skills and background as a surveyor, the Army assigned him to an Artillery Unit. After completing basic training but before going off to war, Jim married his high school sweetheart Louise Wuestenhagen in 1952.

Following Jim's discharge from the Armed Forces in 1953, he went to work in commercial construction as a project manager working for several companies including Vantage Co of Dallas Texas, and BD Malcolm in Lincoln Park where he became Vice President. After his retirement from full-time work in 1996, he continued to work as a consultant in construction for various companies.

Jim and his wife Louise moved to Wayne in 1955 and have lived there ever since. During their time living in Wayne, Jim and Louise cherished 62 years of marriage and raised their four children.

They were both devoted to their faith and were active members in the Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne for nearly 50 years. During Jim's involvement at Preakness Reformed Church, he became a Deacon, an Elder, and most recently Director of Cemetery Operations.

Jim always wanted to be a cabinet maker. He was fascinated with woodworking and had a full woodwork shop in his basement. Over the years, he made family members many different types of furniture for their homes as well as toys for his grandchildren. He was a true Mr Fix-it. There wasn't a job or task around the house (his own or family members) that Jim couldn't do himself.

Aside from woodworking, Jim was a season ticket holder for the New York Giants for over thirty years. He was also a big fan of Stan "The Man" Musial of the St Louis Cardinals.

But apart from his love of woodworking and sports, Jim's true passion was his family. Jim was a devoted husband, a dedicated and loving father, and a cherished grandfather. His family has so many fond memories of him, there are too many to list. Jim was a truly special person and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife Louise (nee Wuestenhagen) of Wayne, 3 daughters; Peggy Presnell and her husband Linn of Farmington, MO, Patricia Lanno of Blowing Rock, NC, Susan Harden and her husband Scott of Wayne, one son; Daniel and his wife Lisa of Malvern, PA, one brother Edward of Hawthorne, one sister Gladys Van Wyk of Ridgewood, and 7 grandchildren; James, Jay, Matthew, CJ, Mitchell, Thomas, and Alyssa.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James' name may be made to Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.