 Antoinette M. Folan of Little Falls, formerly of Paterson, New Jersey, passed away on September 14, 2023.
Antoinette acted as a mother and grandmother not only to her own children and grandchildren, but to all who had the good fortune to cross her path. She is survived by her son James and daughter-in-law Lisa, daughter Mary Jane and beloved granddaughters Christina, Elizabeth, and Caroline. She is predeceased by her husband Peter and son Peter. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, New Jersey.
2 Comments
 Saverio (Sal) Pizzichetta of Saddle Brook, formerly of Garfield, NJ, passed away on September 10, 2023.
Before retiring from Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, Sal spent over 25 years as owner and operator of The Hair Factory Salon in Saddle Brook, NJ. Sal is survived by his loving wife Lucille, son Matthew, daughter and son in law Deena and Jeff Leider, and cherished grandchildren Jason, Justin, and Jordan-Kenna Leider. Sal is predeceased by his brother Larry Pizzichetta. He is survived by his sister-in-law Kathy Pizzichetta, nephew Patrick and his wife Katrina, and his great-nephew Dominick and great-niece Maria. Sal's family will honor his life with a private cremation through Gaita Memorial Home in Little Falls, NJ.  Louis John de Smet (Louie was his preferred nickname) was born November 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a small 2-bedroom 1 bathroom home with his parents and 3 younger siblings- George, Dorothy, and Jim. Louie and George slept on the unfinished porch, which at times served as a refrigerator. From a young age, he was described as responsible and hardworking. Chores were done without complaint, and he found employment to help pay for his enrollment at Loyola Academy High School. The Jesuit school was expensive, so Louie woke up at 4 a.m. every morning to push a heavy three-wheeled cart delivering newspapers. He was no stranger to hard labor; he also worked delivering coal to houses.
As a hobby, he practiced boxing and would often shadowbox outside his house. He taught others to box, won numerous matches, and learned how to "dance" to avoid getting hit. Louie also enjoyed keeping collectables and even kept his war food ration booklet from when he was 14 years old. After learning Latin and Greek, he would attempt to decipher his father's Spanish and French books as a form of enjoyment. Another interest was playing bridge, which he learned by watching his parents when company played at their home. As a young adult he played bridge often and liked to check the paper for the latest game challenge. While in school, Louie excelled, especially in Science. He was able to skip his last year of high school and attended a year at Loyola University before entering the navy. Louie volunteered to join the U.S. Navy near the end of World War 2 and served from 1945 to 1947. After being discharged, he had to hitchhike back to Chicago alone with very little pocket money, eating candy bars for meals. When his sister Dorothy drove with him so he could attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in NY, he insisted on picking up every hitchhiker along the way. Louie graduated RPI with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1950. After graduating, he enjoyed staying at a YMCA in N.J. to save money while working at DuPont and Westinghouse. He met some good friends who would play bridge together. While at the YMCA, he attended a dance where he met his wife, Lorraine; they were married in 1952. He adored Lorraine and would often say that she "was always right." They had 4 daughters whom he would often introduce by their birth number as a joke, e.g., "this is daughter #4." Louie helped raise his granddaughter Kelliann and became a father figure to her as well. She asked him to give her away at her wedding. When she coincidentally moved to Illinois as an adult, she quickly realized what he had meant while muttering "the cubbies lost again" with the crumpled newspaper in hand. She purchased him a jacket and hat from Wrigley Field which he proudly wore daily, especially on the day the cubbies won the 2016 World Series. Louie truly enjoyed nature. He was a lifelong member of the National Geographic Society and contributed to many nature conservation organizations. He loved growing delicious organic vegetables for his family in the backyard garden, beginning in the 1960's. He enjoyed feeding the local birds and stray cats, walking his rescue dog 5 times daily, and was a stickler for recycling. Louie was also a devout Catholic and went to church daily. He was a parishioner of Saint Thomas More and volunteered previously for activities such as the yearly carnival, CCD, ushering, and Bingo. He would help with the church recycling and often donated to extended family members' churches without recognition. Louie was very friendly, had a unique sense of humor, and was well-known in the community. He helped collect money for breast cancer research by knocking on neighbors' doors for donations. He enjoyed silly sayings such as "I was born at an early age...", calling himself "fat foolish father" for some unknown reason, and telling his family how he had to "walk to school in the snow, uphill, both ways." So many people commented, before and after his death, how they loved his sense of humor and what a nice person he was. Louie lived 95 long and fulfilling years. If you want to know the secret to almost living a century- it may include a daily diet of pumpernickel bagels, milk, black coffee, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, anything that was served for dinner, and of course- chocolate ice cream for dessert. Louie never truly retired, he volunteered as the treasurer for the Riker Hill Art Centre and took over his father's calendar business which he ran for the rest of his life. He always did what he could to help others and kept as busy as possible. The day Louie entered the hospital he had the kind of productive day he loved. He independently drove himself to church, the store, and recycling; he passed away a week later. Louis passed away fittingly on Labor Day 2023; he will forever be loved and missed. He is survived by his: siblings- Dorothy Schatteman and Jim de Smet, daughters- Jean (Bob Hackemack), Carolyn, and Allise (John Siemienowicz), three granddaughters- Jackie (Elliot) Miller, Kelli (Blake) Douglas, and Kathryn (Dean Corriveau) Dwulet, and three great-grandchildren- Nicholas, Harrison, and Jamison. He is predeceased by his daughter Mary, wife Lorraine, and brother George de Smet. A mass will be held for Louis and Lorraine at the St. Thomas More Church, 12 Hollywood Avenue, Fairfield, N.J. on September 23, 2023 at 10 AM. Arrangements are under the care of Gaita Memorial Home in Little Falls, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation www.bcrf.org or a charity of your choosing.  Victorial Louise Duin of West Paterson, New Jersey passed away August 30, 2023.
Vicky was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey before her family moved to West Paterson where she graduated from Passaic Valley High School. She had a long career with AT&T and eventually retired and continued her love of travel to places like Alaska and Hawaii and in her later years Vermont and the Poconos. Vicky was an active parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church where she served on various committees for years. She was also President of St. Anne's Altar Society and held other offices there as well. Vicky loved a good game of cards, while sipping a sidecar, and taught all her nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews how to play. Keeping holiday traditions alive was important to her and she worked tirelessly to be sure the traditional foods were served, and the family knew what they represented. Vicky is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Mary Duin and her sister in laws, Grace and Pam. She is survived by her brother, George Duin and his companion Judy Celantano. Also, her nieces Nina Pescatore and her husband, Jimmy. Daria Duin, her husband Steve Pini and their son Steven Pini-Duin. Lastly, Georgianne Morgan, her husband Brian and their children Matthew and Alexandra. Vicky is also survived by her brother Donald Duin and his daughter Edye Hayden, her husband Ed and their daughter Nicole. Also, Courtney Savastano, her husband Ralph, and their sons Ralph and Ryan. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 4-8 pm at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, New Jersey. Parastas will be held at 7 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 9:30 am at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 29 Weaver Street, Little Falls, New Jersey. Please meet directly at church. Interment will follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vicky's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org. Envelopes will be provided by the funeral home during visiting hours.  Elena Battaglia (nee Goddi), 100, of Fairfield, New Jersey, passed away August 4, 2023.
Born in Bitti, Italy, Elena emigrated to the United States in 1960, eventually settling in Fairfield in 1966. Before her retirement, Elena was a seamstress with H & D Sportswear in Woodland Park, New Jersey. Elena was a faithful parishioner of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield, she was a member of Legion of Mary at St. Thomas More, and a member of San Giuseppe Santa Croce Camerina Society in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Elena was considered the mother of her block, being well-loved by all of her neighbors. She will be deeply missed by many. Elena is survived by her loving children, Joseph Battaglia and his wife, Lynette, Peter Battaglia, and Toni Toscano and her husband, Ray, adoring grandchildren, Lisa Gaudet, Jason Battaglia, Michelle Legaspl, and Susan Berger. She is also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren, Ethan, Sophia, Avery, Annalise, and Luke, and devoted siblings, Michelina Stagni and Pietro Goddi. Elena was predeceased by her beloved husband, Giovanni B. Battaglia (2015). Family and friends are welcome to gather on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 4 pm to 8 am at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 10:30 am, at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 12 Hollywood Avenue, Fairfield. Entombment will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elena's memory may be made to Eva's Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07501, or online at evasvillage.org - donation envelopes will be available during visiting hours at the funeral home.  John Cap, Jr., 89, of Belmar, New Jersey, loving father and grandfather, passed away on July 31, 2023.
John was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Evodkia (Evelyn) and John Cap Sr., and was a proud first generation American. John and his brother Alexander had many jobs as children. John's first job was delivering ice after school when he was nine years old. His other jobs included delivering milk and newspapers. For fun the boys would go to the movies on Saturday afternoon to see double features. John's favorite games were stickball and cards. He received the rotary club citizenship award in elementary school for collecting money and buying bond stamps for a club that supported World War II. John graduated Bayonne High School and was the first one in his family to attend college. After graduating St. Peter's College, he spent three years in the US Army. He completed basic training at Fort Dix and was stationed in Germany. After the Army, John went into sales, as a sales rep for building supplies and eventually a partner in his own company, GrayCap LLC. Finding himself without any plans for New Year's Eve 1963, John was set up on a blind date with Helen Petropoulos of Newark, NJ. The successful date with Helen resulted in a whirlwind romance, a wedding on Flag Day, June 14, 1964, and a marriage of 57 years. Helen and John lived in West Orange, NJ for 52 years and raised their three daughters Johanna, Stephanie, and Andrea there. They enjoyed spending summers as a family at the Jersey Shore. The drive to the shore was filled with singing including a few of John's original songs he wrote for his daughters. John loved to go crabbing and to prepare seafood dinners for his family. John often took his family to New York City for museums, art shows, circus, ballet and the theater. He regularly took his daughters to Broadway shows fostering a love of musicals. Together, John and Helen immersed their daughters in their Lemko and Greek cultures and kept many holiday and family traditions. They travelled together to Greece, Egypt, Russia, England, Belgium and France. He was most proud of his trip to the Carpathian Mountains of Poland to see his ancestral homeland. He also spent a month in Ghana, West Africa. John and Helen spent their retirement in Belmar going to local concerts and walking on the boardwalk. When Helen's health declined John was her champion and primary caregiver. Helen was absolutely the love of his life and he cared for her at home until she passed in 2021. John's religion was a cornerstone of his life. He attended St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Little Falls, where you would find him in the same pew each Sunday, red prayer book in hand, actively participating in services. He served as a trustee and attended and supported many local Orthodox events and organizations. To his grandchildren, John was known as Papa, and always had a candy bar ready for them whenever they visited. One of his favorite pastimes with his grandchildren was feeding ducks on the lake across from his house. John is survived by his daughters Johanna Cap Gatch, Stephanie Sackariasen and her husband Kurt, Andrea Kruger and her husband Mike; Grandchildren Alexis, Kurt, Lily, Mia and Violet. A viewing will be held at Gaita Memorial Home (154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, NJ 07424) on Thursday, August 3rd from 4 pm- 8 pm with a Parastas service and memorial at 7 pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 4th at 10 am at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church (29 Weaver Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424). Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow at 12:30 pm at St. Vladimir's Russian Orthodox Christian Cemetery (316 Cassville Road, Jackson, NJ 08527). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to International Christian Charities (IOCC), 110 West Road, Suite 360, Baltimore, MD 21204 or online at www.iocc.org or to Cure PSP in support of Supranuclear Palsy Research at Cure PSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or online at www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give/ Envelopes will also be provided by the funeral home during visitation hours.  Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and uncle- Robert Anthony Monteyne (Bob), 77, of Totowa, New Jersey, passed away on July 9, 2023.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemary Monteyne (nee Seminara), and loving daughters, Renee Ciccarella and husband Robert, Rosemary Bergamasco and husband Thomas, and Roberta Bergamo and husband Michael. Bob was also a cherished grandfather (Big Daddy) to Giavonna Bergamasco, Valentina Bergamasco, Reide Ciccarella, Natalie Bergamo, and Grace Bergamo and step grandchildren Luke Bergamasco and Ben Bergamasco. Bob was an endeared brother to Donald Monteyne and his wife Joyce, caring brother-in-law to Thomas Seminara and husband Chuck, Gary Seminara and wife Andrea. Bob was also surrounded by many treasured cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. Bob is predeceased by his parents, Bette and Gabriel Monteyne, and father-in-law Ignatius Seminara and mother-in-law Gloria Seminara. Born in Paterson on April 24, 1946, Bob lived most of his life in Totowa and then later in life split his time between New Jersey and Florida. He spent his life working and providing for his family. He was a talented and respected builder, Paterson fireman, and entrepreneur. Bob was a member of the "Do Good House" in Totowa. As his nickname "Big Bob" suggested he was a man that possessed a personality larger than life and the stature to carry it. He will be greatly missed and remembered always. The family will receive their friends on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 3 pm to 8 pm at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 10 am at Notre Dame RC Church, 359 Central Avenue, North Caldwell. Please meet directly at church. Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at www.t2t.org Envelopes will be provided by the funeral home during visitation hours for your convenience.  JoAnn Lucille Riotto, 76, of Little Falls, New Jersey, passed away on July 5, 2023.
JoAnn was a bookkeeper with Advanced Video Surveillance, a family business. She not only enjoyed her work, but loved working with family, something she cherished deeply. Her family was her world. She took pride in maintaining her home in Little Falls, where she lived for over 50 years. She could often be found gardening or playing cards. If JoAnn was not at home, she was out shopping! JoAnn is survived by her loving husband Joe Riotto, her daughter Deborah Durocher and her husband Ken, her son Michael Riotto and his wife Lisa, and grandchildren Nicholas Durocher, Michael Durocher, Jonathon Riotto and Alyssa Riotto. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 9:30 am, at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, 473 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424. Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Montclair. Please meet directly at church. In lieu of flowers, donations in JoAnn's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org  Karnig Arsen Thomasian died on July 5, 2023 in Pompton Plains, NJ. Born in NYC on April 8, 1924 to immigrant Armenian parents, Karnig was raised in a loving home full of old world traditions. As a child he loved sports, especially baseball. He followed the NY Yankees his entire life. One of the highlights of his childhood was when he met his idol, Lou Gehrig. By the time high school graduation neared, WWII was looming. Always the patriot, Karnig dropped out of school to join the Army Air Corps. Because of his age and the fact that he was an only child, he needed his parents' permission to enlist. His parents placed one condition before giving their blessing; that he promises to finish high school and get his diploma. He kept his promise.
He completed basic training and rose to the rank of Staff Sgt. He became a flight engineer on the state-of-the-art B-29. Stationed in Karachi, India his third mission on December 14, 1944, took his crew to Rangoon, Burma where his plane exploded due to colliding bombs under his plane and set off a chain reaction in his formation. He was the last to parachute out of the plane and he watched in shock as 5 of his buddies and the wreckage of the B29 fell to earth in a ball of fire. He was quickly captured and taken to a Japanese prison camp where he remained until his liberation on May 2, 1945. The horrors he experienced as a POW remained with him for the rest of his life. After the war, he returned to life in NYC and began a career in advertising. On a business trip to Pittsburgh, PA he met the love of his life, Diana. They married in 1952 after dating five months. After two years in NYC and the birth of their first child, Linda they moved to River Edge, NJ where their second daughter Karla completed the family. Over the years, Karnig and his dear Diana turned their backyard into a beautiful Japanese garden complete with a waterfall, 3 patios, a barbecue pit, a bamboo grove and added a shuffleboard court on the side of the house just for fun! Each stone was cemented in place by Karnig, each shrub pruned by Diana. The Thomasian home was known for its warmth, hospitality, good food, laughter, love and oh the parties! Mom and Dad also created a home that was a safe harbor for people who came to this country seeking to make a new life. Karnig was active and loved playing tennis, racquetball and handball often beating men half his age. He and his wife were adventurous souls who went hot air ballooning, rode 10 speed bikes, shot the rapids in Colorado and traveled the world. He served his community in many ways and soon after retiring at 70, he became an NSO with the VA and helped veterans from all wars navigate the maze of the VA system to get their disability payments and other well-earned benefits that were life-changing. He surprised himself by becoming an author at the age of 80. With mom by his side, as his Editor-in-Chief, he wrote Then There Were Six which told the story of the Rangoon air disaster and his life as a POW. Karnig loved to speak to various audiences across the country particularly young students about his experiences to help them begin to understand the cost of war and what it taught him. After losing his beloved Diana in 2011, Karnig moved to Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains. After a few months, God blessed him with a great love for a second time when he met Inga in Cedar Crest's communal garden. It was there that their love grew. They were inseparable from then on. Their love was an unexpected gift they cherished daily. They shared a deep passion for gardening and created a beautiful and unique oasis they dubbed "Shangri-La" complete with a small waterfall! After losing Inga in January 2023, his joy for life began to fade. Finally, with his daughter, Karla, embracing him, he joined Diana and Inga in heaven. Karnig is survived by his "first born" Linda and her husband Ed Glagola, his "little baby daughter" Karla Robertson, sister-in-law, Claudette Sarian, granddaughter Alicia Thomasian, and nephews Chris and Mark Sarian. Karnig will be remembered for his larger-than-life presence, his booming laughter, his patriotism, his friendship, generosity of spirit and positive outlook and his perseverance in times of adversity. His compassion for others and straight-talking way of communicating was as much a part of him as were his endless enthusiasm and childlike glee in playing practical jokes on some people and living with wild abandon. He was the kind of guy you knew for 5 minutes, and you ended up loving him. He will be missed by all who were touched by him. Celebration Service details: Chapel at Cedar Crest Cedar Crest Village Drive Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 Friday, July 28, 2023 1:00pm- 2:00pm Coffee and dessert reception afterward at Cedar Crest- specific location to be announced at service. Please do not park in any spaces marked RESERVED. BURIAL Karnig will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a future time yet to be assigned by ANC. I will advise everyone when I hear from them. Be patient. It will be a while. DONATIONS The Seeing Eye, Inc. tinyurl.com/5t4dwh9m Project Horses for Forces (make check out to them) P.O. Box 329, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 (They do not have an online donation platform at this time) For more information on this org please visit horsesforforces.weebly.com/ 95% of all donations go directly to serving Veterans and their families! They are a 100% volunteer team.  Joseph T. Farnese, M.D., 66, of North Caldwell, New Jersey, passed away on July 2, 2023.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Robin Farnese, and cherished daughters, Nicole Farnese, Jacki Farnese and Alexa Farnese. Joe was a beloved brother to Dr. Jeffrey Farnese and his wife, Marlene, caring brother-in-law to Randy Mitchell and her husband, John, and Renee Ilaria and her fiancé, Frank. Joe is also survived by his adoring mother-in-law, Dolores Ilaria, and dear nieces and nephews, James, Danielle, Jeffrey, Gabriella, Daniella and Alex. Joe is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Joseph Farnese, Jr., brothers, John "Jackie" Farnese and James "Jimmy" Farnese, and father-in-law, Robert Ilaria. Joe graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in biology in 1979 and went on to graduate from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada in 1984. Joe completed his Residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson and continued to practice family medicine in his private office in Little Falls, New Jersey for over 35 years. Joe took the true meaning of family practice seriously. His patients were his family. The number of lives Joe touched is immeasurable. He helped everyone he met and worked tirelessly doing so. He had the biggest heart, especially when it came to his family. He was a role model for his daughters, teaching them lessons and giving advice they will carry throughout their lifetime. Outside of medicine, Joe was a pilot, a fisherman, a modern-day Renaissance Man. Joe was a FAA Physician, he loved flying and seeing the world. From Wildwood Crest to Myrtle Beach to countries outside of the United States, Joe found beauty wherever he flew. Joe could fix anything. He built homes, was a great contractor as well. It seemed there was nothing Joe could not fix. In his free time, he would spend weekends putting up walls, fixing water pipes, rewiring electrical devices, sanding sheetrock, fishing at Lake Hopatcong with friends and debating New England Journal articles with his brother Jeff. Most importantly, Joe was a friend to all. A friend that would help anyone and everyone. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 1 pm to 5:30 pm at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. Please keep a continuous flow during visitation to ensure everyone has an opportunity to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, P.O. Box 97075, Washington, DC 20090-7075 or online at www.mda.org or to Alzheimer's New Jersey, 425 East Rock Avenue, Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068 or online at www.alznj.org Envelopes will also be provided by the funeral home during visiting hours for your convenience. Vincent J. Sandy, 71, of Woodland Park, died on June 22, 2023. Vincent was born in Paterson, the son of the late Vincent and Norma Sandy (nee Tagliabue). Vincent was predeceased by his brother, Christian Sandy.
Vincent graduated from Montclair State University with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and from William Paterson University with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Vincent worked as a New Jersey State Trooper, where he was honored with a Certificate of Commendation for the rescue of a hostage and the arrest of three armed robbery suspects. Vincent retired as a Trooper II in 1986. After retiring from the State Police, Vincent became a Certified Public Accountant. Vincent is survived by his son, Scott Sandy and his wife Jennifer, his daughter, Lauren Sandy, his nephew, Christian P. Sandy and his wife Nicole, and two great nephews, Christian and Nicholas. In lieu of services, a donation will be made to the State Troopers Fraternal Association Foundation in Vincent's memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the State Troopers Fraternal Association Foundation ("STFA Foundation") at www.stfafoundation.org/donate or 2634 Highway 70, Manasquan, NJ 08736. Please note that the donation is "In Memory of Trooper Vincent Sandy #3215." Dupas, Christina E., (nee Sidor), 73, a longtime resident of Little Falls, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Beloved wife of Floyd L. Dupas. Devoted mother of Marcie D. Dupas. She is predeceased by her son Peter Dupas (2003). Cherished grandmother of Aubree and Peter. Loving sister of Donald Sidor and the late Kenneth P. Sidor (4-30-2023).
Born in New York, Christina resided in Little Falls for the past 70 years. She worked as a reservation agent for Garden State A-1 Limo in Little Falls. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church in Little Falls. Christina was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by her husband, daughter, and all who knew her. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls from 7 - 9 PM with a service beginning at 8:30 PM.  Hassett, Barbara J. (nee Cropco), 85, of Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Beloved mother of Timothy Hassett and his wife Lucy and Maureen Tahmoosh. Cherished grandmother of Lauren, Nicole, and Stephanie Tahmoosh. Dear sister of the late Dolores Miller.
Born in Paterson, Barbara lived in the Singac section of Little Falls, before moving to Wayne about 62 years ago. She was a factory worker for Saint-Gobain, a manufacturing plant, in Wayne. Barbara was a member of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Little Falls. A Burial Service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, 29 Weaver Street, Little Falls. Please meet directly at church. Interment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa, NJ.  Michael Joseph Suler, Jr., 83, of Fairfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully during the morning hours of June 13, 2023.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, June Helen Suler (nee Muhaw), devoted children, Todd Suler and his wife, Chris, Scott Suler and his wife, Deborah, and Tara Capra and her husband, Nino. Michael is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Leigha Capra, Jack Suler, Mitchell Suler, Rainna Suler, Allison Suler, Matthew Capra and Brandon Suler; and two nephews and one niece. Michael is predeceased by his sisters, Mary Suler and Barbara Kotinsky, and loving niece, Christie Muhaw. Michael was born on August 30, 1939, to the late Michael Suler, Sr., and Kathryn Suler (nee Serwin) in Passaic, New Jersey. He was a member of the United States Army proudly serving his country from 1958-1964. His love of gardening and the outdoors was evident throughout his entire life, as he made a career out of it. Michael was the former owner of White Pine Nursery in Fairfield, the town he also resided in. Michael loved cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. He cherished his role as a "family man" and especially loved being a grandfather to his seven adoring grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org  Reyes, Jose L., 83, of Totowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Beloved husband of his wife Luz M. Reyes (nee Diaz). Loving father of Kenny Reyes and his wife Susan, Gary Reyes, and the late Charles Reyes. Cherished grandfather of Charlie Reyes.
Born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Jose was the son of Santos Gali and Jose Antonio Reyes. Jose immigrated to the United States residing in Paterson for much of his life before moving to Totowa over 20 years ago. He was a factory worker in the textile industry working in Clifton for many years. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 6 - 8 PM at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A service will be held at 7:30 pm.  Colombia "Bea" (née Pirolo) Dittamo, of Totowa, New Jersey, passed away May 3, 2023.
Bea was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, before she moved to Totowa 61 years ago. Before her retirement, Bea was a Bookkeeper and Clerk for Passaic County Park Department. Bea was a parishioner of Our Lady of Pompei in Paterson, a member of Our Lady of Pompei's Rosary Society, and a member of the Totowa Library Book Club. Bea is survived by her loving husband, Oliver Dittamo, devoted daughters, Cheryl Maguire and her husband, Terrence, and Renee Dent and her husband, Patrick. Bea is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Christopher Dent, Stephanie DeLorenzis, Erika Kelly, and Shawn Maguire, and cherished great-grandchildren, Cassen Dent and Hudson DeLorenzis. Bea is predeceased by her brother, Charles Priolo. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 10 am at Our Lady of Pompei, 70 Murray Avenue, Paterson, New Jersey - please arrive to the funeral home at 9 am. Sidor, Kenneth P. "Ken", 66, a life long resident of Little Falls, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Cherished brother of Donald M. Sidor and Christina Dupas and her husband Floyd. Dear uncle of Marcie Dupas. Loving great-uncle of Aubree and Peter.
Born in Paterson, Ken lived in Little Falls his entire life. He was self employed as a carpenter and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church in Little Falls. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 7 PM - 9 PM. A service will take place at 8:30 PM with Father Frank Agresti officiating.  Shellyann "Shelly" Wilkie (July 8, 1963-April 8, 2023) of Pines Lake, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, the same city where she was born, with her loving husband of nearly three decades, Giuseppe Guerini, by her side.
Shelly was a dedicated and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, she grew up alongside her sisters, Kelly and Lois, and brothers, Bill, Vinnie, and Craig. Shelly lived her entire life in New Jersey, moving to Lodi, where she met Giuseppe at the furniture store where she worked as a Sales Rep, letting her sharp wit and silver tongue shine. The couple married in 1994 and welcomed their first son, Cosmo, in 1997, followed by triplet sons, Luca, Giuseppe, and Alessio, in 1999. Shelly dedicated her life to her family, leaving her career as a Dental Assistant to become a full-time mother and homemaker. Her love for children and animals was evident, and her bond with the family cat, Salem, was especially strong. Shelly was a social butterfly, hosting gatherings for friends, family, and acquaintances with warmth and generosity. Her gift for gab and gift-giving spirit made her the favorite aunt to her nieces and nephews, whom she showered with love and attention long after her own sons had grown. Beyond her dedication to her family, Shelly was a cherished friend to many. Her empathetic nature and experience navigating the medical world with her sons made her a valuable support system for those in need. Her boundless love for children and animals will be remembered by all who knew her. A celebration of Shelly's life will be held at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, New Jersey on Saturday, April 15th from 4 pm to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Helen Keller International, a charity that supports children and families in need across the globe. This organization embodies Shelly's passion for helping others, particularly in the realms of health and well-being. Donations can be mailed to Helen Keller Intl, One Dog Hammarskjold Plaza, Floor 2, New York, NY 10017 or at helenkellerintl.org Envelopes will also be provided by the funeral home during the memorial gathering. Shelly's memory will live on in the hearts of her husband, Giuseppe; her sons, Cosmo, Luca, Giuseppe, and Alessio; her siblings, Kelly, Lois, Bill, Vinnie, and Craig; her nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, compassion, and love. Shellyann Wilkie Guerini will be forever loved and forever missed.  Douglas Mayer, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 27, 2023 at the age of 81. He was born in Union City, New Jersey to parents Walter and Edythe Mayer. Doug lived a beautiful life with his loving wife Carol, who he adored for 62 years.
Doug and Carol were residents of Wayne, NJ where they raised their three children, Douglas, Dennis, and Karen. They later moved to Stockholm, NJ and Whiting, NJ. Doug was preceded in death by his eldest son, Douglas Mayer. He is survived by his wife Carol, his children, and nine grandchildren. Doug's grandchildren brought immense joy into his life. They include David, Michelle, Matt, Danielle, Justin, Christopher, and Thomas. He also had two step-grandchildren, Kim and Nicole. Doug was blessed with one great-grandchild, Penny Lane, and three step-great-grandchildren, Leah, Cameron, and William. Douglas was a man of great character and will be remembered for his love of life and his enduring spirit. He was kind and compassionate, and always made people laugh. He had a contagious smile and was loved by all who knew him. He will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to a charity that was very dear to Douglas, St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org Griffin, Tina M., 51, of Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Beloved daughter of Dennis and Kathy Griffin of Woodland Park. Cherished sister of Dennis Griffin Jr. and the late Denise Griffin. Born in Paterson, Tina lived in Wayne all of her life.
The family will receive their friends on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, 295 Totowa Road, Totowa. Please meet directly at the cemetery. Reverend Jin Kook Kim from the United Methodist Church in Little Falls will be officiating.  Daniel Walicky, 88 of Toms River, NJ, formerly of Belleville, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Beloved Husband of Elaine Walicky (nee Nobrega). Loving Father of Daniel Walicky, Jr. and his wife Marisa, Dana Walicky, Dona Fizzarotti and her husband Phil and David Walicky. Cherished Grandfather to Lauren (James) Burdash, Michele Walicky, David Walicky, Jr., Dustin Walicky, Dylan Walicky, Felicia Hahn and Great Grandfather to Emilia, Morgan and Matthew. Daniel is predeceased by his parents Sylvester and Josephine, brothers Robert and Raymond, sisters Ruth, Rose and Marian as well as his daughter-in-law Theresa Walicky. Born in Newark, Daniel lived there most of his life before moving to Belleville in 1982, then relocating with his wife to Toms River eight years ago. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 825 and worked for Aneiro Concrete for many years before retiring in 1997. The family will receive their friends on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls from the hours of 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, 473 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org and to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org Envelopes will also be provided by the funeral home during visitation hours.  Juan J. Ledergerber, 76 years old of North Caldwell, New Jersey sadly left us on March 17, 2023. Juan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sonnia Ledergerber, his three daughters, Lorena Ledergerber, Cecile Ledergerber, and Priscilla Ledergerber-Arango, his four grandchildren, Lucas, Sophia, Peyton, and Ella, and his son-in-law, Michael Arango.
Juan immigrated from Ecuador, S.A., at the age of 18 and served in the army branch of the United States Military. He was an entrepreneur and business owner of Sonnia's Manufacturing Textile Company as well as Plant Manager of Sunweave Corporation. In honor of Juan J. Ledergerber, a mass will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11 AM in Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Ave., North Caldwell, NJ 07006.  Edson, Irene (nee Campagna), 69, of Phillipsburg, formerly of Paterson, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Wayne Edson. Loving mother of John Campagna, Jennifer Crawford and her husband Derrick. Cherished grandmother of her 8 grandchildren. Dear sister of Ray Campagna, Mary Lou Lewis, Louanne D' Pasquale, Robin Redner, Linda Grecco, Karen Joachim, and Georgina Hansen. Irene was predeceased by her two brothers Jimbo and Joey and her loving companion Arthur Chubby Duval.
Born in Paterson, Irene lived there most of her life as well as worked in Paterson at the Chicken Supreme. She moved to Phillipsburg three years ago. The family will receive their friends on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls.  Rocco Agostino Sr. passed away at home with his family on March 11, 2023. Rocco was born to Inez and the late Elio Agostino in Paterson, New Jersey on March 22, 1972. Rocco was treasured by his mother Inez, children Christine, Rocco Jr., and Ian, and his grandchildren Zelda and Storm. He was also loved by his sister Virginia Fillare, late brother-in-law Robert Fillare, brother Elio Agostino, sister-in-law Cindy Agostino, late sister Inez Peia and brother-in-law Joseph Peia. His nephews Joseph Peia and Matthew Fillare will miss him greatly, along with his aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Since he was young Rocco was gifted with his hands and a sharp mind. He started working at AAMCO transmission at the age of 13 as a car mechanic. Eventually he met Janice Agostino who he went on to marry and have 3 children with, Christine, Rocco, and Ian. Shortly after Ian was born they split up and he became a single devoted father of 3. Everyone knew Rocco could fix anything, as he helped his loved ones whenever they needed assistance with their cars or homes. He used these gifts in various jobs throughout his life as a mechanic, a maintenance director of an apartment complex, a building superintendent, maintenance director at nursing homes, maintenance director at hospitals. He did so many different jobs, at many different places and they all required helping people. He also really enjoyed making people laugh, he liked to call people silly names and joke around. There was never a dull moment with Rocco. He could light up any room with his presence. He was sociable and could adapt to any environment which made him extraordinarily efficient at relating to people. At the time of his passing Rocco proudly worked at the Home Depot, where he made lots of friends who he was happy to have in his life and he excelled at assisting customers and his co-workers with anything they needed. During his life Rocco lived in both New Jersey and Florida, eventually returning home to Clifton where he spent his days devoted to his mother Inez and his late father Elio and all his children. He was happiest during the simple times, watching movies with his children, sitting at the kitchen table laughing with his mother, kids, and siblings, or out walking around his town. He loved to stare at the sky and look at the moon and stars at night. He loved the ocean and could lay on the beach for hours and loved watching the sun set from the shore. In his life Rocco's family and friends knew him above all as a man loyal to those he cared about. Even with his personal battles and demons his FAMILY as always #1 in his heart. He would do anything for his mother or his children. Everything Rocco did he did for his children and his mother. Rocco was a one-of-a-kind man to all who were lucky enough to know him; he will be dearly missed by his memory will live on in all of us. The biggest gift we can give Rocco is to let him live on through us. Our love. Our memories. The joy he brought us. We should never stop speaking his name so he can live forever in our hearts. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 9 am - 11:30 am with "Remarks of Remembrance" at 11:30 am. Interment to follow immediately after at Crest Haven Cemetery, Clifton, NJ.  Moore, Marilyn M. (nee Probst), 76, of Montville, formerly of Woodland Park, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Devoted mother of Greg Moore and his wife Natacha. Beloved grandmother of Samantha Moore. Cherished sister of Ruth Trudeau and her husband Edmond. Loving aunt of nephew Danny Trudeau. Dear friend of many years to Gene Kulick.
Born in Paterson, Marilyn was a resident of Woodland Park for 49 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Little Falls. Marilyn was a legal secretary working for DeYoe Law offices in Wayne for 50 years. Marilyn will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 12 pm. Please arrive at the funeral home at 11:30 am. Reverend Jin Kook Kim officiating. Interment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa, NJ. |