Catherine F. Staunton, age 78 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 5, 2014. She was a Wayne resident since 2006.

Catherine was born in Quincy, Massachusetts and raised in the Boston area. She met her husband after being matched up by a friend. Vincent Paul Staunton was a Navy sailor and they fell in love. They married on July 6, 1957 and immediately moved to Los Angeles, California. Vincent began working for a transoceanic shipping company and they moved around a lot as a result. She lived in Bellevue, Washington, then Monmouth County, NJ, then back to Bellevue again before finally settling in Upper Saddle River, NJ in 1972. She and Vincent enjoyed some fun summers over the years, especially at their time share at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. They made a lot of memories in their forty seven years together before Vincent’s passing in 2004.

Catherine’s children recall her being a very loving, selfless and supportive mother. She was almost the stereotypical ‘soccer mom,’ cheering them on at every game. She was also their favorite cook, making mac & cheese that was simply the best, her Mexican casserole was equally as good, and her onion potatoes were like nothing you’ve ever had before. She was a selfless woman, giving her all to raising her two boys. That is, until grandchildren came along. She was a devoted grandmother and was guilty of spoiling her grandchildren perhaps just a little bit.

She was an avid reader, loved to visit botanical gardens, and she was an accomplished crafter. For a number of years she would make crafts that would then be sold to raise money for cancer research. She also became a dog-lover later in life; rescuing her furry companion “Casey.”

Catherine is survived by her two sons; Paul and his wife Dale of Wayne, Mark and his wife Tracy of Somerset, NJ, two grandchildren; Danielle and Kristin Staunton of Wayne, and by her one sister; Anne Stone of Pinon Hills, CA.

Donations in Catherine’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the ALS Association of Greater NY, 42 Broadway, Suite 1748, New York, NY 10006.

John Jules Levine, age 54, of North Haledon passed peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2014 after an unfortunate recent fall.

John was born in Paterson and had been a lifelong resident of North Haledon. He enjoyed twenty-five years of marriage to his beloved wife Jacqueline (nee Voag) and was the loving father of Jennifer Anneliese Levine and Jesse Jules Levine, both also of North Haledon. He was the son of the late Robert H. Levine (1969) and Shirley Stapleton Levine, now of Madison, WI.

John graduated from local schools and earned a BS degree from Allegheny College in 1982. He was employed for twenty-three years as a quality control manager with BASF of Linden followed by four years as plant manager with Ronson Corporation of Woodbridge. Most recently, while interviewing for other positions, he worked for Nicholas Markets in his hometown of North Haledon.

John’s interests were wide-ranging. He loved American history, especially learning anything he could about Abraham Lincoln or World War II aircraft. An exercise buff, he bicycled regularly over a ten-to-twenty mile route and he was also a second-degree black belt. On Sunday afternoons, John loved going for rides in his classic 1966 Volkswagen Bug. Pals from grammar school days including Tom Behnke, Pat Cleary, Kevin Topp and Joe Capozza, remember John’s dry wit and the four of them, along with their wives, will cherish many wonderful memories.

Even in his passing, John’s generous spirit shined as he chose to give the gift of life by being an organ donor through the NJ Sharing Network (NJSharingNetwork.org).

Surviving, in addition to his beloved wife, and dear children and mother, are his brother Robert S. and wife Claire L. Levine of Wayne; three sisters: Margery A. Levine of Haledon, Elizabeth L. Schmitz of Pacific Grove, CA and Marianne S. Levine of Watsonville, CA; and other close family members including: Robert (Lori) Voag of Magnolia, TX, Carl (Maryanne)Voag of Highland Lakes, Dawn (Charles) Dunn of Hamburg and Robin Voag of North Haledon.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s name are asked to consider a donation made to “Care of the Levine Family.” Checks may be sent to Valley National Bank 516 Wanaque Ave Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Angela Ruggiero, “Angie” (nee Canfora) age 96 of Lincoln Park and Formerly of Jersey City, NJ.

She was born in Jersey City where she lived most of her life. Angela lived in Hollywood, Florida for six years, then returned to New Jersey, residing in Toms River and Bayville, NJ. Her formal education was at Dickinson High School graduating with the Class of 1935.

Her first work was as a secretary and bookkeeper in Tumulty's Real Estate and Insurance in Jersey City. She had also worked as an assistant to a lawyer, an insurance broker, and for the Jersey City Planning Board as a secretary. While living in Florida, she worked for the Hollywood Florida newspaper.

Her finest life dedication was to her family where she reined as a wonderful, caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was filled with wisdom that she shared with all family members, and always offered her guidance, wherever it was needed. She held position of secretary for the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Moose Lodge of Jersey City and was also a member of the Dante’ Alighieri.

The arrival of Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren where a very important highlight in her life and she loved them with all of her heart.

Thanks mom and grandma for being so special in our lives.

Her Roman Catholic faith was important to her and she made it a practice to say the Rosary daily.

One day she was at work in Jersey City and a handsome fellow came in on business. His name was Fred Ruggiero. They were smitten and had a one year courtship and married on October 3, 1937. They never called each other by name it was always “Hon”. The result was they had almost fifty-six years of being “two peas in a pod” with everything they did. They enjoyed dancing, shows, and many social events. They especially loved to travel within the U.S. and Europe. They shared a loving marriage together until Fred’s passing in June of 1993.

Surviving are two daughters; Caroline Statile and her husband Sal of Whiting, Josephine Tartaglia-Zecca and her husband Louis of Wayne, one son James Ruggiero and his wife Gail of Belford, NJ, four grandchildren; Michael Statile and his wife Lorraine, Vincent Statile and his wife Kathy, Philip Tartaglia and his wife Jennifer, and Annemarie Sico, seven great grandchildren; Jennifer, Alyssa, Michael, Daniel and Gabriella Statile, Sabrina Tartaglia, and Mikayla Sico. She was predeceased by her parents; Pasqual and Giuseppina Confora, her husband Fred in 1993, by her son-in-law; Phil Tartaglia in 1984, and sadly by her grandson Anthony Statile in 2008.

Memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or the March of Dimes, P.O. Box 642, 20 Chapin Rd., Unit 1010, Pine Brook, NJ, 07058 would be greatly appreciated.

Claire E. Osborne (nee Ferdinand) age 90, a fifty year resident of Woodland Park, passed peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2014.

She was born in Paterson, having lived in Canada for a year, before returning to live in Wyckoff where she graduated from Ramapo High School, at the age of fifteen, with the Class of 1938. After high school she graduated from the Sherwood Business School.

Claire was introduced to a young man named William Osborne. William was smitten, Claire not so much. William was persistent and eventually the two fell in love. William was going into the United States Army and asked for Claire’s hand in marriage; their wedding soon followed. Claire and William had the distinction of being the first couple to marry at the Gettysburg University Chapel. Claire briefly lived in California as her new husbands military training brought the newly married couple there. It was her training at the Sherwood Business School that helped her find work typing jokes for Bob Hope, a job she fondly remembered. Later on in life she had been a loyal hard-working member of the Mizzone Accounting Team for twenty-five years. Claire enjoyed entertaining at her home, and her special touch on soups and especially her Jook will be greatly missed, but most of all she was a dedicated mom. Claire made the extraordinary job of raising five children look easy. It was something she enjoyed and she did it well. Claire and William enjoyed golfing and travel together during their fifty-seven years of marriage until William’s sudden passing in 1999. Clair was a devoted Christian and a member of Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park.

She was the loving wife of the late William Osborne (1999); devoted mother of Claire Punda and her husband Jeffrey of Cape May, Cheryl Mizzone and her husband Thomas of Wayne, William Osborne Jr. and his wife Joyceanne of Manor Township, PA, Peter Osborne and his wife Stacey of Summerfield, NC and Jeffrey Osborne of Rockaway Township; cherished grandmother of thirteen grandchildren and thirty-five great-grandchildren; dear sister of the late Dorothy McNutt.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Samaritan’s Purse would be appreciated.

Louis F. Curcio, age 79 of Wayne went to receive his Heavenly reward on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 with his family all gathered at his bedside as they sang “Amazing Grace” together.

Lou was a Paterson native, graduating from Paterson Technical High School with plans to become an electrician. He was soon drafted into the U.S. Army where he was trained as a cryptographer, delivering and receiving coded messages. Upon his discharge from the Army, he went to barber school in New York City. That was a unique experience that Lou often recounted, learning the barber trade by practicing on intoxicated bums that the school would bring in off the street. He also worked at Nabisco in Fairlawn before becoming a printing press operator at J. Josephson in South Hackensack, where he printed wallpaper. He worked at J. Josephson for nearly thirty years before retiring in 2000.

Lou met his wife Vera (nee Perone) in Paterson. She was going roller skating when he drove by and honked the horn at her! Later that day, he arrived at her home and met her on the front steps where he asked for her phone number. Although she gave it to him, Lou waited more than a month before mustering the courage to call her. After that first date to the movies, their relationship blossomed and they married on September 29, 1956. They took a honeymoon drive to Miami where they stayed at the Fontainebleau Hotel. Along the way to Miami, Lou was listening to the Yankees play in the World Series. He was getting frustrated as the radio reception faded in and out as they drove. He found a spot along the road with good reception and pulled over to listen as Don Larsen pitched a perfect game; the first and only in World Series history. Lou wasn’t willing to share all the details of their honeymoon, but that was certainly one of the most memorable for him. Upon their return, the couple settled in Paterson before moving to Wayne in 1971. They raised five children together, enjoying summer vacations to Seaside Heights and especially to “Aunt Nancy & Uncle Ernie’s” house in Delaware.

Lou became Born Again in 1972. He was introduced to the pastor at Calvary Gospel Church in Wayne. Lou became very involved in the church right from the start and soon became leader of the Bible study as well as a member of the Board. He was truly committed to the ministry of Christ and was grateful to the Lord for all the gifts he had enjoyed during his lifetime. He passed that Good Word on to his family and rejoiced when his son Louis became pastor of their church. Certainly Lou was greeted by his Savior as he entered the Eternal Kingdom.

Louis is survived by his loving wife of fifty eight years; Vera of Wayne, his five children; Sharon Mamary and her husband Joseph of Wayne, Rev. Louis Curcio and his wife Patricia of Wayne, Susan Torres and her husband Philip of Howell, NJ, Shirley Campbell of Zephyrhills, FL, and Lawrence Curcio and his wife Phuong of Hawthorne, NJ, ten grandchildren; Ralph, Leah, Louis, Albert, Ashely,  Olivia, Amanda, Angelina, Joseph, and Breanna, four great grandchildren; Logan, Carra, Ava, Lucas, and one more on the way; brother, Sal and wife Argia of Lincoln Park, NJ; sister Rose and husband Dominick Fiorilla of Towanmencin, PA; sister Ann and husband Chuck Perone of Wayne, NJ; and sister Mary and husband Anthony Baker of Towamencin, PA.

Donations in Lou’s memory would be appreciated. Please consider the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, www.WoundedWarriorProject.org or the Calvary Gospel Church, 1559 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470

Joyce Speciale (nee Hill), 83, of Pompton Plains, passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2014.

Joyce was born and raised in Passaic. She married and moved to Wayne 60 years ago. There Joyce raised four children and was a stay at home mom, something her children have been extremely grateful for, especially when school let out for the summer. That’s when she packed the kids up in the station wagon and headed to Long Beach Island on the Jersey shore. Her kids had fun in the sun, all day, all summer…swimming, crabbing, clamming, fishing and meeting new friends. Then when they reached 15 years old Joyce would drive them down to the beach on the Friday of the Memorial Day weekend. By that Monday evening they had better have a job or they stayed back in Wayne with their Dad for the summer. Needless to say, the kids all had jobs by Monday evening. It was one of the best things Joyce could have done for her children, not to mention a smart way for her to enjoy her summer as well. She taught her kids a work ethic and how to make their own money, and, as a family, they developed summertime friendships with people from all around the country. Some of those summertime friendships became year-long friendships that still endure. For all of her children those were some of the best times of their lives and they are forever grateful to their parents for those summers.

After her children started leaving the nest, one by one, a friend, Eileen Cameron from Packanack Lake, introduced her to quilting. For a while quilting would become one of Joyce’s hobbies. The quilts she made were beautiful. She enjoyed the creativeness and tranquility it gave her, so it was only natural that knitting and needlework became other hobbies that lasted until Joyce’s passing. One of her favorite needlework pieces was of a frog with the saying underneath “Forever Relying On God”. This was one of her mottos and it served her and her family well throughout their lives together.

Joyce had wit…..a dry wit, which endeared her to many, especially to her son-in-law, Tom. Jokes like….. “Mama, Papa and baby tomato were walking down the street when all of a sudden Papa tomato turned around and said to the baby tomato… ketchup!” Every time her family says that joke they can’t help but laugh! Another humorous memory was when Joyce came home one day with a cello she had rented and announced that she was going to take cello lessons because she wanted to learn the beginning of the Led Zeppelin song, Kashmir. One couldn’t help but laugh watching Joyce at 55 years old straddling that cello.

Joyce will be remembered and greatly missed by her children, son-in-law, brother and sister, and other relatives and friends from near and far. They say you cannot pick your family and for the most part that’s true. So it would be remiss to not speak about Tom becoming part of the family. To say just “son-in-law” would not put into perspective the true love and admiration which Joyce and Tom had for each other. Tom was like a son to Joyce. Anytime or anywhere she needed a helping hand Tom was always there. The qualities and mannerisms instilled in Tom by his parents spoke volumes to Joyce. To her Tom was irreplaceable. Tom whole-heartedly enjoyed her dry wit, compassion and sensibility. Both Joyce and Tom enjoyed watching the Yankees and the NY Giants when she came to visit. Watching the way 5’4” Joyce placed her hands on the sides of 6’2” Tom’s shoulders when he bent down to talk with her, one could see that theirs was a special one-of-a-kind relationship within the family.

To Joyce’s children she was not only their mother, but also their friend and confidant. Joyce’s son Joseph, who could not be with us at this time, forwarded this poem he wrote and asked that it be part of his tribute to his mom.

Mom was our rock we would cling to in a dark and stormy sea,

Mom was our sun that warmed us on a stormy winter’s day,

Mom was our moon and the stars which allowed us to dream.

We can all take comfort knowing God has cleared the path for mom’s new journey to begin and how spectacular it will be.

And when it’s time for our new journey to begin, we can rest a sure that our angel has cleared the way for us.

“Joyce’s incredible wit and sense of humor were priceless.”

Godspeed mom! Godspeed Joyce!

Joyce is survived by her four loving children, Jaime, Suzanne, and Joseph Speciale, and Stephanie Shultis and her husband Thomas. She is also survived by her sister Estella Hackel and her husband Gerard, and by her brother Robert D. Polst.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce asked that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NJ Metro Chapter, Aspen Corporate Park 1, 1480 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 301, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/NJM/Donate), or Christ Episcopal Church, 400 Ramapo Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Salvatore R. Del Corso, Jr., age 88 of Toms River and formerly of Paterson, died peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2014.

Born and raised in Paterson, Sal attended Central High School and joined the U.S. Army when World War II broke out. He proudly served throughout the European Theatre before returning home in 1946. Upon returning home, Sal went right back to Central High to earn his diploma. He had the good fortune of meeting the love of his life; a beautiful young girl named Gloria Ryan. They fell in love and were married on June 17, 1949, followed by a honeymoon at Niagara Falls. They lived in Paterson and N. Haledon before retiring to the Lake Ridge Adult Community, Toms River, in 1997. They were devoted to one another and enjoyed a wonderful relationship like the best of friends. They were married nearly sixty years when Gloria passed in 2009 and it broke Sal’s heart to lose her.

Professionally, Sal was a Master Plumber, having been introduced to the trade by his father-in-law during the earliest years of his courtship with Gloria. He excelled at his trade and was proud to serve as Secretary of the NJ Master Plumbers Association and as Treasurer of the Paterson Master Plumbers Association. He operated his own company, “Del’s Plumbing and Heating” for many years and became a plumbing inspector in Fairfield, Caldwell and Lakewood during his later years. He was well respected among his professional peers.

Sal was a charismatic guy, always the life of the party and full of energy. He was never one to sit still and continued working up until the age of 85. He loved to travel and had been to Aruba more than a dozen times with his beloved Gloria. A great story teller, Sal had a habit of making a long story even longer, sometimes a little too long, but he knew how to keep your interest. He was a very proud member of the John Raad American Legion Post #438 in Paterson, having served as Commander there where he enjoyed the loyal friendship of many fellow veterans. He will be dearly missed by many.

Sal is survived by his two loving daughters; Geri Maturo and her husband Patrick of Pompton Plains, and Sally Wilkins and her husband Bob of Wayne, three granddaughters; Nicole Wilkins of Wayne, and Traci Maturo and Michelle Maturo, both of Pompton Plains. He was predeceased by his dear wife Gloria in 2009, by his young son Richard who passed in 1951, and by three brothers and two sisters.

Memorial donations in Sal’s honor would be appreciated. Please consider the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

James M. Quinn, 57 passed away on August 23, 2014. Formally resided in both Paramus and Wayne, NJ; a resident in Moscow, Russia for the past 18 years.

Jim graduated from Paramus Catholic High School ’74 and Brown University, class of ’78. Employed by Pepsi Co., in Pittsburgh, PA and Queens, NYC. Jim excelled in sports in both high school and college, specifically football and field events. However, was a great lover of athletics and continued his stellar performances in many sports throughout his life. Not only was Jim an amazing athlete, he attained many academic and personal achievements as well.

A father, son, brother, uncle and friend who always will be remember for his humorous story- telling and larger than life personality. Jim enjoyed traveling throughout the world and taking on new ventures. Always one to live on the edge in order to live his life to the fullest it could be.

Survived by daughters Nicole, Stephanie, Polina, and Victoria; parents John (Jack) and Adele; siblings Jack, Michael and Lisa; sisters-in-law Jodie and Beth; nieces and nephews Jason, Ryan, Anna, Shannon, John, and Patrick.

Wilma L. Sonnenschein (nee Haas) age 83 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Wilma was born and raised in Newark where she lived until she moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne almost 50 years ago.

Shortly after graduating high school, Wilma found a job at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company as a General Clerk. During her forty-one years of employment there, she worked her way up the corporate ladder to the title of Executive Secretary.

Wilma met Walter Sonnenschein at a dance at Rutgers University, where he attended school. After a memorable courtship, they were married in 1956. Wilma and Walter cherished twenty-four years of loving marriage until Walter's unexpected passing in 1980.

The couple loved to travel together and visited almost every state in the United States. They also traveled to many parts of Europe including Austria, where Walter was born. After Walter's passing, Wilma continued to travel with her cousins to many places including many parts of South America and Morocco, and even a trip down the Amazon River.

Wilma had many hobbies, such as crocheting, knitting, shopping at garage sales, and collecting antiques. She stayed active by becoming a league bowler for many years, while also spending her summers swimming in Packanack Lake. In addition, she spent over 10 years volunteering at Chilton Memorial Hospital.

Over the years, Wilma rescued several dogs from local animal shelters. Snoopy, Holly, Rags, and Woody were a special part of her life. Her love of dogs extended to any dog she met, especially during her daily morning walks around Packanack Lake with her sister Dorothy.

Family was very important to Wilma. Although Wilma and Walter did not have any children, they treated their nieces and nephews as their own. She was a very special lady who will be missed by all who knew her.

Wilma is survived by her sister Dorothy and her husband Raymond Lender of Wayne in addition to nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, as well as a great-grand nephew and a great-grand niece. She was pre-deceased by her husband Walter K. Sonnenschein in 1980.

Blessed his family for just thirty short days here on earth, returned peacefully to God on Wednesday, August 20, 2014.

Callen William Quintavella, who blessed his family for just thirty short days here on earth, returned peacefully to God on Wednesday, August 20, 2014.

Callen came into this world at just under two pounds and despite his small size, he was a strong fighter. No one could have imagined how much love this “little slugger” was capable of giving as he filled his family with joy, put smiles on their faces, and warmed their hearts during the past few weeks. Although his visit here was all too brief, the impact Callen had on his family was profoundly enriching. He leaves them each with lessons about true love, and a legacy of hope, that will last far longer than the sorrow and anguish they feel today. He will live perpetually in their hearts.

Callen will be dearly missed by his beloved parents; Margaret “Maggie” (Hecht) and her husband Brian Quintavella of Pompton Plains, his grandparents; Cathy and Bill Hecht of Bloomingdale and Allen and Charlene Quintavella of Butler, great grandparents; Ernest and Margaret Boniface of Wayne and Alexander Quintavella of Clifton, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the March of Dimes, P.O. Box 642, 20 Chapin Rd., Unit 1010, Pine Brook, NJ, 07058 would be greatly appreciated.

Robert W. Jenkinson age 88 of Wayne passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2014.

He was born and raised in Paterson having graduated from Central High School and was a longtime Paterson resident who lived on Main Street, Goshen Street, and Linwood Avenue in the city before moving to Wayne fifteen years ago.

Robert was a Sergeant in the United States Army having served in the Battle of the Bulge with Service Company 8th Infantry. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars and the World War II Victory Medal.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University.

Robert worked as a Production Scheduler for Forstmann Woolen Company in Passaic and at the Curtiss-Wright Corporation in Woodridge as a Methods Analyst. He continued his military service with the United States Navy where he served twenty-eight years, most recently as a Meeting Coordinator/planner at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, NY, before retiring in 1993. Upon his retirement from the Navy he received commendation letters from the Secretary of the Navy - F. B. Kelso, II, and recognition from the Department of the Navy, Commander of the Navy Exchange Service Company - H.D. Weatherson.

He was the “best uncle in the world” of Dr. Mary Claire Shiber of Wayne and brother of the late Claire C. Shiber, RN (2012).

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

Thomas H.Hyatt, age 87 of Wayne, passed peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2014.

Born and raised in Jersey City, Tom lived there until 1974, then, to find a better place for his wife and daughters, he moved to Clark, NJ. He remained there until 2001 then moved to Wayne so that he could be close to his grandchildren.

As a young man, Tom served his country in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944 to 1947. He served most of his time in the Pacific on the USS Cohocton, USS Tappahannock and USS Fred T. Berry. For his bravery, he received the American Area Campaign Medal, European-African Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He returned home from the war and soon met a cute petite young lady named Josephine Rae “Skelly” Viola. They married in 1948 by eloping to Elkton Maryland which, in those days, was the marriage mill of the North East. In Elkton no questions were asked such as age to get a marriage license. The final result was sixty-three wonderful years.

Tom was a big man and Josephine was only four foot nine inches tall. They were well described as a giant and a peanut together. They loved to dance and Tom had no problem swinging Josephine through the air as they did the jitterbug.

Tom was a crane operator and tug boat captain, most recently with Union Dry Dock of Hoboken. During his career, he participated in the building of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Once, as a tug boat captain he helped to reenact a crime for which he was featured in New Yorker Magazine. His career spanned 49 years until retiring in 1996 from the job and life on the water that he loved so dearly.

In his spare time Tom loved sports, including playing softball and basketball and, of course fishing. He also enjoyed watching the Mets and Giants. He loved a good time, a good laugh and a good song, often singing around the house. Since moving to Wayne Tom was a Wayne Crossing Guard for several years and spent every moment he could with his grandchildren, picking them up from school, attending school functions and sports.

The Captain or The Chief as he was called will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor and kind eyes.

Surviving are Tom’s two dear daughters: Lois Hyatt and Gail and husband Craig Rovere, both of Wayne; three adored grandchildren: Hunter, Jillian and Collin; and his sister Florence “Sissy” and husband Harold White of Clark. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Josephine in 2011, and his sister Dolores Kolbenheyer.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Tom’s name are asked to consider Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broadacres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.

Please follow this link to Walt's obituary on the Scanlan Funeral Home website:

http://www.scanlanfuneral.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/12119/id/2638154

Douglas J. Davis age 75 of Wayne passed peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2014.

He was born in Paterson and raised in Pompton Lakes having graduated from Butler High School with the Class of 1957. He continued his education at Drew University in Madison where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with the Class of 1961 and went on to Montclair State Teacher’s College where he received his teaching certification.

After receiving his teaching certification he worked at several public schools before settling in to an over twenty-five year career teaching at Saint John Kanty School in Clifton before retiring in 2004.

He served as the sports editor for the Drew University’s student school newspaper - “The Acorn.” Towards the end of his college years Doug met a contact affiliated with the Wayne PAL and was soon coaching basketball. This chance encounter paved the way for Doug’s over thirty year association with the Wayne PAL. He served as Wayne PAL Baseball Commissioner for over thirty-five years and coached, or oversaw the coaching of, thousands of Wayne’s children. He served as an honorary Trustee and was a Past President of the Wayne PAL. In 1987 Coach Davis was honored at the National PAL Convention in San Jose, California as the “National Volunteer of the year.” The Wayne PAL honored his commitment at the 2014 Wayne PAL Opening Day baseball ceremony, when Field One of the Wayne PAL field complex was officially named the Doug Davis Field.

Coach Davis met Elizabeth “Bette” Fricker and soon, after a first date to Molly’s Fishmarket in Oakland, fell in love. They married on December 26, 1982 at Christ Episcopal Church in Pompton Lakes. They honeymooned in New York City and have enjoyed a devoted and caring marriage of thirty-one years.

Doug’s quiet and reserved way will be missed by all who knew him. He went on a cruise to Bermuda and was immediately hooked on cruising. He and Bette went on more than ten cruises and were season ticket holders of Army Football for many years. He was a dedicated New York Mets fan who enjoyed college basketball and football.

Doug was the beloved husband of Elizabeth “Bette” Davis; much loved step father of Lisa McCormick and her husband Mark of Oak Ridge, and Mark Fricker and his wife Pamela of Pompton Plains; cherished grandfather of Rachael, Anna, Matthew and Emily; devoted great-grandfather of Emma and Quinn.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne PAL, 1 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Christ Episcopal Church – Music Fund, 400 Ramapo Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be appreciated.

Marianne Johanna Sanfilippo (Luth) age 67 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Thursday, August 14, 2014.

She was born in Newark, New York and raised in Jersey City having attended Dickinson High School in Jersey City and after the family moved to Glen Rock she graduated from Glen Rock High School with the Class of 1965. After high school she continued her education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she received her degree in Elementary Education. Marianne had a true love of children and began teaching elementary education in the suburbs of Chicago. In 1973 Robert Sanfilippo proposed marriage to Marianne and she moved back to New Jersey. She began teaching at the Eastern Christian School in Midland Park where she taught Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten. After getting another teaching certification from William Paterson College in Wayne she found a position with the Leonia Board of Education where she worked for over twenty years before retiring in 2010 because of illness. She was recently awarded the “Honorary Teacher of the Year” by her colleagues at the Leonia schools.

Back in 1973 Marianne and Robert went on a hike to a lookout in New York State. Marianne couldn’t understand why they were hiking so long but Roberts plan was to spread a picnic blanket and propose marriage. The problem was he couldn’t muster the nerve to stop and ask her…so they kept on hiking. Eventually they did stop and he spread the picnic blanket and handed her a teddy bear with an engagement ring tied to it’s collar. They married on August 24, 1974 at the Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church and honeymooned in Bermuda. Marianne and Robert had a loving, devoted, best friends, marriage best characterized by the words exceptional and extraordinary.

Marianne again loved children and was an exceptional mother. She was a great listener, and a dear friend to all who knew her. A lover of animals, as a little girl her family had a German Sheppard named Tarzan. She brought a German Sheppard named Teddy into her own home and had a special bond as she would walk him at 4:30 AM every morning.

Marianne was the loving wife of forty years to Robert Sanfilippo; devoted mother of Debra Lynn Sanfilippo and her husband Leigh Amery of Philadelphia, PA, and Robert C. Sanfilippo and his wife Darcy Hoey of Berkeley Heights; cherished grandmother of Scarlett Mya Sanfilippo; dear sister of Robert E Luth of Lake Mary, FL,  Joy Sall of Hudsonville, Michigan, and the late Sidney Luth.

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

Nancy Johnson, age 60 of Pompton Lakes, died peacefully in the comfort of her home after a long illness, on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.

Born and raised in Paterson, she graduated from Eastside High School and, starting at age 18, went to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson as an EKG technician. During her 42-year career, Nancy ascended to the title of systems assistant and the hospital became known as St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. She enjoyed her work and was loved and respected by her colleagues.

Nancy met her husband Art Johnson while they were both attending Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in Paterson. Art had experienced the grief of loss as his first wife Carolyn passed away in 1985. Nancy and Art sang in the church’s choir together and their friendship grew to love as they enjoyed making music and also being teammates in the St. Joseph’s Hospital bowling league, competing with other co-ed teams at the Bowl-A-Mat in Paterson and later at the Fair Lawn Brunswick Lanes. They decided to marry and they pledged their love in a marriage ceremony that took place at Peoples Park Reformed Church in Paterson in September, 2003. After the wedding they lived in Pompton Lakes where they’ve remained to this present time.

In addition to making a joyful noise in the choir and competing in her workplace’s bowling league, Nancy enjoyed taking peaceful walks in the great outdoors and spending time reading a book or watching television with one of her two cats, Chloe or Sunshine, snuggled up on her lap. She and Art loved going to breakfast at the Cardinal Café in Pompton Lakes and going for dinner at the Pompton Queen Diner in Pompton Plains and also getting away to test their luck at the Mount Airy Casino in the Poconos or at one of the casinos in Atlantic City.

Nancy was loving and funny, always giving with her compassionate heart to be helpful to those that crossed her life’s path.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband Arthur, her father Matthew Carol of Riverdale, her three step-children: Gail Mania and husband Michael of Wayne, Susan Volt and husband Arthur of Halifax, MA, and Arthur Johnson and wife Diana of Long Valley, NJ; Seven step-grandchildren: Corey, Kelsie, Caroline, Hannah, Thomas, Samantha, and Sean; and her brother Edward Carol and wife Cathy of Mooresville, NC.

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

Joanne Convery, age 82 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.

Born and raised in North Cambridge, MA, she had been a resident of Wayne for 59 years.

Joanne was a devoted homemaker and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. A true artist, she ran her own ceramics business, aptly called “Joanne’s Ceramics.” Not only did she sell ceramic products, she created them too, and she provided classes, conveying her knowledge of ceramics to many enthusiastic students. Joanne was also an accomplished tole painter, a folk art of decorative painting on wood. She won many awards for her beautiful tole art.

She was the beloved wife of John J. Convery, Sr. After he passed away in 1994 Joanne got involved in many social groups including the Red Hats, Suburban Women’s Club and the Stitching Club, all of Pompton Plains.

Joanne had a sincere faith in God and was a long-time dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Wayne where she was a member of their Seniors Club and where she enjoyed passing time with friends playing Canasta.

Surviving are her four dear children: John J. Convery, Jr. and wife Karen of Fairfield, Timothy F. Convery of Pompton Lakes, Catherine Pettorini and husband Bruce of Wayne, and Maureen C. Moyer and husband Joseph of Frisco, TX; Eight grandchildren: Ryan, Timmy, Sean, Brandon, Erin, John, Frank, and Michael; and her brother Fred Ward and sister Helen Powers. Joanne was predeceased by her beloved husband John Joseph, Sr. in 1994 and her dear son Kevin in 2005.

Charles J. Yselonia, age 94 of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. He had most recently been living at the Fritz Reuter Lifecare Retirement Community in North Bergen.

Charles was born and raised in Jersey City. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938 and began working at the Dixon Pencil Factory in Jersey City; his starting wage was 3 cents an hour. Shortly thereafter, at the outbreak of World War II, he was drafted into the Navy and served through the duration of the war, mostly onboard LST’s. After being discharged from the Navy, he began working for Western Electric where he learned to build phone booths and switchboard equipment. He was very skilled in both the wood shop and metal shop. He enjoyed a career spanning nearly forty years there, through several mergers and company name changes, retiring from Lucent Technologies in 1985.

Driving the car was among Charles favorite activities. He simply loved to drive. As a young man, he was among the first kids on his block to get a car; a big 1930’s Packard. Driving to Pizza Town USA became a Sunday tradition in the 1950’s and it continued to be a part of his Sunday drive for decades. Their family vacations over the years were always ‘road trips’ to destinations as near as the Jersey shore or Upstate New York, and to faraway places like New Orleans and Florida. When his grandson Johnny began playing Minor League Baseball, Charles and his family would drive all over the country to watch him play. He often went to Atlantic City to play cards, Roulette, and throw the dice. Charles was quite the card player and weekly Pinochle games at the AMVETS were something he looked forward to. Sometimes he would play into the wee hours of the morning with his buddies, then they would jump in the car and go to Atlantic City! He was a fantastic billiards player as well, and he might have hustled a few people over the years. He had fun and knew how to have a good time.

Charles is survived by two sons; John and his wife Helen of Wayne, Charles, Jr. and his wife Ethel of Margate, Florida; three grandchildren: Jacqueline, Joseph and John Yselonia and one step-grandaughter Cara; four great grandchildren: Justin, Tierney, Blake and Kaylee; and one brother: Vincent Yselonia and his wife Susan of Easton, PA. Charles was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret in 1977 and by three brothers; Frank, Anthony and Stanley.

Mamie “Mae” Cocilovo (Maratta) age 94 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Sunday, August 10, 2014.

She was born in her family home at 519 Union Ave. in Paterson. The family moved to Totowa Boro where Mae was raised. She attended Memorial School in Totowa and went to Central High School in Paterson. During her second year of high school, Mamie’s mother passed away and she had to leave school to help in the family home. She lived in Hawthorne and Paterson before moving to Wayne seventeen years ago.

Her first job was at the Barbizon Corporation in Paterson where she worked as a seamstress making lingerie. She literally married the boy next door; Albert V. Cocilovo. They married at Saint Mary’s RC Church on Union Avenue in Paterson on October 3, 1954 and drove to Florida for their honeymoon, having visited Cypress Springs and Silver Springs. It was during their honeymoon, and on the comparatively quiet streets of Florida, that Albert tried to teach Mamie to drive. All was going well until a truck began to approach from the other direction. Mamie went into an absolute panic, throwing both hands in the air, narrowly avoided a catastrophe! Despite such a start to their marriage, they enjoyed forty-six years of loving and devoted marriage before Albert passed in 2000.

During her boys formative years they attended Saint Paul’s School in Prospect Park and later Don Bosco Tech in Paterson. Mamie was active with both schools serving on committees and the PTA. She had a great laugh, was extremely dedicated to her family, a fastidious cleaner-getting on her hands and knees to wash the floors, was very protective of her family, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She found great satisfaction in cooking for family, extended family, and friends. Her special touch on traditional Italian holiday specialties, as well as her lasagna, stuffed artichoke, and eggplant recipes will be greatly missed. She enjoyed playing classical, Christmas, church, and Broadway Show tunes on the piano. Many in the family were recipients of her crocheted blankets, sweaters and scarves.

Mamie was dedicated to her Catholic faith. She could always be found in the fourth row, organ side, last seat, at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne.

She was the loving wife of the late Albert V. Cocilovo (2000); devoted mother of Vincent Cocilovo and his wife Judi of Paterson, Philip Cocilovo and his wife Elaine of Montague, and Michael Cocilovo of Lincoln Park; cherished grandmother of Alex, Carolynn, and Katie Cocilovo; dear sister of Angelo Maratta of Toms River, the late Salvatore Maratta (1971), James Maratta (1989), Jennie Pellitteri (1999), and Josephine Maratta (2007).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, 630 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 or to the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Dr., Totowa, NJ 07512, would be appreciated.

John R. Kowal, age 85 of Wayne died peacefully at home with his family gathered at his side.

John was born in Poland and lived there as a young boy. His father was a U.S. citizen however, and during the 1930’s with tensions rising in Europe, he left Poland settling his family in Wallington, NJ. John’s future would have been much different had his father not brought them all here to the U.S.A.

John went on to attend Lodi High School and then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served as an Army MP and also as a guard for the diplomats of the newly formed United Nations visiting the war zone in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1955, decorated with the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal, to name a few.

Upon his return, John began working at Universal Oil Products, “U.O.P.” as everyone knew it. His career there spanned twenty eight years before he moved on to work at the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission in Newark, where he worked for another twenty two years. He retired from the PVSC in 1996

John was a very calm and easy going person. Nothing seemed to faze him; he was like a rock. On one occasion at U.O.P, there was a pretty severe explosion in the plant that sent the employees frantically running for safety. John, with his sandwich in hand, calmly walked towards the chaos and began calming people down. He didn’t seem to skip a beat. His children recall him being the one to tend to their wounds when they were young; he wasn’t squeamish at all. In their laundry room, which was also known as the “operating room,” John would clean their scrapes, remove splinters, and bandage their cuts. His disposition was so calming that the children always felt at ease when he was there to help. He was a great dad.

There were two things that did get John excited: the NY GIANTS and the METS! He was a huge fan of both and no matter what was going on, he would watch the games. He had also been a pigeon racer and was a long time member of the Wayne Pigeon Club. A charter member of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, John and Madeline were involved since the days before the church was even constructed, attending Mass in the gym at Schuyler Colfax school. He had remained active at the church throughout the years.

John met his wife, Madeline Bortolot, at an alumni football game in Passaic. A mutual friend had introduced them that night and they hit it off. They married on June 22, 1957 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Florida. They had driven down there and visited several different places along the way. Their trip included driving on the beach in Daytona and they spent some time in Miami. They continued to travel over the years, visiting Europe several times and touring around the United States as well. They were very understanding of each other, and often knew exactly what the other was thinking before any words were spoken. They were blessed with a “best friends” marriage for fifty seven years. John was a wonderful husband and Madeline will miss him dearly.

John is survived by his beloved wife Madeline of Wayne, his two children; Karen Rowan and her husband Stephen of Wayne, and Michael Kowal and his wife Monica of Wayne, and one granddaughter; Kristina Kowal of Wayne.

If friends so wish, memorial donations in John's honor to the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Dr., Totowa, NJ 07512 would be greatly appreciated.

Anne Tipaldi (nee Tomsik) age 96 of Wayne died Thursday, August 7, 2014.

She was born in Garfield and had lived in Clifton most of her life before moving to Wayne seventeen years ago.

Mrs. Tipaldi was employed at the Passaic General Hospital in Passaic as a Cashier for thirty-five years before her retirement in 2000. She liked her work so much that she waited until her eight-second birthday to finally retire.

She was a long time and very dedicated parishioner of Saint Brendan’s RC Church in Clifton.

Her family and many friends will always have very fond memories of a “sweet, sweet wife, mother and grandmother”. Her expressions of love always caused her to be a touching person who thoroughly enjoyed her life’s journey.

She was the best Mom and Grandmother that could possibly be.

Thomas and Anne Tipaldi had a “good and loving marriage” for sixty plus years until Tom’s passing in 1976.

Surviving are three daughters Diane Elardo and her husband Vincent of Bradenton, Florida, Nancy Goldstein and her husband Lloyd of Mazatlan, Mexico, Jane Lanza and her husband Frank of Branchville, NJ; one sister Margaret Machione and her husband Angelo of Brick; four grandchildren Vincent Elardo and his wife Andrea, Thomas Elardo and his wife Mai, Danielle Elardo, and Robert Vierwers; eleven great-grandchildren; Vincent, Justine, Victor, Mikaela, Tara, Marin, Justin, Kaitlyn, Cameron, Ryan, and Anthony.

Anthony J. Tony” Castellano, age 78 of Wayne, died somewhat unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. His family is deeply saddened by his departure from this life but eternally grateful for the times they shared and the memories they will cherish of this warm and generous human being.

Born and raised in Paterson, Tony was the youngest of Joseph and Rose Castellano’s six children. Following graduation from St. Joseph’s High School in Paterson, Tony went to work as a salesman for Prudential Insurance Company. In those early years of establishing himself in his career, he continued to live in the home he grew up in.

One night while attending the sponsored dances at St. Leo’s Church in Elmwood Park, Tony spotted a pretty young lady named Eva. He couldn’t resist the urge to ask her for a dance. That night they took a liking to each other so Tony asked Eva out again and their first official date was to Yonkers Racetrack. Tony loved going there so he thought it would be a good place to take Eva. As the night progressed, he became a little frustrated as Eva, the novice, was winning all the races while he, the expert, kept losing. Despite his misfortune, he had a great time, and he and Eva continued to date over the course of two years until they eventually decided it was time to make their relationship permanent. They married on Sunday, September 16, 1962 at Sacred Heart Church in Rochelle Park. Tony was 27 and Eva was 23 at the time. Following the exchange of vows, they celebrated their love with a beautiful reception as Casino De’Charles on Union Boulevard in Totowa, then honeymooned in Puerto Rico. They settled for two years in Saddle Brook before moving to White Oak Lane in Wayne where they welcomed their son Glenn, living there until 1999. They moved to another home in Wayne where Tony remained to this present time.

Tony worked for Prudential for many years until eventually taking a position as a sales representative with Kem Manufacturing of Fair Lawn. He loved being a salesman so much that he worked way past the traditional retirement age of 65, retiring in 2009 when he was 73.

Tony loved taking chances in life. Whether it was asking Eva for that first dance or trying to convince his clients to close a deal, he loved the thrill of winning. It’s no surprise therefore that he liked taking chances in his leisure pursuits too. So a trip to Las Vegas took place every year with plenty of rides to Atlantic City and other local casinos in-between. Tony also spent countless good times at the Yonkers Raceway, the Saratoga Race Course, and the Meadowlands Racetrack cheering on the horse he believed had the best chance to win. He and his buddies had a tradition of getting together over each others houses for a good night of cards and, of course, there was always money to be wagered there too.

Tony was a wonderful husband and father. He loved being with Eva and sharing the things he enjoyed about life with her. They loved to go on trips together and have wonderful memories of cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico as well as a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi and vacations to New Orleans and the Biloxi Casino in Mississippi. Tony and his son Glenn held season tickets for the New York Jets and together as father and son, they enjoyed cheering for Gang Green at every home game for seventeen years. Tony also was a good friend to many. He loved his high school classmates so much that he was always an enthusiastic volunteer to help organize class reunions as frequently as every couple of years. He loved his dog Samantha too.

Tony blessed many with his generous willingness to give of his time to help anyone who had a need. He was funny and fun to be with. His dry sense of humor and easy going warm-hearted demeanor have given countless family and friends happy and grateful memories for the rest of their lives.

Surviving are his beloved wife of almost 52 years, Eva; and his dear son Glenn, of Wayne; his nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law Frank Cornetto. He was predeceased by his three sisters and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Tony’s name are asked to consider giving to the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07470, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142www.stjude.org, or Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, 1347 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831 www.nj.wish.org

Silvia Luciano (Meglio) age 96 of Wayne passed peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2014.

She was born in Hackensack and raised in Lyndhurst having left Lyndhurst in 1941 when she married John M. Luciano. Silvia and John met at a dance and soon fell in love. They married on February 9, 1941 at Sacred Heart RC Church in Lyndhurst and honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York. Once married they moved into the upper level of John’s parents two family home at 329 Passaic Street in Lodi. In 1953 they saved enough money to buy land in Wayne where they built the home Silvia lived in until her passing.

Silvia was a terrific cook and baker, especially in regards to traditional Italian foods. She was even the baker for the Wayne Schools during the 1960’s. Her apple pie was so good that her granddaughter asked for an apple pie instead of a birthday cake for her tenth birthday. The love Sylvia cooked into her food, especially her lasagna and homemade pasta sauce, will be greatly missed.

She was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne. Sylvia was formerly a member of the Wayne Garden Club, and the Wayne Women’s Club.

Throughout her life she was blessed with good health and a positive attitude. She hadn’t taken any pills or medications until just last year. Sylvia was easy going, a loved everyone-people person, who was happiest when entertaining family and friends with coffee, cakes, and even the occasional Pina Colada. She loved gadgets and was usually the first to own any newfangled device. She was proficient with her cell phone and even gave her daughter birthday money telling her to upgrade her phone with it.

She and her husband John enjoyed traveling and even drove across the United States, no cell phone, no global positioning, just maps and the occasional gas-station-man advice. One of their favorite destinations was Disneyworld in Florida. Sylvia loved her tuxedo cat name Hal, but most of all she was a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Sylvia was the loving wife of the late John M. Luciano (2002); devoted mother of Michael Luciano, and Donna Daly both of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Rhonda Long and her husband Lee, and John Daly and his wife Allyson; adored great-grandmother of Jonathan “Hutch” Long, Benjamin Long, Barrett Daly, and Brooke Daly; dear sister of the late Rose Colasurdo, Lucille Paterno, and Anthony Meglio; surviving in-laws include Nettie and John Gramo of Hasbrouck Heights, and Josephine Luciano of Wayne, and many loving nieces and nephews.

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

Ronald Jay Rosellini age 49 of Wayne passed away quietly Friday, August 01, 2014 surrounded by his immediate family, long-time girlfriend, and closest friend.

He was born in Passaic and raised in Wayne, New Jersey. There he enjoyed a childhood in what was a town in transition, with the large Willowbrook Mall only a few years old and several large family farms only a few blocks from his home. In what was still very much a rural town, to which today’s High Mountain Park Preserve is a testament, he developed his life-long affinity for nature, hiking, and fishing.

As a child he played in local baseball leagues and was a member of the Cub Scouts for a time, building his own pinewood derby car. He won the Wayne Chess Tournament at the age of 12. He had an ear for music, and could play Christmas Carols on the organ without sheet music. He spent a lot of time with his family, and spent countless hours talking with his grandfather every week. He received his First Communion and Confirmation from Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Wayne. His mother passed away when he was only fifteen, and he helped raise his younger brother, who was only eight at the time. He used his imagination to develop elaborate games and competitions between them that lasted for years and which they intricately recorded.

Ron attended the old Anthony Wayne Junior High School across from the municipal building, and then graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1983. At Wayne Valley he was voted the class “non-conformist” and friends affectionately gave him his nickname “the Roz” or “Big Roz” (in relation to his little brother) by which he was known his whole life. Ron attended William Paterson University in Wayne for its Business Management Program (when it was William Paterson College), where he enjoyed and fine-tuned his knack for engaging in political and social debate, and storytelling of all kinds with students and professors alike.

Over the years Ron applied this experience in management, sales, and marketing to various industries, including landscaping, temporary fencing and local history books. He was the owner of a landscaping business in the late 80s and early 90s in which he employed Wayne high school students (including his brother). His policy towards his employees was to always do a good job, enjoy everything the summer has to offer—and never show up for work before 10:00 A.M. Ron was involved in the local community, was a member of the local Y for many years where he was always available for a pick-up game of basketball. He was well-known in local establishments where he would meet friends and associates to converse, from the old Sandwich Pub in Wayne to Houlihan’s—where he would always leave an open invitation for anyone to go fishing with him.

Ron loved sports and gambling, enjoyed baseball, football, college basketball, horse racing, and knew just about any statistic relating to sports. He was an avid sports fan, and particularly an “Anti”-Yankees fan (as he would commonly say, he was a fan of whomever was playing against the Yankees). He had the ability to cut across generations by vividly discussing baseball’s history (from his grandfather’s favorite player of the early 1900s, N.Y. Giant Hall of Famer, Mel Ott, to present day baseball stars) to whatever sporting event happened to be taking place that day. Ron had a big outgoing personality and he was always upbeat. He had the rare ability to attend Yankees games in the Bronx to root against them, but then at the end of the game, make friends with those same Yankees fans he had come to rib. As one story he liked to tell, he successfully caused the Yankees’ second baseman to miss a pop-up after he yelled “Drop it!” He also loved to play Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments both in Atlantic City and locally, where he would use that ability to gently rib his opponents to his advantage.

Ron lived a short time in Fairfield. In 2011 his residence was flooded out by Hurricane “Irene”, and he had to wade through neck-deep water to salvage what belongings he could. He returned to Wayne, residing on the edge of High Mountain Park Preserve. Many years earlier, Ron had been the catalyst, researcher, sales and charity coordinator for the previous effort at creating a comprehensive history book on the town. Having returned to Wayne, he revisited his affinity for Wayne and its history, and immediately began setting about writing and creating a new history book on Wayne with photography of its historical sites and nature preserves. In this effort, everything he had learned and experienced in life came together—his love of nature, history, story-telling, entrepreneurship, photography and working with the community. He understood both the need for communities to change in order to be dynamic and the importance of maintaining the knowledge of history for a sense of identity and perspective. His short battle with cancer prevented him from publishing the Wayne History Book in his lifetime, but he wanted it to be his legacy. In the days before his death he went over the last remaining details of the book and its imminent publishing, and passed away knowing that his work was complete.

He was the loving son of Mario Rosellini of Wayne and the late Joan (Badame) Rosellini (1980); devoted brother of Kenneth Rosellini of Wayne; cherished long time boyfriend of Linda Gilmore of Lake Hopatcong.

As Ron wrote in the foreword to the Wayne History Book, “God Bless Wayne, God Bless the United States of America, and God Bless Us All.” We now, in memorial, say back, God Bless Ron “Big Roz” Rosellini, and Godspeed.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Chilton Medical Center Foundation, 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated.

Rebecca DeCostole, age 94 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2014.

She was born in Albany, NY and raised in the Bronx, NY, having raised her own family in Bergenfield, she settled in Wayne in 1994.

Rebecca was a loving homemaker, devoted to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also adored her great-grandchildren often exclaiming that they brightened her day. Rebecca was a member of the Golden Key Club of Wayne and a parishioner of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church in Wayne.

She was the loving wife of the late Peter DeCostole; devoted mother of Marie and husband Frank Rubino of Wayne and Angela and husband Walter Cichewicz of Waldwick; cherished grandmother of Christina, Ricky, Lisa, and Danielle; adored great-grandmother of Michael, Gabriella, Alexander, and Peter; and loving sister of Dora Schellato of Toms River, and the late Louis Bianchino and Lucy Bianchino.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Rebecca’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

Laura Homsani (nee Chidiac), age 82 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2014. She’s been a Wayne resident for the past seventeen years.

Born in Paterson, Laura grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and Miami, Florida before returning to Paterson in the 1950’s. As a young girl, she was afflicted with Rheumatic fever. Her prognosis was bleak and her recovery was very slow. She recalled being made to sit in the sun for days on end, something she did not enjoy. As a result of the Rheumatic fever, Laura required several surgeries throughout her lifetime, but she fared incredibly well. Her childhood doctors could never have predicted that Laura would go on to enjoy a life of nearly eighty three years.

Laura raised two girls on her own, with the help of her sisters too. She opened a hair salon in their home in Paterson, called “Laura’s Beauty Parlor.” She operated the beauty parlor for almost ten years before moving to Clifton. She later worked for Calvin Klein in Wayne for many years.

Family was very important to Laura and her focus was always on her two little girls. She loved to see them having fun and a part of that included summer vacations to the Jersey Shore. The girls remember those vacations dearly and will always cherish the memories they shared with their mother.

Laura is survived by her two daughters; Linda Kabbash and her husband Douglas of Montague, NJ, Alyse Sciolaro and her husband Richard of Wantage, NJ, six grandchildren; Marisa, Nicolas, Brenna, Brittany, Casey and Henry, two sisters; Josephine Chidiac of Wayne and Marie D’Annunzio and her husband Gabriel of Florham Park. She was predeceased by her parents; Nicolas and Selma Chidiac, and by three sisters; Margaret, Bertha, and Harriet.

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

Wooster “Wootie” Wright, Webber, Jr., age 89 of Wayne, died August 1, 2014 at the Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus, NJ.

Wootie was born in Holyoke, MA, the second of Wooster and Martha Webber’s four children. Because of his father’s work as an engineer, the family moved frequently. In fact, during the course of his childhood, Wootie moved 26 times! From 1942 to 1943 he attended Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, but his high school years were interrupted by World War II as Wootie was drafted into the U.S. Army Engineers. He served as a machinist in the European and Pacific Theaters from 1943 to 1946. For his service, he was the recipient of the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Medal World War II. He also received several metals for expert rifle marksmanship. After the war Wootie returned to high school, this time Montclair High School in Montclair, NJ. He went on to study at Thomas Edison College in Fort Myers, FL and later at Newark College of Engineering and Stevens Institute of Technology. He enjoyed a long and prosperous career as an electrical systems designer working for various companies until retiring in 1982 from Gibbs and Hill, New York City. As a part of his profession, he enjoyed being a member of the Montclair Society of Engineers.

In 1952 Wootie met the love of his life, a classy young lady named Margretha Vail. It was a blind date with another couple and Wootie picked Margretha up in his blue Oldsmobile convertible with white interior. The four of them went to dinner in Upper Montclair. Love was born that night and it eventually culminated in the exchanging of their wedding vows on Saturday, November 29, 1952 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Margretha’s hometown of Ossining, NY. The ceremony was followed by a luxurious reception at the Carlston Kittle House in Mount Kisco, NY. Then the newlyweds enjoyed an adventurous honeymoon touring the southeastern portion of the U.S.

Wootie and Margretha initially settled in Montclair. There they welcomed their first two children, Laura and Steven. In 1958 they moved to Packanack Lake living on the west side of the lake. When their third child Elizabeth was born, they found it challenging having all three kids in one bedroom so, in 1963 they moved into a larger home on the east side of the lake. It is there that Wootie remained to the present.

Wootie had some interesting hobbies. Most noteworthy was his love of birds, so he studied at the American School of Carving for several years, honing his carving skills. He carved and painted beautiful birds out of wood and, subsequently, was the recipient of several NJ and NY blue ribbons. Wootie also had a great love of electronics and he especially enjoyed listening to big band and classical music on the elaborate sound systems he configured. He also enjoyed spending time with other electronics enthusiast at the Hi-Fi Club he attended in Caldwell. In fact, it was at this club that his love of electronics began. Wootie was also a long-time member of the Howard Masonic Lodge in New York City.

Wootie adored his children of whom he was very proud! He taught them all how to sail on their sunfish sail boat and he participated as an Indian guide with his son Steven. The kids will never forget the trip they took as a family, traveling all through Canada…..in a Volkswagen Bug! Like his own children, he simply adored his grandchildren. He was very creative with them often times getting right down on the floor with them and literally entering the world of their playful imaginations. Next to his family, he especially enjoyed the company of Babaco, his loyal Labrador Retriever.

A patient, even-tempered and kind man, Wootie will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who loved life and enjoyed sharing his active imagination, sense of humor, great stories and jokes with anyone who would listen.

Surviving to mourn his loss, but celebrate his new life in heaven, are his beloved wife Margretha; his three dear children: Laura H. and husband Dr. Jerry A. Greene of Lutz, FL, Steven Wright of Wayne, and Elizabeth W. and husband Petras Karevicius of York PA; two cherished grandchildren: Lydia H. and Jarad C. Greene; his sister Roberta W. Palmer of Massachusetts; and two nieces. He was predeceased two other sisters: Marcie Lentz and Betsy Haines.

James B. Cronin age 78 passed peacefully at home on Thursday, July 31, 2014.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois and when he was a teenager the family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Just out of high school he enlisted in the US Army having served during the Korean War.

He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with the Class of 1962 and later graduated from the Stevens Institute of Technology with a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering with the Class of 1970.

James’ lifelong work was in the aerospace/defense industry having worked for the Singer Kearfott Corporation in Little Falls, and the Bendix Corporation in Wayne, that eventually was acquired by the Honeywell Corporation, before retiring in 1992.

He met his future wife Eileen McCabe while on line at the airport. Eileen had purchased a ticket six weeks prior and was being told by the ticket agent she had been bumped off the flight. She was arguing with the agent when James, a seasoned traveler who was also being bumped to a later flight, leaned over her shoulder and said “you’re not going to get there any quicker doing this.” They eventually wound up on the same flight but sat nowhere near each other. After the flight James, who Eileen assumed was a married man, approached and asked for her phone number. Realized James wasn’t married she gave him her number with their first date being in Saint Louis, Missouri. The couple was planning a trip to Hawaii when James said “let’s do it.” This proposal led to a marriage at Holy Angels RC Church in Little Falls on September 27, 1980 with a honeymoon in Hawaii. They had a loving and devoted marriage of thirty-four years that was filled with as many laughs and cries as life would allow.

James was the loving husband of Eileen ( McCabe ) Cronin; loved brother of the late Constance Cronin; beloved son of the late James and Mildred Cronin; cherished uncle of three nephews and several great nieces and nephews; dear sister-in-laws Kathleen Boisits of Rutherford, and Sister Margaret McCabe of Astoria, NY.

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

John Christopher “Jack” Halpin, age 96, of Wayne and Palm City, FL, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. His loved ones were by his side at the time of his passing.

Jack was born in Orange, NJ and was a resident of Wayne since 1952. As a young man, he worked in the Bayonne shipyards, fabricating ships for the U.S. efforts during World War II.

In 1944, Jack leveraged his ship-building experience becoming the founder and president of Industrial Metal Fabricating Company, Incorporated. He began the business in a tent on Bloomfield Avenue in Clifton and, as it grew he moved operations to Wayne in 1957. Industrial Metal Fabricating Company was involved in many large-scale projects including fabrication of the toll booths for the George Washington Bridge, all the toll booths for the New York Thruway and New Jersey and Pennsylvania Turnpikes, and fabrication of missile containers.

A young lady named June Peters was working for Jack as a secretary and payroll processor. Jack and June took a liking to each other and, after a first date to lunch followed by a second to a Broadway play in New York City, their love grew. They married on Saturday, May 25, 1974 at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. Following a garden reception in June’s back yard in Wayne, the newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Puerto Rico. They returned home and began their life together as husband and wife, continuing to live in Wayne to the present time.

In 1991, Jack sold his business and he and June enjoyed trips to Palm City, FL where they lived part of each year at Harbour Ridge Dolphin Yacht and Country Club while always maintaining their residence in Wayne. An avid golfer, Jack played a lot of courses in Florida as well as all over the world. He was a member of The Knoll Country Club, Panther Valley and Harbour Ridge Yacht and Golf Club.

In his spare time, Jack also liked to work around Halpin’s Ponderosa Country Estate, a gentlemen’s farm he owned and liked to escape to for relaxation. He played hard building a horse barn, pasturing his horses, and tinkering around doing whatever needed to be done.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, June (nee Peters); his three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandsons: Ryan and Kyle; and loving nieces and nephews including Barry and wife Darlena Schiro of Woodland Park. He was predeceased by his first wife Mildred.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Jack’s name are asked to consider the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142, or the Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA) P.O. Box 3701, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Tom Dillon, age 85, joined his family in heaven on Sunday, July 27, 2014.

Our sweet Tom Dillon, age 85, joined his family in heaven on Sunday, July 27, 2014. He was a gentle soul, one of the kindest hearted people you could have been honored to know. When he smiled his entire face would light up, especially his piercing blue eyes.

Tom had such a sense of humor. He would always make you laugh and that is a good character trait to have. Even when he was at his worst he still had a way to make you smile. We always joked at how long it would take him to eat.

Tom looked so much like his sister Claire. They both had a lot of the same mannerisms along with his brother Francis and his mother Helen. He will also be joining his brother Arthur and father Francis in heaven.

His brother Rich passed away last year almost a year to the date Tom passed. His Brother Rich, or as he was known, Uncle Dick, always took care of Tom until he got ill. Tom missed him terribly; it gives us peace to know they are all together now. We will miss the beautiful man we loved and knew as Dad and Uncle Tom.

Surviving are his three sons: Christopher, Philip and Robert Dillon; and his nieces and nephews.

Joan M. Halat, age 77 of Lavallette, NJ and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2014. She had lived in Wayne for many years before retiring to Lavallette in 2002.

Joan was raised in Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1954. She had worked for many years with “Two Guys from Harrison” where she learned data processing. She later worked for White Rose Dairy in Carteret as manager of data processing, retiring just three years ago.

Joan met her husband Ed at a Bingo game. They had fun that evening so Ed asked her out on a date. Sadly, she stood him up! However, soon thereafter Ed learned that she didn’t stand him up on purpose, but had been asked to work late that night. Under the circumstances, and long before cell phones, there was no way she could contact him that night. Nevertheless, once they did have that first date, there was no way to separate them. They were married on May 19, 1956 in Clifton and enjoyed a honeymoon to Florida and Cuba. Actually, ‘enjoyed’ may not be the right word; Cuba was downright frightening at the time and Ed recalls wanting to get back to Florida as soon as possible. They had made the trip to Florida in Ed’s convertible Mercury and were cruising around with the top down the whole time. Of course, they soon realized that they had both been overexposed to the sun and were suffering from sun poisoning! Joan was an easy-going woman and all the drama simply made for a memorable honeymoon. During their fifty eight years together, they traveled all over Europe, to Hawaii and the Caribbean. They managed to always keep life interesting and their marriage was entertaining for both of them. Ed will tell you that she was the best wife he could have ever wished for and he will miss her dearly.

Joan was a wonderful cook and had a habit of overfeeding everyone. She enjoyed cooking at least as much as she enjoyed going to Shop-Rite, usually no less than four times a week! She also had a very strong Catholic faith and prayed the Rosary often. While living in Wayne, she frequently attended Mass at Our Lady of the Valley and her funeral Mass will be celebrated there on Wednesday.

Joan is survived by her devoted husband Edward of Lavallette, by her daughter Holly Halat and her boyfriend Billy of Wayne, by her son Randy and his girlfriend Lina Trofa of Wayne, by her grandson Ajay Halat, her two sisters; Patricia Passenti and her husband Lenny of Barnegat, NJ and Diane Banya and her husband Lester of West Milford, NJ. Joan was predeceased by her sister Dorothy and two brothers; Richard and Ronald.

Frederick A. Hennig age 87 of Wayne passed peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2014.

He was born and raised in West New York, NJ having graduated from Holy Family High School in Union City with the Class of 1945. He attended Saint Peters College in Jersey City. Fred lived in Matawan before moving to Wayne forty-three years ago. He lived in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne and more recently the Sisco Village in Wayne.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as a meteorologist.

In his younger years Fred worked as a “Dugan Man” delivering bread, cakes, pastries, and potato chips. He later worked as a Singer Sewing Machine salesman. After returning from his service in the US Air Force he worked at the Household Finance Corporation, and the Motor Club of America/Coe Insurance Company for over twenty years before retiring.

Fred was a member of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 10206.

He was a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne and a volunteer at Chilton Hospital.

Fred was a funny, understanding, selfless person who loved birds, flowers, classical music, and movies. He was totally devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His quiet, intellectual demeanor, garnished with a dry sense of humor, will be missed by all who knew him.

He was the loving husband of Anna (Murphy) Hennig; dear father of Mark W. Hennig and his wife Debra of Wayne, Daria M. Hoffman and her husband Gilbert of Maywood, Kurt F. Hennig of Paramus, David J. Hennig and his wife Michele of Butler, and Diana Biesiada and her husband Keith of Cedar Grove; cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother of Wallace Hennig of Secaucus, and the late Steven Hennig (2011).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Lung Association, 1031 Route 22 West, Suite 203, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 would be appreciated.

Diane Gizzi age 58 of Wayne passed away on Monday July 21, 2014 surrounded by her family at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Philadelphia where they were all treated with the utmost respect, compassion and care.

Diane was born and raised in Paterson and lived there until about the age of 23. After graduating High School she attended William Paterson University for a short time then left college and got a job at TRW in the Human Resources Department. She worked there for about 8 -10 years until she left to become a claims manager at a company called Unem. After working for Unem for a time she landed a Job at a company that would eventually be acquired by Xerox, where she became "Benefits Manage".  She worked for Xerox for some time until her illness forced her to go on disability in December of 2013. During the time that she worked, she lived in Clifton from 1980 to 1983 then moved to Piscataway, living there from 1984 to 1990. She then moved back to Paterson where she bought a house and settled there until eventually moving to Wayne.

Diane was a member of the Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge 1506 for over 20 years. In addition to her membership of the Elks, Diane was an avid lover of animals and rescued a number of them from various shelters throughout the years. Diane and her brother Joe owned a summer home at Point Pleasant Beach for many years where they loved to spend time with friends and family. After super storm Sandy, Diane worked vigorously with the help of those friends and family to restore the house that provided so many cherished memories. Aside from her love of animals, Diane was an avid bowler, a big Yankees fan and enjoyed planning and taking trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Her family remembers her generosity and having a "Heart of Gold". She enjoyed listening to music, particularly Doo Wop and Rock and Roll. Besides the family and friends that will surely miss her, she will also be missed by her dog Shayna and her two cats Max and Holly. And apart from her family that survives her, her past pets included Ranger, Bumper, and Monroe (all ferrets), and Taz and Jake (both dogs).

Diane is survived by her mother Agnes Gizzi of Greensville, SC; one brother Joseph Gizzi and Nancy D'acierno of Wayne; one sister Carole Puglia and her husband Mike of Taylors, SC; her long-time friend John Ruffo of Wayne; three nephews Chuck Puglia and his wife Barbara and their children Michael, Joshua, and Sofia of Marlton Lakes, Joseph Puglia and his wife Lisa and their children Jesse, Anna Claire, Camille, Josie, and Noelle of CO, and Douglas Puglia of Simpsonville, SC; she was pre-deceased by her father Joseph Gizzi in 1961, her sister Judith Gizzi in1998, her nephew Michael Puglia in 1993 and her long-time friend Don Miller in 1995.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane's name can be made to Gateway for Cancer Research 1336 Basswood Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173 or ASPCA PO Box 96929, Washington DC 20090-6929.

Wiebe Dykstra, age 87 entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 18, 2014.

Born and raised in a small town called Ferwerd in Friesland, a province in the northwest part of the Netherlands, Wiebe was one of Gerrit and Ytje Dykstra’s six children. As a young boy he loved to ice skate in Holland’s canals and as he became a young man, he often worked farming red potatoes. Growing up during World War II, Weibe often had to hide from the Nazi’s who were known for forcing young Dutch men to serve in their armed forces. He ultimately did serve in the Dutch Army during the Indonesian War. When that war was over he emigrated through the Saint Lawrence Seaway into Canada. Wiebe initially settled in British Columbia where he learned the English language. He continued his trade as a farmer working his way across Canada to Ontario. During those years in Canada, he was blessed with the first four of his five children. Wiebe and his family ultimately came to the United States, settling in Sussex where he enjoyed a long career as a dairy farmer with Dagmar Dale Farms in Sussex.

After working all day, nothing gave Wiebe more enjoyment than coming home and spending time gardening in his vegetable garden. A true Dutchman, his gardens were adorned with magnificent tulips but he also loved dahlias and hydrangeas too.

Wiebe was a man who centered his life around the teachings of the Holy Bible. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and served Him through the ministries of Sussex Christian Reformed Church where he was a deacon. He especially loved to exuberantly sing Psalter Hymnal hymns that so clearly expressed his faith. After retiring Wiebe moved to Kinnelon in 1994 where he joined the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church. In 2004 he moved to Butler.

Wiebe loved to read books, especially Christian novels. He used to say that reading kept his mind active and he enjoyed sharing his love of reading with his numerous grandchildren. He was a great story teller often recalling memories of his childhood in Holland, telling his grandchildren about the games he used to play and how on Christmas day, getting an orange was a really exciting event! Always kind and soft-spoken, with a caring heart for his fellow man, while sometimes a stubborn Friesen, Wiebe was and inspirational father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

Surviving are Wiebe’s four dear children: Christina and husband Rolly Farber of Homer, NY, Ida and husband Larry Koetje of Alaska, MI, Hank and wife Terry Dykstra of Wantage, and Sandy and husband Bob Ronco of Kinnelon; 16 adored grandchildren; 27 cherished great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings. He was predeceased by his dear daughter Jenny Kolk in 2012 and granddaughter Lisa Farber in 1977.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Wiebe’s name are asked to consider making a donation to World Vision, P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 (www.worldvision.org).

Loretta “Loret” Molczyk, age 60 of Wayne, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 18, 2014.

Loret was born in Passaic. The oldest of Joseph and Sophie Mistrick’s three children, she lived with her family in Clifton for 3 years before moving in 1957 to Wayne where her parents purchased a home on Whittaker Court. It was there that Loret grew up and attended Packanack Lake Elementary School and Immaculate Heart of Mary School. After graduating from Wayne Hills High School in 1972, she continued her studies at William Paterson College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art.

While in college, Loret worked as a cosmetician at Thrift Drugs Pharmacy in Pompton Plains. One evening while attending a friend’s wedding, she met a guy named John Molczyk. John took a real liking to Loret and, when he learned that she worked at the pharmacy, it suddenly became his favorite store to shop. It took a few attempts to get Loret to agree to go out with him but she ultimately did. Their first date was to Six Flags Great Adventure and it was the beginning of an adventurous relationship that culminated in a loving marriage of 31 years. They exchanged vows on Sunday, May 29, 1983 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Wayne. Following a reception at the Regency House Loret and John enjoyed a beautiful honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico staying at the Acapulco Princess in the exclusive pyramid section of the hotel. They returned home from their honeymoon and settled in Wayne where Loret lived to the present.

In 1986 Loret and John welcomed a son they named David into their lives and, in 1992, David was joined by a younger brother named Daniel. Loretta devoted her energy to raising her two sons and providing a loving home for her family. She had a bubbly and outgoing personality and she derived special enjoyment from hosting dinner for family and friends at her home. She was an adventurous and creative cook who was willing to take dinner-making risks with her immediate family but she always followed the recipe when hosting friends. Loretta’s family got especially excited when she made pancakes and her cheesecake with cherries on top.

Besides cooking and baking, Loret found many other outlets for artistic, creative expression. She was very much into photography and she took candid shots of almost anything you can imagine. You could say that Kodak lost one of its biggest customers when digital photography came along! Always meticulously dressed, she loved to express her lively personality through fashion and she was often complimented for the pretty dresses she wore. Loret was the consummate “maller” who could never pass up a good sale on shoes, makeup, or fashion accessories. Decorating her home was equally important to Loretta. Her decorating taste could best be described as “conversation-starting with a hint of chotchkie.” Outdoors she unwound by tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and expressing herself through lawn decorations, animal statuary, and rocks. If it was colorful and glittery, Loret would probably like it. Even her taste in pets evolved from the common hamster and guinea pig to the parakeet to the slightly more exotic chinchilla. Loretta had three chinchillas and their names were Rocky, Chip and Skittle.

She loved to travel, especially to Lake George, NY, Niagara Falls in Canada and Walt Disney World in Florida. Upon a return from Epcot, her house would oftentimes be filled with exotic music of different parts of the world, played from CD’s she purchased while away. Always thoughtful and generous, when she went away on vacation, she frequently brought back souvenirs and gifts for family and friends, and when she was on the receiving end of a gift, no one sent more creative and beautiful hand-written thank you cards than Loret. She was a very thankful person who was known to send a thank you for the thank you she received!

Loretta was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Wayne. She loved her church and, each year, at the Annual Festival, Loret could be found volunteering in the tent selling the 50/50 tickets. When her son Dan was attending OLV’s school, Loret would volunteer in the school’s office or as a class mother for trips. She had a special place in her heart for the plight of the less-fortunate and so she was a great supporter of the church’s food pantry ministry.

Loret will be missed! Her family is grateful for the time they had and will always cherish the memories she left – memories of a flamboyant, bubbly and affectionate wife, mother, sister and aunt who was lovingly devoted to her family and friends.

Loretta is survived by her beloved husband of 31 years, John, her two dear sons: David and Daniel, both of Wayne; her sister Trish and husband Greg Frost of Wayne; and her sister-in-law Patti Mistrick of Pompton Lakes. She was predeceased by her dear brother Robert Mistrick in December, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Loretta’s name may contribute to Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church’s Food Pantry Ministry.

Donald R. Pavlak, Sr., age 79 of Wayne, entered eternal rest on Friday, July 18, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Donald has been a resident of Wayne since 1951 and retired as the Wayne Township Chief of Police in 2000.

Raised in East Paterson, Donald moved to Wayne with his parents when he was just seventeen years old. He was among the first graduating class of 1953 from the newly constructed Wayne High School. He continued his education at Fairleigh Dickinson University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. He then made the choice to enlist in the U.S. Army where he was assigned to an intelligence unit after basic training. He served about one year before being discharged early on account of his educational achievements prior to enlisting. He subsequently earned his Master’s degree in education from William Paterson College and upon graduation he joined the Wayne Police Department in 1958. Later in his career, he became an Adjunct Professor at William Paterson University teaching Criminal Justice.

During his career, Donald worked his way up through the police department ranks, making sergeant in the 1960’s, Lieutenant and then Captain in the 1970’s before becoming Chief of the department in 1987, eventually retiring in 2000. He was devoted to his career and became President of the Wayne PBA 136, President of the Passaic County Chiefs Association, a member of the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Passaic County Retried Officers Local 600. He received many professional awards during his career as well, such as the “Man of the Year” award by the Wayne PAL, the “Good Scouts” award by the Boy Scouts of America, Chief’s Challenge Award, and he was named “Man of the Year” by the Wayne Boys & Girls Club and “Man of the Year” by the American Cancer Society. He was also given Congressional recognition during his career by Congressman Robert Roe. Donald was truly a dedicated public servant, a very fair minded man, and skilled at diplomacy. He was a true leader and well respected among all who knew him.

He traveled a great deal with his wife and enjoyed visiting the Iberian Peninsula. They cruised through the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Bermuda and traveled to Aruba several times. They even crossed the Atlantic five times on the Queen Mary and on one occasion flew back to the U.S. on the Concorde; breakfast in London and dinner in Wayne! His favorite trip was to Normandy, France touring the museums and historical sights.

Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his granddaughters. He was putty in their hands, loved them more than they will ever know, and he gladly spoiled them. He would spend time with them at every chance and often surprised them with gifts. They will have enough loving memories of their ‘Pop’ to last a lifetime.

Don met his wife Dolores (nee Walsh) at an ice cream shop on Van Houten Avenue in Clifton. They had both been planning to attend a golf outing which was suddenly rained out. A large group of the golfers chose to go for ice cream and the two of them met there. He offered her a ride home after, but she would have nothing of getting into a car with a man she had just met! So, he asked her out on a date and they went to see “Damn Yankees” at the Papermill Playhouse in Milburn. Their romance blossomed and a wedding was held on May 9, 1959 at Holy Angels RC Church in Little Falls followed by a honeymoon in the Pocono’s. They have lived in Wayne ever since and became active members of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne where Don was a Head Usher at just about every Saturday Mass and a member of the Seniors Club. He was also a member of the Wayne Knights of Columbus #136, Anthony Wayne American Legion Post, the Wayne Elks, and a member of the North Jersey Country Club. He and Dolores recently celebrated fifty five wonderful years together and she will miss him dearly.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife Dolores of Wayne, his son Donald Pavlak, Jr. of the Wayne Police Department and his wife Barbara of Wayne, two granddaughters; Samantha and Katie Pavlak of Wayne, and his son-in-law; William Bernowich of Washingtonville, NY. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary Elizabeth Bernowich in 2011 and by his loving parents; Stephen and Anna Pavlak.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675, www.WoundedWarriorProject.org or to the St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Foundation, 703 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07503, would be greatly appreciated.

Olga Bondarovich, age 83 of Wayne, died peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. She has been a Wayne resident since 1963.

Olga graduated from Garfield High School and was Prom Queen of the class of 1948. She met her husband Walter shortly thereafter during a dance at Three Saints Church. They danced the whole night together, but neglected to exchange phone numbers. It was a year later before their paths would cross again in Monroe, NY. Walter had been working the summer at the Arrow Farm Resort when, by sheer coincidence, Olga showed up! After that, they never parted. They were married on August 12, 1950 and, despite Walter accidentally lighting her vail on fire with a candle, they’ve enjoyed nearly sixty four years of loving and devoted marriage together. They loved to dance and knew many of the Russian folk dances.

Olga was an avid reader and a wonderful cook. She loved to host the holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, with her family all gathered around her. She loved flowers, particularly Gardenias. She was a gifted Balalaika player; self-taught nonetheless and she had a profound appreciation for all the arts. She inspired her daughters in this regard as well and they recall her being a very hands-on mom; loving and encouraging. Olga’s favorite role of all was as a grandmother. She truly loved her grandson, Karl, Jr. and would spend time with him as often as possible. They will all miss her dearly.

Olga is survived by her husband Walter of Wayne, two daughters; Elaine Brady and her husband James of Maryland, and Diane Wehrenberg and her husband Karl of Lake Hopatcong, and one grandson; Karl, Jr..

Congressman Robert A. Roe of Wayne, NJ and Green Pond, NJ passed away peacefully on July 15th, 2014 at his home.

Robert was born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey to his loving parents Lillian and Robert, Sr. of Wayne. After enjoying a gracious childhood in what was a quiet Wayne in those days, Robert attended Pompton Lakes High School and graduated with the class of 1942. He got his first taste of serving the community as a camp counselor at Camp Altaha in Stillwater, NJ. Looking to pursue his passions, Robert enrolled far from home at Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he majored in engineering and later at Washington State University in Pullman where he, more notably, majored in political science. Driven by his patriotism, Robert decided to place his education on the back burner in favor of fighting for his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in February of 1943. While serving in the European Theater, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exemplary service in ground combat action, as well as other military decorations. Robert returned to school after receiving an honorable discharge in 1946 to complete his degrees.

Robert began serving the local public in a major capacity in 1955 as a Committeeman of Wayne Township. In 1956, Mr. Roe ran for, and was elected as, the Mayor of Wayne. He served as Mayor for five years until 1961. Robert continued his political rise to the county level as a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Passaic County in 1959. In 1962, he was elevated to Freeholder Director, a position he held until 1963. Thereafter, Robert took to State government, joining Governor Hughes’ cabinet as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Conservation of Economic Development Department. During his six-year tenure, he drafted legislation to create the New Jersey National Land Trust, as well as purchasing and preserving The Skylands Manor, under the Green Acres program, for all to enjoy.

In 1969, United States Congressman Charles S. Joelson resigned his seat, leaving a Congressional vacancy in New Jersey that required a special election. Robert Roe was elected to the 91st Congress of the United States House of Representatives to represent New Jersey’s 8th district, beginning his term on November 4th, 1969. Congressman Roe was subsequently re-elected as the incumbent in each election up until 1992 when he chose not to run for re-election. While serving his state in Washington D.C., Congressman Roe served as the Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology from 1987 to 1991, as well as the Chairman of the Committee of the Public Works and Transportation from 1991 until his retirement in 1993. His signature piece of legislation was the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 which has served as the basis for many federal transportation bills since. While serving the Committee of Science, Space, and Technology, he also held seats on the Energy and Research subcommittee as well as the Energy Development and Applications subcommittee. As a member of these committees, Robert played a key role in returning the US to space after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, with the successful launch of space shuttle Discovery in 1988, as well as working to improve the safety and status of the space program. While serving on the Committee of Public Works and Transportation, he also served as the Chairman of the Water Resources House Subcommittee as well as being a member of the Oversight and Review subcommittee and the Economic Development subcommittee. His congressional work continued on the House Select Committee on Aging and a six-year term on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. After his retirement announcement in 1992 and his subsequent retirement in 1993, Congressman Roe continued to work as a consultant in his various areas of expertise.

During his time in public office, Robert was recognized by countless organizations for his outstanding service. He was awarded six honorary doctorate degrees from American universities including Rutgers State University and William Paterson College, along with over 150 other awards, recognitions, and citations. It can be said without question that Congressman Robert Roe loved his country and took great joy in upholding the Constitution for not only his constituents but all his fellow countrymen.

Outside of Government, Robert had a passion for his Irish heritage as well as for the Roman Catholic Church. He was a financial and moral supporter of Pontifical University, the National Major Seminary, and the Irish Church. Robert took great appreciation of his Irish forefathers as he often paid tribute to them and his families time in Ireland. In the 1840’s Robert’s Great Grandfather, Peter Roe, left Laois, Ireland and immigrated to the United States. Robert enjoyed visiting St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Ireland and was a proud member of the “Friends of Maynooth,” dedicated to the restoration and upkeep of the college. He laid the first heritage stone in the Heritage Wall at the college, which pays tribute to his Irish ancestors. He has encouraged his surviving family members to visit the wall in honor of their forefathers as well. His dedication to St. Patrick’s College and Irish Heritage was recognized as he was awarded St. Patrick’s Medal of Honor Citation Award, given to him by His Eminence Cardinal Cahal B. Daley in May of 1997. For 22 years, he attended Maynooth’s Annual National Dinners in New York, always bringing friends and family along in celebration. In 2007, with two weeks notice, Robert attended the elevation of his dear friend His Eminence Cardinal Sean Brady to membership in the Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals over the Thanksgiving holiday. Robert was fondly known for his profound family loyalty and genuine friendship. He was a great humanitarian and ambassador of good will.

Like Ireland, Green Pond held a special place in Robert’s life. After his retirement from Congress, he spent his days at his beautiful house at waters edge. With a wall of windows overlooking the lake, the views over the water and towards the presiding mountains are spectacular. With one look, it becomes evident why he loved spending so much time there. With great attention to detail, the landscaping includes 4,000 tulip bulbs imported yearly from Holland, which he actively tended to among his gardens. He had a fondness for being on the water, whether in a powerboat or sailing along under Mother Nature’s guidance.

In his time away from work and Green Pond, Robert took every opportunity he could to see the world. Traveling to countries near and far, he eventually developed fluency in German, French, and Italian. All along the way, he made it a point to immerse himself into the local cultures and make friends in every corner of the globe.

Robert and his predeceased brother James owned the popular Preakness Valley Swimming and Recreation Pool which is currently owned by the town of Wayne and has since been renamed the James W. Roe Memorial Pool. Robert has also been preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Marriott, and is survived by his nieces Linda Harenburg and her husband Richard (Huntington Beach, CA), Denise Roe (Richmond, KY), Cheri Roe and her partner Terri Hobbs (Tacoma Park, MD), Karen Wright (Louisville, KY), Judy Riley and her husband William (Brownfield, ME), and Kim Taylor and her husband Brad (Woodstock, GA), his nephews; James W. Roe, Jr. and his wife Tracie (Brick, NJ), Robert A. Roe and his wife Irma (Sarasota, FL), Timothy S. Roe and his wife Kerri (Wayne, NJ), and Robert Marriott and his wife Pam (Herndon, VA), his many Grand-nieces and nephews and several Great Grand-nieces and nephews. He will also be fondly remembered by his two loyal and most-trusted assistants; Angela Milazzo and Grace Gurisic. Angela was originally hired at the age of 17 and has been by Robert’s side for sixty five years, from his early rise in government through his retirement at Green Pond. Grace Gurisic aided Robert in his State and Congressional District office in Paterson for many years.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Robert’s memory are asked to please consider “Friends of Maynooth” and mail to Dr. Thomas Ledwith, 436 W. 47th Street, New York, New York 10036 or to the Chilton Hospital Foundation, 97 West Pkwy, Pompton Plains, New Jersey 07444.

Helen “Hel” Paladino, age 59 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Sunday July 13, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Helen was born in Paterson and spent a great portion of her childhood in Hawthorne. After her graduation from Hawthorne High School in 1972, she attended William Paterson University and in 1976 graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology.

Helen worked answering phones for a short time at Hawthorne Chevrolet. She then got a job in the credit and collection department at Minolta in Ramsey, NJ. She worked there for several years. During her time at Minolta one of her co-workers set her up on a blind date with her (the co-worker’s) brother, James Paladino. Helen dated James for about two years until they were finally married in 1993. Shortly after they were married they moved to Wayne where they raised their family and shared 21 years of cherished marriage.

After leaving Minolta, Helen landed a job at Russ Berrie & Co in Oakland where she became the Director of Credit and Collection. She worked for Russ Berrie & Co for about ten years. It was during the latter part of her time there, when she was diagnosed with a rare form of Breast Cancer. Helen kept working until her illness forced her to stop.

Helen was very devoted to her faith. She was very involved and active at Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne where she also taught Sunday School. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother. Even though her time was “short” on this earth, she still believed in her heart that she had a very fulfilling life. She was caring, selfless and a very strong individual, she seemed to care about everyone else first, even when she was so very sick. She spent a lot of quality time with her family which included being in the bleachers to see her son Michael play baseball and time watching her grandsons. Helen enjoyed family celebrations and holidays, wether it was a birthday or Christmas Eve, her singing and playing guitar with immediate and extended family made memories all will cherish.

Helen’s family remembers her expressing that even though she was being called to the Lord too soon, that her life was still every bit complete. Helen also enjoyed crochet, baking, knitting and was quite an avid reader. She was a very special person and will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Helen is survived by her husband James Anthony Paladino of Wayne; 2 daughters Tara Kearney and her husband John of Wayne, and Kristin Garcia and her husband Anthony of Little Falls; 2 sons Joseph Paladino and his wife Courtney of Exton, PA, and Michael Paladino of Wayne; her mother Doris Goemaat of Hawthorne; one sister Jana DeJong and her husband Paul of Hawthorne; one brother Jay Goemaat and his wife Pam of Midland Park; and three grandsons Jack and Alex Kearney, and Anthony Luca Garcia; she was predeceased by her father John Goemaat in April 2011.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Helen’s name to Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne NJ 07470.

Barbara A. Liebchen (Protzo) age 75 of Wayne passed Sunday, July 13, 2014, with her family at her side.

She was born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey. Barbara graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1957. Just after high school, Barbara attended and graduated from the Grace Downs Academy in New York City, a flight attendant school.

She married Jonny Liebchen in December of 1958. Barbara was blessed with four beautiful children and was a devoted homemaker. Later, she was a Van driver for the Wayne Board of Education.Her giving and selfless nature enabled her to be the perfect mom and grandma. She always put others needs before her own, was empathetic, and a great confidant.

As she walked to the car to go to the hospital she stopped short, her son Jonny asked if she needed a chair or something and she replied no…you have to go inside and give the Hermit Crabs some water…I promised to do that for Brooke (her Granddaughter). She wouldn’t go to the hospital until Jonny finished the chore. To her, she was just being a mom and grandma, but to everyone she touched, she was truly one in a million.

She loved her country and the men and women who serve it. Barbara had a generous, loving and giving heart and touched many. Her life was fulfilled by doing for others and unconditionally loving her children and grandchildren. They were her whole world.

Barbara was the loving mother of Jonny Liebchen of Clifton, Gary Liebchen and his wife Lydia of Hackensack, Richard “Ricky” Liebchen and his wife Carol of Wayne, and Lorelei “Lori” Bilello and her husband John of Odessa, FL; cherished grandmother of Torre Liebchen, Paige Liebchen, Brooke Liebchen, and Catherine Bilello; dear sister Lorraine Armelin of Saint Petersburg, FL, and the late John “Sonny” Protzo, Jean “Ginger” Flick, and Edward “Buddy” Protzo.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Judes Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Michael “Arky” Semeraro, age 87, a fifty-three year resident of Wayne, passed peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

He was born in Paterson and raised in the Stony Road section of the city having attended Central High School with the Class of 1945. During and just after high school Arky worked at the Minerire Construction Company in Paterson driving a truck. In 1945 he, along with a group of his friends, enlisted in the Army. He served with the D company of the 18th Infantry Regiment and received the Army of Occupation (Germany) Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.

After being honorably discharged from the Army he went to work at the family business, Semeraro Brothers, a Paterson based utility construction company that had projects throughout North Jersey. He worked here for thirty-five years before retiring in 1992.

Arky summered in Toms River, wintered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and lived in Wayne. From youth to maturity he was dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Paterson where he was a member of the Our Lady of Pompeii club. He was also a member of the Italian Circle in Totowa. His fun, stern, energetic, upbeat, and generous personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Arky was incredibly dedicated to his grandchildren.

He was the loving husband of sixty-one years to Ruth (Windish) Semeraro; devoted father of Charles “Chuck” Semeraro of Pompton Plains, Michael Semeraro, Jr. and his wife Diane of Wayne, and Mark Semeraro of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Michelle, Arky III, Laura, Chelsea, Julia, and Michael Semeraro; dear brother of Katie Cole of Sunrise, FL, Rose Kelly and her husband Bill of Riverdale, Lea Caramalis and her husband Nick of Tampa, FL, Luann “Lukie” Terlizzi of Naples, FL, and the late Antoinette Matis and late Frank Semeraro.

Salvatore Lasaracino age 84 of Wayne passed Tuesday, July 8, 2014.

He was born in the family home in Paterson where he was raised. In 1965 Sal moved his family to Wayne where he has lived for the past forty-nine years.

Sal worked for the Curtis Wright Corporation as a young man. Seeing potential in him they sent him to a trade school to learn drafting. He worked for Curtis Wright as a draftsman and later accepted a position with the Singer Kearfott Corporation having worked again as a draftsman in their Clifton, Little Falls, and Wayne locations before retiring in 1989.

Sal’s favorite pastime in life was seeing the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. For the past ten years he was totally dedicated to his grandchildren and enjoyed every minute he shared with them. He was a hard worker and extremely organized. Sal’s brother Vito loved the Cincinnati Reds and passed that love on to him. Most all who knew Sal would remember his Cincinnati Reds ball cap that was forever part of his attire.

He was the loving husband of thirty-nine years to the late Theresa Lasaracino; devoted father of David Lasaracino and his wife Laura of Summit, and Marie Burian and her husband Craig of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Patrick Burian and his wife Kimberly, Matthew Burian, Gregory Lasaracino, Kelly Burian, and Joseph Lasaracino; dear brother of the late Vito Larison, and late Mary Van Tol.

Nancy Jane Robbins, age 80 of Oak Ridge, NJ, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Her family stood lovingly by her side at the time of her passing.

Born in New Haven, CT, Nancy was a resident of Oak Ridge for the past twenty-two years.

She and her husband, George, met when she was just eight years old and he was twelve. George became best friends with her brother, Bill. Eventually, George asked Nancy to go to the movies on their first date. They married on August 16,1952 at St. Mary's Church in Branford, CT. They spent the next 61 years side by side loving life together.

Nancy's love of being outdoors caring for her beautiful flower gardens was matched by her love of being indoors, nurturing her prize-winning house plants. She took great pride in her role as a faithful wife and loving mother to her five children. Nancy’s family loved her cooking and baking and some of their favorite recipes included her Mom’s (Da's) Goulash and Pound Cake, Chicken Tetrazzini, and Cranberry Bread. These recipes, along with many others, are still carried on by her children and grandchildren. Nancy's passion for holidays and carrying on of family traditions meant for festive and fun times for anyone who had the pleasure of celebrating these days with her and George at the Robbins household. Nancy was known to be a beach girl. She and George traveled together often, making lifetime memories with their children at many islands and beaches.

She will be fondly remembered for her loving dedication to her family and friends, and for being a great listener and mentor to many. Her love and grace has touched many hearts.

Surviving are Nancy’s beloved husband of 61 years, George; her five dear children: Pamela and husband Michael Meeker of Riverdale, Deborah and husband Robert Westhouse of Amelia Island, FL, Jan Augustine of Wauconda, IL, Thomas and wife Michele Robbins of Lake Zurich, IL, and William and wife Sally Robbins of Wanaque; twelve cherished grandchildren and six adored great-grandchildren; and her sister Jane and husband Noland Murphy of Branford, CT. Nancy was predeceased by her dear son George Michael and her brother William Mischler.

Eileen H Smyth of Hobe Sound FL and formerly of Wayne NJ age 89.

Wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother, Eileen Elizabeth Handler was born in Newark in 1925 and grew up in East Orange. Her father William was of German and Scottish lineage and her mother Edna came from England as a baby. Eileen met her future husband Bill in high school and they married when he returned from service in WWII. Moving to the Preakness valley section of Wayne in 1953 she lovingly raised a daughter and three sons there giving them a wonderful childhood.

A fabulous cook, she also enjoyed sewing and gardening in her spare time. She was a proud grandmother and everyone in the family looked forward to holidays at Mom’s. Always a cheerful and considerate person, she thought the best of everyone. Never an unkind word came from her lips.

Eileen and Bill enjoyed winter vacations in Florida and finally moved there full time in 1996. Residents of a golf community in Hobe Sound they loved to play the game and socialize with their many friends.

Eileen is survived by her daughter Nancy Smyth Yannetti formerly of Northvale NJ, sons Kenneth Smyth and wife Anne of West Friendship MD, Steven Smyth and wife Claire of Kennett Square PA, David Smyth and his wife Christine of Wayne NJ. Also grandchildren Alison Smyth Lynn and husband Jason of Alexandria VA, Lyndsay Smyth of Alexandria and Jillayne Smyth of Washington DC, Kevin Smyth of NYC, Christa Smyth of Washington DC, Daniel Smyth and Stephanie Smyth of Wayne NJ. Her great grandchildren are Preston and Harrison Lynn of Alexandria VA.

She was predeceased by William, her devoted husband of 67 years, this April and by her beloved younger sister Audrey in January.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Eileen’s memory are asked to please consider the Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.

Daniel Ligotti age 47 of Clifton passed Monday, July 7, 2014.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in Oakland, and lived in Garfield, before moving to Clifton two years ago.

Danny loved to feed people and worked as a cook in area restaurants for many years.

Danny’s wit, dry humor and caring nature will be missed by all. He loved animals and had a special place in his heart for retired racing greyhounds of which he had four.

He was the loving husband of Susan McFadden-Rogers-Ligotti; cherished son of George Ligotti and  the late Kathryn Ligotti; step-son of Diane Ligotti; father of John Ligotti of Virginia Beach, VA; brother of James Ligotti and his wife Cathy of Newfoundland, and Peter Ligotti and his wife Kim of Oak Ridge; loved uncle of Alyssa, Joseph, and Amber Ligotti; loved by his Aunt Christine and Uncle Jim Groeber of Collings Lakes, NJ and Uncle David Tomasella of South Jersey; and much loved by several cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Greyhound Friends of New Jersey or the Scooby North America would be appreciated.

Gerard J. Porter Sr., age 92, a lifelong resident of Wayne, passed peacefully at home with the comfort of family by his side on Saturday, July 5, 2014

Gerard “Jerry” J. Porter, Sr. age 92, a lifelong resident of Wayne, passed peacefully at home with the comfort of family by his side, on Saturday, July 5, 2014. He resided in the Packanack Lake Community within the township for almost 70 years.

Jerry, as most knew him, was extremely dedicated to the governance of Wayne Township. He was elected to the Wayne Town Council for four consecutive terms in the Third Ward and was chosen Council President three times during his twenty years of service. He served four years as a Regular Member to the Library Board and served one year as President, served six years as a member of the Planning Board and one year as Chairperson, served four years on the Wayne Township Budget Committee, acted as Council liaison to the Library Board for two years, served as Council liaison to the Planning Board for two years, was appointed to the Preakness Health Care Center Board for three years and was President of the Board for one year, was elected to the Saint Joseph Health Care Board for three years, member of the Straight and Narrow Board of Managers in Paterson, and volunteered at Eva’s Kitchen’s Food Pantry in Paterson.

He was a long time parishioner, Eucharistic Minister, and was active with the school at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne. His assistance with the church’s basketball program earned him the nickname “Coach.” He was also a longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 1020 and the Paterson Diocesan Tithing Program.

Jerry was instrumental in founding many of the sports programs in the Packanack Lake Community in Wayne. He was a member of the Packanack Golf Club for many years.

Jerry served in the United States Army and was a veteran of WWII. Although he only had one good eye he served in the infantry and artillery divisions. Before being honorably discharged in December of 1945, he received the American Theatre Ribbon, the European African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was a member of the American legion Post 174 and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He met the love of her life Doris Welle when she was dating a basketball player. Jerry saw her and wouldn’t take no for an answer – hard to believe when you know Gerry - when requesting a date. Doris finally gave in and they went to a “ring dance” and then to a fancy restaurant in Wayne named the “Alps Manor”(on Alps Road)on their first date. Jerry was 21 and Doris was 17 when they married. They honeymooned in Atlantic City and celebrated their wedding at the “Fork and Spoon” a famous restaurant in Atlantic City which is still in business. Jerry was already serving in the Army during WWII when they married, and they had their first child, Joann (Porter) Mauer, which he did not find out about for some time as the mail service was slow during the war.

Jerry was the loving husband of the late Doris B. (nee Welle) Porter (April 2013); devoted father of JoAnn M. Maurer and her husband Robert of Newtown, CT, Tim Porter of Wayne, Gerard “Skip” Porter and his wife Mary of Wayne, Jayne Elizabeth Baskin and her husband Ron of Atlanta, GA, Doris B. Porter of Atlanta, GA, Thomas Porter and his wife Lisa of Haledon, Patrick Porter and his wife Carole of Wayne, and the late Debbie Porter (2008); cherished grandfather of ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; loved brother of the late Walter J. Porter (2013) and the late Geraldine George.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Packanack Fire Company #5, 5 Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ 07470 or the Passaic Valley Hospice, 783 Riverview Drive, Totowa, NJ 07511 would be appreciated.

Ellen Beth Faber, age 46 of North Haledon, on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

After a valiant fight with breast cancer, Ellen Beth Faber, age 46 of North Haledon, entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 5, 2014. She was supported by the loving care of her family who were by her side at the time of her passing.

Ellen was born in Ridgewood and grew up with her parents Peter and Beatrice Spalt and her older sister Jo-Ann in North Haledon. She was a 1986 graduate of Eastern Christian High School in North Haledon where she met Craig Faber, her husband-to-be. Ellen also received a degree from Berkeley Secretarial School, in Ridgewood, NJ. Craig took notice of Ellen when they were both on a Spanish class trip to Puerto Rico. When they got back Craig wasted little time to ask Ellen out and their first date took place on March 9, 1984. The date went well and their loving relationship began that night. Following permission from Ellen’s parents, Craig proposed on-one-knee while down the shore. Ellen and Craig were united in marriage on Saturday, June 18, 1988 at the Second Reformed Church of Wyckoff, with Reverend Daniel Mouw officiating the ceremony. Ellen’s father was a dedicated fireman in North Haledon so he was able to secure the banquet hall at North Haledon fire house for the wedding reception.

Following a honeymoon in Barbados, the newlyweds initially settled in Hawthorne where they lived for two years before bouncing from apartment to apartment in Haledon, ultimately settling in Midland Park where they lived from 1991 to 1997. During those early years of marriage, they welcomed two of their three daughters – Victoria in 1990 and Brittany in 1991. She considered being a mom one of her greatest blessings and her love for her daughters is like nothing else in this world.

Along with her new role as a loving mom, Ellen continued working as a secretary with Broadway and later, Atlantic Stewardship Bank. After six years in Midland Park, the Faber’s moved once more, this time to Ellen’s childhood hometown of North Haledon. The home they purchased was right next door to Ellen’s parents so there was always lots of opportunity to celebrate family, and Ellen lived there to this present time. Throughout the years, she also worked various other jobs including High Mountain Eyecare and Veenstra’s Delicatessen, making lasting friendships with many of her co-workers.

Ellen continued to be a wonderful supportive wife and mom to Craig and the girls. She loved children and cared for many little ones over the years, including her nieces – Gabriella and Gianna to whom she was like a second mom.

Ellen was blessed with another opportunity to be a mom in January of 2013 when they welcomed their third daughter – Ella Rose! It was during this pregnancy that she was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Ella was the joy of her life. She fought hard, beginning chemotherapy while still in her third trimester, and never giving in to cancer's relentless attack on her body and life. The meaning of the name Ellen is 'Torch; bright light', and her light will continue to shine in all of her daughters today. Her strength was amazing, and she most certainly is living in heaven waiting for the rest of us.

Ellen was the consummate baker and she was especially famous for her cake creations, chocolate chip cookies, and Florida Pie. Ellen often received requests to make cakes for birthdays, graduations, engagements and even a wedding cake! There was never a time her house was without chocolate chip cookies and it was not uncommon for Ellen to start baking late at night. Her house was always filled with the glorious smell of freshly baked cookies!

From the time Ellen was just a little baby her family vacationed at Brant Lake in New York State. That tradition continued throughout her whole life and she passed it on to Craig and her daughters. To say that many life-time memories were made in Brant Lake would be an understatement, and her family will cherish those memories for years to come.

All who knew Ellen, know of her love for the color purple. She loved dark chocolate, especially mounds bars. She loved classic movies featuring stars like Doris Day and Carey Grant, and had the uncanny ability to tell you all the movies a given star was in. Throughout the years she enjoyed the company of her pets including her childhood dog Pom Pom and her cats Puffers and Midnight (who lived to be 19!), and most recently her dogs, a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cocoa and her yellow lab named Dallas -who misses her very much!

Ellen was a member of the Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church of Wyckoff where she served as Sunday school teacher, G.E.M.’s counselor and Children’s Church leader. She was grateful to her church family for all of their support and care and had many friends and cousins that she loved dearly. Most importantly, she was a devoted wife and loving mother, daughter, sister and aunt who, in her gentle, quiet, kind-hearted way, always looked out for the interests of others.

Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of 26 years, Craig; her three dear daughters: Victoria Anne Faber, Brittany Noelle Faber, and Ella Rose Faber; her loving parents: Peter and Beatrice Spalt; dear sister Jo-Ann and husband David Angelucci; father-in-law James Faber; three brother-in-laws: Russell Faber and wife Maria, Bryon Faber and wife Kelly, and Jason Faber and wife Janet; and eight nieces and nephews: Gabriella, Gianna, Melissa, Lorena, Kristen, Daniel, Henry, and Zoey. She also loved Victoria’s fiancé Joe Macaluso and Brittany’s boyfriend Jordan Klingler and considered them already a part of her family. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law Ellen G. Faber in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ellen’s name are asked to consider contributing to Ella's Education Fund, 5 Sicomac Road PBM #102, North Haledon, NJ 07508 (please make checks payable to Ella's Fund), or the Valley Hospital Foundation, 223 North Van Dien Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Please designate your gift to the Breast Surgery Program in memory of Ellen Faber.

Elsie Westphal (nee Kopp) age 101 passed away peacefully on Thursday July 3, 2014 at her home in Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains.

Elsie was born on November 8, 1912 to Frank and Sophie (Prohl) and raised in Hoboken where she lived for 45 years. She married Ernest Westphal in 1956. They moved to Parsippany, and spent the next 40 years together in a loving marriage until his passing.

Elsie worked as an Executive Secretary for Burlington Mills in New York City for many years until her retirement in 1960.

While Ernie was very quiet, Elsie was very outgoing and active. She loved gardening, cooking and quite a variety of “Hand Work”, including crocheting afghans for all of her family and friends. Although she didn’t have any children, Elsie treated her nieces and nephews of each generation as her own and couldn’t do enough for them.

Elsie was very active in Trinity Lutheran Church in Morris Plains and a member of the Altar Guild.

Elsie was a member of the “Office on Aging” in Parsippany where she was very involved in running their boutique. She was also named Parsippany Senior Citizen of the Year.

A few years after her husband Ernie passed away she moved to Cedar Crest Village where she became extremely social with the other residents. She would make her way to the resident mailbox area in her wheelchair where she would retrieve their mail as she said “they can’t get around very well.”

Elsie lived a full rich life and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Elsie is survived by her niece Betsy Andersen and her husband Ronald of Wayne; 2 grandnephews Ronald Andersen and his wife Theresa of Kinnelon and Robert Andersen and his wife Andrea of Wayne; 6 great grandnieces and nephews Erica, Valerie, Brian Sean, Meghan and Christopher; and her goddaughter Ruth Havens and her husband Richard and their children Christopher and Steven. She was pre-deceased by her husband Ernest in 1996 as well as her brother Edwin Kopp in 1968.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cedar Crest Benevolent Fund, c/o Philanthropy Office, 1 Cedar Crest Dr., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Josephine L. Famette (Walenczyk) age 89 of Wayne passed peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2014.

She was born in Montville, CT to Walter and Helen Walenczyk and spent her formative years in Garfield, NJ having graduated from Garfield High School.

Josephine, lovingly known as “Grandma Jo,” “Grammy,” or “Jo,” was the consummate hostess and known for her parties and family entertaining. Christmas along with caroling were always made extra special by her and will never be the same. She will be fondly remembered for annual family gatherings at her home in Sea Crest at the Jersey Shore, her love of dancing – just a few weeks before she passed she was dancing with the residents at her assisted living home, and her love of anything with a leopard print – to many she was known as the “leopard woman.”

While at a dance many years ago she met a cute man named Robert ("Bob") Famette. They danced and she later confessed to her girlfriends, "I met the man I'm going to marry!" They were married on April 24, 1948 and honeymooned out West where they visited the Grand Canyon. They had a loving and caring marriage of 45 years before Bob's passing in 1993.

She was the loving mother of Aimee Brash and her husband George of Wayne, and Audrey Famette of Montpelier, VT; cherished grandmother of Gregory Brash and his wife Alison of Chatham, Heather Thomas and her husband Sean of Wayne, Sara and Emily Hassard both of Montpelier, VT; dear great-grandmother of Brayden and Briella Thomas, and Miles and Ryan Brash; loved sister of Benjamin Walenczyk of Collegeville, PA, Albin Walenczyk of Berkeley Twp, and the late Viola Bajek, Stanley and Henry Walenczyk; much loved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Compassionate Care Foundation, 11 Independence Way, Newark, Delaware, 19713 would be appreciated.

Jerome “Jerry” Bernard Mahon, Jr. age 82 of Wayne, a forty-seven year resident of Little Falls, passed peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2014.

He was born in Paterson and raised in Clifton having graduated from Saint John’s High School in Paterson with the Class of 1950. Soon after graduating from high school Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. He attained the rank of Corporal and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Medal before being honorably discharged in 1954.

His work history includes time as a soda jerk, working a stamping machine at the Haband Tie Company in Paterson, a bus driver for the Greyhound Bus Company in New York City, as a part time driver for the Exxon Corporation delivering heating fuel with eventually rolled into a full time position driving a fuel tanker to gas stations throughout New Jersey. His son Matthew remembers his dad driving the truck through Little Falls several times to pick him up so he could ride along with his dad. Based out of Linden, he worked for the Exxon Corporation for thirty years before retiring in 1993.

Jerry enjoyed all kinds of reading but especially enjoyed history, military, and read National Geographic religiously. He had a real talent for painting and drawing, especially animated characters. He was a fun loving guy who enjoyed a good party, barbeques with family and friends, beer, scotch, family trips to Jones Beach in New York, and Wildwood Crest in New Jersey. Always a sports enthusiast he was a true New York Mets and Giants fan. Many times he brought his family to Shea, Giants, and Yankee stadiums to watch games.

He went on a blind, double date with his best friend Jim Archer and met a cute girl named Martha Ann Torres. They soon fell in love and married at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church on 139th Street in New York City. His uncle Leo Benedict Mahon married them on November 30, 1957 and they honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York. They enjoyed fifty-seven years of a loving and caring marriage.

Jerry was the loving husband of Martha Ann Mahon; devoted father of James Mahon of Bayville, Stephen Mahon and his wife Jami of Highland Lakes, Matthew Mahon and his wife Maryann of Wayne, and Kathleen Mahon of Washington; cherished grandfather of Melissa, Jessica, Lisa, Nicole, and Rachel Mahon; loved brother of Dolores Primavera of Pompton Lakes, Leo Mahon and his wife Janet of Brick, Donald Mahon and his wife Agnes of Vernon, and William Mahon of Arizona.

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

Robert Drew Foster, age 74 of Wanaque, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 22, 2014 after a three-year battle with cancer. He passed peacefully as his family was by his side singing hymns and reminiscing with him about the life God gave him and the glorious eternal life he was about to experience.

Bob was born in West Paterson. As a young boy, his family moved to Pompton Plains and Bob graduated from Butler High School in 1956. Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, went to boot camp and spent some time at sea before being sent by the Navy to Notre Dame University. He then returned to the Mediterranean where he finished out his service in 1960.

Back in New Jersey, one night his father convinced Bob to join him at the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne to watch his little sister and mother compete in their ladies bowling league. There he spotted a sweet young lady named Helena Fylstra who was bowling in that same league. Helena’s girlfriends and teammates gave her some money to get sodas and snacks from the concession stand. While waiting for her order to be filled, she noticed that Bob was looking at her so she asked him, “Why are you looking at me?” Bob didn’t answer but the next week he came to watch her again. This time he greeted her at the door and wasted no time to see if she would like to go out with him. Their first date was the following Saturday, March 11, 1961 at the Windham Restaurant and Dance Hall in Riverdale. They enjoyed spirited conversation, refreshing drinks and some shrimp cocktail. When the band started playing, Bob asked Helena if she’d like to dance. Helena knew the jitterbug – a popular dance of the day, so they danced to that and the cha-cha. While on the dance floor, Bob asked Helena out again. Helena’s response was, “you’re supposed to call me on the phone to ask me out.” Wasting no time, Bob called her the next day and the following Wednesday, they went to the drive-in movie theater. That night, when he dropped her off at home he kissed her. Helena played the organ for the congregation of Preakness Reformed Church. The following Sunday, Bob showed up at church. After the service, the pastor inquired as to what brought him to church that morning. Bob replied, “I’m here for the organist.” Exactly two months after their first date, on May 11, 1961, Bob asked Helena to marry him. Helena loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and since Bob came to agree that He needed to be first in their lives, she enthusiastically accepted Bob’s proposal. She received her engagement ring the following October 31st and they exchanged their vows before God, family and friends on April 6, 1962 at the Preakness Christian Reformed Church in Wayne (but Helena didn’t play the organ that day). A reception followed at the Eastern Christian High School cafeteria in North Haledon, catered by the Willing Workers, a group of volunteer women from Fourth Christian Reformed Church of Paterson.

After the wedding and their honeymoon in the Poconos, the newlyweds settled in Hawthorne beginning their life together as husband and wife. They were soon blessed with children – first Sandra in 1963, then Cynthia in 1964, Robert in 1966 and James in 1970. They eventually moved to Franklin Lakes where they lived for 39 years before moving to Wanaque two-and-a-half years ago.

Bob’s first job was with ITT in Paramus where he worked as a draftsman for five years. From there he joined the family business, JSC Wire and Cable in Wayne – manufacturers and distributors of wire. He started in the shipping department, moving through the ranks from salesman to sales manager, ultimately becoming the president. He loved his work for 47 years from 1964 to 2011 when he was diagnosed with leukemia, forcing him to step down.

Robert faithfully served as a deacon, then elder as well as a member of the Booster Club and he taught Sunday school and catechism at Franklin Lakes Christian Reformed Church. He later served as a deacon and elder at Faith Community Church of Wyckoff before he and Helena joined Hawthorne Gospel Church. There Bob cherished his role as usher where he was able to learn countless people’s stories. In his own somewhat quiet way, Bob ministered and blessed many by being a good listener and touching people’s hearts with kind words which came from his good heart and devotion to the Lord. Many would tell Helena what a great guy he was!

Bob loved being out in God’s creation, working in his gardens – both vegetable and flower. To Bob a good zucchini was a big zucchini – really big, and one time he tried growing watermelons but soon put a stop to that after he realized that they were taking over his whole yard. He loved his flowers including roses, daylilies and a variety of different annuals and perennials. The deer apparently liked the flowers too, one time eating all of his impatiens that were planted in the two barrels at the end of the driveway. As a young man Bob liked to go fishing and he was recently going to take up the sport again but his illness prevented him from that. Sailing was a sport he especially enjoyed and he taught all of his children how to sail a sunfish. The family cherished countless vacation memories at Lake Saint Catherine in Vermont and also Camp of the Woods in Speculator, NY. Bob was an avid sports fan. When he and Helena married he said, “now that we’re making this new start, why don’t we cheer for a new team together?” The agreed that they would root for the NY Mets and have continued all through their 52 years of marriage through the best times like 1986 when they posted a record of 108 wins and 54 losses, and the worst times, like their inaugural season of 1962 when they posted a record of 40 wins and 120 losses. For many years Bob had season tickets to Shea Stadium and the family enjoyed many good times in the old ballpark in Flushing Queens. Bob also rooted for Notre Dame and Army and Navy football and the football Giants. Originally a Knicks fan, he eventually converted to the Nets. Music was another important part of Bob’s life. He liked all genres, including country, pop, opera, and sacred music - both hymns and contemporary. If he liked a certain album or CD, then the neighborhood better like it too because Bob loved to play his music loud! His family eventually bought him headphones because they didn’t always embrace what he thought was great. He also enjoyed going to garage sales and he had one quirky, yet endearing hobby of purchasing weird little gadgets from weird little gadget magazines. He was soon on the mailing list of many of these peddlers of items that would just make you say, “Huh?”

Bob was a true-blue family man. He adored his wife and children and cherished his precious grandchildren. He loved the fact that God made each one of them unique. He found it easy to be patient with them and just enjoyed being with them. Even when he got sick three years ago, he would love throwing the ball to his youngest grandson Austin. If you asked his granddaughter Kristen when she was four years old, who she was going to marry she would get a smile on her face and say “I’m going to marry Grandpa.” Defining family transcended bloodlines as he loved all people and was always ready to serve them if they needed something. Even when he was sick himself, too sick to work anymore, he gladly drove other people who were sick to their doctor appointments. He met so many wonderful people as an usher at the church and he was always glad to listen to their problems over a cup of coffee and offer whatever advice he could to help them.

His Lord God was always first in Bob’s life and he learned a great deal from the Master about being a hard-working, quiet, humble servant who never needed to seek the limelight.

Robert is survived by Helena, his loving wife of 52 years; four children: Sandra Vriesema and husband John of Whitinsville, MA, Cynthia Flim and husband Robert of Hawthorne, Robert Foster and wife Cindy of Snohomish, WA, and James Foster and wife Tonia of Westmont, IL; and 13 grandchildren: Rebecca, Rachel, Kristen, Michael, Jonathan, Joshua, Matthew, Leah, Hannah, Katelyn, Jaden, Austin and Mia. Bob was predeceased by his sister Barbara Romano.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Foundation for Eastern Christian School, 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508-2449, or Hawthorne Gospel Missions Program, c/o Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 Route 208, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, would be appreciated.

Richard "Dick" Zogheb of Wayne, New Jersey passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2014.

Richard Zogheb, 80.

Richard "Dick" Zogheb of Wayne, New Jersey passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2014.

Dick was born October 26, 1933 in Union City, New Jersey to Shehade Zogheb and Adele Husni Zogheb.

He graduated from Weehawken High School and earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.

After serving in the military, he worked for Argo International Corporation for many years, retiring in 1999. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his wife, Elizabeth Mary ("Betty"), the love of his life for over 50 years, Dick is survived by his brother, Edward, his son, Richard C. ("Rick"), Rick's children, Kelly, Kaila, Jack and Ryan and their mother, Kathleen Stanbrough Zogheb, and his daughter, Patricia Zogheb Hart, her husband, Michael Howard Hart and their children, Hannah, Emma and Michael.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).

Rosa Giardina, age 96 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2014.

Born in the Bronx, she moved with her family to Sicily, where her father had a farm, when she was about six years old. Sadly, her father passed away soon thereafter and Rosa’s mother raised six children on her own. During World War II, life in Sicily had its challenges. Much of Rosa’s teenage years were spent in bomb shelters, struggling to survive. Her husband Angelo was captured by the Allies while fighting for the Italian Army in Africa. He was sent to a POW camp in the state of Maryland, USA. Rosa, being a natural born US citizen, moved to Maryland with her children so she could be closer to Angelo. Upon his release, their family was reunited and they settled in the Philadelphia area. In the 1950’s, they moved to the Riverside neighborhood of Paterson, where there was a large contingent of Sicilians living at the time.

To say that Rosa was an excellent cook would be an understatement. Her meals were fantastic, her pasta was the best, and her ravioli’s were craved by all. Her grandchildren called her “Grandma Roni” and they always looked forward to meals at her house. Thursday and Sunday were “pasta night” at Rosa’s. She was also very skilled at crocheting and could make some of the finest Italian lace you have ever seen.

Rosa was devoted to the Rosary and prayed all day long. In recent years it became difficult for her to attend church regularly, so she would tune the TV to watch her daily Mass.

Longevity sometimes has its drawbacks. Rosa lost her husband Angelo nearly forty years ago, in 1977, and her eldest son Sebastian of Bloomingdale passed away in April of 2013. She is survived by three sons; Joseph and his wife Lenore of Wayne, Angelo and his wife Valerie of Colonia, and Salvatore and his wife Dianne of Pompton Plains, a daughter-in-law; Cathi Giardina of Bloomingdale, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, as well as two great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation America, 4742 N. 24th Street, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4862 would be greatly appreciated.

Ruth Rose Hawkins Dangler, age 88, entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 20, 2014.

Ruth was born December 12, 1925 to Harold E. and Gertrude B. Rose in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a happy home during the depression which, as it did for many, influenced how she looked at everything! She was a happy child, and her father called her “Happy”. She loved dolls and made clothes for them, which translated later into sewing many things around the house including clothes for herself and her daughter, Barbara. Paper dolls, jacks, hop scotch, and double dutch jump rope were just some of the childhood activities she enjoyed, and roller skating was not only fun but one of her main forms of transportation as a teenager. Reading and knitting were things she did throughout her life!

Sally, her older sister, predeceased her. To say they were close is an understatement. They talked on the phone at least once per day, and sometimes more, especially when Sally and her family moved from next door to 10 minutes away to the other side of town!

Ruth graduated from Centenary Junior College in 1946. In 1948, Ruth married Alan W. Hawkins whom she had met when they attended Cheltenham High School. Five years later their son, David was born. In 1954 they moved into the home in Summit they shared for 32 of their 38 years. Eight years after David was born, Barbara came into this world.

Once David and Barbara were both in school Ruth began working at the United Methodist Church of Summit, New Jersey, where she was employed for over 20 years. It was during this time she tragically lost her beloved husband, Alan. While continuing to work as secretary for the church, she met Weston Dangler, and they were eventually married in 1993.

Ruth and Wes enjoyed their friends in Summit as well as friends and time in Florida for the next 10 years. In 2004 they made the decision to move to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, New Jersey where they made many new friends and renewed some old friendships.

Ruth lost Wes in 2006, but continued to live in Cedar Crest. Her family and friends continued to be the center of her life. In April of this year she fell ill, and passed away on June 20th. She is survived by her:

Son, David A. Hawkins and his wife Gail C. Hawkins

Daughter, Barbara Pederson and her husband Dwight

Granddaughters Amy R. Hawkins, Samantha K. Hawkins and Andrea M. Pederson

Niece, Janice M. Conti

Nephew, Andrew K. Merry

Nephew, Robert Hawkins

And other extended family who referred to her as “Aunt” and “Mom”!

Ruth will be remembered for her positive attitude, her sense of humor, her hopeful spirit and her kind and caring heart.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Ruth’s honor to the Cedar Crest Scholar’s Fund, 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Nancy Marie Cavallo (nee Clarken), age 50 of Wayne, died suddenly on Thursday, June 19, 2014.

Born in Paterson and raised in Totowa, Nancy graduated from DePaul Catholic High School with the class of 1981. She earned a degree in criminal justice and enjoyed a long career in public safety. Among her early jobs, she served as a Marshall for the Totowa Police Department. She was trained as an EMT in 1983 and served as an EMT with the Totowa First Aid Squad and the Paterson Fire Department for several years before leaving to raise her children. She later worked as the Practice Administrator for High Mountain Health before joining the Hawthorne Police Department as a police dispatcher in 2005.

While working for the Totowa Police Department, she met a young West Paterson Police Officer named Donald Cavallo. They’re romance blossomed and a wedding was planned for June 15, 1986 at St. Gerard’s RC Church, Paterson. They’re honeymoon to Hawaii followed and for their fifteenth wedding anniversary they brought their whole family back to Hawaii to celebrate again! Over the years, she loved to travel with her family all around the US including several trips to Disney World and numerous beach resorts. She was a huge Disney fan and loved wearing her “Grumpy” sweatshirt. She also enjoyed escaping to their home in Little Egg Harbor where she could truly relax. Of course, a visit to play the slots in Atlantic City was never out of the question either.

Nancy was devoted to her family. She was an “amazing mom” to her two children. She was a Scout leader for many years, helping her daughter Megan earn the Bronze Award, family camping with the cub scouts and providing support for Matthew on his quest for Eagle Scout. She also spent countless days at Hidden Valley, Campgaw, and other ski areas skiing with the family. School, sports, church, scouts, she was always there for them.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband Donald, her two children; Megan and Matthew of Wayne, her dear mother; Nancy Clarken of Totowa, her sister Lisa Monteyne and her husband Donald, nephews Andrew and Ryan of Wayne, her sister-in-law; Jane DeSantis and her husband Larry, niece Lauren and nephew Nicholas of Hackettstown, her mother and father-in-law; Anne and Albert Cavallo of West Paterson, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Memorial donations, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474, or the National Ski Patrol, PO Box 3021, Wayne, NJ 07474.

Joan K. Sager (Knapp) age 78 of Fairfield passed peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2014.

She was born in the family home on 51st in North Bergen, where she was raised, having graduated from Union Hill High School with the Class of 1953.

Her first job was as a bank teller in North Bergen, having later worked in New York City as secretary in the insurance industry. After dedicating herself to raising her family for several years she again entered the workforce working as a bookkeeper for Dicar Corporation in Montville, EME Trucking in Passaic, and finally for the accounting firm Massood & Company in Fairfield before retiring in 1988.

Joan will be remembered as a bubbly, loving, caring, fantastic person. She was a great baker and her special touch on blueberry, apple, and rhubarb pies, and the multitude of Christmas cookies will be greatly missed. She was also very skilled in the kitchen making comfort food like meatloaf and stuffed peppers. All who saw her in the kitchen will remember she could never be rushed and was meticulous with her preparation of all ingredients. That attention to detail carried over into her housekeeping and whether it was laundry, dusting, or even cleaning the windows she was fastidious.

Joan met her future husband Wayne Sager through mutual friends. Their first date was bowling in North Bergen. They soon fell in love and Wayne asked Joan to marry him. Joan told him he had better ask her dad first. With a little sweat on his brow Wayne asked Joan’s father Marshall for his daughter’s hand in marriage. With her dad’s blessing they married on March 22, 1964 at the Grove Reformed Church in North Bergen. They honeymooned in Miami, Florida and had a loving, caring, and devoted marriage of fifty years.

Joan was the loving wife of Wayne Sager; devoted mother of Marsha Sager-Kurzweil and her loving companion Frank Sykes of Pequannock; cherished grandmother of Jennifer Kurzweil; dear sister of the late Marshall Knapp.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 would be appreciated.

Vera Besso, age 94, of Wayne, passed peacefully into glorious, eternal rest on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Her oldest son Bruce and the family at Chelsea at Brookfield Assisted Living home were lovingly at her side at the time of her passing.

Born at home on 168 Putman Street in Paterson, shortly thereafter Vera’s parents, Albert and Ida Siersma moved her and her four older siblings to Totowa. It’s in Totowa that Vera grew up. She was attending the local high school when her father’s life was suddenly and tragically ended due to an auto accident in his milk delivery truck. Vera’s brother Albert was also injured in the collision. So with two less bread-winners in the house, Vera was forced to quit school and go to work. She and her sister Connie got jobs sewing in a women’s underclothing factory.

When she was a young lady, Vera’s two brothers were into riding motorcycles. The boys had a friend that they often road with named Verviers Besso. Yes, he was Italian, but his signature-red hair gave everyone the impression that he was Irish. That hair color earned Verviers the nickname “Pat” and the nickname stuck! Vera’s brothers introduced Pat to her and it didn’t take long for the two to realize they were made for each other. They fell in love, marrying on January 1, 1943 - New Year’s Day! Pat liked to kid that Vera had to get him a bit inebriated the night before to get him to the alter. The newlyweds settled in Wayne eventually purchasing Pat’s parent’s home on Central Avenue where they enjoyed many years and cherished many memories together. In 1946, Vera and Pat were blessed with their firstborn – a son named Bruce. Vera stayed home to take care of him, returning to work when he was old enough, only to quit work and stay home again when her son Stephen and daughter Janice were born in 1952 and 1954. Five years later when Janice entered kindergarten, Vera rejoined the workforce, first with a manufacturing company in Fair Lawn. She ultimately went to work for a company called Modern Decorating, a bottle printer in Paterson where she served as a product inspector. She loved the job and remained there for over twenty years until a stroke forced her to retire in 1990 at age 70. Vera’s beloved Pat passed away in 1986. Vera stayed in their house in Wayne until May, 2000, and then she moved closer to her daughter Janice in Milford. In 2013 she moved again, this time to Chelsea at Brookfield, a senior living community in Belvedere where she remained until her passing.

As a young mom, Vera enthusiastically supported her children in their involvement in the 4-H Club, at times hosting hundreds of chickens in the basement. What mattered to Vera was giving her children experiences that would teach them lessons they could carry with them throughout their lives. Vera was an excellent baker of pies and cakes. When a pumpkin pie needed to be baked for a holiday meal or “just because,” everyone knew who made the best one…..Vera! Her pumpkin pies were completely made from scratch, including the crust! Her family loved her fresh baked muffins and turnovers too.

Vera was a wonderful support to her husband Pat in his involvement as a volunteer fire fighter with Preakness Volunteer Fire Company 4. Pat was the chef for the company clambakes, spaghetti dinners and he and Vera enjoyed working together on the company fundraisers, enjoying the camaraderie with the other fire fighters and their wives. Everyone remembers those Hawaiian Luaus!

Vera always had a happy outlook on life. She had a great time playing organ and singing. As a long-time member of the Preakness Christian Reformed Church in Wayne, she occasionally played for Sunday services, but she also just loved to play and sing for her own amusement, and she had a special love for the music of Lawrence Welk. She loved, loved, loved chocolate…..all kinds, and she was always up for a trip to the Clinton Station Diner in Clinton for a delicious slice of their cheesecake. She had a soft spot in her heart for animals having trained two seeing- eye dogs and enjoying the company of her sweet little Pomeranian named Laurie Spring. As much as she loved all these things, nothing compared to her love and adoration for her grandson Stephen. She was happy as a lark when he was in the room and the two of them shared a special relationship.

In her later years, Vera loved to watch televangelist Robert Schuller preaching the positive aspects of the Christian faith on Sunday mornings from his Crystal Cathedral in California. She appreciated Tracy, her home health aid from 2004 to 2012 and, most recently, she formed a special bond of love and appreciation for the wonderful caregivers at the Chelsea at Brookfield Assisted Living home where she was living.

Vera was a great wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be remembered for always seeing the best in everyone.

Vera was predeceased by her beloved husband Verviers “Pat” Besso in 1986. She was the dear mother of Bruce Besso of Jensen Beach, FL, Stephen and wife Lorine Besso of Sussex, and Janice and husband Joseph Tamecki of Milford; cherished grandmother of Stephen Besso. Vera was predeceased by her three brothers: Martin, Cap and Albert Siersma, and her sister Connie Siersma.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Pattenburg Rescue Squad, 590 County Road 614, Asbury, NJ 08802 or the Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, National Headquarters: 248 E. Chestnut Hill Road, Suite 4, Newark, DE 19713, would be appreciated.

June M. Huff (nee DeYoung), age 78 of Wayne, died peacefully at home with her family gathered at her bedside.

Born and raised in Elmwood Park, NJ, formerly East Paterson, and lived in Wayne for the past fifty nine years.

She was a special education aide for the Wayne Board of Education for many years before retiring in 2013.

She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Margaret DeYoung and a brother Ronald DeYoung. She is survived by a daughter; Karen Mscisz of Wayne, a son; Thomas E. Huff and his wife Carol of Wayne, and a daughter; Janice Vetter of Toms River, NJ.

A loving grandmother of Katelyn and Victoria Huff, Kimberly Mscisz, and Ethan Vetter.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Wayne, and the church choir for many years.

She was an active member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne and the Red Hat Society for several years.

Memorial donations, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the American Cancer Society 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, NJ 07601.

She was a pleasure to meet, and a loving wife of Kenneth Gold, for 46 years

Joann Gold was a friend to all she met. Whether it was a store clerk who shared family stories with her. Someone who was in the hospital or needed a ride somewhere. Anyone who needed help from Rotary, an organization she joined and loved dearly. Same with the Foundation for the Handicapped, in Wayne, where she served several years as a Board of Directors member. When Joann walked in, many of the handicapped workers waved at her, said “Hello,” or came up to hug her.

She was a hostess who always wanted to have gatherings at her and husband Ken Gold’s home in Wayne. For ten years, there was a Super Bowl party at the house, which raised money for charities, such as the Gift of Life program that brings badly sick children from poor countries for life saving surgery.

And, all kinds of dinners for good friends and family, where she always served more than people could eat. And, she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Joann graduated for the School of Communication at Boston University, and was definitely one of the most pleasant communicators you could find…often writing news releases for various charities.

She worked at the Wella Corporation in Marketing, where she met and helped publicize stars such as Priscilla Presley, Jaclyn Smith, and Farrah Fawcett Majors.

Then she was Marketing Manager at one of Strykers’ major makers of medical implants, a position she had for many years. After retirement, she ran her own communications business…and then retired to devote her efforts to various charities and civic organizations.

She was a pleasure to meet, and a loving wife of Kenneth Gold, for 46 years. Joann leaves a Sister, Barbara Shallit and her husband Isaac Shallit; a nephew Danny Shallit and his wife Joanny Shallit; a niece Aliza Novie and her husband Leif Novie, and Ken Gold’s brother Richard Bruce Gold.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terrace, Wayne, NJ 07470, 973-956-1313, would be greatly appreciated.

Richard M. Schumm, age 85 formerly of Wayne, died peacefully in Florida on Wednesday, June 11, 2014.

“Big Rich” as he was known to many, was born in Jersey City to Helen Shepherd and Arthur Schumm. Raised in Bloomfield, he graduated from Newark College of Engineering in 1951 where he was a proud brother of the Omicron Delta Kappa fraternity. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, serving as an engineering instructor.

Trained as a civil engineer, Rich was a developer and general contractor throughout his career. With his many companies he built numerous large scale projects in NYC and Northern New Jersey, including Heritage Manor in Wayne and the Mahwah High School, just to name a few. When he wasn’t working, Rich enjoyed playing poker, boating and sailing. He was past Commodore of the Hudson Cove Yacht Club in Haverstraw, past Commodore of Boardwalk Caper Yacht Club, Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and president of the Boardwalk Caper Association in Ft. Meyers Beach, as well as the first president of Mount Arlington Condo Association. Rich and his wife June have enjoyed their home in Ft. Meyers Beach since 1987.

Rich was a vibrant man, very strong-willed, and one of the smartest people you could know. He was a very loving and generous dad and his grandchildren meant the world to him. June and Rich were a very close couple. They worked together at the family business, June as the secretary, since 1963 and rarely left each other’s side. They loved to travel together and had visited many destinations, especially enjoying Europe and Hawaii. His whole family will surely miss him dearly.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife June of Ft. Meyers Beach, his daughter June Bonnett and her husband Robert of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, three sons; David and his wife Dawn of Scottsdale, AZ, Richard of West Orange, NJ and Joseph of Bayville, NJ, six grandchildren; Kristina, Joey, Danielle, Nick, Laura, and Kevin, one sister; Dorothy Wisman of Toms River, NJ, and one brother; Ted Schumm of Buffalo, NY.

Memorial donations to the charity of your choice in Rich’s honor would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 220 Hamburg Turnpike, Pompton Lakes, NJ.

Henry William Hiemstra, age 87, of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

Born in Passaic and raised in Clifton with his two brothers and one sister, Henry had been a resident of Wayne since 1953.

Following graduation from Clifton High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was promptly sent to Rutgers College. Eight months later, in 1945, he entered into active duty and was deployed to Europe where he served in World War II. Following the conclusion of the war, Henry remained in Europe, serving in the Army of Occupation where he was initially charged with bringing six German prisoners of war back to Germany. He then went to France, again as an officer in the Army of Occupation. While in France, he was charged with guarding the country’s Piper Heidsieck Champagne. After the war, he was able to bring home six bottles of that fine champagne which he only opened for very special occasions. For his service to his country, Henry was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

When his Army service was completed, he returned to the U.S. joining his father and brothers in their construction business. Primarily builders of homes, they built many down the Jersey shore in Chadwick Beach.

Back home in Clifton where he was living with his parents, Henry was relaxing one day after work, engaged in one of his favorite past-times – fly casting. A young lady named Elizabeth Evans, aka “Betty” was visiting her girlfriend who lived next door. Betty spotted Henry fly casting and engaged him in the art of small talk. A pleasant conversation ensued and, finding out that they both liked to dance, Henry and Betty excitedly made plans to go dancing together. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love and they married on Saturday, November 1, 1952 at Preakness Reformed Church in Wayne. Soon after they moved to Wayne where they raised their three children and enjoyed forty years as husband and wife until Betty’s passing in 1993.

Henry and his brother Lou owned their own construction business – Henlu Construction and continued to build numerous homes and additions in the area. When Lou became too ill to work, Henry took a job at Ramapo College, Mahwah as a construction maintenance engineer. He continued in that role for ten years, retiring in 1989.

Next to his wife and children, Henry loved being in the great outdoors with his line and hook in the water, going for that record catch. His favorite places to fish included Ringwood’s Erskine and Cupsaw Lake and down the shore at the family’s home in Chadwick Beach. In fact, every year on Memorial Day, it was tradition to be at his parent’s house in Chadwick Beach. Henry loved to fish but he hated the feel of the sand on his feet so he always wore shoes when fishing.

Henry’s other love was serving at Preakness Reformed Church. He joined in 1952, right after he and Betty got married. For many years he was an enthusiastic member of the choir and he also served more than one term as elder. When the leaders of the church decided to build an education wing off the side of the church, Henry was more than willing to offer his building expertise.

Henry got a great kick out of being a grandpa and always made sure he took the time to be with them for all those special occasions like dance recitals and graduations. After Betty passed away in 1993, he continued to socialize with the couples that he and Betty were always friends with. Like Henry, a woman in that circle of friends lost her husband too. Her name was Margaret Krell and Henry and she enjoyed a special friendship for the last 20 years.

Henry is survived by his dear son Steven of New Port Richey, FL, and his dear daughter Jacqueline Bennett of Huntersville, NC: five adored grandchildren: Sarah and husband Sean, Rachel, Kerri, Kelsie, and Greta; and his cherished great-granddaughter Aoife. Henry was predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth in 1993, his dear daughter Patricia Magerowski in 1993, and his three siblings: Robert, Matilda Davis and Louis.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Henry’s name are asked to consider the Preakness Reformed Church Scholarship Fund.

Harry J. Germain age 88, a lifelong resident of Wayne, passed peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2014.

He was born in Paterson and was a lifelong resident of Alps Road in Wayne. Harry enlisted in the US Navy in 1943 and served on the USS Marathon in the Pacific Theatre of the war, as a Radioman for most of his military service. Harry would recount stories of how his ship was hit with a torpedo and they were forced in to Hawaii for repairs. When honorably discharged in 1946 he received the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, the American Theatre Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal.

Harry worked for the Firestone Corporation in Cedar Grove where he maintained machinery and equipment. Eventually the company was purchased by the Bridgestone Corporation and Harry worked in the same capacity for them until retiring in 1982. Soon after retiring he took a position with the Wayne Township Water Department where he worked for ten years before retiring again in 1992.

In his younger years Harry served as a volunteer for the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad for many years. Along with his community service, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. When it came to gardening Harry was green before green was a catch phrase. He grew tomatoes, corn, lettuce, beans, radishes, and cucumbers all without chemicals. He loved anything to do with WWII aviation, WWII Airshows, and even took a few flying lessons himself. He will be remembered for his straightforwardness, independence, and love of his family. He enjoyed his trips to Gabriel’s in Wayne for his coffee and newspaper, and visits to the American Legion Post 174, and the Grasshopper II where he knew everybody.

He was the beloved husband of twenty-four years to the late Alice Germain (1977); devoted father of Kim Germain of Dover and Susan Berardi and her husband Bill of Ellicott City, Md.; cherished grandfather of William Berardi, Craig Andersen, and Laura Cole and her husband Daniel; loved great-grandfather of William James Cole; dear brother of Joseph Germain of Wayne.

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

Margaret “Peggy” White (nee Condon), age 91 died peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2014.

To know her was to love her. Margaret was born and raised on North 4th Street in the "city" of Paterson. She later moved over the hill to the dairy farm filled country suburb of Wayne where she has lived since 1950.

Being an only child growing up during the depression, she grew up with little, but, living in an extended family group of her parents and grandparents, with her two aunts, uncles and cousins in the row house next door forever instilled in her a happiness when friends and family were around. That was all that truly mattered to her throughout her life.

Peggy met her husband Stanley in grade school and they were wed in 1946 while he was still serving in the US Navy as part of his 6 year war time enlistment. Margaret continued to reside at North 4th Street, with her parents, for another 6 months after their very hurried wedding as Stan needed to rush back to his duties on the West Coast. No, there was no fighting to be done, he had used up his authorized leave and went AWOL in order marry Peggy and spend a 3 day "honeymoon" in the far off land of Manhattan. She traveled to the West Coast in late 1946 to begin spending the rest of her married life with "White" and they returned back to the Paterson area after his discharge in 1948 and moved to their home in Wayne in 1950. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage until Stan’s passing in 2011.

Early in her married life Peg was employed by Automatic Payrolls, (you might now recognize them as the well-known ADP), which was founded in Paterson in 1949. We are sure she is the reason they became so successful. She was later employed as a cafeteria worker/aide at the Kennedy Elementary School in Wayne, and also for over 15 years as the best school crossing guard Wayne has ever seen at the always dangerous and busy intersection of Valley & Ratzer Roads. If you come by the funeral home, you may even actually get to see and hold her “Stop Sign".

Large family and friends get-togethers at the “White House” were always at the top of Peg’s list of favorite things. Summertime picnics, birthdays, PAL parties, family reunions, or Holiday get-togethers were all opportunities for good food and a good time. While any Holiday was a good excuse for Margaret to decorate the house, she was particularly fond of Christmas. She was most proud of the heirloom ornaments and decorations that had been passed on to her from earlier generations. The Holiday traditions that she had loved and learned as a child were always part of the festivities. Ham was the Christmas Eve meal, the tree was decorated Christmas Eve, each child could open one gift on Christmas Eve (it was always new pajamas), and Christmas Eve church service was attended. Christmas Day was a day of family get-togethers with Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Margaret’s love of Long Beach Island at the “Jersey Shore” started in 1958 when her parents rented a vacation home on the Island so the family could swim, fish, crab, and play mini golf together. The early years had Margaret’s aunts and uncles renting 2 or 3 additional homes alongside each other and times were always full of family fun. As the generations changed, the tradition continued with Stan’s family for almost 40 years, with each and every year having special memories. Peggy’s love of LBI eventually led to Stan and Pegs participation with their children in the purchase of a "family vacation home" in the LBI vicinity at which she was able to spend a good amount of her retirement doing what she liked best - spending time with family and friends (and feeding the ducks).

After retirement, she enjoyed travel including destinations such as: Hawaii, Ireland& England, the Canadian Rockies, the Grand Canyon and many others, with her life-long friend from grammar school, Ella. While Stan and Frank were allowed to come along, it was mostly likely for driving and navigation purposes.

Peg loved to give of her time for worthy endeavors. She was a former volunteer as a Cub Scout den mother and she earned the distinction as a “Lifetime Member” of the Wayne Police Athletic League (PAL) Ladies Auxiliary by faithfully and tirelessly serving as treasurer for over 40 years. For her dedicated service, she also became the first recipient of the “Chiefs Award”, given by the Wayne Police Department in recognition of her faithful spirit of volunteerism.

Being with people had a lot to do with why Peggy liked to volunteer. She was the consummate people person! She and her husband Stanley worked the PAL Saturday night Bingo for over 25 years together. After a night of working Bingo, they would often invite a whole gang of PAL friends over to their house. Gathering around the player piano in their basement, they would have a drink (or two or ----) and sing the night away. Between leading in the songs Peg would keep her guests well fed. She loved music and could play the piano herself too! She also loved to dance and was the go-to person at weddings and parties to lead everyone in the singing and motions for one of her favorite songs – YMCA. Once after undergoing heart surgery, she went against the advisement of her doctor and led a group in a rousing performance of YMCA. She soon regretted it, feeling as if she surely must have injured herself badly. She just couldn’t contain her enthusiasm for a great time. Later in life, Peggy enjoyed doing needlepoint and attending Broadway shows with her daughter Judy and her best friend Ella. She also attended local concerts like ones put on by the Preservation Jazz Band.

Peg was faithful in all that she did. She was a member of Preakness Reformed Church for over 50 years. She was selfless, always replying “I’m fine” or “I’m OK” when asked, no matter how badly life had treated her. She wasn’t one to complain. She was thoughtful to a fault and very warm-hearted. She’d do anything for her children and the only ones that might bump them off her priority list were her adored grandchildren. She never cursed, unless telling you that you were “full of donkey dust” counts as cursing. Ever safety conscious, she only received one speeding ticket in 50 years of driving!

She was always extremely proud of that little bit of Irish that she inherited from her father. She will always be loved and will be missed by all who knew her!

Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband Stanley in 2011. She was the dear mother of John White of Wayne, Stanley White and his wife Jerri of Butler, Robert White and his wife Sarah of Queens, NY, and Judy White of Wayne; and cherished grandmother of Connor White and Annabelle White.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Chilton Medical Center (www.chiltonhealth.org/waystogive), the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474, or the Wayne PAL, 1 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470, would be appreciated.

Emil J. Benzenhoefer, age 82 of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2014. He had been a Wayne resident since 1958.

Emil was raised in Weehawken, NJ and graduated from high school there in 1950. He was an outstanding athlete in high school, playing both basketball and baseball. He even earned a baseball scholarship to Wake Forest University but his father, a very traditional German, believed that Emil had enough education and it was more important to learn a trade and start working. Emil began as an apprentice sheet metal fabricator with Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 13 in Weehawken and he became a skilled craftsman working for Blickman & Sons. He eventually opened his own shop in the early 1970’s and he operated “Universal Metalcraftsmen” for many years before retiring in 2009. Of course, even after retiring, Emil could be found working in the shop.

In high school, Emil not only excelled academically but also on the basketball court and baseball field. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed almost any sporting event. He was extremely proud of the years he spent as a coach with the Wayne Little League and has always cherished the memories.

Emil met his wife Arlene (Schmidt) when they were in the third grade. Although they knew each other throughout their childhood, they didn’t begin dating until after high school. Emil proposed and they were married on September 13, 1953. They enjoyed a honeymoon together at Niagara Falls and toured around Upstate New York in a car they had borrowed from his father. They settled down in their hometown of Weehawken and often visited family living in Erskine Lakes. Their route up to the lake took them right through Wayne which was still mostly farms then, with many new homes being built. They found one they liked and moved to Wayne in 1958. They have enjoyed more than sixty years of marriage together.

Emil is survived by his loving wife of sixty years; Arlene (nee Schmidt) of Wayne, his daughter Lynda Benzenhoefer and her spouse Bernadette Fiore of Lyndhurst, his son; Paul Benzenhoefer and wife Denise of Wayne, a grandson; Matthew Benzenhoefer of Wayne, and his longtime employee and dear friend Wanda Seda of Palisades Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Emil’s memory to the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terrace, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Lydia R. Martignetti, age 98, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2014.

The older of Cesidio and Liberata Di Cosmo’s two children, Lydia was born and raised in the Bronx.

She met her husband John through family and friends and they were married in her hometown Bronx. Following marriage, they were soon blessed with a beautiful baby girl and they named her Carol Ann. Three years later, in 1947, they moved across the river to their brand new

Cape-cod home in Fair Lawn, NJ. They enjoyed thirty years in that home filled with wonderful memories until John’s passing in 1977. Lydia moved on to Hawthorne and then, in 1999, to Wayne where she resided for the last fifteen years.

Lydia was a dressmaker by trade. Her career started out in her home where she made linings for coats. When her daughter Carol was old enough to be on her own, Lydia took a position with Rose’s Dress Shop in Garfield where she created beautiful dresses and gowns. She retired in 1982 after forty years practicing her craft.

Lydia was a very sociable person who, together with her husband John, loved to entertain. Many holiday gatherings and parties took place in their basement in Fair Lawn and Lydia’s family and guests always raved about her excellent cooking. Family favorites included delicious pasta, magnificent meatballs, egg-plant parmigiana, pizziola and pasta fazool. Lydia got a great kick out of playing cards – especially poker, with family and friends, and she enjoyed a good night out playing bingo at St. Ann’s Parish in Fair Lawn. Family always came first and the family had a tradition of vacationing for two weeks every summer down the shore in Wildwood. She idolized her grandchildren and great-grandchildren taking them on occasional day trips or shopping. It didn’t matter what it was they did, she simply loved being with them.

Those who loved her will cherish her for the virtues she stood for – a loving and generous and caring heart.

Lydia is survived by her dear daughter Carol and husband Todd Chaplin of Wayne; two adored grandchildren: Kelley and husband Rob Caiazzo and Keith and wife Andrea Chaplin; and five cherished great-grandchildren: Justin, Jeena, Jon, Abigail and Ryan. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John and her dear brother Pat Di Cosmo.

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

James Michael Basile, age 94, of Clifton, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.

Born in Cilento, Italy, he emigrated as an infant to the United States and grew up in Paterson.

During World War II he served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army in the Philippines under General Douglas MacArthur.

Upon his return from the war, he rejoined Marcal Paper Mills in Elmwood Park and spent his entire career there, retiring in 1981 as plant superintendent. He was a life-long member of St. George Parish of Paterson.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Lena, his daughter Marie McKenna and husband Timothy of Wayne; three grandchildren: Emily and Claire McKenna and Margaret Weil; three great-grandchildren: Lena Rose Weil, James Giuseppe Kennedy and Colin Matthew Weil; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in James' name are asked to consider the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 (www.WoundedWarriorProject.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 (www.stjude.org).

Andrew Kerr age 77 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.

He was born at the family home in Lincoln Park and has lived in Pequannock, Pompton Plains and Wayne his entire life.

He served in the United States Navy. Andy loved boats and the ocean but was ironically placed with the aviation branch of the Navy throughout his service. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

Andy’s first job was as a landscaper. He was a draftsman for the Tungsol Corporation in Bloomfield and for the Edwards Engineering Company in Pompton Plains before working for thirty-five years as a graphic artist for Picatinny Arsenal in Dover before retiring in 1998. During his retirement he helped Wayne Auto Parts in Lincoln Park delivering parts a few days a week.

Andy will be remembered as a funny, kind, and considerate person. He loved to go to the New Jersey shore, looking for shells, flying kites, telling stories, and of course going for ice cream. He loved hot weather and just spending time by the pool in the backyard. He enjoyed traveling, camping in his younger years, cruises in the latter years. He has been to California, Massachusetts, Scotland, Spain, England, but if asked he would say Aruba was his favorite place to go. He could often be found just riding his bike around Pompton Plains and Lincoln Park. Most of all Andy cherished his family. His children and grandchildren were the focus of his life. He relished and took great pride in all their accomplishments. He thoroughly enjoyed having is grandkids over for sleepovers and breakfast on the deck. The grandchildren told him he made the “best eggs anywhere.”

He was dedicated to his community and served with the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad for over twenty years. He served as Chief of the squad for ten years, was President and Delegate of the 6th District, Chairman of the 17th District, Trustee for four years, and was the first person awarded 1st Aider of the Year in 1973.

Andy was the loving husband of Joyce ((Markwis) Kerr; devoted father of John Kerr of Wayne and Sandy Friedhoff and her husband Timothy of Lake Stockholm; cherished grandfather of Deidra and Erica Friedhoff; dear brother of Eddie Sole of Beachwood, and the late Mae Haddad, Robert Kerr, James Kerr, Margaret Panzarino, and David Kerr; much loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 or St Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 would be appreciated.

Margaret (Stevenson) Gaestel, age 93, of Wayne, NJ, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, June 2, 2014.

Margaret was born in Glasgow, Scotland on December 23, 1920, the first child born to John and Jean Stevenson. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1922, first living in Kearny before moving to Nutley. Margaret graduated from Nutley High School and later studied at Essex County College.

In 1946, Margaret and the love of her life, Harry Gaestel were united in marriage following his return from serving in the U.S. Army. In 1951, they settled in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, where they raised their two children, Nancy and Donald. Margaret and Harry were devoted members of the Senior Choir at Packanack Community Church. Together, they enjoyed 56 years of marriage until Harry’s passing in November, 2000.

From 1965 to 1985, Margaret was employed by the Wayne Board of Education as the secretary to the Business Administrator. She enjoyed her job and the camaraderie of her fellow workers until her retirement.

Margaret always enjoyed socializing with neighbors, friends and relatives. She belonged the “the Club,” which was comprised of six high school girlfriends and their husbands. Meeting on a monthly basis for over 60 years, they shared many special memories together. She was devoted to her family and friends and was always ready to give of herself when a need arose.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Nancy Gaestel Jasinski; four grandchildren, Eric Gaestel, Daniel (Danielle), Christopher (Laura) and Andrew Jasinski; and three great grandchildren: Conner, Dylan and Brody Jasinski. In addition to her husband Harry, Margaret was predeceased by her son, Donald; her sister, Mary White, and her son-in-law, David Jasinski.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Margaret’s name are asked to consider Community Reformed Church, 30 Lacey Road, Whiting, NJ 08759.

Edward J., Reading, age 91 of Pompton Plains and formerly of Hawthorne and Brick, died peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2014. His passing was made peaceful by the love he received from his dear family who were by his side.

Ed was born and raised in Paterson. He attended and graduated from Paterson’s Central High School. It was there that he met the love of his life. Her name was Dorothy and, while Ed starred in basketball, Dot was a cheerleader, cheering him and the other boys to victory.

Following high school, in 1941, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. A true and honorable American, Ed was part of a crew that took the S.S. Normandie over from the Vichy French on Pearl Harbor Day. After Normandie burned Ed entered naval aviation and aerial gunnery school. He served as a nose gunner and plane captain of a PBY crew of a patrol bomber Squadron (V.P.B.6 [Navy 103]). For his valiant bravery Ed was awarded the European, African, and Middle East Campaign Medal, the Air Medal with cluster, the Unit Commendation from Commander-in-Chief Atlantic Fleet, Arctic Service Medal, and the Distinguished Service Medal. Near the end of the war, he flew with a Coast Guard Air-Sea Rescue Squadron. Ed survived two plane crashes and crossed the equator and Arctic Circle. He was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard in 1945. During the Korean War, he enlisted, in 1948 in the Naval Reserve and served till being honorably discharged in 1953.

One week in 1944, Ed came home on leave from the Coast Guard. Reunited with his high school sweetheart Dorothy, he asked for her hand in marriage. Dot eagerly accepted. Because Ed’s leave from the coast guard was so brief, they ambitiously decided to set the date for their wedding to be May 27, 1944 – one week from the night Ed proposed to Dot! Dot got right to work, sending out 150 handwritten invitations. Wouldn’t you know it? All 150 invitees responded that they were coming. All the plans were coming together. The church was set, the reception hall and band were booked. All was great until the day before the wedding when their car, which contained Dot’s wedding dress, was stolen! She ended up using her sister’s gown which needed some alterations because Dot was 5 inches taller than her sister. The wedding at St. Mark’s Church and reception at the Old Vienna Hall, both in Paterson, went off with great fanfare including a front page article in the Paterson Morning Call newspaper, recounting the drama from the day before the wedding. The newlyweds honeymooned in Asbury Park before Ed returned to the Coast Guard.

Upon his return from the war, Ed attended Newark College of Engineering. His first job was as a construction superintendent and estimator for De Christofer Construction Company. He later went on to become a union carpenter with Union Local 620, Madison.

Outside of work, Ed was always on the go, giving of his time for others through various philanthropic endeavors. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, Ocean County Sierra Club, American Security Council, Chairman of the Paterson Merchants Cancer Drive, Ancient Order of Pterodactyl, Armitage Post American Legion, a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Paterson Dux Club.

Ed and Dot enjoyed a storied life together. Throughout their 70 years as man and wife, they built six houses together in Totowa, Hawthorne, South Jersey and Florida, all from scratch. They always had a house by the shore which was a great venue for memory-making with their four wonderful children and cherished grandchildren. In his spare time, he and Dot loved to play golf at the Lions Head Golf and Country Club and the Leisureville Golf Club. He loved watching sporting events too, especially Army football where he was a season ticket holder since 1946. He rooted for the Giants, Yankees and Mets. Despite his personal pursuits, Ed always put family first. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and he always did his best to attend their sporting events. Recently Ed and Dot had been living at Cedar Crest Village. They could often be seen holding hands and were often light-heartedly teased for it. Dot always smiled and explained that they held hands because she didn’t want Ed to run away.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Dorothy; his dear children: Reverend Edward Reading of Ortley Beach, Patrick Reading of Paterson, Lynn Connelly of Wayne and her late husband Joseph (2009), and Thomas Reading of Forked River; and his four cherished grandchildren: Brendan and Kevin Connelly and Kelsey and Dolton Reading.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Edward’s name are asked to consider the Cedar Crest Village Residence Fund, 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Dorothy E. Miller (Phillips) age 90 of Wayne passed peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2014.

She was born in Ridgewood and lived in Paterson, North Haledon, and Butler before moving to Wayne in 1954 where she has lived for the past sixty years. Dorothy and her husband built their home themselves with the help of their neighbors Bob and Lee Munster. Her son Carl recalls listening to Amos and Andy on the radio as they carried bags of cement into the house.

Dorothy met her future husband, Carl B. Miller, while roller-skating. They soon fell in love and married on March 15, 1942 at the New Apostolic Church in Paterson. Carl was in the Army Air Corps and serving during WWII when they married. They enjoyed forty two years of loving and devoted marriage before his passing in 1984.

Dorothy worked for the Western Publishing Company in Wayne for several years and then worked for the US Laser Company in Wyckoff as an administrative assistant for many years having been laid off, against her will, at the age of 85.

She was a dedicated member of the New Apostolic Church in Wayne where she was known by the children of the church as “the candy lady.” Dorothy enjoyed singing in the church choir for many years.

Dorothy will be remembered as a loving mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was outgoing, willing to express her opinion, and a great baker and cook. She was a true New York Yankee fan who loved the animals in her yard including the deer and chipmunks.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Carl Miller, Jr., Nancy Stier and Glenn Miller, her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the New Apostolic Church, 819 Edwards Road, Parsippany, NJ, 07054 would be appreciated.

The family thanks all those who offered their condolences.

Wilfred J. Branthwaite, age 87 of Pompton Lakes, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 1, 2014. He had lived in Pompton Lakes since 1949.

Wilfred was raised in Clifton and also enjoyed a portion of his childhood in California. He was proud to have been the Pompton Lakes Borough tree surgeon for many years while running his own business; Mercury Tree Service.

During his years in California he spent a great deal of time with his Native American uncle, Jim. Uncle Jim shared many Native American traditions with Wilfred, including hunting, fishing, and he taught him about his spiritual connection with nature. Throughout his life, Wilfred nurtured his Native American spirituality and was proud to have been embraced by the Ramapough Lenape Nation here in New Jersey.

After high school, Wilfred was drafted into the US Army. Upon his discharge he set out doing what he loved; racing motorcycles. He was an expert racer, riding Harley-Davidsons, Indians and custom built bikes on flat tracks, short tracks, and TT’s. He loved racing and has a house full of trophies to prove his skill. He also loved fishing both in fresh water and out at sea. He fixed up a Glastron some years back which had become a labor of love. When he finally got the engines running on the boat, all the neighbors in his lagoon let out a cheer! He and his wife Marian reminded everyone of Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, so when the time came to choose a name for his boat, the choice was obvious; “African Queen.” He loved taking that boat out to go fishing and he taught himself how to navigate, always making his way back home safely. He also owned coon dogs, bird dogs, was an accomplished archer, and at the age of 70 he decided to try skydiving. He loved it and proceeded to go several more times after that first jump. Life was never dull for Wilfred and he liked to do exciting things. He didn’t need a ‘bucket list’ because he had done everything he ever wanted to do.

Wilfred met his wife Marian (Garbaccio) in the late 1940’s. Marian’s mother introduced them and insisted that her daughter go on a date with Wilfred. He used his father's Buick and took her for a splendid dinner in Manhattan, where they were serenaded by musicians in the restaurant. They married on August 28, 1949 and honeymooned at Ocean Beach, on the Jersey Shore. They arrived late to their rented cottage only to find the door locked and other people’s belongings inside. Wilfred was so angry that he broke the lock and made himself at home. The next day he went to the rental office to complain, only to find out that he had gone to the wrong cottage! Nevertheless, they enjoyed sixty five years together in a loving marriage.

Wilfred is survived by his wife Marian of Pompton Lakes, his three children; Linda Clapp and her husband Richard of Hilton Head, SC, Ike Branthwaite and his wife Cary of North Carolina, and Leslie Drucks and her husband Brian of Randolph, NJ, six grandchildren; Brian Jacobs, Greg Roper, Aimee Rosenfelder, Ron McBain, Chloe Drucks, and Hannah Branthwaite, and one great-grandchild; Joie Stoltzfus.

Rona “Siby” Kling (Gallen) age 61 of Wayne passed tragically in an auto accident on Sunday, June 1, 2014.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn. She graduated from James Madison High School in Brooklyn with the Class of 1971.

Rona worked on Wall Street in New York City as an office manager of several companies. Her career path brought her to work with her brother Ira Herman Gallen at his company called Video Resources, a 40’s, 50’s and 60’s nostalgia toy and film company. For many years she had been groomed by her father to take over his realty business based in Florida. Upon her father’s passing she took over his business, Norman Charles Realty in Sunrise, Florida where she was currently serving as a director of the company.

Siby will be remembered as the kind of person who was there for anybody. There was no job too big or too small for her to step in and help with. She could light up a room with her presence, she was positive, competitive, strong, and always there when you needed her. A sports enthusiast she loved golf and was a member at the Greenbrook Country Club where she also enjoyed playing tennis. She loved to organize a party, and especially loved to be with her family.

She was the loving wife of Steven Kling; devoted mother of Jason Gallen and his wife Jacqueline of Wayne, Melissa Reinhardt and her husband Mathew of Syosset, NY, Lauren Schneebaum and her husband Joseph of Bel Aire, Maryland, and Craig Gallen and his wife Carolyn of Manalapan; loved grandmother of Noah and Skylar Gallen, Max and Jordan Reinhardt, Emily and Sarah Schneebaum, Christian, Charlotte, Coty, Carter, and Camilla Gallen; she was the cherished daughter of Sylvia Gallen and her late husband Norman; dear and loving sister of Ira Gallen of New York City, and much loved daughter-in-law of Carol Casazza and her late husband Bill Kling

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 would be appreciated.

Maureen P Maher (nee Daly) age 74 of Morristown passed away peacefully at her home while receiving the loving care of her family.

Maureen was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived there until 1965. She then moved to Wayne where she lived for 42 years until she moved to Morristown in 2007. Maureen grew up in Brooklyn where she met her husband, Austin J. Maher. Eventually that friendship became something special and they were married in 1962. It was a few years after they were married that the couple moved to Wayne, where they would spend and cherish their 44 years of marriage and raise their four children.

Maureen's primary occupation was as a homemaker where she devoted herself to caring and nurturing her family. After raising her family, Maureen attended Caldwell College where she earned her Bachelor Degree in Business. She then went on to work as a bookkeeper at St Joseph's Hospital in Paterson and as an office manager for Standard Tile in Wayne.

A large part of Maureen's life was her dedication to the Catholic Faith. She mentored at the Paterson Catholic High School for several years, which unfortunately closed at the end of the 2010 school year. She also volunteered at the Morristown Soup Kitchen. She was also a Foster Parent in Wayne for DYFS.

Maureen embraced life and was an avid world traveler. She has been to every habitable continent except Africa, one of her few regrets. Just prior to falling ill, she had finalized a trip to Africa that never came to pass. She did, however, enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States, Europe, and such far-flung regions as Turkey, Vietnam, China, Tibet, Cambodia, and South America. Her travels allowed her the opportunity to experience diverse and fascinating cultures throughout the world.

Maureen was a devoted mother, a loving wife and a wonderful person who was dedicated to her community, friends and family. She will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Maureen is survived by her 3 sons; Austin and his wife Jeanne of Raleigh, NC, Christopher and his wife Maria of Rumson, and Brendan and his wife Raquel Bini Maher of Pompton Lakes, 1 daughter; Jacqueline Maher of Manhattan, 2 brothers Jack Daly of Portsmouth, RI, and James Daly of Lawrence, NY, and 10 grandchildren; Austin, Liam, Jacqueline, Patrick, Isabel, Alexandra, James, Catherine, Jennifer, and Elizabeth. Maureen was also pre-deceased by her husband, Austin, who passed away tragically in 2007.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Maureen's name are asked to consider Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation P.O. Box 417290, Boston, MA 02241-7290.

Joann Dalzell, age 52 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. She had fought a valiant battle with cancer.

Joann grew up in Wayne and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1979. She had been the office administrator for her brother’s business, Field Communications, Inc. of Wayne, for about twelve years.

Joann was a talented artist and enjoyed drawing with pencil and charcoal. She had also traveled quite a bit, having visited the Caribbean, Florida, California, and North Carolina. She would make frequent road-trips to visit her two grandchildren in Fayetteville, NC and loved to spend time with them. North Carolina was her favorite place to visit and she had been planning to retire to Wilmington with her husband someday. She loved going to Wrightsville Beach and relaxing the day away. Her family will surely cherish their memories together there.

Joann met her husband, Robert Dalzell, at T-Bowl in Wayne. It was 1979 when they were introduced by a mutual friend. A romance ensued and they were married on November 21, 1981. They enjoyed a honeymoon to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. During their honeymoon, they took a special day trip to Puerto Rico where they celebrated Thanksgiving with some friends before flying back to St. Croix. They have enjoyed thirty two years of loving marriage together.

Joann is survived by her dear husband Robert of Wayne, four children; Robert and his wife Jessica of Fayetteville, NC, Christopher and his fiancé Elli Leonida of Wayne, Matthew of Wayne, and Joanna of Wilmington, NC, two grandchildren; Brianna and Dylan Dalzell of Fayetteville, NC, her brothers; Robert Minarick and his wife Claire of Wayne, David Minarick and his wife Carol of Randolph, NJ, and one sister; Susan Bennett and her husband Bruce of Oak Ridge, and many nieces and nephews.

Joanna Zanetakos, age 76 of Chester and formerly of Wayne died on May 23, 2014. She had lived in Wayne since 1959 and moved to Chester in 2000.

Joanna was raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina and graduated from Spartanburg High School with the class of 1955. Thereafter, she graduated from Converse College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. As a young woman, she and her family traveled to Astoria, Queens to attend a large Spartan-Greek picnic. In addition to visiting with northern relatives, the plan was for Joanna to meet a nice boy at the festival. Joanna wasn’t interested in meeting a boy from the North but her parents made her go anyway. Lo and behold, she met John Zanetakos and the two of them fell in love. They were married on August 30, 1959 and settled into their home in Wayne, N.J. soon thereafter. As a couple, they complemented each other and enjoyed forty years of loving marriage with their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends before John’s passing in 1999.

Joanna was truly a transplanted southerner. She never fully lost her South Carolina accent and the occasional southern terms that rolled so smoothly off her tongue would put a smile on your face. She enjoyed history, good conversation and had a wry sense of humor. Joanna loved her grandchildren dearly and they were the light of her life. She made a point of attending their activities as often as possible and delighted in being with them and hearing stories about their accomplishments. Over the years she was also devoted to her extended family. She hosted and attended many large Greek family gatherings. They will all miss her dearly.

Surviving are her two children; Helen Zanetakos of Chester, NJ and Louis Zanetakos and his wife Marianne of Sparta, NJ, five grandchildren; Johnny Wiskow of San Diego, CA, Chloe Wiskow of Long Beach Island, NJ, Mia Wiskow of New York City, Elizabeth and Lauren Zanetakos of Sparta, NJ, and one sister; Martha Lamprinakos of Tinton Falls, NJ. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1999 and by her brother Theodore Bobotes.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Joanna’s memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 818 Valley Rd., Clifton, NJ 07013.

Henrietta T. Rose (nee Shamborsky), age 93 of Morristown and formerly of Chatham and Kearny, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 22, 2014. She was born and raised in Eynon, PA.

The second of five children, Henrietta’s father Edward was the Eynon postmaster and, as a young girl, Henrietta worked in her family’s local general store. Following high school graduation, Henrietta went on to be the first of her parent’s four daughters to graduate from Marywood College (now known as Marywood University) in Scranton, PA. Her first teaching position was at a high school in Baltimore, MD.

Henrietta’s brother Ed had a friend in college named Felix Rose. Ed thought that Felix would be a nice guy for Henrietta to meet. Ed was right, and after a pleasant courtship, the two were united in holy matrimony on Saturday, August 28, 1943. Following the wedding, Felix, who was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, eventually returned to the Pacific Theater, where he served as a Dental Officer in a Sea Bee's Battalion. Meanwhile, Henrietta quit her teaching position in Baltimore and came home to join the rest of her family in Eynon, PA. There she devoted herself to raising her and Felix’s daughter Marie.

After the war ended and upon Felix’s return, he and the family moved to Brooklyn, NY where they soon welcomed two more children – Felicia, and Henry. The family moved again, this time to Kearny,NJ . Henrietta eventually went to Columbia University where she earned her master’s degree in Music. She took a job with the Essex County Vocational and Technical High School in Newark. For over the next twenty years, she taught music and served as director of the schools glee club and chorus until retiring in 1981 after a fulfilling and happy career. Unfortunately, right after retiring, her beloved Felix passed away.

Henrietta became active in organizing and fundraising with the Polish Cultural Foundation of Clark, NJ where she also served as a member of their board of trustees.. As a Grandma, she loved taking the grandchildren to shows and museums. Henrietta herself loved going to the opera, ballet, or Broadway.

Henrietta was very devoted to her faith. She prayed daily and was so very proud when John Paul II was canonized. Recently she was living at Emeritus Senior Living in Wayne and she loved attending mass there. Henrietta was involved in all activities at Emeritus, proudly displaying her art work, and leading the twice monthly sing-a-longs for the residents.

Henrietta could be described as feisty – don’t ever tell her she was wrong! But she was also very loving and compassionate, especially towards her children and grandchildren. She will be missed!

Surviving are her two daughters: Marie and husband James Damion, and Felicia Rose; her son Henry and wife Mary Beth Rose; and her two grandchildren: Matthew and wife Kate Rose, and Katie and husband Lee Francis. She was predeceased by her husband Felix in 1981. and by her grandson Justin Damion in 2006.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Henrietta’s name are asked to consider St. Stanislaw Parish, 146 Irvine Turner Blvd., Newark, NJ 07103.

Denes G. Herczku, age 74, of Pompton Plains passed peacefully at home on Thursday, May 22, 2014.

He was born and raised in Tarnok, Hungary where he attended a trade school to become a tanner. He entered the United States under the Lodge-Philbin Act which allowed for the recruiting of foreign nationals into a US commanded fighting force. Denes served five years in the US Army during the Vietnam War having attained Expert Sharpshooter status with a pistol and rifle. He was honorably discharged in 1963. He started his own company called Herczku Masonry Inc. which he and his wife ran for over thirty years before retiring.

Denes was the loving husband of Edie Herczku; devoted father of Lisa Howanice and her husband Scott of Pompton Plains and Dennis M. Herczku of Long Valley; cherished grandfather of Brittany, Gwendolyn, and Samuel Howanice, and Sophia Herzcku.

In light of their wonderful  and loving care the family asks that those inclined to make a memorial donation please consider the Passaic Valley Hospice, PO Box 1007, Totowa, NJ 07511-1007.

Matthew D’Acierno, age 94 of Paterson, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2014.

Matthew was a lifelong resident of Paterson, growing up on 21st Avenue and attended Public School #25 grammar school and East Side High School. As a young boy of just 10 years old, he was struck by a car while playing ball in the street. His injuries were severe, suffering a broken leg which kept him from joining the military during the war. He did his part for the war effort as a machinist with Wright Aeronautical Corporation.

In his younger years, Matthew was an avid body builder. He played on many local sports teams and never forgot his friend Stanley. whose life he saved after he fell through a hole at the local ice pond. He enjoyed Sinatra music and dancing with his wife, Nancy, at the Meadowbrook. Matthew served the community as proprietor of a well-known confectionary store on the corner of 21st Avenue and East 23rd Street for seven years during which time he owned a pet Doberman pinscher, named Allah.

He later returned to the aerospace industry in 1957 and joined Singer-Kearfott,Woodland Park in the Manufacturing and Design department. As a machinist, Matthew dedicated himself to working on many ‘classified’ projects during his career. He was involved in developing state of the art equipment for the space program, as well as for many aircraft and weapon systems. He retired in 1987 after a very long career.

Matthew grew up in a traditional Italian household, in the People’s Park section of Paterson. He put family before everything else and was always willing to lend a helping hand He loved to cook with his wife, Nancy, and there was nothing better than a delicious, home cooked Italian meal to make him happy. His mechanical skills made him the “fix-it” guy around the house. He could fix just about anything. When his grandchildren came along, they too brought him much enjoyment and pleasure. Grandpa was always ready to babysit and he loved to take his grandsons to the park and watch them play. As they grew, he shared his hobby of coin-collecting with them, teaching them about what to look for in different coins as well as which coins were valuable. Matthew always gave his grandsons great advice about how to be successful in business while always keeping the customers satisfied.

Matthew met his beloved wife Nancy (nee Scancarella) while singing in the church choir of St. Anthony’s RC Church in Passaic. The two of them hit it off and were married on October 7, 1951. They enjoyed a honeymoon in Niagara Falls before settling into their own home in Paterson. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage together before Nancy passed in 2010.

Matthew is survived by his two devoted daughters: Nancy D’Acierno and Joy Cornwell, two grandsons; Kevin and Nicholas Cornwell, one brother. Leo and his wife Victoria and many nieces and nephews as well as dear friends, Margie Cornwell, Pamala Sodden and Joe Gizzi. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy in 2010, his loving son-in-law, Kevin Cornwell (1997) and his sisters Marie DiMauro (2010) and Emily Bakos (2012).

Memorial donations to the Chordoma Foundation, P.O. Box 2127, Durham, NC 27702-2127 in Matthew’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

Walter Stanchak, age 86 of Wayne, died peacefully with his family gathered at his bedside on Sunday, May 18, 2014. He was one of our own; a dedicated funeral director here at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home since 1984.

Walter was born at home, in Clifton, NJ. His house was located at the intersection of Grunwald Street and Van Houten Avenue. They lived above a tavern, in the rear apartment, where he was delivered by a midwife named Rose Miketa. He lived in Clifton for thirty seven years before moving to Wayne in 1963.

During his second year at Clifton high school, Walter was called to serve his country and enlisted in the US Navy. Frankly speaking, he was too young to enlist but anxious to serve so one of his older brothers forged the papers and off he went to basic training.  His three brothers were already serving in the Army and they advised Walt to join the Navy to avoid the same experiences they had each endured. Sadly, his brother Nick was killed during a bombing mission over Germany. Walt went to boot camp in Sampson, NY and was sent to San Diego, CA where he was placed on the USS Biloxi, a light cruiser destined for Okinawa, presumably being sent in preparation for the invasion of Japan. He stopped over in Honolulu, HI for two weeks and was transferred to the USS Casablanca, a “baby carrier” that was loaded with all kinds of military equipment like jeeps, tanks, etc. When his ship was sailing west, just one day away from Guam, word came of the Japanese surrender. Walter subsequently spent six months on Guam where he and some Navy guys got their hands on an Army tanker truck, transforming it into a fire truck for the islanders. While on island, he got a severe case of “jungle rot” on his arms and legs and was transferred to the hospital ship “Hope” which took him to San Francisco, CA. He spent a couple of days in the hospital there and was transferred to a hospital train destined for Philadelphia. Along the way the steam train would make water stops. On one particular stop along the way, just two days before Thanksgiving 1945, the train stopped in a Wyoming town for water.  A group of locals who were all aware that this was a hospital train, brought all kinds of cooked food, a feast, for the sick and wounded troops. Walter, who was always up for a good time, devised a plan. At the next water stop, which he knew would last only about twenty minutes, he and a couple others would jump off the train and find a saloon. They pooled together money from all the guys in their train car and made a break for it. When they entered the saloon, the bar tender knew where they had come from and refused to take their money. He gave them some bottles of whiskey for free and they made it back to the train just in time! As only a bunch of drunken sailors could do, they had a memorable Thanksgiving aboard the train that night.

After being cured of his jungle rot in a Philadelphia hospital, Walter was assigned to the USS Schmidt 76, an Attack Personnel Destroyer, with a notation on his papers “do not send this man to a hot climate”. The USS Schmidt 76 then embarked on a mission to, of all places, Cuba.  Walter’s jungle rot came right back! While recovering in the hospital in Cuba, Walt was referred to as an “up” patient, because he wasn’t bed ridden. They assigned him some light duty as assistant to Chester Machuck, the morgue keeper and embalmer at the hospital. Chester quickly noticed that Walt had no fear and was very caring and conscientious in his treatment of the dead. Chester, who happened to be from Wallington, NJ, right next to Clifton, recommended that Walt find a career in funeral service after the Navy. Walt told him he was nuts! However, after working in a textile mill for a few months after the War, Walt realized that he needed a better career. He worked for several funeral directors in those early years, making $20 per week salary. Most were unwilling to teach him much of anything. In 1948, his fortune changed when Walt was introduced to Paul Ippolito, Jr., a funeral director in Orange, NJ. The Ippolitos treated him like a son and taught him what it really meant to be a funeral director, and he never forgot their kindness. Since that day, Walt has been forever grateful to Mr. Ippolito and his family for the guidance and opportunity they provided. Mr. Ippolito even helped Walter open his first funeral home and their friendship lasted for many years thereafter.

Walter’s greatest achievement of all, was marrying his beloved wife Emily. Emily, who was originally from Chicago, had recently moved into the house across the street from Walter in the mid-1940's, just when he got out of the Navy. They dated for a brief while, which was all it took for Walter to know she was special. They were married on June 4, 1950 and moved into an unfinished attic room over Walter’s parent’s apartment. They didn’t have two nickels to rub together, but they had each other. Emily worked while Walt went to school and she supported him while he began his funeral director career. Walter felt guilty that his new bride had to work so hard to support them, but he was focused on his career and knew brighter days were ahead of them. Walt opened up his own funeral home, the Stanchak Funeral Home, on Van Houten Avenue in Clifton in 1953. There were a lot of funeral homes in Clifton, so Walt soon decided to move to Wayne where he opened the Park View Funeral Home in 1963. He purchased the old Methodist Church in the Mountain View section of town and served the Wayne and Lincoln Park communities for more than twenty years. Emily was by his side through it all, working at the funeral home and raising a family at the same time. Together, they enjoyed nearly sixty four years of marriage and Emily will miss him dearly.

Walter was grateful for everything he had and ‘giving back’ to the community was important to him. He became a volunteer fireman with Community Fire Company #1 in Wayne, and he took an active role with the Lions Club of Lincoln Park. Walter was also a Mason and considering that the Lodge was right next door to his funeral home in Mountain View, he could often be found there too. His involvement in those organizations earned him so many wonderful friends over the years and he truly cherished those people in his life. He was a loyal friend and would do anything to help you; all you had to do was ask and Walt would be there for you. Sadly, Walter buried many of those dear friends during his long career as a funeral director, but he also leaves behind many more who will forever miss his smile, his kindness, and his candor.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife Emily, his three children; Linda Adamo and her husband Joe Barrow of Brick, John Stanchak and his wife Nancy of Wayne, and Jo Ann Cavallo and her husband Joe of Wayne, six grandchildren; Michael Adamo of Totowa, Daniel Adamo of Little Falls, Jessica Morrison and her husband Scott of Hoboken, John Stanchak and his wife Amy of Hoboken, and Samantha and Joseph Cavallo of Wayne.

Donations in Walt’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Rina Heykoop (Hoogendoorn) age 82 of Towaco passed Sunday, May 18, 2014. She was born in Waddinxveen, the Netherlands and came to the United States at the age of 22. She settled in the Towaco section of Montville and has lived in Montville Township for sixty years.

She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and sewing for her family. Rina was a faithful member of the Ebenezer Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Franklin Lakes.

She was the loving wife of the late Arie Adrianus Heykoop (2011); devoted mother of Nellie Van Grouw and her husband Bill of Blairstown, Cornelia Vlietstra and her husband David of Diggins, Missouri, Helen Ruby and her husband Shawn of Towaco, JoAnn Baum and her husband Allan of Kinnelon, and the late Arie Adrianus Heykoop III (2010); cherished grandmother of Kristen Berkenbush and her husband Dave, Peter Van Grouw and his wife Sadie, Susan Van Vugt and her husband Tom, Leah Koppelaar and her husband Nathan, Nathaniel Vlietstra and his wife Nadia, Timothy, Kathryn, Karalyn, Heidi, Mark, Mary Beth, Amber, Heather and Cynthia Vlietstra, Melissa, Samantha and Natalie Ruby, Allan Jay III, Alicia, Jeremy, Alaina, Julie and Andrew Baum; much loved great-grandmother of nine; loved sister of Riet Bosch of New Zealand, Adrie Hoogerbrug of the Netherlands, and the late Lena, Jan, Piet, Martinus, Janny, Mien, Alie, Fie, Arie, Gerrit, and Cor; loved sister-in-law of Janny, Janie, and Cok of the Netherlands.

Memorial donations to the Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Road, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be appreciated.

Maria A. Doyle (Germer) age 77 of Hoboken passed peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2014.

She was born in Germany and came to the United States at the age of eight.

The family settled in Hoboken and Maria’s parents, Annalisa and Wilhelm Germer, began working at a local tavern. In a few years the bought the tavern, located at 55 First Street in Hoboken, and named it Annalisa’s. Maria grew up helping at the tavern and as she grew older her responsibilities increased from cleaning to tapping kegs and placing orders. Eventually she bought out the tavern and the family opened a second one on 505 Eight Street in Hoboken. Maria was a hard worker and eventually decided to attend beauty school. She graduated and worked for Emily’s Beauty Parlor in Hackensack and later Cliffside Park while still owning the taverns. She worked for over fifty years before retiring in 2000.



As a young girl it was said Maria had Ann-Margaret looks. She was a model for several years with her photograph being published in several magazines. She loved to sing, was a loving, caring, kind, and generous person who many characterized as “the best.” 



Maria met a cute bartender named William Doyle at Peggy’s Tavern in Hoboken. “Billy” as he was known said it only took a couple of drinks to sweep Maria off her feet. The young couple fell in love and married on May 6, 1962 in St Frances Church at the corner of fourth and Hudson Street in Hoboken. They had their reception at the Union Club in Hoboken but never had enough money to go on a honeymoon. Maria and Billy had a wonderful and loving marriage of thirty-five years before his passing in 1997.

Maria was the loving mother of Kevin Doyle of West Milford; cherished grandmother of Liana Doyle; dear sister of Gary Germer of Franklin and the late William Germer (2011); Wonderful Mother in Law of Diana Doyle, and loved aunt of Judy, Linda, and Debbie.

Alfred W. Blazier, age 84 of Wayne, passed into eternal rest on Sunday, May 18, 2014.

Born in Pennsauken Township, he lived in Rutherford before his marriage in 1961. He and his beloved wife Carol moved to Wayne in 1962 where they’ve lived ever since. They celebrated 53 loving years of marriage this past April.

Alfred worked as a machinist at Bendix Corporation which later became Allied Signal and later Honeywell in Teterboro. He loved model railroading and was a member and former president of the railroad club in North Haledon for many years.

Alfred is survived by his wife Carol (nee Wicks); his two sons: Rick and wife Diane, and Ray; his daughter Laura Menyhart; and his two grandchildren: Kyle and Cailey. Alfred was predeceased by his sister Alyce Wicks and his brother Frank Blazier.

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

Michael “Doc” W. Dougherty, Jr., age 24 of Oak Ridge, passed after a tragic motorcycle accident, on Saturday, May 17, 2014.

He was born in Pequannock and lived in Butler before moving to Oak Ridge at the age of six. Mike graduated from Jefferson High School with the Class of 2008.

Mike had a strong work ethic and when assigned to take the garbage out, at the age of six, he dedicated himself to the task and took his job seriously. His father told him at a young age “you have to work hard for what you want,” and this life lesson would remain in Mike’s heart throughout his life. When in 8th grade he joined his best friend Ray’s landscaping company and was still lending a hand when needed. During his high school years he would ride his bike to work at the Milton Terry office furniture company in Oak Ridge. At seventeen he worked summers for his father at the Wayne Towship Parks Department and at the age of eighteen he worked as a rigger for the Anty Trucking and Rigging Company in Randolph. When Mike turned nineteen he took on full time employment for Wayne Township having worked in the Recycling Department, the Sewer Department, and the Water Department where he was currently a heavy equipment operator. He loved his work and never turned down an overtime call.

Mike was a dedicated member and in January was elected to “Engineer” of the Jefferson Township Fire Department Co. 1 where he has been a member for the past six years. He follows a tradition of family service to the community including: his father Michael W. Dougherty’s service to the Wayne Fire Department, his brother Ryan’s service at Jefferson Township Fire Department Co. 1, and his sister’s Caitlyn and Allison’s service as EMT’s with the Milton First Aid Squad.

Mike will be remembered as a very outgoing, confident person who was always concerned about others. Being six foot four inches tall Mike got several nicknames during his years including: “Gentle Giant,” “Big Mike,” and “Doc.” He loved riding his quad, being a fireman, playing Ice hockey, riding his 2012 Harley Road Glide, and working. He was often the first one to fire his hand out, introduce himself, and make you feel comfortable talking to him. Talking was something he did very well by the way. He has played ice hockey since he was eight years old and has met many lifelong friends on the ice.

He was the beloved son of Michael and Paula Dougherty; devoted brother of Ryan, Allison, and Caitlyn Dougherty all of Oak Ridge; cherished grandson of Patricia and Bill Rantowich, the late Arthur H. Bailey, Joyce Grabler, and Roy Wright; much loved nephew of Ken Dougherty of Pompton Lakes, Sandi Cusick and her husband Peter of Oak Ridge, and the late Bill Bailey; dear cousin of Mark and Zachary Cusick, Melissa and Janel Llewellyn, and Bill Bailey.

Memorial donations to the Jefferson Twp. Fire Company No. 1, PO box 487, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438 would be appreciated.

Madeline D. Palumbo (Bennington), age 84 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Her family stood lovingly at her side at the time of her passing.

Madeline was born in Belleville and spent her childhood in Passaic. She was one of four children born to Chauncey and Elizabeth Alice Bennington. She had been a member of both the Mountain View Gospel Church and the Women’s Club.

Madeline met her husband Roland at a dance at the Passaic Armory. They were married in 1951 and enjoyed nearly 60 years together before his passing in 2010. She was a loving mother, sister and friend. She was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was the heart and soul to her family.

Madeline leaves to mourn her dear daughter and son Kim LoBiondo and Robert Palumbo, both of Wayne, six loving grandchildren: Tanya, Carissa, and Jessielyn Palumbo, and Victoria, Joseph and James LoBiondo; a cherished great-grandaughter Saige; a dear brother Chauncy and wife Carol Bennington of Jensen Beach, FL; and her son-in-law Joseph LoBiondo of Blairstown.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of nearly sixty years, Roland M. in 2010, her adored granddaughter Christie Mercuri in 1983, and her two sisters: Mildred DeAngelo and Cora Wolos.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Madeline’s name are asked to consider Hospice of NJ, 400 Broadacres Drive, 1st Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Russell J. Ganz age 91 of Wayne passed peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2014.

He was born in Port Jervis, New York and raised between Matamoras, PA and Sparrowbush, NY. He and his siblings were raised by their aunt Catherine Mortimer who also had three children of her own. Russell graduated from Matamoras High School with the Class of 1940.

In 1942 Russell enlisted in the United States Navy and joined the Sea Bees. He recounted World War II stories of his time at Iwo Jima where he helped to build runways for the B29 bombers. He was discharged from the Navy in 1946.

He had met a pretty girl named Claire Bienskie while roller-skating and they soon fell in love. They married on September 14, 1947 at Saint Agnes Church in Paterson ad had a reception at the VFW hall in Hawthorne. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York having drove the first car Russ had ever bought, a black Plymouth. They had a loving marriage of sixty-seven years.

His working years started at a silk screening company in Paterson when a man named Bill Morgan met him and got him into the Glaziers Union. Russ spent forty years as a glazier having installed windows and glass in buildings from Paterson to New York City. He worked for the American Paterson Glass Company for forty years before retiring in 1986.

He was the loving husband of Claire (Bienskie) Ganz; devoted father of Gerald Ganz and his wife Bonnie of Long Beach, CA, and Russell W. Ganz and his wife Celeste of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandfather of Kelly Orofino and her husband Tom, and Lindsay Ganz of Long Beach, CA; dear brother of the late William Ganz and Catherine Canfield.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 or Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, or St Jude Children's Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0412 would be appreciated.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474  or St Jude Children's Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0412 would be appreciated.

Margaret "Marge" Chidiac, age 88 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday May 16, 2014 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Margaret was born and raised in Paterson until she was about thirteen years old. She lived in Jacksonville, Miami, and West Palm Beach, FL, as well as Clifton, NJ before moving to Wayne approximately 20 years ago.

Shortly after she graduated High School, she landed a job as a Bookkeeper and practiced that profession for all of her life working for several different companies but mainly for Mayfair Window and Glass in Hawthorne, NJ until her retirement in 1985. Margaret was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church in Wayne for many years. Margaret and her sister Josephine would spend their Summers in New Jersey and their Winters in Florida. She enjoyed bowling and spending time with her family. Margaret was loved by her family and friends alike and she will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Margaret is survived by her 3 sisters Josephine Chidiac of Wayne, Laura Homsani of Wayne, and Marie D'Annunzio and her husband Gabe of Florham Park; and 11 nieces and nephews Christine, John, Carol, Nancy, Alyse, Marie, William, Linda, Jeanne, Lisa, and Gary; and 23 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Those friends and loved ones planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shepherds Ln, Totowa, NJ 07512 or Eva's Kitchen 393 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07501.

Adele Russell 91 passed away quietly in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in the Bronx, NY, lived in many states, but moved to Clifton, NJ last year after having lived in Lancaster, Ca. for 45 years.

Adele worked for Caterpillar, Inc. before her marriage. She was predeceased by her loving husband Wiley, sister Hilda, and brother Harold. She leaves behind two daughters, Linda LePre of Wall, NJ & Donna Frederickson and her husband Al of Wayne, NJ, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister, 3 nieces and many cousins and friends.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in her name may make it to: "Miriam's Mascots" at The Daughters of Miriam, 135 Hazel St., Clifton, NJ.

Jayne Shattuck (nee Larsen), age 66 of Lincoln Park, died on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.

Jayne was raised in Wayne, graduating from Wayne High School with the class of 1965. Always fun-loving, she wrote what she referred to as a "gossip bulletin" for the highschool paper, using the name "Zany Jayne." While still in highschool, she met Norman Shattuck and the couple was married on February 10, 1968 at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne. They honeymooned in the Catskills and later settled in Lincoln Park where they raised their children and have lived ever since. Jayne and Norm celebrated 46 years of marriage this past winter.

Jayne's family was her priority and her greatest source of joy. She loved entertaining, organizing family softball games, barbecues, and pool parties in the summer. Her love shone in the details and every detail was perfect; she made it all appear effortless. Deeply sentimental, Jayne especially loved hosting birthdays and holidays. Everyone would gather at the house, which she had great fun decorating with her well-known flair and sense of style. A talented cook, she would lovingly prepare special dishes, insisting everyone have their favorite when it was time to celebrate and always happily taking requests. She maintained that there was room at her table for everyone. She particularly loved Christmas, baking batches of cookies from scratch, filling tin after tin to give away, wrapping gifts that looked almost too beautiful to open. She enjoyed crafting, and was a self-described "movie buff" who never tired of watching her favorites.

When the children were young, the family enjoyed vacationing in Ocean Beach, NJ; Norm and Jayne later bought a condo in Virginia Beach which they enjoyed with their family for nearly twenty years. Jayne loved to walk the length of the boardwalk, sometimes pushing along one of her beloved shih-tzus in a shaded stroller. The couple also took trips to Disney World, Bermuda and Italy. Jayne enjoyed Atlantic City and playing the slot machines where she had some great luck over the years. She loved eating out, enjoying good conversation and laughter over a meal.

Jayne was an executive secretary to a real estate developer in Wayne for twenty years. She enjoyed the legal aspects of real estate and was interested in the justice system as a whole. She liked to watch court room analyses and discussions on TV news programs, always happy to engage in lively debate.

In 2000, Jayne's faith journey brought her to Calvary Temple in Wayne where she became born again in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Although her health prevented her from attending services there in recent years, she had always loved worshipping at Cavalry, participating in Bible Study and making presentations on faith-based topics.

She often said her favorite role in life was being a mother to Ken and Karin. An active, involved mom, Jayne was a supportive presence at all her children's sporting events through their school years, a vocal cheerleader. She became active with the Lincoln Park PTA while Ken and Karin were in grade school; her vivacious personality easily lent itself to fundraising. Her children adored her, as did their friends who remember "Mrs. Shattuck" as always welcoming them into her home, happy to feed them, always smiling and upbeat.

Jayne was thrilled to become "Nana" with the birth of her granddaughter, Dana, in 2001. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, watching Disney movies while singing all of the songs, offering open arms for hugs, cradling the babies, all with the same extraordinary love and warmth that her children had always known. Jayne enjoyed an especially close and wonderful bond with her mother, Alice. She credited her mother for showing her how to love selflessly, and she adored her.

Norm and Jayne had many pets over the years and several shih-tzus. Jayne's most beloved pet was her black and white shih-tzu, Ninja, whom she lovingly referred to as "my boy." Ninja had been her faithful and loveable companion; years later, she still missed him terribly.

Her sharp wit and easy laugh will never be forgotten. Jayne's vibrant outlook on life, her magnetic personality blessed her with many wonderful and loving friends who will all miss her dearly. The light of her beautiful smile remains; it will continue to brighten the lives of those she loved.

Jayne is survived by her beloved husband Norman of Lincoln Park, two children; Karin Morris and her husband Darren of Lincoln Park, and Kenneth Shattuck and his wife Jamie of Rockaway, five grandchildren; Dana, Brooke and Sydney Morris of Lincoln Park, and James and Audrey Jayne Shattuck of Rockaway, one sister; Sonja Griffin of Chesapeake, VA, four brothers; Robert Larsen and his wife Sharon of Kansas, Jon Larsen of New York, George Larsen of North Carolina, and Lawrence (Larry) Larsen and his wife Laurel of New Jersey.

Donations in Jayne’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Helga E. Gottas, age 83, of Columbia, TN and formerly a long-time resident of Wayne, died peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2014.

Born in Germany in 1931, she emigrated to the U.S. when she was 20 years old. Upon her arrival in the U.S.A., she initially landed a job as a nanny for a diplomat. It was around this time that she also met a nice young U.S Marine through his Uncle Freddy named Ron Hertzberg. Helga and Ron married in 1955, settling on the Marine base in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. They later moved to Chicago, then Paterson. Helga and Ron were blessed with three beautiful children and Helga helped Ron in his beauty supply store in Paterson.

In 1972, Helga moved to Wayne. By now, the kids were older so Helga took a job for Drakes Bakeries as a packager in their Wayne bakery. While there, she met her second husband Frank Gottas. They were on the night shift together and on one evening they stopped at Gabriel’s in Mountain View to have a drink. They hit it off and were married in 1983. They honeymooned at the Jersey Shore and enjoyed nearly thirty years of loving marriage. Frank began to get ill right after retiring and Helga did everything she could for him, giving him the best care he could have asked until his passing in 2012. Helga also retired from Drakes Bakeries in 1998 after a 26 year career.

There were few places that Helga found more peace, solace and joy than in her garden. She loved being outside with Frank, tending together in the soil, enjoying the beauty and aroma of their countless flowers and the satisfaction of biting into a plump juicy tomato that they grew themselves. She loved to hear the birds chirping and singing too. Speaking of the birds, her feathered friends always knew that Helga’s backyard was a great place to visit as the many bird feeders scattered about were always full of fresh bird seed. The only thing the birds needed to keep an eye out for was the stray cats which Helga equally loved and cared for. At one time she was providing for six cats including Tiger, Buddy and Molly. The birds probably had little to worry about as Helga was as generous about feeding those cats as she was the birds.

In the house, Helga was an excellent cook and baker. During the Christmas holidays, you always knew you could find her in the kitchen, baking cookies – 15 different varieties in all! In her very generous way, she shared those cookies with her family and friends and, of course, enjoyed a few herself too. Helga had a very generous spirit. She faithfully took care of her two grandsons, Justin and John, five days a week while their parents worked. The boys were of course much more of a joy than a burden. Her own kids eventually all moved out of New Jersey so Helga and Frank made frequent trips to visit them in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. In early 2013, after Frank’s passing, Helga joined her children in Columbia Tennessee after living in Wayne for 41 years.

Helga will be remembered and adored for a great spirit of generosity. She always put great thought into the Christmas gifts she bought for her family, always choosing something that she knew they couldn’t buy for themselves. She will be missed but the memories of her will go on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of experiencing her love.

Helga is survived by her son Pearce Hertzberg of Columbia, TN, her daughter Beverly and husband Seth Newburger of Harrisburg, NC, and her daughter Taryn Hertzberg of Columbia, TN; and two grandsons: Justin and John.

She was predeceased by her first husband Ronald Hertzberg in 1998, her second husband Frank Gottas in 2012, and her brother Werner in 1979.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Helga’s name are asked to consider the Humane Society of the United States, Dept.: Memorial Donations, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 (humanesociety.org) (make checks payable to HSUS) or the National Wildlife Federation, PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583 (www.nwf.org).

Margaret “Peggy” DeVries (Qucsai), age 85, died peacefully at her home in Oak Ridge on Saturday, May 10, 2014. She was receiving the loving care of her family at the time of her passing.

Born in Paterson in 1929, she lived in Lincoln Park until moving to Oak Ridge in 2000.

Surviving to mourn her loss but celebrate her life are her three dear daughters: Shirley Block of Oak Ridge, Linda Lima-DeVries of Totowa, and Joyce and husband Salvatore Lima of Wayne; Her two dear sons: Hendrick DeVries of Lincoln Park and Phillip DeVries of Oak Ridge; Sixteen adored grandchildren: Mitzi Cox, Jeff Uphold, Tammy and husband Dave Panzino, Jackie Lima, Krystal Lima and fiancé Nick Whitmore, Charles and wife Jennifer Lima, Salvatore, Jr. and wife Raquel Lima, Richard, Anthony and Joseph Lima, Hendrick and wife Nicole DeVries, Mariah DeVries, Heather DeVries and her fiancé Bryan, PJ DeVries, Kate DeVries, and Teddy DeVries; thirteen cherished great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Peggy lived her life for her family. She loved her children and grandchildren. Even in her final days she would use her strength to express her adoration for each and every one of them. She enjoyed life to the fullest, especially celebrating family birthdays, graduations, and weddings. She loved vacations and was always ready to take that trip to Florida, Vermont or Pennsylvania, and cruises to wherever that ship was going!

Peggy owned Flowers by Henri in Lincoln Park, and then worked as a floral designer with Carlock's Florist in Little Falls, prior to retirement.

Peggy leaves all those who knew her with many happy memories, but takes with her a piece of all their hearts. She will always be loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Margaret’s name are asked to consider the Muscular Dystrophy Association – WEB, P.O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ 85062-8960 (www.mda.org)

Gloria Wardle (Trovato) “Nonni” age 92 of Wayne passed peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2014.

She was born and raised in Paterson before moving to Wayne where she made her home for fifty-five years.

Gloria met her future husband Raymond while working at the First National Bank in Paterson. Gloria and Raymond told their children that before they married they were out for a Sunday drive on Alps Road in Wayne when they heard the radio broadcaster announce Pearl Harbor had been attacked. They soon fell in love and married in November of 1944 at the Eastside Presbyterian Church in Paterson and honeymooned at a cabin in the Pines Lake section of Wayne.

She will be remembered as an honest, kind, loyal, fair, empathetic person who was a mother and best friend to all. She loved kids and they all loved her back. Just about everyone who met her called her “Nonni.”

She was proud to be a homemaker and was a great Italian cook. Her homemade apple pies at Thanksgiving will surely be missed. She loved to crochet afghans and baby blankets for her children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends.

She was the loving wife of over fifty years to the late Raymond B. Wardle (1995); beloved mother of Nancy Stanchak and her husband John of Wayne, the late Raymond Wardle (2009), Richard Wardle and his wife Linda of Currituck, North Carolina and James Wardle and his wife Marie of Wayne; cherished grandmother of David Wardle and his wife Stacey, Michael Wardle and his wife Bridget, Stephen Wardle and his wife Lia, Angela Morris and her husband Chet, John Stanchak and his wife Amy, Jeffrey Wardle, Douglas Wardle, Jessica Morrison and her husband Scott, Jennifer White and Raymond Wardle; much loved great-grandmother of Kayla Carpenter, Madilyn Askew, Macy, David, Bennett, and Tessa Wardle; dear sister of Josephine Rose of Neshanic Station and the late Leah Bagli (1990).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, NY, NY 10004 would be appreciated.

Faye Vitali, age 96, of Wayne, entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 9, 2014. She passed peacefully at home in the loving care of her family.

Faye was born at home on Jasper Street in Paterson. She grew up there, the fourth of Americo and Elvira Riccitelli’s seven children and her parents actually gave her the name Vincenzina but everyone either called her Fannie or Faye. She was educated at Paterson’s School Number 5 before going on to graduate from Central High School in 1935. After furthering her education in secretarial school, Faye landed her first job working as a telephone operator. She loved that job but eventually left to work in the secretarial field.

She met her boyfriend Bruno Vitali through family and friends. As a boy, Bruno always wanted to learn how to fly. He and his younger brother Ess once dragged an old Navy airplane out of the Hudson River, took it home and rebuilt it. This all happened in the late 1920’s and Bruno’s determination eventually led to him being the youngest licensed pilot in the state of New Jersey. Faye and Bruno were in love and they wanted to get married but Faye would only marry Bruno under one condition; he would have to give up flying. Bruno’s love for Faye was too great. He gave up flying airplanes and this loving couple was united in holy matrimony on Saturday, November 4, 1939.

They settled into a two-family house apartment on Union Ave in Paterson. Two years later they moved to their own home on John Street. Faye continued to work for four more years until she and Bruno were blessed with their firstborn, a baby boy which they named Everett. Six years later, Everett was joined by his little sister Mary Lou and, at this chapter in her life, Faye became dedicated to her role as wife and full-time mommy. It was a short chapter though as, five years later, she went back to work, this time with Fair Lawn Finishing where she returned to the job she loved – being a switchboard operator. Faye eventually took another job with Singer Kearfott where, over the next twenty-eight years, she rose to the position of administrator before retiring in 1980. During her years with Kearfott, the family moved one more time, in 1976, to their home in Wayne.

As much as Faye enjoyed working outside of her home, her heartfelt devotion was always to her family. She and Bruno and the kids enjoyed many summers and weekends at their house on Upper Greenwood Lake. They built it in 1951 and appropriately named it Evylou Cottage. Their boat was also called Evylou and many cherished memories were made at the lake, swimming, boating, ice skating or just relaxing in the sun, feeling the cool lake breeze and being together as family. In 1964, Faye and Bruno celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to Italy where they had the privilege of being reunited with family they never otherwise would have had the chance to see. Throughout the years, they also enjoyed cruises and trips to Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Jamaica.

Faye’s love for her family led her to care for Bruno’s mother Louisa who came to live with her and Bruno. Bruno eventually became ill too and Faye’s devotion led her to retire from Singer Kearfott so that she could dedicate herself to his care. As a grandmother, Faye adored Marisa, Paul and Peter and enjoyed babysitting for them when they were little, just so she could be with them. Her family recalls memories like when she sat young Paul on her lap behind the wheel of her Cadillac so he could actually drive. Then there were the Easter egg hunts she hosted for the kids. There were plenty of eggs with candy in them but the goal was for her grandchildren to find the one egg with the bonus cash in it. She always felt bad for little Peter, the youngest, so she couldn’t resist giving him hints as to where that particular egg was. She always let Marisa dance on the table and she’d help her set up her recitals where Marisa favored the family with songs from the Broadway show Annie.

If Faye had lived in a different time, she would have pursued a career in the field of education. She took a job at a local nursery school but unfortunately had to quit because the germs were just too much for her. Always eager to help others, Faye needed an outlet after her beloved Bruno’s passing in 1998. So she poured her heart and efforts into befriending Asian families that moved into her neighborhood. She tutored them in English as well as their relatives visiting from Taiwan during the summer months. At last, she found a fulfilling way to satisfy her desire to teach! Because of her tutoring, her students became proficient in the English language. Consequently, those Asian children excelled in school, obtained their U.S. citizenship, and went onto prestigious institutions of higher education and successful lives in the U.S.A.

Next to her love of Bruno, her children and grandchildren, Faye was devoted to her faith in God. She regularly prayed the St. Jude Novena for her family on a daily basis. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church of Wayne since moving to the town in 1976.

Faye is survived by her dear son Everett and wife Heather Vitali of Melville, Long Island, her dear daughter Mary Lou and husband Vincent Giammona of Wayne; three adored grandchildren: Marisa Vitali, Paul Giammona, and Peter Giammona; and one dear brother: Dr. Americo Riccitelli and wife Marie of Rancho Mirage, CA.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bruno in 1998 and five siblings: John Riccitelli, Laura Scola, Jane D’Amelio, Edith Barbarow, and Arthur Riccitelli.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Faye’s name are asked to consider the National Shrine of St. Jude, 205 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL 60606 (www.shrineofstjude.org), or Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 70 South Orange Ave. Suite 210 Livingston, NJ 07039 (www.vitas.com).

Steven Gilberti, age 58 of Wayne, entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 5, 2014

Steven was born in Paterson in August 1955  joining his older sister Michele in the loving home of his parents, Michael and Ruth Tinella Gilberti. The house was a big two-family house on Maple Street and his great-grandmother, Anna Chiefa, lived with them too. Mama Nina, as his great-grandmother was called, adored Steven and called him “Sunny” because he brought sunshine to everyone.

Steven’s house was a block from Westside Park in Totowa and in winter, spring, summer and fall, the park was a place of many happy times and memories with all the other kids in Steven’s neighborhood as well as his friends from Paterson School Number 5 where he attended.

Steven’s mom, Ruth Gilberti used the word “pistol” to describe his behavior as a child. It seemed like every couple of weeks she or his dad, Michael, were in his school about Steven’s antics. He was a great student academically, but loved to talk -- even when the teacher was talking! For example, Steven would walk around his fifth grade teacher’s, Mr. Gibb's classroom, jacket half off, talking to his friends--and he had a lot of them--as the teacher tried to get the class to settle down. When he was outside playing with his friends, his Mom could hear the other kids saying, "Steve, your mother's calling you," but he would pretend he didn't hear her. (Maybe he was hard of hearing!) But actually, he wasn't ready for dinner, or homework--he was playing. He loved penny candy--which was "forbidden." Anytime he was given a quarter or even a nickel, he would sneak off to the candy store (often with one of his friends or cousins) to buy as much candy as he could. Like many kids, he was told when being grounded or punished, "We're only doing this because we love you." Always quick with an answer, Steve once said, “Mommy, could you please not love me so much." That became famous.

Steve loved to laugh and play tricks -- he tried to study magic by buying a magic kit. He loved to buy tricks from the Jonathan Smith catalog -- "whoopee" cushions, matches that went out as soon as you lit them, and candles that wouldn't go out. He was surrounded by neighborhood friends and the street outside the house was always full of kids playing stick ball or war or races. Despite his antics, he was the funny and lovable son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, who always brought laughter into the family. His mother said he grew up to be a wonderful son, husband and father to his two boys. He was the kind of kid who brought love and laughter everywhere he went. His dad, Michael, took him everywhere, and they could often be seen on summer nights walking together in Westside Park, going down to the river to "fish" with a string, a makeshift hook and a lump of Wonder bread as bait. His dad, Mike loved sports and spent endless hours teaching Steve and other boys to catch. Steve played Little League baseball.To his sister Michele, he was her best friend, even though they were almost complete opposites; he was super-active, she loved to read and study. That didn't always work out perfectly.

In 1968, when Steven was thirteen, his family moved to Yorktown Road in Wayne. It was there that he took a great interest in sports including Tennis, Hockey, Racquetball, Softball, and Golf. Besides participating in these sports, he also loved rooting for the Giants, Rangers and Yankees--the local "home teams." Steven attended Schuyler Colfax Middle School before eventually graduating from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1973. For the next forty-six years, sports in Wayne, NJ and the "home teams" became a huge part of his life, especially with his sons Michael (21) and Christian (19). You couldn't imagine a father more proud and devoted to his sons' sports careers, from the Boys Club teams to the Wayne Valley games of Lacrosse and Football.

But that's getting WAY ahead of the story.

In 1983, while working the 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM shift at Inmont Corporation in Hawthorne, Steven met a young lady named Maria Lombardo. Her office was across from the conference room and her desk faced out toward the hall. As a member of Inmont’s Fire Brigade, Maria often saw Steven walking the hall with his fire helmet and rubber boots on. You could say he caught her eye. She thought he was cute in his fire outfit and she thought to herself, “Someday I’m going to marry that man.” Well, they did end up going out for dinner to Mama Theresa’s in Haledon and during conversation over dinner; Steven declared to Maria that he was "the kind of guy" who would never get married. At the end of the date, she was disappointed that he only kissed her on the cheek--and he didn't call her back! After some time, Maria decided to take matters into her own hands. One morning, she called Steven, just before he was getting off of work from the nightshift--he thought it was maybe one of his day crew calling in sick. What a surprise. Maria told him that she’d been thinking about him and invited him to stop by her office to see her pictures of her Club-Med vacation in Cancun. Maria’s invitation worked! Steven asked her out again and the rest, as they say, is history. Steven and Maria were united in holy matrimony on Friday, November 28, 1986 at Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church in Wayne. It was a great day for a wedding because it was the day after Thanksgiving and everyone was off. Their honeymoon was to be in Hawaii with a stop on the way in San Francisco so that Steven could see his beloved NY Giants play the 49ers in Candlestick Park. They brought a huge banner with the words “Just Married! Go Giants!” written on it. Much to their delight, they made national television – their own 15 minutes of fame!

Seven years later, Steven and Maria welcomed their firstborn, Michael, who was quickly known as “Prince Michael” because he was the first grandson on the Gilberti side of the family, and the first baby to come into the Lombardo family in many years. Two years later, Michael was joined by his brother Christian. For Steven, one boy was a dream come true but when Maria gave birth to Christian, Michael’s little brother, Steven felt like he won the daily double! Now he had, not just one, but two boys to share his passion for sports with. To Steven, his boys were everything. He proudly served as their coach in little league baseball at the Wayne Boys and Girls Club and, from the time Michael was in Kindergarten, he coached them in whatever sport was going on. At this point in his life, Steve was well established in his job as a NewsInk product specialist with Sun Chemical in East Rutherford. He was great at his work, consequently getting job offers that would have brought more wealth and status. But Steven turned those offers down repeatedly because time with family was more important. For years, this poster has hung in his home, it says, "A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove ... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

Steven had the privilege of vacationing with Maria and the boys at least two-to-three times a year via their timeshare. Destinations included Maine, Arizona, Florida, Las Vegas, New York, Cape Cod, Mexico, Bahamas, and a recent cruise to Bermuda. Many trips were also made with family and friends to see Giant, Ranger and Yankee games. His devotion to sports was so serious that once, when Maria thought she was pregnant with Christian, Steven told her “honey, please don’t go for that pregnancy test tomorrow, my team is in the finals and I just can’t handle any more pressure than that!” Much to Maria’s chagrin, one of Steven’s other loves was the Grateful Dead. He and his buddies from high school went to lots of their concerts all over the U.S. - literally hundreds!

Last year he fashioned an outdoor living room out of a gazebo, complete with a couch, chairs and a flat screen TV. He loved it because he could be one with all the flowers he planted. As he battled his cancer over the past five years, Steven also enjoyed gardening in the backyard. Recently Steve transformed the upstairs Kitchen into a Sports Bar and with an adjacent “Man Cave.” With Mike and Uncle Sal, Maria's brother, Steve watched over every day's progress -- even adding a few brush strokes to the new paint. He would describe the awesome natural wood bar they finished and everything else in his telephone calls with all the people who loved him so much. In this special room, he hung up the boys High School sports jerseys, placed the photos of Mike and Christian in action shots in football and lacrosse, and enjoyed the two flat screen TV’s. For this summer, he had big plans for the outside yard that he loved--a hot tub, tranquility garden and a fire pit.

Even with all his interests and passions in life, none was ultimately more important to him than his love for God. Steven was known to daily declare that he was grateful that “Jesus died for my sins.” From the time he was a child, he always said Grace before each dinner—even at public restaurants where strangers would comment that he was an amazing kid.After marrying Maria, he soon got the reputation in the family as the go-to-guy to say Grace before the meals at all the family functions -- especially weddings. It became so frequent that Steven used to joke saying “one more time and I can get one of those clergy placards so that I can have privileged parking.

Steven’s life could be described with one word – LOVE! He had lots of love for everyone and he never drew a line between family and friends. Everyone was considered immediate family to Steven. He was funny beyond words and had an amazing ability to recall scenes from Seinfeld to Abbott and Costello episodes. He never, ever had a negative thing to say about anyone and, despite his illness for the last five years, he never complained, always having hope. His heart was big beyond words and if you saw him, you probably got a hug. His boys considered him a great role model and their best friend. His darling wife Maria said “the world lost a kind, loving, human being. He was the best person I knew!

Surviving is his beloved wife of 28 years, Maria; his two dear sons: Michael and Christian; his loving mother: Ruth Gilberti of Greenacres, FL; and his sister Michele and husband Jeff Steinberg of Leesburg, VA. Steven was predeceased by his loving father Michael in 2002. He is also survived by his Mother- and Father-In-Law, Santina & Giuseppe Lombardo, and Maria’s siblings Sal, Josephine (Vittorioso), Carmen, Paula (Ciaravino), their spouses and children. Beyond his immediate family, Steven had a special “sibling” relationship with his cousins from the Armero, Portelli and Brillante Families and all their children who all fondly call him “Uncle Steve.” Remembrances posted from his nieces and nephews on his memorial website speak for everyone:"...I will never laugh again the way I did when I was with you."

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Steven’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).

Connie Tilli Capobianco, age 93, of Wayne, NJ, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014.

She was the beloved wife of Joseph Capobianco and the late Louis Tilli of Wayne. Connie was born in Providence, RI on January 10, 1921 and grew up in Paterson, NJ. She was the daughter of the late John and Maria Paruto.

Connie is survived by her husband, Joseph Capobianco, two daughters, Edith Makara of Wayne, Lorraine Klein of Pequannock, stepson, Anthony Capobianco of Florida, stepson James Capobianco, deceased, eight grandchildren, one deceased, ten great-grandchildren and a sister, Jane Smith of Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Kevin M. Rovere, age 45 of Wayne, died on Friday, May 2, 2014 after a brief and sudden illness.

Kevin moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne when he was just seven years old and he has lived there ever since. He graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1987 and after attending Denver Diesel & Automotive College, he opened his own repair business, Kevin’s All-Pro, in Wayne. He later worked for Camp Auto and Truck Parts in Wayne, before joining the IBEW Local 102 out of Parsippany where he was trained as an Electrician. With his Union training and experience, he started his successful electrical contracting business; Rovere & Sons Electric, in Wayne. He became a Board Member with the Passaic County Electrical Contractors Association and enjoyed serving there. Kevin had built his business up, through hard work and perseverance, to where he was just starting to see it blossom. He had planned to eventually pass the business on to his young sons.

Kevin was undoubtedly the “go-to guy” for just about everyone that knew him! If you needed help, all you had to do was ask Kevin. He would lend you a hand at the drop of hat, and if you asked him for a favor, he would quickly say “don’t worry about it” and it would be taken care of. He was simply a very kind, generous, and caring friend to so many people. With his funny jokes and witty sense of humor, he was the life of the party. He was our "one-in-a-million"!!

Kevin was very involved in the Packanack Lake community. He loved to golf there with his family and was a fixture behind the grill at any of the Packanack BBQ Club events. He was a master of the BBQ, and his smoker was one of his prized possessions! Not to mention his awesome pulled pork and BBQ ribs. He also served as Commissioner of the PLAA Youth Baseball program for several years and volunteered with the Packanack Cub Scout Pack 104. He loved the outdoors and the many camping road trips. He was devoted to Packanack Lake, and the community will deeply miss his laughter, his smile, and his generous spirit.

Kevin felt like the luckiest guy in the world to be married to his wife, Sharon. Sharon felt like the luckiest woman in the world to have him in her life. They had met in high school, but it took more than ten years before he was able to get her phone number and a first date. He proposed to her soon thereafter at a friend’s wedding – when he grabbed the microphone and proposed to Sharon in front of everyone there! Lucky for him, she accepted and they were married on June 9, 2001 followed by a honeymoon in Las Vegas and Cabo San Lucas. Kevin loved Sharon deeply and was grateful for such a wonderful wife, always holding her up on a pedestal. He frequently joked around, comparing their relationship to Beauty and the Beast. They were the best of friends, loving, and devoted to one another. She blessed him with three fine sons of which he could not have been more proud. Those boys were the light of his life and they will each miss him dearly. He is their angel in heaven watching over them everyday.

Kevin is survived by his wife Sharon, his three sons; Robert, Joseph and Nicholas, his mother; Nancy Rovere of Wayne, his late father, Kenneth Rovere, his sisters; Kristen Corby and her husband Jason of North Carolina, Carrie Mundrick and her husband Paul of New York, his brother; Craig Rovere and his wife Gail of Wayne, his mother and father-in-law; Sandra and Robert Swisher of Wayne, three sisters-in-law; Doreen Calvello and her husband James of Wayne, Donna Rojas and her husband Mark of Wayne, and Jessica Swisher of Wayne, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In light of this tragic and unexpected loss, please consider helping Kevin’s family by linking to: www.gofundme.com/8u69p4

Brenda (Bucci) Rouse, age 71 of Spotsylvania, Va. passed peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2014.

She was born at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson and lived at 445 Marshall Street in Paterson until she was fifteen years old. The family moved to Minnisink Road in Totowa which was the beginning of a lifetime of travel for Brenda. She lived in such places as Montreal, Canada, Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe), Johannesburg, South Africa, Reston and Williamsburg, Virginia, Tampa, Florida, New Jersey and in Spotsylvania for the last 10 years.

Brenda graduated from Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls with the Class of 1959 at the young age of 16, It was customary back then for schools to have students skip grades if they were advanced and very smart. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from William Paterson University in Wayne, and received her Master’s Degree in Library Science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

She will be remembered as an intelligent, generous, caring person who was strong willed, adventurous, independent, and who loved people and animals. She and her late husband Robert (2013) were instrumental in founding the Fawn Lake Dog Park in Spotsylvania, VA. She also enjoyed the many friendships made at the Fawn Lake Golf Club, and her wonderful neighbors.

She was the loving wife of the late Robert Rouse (2013); much loved sister of Jerry Bucci and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, NJ and Corinne Jasinski and her husband Robert of Wayne, NJ; much loved aunt of Frank Bucci and his wife Caroline, John Jasinski and his wife Diana, Mark Bucci, Andrew Bucci, Jason Jasinski, and James Bucci.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Brenda’s name can be sent to the Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroads, Wayne, NJ 07470 or to the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, 450 Tv Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

Margaret “Peggy” Devane, age 70 of Wayne and formerly of Brooklyn, NY, died peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2014.

Peggy was born, raised and lived in Brooklyn all of her life. She was the second of John and Dorothy Devane’s three beautiful daughters. Her father was an Irish citizen who inspired Peggy to have a great sense of pride and fascination in her Irish ancestry.

When she was fourteen, Peggy had her first boyfriend – a young man named Arthur Brennan who she met at a party in Brooklyn. They dated for six years and shortly after graduating from Brooklyn’s Colby Academy, she and Arthur began their married life together. Peggy was nineteen at the time and a year later, she and Arthur welcomed their firstborn son Arthur, who was later joined by his younger brother William.

As a young woman Peggy worked as a waitress and while she was the waitress you’d want serving you, she was also a fantastic cook! Consequently in her spare time Peggy catered her own events on the side. She eventually opened her own restaurant in Brooklyn’s Fulton Market. The restaurant was called Meg’s Maids and Peggy didn’t only own the restaurant, she ran it and did all of the cooking. Meanwhile her sons Arthur and Bill worked the counter. She enjoyed success in her business until being approached by a group who wanted to develop the Fulton Market into what is known today as the South Street Seaport. The investors bought Peggy out and she opened her next restaurant Peggy’s Seafood House located on 16th Street and Prospect Park West in the Windsor Terrace section of Brooklyn. Again, she enjoyed her work and the success her business brought. Peggy eventually sold this restaurant and went back to waitressing so she could have more time which she used to help a disabled friend.

A staunch democrat Peggy was very active in local Brooklyn politics supporting the campaigns of various candidates running on the democratic ticket. She also loved to study Irish history and she held dual citizenship in the U.S. and Ireland. She held to a very spiritual and holistic approach to her life.

Peggy’s two grandsons were the apple of her eye. She loved visiting them a few times every month, she was always excited when they came to spend time with her in Brooklyn. When the boys came to her house they could always count on grandma going all out to prepare them a delicious meal and she loved to slip them each a five-dollar bill just to make them smile. Even in the last few days as she lay in bed, if her grandsons came into her room a big smile would come across her face.

Always generous, Peggy didn’t have a lot of worldly treasures but she would still give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. Living in her apartment in Brooklyn she was known by many in the apartment complex as the one who was always ready to lend a hand, or cook a meal, or take care of your pet while you were away. And speaking of pets, Peggy rescued her share of strays in her lifetime giving a loving home most notably to Velvet – her Labrador-Pointer mix and Molly – her Scottish Terrier whose recent passing she was mourning. Peggy will be fondly remembered as a loving, generous and funny person who was loved by many.

Peggy is survived by her two dear sons: William Brennan of Wayne and Arthur Brennan of Merrimack, NH; two adored grandsons: Michael and James Brennan; and two dear sisters: Anne Toomey of Lowell, MA, and Jane Devane of Jackson, NJ. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Tom Hunt.

Robert B. Hook, age 88 and formerly of Prospect Park, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. He had been residing at the New Jersey Fireman’s Home in Boonton for the past two years.

Bob was raised in Prospect Park and sadly lost his mother when he was just seventeen years old and decided to join the U.S. Navy soon thereafter. His older brother was already serving in the U.S. Army and suggested that the Navy would be a better option. At least in the Navy, Bob would have a dry bunk to sleep in every night, as opposed to a muddy fox hole. However, the first time Bob encountered rough seas, with waves much taller than his own ship, he questioned his brother’s advice. Nevertheless, Bob served proudly for nearly four years throughout the South Pacific.

Upon his return from the service, Bob settled in Prospect Park again and began a lifelong career as a painter, trading as Robert Hook Painting. He also believed strongly in taking an active role in his community and he joined the volunteer fire department. He served in excess of twenty five years with the Prospect Park Volunteer Fire Department, and loved every bit of it.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Loretta Hook in 2011. He is survived by his three children; Robert Hook and his wife Deborah, Charlene Brauch and her husband Dean, and Connie Gravinese and her husband John, ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, and his loving wife’s children; Barbara and Danny Capozzoli, Johnny and Joan Reid, and their children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider a memorial donation in Bob’s honor to the New Jersey Fireman’s Home, 565 Lathrop Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005.