Dorothy (Dottie) Carlson (nee Parker), age 82, passed away peacefully on October 13th 2016 surrounded by her family at Merry Heart Health Care Center in Boonton, NJ. She was born on May 24th 1934 in Bainbridge, GA, daughter to the late Evelyn (nee Alday) and Benjamin Parker.

In high school in Paterson, NJ Dottie met a handsome blue eyed football player named Carl Carlson.  They fell in love and after high school Carl joined the Navy. They married on June 6, 1954. Carl was stationed in Norfolk, VA and Dottie lived in Paterson, N.J.  In 1957 when Carl came home from the Navy they moved to Wayne, NJ.  It was shortly after the move that Carl nicknamed Dottie “Molly” after the ever-talking character in Fibber McGee and Molly.  The nickname stuck for the duration of their 56 year marriage.  The license plate for their car read “Molly N Me”.  Molly was a “jack of all trades” and she became involved in many activities through the years.  To name a few:  Toy Buyer, Brownie Leader, Wayne Fire Company #1 Lady Auxiliary member, Avon Lady, Crossing Guard, Waitress, Demonstrator, Popular Club Distributor, Associate in the Transportation Department of GAF Corp., Counter Manager for cosmetic sales, newspaper article writer, local Democratic Association member, and Chair Lady for the Wayne Browse and Shop.  In addition, she was well recognized for her unique driving techniques.  Riding in the car with her was a nail-biting, stomach-churning experience.  Despite her driving challenges, she was able to navigate herself to almost anywhere from New Jersey to Virginia, Virginia to Pennsylvania, and back to New Jersey.  Family members would joke, and place bets on how far she would make it before getting lost or pulled-over. To their amazement she always reached her destination safe and sound.

Dottie and Carl resided in Wayne for 45 years before moving to be with family in Vernon, NJ. Dottie took incredible pride in raising her children and grandchildren. She was a long-term advocate for education of children, Native American reservations, and Humane Societies for animals. Dottie loved to read, and was well known by her friends and family for her expansive collection of classic novels and movies.  Throughout Dottie and Carl’s 56 year marriage they took many vacations and day trips.  Fort Myers, Florida was one of their favorite spots to visit.  Regardless of where they went, Carl would be behind the wheel of the car and “Molly” in the passenger seat.

In the years following Dottie’s retirement, she focused her attention on keeping a close and intimate family. Dottie looked for any excuse to host a party to see her whole family, and everybody remembers her at these events smiling and laughing.

Dottie is preceded in spirit by her husband Carl Carlson who passed in 2010. She is survived by her four loving children; Laura and her husband Peter Chianchiano, Ellen and her husband George (Sandy) Nimmo, Tom and his wife Helen Carlson and Jennifer Contino. She is also survived by her four grandchildren; Benjamin and Peter Chianchiano, and Carl and Julia Contino, and her brother Al Parker and his wife Phyllis, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She truly loved her blue eyed football player, her children, her grandchildren, close friends and butter pecan ice cream.

Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)

Doris Krisa (Okolski), age 88, of Wayne passed Saturday, September 17, 2016.

age 88, of Wayne, passed away quietly surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 17, 2016.

Daughter of the late Marie (Vladyka) Okolski and Louis Okloski. Dear sister of the late Louis Okolski Jr. She was born and raised in Garfield having graduated from Garfield High School with the Class of 1945.

Doris met a young man named Paul Krisa, Sr. while at a New Year’s Eve party and soon they fell in love. After three years of dating, they married on September 4, 1948 at Three Saints Church in Garfield and honeymooned in New England and Canada. They initially lived with Paul’s parents in Passaic and after a few years moved to their own home at 300 President Street in Saddle Brook. Out of their love came a bubbly, happy little boy, which they named Paul. Soon thereafter they bought a home at 20 Anderson Drive in Clifton where he spent his formative years. Doris and Paul maintained their home in Clifton until his passing in July 1982. Doris then moved to be closer to her son and his family. Her granddaughters were thrilled Grandma had moved closer.

Doris will be remembered as an outgoing, giving, trusting person who was very independent until just recently. She had a talent for arranging flowers and merged that into a hat making business. She ran a shop out of her home in Saddle Brook. For a time she also worked in the collections department of the Passaic National Bank. She loved to watch old movies, and enjoyed having her girlfriends over to play cards and Mahjong (she was very good at it).

Beyond being an amazing mother and grandmother, she was a terrific cook! She loved making cavatelli and broccoli and rice pudding for her granddaughters Lauren and Melissa. Her memorable dishes will be greatly missed.

Doris was the loving wife of 36 years to the late Paul Krisa, Sr. (1982) devoted mother of

Dr. Paul Krisa and his wife Maria; cherished grandmother of Lauren Hannan and her husband James, and Melissa Krisa and her fiancé Michael Madaio. Dear sister of the late Louis Okolski Jr.

Those contemplating a memorial donation are asked to consider St Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN, 38148-0142.

Dolores Macchiarelli (nee Panico) age 86 of Wayne passed away peacefully on November 12, 2016 with her family by her side.

Dolores was born and raised in Paterson, NJ. She lived there until moving to Wayne nearly thirty years ago. As a child, she grew up with a young boy by the name of Joseph Macchiarelli. After graduating from Eastside High School in Paterson with the class of 1947, she went to work for a Dye House in Paterson as a secretary. She worked there for about five or six years. during that time Joseph Machhiarelli had left to serve his country near the end of the Second World War. When Joseph returned from the Navy, he got reacquainted with Dolores. They started dating and after a short time, as fate would have it, they fell in love and were married in 1951. Immediately after they were married, Dolores left her job and took on the daunting but rewarding task of a full time homemaker. They stayed in Paterson and raised several of their children there. They then moved to Wayne in the mid 1980’s and called it their home for the rest their time together. Joseph and Dolores cherished 65 years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Dolores was very dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of St Stephen’s RC Church in Paterson. She was extremely involved in the church and was President of the Ladies Auxiliary as well. She loved to read, crochet and especially cook. Dolores was happy to cook for her entire family and always made sure there was enough for everyone. Dolores also enjoyed traveling and vacationing with her family, whether it was to their house in Toms River or Upper Greenwood Lake, or to Miami and Disney, which was one of her favorite places to be. Aside and above all of Dolores’ interests and talents, her greatest passion and devotion was to her family. She was a loving wife and a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Dolores was a very special lady who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Dolores is survived by her husband Joseph, four sons; John and his wife Alexis of Wayne, Richard and his wife Toni of Pompton Plains, Joseph Statuto of Hawthorne, and John Statuto and his wife Portia of Florence, two daughters Roseanne Macchiarelli of Beachwood, and Dena Macchiarelli of Pequannock, six grandchildren; Brian, Lauren, Alyson, Taylor, Kimberly, Madison, and Anthony, two great grandchildren Genevieve, and Margaux.

In lieu of flowers friends may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 www.stjude.org

Christopher John Ruit, age 30, of Hardyston, passed Sunday, December 18, 2016.

He was born in Pequannock and lived in West Milford where he graduated from West Milford High School with the Class of 2005. He has lived in Sussex County for the past ten years.

Christopher’s first job was working at the Pathmark Supermarket in Kinnelon. He then worked for T M Brennan Contractors where he learned to be an HVAC mechanic. Most recently he worked for the Echelon Services in Newton. He will be remembered as a hard-working and dedicated employee.

Christopher was a fun loving guy with a quiet sense of humor. He was the guy who would always be snickering in the background. He loved bicycles ever since he got his first BMX bike when he was about twelve and still enjoyed riding. Another of Chris’ passions was hockey. He has played for many years. At the age of twelve he won the Quebec Tournament with the Pee Wee Division of the Hershey JR Bears. Chris also played on hockey travel teams through his high school years, was fortunate enough to practice and play in the Czech Republic, and more recently played in adult hockey leagues. He loved music and even taught himself to play the guitar. Chris will fondly be remembered for his loving ways. He was dedicated to his Miniature Dachshund Katie and treasured his time taking her on walks and hiking with her by his side. He was also dearly loved by his nieces and nephews.

Christopher was the loving son of Linda Stack and her husband John of West Milford and Charles Ruit and his wife Elba of Wyckoff; he was the devoted brother of Jill Klaasen and her husband Ryan of Newfoundland, Tim Ruit and his wife Jessica of Franklin, Justin Ruit of Fair Lawn, and Jordan Stack of West Milford; he was the cherished grandson of Barbara Meyer of Wayne and her late husband John, and Allen and Helen Ruit; he was also the much loved uncle of Kendall, Cameron, and Christian Klaasen, and Amelia and Jacob Ruit. He was dearly loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Jacksonville Chapel, 264 Jacksonville Rd, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

Daniel J. McDermott, Sr., age 74, of Wayne for over fifty years, slipped away peacefully after a stroke, on Friday, May 6, 2016.

He was born in Paterson living the first four years of his life at 16 23rd Avenue then moving to 149 Trenton Avenue where he would live through his high school years. Dan graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1959. He worked as a fireman for the City of Paterson for several years and later worked for and eventually retired from the Wayne Police Department.

For many years Dan attended classes at William Paterson University in Wayne. He would declare a major, get real close to having the credits to receive the degree, and then change majors. Eventually he had so many college credits and no degree that he elicited a phone call from the Dean of the University. He told Dan he had to graduate and Dan responded “no I don’t - I’m here for an education not a degree.”

Dan will be remembered as a unique, humble, kind person who loved playing the stock market. Many will recall his seemingly endless recall of little sayings he always had at the ready: “All behavior is learned,” “It’s all a learning experience,” “Nothing is constant but change,” and many others. He was outwardly tough both emotionally and physically but had a warm heart that always put others needs before his own. He was a protector at heart. As a little girl his daughter Sheri was told “don’t worry, just ask your dad… he will always be there for you.” And he was. He loved to read and especially enjoyed psychology and philosophy books. His softer side was evidenced by his love of painting with water colors and oil as well as his love of woodworking and photography and gardening. As with many artists his works were never quite finished as they each needed just a little more time to make them perfect. His sensitive nature was also exposed with his love of animals. Although he was an avid hunter in his younger years, Dan said,” If I did it over again, I would just photograph the wildlife.” The family had several dogs through the years and most recently he loved his time with his cat Paige. Dan also enjoyed fishing & boating, with his son and grandson. The adventures of Daniel I, Dan II, and Danny III, are too many to share. But their memories of Bimini, Alaska, the Hudson, and Greenwood Lake will most likely be told for generations to come.

Most of all Dan loved his family! He was very proud of his two children Dan and Sheri and cherished time with his grandchildren. He loved to share his history with them and hear of all their accomplishments. He had an exceptional way of showing unconditional love to his entire family. Dan loved Jane very much. He was never in a rush when it came to spending time with her and always had an ear if she needed to be heard. After retiring Dan & Jane were stuck like glue 24/7 enjoying every moment life had to offer together. Dan & his brother Joe talked every day. It amazed Joe that he knew something about everything, but especially liked to reminisce with his brother whenever he had the chance. His family will all miss him dearly, but are thankful for the time they had together and all the memories and lessons Dan taught them.

Dan was the loving companion of Jane for the past thirty-three years; devoted father of Daniel McDermott II of Wayne, and Sheri Flandreau and her husband Matthew of Sturbridge, MA; cherished grandfather of Danny, Bianca, Madison and Liza and his brother Joe of Toms River.

Daryl Keith Neff, 54, passed away on October 14th, 2016. He was born in Nov. 1961 in Memphis, Tennessee, but grew up in Houston, Texas, where his family had resided for several generations. In fact, his great uncle, Pat Morris Neff, who was also an attorney like him, was the 28th Governor of Texas for two terms and the ninth president of Baylor University. Pat Neff and his mother, Daryl’s great grandmother, Isabella Neff, donated the land which would become the first state park in Texas, Mother Neff State Park. He grew up in Houston surrounded by his mother and father, two brothers, and sister, and many aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Daryl graduated from Columbia University with honors with a BA in Archeology in 1984 and from Columbia University’s School of Engineering with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1986. He then graduated from Pace University School of Law, Magna Cum Laude and number 2 in his class in 1993. He practiced Intellectual Property and was hired by IBM as a patent attorney shortly after graduation. Later on, he became a partner with the law firm of Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik where he worked for many years.

He met his wife, Lily Neff, while both students at Columbia University. They married shortly thereafter. Lily is also an Intellectual Property attorney, following in each other’s footsteps. Together they have two children: a son Ryan, 25, and a daughter Laura, 17. Daryl was a loving and devoted father and husband for many years, a role model for his children, and a cornerstone of the community. Their son Ryan followed in their parents’ footsteps at first and obtained a S.B. in Engineering from Harvard University. Currently, he is an MD/PhD student attending Icahn School of Medicine in New York, NY. Their daughter Laura is currently a high school student.

Besides his wife, son and daughter, Daryl survived by his mother Mrs. Alice Gayle Preston, two brothers Norman and David and a sister Sheila, nieces and nephews and many cousins.

We will miss Daryl very much.

David A. Hesson, 48 of Wayne, died on Thursday, December 22, 2016 with his loving family and friends at his bedside. Dave had fought valiantly with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and related complications, since 2003.

David grew up in Connellsville, Pennsylvania and graduated Geibel Catholic High School with the class of 1986. He proceeded to join the U.S. Air Force and served for six years in Tokyo. He loved it there very much, learned to speak Japanese, and continued to live in Tokyo for four more years while working for Deutsche Bank. He eventually moved to their New York City location and lived in Forest Hills, Queens for a few years. Dave was a wiz with computers and IT was his forte. He eventually started his own company; Valley IT Solutions in Wayne and offered various computer services and video surveillance installations. Dave installed all the video cameras at the Totowa Boro Hall and Our Lady of the Valley Church, among many other area installations. He was very good at what he did and proud of his work.

Dave was also a staunch Republican and wasn’t necessarily concerned about being ‘politically correct’ around anyone; he told it like it was. Being successful was important to him as well, and one of his favorite quips was “it’s all about winning.” He was proud to be a member of the NRA, a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Penguins fan, NY Yankees fan, and he loved F1 racing, hunting and shooting sports. He even coached Little League baseball in Totowa for a number of years, despite not having any children of his own. Dave was a Mason belonging to the Boiling Springs Lodge 152 in Rutherford, NJ and an Associate Member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46 in Rochelle Park, NJ. He was also a parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church in Wayne for many years.

Dave met his wife Rosemary Rascionato when he was living in Queens. They exchanged phone numbers and Dave called Rosemary the next day. They ended up speaking for more than four hours that first call! Dave proposed on Christmas Eve in 2006 and they were married on May 11, 2008 followed by a fabulous honeymoon in Hawaii. They settled to Wayne and have enjoyed the last eight years together. Their marriage was full of fun and laughs, smiles and good memories. Rosemary will certainly miss him dearly, and so will their beloved dog; Stevie.

Dave is survived by his wife Rosemary Rascionato of Wayne, by his two brothers; Daryl and his wife Patricia of Palm Harbor, FL and Gary and his wife Teresa of Lewistown, PA, by his in-law parents; Emilia and Rinaldo Rascionato of Totowa, by his sister-in-law; Daniella Rascionato of Riverdale, by his brother-in-law; Emilio Rascionato and his wife Lana of Totowa, by his niece; Nicole Rascionato and nephew; Matthew Rascionato of Totowa, and by his loving dog Stevie. Dave was predeceased by his mother; Concetta Sgro in 2012 and by his father; Karl Hesson in 2001.

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

Demarest “Demmy” “Van” Van Blarcom, III, age 76, of Pompton Lakes passed peacefully at home while holding his wife Joy’s hand on Sunday, November 6, 2016.

He was born in Orangetown, NY and raised in Palisades, NY having attended Nyack High School and graduated from the Tappan Zee High School with the Class of 1958. Demmy was an excellent baseball player in high school and held the longest home run record for the field at Nyack High School for years.

Just out of high school Van worked for Orange & Rockland Utilities as a Utility Clerk in their West Nyack office. A year later, he enlisted in the United States Army and was part of the 39th Artillery. At that time, he requested to serve in Germany as a mechanic and was granted both desires. For the next two and a half years, he served in Germany. He was renowned for being able to listen to trucks pass by (even in convoy) and determining what repairs the truck needed by the sound. As a result, he was promoted to sergeant after only one year of service; he also earned a sharpshooter award and mechanic’s badge. In 1963, he returned to work at Orange & Rockland Utilities. The next ten years he spent reading meters, later working as a collector out of the Monroe office and subsequently in the Blooming Grove office as a meter tester. Demarest worked for Orange & Rockland/Con Edison for fifty-five years before retiring in 2013. His picture hangs in the Con Edison Corporate offices in Manhattan. Additionally, he was a member of IBEW 503 and the ORRA.

Demmy knew how to do almost everything, generally teaching himself how to do it. He worked on fixing anything and everything he could whether around the house or on cars. In his younger years, Demmy enjoyed building and racing stock cars. He was an excellent mechanic, who not only handled his own stock cars but was sought out to by other teams to build their engines because of his skill. During that time, he was a certified NASCAR and NHRA mechanic as well as driver. He started driving stock cars in races on oval tracks and later straight track races were his forte. By the time he met Joy, he was racing exclusively on straight tracks and they spent many a weekend at the races.

Demarest met Joy Doran through mutual friends Bob and Sue Schaeffer, when they were in their wedding party. For a long time, they thought Joy and Demmy would be a good match in spite of the fact that they were both dating others. Ultimately, the other relationships dissolved, Bob and Sue sat them together at their wedding reception, and the rest was history. After a proposal that went something like this while driving around after a race, “oh I think the engine is gone in the car (in actuality that was not true)…so do you want to get married?” they married on June 6, 1965 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgewood, NJ.

Ever the one to tinker with an engine, Demarest installed a new engine in their car just before their wedding so that the car would be more powerful for their planned cross country drive to Mexico. The car made it to the New Jersey Turnpike before it started continuously bucking. They made it as far as Fredericksburg, Virginia, stopping to add water to the radiator every chance they had, and gave up on the trip to Mexico. They returned back to her parents in Hawthorne, where Joy’s sister Joan had their station wagon ready for a joint honeymoon / second honeymoon to Niagara Falls with her sister Joan and brother-in-law Bruce taking them. When they returned home, Demarest figured out that the new engine he installed was bigger but he didn’t install a large enough cooling fan. He went to the junk yard, found a bigger fan, and they were soon off, alone, to Toms River for the last two days of their honeymoon as the first guests to stay in the just opened Howard Johnson’s Hotel. The hotel was so new that they didn’t even have towels in the room yet.

He loved to work on cars whether it was rebuilding an engine or completely repainting the exterior. And did so for a number of years even working on the weekends. In addition, Demmy also enjoyed using his hands to create artistic works. When living in Vernon he painted cartoon characters over the entire wall of the family room. When the new owners moved in and kept the wall just that way because they liked it so much. Later, he created stained glass works in what became a second weekend job. For several years, he and the family would spend the weekends at the Americana Hotel in Vernon where he would do demonstrations on how to make stained glass pieces as well as sell his works. His creations were purchased by people from all over the United States and even several other countries.

Demarest will be remembered as a loving family man who could make friends with great ease anywhere he went. While simply shopping, he met people and would have a long conversation with whomever and walked away somehow knowing their history. During this past year of going through chemotherapy he made friends of security staff, nurses and more. There was never a place that he went where he didn't get talking to people.

Demmy was also a great son-in-law who would take Joy and her mom and dad, Hedy and George Doran, shopping every weekend. In recent years, when his mother-in-law Hedy was in Sunrise and CHCC facilities, he and Joy visited her daily. Demmy had a knack for befriending the residents. He quickly became known and liked by everyone - making friends with staff, residents and visitors - there was always someone looking forward to his visit. When he wasn't up to going inside to visit, he would sit in the car and the residents would want to know where he was and if he was OK.

In his free time, Demmy enjoyed golfing for many years with the league at work (his friend Richie at O&R taught him), and then later at the Passaic County Golf Course. He liked to golf with his son-in-law Adam too. He injured his leg which slowed him down and eventually stopped him from golfing due to the pain. After retiring, Demmy enjoyed fishing whenever possible, and spent many memorable hours fishing with his granddaughter Hope and his son-in-law Bob and grandson Matthew.

For years he served as an usher with his daughter Meri at Cornerstone Chapel in Pompton Plains. Demmy made a stained glass sign which hung at the entrance of Cornerstone Chapel. Later, Demmy and his daughter Joy worked together to build decorations / backgrounds for Vacation Bible School at Cornerstone Christian Church in Wyckoff.

Demmy was a strong, brave man as he battled different cancers in his lifetime, but he always bounced back and was ready to take on something new. In the 1970s, Demmy's second cancer surgery held a true miracle. Demmy was supposed to be in a private room after surgery. When Joy went she was shocked he was in a twelve bed ward and she was very upset. They assured Joy he would be in private room in the morning. The next day Joy found out that God had planned it and gave them a miracle. Demmy had started to choke, and was unable to reach the cord for help. The gentleman next to Demmy could not speak English, but knew Demmy was in trouble and rang for nurse. After Demmy's third cancer surgery - with stitches straight down his whole chest, the doctor went into Demmy's room and said OK, you can do light exercise. The doctor was shocked when he went in the room to check on Demmy and found him doing pushups against the wall, apparently that isn't considered light exercise after surgery. Mostly recently when he went for a knee replacement, it was discovered that he had stage 4 lung cancer that metastasized to his liver and pelvis. With the knee replacement off, Demmy braved this battle valiantly, having endured several types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, with none working. Ever the fighter, when the doctor gave him the option of starting a fifth new treatment, Demmy immediately answered yes which didn't surprise his doctor one bit. Demmy felt there was still so much life to live and wanted to keep trying.

Demmy was extremely thankful for his daughters taking turns bringing him into Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and staying with him for hours for all his chemo treatments, as his wife Joy couldn't go to the 14th floor due to here severe claustrophobia. His grandkids even sometimes joined on the chemo days, which made those days brighter for Demmy. Joy was able to take him to all his doctor visits.

Demmy was the love of Joy's life. Joy took care of him 24/7 because he didn't want anyone else. Through ups and downs, they stuck together, prayed and made it through with God's help. In order to say his good-bye to Joy before the Lord called him home, he reached out, put his arm around her waist with a quick hug; then he grabbed her hand, held it tight, and squeezed it and went home.

An open letter to Demmy from his loving wife Joy...

I wanted to say something about the love of my life, my husband Demmy, but no words seemed right and I couldn't understand why. I have asked Pastor Rich to read this because I just can't. Funny, when I asked Demmy to do some little things recently, his answer was I can't. At the time, I was upset and felt he wasn't trying and was just giving up. Then he decided to go through a fifth type of chemotherapy and he showed me again he gave all he could plus, and the words “I can't” were so so real. I now realize what he meant as I just can't.

I woke up yesterday morning having some of my answers. Demmy and I never actually said goodbye – there were no words said or planned for. People might think that our goodbye was while he was gasping for air continually for hours, we held hands tightly not wanting to let go, and his reaching out to grab a quick half hug were it, but they’d be wrong. Or even as I kissed his hand over and over and told him how much I loved him, how he was the bravest man I knew and I was so proud, how I couldn't stand to see him so ill, that was our goodbye but again they’d be wrong. Or maybe even when I said over and over again in tears I don't want you to go, I'm going to miss you so, that was it --our goodbye --- but it wasn’t.

We had been together 24/7 since he retired, and before that every moment we could be. However, no words were mentioned about him dying or good bye. I asked if he thought he was going Home with the Lord, and even though unable to speak because of the gasping, I thought I would just get another shake of his head yes or no. However, clearly speaking without a gasp he said, I don't know. I told him I didn't either (as I had never been with someone during that actual moment God called them home). I know in my heart of hearts, the reason no actual good-bye was said was because we know that Jesus died so we could have eternal life. Being a selfish human being, I wanted Demmy to live on forever right beside me, but he will just have to live on forever in my heart. God heard my prayers but decided differently knowing that Demmy needed to be healed once again but this time completely. He will never get another cancer, never need another surgery, never again feel the horrible pain of his knee or his back, never have to struggle to get his breath or strength to get in and out of a car or up the stairs after each chemotherapy. He is now whole and pain free for eternity. God said you have fought a good fight, let me help you.

Right before Demmy passed, he grabbed at his eyes and rubbed them hard. A second later he did it again. I will likely never know, but maybe he was seeing a bright light, the Lord, something wonderful and beautiful in heaven or even my parents waiting there to greet him. Although my heart is breaking and will be every day of my life, as I am crying and feel such a terrible emptiness, I have had some clarity. I have realized that the struggles in our lifetime when we were both ill, when he was ill over and over, through tough financial struggles, and other tough times God brought us to our knees in prayer and brought us through it. We were blessed over and over with many miracles some of which even the doctors said just couldn't happen, but did. Now, as in my favorite poem Footprints, I need God to carry me through till we are together again. Although no one is perfect, nor any marriage perfect, Demmy and I made it through the good and bad with love and God's help. So again, I am calling on God. I was blessed to have over fifty one years with Demmy, now Heaven is blessed.

Eulogy read by Demmy's daughter Meri...

Daddy,

Thank you. Thank you for loving us all so deeply that you would do anything and everything to spend more time with us. We – Mom, Joy, Adam, Hope, Bob, Matthew and I (Nana and Pop too when they were alive) – always came first. We are grateful for the example you set for us and the time you spent with each of us to personally invest in our lives in very specific and different ways.

I’m not even sure you realized how special that is to us and how loved it made each of us feel. You are not just our Dad and Grandpa but also a friend to us, taking time to listen to and encourage each of us through the seasons of lives. Your simple, quiet responses often had a profound and deep meaning and yet like you, they were genuine as they come.

What we saw as we got older was your ability to connect with people. You had an amazing ability to strike up even a simple conversation and instantly make a new friend. Your down to earth personality enabled people to feel comfortable and started many a great conversation which often turned into a relationship. Growing up, our friends got to know and love you as well. As you and Mom hosted parties for us with our friends in high school and college, our friends got to know you and enjoyed talking with you. Most recently, the hospital staff became your new friends – from the security guard who called you buddy and chatted us about life, to the phlebotomist with whom you loved to talk politics and gave you fist pumps (even though your opinions differed), to the staff on the infusion floor who know you we never had to say your name to check in like everyone else, and the nurses that even when they were not the ones responsible for your care needed to stop by and say hello or check in on you. But it didn’t even have to be someone you spent a lot of time with. It could be someone on a bench in the store next to you or a golf partner in a foursome you just met, you loved learning about them. Everyone you met, not just us, enjoyed your company, because you Dad were simply the best company to be in.

Dad was a loyal and committed employee as well, having worked for Orange & Rockland Utilities for 55 year. He would not allow a retirement party for him because he had promised his co-worker and buddy over 40 years, Dougie, that they would retire together. Dougie could not be there for a party because he was dying of lung cancer. They are probably sharing coffee and jelly donuts together now.

He lived out his faith in how he treated his work and other people as well. Dad’s ability to talk to people definitely was a gift that helped him in the many different roles he had over the years there. Particularly, in the Hassidic Jewish communities in the territory he covered, while they were not welcoming to most outsiders, yet they welcomed Dad and considered him part of their community.

Politics, that’s a whole detour I could take for a long time. I can’t begin to imagine the total number of hours Dad and I spent talking about policies, politicians, and more. When I was in college we were faithful Rush Limbaugh listeners and he had a TV show at the time, which taped locally and had a College Week. Dad wore one of our Rutgers sweatshirts and joined my College Republican friends and me to be in the audience for the taping. We enjoyed going together so much.

Dad would talk with anyone about politics, taboos aside. He knew so much and loved to discuss it, and he’d try to persuade you if you were on the “wrong” side of things.

Dad knew how to do almost anything, and most of that was self-taught. He would read anything and try to teach himself by tinkering until he got it right as was the case with building engines and repairing cars. American History was another passion and he knew it well. But knowing something wasn’t enough, he took the time to share his knowledge and abilities whenever he could. He showed Adam how to change a headlight, Joy how to change the oil and rotate tires. He also taught Adam how to play golf, and was looking forward to teaching Hope the same. He taught Hope and Matthew how to fish. He was patient even when learning had its bumps in the road; and was encouraging when he saw development. He recently told Matthew that he looked forward to seeing Matthew as a Bassmaster one day because he has talent.

Dad loved fishing and, after he retired, went whenever he could. He was an early riser, and so was Matthew, so their pre-summer camp tradition was born where Dad would drive over, very early, every day it wasn’t raining, and take Matthew fishing brining him home just in time to leave for camp. Bob too loves to fish and so he would join the two of them on weekends when it worked for all 3 to go; and sometimes Bob would meet Dad so just the two of them could fish. It was a shared loved that created precious memories and a bond with Matthew.

Dad had a love for sports. He was an excellent baseball player in high school even setting a long-standing home run distance record. After high school, he really focused on his next love - auto racing. He built and raced stock cars. He was an excellent mechanic and that caused other teams to seek him out to build their engines. He was a certified NASCAR and NHRA mechanic and driver. He started on ovals but went to straight track with the hot rod racing. After marrying Mom, he no longer raced, but he loved to watch NASCAR on the weekend. He got me into NASCAR when a kid named Jeff Gordon came up from California. The #24 car and Jeff Gordon became his favorite driver. I caught the fever and now Matthew has too. Many times Adam would sit watching the race with Dad as he told him the facts about drivers, whether it was a car or truck race, it didn't matter. Dad knew a tremendous amount about it all. In fact, he knew so much it would make most people’s head spin. It didn't take Adam long to get hooked on NASCAR as well and Sundays were semi-dedicated to both football and then later on NASCAR races. We enjoyed talking about drivers, teams, chances for championships, rule changes and more. When not watching NASCAR, Sundays were “Golf Day”. Dad played golf almost every Sunday until his knee pain made it impossible. His passion for the game and the fact that he went most weekends were again contagious and it didn't take long for Adam to go with him and for Dad to teach him how to play. Once again, Dad kept encouraging Adam and telling him he would get better with practice. After many rounds and a lot of practice Adam was able to bring his score down to the upper 80s. Still not to where Dad was at but it didn’t matter, they had fun out there on the course - Dad would bring his radio and check on the race to see who was winning while they golfed - they would laugh and joke and enjoy the time spent.

Adam and Dad got to a Yankees World Series game together. It was a joy for both of them.

For a number of years Dad and I went to the NFL/PGA golf tournament in Clifton. We enjoyed our day together walking the course, watching and talking about the players there. We’d get autographs on golf hats - Dad used to talk to the PGA players and get their autographs; then hand me the hat for the NFL guys joking they’d sign for me before they would him. It didn’t matter that I never fully understood golf, despite his efforts to explain it to me; it was just a fun day the two of us looked forward to.

Daddy had quiet faith. Until recently, he went to Church every Sunday. Adam said that afterwards when they would have lunch he would ask Dad how the sermon was, inevitably he would tell me what it was about -his version -then Mom would chime in and say Demmy that is not what Pastor said - which always gave him a chuckle!

Another Van Blarcom tradition, which is now an Urdang and Gupko tradition as well, has been the annual summer family vacation to Amish Dutch Country in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Adam thought okay this a bit weird to do this every year - why not try somewhere different, but now he gets it - the familiarity, the relaxed and comfortable feeling you get being there, the fun and good times spent. But also the reunion with dear friends made on those trips. It all makes sense and feels right. We all enjoy the time out there and family fun - swimming, horse and buggy rides, shopping and eating (Miller's Smorgasbord, Ice Cream at Lapps Farm). This past summer my parents made a second trip with Joy, Adam and Hope. They encouraged Dad to pick elsewhere, but when faced with the option he chose where he loved, Pennsylvania.

Dad would do anything for us, his family. He was a family man and that meant that no matter what was going on, his family was most important. Before Joy and Adam were married, Dad and mom fixed up the family room, and that meant countless hours of work - at night after work and on weekends. They were able to live there for about a year and it allowed them to save for a down payment on their townhouse. Adam said it also allowed them to become a bit closer - as if that was possible! Bob and I moved in to that same room almost two months after they left and enjoyed our years living there so we too could save up. Joy and Adam, Bob and I are so appreciative and thankful!

Dad was not a theater guy, or one to go to shows. But when Hope started singing, acting and performing, Dad and Mom were eagerly there at every performance they could attend. And he enjoyed it, because he got joy from seeing Hope perform so happily.

Being there for his beloved grandkids was something he did every chance he could. He didn’t miss a grandparents day at their school, went to every special chapel they were in and anything else that allowed him to be there. If we needed someone to look after Matthew for some time, Dad would happily come over watching Speed TV, talking racing and fishing and get Matthew to read to him (which he wouldn’t do for anyone else). And in the rough times with the chemo, he only looked forward talking about seeing Hope and Matthew doing stuff in the future, like looking forward to seeing Matthew playing soccer for the school team next year.

Adam recalls many fond memories of Dad – they did so much together over the 25 years that Dad met and welcomed Adam. When he started dating Joy and would come to the house, part of the night was spent hanging out with Dad too with shooting pool in the basement was one way. Dad was very good and so was Adam because as a teenager he’d spent countless hours shooting pool, so the rivalry was born. Dad had a bit of an advantage and was a competitor - he had a desire and drive to win so he practiced and over time it was apparent to Adam that even though Dad was the better player, there was a few times when he knew Dad took it easy on him. The friendly competition continued at basketball hoop in the back yard, Adam feeling he may have been slightly better in a game of horse, but says Joy actually was the best out of all of us! The important thing was everyone had a lot of fun and it taught Adam how to lose gracefully as well as learning that it was only a game and not to get so upset about losing.

Daddy would thank us for taking him for his chemotherapy always saying he appreciated all we did for him. Joy and I actually looked forward to each of those days, because it was a special day to spend lots of time with Dad. It wasn’t us doing him a favor; it was a blessing to enjoy time with him that we never otherwise would have had. Dad made the best of it joking with the staff, and just enjoying the time with family, especially on the days Hope or Matthew came along. In fact Dad happily learned all about Pokémon Go on a chemo day as we wheeled around with him looking for Poke Stops around the hospital, Matthew explaining it along the way; afterward Dad and I would smile pointing out all of the Poke Stops we remembered on days Matthew wasn’t with us.

He was strong and brave on many levels so it was no surprise that time and time again when he got sick he never showed anything but fight. A diagnosis came and he just said what do we need to do and moved through it. Thyroid cancer when we were kids, later it was prostate cancer, skin cancer and so this last bought with Stage 4 lung cancer Dad once again said what do we do and did it, time and time again. He battled in a way that left us, the doctor and others amazed – if treatment one didn’t work, then on to the next and so it went, even to treatment 5 starting only days before his passing. He was so weak, we didn’t think they’d even clear him to go forward, but he did it anyway. He wanted to fight, to be there for Mommy, us and the grandkids. His toughness was incredible, he was so much weaker and in more pain than he ever let on and just kept going. He was not giving up, and he never did, cancer didn’t beat him, God beat cancer taking Daddy to his eternal home with a body that can move and is pain free; as Matthew told me he has a new body and if it isn’t the body of a kid he has the energy of a kid now.

Daddy didn’t know how inspiring his courage was, but when I was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago, my first reaction was fear but then I thought no just like Dad what do I need to do let’s get it done and move on. He could do it, so could I.

Dad and Mom have been inseparable and their connection a testament of long lasting love in the good and the bad. When Dad retired, he had plans for fishing, which he did as much of as he could, but his number one plan was spending time with mom. It didn’t matter where they went or what they did, as long as they were together, they were happy. They never got to take big vacations, and spent many hours simply visiting Nana in assisted living or the nursing home for the past six years, but it was all good. In his final days, as in life, he only wanted mom to be there so it makes sense that he would leave this earth with her by his side holding hands.

Daddy, we love you more than these words could ever describe and there could never be enough time to share “you” and all the things you mean to us. We are so thankful that you are completely healed and with Jesus but at the same time heartbroken that we have to wait to see you again. We will love you always!

Demarest was the loving husband of fifty-one years to Joy (Doran) Van Blarcom; devoted father of Joy Urdang and her husband Adam of Wayne, Meri Gupko and her husband Bob of Riverdale; cherished grandfather of Hope Urdang and Matthew Gupko; and brother of Al and his wife Jan Van Blarcom of Catskill, New York, and Sandy Cotthaus of Montgomery, New York.

Dale L. Froehner (nee Wielenga) age 63 of Pompton Lakes passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, April 14, 2016.

Dale was born in Paterson and raised in North Haledon until moving to Pompton Lakes 30 years ago. After graduating from Manchester Regional High School in North Haledon, Dale earned an Associate’s Degree. She worked a short time for a local law firm, and then secured a job as a legal secretary with Kenneth Petrie, Esq., for whom she worked for the next 33 years. Following Mr. Petrie’s retirement in 2011, Dale went to work part-time for the Hawthorne Gospel Church where she also taught Sunday School and attended Bible study.

During the 1960’s, Dale had met, for the first time, a young man by the name of Kenneth A. Froehner. He was a member of the Preakness Volunteer Fire Company No. 4 in Wayne. At the time, Dale was dating someone else in the Fire Department. More than twenty years passed when Kenneth and Dale got reacquainted and started dating in 1984. After a couple of years dating they were married in 1986 and cherished the next thirty years together in a loving and loyal marriage. Almost immediately after they were married, they moved to Pompton Lakes, and this is where they would spend the rest of their lives together and raise their 2 sons.

Dale enjoyed cooking, her family would call her “Paula Dean”, the American celebrity chef and cooking show television host. She was not afraid to try new recipes and experiment in the realms of cooking. She was always tough on herself and was her own worst critic. But everyone in Dale’s family found everything she made to be delicious and asked her to make it again. She also loved to vacation at the beach, not any particular beach, but anywhere there was a beach. Be it the Jersey shore, Florida, or the Caribbean, just being on a beach made Dale extremely happy and content. Dale was also a woman who was devoted to her Christian faith, she was very active in the Hawthorne Gospel Church for many years. Aside and above all of her talents and hobbies, Dale was extremely devoted to her family, she was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to spoil her children and grandchildren. Her family remembers her as being loving, caring and always trying to please everyone. They also remember her constantly trying to do “the right thing” in every situation she was in. Dale was an extraordinary person who was taken from the world too soon. She touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by her family and friends alike.

Dale is survived by her Husband of Kenneth A. Froehner of Pompton Lakes, two sons Kenneth W. Froehner and his wife Kristen, and Kyle Froehner both of Pompton Lakes, two brothers; Bob Wielenga and his wife Ruth of Laguna Hills, CA, and Jim Wielenga and his wife BJ of Palm Harbor, FL, one grandson K.J. of Pompton Lakes, she was predeceased by her father Claude Wielenga (1995) and her mother Nellie Wielenga (2008).

In lieu of flowers donations in Dale’s name may be made to the Hawthorne Gospel Church, 2000 NJ-208, Hawthorne, NJ 07506.

Daniel J. Eddeh, age 40 of Pequannock, died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.

Dan grew up in Pequannock and graduated from Pequannock High School with the class of 1995, where he also played on the baseball team. He went on to graduate from NJIT with a degree in electrical engineering. Dan was designing high-end audio and video systems and home automation systems for both homes and businesses. The highlight of his career included designing and working on a several celebrity projects and visiting the installations which were located in the NJ metro area. It was fun and exciting work, and something he was dedicated to. Dan had always had a penchant for technology and even as a teenager, he became “the guy” who could install car stereo systems and accessories. He also knew his way around a computer and he became the local tech support guy for his family and friends. He even learned to compose music on his computer and family admits; “it was really good!” Dan often lamented that he should have pursued digital music as a career because he enjoyed it so much.

Dan was selfless to a fault. His brother recalls how Dan would drop everything and be there to help if you called him. If you called him about anything electrical or computer related, Dan was there to help you before you knew it. He also has a loyal group of close friends, many of them since grammar school, who have been streaming to his home to comfort his parents during these past few days. It’s all a testament to how loved Dan was and just how much he’ll truly be missed.

Dan is survived by his parents; Jess and Lois Eddeh of Pequannock, his brother; Michael Eddeh and his wife Kathleen of Pompton Plains, his niece and nephews; Andie, Mitchell, and Russell Eddeh of Pompton Plains, his aunts; Ellen Barbera of Middlebury, VT,  Claire Nammour of Paterson, Renee Sahar of Maywood, Yvonne Rai of Philadelphia, Josephine Nimry and her husband Eid of Amman, Jordan, and uncles; Steve Barbera and his wife Louanne of Wayne, Joseph Eddeh of Clifton and Tom Barbera and his girlfriend Kim Goerg of Wayne, as well as many loving cousins.

Flowers are welcomed, however if anyone desires to make a donation in Dan’s memory, you may choose a charity of your liking.

Cosmo “Gus” R. LaForgia, age 77, of Pompton Lakes passed away peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2016 with his family by his side.

Gus was born and raised in Queens, NY. After graduating high school, Gus attended St. John’s University in New York City where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. Immediately following his graduation from St John’s, Gus landed a job as an Assistant Buyer at a company called Allied Stores in New York City. He eventually changed companies and worked his way up to the position of Sales Executive at another company called Emblem Health Care Company also located in New York City. He worked there for more than fifteen years until he retired in 2009. Gus had an outstanding work ethic, he practically never called in sick even though he commuted to New York City every day until he was seventy years old.

While Gus was working for Allied Stores, he would pass the desk of a young lady named Margaret Glynn who was a Statistical Operator. He would pass by her desk several times a day trying to look busy, but was really trying to get her attention. They started to get to know each other, and after a while rode the train home from work together. Although fraternizing was forbidden in their workplace at the time, Gus eventually asked Margaret out on a date and they went to a nightclub for some dinner and drinks. Gus ordered a “screwdriver” and Margaret, wanting to impress Gus but never having a drink before, ordered a Hammer at which they both laughed. From there fate would have them fall in love and in October of 1964 they were married and honeymooned on the island of Bermuda.

Margaret and Gus settled in Queens, where their first two children were born, then in 1972 they moved to Wayne there their third child was born. Wayne would be the place they would call home and raise their family. Gus didn’t have many hobbies and wasn’t involved in many clubs or organizations, he devoted all of his time to his wife, children and later in his life to his grandchildren as well. He was an avid sports fan, he like the New York Giants, but his passion was baseball and the New York Yankees. Gus preferred watching the ballgames at home with his favorite snacks sitting in his favorite chair. Wherever he went, he could always be seen with his transistor radio listening to the Yanks. He could quote statistics of many players off the top of his head. One of his great memories was seeing Derek Jeter’s 3000th hit with his grandson Matthew. Aside from listening or watching his favorite sports teams, Gus’ greatest love and dedication was for his family. He always made sure that he divided his time equally for all of his grandchildren and never missed one of their sporting events. And when he attend their games everyone knew he had arrived, he was known by many as Wayne’s #1 Fan. Gus had a smile on his face no matter what was happening or how he was feeling. Wherever he went and whoever he was with, he was always the life of the party and could bring a smile to everyone else’s face. Although Gus’ life was taken from him a bit too early, the life he lived was extremely fulfilling and he fulfilled the lives of others around him. Gus was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by his friends and family alike.

Gus was the beloved husband of Margaret LaForgia (nee Glynn) of Pompton Lakes, devoted father of Denise Brush of Pompton Lakes, Deborah Murino of West Milford, and Peter LaForgia and his wife Dana of Pompton Lakes, cherished grandfather to Marissa, Matthew, Megan, Bryan, Olivia, and Peter, loving brother to Louis LaForgia and his wife Kathy of Huntington, NY, and uncle to Danny and Kristine.

Christopher M. Dziubek, age 32, of Clifton and formerly of Wayne, died on Sunday, January 3, 2016.

Chris was raised in Wayne and graduated from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 2001. He loved music and played the clarinet in the Wayne Hills High School Marching Band all four of his high school years. During his senior year he was the Drum Major leading the band on the field. He loved sports and was on the Wayne Hills Varsity Fencing Team and Varsity Tennis team.

After high school he attended the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his B.S. degree studying biology and psychology. While at college he became a brother at the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.

He enjoyed a great childhood going down the shore every summer to Wildwood Crest. He enjoyed an especially close relationship with his fraternal grandparents – Chester and Irene Dziubek who lived close by in Clifton. It seemed like Chris and his brother Kevin were over their house at least once a week or for the weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Dziubek would take the boys out for dinner or to church and on day trips to places like state parks. Chris was also fortunate to have a very close relationship with his maternal grandparents – Chester and Christine Wilczewski and had wonderful memories of summer times with them in the Poconos.

Chris saw a great deal in his younger years. His mother, Doris (Wilczewski) Dziubek passed unexpectedly in 2003 and in 2006 he stood close by his father’s side through his diagnosis and treatment of cancer, faithfully spending time with him in the hospital and taking him to his doctor appointments. Chris’ father, Lawrence Dziubek, passed away in 2010.

In his spare time Chris enjoyed reading. He continued to self-teach himself about biology and science in general. Also, in keeping with his love of music, he taught himself how to rock-out playing the bass guitar. He loved participating in activities that were intellectually stimulating – like playing poker. He had an uncanny sense of being able to predict the outcome of a game and what his odds of winning were, based on what cards his opponents would put down. He had a great, outgoing personality and a sarcastic sense of humor that will be dearly missed.

Chris is survived by his brother Kevin Dziubek and fiancé Ipek Akinci of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He was predeceased by his mother Doris Dziubek (nee Wilczewski) in 2003 and his father Lawrence Dziubek in 2010.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Christopher’s name are asked to consider Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church, or the Wayne Hills High School Band, c/o Wayne Hills High School, 272 Berdan Ave., Wayne, NJ 07470.

Clifford S. Zoppo, age 63 of Lincoln Park, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, June 9, 2016. He had been a teacher in the Paterson schools since 2004.

Cliff was raised in Waldwick, NJ and graduated from Waldwick High School with the class of 1970. He earned the nickname “Woodstock” in high school after his “by chance” appearance in the original “Woodstock” movie. His brother gave him tickets to the famous concert for his 17th birthday. By the time they arrived to Bethel, NY for the show, the fences were down and they didn’t need the tickets to get in. Cliff saved them as a memento and they are in their original condition today. Cliff went on to graduate from William Paterson College and enjoy a lengthy career as a salesman in the bearing and linear rail industry. But something was calling him to become a teacher and in 2004 he answered that call. He began teaching technology in the Paterson public schools and was currently teaching computers at school 26. He was a natural teacher who loved kids and it became obvious that he should have been teaching his whole life. Surely his students and fellow faculty will miss him dearly.

Cliff was simply a great guy. He was jovial, compassionate, and quite gregarious. If you met him, you loved him, and he took a genuine interest in getting to know you. He made friends everywhere he went and he was never short on conversation – he loved to talk! He was one of those people who knew about everything, and not just a little - he knew a lot about everything. He was very positive-minded and often behaved like a big kid which made him even more fun to be around.

Cliff was a great dad. He loved his son and daughter dearly and he was always there for them. He coached baseball, soccer, basketball, and showed them what it meant to be selfless. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was very proud of his kids and reveled in their successes. He also taught them what it meant to be a wonderful spouse by the example he set in his own marriage.

Cliff met his wife Joanne (nee McCarrick) when they were both students at William Paterson College. Joanne was sitting with some friends at the student center when Cliff came along and took her seat. When she returned and protested for her seat back, Cliff offered her his lap – and the rest is history. They fell in love after their first date to Hardee’s and were married on October 9, 1977 at the Shepard Lake Park chapel in Ringwood. After a honeymoon to the Mohonk Mountain House, they settled in West Milford where they lived for nearly forty years before moving to Lincoln Park just two years ago. Cliff and Joanne were true soulmates, best friends, and inseparable. They did everything together and especially enjoyed taking day trips to wineries, sculpture gardens, and other local attractions. Cliff never stopped being the romantic and just yesterday he brought flowers home for Joanne. He never stopped declaring his love for her, and he showed it often and in so many ways. She feels lost without him, and his family and friends are grieving the loss of a very special husband, dad and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife of thirty nine years; Joanne of Lincoln Park, by his son; David Zoppo and his girlfriend Laura Jeppesen of Montclair, by his daughter; Dianna Zoppo of Lincoln Park, by his mother; Eloise Marks of Lake Stockholm, by his sister; Jennifer Downing and her husband Brian of Lake Stockholm, and by his brother Darien Zoppo, his wife Marcie and son John of S. Salem, NY. He was predeceased by his father Jerome Zoppo in 1986.

Charles E. Norris, Jr., age 93, of the Packanack Section of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

Born in Jersey City, the oldest of Charles and Virginia Norris’ four children, Charlie grew up during the depression. With work in short supply, it was hard for his father to secure and retain employment. Consequently, Charlie’s family moved eleven times in the first thirteen years of his life. He was attending Kearny High School but had to quit before graduating because his father got sick. Instead Charlie was thrust into the role of breadwinner for his family.

At age twenty, Charlie’s sole desire was to join the U.S. Marine Corps but his parents refused. In those days you had to volunteer. The Marines did not accept draftees. When a draft letter from the Army arrived in Charlie’s mailbox, his parents figured he had to go anyway so they gave in and let him volunteer for the Marines. He served from 1942 to 1945 in the South Pacific. His unit was dubbed the Devil Dogs and he took part in the invasion on Lella Lavella Island and Bougainville Island. A corporal, Charlie was part of a machine gun company responsible for gun emplacement on the beaches. He sustained a concussion at the invasion of Bougainville and was ultimately hospitalized in New Zealand. For his bravery, Charlie was awarded the Certificate of Satisfactory Service, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal,

World War II Victory Medal and Marine Corps Marksman Rifle Badge.

After returning from Marine service, Charlie’s first order of business was earning his high school diploma. He did very well in school and like his father before him, he worked for Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G). He was a relay technician and he must have enjoyed that job a lot because he spent his whole career there. In total Charlie worked there for forty-one-and-a-half years, retiring in 1987.

Charlie met his beloved wife Dorothy Wreesman on a blind date. Dorothy, who went by the name Dottie, owned her own beauty shop and one of her clients was Mrs. Rabino. One day, Mrs. Rabino came in the shop and began asking Dottie lots of questions about herself. After much questioning and answering, Mrs. Rabino told Dottie that her son had a friend that she was convinced the stars indicated Dottie should date. Dottie was already casually dating someone else but she took Mrs. Rabino’s recommendation. When Charlie came knocking, Dottie opened the door and her first thought was “Wow! What an attractive man with wavy blond hair.” Her second thought was “Hmmm….. He’s so handsome, he should have been snatched up by a girl long ago – there must be something wrong with him.” Since Dottie loved to go bowling, their first date was to the bowling alley. The rest of the story is history. They married on Saturday, February 17, 1951 at the First Presbyterian Church on Kearny Ave. in Kearny. After the ceremony they celebrated with friends at a grand reception at O’Hara’s in Kearny, then they headed to Florida by car for their enchanted honeymoon. Their first apartment was supposed to be in Lyndhurst but when they got home from the honeymoon, the landlord told them to wait to move in because his family was all sick and he didn’t want them to get sick too. A few days later, the landlord told them that his daughter was going to live in the apartment instead. Now what should they do? Apartments were in short supply in those days so this was not a great start to their marriage. As the saying goes though, they had each other, and with love, any other hurdle could be overcome – even this one. Charlie and Dottie ended up moving in with Charlie’s parents on Chestnut Drive in Packanack Lake. They stayed there for the first ten months of their married life, then they found a house for themselves on the same street! They’ve lived there the past sixty-five years.

One of Charlie’s favorite activities was taking his wife and children camping. It combined two of his favorite things – seeing the great U.S.A. and being with his family. He started out with a pop-up camper and slowly graduated to a 16-footer, then a 22-footer and finally to the king of the road – a motor home! They traveled all over the country and into Canada including a cross country trip to California and a few trips down the east coast to visit Florida’s Disney World. One of his family’s favorite memories was Charlie’s penchant for driving down dead-end streets with the trailer in tow. The only way out was to back up and that’s no small feat with a twenty-two-foot trailer behind you! He also got to return to New Zealand where he was hospitalized during the war. Charlie loved that country so much, he said he could have easily lived there.

Charlie was an avid reader who especially loved to read books covering U.S History, including World War II and also historical fiction. A man with a love for the arts, music truly spoke to him and he loved a good Gilbert and Sullivan operetta or a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. As a young kid, he was a talented boy chorister at Trinity Church in Newark. He’d take the bus from Kearny to Newark for five-cents and get paid a quarter to sing. The trip back to Kearny would cost another nickel and that netted him a fifteen-cent profit - enough money for three large chocolate bars. An armchair intellect, Charlie was always up for a good conversation about the events of the world or whatever you wished to talk about and one of his most loved places for conversing was at one of the Spanish or Portuguese restaurants in the Ironbound section of Newark.

Charlie always cherished his Marine Corps service. Around 1991 he was invited to join the West Hudson Marine Corps League in Kearny. There he became reacquainted with veterans he had served with during the war. He ultimately became the group’s chaplain and he loved the camaraderie and good work that took place. Along with his fellow Marines he’d help veterans who lived in the Menlo Park Veterans Home by visiting and playing bingo to bring some happiness into their lives. They hosted carnivals and raised money to buy toys for needy children at Christmas and helped raise money for scholarships offered to high school seniors from Kearny families who had members in the league. To win the scholarship, an applicant would simply have to write a short essay about what it meant to them to be an American. Charlie was so proud when his granddaughter, Allison won the league’s scholarship. That essay was so well written that it went on to win the regional, state and national scholarships. Another great part of the league was being able to participate in it with his wife Dottie who was an active member in the league’s auxiliary. Together they marched in various parades on St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Fourth of July, and Charlie was still marching until he turned 90. On the Sunday after Memorial Day, they went to the cemetery in North Arlington and set American flags on veteran’s graves. Of course there were also many social activities that the league offered like pig roasts and the annual Marine ball in Menlo Park complete with carved Marine emblem ice sculpture and bag pipe honor guard. One of the greatest honors of Charlie’s life was being one of the few selected from his Marine Corps detachment to ride the battleship USS New Jersey BB-62 as it travelled through the Panama Canal enroute to its final birth in Camden, NJ in 1999.

Charlie and Dottie joined the Packanack Community Church soon after moving to Packanack Lake. Initially it was the potluck suppers that enticed him to go. One day the minister told him and Dottie that it was time for them to step up their commitment and become members. They did, and over the last six decades, Charlie served as an usher, a counter and on the music committee.

Charlie had a lot to be thankful for in his life and indeed he was! A warm-hearted guy, he was always upbeat and friendly. Because his name was so close to the famous martial artist and actor Chuck Norris, people he encountered would often ask, “Are you THE Chuck Norris?” His reply was always, “The original!” He had a great sense of humor and was even joking with the nurses on the last day of this his life on earth. Everyone will be looking forward to seeing Charlie in heaven!

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years – Dorothy; his three beautiful daughters: Debbie and husband Joseph Mello of Newton, Susan Norris-Schrodt of Branson, Missouri, and Kim Ellen and husband James Welsh of Kissimmee, Florida; seven adored grandchildren: Scott, Jennifer, Corey, Kyle, Allison, Cameron, and Alexandria; one precious great-grandson: Eli; and two dear siblings: Bill and wife Lois Norris of Colts Neck, NJ, and Nancy Blakely of Ledgewood, NJ. He was predeceased by his dear brother Francis Norris and dear son-in-law Frederick Schrodt.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Charlie’s name are asked to consider Packanack Community Church.

Christine Ann Ciarlo (nee Miele), age 85 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, June 4, 2016. She had been a resident of Wayne since 1964 and was well known due to her many years as a ‘lunch lady’ at Anthony Wayne and Schuyler Colfax middle schools.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she moved to Passaic with her family as a young girl. She graduated from Passaic High School and soon thereafter met Carmine Ciarlo, a handsome Navy veteran, on a blind date. They dated for a few years before marrying on April 26, 1954 at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Passaic, followed by a car ride down to Miami Beach, Florida for their honeymoon. They settled in Bloomfield for a brief while, and then moved to Wayne in 1964. They had a “great” marriage that included ‘date night’ every Saturday, summers at Seaside Park, NJ, and many traditional Italian dinners on Sunday night at their house. They enjoyed more than thirty two years together before Carmine’s untimely passing in 1986.

Family was a priority to Christine and Sunday was always a special day where she would make homemade gravy and everyone would gather for dinner. She also enjoyed watching her favorite soap operas on TV, tending to her flower garden, and, of course, shopping! Shopping was among one of her favorite pastimes and walking was her favorite form of exercise – so enjoying long walks throughout all the stores in the mall made for a perfect day in her book! She loved talking too and often had friends over just to talk. Her sister Terry was her best friend and they seemed inseparable. Sadly, when Terry passed in 2009, Christine’s grief weighed heavy on her heart and she has missed her sister terribly ever since.

Several years after Carmine’s passing, Christine met Jim Boncore at a widower’s group and the two of them were blessed with a very close companionship for nearly ten years before Jim passed. Jim was a good man who brought happiness back to Christine’s heart. She devoted herself to being a fulltime grandmother after Jim died, and she loved every minute spent with her grandchildren. Naturally, time spent shopping for them was high on her list, or taking them to her favorite restaurant, China Paradise in Wayne, where she invariably ordered the pu-pu platter. Her family will surely cherish those special times with her forever, and they will miss her dearly.

Christine is survived by her three children; Patricia Allegretto of Wayne, Robert Ciarlo and his wife Krista of Little Falls, and Kim Petty and her husband Guy of Morganville, five grandchildren; Daniel, Christina, Alicia, Matthew, and Sophia, her brother; James Miele and his wife Linda of Irvine, CA, and nieces and nephews; David, Suzanne, James, Jason, PJ, Barbara, and Ralph. She was predeceased by her husband Carmine in 1986 and by her sister Theresa “Terry” Orrico in 2009.

Charles Tucker taught at Wayne Valley High School for 35 years. Teaching was not a job for him but a calling from which he found immense joy and in which he reveled. Possessing a prodigious memory, Mr. Tucker could recite passage-, no pages,- from many of his favorite authors. He could repeat from memory a passage appropriate for any occasion. All of his students remember his enthusiastic recitals from Moby Dick and from his favorite poets such as Walt Whitman and Hart Crane. Mr. Tucker loved Charles Dickens and every two years he reread each novel and relished in them as if it were the first time he’d read them. The years never tarnished his joy in teaching Shakespeare whether it was MacBeth or Hamlet or Julius Caesar.

Serving the teachers of Wayne as President and chief negotiator, Mr. Tucker, along with his friend and colleague Fred Roth, worked for the best conditions, medical benefits and salaries for his fellow teachers. He could be a fierce opponent whether in negotiations or in defense of a co-worker through a grievance.

Born in New York City, ‘Tuck’, as he was known, was raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from Catholic High School, he served his country as a paratrooper. Again, the risk and the excitement of a “jump” was something he anticipated and loved. (The hazardous duty pay was nice too). After his basic training, he was stationed in Germany where he developed a love of the land and language. (The food was good too). Perhaps it was at this time that he fell in love with Wagner and particularly Siegfried’s Journey to the Rhine, a piece of music he shared with his three sons at every opportunity. (Wagner never repeats a theme) One of the extra dividends was that Pop would sing along with the music - loudly. Locked in the car with Pop and Wagner was a treat for him and a treatment for us. After his service in the Army, Tuck joined the Pennsylvania National Guard for three years.

Now “at six and seven,” he was drifting until a neighbor teacher took him and registered him at Millersville State College from which he graduated with a B.S. in English and History. Upon graduation, Tuck came to Wayne looking for a job which he received and, of course, was to take great pleasure in the position. Simultaneously, he went to Fairleigh Dickinson University and earned a M.A. in English. Over the course of years, Tuck continued his education at William Paterson and Montclair Universities.

At Wayne Valley, he volunteered to be class adviser on several occasions. He organized the chess club, a game which he loved, and was thrilled at the victories and learning of his students. Finally, he became Student Council Advisor for a period of time. In all of these activities, Mr. Tucker took pride in the organization and skills the students learned and achieved.

While Tuck may have left Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania was never far from his heart. Frequent visits to his sisters Betsy and Bill and Rosemary and Dan, kept the family close. His sisters, who can make you feel loved simply by saying hello, made Thanksgiving the best holiday of the year. The trips to the Green Dragon farmer’s market with the guys and to Lititz with the ladies made the 13 cousins feel more like brothers and sisters.

Tuck was known to enjoy the occasional horse race, (there should be a plaque dedicated to him at the Meadowlands). He thought every well-educated man should be able to read a racing form and so instructed his sons and grandchildren in the Sport of Kings. Thus, all of his sons know that one should never bet a long-shot to show or ever bet on any horse that ever ran at Yonkers. Although he loved Bridge and had legendary games of pinochle with his parents at the kitchen table, Tuck thought his sons should know the gentlemanly games of craps, blackjack and that roulette is for amateurs. Slots were only to be played while waiting for the buffet to open. With his friend, Ed McCran, they fought bad traffic, bad cards and bad luck to emerge victorious…sometimes.

Tuck truly believed that one would never die if he experienced laughter, good humor and love. He was blessed with all three in a life that he lived completely and with a family that gave him unspeakable joy. With his “Flower,” his wife Joan, and three sons, Charlie, Edward and Michael, he had many wonderful and delightful moments, not matched until the births of each of his nine grandchildren: Bobby, Andrew, Emma, Faith, Caleb, Nathaniel, Michael, Isabelle and Hannah. These kids are the denominator to his happiness and contentment.

Finally, Tuck fought nobly against pancreatic cancer. He lost this struggle on September 26, 2016 with his Flower and family by his side. Saddened though his family and friends are, they take comfort in a man who choose a purposeful life and lived it fully. Surely, Mr. Tucker, Tuck, Pop, Dad, Grandpop, had a blessed life and we all were blessed to be in it.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the St. Labre Indian School, P.O. Box 216, Ashland, Montana 59003-9989.

Corinne Cardiello “Corie” age 87 of Pompton Plains, passed away, with family lovingly by her side, on Wednesday, April 27, 2016.

Corie was born and raised in Garfield and was a graduate of Lodi High School, Class of 1946.

While in high school Corie always wanted to go to football games. She decided the best way to attend every game was to join the school band. It was there that she met the young man who would ultimately become the love of her life. His name was Vincent and he too was in the school band. Corie played the drums and Vince played the clarinet. Together they made such beautiful music and they eventually married at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church on MacArthur Ave. in Garfield.

After the wedding, Corie and Vince began their married life together in Garfield, eventually moving to Saddle Brook where they were blessed with the births of their two children, Vincent and Donna. Corie dedicated herself to the care of her children when they were young. She later worked as a receptionist for Dr. Alvin Krakower of Fair Lawn. In 1999, three years after her husband Vince passed away, she moved to Pompton Plains to be with her daughter Donna.

Corie cherished times spent with her two granddaughters, Michelle and Lauren. When the girls were little, she would pick them up every Friday and take them for lunch. Then they would all go to Saddle Brook Park to feed the ducks. Those two girls were the apples of Corie’s eye.

Corie loved to get together with her girlfriends to play card games like rummy or a form of rummy called telefunkie. In her quieter moods, she would read a good book – especially if it was one written by Danielle Steele.

One of Corie and Vince’s favorite pastimes together was going for rides on their boat and, over the course of many years, they owned a lot of them. Each one they named “Corky” and was distinguished by a number – Corky 1, Corky 2, etc. The boats they owned were as small as a sixteen-foot wooden boat with a 25 horsepower motor and as large as a thirty-two footer with twin inboard engines. The family enjoyed many good times with those boats on Lake Hopatcong. For a brief time, they enjoyed rides up and down the intercostal waterway in South Florida on their 32 footer.

Summers were spent in New Jersey but in the winter, Corie liked to escape to the Cardiello condo in Florida, where she stayed all winter. A typical day started with breakfast at Grampa’s Bakery and Restaurant. This restaurant gained notoriety when famous television host Guy Fieri visited the restaurant to film an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. No doubt, Corie made sure she was there that morning! She loved the beaches, sunshine, warm weather, boat rides, going out for dinner, and cheering on her beloved Miami Dolphins. In fact, one of the highlights of Corie’s life was meeting Dolphin’s quarterback Dan Marino at an airline-themed restaurant called Anthony’s Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale.

During the years Corie lived in Saddle Brook, she was a faithful parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church. She is reunited with her beloved husband Vincent now. Her family gives thanks for her life, her fun spirit, and for the love and joy she spread to their lives and the lives of her many friends.

Corie was predeceased by her beloved husband Vincent in 1996. She is survived by her dear son Vincent and wife Grace Cardiello of Wayne, her dear daughter Donna Cardiello of Butler, and two cherished granddaughters: Michelle and Lauren.

Charles E. Will “Ed” age 91, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 12, 2016.

Born in Union City, he was raised in the Athenia section of Clifton. During Ed’s senior year at Clifton High School, his heart was really elsewhere. You see, Ed really wanted to join the U.S. Navy. That’s all he could think about! He finally convinced his parents to let him quit school early, but since he was only seventeen, his father had to come with him to the Navy recruiting office in Paterson to sign papers giving consent for Ed to enlist. The next month Ed turned eighteen. He served his country proudly in Dunkeswell, England during World War II from 1942 to 1946 as a radioman. Ed’s duties included maintenance of the Navy communication systems, including transmitters, receivers, and antennas that were onboard ships, aircraft and at shore facilities. Later in life, he went back to England to visit where he had previously served. There he saw a memorial with the following inscription:

This stone was laid to preserve the memory of the U.S. Navy & U.S.A.A.F. personnel who were based at Dunkeswell during W.W.II

Many returned home

Some stayed forever

None will be forgotten

After the war, Ed returned to civilian life and promptly pursued and earned his high school equivalency diploma. His first job was with TEL Instruments in Carlstadt. He worked there for several years. Then, through the help of a friend, he got a position as a quality control inspector for the U.S. Department of Defense. His duties included visiting the various local defense contractors where he conducted inspections to ensure that product and processes were in compliance with federal standards. His family and friends never knew specifics because much of Ed’s work was top-secret. He loved this job and worked for the Department of Defense for thirty years, retiring in 1981.

Ed met his beloved wife Selma (nee Prigoditz) at a party celebrating the engagement of his friend Marty Springman and her friend Virginia Ratzer. Selma was helping at the party by serving the guests and she and Ed met when she approached Ed and offered to get him a beer. Their encounter resulted in a loving relationship. They got engaged themselves and married on September 1, 1951 at St. Nicholas Church in Passaic. A reception at the Robin Hood Inn in Clifton followed the wedding ceremony and then these newlyweds headed out on a motor trip honeymoon up the U.S. east coast and into Canada where they stayed at a place which is still there today – the beautiful castle like Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. They bought a house on Maplewood Ave. in Clifton and remained there until 1964 when they moved to Wayne and raised their family.

If you didn’t know where Ed was, there were always two places that you would look first….in his basement tinkering with his model railroads, or at the Grasshopper Irish Bar and Restaurant in the Mountain View section of Wayne having a beer with friends. Ed had a huge train layout in his basement and his collection included several hundred different trains. He was always tinkering with them, making the scenery to go around, going to train shows and reading magazines about trains. And every Christmas, there was sure to be a train chugging on a track around the Christmas tree. In the afternoons he traditionally met up with his buddies Rooster and Bruce at the Grasshopper for a nice tall cool glass of Budweiser beer. In later years, he’d often wear his Navy hat there. He’d strike up a conversation and tell a new friend stories about his Navy days. Many times those new friends would pay for his beer as a way of saying “Thanks for your service to our country!” He’d come home and exclaim “I didn’t have to spend a dime today.” Ed’s family threw him a big party at the Grasshopper to celebrate his 90th birthday and, earlier this year, when he was in Care One in Wayne for some rehabilitation, he made it his goal to be home by St. Patrick’s Day so he could get over to the Grasshopper one more time. He reached his goal, thanks to the help of his good friends!

Ed and Selma did their share of traveling in their retirement years. They took several trips by car to see friends in Texas and California and a little closer to home they enjoyed a trip up Mount Washington in New Hampshire. There were also trips to Hawaii and throughout Europe and, of course, numerous Navy reunions all over the country and visits to see his grandchildren.

To know Ed was to love him. He was quiet and loved spending time listening by himself to music – especially big band era music from the 1930’s 40’s and 50’s. But he was also very approachable and was always up for a friendly conversation. Easy going, he would often say, “We’ll do that tomorrow.” He was thoughtful and always remembered you on your birthday. Basically, Ed loved his wife, family, country and the simple things of life like a cool bear and a warm conversation.

Surviving are Ed’s beloved wife of 64 years, Selma: two daughters: Dianne Benson and husband Jon Africano of Wayne, and Kathleen Savacool and companion Jack Jameison of Anderson, SC; three grandchildren: Courtney and Michael Savacool and Patrick Benson; one great-granddaughter: Emma; and two nephews and one niece. He was predeceased by his brother William Will in 2007.

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

Cheryl J. Giannetti (nee Conklin), age 49 of West Caldwell, died unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. She had resided in Wayne before moving to W. Caldwell in 1993.

Cheryl had worked as a dispatcher for Metropolitan Trucking of Rochelle Park and later with Frederick Trucking of Paterson. More recently, she had worked at the Home Depot in Parsippany.

Cheryl grew up in Wayne and had graduated from Wayne Hills High School in 1984. She had a lot of fun times as a ‘flag twirler’ with the Wayne Hills Marching Band. Of course, Cheryl had fun just about everywhere she went; excitement was never far from her. In 1993 she married Bob Giannetti and although their marriage ended in divorce, she loved him dearly. They traveled often to Boca Raton where she could enjoy the beach, she loved Key West, and the Sea Shell on LBI was another favorite destination of theirs. She hosted Christmas Eve for many years at her home in West Caldwell. She was a very good cook, but she didn’t start out that way. No one would let her forget the “Peanut Butter Chicken” she prepared many years ago. It was so awful that it has remained as a running joke for more than twenty years among her family. Cheryl also loved to garden and she always had vegetables and flowers growing in her yard. In particular, she had a canna plant that her mother had divided and given to her years ago that she continued to grow year after year.

Cheryl was predeceased by her mother Joan Conklin in 2013 and is survived by her two sisters; Kathleen Shepard and her husband Michael of Wyckoff, Mindy Watts and her husband Rob of Lake Hopatcong, one brother; Bill Conklin and his wife Stephanie of Wayne, her Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bruce of Bloomingdale, many nieces and nephews, and her former husband; Robert Giannetti of West Caldwell.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cheryl’s memory would be appreciated. Please consider the Laurelwood Arboretum, 725 Pines Lake Dr. W., Wayne, NJ, 07470, www.laurelwoodarboretum.org, or Phoenix House Foundation, 164 West 74th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10023, www.phoenixhouse.org.

Cecilia M. Sovyrda, age 82 of Wayne, died suddenly on Friday, Feb. 5, 2015 while wintering in Florida. She had been a Wayne resident since 1961, living in the Lions Head Lake section of town.

Cecilia was a full-time mom for many years, but she had also worked for the Felsway Corp., and as a sales associate at Meyer Brothers in Wayne Hills Mall. However, she received the most enjoyment as a cafeteria aide for the Wayne schools. She loved talking to children and there is no place like a school cafeteria to find an abundance of kids to talk to!

Cecilia was raised in Wilkes Barre, PA and graduated from Plains Memorial High School with the class of 1951. She met her husband, Harry, in Wilkes Barre and they married on June 26, 1954 at St. Joseph’s Church in Hudson, PA, followed by a honeymoon to Niagara Falls. They moved to Wayne in 1961 and Cecilia has lived there ever since. Never a fan of the cold winters in the Northeast, Cecilia spent many winters in Land-O-Lakes, Florida, visiting with her daughter, Diane and family.

Cecilia enjoyed traveling and had enjoyed many trips throughout the United States and to parts of Europe. She took her family to Connecticut for a month each summer to visit with family, followed by yet another month in Pennsylvania visiting with even more family. One particularly memorable trip was when the whole family went to the World’s Fair in 1965.

Cecilia was devoted to her family. Her children recall that she was a “wonderful cook” and her sausage and peppers were a family favorite. She was very caring mother and grandmother. A fun-loving person who was always full of energy and ready to go. She was a bit of a “fashionista” who always looked sharp when she went out. She will be dearly missed by many.

Cecilia is survived by her two children; Greg and his wife Cathy of Wayne, and Diane Duffen and her husband Andrew of Florida; three grandchildren; Jennifer Villafana and her husband Juan of Wayne, Brian Sovyrda and his wife Amanda of Bloomingdale, NJ, and Rachel Duffen of Land-O-lakes, FL, two greatgrandchildren; Kayla and Tessa Villafana of Wayne, NJ, three sisters; Irene Hinko of Wilkes Barre, PA, Dolores McDermott of Wilkes Barre, PA, Etta Benkelmann of West Milford, NJ, and her brother; Joseph Januszko of Wilkes Barre, PA. She was predeceased by her husband Harry in 2007.

Donations in Cecilia’s memory would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society, NJ Chapter, 20 Mercer Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, or a veteran’s charity of your choice.

Carole Virginia Garthwaite (nee Winesett) age 92 of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains entered into eternal life on Friday, April 29, 2016.

Carole was born in 1923 to Eli and Della Mae Winesett in Hermiston, OR and moved as a young child to Plymouth, NC where she was raised.

Carole married Vincent J Garthwaite in 1944 after being introduced at a dance in Cherry Point, NC where Vince trained to become a Marine pilot. Carole & Vince enjoyed 51 years of marriage before Vince’s passing in 1995. During their long life together they lived in Hampton, NJ; Stratford, CT; New Castle, IN; The Packanack Lake section of Wayne, NJ and Winchester, VA. They also wintered in St. Petersburg, FL. During their life journey together they were blessed to gather a multitude of friendships.

Carole was an avid gardener and enjoyed tending to her yard and gardens wherever she lived. Her Green Thumb and extensive knowledge of gardening was an invaluable resource to all she advised. Carole had a giving spirit and was always lending a helping hand to a sick neighbor or a friend in need. During her younger years, Carole volunteered for many organizations. During Carole’s married life she resided in many different places and was always able to create a welcoming home wherever she lived, while making lifelong friends along the way.

Carole was the devoted mother of five children. Vincent James of Fairfield, CT; Catherine D’Amore of Fairfield, CT; Kevin of Lebanon, PA; Carole Linda Rarick and husband Brian of Little Egg Harbor, NJ and Claire Minarick and husband Robert of Wayne, NJ. Carole was the loving Grandmother to Susan Grom and husband Glen, James Garthwaite and wife Tracy, Katie D’Amore, Lania Kelly and husband David, Leigh Angeluzzi and husband David, Debbie Grimshaw and husband Nick and Dianna D’Amore. She was also adored by her Great Grandchildren Gregory & Rebecca Grom, Maren & Miller Angeluzzi and Molly Grimshaw.

Carole was one of 13 siblings and is survived by her loving brother William Winesett and wife Iola of Roland, NC, and sister-in-law Frances Winesett of Venice, FL. Carole was predeceased by her brothers Eli, Dan, Lemuel, Robert, James, Frank and her sisters Helen Mae, Gladys, Kate, Nell and Linda Lee. Carole was loved by her cherished nieces and nephews and a large extended family. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Note: On May 4, 2016, only five days after Carole’s passing, Carole’s brother Bill Winesett of Roland, NC joined Carole in eternal rest. Bill was 90 years old. Later in life Carole and Bill would always go back and forth about which one would be the last surviving sibling.

Catherine A. Grant (nee Kucay), age 91 of Ewing died peacefully on Friday, December 16, 2016. She had been a lifelong resident of the Trenton area, living for the past sixty years in Ewing.

Catherine was raised by her proud parents in Trenton, New Jersey. She was dedicated to her parents and remained very close to them. Sadly, Catherine lost her mom when she was just forty years old. Shortly thereafter, her father moved into her home and she lovingly cared for him until he passed in 1974. Her parents had raised her in the Catholic Church and she was a devoted parishioner of Incarnation RC Church in Ewing for decades. She actually had aspirations of being a nun as a young woman, right up until she met Henry Grant.

Catherine and Henry were married on April 19, 1947 and enjoyed a honeymoon to the Poconos. They settled into their home in Ewing where they lived throughout their sixty years of marriage, until Henry passed away in 2007. The two of them enjoyed going to yard sales together on the weekends and they were a rather social couple. Catherine was an active hostess with the “Popular Club” catalog, inviting her neighborhood friends to her home-parties. She was very proud of her home and loved to have her friends over. Of course, summer vacations to Seaside Heights also made for special family memories.

Catherine is survived by her daughter; Diane Tirri and her husband Robert of Wayne; two grandsons: Jason Tirri of Hoboken and Jonathan Tirri of Wayne; one great-granddaughter: Isla Tirri; and one brother: Robert Kucay of Hamilton, NJ. She was predeceased by her husband Henry in 2007 and by her sister Dorothy Provost.

Memorial donations in Catherine’s honor would be appreciated to St. Jude Children’s, Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or by visiting www.stjude.org.

Catherine L. Meyer “Sissy” age 78, of Bloomingdale, passed away peacefully with loving family by her side, on Monday, March 7, 2016.

Catherine was born in Brooklyn, NY, the second-born child of Henry and Dorothy (nee Mullen) Becker. She got the nickname “Sissy” from her younger brothers Henry and Robert who, when very little boys, could not properly pronounce her real name. The name Sissy stuck from that time forward.

Sissy was raised in Brooklyn where she graduated from Midwood High School with the Class of 1955. As Sissy was growing up, her family traditionally vacationed all summer long at the lake in Hoffman Grove, in the Mountain View section of Wayne. It was there that she met her husband-to-be, Edward Meyer.

After high school, Sissy became a Secretary for Texaco Oil in Brooklyn. Her brothers always loved the trinkets she’d bring home from work, like the nice bright red Texaco Oil hats.

Sissy and Ed were united in marriage on Saturday, June 2, 1956 at the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains. They settled in Pequannock and lived there for a few years, eventually moving to West Milford and then to Port Richey, Florida in the mid-1970’s. In 1975 Sissy and Ed were blessed with the birth of a baby boy which they named Edward.

Sissy always had a love for crafts and knick-knacks. Together with Ed, she enjoyed lots of fun on weekends selling their wares at the local Florida flea market. She also enjoyed a fine reputation amongst her family and friends for her delicious cooking which went along perfectly with her love for entertaining at her home. In 1996, after forty years of marriage, Ed passed away. Soon after, Sissy moved back to New Jersey, settling in Bloomingdale where she lived to the present.

Sissy started work with First Union Bank as a teller and, as the bank went through various mergers and acquisitions resulting in name changes to Wachovia Bank and finally Wells Fargo Bank, she worked her way up the ranks to Branch Manager of the Parsippany-Troy Hills office. She loved her work and enjoyed the camaraderie of her co-workers, but also enjoyed retiring in 2006.

Sissy’s was a country western music fan and she was known for her chair dancing – just sitting in a chair while dancing to the sounds of her favorite artists. She especially loved to listen to Kenny Chesney (or Kenny Chestnut as she liked to call him) and Blake Shelton. Her love of folk art and flea markets continued in New Jersey and she enjoyed many wonderful memories, especially with her brother Bob and sister-in-law Debbie, checking out the latest cute decorations for her home at the Country Folk Art Craft Show in Edison often attending together up to four times per year! One of their other favorite hotspots was the Marshalls Creek Flea Market in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Of course, after a weekend of adventure, exploring the best buys, she was always glad to come home to be lovingly greeted by her dear dog and loyal friend Max. He was always so glad to see her and not only loved Sissy dearly but also felt like it was his loyal duty to be her personal body guard. He never took his eye off her when she was around. Together they would take nice walks and he already misses her dearly.

Sissy was a long-time member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pompton Plains. She also enjoyed volunteering for the homeless shelter and food pantry hosted by Holy Spirit Church, also of Pompton Plains.

Sissy will be remembered for her self-sufficiency and determination. She was a loving person to all of her family and friends and especially enjoyed taking trips, always by car, to see her grandson Zachary and granddaughter Destiny in Florida. She was a wonderful mother, sister and aunt who will be dearly missed.

Catherine is survived by her dear son Edward Meyer of Springhill, FL; cherished grandchildren: Zachary and Destiny; dear brothers: Henry Becker of Audubon, NJ, and Robert and wife Deborah Becker of Pompton Plains; nieces Elaine Kuchmus of Forked River, NJ and Darlene Mazzanotte of Manahawkin, NJ; nephew Christopher DeLucca of Morris Plains; great-niece Marcia; and great-nephew Gregory. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Edward in 1996 and her dear sister Doris Johnson in 2003.

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

Bernice Rose Caravaglia, age 67, of Morristown, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016.

Born in Paterson and raised in Wayne, Bernice graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the Class of 1967.

The most important role of Bernice’s life was that of being a wonderful, loving, selfless mother to her seven children. She was their greatest advocate and fiercest protector throughout their formative years and their best friend as adults. Raising her children as a single mom for many years, there wasn’t anything that Bernice would not do to give them the best life experience possible – always putting their needs and wants ahead of her own. Her house was always a welcome place for all of their friends and consequently, many of them addressed Bernice, not as “Mrs. Caravaglia” but instead, affectionately as “Mom”.

Bernice always loved time spent down at the Jersey shore. As a child her family would go to Long Branch and to Bernice, the best days at the shore were either during a storm or right after one when the waves were really big. She shared that love of the shore with her own kids, taking them often for day trips down to Sandy Hook.

In what little spare time any mom would have while raising seven children, one of the things that Bernice enjoyed most was country music – especially the sounds of tried-and-true stars like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. She and her friends were known to enjoy a night out together at The Landslide Saloon in Asbury, NJ. They had a blast dancing together and maybe having a refreshment or two – her own favorite drink being a little concoction called Red Death.

The ultimate animal lover, Bernice’s heart would always be concerned that the squirrels and the birds had enough food, but she especially loved her cats. She had many over the years and most recently, her best buddy was a kitty named Mocha. So close was this cat to Bernice that, for the past ten years, if Bernice so much as sat down, Mocha would be on her lap in a flash. Mocha was good company, especially if Bernice was involved in another favorite pastime – reading a good book. She had a special attraction to horror stories and consequently, read everything Stephen King ever published, but she’d read other genres too, including lots of the books that her kids brought home from school.

Time spent in the kitchen was another one of Bernice’s pastimes. She especially loved to eat cake and pies and one of her family’s favorite cookies that she baked were called Hello Dolly’s. They became famous during the 1960’s when Hello Dolly was playing on Broadway. Made from chocolate graham crackers, butter, nuts, chocolate chips, condensed milk and coconut, she had a handwritten recipe from her mom that was so good, it was very hard to keep an ample supply in the cookie tin.

Like the cats that Bernice loved so much, sometimes it seemed like she had nine lives. Bernice had been engaged in a twenty-year battle with COPD and in 2007, she suffered a hard attack that no one thought she would survive – but she did! Like the other setbacks in her life, she always fought hard and always maintained a genuine positive and upbeat attitude. Her outlook on life and her devotion to family and friends was an inspiration and a wonderful example to those who had the privilege of having shared life with her.

Bernice was the loving and devoted mother of: the late David Caravaglia (2009), Michael Caravaglia of Morristown, Adam and his wife Tricia Caravaglia of Denville, Vanessa Caravaglia of Morristown, Joseph and his wife Shawn Caravaglia of Rockaway, Mark Caravaglia of Morristown, and Paul Caravaglia of Morristown; adoring grandmother of Amanda, Michelle, Kaitlin, Michael, Jr., and Hannah Rose; cherished great-grandmother of Ava; and dear sister of the late Dennis Alexander and the late Robert Alexander III.

Carolyn A. Banta, age 49, of Montrose, California and formerly of Fair Lawn, NJ passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 26, 2016.

Carolyn spent her formative years in Fair Lawn where she attended and graduated from Fair Lawn High School with the Class of 1985. She went on to earn certification as a computer technician.

Carolyn’s first job was with the Panasonic Corporation in their offices in Secaucus. From there she accepted a position as an information technology manager with Panasonic at Universal Studios in California. She remained there for many years until coming on with Comcast at Universal Studios six years ago. She was a genius and worked diligently, earning her the honor of being voted their number one employee in two of the last three years. Carolyn loved her work and the enjoyment and respect of her coworkers.

When she initially moved to California, her good friend and coworker Lanel and Lanel’s family were so very supportive in helping Carolyn get settled. She enjoyed being with friends and when your computer was giving you fits, everyone knew that Carolyn was the person to call!

Carolyn always enjoyed trips to Kauai Island in Hawaii to visit with her friend Lanel’s family. This was her favorite trip to take but she equally enjoyed coming home to visit her own family in New Jersey. She usually flew home for the season of advent but always seemed to get a cold as a gift from them for Christmas. Unfortunately, they never gave her the gift receipt so she couldn’t exchange the cold for a better gift. Besides, everyone was off to here and there that time of year. Eventually Carolyn got smart and started visiting New Jersey in the summer instead. Carolyn would enjoy time with her dad, sis, brother, and nieces and nephews down at the Jersey shore and she would take trips with them to places like Hoboken. Like Austin Powers sidekick Minnie Me in the movie The Spy Who Shagged Me, Carolyn always referred to her niece Evelyn as Minnie Me because they looked just like each other.

Carolyn attended Maranatha Church in Paramus before she moved to California. She was never able to find a church home out west that ministered to her like Maranatha, but she enjoyed a sincere personal relationship with the Lord. When her mother Helen passed away in 1993, Carolyn took it real hard. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that she and her mom are now reunited.

Carolyn is survived by her loving father Edwin Banta of Somerset; her dear sister Bonnie and husband Bob Pietropinto of Wayne; her dear brother David Banta of Montrose, CA; four nieces and one nephew: Jennifer Duvlaris, Kristen Marquardt, Kimberly Manoni, James Pietropinto and Amanda Pietropinto; and grandnieces and grandnephews: Alex Duvlaris, Evelyn Duvlaris, Helena Marquardt, Jason Manoni, and Allison Manoni. She was predeceased by her loving mother Helen Banta in 1993.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Carolyn’s name are asked to consider The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 14 Commerce Drive, Suite 301, Cranford, NJ 07016, or at www.lls.org

Charles L. Hamilton, age 83 of Wayne, entered into eternal life on Thursday, January 7, 2016, with his family gathered at his bedside. He had been a Wayne resident since 1964.

The oldest of three children, Charlie was born in Nyack, NY and raised in Spring Valley. Sadly, he lost his mom when he was just eleven years old and then his father when he was fourteen. Charlie didn’t allow such adversity to slow him down, and he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University, a Master’s degree from Dartmouth, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. In between achieving his Master’s degree and Ph.D., he served actively in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

After earning his Ph.D., Charlie worked as an Exploration Geologist for the New Jersey Zinc Company. Following that, he took his first teaching job at Rutgers University, Newark. One of the high points of his early career at Rutgers was in 1969 when he was called upon to perform the detailed analysis of lunar rock samples that had been brought back by the Apollo 11 astronauts. He brought his children into the lab, excited to see the moon rock, and the kids were startlingly underwhelmed when they finally saw the much-celebrated ‘rock’; it wasn’t much larger than a jelly bean. He went on to become a professor at Montclair State College in the 1970’s and retired in 1997 after a very successful career.

Charlie enjoyed performing all of his own home improvements, woodworking, carpentry, and landscaping. He was an avid reader and particularly loved history and scientific topics. He also traveled with his wife MaryLou throughout the U.S., including Arizona a few times, Jackson, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, and a cruise to Alaska. He vacationed with his family nearly every summer at Lake Hortonia in Vermont, and they all have fond memories of those special times. He was a devoted Christian and had attended services at the Grace Bible Church in North Haledon for many years.

Charlie met his wife, MaryLou Jones, somewhat by chance at the Bailey’s Apple Orchard in Suffern, NY, where he worked the summer of 1950. Feelings were mutual and their first date was to a donkey baseball game. They married on June 5, 1954, and honeymooned on Cape Cod. After the wedding, they didn’t settle down in the traditional sense; moving eleven times in the next ten years while Charlie served in the Army and then started his career. Eventually, they bought a home in Wayne and have lived there for more than fifty years.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of sixty one years; MaryLou of Wayne, his three children; Brian Hamilton and his wife Barbara of Dingmans, PA, Donald Hamilton and his wife Debra of Bloomingdale, NJ, and Deborah Alden and her husband John of North Haledon, NJ, and four grandchildren; Cristy Testino and her husband Peter of Hamburg, NJ, Steven Hamilton and his fiancé Theresa Henry of Parsippany, NJ, Rebecca Hamilton of Bloomingdale, NJ, and Kaitlyn Alden of North Haledon, NJ. He was predeceased by his sister Joyce of Phoenix, AZ in 2005, and by his brother Al of Spring Valley, NY, in 1996.

Catherine Wheeler, age 80 of Wayne, died Friday, April 29, 2016. Amid the ups and downs of serious health issues over the past several years, Catherine's spirit endured. She spent the last of her days resting in a sleep-like state surrounded by her family. She is now in a wonderful place where she will be singing, dancing, reading and playing her violin to her heart’s content.

Catherine’s life was a bountiful blessing beyond measure. She lived a life of intensity, achieved many accomplishments, and had the ability to touch the lives of those around her.

Catherine started life in the Big City of Upper Manhattan, New York where she remained until she married Ernest on April 29, 1967, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Brooklyn. She settled with Ernest in Wayne, New Jersey where she spent 45 years collecting many stories and life-long friends. After earning her Master’s degree at William Patterson University, Catherine started a career in teaching special education with the New Jersey Public School System.

While Catherine achieved many work and academic accomplishments, none are more important to Catherine or impressive to the world, than her five beautiful children, Jennifer, William, Michael, Veronica and Edward. Her children were the primary focus over the last 48 years of her life and the beneficiaries of her endless love and attention. A devoted mother, her children thrived under her care and guidance.

Catherine was also a devoted wife; her no-nonsense brand of wit and humor gave Catherine a presence unique to Catherine and Catherine alone. Not only did this presence work to touch the lives of those around her, it was also essential in allowing her marriage to flourish. For those of you that know her husband Ernest, the strong-will of Catherine allowed her to be Earnest's other half.

Catherine Mary Hall Wheeler was born to Annie and John Hall on January 29, 1936. Catherine was preceded in death by her sister Cecelia Patricia Hall Pryor and is survived by her loving husband, Ernest Wheeler, her brothers, John Hall and James Hall, and her children, Jennifer Duncan, William Wheeler, Michael Wheeler, Veronica Wheeler and Edward Wheeler, and four grandchildren, Seraphine Wheeler, Johnathan Wheeler, Amelia Duncan and Logan Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; www.stjude.org a charitable organization devoted to advancing cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

Carmen “Shad” Velardi, age 90 of Wayne, died peacefully on December 27, 2016 with his family at his bedside.

Shad, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in NYC and raised along with his 3 brothers in Wayne. Shad was the 3rd loving son of Frank and Fortunata Velardi. He was born on November the 22nd, 1926, and after 1963 whenever anyone asked him when his birthday was, he would respond “the day they shot Kennedy.”

He attended Wayne Schools never graduating. During the 40’s it was more important to go to work and earn a living to help support the family than it was to get an education. Prior to becoming employed by the Wayne Township DPW, Shad was employed by Anderson Engineering in Hawthorne, Ruffalo Construction in Singac, and Fabers Laundry in Haledon. Shad started his career at the Wayne DPW in the early 1950’s being one of only 6 DPW employees and retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the township and the citizens of Wayne. From his home on Ford Street Shad walked to work every day, in all kinds of weather, even all the way to Fabers in Haldeon. If friends saw him walking they would give him a ride, but most times he walked everywhere he went.

Shad loved the snow, and would shovel whenever he was healthy enough to do so. When he couldn’t shovel anymore, he would ride in the truck with his nephew Greg, and they would “go plowing”.

Shad was never married, and lived in the same house from the day he was born until his passing.

Shad was extremely strong, the first time he met his niece Gillian was at dinner at Frank’s mother’s house. Shad didn’t want to wait for his sister in-law Eleanor to get him a knife to cut his after dinner apple, so he just took the apple in between his big hands, and twisted it in half. Gillian was shocked! She had never seen or met anyone before who could twist an apple in half. For as strong as he was, he was just as gentle and kind. Shad was one of the most caring giving people to ever walk on God’s good earth. He would do anything, for anyone, any time. There was a time when a dump truck, or cement mixer couldn’t go by his house without him following behind it with his wheelbarrow, shovel and hoe. When a neighbor’s dog got the clip of the leash caught in his rear leg, it was Shad that was tasked with holding the dogs muzzle closed while the owner tried to remove the clip from the dog’s leg. That act of caring got Shad a trip to the emergency room for stitches from a dog bite. If you were from the neighborhood, and you needed a nut, bolt, screw, or piece of wood, you didn’t go to the hardware store, you went to Shads shed. If he didn’t have what you needed, then you would go to the hardware store. Shad’s shed was Home Depot, before Home Depot existed.

In his younger days Shad enjoyed deer hunting trips to Maine with his friends Bob and Cal Waldeck. He told stories of how the horses refused to pull the sleds if the sleds contained the successes of the hunt. In later years when he wasn’t able to hunt anymore, he’d travel with his brother Nat to Pennsylvania and stay with friends during deer hunting season. While everyone was out hunting, it was Shad’s responsibility to keep the house clean and keep it waaaaay too warm for those that were out hunting. He loved to keep the wood burning stove stoked! He also loved to cut down trees, chop and split wood.

Grass cutting and gardening were also a passion of Shad’s. His garden was his pride and joy. With his 3 brothers they continued the gardening tradition started by their father. Besides squash, egg plant, and string beans, his garden would produce bushels and bushels, of every type of tomato known to man. When he wasn’t harvesting his crops, he was busy on his hands and knees pulling weeds from in between the plants.

He was John Wayne’s biggest fan, and would watch “Duke” movies whenever he could. If a John Wayne movie wasn’t to be found, he would watch “Little Joey” and ”Horse” on Bonanza, along with all the rest of the afternoon westerns. In the evening he would settle in to watch his favorite game shows “Jefferdy” and “The Wheel”.

Shad also loved the $1.00 scratch off lottery tickets. Sometimes he won, but more fun was had just scratching off the tickets.

Shad was a parishioner of Holy Cross church in Mountain View, and for as many years as he was an usher at the 8am mass. He was also a member of the Little Falls Chapter of the Knights of Columbus.

Shad is survived by his devoted and beloved brother Gregory (Hank) of Wayne. His two heartbroken nephews; Frank and Gregory of Wayne along with their wives Gillian and Laurie. He will also be missed by his three great nephews Timothy, Paul, and Robert. Shad is also survived by two nephews Anthony and his wife Debi, and Michael and his wife Susan both of Pennsylvania, and their children Nicole, Anne Marie, Joseph, Dawn, Melissa, and Matthew. Shad was predeceased by his two older brothers Natale (2002), Rocco (2003), and a nephew Frank R. Velardi in 2014.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge Dr. Waldemar Silva for his dedication, guidance, and compassion in caring for Shad over his many years.

We also acknowledge and thank his caregiver Emma for all her hard work and untiring efforts over the last couple of years in assisting Shad with all his day to day activities. And Emma’s husband Mickey for his unselfishness in allowing Emma to dedicate so much of her time to Shad’s care over these last couple of months. THANKS TO BOTH OF YOU!!!! You are both a Godsend!

Those wishing to make a donation in Carmen’s memory are asked to consider the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad. Donations should be made payable to the “Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad PO Box 291 Wayne, NJ 07474”.

Bettina “Betty” Marchioni (nee Cannariato) age 71 of Wayne passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at home while surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born, raised, and was a life-long resident of Clifton, NJ. She graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1962. Not long after her graduation, Betty was hanging out in a soda shop named Poppy’s on Van Houten Ave in Clifton, (which is now Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home), when she met a young man by the name of Jack. They almost instantly fell in love and were married in 1964. Jack and Betty would cherish twenty-one years of loyal and loving marriage together.

Jack and Betty stayed in Clifton all their years together and raised their four children there as well. Betty did not work for many years but took on the noble and difficult task of being a homemaker. She dedicated her life to raising and nurturing her children.

Soon after her youngest child started school, Betty decided to get out into the workforce. She earned a position at the Clifton Board of Education as a secretary. She worked part time in Clifton High School for several years, but in 1986 tragedy struck her family. Betty’s cherished husband, and the love of her life, John “Jack” Marchioni of twenty-one years, was diagnosed with cancer and passed away after a valiant battle.

On top of being broken hearted, and with four young children, Betty knew she faced a tough road ahead of her. She continued to work for the Clifton Board of Education, and with great courage and determination supported her family by herself. It was also through the family values and morals that she and her husband had instilled in her children that they were able to stick together and take care of one another.

While working for the Clifton Board of Education, Betty was also President of the Clifton Association of Educational Secretaries. Although diagnosed with cancer in 2008, she continued to work until her retirement in 2010. The reason for her retirement was not due to illness, but to spend more time with her family.

Betty loved playing the slot machines in Atlantic City, and enjoyed taking regular day trips there with her dearest friends, Kathy and Lois. Betty loved to bake and was famous for her Christmas cookies. She would literally bake thousands of cookies for her family, friends, and neighbors. Betty was also gifted in the art of knitting, she would make blankets and sweaters for her family and friends. She was a parishioner of St Paul’s RC Church in Clifton for many years. She was very active in the parish in many capacities. Aside from her talents, hobbies and interests, Betty’s greatest devotion was to her family. Betty was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an extraordinary person who touched the lives and warmed the hearts of many. She will be sincerely missed.

Betty is survived by one daughter; Beth Grant and her husband Thomas of Wayne, three sons; Michael and his wife Denise of Argyle, TX, Steven and his wife Ann Marie of Vernon, and John and his wife Melissa of Sparta, one sister; Marguerite Purcell, and 10 grandchildren; Kayla, Jack, Charlotte, Ian, Lauren, Lindsey, Nicholas, Evan, Elizabeth, and Johnny. She was predeceased by her husband John “Jack” Marchioni in 1986, and two brothers Thomas and Salvatore Cannariato.

Those planning a donation in Betty’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 www.stjude.org

Carol Torbet Coey, age 61, of Wayne, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 16, 2016.

Carol was born in Ridgewood and had been a life-long resident of Wayne. After graduation from high school, she pursued a career as a dental hygienist and had just begun her profession when her life was permanently altered by the diagnosis of a disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). This disorder, characterized by the development of benign tumors on her nerves that carry sound and balance information from her inner ear to her brain ultimately lead to complete hearing loss and compromised her balance to a degree that took away her ability to continue in her dental career.

Despite countless surgeries over her many years with NF2, Carol never wanted her family and friends to focus on or define her by her illness. She chose instead to selflessly pour herself into others and she found great strength through her faith in God. She would always say, “God is my anchor” and she prayed a lot – not just for herself but for the needs of others. Carol attended Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park where she liked to study the bible with other women. Her own bible was filled with notes and underlined or highlighted verses that resonated with her intellect and spoke to her heart. She really loved to be in the company of these women because, frankly, it was a lot of fun and it helped her grow in her faith and knowledge of the Bible. This knowledge helped her maintain a healthy perspective on this life – viewing it in the context of eternity and knowing that, as humans, we are only here on earth for a short while and that this life is just a precursor to an eternally perfected life with God and fellow believers. Carol lived to help others know that they also could look forward to this perfect eternal life with Christ.

Because Carol loved sweets (and especially corn muffins and jelly), it’s no great surprise that she really enjoyed baking and sharing recipes. She learned a lot about baking from her own mother and grandmother. She laughed though that, as good as she was at making delicious treats, she never was able to copy her grandmother’s rice pudding recipe to perfection. Her sugar cookies were the best though, as many could testify to since she was always giving them away as gifts. Growing up, her son John would give those cookies and other baked goods to his teachers who loved them so much, they were always asking him to get his mother’s recipes.

Carol always got excited in late fall to participate in an endeavor called Operation Christmas Child, a wonderful effort by an organization called Samaritan’s Purse, to bring happiness to children at Christmas. The program is best described on the organizations website, basically as follows:

People like Carol pack shoebox gifts each year to bless children in need around the world. Carol prepared her Christmas gift boxes, then sent them to where volunteers served to prepare the shoeboxes for shipping to children in more than 100 countries. Every hour work stops for a few minutes to pray for the children who receive the boxes. Pastors around the world host shoebox distributions in places where people may not know Christ. Other churches use the boxes as resources for outreach in orphanages and other at-risk areas. In many places a booklet called “The Greatest Gift” a Gospel story is given to shoebox recipients too. Families are reached, churches grow, new churches are started, and communities are transformed.

Carol didn’t have lots of money to participate in Operation Christmas child but she did what she could and it made her so happy to be a blessing!

In her quiet, good-hearted way, Carol lived a life of thanks. She thanked God for the little blessing like never losing her sense of sight – another potential symptom of NF2, and she was grateful for big blessing too – blessing like the love of family, friends, her church family, her many caring doctors, and a clear, purpose-driven life.

The following verse from God’s word, the Holy Bible was very dear to her:

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

Psalm 28:7

Carol is survived by her dear son John of Haskell, one sister: Diane and husband Ken Platt of Wayne; one brother Robert and wife Pat Torbet of Haledon; two nieces and two nephews: Michael and wife Kaitlin Platt, Megan Platt, Janelle and husband Mike Westerveld, and Raymond Torbet; uncles and aunts: Rev. Alfred and Lois Pinkerton of VA, and Robert and Lynne Westra of NC; and step-parents: Grace Torbet of Jekyll Island, GA, and Dr. Dirk Zwiebel of Charlotte, NC. She was predeceased by her father, Robert Torbet and her mother, Alberta Zwiebel.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Carol’s name are asked to consider the Department of Neurological Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Checks can be made payable to “The Trustees of Columbia University” and sent to Matt Reals, Office of Development, 516 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10032. Or donations can be made online at https://giving.columbia.edu/giveonline/?schoolstyle=500. Please indicate that the gift is for the “Department of Neurological Surgery” in the “Comments/Special Instructions” section of the form. Alternatively, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or visit Carol’s online memorial page at www.samaritanspurse.org where you can donate to Operation Christmas Child.

Carmine T. Vigorito, Esq., age 80, of Pompton Lakes, passed peacefully, with his family lovingly by his side, on Saturday, May 21, 2016.

The youngest of four children, Carmine was born and raised in Paterson. When he was just a young boy, he contracted a very serious case of bronchitis which forced him to miss a whole semester of school. Falling behind in his studies caused discouragement to take root in Carmine’s heart. His studies floundered a bit until, of all things, a famous moment in major league baseball history set Carmine on a more optimistic path. You see, Carmine was a big fan of major league baseball. The year was 1951 and his beloved New York Giants were playing the Brooklyn Dodgers in a playoff game for the National League pennant. It was the ninth inning and Carmine’s beloved Giants were trailing the Dodgers. That was until outfielder and third baseman Bobby Thomson came to bat for the Giants and hit a come-from-behind three-run homer in the ninth inning that helped the Giants win the National League Pennant. That home run became famously known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” and that single event was a true inspiration and motivation for Carmine! He figured, if Bobby Thomson could overcome great odds and rise to this moment to attain this great feat, why couldn’t he do the same in his own life? From that moment forward, Carmine’s life became much more spirited and focused.

Carmine went on to graduate from Central High School in Paterson in 1953 and promptly pursued his bachelor’s degree, graduating from Seton Hall University in 1957. He studied further at Seton Hall Law School, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1960, graduating at the top of his class. When he passed the bar exam in 1961, he was granted all the rights and privileges to practice law. After proudly serving his country as a lawyer in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963, Carmine opened his own law firm in Paterson, where he practiced for forty-one years, retiring in 2004.

Honesty, integrity, and fairness were the mantras that guided Carmine throughout his career as a lawyer, and in life. He practiced general law, which suited him perfectly. He loved the variety of situations that called for his expertise – anything from a simple real estate closing to taking on large insurance companies in David versus Goliath-like fashion in medical malpractice lawsuits. Highly analytical, he often heeded the axiom, “There are always three sides to every story, the first party’s side, the second party’s side, and the truth, which often falls somewhere in between.” He always let the pursuit of truth be his guide and, as a result, he never lost a case that he took. It was never primarily about making lots of money for Carmine. He figured if he did the right thing for his clients, the income he needed to provide for his family would come. He did everything he could to encourage people to reconcile their differences outside the court of law. Throughout his career, he found great satisfaction in helping to save some troubled marriages, and he advocated for several poorer members of the community who he knew would not be able to pay. He did his best to keep his overhead low so that he could help more people, without having to be overly concerned with financial outcomes.

Carmine met his beloved wife, Patricia, by way of a blind date set up by Pat’s sister and her sister’s friend. Carmine was a little bit older than Pat, but her father was comfortable letting him take his daughter out on a date because he knew Carmine as a customer in the bank where he worked. Pat and Carmine’s first date was on a Saturday night – dinner followed by a movie at the Century Theater in Paramus. It went well enough that when Carmine asked Pat out for a second date four days later, she gladly said yes. Eleven months later, this loving couple exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends on Saturday, October 21, 1967 at St. Mary’s Church in Paterson. Following a reception at The Bethwood in Totowa, they packed Carmine’s black Pontiac with red interior and embarked on a motor trip honeymoon throughout New England. They settled initially in Little Falls, and later moved to Lee Drive in North Haledon, where they raised their two daughters and son. In 2004, after retirement, Carmine and Pat moved to Pompton Lakes.

As described earlier, Carmine was an avid baseball fan. He was a real student of the game. Much like he did in other aspects of his life, he loved to analyze, and so it came as no surprise that he loved to analyze every aspect of a baseball game, too. In game situations, he was very adept at anticipating all of the potential scenarios that were likely going to happen next. It’s no wonder then that Carmine loved being a coach in the North Haledon baseball program. He served for ten years, from 1980 to 1990, including lots of summer all-star teams. Carmine’s son, Brian, was on those teams, and he learned a lot about baseball and life from watching his dad coach.

After the New York Giants moved to San Francisco, Carmine become a Mets fan. During their childhood, Carmine took his kids to at least one Mets game and one Yankees game every season. If he was visiting another city, he liked to go to that city’s baseball stadium to catch a game. He was also a big New York Giants football and New York Knicks basketball fan. He particularly enjoyed when his son's friends would come over to the house to watch important playoff games.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “I am part of everything that I have read.” Carmine could have said the same thing. He loved to read – especially great American classics, the works of Shakespeare, and anything to do with the Civil War and the American Revolution. He always had a book tucked in his briefcase and he loved to share his passion of U.S. history with his children, taking them on vacations to Gettysburg, Williamsburg, Alexandria, Philadelphia, and Boston. Reading shaped who Carmine was and it had a tremendous impact on everything he encountered, from making sense of world events to raising his children, and how he approached his work as an attorney. It also gave him lots of stories to tell, and boy-oh-boy, could he tell stories! He never stopped! God blessed Carmine’s wife, Pat, with great patience. His love for a good book also inspired him to write poetry, a pursuit he took up after retirement. In fact, he wrote over 2,000 poems.

When Carmine retired in 2004, he rediscovered a latent passion for cooking. Like every other facet of his life, he turned to the cookbooks, but only for general guidance, preferring instead to tinker with spices and other ingredients until he got it just the way he liked. Needless to say, Pat was delighted that he took over some of the duties in the kitchen, and all of his family especially enjoyed his lasagna, meatballs, tomato sauce, and eggplant parmigiana. He and Pat also enjoyed traveling a bit, taking a couple of cruises to the Bahamas and one to New England. They especially liked traveling south to see their daughter, Kelly, son-in-law, John, and their grandchildren in Florida twice a year, and those grandchildren loved it when Bop-Bop (Grandpa) and Nana (Grandma) came to visit.

A former parishioner of St. Paul’s R.C. Church in Prospect Park, Carmine was a spiritual man who prayed every day, including the rosary. He was truly loved and respected by his family, friends, and many people whose life paths crossed with his. Carmine's life was a life well lived and a great example of what one could accomplish through hard work, honesty, and integrity. Most importantly, he showed what is possible, and how fulfilling life could be, with love as your guide.

During the last and most difficult months of Carmine's life, he particularly cherished the company of his first-born daughter, Karen, who was by his side encouraging and comforting him every day as his biggest advocate, as well as being a tireless companion and support to his wife, Pat.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 48 years - Patricia; two daughters: Karen Jimenez and husband James of Wayne, and Kelly Giglio and husband John of Jacksonville, FL; one son: Brian Vigorito and wife Gwen of Easton, PA; four grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Alexis, Emily, and Isabella; three sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Bessie Dyer “Bess” (nee Keyzer), age 94, of North Haledon, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Holland Christian Home, just one-day shy of her 95th birthday.

Bess was born in Paterson at the Keyzer family residence and spent her earlier years in the Peoples Park area of Paterson, later living in Prospect Park for thirty-four years. She later lived in Manahawkin before moving to the Holland Home of North Haledon in 2010.

Bess received her formal education at Prospect Park Grammar School and then at Paterson Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1938. She then went on to study at the Paterson Business College in Paterson and learned office skills.

Her first full-time job was at Woolworth’s 5 & 10 Cent Store in Paterson. After her marriage, she worked as a secretary typist at Curtiss Wright Corporation in Caldwell. When her husband John established a laundry business in Passaic named White Cleaners and Launderers, Bess took over the office duties to help her husband.

It was at Woolworths that she met her husband to be, John Dyer. At first, it was a very casual dating arrangement but later, after John got his own car, they soon became a couple and married on September 18, 1943 in the garden at the rear of Reverend Heiminga’s back yard. They honeymooned in Connecticut and Massachusetts and settled down to married life in Prospect Park. They had thirty-seven years of loving and adventurous marriage until John’s passing in November, 1980.

She will always be remembered by her family as a wonderful mother who always showed motherly dedication within the family. Her family was very important to her and she enjoyed family gatherings. It was a regular routine to sit down on Sundays after church to enjoy a wonderful dinner together. One of her memorable entrees was pork roast which everyone enjoyed.

Thanks Mom for being so special in our lives.

Bess’ Christian faith was very important to her and she was a member of the Third Christian Reformed Church on Haledon Avenue in Paterson, later at the Fourth Christian Reformed Church on 4th Avenue in Paterson and now known as Faith Community Christian Reformed Church of Wyckoff.

Bessie was gifted with a quiet personality that melded well with whatever social setting presented itself. She was a delightful person to have in your company and always had a friendly welcoming smile and a twinkle in her eyes.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading and knitting sweaters for gifts.

Surviving to mourn this very special wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are her children: Lynn Moore and husband Doug of Matamoras, PA, John “Jay” Dyer, III of Palm Coast Florida, and Joan Konnor and husband Jeff of Beach Haven Terrace on LBI; five grandchildren: Michele Dooley, Page “P.J.” Konnor and wife Julie, Christopher Konnor and wife Samantha, Steven Konnor, and Alexis Dyer-Birkland and husband Luke; three great-grandchildren: Chance Konnor, Connor Skiff, and Cameron Konnor.

In addition to the passing of her beloved husband John in 1980, in recent years, sadness visited her life again when her sisters Francine Faber and Aalte “Scott” Jeltes both died in 2008, and her brother Marinus “Rin” Keyzer died in 2009.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Bessie’s memory are asked to consider The Holland Christian Home.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bessie’s memory are asked to consider The Holland Christian Home.

Buck L Chin, age 67 of N. Haledon died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. He and his wife lived in N. Haledon since 1999. Buck was in the taxi and limousine business before retiring two years ago. He had worked throughout the years driving for a few car services and began his career in the furniture business, driving large delivery trucks.

Buck was born in China and came to the United States when he was fourteen years old. His family settled in New York City, where he graduated from high school. He met his wife, Emily Eng, in the 1970’s. They were introduced by mutual friends, meeting for the first time on a blind date. They hit it off and were married on June 1, 1975. Buck and Emily settled in Nutley before moving to Ringwood in 1979. Throughout the years, they traveled extensively around the United States. Buck enjoyed sightseeing and he did plenty of it. They drove cross-country to California once, took the family to Mt. Rushmore, and visited Canada on a few occasions as well. Buck particularly enjoyed Toronto and Montreal, and he took a cruise to Nova Scotia just a few years ago. Going back to China was on his bucket list, but sadly he never had the opportunity.

Buck also enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, skiing, and maintaining his cars. Although he did have a Cutlass Supreme at one time and a Cadillac, he was a big fan of Japanese cars and their dependability, especially Hondas. He also had a group of loyal high school friends that he remained close with during his lifetime and they met regularly for dinners, usually somewhere in New York. He looked forward to those get-togethers and having a good time with his friends.

Buck is survived by his beloved wife of forty one years; Emily of N. Haledon, two sons; Christopher Chin and his wife Olivia of Wayne, Matthew Chin of Cliffside Park and one granddaughter; Alyssa Chin of Wayne. Buck was predeceased by both of his brothers.

August Pairo, Jr., “Augie”, age 66 of Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 after a three-year battle with lung cancer.

Augie was born in Passaic and raised in East Rutherford until he was eleven. Then his family moved to Wayne. He was blessed with a great boyhood marked by participation in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts where he quickly moved up the ranks. When he reached his early teens, Augie and his life-long buddy Ronnie Ossi began tinkering with mini-bikes and go-carts, and when they turned seventeen, they got their driver’s licenses, bought a couple of 57 Chevys and turned them into hot-rods. Then, along with Augie’s father, they took those cars and raced them at the race tracks in Englishtown and Pine Brook.

Suddenly, Augie was all grown up and he and his classmates found themselves graduating with the distinction of being the first class to graduate from the newly completed Wayne Hills High School, Class of 1968. The following February, he promptly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During the next four years, he proudly served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War as a bosun mate – on the USS Bell Knap – the Navy’s lead ship in her class of guided missile cruisers. For his valor and bravery, Augie was the recipient of numerous medals and commendations including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Letter of Commendation. Augie was a proud American who had a sincere love for his country so, upon completion of his time in the Navy, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard where he served for the next 22 years.

Elaine Garafalo was Augie’s one and only true love! It’s interesting to note that the day Augie was born was the same day that Elaine came to the U.S.A. from Germany. Augie had no recollection of the day they met because Elaine was only three years old and he was still in diapers. You see, Elaine’s family and Augie’s aunts and uncles lived on the same street – Mitchell Street in Lodi. Maybe you could say that their “first date” was when Elaine took Augie for a ride, pushing him around in his stroller. The second date wouldn’t take place until 25 years later when Augie would return home from Vietnam and his Aunt Eleanor and Elaine’s mom would set them up for a real date. They went to the movies and afterwards out for a drink at a country western bar in Wayne. The date was good enough for them both to go on another date…..and another…..and another, until “like” grew into “love”. Then one day, Augie hurt his finger in a vice at work. He received medical attention, then got a prescription to manage the pain. From there he went to meet Elaine where she worked. By the time they got home to Elaine’s mother’s house, thanks to the drugs, Augie was feeling no pain. During the course of ensuing conversation, he held up his hand and said something to the effect of” getting married.” Elaine then turned to her mom and said, “Did Augie just ask me to marry him?” She then turned to Augie to ask him the same question but, before the words could come out of her mouth, he passed out. Six months later and a week after her birthday, he bought Elaine a ring. They married on Sunday, April 11, 1976 at Most Holy Name Church in Garfield. A gala reception followed at The Princess in Lodi, then a honeymoon in Aruba. Forty awesome years later, their wedding anniversary was the day before Augie passed away. The other morning when Elaine came to visit him, she wished him a happy anniversary. Lying there, with little energy left, he puckered his lips to kiss his beloved bride for one of the last times. Elaine described their loving marriage of forty years as exceptional!

During those 40 years, they initially lived in an apartment in Lodi for seven years. In 1983 they bought their first house in Lodi. That was home until 1995 and during those years they joyously welcomed their son Michael into their lives. They moved to Wayne where they’ve lived for the past 21 years.

After four years in the Navy, Augie settled back into civilian life. He worked some odd jobs until his mom suggested that he pursue full-time work at William Paterson College. He began work there in 1973, transferred for a short time to another government job in a mechanic pool in Newark, then returned to William Paterson College where he ultimately became a facilities supervisor and logged a total of 39 years before retiring in 2012. During that time, the college name was changed to William Paterson University. Augie was well-respected by his co-workers and loved his work.

Augie was a man who possessed a wide and varied array of interests. He was extremely gifted with his hands. His wife Elaine described that talent by saying “Augie had gold in his hands.” That love he had for working on engines didn’t fade away with his childhood. In fact, quite the opposite happened as he got more serious about building and racing go carts well into his adult life. These were serious go-carts that could attain speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. It seemed Augie could do anything. Whether it was designing the kitchen in his home or creating a beautiful landscape scene for his front yard, he accomplished much in his quest to satisfy his creative hunger. When his son Michael was attending school at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church it was Augie who was called upon to create a spaceship-themed promotion to help increase enrollment at the school. When Michael got to high school and started playing for the football team, it was Augie who came up with the design for truly creative and innovative refrigerator magnets with the Wayne Hills Patriots name and logo. His artistic talents were used for other applications too, like collaborating with Michael on a tattoo design in memory of Elaine’s father and, on the lighter side, he was a cartoonist who especially enjoyed creating cartoons of ugly monsters – the uglier the better!

Work or play makes everyone tire and Augie was no exception, so when he was too tired to create but not tired enough to sleep, he liked to jump on his 1980 Harley Davidson Sportster 1000 and go for a ride or hop aboard his 16-foot boat, which was primarily kept at the summer home in LBI, and go for a cruise. When he and Elaine celebrated their tenth anniversary in 1986, he surprised her with a trip back to their honeymoon destination in Aruba. They loved it so much that they bought a time-share there and returned annually for the next 26 consecutive years. Augie loved to escape there enjoying Aruba’s ocean, peace and calmness, as well as the food, casinos and many friends who also visited the same week every year.

Throughout his illness, it was his faith that sustained he and his loved ones and so his life will be celebrated and remembered with a mass at his home parish – Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne. Surely he will be missed but will be remembered for his great sense of humor, zest for life, service to others and love and devotion to his family and friends. Until we meet again, God’s blessing Augie!

Augie is survived by his beloved wife Elaine; his dear son Michael of Wayne; his sister Linda Tolerico (Pairo) and husband Joseph of Wayne; his sister-in-law Marietta Garofalo of Lodi; nephews: Joey, Jimmy, Steven, and Michael; his best buddy of 55 years: Ronnie Ossi of Vernon; and his cousins: Marylou, Dwayne, Beth, Arlene, Dean, Bev, Michael, Irene, and Bill.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Augie’s memory are asked to consider The American Lung Association, 1031 Route 22 West, Suite 203, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

Bernhard, Spoelstra, Sr., age 89, of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of North Haledon, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

Ben was born and raised in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, he immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1952 and then moved to Midland Park, NJ in 1958.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Aafke (Alice) Spoelstra (nee Minkema) of Boynton Beach, Florida, his son Fedde (Fred) and wife Susan of Wayne, his daughter Margaret and husband Dennis Jurjens of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, his son Frank and wife Beth of Oakland, and his son Bernhard, Jr. and wife Sharon of North Haledon; six grandchildren; Andrew, Heather, Keith, Lauren and fiancé Kurtis Paquin, Bernhard W. and his wife Sara, and Kelsey. He was predeceased by his great granddaughter, Hannah Grace. In addition, he is survived by his brothers Peter and Dirk of New Zealand, brother Klaas and sister Saakje of The Netherlands, sister Margaret IJzerman and brother Fedde of Canada. He was predeceased by his brothers William and Koos.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Foundation for Eastern Christian School, 50 Oakwood Ave, North Haledon, NJ 07508, would be appreciated.

Barbara Louise Callan, age 87 of Wayne, died peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2016. She had lived in Wayne since 1961.

Barbara grew up in Brooklyn, at 243, 52nd Street in the Bay Ridge section. She was the youngest of four girls in her family. On one particular day in 1946, Barbara’s cousin, who was serving in the Navy! , stopped by to see his aunt and cousins. He brought a fellow sailor along named William Callan. From the moment Barbara met Bill, sparks began to fly. They fell for each other very quickly and on July 24, 1948 they were married right there in Barbara’s home where they had first met. A honeymoon to Washington, D.C. followed before they settled in Brooklyn. Eventually in 1961, they moved to Wayne where they have lived ever since.

Over the years, Barbara worked at Plains Pharmacy, and Droste Chocolate as a bookkeeper, but her greatest joy was volunteering in the Maternity Ward of what was then the Greater Paterson General Hospital, now St. Joseph’s of Wayne.

Barbara was in the nursery photographing the new babies. She also worked with a large group of volunteers to knit all the little caps that went on the babies and her family recalls stacks of these cute little caps in their home. She logged more than 8000 hours as a volunteer there and endured all the ownership changes the hospital went through during those years. She was recognized several times over the years as one of the top fundraisers for the hospital and she enjoyed all of her years there.

At home, Barbara was a terrific homemaker and a “fantastic” cook. She could make everything and anything to perfection and her Irish Soda bread is the absolute best! Her sweet pumpkin pie was among her best desserts, but they were all pure perfection. Barbara also took a unique approach when she decided to quit smoking. When the urge to light up came to her, she would go for a walk around Packanack Lake instead. On some days the urge was pretty strong and she would walk around the lake five or six times! She wore holes right through the bottom of her sneakers! But her method worked and she was able to kick the habit and get herself in good shape at the same time. Sadly, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just sixty years old and endured for more than twenty eight years with the disease. Watching her slip away a little at a time was painful for her family, but they fawned over her endlessly. Bill would visit her daily in the nursing home and he had dinner with her every night, even feeding her himself when she no longer could. He exemplifies what true love looks like and he will miss her dearly.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband William of Wayne, by her three children; William F. Callan and his wife Jo Ellyn of W. Springfield, MA, James P. Callan and his wife Laura of Brandon, FL, and Barbara K. Callan of North Haledon, NJ, two grandsons; Shawn P. Callan of W. Springfield, MA, and Corey R. Callan of Hackettstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365.

Bessie Chianese, age 96, of Wayne passed Saturday, March 12, 2016.

She was born in the Manhattan, New York on 102nd Street and raised on Wheeler Avenue in the Bronx. She graduated from Saint Helena’s High School in the Bronx with the Class of 1937.

Bessie met a cute man named Anthony Chianese through her father. Anthony would walk his dog past their home and he would stop and chat with her father. They married on April 13, 1941 at Blessed Sacrament Church in the Bronx. They honeymooned at the famed Mount Airey Lodge in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and enjoyed fifty-two years of a loving and seemingly effortless marriage before Anthony’s passing in 1993.

In the early 1950’s Anthony bought property in the wilderness, according to those in the Bronx, known as Oakland, New Jersey. He, with the help of his brother’s, built a family home complete with a bomb shelter at 19 Pawnee Avenue in the township. They lived in Oakland, where they raised their daughter Rita. They then moved to Wayne for twelve years, before moving to Century Village in West Palm Beach, Florida for their retirement years. A few years after Anthony’s passing Bessie moved Wayne, New Jersey where she has lived with her daughter Rita for the last twenty years.

Bessie was a quiet, caring person who up until a week before her passing was completely self-sufficient. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting sweaters for family Christenings, reading Stephen King books, and kept her mind in tip top shape with word find books. She loved to cook and massive family meals at their Oakland home, where all Bessie and Anthony’s Bronx based family would gather on weekends and holidays, will forever be fondly remembered. Her special touch in the kitchen, where meatballs with raisins, braciola, artichokes, meat loaf, and pork chops were lovingly made, will be greatly missed. Bessie was always fastidious about her appearance, dressed to the 9’s, and had a standing Saturday hair appointment for as long as anyone can remember. She was blessed to have two cousins known within the family as aunt “Vi” and aunt “Geri” who were a huge part of Bessie’s life. They were both considered more like sisters than cousins to Bessie and will always be lovingly remembered. They would get together with Bessie and reminisce about the old days much to the delight of the rest of the family.

Bessie was the loving wife of the late Anthony Chianese (1993); devoted mother of Rita Carey of Wayne and her late husband William K Carey (1995); cherished grandmother of Robyn Vasquez, her husband Wilfredo, and their children Munson and Mason; much loved cousins Violet “Aunt Vi” Morano of Wayne, and Gilda “Aunt Geri” Dellaquila of North Haledon.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 44 Middle Ave, second floor, Summit, NJ 07901 would be appreciated, www.komen.org.

Benjamin “Ben” Evan Filler, age 22 of Wayne, passed suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

Ben was born in Hackensack, NJ. Since he was two weeks overdue, he required an emergency C-section. He was born with fluid in his lungs and was placed in the NICU. He was quickly named “Big Ben” as he was almost 10 pounds and over 22 inches long. His nurse’s name was Joe Montana. That is how Ben’s adventure began.

Ben was quick to hold his own bottle at just a few weeks old. He learned to walk early. He was potty trained in like two days. He would completely undress when going to the bathroom which at times was hilarious because it didn't matter where he was.

Ben loved any kind of rescue trucks and the videos that featured them. I can’t count how many times we heard “Here comes a firetruck.... with Lenny Dave.” That must have been where his love for rescuing people came from.

Ben loved playing sports. He played baseball and football. If you asked any innocent bystander sitting next to us in the stands, I was one of the loudest moms rooting for Ben and his teammates. He made some very good friends during those times. Going to Cooperstown for little league was so much fun!

Ben was such a loving being. He always wanted to help those in need, regardless of the situation, time or consequences.

Ben had such a funny sense of humor and a quick wit. We loved to quote movie lines. Since we were heading to the airport, it was of course "Are we arriving or departing?"

As it turned out, Ben was departing. We lost our son to a horrible monster named heroin. I usually didn’t share his daily struggle with addiction but now I must. Doug and I must find a way to make some kind of change and not let our beautiful boy’s life be lost in vain. If you are struggling with addiction, reach out to a friend, parent, family or colleague. Seek professional help! There are so many resources available like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

We will always remember our beautiful Benjamin with his amazing smile and his love for his family. He recently came back from Florida and we had the most amazing three months. His brother Matthew bought his first car and it was a dud. The first thing Ben said to Matt was, “Don’t worry, we will get one together.” He immediately began saving almost every dollar he made, and every night when he got home he would hand me his money, "Here mom, put this with the rest.” That’s the Benny we knew and loved.

He was clean for over 10 months and working hard, he had a wonderful girlfriend named Sam, and was planning on going back to school.

Benjamin, our little Benicito -- you will forever be in our hearts.

We love you to infinity and beyond. Rest in peace my sweet Angel.

Ben is survived by his loving parents Doug and Lou Filler of Wayne; he was the much loved brother of Matthew Filler of Wayne; cherished grandson of Wally and Jayne Filler of California, and Marie R. Morales; dear nephew of Brigitte Darrow of New York, Zoranne Cuadrado of New York, Gail Filler of California, and Peter Filler of Texas; he was also dearly loved by many cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Benjamin Filler Memorial Fund.

Anthony “Tony” J. Froio, age 89, of Wayne passed peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2016.

Tony was raised in Totowa by his Italian-born parents, Josephine and Dominic, who also ran a salumeria (Italian grocery) out of their house on Union Boulevard. After Dominic passed when Tony was very young, Josephine continued to run the store for many years with the aid of both her children. Tony graduated from Passaic Valley High School, studied engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York for his service as a radio engineer in the Navy during WWII, and completed his college education at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English.

With that background, Tony entered the work force well equipped to create and direct advertising and marketing campaigns for companies manufacturing consumer electronics as well as publications serving that industry. His long career began in the early days of television when he was ad manager for picture tubes at Allen B. Dumont Laboratories. Subsequently he worked as an executive for advertising agencies and publishers including J. Walter Thompson, Tatham-Laird & Kudner, Regis McKenna, Ries Cappiello Colwell, Penton Publishing and McGraw-Hill. On the client side, he served as advertising and sales promotion manager for RCA Corporation’s solid state division.

In these roles and in his personal life Tony won success and admiration as an astute, wise, versatile and talented man of character and integrity. Given his keen interest in technology and the well balanced visual and verbal aptitudes that he brought to all his work, it was inevitable that he became an early adopter and power user of Apple Macintosh computers. Long after he retired, his family and friends were still turning to him for help with digital design and presentation.

In his spare time Tony demonstrated quite a bit of talent in the kitchen as well, and the requests for his spinach lasagna, Bolognese sauce, pies and biscotti never stopped coming. His adopted grandchildren will always remember the pancakes he made with their initials in them, among the many ways he so often delighted them. As relentless as the clamor for his cooking and baking was his own quest for the perfect pizza.

He was the devoted father of Kathi Froio of Montclair, cherished brother of Elizabeth (Betty) Mainardi, and loved partner of Becky McAdams of Wyckoff, whose daughters and their families will always treasure his memory.

Guests are encouraged to make a memorial donation (in lieu of flowers, if desired) to a charity special to them.

Anthony Frank DeLuca, III “Tony”, age 43, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Chilton Hospital, in Pequannock, NJ.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, he spent a good part of the formative years of his life in the Kings Acres neighborhood of Stuyvesant, NY, graduating from Ichabod Crane High School, Valatie, NY, with the Class of 1991.

Tony met the love of his life, Kelly Secovnie, when he was eighteen years old. He started working for her family’s business - Treatz Eatery in Valatie, NY, as a cook. The restaurant served burger and ice cream fare and was situated in the perfect location – right across the street from Ichabod High School. Consequently, it catered to the teenage palate quite well and was a regular hangout for that age group. Kelly had been working there since she was twelve. The two became good friends and maintained that friendship even when separated by the pursuit of college degrees. Tony went off to Poughkeepsie, NY to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology at Marist College. After college, Tony’s first job was with Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY, where he worked until 2002.

Tony and Kelly didn’t have their first official date until December, 2001. This was soon after the calamitous events of 9/11. Those who know and love Tony understand the way that event led him to make a conscious effort to call all those in his inner circle to express his love and appreciation for their friendships. One of those who got the call was Kelly. It was actually Kelly who, based on an epiphany, called Tony that one day in December to ask him out. You see, Kelly had a dream that, based on the events of 9/11, she was seeing a therapist. In her dream that therapist told her that Tony wanted to ask her out. She acted on that dream and their first date was to Crossgates mall, where they saw a movie together, after a dinner at a local restaurant.

A mutual loving relationship developed which saw the couple moving twice so that Kelly could pursue her graduate work – first to the University of Kansas to get her Master’s degree and later back to the University at Albany in Albany, NY for her Ph.D. While in Albany, Tony began a new job as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in the organ transplant lab with Albany Medical Center. They had a brownstone apartment on State street in Albany for several years and actually broke up in 2007, but about a year later, Kelly had realized how foolish she had been to pass up the opportunity to be with the person that knew her better than any other and still loved her. She secretly arranged to propose to Tony on his birthday in the coffee shop in Hudson New York that had been his previous apartment with longtime friend Gene Gierka. Tony said, “maybe.” A few months passed as Kelly went to Africa as part of her Ph.D. studies. Returning in late August, Tony and Kelly headed for a weekend in Bar Harbor, Maine to reconnect. While there, Tony proposed to Kelly, presenting her with a beautiful ring of an opal (Kelly’s middle name) surrounded by diamonds. They always referred to this event as their re-proposal. They married on October 10, 2009 and honeymooned in Cancun, their first trip abroad together. To accommodate Kelly’s new job in Manhattan, they moved again, this time to Jersey City where Tony took a job as an IT Analyst with Mount Sinai Health System (formerly Continuum Health Partners), based in New York City.

In 2012, Tony and Kelly received one of life’s greatest gifts when they welcomed their first child, Malcolm. After living for a short time in Union City, they purchased their first home in Lincoln Park where they’ve lived for the past three years. In 2015, they welcomed their second child, Evelyn and felt that their family was complete.

Family life was a challenge and a joy all at once to Tony, as he balanced his role as a father with his increasing responsibilities at work as an IT Manager at Mount Sinai. This past October, Tony and Kelly celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary with a get-away trip to Mystic, Connecticut, where they mainly caught up on some much-needed sleep and managed to play a poker game with the innkeepers and their friends. Tony played his usual tight aggressive style, and only lost a small portion of his money.

The bedrock of Tony and Kelly’s relationship was always based on a pursuit of genuine friendship. Even after the children were born, they were mutually committed to making sure to carve out time for recreation and rejuvenation. Consequently, every-other week they went on a date night. Tony loved those nights, filled with simple things like seeing a movie together followed by good conversation. This was always a welcomed event, and taking a break from changing diapers, getting up for the children in the middle of the night as well as dedication to doing his share as breadwinner, was important. A self-identified feminist, Tony and Kelly’s marriage was not defined by traditional gender roles. Instead, they embraced a philosophy where both negotiated all of life’s responsibilities so as to respect the strengths of each partner. Kelly loved gardening and landscaping, for instance, and Tony hated all that outdoor maintenance. They made a deal about Kelly doing all the outdoor work. Tony, for his part, was an excellent and patient teacher to Malcolm and Evelyn in the art of making a good pancake on a Sunday morning, bright and early, and always managed to keep an eye out for the many items Kelly would lose.

Tony was a great father who craved hugs, kisses and snuggles from Malcolm and Evelyn. Yes, he could get a little curmudgeonly occasionally, and his nickname at Christmas time was “The Grinch,” Anyone who knew Tony well knew that he was a devoted father and spouse. Even when Tony was pushed to the limits by his kids, he’d always apologize to them if he was wrong, making sure they knew how much he loved them. He tried to be a great dad and was always open to learning and becoming a better person.

Tony was an avid gamer. He especially loved playing World of Warcraft and had been playing as far back as when the game was released in beta. That love of fantasy spilled into the consumption of words on the page too – specifically in the form of books from J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. He possessed a general knowledge of pop-culture and loved to engage in conversation with family and friends about movies, television shows and books. More recently, he loved games like Hearthstone and Diablo. He also played Dungeons and Dragons with a group of friends often, as well as the game D & D Attack wing, which he patiently taught to Malcolm, as they “played dragons” together. He shared with Kelly and many members of her family, a love of board games. Most recently, over Thanksgiving a group of siblings and friends played King of Tokyo together, which Tony won with his sharp yet under-the-radar use of cards. As Kelly’s siblings grew up from young ages with Tony as a part of their family life, he was more like a brother to them and a cherished member of the Secovnie family, with nieces and nephews who looked up to him and felt connected to his sweet presence.

Tony grew up with a very close-knit community of friends from King’s Acres and beyond. Most recently, they convened in Las Vegas for the marriage of his long-time friends Kenji and Nicole. He always cherished his friendships with “The Boys” from his childhood in Kings Acres and, despite the distances from them in miles, they remained close and would get together for poker games. His family was also very important to him, including his mother, Jean DeLuca and Maryanne Wood. He was also a beloved uncle to Rita and Tiffany Wood, his nieces, and was the apple of his late father’s eye.

Tony will always be fondly remembered for his sensitivity, loyalty, empathy, and loving nature. He will be greatly missed and touched the lives of many people through his willingness to give of himself for those he loved.

Surviving are Tony’s beloved wife Kelly Secovnie; two treasured children: Malcolm and Evelyn Secovnie DeLuca; dear mother: Jean DeLuca (nee Stroming) of Hudson, NY; one sister: Maryanne Wood of Hudson, NY; and his sisters-in law and brothers-in-law: Tracey and husband Tim Rheingold of Latham, NY, Ezra and wife Sasha Secovnie of Jerusalem, Israel, Adam Secovnie of Poughkeepsie, NY, Abby Secovnie of Brooklyn, NY, and Hannah Secovnie of the Bronx, NY. Tony was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dear father Anthony F. DeLuca, II.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Tony’s name are asked to consider a gift to help with future college expenses for Evelyn and Malcolm by going to Ugift529.com (enter the Ugift code: N7S-B6D), or to an emergency fund that has been set up to help offset immediate, unexpected expenses at gofundme.com/Anthony-F-DeLuca-III-Memorial-Fund.

August "Gus" J. Heisler, age 92, of Wayne and Saint Augustine, Florida, passed peacefully on Saturday, February 13, 2016.

August “Gus” Heisler, Jr., age 92, of St. Augustine, FL and formerly of Wayne, died on Saturday, February 13, 2016. His passing was one day before Valentine’s Day and his family can’t help but think that he just wanted to be reunited with his special valentine – his beloved wife Shirley May. She passed away just one month before him on January 14, 2015.

Gus was born and raised in Clifton. While attending School Number 11 on Christie Ave., he met Shirley Weber for the first time. He was immediately struck by her beauty! While she was playing hop-scotch with some other girls on the playground, Gus tried to get her attention by bopping her in the head with a stone. Needless to say, this was not a great idea and it ended up with a meeting between Gus and Shirley’s parents – Mr. and Mrs. Weber. Poor Gus’ plan to make an impression ended up with the opposite kind of an impression he was shooting for. Their paths parted when Shirley moved to Nutley, but they would someday cross again.

As a young boy, Gus learned the value and satisfaction received from a well-disciplined, hard working life style. Every day, when he got home from school, he did his homework, peeled the vegetables for that night’s supper, and then went to work in his dad’s tool and die shop – Heisler Machine and Tool Company.

Upon his graduation from high school Gus worked for his father before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May of 1944. In the beginning of his service time, he was stationed in Portsmouth, Massachusetts where the USS Irex submarine was being built. Upon its completion, the engineers were having difficulty getting the sub to pass its sea trials in which the vessels compressors needed to be able to reach pressures of 3000 PSI before it could be deemed seaworthy. Gus thought he knew what was causing the problem and, with the permission of the chief of the boat, he took a crack at a solution. Utilizing the knowledge, he gained growing up in his father’s machine shop, Gus was able to determine that the pistons in the compressor used to build up the pressure, were pitted. Once the pistons were repaired, the Irex passed the sea trials with flying colors. Gus fixed the problem that no one else could figure out! He was recognized and thanked for his efforts and expertise by the submarine’s captain. To Gus, the commendation was a great honor! In total, Gus proudly served for two years in the Navy until, in 1946, while in the Panama Canal, the war ended and he returned home to civilian life.

One night after the war, Shirley’s cousin saw Gus’ car at a dance club called the Cliftonia. She alerted Shirley and the two of them went to make his acquaintance. Gus was more than pleased! They started dating but Gus had a hard time getting to first base with Shirley because Fred Weber, her father was, let’s just say, not very accepting of Gus. Surely this harkened back to that hop-scotch encounter in elementary school. Not to be dissuaded by this challenge, Fred and Gus’ relationship actually started to warm up when Shirley’s father learned that Gus had a case of low brass shot gun shells. You see, that’s when these two men discovered something that they had in common - a love of hunting. A case of shot gun shells was an exciting prospect to Fred because of that love of hunting, but, with the second world war going on, shot-gun shells were in short supply. After that, Gus and Fred actually became good buddies, often hunting and fishing together on Gus’ parents farm in Callicoon, NY.

It was on that Callicoon, NY, 80-acre farm on a beautiful day in 1948 that a local pastor united Shirley and Gus into the holy bonds of matrimony. After the wedding ceremony, their family and friends helped the newlyweds celebrate with a grand reception at the beautifully restored barn with a bar from the prohibition era. They honeymooned at the nearby Olympia Hotel. They settled in under the same roof for the first time, moving into the attic apartment of Gus’ parents’ house on 3rd Street in Clifton. Gus’ father’s machine shop was right behind that house so he didn’t have a long commute to work. While Shirley took care of their three beautiful children, Gus worked in the family business. A few years later Gus’ father moved to Florida and Gus and his older brother Ray opened a new manufacturing plant on Passaic Ave. in Fairfield. Meanwhile Gus moved his family into their first home on Broad Street. Soon after that, in 1961, they moved to the Pines Lake section of a newly developing section of Wayne.

Gus and his brother Ray took Heisler Machine and Tool Company to astronomical heights – literally! They were incredibly talented engineers and it didn’t take long before the U.S. Government approached them to manufacture aeronautical parts and equipment including nickel steel alloy combustion chambers, exhaust cones for rocket engines, and the first 12 basses for the first satellite to orbit the earth, as well as stainless steel plates for nuclear reactors and test fixtures. In other words, the items manufactured by Heisler went to the moon! In self-deprecating fashion, the Heisler family joke was that Heisler stuff wasn’t worth much so they left it on the moon. A lot of that equipment will forever stay on the moon. Gus and Ray also developed a machine for the textile industry which collated, folded, and inserted ladies’ dress patterns into retail packages. They built machines and dyes that were utilized in some of the first successful hip replacements as well as machinery for the paint industry which automatically inserted preformed metal handles on paint cans. During the design and manufacturing process, an innovative concept of automatically feeding wire from a spool into a machine and then cutting, forming, and inserting the paint can handle directly on the can developed. This technology was patented as the Bail-O-Matic machine and it revolutionized packaging in the paint industry. Gus semi-retired in his sixties and retired all-together in 1992. After retirement, he and Shirley moved to St. Augustine, Florida but, even to this day, Heisler Industries remains in the family under the very capable management of Gus’ two nephews Rick and Ron Heisler. Gus was a businessman of great integrity. He was incredibly generous to his employees blessing them with holiday gift baskets with hams and holiday treats, bonuses as well as the opportunity for profit-sharing within the company. If one of them was hurt and the insurance company wouldn’t cover all the expenses, it was not unusual for Gus to cover the difference out of his own pocket.

Gus and Shirley made friends wherever they went including those at the North Jersey Country Club and when they moved permanently to Florida, they became members of the Plantation Country Club. They made very good friends within the comunity. Gus and Shirley made a great team. Together they were blessed to travel the world to destinations including Africa, Alaska, Bora Bora, all of Western Europe, in fact every continent in the world except Antarctica. For over ten years, they had the joy of taking the whole family to the Colony in Long Boat Key, Florida.

Gus was just such a loving father! His son August, III and daughters Shirley and Judy were so blessed to call him Dad. He went to all of August’s sporting activities and all of Judy and Shirley’s girl activities. He taught his son how to hunt and fish as a very little boy by putting him on his shoulders, carrying him across rivers and, while sitting in the snow, helping him shoot his first deer. Gus laughed a little when his son struggled to try and pull the deer out of the woods. Then he helped him. August also remembers caribou hunting with Dad near the Arctic Circle. The kids always looked up to him for the great example of being a hard worker and they have vivid memories of him watching television with them at night with blueprints for a job from work spread out all over the coffee table in front of the TV.

The Pine’s Lake community of Wayne was blessed to have Gus and Shirley living in their community. They were always so willing and able to help out with the annual 4th of July and Labor day picnics. They also enjoyed playing in the Thursday night bowling league at T-Bowl and the kids loved it too because they could count on that being the night Dad and Mom were definitely out – a good night for them to cut up. Gus was so incredibly outgoing no matter where he went. Always giving hugs and kisses to everyone, but Shirley never worried about Gus’ heart wandering because he loved her with such passion and sensitivity. Her Alzheimer’s never caused Gus’ love for Shirley to wain – in fact it just made it stronger. He faithfully promised to stay healthy and strong for her and he stood by her side lovingly caring for her as only the best husband could do. When she passed away a month ago, a big part of Gus passed away too. Now they got to spend Valentine’s Day together again and are reunited for eternity.

Gus was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Shirley May Heisler just a month ago on January 14, 2016. He is survived by one son: August J. Heisler, III of Ponte Verde, Florida; two daughters: Shirley L. and husband Jack Howard of Frenchtown, NJ, and Judy H. and husband Jack Morgan of Charlotte, North Carolina; eight grandchildren: Michael Ryan Holcomb, Kimberly Holcomb-Cooper, Jack Calvin Morgan, Carter August Morgan, Clayton Weber Morgan, August J. Heisler IV, Brendan Heisler and Thorsen Heisler; eleven great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Aidan, Morgan, Rylie, Hunter, Caroline, Addison, Jack, Maddox, Charlotte, and James; and his brother Robert and wife Linda Heisler of Bernardsville and Naples, FL. He was also predeceased by his brother and business partner Raymond Heisler.

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

Anthony “Tony” P. Giordano, age 92, of Wayne, on Thursday, November 24, 2016.

He was born in Passaic and raised at 347 Harrison Street in the city. He attended Passaic local schools, graduating from Passaic High School with the Class of 1942. He was active in sports during his high school years and was an excellent football player, baseball player, and boxer.

Tony attended the Newark State College, Newark College of Engineering and was a graduate of Ryder Drafting Institute.

He honorably served in the US Army Tec 5, Trop B, 23rd Cavalry Recon Squadron, a combat military intelligence unit. He was also a weapons and topography instructor who arranged military motor convoys throughout the Midwestern states. He was a member of American Legion Post 1000.

Tony was a Master Electrician, estimator, and member of the Local 102 IBEW for over sixty-five years. He was an associate and superintendent with State Electric Co. in Passaic for forty-five years before retiring in 1990.

He was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 for thirty-nine years serving on many committees, and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for twenty years. He was also a member of the House Committee and served as House and Convention Manager.

He will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor and his childlike, jump out of the closet and scare you, way. He was a perfectionist who was loving, caring, enjoyed debating politics, and gave everyone crazy nicknames. He enjoyed traveling and would take the kids on random drives that had no purpose. In his later years he would call you from his cell phone, you would ask where he was, and he would reply “in your driveway.” For many years he enjoyed Ballroom Dancing and even took lessons at Arthur Murray Dance School. He enjoyed his morning coffee with the crew at McDonalds in Wayne for several years. Tony had a soft, loving way about him the truly endeared him to all he met.

Tony was the devoted father of Patricia Sudol and her husband Ron of Toms River, Debra DiGiorgio and her husband Lex of Wayne, and Susan Lopez and her husband Ray of Pompton Lakes, and the late Joanne Martino (2009) and her surviving husband Ray of Hewitt; he was the cherished grandfather of Michelle Martino, Roseanne Gonzalez and her husband Jayson, Tina Martino, Ron Sudol, Joseph DiGiorgio, Anthony DiGiorgio, Gina Lopez, Christopher Lopez and his wife Kate, and Marissa Lopez; much loved great-grandfather of Carissa, Hayley, and Joseph Gonzalez, and Emma and Ethan Lopez; and loved brother of Frances Cancellieri of Venice, Florida. He was the loving companion of many years to the late Margaret Bingle (2015).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the “Elks Camp Moore,” Care of: Wayne Elks Lodge, 50 Hinchman Ave., Wayne, NJ 07470 would be greatly appreciated.

Anthony M. Aquino, age 81 of Brant Beach, NJ and Bonita Springs, Fl passed peacefully at his Long Beach Island home on Monday, August 22, 2016 with th

Anthony “Tony” Aquino of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully on August 22, 2016 at the age of 81.

He is survived by his beloved wife Virginia (Manzi) Aquino and loving daughter, Lauren Aquino, of Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of Concetta “Carrie” and Anthony Aquino. He had a brother, Charles, and sister Rose Crescione who both predeceased him. Tony is also survived by sisters-in-law, Nancy Aquino and Louise Tanis; nephew Leonard Tanis and his wife Ruth; nieces Jackie Adams, Linda Crescione, Margaret Aquino Fuchs, Carol Aquino Holland and several nieces and nephews.

He served as President and CEO of First Fidelity Bank in Totowa, NJ and also as President of Morris Savings Bank, Morristown, NJ. He worked his way from being a teller to CEO with First Fidelity having worked there for forty-three years. He graduated from Rutgers University and Harvard Business School. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. Tony was a resident of Wayne, NJ and following retirement he and Virginia moved to “The Terraces” in Bonita Springs, FL. He also enjoyed their summer home on Long Beach Island, NJ for the past forty-five years. Tony was a member of the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne, NJ for many years.

While living in Wayne they were parishioners of Annunciation RC Church in Wayne having been members during the building of the church. He was a member of St. John’s Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, presently a member of Saint Leo’s RC Church, Bonita Springs, Fl. and was also a member of St Francis of Assisi Catholic church, Long Beach Island, NJ.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Heartland Hospice, 2011 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225 or Parkinson Assoc. of SW Florida, 1048 Goodlette-Frank Rd., #201, Naples, FL 34102 (pasfi.org)

Antoinette “Nettie” M. Napoli (DeLucia) age 89, of Wayne for over sixty years, passed Friday, December 30, 2016.

She was born in New York City and when she was a child the family moved to 2304 East 14th Street in Brooklyn. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School with the Class of 1945. Once out of high school Nettie worked for a short time as a secretary at a Wall Street firm. She then worked in a secretarial capacity for the Java Pacific Steamship Company’s New York offices as well.

Nettie was introduced to a cute man named Nunzio “Paul” Napoli by one of her high school friends, Anita, whose husband had a friend from his military service days that was searching for a “nice girl.” They had dinner at Anita’s home and it was love at first sight. They dated for only six months before Paul proposed marriage. Nettie and Paul married on June 14, 1952 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Brooklyn and honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York. After they married Paul and Nettie moved to Passaic, New Jersey for a short time and then settled into a home on Thomas Terrace in Wayne where they began raising their family. They had a loving and devoted marriage of only twenty years before Paul’s passing in 1972.

After Paul’s passing Nettie found herself as a single mom with three children. She quickly found work at the US Post Office in the Mountain View Section of Wayne having later worked again as a secretary for the Yardley Fragrance Company in Totowa. Nettie again changed professions and became an Independent Representative for the Nova Energy Saving Products Company in Totowa. She sold things like energy saving shower heads to commercial establishments like hotels as well as to individual consumers. Her strong work ethic and dedication to her family enabled her to provide not only food and clothing for her three children but she was also able to put them through college as well.

Nettie will be remembered as a thoughtful, generous, caring person whose delicious cannoli’s can never be duplicated. She loved dancing with her husband Paul and kept it up for many years after his passing. She also had a special place in her heart for animals. She was a long time supporter of the FOWA (Friends of Wayne Animals) and loved her two rescue dogs Patton and Trixie with all her heart. A true nature lover she also supported the Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne for many years as well. Nettie was a long time member and past-president of the Wayne Women’s Club back when they initiated special parking consideration for handicapped individuals and began the townships recycling program. She also cherished the many friendships she made at the Parents without Partners organization in Wayne. She also loved to attend plays at the Papermill Playhouse and visits to the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City.

Nettie was the loving wife of the late Nunzio “Paul” Napoli (1972); devoted mother of Celeste Jakubek of Wawayanda, NY and her late husband Edward, Paul Napoli and his wife Roberta of Rockaway Township, and Diane Errichiello and her husband Dennis, DMD of Cliffside Park; cherished grandmother of Nicholas Napoli and his wife Paula and Michael Napoli and his wife Christina; much loved great-grandmother of Isabella, Owen, and Paige Napoli; loved sister of Liberato DeLucia and his wife Nancy of Yarmouth Port, MA, the late Louisa Sheldon and her surviving husband Herbert, and Anna Ramsey of Wyckoff and her late husband James.

Anthony Alviani, age 90, of Wayne, passed Saturday, June 11, 2016.

Navy veteran Anthony Alviani, age 90, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 11, 2016.

Born premature in Sora, Italy, Anthony was not expected to survive. A birth certificate was not even issued until many days later when he beat the odds as he did throughout his entire life. At the age of 12, on New Year’s Eve 1937, he and his family arrived in New York City to begin a new life. He would often tell people the reason they called him Tony was because when he arrived at Ellis Island they stamped “To NY” on documents. They would ultimately settle in Brooklyn. As a strong willed grammar school boy he would shine shoes to make money.

After graduating from high school at the age of seventeen, determined to serve his country and with the assistance of his father, he enlisted in the Navy on September 11, 1943. He served as a Fireman First Class and much of his time was spent on the USS Shaula before being honorably discharged on April 19, 1946. When not performing his duties on board he would volunteer for anything outside or on deck. He enjoyed being outside so much that whenever he had free time he and his mates would bring their hammocks on deck so that they could swing out over the ocean. It wasn’t always glorious and relaxing and as a protective father he rarely ever spoke about the war itself other than a few times with close friends. Very few knew that his ship was one of many to visit Nagasaki weeks after the bombs were dropped on Japan. Having traveled the world from Pearl Harbor to the Philippines, one can only imagine what he saw and experienced. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

Upon discharge, he returned to Brooklyn where he became a US Citizen and graduated from New York Technical Institute of New Jersey on September 25, 1947. Entering the next chapter in his life, he began working in a factory in NYC where he met May Groner. They would eventually move back to her hometown in Pennsylvania where he met Sidney and Beulah Rohrbach, and would begin a friendship that would withstand time and remain that way for 66 years. He and May got married August 1948, in Sunbury, PA and eventually the newly married couple would move back to Brooklyn, NY where Anthony began a long career as a printer and lithographer at Field & Beattie 206-8 Fulton Street, NYC. This lasted until they moved to Montclair, NJ with their child Michael. After Marie was born he purchased his home in Wayne, NJ and began working for Rae Publishing in Cedar Grove, NJ.

Anthony lost his first wife May in 1969 after a long battle with cancer. Surrounded by family and friends, he continued to raise his children, Michael and Marie, until his mother suggested that they travel to Italy to go see family. So in 1970 they traveled to his hometown of Sora, Italy where he would eventually meet Maria Pia DeCiantis (Pia). Although you would want to believe it was love at first sight she wasn’t impressed at first. But Anthony was determined and would return to Italy just a few months later to win her over and ultimately ask her to marry him. They were married July 11, 1971 and after a honeymoon in Naples and Capri, Italy they returned to the United States. One year later Joseph was born.

Anthony and Pia were married for forty-four years. They enjoyed a very loving marriage, children, grandchildren and everlasting friendships. Often holding hands and kissing each other fondly. They were a happy couple, perhaps aided a bit by the remarkable homemade wine they crafted together year after year. They traveled numerous times back to Sora, Italy to visit family and they often visited Quebec, Canada, where more family lived. If you knew Anthony you knew that he was incapable of sitting still. You would find him fiddling around with electronics or gadgets, or taking a ride somewhere often to visit his family and grandchildren. The one thing he enjoyed the most was entertaining. He loved spending time with family and friends, barbecuing outside and joking around, and most of all playing with his grandchildren. There was nothing more important to him than family and friends.

He retired from Rae Publishing at the age of 63 and began working for the Wayne Board of Education as a bus driver for special needs children. He was able to share his love of children and caring personality to ensure the safety of the children. He truly enjoyed being around kids, often acting like one, and remained working for over ten years.

Anthony is survived by his children; Michael Alviani of Haledon, NJ, Marie Caporaso and her husband David of Wayne, NJ, and Joseph Alviani and his wife Jennifer of Fredon, NJ, seven grandchildren; David Caporaso of Wayne, NJ, Laura Caporaso of Wayne, NJ, Christopher Alviani of Syracuse, NY, Nicholas Alviani of Eugene, OR, Robert Alviani of Basking Ridge, NJ and Ryan and Peyton Alviani of Fredon, NJ. Anthony is predeceased by his father Dominico and mother Teresa (Mammone), his sister Jenny Mianulli, his wives May (Groner 1927-1969) and Maria Pia (DeCiantis 1935-2015).

Anny Kelly (nee Burgess) age 80 of Bloomingdale passed away peacefully on February 16, 2016 with her family around her.

Anny was born and raised in the town of Rimouski, in the Quebec Province of Canada. She lived there until she was about 18. After completing her nursing degree she moved to Toronto for her first job as an RN. After a stint in Toronto she and a friend took a job offer in Vancouver and then eventually made the decision to move to America, first in San Francisco and then Los Angeles California. In Los Angeles she met her future husband Robert Kelly. Robert Kelly CPA was living in the same apartment complex as Anny, so they started out as neighbors. They eventually fell in love and in November of 1963 they were married.

Shortly after they were married they moved to Las Vegas where their sons Michael and Stephen were born. They then moved to Scottsdale, Arizona for a short time before deciding to move back east to be near Robert’s family in Mount Kisco New York, it was here that their daughter Judy was born. After a number of years, Robert’s company, Western Union, relocated to New Jersey and so did the Kelly family, settling in Wayne in 1972 and staying there for the next 30 years. In Wayne, Anny was a busy mother of 3 children but once they had grown she decided to return to nursing and worked as an RN at the Lakeview Nursing home for 10+ years until she retired.

Anny was an avid tennis player. Both Robert and Anny loved playing cards and were members of a local Bridge Club. She also loved taking trips to Rimouski and Quebec City Canada to visit with her family every summer. Out of all her interests and passions, Anny’s greatest devotion was to her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Anny touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Anny is survived by her daughter Judy Kelly of Bloomingdale; her son Michael and his wife Natalie of Lincoln Park, and Stephen and his wife Renee of Summit and five grandchildren Erin, Emily, Katherine, Stephen, and John. She was predeceased by her husband Robert in 1996, and more recently by her two sisters Dorothy Gagne and Judith Burgess.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations to Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Church Street Station, attn. Tribute Gifts PO Box 780 NY, NY 10008-0780.

Anita M. Welling (nee Plisko) age 59 of Wayne passed peacefully at home on April 4, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Kearny to the late Leo and Pauline Plisko.  She was raised in Lyndhurst and graduated from Lyndhurst High School with the Class of 1975.

Anita worked as a secretary in the Psychology, Political Science and the Classics and General Humanities Departments at Montclair State University where she worked for over thirty-five years before retiring in 2016.

She was an animal lover since she was a little girl.  Over the years she has usually had multiple pets at the same time and currently had two dogs and two cats.  Anita loved to travel and has been to many National Parks including: Zion, Brice Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone.  She and John have also been on several cruises together and she especially enjoyed a cruise to Alaska with extended family.  Her backyard garden of herbs, spices, and tomatoes were all used, in her cooking, often after one of her many cooking classes that inspired fantastic gourmet meals.  Many will also remember her love of playing Bingo and her many trips to the casino.

Anita was the loving wife of thirty-five years to John Welling. They initially met saying “how are you doing” to each other while they were both working at Montclair State University. After a first date to the movies they would fall deeply in love and marry on October 3, 1981.  They married at Saint Michaels RC Church in Lyndhurst and honeymooned in Bermuda. Anita and John were blessed with a daughter Lauren Welling who lives in Wayne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, NY, NY 10087-7106 would be appreciated.

Alice Giemza, age 88, of Wayne died on September 8, 2016.

Alice was born in Old Forge, PA and had been a resident of Wayne for many years.

Alice is survived by her dear sister Elaine and husband James Turner of West Chester, PA, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband John F. Sobczak in 1954, her second husband William A. Giemza in 2000, her son John Sobczak in 2016, and two brothers: Chester Terplewich and Clement Terplivetz.

Angelo G. Maas age 77, born in Newark on March 4, 1939, formerly of Nutley, moved to Wayne 20 years ago, passed Monday, October 3, 2016.

He graduated from Belleville High and earned a BA in Business in Mechanical Engineering at Rutgers in 1973.

He proudly served in the National Guard from 1957-1965.

He spent much of his career in sales and marketing of heavy equipment and construction vehicles for Foley-Towlift Caterpillar in Piscataway, winning many local and regional sales contests. He won a magical all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas for selling the most Heino class trucks. He invented a rotating clamp and authored a repair manual. Angelo was a car buff who loved working on cars, engines, and guessing the age of a movie by the cars in the film.

God granted Angelo many gifts. He had a photographic mind, amazing memory, and incredible ability to figure out how things work. He was intensely focused and persevering. There was nothing he couldn’t fix or repair. He was always in the service of others, using himself wisely.

Angelo’s mother died at an early age when he and his brother were very young. Life was tough for them but they grew up strong, loving, and kind. Angelo believed he had to accomplish things in life so he could live a life his mom would have been proud of.

When Angelo and Lucille first went to the church to meet the minister who married them, the doorbell was broken. Angelo had to repair it before he returned home! When they first met he couldn’t believe Lucille used to pay someone to install her 2 window air conditioners. He showed her how simple it was and the correct way to hang mirrors and pictures! He was always encouraging Lucille to be strong and independent.

The first time he met Lucille's parents they had dinner at their home.  They discovered the basement had flooded. Angelo sprung into action to figure out a water pipe had a worn out part so he made a washer out of a vinyl placemat. He also proceeded to mop the whole basement floor and make sure it was clean and dry.

When they were first dating, Lucille's brother’s car was to be delivered to my parent’s house.  Lucille planned to spend the night waiting for this delivery as to not inconvenience her parents. What a surprise to see Angelo knock on their door and offer to stay up and watch for the delivery so Lucille and her parents could go to sleep.

When his daughter Kathy was a little girl, she wanted an actual swing in her bedroom, her dad worked diligently on making sure her wicker chair would swing safely from her bedroom ceiling.  

One morning, driving on Route 80 to school in Teaneck, Lu’s car hit a hole that caused a tire to leak. She just made it to school. During the day, Angelo drove to where she parked, picked up the car, had the tire fixed at the dealership and returned it to school so she could drive it home safely at the end of the day.

When Lucille and Angelo were married he had a beautiful brick house built in Wayne to accommodate her elderly parents and their health needs.  They had companions and health care aides coming in and out of our home 24/7. It wasn’t easy caring for 2 ill seniors and work full time. He always said if he had to do it over he would do it again.

Angelo used to work for the Nutley Dept. of Parks on Saturdays. He maintained the town’s trucks, buses, and fire and police cars. Sometime in the early sixties, during a winter storm, he notice a car parked near the Nutley exit with an elderly woman at the wheel. He happened to pass by her a second time about an hour later. He stopped to help her, brought her to the town garage, made sure she was warm, called her son, towed her car and repaired it. She told him no one wanted to help her because she didn’t have cash; just a checkbook. Turned out her son was a Newark judge.

Angelo was meticulous about the way he kept and maintained his homes and cars. Everyone wanted to own his car after he returned a lease. The person who inspected his Wayne home commented that he never had such a perfect home inspection.

He was a licensed realtor and co-owner of Centre Realty in Nutley, and later, worked for Cedarcrest Realty in Caldwell. Angelo was president of AC Power Equipment Company and had been a major accounts manager for Foley-Towlift and Truck, and sales manager of Malouf, Stadium Meadowlands Ford, and Hawthorne Truck companies. For a time he was also a salesman for Brogan-Cadillac.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lucille (Amorosi) Maas. He is the proud father of daughter, Kathy Pawlikowski (Mark) & their children Kate, Alex, & Steven; son, Bob Pellechio ( Lauren ) & their children, Bobby, Nina, Samantha & Jessica.

He was predeceased by his parents, Geraldo Maas, and Minnie Suppa and his stepmother, Christina DiTrolio.

He is a devoted brother to Gerald Maas and Diane. He is a loving uncle to John (Terrilyn), their children Christopher and Nicholas, and Anthony (Jennifer) & their children Joey and Julianna, and his lovely niece Angela.

Angelo leaves behind devoted cousins, his Aunts Angie and Marily, and cherished friends and neighbors.

Angelo was the go-to-guy. He was a brilliant trouble shooter and creative problem solver who loved win-win solutions. If someone needed help putting up a garage door, building a basement, or negotiating a great price on a vehicle, they called on Angelo.

He was fearless and dependable. His word, or his handshake, was his bond. He believed we were capable of any accomplishment.

No task was too tall or challenging for Angelo. Once he acquired a house at a great buy and orchestrated its move on wheels, from one side of Nutley to another with a hitch.

His favorite saying was, “Give man a chance, man can do anything!”

Angelo was courageous, bold, and funny. He loved playing racquetball, golf, and visiting Las Vegas, and Atlantic City. He enjoyed fixing anything mechanical from a fire truck to a pencil sharpener. He loved westerns, classic films, music and being the best husband anyone could ever have.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation in Angelo’s memory are asked to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Anne P. Snyder, of Monroe Township and formerly a long-time resident of Wayne, entered into her eternal life in heaven after spending one-hundred years on this earth, on Sunday, February 7, 2016.

Born in Paterson in 1915 when Woodrow Wilson was our U.S President and a first class postage stamp cost only two cents, she attended kindergarten through fourth grade at Paterson School Number 17, then fifth through eighth grade at Paterson School Number 12 and high school at Paterson’s Central High School where she graduated with the Class of 1934.

After high school Anne set her goal on become a registered nurse, and enrolled in the Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing in Paterson and graduated in 1937.

Anne met her beloved husband George as a young nurse, taking care of George’s mom. There’s was a true love so they exchanged their wedding vows before God, family and friends at St. Paul’s R.C. Church on Haledon Ave., in Prospect Park on Saturday, October 15, 1938.

After the wedding Mr. George and Mrs. Anne Snyder initially lived in Prospect Park. The later moved to Paterson on North Ninth Street where they were blessed with and had the privilege of raising two dear sons – George A., and Laurence. Anne took care of her little sons while continuing to maintain a career in nursing. When the boys were in elementary school she worked the eleven PM -to-seven AM shift at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. She’d be home, just in time to get them off to school. Then she’d sleep and be up and ready to be there when they got home in the afternoon. George and Larry enjoyed great memories of Mom taking them ice skating on Oldham Pond in North Haledon and on many trips as a family down the Jersey Shore, to Washington D.C., or to other destinations like Gettysburg, Valley Forge, Cape Cod and even Canada. When the family moved to Wayne in 1959, it felt like they moved out to the country. Anne and George soon got involved in a new church that had just opened its doors in Wayne. That church was Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church on Valley Road. Ann was very devout in her Christian faith and she attended daily mass with George and kept many of the church’s home-bound parishioners up to date by volunteering to deliver them the weekly church bulletin. She also served in the Rosary Society at St. Paul’s Church in Prospect Park.

The bulk of Anne’s career was spent working for Doctor Michael L. Keller, an OBGYN whose office was located on East 27th Street in Paterson. She loved assisting Doctor Keller and caring for the many moms and their little newborn babies that would come to the office. She made beautiful photo albums of all the little ones and to Anne, her days at work never felt much like work. She loved those little babies as if they were her own. She worked for many years until retiring in the 1960’s. Anne was also a proud member of the Saint Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association.

In 2005, after forty-six years calling Wayne their home, Anne and George moved to Monroe Township. Anne transitioned very well to independent living at Monroe Village Retirement Center where she continued to swim in the pool several times a week, right on up to her hundredth birthday and beyond, finally giving it up only a few months ago. She and George enjoyed some great retirement years, traveling in their motor home with their friends in the Good Sam’s Club right on up until they were eighty-five years old. In those years, they logged tens-of-thousands of miles as they traveled through and stayed in almost all of the state’s east of the Mississippi River.

Anne really enjoyed time spent in her kitchen cooking and baking. Her son George said his favorite meal was Anne’s delicious pork roast, and her baking skills weren’t too shabby either. Ask the numerous neighborhood kids who would stop by for one of Anne’s fresh-baked cookies or a slice of cake and they’ll tell you how good her baking was. Anne loved it when they would come to visit her! Her own grandchildren and later in life, her great-grandchildren, were the apples of her eye and she couldn’t wait to go visit them in Virginia and a little bit closer to home in Milltown, NJ.

Ann had a great outlook on life. She would always say, “If we hang our problems on a line, you’ll take yours, and I’ll take mine.” In other words, she knew that no one escapes challenges in this life, and when we see each other’s struggles, we realize ours aren’t so bad and we are happy to handle the ones we have with the help of God our Father in heaven. She was a loving and upbeat lady who was friendly to all and seemingly born to bless and serve others – it was her pleasure!

Anne and George were blessed with seventy years of marriage until George’s passing in 2008. The family held a huge celebration for that 70th anniversary, much like they did for the 50th anniversary at the Brownstone House in Paterson and the 60th anniversary at the Paris Inn in Wayne.

Everyone was so thrilled to be with Anne this past June, 2015 as she celebrated her 100th birthday. Surely God had been good to Anne in her lifetime.

Anne is survived by her dear son George A. and wife Susan Snyder of Purcellville, VA; nine adored grandchildren: Anthony Michael, George Matthew, Elizabeth Anne, Laura Lynn, Peter Donlon, Laurence John, Allyson Wesley, Kathleen Elizabeth, and Margaret Louise; eighteen cherished great-grandchildren; one niece and two nephews; and two daughters-in-law: Jane Snyder and Patricia Snyder. She was predeceased by her beloved husband George W. Snyder; her dear son Laurence Snyder; two sisters: Louise Pogacer and Dorothy and husband Maurice Juillet; and one brother: Anthony and wife Rita Pogacer.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Anne’s memory are asked to consider Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, 630 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 or St. James The Less R.C. Church, 36 Lincoln Ave., Jamesburg, NJ 08831.

Angelina “Bebe” DeGrezia, age 101 passed peacefully at home on Friday, February 12, 2016.

She was born at the family home in Paterson and lived in Paterson for sixty-four years before moving to Wayne in 1978. Bebe graduated from Central High School in Paterson with the Class of 1932. She continued her education at Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing in Paterson where she received her certification as a Registered Nurse in 1935.

Bebe worked as a Registered Nurse for Saint Josephs Hospital in Paterson for many years. She also had several fondly remembered years working at the Van Dyk Nursing Home in Ridgewood before retiring in 1980.

She was a member of the Nurses Association Alumni of Saint Josephs Hospital, a former parishioner of Saint Anthonys RC Church in Paterson, a former parishioner of Saint Georges RC Church in Paterson and their Rosary Society, and was currently a parishioner of Saint Marys RC Church in Pompton Lakes.

As a young girl in Paterson she spied a cute barber at the local barber shop. She would repeatedly walk past the window to sneak a peak at this cute man until he realized what was going on. They met, dated, and Frank had to wait three years to marry Bebe as she was determined to be a nurse for at least that long before she married.

Frank proposed marriage on Valentine’s Day of 1938 and they married on September 18, 1938 at Saint Anthony’s RC Church in Paterson. They were truly in love, were always holding hands, hugging each other from behind, and even at age 80 Bebe was seen sitting on Frank’s lap. They had a loving and devoted marriage of sixty-three years before Frank’s passing in 2001.

She will be remembered as a giving, helpful, look for the good in other people, type of person. She was truly a nurse deep down in her heart and always taught that you can get more with a smile than a frown. She could often be heard saying “take the good times when you can,” and loved to sing the song You are My Sunshine.

Bebe was the loving wife of the late Frank DeGrezia (2001); she was the loving mother of Frank DeGrezia and his wife Harriet of South Seaside Park, JoAnn Orzo and her husband Joseph of North Haledon, Linda Kearney and her husband John of Wayne, and Nancy Mustrat and her husband Sam of Wayne; she was the cherished grandmother of eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

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

Anna Schmidt (Huber) age 79, a 47-year resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 6, 2016 with family by her side.

Anna was born in Bakonyjako, Hungary, and grew up in Eisenharz, West Germany. In 1956 she came to the United States and initially lived with her uncle in the Bronx, NY. Anna worked as a nanny in Long Island, and when her dear cousin and her husband offered Anna a room in their home, Anna moved to Paterson.

Having gone to grade school in Hungary with her husband-to-be, Joseph Schmidt, their paths crossed once again in the United States in 1957 while at a dance on picnic grounds in North Haledon that are now known as the Tides Estate. They fell in love and married at Saint Boniface Church in Paterson on May 3, 1958, then resided in Paterson, NJ. An odd coincidence is that years earlier, while a soldier for the Hungarian Army, Joe had predicted he would meet the love of his life and get married on May 3, 1958! Ten years after being married, Joe and Anna moved to their home in Wayne. They were blessed with a fantastic marriage of fifty-eight years. They enjoyed many firehouse dances, evenings out at the Guild Hall, and weekend trips to Riedelbauers in the Catskills, NY where they spent wonderful times with many good friends and family.

Anna was the loving wife of Joseph Schmidt; devoted mother of Joseph M. Schmidt and wife Jem of Swindon, UK, and Maryann Cecere and husband Matthew of Wayne; cherished Oma of Jessica and Gregory Schmidt, and Jason and Nicole Cecere; much loved sister of Michael Huber and his wife Karin of Germany; and also loved by many dear cousins, nieces and nephews. Anna was predeceased by her sisters Maria Hagn of Sussex, NJ and Katharina Wittpahl of Germany.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Anna’s name are asked to consider Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950 (www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers)

Andrew “Andy” “Pepper” F. Stillo, age 82, of Riverdale, formerly of Pequannock, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.

He was born in Sant’ Andrea, Italy and his family came to America aboard the Italian ocean liner SS Rex, and settled on St Marks Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The family moved to New Jersey living in Haskell, Paterson, and finally West Paterson. Andy graduated from Passaic Valley High School, where he played baseball and basketball, with the Class of 1952.

After high school, Andy played baseball for a semi-pro league and worked as a fill in mailman during the Christmas season and for a construction company. He attended two years of college at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford before serving his country in the US Army.

Andy served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Fort Dix, New Jersey and Berlin, Germany. While stationed at Fort Dix his family decided to visit him at his barracks. They all arrived as one big group, walking through the barracks, with baskets containing a traditional Italian meal. All his bunk mates were jealous when they saw the spread put out for Andy. While in the service he and his finance Janet corresponded with many love letters. He was honorably discharged from the service on November 15, 1957 and received the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service.

Once out of the military Andy found work at the Home Insurance Company in New York City where he trained to be an underwriter. He later worked for GB Parks, David Eisenberg's Insurance Company and ended his long career at Wharton, Lyon & Lyon Insurance Agency where he retired in 1995 and stayed on as an advisory role for just over ten more years.

Andy first met Janet at a party where they talked for hours. When Janet left the party, Andy saw her sitting in a car and walked up to the open car window, leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips. She was shocked but flattered as well. From there, they started dating. Janet made it tough on Andy. Once when he came to the house to take her out, she had positioned a glass of water held by a string above a window where she planned to greet him. When he stopped to talk to her, she pulled the string and sent the water down on the top of his head. She continued pranks like this when she dug a hole where she knew Andy would walk and covered the hole with sticks and leaves with a pail of water underneath. Janet and her siblings peeked out the window until they saw him step into the hole and react to the prank. While they laughed hysterically watching, Andy was not laughing with them. However, the pranks did not stop Andy from pursuing Janet. From the start, Andy would tell Janet he was going to marry her. With their courting and flirting, they were falling deeply in love with each other. Andy went to New York with his brother-in-law Fiore and purchased a diamond engagement ring and soon after asked Janet’s parents for their permission to marry her. He proposed and she accepted at her family home located at 37 Wilmore Road in Little Falls. They married on September 6, 1958 at Saint Bonaventure’s RC Church in Paterson and had a reception at the Circle Inn in Wayne. They honeymooned at the Casablanca Hotel in Miami, Florida and were soon joined by their friends Josephine and Carmen Inga that were married the day after them. Andy won a Cha Cha Contest and was said to have put on a pretty good striptease act as well. Andy and Janet will be remembered as always being together and having enjoyed fifty-eight year of loving and devoted marriage.

After they married Andy and Janet lived over a barber shop on Main Street in Little Falls and after they had their first child Susan they moved in to an apartment above Andy's parent's house on Marcellus Ave in West Paterson. There their family grew with the arrival of their second child, Andrew, Jr. Andy and Janet bought their first home in Pequannock where they lived for over 32 years. Here their family grew with the arrival of their third child, Cindy (aka Cinderella). Andrew was very active and involved with his children. He was well known for coaching baseball for his son and softball for his daughters and wife. When Andy retired they moved to Riverdale, NJ and became snow birds in Naples, Florida for the past seventeen years.

Andy was a member of the Saint Andrew Social Club in West Paterson and the Pacquenack Tennis Club in Pompton Plains. He was a Past-President for both clubs. Andy was an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing with his group of friends at Sunset Valley Golf Club in Pompton Plains as well as the Lakewood Country Club in Naples, FL.

Andy was the loving husband of Janet (Book) Stillo; devoted father of Susan Landers and her husband Michael of Kinnelon, Andrew Stillo, Jr. and his wife Susie of West Caldwell, and Cindy Zahner and her husband Daniel of Pompton Plains; he was the cherished grandfather of Sabrina Stillo, Breanna Stillo, Tabitha Stillo, Ian Landers, Allison Landers, Samuel Zahner, Rebecca Zahner, Jennifer Zahner and dearly loved great-grandfather of Jayson Thomas Downs; he was the much loved brother of Mary Manello of Pompton Plains, Josephine Jackson of Caldwell, and the late Frances Coccari and Bruno Stillo. He was the treasured uncle of his nieces and nephews.

Those inclined to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365.

Alex “Aca” Aleksich, age 72, of Norwood and formerly of Fair Lawn and Paterson, passed peacefully in God’s presence, while his family stood faithfully by his side, on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Aca was born in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. From a very young age, he knew hardship and loss, losing his dear mother Lubica from illness when he was just three years old and growing up during the height of World War II. At the time of his mother’s passing, he was the youngest of four children. His father Marko did find love again, remarried, and over the ensuing years, Aca was joined by four additional siblings.

In Yugoslavia, after graduating from elementary school, Aca left home to live in the city near Belgrade, where he attended and graduated from technical school for machinery. After a couple of months of work following graduation, Aca and a friend planned their escape from the country and its oppression. They got out successfully, leaving their families behind, and ended up in Italy where they worked off jobs in exchange for food and shelter from the good Samaritans in an political refugee camp.

In the Spring of 1963, Aca came to the United States of America with nothing but his ambition and a few dollars. His first home in this new land was in Paterson. He worked extremely hard to establish himself, taking odd jobs - some for as little as ninety-nine cents per hour. No matter how much he made, he always managed to send money every month to his father in Europe - who was a guiding force in his life - to make sure he was always taken care of.

It didn’t take long before Aca was introduced to a beautiful young lady named Nada Milojkovic. A year later, in 1964, they married and just one year after that, when Aca was just twenty-one, he and Nada welcomed a little baby boy who they named Marko. They lived in Paterson at first, then later moved to Clifton.

In 1969, just six years after coming to America, Aca opened his own business: Alex Machine Shop, Inc. on Straight Street in Paterson. It was always his dream to create his own empire and his hard work and discipline began to pay off. He was one of the first developers of metal hangers for dry cleaners and he had a lot of contracts in the textile and food industries. Eventually he was producing parts for companies all over the world and a big breakthrough was landing a contract to produce parts for machines that mass produced ice cream.

In 1985, soon after Aca, Nada, and Marko moved to Fair Lawn, Nada became ill. She eventually succumbed to cancer, passing away in 1988 and bringing loss and sadness once again to Aca and all of his family. As you would expect, Aca pressed on with his own life, always working hard and trusting God to sustain and provide for him each day. He eventually did find love again. His good friends Trajan and Gordana Oldja told Aca, “We have a wonderful woman for you.” The woman they were referring to was Bozana Djurkov, a doctor from Serbia, and she and Aca had their first date at a restaurant in New York City. That very night Aca proposed to Bozana and knowing his excellent reputation, she accepted his marriage proposal. They married in 1989 and over the ensuing years were blessed with three baby girls: Jelena, Ivana and Gordana. In 1996, they moved to Norwood.

Aca experienced his share of hardship in life, but he also experienced many blessings. Through hard work and diligence, he enjoyed much success in his business. One of his favorite pastimes was to visit his home in Venice, Florida where he would enjoy rest and relaxation in the warm weather. He loved going to his favorite restaurants and playing cards with his friends. He truly enjoyed a slower lifestyle and hot weather. One of the things that Aca embraced most about American culture was its movies, especially Western movies starring John Wayne. He also loved following tennis, his heart filled with pride as he would watch fellow Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic: one of the greatest players of all time. In January 2016, Novak became the first man in the Open Era to collect all six Australian Open Titles and Aca saw every second of his fellow countryman’s accomplishment, never sleeping during the entire 2016 Australian Open.

Above all else, Aca was most grateful for his family. He taught his son Marko to be an excellent machinist like himself and one of his dreams in life was to see all three of his daughter’s graduate from college. His children loved him right back and, towards the end of his life, his daughters would never leave his side, taking turns to keep 24-hour watch at his bedside just so they could care for him and spend as much time as possible with him.

It is hard to underestimate the positive influence that Aca had on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was an example of what hard work and honesty get you and he himself was responsible for helping over two hundred immigrants get established with jobs in America. Aca always said “Be together, take care of each other, respect all, work hard, love each other and above all, believe in God.”

Aca is survived by his beloved wife Bozana; dear son: Marko Aleksich of Fair Lawn, three dear daughters: Jelena, Ivana and Gordana Aleksich, all of Norwood; two cherished grandsons: Alex and Steven; brothers: Nikola and wife Zorica Aleksich of Connecticut, Krsto and wife Ljubinka Aleksich of St. Petersburg, FL, and Tanasije and wife Mitra Aleksich of Paterson; and his sister: Ljiljana Ignatovic of Novi Sad, Serbia. He was predeceased by his beloved first wife Nada in 1988; his sister Persida Ostojic; and two brothers: Petar Aleksich and Djordje Aleksich.

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

Angela Liberatore (nee Sinelabe) age 89 of Totowa passed away peacefully on Monday July 11, 2016 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Angela was born in San Giovanni Teatino, Italy to Eugene and Concetta Sinelabe. She grew up in the heart of central Italy amongst the beauty, culture and everything that Italy has to offer. Angela was also a young woman during the Second World War. Amidst the tragedies and horrors of war, Angela met the love of her life, Nicola Liberatore. They started out as best friends, and as fate would have it they fell in love and were married in 1956.

All three of Angela and Nicola’s children were born in Italy and while raising and caring for their young and growing family, Nicola’s sister requested that they emigrate to the United States of America. So in the search for a better life and the American Dream, Nicola went ahead of his family to the United States. After securing a job here in the US, Nicola sent for his wife and children to join him. Once the entire family was here in America, they settled in the City of Paterson and eventually moved to Totowa where Angela would call home the rest of her life.

Very unexpectedly during their first few years living in the United States, Nicola was diagnosed with cancer and tragically passed away in 1974. Upon Nicola’s passing, a great void was left in the family’s life. Angela went from a simple homemaker, to taking on the role of breadwinner, homemaker and mother. Through great courage and determination to raise her family here in the USA, and with only an eighth grade education, Angela got a job to support her family. She became a Presser at Metro Mills Inc. in Paterson where she worked for 15 years until her retirement in 1990. It was through “God’s strength” that she was able to balance being a loving and devoted mother for her children while at the same time working to support them monetarily. Angela never remarried, she devoted everything in her life to her children. She may not have been able to give them all of the material things she wanted them to have, but more importantly she gave them good, strong family values. All three of her children went to work as teenagers to help support the family. Her family recalls that one of the reasons they were able to make it was the fact that they stuck together and supported one and other.

Not only being devoted to her family, she was also devoted to her Catholic Faith, she was a parishioner of St James of the Marches in Totowa for many years. Angela was an extremely generous person, always willing to give to those in need and less fortunate than herself. She had a beautiful heart and was thoughtful and giving throughout her whole life. Even when her family knew she was not feeling well or in pain, Angela never complained and would always say, “I’m fine.” She had a great sense of humor and was always grateful for whatever she had or whatever she was dealt. Angela had a love for animals as well. The family dog Max would always be by her side. She was also quite often found feeding the birds in her backyard. The birds became so comfortable with her, it was as if they were completely domesticated. Angela was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Angela is survived by two daughters; Stephanie Carini and her husband David of Hawthorne, and Theresa Scuttaro and her husband Anthony of Totowa, one son Lorenzo Liberatore and his wife Angela of Totowa, five grandchildren; Frank, Sonia, Nicola, Michael, and Nicole, three great grandchildren; Mia, Frankie, and D.J. she was predeceased by her husband Nicola Liberatore in 1974.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Angela’s name to Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shepherds Ln, Totowa, NJ 07512.

Agnes R. Gizzi, age 99, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2016 in Greenville, SC.

Agnes was born in Paterson, the third of William and Catherine Hanna’s five children. Raised in the Stoney Road section of Paterson, she attended Central High School but, due to the Great Depression, she had to quit before graduating so she could work to help support her family. Because of high unemployment in those days young Agnes jumped around a bit, working for, amongst others, Barbizon and the local supermarket.

Agnes grew up with a nice boy named Joseph Gizzi who lived right in her neighborhood. Their life-long friendship grew into love and they ultimately married on Sunday, September 1, 1940 at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson. After the wedding they established their first home as man and wife right where they grew up – in Paterson’s Stoney Road section.

They bought their first house together in 1943 on Rockland Street in Paterson. It is there that Agnes’ role became that of full-time homemaker and mother to her son and three daughters. Unfortunately, in 1961, Agnes’ husband Joe passed away, leaving a hole in his family’s heart and the added responsibility of breadwinner for Agnes. Her first foray back into the working world was as a crossing guard at the intersection of Paterson’s Grand Street and New Street – just three blocks from her home on Rockland Street and right by Minardi’s Bakery. She later worked as a waitress at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne until ultimately landing a job as a clerk with Singer Kearfott in Wayne. She worked there from 1970 to 1976 when she retired. A year later in 1977, Agnes moved to Wayne.

Agnes was the proverbial bingo queen, playing all over the Catholic church circuit. She was an avid bowler in the Paterson Women’s League where she played on the sponsored teams of Crowell’s Tavern, DeLuccia Funeral Home of Paterson, La Neve Oil Company, and her own son’s business – J. Gizzi Heating and Air Conditioning.

She really enjoyed her senior citizen clubs including the Golden Key Club of Wayne where she served as President, and the Wayne Senior Citizens at the Wayne P.A.L. Through these clubs she took many bus trips to Atlantic City where she frequented the casinos building up her arm strength pulling the lever on the slot machines, while mixing in a little roulette and black jack. Agnes developed a lot of friendships through her involvement in these clubs. She also took several trips to Las Vegas – one when she was 80 with her son Joe and daughters Judy and Diane.

Agnes was a woman whose character was molded by various challenges she faced in her long life, like living through the depression, and raising her children, predominately on her own. This caused her to be principled, determined and sometimes even a little feisty. Consequently, she always enjoyed the love and respect of her children who she taught responsibility, self-reliance, respect and right from wrong.

Agnes is survived by her dear son Joseph Gizzi and companion Nancy D’Acierno of Wayne; three cherished grandsons: Charles Puglia and wife Barbara and their children – Michael, Joshua, and Sofia of Marlton Lakes, Joseph Puglia and wife Lisa and their children – Jesse, Anna Clair, Camille, Josie, Noelle and Adeline of Colorado, and Douglas Puglia of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and her dear son-in-law Michael Puglia of Taylors, SC. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph in 1961; her cherished grandson Michael Puglia in 1993; three dear daughters: Judith Gizzi in 1998, Diane Gizzi in 2014, and Carole Puglia in 2016; and four siblings: Mary Fattell, Rose Hemsey, William Hanna, and Elmer Hanna.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Agnes’ memory, are asked to consider Muchachos Foundation, Inc. a 501©3 organization, P.O. Box 197, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, or Gentiva Hospice, 15 Brendan Way, Greenville, SC 29615 (www.gentiva.com).

Aldo Fabbro, age 88, of Wayne, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2016.

Born in New York City, he was raised in the Bronx where he graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1943. He went on to City College where he earned his bachelors degree in engineering. While attending City College, Aldo took a year off from school to serve in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1945. He later graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in engineering.

Aldo met his wife Vilma (nee Marcolina) in 1949 while at a fundraiser for the Bronx Rebels baseball team on which Aldo played catcher. They fell in love, eventually marrying in 1953 at Holy Cross Church in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, PA. After living initially for four years in Hackensack, Aldo and Vilma moved to Wayne where they remained in the same home for the past fifty-nine years.

After beginning his engineering career with Curtiss Wright Corporation in 1953, Aldo soon joined Reaction Motors, Inc. (RMI) where he helped design the liquid fueled rocket engines for the first hypersonic aircraft, the X-15. In the 1970’s he returned to Curtiss Wright where he remained until retiring in 1993. In his spare time, Aldo was a Master Gardener and also enjoyed playing golf.

Surviving is Aldo’s beloved wife of sixty-two years, Vilma; dear son Richard and wife Cecilia of Scarsdale, NY; dear daughters: Janet and husband Robert Pescinski of Hillsborough, NJ, and Suzanne and husband Donald Knezick of Columbus, NJ; and seven cherished grandchildren: Adriana, Rebecca, Janina, Krystian, Marcus, Thomas, and Steven. He was predeceased by his sister Yole Martin.

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

Albert Robert Ferrare, age 97, of North Haledon and formerly of Fair Lawn and Ringwood, died peacefully on Sunday, June 5, 2016.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Florence in 1998, his dear grandson Jason in 2006, and his four siblings.

Born in Hoboken in 1919, Albert grew up in Jersey City and was the son of the late James and Lucy Ferrare. After marriage, he and Florence moved to Fair Lawn where they raised their two sons, remaining in Fair Lawn for fifty years.

Albert proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He and his brother-in-law Ralph Paulillo were the owners of Universal Chrome Plating Company in Jersey City for 35 years.

Albert’s fondest memories were times spent at the family’s summer home at Erskine Lake in Ringwood.

Surviving are his two sons: Albert J. and wife Doreen Ferrare of Ringwood, and Robert “Nip” and wife Mary Ellen Ferrare of North Haledon: grandchildren: Courtney and husband Michael Bonanno, Brian and wife Kari Ferrare, Kyle Ferrare, Timothy Ferrare, Christie Ferrare, Shaun Ferrare and fiancée Priscilla Spinelli, and Lindsey Ferrare; step-grandchildren: Michelle and Andrew Conroy, Joseph Natale, Nicholas Natale, and Natalie Natale; great-grandchildren: Logan, Jackson, Charlie, and Avery; and step-great-grandchildren: Jack and Stella Conroy.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Alberts’s name are asked to consider of charity of their choice.

Ada Cielo, age 81 of Wayne, died on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 after a sudden and brief illness. Her family was all gathered at her side. She had lived in Clifton for thirty six years before moving to Wayne in 1997.

Ada (nee Gambuti) was born in Guardia Sanframondi, Italy. She met her husband Raymond there while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Of course, their initial meeting was a little awkward, as Ray could not speak Italian, and Ada didn’t know any English. When Ray returned to the States, they corresponded by letter with Ada’s cousin providing translation. Eventually, Ada came to America in June of 1961 and they were married December 10 that same year. Ada’s wedding pictures show a sad bride, someone who, at the time, was unaware of the great happiness and joy that would eventually define her marriage. She and Ray shared a love and devotion that few people ever enjoy. When Ray retired, he told everyone that he planned to spend all his time with his wife. They were inseparable and did everything together during the fifty five years since Ada landed on the shores of America. During those years, they enjoyed a great deal of travel together, having toured most of Europe, several visits to Italy, Australia, Hawaii, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Summer vacations to Wildwood were particularly memorable for her two children.

After their honeymoon to Miami Beach, Ada and Ray settled into a home in Clifton and then soon built a new home right next door to Ray’s parents in Clifton. They had sort of a ‘family compound’ with Ray’s uncle living in a neighboring house as well. Ada was very ‘house proud’ and her home was always spotless. Wherever family was, she was happiest and many of their activities were based around family. Sunday was particularly special with dinner at Ada’s. Typically more than ten people gathered at her table and there was never a shortage of food. She was a fantastic cook. Ada preferred to cook as often as possible and it took a bit of negotiating to get her to go to restaurants on holidays. The only holidays she would eat out on were Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday.

Surviving to mourn her loss is her devoted husband Raymond of Wayne, two children; Patricia Zarpaylic and her husband Larry of West Milford, and Raymond Cielo and his wife Lisse of Woodland Park, four grandchildren; Brianna and Gabriella Cielo of Woodland Park and L.J. and Caprese Zarpaylic of West Milford, her sister; Lina DiLonardo of Clifton, her son John and his wife Nina of Hawthorne, two brothers-in-law; Frank Cielo of Clifton and Robert Cielo and his wife Judith of Toms River, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. A brother, Pellegrino Gambuti and his wife Maria Louisa of Italy pre-deceased her.

Andrew Richard Terpstra, age 56, of Chenango Forks, NY, and formerly of Wayne, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2016.

Andy was born in East Orange, the second of his parents' David and Shirley Terpstra’s five children. He grew up in Wayne, graduating from Wayne Hills High School with the Class of 1977. After high school he explored the field of carpentry but ultimately found his skills best put to use selling and installing replacement windows. He was self-employed and,using his intials as the basis for the name, established and owned ART Construction.

Andy married in 1993, moving into the Clifton home of his paternal grandparents, Andrew and Sophie Terpstra, raising his family, and runnng his business for the next nine years. With a growing family that now included two children, son Richard and daughter Tara, in 2002 the family made a big move to Freeport, Maine. There he purchased a twenty-unit motel and named it the Dutch Lighthouse Motel. The choice of location was not random. As a child, Andy frequently vacationed with his mom and dad and brothers and sisters in the Freeport and Brunswick area. This was the birthplace of his maternal grandfather, Alton O. Hackett and the area had strong family ties. Andy loved Maine and was excited about owning and running his own place where tired travelers, as well as family and friends, could be assured a friendly welcome and a comfortable night’s rest. After eight years, it was time to move on and, in 2010, he moved to Chenango Forks, near Binghamton, NY. This allowed him to be closer to where Richard and Tara were now living. There Andy restarted ART Construction, once again selling and installing replacement windows until getting sick in 2014.

Andy always loved to travel. As an adult, he took numerous trips with his family to islands in the Caribbean and also a trip to Ireland and two trips to Hawaii. It gave him great pleasure one Christmas to give his children Richard and Tara tickets to go on an island cruise. Andy just loved being with them and involved in their lives. He often took Tara shopping and even began teaching Richard the window business during school vacations. He saw being a role model, family provider, and parent as his top priority. Andy also looked forward to and often planned ways to get the various family members together. He always saw the joy and fun in spending simple times with his children, brothers, sisters, and parents. It didn’t have to be anything special that they did together, as long as they were together.

Andy enjoyed talking to everyone and sharing views and experiences. He was always interested in what others had to say or just making them smile – family, customers, fellow travelers, and others would all find a friend. He will be missed by all.

Andy is survived by his two dear children: Richard David and Tara Nicole, both of Binghamton, NY; his loving parents: David and Shirley Terpstra of Wayne; four siblings: Lorrie Brandenburg of Hagerstown, MD, Donna and husband Robert Doyle of Belefonte, PA, Craig and wife Sheri Terpstra of Jim Thorpe, PA, and Douglas Terpstra of Clifton; and nine nieces and nephews: William, Nicholas, Robert, Roxanne, Brian, Kevin, Brittany, Zachary, and Natalie.

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

Albert Joseph Sadowski, Sr. of West Columbia, SC, formerly of Wayne, NJ passed away on January 29, 2016 at the age of 72. Born on September 11, 1943 as the only child of Anthony Bernard Sadowski and Frances (Partyka) Sadowski, he was raised in Trenton, NJ. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township, NJ in 1961 and received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. He worked as an engineer for the Okonite Company for over 30 years in both New Jersey and South Carolina.

Albert was married on February 12, 1966 in Merchantville, NJ. He was predeceased by his wife Annetta Marie (Snyder) Sadowski in October 1999 and his daughter Catherine Eleanor Sadowski in October 2009.

He is survived by his children Kenneth and his wife Christine, Judith McLean and her husband Scott, Al Jr and his wife Jennifer, and Brian and his wife Diane, as well Liz Simmons, his beloved companion for the last 15 years. His 11 grandchildren called him Dziadek, Polish for grandfather.

He was a former parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne , NJ. In South Carolina, he served as Eucharistic minister at of Our Lady of the Hills Roman Catholic Church in Columbia, SC and volunteered his time at the Lexington Medical Center and with the American Red Cross. Albert was a member of the Robert Burns Society and Knights Templar. He loved his summer vacations with the family in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and was an avid chess player, golfer, piano player, and fisherman.

Stella Marie Almroth, a longtime resident of the Packanack Lake community in Wayne, NJ, died peacefully on May 19, 2019 at the age of 93.

Born in Altoona, PA on November 12, 1925 to Ruth Susan Riddle and George Ernest Riddle, Stella grew up with two sisters, Emma and Blanche, and a younger brother, George.  They learned to be hard workers from an early age as they helped build a thriving landscape business, Kettle Nursery, and grew varietal apples and garden vegetables which they sold in the Altoona Farmer’s Market where Stella worked on Saturdays.  In later years, when Stella was asked what she remembered most about her childhood, she would say “the delicious food”, remembering her mother’s Pennsylvania Dutch-style dishes, fresh fruit pies and jams.

Influential in her early life where two great aunts, both teachers in one room schoolhouses, who encouraged her love of learning.  Stella was the first in her family to attend a university, graduating in 1947 from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and in 1967 with a Master of Arts from Paterson State College (now William Paterson University), specializing in early childhood education and reading.  She devoted much of her life to educating young children at Packanack School where she taught 2nd grade for 30 years, sharing her love of literature and social studies, while teaching subjects such as the traditions of the native peoples of Australia and Alaska.

She married Frank Stanley Almroth on July 1, 1950.  They met while Frank, also a teacher, was visiting his relatives from Paterson, NJ, who had followed the expansion of railroad operations to a large base in Altoona.  Early in their marriage Stella taught 7th grade in Allendale.  In 1955 Stella and Frank moved to Packanack Lake, where they lived for most of their 59 years of marriage, and their two daughters, Janet and Kim, were born.

Stella was devoted to her family, especially her granddaughter, Kristy, who was the apple of her eye.  She had a lifelong love for gardening and nature, and could often be found working about her garden, reading about flowers or birds, attending Garden Club or visiting local gardens and flower shows.  Stella and Frank were also world travelers.  In their retirement, they traveled the globe from cruising the coasts of Australia and Alaska, to exploring the Amazon and Europe, to attending the Oberammergau and visiting the Holy Land with Marble Collegiate Church - where Stella famously road a donkey. The places they visited and stories are many.

She was active in her community and church. A lifelong Delta Gamma sorority member, she helped create books in braille for the blind, served as Treasurer of the Packanack Lake Garden Club for many years, and contributed her time as a volunteer at Packanack Community Church. Together with her husband, she was a lifelong patron of theatre, music and the arts.

She is survived by her two daughters, Janet Almroth Robertson of Princeton, NJ, Kim Kristine Vanderwende of Frenchtown, NJ, and granddaughter, Kristy Lee Smith and husband Kevin Smith of Barto, PA.

Donations in Stella’s memory can be made to Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East, Wayne, NJ 07470.