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

Vincent J. DiSpagna, Sr., 91, of Ridgefield, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Beloved husband of 67 years to Joan (nee Verdigi). Loving father of Diane, Vincent and his wife Xianhui, and Jane Weiss and her husband Carey. Proud grandfather of Nicholas & Paulette, Mathew & Jacqueline, Christopher & Hannah, Jeremy & Hayley, Jeffrey & Chiarina, Victoria & Kyle, Elizabeth & Samuel, and April. Cherished great-grandfather of Jace, Hendrix, Vivianna, Olivia and Mila. Dear brother of the late Antoinette, Joseph and Josephine.

Vincent was a US Navy veteran. He was co-founder of Transports Specialist and Portside Customs Service. He was president of the St. Matthew’s Home/School Association, was a Cub Scout leader, a Ridgefield Little League coach and later was a member of the Ridgefield Senior Citizens and enjoyed serving on the Entertainment Committee. Vin was also a loyal NY Giants fan and was a season ticket holder from 1975-2021. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visiting hours are Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 1-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, November 15, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the live-stream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/vincent-j-dispagna-sr-funeral-mass-804329

The family requests that donations in Vincent’s memory be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Dianna Stilling, 77, of Haworth, New Jersey passed away on November 3, 2021. 

Dianna (Diane) was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 13, 1944.  She and her younger sister Patricia were raised by their parents, Helen and Stanley Ciecierski, in the Polish neighborhood of Greenpoint surrounded by an extended family of aunts , uncles, grandparents, and cousins, and shops that sold Kielbasa and Babka. She went to middle school and high school in Brooklyn, developed an interest in art and fashion, and attended classes at the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan. She loved drawing, watercolors, and pastels.

After finishing high school, she took a job at Eastern Airlines, which kindled her love of travel.  She went to Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay with her friends, and Puerto Rico with her parents. At Eastern Airlines she met her Husband, Paul Stilling, a travel agent. To him, Dianna was the pretty girl across the room. They were married at Saint Anthony’s Church in Greenpoint on August 18, 1968 (the reception was legendary). Dianna and Paul were curious and adventurous and traveled the world together, first to Rome, and then, over the next five decades, to Britain, Ireland, France, Italy (four times), Spain, Gibraltar, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and all over the U.S. (They loved the Southwest.)

Dianna and Paul lived in Queens, Brooklyn, and Yonkers. They moved to the little suburban town of Haworth in 1981, where they raised two sons, Thomas and Robert. In Haworth, Dianna packed lunches, made dinner, took the kids to school and music lessons, sewed suits and amazing Halloween costumes (Kermit the Frog, Dracula), and listened patiently as everyone practiced piano, clarinet, and violin. She went back to work at the AAA Auto Club of Oradell. There, Dianna worked as an auto travel counselor for thirty years making TripTiks and helping thousands of customers get where they needed to go, even the grouchy ones. She read who knows how many paperback novels (she liked spy novels and mysteries), enjoyed lunches with her friends from the office and looked forward to their yearly trip to see the tree at Rockefeller Center.

She enjoyed going to concerts and shows and museums and restaurants with Paul and her family. She was a good sport at the opera. Her sons went off to college at Indiana University and Yale, and she always wanted to visit and see any new place they moved to. She still bought enough groceries to feed an army and fed her sons when they came home. She loved the movie Grease and had a wonderful time seeing the film with her family at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for her 70^th birthday.

After Dianna and Paul retired, they lived a quiet, simple life at home. They had their little routines. They discovered all the beautiful parks and lookouts along the Hudson. She loved going with Paul to the State Line Park, Hamilton Park, and Ross Dock Park. She and Paul would take their binoculars and gaze out over the Hudson at New York, the trains, the bridges, and the Manhattan skyline. She enjoyed her walks around Cooper’s Pond in Bergenfield, and texted pictures of ducks and scenery and her husband to her children, who sent back pictures of where they were traveling and what they were up to. She recorded and watched her favorite shows with Paul, and loved to do her puzzles. After too much time apart during the pandemic, and many phone calls home, her sons Tom and Robert were grateful to be able to visit and spend time with their parents again, though that time is never enough.

Dianna and Paul spent fifty-three years together. They were each other’s worlds. On her desk she left a favorite puzzle of a Van Gogh seascape, two-thirds done. She was our mom, our dearest Dianna, our Amish momish who didn’t know which remote to use. She was funny, smart, creative, and we love her and miss her so much. She is survived by her husband, Paul, her son Thomas, his partner Jason, their puppy Murphy, and her son Robert. A small, private service for family will be held at the Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ on Friday, November 12. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association. 

https://www.heart.org/?form=donate&s_src=21U5W1AEMG&s_subsrc=evg_sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-K2MBhC-ARIsAMtLKRtyv6rbFQ7QawEEHguyYfRv1haDLGe19KcKlGtvHPukXH60w7maKNEaAjY6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Robert R Kilpatrick, 93, of Northvale passed away on Tuesday November 9. Bob was the owner/operator of B Kilpatrick Moving and Storage before retiring in 1985.  Bob’s life was spent in the service of others. He served 10 years in the National Guard, after which he was an active member of the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Bob was a former chief of the Northvale Fire Department and had recently celebrated his 62nd year of active duty.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, the love of his life, Ann W. Kilpatrick, nee Kennedy (2019). Bob was the son of the late Robert J Kilpatrick and the late Grace Kilpatrick. Dear brother of the late Enid Schaechinger and her late husband Kenneth and the late Eileen Schmitz and her husband Ronald. Brother-in-law of the late Pearl Masincup and the late Paul Masincup. Cousin of Harry, Bruce, and John Neumann. Cherished uncle of Kenneth and Nancy, David and Kim, Gary and Heather, and Donald Schaechinger, James, Brian and Daniel Schmitz, Joanne Abdulla, and the late Paul Masincup Jr, as well as several great-nieces and nephews. Special friend of Jack Franz, Louis Hamberg, and Frank Malatesta. Bob had many friends and will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM.  A service will be held at 12:30 PM and burial will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, www.mda.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Lillian Margaret Galbornetti, 87, of Norwood was born July 9th, 1934 to Cosmo and Michelina “Margaret” Mastronardi in Cedarhurst, NY. She was married to Gene for 63 years. Lillian leaves behind Gabrielle (Gigi) Marino (John), Landing, NJ; and Greg of Avon, NJ. She also leaves her four grandchildren Matthew (Arianne), Danielle and Christian Marino; Isabella Galbornetti. Lillian grew up in Inwood and Cedarhurst, NY and lived in Norwood for 60 years. She was a1952 graduate of Lawrence High School, a 1956 graduate of Potsdam University Teachers College with a BS degree in Music Education and in 1982 earned a MS degree in Elementary Education from CW Post/ LI University, Orangeburg, NY. Lillian was a music teacher and then a 2nd grade teacher for 20 years at Immaculate Conception/ Holy Family School in Norwood. After, she taught at Saddle River Day School and lastly, at St. Joseph’s Sacred Heart School in Demarest. Lillian was a choral director, Secretary for the library, Catechist and Eucharistic Minister. She was regularly involved with the women’s club and the seniors. Lillian loved to read, a novel was near her wherever she went, and enjoyed engaging in talking about books, world events and news. Lillian cooked daily and baked frequently. She liked to sew and play the piano. She found pleasure in watching movies.She would walk every day in the morning, and was a member of a local gym. She appreciated nature, animals and more significantly, Lillian adored the beach and the warmer weather. Her love of Tennis went adjacent to watching sports which included; Tennis, Baseball and Football. Lillian had always been active in her accomplished life; she was versatile, skilled, knowledgeable, wise and loyal to all she knew.

Lillian and Gene often attended sporting events for their granddaughters, Danielle and Isabella. Her grandchildren, Matthew, Danielle and Christian spent a majority of their younger years with their grandmother (Grandee); they admired and tenderly loved her for many qualities which allowed them to cherish and keep Lillian close to their heart. She found joy in sharing her interests with her grandchildren; highly exemplifying her gratitude to the ones who reciprocated the foundation of who Lillian stood for as an active, creative, kind-hearted, devoted, compassionate, courageous and much more that represented the human being and woman Lillian was. Lillian and Gene were present for important events in their children and grandchildren’s lives ie.; birthdays, graduations. Holidays were special to Lillian; she deeply valued the time spent with family.

Lillian Margaret Galbornetti, 87, passed away on October 31, 2021.

A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 11AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 211 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ.

Donations in Lillian’s name can be made to the Norwood EMS, 496 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Warren F. Kaiser, 65, of Northvale, passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

Warren was a proud US Air Force Veteran of Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. He was Past Commander of the American Legion John M. Perry Post, Sparkill, NY, Past Commander of the Rockland County American Legion, and a member of the 9th District American Legion in NY. He also belonged to the Waywayonda Lodge #313 Masonic Lodge in Sparkill, NY.

Warren is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen (nee McCullagh); his cherished daughters, Lillian Clegg and her husband Chris of Valley Cottage, NY and Elise Kaiser and her partner Charles Yannetti of Englewood; and his adored grandchildren, Aiden and Alana.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Warren’s memory may be made to Hi-Tor Animal Shelter, www.hitor.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Alexis Hapsas, 85, of Valley Cottage, NY, formerly of Tappan, NY, passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Beloved husband of Agnes (nee Psiroukis). Devoted father of James Paul Hapsas of Coral Springs, FL and Perri Meredith and her husband Nicholas of Pearl River, NY. Proud grandfather of Alexis Meredith. Dearest brother of Mary Karapidis and the late Helen Hapsas.

Alex was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was an assistant director in the film industry and was a National Board Member of the Directors Guild of America.

Visiting hours are Monday, November 1, 2021 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 9:30 AM at Ss. Constantine & Helen G.O. Church, West Nyack with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

Those who wish may make a donation in Alex’s memory to the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey, www.vnahg.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joan H. Guthrie (nee Zanker), 90, of Norwood, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Roger. Loving mother of Robin and his late wife Linda and Randy. Cherished grandmother of Ryan (Bridget), Brielle (Rickey), Keith (Julia) and Brandi (Nick). Adored great-grandmother of Cole, Vivian, Audrey, Parker, Marlie, Jude and Mary.

Joan was a senior clerk for the County of Rockland for over 30 years before retiring. She was an active member of the Woman’s Club of Norwood-Northvale, the Northvale Golden Agers and the Senior Center. Joan will be remembered for her love of family, great sense of humor and bright smile.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Woman’s Club of Norwood-Northvale, 180 High St., Northvale, NJ 07647.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Kevin P. Carr, 49, of Brooklyn, NY, formerly of Blauvelt, NY, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Beloved son of the late Robert and Anne Carr. Beloved brother of Cathleen Morales and husband Thomas, Patricia Walter and husband Richard and Robert Carr and wife Suzanne. Cherished uncle of ten nieces and nephews, Thomas, Cassidy, Aimee, Robert, Jack, Hannah, Bianca, Shane, Jake and Ryan and one great-nephew, Jaxon. 

Kevin most recently was a production manager/producer for JOAN Creative in NYC. As a Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) graduate, Kevin had a style all his own. He grew up in Blauvelt, NY and through the years lived in LA, Atlanta and Brooklyn and gathered treasured friends along the way. His career at the Associated Press, OTSP, Reuters and finally Joan Creative had him working on exciting production projects on and off the red carpet. Kevin was a gentle giant who charmed all that met him with his smile, laugh and welcoming personality. He loved the simple pleasures of a well-styled home, his Oreos and milk, walks in the park with his beloved dog Serena, and the company of a loving circle of friends and family. 

A memorial mass will be held at St. Catharine’s Church, 523 Western Highway, Blauvelt, NY on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 10:30 AM with a gathering to follow to celebrate his life.

The mass can be viewed on the church website through the link below:

https://venue.streamspot.com/e6704149

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization of your choice that honors your memories of Kevin. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Laura Ascolese (née Cosseta), 81, a life-long resident of Northvale, passed away peacefully on October 22nd surrounded by family.

Devoted wife of the late John Ascolese, and loving mother and mother-in-law of Laura & Ciro Scilingo and Claire & Gary Schmidt.  Proud and beloved grandmother to Nick (Kristen) Scilingo, Paul Scilingo, Christina (Justin) Scilingo-Reiter and Jillian Schmidt. Dearest daughter of Larry and Ida Cosseta and sister of Eileen Henrici, John Cosseta and Carol Frasco; sister-in-law to Millie Logan, Bill Tiner and Joe & Joan Ascolese.  Laura was also loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends and will be missed greatly.

A beautiful, classy and energetic woman who was a gracious host, witty and wise. We will miss her smile, her generous nature, her obsession to feed us constantly, and her unconditional love and devotion to our family.  

Laura worked for many years in bookkeeping for Colorforms in the Norwood and Ramsey locations.

A funeral mass will be held on October 29th, 2021 at 10am, at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

Donation to a charity of your choice will be appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com