Theodore “Ted” Gershon of Princeton Junction, husband, father of three, and grandfather to seven, passed away on Saturday, January 1, at the age of 76.  Born and raised in New Brunswick, Ted had a lifelong commitment to public education, a great knowledge of music, a strong commitment to family, and an unrivaled gift for storytelling.

Ted’s mother helped run one of the most popular restaurants in New Jersey in the 1950’s and 60’s, where early on, Ted was introduced to countless colorful figures. Ted and his sister Diane benefited growing up- and later in adulthood- from uncles, aunts and cousins rich in humor.  With a father who was an accomplished professional musician and fellow drummer, Ted was working professionally as a musician while still a student at New Brunswick High School.  He continued to play countless jobs as he worked his way through Jersey City State College and then, as a graduate student at Rutgers.  He married the love of his life, Kathy, in August of 1969, and welcomed sons Brian, Michael and Jason thereafter.  

Early in his career, Ted taught students with special needs.Inspired to be an advocate for students, Ted accepted a position as Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Education for the New Jersey Department of Education, where he made great contributions to workforce development, improving career opportunities for students with disabilities, and the education of prison inmates.

After leaving the State, Ted worked in various administrative roles in education before accepting a position at Columbia University.  At Columbia University, he served as Associate Vice President, Special Advisor, Workforce Development. He continued to consult on education and workforce development issues until the last weeks of his life.  This tied in to one of Ted’s other great passions: politics. Ted was active in the Democratic Party throughout his life, attending several presidential conventions. He combined his passion for politics and education by working with Democratic office holders on the state and national level to better serve the educational needs of underserved communities.  His counsel was eagerly sought -Ted advised members of Congress, served as an educational consultant to the White House Empowerment Zone Task Force, and advised nonprofit organizations on educational issues.

Ted and Kathy had a diverse circle of friends, ranging from ones they had known for decades to ones they met in the last year of Ted’s life.  One of his greatest passions was spending time withhis sons and seven grandsons – Evan, Eric, Peter, Joseph, Daniel, Jeffrey and James.  Ted was often found in his yard, surrounded by family and friends, telling colorful stories, sharing insights on politics and smoking a cigar.  Long meals at Ted and Kathy’s house always featured amazing food and great laughs.

Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 11 AM to 12 Noon. A funeral service will be held at 12 with burial to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

Donations in his memory may be made to:

West Windsor Fire & EMS, 271 Clarksville Road, PO Box #38, West Windsor, NJ 08550, Attention: Chief Lynch

Mercer Street Friends, 151 Mercer Street, Trenton, NJ 08611 (www.mercerstreetfriends.org)

Dorina Grillo (nee Rinaldi), 55, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.  Beloved wife of Vincenzo Grillo. Adored mother of Filomena Vasapolli and her husband Michael of Montgomery, NY and Nico Grillo of Orangeburg. Cherished sister of Salvatore Rinaldi and sister-in-law of Geppino Grillo and his wife Anna. Adored aunt of Kyle Rinaldi, Dylan Rinaldi, Nikki Grillo and Sal Grillo.

Dorina worked for the South Orangetown School District for many years. She was a parishioner of St. Catharine’s Church and was a member of the Sons and Daughters of Italy Romanesque Lodge 2198. Above all, Dorina was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Monday, January 3, 2022 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt with entombment to follow at St. Anthony’s Mausoleum, Nanuet, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Anthony Aloysius Dill, 82, of Norwood, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. Beloved husband of Gisela Elisabeth (nee Hirtes). Devoted father of Dr. Barbara A. Dill and husband Richard Smith of Norwood and Regina Dill-Murnane and husband Dennis of Blue Point, NY. Proud grandfather of Dillon Smith, Chelsea Smith, Aiden Smith and Chloe Murnane. Brother of Aloys, Arthur and Mary.

Anthony was born February 28, 1939 in Jersey City Medical Center. He was the son of a Blacksmith and a Nurse. He grew up in the Bronx, where he attended Roosevelt High School. He was the first eldest son in generations not to pursue a career as a Blacksmith. Instead, he studied Electrical Engineering, initially as an undergraduate at the City College of New York, then obtaining a Masters at Columbia University. As part of his Military Service as a First Lieutenant in the US Army, he was stationed in Germany during the initial phases of the Berlin Wall Crisis. While in Germany he met and married his wife, Gisela Hirtes. The Newlyweds returned to the US, where he began his civilian Electrical Engineering Career at ConEdison. He then continued his career at American Airlines and IBM, from which he retired in White Plains in 1994. He was also a member of the Society of American Military Engineers. The family was blessed with two daughters, Barbara & Regina. They lived in Rockland County, where the girls attended school from Elementary through High School. He was an avid boater & motorcyclist—especially proud of his orange BMW Motorrad. In 2001 Anthony & Gisela retired to Bergen County. During retirement, the couple enjoyed extensive global travels.

A celebration of Anthony’s life will be held this Sunday (Jan 2).  Please contact the family for more information.

Those who wish may make a donation in Anthony’s memory to: Hi Tor Animal Shelter, Pomona, NY https://www.hitor.org/online-donations.

Margaret “Peggy” White (nee Murray), 80, of Tappan, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Peggy was born in the Bronx, New York in November 1941 to Martin and Ellen Murray.  After graduating from Cathedral High School in Manhattan in 1958 with commencement in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, she went to work at Phelps Dodge Co. in NYC.  Shortly after, she met Robert “Bob” White, and they were married in 1964.  Living in the Bronx until the birth of their children, Peg and Bob then relocated to Tappan, NY where she was an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church and a past member of the Rosary Altar Society.

Peggy worked at Prentice Hall in West Nyack and Old Tappan for many years before she and Bob relocated several times, living in Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, and Charlotte.  Upon Bob’s retirement in 1999, Peg and Bob returned home to Tappan to be near family and friends.

In retirement, Peg and Bob were active in their grandchildren’s lives and enjoyed traveling.  In addition to exploring many countries in western Europe, they had the opportunity to visit the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the Red Square of Moscow, the Opera House in Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand.

She is survived by her husband Bob of 57 years, daughter Joanne White, son Robert (Cheryl), grandchildren Chris Higley, Megan Higley, Alexis White, Andrew White, and sister Maureen (Walter) Sherwood, sister-in-law Joan Murray, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Thomas and sister-in-law Ena Murray, and brother William Murray. 

Visiting hours are Monday, December 27, 2021 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Tappan with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Peg’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research through the link below:

https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2210&np=true

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Albina Perez (nee Palomeque), 80, of Norwood, formerly of Teaneck, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Francisco J. Perez. Cherished mother of Fernando J. Perez and his wife Paola of Dumont, Adriana M. Perez, M.D. of Norwood, David I. Perez of Norwood  and Joanna P. Rivera and her husband Angel of Old Tappan. Proud grandmother of Francesco, Cristina, Matteo, Daniel and Sophia.

Before immigrating to the United States in 1965, Albina was an accountant in Colombia, where she was born and raised. In the US, she worked at the Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology for many years, as well as raising her family.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 6-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 11 AM at St. John’s RC Church, Bergenfield.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Albina’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

Robert C. Hennessy passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021.
Bob was the beloved husband to Alice “Vida” (nee Muller) for 63 years, and a loving father and friend to John and his wife Cheryl of Mahwah and Kathleen of Norwood. Dear friend of Martin Kane, Bob McQuillan, and Joel Friedman.
Also survived by sister-in-law Geraldine Muller and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was a US Air Force veteran and served during the Korean War.
He worked for many years as an environmental counsel at the Picatinny Arsenal in NJ, and was very active in the employee movement to Save Picatinny during the base closings in the 1980s.
Bob volunteered at St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark for more than 40 years. He also volunteered with the Legislative Action Committee of the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless, advocating for more affordable housing and services for the homeless.
Bob also served on the Board of the Norwood Public Library for more than 30 years, serving as Trustee, Treasurer, and President.
Bob was an avid biker who participated in more than 30 NYC 5 Boro Bike Tours. He was a long time member of the Norwood Swim Club. He loved travel, theater, and museums. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony’s in Northvale, NJ.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 11 am to noon at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave. Northvale, NJ(201)767-3050. A Funeral Service will be held at 12 noon with internment to follow at the Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.

Maria Isabel Arancibia of Bergenfield, New Jersey passed away on December 13, 2021 at Holy Name Hospital. She was surrounded by family and friends by her side in her final days. She will greatly be missed by all who knew and loved her. Maria was born in Santiago, Chile May 1948 to Cristina and Isaias Mejias.She married Ricardo A Arancibia on October 5, 1963. She was a loving and devoted mother to their five children. Maria leaves behind her children Maria (Ali) Medina, Ricardo Arancibia, Felicia (Peter) Vega, Eva (Chester) Czerny, and Angelica (Christopher) Princivil. She also was grandmother to 10 grandchildren William, Andrew, Cristian, Michael, Maria, Isabel, Kevin, Felicia, Steven, and Cristina, who affectionately called her “Ita”.
Maria had many jobs that she enjoyed. She worked as a child care provider in a family daycare, at Englewood Hospital as a caretaker, and later worked as a school bus driver for children with special needs. But most of all she was proud to have served as a full time evangelizer for over 30 years helping people learn about God.
Maria was known for her kindness and love she gave to all. Many called Maria their second mother because she was there for them in their time of need. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, reading and listening to music.
Three things she really enjoyed were going to parties to get on the dance floor, a day at the beach with her family enjoying the waves, and a nice cup of hot tea.
Although her family is greatly saddened by her loss, they have the hope of the resurrection in an earthly paradise that the bible gives. “From the power of the Grave I will redeem them; from death I will recover them.”
Hosea 13:14
The family of Maria would like to express their gratitude to everyone that has given them comfort and support during this time. In lieu of flowers please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. A memorial service will be held via Zoom at a later date.

Dorothy Marion Schmitt (nee Schmidt), 91, of Norwood, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Born on March 6, 1930 to Martin Conrad Schmidt and Evelyn Marie Anderson, Dorothy grew up in the Bronx where she would meet her future husband William Martin Schmitt. She worked for a time after graduating high school for the J.C. Penny Company in a clerical capacity with a short opportunity as a “runway model” before her soon to be husband put an end to this vocation, understandably wanting her all to himself. She also worked for the United States Naval Dept. decoding and encrypting messages after the war while her husband was in the Naval Reserve. A “homemaker” thereafter, she raised six children in a loving home after settling in the town of Norwood in the mid 1950’s. Forever with a smile right ‘til the very end, she lived her life with a light that shined, showing all those around her that love conquers all problems, great and small.

Remembered and loved by her husband Bill Schmitt (predeceased) and second soulmate Raymond Leclair (predeceased), her beloved brothers Stephen Schmidt and Kenneth Schmidt (predeceased) his wife Karen and their family, her daughters, Karen Baccanini and husband Sergio (predeceased), Linda Schmitt, Lorraine Arzenis (predeceased), Kristina Minch, and sons, William Schmitt (predeceased) and Robert Schmitt and wife Beth. She was loved by her grandchildren William Arzenis (predeceased) and Christopher Arzenis, John and Erik Minch, Courtney and Joseph Calise, Nicole Wagner and Grace Schmitt.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 2 PM at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Pietro Osso, 84, of Tappan, NY, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Beloved husband of Justina (nee Caseres) for 52 years. Devoted father of Claudia Gollub and her husband David, Alexander Osso and his wife Megan and the late Rosa and late Evelyn. Proud grandfather of Christopher Peter Ferzola, Max Benjamin Gollub and Peter Michael Osso. 

Loving brother of Rosa Veltri and husband Antonio, Mario Osso and wife Angela, Franco Osso and wife Pina, Ida Martire and husband Pietro, the late Matteo Osso and the late Carmena Compierchio.

 Dearest uncle of Susan, Angela, Orietta, Michael, Sandra, Marilena, Liliana, Gianni, Luigi, Antonio, Stefano and Matteo and great-uncle of Cassandra, Giuliana, Anthony, Fabiana, Ilenia, Cristina, Adriana, Gianna, Ava, Eliana and Zachary.

Peter was a hard-working family man devoted to his wife, daughters, son and grandsons. He worked for Key Foods in the Bronx for many years before retirement. He was an avid gardener, loved playing cards with his brothers and nephews. Peter also kept family traditions alive by teaching the next generation how to make his beloved and perfected sopressata.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 9:30 AM with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Emma Marie Benvenuto (nee Sanzari), 98, of Norwood, NJ,passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021. Emma was born in Hackensack, NJ, where she spent her formative years until she met and married the love of her life, US Army World War II hero and Purple Heart recipient, Louis Benvenuto. It was a love story that blossomed, with the birth of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and lasted until his passing in 2013. Emma will be remembered for her welcoming smile, kindness, generosity, wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her distinctive voice echoed beautifully when she sung in church, but it was her soothing, sweet speaking voice that was her signature when she became a long-distance telephone operator for AT&T, where she worked for 40 years.

Ever the good cook, she invited as many people who could fit around her large kitchen table, or who could squeeze around it,to enjoy the tempting meals she presented. She touched the lives of all who knew her and was too humble to notice what a positive force she was.

Emma was predeceased by her parents, Angelo and Rachele Sanzari; brothers Michael Sanzari, Albert Angelo Sanzari and Albino Sanzari; sisters Rose Leone, Violet Westermeyer, Jennie Piazza and Margaret Licastro. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved her very much.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Jennifer Diceglie, Rochelle Benvenuto, Beverly Borzone and Patrick Benvenuto.Also beloved by Emma were her grandchildren, Christopher and Jamie Diceglie, Danielle and Patrick Benvenuto, Patrick Ryan and Louie Borzone, and great-grandchild Zoe Page.

She will also be missed by Cody, her beloved Maltese, who reveled in her hugs and kisses.

Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 17, at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale. Entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Township, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would deeply appreciate donations to the Norwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 453 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648.