Ralph T. Grieco, 100, of Palisades, NY, formerly of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Anne, and his daughter Susan. He was survived by his devoted son Anthony Grieco of Palisades; his adoring daughter Bernadette, her husband Jerry Kuperberg and their son Michael James of Orangeburg. Also, his sister Rose Cassara of Staten Island, 99 years young.

Before retiring, Ralph was a foreman for ConEd in NY, NY for many years. Later, he loved spending time at home with his family and their beloved dogs, gardening and barbequing; and later traveling the world with Anne. Ralph was an active parishioner at Saint Anthony’s RC church in Northvale.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY. Visiting hours are Sunday 5-7 PM and Monday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

Mass cards or donations to The Humane Society of The United States in lieu of flowers would fulfill Ralph’s wishes.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Jac Perring Gnirrep, 84, of Richfield Springs, NY, formerly of Northvale, NJ passed away on February 3, 2020 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Jac grew up in Palisades Park, NJ. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business and Education from William Paterson Teacher’s College and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. After teaching in the Palisades Park School System for a number of years, he became the assistant business administrator and then business administrator for the Teaneck School System, which he retired from in 1982. Since then he enjoyed a full and endlessly busy retirement, living in the house he himself built in Upstate NY, using his many talents to fix any and all things that were in need of repair, and becoming a proud member of the Richfield Springs community.

Jac was predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara (nee Bade), his son Glenn, his parents and his brothers Tom and Bill. He is survived by his children Barbara (Mark), Jac Jr. (Patty), Gary (Sandy) and Judy (Vince). He is also survived by grandchildren Jessica (John), Kristen (Matt), Mary (Jeff), Joseph, Jac III, Amanda, Kim and Elliot, as well as 8 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his dear friends Tim and Karena Proctor, the extended Proctor Family, and his beloved beagle, Shiloh.

The family would also like to thank the supportive staff at Basset Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Sunday 12 – 3 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale with a funeral service to be held at 3 PM. Interment will be private.

Donations in his name may be made to the ASPCA.

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Wanda A. Worner (nee Buckman), 65, of Dumont, formerly of Paramus, departed this life on Sunday, February 2, 2020. Wanda was the devoted mother of Joan Ali Diore and her husband Joseph of Dumont and Arlene Marie Gray and her husband Joseph of Dumont. Cherished “Mima” of Victoria, Caitlyn, Joey, Jason and Marik. Dearest sister of Patricia MacAloon, Irene Kearns, Bruce Buckman, Janet Berger and Steven MacAloon. Wanda was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Alice Buckman and her brother, Howard “Dennis” Buckman.

Wanda became the Borough Clerk for the Borough of Northvale since 1992 after serving as Borough Clerk in River Edge from 1990-1992. She was well-respected by her colleagues and was a long time Member of the Bergen County Municipal Clerks Association, of which she was a Past President. She also was a long time Member in good standing of the Municipal Clerk’s Association of NJ. During her tenure, Wanda trained many Deputy Clerks and encouraged their journey to receiving their Registered Municipal Clerk Certification from the State, with several moving on to full Municipal Clerk positions in local towns. She also assisted the Township of River Vale for a period they were without a clerk and helped guide their Deputy, who is currently the Township Clerk. Wanda came up with the “paperless environment” for Council meetings in the early 2000’s and has since lent her guidance to many other municipalities wishing to leave a gentler carbon footprint. Wanda will be forever missed for her easy-going nature, eagerness to help anyone in need, her great sense of humor and her good advice. She will always be loved and cherished dearly by her children and grandchildren, in addition to many friends and family.

Visitation will be Friday, February 7, 2020 form 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Wanda’s name to your local pet shelter or rescue center, continuing her love of fur babies.

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Gregor Pobor of River Vale, NJ, passed away on January 29, 2020 at age 60.

As an emergency room physician he touched many lives while always being kind and calm.

Gregor was born in Rijeka, Croatia (former Yugoslavia). His family left Yugoslavia when he was eleven years old. They moved to Boden, Sweden. His father Grgur Pobor was a ENT doctor and his mother Vlasta Sindik was a family doctor. In 1986 he earned an MD from the Karolinska Institute Faculty of Medicine where he graduated with honors. He also had a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Umeå University. From 1986 to 1989 he was a postdoctoral fellow at the MIT Center for Cancer Research, where he worked with a Nobel Prize laureate.

In 1987 he met the love of his life, his future wife, Carmen Teresa Villarreal at MIT. Teresa, originally from Mexico, was a graduate student at the Space Systems Lab. at MIT. Gregor and Teresa were married in June 1988 in Harvard, Massachusetts, where they left their wedding ceremony in a hot air balloon.

Gregor did his medical internship at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA and his medical residency in internal medicine at Cabrini Medical Center in New York City. He worked as an emergency room attending physician at Cabrini Medical Center (New York City), St. Clare´s Hospital (New York City), St. John´s Hospital (Far Rockaway, NY), Franklin Hospital (Valley Stream, NY), and Vassar Brothers Medical Center (Poughkeepsie, NY). But the position he held the longest and loved the most was at New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville New York; he worked there from1996 to 2020.

Gregor lived a very international life. He was fluent in Croatian, Swedish, English, Spanish, and German. Gregor and Teresa traveled widely and wherever they went, Gregor always had his camera on hand.

In the U.S.,Gregor is survived by Teresa, his wife of 31 years, Carmen, his mother in law, many friends, and his dog Chica, whom he adored, as he did all his doggies. He leaves many dear friends and relatives in Croatia, Italy, Mexico, and Sweden.

A memorial mass has been postponed and will be held at a later date.

Following his wishes, Gregor is to be cremated and then buried in his hometown of Vrbnik in Croatia. The burial will be on Saturday April 4, 2020. Remarkably, Gregor and Teresa met on Saturday, April 4, 1987, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. So the circle of love of 33 years will be complete.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Pius X Church. 268 Old Tappan Rd, Old Tappan, NJ 07675. The church’s phone number is (201) 664-0913. And their website is https://stpiusxoldtappan.org

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Harry Harrison, “The Morning Mayor” and  Radio Hall of Famer, of Norwood, NJ passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 (amazingly at 1:01 PM) at the age of 89. He was born in 1930 at home on the south side of Chicago. As a teenager Harry attended a seminary and intended to be a priest. But his senior year he was bed ridden with Rheumatic Fever for a year. His saving grace was his radio, he knew then that he wanted to become a Disc Jockey. He left the seminary and began his career which spanned six decades. In 1961 he married the love of his life, Patricia, whom he affectionately called “Pretty Patti”. Together they made a home in Norwood where they raised their four children, Patti, Patrick, Michael and Brian Joseph “BJ”. He was tragically predeceased by his wife Patti and sons, BJ and Michael with whom he is now with in heaven. He was a devoted husband and father and would go home after his stint on the radio to be with his family.

Although Harry was a part of radio history, having worked at WMCA, WABC, and WCBS FM, and was known as one of the “Original Good Guys”, he was also a very humble and charitable person, often donating his time to support local police, fire and emergency services as well as Spectrum for Living and the American Cancer Society.  

Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2020 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

Harry loved animals, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to your local animal rescue society  or to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

“Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” – Harry Harrison

www.pizzifuneralhome.com     

Edward F. Purtill, 56, formerly of Northvale, peacefully passed away with his cherished husband Keshav Pradhan by his side at his home in West Milford NJ on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

Edward (Eddie) was born in Hoboken on Feb 3, 1963 the first son after 6 daughters to the late Frances (nee Behr) and Edward J Purtill, and was raise in both Teaneck and Northvale NJ.  He graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, NJ in 1982 and went on to serve in the Navy from 1982 – 1987.   He worked for Spectra Labs in Rockliegh NJ for many years where he considered his co-workers as his extended family.

Eddie is survived by 6 sisters Susan Stafford (and Jay) of San Francisco CA, Karen Nies (and Kenneth) of Hamburg NJ, Jamie Caputo (and Gerard Roundtree) of Blooming Grove NY, Marion Carlisi (and Raymond) of Delran NJ, Alison Mersincavage of Sugar Loaf NY, Cathy Purtill of Elmwood Park NJ.  He is pre deceased by his brother Joseph Purtill and sister Beth Ann Purtill.  He was the proud Uncle to Jesse, Rocco, Kenneth (KJ), Adam, Sergio, Mark, Erika, Gabriella (Brie), Anthony, Joseph and Raymond.  He enjoyed watching the family grow as Great nieces and nephews came along.

Visiting hours will be Friday 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Ralph S. Passante, Sr.
April 3, 1942—January 27, 2020

Ralph S. Passante, Sr., of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away in the early hours of Monday, January 27, 2020, after a brief illness.  He was loved and respected by all who met him, and he made the world a better place with his presence in it.  

Dad was born in Weehawken, NJ, on April 3, 1942, to the late Martha (née Marino) and Ralph F. Passante, and was raised in North Bergen, NJ.  As the youngest son of a proudly Italian family, he early on developed the meticulous cooking skills and sophisticated palate for which, years later, he would be renowned among his friends.  

Basketball was his passion.  He was an All-State player at Memorial High School in West New York, NJ, and continued to excel at St. John’s University in Jamaica, Long Island.  He coached at Holy Trinity School in Fort Lee, NJ, St. Cecelia High School in Englewood, NJ, and Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, NJ, as well as multiple travel leagues.  He was never happier than when enthusiastically cheering on his players or his grandchildren at a game.  

Dad owned and operated Royal Printing Service in West New York, the company founded by his father in 1932, for 57 years, proudly building on the family legacy with his sons (and my brothers), David and Kevin.  His reputation was unmatched for integrity, honesty, and character, and many of his business associates also cherished him as a friend.  

He enjoyed traveling the world with my mother, as well as entertaining at home with great food and company—no one ever refused one of his invitations.  When he wanted to relax, he loved nothing more than going fishing on his boat, and he found joy in nature: feeding and watching the birds in the backyard, or growing fresh vegetables and herbs in his garden.  

Dad’s generosity was legendary, as was his compassion, especially for those less fortunate than himself, and he selflessly supported his community with his time, money, and talents.  No one ever had a better or more loyal friend, and my parents’ marriage was the best role model anyone ever saw.  

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years (and partner of 61), Lucia (née Witt); his sons, Ralph, Jr., of Old Tappan, David (and Madelyn), of Harrington Park, and Kevin (and Allison), of Norwood; his grandchildren, Nicole, Nicholas, Christopher, Julia, and Alexander; his sister, Betty Stevens, of North Bergen, and numerous other relatives and friends.  

Theodore Hesburgh said, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother,” and by that measure—and innumerable others—there has never been a better husband, father, and human being than my Dad.  He was as fine a human being and as exemplary a member of the community as has ever lived.  We love you, Dad, and will miss you always.  ️

Visitation:
Saturday, February 1, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Vainieri Funeral Home
5923 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Bergen, NJ 07047

Sunday, February 2, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Pizzi Funeral Home
120 Paris Ave.
Northvale, NJ 07647

Funeral:
Monday, February 3, 10:00 a.m.
St. Pius X Church
268 Old Tappan Rd.
Old Tappan, NJ 07675

Interment immediately following:
George Washington Memorial Park
234 Paramus Rd.
Paramus, NJ 07652

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to one of the following worthy organizations, which have great personal meaning to us:

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus
561 Seventh Ave., Suite 701
New York, NY 10018
https://www.nycgmc.org

CASA for Children of Bergen County
One Bergen County Plaza, Suite 334
Hackensack, NJ 07601
www.bergencasa.org
”Donate Now”
(Select-“I would like to dedicate this donation”)

The V Foundation for Cancer Research
14600 Weston Parkway
Cary, NC 27513
https://www.v.org/home

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Angelo Marchiano, 89, formerly of River Vale, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his sons on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.  Beloved husband of the late Aurelia for 42 years.  Proud father of four sons, Joseph and wife Jessica, Thomas and wife Lisa and Michael and wife Emily, all of Old Tappan.  He was predeceased by his precious son, Steven.  Adored grandfather of Gianna, Joseph, Ava and Sofia with another due in February.  Loving brother of the late Thomas, Marie and Mario.

Angelo was a US Army veteran of the Korean War.  He worked for Volvo in Rockleigh for over 25 years before retiring. He then took pride in raising his four sons, especially being able to provide for Steven through those difficult years. He will be fondly remembered for his quick smile, comforting words and flashy style. “See you later, Babe!” – Angelo

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Twp.  Visiting hours are Thursday 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale.

www.pizzifuneral home.com

Helen E. Niven, 83, a resident of Spectrum For Living in Closter, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020.  Helen was the beloved daughter of the late Archibald and Jessie Niven and loving sister of the late Jessie Policastro, Hugh Niven, Archibald Niven and Dorothy Havlicek. She was a cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews and will be especially missed by her entire Spectrum family.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Spectrum For Living, 210 Rivervale Road, Suite 3, River Vale, NJ 07675, www.spectrumforliving.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Todd C. Schuster, 76, of Northvale, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020. Todd was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mildred Schuster. He was a beloved and loyal friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Todd was a master fabricator and was instrumental in the early days of AMA Superbike racing with BMW and American Honda.  After years of working with race teams, Todd opened his own shop, Precision Specialties in Tappan, NY. He was also a member of IATSE Local 1 in NYC.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 5-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Todd’s memory may be made to the Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com