Mary E Pike (nee Harraka) of Wayne passed away peacefully in her home while receiving the loving care of her family.

Mary was born and raised in Paterson and lived in Wayne for the past 47 years. She was the daughter of George and Lena Harraka who had immigrated to this country from Syria.

She cherished many loving years of marriage to her late husband William R Pike who

passed away in 2006. She and her husband were world travelers for many years, visiting over 30 countries.

Mary was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne and also St Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park.  She was a member of the Wayne Women’s Club and volunteered for many good causes. She was also a member of the

Bridge Club. She loved to play Bridge, read and listen to her favorite music.  Later in life, she enjoyed the many game shows on television, as she would play along with them.

Aside from the activities she enjoyed, the greatest love and joy was her husband, children

and grandchildren. She devoted her life to them, and found happiness in their happiness. Nothing meant as much to her as being with them.

Mary is survived by her son William G Pike and his wife Denise of Wayne; her daughter

Patricia M Pike of Wayne; two brothers Joseph and John Harraka; and her four grandchildren George, Jessica, William, and Nicole; she was predeceased by her brother

Anthony and her two sisters Sadie and Anna Mae.

Yvonne “Yoni” S. Albano (nee Santos) age 54 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 22, 2013.

She was born in Manila, Philippines and came to the United States in 2001 settling in Haledon before moving to Wayne in 2006.

In 2001 she married Norman Albano after having met through relatives. Their relationship initially started by mail as Norman was in the United States and Yvonne was in the Philippines. They first met in person in San Jose, California at Yvonne’s brother’s home. They soon fell in love and married on May 20, 2001 in Pasay City, Philippines. They have lived in Wayne for the past six years.

Yvonne was a professional piano player and has played in hotels and resorts throughout Asia. When she came to the United States she played piano then trained to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She has played piano at the Paramus Veterans Home and worked as an LPN at the Preakness Health Care Center in Wayne for several years.

She will be remembered as a happy, friendly person who had a good sense of humor and enjoyed caring for others. She felt her music was a universal language that helped her connect with those she cared for.

Yvonne was the loving wife of Norman Santos Albano; cherished sister of Virgilio Santos and his wife Teresa of San Jose, California, the late Larry Santos, Henry Santos and his wife Emeriz of Manila, Philippines, Jojo Santos and his wife Grace of Zambales, Philippines, Giovanni Santos and his wife Nanette of Manila, Philippines, and Minerva Villaranda and her husband Caesar of Calgary, Canada; she was much loved by many nieces and nephews.

Florentina C. “Flo” Conklin (nee Templin) age 91 of Wayne passed to her eternal reward on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 while receiving the loving care of her husband Robert who was constantly at her bedside.

She was born in Jersey City where she lived her early years where she received her formal education at a local grammar school, and then at Dickenson High School graduating with the Class of 1942. She later lived in Closter before moving to Wayne

A gentleman named Robert Conklin heard that Florentina was a mother of two sons and was having a very difficult time keeping her young family together. Robert kept on the sidelines and sent money to Flo as a benefactor to help her feed and house her family. After two years they formally met and decided to join hands in marriage.

They had a wonderful and loving marriage together and Robert became a very dedicated and loving step father to her children. He never looked back and accepted her children as his own in every way and they in turn accepted him in very positive ways as their father

Florentina was affectionately known by all as Flo and she had very admirable personality traits. She was a wonderful cook a skilled seamstress, and a talented artist, but her finest dedication in life was being a devoted mother and wife.

Her children recall that their home was full of song and good cheer emanating from this special mother. Every day the house was full of her singing and the morning wake up signal was their mother singing beautifully and happily to arouse them to a new day.

Tragedy touched her life first in losing a sister at birth, then in August 1968 her son Robert McManus who was a casualty of the Vietnam War, Then in 1997 her only brother Robert Templin, who was a Hudson County Police Officer.

Surviving to cherish the many memories of this special lady are her husband Robert E. Conklin: three sons Gary McManus and his wife Mary of Wayne, Philip Conklin and his wife Susan of West Milford, John Conklin and his wife Vicki of Pequannock; two sisters Florentina Iskra of Rockaway and Renee Budz and her husband Frank of Sussex and thirteen grandchildren including Keith, Amy, Bobbi, Tommy, Kalyn, Todd, Brett, Justin, Allana, Steven, Brendon, Jesica and Luke.

Eleanor M. Boehm, 84, of Clifton.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep, after a short but brave battle with melanoma on Wednesday morning August 21, 2013. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Edward W. Boehm in 2006.

She graduated from the “old” Clifton High School in 1947. She later graduated from Newark Prep Secretarial School.

She got married in 1950.

She was employed by Shulton as a keypunch operator in her twenties. In 1953 she settled down to have her three children.

She later returned to work at Clifton Drapery, followed by her employment at Meat and Chicken Co-op in Paterson, where she was fondly known as the “Chicken Lady”.

She retired after working there for ten years.

Later in life she enjoyed going on cruises with her husband and for ten years enjoyed their time share in Aruba and a trip to Germany.

She also enjoyed trips to Atlantic City to play her slots and vacationing in Wildwood Crest.

She was a member of the Golden Ages of Wayne and the Senior Center in Wayne.

She was also predeceased by her parents Mabel and Arthur Oberg of Wayne in 1968, her brothers Arthur and Donald and her sister Joyce (Markert).

She is survived by her brother Frank. She is also survived by three sons, Dr. Edward W. Boehm and his wife Kim of Franklin Lakes, Brian L. Boehm of Clifton, and David W. Boehm and his wife Krissy of Cranbury. She is also the cherished Grandmother of Deanna, Kerstin, And Katie.

Virginia C., “Ginny” Schelling, age 85 of Pompton Plains, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as her family gathered by her bedside and supported her with great love, on Tuesday, August 20, 2013.

Born in Hasbrouk Heights, Ginny was growing up in Jersey City before eventually moving to Midland Park. Back then, kids of Midland Park attended high school in Pompton Lakes, so each day, Ginny and her girlfriends would meet at the train station in the town’s Wortendyke section to take the train to Pompton Lakes High School. Before she graduated, her parents moved to Lincoln Park. This saddened Ginny as she loved those rides to school on the train with friends. Ginny was encouraged and greatly appreciative of her father Ernie Williams who, being a guy who loved his two little girls, drove Ginny to that same train station and picked her up at the end of the day so she could be with her girlfriends.

Ginny met her husband George as he was the landlord to property her family was renting along the river in Pequannock. One hot afternoon Virginia invited her high school friends over to the river for a swim. George was there to rescue Virginia after she ventured into the water and couldn’t swim. George gave Virginia his high school ring but ground the year of graduation off so she couldn’t tell his age. They fell in love and right after Ginny graduated high school, they married on July 12, 1947 at St. Joseph Church in Lincoln Park. In 1953 they built a home in Pompton Plains where they remained till taking residence in there heavenly home. They had a loving and devoted marriage for 65 years. Most recently they stayed in separate hospital beds in the same room at home. George would reach his hand through the bed rails and Virginia would extend hers as they touched to say goodnight to each other.

Soon after marriage, Ginny was invited to a bible study by her husband George’s Aunt Elsie Van Riper. That bible study eventually grew into the Grace Bible Church in Pompton Plains and Ginny grew in her knowledge and love of the Lord. Eventually George started attending too and together they became active members for the rest of their lives. Ginny loved serving her Lord in her church and in all aspects of her life! She taught Sunday School, hosted and led a bible study in her home for the ladies in her neighborhood, led Pioneer Girls, and led a separate after-school bible study for the neighborhood kids. If the church was involved in any type of missionary project, Ginny would roll up her sleeves and do anything she could to help.

Ginny was a completely selfless person. She believed in selling her possessions and giving to those in need. Once, she sold a prized pitcher so she could give the proceeds to a missionary in need.  While she was more of a home-body, her dear George was never one to sit still. In 1954 George gathered Ginny and their little daughter Kathy into the station wagon and drove to Alaska. While there, Ginny became pregnant with their daughter Carol. The trip home from Alaska to New Jersey was no easy trek for an expectant mother as many of the highways that we take for granted weren’t built yet or were just dirt roads. When all grown up, Ginny and George’s daughter Kathy moved to Alaska and over the ensuing twenty years, Ginny and George took several more trips to visit.

After George passed away this past January, Ginny’s faith sustained her and helped her to be brave. Her daughters would help her to bed. Despite her failing health, she was always cheerful and thankful. The girls would get her tucked in and, before closing her eyes, Ginny would often look at the picture of George and her and also at George’s veteran flag and explain, “I have so much to be thankful for!” In spite of that thankful spirit, she recently expressed that she was tired, that she missed George, and that she wanted to leave her earthly tent to join George in the heavenly mansion that had been prepared for her by her loving Savior, Jesus Christ. God graciously granted her wish!

Ginny was the loving wife of 65 years to the late George Schelling (2013); loving mother of the late Robert Schelling(1980), Kathy Hibbard and her husband Jim residing in Pompton Plains, and Carol Magazino and her husband John of Pompton Plains; dear sister of the late Arlene Estelle; cherished grandmother of Scott, Christopher, and Joshua Hibbard, Gwen, Stephen, and Kevin Lopez; much loved great-grandmother of Schelling, Andrew, Wade, Harrington, Quinn, Paysen, Audrey, and Lucas; loved aunt of Judy Toronchuk and husband Tim, Jim Van Lenten, John Estelle and wife Sharon and Donna Tubbs and husband Bryon.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Virginia’s name are asked to consider supporting her grandson Stephen and wife Deborah Lopez, missionaries in Argentina, by giving to Word of Life International Ministries, P.O. Box 600, Schroon Lake, NY 12870. When making donations, please reference 090K2C. Online donations are accepted at www.wol.org/giving.

Michael E. Zepernick, age 50 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 after a courageous battle with ALS. He set a brave example that his children, wife, family and friends will not soon forget.

Mike grew up in Middletown, NJ and graduated from Middletown High School South with the class of 1981. He was an outstanding athlete in high school, but academics didn’t appeal to him and he was certainly not a good student by any standard. His first job was as a caddy at the Navesink Country Club in Middletown and this job turned his attitude around. He realized then that his future was truly in his own hands – and life would be whatever he wanted to make of it. He was inspired by the lifestyles of the country club members and knew early on that he wanted to be like those successful people. He befriended many of the members, always asking their advice on success. Each person he asked told him the same thing; get an education. He worked his way through community college, paying his own way on caddy wages and tips (mostly tips). He won the caddy scholarship from Navesink and acceptance to Trenton State College. He excelled academically, graduating with a degree in accounting. When he took his first job with E.F. Hutton, he realized right then that his future had truly turned for the better and it was all because of his hard work and tenacity. Mike later joined CMI, a computer service company in Manhattan where he worked in sales. He quickly became their top salesman and within a matter of a few years, he was president of the company. Always looking to do better, he eventually founded his own computer services company with two of his closest colleagues; Computer Integrated Service Company of New York, or “CIS” as they called it. He loved a challenge, enjoyed hard work, and was happy to have made his professional dreams come true.

Mike met his wife Joanne (nee Lyons) when they both worked at CMI in Manhattan. Fate certainly played a role in their meeting, as Joanne had no real interest in computer sales, but CMI just happened to be hiring at the time and she was encouraged by her headhunter to take the job. Their relationship was truly professional at first and, even on their first date, Joanne wasn’t that excited to go out with Mike. But romance blossomed and they were married on May 22, 1993 at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne. They enjoyed a fabulous honeymoon in Cancun and continued to travel throughout their marriage. They visited the south of France, Rome, all over the US, skiing in Vail and Beaver Creek as well as Vermont, and all over the Caribbean. Although they both wish that they could have shared many more years together, they made the best of the twenty years they had.

Mike’s children, Julia and Michael, were his pride and joy. He made every effort to be there for them; coaching, teaching them to fish, swimming and especially playing basketball. He loved basketball and he made good use of the hoop in their driveway. He liked taking Julia down to Packanack Lake to go fishing and he taught Michael to golf and play baseball. He was a fun dad, without a doubt. Although they will miss him dearly, Julia and Michael have a trove of fond memories, great family vacations, and lots of laughs to cherish for their lifetimes.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Joanne (nee Lyons), his daughter Julia and son Michael, his mother; Dorothy Zepernick of Middletown, his sister; Theresa Shirley and her husband Alan of Ocean Port, NJ, brother-in-law; Ray Lyons and his wife Anita of Wayne, mother-in-law; Joan Lyons of Wayne, father-in-law; Ray Lyons of FL, niece; Lauren Shirley of Ocean Port, NJ and nephews; Kevin and Eric Lyons of Wayne, as well as many, many dear and loving friends.

Donations in Mike’s memory would be greatly appreciated. During Mike’s illness, the ALS Association of Greater NY provided much needed assistance and equipment to Mike and Joanne as their lives were turned upside down by this illness. Joanne is incredibly grateful for all things the ALS Association helped her with. Your donations would mean a great deal to other families going through the same thing. Please consider the ALS Association of Greater NY, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004 or visit: www.als-ny.org.

James K. Berry, Jr. age 78 of Ringwood, died on Tuesday, August 20, 2013.

Jim grew up in Creskill and Fair Lawn, graduating from Fair Lawn High School with the class of 1953. He served in the Naval Reserves during the Korean War and was proud of his time in the Navy.

Jim had a wonderful stroke of luck at his first job, in a machine shop. He showed an interest in learning more, and was therefore taught drafting and engineering on-the-job. Afterwards, he went to Steven's Tech for more engineering training and continued to learn the old fashioned way; hands-on. He was a quick learner and became quite proficient. He worked as a mechanical project engineer for KEM Manufacturing in Fair Lawn where he designed numerous mechanical machines for their manufacturing processes. He was with KEM for several years before retiring in the early 1980’s. In his retirement he was a self-employed design engineering consultant and day trader. He was a great problem-solver and thinker, able to design and build machines that could do just about anything. His goal in life was to design and create a clean combustion engine. He had built many industrial machines during his lengthy career and he never stopped tinkering at home either. He’s left his family with more than a few projects that he never got around to finishing. His favorite hobby was writing inspirational acronyms which he proudly shared with friends and family.

Jim became very involved with local issues in his hometown of Ringwood. He was chairman of both the Homesteading Committee and the Industrial Committee. With his outspoken style, everyone knew who Jim Berry was and he fought tirelessly to protect and preserve his beloved town of Ringwood.

Jim couldn’t have done all this by himself and much of the credit has to go to his dear wife Carole. They first met at a party in Fair Lawn. Jim took her on their first date to see a Barber Shop Quartet at East Side High School in Paterson. Carole was drawn to Jim as a ‘happy-go-lucky’ guy with a great sense of humor and a natural ability to tell jokes like no one else could. Their courtship soon led to a wedding on September 22, 1962 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Paterson, followed by a honeymoon in Miami Beach. Their marriage was adventurous and Jim always had something new to try. He would often pack the family into the car and take them all for a road trip – destination unknown. His daughters fondly recall these adventures, whether they were simply day trips, hiking, or up to visit family in Wurtsboro, NY. They once took a three week vacation in California, visiting every significant tourist attraction from north to south. Jim had the most fun panning for gold in the Sierra Nevada Mountains - surely, he too would strike it rich! They stopped everywhere along the way and visited the most beautiful beaches. That trip was filled with lots of great memories that the family enjoyed.

Jim is survived by his wife of fifty one years, Carole, two daughters; Kathleen and her husband Michael, Gwen and her husband Joseph, and two grandchildren; Wade and Drew.

James A. McLean, Jr., age 55, died peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2013 after a valiant one-year battle with Multiple Myeloma and Leukemia.

Born in Dunmore, PA, Jim grew up in Wayne where he was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He graduated from DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne and immediately enrolled at Lincoln Technical Institute where he learned auto mechanics, specializing in transmission work.

In 1989 Jim moved to Bloomingdale and quickly became a parishioner of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Butler. His faith was very dear to him so, when he moved to Franklin in 2006, he sincerely missed going to mass at St. Anthony’s. Recently, after his Sunday morning ritual of cinnamon rolls and coffee while reading the newspaper, Jim frequently asked Ruth to take him to church at Immaculate Conception Parish in Franklin.

Jimmy had a passion for boats which led him to jobs with the Greenwood Lake Marina and Sea Ray on Lake Hopatcong. He most recently was a recreational vehicle sales representative with Escape R.V., Inc. of Branchville. In his spare time, he was an avid region-3 boat racer who enjoyed much success, trophying multiple times. Racing all over the east coast including local stints on Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake and Mays Landing. Jim proudly served for 18+ years as president of the Greenwood Lake Power Boat Association and he was also a member of the APBA.

On New Year’s Eve, 1999, Jim met the love of his life, Ruth Roberto during a party at a mutual friend’s house. They didn’t realize that night, that fifteen years of a loving devoted relationship lie ahead for them.

Jim enjoyed going camping in his motor home, if you want to call living in a motor home camping! His motor home was a 1980 Pierce Arrow which he completely refurbished. In 1980, Pierce Arrow was the official motor home of the 1980 Olympics and it had a logo on it attesting to that notorious fact! Jim also loved spending weekends down the shore with favorite destinations being Wildwood and Cape May, and having a good-old time on all the amusement park rides. He loved animals-especially Bear-his German shepherd. Before he met Ruth, he didn’t like cats but when you’re an animal lover, you realize you love all animals. So it was no great surprise that eventually Jim could be heard inviting his and Ruth’s two cats, Kymer and Moochie, to bed. Those cats too, are mourning Jimmy’s loss.

James will be remembered for his many practical jokes. One of his favorites was his remote flatulator. He secretly planted that device that made those embarrassing sounds near his victim then controlled it with the transmitter in his pocket! It was all in fun and he’ll be missed for the laughter he brought to those he loved and for his easy-going, lovable, teddy bear disposition.

James is survived by his beloved companion of fifteen years Ruth Roberto and her two children who were like his own – Shawn Hoppe and her husband Marc of Pompton Lakes and Joseph Roberto and his fiancée Alicia Boettger of Dumont; his loving mother Marian McLean; his dear sister Patricia McClure and husband Vernon of Wanaque; his brother David of Wayne; his niece and three nephews: Gregory McClure and wife Jill of Pompton Lakes, Glenn McClure of Wanaque, Caitlyn Batche and husband Ryan of Florida and Thomas McClure of Wanaque; and his great-niece Madison McClure of Pompton Lakes.

James was predeceased by his loving father James A., Sr. this past May, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Jim’s name are asked to consider the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 14 Commerce Drive, Suite 301 Cranford NJ 07016 (www.lls.org), or The Hackensack UMC Foundation, in memory of James A. McLean for the John Theurer Cancer Center, 360 Essex Street, Suite 301, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Evelyn “Evie” M. Miller (nee Fitzgerald) age 81 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 17, 2013.

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she was a member of the Roslindale High School Class of 1949 and continued her education at Boston State Teachers College, graduating in 1953 with a BA in Elementary Education.

She began her teaching career at Athens Elementary School in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and then taught at Indian Orchard Elementary School in Springfield, Massachusetts. After raising her children, she worked for the Wayne Board of Education, teaching at Schuyler Colfax Middle School, Wayne Hills High School, and retired from Pines Lake School in 2001, where she taught second and fifth grades for many years. She was a dedicated and committed teacher who truly loved her job.

She met her husband, John “Jack” J. Miller, through mutual friends at Revere Beach, Massachusetts. Many dates were spent at Revere Beach, where Jack also worked on the boardwalk. They enjoyed dancing at Mosley’s on the Charles and roller skating at Chez Vous roller rink in Mattapan, MA. Evie was an accomplished Roller Dancer who competed and won many awards and titles for her skating.

Evie and Jack were married at Saint Theresa’s Church in West Roxbury, Massachusetts on October 5, 1957, and honeymooned in Virginia. Evie and Jack lived in many different parts of the United States including Springfield, Massachusetts, Chicago, Illinois, and Rochester, New York before settling in Wayne forty-five years ago. Evelyn, Jack and their children spent many vacations traveling with their camper which provided many fond memories, including annual spring vacation trips with friends and family to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Another source of cherished memories were the weeks they spent at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. Evie and Jack enjoyed a devoted and loving thirty-eight year marriage before Jack’s passing in 1995.

Evie took great pleasure in tending her gardens and house plants, and had a special fondness for her roses, blueberry bushes, and African violets.

She was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Holy Cross RC Church in Wayne for over forty years. She was a founding member of the Servants of the Holy Cross, Friday Night Prayer Group, a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Holy Cross Crowd (an informal women’s social group).

Evie was the loving wife of the late John “Jack” J. Miller (1995); devoted mother of Carolyn Lanigan and her husband John of Rockaway, Shirley Miller and her husband John of Sparta, and John Miller and his wife Jennifer of Stockholm; cherished grandmother of Elizabeth Lanigan, Jacqueline Lanigan, Katharine Miller, Amy Miller, and Christine Miller; dear sister of three siblings who predeceased her.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07501, would be appreciated.

Earlene Louise Smith, age 71 of Wayne, NJ passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, August 17, 2013.

Earlene was born in Warren, Ohio and moved to New Jersey with her parents Neal and Madeleine Smith when she was a small child. They settled in River Edge and lived there for many years. Earlene graduated from River Dell High School in 1960 and then went on to major in Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she received a BA in 1964. She spent most of her career working in customer service for corporations such as Motorola and National Air Filter and was known for her sunny disposition and pleasant voice over the telephone!

As a devoted grandmother and mother, Earlene’s most precious times involved being with her family – especially her two grandchildren. She spent many wonderful years taking them on adventures and teaching them about our beautiful world, as well as encouraging them in all of their activities. She will always be in their hearts.

Earlene so loved the Lord and was an active member of Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne, and enjoyed spending her time in Bible study and retreats with her church community. She also spent many years devoting her time to volunteer work for various causes and organizations, including volunteering at The Valley Hospital as a pet escort for their pet therapy program, which she greatly enjoyed.

Earlene also loved to travel the world with her friends and family, appreciating nature, history and people around the globe. Favorite travels included two trips to Israel, where she was baptized in the Jordan River, as well as travels to the Danube River and Eastern Europe, Ireland, China and many visits throughout the glorious United States of America such as the Grand Canyon, Alaska, the southern states and Disney World. Local day trips and hikes in nature also gave Earlene great joy, and she rarely missed an opportunity to go somewhere or explore something new.

Earlene was proud to be a survivor of two previous cancers, and inspired everyone she knew with her unwavering faith in God and her exceptionally positive outlook. She always had an encouraging word or smile for other cancer patients, even on her toughest days. She awed and inspired others with her faith and strength even through her final hours, and she will continue to do so as her lasting legacy to her family, friends and everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path.

Surviving Earlene is her loving daughter, Jane He (nee Barbieri) and her husband Zuobin “Peter” of Wayne, as well as cherished grandson Quinn He and beloved granddaughter Jade He. She also leaves behind a devoted step-daughter, Nina DeLuca of West Caldwell. Earlene shared her life with many dear friends, including Joan Vieira, Joanne Slawenski, Lena Marrafioti, Pastor Jane Harlan, Sylvia Gallen, as well as a special “niece”, Susan George.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Preakness Baptist Church.

Patricia Hughes of Wayne passed peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2013.

She was born in Passaic and raised on E. 20th Street near 20th Avenue in Paterson. At the age of seventeen she moved to 3rd Street in Clifton where she lived until 1993 when she moved to Wayne. Patricia graduated from Eastside High School in Paterson with the Class of 1961. She continued her education at Caldwell College where she received her certification for teaching.

She worked with the South River Board of Education for twenty five years having worked as a Social Studies teacher in both the Middle School and High School before retiring in 1991.

Patricia was a very giving person who enjoyed volunteering in her spare time for the Visiting Dogs Program at the Ocean County Medical Center. Her heart filled with joy as she witnessed the comfort the dogs brought the patients. She was an extremely intelligent person who was great at trivia and always answering the questions on the television show Jeopardy before the contestants. An avid fan of all types of sports she especially loved the NY Mets.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents Margaret (Hartnett) and Robert G. Hughes; she was the loved sister of Robert Hughes and his wife Barbara of Wayne; dear aunt of Kathleen Hughes of Woodridge, and Thomas Hughes and his wife Maori of Stamford, CT; loved great-aunt of Theodore and Maya Hughes.

John R. Burris, age 62 of Wayne, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, August 15, 2013.

John was a resident of Wayne his entire life and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1969. Shortly after high school, John began working for Deluxe Check Printers and he enjoyed a career of over 30 years there before retiring in 2000. He wasn’t one to sit idle and soon began working again at the Home Depot in Riverdale and then Cost Cutters in Wayne. During the past few years he was an assistant manager with Walgreens at their Ledgewood location. He was very pleased to have recently been transferred back to the Walgreens in Lincoln Park where he loved his fellow staff and the customers.

John was also a bit of a computer and stereo junkie. After his retirement from Deluxe, he took several computer and electronics classes and there began his love of technology. He could fix just about any computer issue and he even built several computers and stereo components. The Micro Center store in Paterson was one of his favorite places to shop. His favorite show to watch was not on TV, but online; “The Tech Guy with Leo Leporte”, which was all about the latest technology and gadgets. His ‘man-cave’ was the home to all his electronic toys and he loved to share what he had with everyone. John always had snacks in the man cave, plenty of diet soda, and Tic-Tacs, which he was often shaking in his pocket.

John met his wife Eileen (nee Manley) while they were both out dancing one night. They fell in love and married on December 8, 1984. John’s idea of a honeymoon wasn't exactly what Eileen had in mind – they spent a few weeks fixing up the home that they planned to move into with their new combined family. Over the years they vacationed in Wildwood in the summers and had taken a few trips out to Los Angeles more recently. They’ve enjoyed 29 years together in a marriage that was never boring, and in which they always knew that they could count on one another.

John is survived by his beloved wife Eileen of Wayne, three children; Kristi Aurelien and her husband Gary of Deptford, NJ, Joyce Wright and her fiancé Jayson of Wayne, and Tim Wright and his wife Diane of Los Angeles, CA, four grandchildren; Nicole and Marcus Aurelien, Chloe Driscoll-Wright, and Rex Wright, his mother; Dorothy Burris of Whiting, NJ, and one brother; Ron Burris of Whiting, NJ.

Erin A. Quinn age 18 of Wayne died tragically in an auto accident, while on her way to College on Thursday, August 15, 2013.

She was born and raised in Wayne having graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 2013.

Erin was an outgoing person who had lots of friends, an Irish Wit, and was just fun to be around. She had a special place in her heart for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Her exposure to the children’s hospital came during a class at Wayne Valley High School. The students were challenged to raise money for the hospital and her group raised the most. By raising the most money her group was able to skip the final exam, but more importantly Erin’s heart was exposed to children in need and how, with just a little effort, she could make a difference. Her close friends and family will all be able to look back to their memories of Erin and hear her favorite phrase “I Like Turtles” which shows her light hearted, easy going way of trying to make others smile.

She was the loving daughter of Kathleen Quinn of New Port Richie, FL, and Barry Quinn and his wife Lise of Wayne; dear sister of Brian Quinn of Wayne and Ian Smith of Little Falls; loved step-sister of Ben and Noah Kautz of Wayne; adored granddaughter of Barry, Sr. and Dolores Quinn of Woodland Park and the late Elizabeth and Bob Sager.

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

Mary Jane Schneider (nee Berry), age 97 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2013.

Mary Jane was born and raised in Akron, OH, the fifth of John Wesley and Edna May (nee Crim) Berry’s six children. After graduating from her hometown Central High School in 1934 she went on to study at Akron University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Secretarial Science.

A family member introduced Mary Jane to a young gentleman named Frank Schneider on Valentines Day, 1942. Their courtship lasted only five months and consisted almost entirely of letter correspondence as Frank was stationed in Seattle, Washington during service in the U.S. Army. Through the power of those penned letters, their love grew, and on July 22, 1942, Mary Jane joined Frank in Seattle and they exchanged their wedding vows. After their beautiful wedding day the newlyweds stayed in Seattle for one year before Frank was deployed to Germany to serve in World War II. Mary Jane rejoined her family back in Akron where she worked until Frank returned from the war in 1945. They promptly moved to Clifton, NJ where Frank had spent his childhood. In 1952 they bought their own home in Packanack Lake where they raised their two children, Don and Kathy and where Mary Jane had remained for the past sixty-one years.

Once her children became teenagers, Mary Jane returned to the workforce. She was first employed by the Wayne Board of Health and later, she enjoyed a long career as a payroll clerk with the County of Passaic at Preakness Hospital, Wayne until retiring in 1983 at age sixty-seven.

Mary Jane especially loved to sing choral music and was a faithful alto in the Packanack Community Church Choir, giving praise to her Lord and Savior for over forty years. She also found great delight in needlework, counted cross stitch, knitting and crocheting, crewel embroidery, and quilting. Some of her most notable embroidery creations become wall hangings illustrating fruit and pansy themes and even a map of the U.S.A. Her quilts were all made with love and one-hundred percent hand-stitched. She loved to cook and Sunday dinners at her home were always a highlight of her family’s week. She and her husband Frank did some traveling, especially after Don and Kathy had graduated from college. Mary Jane simply adored her grandson Ryan, frequently attending his soccer games at the Morris County Youth Center and Lenape Valley Regional High School.

Mary Jane will be most remembered for her honesty, integrity and strong faith in God which helped her face the challenges in her life, always making the best of any situation because she knew that her loving God was ultimately in control.

Surviving are her two dear children: Don and wife Kerry Schneider of Byram Township, and Kathy Schneider of Wayne; her adored grandson Ryan; and numerous nieces and nephews, great, and great-great nieces and nephews. Mary Jane was predeceased by her beloved husband Frank in 1974 and also her five brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary Jane’s name are asked to consider Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470. Please use the memo line to designate the Friends of Music Fund.

Carlo “Charles” M. Carlucci age 90 of Wayne passed peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2013.

He was born in New York City and lived in Brooklyn, New York before moving to Wayne forty-five years ago.

He was a commercial painter for thirty years before his retirement in 1982.

Mr. Carlucci was a United States Navy Veteran having served in the Submarine Corp on the USS Segundo 398 and the USS Redfish. During his service on the USS Segundo 398 they intercepted the Japanese submarine I-401 submarine aircraft carrier. Charles was part of a six man boarding party that secured the submarine, having personally raised the American Flag once aboard the sub. It was determined that the submarine was destined for the Panama Canal to release the three aircraft aboard and bomb the canal. He saw action in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of the war and received the Bronze Star, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with one star, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Ribbon and a Navy Unit Commendation.

He was currently serving on the Advisory Committee of the USS Ling in Hackensack.

Mr. Carlucci was the loving father of Charles Carlucci and his wife Elizabeth of Little Falls, and Michael Carlucci and his wife Nancy of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Brian and Amanda Carlucci; dear brother of Angela Stempel of Honolulu, Hawaii.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.

William M. Sackett age 95 of Wayne, Haskell, and Butler died peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2013.

"Bill" was born and raised in Hawthorne and graduated with the first graduating class from Hawthorne High School in 1935. He lived in Prospect Park and worked first at a service station pumping gasoline, and later worked for the Little Falls Laundry in the shirt department. This is where he met his wife Eleanor. Bill found out what street she lived on and drove his Model A Ford there and saw her outside. He stopped, they started talking, and before he knew it they were on their way to Libby’s Lunch where he had a hot dog and she had a roast beef sandwich. They fell in love and married in South Dakota where Bill was stationed with the Army Air Corps. They enjoyed many years of loving marriage before Eleanor’s passing in 1989.

Bill enlisted in the Cadet program with the Army and served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1942 through 1945. During his time in the Corps he received three Air Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and one Recognition from the government of China. As part of the flight crew on a C46 Cargo Plane his responsibilities varied from Radio Operator to Co-Pilot. He remembered carrying all sorts of cargo to supply our troops in China, Burma, and India. Flying “The Hump,” which was a route over the Himalayan Mountains from India to China, to resupply the Chinese war effort. This route was especially dangerous as there was a lack of reliable charts, no navigation aids, and unpredictable weather – their navigation was generally a compass and eyesight. He also remembered having lunch with Frank Merril of the famous Merril’s Marauders. He was a proud member of the Hump Pilot’s Association, the Air Force Association, the American Legion, and was a leader in the Explorer Scouts for many years.

After his military service William worked for the Curtis Wright Corporation in Caldwell as a Field Engineer. He would later go on to become President of Tri County Leasing a division of Atkins Chevrolet in Wayne from 1961 through 1987.

He enjoyed talking about his WWII memories and his extensive travels in the China-India-Burma region during WWII. He especially loved the ocean. After his service he would spend all of his spare time, weekends, vacation time, and even set up lights to build his own home on Mountain Ridge Drive in Wayne. It took him and his wife eighteen months to complete the house as they built everything from the foundation to the rooftop themselves.

William was the loving husband of the late Eleanor (nee Michaelson ) Sackett (1989). After the passing of Eleanor he enjoyed a special companionship with the late Anne Macko. He was a devoted father of Joyce Ann Osborne who is the wife of William of Lancaster, PA, and Brian Sackett of O’Fallon, IL; he was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Norine F. Kirchner (Benz) age 88 of Bloomingdale passed peacefully on Monday, August 5, 2013.

She was born in the family home at 396 Clinton Street in Haledon and raised on Gianti Street in Haledon. She attended Hawthorne High School with the Class of 1943.

After high school Norine found work in New York City as a commercial artist. After a few years she became a freelance artist designing greeting cards and wallpaper for several different companies. Her artistic talent passed from her father Otto Benz who was a renowned painter listed in the Who’s Who of American Artists. He specialized in barns, landscapes, and homes having worked in the Haledon area for many years.

Norine enjoyed boating, deep sea fishing on the family boat that was kept in Staten Island for many years. She traveled extensively and was a lover of cats and dogs having had many through the years. Norine was happiest when she had her family around her.

She was the loving wife of thirty years to the late Gordon Kirchner(2002); devoted mother of Susanne Gillespie of West Milford; cherished grandmother of Todd Alan Gillespie and his wife Theresa, and Timothy Gillespie; much loved great-grandmother of Alexandra and Thomas Gillespie; she was predeceased by two sisters and one brother.

Nelson H. Rittenhouse age 91 of Wayne passed Sunday, August 4, 2013 at home.

Nelson H. Rittenhouse, age 91, of Wayne passed Sunday, August 4, 2013 at home. He was born in Union City, and raised in Leonia, NJ, Saugerties, NY, and West New York, NJ, where he graduated from Memorial High School in West New York with the Class of 1939. After high school, Nelson worked for Bell Labs in Manhattan and the Keuffel & Esser Co. in Hoboken before entering the United States Navy during WWII. While in the Navy, he was trained in Rangefinder Operator’s School and Advanced Fire Control School(graduating first in his class) before serving as a Fire Control-man. He served mostly in the South Pacific theatre of war and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Asiatic – Pacific Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal.

After serving during WWII, Nelson went to the Stevens Institute of Technology, was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with the Class of 1950. As a Navy Reservist he started working at the Walter Kidde Co. in Nutley and was called back into the Navy to serve for two years during the Korean War. He was stationed in Naples, Italy on a communications ship, where he was joined by his wife.

After his service during the Korean War he returned to the Walter Kidde Co. in Nutley, performed cutting edge aerospace research and development, then worked for Union Carbide Corporation in Sterling Forest, New York before retiring from the Cintichem Corporation in Sterling Forest, New York in 1985, inventing the machinery needed to manufacture and distribute radioactive pharmaceuticals.

While serving in the Navy during WWII, Nelson received a letter from his mother with a newspaper clipping. The clipping announced the engagement of his high school pal to a US Air Force pilot. This announcement was the push that the shy Nelson needed to contact and convince his-to-be sweetheart Maida Kopp to call off her engagement and wait for him. They married on June 23, 1948 at the Trinity Evangelical Church in North Bergen and honeymooned at Lake Minnewaska, New York. They had a loving and devoted marriage of fifty-nine years before Maida’s passing in 2007. When writing the obituary for his wife in 2007, he is quoted as saying, “I married the right lady.”

Nelson is best described as a disciplined, extremely intelligent problem solver. He could fix just about anything and was often making all kinds of gizmos and gadgets. Nelson was heartbroken when he couldn’t make it into his home workshop anymore. He was a great teacher with unending patience. He was thoughtful, organized, generous, and always dressed sharply. A master craftsman with both wood and metal, he was a member of the American Woodcarving School in Wayne. He handcrafted a desk for each of his grandchildren, which will serve as a reminder of his love for years to come. He also donated some of his work to the Peters Valley School of Craft in Layton, NJ. He was a member of the NJ Audubon Society and enjoyed birding and photography.

Nelson was the loving husband of the late Maida (Kopp) Rittenhouse (2007); devoted father of Judson Rittenhouse and his wife Patti of Stockholm, and Andrea Andersen and her husband Robert of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Erica, Valerie, and Christopher Andersen, and Andrew Rittenhouse; dear brother of the late Richard Lapham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the New Jersey Audubon Society  would be appreciated.

Josephine Rose Panzino age 63 of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2013.

She was born and raised in Jersey City having married Pasquale P. Panzino on August 16, 1970.  Josephine lived in Kearny before moving to Wayne in 1977.  The family summered in Wayne during the 1950’s in a home Josephine’s grandfather had built. This home would eventually come to be the home where Josephine raised her family.

Once her children were older she worked as a receptionist for her son’s company A&A Oil Recovery in Wayne for several years.

Josephine was a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved to laugh, and took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She was just a phone call away whenever her grandchildren needed to be watched or a ride here or there.  She was a great baker and cook of all types of Italian specialties and her special touch on sauce and meatballs will be greatly missed. Josephine was an animal lover and worked at the Wayne Animal Shelter for several years.  She will be greatly missed by her loyal dog Rocky.

Josephine was the loving wife of twenty seven years to the late Pasquale P. Panzino, Jr.(1997); devoted mother of Peter J. Panzino and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, and David Panzino and his wife Tammy of Pequannock; cherished grandmother of Anthony, Dominick, Angelo, and Damian Panzino; dear sister of the late Louis De Palma(2004).  She was the companion of Andy Butz for several years.

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

Edward J. “Buzz” Boardman, age 74, died peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2013.

Born and raised in Jackson, MI, Ed was a resident of Hamburg and formerly a long-time resident of Wayne.

Earning his Doctorate from Columbia University, NY, Ed went on to teach at Fairleigh Dickinson and William Paterson Universities. For many years, he also operated his own business as an independent financial advisor.

Ed loved to travel and throughout his lifetime he had the pleasure of visiting Beijing, China, many parts of Europe and traveling via cruise to the Caribbean Islands. He had a flair for cooking and he enjoyed playing racquetball with his friends at the YMCA of Wayne. At home he loved the companionship of his pet cockapoo Blackie.

Ed met his wife Ilse while receiving physical therapy at Cedar Crest where she was a nurse. They married and enjoyed six years together. Ed was an outgoing person, intelligent and eloquent with a great sense of humor and a generous spirit.

Surviving is his wife Ilse, his sister Louise Thomas and husband Donald of Greenville, SC and his step-son Sven Hofmann and wife Marion of Greensboro, NC. He was predeceased by his step-son Oliver Olschewski in 2010.

Dorothy O. Maruszak (nee Obal) age 88, of the Pines Lake Section of Wayne, passed peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2013.

She was born in Passaic and raised in Garfield having graduated from Garfield High School with the Class of 1943. She went on to Berkley College where she graduated from their Secretarial program. She soon found work with the Union Carbide Corporation in New York City where she worked until 1953 when she had her first child. She dedicated herself to raising her family before returning to work as a kindergarten teacher at Saint Anthony of Padua School in Passaic. Later in her career she returned to work for the Union Carbide Corporation in Hackensack and before formally retiring in 1996 she worked at the Sterns Department Store in Wayne.

Dorothy was a member of the Pines Lake Seniors and the Union Carbide Retirees. She loved gardening around the house and was always keeping the lawn perfect, often patrolling for leaves and branches that fell upon it. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting and made all of her daughter Karen’s dresses for many years. Holiday and family gatherings were always complimented by her special touch on traditional Polish cooking.

She courted Alfred Maruszak while he served as an MP in the military. They married on January 3, 1948 at Saint Stanislaus Church in Garfield and honeymooned in Williamsburg Virginia.

Dorothy was the loving wife of forty three years to the late Alfred Maruszak(1991); devoted mother of Richard Maruszak and his wife Patricia of Sparta, Karen Kopp and her husband John of Wayne, and Gary Maruszak and his wife Vicki of Highland Lakes; cherished grandmother of Pamela, Jenna, Katherine, Melissa, Matthew, and Carolynn Maruszak, Allison and Evan Kopp; dear sister of Theresa Uychich of Elmwood Park and the late Stanley Obal.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Amedisys Hospice, 25 E. Salem St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated.

Francesco “Frank” Migliore, age 84 of Wayne and formerly of Totowa Boro, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 2, 2013.

Frank was a textile inspector with Perennial Print, Inc., Paterson until his retirement. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda; his son James Migliore and wife Viviana of Mount Arlington; his two grandchildren: Nicole and Daniel; and his brother James and wife Vettina Migliore of Wayne. Frank was predeceased by his sister Katherine Carton.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Frank’s name are asked to consider the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005

Margaret M. “Peggy” Boniface, (nee McAloney), age 80 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 as her family supported her with their love. Born on October 26, 1932 in Newark, NJ, she was the youngest of five children of Charles William Hunter McAloney and Anne McAloney (Sullivan). Peggy graduated from St Vincent's Academy in Newark in 1950, and was employed by American Oil from 1950 to 1959.

She met her husband Leonard “Lenny” Boniface one night at a dance. Lenny had a friend who really wanted to go out with Peggy but was too afraid to ask. Being the good friend that he was, Lenny told his friend not to worry and that he would set up the date. When he got to the dance, he realized he liked Peggy too and since his friend was away serving in the Navy, Lenny decided to ask her out himself. She graciously accepted and they began to date. In 1957, Lenny was drafted into the U.S. Army and following his return, he and Peggy married on June 20, 1959 at St. Peters Church in Bellville. Following their honeymoon to Cape Cod they settled in Verona where they remained until 1960 when they started a family and moved to Wayne.

Peggy was devoted to her faith and was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Wayne where she belonged to the Amity Club. She loved to shop, especially with her two daughters and she had fun getting together with her friends for a game of bridge. She thoroughly loved spending time with her grandchildren and considered having all of her family gathered together at home in Wayne, or at their summer home on Cape Cod, to be one of life’s greatest blessings. A day was not complete if Peggy couldn’t enjoy a few cups of tea and she considered chocolate a special treat – especially if it was made by Godiva!

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Leonard Boniface; her six children: David Boniface of Kinnelon, Laura Pheloung of Essex Fells, John Boniface of Wayne, Diana Hatton of Mountain Lakes, Charles Boniface of Hoboken and Leonard Boniface, Jr. of Wayne; her seven grandchildren: William, Bridgette, Danielle, Ryan, Margaret “Meg”, Owen, and Lennox; and her sister Nancy Poplaski of Toms River, NJ. She was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Renken and her two brothers: Leslie and William McAloney.

Peggy was a loving part of the extended Boniface family, which includes Ernest and Margaret Boniface, Theresa and Carroll McGuire, Thomas and Sigrid Boniface, all of Wayne; Louise Rafter of Walnut Creek, CA; Rudy and Mina Boniface of Paris, France; and Peter and Delores Boniface of East Sandwich, MA; and over 30 nieces and nephews.

Devoted wife and mother, grandmother of seven, she will be missed by all for her kindness, grace, beauty and unconditional love.

Michael Fattal age 90 of Wayne passed peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2013 with the comfort of his family by his side.

He was born and raised in Aleppo, Syria where he was a baker. Michael moved to the United States in 1968 to try and make a better life for his family. He was sponsored by George Gibney and his mother Antoinette Gibney. Once in the United States he, along with his wife Odette and son Edmond, started Fattals’ Syrian Bakery in Paterson. In 1980 his son in law Norman Khawam became a partner in the family bakery that still operates in the original location today.

Michael was a good father to his family, loved life, and was always saying “God Bless You”. Michael was a member of St Ann Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park.

He was the loving husband of 48 years to the late Odette (Kerbaja) Fattal(1994) and twelve years to the late Linda (Hatem) Fattal(2012); devoted father of George Fattal and his wife Ellen, Edmond Fattal and his wife Maribeth, Amal Khawam and her husband Norman, Edma Chidiak and her husband Pierre all of Wayne, and the late Albert Fattal(2000); cherished grandfather of 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; he was predeceased by 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church, 802 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ 07424 to help the poor in Aleppo Syria would be greatly appreciated.

Katherine M. Marinari, age 98 of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, July 27, 2013.

Katherine (nee Cortese) was born in Paterson and grew up in the Silk City. She graduated from Central High School with the class of 1933, a time when the city was a fun place to live. She took her first job as a bookkeeper at the Otley Mills in Paterson.

On one wintery day she met Arthur Marinari while sleigh riding in town. They fell in love and were married on November 21, 1940; Thanksgiving Day. They first settled in Paterson before moving to Wayne in 1950. Art had negotiated to buy one acre of land from a farmer, right on Valley Road in Wayne. They paid $1,500 for the land and built their home along what was then just a gravel road with only farms, horses and cows. There were a total of only eight houses on Valley Road at the time. Katherine has enjoyed living there for sixty three years. Her husband Arthur had been well known around Totowa as the owner of “Art’s Barber Shop” which became “Father & Sons Barber Shop” in 1963, when his son Donny joined him there. Art and Katherine celebrated fifty four years of marriage before Art’s passing in 1994.

Katherine is survived by her four children; Donald Marinari and his wife Diane of Bernardsville Arthur Marinari DMD of Wayne and his girlfriend Michele Secula of Hackettstown, Virginia ‘Ginny’ Barbuto of Florida, the Rev. Ronald Marinari and his wife Patty of Tewksbury, and, fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Elias DeBel, age 93 of Wyckoff, died peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2013. He had lived in Wayne and Clifton since moving to America in 1951. He was currently residing at the Christian Healthcare Center where his family had all gathered at his bedside in the hours before his passing.

Elias grew up in the Netherlands and during those years leading up to World War II, life was quite difficult. He worked in farming and supplied carrots to the military, often by the truckload. After the war ended in Europe, he couldn’t ignore the call to move to America and the land of opportunity he had been hearing about. The Van Peenen family kindly sponsored him and he moved to America in 1951 with his wife, three children, and no more than $400 in his pocket.

Soon after his arrival in America, Elias purchased a dairy route and thus began DeBel’s Dairy, offering home delivery of milk, eggs, and juices in northern New Jersey. His Dutch lineage instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility to his many clients. So much so that he didn’t take a day off for more than twelve years, and no vacations for over thirty years of running his business. He retired from his route at sixty three years old, but didn’t sit still for long. He began his second career as a janitor at the Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Pompton Plains. He retired from the school at about seventy one years old.

Sadly, Elias lost his wife Wilhelmina in 1987 after forty five years of marriage. In 1988 he married his second wife Alice (nee Dob). They enjoyed twenty three years together before her passing in 2010.

Elias was a member of the Ebenezer Netherland Reformed Congregation in Franklin Lakes for many years and was also a member of the Netherland Reformed Congregation in Clifton with his wife Alice in more recent years.

Elias is survived by his six children; Abe DeBel and his wife Lois, Martina Newton, Jackie Mol and her husband Bill, John and Carol DeBel, Jake and Nancie DeBel, all of Wayne, and Rick and Ellen DeBel of Lincoln Park, four step-children; Allan and Carol Dob of Clifton, Ken and Marlene Dob of Hamburg, Janet Dob of Charlottesville, VA, and Carolyn and Paul Van Grouw of Shanksville, PA, thirty three grandchildren and forty two great-grandchildren, his sisters; Lien Lavooy and her husband Gerry of Florida, Trien de Waal and her husband Jon of the Netherlands, Fina Neels of the Netherlands, and Nel Van Stee and her husband John of the Netherlands. He was predeceased by all of his brothers.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Rd., Pequannock, NJ 07444 or the Christian Health Care Center Foundation, 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. 07481 would be greatly appreciated.

Isabelle Jeanne Monk (nee Mauriello), 94, a former resident of Wayne and Livingston, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 in Wyckoff, NJ. She leaves behind four children, Sharon (Monk) Sevean and her husband Frank, Betsy (Monk) Rieder and her husband Rod, Kathleen (Monk) Stolz and her husband Richard, and William Monk III and his wife Patti (Turner) Monk. She was additionally blessed with eight grandchildren, Megan (Rieder) Dilley, Ryan and Amanda Rieder, Christian and Grant Stolz, Allison (Stolz) Allen, Jennifer Monk and Jacqueline (Monk) Takahashi, and six great-grandchildren. Her husband, William Monk, Jr., died in 1989.

Isabelle was born in Orange, NJ to a large and loving family on May 9, 1919. She was the fourth of Antony and Jemima Mauriello’s six children, all of whom predeceased her. She attended Orange High School and graduated from Berkeley Secretarial School in1939. After graduation, she was employed in the offices of Bamberger’s in Newark. Belle, as she was known to all, met William Monk Jr. when he was serving in the Army Air Corps in 1941 and they were married on April 7, 1943.

When Bill returned to civilian life, Belle and Bill moved to Livingston NJ, where they raised their four children. Belle reentered the business world in the early 60’s and spent a number of years as a secretarial supervisor at the Data Corporation in Orange. She later moved on to a position as administrative assistant at the Sunshine Biscuit Corporation in Pine Brook and worked there until her retirement in 1984.

After Bill’s passing in 1989, Belle moved to Wayne NJ. She became a member of the Wayne United Methodist Church and became an active volunteer. Very much a people person, she enjoyed doing for others. Throughout her life, Belle loved, nurtured and supported her family and valued her many friends. She enjoyed entertaining and took pleasure in celebrating everyone’s special events and milestones. Belle was known for her love of and talent for music – a love she shared with family and friends throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. In her final years, it was her joy of music that she shared with her extended family at the Christian Health Care Center.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, Belle’s friends consider a donation in her memory to the Christian Health Care Center Foundation, 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. 07481

Cynthia A. Porter, age 43 of Wayne died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 while visiting with a friend in Pennsylvania.

Cindy grew up in Paterson and was always proud of her hometown. She graduated from Kennedy High School with the class of 1987. She moved to Wayne in 1998, where she raised her three children. She enjoyed spending time with her children and family and hanging out with her friends, she loved reading and watching movies. She had recently taken computer classes at William Paterson University. Cindy will be dearly missed by everyone that knew her.

Cindy is survived by her three children; Christine and Cynthia Guarente, and her son Michael Cline, all of Wayne, her parents; Raymond and Susan Porter of Sussex, her four sisters; Sandra Porter of Wanaque, Michele Porter of Wantage, Maryellen Porter of Butler, and Melissa Clifford of Paterson, and her three brothers-in-law. She was predeceased by her mother Roberta Savage in 2004.

Memorial donations to aid Cindy’s family with the unexpected funeral expenses would be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to “Susan Porter” and mail them to the Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Nancy L. Pankow Brennan, age 54 of Pine Brook, NJ died peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2013. She had courageously battled cancer for two years.

Nancy grew up in Pompton Lakes and graduated from Pompton Lakes High School with the class of 1977. She attended Taylor Business Institute in Paramus, training as a secretary. She began working at GAF, Corporation in Wayne before joining Orange & Rockland Electric, where she worked for nearly fifteen years. All of this prepared her for her most challenging career; full-time mom. Even still, she found the time and energy for part-time work too. She baby-sat for many children, did data entry at home for Compusys, and worked part-time for a Private Investigator. She was a very industrious woman and was always keeping herself busy and her mind sharp. Just recently, before becoming ill, she had been working with Siemens Industry in Pine Brook.

Nancy enjoyed watching The Young and the Restless, her favorite soap. She also loved to read and her second home was the Montville Library. She was a voracious reader and had read through perhaps more than a thousand books. She could bring home a 500 page novel and finish it by the next day! She was simply an amazing reader. Next to that, she looked forward to going through the Sunday coupons, clipping and organizing them all, and then shopping! She probably should have owned stock in Shop Rite, arguably her next favorite place to go, because she was there so often. Nancy was a very good baker too, and her Christmas cookies, chocolate-chip cookies and brownies were fantastic. She was a good cook and her family will attest that she could put together some great meals. But her cooking talents hadn’t always existed for her, evolving over the years. In an early recipe she made for her husband Rich, she mistakenly added sweet & condensed milk to her meatloaf. It was terrible, of course, and she never made that mistake again. However, her meatloaf is now and forever affectionately known as “sweet & condensed meatloaf.” Her canned vegetable stew was something of treat as well.

Nancy was a kind and selfless person; always worried about the wellbeing of everyone else. She was always concerned that her husband and kids were well fed and taken care of, especially so while she was sick. Recently, while receiving treatment in the hospital, she ordered out for food. Of course, the food wasn’t for herself – it was for the nursing staff who she thought needed a good meal. She had called Vitali’s and ordered several of the “working mother specials” for all of the nursing staff. She had the most amazing smile, and had a fabulous ability to laugh at herself and get the rest of the family laughing along with her!

Nancy met her husband Rich at a dinner dance hosted by St. Mary’s RC Church. Although Nancy was at the dance with another guy, Rich struck up a conversation with her anyway. Knowing that Nancy worked with his mother at GAF, they had some common ground and their conversation was innocent enough. Nancy’s date did comment to her later in the evening; “I think that guy likes you.” Sometime later they enjoyed their first date which led to their marriage on April 27, 1986. They honeymooned in Hawaii, which Rich says was a wonderful time. Since then, they have lived in Mahwah, Waldwick and Pompton Lakes before settling in Pine Brook in 2003. They have enjoyed the adventure of raising three children together and recently celebrated twenty seven years of marriage. They vacationed every summer at the Jersey Shore where Nancy’s favorite spot was Island Beach State Park. She recently told Rich that she really wanted to get back to the beach one more time – even if she could only put her feet in the water.

Nancy is survived by her husband Richard of Pine Brook, three children; Matthew, Meghan and Colleen, all of Pine Brook, her sisters; Carol Pankow of Oak Ridge, NJ, Suzanne Gaffney and her husband Ray of Hamburg, NJ, and Amy Haggerty and her husband Dean of Wantage, NJ, her parents; Charles and Roberta Pankow of Pompton Lakes, NJ, two sister-in-laws; Maureen Tencza of Riverdale, NJ, Sharon Brennan of Highland Lakes, NJ, three brother-in-laws; Andrew Brennan and Andrea of Haledon, NJ, Joseph Brennan and his wife Beth of Doylestown, PA, and Bill Uhl of Dingman’s Ferry, PA, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sister-in-law; Rosemary Uhl in 2011, and by her brother-in-law; John Brennan in 2011.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to St. Mary’s RC Church, 17 Pompton Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Michael Boback, age 96 entered into eternal rest as his family surrounded him with love on Sunday, July 21, 2013.

Born in 1916 in Shamokin, PA, Mike was the oldest of Peter and Mary Boback’s three children. Money was often in short supply and Mike did his best to help support his parents and two younger siblings. He worked part-time during high school and graduated in 1934. After graduation he began working full-time while attending the Newark College of Engineering. He was employed by the Crucible Steel Company of Harrison, NJ from 1940–1945, the H.A. Brassert & Company of New York City from 1945–1947, the Wilputte Coke Oven Corp of New York City from 1945–1948 and the Anaconda Copper Mining Company of New York City from 1948–1951.

In 1950, Mike met a beautiful French-Canadian girl named Huguette Charlebois at a square dance in Jersey City. The two fell in love and exchanged vows on December 1, 1951 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Jersey City. They honeymooned in Atlantic City and began married life together in Jersey City.

Mike graduated from the Newark College of Engineering in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He was a member of the Pi Tau Sigma Honorary Mechanical Engineering Society and the Tau Beta Pi Honorary Engineering Society. Mike earned a Master of Science degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken in 1954 and embarked upon a rewarding career as a mechanical engineer with the Colgate Palmolive Company in New York City spanning more than 30 years. Following retirement in 1983, he continued as a part-time consultant with the company in Europe. In recent years, Mike enjoyed attending an annual honorary luncheon with his former colleagues hosted by the CEO of Colgate.

Mike’s career with Colgate led him all over the world. He designed and oversaw construction of new plants in Thailand, Columbia, Venezuela and Guatemala. Mike was often faced with the challenge of communicating in a different language. His ill-fated attempts at Thai sometimes led to inappropriate comments and he was encouraged to stick to his native English! Mike would often share the memories of his experiences in Thailand. Most notably he enjoyed his chauffeured Volkswagen Beetle and the rooster that greeted him at the end of the driveway each day.

While working in Columbia in 1956 Mike and Huguette welcomed their first child, a little girl named Michelle. In 1958 they welcomed their second child, another little girl named Andrea. In 1963 the family of four settled into their new home in Packanack Lake. Over the next couple of years the family was blessed with two boys-David in 1963 and Thomas in 1965.

Upon arriving in Packanack Lake their search for a church led them to Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mike enthusiastically served the church in various roles caring for families in need and the poor. He also served as the project manager for a new air conditioning system. Mike’s service extended beyond his work in the church. He participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, drove friends and neighbors to doctor appointments, and willingly helped anyone in need.

Mike was a devoted and caring father. He was the only father who served as a chaperone on Michelle's Girl Scout camping trips. Mike delivered Thomas's newspapers when he was competing in ski racing. Mike instilled a sense of hard work and discipline in his children and taught them the value of money. The family frequently vacationed on Long Beach Island and Beach Haven as well as New England, Washington, and Florida. In his spare time Mike enjoyed gardening and, most recently, his new iPad.

Mike and Huguette enjoyed a long and loving marriage together for 62 years. They enjoyed the large circle of friends they had developed through the church and Mike’s time at Colgate.

Mike had an easy way about him and an ability to strike up conversations with total strangers. He was appreciated by many and will be remembered for how he positively touched so many lives. His family feels blessed and appreciative of his selfless devotion.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 62 years, Huguette (nee Charlebois); his two daughters: Michelle Wojtukiewicz and husband Charles of Parsippany and Andrea Boback of Monmouth Junction; his two sons: David Boback of San Francisco, CA and Thomas Boback of Dallas, TX; his grandson Christopher Wojtukiewicz; and his sister Vera Yupco of Elysburg, PA.

Michael was predeceased by his brother John Boback in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Michael’s name are asked to consider the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (www.pcf.org).

Ciriaco Sabia, age 84 died peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2013.

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Ciriaco was born in Serino, Italy. He grew up and went to school with a sweet girl named Giuseppa Rizzo. They married on August 13, 1950 in their hometown of Serino. Following marriage Ciriaco moved to Venezuela where he worked for three years before coming back to his hometown in Italy. Soon after his return Ciriaco and Giuseppa were blessed with a son whom they named Carmine and then a daughter whom they named Laura.

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In 1963, Ciriaco and Giuseppa and the children joined his parents and two brothers in the United States. They settled in Paterson and Ciriaco quickly took a job as a machine operator in one of the many dye houses that were so prevalent in Paterson in that day. Ciriaco faithfully provided for his family working as a machine operator for 31 years until retiring in 1994 at the age of 65 from Baltic Dye Company of Passaic.

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In 1991, Ciriaco and Giuseppa moved to Wayne where he remained until the present. He loved tending to and enjoying the big vegetable garden that he kept in the back yard. If there was a vegetable, Ciriaco grew it – beans, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, pumpkins to name a few! He and some of his fellow gardening friends would get together and compare the tomatoes that they grew. Eventually they began to playfully refer to themselves as the “Tomato Club.” Besides his wife, family and garden, Ciriaco also loved making wine. He’d go buy the grapes at the local fruit stands on Railroad Avenue in Paterson and typically, he made about two barrels a year. Like his tomatoes, he and his friends would “fight” for best-wine bragging rights. In later years, through the magic of cable television, Ciriaco enjoyed watching Italian programs.

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Surviving are his beloved wife of almost 63 years, Giuseppa; his son Carmine Sabia and wife Joanne of Wayne and his daughter Laura Simonelli also of Wayne; his four grandchildren: Michael, Robert, Jaclynn and Diana; and his two brothers: Giuseppe Sabia and wife Christina of Wayne and Antonio Sabia and wife Maria of Totowa.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ciriaco’s name are asked to consider the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 (www.kidney.org).

Richard “Rich” “Dick” Len age 79 of Falls Church, VA, formerly of Wayne died peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 with the comfort of family by his side.

He was born in Passaic, raised in Wallington, lived in Garfield, then moved to Wayne where he lived for forty seven years before moving to Falls Church Virginia last year.

Rich was a financial analyst for the Raymond James Financial Services for the past twenty four years having been in the Financial Services Industry for over fifty years.

He was a coach for the Wayne PAL Basketball, and the Wayne Little League during his sons formative years. He was a member of the Wayne AM Rotary where he was a past president, and Paul Harris Fellow.

Rich was the loving husband of Olga (Procovic) Len; devoted father of Gary Len and his wife Nell of Pottersville, NJ and Robert Len and his wife Jennifer of Arlington, VA; cherished grandfather of Katie, Zachary, Isabel, Matthew, and Alexander Len; dear brother of James Len of River Vale and his daughters Jessica and Rebecca, and Theodore Len and his wife Linny of Arlington, TX.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne AM Rotary, PO Box 296, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

George Massood, age 85 of Wayne, NJ died peacefully at home with his family gathered at his bedside. Along with his brothers, George owned MGM Transport Corporation, the largest furniture trucking company in the United States.

George was born in Paterson, NJ one of ten children. His parents had emigrated from Aleppo, Syria, and sought refuge in America. Always industrious and working to earn everything he had, at the tender age of nine years old he started to help his father delivering fresh fruits and vegetables. They had their own truck and would make deliveries from the Paterson markets. Times were difficult but they all worked hard and each of the Massood children learned the value of hard work while helping to support their large family.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946, George served most of his time in Italy as part of the occupying forces after World War II. One very memorable experience he spoke about was a time when General Eisenhower was inspecting the troops on his base and among the three thousand or so troops standing at attention, the general singled out George. After inspecting his uniform, General Eisenhower declared to all the troops that George exemplified what a U.S. Army soldier should look like; his uniform and appearance were impeccable. Speaking directly to George, Ike offered him an immediate promotion to Lieutenant if he would re-enlist in the Army. George kindly declined, stating that he had a family waiting for him back home. George was always very proud of that moment and proud of his service to the U.S. Army.

Upon his return from the service, George went back to what he knew; trucking. He and his brother began delivering all sorts of goods and furniture with their truck. In the late 1940’s they formed MGM Transport. In later years they would recollect on the early days when they delivered the first refrigerators, strapped to their backs and carrying them up many flights of stairs to various apartments. It was literally back-breaking work, but they persevered and built MGM Transport into a very large and successful business before selling it in 2007. His strong and tireless work ethic seemed to define him, but there was a lot more to the man than just his work.

Better known as “Lefty” George was a man with great charisma. He enjoyed joking and laughing with his friends over a cup of coffee after attending daily mass. He was honored to serve the Lord as Eucharistic Minister at local churches and Preakness Hospital. George was a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Little Falls, NJ.

George’s hobbies were his family and his friends. Those were the things that made him most happy. He loved the Yankees and never missed a game. If you were ever fortunate enough to go with him to Yankee Stadium, you’d know how well known and loved he was, even able to get access to parking in the players’ lot, with the guard waving him right in through the gate. He was the life of the party and ready to help anyone at a moment’s notice.

George’s children and grandchildren made up the core of his very being. He loved them all dearly and his life revolved around them. He worked hard to support such a large family of his own, but he was always there for them, showering them with love.

George met the love of his life when she was just sixteen-- but of course, he didn’t know it just then. Jackie was out with her aunt that day when George met her and, in a way only George could, he said “go grow up kid.” Their paths continued to cross until one day, several years later, George asked Jackie out for coffee. That date led to their marriage on June 3, 1962 and they have enjoyed fifty one years of devoted marriage to one another, blessed with eight children and eleven grandchildren.

George is survived by his loving wife Jacqueline (nee Haddad) of Wayne, his eight children; Diane Gajda and her husband Joseph of Rockaway, Louis Massood and his wife Christine of Wayne, John Massood of Wayne, Danielle Tkaczenko and her husband Craig of Wayne, Matt Massood and his wife Danielle of Point Pleasant Beach, Mark Massood of Wayne, Andrew Massood of Wayne, and Paul Massood and his wife Lisa of Wayne, eleven grandchildren; Samantha, Stephanie, Julia and Jennifer Gajda of Rockaway, Jacqueline and Madison Tkaczenko of Wayne, Jordyn, George and Kimberly Massood of Wayne, and Jacobus and Scarlette Massood of Point Pleasant Beach. George’s surviving siblings are Michael and his wife Norma, Gloria Massoud, Joseph and his wife Virginia, Josephine Massoud and her husband Joseph, Louis and his wife Bernice, and Shirley Massood, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by sisters Rose Ward and Jeannette Kishfy and brother Albert.

Donations in George’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or masses offered at Sacred Heart Armenian Catholic Church, 155 Long Hill Rd., Little Falls, NJ 07424.

Marilyn F. Maroon, age 66 of Clifton, died at home on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Her family was gathered at her bedside when she passed.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Marilyn’s family moved to Saddle Brook, NJ when she was just four years old. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi with the class of 1964. Marilyn was class president and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America while in high school.

Marilyn worked nearly thirty four years for Quality Carton, Inc. of New Windsor, NY. She enjoyed much of that time at their Fairfield, NJ and Sloatsburg, NY locations in the customer service department. She loved the people she worked with and was well known among the customers. She had the type of personality that caused others to gravitate to her; always smiling, happy, and an all-around good person. She was a friend to everyone and had a genuine heart of gold.

Marilyn was an excellent cook, an avid reader, enjoyed watching movies on Lifetime, and was especially fond of shopping! Taking a drive to Willowbrook Mall and strolling through Lord & Taylor made her very happy indeed. Years ago she used to be an active bowler and was a member of a few bowling leagues. Along with her sister Carol, they enjoyed many years bowling together. Marilyn also loved to go to the beach, spending many summers with her family at Point Pleasant, NJ and eating crab legs at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. She even visited Marco Island, Florida a few times with her grandchildren and loved strolling on the beach. To Marilyn, nothing was more precious than her grandchildren. She defined ‘doting’ and spoiled her grandchildren to the point that even Santa Claus was no longer intriguing. She showered them with gifts, but most importantly with boundless love and affection. Her grandchildren love her dearly and will undoubtedly miss her hugs and kisses very much. Marilyn’s greatest gift to them now is the trove of memories they will cherish for many years to come.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of forty six years; John of Clifton, her two children; Jeanine Hassert and her husband Kurt of Wayne, John Maroon and his wife Noelle of Sparta, two grandchildren; John and Keely Hassert of Wayne, her sister; Carol Baratta and her husband Jack of Pompton Plains, one brother; John Power and his wife Debbie of Chicago, nephew; Daniel Baratta of Riverdale and niece; Jennifer Felson and her husband Glenn of Kinnelon. She was predeceased by her father; John Power in 1964 and her mother; Catherine Power-Crawford in 2001.

Charles O. Meyers, age 83 of Wayne, died on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Charles was truly a Wayne native; born at home on Church Lane in 1929 and he lived his entire life in the township. Charles had been a carpenter with the Carpenters & Millwrights Local 124 throughout his entire career, retiring in the late 1980’s.

High school didn’t excite Charles very much so he decided to join the Marine Corps. Forging his mother’s signature, he enlisted at just 17 years old. His mother was furious, but before either of them knew any better, he was off to Parris Island for basic training. The Marines was where Charles needed to be and he loved the Corps. He served in Europe and much of his time at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was discharge just months before the start of the Korean War and remained active with the Lakeland Marine Corps League Detachment 744 in Pompton Lakes throughout his life. He gladly volunteered to collect stuffed animals at Giants Stadium for the Toys for Tots program, administered by the Marine Corps. He spent countless days in the freezing cold to collect those toys, and he loved every minute of it.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Charles returned to Wayne where his elementary school sweetheart, Barbara Hill, had been waiting. The two had met in the 6th grade and Charles wasted no time proposing. They were married at the United Methodist Church in Wayne on June 10, 1950 and enjoyed a honeymoon at a friend’s Ortley Beach bungalow. There began their love of the Jersey Shore. In the early 1980’s, they bought their own bungalow in Silver Beach where they spent many summers relaxing – and fishing. Many folks at the beach will recall Charles because he used to sit outside his house with his pet parrot on his shoulder. “Schultz” is the parrot’s name, and he would hang out with Charles for hours on end, sitting on his shoulder and occasionally pecking at his neck. Charles loved to go fishing. He would go deep sea fishing on the party boats out of Brielle and Point Pleasant, or fish for stripers right off of the beach. Nothing got him more excited than hooking a striped bass and reeling it in! He was very proud to go fishing with his grandsons and great-grandsons too, on the lake up in Ringwood.

While Charles sons were growing up in Wayne, he was very active with the Wayne Little League. He coached for years and even built the second baseball field at Dotterweich Field. In fact, at that time, many of the dads got together and cut down the trees, removed the stumps and simply did it all with their hands. Charles was right there helping, putting his construction skills to work.

Charles is survived by his wife of sixty three years; Barbara (nee Hill) of Wayne, his two sons; James of Wanaque, NJ and Ron of Ringwood, NJ, two grandsons; Cory of Portland, OR and Shawn of Ringwood, NJ, three great-grandsons; Avery, Aaron, and Aiden of Ringwood, NJ, and one brother; Walter Meyers of Naples, FL.

Antoinette Bruno, age 90 of Wayne, died peacefully on Sunday, July 7, 2013.

Antoinette was born and raised in Newark, NJ, the second of four children of Anthony and Anna Innacola.

As a young woman she worked as a seamstress for J&K Company in Newark. Antoinette met a handsome and enchanting young man named Dominick Bruno and, following their marriage on November 28, 1942, they moved to Nutley where they soon welcomed and raised their daughter Annette and their son Donald. Together, the family lived in Nutley for forty years until, following Dominick’s retirement, Antoinette and Dominick relocated to sunny, warm Margate FL and called that home for the next twenty years, from 1984 to 2004. The loving couple moved back to NJ, settling in Wayne where Antoinette had remained until the present. Dominick passed away in 2006. Together, He and Antoinette enjoyed 64 years of cherished matrimony together.

Antoinette’s love of cooking was a wonderful blessing to all of her family who enjoyed the delicious food she prepared. She was especially appreciated for her fish recipes and everyone loved Mommas Italian cookies and cheesecake. Her recipes will live on through her daughter Annette. If she wasn’t cooking, Antoinette also enjoyed knitting and, once again, her family was often the lucky recipients of the sweaters and baby blankets she made for her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Knitting was an activity that could easily be combined with one of her other pastimes – rooting and cheering for her beloved New York Yankees. An avid fan of America’s team, Antoinette could often be heard asking or telling her kids things like “put the game on,” or, “what’s the score of the Yankee game,” or what time is the game on?” She especially loved Derek Jeter and former Yankee Nick Swisher! Who could blame her? Antoinette also missed very few episodes of “Days of Our Lives” and she got a kick out of watching “Housewives of NJ” because, after-all, she was a Jersey girl herself and she liked seeing familiar places in Jersey on the show. When Antoinette got out of her house, it was usually to attend a Bingo party or a tricky tray event or any other benefit fundraiser that St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital was sponsoring. While living in Florida, she almost single-handedly helped that state’s lottery business increase its revenue every year. She loved to buy lottery tickets and she also loved going to casinos.

Antoinette’s easy going, accommodating demeanor and honest approach to life will be missed by all who loved her.

Surviving are her daughter Annette Guardabasco and husband Nicholas of Wayne, and her son Donald Bruno and wife Cynthia of Goose Creek, SC; six grandchildren: Michael, Michele, Nicholas, Jessica, Danielle, and Samantha; ten great-grandchildren: Jenna, Lance, Logan, Brayden, Amelia, Jack, Shayne, Kyle, Mila, and Michael; two sisters: Louise Pallanti of Wayne and Joyce Bollotta and husband Frank of North Miami Beach, FL. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, Dominick in 2006, and her sister Florence Meola.

Marilyn J. Gerleit “Mah” age 88 of Wayne passed peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2013.

She was born in West New York, New Jersey and lived in Cliffside Park for two years before moving to the Pines Lake section of Wayne in 1948.

She was a parishioner of St. Marys Church in Pompton Lakes.

Marilyn was a member of the Pines Lake Garden and Seniors’ Club, the Sweet Adelines-Ramapo Chapter, was a volunteer at The Depot in Midland Park and volunteered as an aide for the Wayne Public Schools.

Marilyn was always happiest with her hands in the soil, swimming in the ocean or lake, and having her 5 PM cocktail. She saw the positive and good in just about everyone she met, loved to laugh, had a sweet personality, and a great sense of humor. She was a self-proclaimed “tom-boy” growing up. Her father was often taking her to the track to watch the horses, all kinds of sporting events, and even the occasional fishing trip. Marilyn was extremely dedicated to her family. Whether it was raising her five boys, talking to her mom and sisters on a daily basis or hearing about the accomplishments of her grandchildren – her heart was always focused on her family.

Through a family friend named Bob Johnson Marilyn was introduced to Warren G. Gerleit while attending Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey. Warren was on leave from his duty in the United States Navy and they married on July 8, 1945 at the Cliffside Park Episcopal Church. They honeymooned for a weekend in Newport Rhode Island before Warren had to return to his Navy duties. They enjoyed fifty years of marriage until Warren’s passing in February of 1995.

Marilyn was the loving wife of the late Warren G. Gerleit(1995); devoted mother of Randy (Linda), Tony, Steven (Pat), Carl, and Andy (Christine) Gerleit; cherished grandmother of Krista (Mike), Katie, Steven, Kevin (Beth), Erin, Kelly, Cherise, Craig (Linda), Derek, Chelsea, Stephanie, Alexis, and Brianna Gerleit; much loved by seven great-grandchildren; dear sister of Norie Rooney, and Janet (George) Sella.

In lieu of flowers donations in Marilyn’s memory to the F.O.L.A.(Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum) PO Box 2433, Wayne, NJ 07474-2433 would be appreciated.

Theresa Lazzaro, age 89 of Wayne and formerly of Clifton, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 3, 2013.

Theresa was born in Waldwick, the second of six children to Carmine and Mary Olivieri. As a child she had a tom-boyish personality with a reputation for beating up boys twice her size! After graduating from eighth grade in the Waldwick school system, it was time for Theresa to go to work as a seamstress so she could contribute to the family income.

Theresa enjoyed participating in sports and attending sporting events too. She met Salvatore “Sal” Lazzaro at a local Clifton bar one night after watching him compete in a local softball game. She was impressed by this young man and, after dating for some time; the two were united in marriage on March 1, 1950. They settled in Clifton and Sal worked nights at Hoffman La Roche while Theresa took care of their home and two children, Vincent and Patricia. Family time was enjoyed with annual summer vacations in Atlantic City where the family always stayed in The Stanley Hotel. Gambling had not found its’ way to Atlantic City yet so days were mostly spent soaking up the sun on the beach with Theresa helping her children to make sandcastles. Evenings were often enjoyed participating in the summer night activities that the family found on the boardwalk.

Theresa was a great homemaker who loved to cook. Her children’s favorite dishes were pasta fazool, homemade macaroni, and pasta with Theresa’s excellent tomato sauce! She loved the holidays and she made memories for her family by hosting Thanksgiving every year. Theresa also enjoyed playing bingo at the Clifton Boys and Girls Club and knitting blankets and scarves for her children and siblings.

She will be fondly remembered for the selfless love she demonstrated to those she loved.

Theresa is survived and will be missed by her dear son Vincent Consalvo and his wife Penny of Beverly Hills, FL, her dear daughter Patricia Santana and her husband Benjamin of Wayne; and her three adored sisters: Anna Speranza and wife Al of Hawthorne, Maggie Tupaj of Fair Lawn, and Carmella Johnston of Fair Lawn. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Salvatore who predeceased her in 2010. She was also predeceased by her sister Minnie Gusta and brother Ralph Olivieri. Finally, she will be missed by her cat Vincent whose companionship she enjoyed for the last ten years.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Theresa’s name are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.

Christopher Robert Breen-Stivala, age 22, died suddenly on Wednesday, July 3, 2013.

Chris, or “Breen” as he was known to many of his friends, was born in Raritan Township and lived his entire life in Wayne. He attended Theunis Dey Elementary School, Schuyler Colfax Middle School and following graduation from Wayne Hills High School in 2009, Chris attended the County College of Morris.

Chris was raised by his grandparents, Paul and Sandy Breen. He loved to go down the shore with his Grandma to her sister’s house in Seaside Heights. They would leave on a Sunday and often stay down until the following Friday. If he wasn’t down in Seaside with Grandma, he was in Wildwood with his Uncle Bobby and Aunt Liz Breen or “up country” as Chris called the Catskills with Aunt Debbie, Uncle Paul and the Pinand cousins. Together they enjoyed off-roading, spending time staring at a late-night fire and going deer riding. It was “up-country” where Chris saw his first bear! Uncle Bobby was also Chris’ Godfather so one time Bob kiddingly suggested that Chris drop the “father” and just call him God. Chris liked that and he even had Uncle Bobby’s cell number in his phone listed under “G” for God.

Chris’ mom Tracey Breen died when Chris was just a real little boy. He visited frequently with his father and step-mother Mark and Joan Stivala. Together, they vacationed in Florida and Ocean City and, when Chris was older, he visited them in Texas.

Chris was enthusiastically involved in and was a member of the Wayne PAL wrestling team from second through eighth grade where he took third place in the Passaic County Senior Wrestling Tournament. He also loved roller hockey and was a member of the Wayne Boys & Girls Club roller hockey team from third through eighth grade. Chris loved to go snow-boarding at Mountain Creek in Vernon, skate-boarding just about anywhere, or just staying home playing games on his Xbox or Wii. Chris had one other intriguing interest…..he loved penguins, and, since the real ones were in short supply for a boy growing up in Wayne, his Grandma Sandy was more than happy to satisfy Chris’ fascination with those little creatures by giving them to him for his birthday or Christmas or just because she wanted to.

Chris will be forever missed and fondly remembered as the guy who was always fun to be with. His great sense of humor and penchant for playing pranks endeared him to both young and old.

Chris is survived by his grandparents, Paul and Sandy Breen of Wayne, his father Mark Stivala of Fort Worth, TX, his step-mother Joan Stivala, his grandmother Shirley Stivala, his three siblings: Neil, Kyle, and Jamie; his Uncle Bobby and Aunt Liz Breen, his Aunt Debbie and Uncle Paul Pinand; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his mother Tracey Breen and his grandfather Sebastian Joseph Stivala.

In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Chris’ memory to a charity of your choice.

Marjorie L. Mueller (nee Harlor) age 96 of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains passed to her eternal reward on Saturday, June 29, 2013. She was surrounded by her loving family who had all gathered at her bedside.

This is a brief life story about a lady who was profoundly gifted with the art of interpersonal relationships. Her personality was a source of happiness; her kindnesses were warm and well received by those who knew her.

She was born in Jersey City and spent her formative years in Paterson, later living in Irvington for eight years, then Livingston for fifty years, then Manchester Township before finally moving to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains in 2008.

Marjorie received her formal education at Paterson Central High School graduating with the class of 1935. She then went on to the Ridgewood Secretarial School where she learned office skills that she used all other life.

Her first employment was at the law offices of Nochimson Attorneys in Paterson, located in the former Colt Building, later she took a position at the Howard Savings Bank in their trust department. Marjorie was given this job because her husband Henry also worked at the bank, but was drafted into military service. The banking rule of the day was that two family member could not work in the same bank. However, as it so happened, she was able to do his work while he went off to war. When Henry returned from military service he resumed his position as trust officer and Marjorie retired.

Marjorie was gifted with a warm and affable personality and enjoyed being with people. Her demeanor was very caring and generous and caused her to have many close friends. Her personality was well melded with her appearance, which could best be described as regal. Her hair was always done beautifully and her manner of dress tasteful, with color coordination and everything matching just so. She was personally involved writing this very obituary, her own, providing information for her life story. As she did so just four years ago, her upbeat responses and the sparkle in her eye were of a much younger person, happily reminiscing over the events of her lifetime. It is often said that age is only a number, and that is true to the story that is Marjorie’s life.

She was a founding member of the Union Avenue Baptist Church in Paterson and, as history worked out, she was one of two ladies that survived out of fifteen members of the original church founders group.

Henry and Marjorie met each other through a mutual friend who introduced them and they courted for a year and one half before being married on April 20, 1940. They enjoyed forty-six years of “fantastic, loving marriage” together until Henry’s passing in 1986.

After Henry’s death Marjorie met Sander “Bill” Zulauf and they were loving companions, enjoying their autumn of life together for seventeen years before Bill’s passing in 2007.

Surviving are several nieces including Jacqueline “Jacki” Foy and her husband Greg of Pompton Lakes, Gayle Merritt of Wayne; a nephew Ronald Merritt of Poughkeepsie, NY; great nieces including Kimberley Sek and her husband Brian and Jennifer Bosma and her husband Raymond; and three great nephews and nieces including Kaeley Sek, Brenna Sek and Connor and Kendall Bosma.

Her sister Dorothy L. Merritt predeceased her in 1974.

Those wishing to donate in Marjorie's  are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer St., Hackensack NJ 07601

Andrew DeFilippis, age 60 of Wayne, died peacefully on June 29, 2013 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Andrew was predeceased by his parents; Ruth and August DeFilippis.

Beloved husband of Donna DeFilippis (nee Civarelli), loving father to Andrew Paul and Joseph, loving brother to Frank and his wife Patty DeFilippis of Maplewood, NJ, and his twin brother; Anthony DeFilippis of Florida, loving sister-in-laws; Debra and Bonnie, and loving uncle and great uncle to many nephews and nieces.

Andrew was born in Hoboken and grew up in Teaneck. Andrew went to Teaneck High School and earned his teaching degree from Duquesne University. Andrew came out teaching and later went on to own several successful restaurants; Liberty Street Café, Villa Rosa, and Crabby’s Seafood and Grill. Many years later, Andrew worked for Local 325.

Andrew was very involved in his community. Where he could help, he did. Every year, Andrew and his best buddy, Ian Dietz, outlined the course for “Brian’s Run.” He enjoyed doing that every year with his sons and all their friends. Andrew coached and helped anywhere he was needed down at the Wayne P.A.L. Forever great memories! He also was very active in the Wayne Valley Football program. Andrew had a passion for all sports, but his love and greatest pleasure was watching his sons play the game of football. Every Friday night, you would find Andrew way up on the bleachers with the whole gang cheering on Wayne Valley. Up early on Saturday mornings heading up to Union College in Schenectady, NY, cheering on the “Dutchmen” football team where his son now plays. He lived for the game and loved watching his sons in action. The conversation of football never got old in our home. Andrew loved his family and friends. He was a dear friend and an inspiration to all that knew him. He truly was our hero and we will miss him dearly.

Andrew, we thank you for the many blessings you brought. Be with God. We love you eternally.

We would like to thank Dr. Peter Kozuch and his staff at Beth Israel Hospital, New York and Compassionate Care Hospice. But most importantly, all our family, friends, Wayne Police Department, Wayne Valley High School, Wayne Valley Football family, Union College, and the Dutchmen Football family, and all my sons friends who provided us with support and love throughout this struggle.

Francis “Frank” J. Loughlin, Jr., age 79 of Wayne passed peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

He was born in Staten Island, one of three children to Agnes and Francis J. Loughlin, Sr. As children in school, he and his identical twin brother James would take tests for each other until the teachers caught on.

Frank graduated from Farleigh Dickinson College in 1955 with a B.A. in Business. As a college student he was a champion pole vaulter. He met the girl he was going to marry during those college years. Her name was Beverly Crefeld, and she was beautiful with an outgoing, bubbly personality. They met one night at a party hosted by Frank’s unofficial fraternity, the Poorfellows. Frank was love-struck, but when he asked her out again, Beverly declined. His persistence ultimately paid off, though. They dated through those college years, and, because of their shared love for music and plays, they appeared in a number of school musicals including The Follies! Their director for that show was FDU alumnus Dave Wilson who went on to win an Emmy for his direction of NBC's Saturday Night Live.

After graduation, Frank and Beverly married on Sunday, September 28, 1958 at Sacred Heart Parish in Lyndhurst. Following a honeymoon along the Rappahannock River in Virginia, the couple initially settled in North Arlington where they remained until 1963 when they moved to Wayne.

Frank served in the US Army National Guard’s 113th Infantry division after having enlisted at the Dumont New Jersey Armory. He served as a Military Policeman from 1951 through 1959, and, during his service, he attained the rank of Sergeant E5 with an expert status in both rifle and pistol shooting.

Frank enjoyed a long career in computer sales and consulting. He is especially proud of his experiences in developing and selling computer systems to schools for the deaf. He ultimately became the proprietor of F.J.L. Consulting in Wayne before retiring in 1999.

Frank loved vacationing at Lake George and in the Poconos with his family. Cruises to Bermuda and the Bahamas also were family favorites.

Frank also found relaxation in the kitchen where he created what he considered to be world-famous lasagna. His marinara sauce was made from home-grown tomatoes. He kept a strict accounting of the meatballs to make sure his mischievous daughter, Nancy, didn’t sneak any before dinner time. A family breakfast favorite was his fried-egg sandwich. Every Sunday morning, while going out to buy the newspaper, Frank made a tradition of bringing home jelly donuts and crumb buns for the whole family. He loved classic movies including spaghetti westerns, Captain Horatio Hornblower, and John Wayne black-and-whites, and he was also a fan of the comic strip Prince Valiant. His eclectic musical interests included such artists as Barry White, Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass, tenor sax solos, and lush instrumentals.

Outside of family, his greatest joy was playing golf. He belonged to the Bowling Green Golf Club in Oak Ridge, The Knoll in Parsippany-Troy Hills, and the Passaic County Golf Course in Wayne. His golfing awards were proudly displayed at home.

When Frank looked back at his life, he was especially proud of transcending an impoverished childhood, putting himself through college, and building a successful career which enabled him to provide a stable and comfortable environment for his beloved wife and two daughters.

Frank was the loving husband of Beverly (Crefeld) Loughlin; loving father of Laura Loughlin of Grafton, MA, and Nancy Loughlin of Fort Myers, FL; and cherished grandfather of Stephen and Kathryn Moreland. He is also survived by a number of loving nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his twin brother James Loughlin and his sister Lisa Kent. Also predeceased and adored by Frank in life were his collie Lad and his cat Daisy.

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

Kenneth E. Phillips, “Kep” to all who knew him, died peacefully at home on Green Pond, Wednesday, June 26, 2013. His wife and son Christopher were at his side when he passed. Kep had just turned 69 years old.

Kep grew up in Millburn, NJ and graduated Millburn High School with the class of 1962. He attended Ohio Wesleyan and was a member of the lacrosse team. He later graduated with a Master’s Degree in Botany from the University of Rhode Island. Kep was a brother in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Ohio Wesleyan and an outstanding student, earning him membership in Sigma Xi and Phi Kappa Phi. Immediately upon graduation, he began working as a professor at the University of Rhode Island, teaching marine biology.

In 1970, Kep moved back to NJ where he joined the family business; Harrison Supply Co. located in Harrison, NJ. Kep oversaw the growth of The Phillips Companies into a conglomerate of eight suppliers: Clinton Block in Clinton, NJ, Harrison Supply Co. in Harrison, Sussex Block & Supply in Sparta, F.F. Phillips in Edison and New Brunswick, and Phillips Concrete with three locations in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, and Upper Black Eddy, PA. Kep was active with the AGC; Association of General Contractors, the UTCA; Utility Transportation Contractors Association, had been on the board of directors of the Gibraltar Savings Bank, and several other trade organizations. As hard as Kep worked, he enjoyed playing even harder!

Kep’s interests were varied and his hobbies were vast. He had completely restored several classic MG cars and was an active member of the New England MGT Register. He had participated in many MG rallies including a cross-country road trip and a ride up the Alaska Highway with his beloved wife Louie by his side in their MG. He was also a member of the VSCCA; Vintage Sports Car Club of America where he often raced his classic MG’s. He had so much fun with his cars that his smile nearly became permanent. Kep was also an avid outdoorsman, bird hunter, and golfer. He was a proud member of the Fin, Fur, and Feather Shooting Club, the Mendham Valley Gun Club, Bras Coupé Fishing Club in Canada, and the Rockaway River Country Club. He played guitar, loved to cook (and eat!), and made his own beer and wine. His wine label; “Gallows” (featuring a hangman’s noose), a play on words to the slightly more popular ‘Gallo’ brand, and the painfully-honest slogan on the label read; “It’s not that bad.” He was an avid reader, usually found with a Kindle in his hands or nearby, and had devoured countless books throughout his life. He had recently become interested in Genealogy, tracing his families roots right back to the Mayflower voyage.

Kep’s love for his wife and family was clearly the guiding light of his life. Second however, was his love of Green Pond. His family had been visiting Green Pond during the summers since 1926. Kep spent his summers there as a young boy and purchased his first summer home on Green Pond in the 1970’s, eventually living there year round. He was a member of the Green Pond Yacht Club and passionate about the mission of the Green Pond Environmental Foundation who’s mission is to protect the pristine lake and surrounding lands. Green Pond was more than just his home – it was a part of his soul.

It was at Green Pond during the summer of 1970 that Kep met his wife, Elizabeth, or “Louie” as everyone knows her. They were set up on a blind date, joining some friends for a moonlight sail on Green Pond. Louie came prepared with a bottle of Scotch and Kep was smitten on that first date! They married April 5, 1972 and never looked back. Their marriage was an adventure of the greatest magnitude; a “world of happiness.” They traveled all over the world, visiting exotic destinations and enjoying countless unique experiences. They loved to socialize and hosted many parties and memorable events over the years. Their love for each other was evident in all that they did. The fun they’ve enjoyed together, and shared with so many others, coupled with Kep’s unique sense of humor and vivacious personality, will insure his legacy through all those fortunate enough to call him ‘friend.’ He was a man of character, integrity, and genuine intentions. He will be missed dearly by a great many.

Kep is survived by his beloved wife of forty one years; Elizabeth “Louie” Phillips, four children; Christopher and his wife Erica of Green Pond, Darcy Asché and her husband Thomas of North Caldwell, Deborah Thomas and her husband Stephen of Rockaway, and Ward Chesnut and his wife Ruth of Lake Tahoe, California, seven grandchildren; Jeffrey and Carly Thomas of Rockaway, Jesse and Wesson Asché of North Caldwell, Lake Phillips of Green Pond, and Lennon and Jake Alcock of Green Pond.

Donations in Kep's memory, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated.  Please consider the Green Pond Environmental Foundation, P.O. Box 648, Newfoundland, NJ 07435; or the Green Pond Volunteer First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 251, Newfoundland, NJ 07435

Isaac J. Rinas, age 18 of Wayne died tragically on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. He had just graduated from Wayne Valley High School, receiving his diploma only hours before his life was senselessly taken from him.

Isaac was born in Ramnicu Valcea, Romania, and lived his first 2 1/2 years in an orphanage there. Without question, his future was looking bleak until Meredith and David Rinas adopted him, bringing him home to America. Welcoming him into their home, sharing their love, and introducing Isaac to his new brother, opened up a whole new world he never could have imagined having in that Romanian orphanage.

Isaac played Wolfpack Football with the Wayne PAL as a young boy and continued to play for Wayne Valley High School into his junior year. As a young boy, Isaac loved playing with his neighborhood friends, who would spend countless hours riding bikes, exploring the stream, jumping on the trampoline, playing stickball and basketball, and playing video games. Isaac was practically attached-at-the-hip to his X-Box and computer games and had mastered every game he had. He loved the annual neighborhood camping trips to New York State where they would ride quads, shoot skeet, hike, swim and raft in the Delaware River, and sit by the campfire at night. He loved animals and in particular his two cats, Tigger and Tonto. His least favorite things in life were homework and studying. Graduating from Wayne Valley couldn't have come soon enough for Isaac and he was thrilled to wear that cap and gown and receive his diploma on Wednesday evening. He was looking forward to his future, saying to his mom on graduation night "now I can live my life."

Ironically, when Isaac was first adopted, he didn't speak. That changed rather quickly when he was a little kid, and his family and friends will tell you now that he never seemed to stop talking! Isaac was a talker, a loud talker, always carrying the conversation and making people laugh with his constant supply of jokes. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful knack for entertaining a crowd. He could find the humor in just about every situation, looking at the big picture and often discovering the absurdity in things that others took so seriously.

Isaac was a bold kid, big and loud, always on the move. He had a large network of friends and a special group of close friends that he was endeared to. He enjoyed hanging out, like any teenager, and just having a good time. The difference was that Isaac loved being the center of attention. His voice could fill a room and his personality overflowed it. Music was always a big part of his life and his tastes ranged from classical to rap, and everything in between. He was a big movie buff too, taking in new releases whenever he could, and he liked to take his Dad to the movies with him. Isaac was a true individual, with a unique personality, and he will be missed greatly by countless family, friends, and acquaintances.

He is survived by his parents; David Rinas and his wife Meredith (nee Modne) of Wayne, his brother; Daniel Rinas of Wayne, one aunt; Linda Wooldridge and her husband Jim of Basking Ridge, NJ and one uncle; Dr. Albert Rinas, Jr. and his wife Ann of West Chester, PA, and three cousins; Michael Wooldridge of New York City, Jonathan Wooldridge of Watertown, MA, and Lisa Wooldridge of Basking Ridge, NJ, as well as many dear friends, neighbors and schoolmates. He was predeceased by his grandparents; Albert Rinas, Sr. in 1992, Mary Ann Rinas in 2008, Jack Modne in 2009 and Shirley Modne in 2000.

A memorial scholarship fund has been established as a part of Isaac’s legacy and donations would be greatly appreciated. For those wishing to donate, please make checks payable to “LPL Financial, FBO Isaac Rinas Memorial Fund” and mail to: Astorino Financial Group, 250 Passaic Ave., Suite 220, Fairfield, NJ 07004. Please contact Danielle O’Connell of The Astorino Financial Group, Inc. at 973-575-1403 or at Danielle@astorinofinancialgroup.com with any questions or for more information.

Daniel Paul Falandys, age 74 of Ringwood passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

Daniel was born in Montclair and grew up in Passaic. The younger of two children, he wore #23 as a star football player for Passaic High School where he graduated in 1957. He immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1957 to 1962.

Upon his return from the service, Daniel met a lovely woman named Barbara Pertiko. For both it was love at first sight and after a fast courtship of six months Dan and Barbara were united in holy matrimony on February 16, 1963 at Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood, NJ. After their honeymoon the lovebirds settled in Clifton and Dan promptly embarked upon a career as an electronics engineer with Bendix Corporation and later Allied Signal, both of Teterboro. During his career he received his B.S. degree and Master’s degree, both from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Following retirement in 2003, Daniel continued with Allied Signal and AT&T as a consultant until 2011. At one point during his career Daniel was responsible for the development of two of the original iconic video games of our time – Space Invaders and Pong, via Allied Signals contracts with the Mattel Corporation. After the Mattel contracts Bendix then took on Military contracts. Dan was a part of the "Test Systems Divison" and played an important part of the development of the Trident Submarine, Harpoon Missile and The Space Shuttle.

From 1964 to 1967 Dan and Barbara welcomed three beautiful children into their small Clifton home, Saundra, Daniel and Daryn. In those early days, all three children were tightly crammed into one little bedroom. Dan moved his family to the boondocks of Ringwood in 1969 and that’s where he remained until the present. Memories were made with this family of five travelling cozily in their little white Ford Pinto to vacation in Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod. But, as the little house in Clifton was eventually replaced with a more spacious home in Ringwood, the little white Pinto was soon replaced with a full-size two-toned van so the kids could sleep while the family traveled. Back in those days you ordered your car to your exact specifications and then you waited, sometimes for weeks and months for it to be delivered! It was a big day, full of anticipation as the family waited for Dan to arrive home with the new van! From that day forward Dan took on the nickname “Dan the Van Man.” The family enjoyed many more trips to Cape Cod and also to Lake George.

In 1989, Dan was transferred to Florida to work on the Space Shuttle for nine months. The kids were all grown so Barbara joined Dan for those nine months. During that assignment, when Dan wasn’t working, he and Barbara enjoyed trips to Disney World, Epcot, Sanibel Island and Bermuda.

Back at home in Ringwood, Dan loved working around the house. He loved gadgets, re-wiring things and he was an excellent carpenter too! He redid his own bathroom and he also did some custom work on his living room. He loved growing vegetables on his deck and just taking care of his yard.

Dan had a great sense of humor! His daughter Saundra recalls how recently while Skyping her, she looked on her computer screen to see Dan while she was talking to him and he had attached a large, bright Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer nose over his own. She also recalled how one time, when she was coming of age and starting to become interested in boys, she was with her dad at the grocery store and as she was talking to a cute boy, Dan slipped a couple of black Chuckles candies in front of his front teeth before introducing himself to the young man. Needless to say, Saundra was mortified! Dan was also a great story teller and his kids especially enjoyed his tales of life in the military and growing up in Passaic in the railroad houses. He loved his grandchildren and, with Barbara, he would attend many of their sporting events or take them fishing.

Dan’s faith was important to him and he was actually confirmed while serving in the military. It was at his confirmation where he received Paul as his middle name and he always wore his St. Christopher medal wherever he went. In recent years he frequently went to church with his daughter and afterwards the tradition was to enjoy a nice breakfast.

Daniel is survived by his daughter Saundra and husband Kenneth Ehrenberg of Paramus, his son Daniel and wife Michele of Surprise, AZ, and his son Daryn of Ringwood; and his four grandchildren: Kenny and Alexandra Ehrenberg and Kyle and Kayla Falandys.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Barbara in 2005 and his sister Lorraine Falandys.

In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Daniel’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780 New York, NY 10008-0780. www.michaeljfox.org

Dariusz Karol Zajac, age 39, of Wayne, died suddenly on Monday, June 24, 2013.

Dariusz was born and raised in Debica, Poland the second of four children. After elementary school, he went to technical high school to study an auto body and mechanics.  Dariusz was incredibly athletic and participated in numerous sports including wrestling where he went pro from the age of nine to eighteen. One of his biggest accomplishment was to win a Vice Championship of Europe among many other first places he received for wresting matches in Poland.

A young and beautiful girl named Katarzyna who was originally from Poland but had moved to the United States was visiting her family in Poland. During her visit she spent a lot of time with her good friend, that had an older brother, best friend of Dariusz. They introduced Katarzyna to Dariusz and for Dariusz, it was truly love at first sight! Dariusz may have made a lot of his wrestling opponents fall hard in defeat but when it came to love, he was the one who fell hard for Katarzyna. She was only supposed to be visiting her former homeland for a couple weeks but she ended up staying until they married on July 23rd, 1994 at the Holy Spirit Church in Debica, Poland. That same year, the newly married couple came to the United States to join Katarzyna’s family and to begin their new life together in a new place. They settled at first in Passaic Park, living in with Katarzyna’s family. That's where their first son, Patrick was born.

Dariusz got right to work in his pursuit of the American dream! Already as a young boy in Poland he displayed a God-given business sense.  Whether it was video tapes or tires, he was always trying to sell something. He combined that business sense and auto body and auto mechanic training with his larger-than-life personality and, through hard work, he eventually established Quality Auto Body, a reputable and prosperous auto body repair shop in Linden.

Dariusz played as hard as he worked. His spare time could pretty-much be described in three words – fishing, fishing and fishing! It didn’t matter if it was fresh water or salt water, Dariusz  had to fish! He parlayed that love with his love for traveling and, with his son Patrick, and friends, Zbyszek, Paul, Lukasz, and Waldek, he fished all over the world in places such as Costa Rica, Aruba, Bahamas, Mexico, Key West, Long Island, and Cape Cod. His wife and daughter always traveled with him and enjoyed the beach wile they were fishing.  He also loved to get away to Jersey Shore on a fishing boat that he shared with his friend Paul which they named “Flucken Crazy.”

Dariusz’s personality was contagious and it was extremely easy for him to make friends. He was always good for telling a joke, he loved a fine cigar and giving them away to friends, associates and family and, with his dear wife Katarzyna, they threw many parties at their home. Dariusz worked the crowd and the grill while Katarzyna worked on all the other things needed to give friends a good time! He also loved to dance. His wife always told him he wasn’t the best dancer but, he just didn't care. For Dariusz, it was more important that dancing was fun and he loved entertaining a group! In those rare quiet moments, he loved to watch Discovery Channel, the news and boxing on TV.

While it’s true that Dariusz loved cars and loved to have fun, his greatest love was spending time with his family. He loved the thrill of catching big fish with his son Patrick and his daughter Kristina received her God-given athletic talents from him. Even as a little girl, Dariusz would encourage Kristina to try daring gymnastic moves often exclaiming “I’ll spot you!” She later took great joy in dancing and Dariusz was always that proud father cheering her on at her dance recitals and competitions. His two dogs – a Bishon Frise named Misia and a Black Russian Terrier named Sonia gave Dariusz great joy and he could often be seen trying to teach them new tricks.

Dariusz always put his wife and children first. If they had a dollar for every time he said “I love you” his family would be the richest people in USA! He was extremely proud of his Polish heritage and he passed that pride onto his kids. Today, both Patrick and Kristina are both fluent in the Polish language. He loved to just get away with Katarzyna with some of their favorite escapes being a quick trip, a fine meal shared together and maybe a little gambling down in Atlantic City. Dariusz’s love for his parents was just as great! When his mother Krystyna was sick for a month, he stayed by her side, and when his dad Bogdan was diagnosed with lung cancer, Dariusz was there through his struggles.

Dariusz had an uncontainable love and devotion for life and for all people he encountered. His wife Katarzyna gladly shared him with all because she realized, in reality, he belonged to everyone! She will always love him for his unconditional love, for his companionship and support in all of life’s joys and responsibilities, and for his amazing ability to make her and others better people by teaching them through his actions that when you give yourself away, you receive so much in return.  

Dariusz is survived by and will be sorely missed by his beloved wife Katarzyna; his two dear children: Patrick and Kristina; his loving parents: Bogdan and Krystyna of Poland; his three siblings: Anita and husband Krzysztof of Poland, Krystian and fiancé Karolina of Wallington, and Ewelina and husband Bogdan of Poland; and his two brother-in-laws: Krzysztof and wife Joanna of Passaic Park and Janusz and wife Agnieszka of Cedar Grove, and his in-laws Krystyna and Antoni Kielur.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Dariusz’s memory to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA  02241-7005.

Joseph Nicholas Frisina, age 69 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2013 with his family’s love surrounding him.

Joe was the oldest of three sons born in Brooklyn, NY to Nicholas and Marie Frisina. While growing up, Joe’s father was a superintendent of the Bensonia Arms Apartment Complex in Brooklyn. That place was a handyman training ground for Joe and his brothers Patrick and Nicholas as their father taught them a great deal about compactors, furnaces and 1000 uses for duct tape. One of Joe’s greatest childhood memories was how his dad would lower his younger brother Nick into the incinerator by a rope to clean it. Joe was all too glad that it wasn’t him on the other end of that rope!

Joe graduated from St. Augustine High School in Brooklyn. He went on to earn his BS degree in Physics from Manhattan College, studied astrophysics at the University of Rochester and earned his Master’s degree in Physics from Adelphi University and his Master’s degree in Computer Science from Steven’s Institute of Technology. Joe taught Computer Science courses on the adjunct faculty of Fairleigh Dickinson University and City University New York for 25 years.

During the course of all that education Joe was always searching for the love of his life. He finally met her through, of all things, one of the first computer dating services. It was called Operation Match and, with all of his computer training, his family often quipped that he probably invented the service himself. The lucky girl was Joan Marie Cecala and their first date together was to Manhattan where they saw the movie The Graduate. Joe fell fast for Joan Marie. She fell a little slower but she did fall. They were engaged in July, 1967 and they married the following year on September 21, 1968 at St. Athanasius Church in Brooklyn.

After the honeymoon to San Juan, Puerto Rico they settled in their first apartment in Brooklyn. Joe got a job with BAE Systems of Wayne, NJ and commuted every day to that job from Brooklyn. He soon became the proud father of his little baby girl Melisa. Three years later the family welcomed another child…this time a boy which they named Daniel Joseph. Joe continued to prosper in his career at BAE Systems. In fact, he prospered so much that, by the time he retired on May 17 of this year, he had risen to the level of Manager of Advance Software Technology. During the span of his 45 year career, he was responsible for developing software on advanced communication systems. Most notably, he was the software architect for the initial F-16 Navigation System, the LINK-16 (JTIDS/MIDS), and the AN/ASN-128 Doppler Navigation Software.

While his career was important, central to Joe’s life was his personal relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Joe was on the initial board of trustees of Sonrise Christian Center and the Calvary Assembly of God Church, both on Staten Island. He taught Bible classes at Sonrise and at Calvary AG and also at Oasis Christian Centre in Rahway, NJ. Currently, Joe was attending Bethany Church in Wyckoff, NJ.

Joe had a penchant for sneaking desserts. His son-in-law Roy, who worked with him, remembers the sight of seeing Joe walking down the hall at work enjoying a Klondike Bar. In Joe’s younger years he was a third-degree black in jujitsu and he even once spared (and survived) with Chuck Norris!

Joe had an extreme love and sense of devotion for his family, so it was with heavy hearts that they had to surrender their son and brother Daniel Joseph into the loving hands of his Lord and Savior in 1985. Joe recently wrote his own will. He instructed that it not be open until after his passing. In the will he lovingly wrote that when the rest of his family joins him, they should look for him and Danny in heaven next to the chocolate fountain. In 1988 God gave Joe and Joan Marie another baby boy and they named him Joseph Daniel. Joe loved photography and he loved doing things for his children. He decided to combine those two loves by doing something nice for his daughter Melisa. For her eighth birthday, she wanted to have her party at the roller skating rink. Since Joe was taking a photography class for which he had to submit a project, he decided he would film Melisa’s whole event complete with slides showing her sending out invitations and looking forward to the event well in advance of the big day. Later on in her life, Melisa was driving to the bank to use the ATM machine. Her father was on the same road so he followed her, just to make sure she was safe while making her transaction. Joe gave just as much love and attention to his son Joseph. He loved to accompany his son to his hockey games and once when Joseph and his friends were involved in a band, Joe would drive him there and stay with him wherever the band got a gig. In their own little way, even his grandchildren could testify to what a wonderful grandfather Joe was. Just the other day, little Katie Jane asked, “Who are we going to wake up for breakfast when we go to Grandpa and Meema’s beach house?” Joe would always take them to McDonald’s or to the bakery for mini-pies so that Joan Marie could sleep in. And speaking of Joan Marie, recently Joe had written his own obituary in which he wrote the following about his beloved wife: “He was married for over 44 years to the most exceptional woman, Joan Marie. She is both beautiful and an outstanding counselor for all their years of marriage.”

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Joan Marie; his two children: Melisa Ann Vaccaro and husband Roy, and Joseph D. and wife Elizabeth Frisina; his three adored grandchildren; and his two brothers: Patrick and wife Vincenza Frisina and Nicholas and wife Francine Frisina, both of Staten Island. He was predeceased by his son Daniel Joseph in 1985.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made to the Hackensack UMC Foundation, 360 Essex Street, Suite 301, Hackensack, NJ 07601. Please indicate that your gift is for the John Theurer Cancer Center for Multiple Myeloma in memory of Joseph Frisina.

Irene Joan Lyons (nee Constantine) age 93 of Wayne died peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2013.

She was born on February 1, 1920, and raised on New York City's Upper West Side. She was a graduate of Holy Name Grammar and High School. As an aspiring hairdresser and makeup artist, she attended the New York Academy of Beauty Culture upon graduation from High School.

To help pay her tuition, she worked part-time as a hat and coat-check girl at the Park Lane Hotel and at the elegant Hotel Chatham. It was while working in the Chatham, that she was approached by a scout from the Jon Fredrick School of Modeling.

Irene also worked at the Coliseum Theater. She loved going out dancing to the night clubs after work with her friends. That group included John Lyons, the theater manager.

One night Irene finally got up the nerve to ask John if he knew how to dance the 'Big Apple'. He said yes, and that was the start of a friendship and love that lasted 41 years.

Irene, like many other women, did her part for the WWll effort by working at Western Electric. After the war, Irene worked for New York Telephone as a switchboard operator. She continued to work until the birth of her twins. She then dedicated herself to raising her family.

On June 8, 1945, Irene and John were married at New York's City Hall, as John was on leave from the US Army in North Africa. A honeymoon soon followed in West Palm Beach Florida. They had their official church wedding on October 29, 1949 at St. Stephen's Church, 142 East 29th Street in New York City.

They enjoyed a loving and caring marriage of thirty-five years that can best be characterized as "best friends" before John's passing in July of 1980.

Irene was a true "city girl" who loved fashion, movies, walking her dog in Central Park and dancing to Big Band music. Irene and her family lived at 135 Terrace View Avenue, Bronx, NY, before moving to Jersey City. She would have stayed in New York City her entire life if her husband's work hadn't taken her to Jersey City where they lived before Irene moved to Wayne nineteen years ago.

She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and movie trivia. She had a great sense of humor and was a terrific cook and baker. Her many wonderful recipes, all made from scratch and love, will be greatly missed.

She was predeceased by her husband of thirty-five years John Lyons (1980); loving mother of Jane Lyons of Secaucus; George Lyons and his wife Debbie of Summit, and Susan Allaire and her husband Len of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Megan, Erin, Conor, Kathleen, Amanda, Ashley and Christopher.

Memorial donations to Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, NY, NY, 10087-7106 or Hospice of NJ, 400 Broadacres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be greatly appreciated.

Shirley “Nickie” Bogdanffy (nee Nicklin) age 84 of Wayne passed Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at home.

She was born and raised in Marlboro, NY and was once crowned the Gooseberry Picking Champion of Ulster County.

Shirley graduated from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English with the Class of 1951. While at Susquehanna University she was a member of the tennis team. Years later she received her Masters Degree in English from William Paterson University in Wayne.

While at Susquehanna University she met Robert Bogdanffy. Shirley was a waitress in the cafeteria and got Robert’s attention by repeatedly taking his plate before he was finished. They eventually fell in love and were married. The newly married couple moved to San Antonio, Texas as Robert was serving in the US Army. Shirley taught English and French while in San Antonio. After several years they moved back to New Jersey and found a home in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne. After twenty years of marriage they divorced and eventually reconciled becoming close friends.

Shirley lived in the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne for almost sixty years. She was a member of the Packanack Community Church in Wayne. She also enjoyed many years of assisting at the Oasis Haven for Woman and Children in Paterson where she read stories and helped children with their homework.

She taught at Manchester Regional High School in North Haledon for over thirty years before retiring in 1991.

She was a humble person who loved her work as a teacher. She was especially proud, after retiring, to get several letter from former students stating how she had inspired them to learn. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Packanack Garden Club and a member of the Friends of the Wayne Public Library. Aside from her enjoyment of teaching and learning she was a voracious reader of English and European History, Anthropology, Greek Mythology, Art, and History.

She was the loving mother of Susan Shane and her husband John in Wayne, and John Bogdanffy of Fair Lawn; cherished grandmother of Jennifer Shane and Robert Bogdanffy; dear sister of Jane Moss and John Nicklin and his wife Carol.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Anna M. Weaver (nee Mabey), age 95 of Wayne died peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. She was a resident of Wayne since 1962. She retired from Sears in 1984 after a lengthy career managing their candy department. She was well known as “The Candy Lady.”

Anna grew up in Hawthorne and attended East Side High School in Paterson because Hawthorne didn’t have its own high school at the time. At age fifteen, she moved to West Milford with her family and finished her schooling there. She also met Harold Weaver there and the two of them fell in love. They married at St. Joseph’s RC Church in West Milford on August 1, 1936 and enjoyed a honeymoon at Niagara Falls, NY. They initially settled in West Milford then moved to Hawthorne in 1955 and eventually to Wayne in 1962. Harold passed in 1980 after forty four years of marriage.

Anna loved to play Bingo and over the years you could find her at the Wayne PAL, Boys and Girls Club, or St. James of the Marches RC Church in Totowa playing Bingo! She was also a good card player and taught her grandchildren how to play cards. She used to tell her grandkids “if you cheat, I’m not playing!” and she held them to it. She loved her grandchildren dearly and they truly were everything to her. They threw fun birthday parties for her every year. They will all miss her dearly.

Anna is survived by her daughter Judith Ann Van Koppen and her husband Neil of Wayne, five grandchildren; Scott Van Koppen and his wife Lisa of Montville, Christine Vecere and her husband John of Wayne, Robert J. Weaver and his wife Jeanette of Florida, Veronica Cassidy and her husband Dennis of Oak Ridge, and Henry Weaver and his wife Brandi of Oak Ridge, eleven great-grandchildren; Marissa, Michael and Brian Van Koppen, Andrew and Brandon Vecere, Robert J and Lauren Weaver, Alexandra and Travis Cassidy, Drew and Alice Weaver. She was predeceased by her husband Harold in 1980, her son Robert J. Weaver in 1995, her great-grandson Garret Cassidy in 1995, her brother Martin Mabey in 1971, her sister Marie Sanford in 1980, and by her twin brother Charles Mabey in 2004.

Donations in Anna’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Margaret F. Douma (nee Dowd), age 60 of Haledon, died unexpectedly on Monday, June 17, 2013.

Margie was raised in Paterson and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School with the class of 1970. Shortly after graduating, she began working for PSE&G in their Paterson office.  She worked her way through the ranks becoming a multi-office Customer Service Supervisor.  She retired just last year after a career of over forty years. PSEG not only provided employment but, in the early 1970’s, a chance for Margie to find her soul mate. She met Ron Douma (a coworker) and kindled a relationship that led to their marriage on August 30, 1975.  They wed at the Calvary Gospel Church in Wayne and soon after set off on a Niagara Falls honeymoon.  They first settled in Paterson before moving to Haledon in 1980.  They have enjoyed a very fun and loving marriage for thirty eight years, filled with lots of laughs and great family memories.

She was a member of Richfield Christian Reformed Church in Clifton as a Deacon, Treasurer, and Bible school teacher.

Margie was a voracious reader, sometimes finishing three or four books per week.  She was also a Soap Opera fanatic, recording them constantly and breaking several DVRs in the process.  She was thrilled to recently meet a few soap opera actors in person.  She was a fan of all TV in fact; especially reality shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Judge Judy. Many times you could see a bit of Judy’s flair in Margie.

Margie also had an eclectic collection of decorations for her home and added new things with a somewhat daily frequency.  She didn’t just decorate for the holidays, but for the seasons and just about any other reason you can think of!  She has literally dozens of boxes of decorations for any occasion from:  candles to flags to snowmen to a soap dispenser that plays Yankee Doodle Dandy.  She was a catalog shopper from the start but recently moved to the internet to increase her ordering efficiency – the UPS driver knew her well.  Margie had a great zest for life and decorating her house was just another way to have fun.  Margie was a very thoughtful and caring person, very giving of herself and really loved to see others having fun as well.  She loved to give gifts and put a lot of thought into them.  She would often surprise her family or friends with gifts months after they may have casually mentioned an idea or a particular item.  She enjoyed seeing people’s reactions to receiving their gifts.  She was as much about sharing as she was about having fun – and she had plenty of fun.

Family vacations to LBI were the ‘best 2 weeks of their lives’ each summer, when the whole family would gather at the Holgate beach house together.  She loved the sun, the pool, and reading her magazines and morning newspapers.  Margie had many close friends and she cared deeply for them all. She will be missed by so many.

Margie is survived by her husband Ron of Haledon, her daughter Lauren Douma of Scranton, PA, her son Jason Douma and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, her brother Thomas Dowd and his wife Carole of Kinnelon, niece Shannon Murphy and her husband Kevin of Kinnelon, nephew Brendan Dowd and his wife Elizabeth of Wayne, step-daughter Amy Brooks and her husband Patrick of North Haledon, step-grandchildren; Andrew and Jenna Brooks of North Haledon.  She was predeceased by her brother Perry Dowd, mother Ruth Dowd, and father Thomas Dowd.

Sebastian "Joy" Joseph was born on June 12th, 1947 in Kottayam, Kerala, India and was the 5th of nine children.

After completing school, he went to work in Mumbai. It was there that he met his bride to be, Mary. She stole his heart and they went against tradition by having a love marriage instead of an arranged one. They were married on June 21st, 1973. Sebastian came to the United States in 1975, a year after his bride, in pursuit of the American dream. He welcomed his first born Elizabeth in 1976 and his second child Sibi in 1978.

He was a hardworking blue collar man that worked at Thomas Electronics in Wayne, New Jersey. After many years of working at the factory, he decided to pursue his passion for cooking by becoming a part owner and chef of an Indian restaurant. He dedicated his life to supporting and providing for his family. After achieving much success, he eventually retired and devoted the rest of his time to spoiling his two grandchildren Zakaria and Sabrina, whom he welcomed into the world in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Along with spending time with his grandchildren, Sebastian enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening and entertaining. He was known for his great sense of humor and for always making people laugh. Sebastian left this finite life for an infinite one with the Lord on June 15th, 2013. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Sebastian is survived by his devoted wife Mary, his daughter Elizabeth Joseph and her husband Aimad Ayad of Wayne, one son; Sibi Joseph and his wife Swati of Plainsboro, NJ, two grandchildren;Zakaria and Sabrina Ayad, four brothers and two sisters. He was predeceased by one brother and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated; 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, NJ 07601

Jean M. Cary, age 80 of Pompton Plains, died on Saturday, June 15, 2013. She had been a resident of Pompton Plains since 1972.

Jean worked at the bank (now Wells Fargo) on the corner of Rt. 23 South and Greendale Rd. in Pompton Plains. She was with the bank for over twenty four years and saw the name of the bank change more than just a few times. She was a familiar face to everyone that banked there and surely she handed out countless lollipops over the years. She retired as the Assistant Branch Manager in 1996 when it was First Union Bank.

Jean grew up in Jersey City, which is where she met her husband, Robert (2007). The two of them had been working at the local A&P grocery, in the butcher section. They began sharing their responsibilities and doing tasks for each other. Jean was not fond of preparing fresh ducks or plucking chickens, so Bob did it for her. Likewise, Bob couldn’t stand the fresh fish that came in every day, so Jean took care of those. There began a relationship of compromise and sharing that led to marriage in 1953. They enjoyed fifty three years together before Bob passed in 2007. Bob served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the early years of their marriage. On one occasion he was able to have Jean join him aboard a Coast Guard Cutter cruising from Boston to Nova Scotia. Well, cruising on a Cutter during the winter, in the North Atlantic, was anything but a pleasure cruise. Jean was certain she wouldn’t survive, but they made it. Bob arranged for a flight back home, aboard a Coast Guard flight shuttling Korean War wounded back to the mainland. It was a terrible flight. The plane had no seats, only a bench along the wall, and no heat other than a single light bulb over her head! She even gave up her coat to a wounded soldier who certainly needed the warmth more than she did. Needless to say, Jean knew then that traveling was not an activity she wanted to participate in any longer. To this day, the sight of a boat made her nauseous and there was no way you could get her on an airplane. Family vacations to the Jersey Shore; Point Pleasant, Cape May and Wildwood were just fine with her.

Jean was a bit of a spitfire. She was very personable and outgoing, witty, and loved to tease. Time spent with Jean was usually time spent laughing. She enjoyed playing Bingo and would frequent just about any place where she could find a game going on. Traveling around became more difficult over the years as her arthritis acted up and she wasn’t able to play as much as she would have liked. She was a great cook and would always host Sunday dinner. Her sauce recipe was without equal, and she made a wonderful Chicken Scampi. Just recently, Jean began cooking with her grandson, teaching him some of her recipes. She enjoyed having her children and especially grandchildren gather at her home. There was no question that her grandchildren were at the top of her ‘favorites’ list, with ‘Bingo’, of course, being a close second.

Jean is survived by her three children; Robbyn Tresize of Pompton Plains, Robert and his wife Ellen of Oak Ridge, and Ronnie Martinelli and her husband Anthony of East Hanover, five grandchildren; Kyle, Brian, and Samantha Cary of Oak Ridge, and Nicholas and A.J. Martinelli of East Hanover, and one brother; Warren Green of Texas. She was predeceased by her husband Robert in 2007, two brothers; Robert Green and Donald Green, and one sister; Dorothy Perrazzo.

Everett C. Ross, age 93 of Totowa Boro and Cedar Grove died on Friday, June 14, 2013. He had been receiving compassionate care from Margarita Sanchez for more than thirteen years. He is eternally grateful to her for that she did.

He was born in Paterson and had spent his youth in Totowa, attending Memorial Grammar School. As was the practice in those days, all Totowa students attended Paterson’s Central High School, but Everett dropped out in the eleventh grade to begin working. The depression was in full swing and he needed to help support his family.

His first employment was picking beans on the Nellis Farm in Wayne, which is the site of the Wayne Township Municipal Building now. He would return to that farm whenever he needed spending money and harvested many different crops, depending on the season, including tomatoes, carrots and corn. The pay rate at the Nellis farm was one dollar per day or a peace work rate which was thirty five cents for every bushel of beans picked. He also plowed those same fields with teams of horses and he recalls the Nellis family purchasing a Ford gas powered tractor which he ran on the farm. That tractor had solid iron wheels with tread spokes to be able to grab the earth as the wheels turned. Later the Nellis family purchased a Ford Ferguson tractor with large treaded rubber wheels. He recalls the carrot crop on the farm being harvested in the fall cleaned and buried under many large piles of earth to protect them from the frost. It was the practice to dig up those covered carrots from time to time and deliver fresh carrots to the market even in the dead of winter.

He often spoke of getting a traffic ticket for driving a Ford Model “T” on Valley Road in Wayne when he was just fifteen years old. Wayne employed just two police officers at the time; Officer Anderson and Officer Taylor. They took exception to his age and that he was driving without a license, earning him his first ticket.

In his youth and beyond he went from job to job trying to make a living. He once worked in Beatties Carpet Mill in Little Falls for fifteen dollars a week. That was for a forty hour week and the rate was thirty six cents per hour. It so happens that he got paid on the second week of work and he expected thirty dollars and instead they gave him $15 and told him that it was their practice to hold back one week of pay. He did not agree with that concept and soon parted ways with that job. He went to work in a machine shop and learned the machine tool trade which brought him to a machinist’s job at Curtis Wright Aeronautical in Paterson.

Everett joined the U.S. Navy on December 8, 1942, just one day after the Pearl Harbor attack. He served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal directly from the Secretary of the Navy “For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area from March 3 to April 1, 1945. Completing his fifth mission during this period Ross contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.” Everett eventually completed more than twenty missions.

Everett was gifted with an independent spirit, was very ‘upbeat’ and knew what a hard-work ethic was. He decided to become an entrepreneur. He established Everett Ross Masonry based in Totowa. His hard work and wonderful social personality brought him much success in that field.

He was credited with the construction of many area buildings including Community Fire Company No. 1 on Parish Drive in Wayne. He also built the bell monument that sits out front of that firehouse. Because of his generosity, he donated his services and the Fire Company made him an “Honorary Fire Chief” . He also was the stone mason involved in the construction of the Bethwood Restaurant in Totowa.

Surviving are his wife Emilia Rome of Totowa, one daughter; Elizabeth Ross of Totowa, and one sister Margaret Parker of Pompton Plains. He was predeceased by two sisters; Shirley and Dorothy, and three brothers William, Walter and Bernard.

Betty Jane Arturi (nee Hanner) age 74 of Wayne passed Thursday, June 13, 2013.

She was born in Hackensack, raised in Little Ferry, and graduated from Lodi High School with the Class of 1956.  She continued her education at Montclair State and graduated with the Class of 1960.  Following college she was an English teacher at Pascack Valley High School.  She left teaching to raise her children and later began working as a reference librarian for Berkeley College, as an office manager for Dr. John Zisa, and for over twenty years was Treasurer of the family business, Artech Associates of Wayne.

Betty Jane was a caring, kind, and insightful person with a wry sense of humor. She was an avid reader of novels and enjoyed meeting with her book club. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother who took great pride in all her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Betty Jane met Anthony J. Arturi through mutual friends.  Their first date was to the movies and they soon fell in love.  They married at Saint Margaret of Cortona RC Church in Little Ferry and had their reception at Casino De Charlez on Union Boulevard in Totowa. The honeymoon plans were put into Tony’s hands with the understanding Betty Jane did not want to go to Puerto Rico.  When Tony went to the travel agent he booked a honeymoon to Puerto Rico.  The brochure was slick and the deal was just too good to pass up.  From that point forward Betty Jane took control of travel plans and in her expert hands the happy couple saw much of the United States and Europe.  They have enjoyed fifty-one years of a happy and loving marriage.

She was the loving wife of fifty-one years to Anthony J. Arturi; devoted mother of Anthony D. Arturi and his wife Mollie of River Edge, and Dawn Reynolds and her husband John of Wayne; cherished grandmother of David, Hope, and Henry Arturi, and Jane and Caroline Reynolds; loved sister of the late Norman Hanner.

Flowers are welcome, as are donations to The Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research.

Eleanor T. Matysik, age 67 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a resident of Wayne for over thirty six years.

Eleanor had been a clerk for twenty five years at Gift Land in the Preakness Shopping Center, Wayne. Although she liked to say otherwise, she really loved working there and her coworkers became a second family to her. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and working at Gift Land helped her collect countless Christmas ornaments and decorations and over the years. Now she has so many ornaments that they don’t all fit on the tree. She also enjoyed Halloween and made her daughter’s costumes by hand each year. She enjoyed watching Nascar, playing cards with Krystian and doing crossword puzzles. She and John occasionally took trips to Atlantic City. She quickly became a ‘slot machine junky’ after winning $800 on her first visit to A.C. years ago.

Eleanor grew up in Belleville and Bloomfield, one of twelve children in her family. Her childhood was anything but easy and she learned to work hard at a very young age. She had her beautician’s license and used to cut her friends and family’s hair in the famous “hair cutting room”. In her late teens, Eleanor was introduced by a friend to John Matysik. The two of them dated shortly before he was drafted into the Army. During his time in the service, they wrote to each other often and upon his return, John proposed. They were married on September 22, 1968 at Sacred Heart RC Church in Bloomfield and honeymooned at Niagara Falls. They’ve enjoyed nearly forty five years of devoted marriage. Eleanor was so excited when her daughter, Heather, was born. She always wanted a girl and would joke that if she had a boy she was going to tell the doctor to keep him.

Becoming a grandmother was a little intimidating for Eleanor at first. She didn’t feel as if she was old enough to be a grandma! But Eleanor quickly fell into the role well and loved her grandchildren very much. When her son-in-law, Anthony Lanza, passed in 2009, she moved in with her daughter and helped to raise the children, bringing her even closer to them both. They will miss her dearly.

Eleanor is survived by her husband John of Wayne, their daughter Heather Lanza of Wayne, two grandchildren; Krystian and A.J. Lanza of Wayne, ten siblings and their families, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews. Eleanor was predeceased by her son-in-law Anthony Lanza in 2009 and by her sister Shirley.

Donations in Eleanor’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Dorothy E. Nauta, age 49 of Edgewater, passed on June 11, 2013. She had lived in Edgewater for the past thirteen years.

Dorothy had lived in Wayne since she was about four years old and graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the class of 1982. She graduated from St. Peters and Paul College in Fort Lee and began her nursing career.

“Dottie” as she was affectionately known to all of her friends, had most recently been working as a Registered Nurse for Home Solutions of Livingston. She began her career as an LPN at Paterson General Hospital and had also worked as a nurse with several northern New Jersey firms such as; Visiting Health Services, Coram, and Midatlantic Home Infusion. She was the consummate nurse; devoted to her patients and always concerned about the wellbeing of others above herself. She became dear friends with many of her patients, coworkers and, because of her very nature; she became close friends with almost everyone she met. Her ‘circle of friends’ was without boundaries and her heart grew larger with every new acquaintance. Many of her friends quickly stepped forward during her recent illness to help her every way that they could, and her mother is eternally grateful for all of their help. Even her dog Otis and cat Dizzy have been lovingly cared for.

Living in Edgewater, Dottie enjoyed the beautiful views of Manhattan from her window. However, she was truly an ‘outdoors’ girl who loved to go camping, hiking, and visiting our national parks. Just about ten years ago, Dottie took a very memorable trip across the country with her dad, niece and nephews. All of them agree that it was the most memorable trip ever but depending upon which one of them you talk to, those memories might be the kind that you wish you could forget! To this day, her family laughs out loud when reminiscing about that trip. She would also visit her cousins in California annually, timing her trip to coincide with the Dave Matthews concert – she loved Dave Matthews! She had recently been very excited planning her next adventure; an RV excursion to Colorado this summer.

Dottie received her spiritual nourishment at the Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne. A memorial service is planned there on June 25, 2013 at 3 PM. For those wishing to attend, the address is 1441 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, 973-956-0086.

Dottie is survived by her mother, Sarah Nauta of Fayetteville, West Virginia, her niece Emily and her nephews Ethan and Eric, her beloved Great Dane; Otis, and her cat; Dizzy as well as her beloved family of friends, too numerous to count. Dottie was predeceased by her father John Nauta in 2008, her sister Yvonne Parisen in 1999, her brother John J. Nauta in 1978, and her baby brother Christopher many years ago.

Donations in Dorothy’s memory, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated. Please consider; The Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc., PO Box 285, Hanover, MD 21076.

Donald Nickolas, age 82 of Wayne, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, as his family lovingly stood by his side, on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.

Don was born and raised in Paterson where, already as a very young boy, he was never happier than when he was dropping his fishing line in the Passaic River. His fishing habit drove his parents crazy as Don couldn’t swim. On numerous occasions his Mom and Dad ordered Sonny not to go down by the river, but those fish seemed to call him and so he went anyway.

Donald attended Paterson Vocational School and later served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. His time aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gilbert Islands led him to numerous destinations such as Hawaii, Italy, Japan and France. At one point during his service he came home on leave. He had a buddy named John who was also home on leave and who happened to be the cousin of a pretty girl named Hilda Meyer. John invited Don to come over Hilda’s house and when Don’s eyes fell upon Hilda, he exclaimed to his friend John, “who’s that chick?” Don and Hilda took a real liking to each other so they continued to correspond via letters for two years while Don finished his service in the Navy. When he returned to the states, Don wasted no time in asking Hilda for her hand in marriage and, following a one-year engagement, they married in the Preakness Christian Reformed Church on April 21, 1956. At the time, the little white church building was located on what is now the property where Wayne Valley High School stands. The church’s congregation later built a new church building across the street and, although the church’s name was later changed to Preakness Valley United Reformed Church, Don and Hilda remained faithful members over the entire 57 years that they were married! As a member of the church, Don served faithfully for many years on the church council as a deacon and he sang in the choir. He also served as a youth leader and a member of the facilities committee.

Following their honeymoon in Miami Beach, FL, Don and Hilda settled into their newly rented home in Little Falls. Soon after, God blessed them with a baby boy who they named Robert. Donald worked a job driving an egg delivery truck while taking a correspondence course in drafting. He eventually took a position as a draftsman at Avian Corporation in Paramus. Later, he joined the drafting workforce at Singer Kearfott Corporation in Totowa where he remained through several company splits. Through those splits he eventually retired after a long and rewarding career as a designer and draftsman in 1993 with BAE Systems in Wayne. During the span of his career Don and Hilda eventually moved to Wagaraw Boulevard in Prospect Park where they welcomed another boy who they named Donald and a baby girl who they named Karen. The family moved one more time in 1961 to Wayne where they welcomed their fourth child, another boy who they fittingly named Wayne.

Don enjoyed putzing around in the fresh air of his back yard, especially after a long day at work. He always had a vegetable garden and also enjoyed planting flowers and keeping the grass well-manicured. Don was a family man who loved it when his sons or grandchildren would challenge him to a friendly game of rook or join him in watching a game of Giants football. He loved the Giants and was recently treated with a ball signed by the Giant’s own Victor Cruz. He also loved ice-cream, especially vanilla, and during the past five months while Don was sick, his son Wayne took advantage of Carvel’s buy-one-get-one-free deal every Wednesday and the two of them would enjoy that delicious ice-cream together. Fishing also continued to be a favorite pastime and, although he never did learn to swim, Don loved to go fishing at Point Pleasant with his wife, sons and grandsons.

Throughout his adult life, Don, Hilda, the children and later on, the grandchildren, would enjoy annual summer vacations in North Wildwood and, each Christmas, He and Hilda treated the whole family to a family vacation in Lancaster PA where they all stayed at the Willow Valley Resort. During autumn everyone would travel north to Hilda’s sister’s home in Springfield, VT where they enjoyed a family re-union including apple picking and seeing the splendor of God’s creation expressed through the beauty of the fall foliage.

As important as family and fishing were to Don, he was truly most thankful that his children and grandchildren embraced the same love that he had for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the Tanis home the spiritual nourishment derived from the reading of the Holy Bible every night after dinner was just as important as the physical nourishment obtained from the delicious dinners that Don’s wife Hilda served. One of Don’s favorite passages was Psalm 139 which says:

13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

His family will be eternally grateful for Don’s spiritual guidance!

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Hilda (Meyer); his four dear children: Robert and wife Jody of Oak Ridge, Donald and wife Debra of Wayne, Karen and husband Vincent Castaldi of Sparta, and Wayne and wife Debra of Wayne; his ten adored grandchildren: Julie and husband Bobby Barclay, Jason, Sarah, Steven, Nicholas, Christopher, Joshua, Michael, Patrick, and Randy; one expected great-grandchild; and his brother Jim and wife Kathy Tanis of Milford, DE.

In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Donald’s memory to the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, 700 Mountain Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481, or online at www.eccretreat.org

Denise Vala (nee Broekamp), age 49 of Beaufort, South Carolina and formerly of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away on June 9, 2013.

Denise grew up in Wayne and graduated from DePaul High School with the class of 1982. She and her husband Henry moved to Georgia sixteen years ago before finally settling in South Carolina. Denise was an Administrative Assistant with ADP Corporation for 21 years.

Denise is survived by her husband Henry of Beaufort, SC, her parents; William and Maria Broekamp of Wayne, NJ, sister Judy Gorski and her husband Ken of Wayne, NJ, Sister Joanne Broekamp Hall and her husband Dave of Wayne, NJ, sister Eileen Sweeney and her husband Mike of Wayne, NJ, mother-in-law Gerda Vala of Wayne, NJ, sister-in-law Ingrid Schamko and husband Gene of Derwood, MD, and brother-in-law Eric Vala and Kathy Sibrel of Stockholm, NJ; nieces Brianne, Kelsey, Katie, Olivia, Paige and Julia and nephews Michael and Billy.

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

Wilma G. Colarusso (nee Carson) age 75 of Wayne and Lincoln Park, died peacefully on Monday, June 10, 2013.

She was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and raised in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee.  She was the daughter of a Revenuer (a government agent in charge of collecting revenue, and halting the unlawful distilling or bootlegging of alcohol)  that moved to a different town almost every year of her childhood. She graduated from Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee with the Class of 1955. After high school she attended Tennessee State University for two years and transferred to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Sciences with the Class of 1959.

Her first employment was as a Medical Technologist at the Bowman Gray Hospital in Winston-Salem North Carolina.  In the mid 1960’s she moved to Washington DC where she worked at Georgetown Hospital again as a Medical Technologist. At Georgetown she worked for Dr. Meloni.  Wilma was watching “Law and Order: SVU” on television one evening and said “that guy looks like the Dr. Meloni I used to work for”.  After a quick Internet search Wilma’s daughter realized that the actor portraying Elliot Stabler on the program was in fact the son of the Dr. Meloni, Wilma's former boss.

While working at Georgetown Hospital in Washington Wilma met a traveling salesman from Newark New Jersey who worked for Fisher Scientific Corporation.  Vincent traveled back to Washington on business and for a second date with Wilma.  Just before the second date Wilma was introducing Vincent to co-workers but had to admit she couldn’t remember his last name.  Vincent said:  “my last name is Colarusso - and you better remember it because it’s going to be yours someday”.  They fell in love and married on May 20, 1967 at Saint Josephs Church in Washington, had their reception at the Capitol Hotel honeymooned at Niagara Falls New York.  During their honeymoon they crossed the border into Canada to visit the International and Universal Exposition or Expo ’67 which was considered to be the most successful World’s Fair of the 20th Century.

Wilma could talk to just about anyone. She had a deep and committed faith and was very involved with the churches she attended. She was currently a member of the Preakness Baptist Church in Wayne and had been a member of the choir. Wilma was a secretary for Wayne Hills High School and in 1990 she transferred to the Wayne Board of Education offices to serve as a secretary before retiring in 2005.  Strong willed, independent and self-sufficient are all characteristics that come to mind when thinking of her personality. When the family got together there was no doubt about the fact that she was bringing her famous Sweet Potato Casserole.  In 2013 Wilma moved for the thirtieth time, to live near her daughter in Fanwood New Jersey.

She was the devoted wife of the late Vincent Colarusso (1988); loving mother of Sarah Madden and her husband Will of Fanwood; cherished grandmother of Nicholas and Bianca Madden.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Preakness Baptist Church, 1441 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Mary Copeland Arbuckle, age 72 of Wayne, was called home to the Lord on her birthday; Thursday, June 6, 2013. Her family was all gathered at her bedside at the time of her passing.

Mary was co-owner of Sentry Water Management, a company she founded with her husband Ken in 1978.

Mary was born in Illinois and grew up in Colorado. She attended Colorado State University before taking a position as a flight attendant with United Airlines. That career had its perks and Mary enjoyed the traveling. While working a route between Chicago and New York, Mary rented an apartment with some of her fellow flight attendants in New York City. She loved New York and all that it had to offer. She met John Copeland in New York and they married in 1963, settling on Long Island before eventually moving to Erskine Lakes, NJ. Sadly, after just ten years of marriage, John passed away and Mary found herself raising two young children on her own. Although it may have been hard to see then, the best was yet to come for Mary.

A few years later, a mutual friend introduced Mary to Ken Arbuckle of Wayne. Ken also had two young children and similarly lost his wife in 1973. They hit it off after their first date at China Paradise in Wayne, and were married in 1979. Their honeymoon included a few days at each of their favorite places: Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, and New York City. They settled into Ken’s house in Packanack Lake, but quickly realized that their large family simply didn’t fit. Once they settled into a larger home, the hard work began: successfully merging their two families. Although that presented many difficult challenges, Mary and Ken persevered. Soon, they had a son together, Peter, and he proved to be the ‘glue’ that would draw them all together into one cohesive family. They have enjoyed thirty five years together.

Mary’s faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. She was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, a member of the church choir, a Eucharistic Minister, former treasurer of the Amity Club, and active with the RCIA. Our Lady of Consolation was not just her church; it was a part of her very being and she truly loved her fellow parishioners.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband Ken Arbuckle of Wayne, five children; Christine Arbuckle and her husband Jim Folkertsma of Greenwood Lake, NY, Matthew Copeland of Oakland, Melissa Copeland of Parsippany, Pam Hope of Wayne, and Peter Arbuckle of Montclair, two grandchildren; Ryan and Alyssa Folkertsma, and one sister; Carol Thomas and her husband Budd of Sparta, Wisconsin. She was predeceased by her brother Peter Francisco (2011) and her son-in-law Thomas Hope (2002).

Memorial donations in Mary’s honor, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714.

Jessie Bufardeci (Nicoletti) age 91, a fifty-seven year resident of Wayne, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

She was born and raised in Paterson having graduated from Eastside High School.

As a young woman, she started working for Curtis-Wright Corporation, starting in the mail room and retiring 44 years later as a Contracts Analyst.

Jessie met her future husband, Matt, through her brother Jim, who attended Paterson Technical High School with Matt. Jessie and Matt dated for several years and before Matt went off to the Navy, they became engaged. When Matt returned from his service in World War II, they set the wedding date for September 29, 1946. They were married in St. Anthony’s Church in Paterson and honeymooned in Canada.

Jessie was a devoted wife to Matthew who predeceased her in 2012. She was the loving mother of Linda DeFranco and her husband Roy of West Milford, and Andrea Sykes and her fiancé Scott Cardelfe of West Long Branch; cherished grandmother of Roy DeFranco Jr. and Melissa, Matthew DeFranco and his wife Camille, and Amanda Haring; great grandmother of Lucia DeFranco and Amelia DeFranco; loved sister of Diana Rizzo of Pompton Plains, and sister in-law of Lucille Nicoletti of Belvidere and Frances Sunday of Prospect Park. Jessie was predeceased by her brothers Frank Nicoletti and James Nicoletti and his wife Marion. Jessie will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Jessie will be remembered for her generosity and kindness to all, but most importantly for her devotion to her family. She and her late husband were wonderful role models and anyone one who met them could feel the great love they had for each other.

Jessie was an amazing cook and an avid New York Yankees fan. Jessie and Matt also enjoyed traveling. They traveled to Europe several times and throughout the years they accompanied their children and grandchildren on many family vacations to Cape Cod, the Jersey Shore, The Bahamas, Las Vegas and Florida. Later in life Jessie and Matt often accompanied Jessie’s brother Jim and his wife Marion on day trips to various local places and Atlantic City.

Jessie and Matt were founding parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne.

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

Harold F. Fioravanti, age 97 of Wayne, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. He had been a resident of Wayne since 1955.

Harold had been a millwright with Essex County Carpenters Union and had installed machinery in many manufacturing facilities throughout the area. He retired in 1980 after a career of more than forty years.

Born in Brooklyn, Harold moved to West Milford, NJ with his family when he was just five years old. His family owned a boarding house. Harold was fortunate to meet a girl named Beatrice from Brooklyn. She would spend the summers just down the street from Harold, at her family’s home in West Milford. The two of them hit it off and dated for several years while Harold began his career as a carpenter. Their relationship took a detour when Harold was called to serve in U.S. Army during World War II.

Harold served for more than four years and rose to the rank of Communications Chief with the U.S. Army Air Corps. The Army trained him as a Signal Corps Radio Operator. He was involved in battles throughout India, Burma, and the East Indies and awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his return from the service, he married Beatrice on October 4, 1947 at her church in Brooklyn. They first settled in Orange, NJ and lived a short while in Bellville while Harold built her a home in Wayne, where they had planned to grow old together. Sadly, after just twenty years of marriage, Beatrice was diagnosed with Leukemia and passed away suddenly in 1967.

During his retirement, Harold enjoyed golfing, bowling Sunday mornings at T-Bowl in Wayne, and fixing things. He was a bit of a perfectionist with just about everything. During his career as a millwright, he understood the importance of precision and when his daughter purchased a home that was more than 100 years old, he took it upon himself to re-hang every door, making sure that they opened and closed perfectly. He also attended countless sporting activities with his grandchildren, including soccer and baseball games. He loved his grandchildren dearly and was very proud to have become a great-grandfather for a second time just a few weeks ago. He will be dearly missed by all of his family.

Harold is survived by his daughter Elissa Blodgett and her husband Gary of Scotia, NY, one son; Steven and his girlfriend Marie of Wayne, five grandchildren; Erika, Jeremy, Dustin, Steven, and Jesse, and his two great-grandchildren: Carter and Dillon. He was predeceased by his beloved Beatrice in 1967, his two sisters; Sophie Barbanti and Flora Ferick, and one brother; Jerry Fioravanti.

Donations in Harold’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or visit their website at www.lls.org.

Joseph J. Zagra age 80 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Saturday June 1, 2013 at St Joseph’s Wayne Hospital.

Joseph was born and raised in Paterson until moving to Wayne 51 years ago.  He was an Electrician for State Electric in West Milford for 25 years until his retirement in 1993.  Joseph served proudly in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was a member and former Exalted Ruler of the Wayne Elks Lodge.  He was also a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne as well as the AARP in Clifton.  Joseph and his wife Nettie were also parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne.

As a young man, Joseph practiced to be an electrician, but was then drafted by the United States Army. After his service to his country, he continued his career as an electrician during which he met his wife Nettie and cherished 57 years of marriage.

Joseph was very active in the Wayne Elks until his grandchildren were born.  When his grandchildren came into his life he wanted to spend as much time as he could with them.  Joe loved to go crabbing and as far as sports, Joe enjoyed bowling, and absolutely any sport that his grandchildren were involved.  His family remembers him as being a very generous man and would do anything for anybody.  Joseph was a devoted Husband, loving father brother and cherished grandfather.

Joseph is survived by his wife Nettie (nee Wilkovich) of Wayne; his daughters Debbie Scism of Roxbury, and Janice Zagra of Pinebrook; one brother Angelo and his wife Marilyn of Hawthorne; and one sister Josephine Brzozowski of Wyckoff; two Grandchildren Stephen and Ryan; and several nieces and nephews.  

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Joseph’s name to the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas TX 75231.

Sharon Ann Merullo age 64 of Kinnelon passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2013.

Richard S. Lio, of Wayne. Husband, father, brother, role model, administrator, teacher, coach, mentor, friend…Rich Lio. Rich grew up in Clifton with his father and mother, Augie and Helen Lio. He met his lovely wife, Emily, his high school sweetheart at Clifton High. He and Emily graduated in May from college and were married in June. They first lived in Paterson, and in 1975, moved to Wayne, where they raised their two daughters, Alyson and Lauren. Each year on the night of the prom, Rich told the juniors and seniors at Ramsey High School, “Enjoy yourselves and monitor your behavior, because you never know. You could be like me. I married my prom date!”

In 1971, Rich began his career in education as a social studies teacher at Franklin High School. After two years, Ramsey High School hired Rich not only to teach social studies, but eventually to coach the varsity softball and football teams.

No biography of Rich would be complete without mentioning Rich’s passion for football. At a young age, he served as a ball boy for the New York Giants accompanying his father to Yankee Stadium for the games. In addition to playing football, both at Clifton High School and the University of Delaware, and coaching football in Ramsey, Rich worked as a College and Pro Scout for the New York Giants from 1982-1990. He attended Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, California as part of the team, and loved to show his Super Bowl ring to his students, sharing with them his love—and much of the lore--of the game. His love for the Giants continued as he and his daughters, brother, niece and nephew traveled to the last two Super Bowls to watch their Giants win again. He even endured a ten hour road trip singing all the way there.

As head football coach at RHS from 1977-1982, Rich did much more than coach his teams, which achieved an overall record or 45-14-1(earning numerous League Championships and qualifying for state playoffs five times). Also, he coached the Girls Varsity softball to two state championships, winning one. And after all those years, many of his former players still send Christmas cards and exchange emails. After nine years in Ramsey, Rich became the district’s Social Studies Supervisor, a bittersweet promotion which ended his coaching career but set the stage for the rest of his career.

In 1987, Rich crossed town to become Eric Smith Middle School’s Assistant Principal, a role in which he excelled for fourteen years. Being assistant principal required “wearing many hats”, all of which fit almost as well as his Giants cap. An imposing presence (especially when he stood in the halls with his arms folded awaiting the start of each school day), Rich was known for listening to both sides of any concern and creating a fair resolution. A good sport, Rich was not afraid of looking silly, whether on Halloween, outfitted as a pig in a pink tutu; at 7am on the day before Thanksgiving, baking cornucopias with colleagues; regaling everyone with historical (and often hysterical) anecdotes on the 8th grade trips to Washington DC; and creatively “roasting” staff members with “awards” at Smith end-of-the year luncheons. The students and staff appreciated his personal interest in each of them and respected his judgment. It was with much regret on the part of the Smith family that Rich left in 2001 to follow his dream of becoming a school principal.

Rich first served as principal of the Franklin Avenue Middle School, and then as principal of Sparta High School. When he went to Sparta, Rich was totally candid about his intentions. He explained that he would be committed to Sparta for the rest of his career—unless the position of principal at Ramsey High School became available...In 2007, that is exactly what happened, and Rich finally “went home.” Each morning, Rich could be found standing at a key entrance to the school wishing the students and staff a “good morning” as they came in. Throughout the day, Rich was either in his office—with his door open to anyone seeking his advice or assistance—or visiting classrooms, appreciating the hard work of his staff and marveling at the accomplishments of his students. After school and in the evenings, it seemed like Rich could always be found attending a meeting, cheering at a game, or enjoying a performance, committed to every facet of student life at RHS. It goes without saying that Rich probably spent at least as many evenings at school as at home.

One of Rich’s most significant accomplishments was to bring “Relay for Life” to Ramsey High School, an achievement he describes as “the most rewarding experience of my life.” Over the past six years, Ramsey has been recognized for it’s outstanding fundraising. And this year, with less than a week to the event, Rich’s dream came true. Ramsey Relay for Life has cumulatively raised over one million dollars for the American Cancer Society, bringing together a wide cross-section of the Ramsey community for a night of remembrance, reflection and hope.

As an educator, Rich was always forward-looking, embracing innovation whenever he felt it could be beneficial to student learning. His belief in the dynamic nature of education led him to adapt his own dynamic nature to ensure that his schools would not become stagnant. With a mantra of “monitor and adjust”, the buildings he worked in always benefitted from his dedication to remain on the cutting edge of education; something that was truly the foundation of his career.

Rich took such pride in Emily and his two beautiful daughters (all of whom are educators). Rich believed in surrounding himself with friends and family as he enjoyed summers in LBI, tailgating at Giants games, and simply sitting on the deck and telling stories. He was at home when he was the ones he loved.

Rich passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2013 surrounded by his family. Rich is survived by his wife, Emily, daughters, Alyson and Lauren; brother Mark, sister-in-law, Mary, nephew Daniel, niece Jaime; brother-in-law Jay, sister-in-law Linda, nieces Amanda and Samantha, and nephews Andre and Cameron.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Ramsey Relay for Life, www.relayforlife.org/ramseynj

Margaret McKeown (nee Lyness) age 79 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Thursday, May 30, 2013 surrounded by the comfort of her f

Margaret "Alice" McKeown (nee Lyness) age 79 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on Thursday, May 30, 2013 surrounded by the comfort of her family.

She was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York and when she was in fourth grade her family moved to Paterson.  She graduated from St. George’s Grammar School and St. Johns High School in Paterson with the Class of 1951.

After high school she worked for the Curtis Wright Corporation.   Her husband to be John “Jack” J. McKeown was serving in the United States Navy and upon his return to the United States, Jack made a call from Norfolk, VA to that captain of the cheerleading squad he never forgot from high school. Her name was Margaret Lyness but everyone called her Alice. Their first date was December 31, 1951…..New Years Eve! They enjoyed a wonderful evening of celebration and first date excitement at the Northwood Dinner Club in Butler. That date lead to more dates, and eventually to engagement followed by a marriage ceremony on September 5, 1953 at St. George Parish on Getty Ave. in Paterson with Monsignor Brestel officiating. Following the ceremony and reception, the young newlyweds honeymooned for three days at the Paradise Valley Lodge in the Poconos before settling down in their first home at 70 Genessee Avenue in Paterson. They have enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage until Jack’s passing in November of 2012. They lived on Rosedale Avenue in Clifton and eventually moved to Wayne in 1984.  

Alice will be remembered as a high energy, committed, loyal, “spit-fire” of a person.  She was in charge of just about everything at home. She mowed the lawn, planted flowers, did the cooking, and washed and folded the laundry. She often said that when she said “I do” she “did”. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and could wear out her Rosary Beads. She and Jack had a great relationship with their daughter Kathleen  and her husband Brian. They would all go out to dinner and dancing together on Saturday nights for many years.  She was a great mom who’s special touch on Banana Cream Pie, Apple Pie, and Lemon Merengue will be greatly missed. Alice was also an amazing grandma who was a huge part of her grandchildren’s lives. She also loved playing the lottery and was buying tickets up until last week.

She was the loving wife of fifty-nine years to the late John “Jack” J. McKeown (2012); devoted mother of Kathleen McGrady and her husband Brian of Wayne, and the late John J. McKeown (1976); cherished grandmother of Jennifer Tafuri and husband Nicholas, Brian McGrady and wife Elaine, Daniel McGrady and wife Jessica, and Thomas McGrady; cherished Great Grandmother to Michael & Brandon Tafuri, loved sister of the late Robert Lyness and his surviving wife Doris, the late John Lyness and his late wife Dot, and the late William Lyness and his surviving wife Patricia.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Joan Dancy & Pals (for people with ALS), c/o Riverhead Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, PO Box 8157, Red Bank, NJ 07701 would be appreciated.

Anna Potter (nee Becker) age 94 of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains,  formerly of Wayne and Clifton, died peacefully at home on Thursday, May 30, 2013.

She was born at the family home in Clifton. The family moved to Piaget Avenue in Clifton where Anna spent her formative years. She graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1936 and continued her education at Mills College in New York City where she received her Bachelors degree with the Class of 1940.  Out of college she found work as an elementary school teacher and worked at the West Paterson Elementary School.

Anna fell in love with her neighbor and classmate in high school Norman Potter.  They married on August 1, 1942 at the home her parents would rent every summer on Greenwood Lake.  They honeymooned while boating on the Hudson River and enjoyed a loving marriage of sixty years before Norman’s passing in 2002. Anna and Norman had a son and she put her teaching career on hold for a few years to stay at home with Albert.  Once Albert entered the first grade she resumed her teaching career with the Wayne Board of Education. She truly loved to teach children and taught second grade at the Preakness School before retiring in 1979 - the same year the school officially closed.

She will be remembered as a loving mother who was very proper, private, and conservative.  Despite her private nature she always had a soft spot for children and animals.  Even in her later years she would watch her grand children with a smile on her face as they explored her room.  She was a terrific all around cook who made a family tradition of making and sharing Christmas cookies. As long as you returned the tin they were in, you were guaranteed cookies the following Christmas.  She also enjoyed sewing and knitting sweaters for her grandchildren.

Anna was a member of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Lincoln Park for many years.

She was the loving wife of sixty years to the late Norman Potter (2002); devoted mother of Albert Potter and his wife Marilyn of Wayne; cherished grandmother of David Potter and his wife Therese and Scott Potter and his wife Kimberly; dear great-grandmother of Greggory, Erin, Michael, Catherine, and Tyler Potter; loved sister of the late Frederick Becker and Lillian DiSimone.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Anna’s memory to your favorite charity would be greatly appreciated.

Gertrude C. Federovich (Puttenvink), age 91 passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Gertrude lived in Clifton before retiring to Southampton, NJ. For the last nine years she resided in Pequannock.

She was a homemaker and also worked in the food services industry, having last worked in the cafeteria of the Lummus Company in Bloomfield before retiring.

Gertrude was the beloved wife of John Federovich who predeceased her in 1989. She is survived by her two sons: Alan and his wife Catherine of Hertford, NC and John of Passaic; her brother John Puttenvink of Oakland; two grandchildren: Derek and Nicholas; and four great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Reily, Aiden, Liam and Abigail. She was also predeceased by her brother Marinus and sisters Anna and Jeanette.

Please, No Flowers. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Gertrude’s memory to Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church, 415 Boulevard, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444-1099.

Antoinette "Toni" Colella passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 28th while recieving the loving care of her family.

Antoinette “Toni” Colella, beloved daughter of the late Aniello & Anna Colella, age 81 of Wayne died peacefully on Tuesday May 28 with her family by her side. Funeral services will be private.  Antoinette’s last wish was that donations be made in her beloved sister’s name Edith Vanden Houten, to support her ongoing care.

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Gayle Dorothy Hadden (nee Buff), age 67 of Phoenix, Arizona and formerly of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2013 surrounded by her family.

Gayle was a credit card analyst for J.P. Morgan Chase for many years.

Gayle grew up in Lyndhurst and graduated from Lyndhurst High School with the class of 1963. She and her husband John had lived in Wayne since 1968 before moving to Phoenix twenty years ago. Gayle was a 4-H leader, a Remax Realtor, a member of the Pompton Falls Fire Co. #3 Women’s Auxiliary in Wayne, a nursery school assistant, and a member of the Junior Women’s Club and PTA.

Gayle and John were married on June 3, 1967 and have enjoyed forty six years together. Gayle’s interests included sewing, knitting, golf, cruising in her convertible with the top down, great music, laughing much and having a great time. She loved spending time with her family, which was the main reason she moved to Arizona – to be nearer to her children. She loved traveling and loved life. One of her final wishes was to go to the beach, so just two weeks ago, with her health failing, John drove her to San Diego where they were able to spend a few days with their feet in the sand and the warm sun was shining on her face.

Gayle is survived by her husband John J. of Phoenix, Arizona, her children; Kimberly Hadden Massie of AZ, Robin Hadden of AZ, John Hadden of Hardwick, NJ, and Christopher Hadden of AZ, eight grandchildren; John Hadden Jr., Makenna Hadden, Shane Hadden, Kaitlyn Ankrom Hadden, Jacob Massie, Ali Massie, Austin Hadden, Madison Hadden, and two brothers; Harold Buff Jr. of Cranbury, NJ & Alan Buff of Fairlawn, NJ. She was predeceased by her parents; Harold and Dorothy Buff.

Jennie G. Vozna, nee Massimino, of Toms River passed away at home May 25 at the age of 89.

She was one of seven children born and raised in Kearny, July 10, 1923. She graduated Kearny High School, class of 1942.

She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Edward J. Vozna. They were residents of Wayne for 48 years. She resided in Toms River the past 8 years.

Jennie was employed by The Office of Dependency Benefits in Newark and Reeves Int'l. of Pequannock upon retirement.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Judith Huggins of Budd Lake, Carol Foote of Toms River, son & daughter-in-law, Edward and Maralyn Vozna of Johnstown, NY and sister Helen Spellmeyer and husband Walter, of Simi Valley, CA. She had unconditional love for her 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Bob was raised in Harlem, NY and graduated from Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan with the class of 1939. He began working for his uncle and learning the insurance business. Shortly thereafter, he found himself drafted into the U.S. Army at the outbreak of World War II.

Bob served proudly throughout the Pacific and was involved in the Battle of Luzon and the Southern Philippines. He was a crewman on a Heavy Mortar team and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars. He served for more than three years before being discharge in 1945 at which time he returned to New York City.

Bob immediately went back to work with his uncle as an insurance underwriter, establishing what would become his lifelong career. He took advantage of the GI Bill and, while working full-time by day and taking classes at night, he successfully earned his Master’s Degree from St. John’s University. His career took him all over the U.S., to most major cities, where he would meet with the various companies and individuals that he conducted business with. He enjoyed a lengthy career, working right into his 60’s before retiring.

Bob was always a very religious man. Raised in a Catholic home and Catholic schools, he has always had a deep faith in the Lord. His aunt was the Mother Superior at his elementary school which meant he could get away with absolutely nothing and his parents always received a full report on his behavior. Fortunately, he was a good kid and managed to keep out of trouble. He maintained his faith throughout his life and was a devoted parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne, and a member of the Holy Name Society.

Right out of high school, Bob met Dorothy O’Malley from the Bronx. He and Dorothy were at a St. Helena’s Dance when he asked her if she would dance with him. Dorothy loved to dance and accepted. Within the first few steps, she realized he was a terrible dancer, but she was polite and finished the dance. That first dance began a courtship of more than five years, including while Bob was overseas in the Army. He wrote to her faithfully throughout the War and upon his return the set a wedding date of September 11, 1948. They exchanged vows at Holy Family RC Church in the Bronx and honeymooned in Bermuda. They settled in Stuyvesant Town on the east side of Manhattan before moving to Wayne in 1965. Bob wanted a home in the country and was initially set on moving to West Milford but settled on Wayne because Dorothy needed a town that had at least one grocery store! It was still a big move, from Manhattan to Wayne, but they fit comfortably right into the Packanack Lake community and they’ve been there ever since. Over the years, they traveled a great deal to Puerto Rico, Florida, and two trips to Hawaii! Hawaii was Dorothy’s favorite and together they visited every island while they were there. They have been married for nearly sixty five years and together for almost seventy. Dorothy will truly miss her beloved Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy of Wayne, his nieces: Tara Edward of Washington, D.C. and Geri Rock and her husband Barry of New Hampshire, one nephew; Blair Edwards of Ohio, one sister; Eileen Barrett of Spring, Texas and one cousin; Robert Barrett of Spring, Texas.  He was predeceased by his daughter Dorothy in 2011.

Theresa Schaffer (nee Schaffer) age 86 of Wallington, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

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

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

Theresa found work at the Revlon Factory in Passaic and John found work as a steel worker.  Eventually both found employment at the Hoffman LaRoche Corporation in Nutley. Theresa retired from Hoffman La Roche in 1981 as a Laboratory Technician.

Theresa has been a devoted parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Passaic for over fifty years.

She was the quintessential mother who would do anything for her children. Her loving, sensitive, and caring way will be missed greatly.  She had a motherly look that could simply make problems go away. Theresa took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crocheting, and was an excellent cook and baker. When she found out her children were having guests at their home she would simply show up with trays of homemade pastries and leave so as not to interfere.  Her Black Forrest Cake, Apple Cake (where John would peel the apples and she would make fresh dough) will be truly missed.  If you check back we may post a few of her recipes here. We just have to transfer them from the scraps of paper and lunch bags they are written on.

Theresa was the loving and caring wife of sixty-five years to John Schaffer; devoted mother of Elizabeth Celmer and her husband John of Andover, Laszlo Schaffer and his wife Patty of Wayne; cherished grandmother of John Celmer and his wife Anitra, Bonnie Batiuk and her husband Ray, Michael Schaffer and his wife Tammie, Dr. Christine Schaffer and her fiancé David Cazee, Christopher VanDalinda and his wife Kelly, and Lisa Napora and her husband Krys; much loved great-grandmother of Brandon, and Elisa Batiuk, and Ariana Schaffer.

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

Jamie Blitzstein, age 56 of Newfoundland passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Jamie met the love of her life, Paul Blitzstein, during their junior year while both attending Wayne Hills High School. Because Jamie’s last name began with an “A” and Paul’s began with a “B”, Paul often sat right behind Jamie in class. He used to pull on Jamie’s pig-tails and their connection was so obvious that teachers would often write the comment, “Nice work, Jamie” on Paul’s papers, as he would often copy her work. After graduating high school in 1974, Jamie attended Slippery Rock College where her academic prowess was matched only by her athletics. She competed in track and field and volleyball.

Jamie and Paul married on November 12, 1978 and soon began their family. They were blessed with the birth of two healthy boy; first Jared and soon after, Justin. Jamie took great joy in watching her sons grow to be gentlemen and she played an active role in anything from coaching their sports teams to helping them with homework. There was no shortage of love and support for the boys and she took great pride in watching their success in the military, academia, and as professionals. Her love of family was most evident during the holidays, and nobody made Thanksgiving more special than Jamie.

Beyond the joy she derived from being with her family, Jamie enjoyed spending her time in the great outdoors! Whether it was gardening – a passion that was instilled in her by her father, or bird watching, Jamie enjoyed all things nature and wildlife. For Jamie, there was no better place to share that love with her family than at the Sussex County Fair, where Jamie took the family every year. She instilled that same love in her boys at an early age and, as a result, they were always coming home with all sorts of creatures; stray cats, snakes, rats and squirrels. Jamie never turned any of them away.

Jamie took pride in her professional work, including over twenty years of service at Crest Fuel and Plumbing, where she met so many great coworkers and friends.

To her husband Paul, Jamie was an inspiration! To her boys, she will be remembered for how she built her life around them, and that life will continue through them and their future generations.

Jamie is survived by her beloved husband, Paul; her two sons: Jared and wife Kate, and Justin and wife Colleen; her mother Elizabeth Appaluccio; her brothers Mark and David; her sisters Lori, Carol and Jaclyn; and her nieces and nephews, Stacey, Brian, Robert, Melissa, Billy, Alyxandra, Nicholas, Nicolette, Sydney, Riley, Gavin. She was predeceased by her father James Appaluccio in 2011.

Memorial donations, if friends so wish, would be greatly appreciated. Please consider the West Milford Animal Shelter Society, P.O. Box 72 – Lycosky Drive, West Milford, NJ 07480 or donate online at westmilfordanimalshelter.org

For more photos and shared memories, please also visit a website dedicated to Jamie's memory at www.rememberingjamie.com

George M. Sendak, age 84 of Wayne, died peacefully with his loving family by his side on Monday, May 20, 2013.

George Michael Sendak was born on July 21, 1928 and passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Mary, at his side.  George was 84 and lived a full life.  George grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, and met Mary at a local ice cream parlor where she worked during the summer.  George was a throw-back to years gone by.  He was hard working.  Honest.  He worked at his parent’s butcher shop to put himself through college.  He lived at home until he graduated and started dating Mary when he was twenty.  Mary was eighteen at the time.  They dated for four years and did all of the things that young people would do back then. They went to the beach.  They bowled.  They went on long drives and of course, they ate out at Rutt’s Hut, one of the local favorites.  They fell in love.  And over these same four years, George graduated from Seton Hall University and served in the military at Fort Dix during the Korean War.

While George and Mary started their life together in Clifton, they eventually moved to Packanack Lake, living in the same home for fifty years.  It is here that George raised his family and became the proud Father of three children, Brian, Carrie and Justin.  The children could not ask for a better Father, and hopefully that puts a smile on George’s face as he looks down from heaven.  George saw Brian become a nurse and touch so many people, as well as marry his wife, Fazia, and raise their daughter, Grace.  George encouraged Carrie to pursue a graduate degree in Fine Art and become a talented artist and jewelry designer, not to mention seeing Carrie raise her two boys, Dylan and Kyle.  George also saw his youngest son, Justin, receive a business degree and work on Wall Street while marrying his wife, Tanja, and having three children of his own, Graham, Bradley and Ian.

Brian, Carrie and Justin often joked that their Father had a great personality and was easy going.  George was funny.  He was smart and tolerant.  Everyone wanted to be around him.  He was unselfish.  And he had integrity.  These qualities made George a gifted and successful sales person, having worked at McGraw Hill for the majority of his career, and where he retired as one of the Company’s top sales producers at Post Graduate Medicine.

We will all remember George as a wonderful Father, someone that was generous and sincere.  He loved going out for dinner, even though Mary was a great cook, and heading to Vermont for vacation where he would fish with his kids and go antique hunting with Mary.  He wanted to please everyone.  So it is fitting that George passed away quietly, and with dignity, in the very home of fifty years where he started his life with Mary and raised his family.  We will all miss him so much, cherishing the memories of our beloved Father and husband.

George is survived by his beloved wife Mary; his two children: Carrie and husband Ashby Everhart of Churchville, MD, and Justin and wife Tanja Sendak of New Hope, PA; his daughter-in-law Fazia Sendak of Wayne; his six grandchildren: Dylan, Kyle, Graham, Bradley, Ian, and Grace; his sister Alice Tell of DeForest, WI; and his nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his son Brian Sendak in 2012.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in George’s name are asked to consider The Meals on Wheels Program, c/o Passaic County Department of Senior Services, 930 Riverview Drive, Wayne, NJ 07512.

Clifford T. Swanson, age 56 of Lake Hiawatha died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Monday, May 20, 2013. He had been a resident of Lake Hiawatha for twenty six years.

Cliff was employed with the Teamsters as a truck driver for AFI Performance Foodservice in Elizabeth.

Cliff was, without question, one of those people who always kept you laughing and marched to his own drum. He was an eccentric guy with his own special brand of humor which often made people wonder “what will he say next?” He rarely held anything back and was a genuine entertainer; gatherings were guaranteed to be interesting if Cliff was there. Everybody that knew him has their own funny, wild, or crazy story to tell about Cliff and his antics. Retelling those stories, and continuing to make people laugh, will keep his legacy alive for years to come. You really had to know him to appreciate his humor, but he was sure to make you laugh nevertheless.

Cliff loved music and even worked on the side as a DJ during the 1980’s and 90’s. He was a big fan of the Dave Clark Five and, of course, the Beatles. He would often listen to his music so loud that the dishes would shake on the cabinet shelves! He enjoyed hiking too, but typically went by himself because his wife Linda had no interest in meeting a bear. He was a great eater and enjoyed everything that Linda made for him, but he also liked his junk food, with Oreo’s and chocolate cake high on his list of favorites.

Cliff and Linda first met when they were in the sixth grade. They didn’t start dating however until one night in the mid 1970’s when they ran into each other at Villa Capri Pizzeria in Pompton Plains. That first date resulted in their marriage on October 8, 1978 and they have enjoyed thirty five years together since. He was a devoted husband and she will miss him dearly.

Cliff is survived by his wife Linda (nee Luime) of Lake Hiawatha, one daughter; Heather Perrone and her husband John of Fairfield, his grandson John Perrone of Fairfield, his father; Paul Swanson of Oregon, one brother; David Swanson and is wife Louise of Oregon, his mother-in-law; Irene Luime of Wayne, his sister-in-law Jan Nero and her husband Andrew of Fairlawn, his brother-in-law John Luime and his wife Sue of Oak Ridge, one niece; Michele Semeraro of Fairlawn, his nephews; Ian Swanson of Oregon, and Justin and Connor Luime of Oak Ridge. Cliff was predeceased by his mother Valerie Swanson.

Kryn M. Ver Hage, known to all as “Junior”, age 76 of Franklin and formerly of Wayne, died on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Junior grew up in Prospect Park and Haledon before moving to Wayne in 1971. He moved to Franklin, NJ just sixteen years ago.

Junior graduated from Paterson Technical High School where he learned the electrical trade. He began his career with SKV Electric on Goffle Road before becoming a custodian with the Wayne Schools. He was head custodian at Wayne Valley High School for most of his twenty five year career and retired in 2004.

Junior was a member of the Prospect Park Volunteer Hose Co. 1, a member of the Haledon Ambulance Corps and a Special with the Haledon Police Department. His children still wonder how he managed to do all that volunteer work and still be a great dad who was always there for them. He took them to the Jersey Shore almost every weekend in the summers; driving down early on Saturday morning. They would be on the beach by 8 am, play all day and dad never let them leave the beach before 5 pm – it had to be a full day at the beach! They would have dinner and spend time on the boardwalk before driving home late at night. They drove everywhere on family trips in their big station wagon and all of the kids have many cherished memories of those great times. Junior also enjoyed going fishing and used to take his grandchildren fishing too. He kept his mind sharp doing puzzles and word search games. He would relax listening to the Gatlin Brothers country music and Christian music.

Junior met his wife Helen (nee Springer) while they were in high school. They married on February 20, 1960 and had the whole ceremony and reception right at Morningside Florist in Haledon. The street was blocked off and their wedding was more like a street festival with many quests. It was a great time. They enjoyed forty two years together before Helen’s passing in 2003. They frequently traveled with other couples, went on several Caribbean cruises and especially enjoyed their trips to Atlantic City. They were a loving couple and Junior doted on her.

Junior is survived by his four children; David and his wife Lisa of Ogdensburg, NJ, Scott and his wife Charry of Highland Lakes, NJ, Susan Kristiansen of Franklin and Georgene Ver Hage of East Rutherford, NJ; five grandchildren; Marisa Ver Hage of Ogdensburg, Kyle and Joshua Kristiansen of Franklin, Zachary and Scott Ver Hage, both of Highland Lakes, NJ; two brothers; Richard Ver Hage of North Haledon and Edwin Ver Hage of Pompton Plains. He was predeceased by his sister Martina Kay in 2009.

Christian Fred Madsen, age 87, best known as “Fred”, of Kinnelon, NJ passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Fred had lived in Packanack Lake, Wayne, NJ since 1957 and moved to Kinnelon in 1987.

He worked with Unum Insurance for over thirty years and prior to that he owned his own real estate development company; Madsen Realty.

Fred was raised in Wood Ridge, NJ where he graduated from high school. He was an accomplished athlete in both baseball and basketball and was frequently featured in the sports section of the local newspaper. He was awarded with many sports related honors and went on to Seton Hall University, where he graduated with a degree in History and Education. He maintained his athleticism and passion for all sports throughout his life and passed much of it on to his children and grandchildren, many of whom are also accomplished athletes.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Fred was drafted into the U. S. Army in August of 1944 and deployed to the European Theatre during World War II. He served in the Company B, “Old Hickory”, 30th Infantry Division. He was involved in many key battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. Fred was awarded the Bronze Star, WWII Victory medal, European-African-Middle Eastern medal, and the American Campaign medal. He credited his Captain, the very brave Murray S. Pulver (2012), with carrying his platoon safely through the many months of combat. They remained lifelong friends, along with several other fellow soldiers. But one soldier in particular, John McGlone, marched side by side with Fred, as comrades, and they have remained steadfast and bonded in friendship for life. Collectively they attended many Army reunions together over the decades since World War II and Fred and Captain Pulver also returned to Belgium and Paris to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. Those years in the Army proved to have a profound impact and shaped Fred to be the admirable man he was throughout his lifetime.

In the summer of 1947 Fred met the love of his life, Joan Lajeskie. He and a close friend had traveled up north for a day at the lake. They noticed a picnic going on across the lake and took a row boat across to the picnic. Upon reaching the shore Fred connected with the eyes of the most beautiful woman he had ever encountered. He said to his friend, “I am going to marry that girl”. They married in 1951 and rest is history. Their love for each other is extraordinary, beautiful and everlasting.

Fred was best known for his kind, genuine and easygoing nature with a true compassion and heartfelt goodwill towards his fellow man. He was a patient man, attentive reflective listener, who understood the importance of honor and integrity in everything he did. He was perpetually kind and loving, certainly towards his children and grandchildren, but especially towards the love of his life; his wife Joan. They were truly devoted to one another through sixty-two years of marriage.

Over the years, Fred enjoyed photography, playing the piano and combing the beach for shells. He was an avid reader of innumerable books, and a fan of auto racing. He never lost his adventurous spirit and for many years he took his family on camping explorations up and down the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada. His children were inspired by these travels, which led to some having settled in Southern California, where Joan and Fred frequently visited. The adventures they have shared together have helped to create a trove of treasured memories and happy times that his family will cherish throughout their lifetimes. He will always be remembered as a best friend, a hero, a loving husband and a most wonderful father and grandfather---He will be missed dearly.

Fred is survived by his dear wife Joan of Kinnelon, his four daughters; Elisa “Lisa” Madsen of Bridgewater, NJ, Pamela Madsen and her husband Eric Dries of Laguna Beach, CA, Kathy Madsen-Nutter and her husband Nicholas of Carlsbad, CA, and Michele Madsen Cantwell and her husband Kevin of Wayne, and four grandchildren: Lauren and William Nutter of Carlsbad, Annika Dries of Laguna Beach, and Danielle Cantwell of Wayne. He is predeceased by his mother Elisa (Olsen) and father Henrik Madsen of Copenhagen, Denmark.

James A. McLean, age 85 of Manchester, NJ and formerly of Wayne, died on Saturday, May 11, 2013. He had lived in Wayne for fifty four years before moving to Manchester, NJ just four years ago.

Jim was raised in Clifton and after graduating from Clifton High School with the class of 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy at just seventeen years old. He proudly served for two years before being discharged in 1946.

Upon his return to Clifton, Jim began taking classes at the Newark College of Engineering. Earning a living became a priority over schooling, so Jim began working with his Uncle Bob and quickly learned the plumbing trade. He became a union plumber with Local 49 of Paterson up to his retirement.

Jim enjoyed dancing and at one particular community dance he met Marian Cimins of Paterson. That first date turned into a loving courtship followed by a wedding at St. Bonaventure’s in Paterson in September of 1951. Jim and Marian honeymooned at the famous Holiday House in Echo Lake, Pennsylvania, which was a favorite among honeymooners at the time. Upon their return, they settled in Hawthorne before moving to Wayne in 1955. Over the years they traveled together throughout the Caribbean Islands, had taken several cruises, and enjoyed a spectacular trip to Alaska. They liked going anywhere there was a nice beach, and anywhere that allowed Jim to do a little fishing while he was away. He had also picked up golfing in his retirement years and spent many days playing with friends. Jim and Marian have enjoyed sixty one years of a very loving and wonderful marriage.

Jim was a Freemason and attended the Mountain View Lodge 154 in Wayne.

Over the years, Jim and Marian had as many as nine pet dogs. Jim’s favorite out of all of them was their most recent; Snoopy. He was a Jack Russell Terrier and showed clear signs of being very well fed, and very well loved. He would hop up on their laps and give them boundless affection in return for their generous care.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Marian of Manchester, NJ, their three children; Patricia McClure and her husband Vernon of Wanaque, NJ, David of Wayne, and James of Franklin, four grandchildren; Gregory McClure and his wife Jill of Pompton Lakes, Glenn McClure of Wanaque, Caitlyn Batche and her husband Ryan of Florida, and Thomas McClure of Wanaque, one great-grandchild; Madison McClure of Pompton Lakes. Jim was predeceased by his brother Ken and two sisters; Peggy and Jean.

Elsie Marie Conti, age 76, peacefully passed away early on Saturday morning, May 11, 2013.

Elsie was born in Glen Ridge. At an early age, she went to live with her grandparents on their five-acre farm in Pequannock. She loved growing up there and, for the most part, quickly assimilated to the realities of life on a farm. She helped her grandparents to grow and harvests the vegetables, work in the orchard and raise the ducks and chickens for egg production and eating. They even bred German Shepherds on the farm! In the beginning, as she was learning all a lot, she did admit to finding it difficult to watch chickens being slaughtered so they could later be sold to be served on someone’s dinner table.

Following graduation from Butler High School Elsie went to work at Little Falls Laundry as a seamstress. From time-to-time, the sewing machines in the shop needed servicing. Elsie took a strong liking to a handsome sewing machine mechanic that the laundry had hired. His name was Tony Conti and eventually, Elsie and Tony dated and fell in love. They decided to elope and following marriage and a honeymoon in Maryland, the love birds settled into their first apartment together in Paterson.

Elsie continued in her work as a seamstress until she and Tony began to enjoy the blessings of little ones. Those blessings kept coming until eventually, Elsie found more than full time work being the mommy of three beautiful girls and three handsome boys! During that time of having and raising the children, Elsie always yearned for the days of living back on her grandparents farm. She and Tony and the whole family eventually did return and it was there that Elsie did her share, along with Tony, to carve out a living and a life for themselves and the children. By now, the five-acre farm she grew up on was only about an acre but there was still plenty of work to go around for everyone and her children learned many valuable life lessons about hard work, patience and perseverance. Mom and Dad put those kids to work and they were expected to weed the gardens, cut the grass and pick the many varieties of vegetables including string beans, cucumbers and carrots, rhubarb and radishes, potatoes and peppers, and zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes. Oh, it was hard work, but being able to eat a dozen fresh Jersey tomatoes while picking five dozen made it all worth it! Of course, Elsie didn’t know and she was sometimes puzzled when her kids weren’t hungry for dinner after picking tomatoes.

Never afraid of work, Elsie enjoyed the farm, sometimes selling the fruits of her labor. In addition, she used her expert seamstress skills and built quite a customer base by offering such services as alterations, knitting and sewing. She even made a few wedding dresses in her day! As her own kids were grown and began leaving the house, Elsie became a babysitter to countless children in the community. Many parents trusted their children to the loving care of Elsie. She became everyone’s “Grandma” and many of them continued to keep in touch with her.

With so many wonderful ingredients produced right on the farm, it’s no wonder that Elsie was a wonderful cook and baker. There were lots of mouths to feed and family favorites included homemade pizza which tasted just as good for breakfast if you didn’t finish it the night before, zucchini soup (or ganguzza as it was called), and good-old spaghetti and meatballs. For dessert no one made cheesecake like Elsie. The secret was in the whipping! Her lemon meringue pie and delectably delicious fudge were also family favorites. Oh yes, Elsie loved to bake, and if all her treats didn’t make you struggle with your weight, she was your best friend! No matter what the occasion, if Elsie was going to get together with you, she would always bring lots of home-made treats. Holidays were usually at her daughter Darlene’s house and when Elsie arrived, she always loaded the entire trunk of her Saturn with goodies.

While much of her life consisted of work, Elsie did enjoy times of leisure, especially being together with all of her family and taking frequent day trips to Greenwood Lake. There was nothing like the peacefulness of the lake, the sunshine and spending a day barbequing and watching the boats while being in the loving company of family and friends. Elsie also loved it when her grandchildren came to her house. They would always gather in the yard and play games of whiffle-ball or volleyball, forming teams of boys against the girls. Every Sunday, after food shopping, she and Tony would end up at Uncle Frank and Aunt Helen’s house for a party. Throughout the years, she also derived great enjoyment from her many canine companions. Whether it was Boots or her Siberian Husky Khiesha or her German Shepherd Cane or, most recently, her little Bichon Frise’ Prince who was such a loyal companion and who survives her and will miss her dearly, Elsie loved them all. She also loved her little black and white kitty that followed one of the kids home one day. Poor little thing couldn’t meow so they named him Mow.

Elsie was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. She will be remembered for the example of steadiness, loyalty and conscientiousness that summed up her life and what she stood for. Sometimes her determination to make things right tried to get the best of her, but she always persevered. The story is told of a time Elsie was in her back yard and she noticed that a garden border made from railroad ties was out of line. As she tried to straighten it out, the railroad tie rolled on her ankle necessitating the need for an ambulance. Despite being strapped on the stretcher, she needed that border to be straight, so she leaned over and actually pushed it into place as she lay on her back. Another time, a DVD she had watched fell behind the television. She slid the TV out a ways so she could retrieve the DVD. The TV ended up falling on her leg causing quite a bloody gash. Again, Elsie’s need to have things just right compelled her to make sure that TV was back in place before she called the paramedics for help. She always tried to do the right thing and if you needed her, she’d be there for you in a heartbeat. It didn’t matter what time of day or night it was! She was extremely charitable and during her life-long involvement at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Pequannock, she generously gave to whatever need was appealed. She considered herself to be a very blessed and fortunate woman and her heart always went out to the less fortunate. Elsie was extremely proud of her family and her loss will never fully be replaced.

Elsie is survived by her six children: Deborah and husband Corby Smith of Billings, MT, Darlene and husband Richard Post of Little Falls, James and wife Annie Conti of Glen Allen, VA, Dennis Conti of Pompton Lakes, Victoria and husband Mike Parietti of Pequannock, and Donald Conti of Totowa; her one step-son Richard Conti of Pompton Plains; Eleven grandchildren: Valerie, Heather, Brent, Toni Anne, Kara, Randy, Briana, Carissa, Karli, Anthony, and Olivia; and two great-grandchildren: Arlen and Shaylee. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Tony in 1987.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Elsie’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), or Covenant House, 330 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102 (www.covenanthousenj.org).

Elenor Adams was born into eternal life on Thursday, May 9th, 2013 with family at her side after a two-and-a-half year courageous battle with MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome).

Elenor was born in 1921 in Paterson, the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants, William and Rose Adams and the younger sister of Joseph Adams. Elenor was just a young girl during the time of the Soviet Union occupation taking place in her parent’s former homeland. As a result, citizens of Lithuania were fleeing the country in droves, and many of them sought refuge in the United States. Ellie’s parents took many of those displaced souls into their home in Paterson, offering them food and shelter and guidance until they could get their feet on the ground. A trail blazer already at that young age of twelve, Ellie, being bi-lingual and speaking Lithuanian and English fluently, assisted many of those refugees with the maze of paperwork required to help them get housing and become U.S. citizens.

Following graduation from high school in Paterson, Ellie went on to study fashion design in New York City. She was an outstanding seamstress with a fantastic eye for beauty and fashionable clothing. After graduating, she was quickly offered a position in one of New York’s premier design houses. However, back then a single woman in Manhattan was frowned upon by her parents. So she ended up going in a completely different direction landing a position with Curtiss Wright Corporation as the only female draftsperson among 300 draftsmen. Her job, which began in 1942, was to design aircraft engines, mostly, at that time, for use during World War II. She was so successful that she was promoted to the position of supervisor with those 300 draftsmen reporting to her! Again she was blazing the trails this time for women in the workforce. She enjoyed a long and rewarding career with Curtiss Wright that spanned more than thirty years.

Ellie was fun and beautiful and enjoyed the attention of many suitors; however, she never married. Ellie was often questioned as to why she chose not to marry and her response was “I never needed a husband.” The story is told of a trip which she took from New York to Florida with one of her friends. Her brother Joseph was serving in the U.S. Navy stationed in Florida and was going to be deployed overseas. Ellie wanted to see him off, so she and that friend took a train to be there for him. Ironically, the train they travelled on was loaded with U.S. soldiers, many of whom would have been happy to be called Ellie’s man. The attention was great and Ellie and her friend had a ball, a story she reiterated many times!

Besides being a gifted fashion designer who, although not making a career of it, designed many of her own dresses, especially ones for special occasions, Ellie was also a talented painter, potter and cross-stitch artist. She created many dress designs, painted beautifully detailed pictures, made wonderful cross-stitch art and began pottery in her later years. Ellie also liked to gamble, and so when she visited her brother Joseph and his wife Julia at their home in Avalon, the three of them would frequently go to the Trump casinos. Joseph’s wife would be the taxi driver and Ellie and Joseph would gamble. Ellie especially enjoyed the slots and one time she even won $10,000! And Ellie made wonderful Manhattans that neighbors and friends in both Paterson and Wilmington, DE can attest to.

Ellie’s life primarily centered around love of family and faith in God. She continued to reside in the home she grew up in Paterson for all but the last two and a half years of her life and she enjoyed the love of many long-time friends, many of which she grew up with and knew through her life-long commitment to St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church, also in Paterson. As a young girl Ellie and her brother Joe and her parents often got together with her uncle and aunt and their six children. There were many “kissing cousins” parties and family oriented activities that were enjoyed by all. That devotion to family was apparent in the way that Ellie cared for her mom as she grew ill and eventually passed from this life in 1962 at the age of 68, and for that same devoted love and care she bestowed upon her father before his passing in 1981 at age 87. She was adored by her three nieces and nephew and they recall how “Tati” so generously lavished so much of her time and energy on them taking them to Dietch’s Farm for horse and pony rides, and to Carvel for ice cream on a stick covered with colored sprinkles known as Lollapaloozas! She took great delight in getting in her car and driving to Wilmington, Delaware to visit with her brother Joe, his wife Julia and the kids or meet them down the shore at Point Pleasant Beach or LBI. She saw birthdays and graduations as great opportunities to splurge and get her nieces and nephew wonderful gifts, never missing even one of their special days! When the great-nieces and great-great nieces and nephews began to arrive, Ellie just extended the same love and generosity!

While Ellie truly was a gifted and extremely sharp, independent and capable woman, she will be mostly remembered and forever adored for qualities which often aren’t appreciated but are usually more important. Ellie never spoke poorly of anyone. Her strong faith and love for God gave her an ability to have total acceptance of all people. She was a positive thinker who never complained, Ellie was an inspiration to many and respected by all.

Elenor will be lovingly missed by her adored brother Joseph John of Culpeper, VA; her nephew John J. Adams of Wilmington, DE, her three nieces: Janet Kovach and husband Lou of Venice, FL, Jill A. Devine of Culpeper, VA and June M. Brick and husband Jonathan of Culpeper, VA; six great-nieces, nine great-great nieces and nephews and one great-great-great nephew. She was predeceased and now is happily reunited with her parents Rose (1962) and William (1980), her sister-in-law Julia Adams (2007), her niece-in-law Christine Adams (2008), and her nephew-in-law Donald W. Devine (2012).

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Elenor’s name are asked to consider the Priests of the Sacred Heart, Sacred Heart Monastery, P. O. Box 800, Halls Corners, WI 03130.

John A. Rudeen, age 59 of Wayne, peacefully passed away after a courageous, ten month battle with Pancreatic Cancer on May 6, 2013.

John worked as a research scientist at Schering-Plough for twenty five years, followed with five years at Novartis.

He graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame in 1975, a Masters in Physiology at Rutgers New Brunswick, and an MBA from Rutgers Newark.

John was an accomplished athlete all his life and particularly loved golf and skiing. He was an avid sports fan especially of Notre Dame and New York teams.

John was born in Drexel Hill, PA and spent his childhood in Packanack Lake, Wayne, NJ. He lived several years in Bloomfield, NJ and built a home in Pinehurst, NC.

He was predeceased by his late father, John (1977) and survived by his loving mother; Dorothy. John is also survived by his brothers Walter and Paul, sisters Mary Rudeen, Dorothy Paul, and Karen Strachan. He was Uncle John to five nieces; Katie, Megan, Laura, Beth, and Kiera. He was predeceased by his nephew Paul Jr. in 2006.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made in John’s name to the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, New York 11714, www.lustgarten.org

James W. O’Connor, age 73 of Fort Lauderdale, FL and formerly of Wayne, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2013.

Born on December 8, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, James was the youngest son to parents, James and Rose (Cummings), and the brother to his two older, adoring sisters, Mary (Nihill), who predeceased Jim in 2005, and Dorothy O’Connor of Wayne, NJ.

Jim grew up in Brooklyn and was dedicated to his Catholic upbringing, having attended Catholic schools for his entire education, as well as being an altar boy. He is remembered for being an extraordinary diver when he attended St. Francis Preparatory High School.

In 1958, as a young man, Jim met the love of his life, Mary (Slacke), actually by coincidence. Those who had the honor of knowing Jim were always amazed by how nice, kind and generous of a person he was; even as a young man – helping his friends navigate through the neighborhood was the best decision he ever made… it lead to his meeting of Mary. Jim’s friends were invited to a party being given by Mary’s younger sister, Nancy. His friends in Park Slope, Brooklyn did not know how to get to the address, 1453 East 10th Street; so, without hesitation, Jim, who was not invited to the party, offered to help his friends. “I know how to get there, I’ll take you.” Once they arrived, his friends urged him to stay and come inside, but Jim did not offer to help in hopes of attending; he was merely being Jim, helping whenever he could. However, after much insistence, his friends finally convinced Jim to join them… and that is how the story begins.

It was love at first sight. Jim and Mary married and quickly started a family and were blessed with five children, Maureen (Cretella), Colleen (Youngman), James, Patricia (Szlembarski), and Irene (Yalicki). Jim, who had the calculated mind of an engineer, reluctantly had to drop out of college to support his growing family. As a young father, while maintaining two jobs, he attempted college at night, but Jim – the altruistic man he was – put his family first and was unable to complete college.

In 1960, a dear family friend suggested he take a test for an apprenticeship with the Local 28 union, which is made up of sheet metal workers. Jim was not even sure what a “tinknocker” was, but regardless, he took the test, and became an apprentice. The Sheet Metal Industry has forever changed since Jim O’Connor became an apprentice that day… and so, another story begins.

In 1974, Jim and Mary moved their family from Brooklyn, NY to Packanack Lake in Wayne, NJ (or the “boondocks” as the O’Connor teenagers initially referred to the suburbs of NJ) and made a beautiful home with fond memories at 8 Hillcrest Drive.

Packanack Lake gave Jim lifelong friends, from the The Packanack Golf Club, the bowling league, the block parties, and of course the St. Patrick’s Day dance at Immaculate Heart of Mary, their home parish.

In 1977, Jim was approached by a co-worker, Joe Gany, who encouraged him that they should start a sheet metal business of their own. As partners, Jim and Joe founded Center Sheet Metal, Inc., located in the Bronx, NY. Together, they started a small sheet metal company in a garage and grew it into one of the finest and most successful sheet metal shops in New York. What started as a 3500 square foot garage now operates in a 50,000 square foot facility. Jimmy was fortunate in that he retired in 1998…alas, another story begins.

Retirement brought Jim and Mary to Fort Lauderdale. For the first time they were living in a high rise apartment building and they were truly blessed to find a family of friends at Vantage View and of course Shooters! In a way, Fort Lauderdale became Packanack South.

Jim’s legacy lives on … in the robust company he created 36 years ago …. in the hearts and minds of the friends he’s met along the way…. and most of all, in the large, loving family he created with his wife, Mary --- his five children, his eight grandchildren, John, Annie, James, Amanda, Amy, Kelly, Joey, and Jimmy; and his three great-grandchildren, Robert, Connor, and John, his terrific sons in law, Joe Cretella and Steve Yalicki, and Bob Szlembarski, who sadly predeceased Jim in 2001; his sister-in-law Nancy Bianchi and her husband Ron, and brother-in-law James Slacke and his wife Treeva, his nieces and nephews, and of course his friends. Jim was a man who left his mark on this world simply because you got to meet him, when you became a friend to Jim; you were blessed to have a lifelong friend.

Jim lost his beloved and devoted wife on February 17, 2010, after 51 years of marriage, and they have been reunited on May 6, 2013.

And so, the story continues, as Jim and Mary dance together in heaven.

In honor of Jim’s generous spirit, his family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider donating to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Center, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172 or at www.toysfortots.org.

Elsie M. Hansen (nee Danielson), age 81 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2013. She had been a resident of Packanack Lake since 1956.

Elsie was born in Brooklyn, New York during the Great Depression. Conditions were very difficult in Brooklyn and at the age of nine months, she and her brother were sent to Norway to live with an aunt. Elsie returned to Brooklyn when she was five years old and she began schooling. She graduated from Bay Ridge High School in 1949 and her family moved to Oak Ridge, New Jersey. She began working at Reaction Motors in Denville where she was a comptometer operator.

While living in Oak Ridge, she met Allen Hansen, who also lived in the community. Allen joined the U.S. Navy and the distance proved too much for their relationship. He received a “Dear John” letter from Elsie while serving on the island of Guam. His heart was broken but soon thereafter he received a letter from Elsie’s mother asking him to please write to Elsie. He did and their relationship rekindled thereafter. Upon his return from the Navy, they were married at the Lutheran Church in Hibernia on April 7, 1956. They honeymooned in Florida, beginning a joyful marriage that endured for fifty seven years.

After marrying, they moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne where they lived with Elsie’s cousin for one year before purchasing their own home. They enjoyed living there and they’ve been in the same home since 1957.

Elsie enjoyed knitting and crochet. She was very fast and could even crochet while watching TV. She could crochet afghans at the rate of about one or two per month, and some of the larger ones took her a little longer, but she was very quick. Her yarn supply completely filled one room in their home and up until she became ill with Alzheimer’s disease, she was producing Afghan blankets on a regular basis. She and Allen were fortunate to travel quite a bit and they visited Florida regularly. They had also toured around the United States, including California and Texas.

Elsie is survived by her husband of fifty seven years; Allen of Wayne, two children; Karen M. Frankland and her husband Kenneth of Wayne, and Erik D. Hansen of Boulder, CO, seven grandchildren; Donna, Kenneth, Erika, Britta, Adrianna, Joshua, and Aneka, and one brother; Sigard Danielson and his wife Terry of Morris Plains, NJ.

Memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or to The Salvation Army, would be greatly appreciated. Elsie’s mother had volunteered as a cook at the Salvation Army’s Star Lake Camp in Bloomingdale and their mission was dear to her heart.

Carolee J. Conklin, age 69 of Riverdale, died peacefully with her loving family by her bedside on Friday, May 3, 2013.

Born and raised in Totowa, Carolee was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School, class of 1961. Following high school and after a brief stint working for a lamp manufacturing company in Paterson, she landed a position as a secretary with a printing company in Hawthorne called Koppel Color, Inc.

Carolee worked at Koppel Color with a young man named George Conklin who became quite love- struck with her. George was so determined to date her that, twice a week, at the end of the day, when she came out to her car to go home, she would find a rose on her windshield with a poem or a note George had written. At the time Carolee must have liked getting the flowers more than the prospect of dating George. She didn’t accept the request for a date but she let the flowers keep coming. Never giving up, George decided it was time to ramp up his efforts. He went to his florist who at this point probably was in love with him for all the profits he was providing, and instructed that a dozen roses be delivered to Carolee at home every other day. George pre-wrote a bunch of cards to be attached to each bouquet. It took three more weeks but Carolee finally accepted George’s request for a date. They went to The 82 Club in Manhattan followed by cappuccinos on Mulberry Street. When asked how he paid for it all, George kiddingly replied, “Hey, I work in a print shop. Printing money is easy!” Carolee eventually did fall in love with George and they married on November 13, 1965 at St. Gerard Roman Catholic Church in Paterson. The wedding reception followed and took place right up the street at the Brownstone House. Carolee always wanted to visit Florida so they honeymooned there in Miami. Upon their return they spent their first night in their new home together, a new garden apartment in Paterson, watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas on their new giant color (which had just come out) console television, with friends and family, it was a crowded living room.

Carolee continued her secretarial work at Koppel Color until their children came along…first a boy named Russell in 1967, followed by a girl in 1970 which they named Heather, followed by Russell and Heather’s baby sister Dawn who was born in 1973. For the most part, Carolee stayed home to care for the children as they grew. During those years she briefly had a job at Dunkin Donuts but was fired when she and her friend got caught having a donut fight. She obviously didn’t take that job too seriously.

Once the kids were old enough, Carolee returned to full-time work, this time in the Passaic County Court House in Paterson. She quickly impressed those she worked for with her personality and lightning-quick typing skills. She had a great rapport with many of the judges and she enjoyed the friendships with her co-workers, many whom were women she had been friends with when she was growing up in Totowa. She retired in 2000 as a court clerk after nineteen years of service to her profession.

It is often said what a giving and selfless person Carolee was, but Carolee truly took selflessness to a new level! She had an incredible love for animals, especially dogs and especially homeless dogs! Throughout the years working in Paterson, she regularly made her home a shelter for the unfortunate pooches she found wandering the streets. There were always at least two dogs that she cared for at a time and many of them were expectant moms that needed a place to have their pups. Carolee would get her whole family involved in their care. The dogs would have the pups and the Conklin’s found homes for all of them. Over the years, the stand-out favorites were Chucky, Bear and Snowy but her genuine sense of hospitality was not restricted just to the four-legged type. Carolee’s house was an open house for anyone who wanted to come and enjoy her loving warmth and hospitality. Russell, Heather and Dawn’s friends, no matter how many, were always welcome. The rule was this, you could have as many friends come over as you wanted but you were responsible for them! That rule worked very well and over the years, many dogs and many people were the blessed recipients of Carolee and her family’s generosity.

Carolee’s mantra in life might have been described as QFT…”Quality Family Time,” and the family spent lots of time engaged in QFT! When her own children were growing up, she included them in her great love for the ocean and everyone vacationed regularly in North Wildwood. Later on, as the kids blessed Carolee and George with grandchildren, the whole family enjoyed that same ocean, only this time in S.Seaside Park. Carolee loved spending time on the beach, soaking in as much vitamin D as she could. At night, she’d hit the boardwalk, always with family or friends, and she especially loved that boardwalk cuisine of roast beef sandwiches and French fries with vinegar! Carolee’s two sisters too, were adored by her and they, along with their spouses and children spent lots of time together engaged in QFT!

Carolee was a woman of great faith in God. Most recently she was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church of Butler. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, that season when, like so many of us, she celebrated that most wonderful gift of The Savior, Jesus’ birth. Her response to God’s gift for her was to follow His example by providing gifts to her beloved George, her children, and later, her grandchildren. It wasn’t one gift for each person, but rather a whole sack of gifts for each person! She worshipped her grandchildren and loved to see their eyes light up as they opened their Christmas gifts! Carolee felt, every hour with anyone of her grandchildren, was equal to a day of happiness and smiles; always creating fond memories to reflect to on the days she didn't see them;

Carolee’s legacy can be described in three words…Hope, Heaven and Home.

Hope because she always believed and never gave up.

Heaven because she loved God and believed in His promises and is now enjoying His presence.

Home because…well, of course, because of QFT and selfless love for all God’s creatures!

Surviving is her beloved husband George, to whom she was married for forty-seven years; her three loving children: Heather Rotolo of Kinnelon, Dawn Dibrino of Kinnelon, and Russell Bleeker and wife Lilla of Wayne; seven adored grandchildren: Kevin, Matthew, Ellie, Rachel, Carly, Michael, and Lauren; two loved sisters: June Blake and husband Roy of Hellertown, PA, and Diane Gley and husband Paul of Cape Coral, FL; and her mother-in-law Marie Conklin of Clifton.

She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Elvira (nee Severini) Carafella.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Carolee’s name are asked to consider the Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Society, P.O. Box 24, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403.

Donald V. Neglio age 91 of Wayne, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday May 2nd at St Joseph’s Wayne Hospital with his family by his side.

Donald was born and raised in Paterson then moved to Clifton before moving to Wayne over 50 years ago. He was a Supervisor of Inventory Control for the County of Passaic for 38 years before his retirement in 1987. As a young man, Donald enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946. During his service to his country he received The American Theatre Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon 6 Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon 1 Star, and the Victory Medal.

Donald was a Parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church in Wayne. He was also a County Committeemen in Wayne. Donald was also a member of the Italian Circle and the Elk’s Lodge.

During Donald’s 30’s and 40’s he owned a few well known Taverns, The Hat Club and the B&N Tavern both located in Paterson, NJ.

There was nothing more important in Donald’s life than his family. He would have Sunday dinner at his house every week and would do the cooking. His family also recalls the many Christmas Eve dinners he would prepare as well. He was a loving Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Every chance Donald had he would spend it with his family.

He was an avid poker player and “Great Gambler”, which is to say he won quite a bit. Donald liked to watch sports, especially football. He was always surrounded by either friends or family or both. Donald was well loved by all that knew him and will be sincerely missed.

Donald is survived by his two sons David F Neglio and his wife Diane of Wayne, Donald Neglio of Idaho; his two daughters Mary Ann Grosser and her husband Al of Wayne, and Dana Barone and her husband Jim of Wayne, eleven Grandchildren Kim, Krista, Susan, Brandon, Sophia, Anthony, Nicholas, Joseph, Dominic, Donna, and Jesse; six Great-Grandchildren Decker, Christopher, Natalie, Matthew, Kayla, and Darla. Donald was pre-deceased by his loving wife Edith (1995), his sister Terry Werizinger (2003), and by his brother Salvator, formerly of Paterson.

Donations in Donald’s name may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Anna (“Anne”) Sansone Solari, 96, born on August 8th 1916, passed away May 2, 2013.

The matriarch and heart & soul of the Solari family, Anne was born and raised in the Village in New York City where she met Joseph (“Joe”) Solari. They married at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church on June 19, 1938.

They moved to Wayne, New Jersey in 1940 where they raised 6 children.  Anne and Joe lived in Wayne for over 70 years with extended stays in Dunedin Florida, where they eventually bought a winter home.  After he passed, Anne stayed with her daughter, Gerri in Palm Harbor, Florida, until 2011, when she decided to remain in Wayne year round.

Anne is the treasured mother of 6 loving children: Rachelle Fitzpatrick of Belleview, Florida, Geraldine Maday (and husband, Robert) of Palm Harbor, Florida, Susan Geraghty (and husband, William) of Nutley, New Jersey, Arthur Solari (and wife, Dawn) of Wayne, New Jersey, Joseph Solari, Jr. (and wife, Bernadette) of Wayne, New Jersey,  Lisbeth DeSiervo (and husband, Luca) of Vernon, New Jersey; 12 loving grandchildren: Joseph and LuAnn Fitzpatrick, Donna Griffin, Robert Maday, Gary and Ricky Geraghty, Arthur and Daniel Solari, William and Joseph Solari, Jason and Johnathon DeSiervo; 13 loving great grandchildren: Robin DeGraw, Caitlin, Lindsey and David Griffin, Robert and  Maria Maday, Madison, Jackson, Mia and Isabel Geraghty, Jordan Solari, Joshua and Ethan DeSiervo; and 2 loving great great grandchildren,  Tiffany and Zakary Brizendine, as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Anne’s faithful and steadfast belief in God set a touching example for family, friends and strangers about how to live your life and treat other people with love and kindness.   A person could not encounter Anne without being touched by her warmth and inner beauty.  There was no person she wasn’t willing to help and she was a stranger to no one. Her strength, integrity and compassion inspired her children to raise their families as she raised her own. She will be truly and deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.

Frank C. Fasani age 54 of Newark, formerly of Little Falls, died Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

He was born in Paterson and raised in Little Falls having attended Holy Angels School and graduated from Passaic Valley High School with the Class of 1977.

Frank’s first job was working with his father at Fasani & Son Floor Covering in Hawthorne.  He then worked as a truck driver with American Van Lines. Eventually Frank bought his own truck and became an independent over the road trucker. He was very proud of his brand new red and gold double sleeper Peterbilt truck.  The family recalls the deep rumbling of the truck as he would drive it down their street taking branches down along it’s way.  His work as a professional driver took him to every one of the contiguous 48 states. Frank loved Colorado and settled there when they were building the new Denver International Airport to lay tile and carpet which he mastered while working with his dad Peter Fasani.  He has worked for the Bell Container Company in Newark for the past eight years. Frank loved to work with his hands and learn new things.  He currently challenged himself, and was going to school, to learn air conditioning and refrigeration.

He was the kind of person who could talk to just about anyone, friendly, and was great storyteller who could recall facts and events from years past.  He had a great knowledge of history and a love for the Roccasicura in the region of Abruzzo/Molise Italy where he lived for six months to get a feel for the country his father grew up in.

Frank was the loving son of Sarah (nee Pizza) Fasani of Wayne and the late Peter Fasani (2006); dear brother of Donna Marie Gaskin and her husband Andy of Pembroke Pines, FL, and Michael Fasani and his wife Donna of Wayne; cherished uncle of Samuel Peter Gaskin.

Paul, Van Houten, Jr., age 56 of Port Jervis, NY and a former long-time resident of Hawthorne, died on Monday, April 29, 2013.

Paul was a heavy equipment operator and mechanic with Environmental Renewal, Inc., Wanaque. He was a member of the Ebenezer Netherland Reformed Church, Franklin Lakes.

Paul is survived by his three aunts: Lena Southway and husband Peter of Wyckoff, Elizabeth Okken and husband Henry of Wayne, Joanne Okken of Wayne; his uncle Arthur Hoogmoed and wife Christina of Charlottesville, VA; his cousin Tom McGillis and wife Tina of New York; and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father Paul, Sr. in 2004, his mother Gertrude (nee Hoogmoed) in 1997, and his uncle Jack Okken in 2003.

Please, No Flowers. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to Davita Delaware Valley Dialysis Center, 102 Davita Road, Milford, PA 18337.

James T. Boyle, Jr., age 87, a fifty-five year resident of the Packanack Lake Section of Wayne, died Sunday, April 28, 2013.

He was born in Paterson and raised in Prospect Park having graduated from Central High School in Paterson with the Class of 1944.  His passion during his youth was sports, especially tennis, a sport that he excelled at and continued to play regularly into his 70’s.  He won numerous local and regional tournaments in his teens and was a competitor in the Junior Davis Cup.  In addition to tennis, he also was the center for the Central High varsity basketball team, where the arch-rival was Eastside High in Paterson.   Jim’s opposing center on the Eastside team was Larry Doby, who went on to become the first African-American player in the American League with the Cleveland Indians.

After high school he attended Stevens Technical Institute in Hoboken.  After less than a year he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served at the Navy Pier in Chicago and after basic training, he was selected to participate in the Navy’s V-12 Officer Training Program at Yale University.   World War II ended before he was scheduled to be sent to the Pacific theater.  After being honorably discharged in 1946 he remained at Yale and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering in 1948.  Jim attended Trumbull College at Yale and competed with the intercollegiate tennis team.

Following college, Jim worked for several years in New York City selling machine tools, before taking a position with New Jersey Bell Telephone, where he spent the balance of his working career, starting as a salesperson, moving on to engineering and eventually to the traffic department.  He retired in 1988.

Jim met his wife Ruth E. Eagle while on a double date in New York City.  At the time, Ruth was a young head nurse at the Harkness Pavilion of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in Manhattan.  They married on July 25, 1954 at the Toms River (NJ) Methodist Church and honeymooned in Lake George, New York.  The hotel they were staying in burned down during their honeymoon.  Jim had taken a movie camera on the honeymoon and had a homemade film of the ruins of the hotel which he showed to friends and family.  Ruth stopped work once she became a mother, and returned to the nursing field after their children were grown.  The family moved to Packanack Lake in 1958.  Jim and Ruth enjoyed fifty-four years of a loving, devoted, marriage before Ruth’s passing in 2008.

Jim, Ruth and the family were longtime members of at the Packanack Community Church in Wayne.  He ushered at the church regularly until recent years.

He was a member, past president, and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Wayne Rotary Club.   He loved his time at Rotary and attended a meeting most recently on April 10 of this year.   He was a member of the Packanack Lake Country Club, and for several years coached basketball with the Packanack Rec program.  For a number of years his tennis was curtailed due to severe back problems.  After surgery in the 1960’s, he resumed playing tennis competitively for the Packanack club, and even won a number of tournaments playing doubles in the senior division into his mid-70’s. He and Ruth were active in the tennis club for over four decades.

He was the loving husband of the late Ruth E. (nee Eagle) Boyle; devoted father of James T. Boyle III and his wife Bridget of Marlton, Kenneth C. Boyle and his wife Pilar of New Providence, and Rick Boyle and his fiancé Cheryl of Cranford; cherished grandfather of James T. IV, Elizabeth Ann, John C., Allison, Kenneth C. II, and Alexa A. Boyle.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Warren J. Both age 91 of Wayne, formerly of Clifton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2013.

He was born in Paterson having graduated from Central High School in Paterson with the Class of 1939.  After high school he worked for the Curtis Wright Corporation in Fairfield and then enlisted in the US Army.  He served during World War II having been deployed to Belgium, France and Italy during his service. After his service he met Mary Halloran at a dance for returning veterans in Paterson.  They soon fell in love and married on September 20, 1947 at Saint George’s Church in Paterson.  The enjoyed a loving and caring marriage until Mary’s passing in 1996.

Warren worked for the Bendix Corporation in Teterboro for 32 years before retiring in 1980.

After retiring Warren and Mary lived in Cape Coral Florida for twenty-two years, till he returned to New Jersey in 2001.

Warren loved to get together with family and friends and enjoyed a good party.  He participated in a Wednesday night bowing league for over 20 years.   On Friday nights he would gather with friends to play poker. After retiring to Florida he was able to enjoy his passion for boating and fishing.  He was an outgoing person who enjoyed meeting new people and having a good time.  Warren was an animal lover all his live with a special fondness for dogs.

He was the loving husband of the late Mary Holloran (1996); devoted father of Carol Mascera of Clifton, Nancy Both of Lake Hiawatha, and Robert Both and his wife Elizabeth of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Kimberly Pitagno and her husband Michael of Westwood, and Robert E. Both of Wayne; dear great-grandfather of Elle and Cole Pitagno. Warren was also grateful for Nino Mateshvil, his live in care taker, who became a loving member of the family.

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

Kathleen A. Toomey, age 49, of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2013.

Kathy was born with Downs Syndrome and was legally blind most of her life. Many would think that those were pretty steep odds to overcome, but not Kathy. A resident of Wayne for most of her life, Kathy attended Packanack and JFK Elementary Schools before going on to The Felician School for Exceptional Children, in Lodi. She ultimately returned to Wayne Public Schools where she graduated in 1985. Following her education, she was employed as an assembler with Easter Seals Disability Services in Franklin. She later became involved with an organization called The Center for Family Support (CFS). In 2003 Kathy moved into a group home in Clifton run by CFS and started working in one of their workshops in Hackensack. Kathy loved living in the group home and met some wonderful new friends who become like family.

Through Explorer Post 136 BSA for adults with special needs, Kathy enjoyed dancing, all kinds of music, and bowling with friends. She also loved to play bingo and was always up for a game, especially with her cousin Francis. Kathy’s family described her as an extremely loving and caring person who always smiled. She was a joy to know and to have shared life with.

Surviving Kathleen is her dear mother Dolores Toomey (nee Sefcik) of Wayne; her brother Thomas J. Toomey and wife Kay of Denver, CO and her sister Lori Derstine and husband Devin of Wayne; her two nieces: Alanna and Avery; her nephew Zachary; her two aunts, one uncle and many cousins. Her father, Thomas J. Toomey predeceased her in 2003.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Kathy’s memory to The Center for Family Support, 205 Robin Road, Suite 122, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Evelyn B. Maggio, age 93 of Wayne, formerly of Haledon, died peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 27, 2013.

She was born and raised in Haledon, having graduated from Central High School in Paterson with the class of 1939. She met a handsome man named Thomas Anthony Maggio through an introduction by friends. Tom eventually took her to the senior prom at the Meadowbrook Dance Club in Cedar Grove where Frank Sinatra – before he made it big – sang at the prom. Their love was put on hold as Tom volunteered and was deployed for over four years during WWII. Evelyn and Tom eventually married on August 17, 1946 at St. Paul’s RC Church in Haledon. They went to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon and lived in Haledon before moving to Wayne over fifty-five years ago. It was in Haledon that they had their three boys and, as those boys grew, Evelyn truly believed there was no one that could hold a candle to them! They could do no wrong! Upon moving to Wayne, they had their daughter. Evelyn didn’t want to move “all the way to Wayne” as it was considered farm country and way too far away from Haledon.

During the early years of motherhood, Evelyn completely dedicated her time to the love of her family and the nurture of her young children. Whether it was running the Brownies and Girl Scout programs or volunteering as a den mother with the Cub Scouts, she could be counted on to be there to support her children. Evelyn and Tom were also one of the first families of their era to have a second car and Evelyn, one of the first women to have a driver’s license. With her license and her car, she was always willing to drive her children and their friends to the pool, sporting events, scouts or wherever they needed to be.

Once her kids were grown, Evelyn took a position as an administrator for Bamberger’s Department Store, which later became Macy’s, in the Willowbrook Mall, in Wayne. She loved her work but surprisingly, she would rarely come home with any pay. It’s not that she didn’t get a paycheck, instead, you could say that she had a serious habit of reinvesting the money into “the company” by spending all of her earnings on great clothes and merchandise for her family and friends. It was really just another example of the generous giving heart that Evelyn displayed to countless people. She worked for 24 years until retiring in 1991 at the age of 71.

Evelyn was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne and active in many of the parish activities including bowling with the church’s women’s group, and being involved in the Rosary Society and the Mr. and Mrs. Club with Tom. In the early days of the parish, when resources were scarce, she also volunteered with other women to clean the church every week for free. She would say that those days of cleaning were actually a lot of fun and that they probably had more fun than the folks that get paid to clean it today!

To Evelyn, cooking and baking were hobbies and her family and friends were the lucky recipients of this love. Some of her dishes that were family favorites included quaiette, polenta, chicken cacciatore, bagna cauda, escarole soup, and, her husband Tom’s favorite eggplant parmigiano! Sundays were always "family day," including the "Sunday Dinner" and of course, always dessert – Evelyn’s cream puffs or the Bracco Ladyfinger Cake! It’s been said that when Evelyn passed away on Saturday afternoon, that she was probably serving her cream puffs in heaven Saturday night!

Tom and Evelyn enjoyed over thirty years of wintering in Boynton Beach, Florida and spending summers with the family in Wayne. Evelyn was like a mother figure to several nieces and nephews, as her sisters and brother died very young, and she really took great interest in their welfare.

No one was more involved in their grandchildren’s lives than Evelyn. A bridge player for over fifty years, she taught her grandchildren all kinds of card games. She was always there to baby sit if her own kids needed a night out and, even when she lived in Florida, if a grandchild was born or sick in the hospital, she was on a plane that day! The entire family will have great memories of vacationing with Evelyn and Tom at their house down the shore at Long Beach Island, as well as the Florida Keys and trips to Disney World. She was always there to serve ice cream sodas and when she left, she always waived with two hands. Evelyn was the glue!

Evelyn will be remembered and forever adored for her huge heart and the consistent demonstration of a giving spirit that she displayed to all who knew her. She always did what was asked of her, even if it was inconvenient. During World War II, she volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson to care for wounded veterans! In her final years, she fought her battle with Alzheimer’s with great tenacity!

Evelyn was the devoted wife of sixty-six years to the late Thomas A. Maggio (2012), She was married to Tom for over sixty - six years whom she adored until the day he died. Even when Alzheimer's was really taking a toll on her, Evelyn still used to thank Tom for marrying her, and always gave him a kiss good night and told him she loved him. She always said how lucky she was to have married him, even though he wasn't "a real Italian," as her father would say, because he was from Sicily. She was the devoted mother of Thomas Maggio of Wayne, Ronald Maggio of Islamorada, FL, Donna Maggio-Ash and her husband William of Wayne, and the late Richard “Ricky” Maggio (2009); loved grandmother of nine grandchildren: Toni Veloce, RJ Maggio, Jr., Ricky Maggio, Kimmy Bunner, Tracy Maggio, Billy Ash, Kristen Ash, Ashley Maggio, and Thomas A. Maggio III, and six great-grandchildren; lovingly referred to as "baby elephant" by her sisters, Josephine Andelora, Irene Callegari, Gemma Rosso and brother, John Bracco, all predeceased.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Evelyn’s name are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.

Edith Esandrio (nee DeGruttola) age 98 of Lakewood and formerly of Wayne, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.

She was born in Newark and had lived in Bloomfield before moving to Wayne, where she resided for sixty-one years, before moving to Lakewood in 2007.

Mrs. Esandrio owned the Packanack Beauty Salon until 1969 and continued to work until her retirement in 2006. She started her career as a beautician at the age of seventeen and worked for seventy-five years in her trade. She found the perfect job for her life because she loved being with people.

Edith was a member of the Wayne Golden Age Circle where she served as Vice-President.

She had a heart of gold and she always wanted to do thoughtful acts in the service of others. She would spend much time crocheting and making baby hats and lap robes for local hospitals and nursing homes.

She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Edith and her late husband Joseph were married for thirty-two years in a loving and dedicated marriage until his passing in 1969.

Surviving is Edith’s dear son Donald Esandrio and his wife Marilyn of Lakewood; her cherished granddaughter Meryl Esandrio of Bloomfield; and her one niece and two nephews. She was also predeceased by her five siblings: Salvatore DeGruttola, Frances Testa, Wilson DeGruttola, Philip DeGruttola and Joseph DeGruttola.

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

Edith Halloran, age 88 of North Haledon, died on April 24, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.

Born January 27, 1925 to Isabelle and Albert Pinand in Paterson, Edith was the youngest of six children. Beloved wife of 63 years to the late James J. Halloran Jr. (2010). Edith graduated Lodi HS in 1942 and was a secretary at Wright Aeronautical during World War II. Edith married Jim in 1946 and moved to North Haledon in 1951.

Edith was active in many organizations in North Haledon, including past president of the PTA and past president of The Golden Age Club. She was also an active member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 428 in North Haledon and St. Paul’s Seniors (Prospect Park), until her recent illness.

Edith and Jim were avid antique collectors and dealers for many years. They had an antique shop in the Pocono’s for twenty years and then remained active with antiques until the past several years.

Another favorite activity was going on many trips with her two Senior groups. She spent a lot of time with her friend Theresa organizing and planning these events. Edith and Jim shared many fond memories with their friends, and they were always looking forward to the next trip!

Edith is survived by her four children; Janice Lathrop (Clifford) of Catasauqua, PA, Joyce Swenson (Jon) of Wayne, NJ, James Halloran, III (Karen) of Ortley Beach, NJ and Joseph Halloran (Lori) of Neola, PA; twelve grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Also predeceased by grandson Joseph Halloran (1979), sister Isabelle Segreto, brothers Albert, John, David, and Joseph Pinand.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541, or Hospice of New Jersey Foundation, 400 Broadacres Dr., First Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

William Klein age 91 of Wayne died peacefully on April 22, 2013.

He was born in the family home in Pompton Falls, now known as Wayne.  Bill’s family traded an apartment building in New York City for 80 acres of land in Wayne Township.  Bill graduated from Pompton Lakes High School with the Class of 1940 and worked at his father’s store in Wayne called “The Stand”.

Bill enlisted in the US Army on September 22, 1942 and served mostly in England where he repaired the aircraft armament. He was very proud to be a Jewish soldier in the Army!  He was awarded the European, African, Middle Eastern Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal for his service.  Upon his discharge from the Army on November 19, 1945 he returned to Wayne Township where he joined the Pompton Falls Fire Department which his uncle Morris Klein helped to found. He made his way through the ranks of the fire department and served as Chief.  After serving as Chief of the fire company he served as Fire Commissioner of Wayne Township. Bill dedicated sixty-seven years of his life to volunteering at the fire department.

After his service in the military he worked many different jobs and eventually purchase his own hardware store in the Midvale Section of Wanaque. After many years in the hardware business he sold the company and went to work as a security guard at the American Cyanamid Headquarters located in Wayne. Several years after retiring from the American Cyanamid Corporation he took a part time security job manning the North Gate of Smoke Rise in Kinnelon.

He was the loving uncle of Lauren Libert of Kinnelon, Julie Libert-Ginsburg and her husband Brian of Kinnelon, Doug Hall, Barry Klein and Shari Goldman; dear great uncle of Jared and Zachary Ginsburg, Sherry and Jillian Balsamo.  Other great nieces and nephews include: Judith Hall, Brenda Hall, Scott Hall, Wayne Hall, Sterling Hall, Jason Hall, Janice Hall, Kayla Hall, Manny Quinonnes, and Connor Albertus; dear brother of the late Irene Otto, Belle Libert, Herbert, Miriam and Joseph Klein.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pompton Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Wayne Fire Company #3, PO Box  2011, Wayne, NJ 07474-2011 or the Wayne Memorial Firt Aid Squad, PO Box 2004, Wayne, NJ 07474 would be appreciated.

Letitia Stewart Williams-Otte (nee Young), age 89 of Wayne, entered into eternal rest on Monday, April 22, 2013.

Letitia was born in Paterson and grew up in Pompton Plains before moving to Clifton. She graduated from East Side High School and began her college years at Paterson State College (now William Paterson University) and received her Masters in Elementary Education. Her father, John Young was a wood shop teacher in the Clifton School System and she followed in his footsteps as an elementary teacher in School No. 5. She progressed through the ranks and became Principal of School No. 16. She retired in 1980 to care for her husband, John. She married John J. Williams, in February 1946. She is survived by her two sons; John J. Williams, Jr. and his wife Elaine of Wantage and Wayne R. Williams of Wayne, two dearly loved grandchildren; Brian E. Williams and wife Valerie of Little Falls and Elisabeth C. Williams of Pompton Plains, their mother; Ann Marie Williams of Elkton, MD, 4 step grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren. John predeceased Letitia on February 21, 1981.

In 1990 she met Andrew Otte through his daughter, Cyndi Mahan, who lived next door to Wayne and his wife in Pompton Plains. They attended the Memorial Day Parade in Pompton Plains. The following April, Letitia and Andrew were married and would have celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary on April 13th. Andrew predeceased Letitia on February 10, 2013.

She was also an Adjunct Professor at William Paterson College.

She was Past Worthy Matron of Little Falls Chapter, OES, and Past Royal Matron of Arbor Vitae Court, Order of the Amaranth. Letitia recently received her seventy-year OES member pin. She also enjoyed crafts and Crocheting.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Letitia’s memory to Amaranth Diabetes Foundation, Check payable "NJ Grand Court O of A", c/o Mr. Philip Parkhurst, 756 Hudson Pkwy, Whiting, NJ 08759.