Robert Henry Koch

Robert Henry Koch, 78, a lifelong resident of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.  He was the devoted father of Allison Koch and her husband Peter Ubriaco, and David Koch and his wife Danielle.  Proud and loving grandfather of Evangelina, Alexander, Willem, and Joni.  He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Kathryn Koch, and his sister, Sr. Charlotte Koch.  Bob is also survived by many loving relatives and cherished friends.

We will miss him most for his lifelong expertise in being handy and restoring practically anything, or more recently taking on the role of being a doting Grandpa and Pop-Pop.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 24, 2024 from 5-8 PM and Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 10-11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11:30am at Old Tappan Cemetery, Old Tappan, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry’s memory may be made to the Franciscan Sisters of Peace, or to Hackensack Meridian Health, www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/donate.

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Michael Frederick Wiseman

Michael Frederick Wiseman, 43, of Carlsbad,CA and formerly of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on May12, 2024. He was the beloved son of Dyann O’Connell, and Fred and Jane Wiseman.  Loving brother of Jenny Waggenheim and her husband Dan, Matthew Ryan and Geoffrey Ryan and his wife Lauren.  Proud uncle to Lyla, Kaitlyn, Megan, Liam and Mackenzie. Michael is also survived by his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Michael was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan and received his MBA from Iona University.  He was an avid sportsman, playing basketball and baseball through high school and rugby in college. He later enjoyed playing golf, training for triathlons, playing guitar, and dabbling in stand-up comedy.  

Michael worked as a successful financial advisor for 19 years and was admired by his colleagues and clients for his insightful advice, hard work, and dedication.

Michael’s generosity and kindness touched the lives of many. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear.  His sense of humor and infectious laughter brightened even the darkest of days.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 21,2024 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 22,2024 at 11:00am at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flower, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Research Hospital.

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Ramon “Moncho” Negron

Ramon “Moncho” Negron, 67, of Winter Haven, FL and formerly of Northvale, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2024.  Beloved husband to Carmen Negron for 48 years.  Loving father to Joel Negron and his wife Beatriz, Jared Negron Andino and fiancé Sean, and Noemi Perez and her husband Damian.  Cherished grandfather to Damian Perez, II, Joseph Andino, Emily Andino, Celicia Andino, Angelo Negron and Matteo Negron.  Loving son to the late Juanita Hernandez.  Dear brother to Agustin Santiago, Norma Osorio, Jose Santiago, late Elba Hernandez and late Milagro Santiago. Admired by all of his nieces and nephews.

Ramon, born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, will be remembered as the life of the party.  The door to his home was always opened and he loved having a reason to cook up a feast.  His happiness was fed by everyone else being happy.  He left a mark with everyone he connected with through his countless humor, infectious laughter and humble smile.  You could always find Ray tending to his beautiful garden while listening to music.  While he will be missed by so many, we celebrate his life through memories of how amazing and funny he was. 

Visitation will be Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4:00pm until 8:00 pm, at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11am at Madonna Church On The Hill, 2070 Hoefleys Ln, Fort Lee, NJ 07624 with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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John Christopher Freemyer

John Christopher Freemyer, 65, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. He was the beloved son of the late James and Anna Freemyer. Loving brother of James Freemyer, Patricia Nims and her husband Nyle and Mark Freemyer and his wife Valerie. Cherished uncle of Emily, Matthew, Elizabeth, Christopher and Nicole. Also survived by his loyal companion, his dog Enzo.

John, a graduate Manhattan College, started his career with IBM while continuing his education, earning his law degree from American University. He opened his private practice in Bethesda, Md, then moved it to Ridgewood, NJ, to be closer to family and friends. John cherished most, his lifelong friendships with his childhood friends and of course, his family.

Visiting hours are Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy at https://www.foundationforpn.org/

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Paul Jason Buongiorno

Paul Jason Buongiorno, 33, of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. He was the cherished son of Priscilla Scioscia (nee Becker) and her husband Mark and Perry Buongiorno and his wife Karen. Loving brother of Perry Buongiorno, Jr. Adored grandson of Canela Becker (late husband Alfred). Zelda was his cherished greyhound.
He is also survived by his proud aunts and uncles; Jan and Charlie Siolos, Alexis and Sal Esposito, Paul Becker, Peter and Patti Buongiorno and Patrick and Arpie Buongiorno. Dear step-brother of Anthony Scioscia, Steven Scioscia, Mark Ciccarelli and Nicole Silcher. Paul is also survived by many loving cousins and friends.
Paul was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan and Montclair State University. He had been working for ICON International in Stamford, CT as 1st Associate Client Media Director.
Visiting hours are Monday, May 6, 2024 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 10 AM at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tenafly with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to a greyhound foundation.
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Lena Maria Foley

Lena Maria Foley “Lee” (nee Dell’Anno), 88, of Orangeburg, NY passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday April 28, 2024. Beloved wife of Bartholomew R Foley “Bart”. Loving mother of Kim Henderson (late Richard), Robin Foley, Robert Foley (Damaris), Maria Saparata (Thomas), Richard Foley, Jennifer Semon (Matthew), Jason Foley (Karen), Keisha Foley (Sharon) and Erica Bachleda. Cherished grandmother of Leana Foley, Thomas “T.J.” and Christian Saparata, Matthew and Nicholas Semon, Alexa Foley (fiancé Joseph), Dylan, Kyle and Kendyl Foley and great grandmother of Kristina Melanson, Mia Bachleda and Olivia and Jack Lyness. Her sister Gloria Dunnigan as well as several dear nieces and nephews survive her. She was predeceased by her parents Filippo Dell’Anno and Maria D’Agostino as well as her brother Victor Dell’Anno and sister Rita Barone.

Lee was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother (“Vava”).  Lee was born at St. Vincents Hospital in Greenwich Village, NYC.  She married Bart in 1954 at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Manhattan and accompanied him to Georgia and Kentucky while he was serving in the U.S. Army as an M.P. during the Korean War. After Bart was deployed to Korea, she set up a beautiful home in the Bronx for her growing family. 

Then moving to a new home in the Eastchester neighborhood of the Bronx and caring for her family she became interested in the services of Catholic Charities. She began taking foster infants in to the home.

In 1968 the family moved to Orangeburg, where she has lived for the rest of her days.  At this time, she started taking foster children from St. Dominic’s Home in Blauvelt, N.Y.  During the next few years four of these children were adopted into her family. Bringing our family to 9.

Lee was the ultimate animal lover and rescued many animal over the years.  The phrase “Would not even hurt a fly” was coined with her in mind.

After raising her family, she was in search of a new career and purpose. She attended Rockland Community College in Suffern graduating with honors with a degree in Nursing.  She worked at Rockland Psychiatric Center, Blauvelt for about 20 years caring for patients.

After retiring she spent many happy hours tending to her plants and gardens as well as enjoying her koi pond and going to her country house in Copake, NY, spending treasured time with her family.  

She was a long-time member of St Catherine’s Church in Blauvelt, N.Y.  

Visiting hours are Tuesday April 30, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:30 AM at St Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY with interment to follow at Loescher Veteran’s Cemetery, New Hempstead, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations in Lee’s memory may be made to Hi_Tor Animal Shelter, www.hitor.org or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, www.jdf.org 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Concetta Capobianco

Concetta Capobianco (nee Scaglione), 98, a lifelong resident of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Albert. Cherished mother of Sharon McGuire and her husband James of Haworth, NJ. Adored grandmother of Dwayne and his wife Christi and Scott and his wife Lauren. Proud great-grandmother of Catie, Ryan and Josslyn. Dear sister of Joseph Scaglione (late wife Irene), John Scaglione (late wife Catherine) and predeceased by siblings Dominic Scaglione and wife Isabella, Philip Scaglione and wife Elizabeth, Minnie Maiorano and husband Michael and Rose Scaglione. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Concetta loved making her home warm and comfortable for all to visit. She remembered all her relatives’ birthdays with a card or telephone call. Concetta loved to crochet and made many beautiful blankets to use with doll furniture her husband Albert made. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. Funeral will gather at the funeral home on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 9:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood at 10:30 AM with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Diane Susan Kowalchuk

Diane Susan Kowalchuk (nee Coari), 80, of Henderson, Nevada, formerly Palisades Park, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024. Beloved wife of 57 years to John S. Kowalchuk. Loving mother of Douglas J. Kowalchuk and his wife Bernadette and Jeffrey C. Kowalchuk. Cherished grandmother of Christopher, Matthew, Danielle, Kaitlyn and Kelli.

Diane was a homemaker and stay at home mom. She was also very active In the Cub Scouts while her sons were growing up. Diane enjoyed time with family and friends, and loved  her dogs, the casino, and playing games. 

Visiting hours are Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. Interment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Bergen Family Center, 44 Armory Street, Englewood, NJ. 07631.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Louise Fojtlin

Louise Fojtlin (nee Filie), 105, of Northvale, NJ passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.  Beloved wife of the late Joseph M. Fojtlin.  Loving mother of Thomas Fojtlin and his wife Rose and Richard Fojtlin and his wife Joy.  Cherished grandmother of Dawn Marie Plump, Jennifer Fojtlin, Kimberly Petrillo and husband John and Joseph Fojtlin.  Adored great-grandmother of Justin, Madalyn, Nicole, Dominick, Michael and the late Arianna.  Predeceased by her siblings Assunta Filie, Louis Filie and his wife Mary, Ida Filie and John Filie.

Louise was a proud life-long resident of Northvale where she was born and raised.  She was an active parishioner of St. Anthony’s RC Church and an avid bowler.  Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Visitation will be Monday, April 29, 2024 from 5-8 at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.  A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Northvale, NJ with internment to follow at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkill, NY.

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Mark Richardson Saffert “Duke”

Mark Richardson Saffert, “Duke”, 76, of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home on Monday, April 22, 2024.  Beloved husband of Mary Saffert (nee Shafer) for 41 years.  Loving father of Michael Saffert and his wife Kristin and Daniel Saffert.  Predeceased by his parents, Marcel and Geraldine and his sister Cathy.  Survived by his father-in-law Ralph Shafer (late Dorothy), sister-in-law Linda Ettinger and husband Hal, brothers-in-law Robin Shafer and Charles Shafer and his wife Andrea.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Duke was a proud Vietnam Veteran of the Army of the 199th Light Infantry, known as the “Redcatchers”.  He was also a member of the Norwood American Legion Post 272.  He worked for William Falkenstern Inc. for many years as a stone mason.  Duke enjoyed hiking with his dog Max, the beach at Martha’s Vineyard, and was an avid Yankees, Giants and Rangers fan.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ.  Family and friends will gather on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home.  A burial service will be held at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Duke’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project.

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

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