Mark Richardson Saffert, “Duke”, 76, of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home on Monday, April 22, 2024.  Beloved husband of Mary Saffert (nee Shafer) for 41 years.  Loving father of Michael Saffert and his wife Kristin and Daniel Saffert.  Predeceased by his parents, Marcel and Geraldine and his sister Cathy.  Survived by his father-in-law Ralph Shafer (late Dorothy), sister-in-law Linda Ettinger and husband Hal, brothers-in-law Robin Shafer and Charles Shafer and his wife Andrea.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Duke was a proud Vietnam Veteran of the Army of the 199^th Light Infantry, known as the “Redcatchers”.  He was also a member of the Norwood American Legion Post 272.  He worked for William Falkenstern Inc. for many years as a stone mason.  Duke enjoyed hiking with his dog Max, the beach at Martha’s Vineyard, and was an avid Yankees, Giants and Rangers fan.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ.  Family and friends will gather on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home.  A burial service will be held at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Duke’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project.

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Rose Nonella (nee Varone), 90, of Demarest, NJ, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Aldo Nonella. Cherished sister of Joseph Varone and Antoinette Cacciola. Loving aunt of Michelle Hoffman and husband Jason and Andrea Luria and husband Bradley. Adored great-aunt of Charlie, Grayson, Seryn and Hanya – her “Sugar Plums” and “Sweetie Pies”.

Born in Greenwich Village, Rose had Washington Square Park as her playground. She loved taking the double decker bus uptown, enjoying museums, attending theater, and strolls around 5th Avenue and Central Park. She instilled her love of NYC culture to her younger sister, and later continued to share that love with her nieces. 

While still in high school, Rose began working at Manufacturers Hanover Trust, now Chase, eventually becoming one of the top personal bankers. During her decades at the bank, she loved talking to, advising, and established strong relationships with her many long-term clients.

On a blind date, Rose met the love of her life, Aldo Nonella. They later married at our Lady of Pompeii Church in NYC. After years of living in Manhattan, they moved to Bergen County, NJ. Together they created many memories with family and friends throughout their 60 years of marriage.

A devout Catholic, Rose was a daily communicant at St. Joseph’s Church in Demarest. Those who knew her knew they could rely on her to keep them in her prayers.

Rose will be missed by all those who were fortunate to know her; blessed to call her their friend.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM at St. Ann’s RC Church in Nyack, NY with interment to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, Rockland Lake, NY.

The funeral Mass can be viewed through St. Ann’s website through the link below:

www.spasaparish.org

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Valley of Angels, an organization which Rose cared deeply about after befriending the orphanage’s founder, Fr. Rocco, many years ago.

https://www.valleyoftheangels.com/donate

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Giovanni “John” Piccinich, 66, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. 

He is the beloved husband of Susan and the loving father of sons John Charles and Stephen Edward and his fiancé Kala. 

John is the cherished brother of Mattea with husband Robert and Domenico with wife Mary Jane and step-siblings, Elenore and George with wife Fiorella; dear brother-in-law of Kathleen with husband William; he is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and loving relatives.

John is predeceased by his parents, Stefano and Mary, his step-mother Milena, his sister, Josephine and his step-brother-in-law Nick.

John was a dedicated carpenter for Local 253 (15), Hackensack for over 40 years. John was also a member of the Executive Board and Trustee for Local 15.  

John was a friend to all who knew him, whether lifelong or more short-term relationships.  Friends regularly described him as selfless, generous, kind, fun and the best all-around. Over the years John was able to enjoy coaching both of his boys in sports and was an enthusiastic spectator later in their lives.  

Visiting hours are Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 2-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church in Dumont, NJ. The funeral mass can be viewed through the link below:

https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDR7ooIVOVjqPp17IVXsWBZ1_FPUFloTwCms7kcwsF08d1O4zGukI-BigJHpxdcBwl9L8TQxVte4ZhUBWw3PEmHGl1Nyslmf9qeTUeRRWydDDszZN8k0fXutLFLSgg76lVKMgtKZUDkthbnjHRTtuWSSSbVR3EF04zJ4nnupAgNJ7Bfx__3NNEyA-H7xJ9rm&c=2fuS8_fKyj5N6MU_AYykRrPHh1vBh5Yz8l3Vb5spr7AutwZ091ipMg==&ch=jx1p1GltQRlgQNCg7DQ4-E8D933W09Yioe_Jw45Mn6lP6KmTHmVjaA==

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to a cause that John would have loved – Save the Peconic Bay a Long Island, New York organization: https://peconicbaykeeper.org/donate/

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Leslee Carioscia (nee Benda), 79, of Blauvelt, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Vincent. Cherished mother of Vincent and Joseph.  She is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

Leslee was a strong, talented, caring, loving, faithful and giving woman, always putting others before herself. She was an awesome mom and a devoted wife who loved animals, gardening, arranging flowers, cooking and writing poetry. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt with interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com  

Michael Joseph Downey, 57, a devoted husband and father and producer of  award winning TV commercials, died suddenly, Monday, March 18 at home in Norwood,  New Jersey.

In 2004, Mike and his wife Christen Downey, founded Hero Content, a production company and advertising agency in New York City.

Among their numerous projects, Hero Content produced the award-winning “The Getaway” commercial for Nike and “Dawn Saves Wildlife” commercials for Proctor & Gamble.

In 2011, the film, “Roadie,” produced by Hero Content, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival to favorable reviews. The film starred Ron Eldard and Jill Hennessy.

Committed to charitable causes, Mike produced the “Tackle Kids Cancer” campaign for Hackensack University Health Network featuring New York Giants  quarterback, Eli Manning. He also created video content for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, the PAL Wrestling Program and Family Promise of Bergen County.

He was New York Unit Producer for seasons 5, 6 and 7, on Showtime Network’s drama, Ray Donovan. 

Mike grew up in Spring Garden in Philadelphia. He attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School where he was on the wrestling team and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fordham University.

From age 12 through his teens he worked part-time at a neighborhood gourmet grocery. In the summer he was a lifeguard and pool manager at Lake Naomi, in the Poconos where his parents had a vacation home. He was introduced to his future wife by a mutual friend in Lake Naomi. They married in 1995 and had three children, Jedh, Sophie and Jackson.

An avid Philadelphia sports fan, Mike was the loudest cheerleader at his sons’ football  and baseball games, track meets and wrestling matches and his daughter’s soccer and basketball games and track meets.

He was an active member of Presbyterian Church in Norwood.  He loved walking his dog Ace, cooking for his family and comic books.   

In addition to his wife and children, Mike is survived by his mother, Sally, and sister Regina. He is predeceased by his father, Paul.

Visiting hours are from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave., Northvale, NJ 07647. Services are private.

If you knew her well, you’d know that Mary Jane Leggett (née Prior) was here for a good time, not a long time. Our “Wee Bonnie Lass” reunited with her parents, 4 big brothers, and husband Harry on March 13, 2024, after a feisty battle that took us all by surprise. Bonnie was a proud Irish Catholic American, born and bred in the South Bronx on April 19, 1942, and raised with aunts, uncles and cousins gathering every Sunday for dinner. If you asked what part of the Bronx she was from, she would say St. Jerome’s – her parish and school – and more specifically, “One Hundred Forty First Street”. Mary made friends wherever she went – she settled in Tappan, NY in 1976 with her family and never met a stranger. A faithful parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, she was involved in Altar Rosary Society, parish council, CYO and bingo, but she will forever be remembered for her legendary Mystery Bus Rides. Mary would tell you that she never worked a day in her life – over two decades with her friends at St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC), and 30 years as a realtor with Joyce Realty. However, her best accomplishment was her family in her roles as Mom & Honey. Mary is survived by her daughter Shannon of New York City, and her son Christopher, his wife Cait, and their daughters Bridget and Caragh of Moorestown, NJ. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Marge Prior of Northville, MI, best friend Ann McGrath of Airmont, NY, as well as a lifetime of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless good friends. Visiting hours are Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Tappan, NY, with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.  The family would like to thank the staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as well as Nyack Hospital, for their amazing support and care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mary’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (dogood.t2t.org) or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (givenow.lls.org).  

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Gary J. Mazzie. He died at the age of 64 on March 11.

Gary passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a valiant battle with cancer. A bright spark in this world, he was a devoted husband, loving father and exceptional member of his community. He will be deeply missed. He was raised in Norwood, NJ and graduated from Bergen Catholic HS and Manhattan College. Gary married his college sweetheart, Susan, and was a proud father to Marc and Carolyn. His family expanded to include his son-in-law, William Schwarz and his beloved granddaughter, Willow.

Loving son of Gary J. Mazzie and the late Jane. Dear brother of Susan McColgan and her late husband Michael, Nancy McGuire and her husband William, Jane Hidalgo, Michael Mazzie and the late Joseph Mazzie.

We appreciate all of the heartfelt love, support and laughter our family and dear friends shared with Gary during his last days at Villa Marie Claire.

Before departing, Gary asked that the great care and comfort he received from Villa Marie Claire be honored by donations to the residential hospice facility. The compassion and consideration of the staff assisted his family in easing the pain of this great loss.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Gary’s wishes and donate on this website:

https://www.holyname.org/foundation/donation.aspx

Click on Villa Marie Hospice and Palliative Care

Joseph A. Rugnetta, 92, of Manchester, NJ, formerly of Tappan, NY, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Ninfa (nee Tocco). Cherished father of Josephine Heller and husband Steven of Lords Valley, PA, Anna Ratner and husband Edward of Dumont, NJ and Rosalie Frustaci and husband Bruno of North Dartmouth, MA. Proud grandfather of Stephanie (Tom), Joseph, Joseph (Bianca), Rebecca (Darren), Nicholas (Natasha) and Christine (Evan). Loving great-grandfather of Thomas, Isabella, Gracie, Carmine, Ha’ani, Isla and Harper Rose. Dearest brother of Vita Tocco (late Joseph), Rosalie Tucker (Cyril) and the late Vincent (late Angela)

Joseph was a proud US Navy Veteran of the Korean War. He was a fish wholesaler in the Fulton Fish Market in NYC and in New Bedford, MA, having started in the family business at age 14. He had also been a member of the Knights of Columbus in Manchester, NJ.

Visitation will be Friday, March 15, 2024 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan, NY. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Christopher J. Keating III, “Skeeter”, 63, of Norwood NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Christopher J. Jr. and Mary Elaine Keating and his sister, Mary E. Keating. He was survived by his step-mother, Eleanor Purdy Keating and brothers, Wayne and James Purdy and wife Laura. Loving uncle of Michael and Justin. He also was a part of a loyal chosen family, from coast to coast. 

Chris “Skeeter” grew up in Norwood, NJ and was a pillar of the community. He attended Catholic School, Northern Valley High School and Bergen Community College for his associates degree. Chris spent 25 years as a custodian in the Northvale Public Schools. During that time, he touched many lives and his memory will be kept alive by all the coworkers, kids and parents that he came in contact with. He was a very dedicated employee that took pride in knowing the job was done correctly. He recently retired from St. Thomas Aquinas College and was planning on a full life of adventure in retirement. 

Skeeter was like clockwork and you could tell time by him. He never hit the jackpot in the lottery but he hit the jackpot in life with the community that surrounded him. People will be telling “Skeeter” stories and use his sayings for many years to come. He was a firm believer in supporting our troops. He was the guy at the cemetery that would fix all the flags for veterans. He was also a “Son of the Legion” and proud of being the son of “Christopher J. Keating Jr.” who served in WWII and was part of “The Greatest Generation”. 

Skeeter loved motorcycles and old cars. He loved lending a helping hand whenever he could. He had a heart that was full of love and he wasn’t afraid to show his love. His quirky knowledge and consistency was his charm. Anyone who was fortunate enough to call him family or friend can say they hit the lottery. 

As “Skeeter” would say, “God Bless America and God Bless our Troops”.  He would say to everyone, be happy and be true to those you love.

Visiting hours are Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 9 – 11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale with a funeral service at 11 AM.  Interment will follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.  

Donations may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice in memory of Chris’s beloved Dutchess.  

Daniel F. Ludwig, 61, of Norwood, NJ, passed away at home on March 4, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.  He will be so very missed by his best friend and wife, Cynthia (Cindy), son Joseph (his buddy), daughter Danielle (his little sweetheart) and his future daughter-in-law Cheyanne Taefi (his kiddo). His family was the most important thing to him and he loved spending time with them.  This was always shown by his open-door attitude and love to celebrate all his family’s milestones with a party at their home.

Dan was born on December 11, 1962, to Eleanor and Henry Ludwig. The youngest of five children, he is survived by his brothers Edward (Kathleen), James (JJ), Joseph (Christine) and his sister Ann Marie.

He attended Seton Hall University and graduated with a BS in Accounting.  Dan started his career at Coopers and Lybrand, then worked for Sony. He passed the CPA exam and went on to continue his career at Stryker Corporation in various financial roles.  After 20 years there, Dan announced his retirement.

Unfortunately, his disease had different plans.  Dan was determined to beat the beast. For over 9 years, he put up one hell of a fight. His strength was an inspiration to all who knew him.

He will be missed but remembered for his love of golfing, spending time on his boat fishing with his friends from Grand Bay Harbor and rooting for the New York Yankees.  Dan loved a good Manhattan and the toast that went along with it. 

CHEERS to a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend!

Visiting hours on Tuesday, March 12 from 4-7 at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at 10:30 at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan, NJ.

The funeral Mass can be viewed through the St. Pius X website and through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass-for-daniel-ludwig-ckedwjxwouzlpcqeapmg?_gl=1jrkw8j_gaNDg0MDg3MjYxLjE3MDkzOTE5NjE._ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcxMDI1NDc1NC4yLjEuMTcxMDI1NDg5OS4wLjAuMA

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Dan’s memory to the Norwood (NJ) Food Pantry or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com