Inez Irma Vinelli

1927-2023

Inez Irma Vinelli nėe Mattiaccio, passed away peacefully at home in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in the company of Laura, Ron and devoted son-in-law Kurt Graf. Beloved mother of Richard Vinelli (Maryanne), Ronald Vinelli (Jacki), Laura Vinelli-Graf (Kurt) and the late Robert Vinelli (late Anna) and Michael Vinelli (Gloria). Proud grandmother of Dana Spohler, Michelle Harm, Gary and Robert Vinelli, Vince Sal and Ross Valenza, John and Lauren Mascolo, Danielle Iacovino and Anthony and Christopher Vinelli. 

Born in New York City and raised in the Bronx, Inez was the youngest of five children, the only daughter of Lauretta Menna and Antonio Mattiaccio, immigrants from the province of Campobasso, Italy. Inez was deeply devoted to her parents.  She was a lover of all animals, especially her dog Lulu.  She was an elegant ballroom dancer and could make any dance partner look great on the dance floor. Throughout her long and blessed life, Inez remained close with her four brothers, their families, and with an extended  family of 14 aunts and uncles and 34 cousins.

Inez knew tragedy when illness took her first husband, Joseph Wasp, soon after their marriage. Inez recovered and made a new start in 1956 when she married Michael Vinelli, a machinist with Sperry Gyroscope.  In 1964, the Vinelli homestead moved to Tappan, NY where, both Michael and Inez owned and operated Vinelli’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. Michael later had a vending business until his death in 1990.  

Thanks to Inez’ warm, welcoming nature and her excellence as a host, chef and baker, for half a century Inez’ home in Tappan was a magnet for her family and the good friends she made in Rockland.

In 2020, Inez relocated to Las Vegas to be with Laura and Kurt who cared for her with the same sort of affection and care that Inez gave her family over the course of a long, giving life. She will be sorely missed.

Visiting hours are Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi FuneralHome, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07647.

Funeral procession from the funeral home on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10 AM with entombment at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale, NY 10530.

Lynne Christine Diorio (nee Niebergall), 67, of Hillsdale, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home on Friday, May 12, 2023. Beloved wife of Robert A. Diorio. Cherished mother of Peter Gandolfo (late wife Zadia), Angela Gandolfo and Peggy Shedden (husband Randy). Adored daughter of Natalie and the late Werner Niebergall. Proud grandmother of Kassandra, Haylee, Christopher, Phoenix, Austin, Vasago, Bella, and Alex (deceased). Loving sister of Peggy Pieroway (husband Robert), Cliff Niebergall (wife Cindy), Derek Niebergall (wife Sherri), Paul Niebergall (wife Christi), Werner Niebergall (wife Angela), Pamela Legaspi, (late husband Richard), Ariela Fillis (husband Jeremy), Debra Rendon (husband Raul), Fred Niebergall, Alan Niebergall and Steven Niebergall (wife Claudia).  Dear sister-in-law of Theresa Diorio and the late Richard Diorio (wife Angela). Also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Lynne was an administrative assistant for the Borough of Fort Lee for over 20 years. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park, NJ and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories Church, Harrington Park with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lynne’s memory may be made to birthright.org, lifecall.org or csi-usa.org.

It is with great sadness that the Kupi Family announces that our beloved Alban Gani Kupi, born on March 11th, 1971 in Kruja, Albania passed away on Thursday, May 11th 2023.

Alban is survived by his loving wife Zylfija, his two children, Ariana and Adrian whom he adored, his devoted sister Aida, as well as the extended Kupi Family.

The wake will take place on Saturday, May 13th from 2 pm-7pm at the Pizzi Funeral Home: 120 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ 07647.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, May 15th at the Pizzi Funeral Home at 10 am where they will proceed to Rockland Cemetery: 201 Kings Highway, Sparkill, NY, 10976.

It is with heavy hearts that the Caggiano family announce the passing of its patriarch, Michael. He went to be with our Lord and Savior on the morning of May 10th, passing peacefully at Holy Name Hospital. Michael is survived by his two sons, Michael Peter, and his wife Meredith and daughters Ava and Gia, and Stephen, and his wife Casi and daughter Alexandra Marie, sister-in-law Linda, as well as nieces, Laura Ann, Kathleen, Tracy and Catherine, and nephews Michael Anthony, Kenneth and Brian. Michael was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Carol.

Michael was born in 1936 in Bronx, NY to Laura Caggiano (née Petti, née DeLisi) and Vincenzo Caggiano of Benevento, Italy. Tragically, he lost his father only 6 months later and was raised by his devoted mother and doting aunts and uncles, of which there were many. Along with his older brother, Anthony, he led an adventurous life, which included many games of baseball, stickball and the occasional fisticuffs with the neighborhood kids, which he relished almost as much as playing shortstop.

Michael loved baseball most of all and honed his ability at the sport, eventually advancing to the northeast farm leagues where he predictably played shortstop. His mother was afraid for his safety and feared injury from the sport, considering it a game for ruffians. Due to her concern she refused to attend any games until one big game that my father pleaded with her to attend. She acquiesced and was witness to my father being knocked out cold after being hit in the head by a line drive. That was the first and last game that his mother would attend.

Michael served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in Heidelberg, Germany. His mathematical and technical ability caught the attention of his commanding officer who promptly assigned him to the base’s ENIAC computer that Michael used to decode North Korean military communications. His work most assuredly saved many lives.

Michael started his career as a messenger for Wall Street brokerage firms, ferrying stock certificates between financial institutions. Eventually, he identified a business opportunity amongst the Paperwork Crisis in the 1960s, which predated wide scale computerized trading and electronic stock delivery. His innovation in this field was paralleled only by Ross Perot, who abandoned the effort during EDS’ ownership of duPont, Glore Forgan. Michael admitted that Ross had the drive and the talent, but underestimated the size of the challenge to computerize Wall Street.

Michael sold his first company shortly thereafter. After a brief period of semi-retirement, he created Security Pacific Clearing Corporation in 1979 as a division of Security Pacific Bank in Los Angeles, CA. This effort eventually became the Sequor Group, which operated until the bank was sold to Bank of America in 1991. Post-sale, Michael enjoyed a long and well-deserved retirement.

Michael’s passion was golf and he enjoyed countless rounds with great friends and business associates. He was in his natural habitat on the golf course and the clubhouse, where he enjoyed playing cards with his golf buddies. He cherished the sport and the relationships that it introduced and helped foster.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 12, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Jean Marie Saro (nee Bruttomesso), 57, of Northvale, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023. She was the beloved wife of Peter Saro. Cherished Mother of Anthony Saro and Kristin Golding and her husband Daniel. Adored daughter of Kathleen Bruttomesso and the late Frank, Sr. A very proud Grandmother, “Gigi” of Savannah. Dearest Sister of Frank Bruttomesso, Jr. and his wife Sugie and Aunt of Henry and Frankie.

Jean Marie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Her family was her life and she will be missed by all. She was an executive assistant to the Bergen County Clerk in Hackensack for many years.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean Marie’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Salvatore Rutigliano, 80, of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Beloved father of Tommy and his partner Chiaki Takada, Dennis and his wife Melanie, Michael and his wife Laurie and Kathy and her partner John Zhupani. Also survived by Patricia Rutigliano. Adored grandfather of Ken, Justin, Caroline, Matthew and Timmy. Dearest brother of Rita, Rose, Angela, Emelia, Florence, and the late Marie, Clara, Paul and John. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family and cherished friends.

Sal was a true entrepreneur and was successful in many of his ventures. To all that knew him, Sal embraced life to the fullest. He participated with many friends playing ice hockey and skiing well into his seventies! Truly a rare breed, his energy boundless, Sal travelled the world on family trips, playing hockey, skiing and embracing the culture of the many countries he visited. He also enjoyed photography and was an avid car enthusiast.

A Norwood resident for over 50 years, he served his community as a volunteer fireman, on the Norwood Public School Board and for many years coached baseball and soccer for his children and many of their friends. His yard a canvas, Sal created a magnificent pallet of color and texture from the many rare species of plants, trees, and flowers he procured from around the country. Sal rocked the garden! Generous in spirit, he imparted his wisdom and knowledge both as a mentor and fellow enthusiast. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Visiting hours are Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.

Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 AM and then go in procession to Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood, where a funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sal’s memory may be made to Fort Lee PBA Local 245, PO Box 1073, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Frances Jane Crolla (nee Hamilton), 80, a lifelong resident of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023. She was born in Hackensack, NJ to the late Anthony and Alice. Beloved wife of the late Antonio. Loving mother of Michael Crolla and his wife Cindy, Ruthie Westbrook and her late husband Travis and John Crolla and his wife Karen. Adored grandmother of Bryan, Chris, Anthony and Nikki. Cherished great-grandmother of Maximus and Logan. Dearest sister of the late Connie Martin.

Frances graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School Demarest. She then worked in Accounts Payable eventually retiring from Lipton/Unilever in Englewood Cliffs.

Frances was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, playing bingo and trips to the casino.

Visiting hours are Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 8, 2023 at 12 Noon at the funeral home with interment to follow at Westwood Cemetery, Westwood, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

   William Francis Xavier Moncrieff Jr., 94, of Park Ridge, NJ, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Beloved husband of 52 years to the late Patricia. Loving father of five daughters; Patrice Moncrieff, Sharon Bradford and her husband Rick, Michelle Ward and her husband Paul, Kathleen D’Angelo and her husband John and Suzanne Hein and her husband Howard. Adored grandfather of Morgan, Declan, Mackenzie, Sophia, Hunter and Shane.

   He was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York. William Graduated from St. Francis College with a B.S. in Biology. He was a proud US Army Veteran who served during the Korean War. After serving his country, he met his bride, Patricia, an RN, at the hospital caring for his father. They married in 1959 at St. Anselm’s Church in Brooklyn, New York. Pat and Bill decided to start their home in Park Ridge, NJ. Bill was a microbiologist for American Cyanamid in Pearl River, NY for 38 years.

After retiring in 1991, he volunteered for Habitat For Humanity helping to build homes, became a site manager, and also served on the board. Bill loved Park Ridge. He enjoyed working the polls for elections, and was a member of Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153 in Park Ridge. He also served as President of the Park Ridge Golden Age Club, and was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church as well. 

   “Mr. M “, as he was affectionately known and loved, will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan, NJ with interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery, Airmont ,NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Paramus Veterans Memorial Nursing Home, 1 Veterans Way, Paramus, NJ 07652, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Lee C. DeGhetto (nee Giannone), 88; loving wife, soulmate and best friend of the late Richard DeGhetto, passed away on April 26, 2023 at her home in Northvale, NJ. As a resident and active member of her community for 60+ years, some of Lee’s accomplishments included her Board of Education duties at Thomas Jefferson and Nathan Hale schools, school crossing guard and bowling league president for over 40 years. Her prior endeavors included modeling clothes for buyers in NYC’s Garment District, working at Bell Telephone in Ridgewood, NJ and teaching sewing at St. Anthony’s School.

Lee was a devoted wife, loving mother and a self-proclaimed “crazy old lady” grandmother. She was a skillful chef and her recipes will live on through her loved ones for generations to come.

Lee is survived by her children – Diane Bonizzi, Richard DeGhetto and Gina Marksbury and her husband Christopher; her grandchildren – Michael and his wife Victoria, Cassie and her husband Nick, AJ, Vinny, Richard and his wife Christina, Bradley, Carly and Sabrina.

She will be deeply and indescribably missed by her family, friends and all who were lucky enough to have their lives touched by her. When you think of Lee, remember to never go to bed angry, and “always kiss me goodnight”.

Visiting hours are Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11 AM at the funeral home with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

Those who wish may make a donation in Lee’s memory to Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, 300 Corporate Boulevard South, Yonkers, NY 10701, www.setonchildrens.org or The Seeing Eye, PO Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963, www.seeingeye.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

LaVina Blum (nee Fisher) 89 of Northvale, NJ formerly of Harrington Park, NJ and Johnstown, NY passed away at home on Wednesday, April 19,2023, surrounded by her loving family. It was a beautiful spring day with the lilacs in bloom and the smell of crab apple blossoms in the air.  
 

LaVina was a loving mother of Steven Blum and wife Ellen, Reneè Binder and husband Matthew, Daniel Blum, Bridgit Carroll and partner John Saunier, and the late Russell Blum and wife Carol. Proud grandmother of Tim (Audrey), Nicolas (Emi), Geoffrey (Leah), Scott (Alexis), Alyssa, Samantha, Ashley (Antonio), Katelyn (Michael), Alexandra, Joshua, Oliver, Jacob, and the late Lesley (Bob). Cherished great-grandmother of Olivia (Luke), Mason, Linkin, Russell, Isabella, Alder, Brielle, and Amari. Dear sister of the late Robert Fisher, Warren Fisher, and Curtis Fisher. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends.  

LaVina (aka The Hat Lady) volunteered with the Harrington Park Ambulance Corp before moving to Northvale where she lived for 41 years. She enjoyed working for different businesses in the area when in 1992 she became the head Milk Lady at Norwood public school where she was recognized for her 25 years of service. During that time, she was also a crossing guard at Charles DeWolf school in Old Tappan. The kids looked forward to seeing what costume she would wear each Halloween. They were never disappointed. 

LaVina was a friend, mom, grandma to anyone in need. While living in HP you could stop by at any given moment and find a crowd raiding her fridge or swimming in her pool. She always had things to do, places to go, people to see and would normally grab a grandkid or 2 for an adventure, especially garage sale-ing. Her love for a sweet treat, a good book, wildflowers (snip snip), and a great game of cards will never compare to the love she showed her family, her church (Trinity Reform), and her community. She will be missed by all and live on in the hearts of those lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be around her. 
 

The Celebration of Lavina’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 1-4 PM at the Norwood American Legion Post 272, 480 Broadway, Norwood, NJ and can be viewed through the livestream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/celebration-of-life-for-lavina-mae-blum-j5caosnefrrmdcjcf3dd

Donations to the Closter Nature Center in Lavina’s name would be greatly appreciated. www.closternaturecenter.org