John DiFabio, of Harrington Park, entered into eternal life with our Lord on May 15, 2021 at the age of 74 after courageously battling a variety of health issues for more than two decades.  

John was born on December 22, 1946 to the late Carl and Olga DiFabio in Washington Heights, NY.  As a young child he moved to Bergen County growing up in Northvaleand moving to Harrington Park in 1970 where he made his home and raised his family.  

John was a veteran of the United States Navy, proudly serving on the USS Independence during the Vietnam War.   He was an expert and hardworking mechanic whoappreciated the challenge of solving a tough problem.  He was an active member of his community and particularly loved coaching little league sports while raising three boys.  Known as “Mr. D”, he was a second father to many of his sons’ friends throughout their lives.  John was a life-long member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Northvale and an active member in American Legion Post 272. 

John will be remembered by family and friends alike for his willingness to help anyone who had a need.  He was always willing to pick-up, drop-off, or come watch one of his beloved grandchildren.   He was always willing to take a ride with a friend who wanted company or give a ride to a friend who needed a lift.  He always had time to discuss a problem, offer advice, or just sit on a porch, a patio, or over a cup of coffee and talk.  

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne, three sons, Michael DiFabio (Gwen) of Caldwell, NC, Dan DiFabio (Christine) of Westwood, and Tom DiFabio (Erin) of Pearl River, NY; a sister, Barbara Harm (Richard) of Northvale, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Lovingly called “Pop”, he also leaves behind six grandchildren, Jack DiFabio, Isabel DiFabio, Sierra DiFabio, Luke DiFabio, Ella DiFabio, and Charlotte DiFabio.  

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou.  

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, May 18 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Pizzi’s Funeral Home in Northvale.  A celebration of John’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 19 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Northvale.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation inmemorial to the St Anthony’s Catholic Church by mail at 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, NJ 07647 or to Valley Hospice by mail at 15 Essex Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.  

Marie Farrell (nee LaCavalla), 84, of Northvale, NJ, formerly of Spring Valley, NY, passed away at home on Saturday, May 1, 2021. She was born on February 20, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY to Lilly LaCavalla (nee Ciulla) and Joseph S. LaCavalla.

Beloved wife of the late Thomas Patrick Farrell, Sr. To whom she was married for 50 wonderful years. Together they raised 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Loving mother of Michael Farrell and wife Barbara of West Nyack, NY, Joseph Farrell and wife Janice of Scotch Plains, NJ and the late Thomas P. Farrell, Jr. She was a very proud grandmother of Hilary, Connor, Teresa, Emily and Maura, whom she loved dearly. Dearest sister of Prudie LaCavalla and the late Joseph LaCavalla and mother-in-law of Heather Farrell.

Marie retired from Mercedes-Benz in Montvale after 20 years of service, where she made lifelong friends. She was a devout parishioner of St. Anthony’s RC Church of Northvale, NJ and was also an active member of the Northvale Senior Center and The Golden Age Club.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11 AM.

The family is asking that donations be made in Marie’s memory in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Detective Sergeant Christopher Assisi “Coach” Cheevers, 51, of Oak Ridge, NJ, departed this world on May 4^th 2021, to ascend a trail to heaven and meet again with his beloved parents, grandfather Poppy, friends, relatives, and ancestors.

He intensely loved those who survive him, especially his wife Tara, his five children Avery, Katie, Joseph, Owen, and Kiersten, his siblings and cousins, their extended families, and the many friends he made over his lifetime in Harrington Park, River Edge, Oak Ridge, and around the world.

Chris was born on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi in New York City — hence the unique middle name, and the lifelong love of nature and animals. He was raised in, and by, the town of Harrington Park, New Jersey, and graduated from Bergen Catholic High School in 1987 as a scholar and varsity athlete in Swimming, Cross-Country, and Track. He attended the University of Southern California where he made their storied swim team as a walk-on, and graduated from St. Peter’s Jesuit University of New Jersey. In addition to being a great police officer for nearly 25 years, he also served proudly as a substitute teacher, lifeguard, deli counter man at The Store, international mail expert, church lector, great host, mentor and hero to hundreds, friend to thousands, “Super Uncle” to all his nieces and nephews, and a perpetual student.

Everyone will miss all of his special smiles, his knowing eyes, and his kindness. He was a consistent and compassionate pillar of strength for his wife and children, reminding them in daily notes, chats, and texts that he loved them, and that they should have faith and hope and love. He was always present and truly there for the people he loved.

He was as strong as he was emotional, and as brilliant as he was athletic. He could drop accurate and arcane references at will since the days before the internet existed. Better known for his chocolate chip cookies, daredevil cooking ideas, and creative sandwich combinations than his dancing and rapping, Chris made the best out of any situation – whether lost in the woods in night, losing his car keys in a lake, or shoveling torrential snow for hours. He would find humor and laughter in comedic misfortune. He was selfless to a fault. He was a fierce defender of family. He was a protector of the weak and the powerless and he fought tirelessly for those who needed a warrior to speak for them. He kept his vow to never live anywhere too flat or too hot, and spent his weekends hiking, kayaking, swimming, and looking for hawks in the sky. A gentle giant, he proudly walked hand-in-hand with his Mom in public, and his daughters knew all too well, so often, “he’s going to cry.” Kids and dogs loved him, and he loved them back. He loved music and books and movies and lively conversation and debate.

As his Mother’s son he always arrived prepared to sporting events, whether it was with delicious food, pep talks, dry clothes and towels, orange slices for the team, or the precise encouragement and kind words of wisdom or scripture to help someone through a tough play or tough day. “Coach” could and would talk to everyone for hours, on any subject, and show up for anyone who needed him with an infectious smile and make that spot in the world a little bit better just by being there. His attendance record at his children’s’ sporting events was amazing, and his voice was the loudest one there.

For anyone fortunate to have Chris in their lives, they all knew that Chris was the go-to guy. He had everyone’s back. The evidence is there in the joy on his face when he honored an aged WWII veteran on Memorial Day or the concerned paternal love he displayed for fostered babies born with drug addictions. Few carry the weight he bore humbly on his shoulders, and few can follow his charitable footsteps on behalf of so many.    

If you knew Chris, from back in the day all the way up to this week, for a day or for decades, you know he wore his heart on his sleeve and was always there for others. Remember him kindly and proudly and tell his story and stories about him forever. And in times of crisis, or worry, or sadness, or glory, or when big decisions face you, think of Chris, and ask “what would Cheevers do?” We think he’ll be looking out for you and for all of us, and will try to get you his answer.

Donations are being accepted to the Sergeant Christopher Cheevers Memorial Fund or donate to Warriors Heart Foundation in Chris’ memory in lieu of flowers. Or honor him by doing good, supporting your local PBA, volunteering, being kind to the elderly, children, and animals, or bringing peace, joy, light, kindness, laughter, and good food into this world in any other way.

A memorial service will be held this Thursday May 13^th at Van Saun County Park Paramus New Jersey.

Details:

Location

Van Saun Park

Walden Pond Pavilion F

216 Forest Ave.

Paramus, NJ

Co.bergen.nj.us (For Directions)

Schedule

10am Memorial Service Begins, Open to the public

11:50am Public Departs

12 Noon Private service for family only.

Eunice Zarantonello (nee Lake), 94, of Wayne, formerly of Union City and West New York, passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Born and raised in Alabama, she met her beloved late husband Tullio there while he was stationed in Montgomery, AL while he was in the US Air Force. She would often bring her family back home to visit her parents on their farm.

Cherished mother of Marguerite LoPrete and husband Luigi of Northvale, Nanette Felice of Coral Springs, FL and the late Mark Zarantonello, Sr. Proud grandmother of Jennifer, Elisa, Vanessa, Melissa, Joseph, Danielle, Gina and the late Mark, Jr. and great-grandmother of six. Dearest sister of Marvin Lake, Margaret Duncan, Ralph Lake, Evelyn Strickland and the late Cornell Lake. Also survived by her daughter-in-law Emma Zarantonello.

Eunice was a salesperson at Warjacks in West New York for many years. She loved to bake, sew coats and dresses for her daughters and was always a stylish dresser. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and opened her home to all. Eunice loved to read and do crossword puzzles.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation is Saturday 10 AM to 12 Noon at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050) with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriners Hospital for Children, www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

July 10, 1937 – May 3, 2021

Maura Morales (nee Shine), 83, of Blauvelt, NY passed away Monday, May 3, 2021 surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.  She was born on July 10, 1937 in The Bronx, NY to Mary Griffin Shine and Thomas Francis Shine.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Morales Jr., her Johnny Boy and love of her life to whom she was married for 40 wonderful years. Together they raised 7 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

Maura is survived by her children, John, Tommy and his wife Cathy, Peter, Chris and his wife Tracey, Maureen Hovorka and her husband, Hank, Stephen and his wife Tammy, and her youngest Timothy. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Tara (Matt), Christopher (Kayla), Heather (Dennis), Shane (Julia), Samantha, Alexa, Luke (Jenna), Thomas, Cassidy, Hunter, Johnny and Jack.  Maura also had the honor of meeting her great-granddaughter, Fiona.

Maura’s love was shared with her siblings Tom (Pat), Joe (Eileen) and Kathy (late Jimmy), her multitude of nieces and nephews whom she adored as well as cousins and relatives throughout the tri-state area and Ireland.  Maura is also survived by her best friend and neighbor for 54 years, Theresa McGuire, as well as too many friends to list whom she loved so dearly.

Maura was a devout parishioner of St. Catharine’s of Alexandria of Blauvelt, NY since 1967.  As an active member of the community, she raised her family to have a strong faith.  Maura held many roles in St. Catharine’s including Parish Council, Ladies Guild, and the Altar Society.

A special thank you to her aide, Nancy, whom with her friendship and loving care helped Mom every day for the past four years.  Nancy affectionately called Mom her “Little Chicken” and always brought a smile to mom’s face.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Catharine’s Church with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill. Visiting hours are Thursday, May 6 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

The family asked that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association or Operation Smile.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Marie Maltese Piazza, 87, of Northvale, NJ, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021 surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born on March 28,1934 in Brooklyn, NY to Nancy Rando Maltese and John Maltese.

The love, care, and joy she gave to others not only with her magnificent voice and music, but as a hospice volunteer were immeasurable. Marie and husband John moved to Northvale in 1969 where they entertained many people with their musical talents in and about the Tri-State area as well as in many local churches. Marie also taught music at the catholic schools in Norwood, Closter, and Demarest over the years.

Marie was an amazing woman whose spirit and gifts will live on in all those lives she touched. Her wish would for us all to live in the same spirit she taught us all.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband John, daughter-in-law Barbara Piazza, and son-in-law Thomas Giuliano. She is survived by son John Piazza, Jr., daughter Selena Piazza Giuliano, grandson Brian Piazza, sister Nancy Lombardo, nephew Joseph Lombardo, and step granddaughters Brynn and Kerry. 

Marie’s family will gather at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 9 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Stanley (Stash) Wiklinski was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 22, 1933, the son of Stanley and Henrietta Wiklinski; brother of Edward, Dolores, and Halina; loving husband of Barbara; father of Stanley, Stephen, Jennifer and Melissa; grandfather of Matthew, Patryk, Stefan, Konrad, and Daniel; and great grandfather of Yvette.

Stanley graduated from Ohio University, and attended the United States Naval Academy.  He served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1967, and in the Naval Reserve from 1967 to 1993, when he retired as a Commander.  He was reappointed every four years by consecutive Governors as a New Jersey Commissioner of Maritime and Docking Pilots serving for twenty-one years. 

Stanley also received a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale University School of Drama.  He appeared in regional theatre, commercials, and on Broadway in, “Full Circle,” a play directed by Otto Preminger.  He synthesized all of the Lincoln/Douglas debates into one debate that was sponsored by Knox College, and presented live at the only standing site of the original debates to commemorate the 125^th anniversary of the debates.  Stanley portrayed Abraham Lincoln.  The presentation was entered in the public service category of the Peabody Awards.  He also served as a Lector at Our Lady of Victories Church in Harrington Park, New Jersey for many years.

Recently, Stanley published his first children’s book “The Christmas That Almost Never Was,” that was selected by People Magazine as one of its three picks for, “Best Children’s Picture Books for the 2018 Holiday Season.”  The book was also winner of the, “2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award 1^st Place for Children’s Picture Books Six & Older.”  Stanley’s second book, “Making Cookies from The Sun,” is in the final phase of illustration, with our continued goal for future publication.

Stanley lived life fully, with passion, adventure, dedication for service to our country, generosity, a zest for artistic expression, and a profound love for family and friends.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 5 to 8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park. Interment will be at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemtery, Wrightstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the United States Naval Academy Alumni Foundation. Select one of three options for donation: Visit their website at www.usna.com , select Naval Academy Fund,  In memory of Stanley E Wiklinski, or call directly at (410) 295-4115 or mail a check noting IMO: Stanley E Wiklinski, payable to USNA Foundation, at US Naval Academy Foundation, 274 Wood Rd, Annapolis MD 21402 Attn: Elizabeth Root.

Mildred A. Krapels (nee Cincotta), 89, of Closter, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on the 67^th wedding anniversary to her dear departed husband Fred, on Sunday, April 25, 2021.  Loving mother of Jill Krapels of Maywood and her partner Stephen Fogarty, Jeffrey Krapels and wife Elizabeth of Norwood and Kevin Krapels and partner Cherry Rizzo of Sparta. Proud grandmother of six grandsons and their wives, Kevin and Jasmine, Michael and Sanja, Jack and Erin, Jeffrey and Shari, Justin and Michelle and Marc and Nicole. Adored great-grandmother of eight. Dearest sister of Vincent Cincotta and wife Madeleine and the late Mary, Andy, Josie and Ann.

Mildred was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was an executive secretary for MEM Corp. in Northvale for over 25 years and enjoyed time spent with friends at the Mr. and Mrs. Club of Closter.

Visiting hours are Wednesday 11 AM to 1 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale with a graveside service at 2 PM at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Mildred’s memory to the Sparta VFW, 66 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871 or to CLAWS, PO Box 172, Closter, NJ 07624.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Louise Annunziato (nee Cecchini), 91, of Norwood, NJ and New York City, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Morris Annunziatio. Loving step-mother of Mark and wife Roseann of Warwick, NY and David and wife Jeannette of Mahwah,  and their families. Cherished cousin of Mary Ann Sarno McCarthy, Charles Sarno, Regina Sarno Castle and Louis Sarno.

Louise was predeceased by her mother Margaret Barbato, father Sam Cecchini and step-father Joseph Barbato.

Louise attended St. Joseph Elementary School, Saint Dominic Academy, Jersey City, NJ and NYU where she received her degree as a dietician. Before retiring, Louise was the Food Director at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and worked at St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital and taught at NYU in NYC.

Louise loved to travel, sing, dance and follow all the sports teams. She was a diehard Yankees fan and Giants fan. She will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s RC Church, 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, NJ on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 11 AM. Louise’s ashes will be buried at her family plot at the Historic Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Charles E. Stevens, “Chuck”, 76, of Blauvelt, NY, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021.  Beloved husband of Debbie (nee Stark).  Devoted father of Kelly, Matt and Kevin and his partner Gina D’Amico.  Loving brother of Bonnie Malady and her husband Carl.  Cherished uncle of Brian, Stephanie, Dawn and the late Barry and great-uncle of Grace, Jack and Ben. Loving “Dad” to Jake, Cooper and Molly.

Chuck was a manager for AT&T for 20 years. Before and after AT&T he was an educator and retired from the Northern Valley Regional High Schools in Demarest and Old Tappan.

Although funeral services were private, a memorial service is planned at a later date.

Those who wish may make a donation in Chuck’s memory to the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center, www.hitor.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com