Jack Jennings, 91, of Mays Landing, NJ passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2019 with his wife, Jayne, at his side.

Jack was born in Youngstown, Ohio, the only child of Michael and Martha Jennings.  He moved to Brooklyn while in high school and later graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Percussion and a Master of Music in Education.  He worked in the studio recording industry throughout his career between NY and LA as a percussionist appearing on a myriad of TV shows, movie soundtracks and commercial jingles. Jack played with a multitude of famous artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis and jazz greats Lionel Hampton, George Benson, Anita O’Day, Wes Montgomery and many more.  He toured the US and Canada with Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. for a 1988 Rat Pack reunion tour and also played for years in the orchestra of the Broadway musical Cats.  Later in his career, Jack pursued his love of traditional jazz and, with a number of accomplished musician friends, formed a jazz group. They performed for a number of years in North Jersey and then in South Jersey, after he and Jayne relocated to Cape May.

Having raised his family in Norwood, Jack was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Church in Norwood as well as St. Anthony’s Church in Northvale, serving many years as co-choir director of the adult and youth choirs with his wife, Jayne.  Most recently they were member of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Mays Landing, NJ.

Although music was a large part of Jack’s life, his greatest joy came from his family.  He is survived by Jayne, his best friend and wife of 58 years, children John, Mimi (Steve Benvenuti), Kerry (Dan Kelly), Paul, Mark (Rosella), grandchildren Isabel and Garret Benvenuti, Jacklyn, Brayden and Pierce Kelly along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, 2:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 102 Park Street in Haworth, NJ.  Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

“A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest”

Marion Caroline Oliveri, (née Verlini) 99, formerly of Northvale, NJ and Florida, went to be with her Lord on April 8 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late Anthony Oliveri Sr. they shared 50 years of marriage. Marion was the devoted mother of Anthony Oliveri Jr. (Jane),  Loretta Bleier (John), proud grandmother of Lisa Vreeland (Kurt), Jesse Keegan, Dana Oliveri, and Blake Bleier adoring great-grandmother of Ryan Vreeland, loving sister-in-law of Patricia Oliver, and warmhearted supporter of many nieces, nephews and extended family which she cherished. She was the loving sibling of the late, Elizabeth D’Arcy-Clarke, and Richard Verlini II, and broken-hearted great-grandmother of predeceased  Robert J. Vreeland.

Born March 18, 1920 in Teaneck, New Jersey Marion was the daughter of Emma (née Manzo) and Richard J Verlini Sr.  She graduated from Teaneck High School in 1937 and secretarial school on Wall Street in 1938. Always a valued employee, her favorite position was serving and being surrounded by children in the Northvale Public Schools where she was secretary from 1963-1984.

Marion an active member of her community, she was a member/volunteer for many organizations.  True to who Marion was she left detailed files for her passing including lists of the many organizations she served and positions she held.  They are recounted here, from her own words and recollections: Cub Scouts and Girl Scout leader; Northvale Ambulance Corps (1961-1971); Eucharistic minister and Social Concerns Committee both of Saint Anthony’s Parish in Northvale (where she started the tree of life in 1987) and Saint Michael the Archangel in Hudson Florida; PTA president Nathan Hale School Northvale; President of Norwood/Northvale Woman’s Club; Membership Chairman of the NJ Federation Woman’s Club; Hospice Volunteer 10 years; Bayonet Point Hospital  Volunteer 10 years; President of the Northvale Golden Age Club (instituted parliamentary procedure); Treasurer, Golden Age Club; election Board; Red Hats Club;Volunteer at the Vietnam Wall experience in 2002; vice president to the Estate Homeowners Association in Florida, head of travel trips/cruises for seven years; Usher River Edge High School activities 10 years; started canasta club at Ridgecrest; Westside Presbyterian Church knit/ crochet shawls for people in need Including Veterans Homes. Participated in Walk at Work Day.

Marion’s joy in life was her family. Her family felt her most endearing quality was making everyone feel welcome in her home. There were no strangers at Marion’s table; everyone became family. She will be well remembered for her huge trays of Christmas cookies.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 23 at 10 AM at Saint Anthony’s Church in Northvale with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Paramus. Visiting hours are Monday, April 22, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home 120 Parisi Ave. Northvale (201-767-3050).

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to “Robby’s Rabbits”. Founded by Marion’s granddaughter Lisa and her husband Kurt in memory of their son, Robby.

“Robby’s Rabbits” places stuffed rabbits in the aching arms of newly bereaved parents. If desired, one may bring a new stuffed animal to the funeral home and/or make a donation to:

Robby’s Rabbits,  PO Box 31, Haworth, NJ 07641

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful.” (Proverbs 15:13) All will remember Marion’s most noted attribute, her beautiful smile shining from her happy heart. At Marion’s request, please be joyful and celebrate with her family her long life, well lived.

Her family thank and  acknowledge all the caregivers and staff from the Emerson Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, they took such wonderful care and truly became part of her family for the last 3 1/2 years.

We also thank everyone who has walked this life path with Marion, each one of you brought your own sunshine to her life.

Let us all smile a little more whenever we think of her.

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Joan Bender (nee Walther), 88, of Cresskill for over 60 years passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Joseph. Cherished mother of Kerry and wife Janice of Hillsdale, Kyle and wife Tracy of Ramsey, the late Kevin and wife Jean, and the late Katherine Patterson and husband Steve. Adored grandmother of Carrie, Chrissy, Nicholas, Taylor, Maya, Christian and Emmy. Great grandmother of Bennett and Katherine, Teddy and Maggie. Loving sister of Gertrude Bodrato of Norwood, Alma Kohut of Garnerville, NY and Paul Walther of Norwood. Graduate of Closer high school, formerly employed by Scholastic Magazine, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, GM Chemical, Tenafly, NJ, and Hotel Research in Closter, NJ. She was a parishioner of St. Theresa Church in Cresskill. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed long walks.

Visiting hours are Sunday 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 10 AM with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Concord VNA Hospice House, P.O. Box 1792 Concord, New Hampshire 03302-1797 OR Life Choice Donor Services, 340 West New Berry Road, Bloomfield CT, 06002.

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Robert R. Finning, 84, of Tappan, NY, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Beloved husband of Carole (nee Schultz) for 63 years. Cherished father of Peter and wife Peggy of Rockville Center, NY, Robert of Randolph, NJ and Richard and wife Wendy of Orangeburg, NY. Adored grandfather of Skyler, Patrick, Daniel, Kevin and Jeffrey. Dearest brother of the late Dorothy Bluett.

Robert was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion John M. Perry Post 1044 in Sparkill. He was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church in Tappan and was trustee for over 40 years as well as a lector. Before retiring, Robert was a financial analyst in NYC.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Tappan with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. Visiting hours are Friday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

Those who wish may make donations in Robert’s memory to the John M. Perry Post 1044, PO Box 311, Sparkill, NY 10976 to support their scholarship programs.

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Kenneth M. Witherell, 56, of Tappan, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. He is survived by his loving former wife Trish Hennigan. Kenny was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy (nee McKee) Witherell and his brothers and sister, Ricky, Meg Mezzasalma, Michael and Dave Witherell. Dearest brother-in-law of Joe Mezzasalma, Ann Witherell and Janet Witherell. Cherished uncle of Joey, Stephen, Tina, Michael and Paul.

Kenny worked at Materials Research Corporation in Orangeburg for over 18 years. He loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer, boater, fisherman, enjoyed time around the fire in his garage and spending summer vacations at Lake George. Kenny also loved to bowl and was proud to have bowled a 300 game. He was also a very talented woodworker. Kenny will be dearly missed by many friends, neighbors, and all who knew him.

Visiting hours will be Thursday 6-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale (201-767-3050).

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Thomas Patrick Farrell, 56, of Northvale, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. He was the cherished father of Hilary and Connor. Beloved son of Marie and the late Thomas Farrell. Dear brother of Michael and his wife Barbara and Joseph and his wife Janice. Also survived by Heather Bodrato Farrell. Loving nephew of Prudie LaCavalla, he was also a loving uncle, cousin and dear friend to many.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 6 at 12 noon at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

Those who wish may make donations in Tom’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

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Chester J. Kaniecki, Sr., 83, of Northvale for over 50 years, born and raised in Brooklyn, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Beloved husband of Paulette (nee Bryda). Cherished father of Deborah of Northvale, Stephanie Buldo and husband Christopher of River Vale and Chester Jr. and wife Michelle of Groton, CT. Adored grandfather of Melissa, Samantha and Taylor. Dear brother of the late Thaddeus and Zygmunt.

Chet was a friend to everyone he met and a source of strength for his family and for all that knew him. As many of you know, he faced many battles with his health and never gave up. He always considered himself to be blessed with his many friends and family. He was a proud member of the 40th Street boys from Brooklyn and his three amazing granddaughters were his pride and joy. Chet was a proud US Army veteran of the Korean War and was past commander of the Northvale VFW, member of the Norwood American Legion and the Closter Elks.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY. Visiting hours are Sunday 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chet’s memory may be made to the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 196 Firenze St, Northvale 07647.

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Theodore J. Bleckman, 78, of Norwood, formerly of Dumont, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019. Beloved husband of the late Carol. Loving father of Ted and his girlfriend Kay of LaJolla, CA and Sandra of Norwood. Dearest brother of Barbara, Donald, Dorothy, Edith, Kathryn, Lloyd, Lois and Virginia and the late Arthur, Carol, Peggy and Robert. He was also a beloved uncle, brother-in-law and friend. Also survived by his beloved dog Tedi.

Ted was a US Army Veteran. He was a sales manager for Tri-State Computer Flooring in Cliffside Park. After retiring he enjoyed working at the Bergen County Golf Course in Rockleigh as a starter and a ranger.

The family will gather at St. Anthony’s Shrine, 36 West Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY at 9:30 AM on Wednesday. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your local animal shelter in Ted’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

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Arthur A. Bodrato, “Artie”, 93, of Northvale, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Devoted husband Waldine for 66 years. Cherished father of Briant and his wife Kathleen of Northvale. Adored grandfather of Ashley and Christopher. Dearest brother of the late Elmo, Frederick and Joseph.

Artie was a US Army Veteran of WWII. He was a retired plumber and was a member of Plumbers Local 24 and was always there to lend a hand to a friend in need. He was a life member of the Northvale Volunteer Fire Association and served for 72 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He served the association as financial secretary for many years and was past president of the exempt association. Artie was also a member of the American Legion Joseph Silva Post 366. Artie was a parishioner of St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s on Friday 11:30 AM with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. Visiting hours are Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Northvale Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 101, Northvale, NJ 07647.

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Mary T. Galasso (nee Petruzzi), 99, of River Vale, formerly of Fair Lawn and Brooklyn, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 29, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Louis C. Galasso. Devoted mother of three sons; Vincent L. and wife Cilia of River Vale, Carmine L. and partner Nina Berman of NYC and Louis C. and wife Maria of Parsippany. Proud grandmother of Valerie, Joseph, Christine, Anthony, Natalie and Carla and great-grandmother of Julia, Nevin and Audrey. She was predeceased by nine brothers and sisters.

Mary was a devoted member of the Society of the Little Flower and was a parishioner of St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 10 AM at St. Pius X Church with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. Visiting hours are Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

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