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Kenneth W. Otto, age 69 of Wayne died Saturday, June 6, 2009 while at home receiving the care of his family.

He was born and raised in Queens, NY having moved to Wayne in 1966.

Mr. Otto served in the US Army during the Vietnam War with a Military Field Hospital Unit that was never called into active service. He graduated from Bayside High School, Queens with the class of 1956; continued his education at Hunter College(CUNY), Bronx where he majored in Chemistry and minored in Physics and Biology with the class of 1960(he remembers his mom pushing him to be a doctor but he realized his business potential as he excelled in economics classes); he went on to attain his MBA from Columbia University with the class of 1962.

Ken met his wife Veronica “Ronnie” Otto on a blind date when he was just out of military service. They fell in love and married on October 30, 1965 in Queens, NY. Their honeymoon consisted of a road trip by car from Long Island to Quebec, Canada and back. They had no specific destinations other than being together and saving money for the new home they were purchasing in Wayne, NJ.

He was a commodities trader for the Amstar Corporation, NYC where he worked for thirty-eight years before retiring in 1998.

Ken was the beloved husband of thirty-one years to the late Veronica “Ronnie” Otto(1996); loving father of Kenneth W. Otto and his wife Natalie of Weehawken and Michael F. Otto of Hoboken; beloved brother of the late Edward Otto(2004).

Kenneth Otto

Wayne
June 6, 2009

This is a short story of the life of a man who gave much to his country, his family and his many friends. A man gifted with selflessness, was always caring and considerate of those around him. A man with a good nature, kind spirit and welcome sense of humor.

Edward N. Kuiken passed away at the age of 91 on Monday, June 1, 2009. His passing took place quietly and peacefully, in the presence of his loving wife, at the Holland Christian Home in North Haledon.

He was born in Fair Lawn and had lived there most of his life. He also maintained residence in the Holland Home where he received especially good health care for himself and his loving wife Marjorie.

Mr. Kuiken was a Partner in Kuiken Lumber Company in Fair Lawn with his brother Evan Kuiken and cousins Nick Kuiken and Rich Kuiken. He served as Vice President of Kuiken Lumber Company and worked there for thirty-nine years before his retirement in 1982.

He was a member of Faith Community Christian Reformed Church in Wyckoff where he had served as a Deacon.

Ed served in the United States Army during World War II in Central Europe, Normandy and Northern France. He served as a Technical Sergeant in Company K of the 13th Infantry Regiment. He received the American Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star, Silver Star, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and a Purple Heart.

Know that Edward Kuiken lived through the horrors of World War II on the front lines. Many fellow soldiers he was with, fell and never came home to their families. As with most war veterans, he was rarely interested in speaking about his experience except to honor those less fortunate than himself.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 171 in Fair Lawn and an Exempt Volunteer Fireman with the Fair Lawn Fire Department, Company One, where he served for over eighteen years.

Ed and Marjorie Fokens met and dated while they were employed at the Little Falls Laundry, prior to WWII. Shortly afterward Ed was drafted into the Army and ended up in Europe on Combat missions with Company K, 13th infantry. They corresponded by mail constantly and when Ed returned to the United States they continued their relationship and were married in 1946. Their many years of marriage can best be described as "Loving and Devoted.

He leaves his family with many wonderful memories of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who exuded the warmth of family love. Especially memorable are those wonderful vacations the family took together including Cape Cod while staying at the Whispering Pines in Eastham. The family also, thoroughly enjoyed their home away from home at Brant Lake in New York State. Vacations were often centered on hunting, fishing, boating and were delightful experiences for the entire family.

Ed made his own funeral arrangements years ago and wanted to leave a special message to his family at his death: “To my Wife Marjorie, my Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren I want to say one more time for everyone to see and, you to know, that I loved you with all of my heart”.

Surviving are his loving wife of sixty-two years Marjorie (nee Fokens) Kuiken; Three sons Edward N. Kuiken Jr. of Fair Lawn and Douglas R. Kuiken and his wife Miriam of Wyckoff, Robert E. Kuiken and his wife Wanda of Ringwood; one sister Emma Puderbough of Manlius, New York. Eleven Grandchildren; Michael Kuiken (Kim), Brent Kuiken, Reanna Kuiken, Leigh Anne Kiviat (Aaron), Amanda Kuiken, Matthew Kuiken, Jennifer Kuiken, Edward Kuiken III, Aimee Arnold (Brad), Erin Chapin (Byron), Meghan O'Shea (Francis) and eight Great Grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his Sister Ada Hieb, his brother George Kuiken and his brother Evan Kuiken.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Edward’s memory to The Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, 700 Mountain Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 or The Eastern Christian School Association, 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508 would be appreciated.

Edward N. Kuiken

Fair Lawn
June 1, 2009

This is a brief essay about a special mother who fought a long and valiant battle with cancer. She fought the good fight and finished the race in the presence of her Savior.

Kathryn “Kit” Jefferies age 83 on Sunday, May 31, 2009 of Totowa. Her peaceful passing took place, with her loving family at her side to a new day and a new home in heaven.

She was born in Springfield, Ohio and the family was constantly on the move so that Dad, who was a baker, could find a good job to support the family.

They finally settled in Paterson, NJ and Kathryn went to Eastside High School graduating at age sixteen with the Class of 1942. Kit was gifted with a strong intellect, was a brilliant student and skipped several grades.

Family childhood life was not easy for her. She lost her mother’s presence due to a divorce at an early age and was raised by her father who was constantly working. Her superior mental abilities helped her survive in many special ways.

She was employed at Felsway Corporation in Totowa as an Auditor for twenty years before her retirement in 1992.

Kathryn’s first job was at Western Union and one of her fellow workers had a son who was serving in the Army during World War II. His name was William H. Jefferies and he was captured by the German Army and served time as a prisoner of War. When he came back to the states his father introduced them and they married on January 25, 1947. They had thirty-five years of “wonderful marriage” together until Bill’s passing in 1982. Bill adored his Kit and worshiped the ground she walked on and she in turn returned that respect. Mom always treated our Dad as her hero. Her children recall that their dad was a saint.

Beverly and David remember Mom as being a strict disciplinarian. She was simply afraid that something bad could happen to children if she did not exude protectionism. That caring and love carried into her children’s adult life and she was always there for them at every turn. Perhaps their finest memory is the example Mom set with how she handled her wonderful marriage to their Dad. Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives.

Surviving are two children Beverly Rinier and her husband William of New Gretna, NJ and David W. Jefferies of Totowa; one brother Bob Jefferies of Ocala, Florida; three step grandchildren including Bill Rinier, Michele DeAngelis and Mellisa Wells; seven Great grandchildren; her sister in law Ann Main and many nieces and nephews.

Her brother James Main predeceased her in 2007.

Kathryn 'Kit' Jefferies

Totowa
May 31, 2009

Marie Angelina Bluteau (nee Saso) age 78 of Lincoln Park on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at the home of her daughter in Wayne. She endured a courageous battle with cancer and did everything possible to avoid burdening her family with her illness. She was hospitalized for one week, then came home on May 1st to the care of her family. She was lovingly attended to by her family in her final days. Her passing was quiet and peaceful while she received that special love.

She was born in New York City and had lived her formative years in Middle Village, Queens, NY where she received her formal education at Newtown High School and later graduated from Rhodes Academy. Marie married Robert Bluteau, and together they had Edward, Thomas, and Jeanne, raising their family in Queens until moving to New Jersey in 1970.

She and her family lived in Lake Tamarack (near Stockholm), then in Pequannock. Marie had been living in Lincoln Park for the past twenty-five years. During those years, she went on to become the General Manager of North Jersey Country Club for several years until retiring in 1997. Since then, she has devoted her time and love to her family. She was blessed with an unselfish and loving personality that suited her well to be Grandma. She had a gift for making her grandchildren laugh. Her special devotion to her grandson Andrew Mazza, who is afflicted with Angelman Syndrome, will always be remembered as a shining example of her unconditionally loving nature. His well-being meant so much to her, and it gave her joy to help her daughter provide such extraordinary care to Andrew.

Marie was a beautiful woman, a good friend to many, and an irreplaceable gift to her family. She will be remembered for her warmth, her kindness, her amazing cooking, her generous and playful spirit, her integrity, and the inspiring courage and strength she so gracefully revealed to us in her final days. Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives.

Surviving her are one daughter Jeanne Mazza and her husband Matthew of Wayne; one son Thomas Bluteau and his wife Heidi of Pompton Plains; her husband Bob Bluteau ; six grandchildren Maureen Ezekwugo and her husband John, Lisa Bluteau, John Bluteau and his wife Corinne, Lise Bluteau, Andrew and Victoria Mazza; three great-grandchildren John, Noah, and Madelyn.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Marie’s memory are asked to consider: The Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 4255 Westbrook Drive, Suite 219, Aurora, Illinois 60504.

Marie Bluteau

Wayne
May 24, 2009

In a house in Wayne, New Jersey a family has grown up and grown together. Their web is woven with happiness, pain, hope, laughter, hard work and now the grief of loss. They have lost someone very special in their family circle.

John B. Bator “Jack” a much loved family man has passed into life eternal on this 24th day of May 2009. His passing was attended by the love of his family who share the ultimate gift of faith that only God can provide. This family now ponders wonderful memories in their heart and are whispering prayers of thankfulness to God for having placed such a wonderful person in their lives. They know, with comfort in their hearts this day, that he is in God’s care and keeping.

John started his life journey in Newark, New Jersey, spent his formative years in Maplewood later living in Haledon, then West Milford for twenty years and finally moving to Wayne eleven years ago.

He was brought up in a devout Catholic family who guided him into a Catholic education at Seton Hall Preparatory School where he graduated with the Class of 1957 and then he went on to study at Seton Hall University in South Orange where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration.

John was employed at Kohler Distributing Company in Hawthorne as a bookkeeper.

He was very devoted to his Roman Catholic faith and had been a parishioner at Saint Josephs RC Church in West Milford and more recently Our Lady of The Valley RC Church in Wayne. He was active in the Adoration Society and was a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in the Francis Koch Council in West Milford where he served as treasurer.

He was gifted with a very quiet personality and was always a positive, kind thinker when considering others. He had a special ability to see and emphasize the good in others.

John and Virginia met each other on a blind date and after a one year courtship they married on June 30, 1973 and had a “happy marriage” together for thirty-six years.

He leaves his family with many wonderful memories of a loving husband and nurturing father who genuinely cared about his family’s well being. A very special and outstanding event in his life was the arrival of Owen Joseph Bator his grandson. He loved him with all of his heart.

Surviving are his loving wife Virginia (nee Gravino) Bator; two sons John Norman Bator of Lincoln Park and James Stephen Bator and his fiance’ Nicoletti of Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania; one grandson Owen Joseph Bator; one sister, Sr. Virginia Stephanie (nee Eleanor Bator) SSJ of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and one brother Stephen Bator and his wife Linda of Nutley.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in John Bator’s memory are asked to consider The Sisters of Saint Joseph Order, “Retirement Fund”, 9701 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118-2694 or Our Lady of The Valley RC Church, 630 Valley Road, Wayne.

John 'Jack' Bator

Wayne
May 24, 2009

The following is a short life story about a wonderful mother who possessed a good nature, kind spirit and a welcoming sense of humor. She has left an everlasting fingerprint in this world and on her loving family and many friends.

Irene Della Penna (nee Stark) age 94 of Wayne on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at the Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne. Her passing was quiet and peaceful and took place when her daughter arrived at her bedside and told her everything was alright. It was at that moment she slipped away to a new day in heaven.

She was born on a farm in New City, New York where she spent her formative years. Irene received her formal education at Congers High School graduating as Valedictorian of her Class in 1931. She wanted to become a nurse and she went to the Englewood Hospital School of Nursing in Englewood, New Jersey and received a degree as a Registered Nurse.

It was during her years at Englewood Hospital that she met Samuel Della Penna a physician. They had a short courtship of six months and married on May 10, 1937. They had forty-five years of “loving and devoted marriage” together until Sam’s passing in 1983.

The Della Penna family lived for many years in Pompton Lakes where Dr. Della Penna had his medical practice. They left Pompton Lakes and moved back to New City in 1969 and lived there until Sam’s passing in 1983. Irene then moved to Wayne where she resided for twenty-six years with her daughter Bernice.

Sam became a US Army physician and was stationed in a prisoner of War camp in Wilmington, Delaware and Irene then assumed the duties of an Army wife. Later on he became a surgeon and the family moved to Pompton Lakes. During this time he and Irene raised their children and Irene also helped in her husband’s office.

Mom leaves her family with many cherished memories of a very special wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

As a mother she was a “role model Mom” who was not commanding but rather nurturing her family by her own personal life style. She was non judgmental, finding great joy in the simple things in life. One of the nicest memories involves how Mom guided her children into their educations and stimulated them to be the best that they could be in their individual life journeys. Thanks Mom for being so special in all of our lives.

Sam and Irene raised six children together including Joan Strobel and her husband George of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Dr. Richard Della Penna of San Diego, California, Dolores Lombardo and her husband Anthony of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Bernice Colefield and her husband Aston of Wayne; Gaeton Della Penna and his wife Sharon of Sarasota, Florida, Gregory Della Penna and his wife Nancine of New City, New York; one sister Eleanor Watts of New City, NY.

She was blessed with many grandchildren including William Hopper and his wife Nancy, Richard Hopper and his wife Linda, Robert Hopper and his wife Rene, Scott Stegmayer and his wife Carol, Rene Concepcion, Carrie Martinelli and her husband Nicholas, Kristen Della Penna, Gregory Della Penna Jr., Christopher and Jennifer Nizolek; To make life even more beautiful she was blessed with the following great grandchildren Ella Claire Martinelli, Tiffani and Anthony Concepcion, Julia Hopper, Maggie and Katie Hopper, Brandon and Danielle Hopper,Bryce,Leighton and Rebekah Stegmayer.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Irene’s memory are asked to consider The Little Shepherds Haven, c/o Christ Episcopal Church, 400 Ramapo Avenue, Pompton Lakes 07442 or the Rockland County Historical Society, 20 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956.

Irene Della Penna

Wayne
May 24, 2009

Frederick Richard Vlamynck

Born in Paterson, NJ February 15, 1957

Fred was raised in Elmwood Park, NJ, when the town was known as East Paterson. He attended St. Leo’s Catholic School, Gantner Ave. Elementary School, East Paterson Jr.-Sr. High School, and Saddle River Country Day School. He went on to a three year program for electronics at Metropolitan Technical School.

Fred enjoyed the company of others and thrived on being social, although he also liked being a private person. He was very attentive and helpful to his parents, who live locally. He cherished his three sisters. He was affectionate with his niece and two nephews. He was kind and generous to his friends. He was committed to helping others in any way he could.

Many of Fred’s interests developed from a young age. His engineering talents became apparent when he broke out of his playpen as a baby by unscrewing a wooden slat. Then, in reaching too far for a light switch, he fell out of his crib and broke his back. The resiliency of his full body cast became part of his constitution as he healed. He followed with the pursuits of many young boys - toy trucks, making models, fishing, Boy Scouts.

His insatiable curiosity led him to take things apart and put them back together just to see how they worked. He developed a workshop in his parent’s basement where he performed these technical dissections, learning about electronics, mechanics, and the physics behind the tools he began using. He made spy equipment to use on his sisters in his early electronic stages.

Fred’s grandfather began a wholesale florist business, Octave Vlamynck & Co. in 1919. This family business, located in East Paterson, surrounded his home, and Fred easily transitioned his skills to larger projects. Fred’s father nurtured both the plants he grew and Fred’s growing mechanical abilities. Plumbing, building, wiring, excavating, welding, engine work – there were opportunities too numerous to mention that Fred got experience with, and led to his future endeavors. Meanwhile, for fun, Fred began his own business installing security alarm systems in homes and small businesses. He toyed with transistor and CB radio systems, and joined a public service REACT team that helped in emergencies. He traveled extensively with his family, both abroad and in the country. He continued his interests in gemstones and mineralogy, a hobby he first began when he was too young to attend rockhound meetings by himself. Fortunately for him, his mother encouraged his interests, picked up a rock pick herself and joined the meetings with him!

Fred continued with alarm systems and lock-smithing, but his interests were too broad to be confined to those small occupations. He had appropriate business cards made up, “Entrepreneur and Jack-of-all-Trades.” He expanded his contacts, knowledge base and skills with each new project he worked on, accumulating an inventory of excavating machines and tools along the way. He worked as an independent contractor, and, by being the sole owner and employee of his business, “Rock Systems, Inc.,” he was able to work on many large union jobs. He worked in places as varied as Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports, the Newark School System, and the New Jersey Public Water Supply System. Everywhere he went, people knew him to be quick with a joke and a laugh, yet as far as any technical problem to be faced, highly competent, capable and cautious. It seemed that Fred had a huge bag of tricks from which he could pluck an answer for anything.

Fred loved to collect stuff - animal, mineral or vegetable (well, maybe not vegetable.) He took great pleasure in the hunt for valuables. He loved his collections for the potential he could see in them. He could look at something and see a plan for what to do with it. Fred was uniquely gifted in his ability to size things up; he had great skills as an estimator. He could give a quick look and come up with size, price, time required – whatever the value in question. But unlike most of us, he saw past what there was to what it could be. We would just see the things, but they weren’t things to him. They were ideas and feelings and experiences waiting to happen. He could not get enough of all that life offered him.

Fred liked hard puzzles - rock hard puzzles. What others saw as problems were but an intriguing situation to figure out. Bedrock in the way of new construction? No problem, he’d devise a way to break the rock. Motorhome won’t move? No problem, He’d jury rig the electrical system to get it going. House needs to be moved? No problem, he’d invent a way to saw through the foundation and have the house trucked to a new spot. He was fascinated by the way locks worked. I think they were like the metal puzzles he enjoyed, although there was never a puzzle difficult enough to keep him entertained for long. The real puzzles for him were his contracting jobs. So many factors –estimating, figuring out the complicated logistics, considering which equipment and mechanical means to get the job done – all the pieces had to mesh together just right (like the insides of a lock) for the solution to be unlocked. And he figured everything in his head, no computers, no other people, just creatively devising his own way, just as he’d done with everything in his life. His humor, compassion, curiosity, love – all that was Fred will so very much be missed.

Frederick was the proprietor of Rock Systems Inc., West Milford.

He is the beloved son of Frederick and Ruth Vlamynck of Wayne; loving brother of Patricia Vlamynck of Hartland, VT, Jean Vlamynck of Santa Cruz, CA and Susan Polansky and her husband Hari of Dedham, MA; much loved uncle of Daniel, Allison and Zachary Polansky.

Frederick R Vlamynck

West Milford
May 23, 2009

Arthur E. Gardner, Jr. age 82 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Friday, May 22, 2009.

He was born in Jersey City and raised in North Arlington where he graduated from North Arlington High School with the Class of 1945. Arthur was a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout, an accomplishment of which he was extremely proud.

He entered the US Army Air Corp where he served during WW II. He attended Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with the Class of 1951. He was an active member of the Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity. During his undergraduate studies he was enrolled in the ROTC (Reserve Office Training Corps) at Stevens. Upon graduation, he entered the US Air Force, as a Second Lieutenant, and served during the Korean War. Upon completing his second tour of duty, he re-enrolled at Stevens Institute of Technology and went on to receive his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1958.

He met the love of his life, Ruth, at a meeting of the Young People's Group of the First Presbyterian Church, North Arlington. Their first date was to a movie, and later Art took Ruth to their school prom. Art proposed to Ruth, on one knee, in her family’s living room. They were married on March 28, 1953 at the First Presbyterian Church, North Arlington and honeymooned in Bermuda.

Arthur worked in management as a Senior Engineer for the Western Electric Corporation in Kearny for thirty-five years, before retiring in 1989.

Arthur was a dedicated family man who relished in the accomplishments of his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling (Australia, Europe, Africa, South America, Canada, etc. ), hiking, reading (history, science and all types of non-fiction), bird watching, and cooking on the grill.

He was a member of the NY/NJ Trail Conference, Phi Sigma Kappa (Stevens Institute of Technology Iota Chapter), Stevens Alumni Organization, the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Montclair Golf Club. He was also a member of the Packanack Community Church for 51 years and an usher for over 40 years.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-six years of Ruth H. Gardner; loving father of Linda R. Gardner, Esq. and her partner Alexander Lissé of Princeton and The Honorable Robert H. Gardner, JSC and his wife Tracey, Esq. of Essex Fells; cherished grandfather of Devon and Schuyler Gardner both of Essex Fells; and beloved brother of the late Ronald A. Gardner.

Donations to the Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Arthur E. Gardner Jr.

Wayne
May 22, 2009

Debra Lee Tambe, age 56 of Butler, died at home on Thursday, May 21, 2009.

She was born in Passaic, NJ and graduated from Passaic High School in 1970.

She is survived by her daughter; Ashlee Bruzzone of Wayne, her mother; Mona Lee Mucherino, two grandsons; Joseph and Nicolas Lancellotti of Wayne, two dear uncles; Arthur L. Tambe and his wife Gloria of Wayne, and Richard S. Tambe and his wife Lucille of Wayne, as well as three cousins; Ricky Tambe and his wife Kristen of Bradenton, Florida, Sal Tambe of Wayne, and Nick Tambe and his wife Nancy of Wayne. She was predeceased by her daughter, Gianene Visaggio, in 2008.

Donations may be made in Debra’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 17 Pompton Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Debra Lee Tambe

Butler
May 21, 2009

Michael Gresko age 83 of Paterson and Wayne, died Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at St. Josephs Hospital, Wayne

He was born and raised in Jeannette, PA having lived in Paterson and most recently lived in Wayne.

Mike worked with his brothers Nick and Charlie at their family owned restaurant the Red Bar, Paterson for many years.

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

Mike was a Navy Veteran of WW II having been stationed on a mine sweeper. On one occasion he forgot his watch and had a person cover him while he went to his bunk to retrieve it. His replacement was killed when a bomb hit the ship right where he was supposed to be.

He enjoyed crossword puzzles, classical music and his Pittsburgh teams the Steelers and Pirates.

Surviving are one brother Charles Gresko of Wayne and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers John and Nicholas and sisters Ann, Helen, Eva and Anastasia.

In lieu of flowers donations to the church would be appreciated.

Michael Gresko

Wayne
May 20, 2009

Emmett Salvatore age 79 of Wayne died Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Saint Clare’s Hospital in Dover. His passing was quiet and peaceful while he was receiving the loving care of his family who were at his bedside.

He was born in Newark and lived in Wayne for the past fifty two years.

Emmett spent his formative years in Newark where he went to Barringer High School graduating with the Class of 1948.

He served in the Army from 1952 to 1954 in Germany as part of the Army of occupation. When he was discharged from the service in 1954 he became a Police Officer on the Newark Police Department where he worked for fifteen years. He later was employed at Union Carbide as a Mechanic and then at Carrier Corporation in Florham Park before his retirement in 1991.

Emmett leaves his family with many warm and fond memories of a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He was gifted with a marvelous sense of humor that brought delight to those whom he socialized with.

Emmett and Catherine Ricci met at a dance at the YMCA in Newark and declared to Catherine that he did not dance. Well before long they became a couple and married on August 10, 1952 at Saint Lucy’s RC Church in Newark. Their honeymoon took place in the Pocono’s. They had fifty-six years of “good marriage that embraced good communication”.

For hobbies he enjoyed hunting small game and fishing both in the ocean and fresh water.

Surviving are his loving wife Catherine (nee Ricci) Salvatore; three daughters Carol Salvatore of Wayne, Catherine Diana and her husband Robert of Vernon, Linda Van Der Veen and her husband Bill of Wanaque; one son Nicholas Salvatore and his Fiancé’ Roxanne Zappile of Oakland; three sisters Alma Pollock of Fairfield, Dolores Shenocca of Roseland and Shiela Borgos of Mount Laurel; four grandchildren Nicole, Jade, Brendan and Aubrey Diana all of Vernon.

He was predeceased by his sister Angela Eckert, his parents Olympia and Nicholas Salvatore.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Emmett’s memory are asked to consider Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-2729.

Emmett Salvatore

Wayne
May 20, 2009

Michael Steven Cantore age 58 of Wayne died Monday, May 18, 2009, peacefully, while holding the hands of his wife and daughter.

Michael was born in Hoboken and raised in Lyndhurst before moving to Wayne thirty-two years ago.

He graduated from Bergen Technical High School, Teterboro with the class of 1969 and continued his education having graduated from Peru State College, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts Education. He played high school football and went on to get a football scholarship to Peru State College.

Mr. Cantore was a carpentry teacher for the Bayonne Board of Education for the past thirty-six years. In 1992 he was awarded “Teacher of the Year” at Bayonne High School, in recognition of his outstanding talent.

Michael is best described as a loving man who was outgoing, friendly, giving, dependable, loyal, and fun loving. He was extremely talented with his hands and used those skills as a local kitchen and bath remodeler. A true craftsman, his cabinet making was second to none. He was the designer and manufacturer of a display cabinet that commemorates the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The cabinet will be displayed at the World Trade Center Museum, NYC.

Mike also loved assisting with the various Packanack sports teams that his children were on, as well as supporting their Scouting activities. He’s provided his children with many fond memories to be cherished for years to come.

He met his wife when he went with a friend to help a girl whose car had been stolen. They really “hit it off” and enjoyed a first date that consisted of a trip to the bowling alley and Rutt’s Hut in Clifton. They married on June 21, 1975 at Holy Rosary RC Church, Bronx, NY.

He is the beloved husband of thirty-four years to Joan Marie (Hudek) Cantore; devoted father of Jacquelyn M. Pane and her husband Mark Anthony of Arcadia, NC and Mark Kristofer Cantore of Wayne; cherished son of Dorothy (Peters) Cantore and the late Joseph Cantore(1967); loving brother of Robert Cantore and his wife Laura of Clifton and Diane Cantore of Denham Springs, LA.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Tomorrow’s Childrens Fund, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated.

Michael S. Cantore

Wayne
May 18, 2009

Marie Forster entered the life eternal on Thursday, May 14, 2009, at the age of ninety-eight. Born Maria Martha Unrath in Boll, Germany, on December 11, 1924, Marie immigrated to America in 1924, at the age of fourteen. She first settled in Philadelphia, where she lived with her aunt and uncle and worked in their bakery.

In time she made her way to New York City, where she met a fellow German immigrant, Max Ernst Forster. Max and Marie married in 1931 and became American citizens in 1934. Max and Marie made their home in New Jersey and lived on MacDonald Drive in Wayne for many years.

Max and Marie were charter members of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne, joining the congregation upon its incorporation in 1957. Marie was an active member of Lutheran Church Women and St. Timothy’s Altar Guild for many years. In addition to her church work, Marie enjoyed playing bridge.

Max died in 1978, following a bout with Alzheimer’s disease. Marie remained active for many years, but began losing her sight in the late 1990’s. She moved to Crane’s Mill in 2000 and had been living there since.

Marie is survived by a sister, Marta, in Germany.

Marie was a generous contributor to St. Timothy’s recent building project, “A Connection of Faith.” Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Timothy Lutheran Church Building Fund, 395 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Marie Forster

West Caldwell
May 14, 2009

Edmund Martino age 92 of Wayne on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. His passing was quiet and peaceful after receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born in Paterson and had lived in Hawthorne for fifty-five years before moving to Wayne two years ago.

He along with his brothers Dominic and Robert continued their father’s established General Contracting Business known as Martino Brothers General Construction located in North Haledon.

His company was responsible for many construction projects in Passaic and Bergen County. Among their many projects that they built were warehouses, restaurant buildings and one of his largest included the apartment complex buildings located on both sides of Valley Road, in Wayne. He also built homes in Hawthorne and Wayne. One special home he built was for his daughter Maria in Wayne.

He was a very hard worker and he was self motivated to success at the work that he loved, namely, building.

For hobbies he enjoyed league bowling and you would often find several times a week at T Bowl Lanes on Hamburg Turnpike as well as playing a good game of golf. You would often find him at the socializing at the Paterson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post which later moved to Hawthorne.

Ed met Lucy (nee Pisano) at a dance and they courted for one and one-half years and married in 1940 and had sixty-seven years of “excellent loving marriage” together. His family recalls that Ed and Lucy never had harsh words together and perhaps could describe their marriage as “two peas in a happy pod together”. It would seem that Lucy had the bubbly extraverted personality and Ed the quiet and reserved personality that perfectly complimented each other for many years.

Surviving are his loving wife Lucy (nee Pisano) Martino; three daughters Maria DeLalla and her husband Jules of Wayne, Aleta Corvelli and her husband Rocco of Houston, Texas, Donna Sysyn of Houston, Texas; two sisters Emily Tavecchio of Totowa and Rita Marsden and her husband Saul of Florida; two grandchildren Christian DeLalla and Nicolay Sysyn.

His brothers Dominic, Robert and Anthony predeceased him as did three sisters Aurora, Dina and Flora.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Edmund’s memory are asked to consider The Alzheimer’s Association of New Jersey, 400 Morris Avenue, Denville, NJ.

Edmund 'Ed' Martino

Wayne
May 13, 2009

John A. Verderame age 72 of Wayne died Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at home after a long and lingering illness. He passed into life eternal peacefully with his wife at his side holding his hand.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in John’s memory are asked to consider The American Heart Association, One Union Street, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.

John A. Verderame

Wayne
May 12, 2009

Edna Catherine Orr (nee Vanore) age 81 of Pompton Plains, formerly of Wayne, died Monday, May 11, 2009 peacefully at home with her family.

She was born and raised in Fair Lawn having graduated from the Benedictine Academy, Fair Lawn with the class of 1945. She continued her education at the Sherwood School of Secretarial Training, Paterson. Edna married John C. Orr in 1947, honeymooned in Niagara Falls, and moved to Wayne where she lived for fifty-eight years. She moved to Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains last year.

Edna was employed at the Wayne Public Library for twenty years before retiring in 1990 as the Circulation Supervisor.

She was a founding member and devout parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, Wayne.

She was the beloved wife of fifty-seven years to John C. Orr(May 2004); loving mother of Kathleen Russo and her husband Patrick of Bloomingdale, Deborah Chiocca and her husband Randal of Wayne and John J. Orr and his wife Christine of Pompton Plains; cherished grandmother of Jason and Justin Russo, Kaity and Daniel Chiocca and Dillon and Devynn Orr.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, #301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691-4183 would be appreciated.

Edna C. Orr

Wayne
May 11, 2009

Robert Frank McDowell, age 81 of Branchville, New Jersey passed away on the morning of Sunday, May 10, 2009 peacefully with the comfort of family by his side, while listening to Frank Sinatra.

Born July 8, 1927, and raised in Lynbrook, NY, Bob graduated from Malvern Senior High School in the spring of 1945. He later received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University with the class of 1949. Having formerly lived in Copiague, and later Selden, Long Island, Bob followed in his father’s footsteps by retiring to “Linden Cottage” the family summer home, on Culver Lake.

For most of his working life, Bob was employed in the aerospace industry at such Long Island-based companies as Sperry’s, Grumman, Gyrodyne and finally the Raytheon Corporation, where he retired in 1989.

On July 28, 1951, Bob married the love of his life, the late Dorothy Ann (Niebuhr) McDowell, who he met through his best friend and her younger brother, Henry Niebuhr. As a young couple in love, Bob and Dot could often be found cruising Long Island in a powder blue car with a rumble seat, or at one of the many social gatherings he and his Sigma Epsilon fraternity brothers hosted.

Bob was an avid parishioner, deacon and choir member of several churches throughout his life; most notably Grace Presbyterian Church, Selden, NY; Christ Union Chapel, Branchville, NJ; and Frankford Plains United Methodist Church, Augusta, NJ.

Quite the music lover, Bob spent much of his free time traveling around the community with the choir, singing for those who could not attend church themselves. At an imposing 6'3" with an equally imposing deep voice, and enormous hands built for trapping and tickling grandchildren; Bob was a quiet, loving, well-educated man. He loved to learn and connect with people of all ages; even attending classes to learn how to draw and paint well into his seventies. With such a full schedule, Bob, ever the family man, still found his time best spent surrounded by family.

He is survived by his daughters, Diane C. Stocek and Debra A. Baldwin; his son Robert Frank McDowell, Jr.; his eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Robert Frank McDowell

Wayne
May 10, 2009

Doris R. Oleksy (nee Plokhooy) age 83 of Wayne on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at home. Her passing took place in her own home and surroundings and receiving the love of her family who were constantly caring for her.

Doris Oleksy’s health had been declining for some time. When her family realized that love and caring would be the best treatment for Mom and Grandma they took her home to her own familiar surroundings. There she spent her autumn days receiving the best of care from her family. Her granddaughter Kathryn stands out as a very special person who sacrificed for months to make grandma comfortable and well taken care of. Kathryn’s training was not medical but her heartfelt care and love was especially profound in Grandmas’ passage from this earthly life. Our family is very proud of Kathryn and very appreciative of her efforts for grandma.

She was born in Passaic and had grown up in the Delawana section of Clifton later living in Garfield before moving to Wayne sixty years ago.

She received her formal education at Grammar School No. 8 in Clifton and at Clifton High School.

Doris was employed at McGraw Edison Company in Wayne as an assembler of batteries.

She was gifted with a very private and perhaps shy personality and enjoyed gardening, playing solitaire and reading novels. She always loved to have a dog and a cat as household companions.

Doris was riding a Public Service bus one day and met John Oleksy the driver and after a courtship they married in 1943 and had fifty-nine years of “excellent companion relationship” until John’s passing in 2002.

Perhaps Doris’s finest life dedication came forth as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She simply loved her family intensely and was always concerned about everyone’s well being. She was always in nurturing and concern mode and her family is sure to pass that on to their children. We know that love isn’t to keep and hold but to pass on and she was an expert at that.

Surviving are one son James Oleksy and his wife Kathleen of Wayne, one daughter Carol Earls of Oak Ridge; one sister Charlotte Palecek of Spring Hill, Florida; five grandchildren Douglas Earls and his wife Kathryn, Rebecca Haynes, Kevin DeBoo and his wife Christine, Patricia and Jeffrey Oleksy; three great grandchildren Danielle, Lauren and Robert Haynes III.

Tragedy struck when her son John Oleksy died in 2002 and John’s wife Linda in 2001.

She was predeceased by her brothers John and Henry Plokhooy, her sister Marion Nicolosi and her sister Amy Hein.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Doris’ memory are asked to consider The Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Doris R. Oleksy

Wayne
May 7, 2009

Marion Kubik (nee Park), age 95, died at home on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 of a short illness. Born in Kearny, NJ she lived in Toms River, Newark and Kearny before moving to Siena Village in Wayne. Most recently she lived with her daughter in Wayne.

She worked at Sun Glass Industries and Fashion Zyl in Newark and Ward Optical in North Arlington, where she met her husband, the late Andrew Kubik (2004). She had previously been married to Axel Rudolph Nielsen, also deceased.

Marion loved her family, enjoyed knitting, crocheting, walking around in Kearney doing her shopping/socializing in the neighborhood, and anytime she was around babies.

She is the beloved mother of Doris Provan; cherished grandmother of: James and his wife Terry of Burbank, CA; Allan of Wayne; and Scott and his wife Pamela of West Milford; devoted great-grandmother of Jeffrey and Lucy of Burbank, CA and Bridget of West Milford; much loved sister of the late Walter Park and his late wife Ann.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Compassionate Care Hospice, 140 Littleton Road, Suite 200, Parsippany, NJ 07054 would be appreciated.

Marion Kubik

Wayne
May 6, 2009

Ninety-two year old Frank R. Giacopino, beloved husband of Madeline, died peacefully on May 6, 2009, after living a long and happy life. Frank was a kind, generous and good man with a wonderful sense of humor who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Frank was born in Manhattan, the third son of Rosina and Luigi Giacopino. He attended St. John’s University, graduating with a degree in Accounting. After a brief time in public accounting, he went on to work as a controller for the Department of Housing and Urban Development for most of his career where he received many awards and accolades as a professional. After marrying his sweetheart Madeline (nee Naclerio) they lived in the Bronx for many years before moving to Flushing, Queens in 1962. Upon his retirement in 1986, Frank and Madeline moved to Leisure Village West, Manchester, NJ where they spent 18 happy years before moving to Wayne to be closer to family.

Throughout his life, Frank was civic-minded and active in community organizations and associations. He was generous with his time and helped others whenever possible. Frank was also a big fan of New York sports, especially the Mets and the Jets. In fact, he attended the second-ever Jets game played at Shea Stadium in 1965, as well as many more in the years to follow. Frank was active himself and enjoyed bowling, golf, bocce ball and playing board and card games. During his retirement, Frank loved to read and do crossword puzzles, wood carving, and needle work – making needlepoint pictures and pillow cases for his family. He also developed a passion for bocce ball and was instrumental in establishing the Bocce Club at Leisure Village and served as the treasurer. He remained fit throughout his 80s and into his 90s by doing exercises every morning.

Frank absolutely loved his family who brought him joy and happiness throughout his life. In addition to his daughter Lorraine and her husband Bill, grandsons Billy and David, granddaughter Nancy and her husband Dave, and great-grandchildren Nicholas, Eowyn, Alexander and Crystar, Frank also had a large extended family and remained close with his nieces and nephews and cousins. His niece Mary Angela Lauritano was like a daughter to Frank.

Frank R. Giacopino

Wayne
May 6, 2009

James W. Scott Jr. age 91 of Wayne died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at his home in Wayne. His health was in decline and he made a special request of his family to do whatever it took for him to stay in his residence in his autumn days. His death was quiet and peaceful in the warmth of his own home.

He was born in Kingston, New York and shortly after his marriage to Nan Inglis they moved to the Packanack Lake section of Wayne where he spent the last sixty-seven years. Jim and Nan were one of very few early settlers to the new and modern planned community called Packanack Lake.

Jim received his formal education at Kingston High School graduating with the Class of 1935. He then went to Union College in Schenectady, NY where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering followed by a Masters Degree in Engineering. He was on the boxing team in college and worked as a surveyor afterword.

He was gifted with a quiet personality coupled with an intellectual mind and made many accomplishments in his life. James was employed at Bell Laboratories in Whippany, NJ and participated in many technical and sensitive programs going on there. Among his many projects was the early satellite program known as Telstar a high tech communication satellite and work on intercontinental ballistic missiles in the cold war defense program.

His personal skills included playing the piano, the organ and the accordion. He was a quick learner and could play music intuitively by ear. He also enjoyed wood working, photography, and native indian art and jewelry. He took great pride in keeping the grounds around his home beautiful, including a pond and waterfall built decades before the current popularity of water features.

Jim also was a skilled auto mechanic and maintained his own favorite jaguar sports cars. It would not be unusual to see him take his car engine apart, carry it into the basement and rebuild it like new. He also had an interest in auto racing and attended many racing events.

Jim and Nan met in grammar school in Kingston, New York as children. They eventually courted each other at the age of twenty-two then eloped to Albany, New York and got married on June 9, 1939. They loved ball room dancing and danced many happy nights together. They had many common interests together and shared almost sixty-eight years of a “two peas in a pod” loving marriage until Nan’s passing on November 26, 2006.

Surviving are one daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Katz of Palms Dale, California; two sons James Scott III and his wife Josie of Frenchtown, New York and Peter Scott and his wife Fredlyn of Warrington, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren Leah Koontz and her husband Michael of Henderson, Nevada, Dawn Ross and her husband Gregory of West Seneca, New York and Adrianna Scott of Warrington, PA; four great grandchildren Ryan and Natalie Koontz and Caleb and Braden Ross.

James W. Scott

Wayne
May 5, 2009

David W. Jasinski, 60, of Wayne died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, May 4th.

David was a generous man who devoted his time to his family and friends. He was a giver, not a taker and in return everyone that met him felt his affection and love.

Born in Paterson, David was a lifelong resident of Wayne. He was a member of the 1966 Wayne Senior High School graduating class. He attended Farleigh Dickinson University, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1971 and his M.B.A. in 1981, only missing one class to attend the birth of his youngest son, Andrew. David was employed for American Cyanamid, Wayne, for more than 25 years, most of those years traveling the world as an International Sales Manager for the Fiber Division. He also worked at Goen Technologies, East Hanover, for five years before taking a position at ITT Corporation, Clifton, in 2007.

David was an exempt member of the Wayne Fire Department, Company 5 of Packanack Lake, where he served as Chief in 1975. He coached several basketball, soccer and baseball teams throughout Wayne Township. In addition, David taught Sunday School for pre-school children, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Dave.” He and his wife Nancy were “foster parents” for many children from Third World Countries needing surgery through the Healing the Children host program.

David and his wife Nancy (nee Gaestel) shared many special memories during their 37 years of marriage. Together, they enjoyed spending time together, laughing until they cried, crying until they laughed and everything in between. He was adored by his three sons, Daniel, Christopher and Andrew. Together, they shared a passion for sports, whether it was hockey, football, baseball or the WWF. It is rumored, David convinced his sons, the louder you yell at the television, the better your team will compete.

David is survived by wife Nancy, his three sons; Daniel John of Wayne, Christopher David and his wife Laura of Belleville, and Andrew Paul of Wayne and also his mother, Ruth (nee Roth) of Wayne. He was predeceased by his father, Walter. He will be remembered by many special friends and family members, including his sisters JoAnn and Elizabeth and his brother James, his nephews and a niece, and of course, his golden retriever, Molly.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 4th floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 or the Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470.

David W. Jasinski

Wayne
May 4, 2009

Raymond J. Simet, 87, on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, of Wayne, in the loving care of his children.

He was born in Paterson on March 31, 1922 and graduated from Eastside High School in 1940.

In 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Radarman aboard the destroyer USS Bennett, which was actively engaged in many campaigns in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945.

In 1948 he married Doris Woods, also of Paterson. They moved to Wayne in 1956, where they raised six children. He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Wayne.

Raymond was employed at Singer-Kearfott in Little Falls for over thirty-five years, retiring as a Senior Methods Engineer in 1983.

He is survived by daughters, MaryAnn Simet of Park Ridge, Joanne Higgins and her husband George of Wayne, Amy Simet of Wayne, Laura Wetzel and her husband Glenn of Branchburg, and Biddy Simet and her husband Gary Ludwig of West Glacier, Montana; his son Richard and his wife Claudia of Franklin; and his grandchildren, Kevin and Colleen Higgins and Christopher and Brian Wetzel. He was preceded in death by Doris his wife of fifty-eight years, his parents Joseph and Jeanine Simet, and his sisters Grace and Madeline.

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

Raymond J. Simet

Wayne
May 2, 2009

Caroline Chernishuk, age 77 of Wayne, died on Friday, May 1, 2009. Born in Clifton, she graduated from Clifton High School in 1950. She and her husband Joe moved to Wayne in 1963.

Caroline enjoyed her share of travel with Joe, having visited Europe, the Vatican, Spain, Las Vegas, California, and even a few cruises. Their favorite trip was driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco. Her favorite pastime of all was taking in Broadway shows. She saw “Showboat” countless times and never got tired of it.

Caroline and Joe enjoyed 46 years together in a “robust and enthusiastic” marriage after having met on a blind date. They were “best friends”.

Caroline is survived by her husband Joseph of Wayne, two children; Joseph Ted of Wayne and Catherine Trajkovic of Highland Lakes, NJ, four grandchildren and one sister, Corine Miller of Millington, NJ.

Caroline Chernishuk

Wayne
May 1, 2009

Terence Errity, age 71 of Wayne, died at home on Thursday April 30, 2009 while receiving the loving care of his family. He was a resident of Wayne for nearly 36 years.

Born in New York City, Terry grew up in Chelsea and graduated from La Salle Academy on the lower east side. During his childhood he spent almost seven years in Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland before moving back to New York City.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960.

He began his professional life as a New York City Police Officer but soon realized that the New York City Fire Department is where he wanted to be, and he made the switch. After a full career of fire fighting, he retired from Yorkville Engine 22, Ladder 13, in 1983. After a brief retirement, and many rounds of golf, he began a second career with Merrill Lynch as Fire Safety Director for the company, working in their New York City headquarters from 1987 to 1996.

Terry was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a former Grand Knight. He served on the board at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church and was a devoted parishioner for many years.

His children recall family vacations at Dennis Port, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, where they rented a home for their annual family vacation. Terry fished, or at least tried to, and the kids enjoyed their days at the beach. Terry also coached the children’s teams in Packanack Lake and played softball himself, on the “Klorpz” team.

Terry and Catherine enjoyed thirty years of “dedicated” marriage together. They were a balanced pair, made good company and their personalities complemented each other. After Catherine’s passing in 1997, Terry found comfort and peace in family, especially so with his grandchildren.

Terry is survived by his three children; Kevin and his wife Jennifer of Woodcliff Lake, Maureen Errity of Wayne, and Kathleen Errity of Wayne, three grandchildren; Katherine, Brendan, and Eamon, one sister; Maureen Errity-Rush of Long Island and one brother; Michael Errity of Hamden, CT.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Terry’s name are asked to consider the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, 767 Fifth Avenue; 2614B, New York, New York 10153. www.answerthecall.org Please click on “Print out donation form” link below and use that form to make your donation.

Terence Errity

Wayne
April 30, 2009

Irene M. Kmetz, age 86 of Wayne died Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Chilton Memorial Hospital with the comfort of her family by her side. The family watched the monitors declare her passing, her resurgence to life at the sound of her pastor’s prayers, and once again her peaceful passing.

She was born in Yonkers, NY, lived in Passaic for just a couple of years, having lived in Garfield for thirty-two years before moving to Wayne fourteen years ago.

Irene was a payroll clerk, for twenty years, at the Popular Merchandise Company in Passaic and later in Garfield before retiring in 1984.

She met her husband, the late Joseph Kmetz, Jr.(August 8, 1978), at a church youth group rally between Yonkers, NY and Garfield churches. They married in 1946 and enjoyed thirty-two years of loving marriage.

She was a devoted member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Wayne.

Irene dedicated her life first to her children and later in life to volunteerism. She was the treasurer for Luther League in Yonkers Lutheran Church, Air Raid Warden during WWII, U.S.O.: Council Chair Lady of Entertainment, President of Local U.S.O.; Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Girl Scout council for Garfield, Clifton and Passaic, Girl Scout Advancement Committee and Camp Committee; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Garfield: Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, President of P.T.O., Class Mother, Entertainment Chairperson of Mr. & Mrs. Club and Mission Guild; Saddle Brook Hospital Volunteer; Amvets & VFW volunteer, Garfield Girls Club volunteer; Office on Aging Bergen County – call person; St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Wayne: Ways & Means, Entertainment, Welca(Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church); St. Joseph Hospital volunteer: gift shop, child day care, Sterling Day(Seniors), Health Fair, Wayne Day, Golf Tournament; WIN (Wayne Interfaith Network); Center for Family Resources-Head Start(12 years); Sunrise Assisted Living volunteer; Friends of the library. She received awards for her volunteerism from: St. Josephs Wayne Hospital, Wayne “Volunteer of the Month of May 1997”, “Community Volunteer of the Year 1999 from Passaic County” and was recognized by the U.S. Health Care for “Young at Heart” Award for 1997.

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Kmetz, Jr(1978); loving mother of Kenneth W. Kmetz and his wife Sandralee of Pensacola, FL and Barbara Macey and her husband Andrew of Wayne; loving grandmother of Eric, Patrick, Kevin and Michael Kmetz, David Macey, Sarah Kirk and her husband Jason; cherished by six great-grandchildren; loved sister of the late Gustav and Edward Matzko and Gisella Demchak.

In lieu of flowers donations to the St. Timothy Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 395 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Irene M. Kmetz

Wayne
April 30, 2009

Joseph Peter Ferrara age 84 of Wayne died Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne. His passing took place with tranquility while receiving the loving care of his family.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and lived his formative years receiving his formal education at New Utrecht High School graduating with the Class of 1943.

After his graduation from High School he enlisted in the Navy and served his country until 1946 when he was discharged. His rank was Motor Machinist Mate First Class serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II. His specialty had him in maintenance for the Naval landing forces making sure that all engines where in top shape for his fellow Navy men who were going into battle. He served on LCI No. 436 in both the Pacific and in China.

Following his military service he took advantage of the GI Bill and advanced his learning by going to Pratt Institute of Technology and receiving an Associates Degree in Engineering.

After graduating he took a position at American Cyanamid Corporation in Wayne where he worked for thirty-five years and later as a construction management consultant with Block Drug Company in Jersey City until his retirement in 1999.

He enjoyed Boy Scouts and served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Troop 107 in Pines Lake in Wayne. His community participation also included being a Charter Member of the Wayne Hills High School Patriot’s Club. He was a member of the Pinces Lake Seniors Association for ten years as the facilities chairman.

Joseph was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 for many years and served as Grand Exalted Ruler from 1985 to 1986.

He was a long time parishioner of Saint Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes where he sang in the Church Choir for over twenty-five years.

Surviving are his loving wife Awilda Ferrara; two daughters Genevive Rothlauf of Warwick, New York, Anne Ferrara of Boonton; Stephen Ferrara and his wife Pamela of Virginia, Joseph Ferrara and his wife Linda of Carlsbad, California, Peter Ferrara and his wife Jacqueline of Barnegat; nine grandchildren Janet, Andrew, Peter Jr., Michael, David, Jackie, Jillian, Jocelyn, Ray Ferrara Jr.; One great grandson Joey.

His first wife Rosemary (nee Teta) Ferrara predeceased him in 1979 and his brother Michael Ferrara died in 2007.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joseph’s memory are asked to consider the Wayne Elks Lodge Crippled Children’s Fund, 50 Hinchman Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Joseph Peter Ferrara

Wayne
April 28, 2009

Every life that makes this journey on earth touches others in some manner and leaves an everlasting footprint. Frank’s life left it’s footprint on the lives of many.

Frank F. Sek age 58 of Wayne died Friday, April 24, 2009 at home. His passing took place quietly and peacefully while receiving the loving care of his family and friends who were there for him.

He was born in Paterson where he spent his formative years. After his marriage to his wife Nancy they settled in Clifton before moving to Wayne thirty-one years ago with their three children; Frank, Brian and Shannon.

He received his formal education at Eastside High School in Paterson and also at Passaic County Technical High School where he majored in Auto Mechanic skills.

Frank's first work position was for Murphy Enterprises which specialized in carpeting and other floor coverings on cruise ships. This job enabled him to visit many places including several Caribbean islands as well as Europe. His family recalls him working on the Queen Elizabeth II and many other cruise ships.

He at some point discovered his entrepreneurial self and established a floor covering business of his own. He named his company Frank Sek & Sons Incorporated and provided floor coverings to many customers for thirty-one years. Most recently he was employed at Mercury Lighting Company in Fairfield, manufacturers of commercial lighting equipment.

He was gifted with a wonderful selfless personality that resulted in him having a host of friends. He had no enemies in the world and was always willing to help others with their projects and problems.

He enjoyed hobbies including hunting, fishing and carpentry.

Frank was born to be an outdoorsman and loved hunting deer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He also pursued hunting in Colorado where he hunted elk. His hunting gave him great satisfaction and led to many trophies, his most recent being a large bobcat.

He was a founding member and president of the White Tail Sportsman’s Association and a member of the National Rifleman’s Association.

His health problems began when he fell twenty-five feet out of a tree stand and hit the ground. This resulted in a broken back which caused paralysis from the waist down. During the past 14 months, he has fought through a long list of complications stemming from the accident as well as the colon cancer that was discovered during one of his many surgeries.

Frank and Nancy (nee McDermott) met through mutual friends and had forty years of “fantastic marriage” together.

He leaves his family with absolutely wonderful memories of a loving and concerned husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His children remember him fondly as being a teacher, sharing his vast knowledge of carpentry, mechanics, and hunting. As well as teaching them by example how to be a kind, caring, and generous person. Thanks Dad for being such a wonderful part of our lives.

He was a member of the Packanack Community Church in Wayne.

Surviving Frank are his loving wife Nancy (nee McDermott) Sek; one daughter Shannon Mehr and her husband Stephen of Wanaque; two sons Frank J. Sek and his wife Diane of Lakeville, Pennsylvania; Brian Sek and his wife Kimberly of Pompton Lakes; his sister Karen Birish and her husband Mike of Tuxedo, New York; one grandson Frank J. Sek Jr. and his wife Jaime of Lakeville, Pa.; six granddaughters Ashlee, Jessica, and Stephanie of Lakeville, Pennsylvania; Kaeley and Brenna Sek of Pompton Lakes and Makayla Mehr of Wanaque; two great grandchildren including Jordyen and Brayden Sek of Lakeville, Pennsylvania.

His mother Harriett (nee Kuipers) Sek passed away in 1964 and his father Felix Sek followed in 1988.

Those planning an expression of love in Frank’s memory are asked to consider donations to Frank’s wife Nancy to ease the burden of outstanding medical bills. Please make checks payable to "Memorial Fund of Frank Sek", c/o Brian Sek, 6 Whitney Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442. For more information call (973-831-7678) or (862-668-3012).

Frank F. Sek

Wayne
April 24, 2009

Harry H. Goodrich, age 84, passed away quietly in his home in Wayne on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. His wife of 60 years, Dorothy, was by his side.

He was born in Olean, New York, in 1925 and spent his formative years in Wellsville, New York. Harry received his formal education at Wellsville Grammar School and then at Wellsville High School graduating with the Class of 1943.

With World War II in full swing, he received his draft notice from the Army and after basic training became a Radio Operations Specialist and then advance to become a Corporal and member of the 716th Military Police Battalion. He received the American Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

Harry was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Wayne where he served as head usher. He also served on the finance committee and church council. He was recently recognized for his fifty years of service to the church.

He loved the outdoors, enjoyed walking and maintaining his garden and lawn. His home projects where always a work in progress. He also enjoyed reading history and was quite skilled at doing crossword puzzles.

He leaves his family with many cherished memories of a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was always lovingly concerned about his family and their progress through their life journeys.

His daughter recalls growing up with a wise man who always gave good advice even though she admits at the time she was skeptical about his counsel. But like all of us, as we have children of our own we recognize the merit of the wisdom we questioned.

Harry always encouraged his daughter to study and, particularly, to read. He would tell her, "A man who can read and doesn't is no better off than a man who can't read at all." He promised to send her to a good college, and worked hard to keep that promise.

When his two grandson's were born, Harry was thrilled. He would take them for long walks, and play football and softball in the backyard with them. When they were older, he encouraged them both to become eagle scouts, just as Harry's grandfather had encouraged him. As a result, Harry and his two grandsons achieved the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

Harry was always willing to help others. During snowy weather, he would shovel out a sick or widowed neighbor's driveway. He regularly helped others with household repairs, or any friend in need.

Harry and Dorothy VanEmburgh met while she was visiting her sister. After a year of courtship they married on September 11, 1949. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Surviving are his loving wife Dorothy (nee VanEmburgh) Goodrich; one daughter, Rev. Leigh Dry and her husband Dave of Hopkinton, Massachusetts; two grandsons, Steven Dry who is a student at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and Matthew Dry who is finishing his sophomore year at Hopkinton High School.

Harry's brother, James Goodrich, predeceased him.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Harry’s memory are asked to consider The United Methodist Church of Wayne, 99 Parish Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Harry H. Goodrich

Wayne
April 21, 2009

This short life story is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person.

Cornelia G. Johnson (nee Vande Griek) age 88 formerly of Pompton Plains died on Monday, April 20, 2009 at the Pleasant Valley Nursing Home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

She was born in Passaic where she spent her formative years later moving to Pompton Plains where she lived for fifty two years.

She attended the Jacksonville Chapel.

Jacob and Cornelia met in Passaic on the front porch of Cornelia’s family’s residence. As the story unfolds Jacob saw the pretty girl waiting for the bus on a certain corner. He was fascinated with her appearance and he spent some effort cruising the local streets until he saw the apple of his eye on a porch with her mother. He got up his nerve and approached the residence and of course introduced himself, as any proper gentleman would do, to Cornelia’s mother. Once he won Mrs. Vande Grieks’s confidence he asked Cornelia out for a date. Things clicked and in 1939 they married and had a “wonderful and loving” marriage together for sixty-four years until Jacob’s passing in 2003.

This mother leaves her children with many wonderful memories of a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She always loved her family gathered around her and made many special and delightful recipes to everyone’s delight.

Cornelia kept her home in an immaculate manner and loved to garden. The exterior of her home had many beautiful flowers and vegetables. She loved to have special picnics and birthday parties as well as Holiday celebrations. She was graced with a very special extraverted personality that caused her to have many friends.

As a mother she was very loving and encouraging and always concerned about her children’s life circumstances no matter how old they were. Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives.

Surviving are two daughters Joyce Kish and her husband Charles of Hamburg and Lakeville, Pennsylvania formerly of Pequannock, Karen Sommers and her husband Fred of Bartonsville, PA formerly of Bloomingdale; five grandchildren Laura Jewett and her husband Bobby, Dawn Mackawgy and her husband Joe, Kevin Kish and his wife Jennifer, Ryan Sommers and his wife Tina, Jason Sommers and his wife Nicole; eight great grandchildren Kyle, David and Zachary Jewett, Hayley and Joseph Mackawgy, Ashley and Jacob Kish and Kendra Sommers. She also leaves a sister, Jean Kruyd of Lincoln Park, NJ. She was predeceased by her brother Oliver VandeGriek

Cornelia G. Johnson

Pompton Plains
April 20, 2009

A brief life story that ended with her last breath whispering “I am here Lord”.

Lorraine C. Streuli (nee Taschler) age 68 of Wayne died on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Her loving family was at her bedside and she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

She was born in Passaic and had lived her formative years in East Paterson which is now known a Elmwood Park. She later lived for a short time in Fair Lawn before moving to Wayne forty-five years ago.

Lorraine received her formal education at Saint Leo’s Grammar School in Elmwood Park and then a Pope Pius High School in Passaic where she graduated with the Class of 1958.

She started her work career with her first secretarial job at Prudential Insurance Company in Newark, later as Dr. Bremonte’s secretary who had a medical practice in Wayne. Her final position was as Administrative Secretary for Kings Supermarket Executive Offices in Parsippany where she worked for the past fifteen years. Her work responsibility was in the area of Finances and Loss Prevention. She loved her work and the people she worked with at Kings.

Lorraine was full of energy and she especially enjoyed flower gardening around her home.

She leaves her husband, children and grandchildren with wonderful memories of a very loving and dedicated family oriented person who loved them with all of her heart. Mom was a wonderful cook and especially enjoyed having her family gathered around her. She touched her family’s lives in a very special way. Mom, we love you, we’ll miss you and we’ll remember you always. Thanks Mom for being so special.

Lorraine had a deeply human touch about her as she related to others that caused her to have many good friends. She mixed well with others both socially and while at work.

She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne and was truly dedicated to her faith.

Edward and Lorraine met each other at a basketball game held at Don Bosco Trade School on Union Boulevard in Paterson and courted for seven years, and finally decided to tie the knot on July 17, 1963. They enjoyed a “perfect and devoted” marriage together for forty-six years.

Surviving are her loving husband Edward J. Streuli; two sons Daniel Streuli, and David Streuli of Wayne; two grandchildren Kimberley and Ryan Streuli; and several cousins.

Her only brother Christian Taschler predeceased her in 2006.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Lorraine’s memory are asked to consider St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105

Lorraine C. Streuli

Wayne
April 18, 2009

James J. Nicoletti age 85 of Wayne on Saturday, April 18, 2009. His passing took place peacefully after receiving the loving care of his family who were constantly at his side.

He was born in Paterson and remained there until moving to Wayne in 1956, fifty- three years ago.

Jim served in the Army Air Force with the rank of Sergeant with the 757th AAF Base Unit during World War II. His service was in central Burma, China, and India supporting Burma Air Combat Missions. His particular expertise was communications where he expertly operated a telegraph to transmit Morse Codes. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal.

He was employed by the Spinelli Machine Corporation in Paterson where they manufactured precision parts for the aeronautical industry. He successfully managed the company until his retirement in 1986.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of The Valley RC Church in Wayne. James is best described as a private, intelligent, hard-working, man who loved his family very much.

James enjoyed planning extensive rail trips and frequently toured the country with his wife, Marion, experiencing the wonders and beauty of our country first hand.

Dad leaves his large family with many fond memories of a loving husband, hard working father, caring grandfather and great grandfather. His children recall that he always took pride in their accomplishments and always gave them sound, thoughtful advice.

James was married to his beloved wife, Marion (nee Destromp) for sixty eight years. They had a “happy and devoted” marriage together until Marion’s passing, not quite one month ago, on March 21, 2009.

Surviving are six children including Barbara Lee and her husband Jeffrey of Conesus, NY, Joan Oberer and her husband Ernest of West Milford, Anthony Nicoletti and his wife Dori of Conway, SC, James Nicoletti and his wife Brennen of San Diego, CA, Judy Gorab and her husband James of West Milford and Frank Nicoletti and his wife Teri of Toms River, eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren; two sisters Jess Bufardeci of Wayne and Diana Rizzo of Pompton Plains.

He was predeceased by a brother Frank, and his parents Antonio and Amelia of Paterson.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in James’ memory are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN, 38101-0050.

James J. Nicoletti

Wayne
April 18, 2009

Harriet T. Hodgkiss (nee McCully), age 80 of Wayne, NJ, passed away Friday, April 17, 2009 at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, NJ. She was born March 3, 1929 in Orange, NJ and grew up in Verona, NJ.

Mrs. Hodgkiss was a 1949 graduate of Endicott Junior College, where she earned a degree in merchandising and was an assistant manager at the Hahne and Co. department store in Montclair, NJ for several years. Mrs. Hodgkiss enjoyed traveling extensively, especially ocean cruising and motor-homing.

Harriet is survived by her husband George of fifty seven years, one daughter; Susan Fitzsimons and her husband Sean of West Milford, NJ, two sons; Scott of Reno, NV and Craig of New Hope, PA, five grandchildren; Ryan Hagen of Clifton, NJ, Dustin and Justin Hodgkiss of Reno, NV, and Christopher and Miranda Hodgkiss of New Hope, PA. Also surviving is one sister, Virginia Straub.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Harriet’s memory to the Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Harriet T. Hodgkiss

Wayne
April 17, 2009

Constance “Connie” Ajmo age 67 of Wayne died on Thursday, April 17th with her family at her bedside.

She was born in New York City and had lived her formative years in Paterson before moving to Wayne nine years ago.

Connie received her formal education at Paterson Central High School graduating with the Class of 1959.

Constance was gifted with an extraverted personality and loved to interact with people. Recently retired, she worked for the Tax Assessor in Paterson, County Clerk of Paterson, and the Passaic County Sheriff. She was a member of the Passaic County Democratic Organization and volunteered as a campaign worker for Congressman William Pascrell and the Democratic Party. She was a previous member of the Marriott Health Club, Saddle Brook and a current member of the Hilton Hotel Health Club in Woodcliff Lake.

She leaves her son with wonderful memories of a loving and devoted Mother who was always concerned even to the point of being worried perpetually about his wellbeing, his education and course in life. Surviving are one son Glenn Ajmo and his wife Lori of North Caldwell; one brother Peter Jerahian and Joan Jerahian of Paterson; three grandchildren Jason, Kristen and Justin Ajmo also surviving are her long time companion Lloyd Swanson; nieces and nephews including Danielle, Rachael, Michelle Jerahian, Jeanine Lovecchio, Sam and Theresa Darakjy; and a great nephew Michael Aaron Lovecchio.

She was predeceased by two brothers George Jerahian in 1998 and Sam Darakjy in 1962.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Connie’s memory are asked to consider Hospice of NJ, 400 BroadAcres Dr, Bloomfield NJ 07003.

Constance 'Connie' Ajmo

Wayne
April 17, 2009

Dr. Ellen M. Brockmann age 78 of Wayne died Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the St. Josephs Hospital, Wayne.

She was born in Hackensack and raised in Woodridge before moving to Wayne forty-five years ago.

Dr. Brockmann graduated from Wood-Ridge High School with the class of 1947. Having continued her education she graduated from: Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY with a B.A. in Psychology; Jersey City State College with an M.A. in Education; Fordham University, NY with a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching.

She was considered to be one of the foremost proponents in the State on the problem of adapting handicapped children into a normal classroom situation. She gained her expertise after being stricken with Polio at age 19 and having been confined to a wheelchair ever since.

Ellen was a teacher for the Totowa Public Schools for forty-three years before retiring in 1995.

She was employed as an elementary teacher in the Totowa Public Schools for forty-three years, having taught all the elementary subjects and various grade levels, before retiring in 1995.

Ellen held professional licenses with the NJ Permanent Teaching Certificate (K-8) and a NJ Principal’s and Supervisor’s Certificate. She also held honors in education with Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappan and PTA life Membership.

Her professional activities included: member of the curriculum revision committees for language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, past chairperson of the Instructional Council, past chairperson of the Totowa PTA, Past President of the Totowa Education Association all for Totowa Borough; Passaic County - Adjunct Professor at William Paterson College, Wayne, chairperson of the Professional Development Committee of the Passaic County Educators Association and member of the Passaic County PTA Executive Board; State of NJ - past president of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NJ, Member of NJEA Professional Development Committee, Speaker at NJEA conventions, AMTNJ Conferences, NJ Reading Teachers Conferences and Good Ideas Workshops; Nationally - representative to NEA Conventions, chairperson NEA Teacher Caucus, speaker at National Council of Mathematics Teachers Conferences all over the country, editor of NEA book-Handicapped Students in the Mathematics Classroom; Internationally – she was on the program at the International Reading Associations Conference in Hong Kong and London and the International Council of Mathematics Educators in Australia and Hungary.

Ellen was the beloved sister of Robert H. Brockmann, Jr and his wife Alice E. of Kinnelon and Marilyn Waldman and her husband David of Manchester; cherished aunt of Robert H Brockmann III and his wife Patricia of West Nyack, NY, William Brockmann of Kinnelon, Clifford Brockmann and his wife Janet of Fairfield, Douglas Brockmann and his wife Marian of Sparta, Brenda Brockmann Leardi and her husband Michael of Glenwood, Kenneth Brockmann and his wife Carmelina of Sparta, Michael Waldman and his wife Gabrielle of Great Meadows, Scott Waldman and his wife Sonia of Morristown, Sean Waldman and his wife Kathy of Long Valley, Victoria Waldman of Philadelphia, PA; devoted aunt to eighteen grand nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Josephs Wayne Hospital Foundation, 224 Hamburg Tpk, Wayne, NJ 07470 or Hospice of NJ, 400 Broadacres Drive (4th floor), Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Dr. Ellen M. Brockmann

Wayne
April 16, 2009

Yvette F. Brucato, age 75 of Wayne, died on April 15, 2009 with her family by her side. She had lived in Wayne since 1968.

Yvette was self employed, working very hard with her husband Ralph until his death in 2005. She managed to run their business, raise the children, maintain a home and enjoy nearly fifty years of marriage – doing it all with grace. Yvette was born in Nancy, France, where she grew up. She met her husband who was serving in France for the US Army. They fell in love and married there. After being discharged, Ralph and Yvette returned to the US, living in Clifton, Garfield, and finally settling to Wayne in 1968. She was an ‘old-fashioned’ family lady who loved her family dearly. Her sons recall how hard she always worked keeping house and generally caring for everyone else. She was warm hearted like that, and a “great mom” to her two sons; Ralph and Phil. She also had a very special role as grandmother to her two grandchildren; Ralphy and Michael.

During her marriage, she travelled to France several times to visit her sisters and family there. She also went to Rio de Janeiro once and enjoyed countless trips to Atlantic City to play the slots. She was a fantastic gardener, mostly vegetables, and could she ever cook – especially with wine in the recipe. Her sons can remember eating escargot, and loving it, ever since they were little boys.

Yvette is survived by her two sons; Phil of Wayne and Ralph and his wife Diane of Wayne, two grandsons; Ralph of Wayne and Michael of Wayne, one sister of St. Louis, Missouri, and three more sisters who still live in France.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Yvette’s memory to the Grace Bible Church, 150 Sunset Road, Pompton Plains, NJ, 07444 or to Transformation Life Center, PO Box 249, West Park, NY 12493.

Yvette Brucato

Wayne
April 15, 2009

Stephanie Flak (nee Nenec) age 86 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at the Llanfair House Nursing Home in Wayne.

She was born in Czeckoslavakia came to the United States with her family in 1925 settling in Passaic. Stephanie received her formal education at Passaic High School graduating with the Class of 1939.

She met George at a dance and they were soon a couple. They married on May 20th, 1942 and had sixty-eight years of devoted marriage together.

In 1950 George and Stephanie purchased land in Wayne and with their own hands built their home together. The house was finished in 1952 and they then moved here from Passaic.

Stephanie was always on the go and enjoyed hobbies of needle work, gardening of both flowers and vegetables. The garden at the Flak household was unique in that they loved their trees which of course gave off a lot of shade and also loved their garden plants. Everyone knows a flower garden and vegetable garden requires of a lot of sunlight. They solved the problem in a unique way by planting these sun loving plants in containers and moving them to allow them the sun that they needed. George called his solution his “bucket garden”.

George and Stephanie also loved to travel and they had the opportunity of visiting almost all of the states and the Caribbean Islands. They logged two trips to beautiful Hawaii.

Surviving are her loving husband George Flak; one son Thomas Flak of Ohio and nieces and nephews.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Stephanie's memory are asked to consider The American Heart Association, One Union Street Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Stephanie Flak

Wayne
April 14, 2009

Eileen Mary Sockler (nee McNish) age 77 of Pompton Lakes, died Sunday, April 12, 2009 with the love and comfort of her family by her side.

She was born in Newark, and raised in East Orange before moving to Pompton Lakes fifty-one years ago.

Eileen tragically lost her husband in 1974. She sought part-time local employment and found work at the Pompton Lakes Luggage and Shoe Repair shop, where she worked for five years. She later took a full-time position with the Borough of Pompton Lakes as the Court Administrator. For many years she was awakened in the middle of the night, as she was the person in charge of the paperwork for admitting anyone into the Borough’s jail. Having worked for the Borough of Pompton Lakes for eighteen years as the Court Administrator, she retired in 1997. She raised her three daughters, managed a household, and her career, all without ever driving a car!

Upon her retirement, she took on another exciting and often exhausting role caring for her grandchildren while her youngest daughter re-entered the work world.

Eileen was the beloved wife of the late Arthur P. Sockler(1974); devoted mother of Susan Hasenbalg and her husband Wayne of Randolph, Nancy Sarnelli and her husband Nick of Pequannock, and Cynthia Zeglen and her husband Craig of Oak Ridge; cherished grandmother of Nicholas, Michele and Daniel Sarnelli, Kyle and Craig Zeglen; beloved sister of the late John McNish, Marion Beckwith, Lenore Rutz, Gloria High, Evelyn Hatchman and Bill McNish; and blessed with thirty loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pompton Lakes 1st Aid Squad, 700 Ramapo Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 or Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 4th floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Eileen Mary Sockler

Pompton Lakes
April 12, 2009

A short life story of a man that left his family with wonderful memories.

Edward P. Mulligan age 94 of Wayne died Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the St. Vincent’s Nursing Home in Cedar Grove. His passing took place quietly and peacefully while he was receiving the loving care of his family who were at his bedside.

He was born in New York City and had lived his formative years in West Orange before moving to Wayne fifty-seven years ago. Ed received his formal education at Saint John’s High School in Orange graduating with the Class of 1933.

He met Dorothy Jones and they fell in love and married. One month after their marriage, with World War II in progress, Edward received his army draft notice and had to report for military training in California. He was only twenty-nine years old and the other recruits thought of him as much older and nick named him “Pops”. He became a sergeant and served in the Infantry in New Guinea and in the Philippines.

Edward and Dorothy once more came together after the War and they had sixty years of “devoted and loving” marriage together like “two peas in a pod” until Dorothy’s passing in April 2002.

One of many beautiful memories his family has is that during Dorothy’s last three years of life that Dad took over the household chores for her. He cooked, kept the house neat as a pin, always made the bed and best of all he showered love on his beautiful wife. Despite all of these chores which he did so well he still found time to maintain a beautiful flower and vegetable garden in his yard.

He was a true and loving family man and always encourage his daughters in their education and most important in their Roman Catholic faith. He was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of The Valley Parish in Wayne and was a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society as well as the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of the Valley and Holy Cross churches in Wayne for many years.

Perhaps the best highlight of his life experience was the arrival of his grandchildren. Edward made sure that he never missed a school or sporting event for his own children, in turn making sure that he was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. Pop-Pop never missed a football or swimming event that his grandchildren were in. His voice could always be heard on the field or under water, as he was their loudest cheerleader in the stands.

Edward was also active in the Wayne community and served as the first Director of the Wayne Recreation Commission. He was a long time volunteer fireman in Preakness Volunteer Fire Company No. 4 in Wayne and a member of the Wayne Golden Age Circle.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the hobbies of wood carving and gardening.

He was gifted with an extraverted personality that was kind and friendly, which caused him to have many welcoming friendships.

He had a vigorous life style and had excellent health until age 92 when he fell and broke his hip. It was after that event that his health started to diminish.

Thanks from all of us Dad and Pop- Pop for being such a wonderful person in our lives. We will always have a part of you in our hearts.

Surviving are two daughters, Carol Corazza of Oak Ridge and Maureen Clegg and her husband Steven of Lincoln Park; one sister, Marie Mulligan of West Orange and one brother, Ronald Mulligan of West Orange; four grandchildren Joseph Corazza and his wife Michelle, Steven Clegg, Kristin Bell and her husband Christopher, and Kaitlyn Clegg; two great grandchildren Matthew and Paul Corazza; nephew and nieces including Dennis, Jane and Jonathan Mulligan.

He was predeceased by a grandson Matthew Corazza in 1990, his sister Catherine Mulligan in 2008, his sister in law Rita Mulligan in 1988 and his son in law Joseph Corazza in 1999.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made in Edward’s memory to the Nursing Department of St. Vincent’s Nursing Home, 315 East Lindsley Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009.

Edward P. Mulligan

Wayne
April 11, 2009

A short story about a man who’s lifelong love was his family.

Joseph T. Corrao age 79 of Wayne passed away at home on Friday, April 10, 2009. His passing took place peacefully with the love of his family who were at his bedside. How appropriate a scene for a true and loving family man. Thank you Joe for being so special in our lives. We love you, we’ll miss you and we’ll remember you always.

He was born in Clifton and spent his formative years in Passaic later living in Glen Rock and then back to Clifton before moving to Wayne forty years ago. Joe owes his good fortune of living the American Dream to his father. His father Anthony Corrao was born in Alcamo, Sicily, Italy and life was very difficult with the economy in disarray and food in great shortage. He had heard about this land called America and decided to take a chance. Anthony traveled here in 1919 and met and married Ida Costello. They settled in Clifton and raised three sons together and were able to live in America and enjoy the opportunities for a better life all to the benefit of their three sons Nate, Joseph and Anthony.

Joe began his work life at the very early age of fourteen because his family needed everyone working to get through difficult economic times in their lives. His first job was in Brennan’s Tea Room in Passaic where he became adept at making milk shakes, sodas and malted milk drinks. In those days those beverages did not come prepackaged and had to be handmade just before consumption. His next job was in New York City for a Steamship Company where he was a sales representative.

He discovered within himself an entrepreneurial spirit and opened a Delicatessen-Butcher concession at the Woolworth’s 5 & 10 cent store in downtown Newark where he specialized in cut up chicken sales. Not one to be idle he talked with his brother Nate who had experience in the fence business and they partnered in establishing Jan Fence Company in Wayne. He kept his delicatessen concession until the fence business was built up and then joined Nate full time in fence retailing. The brothers ran the business together for many years until Nate retired in 1985. Five years later in 1990 Joe also went into retirement having groomed his son Robert to operate the business. Retirement was perhaps not the best word to use because Joe never stayed home but rather he showed up for work at what is now his son Robert’s company. It is obvious that Joe was driven to success and perhaps could be referred to as an ambitious workaholic by nature. His forte’ or perhaps key to success in the business world was to make things happen.

He was gifted with an extraverted personality that melded well with others and was well liked for his selfless kindness to all that he met. This caused him to have many admiring friends.

Joe and Kathleen met at a birthday party where the entertainment game was spin the bottle. When his turn came he spun the bottle and it pointed to Kathy. He lucked out and kissed Kathy. He said to his friends immediately, “I’ll be marrying that girl”. That kiss was real special because in ended up in a two year courtship and Joe and Kathy who married in 1952. They had fifty-seven years of “wonderful marriage” together.

He was a member of UNICO International, was an active member of the Paterson Italian Circle and he once ran for the office of New Jersey State Senator for the Republican Party.

In his leisure time you would often find Joe watching the New York Giants on TV. He was their number one fan.

Surviving are his loving wife Kathleen (nee Georgeou) Corrao; two sons Joseph T. Corrao Jr. and Robert Corrao both of Wayne, two brothers Nate Corrao of Clifton, Anthony Corrao of Montville; four grandchildren Kevin, Stephanie, Lauren and Joseph Corrao III.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joseph’s memory are asked to consider The American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Joseph T. Corrao

Wayne
April 10, 2009

Mildred Martha Padreza (Demarest) age 93 of Wayne died Monday, April 6, 2009 at the Regency Gardens Nursing Home, Wayne.

She was born and raised in Paterson. She attended Central High School and was part of the class of 1933. She lived with her husband , Charles, in Wayne for the past of fifty-nine years. Mildred met her husband, Charles Padreza, while working as an elevator operator at the Meyer Brothers Department Store in Paterson. She was introduced to him by her best friend June on a blind date. They fell in love and married on June 21, 1941. They had a garden wedding in Dover and honeymooned in Niagara Falls, NY.

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

Mildred will be remembered as a kind, caring, loving, and giving mother. She could always find the good in anyone and who’s daughter’s were the light of her life. She didn’t want anyone to worry about her and one of the things she could often be heard saying, even in the hours preceding her passing, were: “I’m fine, I’m good, I’m OK”.

She was the beloved wife of sixty-seven years to Charles Padreza; devoted mother to Jane Helen Gut and her husband Edward Gut of Wayne, Gail A. deLeeuw and her husband Dr. Neil deLeeuw of Centreville, DE and Karen M. Padreza and her husband Judge Ariel A. Rodríguez of Ramsey; cherished grandmother of Jennifer Gut, Lieutenant Jeffrey Gut, Major Jason deLeeuw, Peter Bradford deLeeuw, Esq, Hillary Spruance, Katherine deLeeuw, Alison deLeeuw, Makeida D. Hewitt,daughter of Karen Padreza; and eight great grandchildren; beloved sister of the late Helen Demerast Kara.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Parent Information Center of Delaware(who provide support for families with disabilities), 5570 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808 or Autism Delaware, 924 Old Harmony Road, Suite 201, Newark, DE 19713 would be appreciated.

Mildred Padreza

Wayne
April 6, 2009

Joan Wiessmann (nee Marvin) age 91 of Cedar Crest Village, Pompton Plains on Sunday, April 5, 2009. Her passing took place quietly and peacefully at home. Her loving family cared for and visited her often.

She was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and came to this country with her family at age twelve. Her father was an executive auditor for Standard Oil Company, now known as Exxon-Mobil Corporation, stationed in Sao Paulo. One of Joan’s wonderful memories as a child took place in Sao Paulo where she danced for the Prince of Wales who presented her with a medal.

When her father brought his family to America they settled in Montclair, NJ. Joan received her formal grammar school education at the American School in Sao Paulo, Brazil and when she moved to Montclair, at the Montclair High School graduating with the Class of 1935. She then attended the Swarthmore finishing school. Joan met her husband Karl while on a date with his best friend and after a courtship they married in 1939. They lived their entire married life in the Packanack Lake area of Wayne before Joan moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains six and one half years ago.

Joan and Karl enjoyed a “devoted and loving” marriage together of fifty-five years until Karl’s passing in April of 1994. Joan was the proud mother of seven and mourned the loss of her son Karl Michael Wiessmann in January 2004.

Joan was gifted with a wonderful, exuberant and outgoing personality and socialized easily with others. She was a reporter for the Herald News Newspaper in Passaic and later the Bergen Record Newspaper, primarily covering the Wayne area and writing wonderful articles that served to knit the community together.

Joan was a very active participant in her home community of Packanack Lake and was a member of the Packanack Civic Club, past president of the Pack-A-Golfers , and the Pack-A-Ladies bowling leagues. She was also a member of the Packanack Community Church, the Soroptomist Club of Passaic County, the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 Ladies Auxiliary. She was honored in 1973 receiving the Mother-of-the-Year Award from the Wayne Chapter of UNICO and had served as a trustee for the Wayne Foundation For the Handicapped. She was a member of the Packanack Chapter of the Chilton Memorial Auxiliary and the Water Gap Country Club in Pennsylvania. The greater community will always remember this wonderful lady and her vivacious personality. She welcomed all into her circle of friends and family. She maintained a positive outlook throughout her life, and brought joy to all who knew her.

Joan leaves her family with many happy memories of a very loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. Her concern for her family and their well being was always primary. One of the highlights of her life was the arrival of grandchildren, which grew to eleven in all, plus one great grandchild.

Surviving are six children including Larry John Wiessmann and his wife Colleen of Seabrook Island, SC, Ross Edward Wiessmann and his wife Darlene of Wantage, NJ, Leslie Joan Nieskens and her husband Frank of East Northport, NY, Robin Lee Wiessmann and her husband Ken Jarin of Washington Crossing, PA, Kerry Gayle Wiessmann and her partner Beth Resko of State College, PA, Edward John Wiessmann and his wife Eva of Wantage, NJ.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joan’s memory are asked to consider the Packanack Community Church or the Autism Society of America ,7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3067.

Joan Marvin Wiessmann

Pompton Plains
April 5, 2009

Victor Pellechia, age 93, was born on December 6, 1915 and died on April 4, 2009. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Doyle) for 58 years. Loving father to Victor (Amy) Pellechia; MaryAnne (Manny) Buendia; Michael; Connie; and Elizabeth (Jerry) Monroe. Cherished grandfather of 5 grandsons and 2 granddaughters and one great granddaughter. A special thanks to his loving Goddaughter, Loretta Mahoney and Cousin, Pearline Nazzaro. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph DeLorenzo, and sister, Katherine Smith.

Victor served his country during WWII as a communications technician and raised to the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed in Germany, Belgium, and France for four years and received the Medal of Victory, the Battle of the Bulge, and Victory over Europe.

Victor was a mailman in Paterson and met his wife on his route. He remained with the post office for over 11 years and then worked as a compliance officer for the Department of Labor for 23 years having retired in 1978. For the last 10 years he tirelessly took care of his loving Lizzy who suffers with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Victor Pellechia

Paterson
April 4, 2009

Arlene L. Haas (nee Miller) of Oakland on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Loving daughter of the late John W. Miller and Ruth May (Gadinger) Miller.

Born in Jamaica, Long Island, New York, she lived in Holbrook, Merrick and East Northport, Long Island before moving to Oakland, New Jersey forty-five years ago.

While in Mepham High School in Belmont, LI, NY Arlene took a great deal of interest and pride in being a majorette and she was involved in competitive roller-skate dancing.

She leaves with many wonderful memories of a very loving wife, mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to her family. One of the highlights in her life was being very close to her granddaughter Lauren. Enjoying her many dance performances, recitals, competitions, sewing costumes and cheering on all members of the King Centre for Performing Arts. Arlene was so alive and in love with life and she was in turn loved by many who knew her. She found much joy in the goodness and caring for the people she loved.

Arlene had a wonderful sense of humor and a vast array of hobbies including watching auto racing, a sporting interest she got from her father who was a racecar driver, and she drove a 1967 red corvette for many years. She also enjoyed painting, bowling, Girl Scout Leader, softball coaching, NJ Devils fan, member of the Harmony Singers, flower arranging, crocheting and many other arts and crafts.

Arlene and Bill had fifty-five years of marriage, having celebrated their 50th year anniversary on a cruise to Alaska along with the family.

Arlene was one of the first patients of the heart valve pioneer, Dr. Denton Cooley, where in Houston Texas she had a metal “Cooley Cutter Valve” implanted in her heart in 1978. She will live forever in our “hearts”. Arlene, we thank you for your bravery, strength of spirit and love of your family and friends that will help us endure our life without you.

Surviving are her husband William P. Haas Sr.; one daughter Darlene Kohan and her husband Bruce of West Milford; one son William P. Haas Jr. and his wife Jana of Lovettsville, Virginia; one brother Richard W. Miller and his wife Barbara of Frederick, Colorado; a very special granddaughter Lauren Kohan; two nephews Glenn Miller of Lyons, Colorado and Christopher Miller of Longmont, Colorado.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Arlene’s memory are asked to consider The American Heart Association, “Bergen County Chapter”, One Union Street, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.

Arlene L. Haas

Oakland
April 4, 2009

Louis Tedeschi age 89, a lifelong resident of Paterson, died Friday, April 3, 2009 at the St. Josephs Wayne Hospital.

He was the owner of the Totowa News Dealer, Paterson having delivered newspapers door to door for almost fifty years before retiring in 1990.

Louis met his wife, the late Dorothea Tedeschi(Waywell), in Paterson School Number 5 and eventually married her at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, Paterson on January 15, 1940.

He was a member of ACD (Auburn Cord Duisenberg) Club for over fifty years and was known as “The Doctor” by the club members as there wasn’t a thing he couldn’t fix.

He was the beloved husband of fifty-nine years to the late Dorothea Tedeschi (Waywell); loving father of Lois Nolan of Wayne and Louis A. Tedeschi and his wife Patricia of Tinton Falls; cherished grandfather of Tad Nolan, Dena Klim and her husband John, Brett Tedeschi and his wife Christi, Blake and Brant Tedeschi; beloved brother of Marion Guida of Paterson and the late Nathal Tedeschi.

Louis Tedeschi

Paterson
April 3, 2009

Karen Elizabeth Goralski, age 39, of Kinnelon, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Friday, April 3, 2009, with the comfort of family and friends by her side.

Karen was born in 1969 and raised in Pequannock Township. She graduated Montclair State University and began her teaching career at Essex County Vocational Schools where she changed the lives of many of her students. After 12 years, Karen returned to her hometown to teach at Pequannock Valley Middle School where she earned Teacher of the Year honors. She was active as coach of both the H.S. and P.V. colorguard and faculty advisor of the yearbook.

Karen is survived by her loving husband James Peter Goralski and daughter Kathryn Elizabeth Goralski. Karen is also survived by her parents Jack and Bette Valle of Pequannock, brothers Jack, Rich and Mike and their families as well as members of the Goralski family.

Karen was a Kinnelon Girl Scout Leader, assisted with a Destination Imagination Team and taught CCD at Our Lady of Magnificat.

For those considering an expression of sympathy: memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 or flowers would be appreciated.

Karen Elizabeth Goralski

Kinnelon
April 3, 2009

Jennie Marie Rosa (nee Cottone) age 77 of Lakewood and Seaside Heights, formerly of Wayne, died Thursday, April 2, 2009 peacefully at home.

She was born and raised in Newark having attended Central High School, Newark with the class of 1949.

She met her husband John A. Rosa, Jr. at Automatic Mfg Company in Newark, where she worked as a secretary and he as an industrial engineer. They were married on October 31, 1953 at Saint Anthonys Church, Belleville. She moved to Union City and lived there for 10 years, then they moved to Wayne, where they resided for 45 years, and spent summers at their jersey shore condo. Last year they moved to 4-Seasons @ Lakewood.

Mrs. Rosa was a purchasing agent, and was known as a tenacious cost cutter for Thomas Electronics of Wayne for twenty years before retiring in 1996.

She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife and mother who took pride in her home and family. Jennie was a sophisticated lady who had style, grace, and beauty.

Jennie was the loving wife of John A. Rosa, Jr. for 55 years; loving mother of John F. Rosa of Toms River and Jeanette Burchill of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Jake, Samuel and Shanna Burchill; and loving sister of Mary Tammera of Bloomfield, Elvira Tammera of Livingston, and the late Frank Cottone.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Parkinson's Disease Foundation at PDF.ORG or The National Parkinson's Foundation at PARKINSON.ORG

Jennie Marie Rosa

Wayne
April 2, 2009

Nicholas Tilli age 96 of Wayne died Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the Care One Health Care Center in Wayne. His passing was tranquil and peaceful after receiving the continuous loving care of his family.

He was born in Paterson and lived in Elmwood Park and Saddle Brook before moving to Wayne four years ago.

Nick received his formal education at Paterson Central High School graduating with the Class of 1930.

He is an Army Private and a Veteran of World War II.

Nicholas was a parishioner for many years at Saint Joseph’s RC Church in Paterson and while living in Wayne at Our Lady of The Valley RC Church.

He was a Technician at the Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority facility in Newark for over thirty-two years before his retirement in 1976. He was dedicated to his work and enjoyed going to work every day.

Nicholas was gifted with a quiet personality nature that got along well with others. He had a very wonderful memory and was extremely generous always wanting to help those in need.

He enjoyed baseball and as a young man he played for the American Legion Base Ball league in Paterson. Nick was also the number one fan of the New York Yankees baseball team.

Perhaps the most important highlight of his life was the arrival of grandchildren whom he loved with all of his heart. His son also recalls wonderful memories of a father who went out of his way to take him to Major League baseball games. He was a dedicated family man who always put the needs of the family first ahead of his own.

In his youth he met a girl named Adeline and they soon fell in love and married and had fifty-five years of “loving marriage” together until Adeline’s passing in 2001.

Surviving are one son Nicholas J. Tilli and his wife Michele of Wayne; one daughter Pat Byle of Fair Lawn six grandchildren Patty Wehner and her husband George, Lynn Lewis, John Byle, Robert Baranowski and his wife Alyson, Carrie Ann Gregory and her husband Kenneth, Danielle Miller and her husband Tom; great grandchildren tyler and Travis Wehner, Anastasia,Khaia and Stephen Baranowski and Emilee Gregory.

He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Tilli and his sister Concetta O’Donnell.

Those wishing to provide a memorial in Nicholas’ memory are asked to consider Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, 476 17th Avenue, Paterson, NJ 0704-1123

Nicholas Tilli

Wayne
April 1, 2009

Maryann Muro (Smrek), age 53 of Wayne, passed away on Tuesday. March 31, 2009. She had been suffering, from breast cancer complications for several months. She died quietly at 11:10am, with her husband, Danny, 52, her daughter Shannon and her son Nicholas and their spouses by her side. Maryann was rushed to the Hackensack University Medical Center earlier that morning having extreme breathing difficulties. She was made comfortable and she very quietly succumbed.

Maryann was born and raised in Newburgh, New York. She had 2 children, Shannon and Nicholas at a young age, and in 1982 married her husband and best friend, Daniel Muro. They met in the summer of 1981 in the New York-New Jersey area, Danny was in a popular rock band and Maryann was working as an actress and model. They became close friends immediately and were married on Valentine's Day in February 1982. The couple moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne, NJ to raise their 2 young children. Shortly after that, Danny and Maryann made career changes to better enable raising their children. Maryann became a freelance make-up artist for television, working on shows like "The Richard Bay" show, WOR-9 News, the Tim McGarver show, and countless other productions. Danny became a commercial photographer in New York CIty, eventually moving his business into their home in the late 1990s.

They loved each other intensely and devoted themselves to raising their children with great love and commitment, and saw them both get married, launch wonderful careers and have children of their own. Their life together was blessed with health, love and success, until Maryann was diagnosed with a breast cancer in 2003, having a lump her her breast removed in the Summer of that year. She was declared cancer free. She and her husband resumed their life and careers and had no signs of cancer returning until 2007, when she began treatment that kept it away until October of 2008. By November she began suffering from breathlessness, and the nature of the complications that began developing in her lungs went undiagnosable. Treatments continued, but the rare lymphatic metastesis continued to overcome her. She stopped working in early March of this year, and grew progressively worse until surrendering to the disease on March 31.

She leaves behind a devastated husband Daniel Muro; devoted children Nicholas Joseph Fayo and his wife Sandy, and Shannon Patricia Lauretta and her husband Rich; cherrished grandchildren Nicholas Fayo, Fallyn Fayo and Cameryn Lauretta. Maryann's glow, love and unrestrained generosity will be badly missed by all who were touched by her rare and beautiful energy. Her commitment to honesty, optimisim and hard work will serve as an inspiration to her family and friends for the rest of their lives.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Maryann Muro

Wayne
March 31, 2009

Jack (John) Van Houten Jr., age 81 of Wayne, died suddenly at home on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. He had been a resident of Wayne for 47 years.

Born in Prospect Park, he graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1945 and immediately joined the Navy. Jack served during WW II and during the late 1940’s before being discharged. He was recalled to active duty and served again during the Korean War before being discharged finally in 1954. He began working for his father-in-law at Adelco Service Inc., specializing in gas station maintenance. After his father-in-law passed away, Jack took over the operation and ran it until retiring in 1989. Jack was also a long time distributor of nutritional products for Shaklee.

Jack was an avid reader, especially of religious books. He also enjoyed travelling. His son John recalls memories of their family trips, when they were kids, to almost every state in the USA. More recently Jack and his wife Marion had travelled to the Netherlands, Michigan, and South Dakota. He had a great sense of humor and was always reliable when you needed a laugh. Jack and Marion had a “loving” marriage together for nearly ten years.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife Marion (Rose-Kersten), one son; John and his wife Annette of Kinnelon, a stepson; Gary Kersten and his wife Rachael of Walker, Michigan, five grandchildren; Justin Van Houten of Chester, NJ, Gary Van Sweden and his wife Amy of Oak Ridge, NJ, and Travis, Tyler, and Natalie Kersten of Walker, Michigan, two great-grandchildren; Courtney and Cole Van Sweden of Oak Ridge, a sister; Bette Verblaauw of North Haledon, and many more nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Jack was predeceased by his son Gerald in 2004 and his first wife Leona (Admerand) in 1996.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Netherlands Reformed Christian School, 164 Jacksonville Rd, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be greatly appreciated.

Jack Van Houten

Wayne
March 31, 2009

Charles J. Wardy age 91 of Franklin Lakes on Monday, March 30, 2009 peacefully at home with his family at his side.

He was born in Union City and had spent his formative years in Paterson. Charles lived in Passaic County for most of his life before moving to Franklin Lakes to live with his daughter and her family eighteen years ago.

Charles received his formal education at Paterson St John’s Grammar and High School. He then joined the United States Army serving as a driver in the Signal Corp during World War II serving in France. He received the American Theater Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern and World War II Victory Ribbons.

He started his work life managing a dry cleaning business and also a shoe repair business. After his Army service Charles took a two year course in stone cutting and diamonds (paid for by GI Bill) and subsequently opened his own Jewelry Store in Brooklyn, New York later in Paterson, NJ at 951 Main Street. His last retail location was at the Plains Plaza shopping center on Route 23 in Pompton Plains. After closing his own store, he served as a diamond expert at Bamberger’s (later Macy’s) Department Store at the Garden State Plaza Shopping Center in Paramus.

As a pillar of the Syrian community originating in South Paterson, Charles was a lifelong devoted parishioner of St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church in West Paterson. He took exceptional pride in his Arabic language skills and his heritage.

Charles was by nature generous, loving, non-judgmental, and most of all gentle. Always willing to help, he would take on any task that needed to be done and was known to have regularly mowed the lawn in a three piece suit. In his later years, his jovial personality blessed the lives of all who interacted with him, especially his beloved grandchildren with whom he lived. His priceless expressions and reactions provided countless laughs and loving memories.

He was in attendance as a guest at an engagement party for a friend and met Elizabeth Haddad who became the love of his life and they married in 1945 and had forty-six years of “loving and devoted” marriage together until Elizabeth’s passing in March of 1991. During their marriage you could depend on good natured "Chal" to do many household tasks including the food shopping and taking out the garbage.

Surviving are one son Joseph Anthony Wardy of Randolph and one daughter Mary Joan Ajjan and her husband Dr. Geroge Ajjan of Franklin Lakes. He is the cherished grandfather of Adrienne Griffin and her husband Edward, Charles J. Wardy II, George Charles Ajjan, Vanessa Karam, and her husband Jean-Pierre, Valerie Ajjan, and one great grandson Raphael George Karam.

His son Charles J. Wardy, Jr predeceased him. He was the last of all his family of eleven siblings to pass away. His sisters Beatrice Hayek, Mary Baskinger, Helen Trebotich, Anne Dembiak, Norma Riffle, Josephine Dorgan, Agnes Cella, Anthony, Albert and George Wardy all predeceased him.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Charles’ memory are asked to consider St Ann Melkite Catholic Church in West Paterson or Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Charles J. Wardy

Franklin Lakes
March 30, 2009

Elise M. Morgan (Miss Morgan) age 87 of Lincoln Park on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne. A very special and dedicated teacher in the Wayne School System.

She was born in Lincoln Park and had lived there all of her life.

Elise received her formal education at Boonton High School graduating with the Class of 1938. She then went on to study at the Montclair State Normal School which later became Montclair State University in Montclair. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Elise went on to receive a Masters in Education from New York University in New York City after which she continued her education toward her Doctorate.

She was respected as a fine and dedicated teacher in the Wayne School System for over fifty years. Her dedication to her chosen profession was exemplary and she was very fond of her students. They greatly respected her even though she was a strict teacher in the classroom setting. Miss Morgan is fondly remembered by thousands of students whom she taught business education skills including proficiency in typing. Now that society is in the computer age it can be safely said that she gave all of her students an edge in their modern life skills.

Miss Morgan started her Wayne teaching career on April 6, 1943 at Wayne Junior High School, known later as Anthony Wayne School. She also taught at Wayne Valley High School and Wayne Hills High School finally retiring from her teaching career at George Washington Junior High School.

In the early days of her teaching career in the 1950’s she was hired by the United States State Department to teach American Service Men and their families in Spain and Japan.

Within her family she was much loved and called Aunt Elise. She was present at all family celebrations, events and dinners. She found much joy and comfort in the family setting.

She was gifted with an extraverted personality and in her leisure time loved to dance and mix with others. Elise was a regular at the Arthur Murray dance club events.

Surviving are one first cousin Kathryn Stone of Blandon, Pennsylvania; four second cousins Nancy Belsky and her husband Stephen of Blandon, Pa., Robert Stone and his wife Marilyn of Loveland, Colorado, Donald Stone and his wife Lisa of Lincoln Park, William Stone and his wife Katherine of Ardmore, Pennsylvania and Robert McLellan and his wife Theresa of Margate, Florida.

She is also survived by her loved and dedicated dog companion “Misty Morgan” a schnauzer.

Elise M. Morgan

Lincoln Park
March 29, 2009

Mary Plucinsky Sklarski, age 91 of Garfield died on March 28, 2009 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne. She was born in Passaic and lived most of her life in Garfield.

During World War II she was employed with Curtis Wright, helping the war effort as many women did at the time. They were affectionately known as “Rosie the riveter”. She later worked for Presto Lock and then Permanent Label in Clifton until retiring in 1983.

She stayed very active in her retirement, especially playing Bingo at all of the local churches. Her greatest love of all was her family. She was the glue that held them all together, whether at a family BBQ or a big holiday dinner with all the family present. Mary was especially proud of her granddaughter Serena who just recently blessed Mary with a great-granddaughter named Elizabeth.

Mary is also survived by her daughter; Maryann Piazza and her husband Salvatore of Lodi, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mary was predeceased by her husband John in 1992 and her son John T. in 2006.

The family would appreciate Mass Cards be offered in Mary’s name.

Mary Plucinsky Sklarski

Wayne
March 28, 2009

Margaret “Peggy” Spazante (nee Melissant) age 80 of Wayne passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her loving family at her bedside.

She was born in Paterson spending her formative years in Paterson where she attended Eastside High School before moving to Wayne fifty- four years ago.

Peggy grew up during the depression years and she had to leave school early to help support her family. Her first job was in sales at a Woolworth Five and Ten Cent Store in Paterson. She later worked for New Jersey Bell Telephone Company as a Switchboard Operator for many years and then became the Switchboard Operator at the Wayne Township Municipal building where she worked for many years before retiring in 1994.

She was a past member of the Order of The Eastern Star Chapter in Paterson.

She leaves her family with many fond and warm memories of a very caring and loving Mother and Grandmother. She was totally dedicated to her family and took great pride in Mom’s Taxi service to take her children to their activities and games at the Wayne PAL, Little League games and may other important activities in their lives. Mom loved her family gathered around her and being a talented cook, she was not above expressing herself with their culinary enjoyment in mind. Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives.

Surviving are three sons Robert “Bob” Spazante and his wife Janice of Boynton Beach, Florida, William Spazante and his wife Kristin Zoller of Pacific Grove, California and John Spazante and his wife Patty of Wayne; one sister Muriel Connell and her husband Gerald of Essex Fells and Naples, Florida; four grandchildren Jennifer Gleason and her husband Michael, Jaclyn, Stephen and Emily Spazante.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Peggy’s memory are asked to consider The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 560 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.

Margaret 'Peggy' Spazante

Wayne
March 28, 2009

Earl was born on December 11, 1917 in Paterson, NJ and graduated from Central High School, Paterson with the class of 1937 where he starred on the Swimming Team and held several NJ State titles.

He graduated from the McAllister School of Embalming, NYC and received his funeral director and embalmer license in 1941. He worked with his father and brother at the P.G. Plavier & Sons Funeral Home, Paterson until January of 1942 when he joined the Marine Corps. Earl was a member of the First Marine Division and participated in action on Guadalcanal, Cape Glouster, New Britain, Solomon Islands and Peleliu. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal and four Bronze Stars during the capture and defense of Guadalcanal, Eastern New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago and the Western Caroline Islands Operations; his unit received a Presidential Unit Citation. After four years in the Marine Corps he was honorably discharged and returned to Paterson and continued working the his father and brother at the funeral home.

While attending the Third Presbyterian Church in Paterson, Earl met Margaret Foster. Their first date was to the Howard Johnsons in Clifton. They married in 1949 at the Third Presbyterian Church in Paterson and honeymooned for two days in New York City. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

In 1947 Earl took the Civil Service Exam and was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department. He was awarded the Paterson Fire Department Valor Award in 1975. He served from thirty-one years having retired as a Captain in 1978. Once retired he and his wife Margaret moved to Crestwood Village in Ocean County, NJ.

Earl Plavier

Paterson
March 27, 2009

Robert (Bob) Guarino age 67 of Bluffton, SC, formerly of Wayne, died Monday, March 23, 2009 peacefully at home with his loving wife at his side.

Bob was born in Newark and raised in Nutley. He moved to Wayne in 1965 where he and Carol raised their girls. Bob along with Carol started the Pre-Cana program at IHM Church in 1990 and were involved with Marriage Encounter in the area for many years. He retired to Bluffton, SC six years ago.

Robert graduated from Nutley High School in 1959 and joined the United States Navy. He then became an apprentice marble/stone mason and was a member of the Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen, NYC as well as the International Union. Along with his father and brother, they formed a family business called Marble Unlimited in Belleville where he worked for almost 40 years as a cutter and setter before retiring in 2003.

He met Carol through a mutual friend and went on a blind date. They fell in love and were married on September 28, 1963 at St. Joseph's Church in Maplewood, NJ and have enjoyed forty-five years of a marriage that is best described as loving and devoted. Carol will tell you they were “best friends” and that he was the “love of her life”.

Robert was a craftsman that was said to have “hands of gold”. He could fix just about anything and was always given a “daddy do list” when visiting his children. He loved getting those lists and completed them as an expression of love. His skills varied from making furniture or toyboxes, to building fireplaces or additions to homes of friends. Another passion of Bob's was making good Italian red wine with his Dad, brother and nephew for many years. His palate for picking the correct grapes will be missed but the memories of the fun in making it will live in the hearts of all. As his friends will attest to, he was very proud of his wine and shared it abundantly with anyone who wanted to taste it.

In his retirement years in Bluffton, SC he donated his skills to Habitat for Humanity and also to helping the poor by building ramps, repairing steps, and fixing their homes. All done with love through the KOC of his church. He also helped the Sun City Theatre Group by designing and building sets for their productions.

He is the beloved husband of Carol Guarino (Bukwich) of Bluffton, SC; devoted father of Annemarie Cash of Cliffside Park, Michele Rubino and her husband Tony of Pompton Plains and Dawn Ksiazek and her husband Greg of Clarks Summit, PA; devoted son of Mary Guarino (Castronova) of Wayne and the late Dominick Guarino(2006); cherished grandfather of Emily Cash, Anthony, Kaleigh and Jenna Rubino and Nicholas and James Ksiazek; loving brother of Donald Guarino and his wife Rosemarie of Wayne, Connie Renn and her husband Frank of Costa Mesa, CA and Annamae DeFuria of Las Vegas, NV.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 14 Commerce Drive, Suite 301, Cranford, NJ 07016.or or the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack NJ 07601

Robert 'Bob' Guarino

Wayne
March 23, 2009

Pasquale “Pat” Scozzaro age 91 of Wyckoff on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 unexpectedly at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains.

He was born in Passaic and had lived his formative years in Passaic later living in Paterson before moving to Wyckoff forty-nine years ago. Pat started his working life as a bus driver and later went into his own business Midland Auto Electric located in Garfield which he operated for fifty years before his retirement in 1970. His success in the business world was attributed to being a very diligent and hard worker

His parents Onofrio and Mary moved here from Sicily, Italy in the early 1900’s settling in Passaic. Living conditions were very difficult and the political economic atmosphere in Italy was very challenging. They had heard many stories about America and they decided to make a move. It was because of their courage and ambition to have a better life for their children that they took a chance on a new land called America. It was because of their loving concern that Pasquale, his brother Sam and his sister Ann were able to live the “American Dream”.

Pat loved exercise and you would often find him walking the halls of the shopping malls as his favorite exercise location. He had a very quiet demeanor and can best be described as an active observer of the world around him. He was a very special “uncle Pat” who did not have children of his own but loved people and very much enjoyed gathering family around him on every occasion that he could.

He met Frances DeLise at an Italian social in Paterson and after a courtship most often accompanied by an Italian moral committee of chaperones they married and had sixty-four years of “family oriented marriage” together.

Surviving are his loving wife Frances (nee DeLise) Scozzaro; many nieces, many nephews, seven great nieces and nephews and several great great nieces and nephews who adored him. Also surviving are his sister Ann Costa of Clifton and his brother in laws Frank DeLise of Paterson and John DeLise of Wayne.

His brother Sam Scozzaro died earlier.

Pasquale 'Pat' Scozzaro

Wyckoff
March 18, 2009

Jacob “Jack” Galloway, age 52 of Kinnelon, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 13, 2009.

He grew up in Prospect Park, graduating from Manchester High School in 1974. He had been living in Kinnelon for the past nineteen years and was employed with Givaudan in East Hanover.

Jack enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, landscaping, toiling in his vegetable garden, camping or simply going to the beach in Wildwood. He enjoyed many summer vacations on Lake George and Lake Champlain. He was a big Giants fan, and “the best neighbor” you could ever ask for; always willing and able to help. He was Vice President of the Lake Edenwold Association in Butler and you could count on him to handle all the grilling at the annual lake party. Jack loved to cook and he was very good at it.

Jack met his wife Patricia while bowling at T-Bowl in Wayne. They enjoyed nearly 26 years of a “fun-loving” marriage together. The birth of their daughter Kristie turned Jack into a big teddy bear. He absolutely adored Kristie and loved every minute of being her dad.

He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Patricia (nee Jachera) and his daughter Kristie Galloway of Kinnelon, his mother-in-law Wyn Jachera of Wayne, brother-in-laws Michael Jachera and his wife Holly of Scotch Plains and Steven Jachera and his wife Antonella of Lincoln Park, a sister-in-law; Linda Feldman and her husband Peter of Wayne, and his Uncle Orie and Aunt Netty Kros of Clifton, as well as many more family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider donations to help with his daughter Kristie’s education. Please make donations to Kristie Galloway and mail the c/o Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Jacob 'Jack' Galloway

Kinnelon
March 13, 2009

Barbara F. Cosgrove (nee Magaw) on Friday, March 13, 2009.

She was born in Rockville Center, New York and graduated from Eastchester High School, Eastchester, NY with the class of 1944 and was a resident of Emerson for forty-eight years before moving to Montville in 2000.

Barbara was a parishioner of St. Pius X RC Church, Montville and a member of the La Campagna Condo Association Board of Directors, Montville.

She was employed by the Emerson Jr. Sr. High School Board of Education for 23 years before retiring in 1994.

Beloved wife of thirty years to the late Arthur J. Cosgrove(1978); cherished mother of Christine Lynne Mitchell and her husband Raymond of Oviedo, FL, Arthur Stephen Cosgrove and his wife Rhea of Palm Coast, FL, Karen Ann Haleblian and her husband Richard of Boonton Twp, and Douglas William Cosgrove and his wife Maureen of Wayne; much loved grandmother of Raymond D. Mitchell and his wife Lisa of Omaha, NE, Brian P. Mitchell and his wife Lynn of Jacksonville, FL, Jack Cosgrove and Krystina Vaden of Jacksonville, FL, Zachary and Olivia Haleblian of Boonton Twp, and Brendan and Diana Cosgrove of Wayne; devoted great-grandmother of Hailey and Ashley Mitchell of Omaha, NE.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1034 Salem Road, Union, NJ 07083-7058 would be appreciated.

Barbara F. Cosgrove

Montville
March 13, 2009

Anthony Lanza, age 44 of Wayne, died suddenly on Thursday, March 12, 2009 with his wife by his side. He has been a lifelong resident of Wayne, graduating from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1983.

Tony has been employed with the Wayne Board of Education for twenty years. He was also a volunteer member of the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad for over fifteen years. Tony enjoyed his experience with the “Squad”, where he often worked with his brother Ken. Several years ago, Tony received the Civilian Merit Award for saving the life of a Wayne teenager who had been trapped in a burning car. He was truly a selfless servant to his community and would do anything for anyone and never said no when he was asked for help.

Most notably, Tony was a real prankster and you could always count on him for a great laugh. He was relentless when it came to pulling a prank. He had a real zest for life and he gladly shared it with everyone he knew.

Tony enjoyed camping up in the Thousand Islands, boating, and especially the Giants and Yankees, but his favorite thing of all was his wife and kids; Tony was a devoted dad and loving husband. He was a real “Mr. Mom”, doing as much as he possibly could with his kids and loving every minute of it. He and Heather enjoyed eight years of a “close and loving” marriage together.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife Heather (nee Matysik) of Wayne, two children; Krystian Lanza and Anthony John “A.J.” Lanza, his loving mother; Monica Lanza of Hewitt, his in-laws; John and Eleanor Matysik of Wayne, five brothers; Leonard and his wife Lisa of Wayne, William and his wife Kathy of Towaco, Thomas and his wife Niki of Wayne, Jay of California, and Kenneth of Totowa, one sister; Karen Sibilia and her husband Stephen of Nutley, nieces and nephews; Jonathan, Danielle, Joanna, Shawn, Alex, Jaymi and Colette, and many more family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Daniel Jr. in 2002 and his father, Daniel Sr. in 1995.

Donations to assist his children would be greatly appreciated. Please make donations in the children’s name and mail them c/o Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Anthony Lanza

Wayne
March 12, 2009

Fred Carlson, age 85 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. He was born in Passaic and lived his early years in Clifton. He graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1942.

He had been employed with National Cash Register, NCR, of Fairlawn until his retirement in 1987.

When Fred was just seven years old, his mother took him and his two sisters and baby brother back to Sweden to visit family. During the voyage, Fred explored every square inch of their ship and befriended the whole crew. He fell in love with the Sea and the experience was so profound it created wanderlust in Fred; he was determined to sail the world when he grew up. Immediately after graduating high school, he joined the Merchant Marine and did just that. He has literally been all around the world; visited hundreds of ports, he’s been through the Fjords of Scandinavia, to India and beyond. He would gladly share his stories and loved every minute of his life at sea.

Fred was then drafted into the US Army during the end of World War II. He was discharged but then recalled to serve in Germany during the Korean War era.

Shortly after his return from the Army, he became reacquainted with Evelyn Heldt, whom he had known in high school. They were married in May of 1952 and enjoyed fifty seven years of "wonderful" marriage together. They had already purchased their house in Wayne and moved right in after the wedding. Fred took full advantage of living at Pines Lake, especially with the sailing club. In 1968 Fred and Evelyn purchased a home on LBI and this became Fred’s second love. He spent as much time there as he possibly could, sitting on the deck and staring out at the ocean. While on LBI, he would often volunteer at the St. Francis Community Center, feeding the elderly. As grandchildren arrived he found great pleasure in watching them develop a love of the beach and ocean that matched his own. Fred also was an avid reader, never without a book or two, who was thrilled that his children and grandchildren had inherited his love of books.

Fred never lost his adventurous spirit. His son Scott recalls a trip to Maine where his father turned down a narrow road and followed it, just to see where it went – something Fred would do frequently. His daughters Carin and Christine remember their family trip to Europe, in 1983; they had no advanced reservations or hotel plans. They simply traveled the countryside and found places to stay when they needed. The whole trip was a true adventure that epitomized their dad’s spirit and left them all with many fond memories.

As Fred sets sail once again, he leaves his beloved wife of fifty seven years, Evelyn (nee Heldt), three children; Scott Carlson of Hamden, NY, Carin Wantula and her husband Richard of Wayne, and Christine Bertha and her husband Richard of West Milford, three grandchildren; Eric Bertha of West Milford and Hannah and Christian Wantula of Wayne, and one brother; Harold Carlson of Clifton. Fred was predeceased by his twin sisters; Marion Eckert in 1995 and Beatrice Harwood in 2007.

The family kindly requests donations, in lieu of flowers, to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Fred Carlson

Wayne
March 10, 2009

Anne M. Ridgway (nee Sanclementi) of Wayne passed away quietly and peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2009 at the age of 70. Her beloved family remained constantly at her bedside caring for her until her passing.

Anne was born in Pompton Lakes and lived her formative years in Pequannock, later returning to Pompton Lakes before then moving to Wayne forty-seven years ago. She spent much of her time during her earlier years helping her father who owned Sanclementi’s Meat Market in Pompton Lakes.

Anne received her formal education at Butler High School graduating with the Class of 1955 then moved on to a job at the telephone company. Mrs. Ridgway then worked for over twenty seven years for the Wayne Board of Education in various capacities including Cafeteria Manager and School Bus Driver. During this time she worked at the Packanack, Pines Lake, Terhune, and John F. Kennedy Elementary schools; and Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills High School locations.

Anne leaves her family with many fond memories of a very dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was very devoted to her family and the highlight of her days was spending time with them on family vacations and holidays of which she documented with her many photographs. Anne was also a friendly soul and would reach out to many with her kindness. A great many people have been gently touched by her during her journey through life.

Anne met her future husband, Robert Ridgway, at the famous Wayne Milk Barn, which was located on Hamburg Turnpike, and they soon became a couple. Before the marriage took place however, Anne’s father Frank, grilled young Robert, asking him what his intentions were toward his daughter. For the record, of course, Bob responded "honorable". They married shortly thereafter and had forty-nine years as a happy couple together.

Both Anne and Bob were friendly and sociable and hosted many a memorable get together with friends, family and acquaintances at their comfortable home throughout the years.

Surviving are Anne's loving husband Bob; a daughter, Marie Stallard and her husband Sam of Wayne; two sons Robert F. Ridgway and his wife Sondra of Navarre, Florida and James J. Ridgway and his wife Lynne of Milltown, NJ; two brothers, Charlie Sanclementi and his wife Rosie of Wayne and Frank Sanclementi Jr. and his wife, Janet of Haskell; seven grandchildren, Anna Marie and Daniella Coffaro; Nicholas, Richard, Matthew and Gina Ridgway; and Robert James Ridgway. Anne also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Ruth Sanclementi and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved mother, Mary and father, Frank; two brothers and their wives, Dominic and Vera and Angelo and Sylvia Sanclementi; and also her brother John.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Anne’s memory are asked to consider The Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470-0291.

Anne M. Ridgway

Wayne
March 9, 2009

Frank J. Demore age 70 of Lincoln Park died Sunday, March 8, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock.

He was born in Paterson and lived in Totowa Boro before moving to Lincoln Park forty-seven years ago.

Frank graduated from Passaic Valley High School, Little Falls with the class of 1957.

He was the proprietor of Frank’s Shell Station, Union Blvd., Totowa, Franks Exxon, Ratzer Road, Wayne and has worked for the Fayson Lakes Water Company for the past eighteen years.

Frank loved going to the shore and especially loved taking family and friends out on his boat.

He is the beloved husband of forty-eight years to Jill A.(Roselene) Demore; loving father of Tammie Dehnert and her husband Charlie of Stanhope, Frank Demore and his wife Kimberly of West Milford, Bruce Demore and his wife Lauren of Wayne and Jennifer Amir and her husband Ramy of Lincoln Park; cherished grandfather of Alyssa and Amy Dehnert, Domenic, Vincent, Nicole, Paige, Brook and Jason Demore; loved brother of the late Angelina Zambrano and her late husband Ralph Zambrano.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lincoln Park First Aid Squad, 34 Chapel Hill Rd., Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 would be appreciated.

Frank J. Demore

Lincoln Park
March 8, 2009

Mona M. Resco (nee Watts) age 70 of Wayne on Friday, March 6, 2009.

She was born in Newark, raised in Kearney and lived in Wayne for the past thirty-one years.

Mona graduated from St. Cecilias High School, Kearney with the class of 1956 and continued her education at William Paterson University, Wayne where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting with the Class of 1988.

She worked for William Paterson University, Wayne for the past thirty years having retired as an accountant in 2008.

Mona was a dedicated mother and grandmother who enjoyed gardening, crafts, and was an especially good baker specializing in apple pie and cheesecake.

She met her husband Robert S. Resco, Sr. when he repaired her car. They married at Saint Cecelia’s RC Church, Kearney on June 4, 1960, honeymooned in Virginia Beach, Virginia and enjoyed forty years of loving marriage until Robert’s sudden passing on April 14, 2001.

She was the beloved mother of Lydia Hirsch and her husband John of Wayne, Patricia Schreck and her husband Dan of Wayne, and Robert Resco and his wife Linda of Wake Forrest, NC; cherished grandmother of Kristen Schreck, Christopher Hirsch, Andrew Hirsch, Kyle Resco, Carolyn Hirsch and Kayla Resco; loved sister of George Watts and his wife Peggy of Colts Neck, Kevin Watts of Florida, James Watts of Oakhurst and Colette Smith of Oakhurst.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Mona M. Resco

Wayne
March 6, 2009

Richard R. Maggio, “Ricky”, age 55 of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, formerly of Wayne, died on Thursday, March 5, 2009.

He was born in Paterson and lived in Wayne for most of his life. He graduated from Wayne Valley High School, where he had played football and was a skier, with the class of 1972. He later graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology with an Associate’s degree in Engineering. He was employed with Steamfitters Local 274 in Jersey City for nearly twenty four years before moving to Florida in 1998. He has since been working as a construction manager with his brother, Ronald, in Florida.

Richard was also a proud member of the Preakness Volunteer Fire Company #4 in Wayne for many years before he moved to Florida.

Richard was an avid fisherman and truly enjoyed all the fishing opportunities that Florida had to offer. He had fished all over, including Cape Cod, shark fishing out of Montauk, and the Florida Keys. As a boy, he spent his summer vacation on LBI, in Surf City, which is where he probably picked up his love for surfing too. He was extremely intelligent, could fix just about anything, and would gladly help anyone in need. Richard was always the ‘life of the party’ and he sure knew how to enjoy himself. He recently said to his brother; “I’ve lived life my way and it doesn’t owe me anything.”

Richard is survived by his daughter Ashley and her mother Susan C. Maggio of Mertztown, PA, his parents; Thomas and Evelyn Maggio of Wayne, one sister; Donna Maggio-Ash and her husband William of Wayne, two brothers; Thomas Maggio of Wayne and Ronald Maggio and his wife Susan of Wellington, FL, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Richard R. Maggio

Royal Palm Beach
March 5, 2009

Anthony W. Murphy age 60, of Wayne, died Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at home with the comfort of family by his side.

He was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, NY and raised in Greenlawn, Long Island, NY, having lived in West Milford for twenty-five years before moving to Wayne ten years ago.

Tony graduated from Harborfields High School, Greenlawn, NY with the class of 1967. He went on to attend classes at the Suffolk Community College, NY.

He was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War where he served as a Military Policeman.

Tony was the Vice President of Sales for the Federal Direct Printing Company, Clifton where he has worked for thirty years.

He was dedicated to his family and friends and loved to travel. He truly enjoyed going to the beach and loved trips to Jamaica. During his years in the Hewitt section of West Milford he was active in the Lakeside Community Club.

He is the loving husband of Lois Snyder-Murphy; devoted father of Seana Polglaze and her husband Christopher of West Milford and Brooke Snyder of Wayne; cherished son of Allison(Wright) and the late John Murphy(1999); much loved grandfather of Patrick and Ian Polglaze; loved brother of Kevin Murphy and his wife Luci of East Northport, LI, NY, Sheila Mulcahey-Taylor and her husband Scott of Chicago, Illinois, Paul Murphy of Sparta and Brian Murphy and his wife Anne of Newport News, VA. Tony was predeceased by his first wife Joyce (McKenna) Murphy in 1999.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plains, Illinois, 60018 would be appreciated.

Anthony W. Murphy

Wayne
March 3, 2009

Nina Hannah Goerner (nee Johnston) age 94 passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at her home in Green Pond, NJ.

She was born on August 26, 1914 in Trout Brook, New Brunswick, Canada and was the only daughter of five children. Her four brothers Thomas, Harold, Joseph and Winston Johnston all remained in Canada and had predeceased her.

At the age of sixteen she came to the United States and had her formal education at Rutherford High School graduating with the Class of 1932. While in High School Nina served as the Captain of the Girls Field Hockey and Softball Teams.

Her first employment was as an Executive Secretary in New York City until she married Gerold Gustav Goerner.

They lived for thirty years in Wood-Ridge, NJ and in 1952 she and Gus bought a summer home in Green Pond finally moving permanently there in 1960 as a year round residents.

Nina was a unique and talented woman who shared generously her passion for cooking, golf, entertaining and bridge with friends and family alike.

Her deep love for Green Pond and her home in the cove was widely known.

She was predeceased by her husband Gus after forty-six years of marriage.

Surviving are her daughter Nancy Goerner DeVries and her husband Robert, her son Richard A. Goerner all of Green Pond; one grandson Rob DeVries and his wife Lisa of New York City.

Nina Hannah Goerner

Green Pond
February 24, 2009

Vincent Loiacono age 77 of Wayne died Sunday, February 22, 2009 at home after a brief illness. His passing was quiet and peaceful while wrapped in the arms of his loving wife.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and had lived in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, Newark and Paterson before moving to Wayne thirty-two years ago.

Mr. Loiacono was an Industrial Mechanic having worked for Globe Food Products, later becoming self employed for twenty-six years, then going to work for Garfield Plastic Mold Manufacturing Company in Garfield. He later worked for Chart Corporation manufacturers of Pharmaceuticals and Flavorings. He finally retired from work on July 3, 2008.

He was a natural at understanding engineering and the applications of mechanical devices and was an expert repairman. From his youth on he would take thing apart and put them back together just to see how they worked. You could say that by doing those things he became a self educated expert on machinery.

Vincent met his wife to be Annie at a social gathering in Newark in 1967 and for Vince it was love at first sight. For Annie it was a time of playing hard to get but she finally relented and they married in 1971. The end result was that they shared thirty-eight years of “Fantastic Marriage” together. Vincent, "If I could, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again."

Annie and Vincent enjoyed vacations together to places like Bermuda and Las Vegas, Nevada. In Las Vegas he won a slot machine that became a problem because such a machine was illegal in New Jersey. He ended up accepting money in lieu of the machine but he did win and that was what counted. Most people leave Las Vegas waving good-by to their money but he didn’t he took his winnings home.

His sons are left with many fond memories of a very loving father.

Surviving are his loving wife of thirty-eight years Annie (nee Swindell) Loiacono; two sons Shaimaine Loiacono of Wayne and Vincent Loiacono Jr. and his wife Emily of Staten Island, NY; two grandchildren Corinne and Sabrina Loiacono; a brother Sammy Loiacono of New York City and four sisters Mary Gardella and her husband Richard of Patchogue, NY, Eva Capanzano and her husband Frank of Elmont, NY, Pauline Catana and her husband Frank of Sealy, Texas and Josephine Marino of Bradenton, Florida.

Vincent Loiacono

Wayne
February 22, 2009

Shirley M. Gorski (nee Cunningham) age 85 of Lincoln Park on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. Her passing was quiet and peaceful after receiving the loving care of son Gary.

She was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania and had lived in Newark and Belleville finally moving to Lincoln Park where she lived for fifty years before moving to a Wayne health care facility five years ago.

Shirley spent her formative years in Belleville and received her formal education at Belleville High School graduating with the Class of 1940.

She was employed at Walter Kidde Company in Belleville where she met her husband Norman Gorski. They were married in 1945 and had forty-four years of marriage together until Norman’s passing in July of 1989.

She was more recently employed before her retirement at Macy-Bamberger’s department store at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne where she was manager of the Linens Department.

She leaves her family with many cherished memories of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mom was very family oriented and never stopped nurturing her family even into adulthood. She was a mother who was always concerned and encouraging. Thanks Mom for being there for us when we needed you. Perhaps one of the nicest high lights of her life was the arrival of her grandson Todd Lippincott who she loved with all of her heart.

Surviving are one daughter Beverly Lippincott and her husband Dale of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; her son Gary Gorski of Lincoln Park; one sister Frances Matt of Parsippany, a niece Sharon Butler, her daughter Chelsea of Lake Hiawatha, and her cherished grandson Todd Lippincott.

Her brother Roger F. Cunningham of Ocala, Florida predeceased her.

Shirley M. Gorski

Lincoln Park
February 21, 2009

Esther J. Domes (nee Graf-Fredericks) age 90 of Wayne on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Hospice of New Jersey at Saint Josephs Hospital in Wayne. Her passing was quiet and peaceful with her loving family at her side.

She was born in Paterson and had lived in Haledon before moving to Wayne fifty-one years ago.

Esther spent her formative years in Haledon and received her formal education at Paterson Central High School graduating with the Class of 1936.

She was employed as a Collator at Haband Company in Prospect Park for many years before her retirement in 1984.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wayne.

Mom leaves her children with many fond memories of a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was always family oriented and enjoyed hosting family picnics and nurtured her children in their religious faith. By nature she was practical and well organized in whatever she did. She loved her family with all of her heart. Thanks Mom.

Her children recall especially happy times when the family went camping and as kids being stuffed into sleeping bags, outdoor cooking and going to church with Mom.

In her spare time her most enjoyable hobbies were crafts, making dolls and Polka dancing. She also had music in her bones and composed her own song “In The Evening” which she sang often. One of her favorite hymns was “How Great Thou Art”.

“In The Evening” by Esther Domes In the Evening When my daily work is through Tho I’m weary, I’m not blue In the Evening In the evening Gone is every care and woe My heart’s singing as I go In the Evening.

She was married to Joseph H. Fredericks on September 8, 1940 and had a “good and loving” marriage together for thirty-three years until Joseph’s passing in 1973. In 1977 she married Henry Domes and had twenty-five years of marriage until Henry’s passing in 2002.

She was a member of the Wayne Golden Age Circle.

Esther enjoyed the company of her faithful companion “Shadow” the cat.

Surviving are one son Joseph Fredericks and his wife Carol of Oceanside, California; two daughters Diane Martin and her husband Dave of Green Pond and Janice Fredericks of Wayne; one brother Art Graf of Mexico; six grandchildren Kimberly, Jennifer, Andy, and Phil Fredericks all of Oceanside, California, Holly Campbell of Rockaway, Heather Touw of West Milford; seven great grandchildren Payton, Parker, and Paige Campbell, Kaylee, Jacob, Renee and Brett Touw; also survived by two stepdaughters Linda Tackas and Carol Berube; five step grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her sisters Ruth Staudinger, Beryl Boyd and her brother Edward Graf.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Esther’s memory are asked to consider a donation to the United Methodist Church of Wayne, 99 Parish Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Esther J. Domes

Wayne
February 21, 2009

Richard S Hrinya age 65 of Wayne died at home on Friday, February 20, 2009 after a brief illness.

He was born in Passaic, raised in Clifton having graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1962. Richard continued his education at Rutgers University, New Brunswick where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering with the class of 1966. He pursued and attained his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from New York University- NYU.

He admired the "girl across the street" and asked her to accompany him to NYU to drop off a paper. This first date resulted in a thirty-eight year loving marriage to Ruth-Ann Guenther, whom he married on September 4, 1971 at St. Johns RO Church, Passaic. They honeymooned in Quebec, Canada and Booth Bay Harbor, ME.

Having lived in Wayne for the past thirty-two years, Richard was active as a youth soccer coach for the Wayne PAL, Wayne Soccer Club, and Wayne Boys and Girls Club during his children's formative years. Being an avid sports fan he enjoyed his time on the golf course and especially enjoyed his time in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Richard was an Electrical Engineer for B.A.E. Systems, Wayne for over forty years before retiring in 2006.

He was the beloved husband of thirty-eight years to Ruth-Ann(Guenther) Hrinya; loving father of Katie Suter and her husband Jason of Wayne and Gregory Hrinya a student at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY; loved brother of Dorothy Nieradka and her husband Roy of Clifton; cherished uncle of one niece and three nephews; and prospective grandfather.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lustgarten Foundation For Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714 or St. Judes Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-2729 would be appreciated.

Richard S Hrinya

Wayne
February 20, 2009

Andrea J. Oliveri, age 37 of Pompton Plains and formerly of Wayne , died on Friday February 20, 2009 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York . Her family and friends were at her side when she passed. She had fought a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Andrea lived her entire childhood in Wayne and graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of ’89. She later graduated from Rutgers University in 1993 with a Bachelors Degree. After graduating college, she lived briefly in Lincoln Park , Morristown , Pine Brook from 2002 – 2008 and then moved to Pompton Plains in 2008.

Andrea was employed with Deloitte Tax LLP in Parsippany for eight years as Manager in the R&D Tax Service Group. She fully embraced the family-like culture that prevailed at Deloitte, was manager of their soccer team, and considered many there as dear friends and extended family, not just coworkers.

Andrea was extremely fortunate to have gathered so many close friends and extended family throughout her entire life. From elementary school, through and after college and her professional career, she maintained a large foundation of loved ones that were extremely important and dear to her heart. This group of people have all become so close to her that it’s difficult to explain but easy to understand, if you knew Andrea.

Andrea’s family is grateful and has been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and caring by all who’ve supported Andrea, visited her in the hospital, and who have simply been there for her throughout her life and the duration of her illness. All the kindness that her friends generously offered, and the help extended to Andrea and her family will always be appreciated and remembered.

Andrea was an extremely giving person and a selfless volunteer with many animal protection groups, especially those caring for cats. She was actively involved with the West Orange Animal Shelter and particularly dear to her was “Smitten by Kittens” of Morristown , dedicated to care and adoption. She volunteered often at Petsmart on adoption days to help find suitable homes for kittens. She also helped to build outdoor winter shelters and feeding areas for feral cats.

Andrea worked tirelessly for many cancer related organizations as well, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Making Strides/The American Cancer Society and the Young Survivors Coalition. On a recent drive, her team helped to raise nearly $14,000 for cancer research; a testament to her willingness and desire to help others. Andrea was excited to have recently been invited to appear as an inspirational speaker at a conference of cancer survivors. The engagement was scheduled for this coming spring.

Andrea is survived by her loving parents; Joseph and Janice Oliveri of Wayne, her dear brother; Joseph Oliveri and his wife Suzanne of Danbury, CT, two nephews; Nicholas and Matthew Oliveri and one niece; Sophia Oliveri, all of Danbury, CT, as well as many loving friends, extended family and coworkers. We would also be remiss not to mention her two cats, Mugsy and Louie, whom she loved and cared for so much.

As expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Andrea’s name to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer Street , Hackensack , NJ 07601 , www.cancer.org, or to Smitten By Kittens, P.O. Box 324 , Morristown , N.J. 07963 , www.smittenbykittens.com.

Andrea Janice Oliveri

Pompton Plains
February 20, 2009

Muriel Tomkins (nee Krusius) age 89 of Wayne died quietly and peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Llanfair House Nursing Home in Wayne.

She was born in Weehawkin, New Jersey and had lived in West New York, NJ before moving to Wayne forty-one years ago.

Muriel was employed as a secretary for the Manhattan Savings Bank and rose to be Vice President of the bank. She was the first women to hold such a high position in a New York Bank.

She was gifted with a brilliant mind with a very high IQ and was a member of the Mensa Society. Muriel was also an extravert who enjoyed life extending her wonderful sense of humor. As a result she was admired by many friends and a fun person to be with.

Murial and her late husband John were married for fifty-three years in a very “loving and great” marriage until John’s passing in August of 2002.

As a couple they enjoyed many things together especially hockey. They always had a season ticket to the Rangers Hockey Team games.

Muriel was also very much into being a nature lover. Her yard around her house was set up as a nature preserve with paths through the trees and plants with labels indicating the species of arbor. She also had bird and squirrel feeders to delight the animals.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Muriel’s memory are asked to consider Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad, PO Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470

Muriel Tomkins

Wayne
February 19, 2009

Mary DellaRocca (nee Macchiarelli) age 99 of Wayne, died on Thursday February 19, 2009 at the Hospice of Wayne. Her passing was peaceful with her family gathered at the bedside. She was just four months short of her one-hundredth birthday.

Mary was born in Paterson, NJ and lived there for over seventy years before moving to Wayne. She grew up in the neighborhood of 23rd Street and 4th Avenue at a time when the City was a manufacturing mecca. Mary worked at one of the many dye mills in Paterson, helping to support her family through the Great Depression.

She married Andrew DellaRocca and they raised their four children in Paterson before he passed away in 1969. Mary then moved to the Sisco Village in Wayne, to be closer to her family, where she has lived ever since.

She was a very independent, “tough” woman; living on her own up until just one week ago, and doing it very well. She was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed cleaning. Her daughter Lenore recently visited Mary only to find her standing on her kitchen counter top cleaning the tops of her cabinets. Her apartment was absolutely spotless, with everything in its place. Her cabinets were perfectly organized, as were her dresser drawers and closets. Her cooking was fantastic “traditional Italian”, most likely handed down from her parents who emigrated to the U.S. from Cazerta, Italy. Mary would cook big meals and often hosted the holiday dinners. Her son-in-law Jack recalls the first time he was invited to dinner at their home; the antipasto was so huge he thought it was the main course. He soon found out that the meal was only getting started and the food just kept on coming. He had never seen anything like it.

Mary also enjoyed dancing and during the most recent Super Bowl Half-Time Show, at 99 years old, she was dancing to Bruce Springsteen with her family. She has left them all with many inspirational and fond memories to cherish for years to come.

Mary was predeceased by two of her children; Ralph DellaRocca in 2004 and Carmella Ford in 2005.

She is survived by two children; Lenore Schrek and her husband Jack of Manchester, NJ, and Theresa Deodato of North Carolina, and ten grandchildren; John Ford and his wife Carmen of Wayne, Susan Wilkinson and her husband Steven of North Carolina, Danny Ford and his wife Carla of Wayne, Kevin Ford of Wayne, William Ford of California, Patrick Ford of Arizona, Christine Ford of Connecticut, Dr. David Schrek and his wife Peggy of Summit, NJ, Brad Schrek and his wife Marcy of Totowa, Joseph Deodato, Laura Deodato of California, and Marisol Cole and her husband Barry of Wayne, as well as many great-grandchildren and loving friends.

Mary DellaRocca

Wayne
February 19, 2009

Wallace Ferguson Sr. “Wally” age 69 of Villas, NJ on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at the Cape May Health Care Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Montville and spent his formative years in Montville later moving to Wayne where he lived for forty years before moving to Cape May four years ago.

Wally was a Heavy Equipment operator for George Ferguson Construction Company in Little Falls and later for A.J. Pignetollo Paving Company in Wayne. He was a hard worker and exuded a conscientious nature that never missed a day of work. Wally would often be seen driving his pickup truck with his dog Damion a lovable Rottweiler at his side. Damion was an out of character pussy cat of a Rottweiler who was the nicest dumbest dog ever.

Wally did not cook for himself and you would find him seven days a week at Gabriel’s Hotel Restaurant that can be described as his second home and social setting.

Wally was a very kind and good man who can be described as a very social being. He especially enjoyed volunteering his services as a Wayne Volunteer Fireman with the Wayne P.O.L. Fire Company No.2 in Wayne. He served the fire company and the people of Wayne for over forty years.

Surviving are one daughter Charlene D’Urso and her husband Frank of Boonton; one son Wallace Ferguson Jr. of Montville; one sister Jeanette Ferguson of Parsippany; he was grandpa Wally to three grandchildren Nicole Reid and her husband Daniel, David D’Urso and Benjamin D’Urso and his wife Grace; one great granddaughter Sienna D’Urso, a niece Ann Ferguson Serrecchia and several great nieces and nephews.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Wally’s memory are asked to consider The Wayne P.O.L. Fire Company #2, P.O. Box 1, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Wallace 'Wally' Ferguson Sr.

Wayne
February 17, 2009

Sophia V. Hook (Verblaauw) age 88 of Wyckoff died Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff.

She was born on March 1, 1920 in Paterson and lived in Pompton Plains for forty-seven years before moving to Wyckoff six years ago.

Mrs. Hook was a devoted member of the Bethany Reformed Church, Prospect Park and a former member of the Fellowship Club, Pompton Plains.

She was the beloved wife of thirty-seven years to the late John Hook(1978); loving mother of Wayne Hook and his wife Mieke of Pequannock, Joyce DeRuiter and her husband Don of Pompton Plains, Ralph Hook and his wife Marion of Pequannock, Donald Hook and his wife Debbie of Lancaster, PA, Allen Hook and his wife Marnie of Pompton Plains and the late Russell J. Hook(2006); loved sister of Peter Verblaauw and Marie VanWingerden of Wyckoff; cherished grandmother of ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Christian Health Care Center, Employee Fund, 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 would be appreciated.

Sophia V. Hook

Wyckoff
February 16, 2009

John A. Arias age 40 of Wayne died Monday, February 16, 2009 at the University Hospital, Newark.

John was a “Mr. Fix It” around the house and to anyone who needed help. He enjoyed building just about anything and loved the feeling of accomplishment that accompanied his hard work.

He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. His boys enjoyed their time together as he took them camping, hiking, to the movies, watched them play sports, and took great pride in all their accomplishments.

John was the loving husband of fifteen years to Lisa Arias(nee Quinn); devoted father of John and Patrick Arias both of Wayne; cherished son of Adelayda Sanches and her husband Tony of Neptune and the late Jairo Arias; loved brother of Luz Heulitt and her husband John of Belmar and Kathy Caraballo of Neptune; much loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Arias Scholarship Fund, c/o Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

John A. Arias

Wayne
February 16, 2009

Hendrika “Henny” Vespia (nee Dolstra) age 61 died on Monday February 16 peacefully at home.

She was born in Brunssum, Netherlands and came to this country when she was 12 years old in 1958. She settled in California where she met and married her husband Dominic. They lived in Franklin Lakes for 20 years before moving to Wayne 10 years ago.

Henny enjoyed cooking and belonged to The Gourmet Club in Franklin Lakes for several years. One of her standout culinary masterpieces was her “outrageous” taco salad.

She met her husband at a neighbors party in California and their first date was at The Captain’s Table restaurant in Hollywood, CA. They were married in Hacienda Heights, CA on November 16, 1968 and honeymooned in Las Vegas and San Francisco accompanied by fifteen family members.

Henny was the beloved wife of forty-one years to Dominic Vespia; loving mother of Danielle Vespia and Deanna Valenzuela and her husband Jose all of Wayne; cherished grandmother of Kayla Vespia and Dominic Valenzuela; loved sister of Albert Dolstra of Murrieta, CA.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Hendrika’s name to Wayne Township Memorial 1st Aid Squad, P.O. Box 291, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Hendrika 'Henny' Vespia

Wayne
February 16, 2009

Grace Bassano age 83 of Toms River, died Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Community Hospital, Toms River.

She was born and raised in Hackensack having lived in Maywood and Hackensack before moving to Toms River seventeen years ago.

She met her husband, the late John Bassano(1999), while she was working at her father’s grocery store in Hackensack. They dated for two years before John volunteered for the Army and served in the European theater during WWII. One month after returning from service, on March 3, 1946, Grace and John were married at Saint Francis RC Church, Hackensack.

Grace and John’s first daughter, Gloria, died of Leukemia at the age of two. Recovering from that tragedy, Grace and John went on to raise two daughters, Eileen and Gail, who were always the centerpiece of their love for each other. Within time they were blessed with five grandchildren, Darren and Alison Lawley, and Jessica, Lyndsey and Lauren Kriftner. This past September Grace was blessed with her first great grandchild, Brady Arbittier.

While raising her family, Grace found time to work part-time at Iurato’s Bridal Shop in Hackensack and to be an active member and past president of the Ladies Auxillary of the Maywood VFW Post 7408. Grace was also an avid bowler.

Grace was predeceased by her husband of fifty-three years, John Bassano(1999). She leaves behind daughters Eileen Lawley and her husband Robert of Flanders, and Gail Kriftner and her husband Gary of Wayne; loved sister of Pauline Kramer of Toms River, Marie Fratello and her husband Vincent of Toms River and the late Carmen and Gloria Costa; grandchildren Darren Lawley and his wife Misha, Alison Mazur and her husband Kevin, Jessica Arbittier and her husband Gregg, Lyndsey Kriftner, Lauren Kriftner and her fiancé Patrick Conlon, great grandchild Brady Arbittier.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 would be appreciated.

Grace Bassano

Toms River
February 14, 2009

Emily L. Hoffmann (nee Schrodt) age 105 of Wayne. She passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital while receiving the loving care of her family.

She was born in Mulacher, Germany in the state of Wuttemberg. She lived there and in the Black Forest region and at the age of twenty-three she immigrated to the United States first settling in Bronx, New York later living in Brooklyn before moving to Wayne in 1980.

It is interesting to note that while in Germany the economy was in great disarray, it was extremely difficult to even get basic foods or work causing living conditions of great tensions. The political situation was extremely difficult with people choosing sides for and against the Nazi regime that was emerging and Emily felt she desperately needed a change. A half sister Anna had immigrated to the United States and had sent her letters describing the wonderful freedoms and opportunities of America. Emily decided to take her chances and leave her home land to obtain the American Dream. As things turned out she was right to do so. She became a United States Citizen on August 31st 1933.

When she arrived here she worked as a “nanny” for several prominent families. She had done this kind of work for a baron and a judge in Germany and became quite adept and skilled and admired for her work. Upon her arrival in America it was a natural occupation for her to pursue. At one point she was a nanny for a family of a prominent Judge Frankenthaler who’s daughter Helen grew up to be a noted impressionist artist. Emily recalled to her family how Helen had run into the street on Park Avenue and how she had spanked her for doing so. She would recall and say “I spanked that artist once”.

As the depression years arrived she often spoke of having her monthly pay cut from ninety dollars to forty-five dollars which she readily accepted because there was just no work available. A half a loaf was better than none was the prevailing spirit of the time.

On January 15, 1931 she married Timothy E. Hoffman but under the living conditions of the day they could not live together because the family she was working for had no room for a another person in the house and she did not want to lose her job. She finally moved to Brooklyn and Timothy and Emily set up housekeeping there. Emily and Timothy had forty years of “well suited loving and caring” marriage together until Timothy’s death on June 1, 1971.

Her story of life would be incomplete if we did not mention her lifelong triumph with her health. The only medicine she ever took was an aspirin and up until the last week of her life she experienced wonderful health. She in fact, living to 105, she had outlived all of her personal friends and much of her family.

She leaves her family with many fond memories of a very strict but devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was gifted with a personality and she became well liked wherever she went. Discipline of children was one of her great skills and she pursued what she knew as the best way to handle any situation. Her son in law Bert recalls her wonderful cooking with her specialties being good American Cuisine of roast beef and mashed potatoes.

Emily L. Hoffmann

Wayne
February 13, 2009

Anne "Doone" Wheelan (nee Virgilio) age 87 of Wayne, formerly of South Plainfield, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at the Atrium at Wayne.

She was born and raised in Elizabeth having lived in Linden, Montclair and South Plainfield before moving to Wayne.

Anne was a dedicated, loving mother who enjoyed needlepoint, crafts and was a particularly talented cook, specializing in Southern Italian cuisine. She was always very interested in politics, volunteering as a challenger at local voting polls, and was a proud member of the Republican National Committee.

She was the beloved wife of fifty-six years to Joseph Wheelan of Wayne; loving mother of Robert Wheelan and his wife Luise of Somerset, Mark Wheelan and his wife Karen of San Diego, CA and Dean Wheelan and his wife Elizabeth of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandmother of Justin, Robert and Theresa Wheelan, Sean Farrell and Bill Alverson; and much loved by many nieces and nephews.

Anne 'Doone' Wheelan

South Plainfield
February 11, 2009

Leonard Ackershoek age 96 of Wayne died Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at the St. Josephs Hospital, Wayne.

He was born and raised in Paterson having lived in Wayne for the past sixty-two years.

Mr. Ackershoek was a Route Salesman for Continental Bakery, Paterson for thirty years having also owned his own delicatessen “City Line Deli” in Paterson. He also worked for the Wright Aeronautical Corporation in Paterson and in the Paterson silk mills. His most recent employment was with the Wayne Public School System.

He was a devout lifelong member of the People’s Park Reformed Church, Paterson.

He met his wife, Irma Marks, while working at Wright Aeronautical in Paterson. They married at the People’s Park Reformed Church, Paterson on July 27, 1946. Leonard and Irma honeymooned at Greenwood Lake and have had a caring and devoted sixty-three year marriage.

He was the beloved husband of Irma(Marks) Ackershoek; loving father of Leonard Mark Ackershoek of Wayne, Janie Nell Huber and her husband Peter of Pequannock and Maryanne Majd and her husband Ramin; cherished grandfather of Max Huber.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Homeless Tails, PO Box 1422, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Leonard Ackershoek

Wayne
February 10, 2009

George W. Bollard age 88 of Wayne died peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Hospice of NJ, Wayne.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY and has lived in Wayne for the past eighty-six years.

George was a decorated WW II Veteran of the US Army.

He worked as a carpenter, worked for the Curtis Wright Corporation, Lodi and for DuPont Munitions, Pompton Lakes before retirement.

George was a life member of the American Legion Post 174, Wayne and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is the beloved brother of Robert Bollard Sr. and his wife Rose of Wayne, the late Marie Garrigan, Richard Bollard, Jr., Emma Shauger, Margaret Veenstra, and Arthur Bollard; cherished uncle of Janet Grimal, Jim Garrigan, Robert Bollard, Jr., Shirley Bock, Arlene Sullivan, David Bollard, Wesley and Joseph Shauger, Kathy Homsky, Lisa Russo, Cindy and Bill Bollard, and the late Elaine Gant and Jack Shauger; cherished great-uncle to many great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lincoln Park Jaycees, PO Box 553, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 would be appreciated.

George W. Bollard

Wayne
February 9, 2009

Dr. Ramon B. Seneris, Cardiologist, age 74 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 9, 2009. The Dr. was an avid reader and his passing occurred quietly while he was sitting on a bench, reading a book.

Dr. Seneris was born in the Philippines, moved to the United States in the 1960’s and settled in Wayne in 1977.

Dr. Seneris was an exceptionally brilliant man and very learned in many aspects. Few people know that he completed grade school in four years and began college at the young age of fourteen. He was really too young for college and would often skip classes to go to his uncle’s house where he would play the piano for hours at a time. He was a remarkable and beautiful pianist.

He later attended the Manila Central University to study medicine. Upon graduation, he came to the United States to complete his residency at the Bellevue Hospital in New York City. He then returned to the Philippines to begin his medical practice but was soon compelled to return to the United States. He did just that, coming back in the 1960’s, which is when he began working at several area hospitals, including Passaic General, St. Mary’s in Passaic, and Passaic Beth Israel. He was elected to be Head of the Department of Medicine while working at the St. Michael's Hospital in Newark, a position he held for two years.

He began his own practice on Clifton Avenue in Clifton, in 1974. He treated his patients and staff with an uncommon compassion and the well-being of his patients was always his primary concern. In return, his patients and staff loved him very much. He was kind hearted and understanding towards everyone. There is even a story that, while working in the Philippines, he accepted payment in the form of live chickens, which some of his friends say would not surprise them at all. He retired from practice in 2000.

Dr. Seneris is survived by his son Jonathan Seneris of Wayne, one sister; Felisa Gil and her husband Dan of the Philippines, one brother; Dr. Fidel Seneris and his wife Erlinda of Florida, and four dear cousins with whom he was very close; Dr. Petra Banogan of New York City, Dr. Vicente Banogan Carino and his wife Teodora of Flint, Michigan, Enrique Banogan Carino and his wife Devina of California, and Pio Banogon and his wife Marietta of Florida, as well as many dear family and friends throughout the United States and the Philippines.

Dr. Ramon Seneris

Wayne
February 9, 2009

Marleine A. Kowal (nee Patrick) age 47 of Pompton Lakes on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at the Morristown Memorial Hospital. Her passing took place receiving the wonderful and loving care of her family and the staff of the Hospice Care of Morristown Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and daughter. She was a loyal friend and a dedicated teacher. She put so much into her short life. Growing up in Packanack Lake she became active in the Campus Life program and in community service. As a teen-ager she traveled to South America as a “Missionary for the Lord” to build a church in a remote village.

After graduating from Wayne Valley High School she attended Nyack Bible College for a year and then went on to Montclair State University where she was studying history and psychology. She did drug and alcohol counseling for a state resource center part time, managed a restaurant and then got married. She worked hard continuing to educate herself and graduated from Thomas Edison College in 1995 receiving a BA in History, Psychology and Social Studies. After teaching at Don Bosco Tech for three years she began teaching History and Psychology at Mahwah High School where she has been for over eight years. She received recognition for two courses she wrote that were accepted for the Mahwah High School curriculum. One was Holocaust Studies and other was “The Effect of War on American Society”. She obtained her Master’s degree Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri and was awarded a certificate for her excellence in her studies. She has been working on her doctorate for the past two years.

Never one to be inactive, she has been the junior class advisor, the bowling coach, assistant tennis coach and the girls softball coach. She was the building representative for the Teachers Union. She was also active in Pompton Lakes political circles and ran for mayoral nomination in 2003.

Known to everyone as a good and kind person and a good friend in time of trouble, she was also a fun person always ready to laugh. She enjoyed fishing with her husband and her boys and of course enjoyed the sports the boys were always involved in and the games they loved to play.

She will be sorely missed by her loving husband, Tad, her two sons, T.J. and Danny, her mother and father, Marleine and Joseph Carnogursky of Boonton Township, her brother Frank Aiello and his wife Vivian of Naples, FL, her brother William Aiello of Packanack Lake, her step-sister, Noelle Galluzzi and husband Gary of Boonton Township, her brother-in law Ed Kowal and wife Leta of West Virginia. She also leaves seven nieces and nephews and numerous cousins and aunts and uncles.

She was predeceased by her brother Mark Aiello and her step-brother Michael Carnogursky.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Marleine’s memory are asked to consider DePaul Catholic High School, 1512 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Marleine A. Kowal

Pompton Lakes
February 8, 2009

Emma Ellicott, age 89 of Wayne, died suddenly on Saturday, February 7, 2009.

She was born in Paterson and lived most of her life in Pompton Plains. She moved to the Sisco Village of Wayne in 1987 and has resided there ever since.

Emma met her husband, George, in the 1930’s on a blind date. That date was just the beginning for them, as they enjoyed fifty four years of marriage together before George passed in 1992. George was a builder and had built many homes throughout the area, especially in Pompton Plains. It seemed as though every time he finished a home he liked it so much that he would move his family into the new house! As a result, Emma and George moved many times but always within Pompton Plains, which is where they raised their children; Arlene and Jack.

Emma was a great dancer and loved to dance with her husband. The most memorable times of her life were spent at the Jersey Shore. She and George rented a different house each summer, along with the kids, staying in Seaside, Beach Haven West, Lavallette, and many other beach towns up and down the shore.

Emma is survived by her two children; Arlene DiRenza and her husband Ron of Pompton Plains, and one son, Jack Ellicott and his wife Lori of Wayne, four grandchildren; Michele Levine and her husband Mitch of Pompton Plains, Christopher DiRenza and his wife Karolee of Ellington, CT, Ryan Ellicott and Adam Ellicott, both of Wayne, as well as three great-grandchildren; Madison and Sydney Levine of Pompton Plains, and Alex DiRenza of Ellington, CT.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Emma’s name are asked to consider the American Heart Association, One Union Street, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.

Emma Ellicott

Wayne
February 7, 2009

Helene D. Cavaliere(nee Downey) age 78 of Wayne died with poise and dignity on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at the Hospice of New Jersey, Wayne.

She was born and raised in Paterson having lived in Wayne for the past fifty years.

Helene graduated from Saint Josephs High School, Paterson with the class of 1948 and continued her education at the Berkley Secretarial School, West Paterson.

She was a service representative for Bell Atlantic, Pompton Lakes for many years before retiring in 1995.

Helene volunteered her time for many years at the Saint Josephs Wayne Hospital. She also served as the Vice President of the Brittany Chase Association, Wayne.

She is the beloved mother of the late Paul C. Cavaliere III (1996), Matthew J. Cavaliere and his wife Lisa “Lee” of Wayne, David J. Cavaliere and his wife Terry of Wayne, and John V. Cavaliere and his wife Jean of Randolph; cherished grandmother of Susie, Andrew, Garrett, Brianne and Christine Cavaliere; loved sister of John "Jack" Downey and his wife Mary Ellen of Houston, TX, formerly of Pequannock.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broad Acres Drive, 4th Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 would be appreciated.

Helene D. Cavaliere

Wayne
February 5, 2009

Robert C. Lacan, age 59 of Wyckoff, died on Wednesday February 4, 2009 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, after a long courageous battle with diabetes. His loving family was by his side.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, Bob grew up in Wayne. He was in the first graduating class from the new Wayne Hills High School in 1968.

He had been employed by several horticultural firms over the years, primarily performing interior landscaping in office buildings, hotel lobbies and shopping malls. He worked for several years with Tropic Greenhouses of East Hanover and Living Rooms of Parsippany. He was particularly proud of his work for Ms. Diane King of King World Productions. He did much of the maintenance on her interior plantings at her home, as well as in the offices of King World.

Bob's hobbies included photography, which he was extremely good at, and he was a big fan of Ansel Adams' work. He also enjoyed reading and printed mazes – he had a special knack for seeing his way through a maze before he even put his pencil to the paper. He was a real "character", through and through. He had a great sense of humor and you could rely on him for a practical joke or prank, and it was always good, clean fun. Sometimes his humor was a little "twisted" but that's what we loved about him.

For many years, Bob would go camping with his family at Paulinskill Lake up in Newton, NJ. It started out as tent camping, and progressed to a pop-up and then a trailer on a waterfront site. Bob bought a boat and would take all the kids at the campground water skiing and tubing. The next thing you know, he had built a dock and a tire swing, Then he built stairs up to the trailer, and eventually a screened-in porch complete with electricity. With all the flowers and plants he put in, he really made it a second home. The family has many memories of the good times and friends they made there. They also took annual summer trips to Wildwood, NJ.

Bob met his wife, Joanne, at the golf range that used to be on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne, where K-Mart is now. Bob worked there and was driving the tractor to pick up the balls on the range, while Joanne was throwing golf balls at him! They married in 1970 and enjoyed thirty eight years of "fun" marriage together.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Joanne (nee Dorigatti), four children; Scott of Cliffside Park, NJ, Robert and his girlfriend Lee of Maple Shade, NJ, Nicole and her boyfriend John Coro of Hawthorne, NJ, and Cory at home in Wyckoff; one grandson; Jason Coro of Hawthorne, NJ, two sisters; Lenore Cialone and her husband Joe of Boynton Beach, Fl, and Nancy Lacan of Wharton, NJ, Joanne's parents, Carol & Leonard Dorigatti, two brothers in law, Leonard Dorigatti of Mineral, VA., and Kenneth Dorigatti of Hawthorne, as well as many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Cory Lacan, to support his education, would be appreciated. Please make checks payable to Cory Lacan and send care of the Vander May Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.

Robert 'Bob' Lacan

Wyckoff
February 4, 2009

There will be a 1st year anniversary Memorial Mass service to remember and honor Dolores Droumbakis on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 12:30 PM (sharp) at William Paterson University.  The Mass will be held at the "Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Chapel."  The Chapel is located at 219 Pompton Road, Haledon, next to gate one of William Paterson University.

UPDATE:  Memorial Mass scheduled for February 2, 2010.

There will be a 1st year anniversary Memorial Mass service to remember and honor Dolores Droumbakis on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 12:30 PM (sharp) at William Paterson University.  The Mass will be held at the "Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Chapel."  The Chapel is located at 219 Pompton Road, Haledon, next to gate one of William Paterson University.

Dolores Droumbakis, age 72 of Wayne, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. Her family was at her side all the while, never leaving her alone. Dolores was a kind hearted, gentle soul that always cared for her family and friends.

Born in Boston, MA, Dolores grew up in Brooklyn, NY where she graduated from Fort Hamilton High School with the class of 1955. She met her husband Nick in Brooklyn too. Their first date was to a church dance, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, and they were married in 1961. They have enjoyed forty-eight years of loving marriage ever since. They moved to Bloomfield, NJ in 1961, and then to Wayne in 1974, where they raised their family of three girls.

Dolores was completely devoted to her work at William Paterson University. She had been employed there for twenty-eight years in the Marketing and Public Relations Department, where she was the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

There were so many things she loved about her job but best of all she loved the students; they kept her young and she enjoyed their energy. She also took full advantage of all the cultural and educational opportunities that her position allowed. Besides continuing her education at William Paterson University, she also attended all the “Distinguished Lecturer Series” events, Jazz concerts, the campus theatre, anything to do with the arts, and much more.

Dolores was known for her phenomenal cooking, which all of her family and friends enjoyed. She attended seasonal fashion shows at Bryant Park in New York City with her daughter, Denise. Her grandsons, Brendan and Ryan, were the light of her life sharing in special times with her daughter, Dina and family. Dolores was very generous with her donations to local food drives and with “Eva’s Kitchen” in Paterson, NJ.

In many ways she was a woman ahead of her time; she was very environmentally conscious – always anxious to recycle, and she was very computer savvy, so much so that she frequently helped her children with their computer problems! She would often attend computer expo’s and trade shows in New York City with her daughter Annette in order to keep up with the latest technology; she just loved going to those shows. She was also an “All My Children” fan, and had been watching that Soap Opera since its inception.

Her daughters recall their family vacations on Long Beach Island, NJ (LBI). They were an annual affair and have provided the family with an abundance of memories. They stayed in a different shore house almost every summer, from Holgate to Barnegat Light. Dolores especially enjoyed the Surf Light Theatre there and shopping at the Bay Village shopping center where she would buy gifts for all her co-workers. She is survived by her devoted husband Nick of forty-eight years, three daughters; Denise and Annette Droumbakis of Wayne, and Dina Schorling and her husband Jeff of Wayne, and two grandsons; Brendan and Ryan Schorling, both of Wayne.

In honor of Dolores’s love of music and the arts, a memorial fund has been established to benefit the William Paterson University Music Department in her memory. If you wish to contribute to the Dolores Droumbakis Memorial Fund, please make checks payable to William Paterson University and in the memo portion of the check please write: "The Dolores Droumbakis Memorial Fund".

Please send to Atten: Ross Flint Hobart Manor; Lower Level. Office of Institutional Advancement William Paterson University 300 Pompton Road Wayne, New Jersey 07470

Also, donations to Eva's Kitchen, 392 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, would be appreciated. Dolores was very active collecting donations for food drives and Eva's Kitchen held a special place in her heart. Click on the link below to print out a donation form.

Dolores Droumbakis

Wayne
February 3, 2009

Akira Kizushi, age 71, of Wayne died peacefully at home on Monday, February 2, 2009.

He was raised in Kagoshima, Japan and moved to this country in 1963 and settled in New York City. He then lived in Clifton before moving to Wayne thirty-five years ago.

He met his wife Hiroko while working at the Sanyo/Seiko Corporation in Japan. When Hiroko heard Akira was being transferred to the United States they married so she could be with him. They married in Japan on November 7, 1963. They enjoyed a thirty-nine year marriage until Hiroko's passing in 2002.

Before retiring in 2002 Akira worked over twenty years for the Casio Corporation in their Fairfield and Dover facilities.

In his retirement, he enjoyed deep sea fishing and the friendship of his buddies at Portobello's Restaurant in Oakland. He loved and pampered his dog Jackie and cat Erika to a fault. One of his favorite pasttimes was watching the New York Yankees on TV and swearing in his native tongue, complaining that some players are overpaid.

Akira was the beloved husband of the late Hiroko (Nakata) Kizushi(2002); loving father of Naruko Bews and her husband Douglas of Littleton, NH, Akiko Wilson and her husband James of Atlanta, GA and Victor Kizushi and his wife Chieh of Rego Park, NY; cherished grandfather of Samantha and Julia Bews; devoted brother of Hideomi, Miyoko and Hiroshi, all of Japan.

Akira Kizushi

Wayne
February 2, 2009

Mildred J. "Millie" Kerr age 88 of Pequannock died Sunday, February 01, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains with the comfort of her family at her bedside.

She was born and raised in The Bronx, NY having graduated from Evander Childs High School, The Bronx, NY with the class of 1938; having been in the same class as Red Buttons and Carl Reiner. For fifteen years she worked for Dun and Bradstreet, NYC and in 1957 she moved to Pequannock to be closer to her sister.

She married Robert Kerr on May 11, 1957 and had 37 years of a wonderful, caring marriage.

Mildred was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Engine Company #2 Pequannock for over thirty years and also a member of the Sons Of Norway.

As her children got older she worked at Bel-Art Products, Pequannock for several years before retiring.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert Kerr(1994); loving mother of Ronald Kerr and his wife Barbara, Susan Hergert of Pompton Plains, and the late Robert Kerr; cherished grandmother of four grandchildren, Lisa Walton, Michael Kerr, Renee Kerr and Joelle Hergert; and two great-grandchildren, Kevin Walton and Kelly Walton; loved sister of the late Howard Johansen and late Agnes Wolke; loved sister-in-law to Mae and Bill Haddad, Margaret and Willie Panzarino, Edie and Gordon Sole, Andy and Joyce Kerr, Jim Kerr and David Kerr; and Aunt to Helen, Ernie, Richie, Freddie, Kenny, Gilbert, Nancy, Phyllis, Roberta, Glenn, Debbie, Sharon, BJ, Lori, Linda, Patti, Sandy, John, Brad and Patti.

Those considering a donation in Mildred’s name are asked to consider Engine Company No. 2, P.O. Box 217, Pequannock, NJ 07440.

Mildred J. 'Millie' Kerr

Kinnelon
February 1, 2009

Dorothy Elizabeth Mills Harty departed this life on Sunday, February 1, 2009 at the age of 103 at home.

She was born October 31, 1905 in Philadelphia, PA, the only child of the late Ella and Luther Mills.

Dorothy came to New York City at a very early age, and here she received her formal education. She moved to Kinnelon, NJ and lived with her grandson and his family since 2002.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the age of nine and led an active christian life until death called her. She united with the Metropolitan Baptist Church, New York City in September of 1919. She sang in the Junior Choir of the church, served as secretary of the Adult Department of the Sunday School, later as secretary of the general Sunday School. She was a Sunday school teacher and president of a BTU group. She became a Deaconess of her church in 1982, then later as a Mother of the Church.

Dorothy married Belford D. Harty, May 15, 1926 and to this union one son was born, Belford D. Harty Jr. Dorothy was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Besides her church activities, she was very active in Community work. She served as a Den Mother in the Boy Scouts, was a member and officer in many civic and community groups for several years. Dorothy found time to be active in politics, serving in many capacities and at one time as vice president of her political club. She was a frequent blood donor to the American Red Cross and during World War II she served her country for 20 months as a Volunteer Defense worker.

She was employed by the New York State Department of Labor as a secretary and retired in 1972 after 25 years of service. After retiring she became very active in Senior Citizen Centers and received several awards for her volunteer work.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter-in-law Mamie Harty, one grandson, Donald K. Harty, his wife Rosemary, three great-grandchildren Stone, Sofia and Sara Harty, a few relatives and friends.

We cannot help but grieve for her, whose love we’ve shared for many years, but love lingers on in memories and time does dry our tears, so try to find some comfort in knowing, though she is gone, her love for you lingers on.

Sorrowfully submitted, The Family

Dorothy Harty

Toms River
February 1, 2009

Benjamin Colavita age 94 of Toms River on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Community Hospital’s Van Dyke Hospice while receiving the loving care of his family. He had lived a full and wonderful life and it was time for God to call him peacefully home.

He was born on Cedar Street in Paterson at home. It was the custom of that day mother’s delivered their babies at home. He lived many years in Hawthorne before moving to Toms River thirty years ago.

Ben spent his formative years in Paterson and, as was the economic atmosphere, of the day as soon as he was able he went to work to help support his family.

He was a parishioner of Saint Maximilian Kolbe RC Church in Toms River and previously he had been a member of Saint Anthony’s RC Church in Paterson and while living in Hawthorne Saint Anthony’s RC Church in Hawthorne.

He was a truck driver for Union Local 560 in Union City and was a hard worker.

Ben was gifted with an extraverted personality and was always active socially playing cards, challenging folks to a good game of pool at which he was especially adept. He loved to go deep sea fishing and to the beach. By nature he was very popular with the ladies and loved to dance. He also served on the volunteer staff at Community Hospital in Toms River.

He leaves his family with many fond memories of a wonderfully dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a good provider for his family.

Dad was at a social gathering in 1936 and met Anna Mikuska who soon became his bride. They had sixty-three years of “loving marriage” together until Anna’s passing in 1999.

Surviving are one son Joseph Colavita and his wife Angela of Wayne; two daughters Barbara Donohue and her husband Tom of Doylestown, Pennsylvania and Marlene DeGennaro of West Milford; eight grandchildren Michael Colavita, Christine Hawn, Melissa Escudero, Karen Connolly, Thomas Donohue, Lorie Tolchinsky, Stephen and Michael DeGennaro and four great grandchildren Allison and Erin Connolly, Ethan Hawn and Lila Tolchinsky.

Ben was the last survivor of a family of eight children. His brother Frank Colavita, sisters Nancy Mingione, Frances Schwartz, Rose Ballelli, Nellie DePhillips, Lucy Gannelli and Josephine Buckman all predeceased him.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Benjamin Colavita are asked to consider The St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105-2729

Benjamin Colavita

Newark
January 31, 2009

Douglas R. Vanderberg age 65 of Newark died unexpectedly on January 30, 2009.

He was born in Glen Ridge, raised in Montclair and lived in Wayne before moving to Newark three years ago.

Doug is best described as a quiet reserved man who loved boating and fishing out of Forked River. He also found great satisfaction in model building, especially ships, boats and airplanes, spending hours on intricate details. Some of the models he built came with instructions only in foreign languages but his persistent and skilled model building always prevailed.

He is the loving brother of William Vanderbeg and his wife Barbara of Wayne and the late Albert Vanderberg; devoted uncle of many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Foundation for the Handicapped, 30 Woodridge Terr., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.

Douglas R. Vanderberg

Wayne
January 30, 2009

Arlene H. McDevitt age 79 of Wayne died Friday, January 30, 2009 at the Atrium at Wayne. She was born in and lived almost her entire life in Wayne, NJ.

Mrs. McDevitt was a customer service representative for Berlex Labs, Wayne before retiring in 1985.

She married Joseph McDevitt in 1950 at the Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes. They went to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. They enjoyed 41 years of a loving and devoted marriage.

She was a member of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, Lincoln Park where she volunteered at the thrift shop.

Arlene also belonged to the Golden Age Circle of Wayne, the Red Hat Ladies, and the Ruth Circle of the United Methodist Church, Wayne having also attended the bible study at the Christ Church, Pompton Lakes for many years.

Arlene enjoyed travel and especially liked trips to Colorado to visit her brother and sister-in-law. She was a selfless person who was always concerned about her fellow man. It is through this concern for the welfare of others that Arlene donated her worldly remains to the University Hospital of Medicine and Dentistry.

She was the beloved wife of 41 years to the late Joseph McDevitt (1992); loving mother of Patrick McDevitt and his wife Cynthia of Nutley, Margaret Iuso and her husband Thomas of Wayne and the late Douglas McDevitt (1963); cherished grandmother of Meghan and Heather McDevitt, and, Zachary and Nicholas Iuso; loved sister of Cornelia “Babe” Randon of Avon Park, FL (formerly of Wayne) and the late Eugene Sobeck and his surviving wife Marilyn of Louisville, CO (formerly of Pequannock, NJ).

In lieu of flowers memorial donation to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 211 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 would be appreciated.

Arlene H. McDevitt

Wayne
January 30, 2009

Muriel E. Urba (nee Emmerich) age 77 of Wayne died Monday, January 26, 2009 at home. Her passing took place after a twenty-eight year courageous battle with cancer. She passed into Heaven quietly and peacefully with her loving family at her side.

She was born in Orange and had spent her formative years in Bloomfield before moving to Wayne forty-nine years ago.

Mrs. Urba was a circulation specialist at the Wayne Today Newspaper located in Butler where she worked for twenty-five years before her retirement in 2000.

Muriel received her formal education at Bloomfield High School graduating with the Class of 1948.

She leaves her family with many wonderful memories of a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Perhaps the highlight of her whole life was the arrival of grandchildren. She loved them with all of her heart and was a soft touch as a grandma.

Mom was a truly dedicated family person who loved to have family gatherings especially picnics. She was a good cook and was not above using her culinary skills to make holidays special for everyone. She was the glue for keeping family together.

Richard and Muriel met at a square dance and after a courtship of two years they married and had fifty-eight years of “perfect loving” marriage together.

Surviving are her loving husband Richard J. Urba; two daughters Kathleen Lysyj and her husband Robert of Hillsborough, NJ and Valerie Ross and her husband Barry of West Caldwell; two sons Dr. Walter J. Urba and his wife Caryn of Portland, Oregon and Richard C. Urba and his wife Susan of Kinnelon; one sister Audrey Bukowski of Woodland Park; twelve grandchildren Tracy Kelly and her husband Jeremy, Brad Urba, Chris Urba and his wife Jeanine, Kim and Emily Urba, Kyra, Michael and Laura Lysyj, Matthew, Christopher, Justin and Kyle Ross; three great grandchildren Ethan Kelly, Ashlyn and Ariana Urba.

Her sister Dorothea Engelke and her grandson Steven Urba predeceased her.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Muriel’s memory are asked to consider The Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, c/o Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan Street, Portland, Oregon 97213.

Muriel E. Urba

Wayne
January 26, 2009

Alicia R. Philhower(Rowe) age 97 of Wayne died Monday, January 26, 2009 at the Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pompton Plains.

She was born in Newark and lived in East Orange and Irvington before moving to Wayne twenty-eight years ago.

Alicia was a payroll clerk for Public Service Gas & Electric, Newark before retiring in 1973.

She loved to cook and was lovingly know as the “Apple Pie Queen” by her family. She also enjoyed traveling during her retirement years as it was always her dream to “see the world”.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Harold Philhower in 1960. Alicia is the beloved mother of Patricia Ryan and her husband Charles of Towaco; cherished grandmother of Joyce Kardux and her husband Ken of Wayne, JoAnn Bigsby and her husband Russ of Stockholm, and Richard Kelly and his wife Tara of Pequannock; devoted great-grandmother of Erik and Devin Bigsby, K.C. and Ryan Kardux and Brynn Kelly.

Alicia R. Philhower

Pequannock
January 26, 2009

Eric Nicholas VanDuffelen age 26 of Pequannock died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Friday, January 23, 2009.

This is a very brief story of one of life's unexplainable tragedies. Eric, you were gone before we knew it and we did not even have time to say goodbye. We hold your memories in our heart whispering prayers of thankfulness to God for such a wonderful person that he placed in our lives. Tears are running down our faces Eric but we know in our hearts you are ok. Eric we love you, we'll miss you and we'll remember you always.

Eric was born in Passaic and had lived in Clifton, at age three the family moved to Pequannock where he lived all of his life.

Eric received his formal education at Pequannock High School graduating with the Class of 2000 and then he studied at Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, changing to Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Communications with the Class of 2006. At Rutgers he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

In his leisure time he especially enjoyed movies and music.

He leaves his family with loving memories of a wonderful and intelligent son and to his sister, Chrissa, a very special little brother.

Surviving are his parents Peter and Dianne (nee Topsis) VanDuffelen of Pequannock; his loving sister Chrissa Van Duffelen of Bloomingdale; his maternal grandmother Yota Topsis of Lincoln Park.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather Thomas Topsis in (1999) and his paternal grandmother Josephine (nee San Fillippo) VanDuffelen in (1989)

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Eric's memory are asked to consider Rutgers University, Endowed Scholarship Fund, 7 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

Eric N. VanDuffelen

Wayne
January 23, 2009

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