Katherine S. DeGruccio (née Matthews)

1967 – 2025

Katherine S. DeGruccio, 57, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Beloved wife of Charles G. DeGruccio. Proud and devoted mother of Anthony Matthew and Stella Katherine. Cherished daughter of Niki and the late Stanley Matthews. Adored sister of Sam S. Matthews and his wife Anastasia, and Allison Orecchio and her husband Thomas. Kathy was also a loving aunt, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law, and a dear friend to many.

She was a woman of strength, deep faith, and unwavering grace. Kathy was a devoted parishioner of both St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Bethany Church. Her trust in God remained steadfast, and she served as a guiding light to many throughout her life.

Kathy enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at Harrington Park School, where she inspired students with her enthusiasm and support. She had a love for photography, especially capturing nature and the people she loved. She also worked for many years at the family business, Matthews Diner, where she enjoyed talking with customers and making them feel at home. 

Kathy loved to laugh and to celebrate life. She fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 4–8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10 AM at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tenafly, NJ. Interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to St. Philothea Philoptochos Society of the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, 353 E. Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670.

In Loving Memory of Anna Mae Moore

Anna Mae Moore, 87, of Norwood passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025. Anna Mae grew up and lived in Palisades Park for 62 years and was a resident of Norwood for the past 25 years. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was a woman who found joy in life’s simple pleasures—long walks, trips into the city, traveling and friendship with her cousin Angie, and above all, spending hours on the phone with those she loved.

Anna Mae had the rare gift of lifelong friendship. She deeply treasured her bonds with Angie and Fran, whom she had known for over 80 years. Her devotion to her family was unwavering.

She is survived by her daughters Susan (Jim) and Kathy (Domenick), son Joe (Kris), grandchildren Ashley, Erica, Brendan, Annmarie, Megan, and Patricia, as well as her beloved sister Angie, and several nieces and nephews. She is reunited with her parents Joseph and Anna and her brother Ross.

Known for her sweet tooth, Anna Mae loved her snacks, with a special fondness for late night ice cream. Her faith was a guiding force in her life; she was a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Norwood, where she generously volunteered her time ironing linens and helping to count offerings after Sunday services.

Anna Mae was also an active member of the Norwood and Northvale Senior Centers, where she formed many meaningful friendships including Marge, Johanna, and many others. In her later years, she resided at The Buckingham in Norwood where she was surrounded by the warmth and support of both fellow residents and staff who became like family to her.

Anna Mae touched many lives with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will remain forever in our hearts.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church in Norwood, New Jersey at 10:15am. Burial will be private.

In Loving Memory of Grace Robinson

February 14, 1954 – May 17, 2025

With blessed and heavy hearts, we announce Grace has been summoned by the Lord—beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, God mother, Cousin, and Dearest friend—left this world peacefully in the arms of her family, surrounded by their love and support.

Born on Valentine’s Day of 1954 in Jersey City, NJ, she lived life in full bloom. Grace brought love and warmth into the lives of everyone she touched. She was the heart and soul of her family—fiercely devoted to her husband Richard and honored with pride and joy to provide an incredible life for their family.

Grace lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and resilience. Her friendships, many of which lasted a lifetime, were a testament to her committed character. She gave so much of herself to others—and in return, impacted us all immeasurably.

When God created family, he created his team. He gave each player unique gifts and virtues- each gift amplified by the other to create a magnificent whole.

Together, a family is STRONG, LOYAL, AUTHENTIC, LOVING, and FEARLESS. 

She is survived by her loving husband Richard; children Mackenzie and husband Jack, Jaime, Kasey, and J. Daniel; brother Mark; sisters Janine and Peggy, best friends Lucille and Julie; and her many cherished nieces, nephews, and great-nephews.

Her greatest delight came in being a Grandmother to her grandchildren- Konnor, Lilah, Desi, Luci, and Camdyn, with whom she shared endless moments of laughter, tenderness, and unconditional love.

She is now reunited with her parents, Natale and Eleanor, her brothers Anthony and Harold, and her beloved Godson and nephew Michael Joseph.

Grace’s presence was a gift to us all. Her love lives on in the memories we hold, the stories we share, and the lives she helped shape.

Forever in our hearts and always in our prayers.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Virginia Marie Arcella Glesner, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Norwood, New Jersey on May 16th. Virginia was born and raised in Northvale.  Virginia was predeceased by her beloved husband Harold (2015) and their so loved son Warren (1987). She was the daughter of Matilda and Sylvester Arcella, sister to Raymond Arcella, and cousin to Jean Alexiou.  She is survived by her cherished granddaughter Talia Glesner Covert (Gabriel Covert), great-grandson (his Nana), Oliver Warren Covert, and her steadfastly loyal daughter-in law, Laurie Glesner.  She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, as well as grand-nieces and nephews,  most importantly Lisa Arcella Degnen, who never wavered in her compassion and support. She is also survived by her lifelong friends, Joan and Sam Amorosso, and dear friend and “niece”, Donna Lissi. Her aide, Benedicta, brought light to her life during the last months of her life and cared lovingly for her during her final moments.

Early in her life Virginia had worked as a Barbizon model and hairdresser before returning to college after raising her son. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology from St. Thomas Aquinas in Sparkill and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the New School in New York City. She was the founding Director of the McGuire Senior Citizen Center in Northvale and was active in New Jersey political campaigns to benefit senior citizens. Her kindness, care, and commitment touched many in Bergen County and beyond. 

Virginia was devoted to her family and to helping others. Those who knew Virginia appreciated her Italian meals served along with her entertaining stories shared with whomever came to visit. Her door was always open. She was loved by so many.  She and her husband, Harold, showed the strength of their character, and the strength of their faith, after the too early passing of their son Warren. 

Visiting hours will be Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 9AM to 10 AM,  at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.   A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 199 Walnut St, Northvale, NJ and  Interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation, to which Virginia donated in memory of her son, and where her granddaughter is a Board Member

Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation, 95 St. Paul Street. STE 330, Burlington, VT 05401  www.vtchildrenstrust.org

888-475-5437

Madeline Panzi, 92, of Piermont, NY, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025. Cherished aunt of Richard Panza, Diane Panza, Raymond Yacovino and Margaret Ann Sperduto. Loving great-aunt of Scott, Michael, Michele, Christopher and Amanda. Dearest sister of the late Maurice Panza, Lucy Yacovino and Anna Panzi.

Madeline was a social worker at Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, NY for over 20 years.

Visitation is Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ with entombment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Elpidio G. Calalang, 87, of Northvale, NJ passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.  Beloved husband of Virginia (nee Pineda).  Loving father of Paul, John and wife Ghia, and Mary-Ann.  Proud grandfather of Allen, Arianne, Janelle, and Julian.  Caring brother of Teresita Cruz and Elizabeth Canlas.

Elpidio was a man of strong faith.  He would go on to become the first pastoral council President of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Pampanga, Philippines, the town in which he was born.  As a resident of Northvale, he was a very active parishioner of St. Anthony’s RC Church.

Visiting hours will be Friday, May 9, 2025 from 6-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Thomas Knutson Eiken, 80, of Northvale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Born September 19, 1944, Tom grew up in the Highbridge section of the Bronx NY. A proud New Yorker, he often reminisced about the NYC street games he loved playing like stick ball, skully and off the point. He graduated DeWitt Clinton High School in 1962.

Tom proudly served his country in the US Army from 1965-1967. 

In 1970, he married his beloved wife, Diane (nee Campinelli) during a NYC Valentine’s Day snowstorm. In 1975 after seeing the park-like property on Wildwood Road, Tom moved to Northvale where he raised his treasured daughters Suzanne and Denise. 

Tom was a 1977 Mercy College graduate. A highly skilled Carpenter in Local 257, he retired in 2004. Tom went on to serve as Commander of the American Legion Post No 366 in Northvale and was often seen enjoying weekday mornings with fellow members. Proud of his Norwegian Heritage, Tom enjoyed actively tracing his family tree back many generations and instilled the pride of family history with his daughters and grandchildren, Cassandra, Allison, Jack, Andrew, Jessica, and Katie. 

Tom will be remembered as a devoted Husband, beloved Father and Grandpa.

A celebration of life will be held at the Northvale American Legion, 190 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ on Saturday May 10th at 12 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory to the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 196 Firenze Street, Northvale, NJ 07647, would be greatly appreciated.

Blanche O. Hartophilis (nee Kourany), 87, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025.  Beloved wife of the late Michael Hartophilis. Loving mother of Georgene Griffin and husband Brian, Russell Hartophilis and wife Claudia, and Jackie O’Neill and husband Don.  Adored grandmother of Samantha, Ryan, Andy, Connor and Cooper.  Caring sister of Janet Kourany-Sterba and husband Jim.

The family will gather for visitation at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 9 AM to 10 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Blanche’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Frasse, 60, of Hackensack, NJ, formerly of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025.  Cherished son of Sarah and the late Howard Frasse. Dear brother of William and John. Loving father of Paulina, Nicholas and Alison. Also survived by many loving cousins.

Tom owned Frasse Landscaping Design in Norwood for many years. He was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School – Old Tappan.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11 AM at Church of the Holy Communion, 66 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to your favorite charity.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Christophe Lafontant, beloved son, brother, godfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 41.

Born on July 13, 1983, Chris was a true fighter in every sense of the word. Diagnosed with heart failure at six years old and later with the rare genetic condition myofibrillar myopathy, Chris endured more physical hardships than most could imagine, including two heart transplants, a kidney transplant, respiratory failure, a tracheostomy, and years of progressive muscle weakness.

But Chris never let his illness define him. Through his relentless spirit and hope, he made it his life’s mission to raise awareness for myofibrillar myopathy, fundraise for research, and create a sense of community for others facing this rare disease. He published a memoir, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives, sharing his journey of resilience and survival, and created a documentary, It Started with the Heart, produced by Sugar Beach Digital, further telling his story and inspiring others. He also built a large social media following under the name “1 Man 3 Hearts,” inspiring thousands who proudly became part of what he called the “Heart Train.”

Despite overwhelming challenges, Chris lived with courage, humor, and, most of all, heart. He believed deeply that life could be beautiful no matter the obstacles, and he lived that belief every day.

He leaves behind a family who loved him beyond measure, including his mother, Jennifer, and her longtime partner, Mitch; his father, Claude, and his wife, Natalia; his brothers, John and his wife, Gita, Claude and his wife, Tara, and Fabien; his sister, Isabelle, and her husband, Joe; and his beloved nephews and nieces, Leo, Dominic, Aleks, Vanessa, Juliette, and Cora. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Paris.

Chris’s spirit, resilience, and compassion will live on in everyone he touched.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 2, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 211 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ. Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

The funeral mass can be viewed via the livestream link below: https://boxcast.tv/view/christophe-lafontant-funeral-mass-hv4yurnqcelfoix4uler

Chris taught us all that while life may break the body, it could never break his spirit. His was truly unbreakable.