Emma Marie Benvenuto (nee Sanzari), 98, of Norwood, NJ,passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021. Emma was born in Hackensack, NJ, where she spent her formative years until she met and married the love of her life, US Army World War II hero and Purple Heart recipient, Louis Benvenuto. It was a love story that blossomed, with the birth of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and lasted until his passing in 2013. Emma will be remembered for her welcoming smile, kindness, generosity, wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her distinctive voice echoed beautifully when she sung in church, but it was her soothing, sweet speaking voice that was her signature when she became a long-distance telephone operator for AT&T, where she worked for 40 years.

Ever the good cook, she invited as many people who could fit around her large kitchen table, or who could squeeze around it,to enjoy the tempting meals she presented. She touched the lives of all who knew her and was too humble to notice what a positive force she was.

Emma was predeceased by her parents, Angelo and Rachele Sanzari; brothers Michael Sanzari, Albert Angelo Sanzari and Albino Sanzari; sisters Rose Leone, Violet Westermeyer, Jennie Piazza and Margaret Licastro. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved her very much.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Jennifer Diceglie, Rochelle Benvenuto, Beverly Borzone and Patrick Benvenuto.Also beloved by Emma were her grandchildren, Christopher and Jamie Diceglie, Danielle and Patrick Benvenuto, Patrick Ryan and Louie Borzone, and great-grandchild Zoe Page.

She will also be missed by Cody, her beloved Maltese, who reveled in her hugs and kisses.

Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 17, at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale. Entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Township, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would deeply appreciate donations to the Norwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 453 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648.

Bohan, Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Archer), age 87 of Norwood passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021 surrounded by family.  She was a devoted mother to Betty Tortorelli, Patricia MacNaughton and husband Mike, Eileen Menz and husband Mike, Ellen Murphy and husband Kevin and the late John.  Loving grandmother to Joe, Nick and John Tortorelli, Ryan and Kelsey MacNaughton, Jake and Evan Menz, and Kirsten and Kyle Murphy.  Dear sister to the late Charlie and Dave Archer. 

Visitation will be limited to family due to the pandemic.  All are welcome at the Funeral Mass (with masks please) Friday, December 17^th at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Norwood.  Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Betty Irene Vogler (nee Johnson), 88, of Norwood, passed away at home on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Beloved wife of Richard A. Vogler. Loving mother of Janet Carnicelli and partner Hap Graf and Greg Vogler and husband David Highfill. Proud grandmother of Elisa Sozio and husband Chris, Nicholas Carnicelli and Jenna Mattos and husband Jason and great-grandmother of Olivia, Leo, Vincent, Johnny, Dean, Parker, Gianna and Everly. Dearest sister of the late Rosemary, Albert, Raymond and William.

Before retiring, Betty was a secretary for Solitron Devices in Tappan, NY for many years. She was warm, loving, kind and generous and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She loved to cook delicious meals for her family and crochet and will be remembered for all of the blankets she made with love.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, funeral services are private.

For those who wish to do so, memorial donations may be made to the Norwood Emergency Medical Services, PO Box 8, Norwood, NJ 07648.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Andres Vega, known as Andrew, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tenafly on Sunday December 5, 2021.

Loving husband and best friend to his wife Jennifer Vega. Cherished and beloved son to his parents Pedro and Felicia Vega. He will be greatly missed by his wife, parents, grandparents and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Born in 1988, Andrew grew up and went to school in Bergenfield, N.J. For a period of his life he moved away to Indiana but returned home to New Jersey to be closer to family and friends.

Andrew had many passions. He was a skilled artist, who loved photography, drawing and music. He was also a craftsman, and worked in the construction trades. He enjoyed car racing, and a great piece of steak. He was a true friend to his friends – ready and willing at a moment’s notice to help them out. He will be forever remembered for his amazing hair, beautiful smile, his sense of humor, and kindness.

Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that Andrew is resting in peace, awaiting the day when we will be able to once again see him in paradise. “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out”- John 5:28,29.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. The family asks that cards be sent to express condolences at this time.

Beverly E. O’Connell, 83, of Tappan, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 3rd, 2021. 

Bev was born in New York City on January 25, 1938 to Carl and Norma (Weeks) Buchner . She grew up in Bayside and graduated with a teaching degree from St. John’s University . Bev began her career working as a kindergarten teacher at the Lee Avenue Elementary School. After raising her family, she went back to teaching nursery school and CCD, and then spent time reading stories to children at the Northvale Library.

In 1960, Bev married her beloved husband Tom. Bev was a devoted and loving wife, and she and Tom shared a strong, faith-filled marriage of 60 years. Together they had 4 children: Kathleen Maher, Brian O’Connell (partner Ann Starke), Suzanne Lucido (husband James) and Kerry Castro (husband Noel). She was a gentle and caring mother who made every day events something special. She was especially proud of her grandchildren Kelly Yam (husband Philip), Jenna Maher, Rachel O’Connell, Alyssandra O’Connell, Thomas Lucido, Matthew Lucido, and Emma Castro, and she treasured the time she spent with them. Bev was thrilled with the recent arrival of her precious great granddaughter Nora, and was proud to be called G-Gma. Bev was predeceased by her beloved sisters Barbara Buchner, Dorothy Rocco and Noreen Buchner. She is survived by her sister-in-law Maureen Wiley and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Bev will always be remembered for her beautiful smile. She had a deep love for Jesus and radiated love and warmth to all around her. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of forty one. While the disease took its toll on her physically, she was not inclined to self-pity and lived each day with grace. She had a sunny disposition and was grateful despite her circumstance. Her life was truly a testament to her faith. Bev was the heart of her family, full of love and astounding strength to the very end. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, New Jersey. A casual reception will follow at the Lucidos’ home at 35 Germonds Road in New City, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bev’s memory may be made to the  National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Children International.

Marie T. Panza (nee Borio), 91, of Norwood, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Mauro Panza. Loving mother of Richard Panza and his wife Claudia of Dingmans Ferry, PA and Diane Zagacki of Norwood. Cherished grandmother of Michael Panza and Jessica Zagacki. Great-grandmother of Michelle Panza. Dearest sister of Grace Lepore and the late Lawrence Borio. Marie also leaves behind a host of family and friends that adored her.

Before retiring, Marie was a secretary for many years for the Park Medical Group in Northvale.  She was a member of the Fort Lee Women’s Club.  She loved her family above all and enjoyed oil painting, nature and watching birds.

Visiting hours are Friday, December 10, 2021 from 10 – 11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the livestream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/marie-t-panza-nee-borio-funeral-mass-793487

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Barbara Rose Hovorka (nee Baker), 81, a lifelong resident of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Born April 17, 1940 in Yonkers, NY to James and Frances Baker.

As a young lady, Barbara was known for her musical talents, performing with multiple musical groups playing her accordion on stage, TV and in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Barbara was the beloved wife of George Hovorka, a love that we only grew to truly understand as time went on. We are at peace knowing that they are reunited, and the bickering has probably already started.

Barbara was an avid sports fan and never missed an event her sons and grandchildren were involved in, as well as any kid she held dear, and there were many. Not to mention her beloved NY Mets, she rarely missed a game.

Barbara, better known as “Baabs”, was a special lady, a Mom that would do anything for her sons. She was the boss, known throughout the Nyack restaurant scene as the force keeping a bunch of young knuckleheads together. Then, as Grandma, a job she took to heart molding her grandchildren into adults that she was ever so proud of. Again, that group was much larger than just her maternal grandchildren, a bunch that spans from Australia to next door.

Baabs last career was that of a South Orangetown school bus driver. In typical fashion, Baabs decided she could do this in her late 60’s and continued until a couple years ago, touching many young lives with her no-nonsense approach.

Baabs is predeceased by her husband George and is survived by her sister Ellen (Gary); her sons, Joseph (Renee) and Hank (Maureen); her grandchildren, Heather (Dennis), Shane (Julia), Luke (Jenna), Hunter and Kyle; grandniece Mia, along with many other grandchildren through family and friends, as well as nieces, nephews and every kid she touched as Baabs the bus driver. A special thank you to her devoted best friend that made not only our mother’s life easier, but was a life-saver to us as well, Doreen.

Visiting hours are Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Alba Manasseri (nee Proto) was a caring sister, aunt and friend. She died peacefully on November 17th at Morristown Hospital at the age of 75. Alba was born to Mary & Seccondo Proto on December 14th, 1945. She attended Weehawken Highschool and earned her bachelor’s degree in Italian Language and Literature from Rutgers University. After graduating from college, Alba spent the next several years working for American Airlines as an airline customer service agent. She moved to California in 1981 and eventually moved back to be with her family. Alba loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family. The ocean was one of her favorite places so she spent many of her summers down the shore to be by the beach. Alba also enjoyed a healthy dose of shopping, especially if there was a big sale!

Alba is survived by her two sisters Lydia Russo and Emma Segro, her nephew Dino Russo and her nieces Dina Segro, Jennine Dattolli & Joie Hill

A memorial service will be arranged in January at St. Anthony’s Church in Northvale,

NJ.

Beverly Joan McLaughlin (nee Keil), 77 of Ridgefield, NJ, passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Michael W. McLaughlin. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Kevin M. and Laura McLaughlin. Proud and loving grandmother of Kevin J. and Lucy. Dearest sister of Barbara Battistuta, William Keil, Walter Keil and the late Lorraine Nurge.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and her godchildren, whom she cherished and adored.

Beverly worked for Oritani Savings Bank in Ridgefield for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, and will be missed by those who knew her.

Funeral services will be private.

Arrangements by Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ.

James F. McErlean, 86, of Norwood, NJ, formerly of Oak Ridge, NJ, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Beloved father of James McErlean, Jr., Eileen McErlean and the late Michael McErlean. Proud grandfather of Nicole, Frank, Michael Jr., J.J., Danny and Robert. Cherished great-grandfather of four.

James was an executive vice-president for Warren George Drilling Company in Jersey City, NJ.

Visitation is Monday, November 22, 2021 from 11 AM to 12 Noon at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050) with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

Those who wish may make a donation in Jim’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com