A strong woman is the lifeline of her family. She carries within her the power to endure pain and the courage to sacrifice. She has the power to create and nurture life. She is indeed the epitome of love and sacrifice. -Aarti Khurana

We are sad to announce the passing of Norma Mattiace (nee Boyd) the matriarch and lifeline of our family. Mrs. Mattiace, of Closter and formerly of Bergenfield, passed away at the remarkable age of 93 on October 27, 2022. Mrs. Mattiace was predeceased by the love of her life, Nicholas Mattiace, who she was married to for 66 years until his death in 2013. Mrs. Mattiace was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother and the lynchpin of the family. Mrs. Mattiace is survived by her five, beloved children and their spouses: Linda & Tony Zappulla of Forked River, Nicholas & Barbara Mattiace of Hillsdale, Steven & Suzanne Mattiace of Old Tappan, Lisa & Kevin Battell on Emerson, and Lori Mattiace & Pete Mucciolo of Hillsdale. Norma was the cherished grandmother to Kimberly, Cheryl, Jill, Nicholas, JoAnn, Lisa, Melissa, Sara, Daniel, Kristian, Olivia, Zachary, Kassidy and Kamryn, and great-grandmother of Paul, Julia, Joseph, Nicholas, Connor, Tyler, Gracyn, Evan, Matthew, Ella, Maelyn, Charlotte, Jack, Riley and Nicholas.  

Mrs. Mattiace is very proud of her roots having been born in Hamilton, Bermuda where she spent her formative years with her four siblings and mother before moving to New York City at the young age of 16. She is survived by her sister Ruth of Toledo, OH, and predeceased by her siblings Robby, June, and Betty.

When Norma’s kids were young, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist because this was the norm for the era. But even by the standards of the era when her children grew up and to this day, Norma was an exceptional wife and mother. If a person has a good mother in their life, they should be considered lucky, we are beyond blessed because we had an amazing, resilient, and caring mother/grandmother/great-grandmother who led by example. She dedicated her life to her family, and for that we are all eternally grateful. There are not enough words to do Norma justice, but a testament to her life and legacy lives on in all those she leaves behind who have been loved by this truly remarkable woman.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, October 31st at 10 AM at St. Pius R.C. Church, Old Tappan with interment to follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly. Visiting hours are Sunday, October 30th from 2-5 at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Ivanna Giselle Linares Figueroa, age 6, of Spring Valley, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was the precious daughter of Iris Linares Figueroa and Nery Alas. Cherished sister of Matthew, Kristel, Elian and Nery, Jr. Ivanna is also survived by many loving relatives and caring friends.

Visitation will be Friday, October 28, 2022 from 7 PM at Assemblies of God Bible Institute, 11 Division Avenue, Nyack, NY. Her burial will take place on Saturday morning at Mount Repose Cemetery, Haverstraw, NY at 10 AM.

Joan Marjorie Braca (nee Sinanis) passed away peacefully on October 24^th, 2022. She was born in Inwood, NY on Jan 30^th, 1929.  Joan was predeceased by her Mother and Father, her brothers Bill and Bob and her husband Ray of 50 years.   She is survived by her son Greg, daughter Christina , daughter-in-law Tina, 6 grandchildren ( Kevin, Christopher, Amanda, Kayla, Marisa and Jenna ) and 5 great grandchildren ( Amina, Emmy, Malcolm, Audrey, and Gregory ) 

Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma, she was the most kind, patient and loving person in the family and we are all blessed to have had so many great years and memories with her.  She was born in a different generation where values, toughness, integrity and family meant everything.   She taught us all so much and will always be with us. 

Visitation is Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Augustine’s RC Church, New City, NY with interment to follow at Loescher Veterans Cemetery, New Hempstead, NY.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Humane society

Bernadette Anne O’Donnell (nee McGarry), 85, of Tappan, NY for over 50 years, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.  Bernadette was born in Rathowen, Ireland, the youngest of eight children.  She loved her country home and lifelong friends and family.  Bernadette graduated from University College Dublin and became an English and French High School teacher.  In addition to teaching, she spent time with her own sisters and their fellow nuns of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny in Ferbane, Co. Offaly.

While a teacher, she met her beloved husband, John Joseph.  After an international courtship, they were married in St Mary’s Church in Rathowen on July 1, 1967 and made New York City their home before moving to Tappan.

Bernadette was a kind, caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and dear friend.  She was happiest and at her best when caring for others, quick with a kind word and a helping hand.  No matter the situation, she was always putting others before herself.  She will be fondly remembered for her soft smile, kind spirit and wonderful meals.  The mashed potatoes were perfect, and you couldn’t say no to her Irish scones or another slice of her apple pie. If you were a friend of the O’Donnell family, you were family to Bernadette, and always welcome. 

A devout Catholic, Bernadette went to mass daily, prayed the rosary, and offered up her day in prayer.  She made many special friends at daily mass, who shared in each other’s joy and helped in times of need.  She was especially at home at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish. 

Bernadette was predeceased by her husband John and her cherished son, John (Kathleen). She was the devoted mother of Maryclare Ouderkirk (John) of Blauvelt, NY and Neil O’Donnell (Meghan) of Rye, NY.  Proud grandmother of John (J.J.), Johnny, Liam, Sean, Devon, Timothy and Ryann. Dearest sister of Philomena Rooney and the late Maureen, Peggy, Mel, Patrick, Eamon and Michael McGarry.  She is also survived by her loving sisters-in-law, Bridget and Catherine. Bernadette delighted in time spent with her beloved extended family the Cassanos, McGowans, McGarrys and Rooneys. 

Visiting hours are Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 120 Kings, Highway, Tappan, NY with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernadette’s memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org.

Paul Albert Moncalieri, 80, of Bergenfield, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Beloved husband of Princene (nee Aita). Loving father of Paul and wife Donna and Timothy. Proud grandfather of Jenna, Haley, Ashley and Dawson. Dearest brother of Janet. Also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Paul was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired from the Englewood Fire Department where he served for over 25 years. Paul lived life to the fullest and will be remembered as a fine, generous and fun man and a great Elvis impersonator.

Visiting hours are Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 1-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joseph Capria Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on October 4, 2022 at the age of 89 years . Born in Newark, NJ on July 9, 1933, Joe lived most of his life in Clifton and in Old Tappan, NJ.
Joe attended Clifton High School and later Seton Hall University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. Joe then proudly served in the US Army where he was stationed with the 2nd Medium Tank Battalion, 3rd Armored Division at Ayers Kaserne as part of the US Army’s Occupation Force in Kirch Goens, West Germany.
Upon returning from military service, Joe continued his education and began teaching science, first at Clifton High School and then at the Sayreville Middle School and Sayreville War Memorial High School. After a distinguished career that spanned over 35 years Joe retired in 1996.

Joe was then able to fully indulge his love of travel, participation in clubs such as the Old Tappan & Rivervale Seniors, Sons of Italy, Canal Society and other organizations, while socializing with his beloved wife Gloria. An avid country music fan, Joe would always have “Hank” playing in the background. Joe and Gloria extensively travelled throughout the country and the world on numerous trips. If the couple was not away on a trip, you could find them off here or there in Joe’s prized Corvette. As a couple, Joe and his wife were involved with numerous community services and activities such as feeding the needy or participating in town committees. They were also highly involved with their church, St. Pius X.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Anne and his son Joseph III. Joe is survived by his loving wife Gloria, his daughters Donna and her husband Ken of Washington Township, NJ, Linda and her husband Jim of Marlboro, NJ, and Michelle and her husband Ed of Cedar Grove, NJ. Joe was especially proud of his five grandchildren Alexis (Nicholas), James (Jacqueline), Jaclynn, Nicole and Ryan and their significant others Joseph and Allie.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan, NJ with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations can be made in Joe’s name to American Heart Association.

Vincent R. Forma, 79, of Chestnut Ridge, NY, formerly of Old Tappan, NJ and Brooklyn, NY, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Arlene (nee Bonanno). Loving father of Vincent G. Forma and his wife Kathleen of Harrington Park, NJ and Robyn Armao and her husband Anthony of Park Ridge, NJ. Proud grandfather of Charlotte, Annaliese, Gabriella and Vincent M. Dearest brother of John, Richard Formichelli, Barbara Monaco and the late Philip and MaryAnn.

Vince began his career in the 60’s as a Principal of Forma Securities. He later worked for many years in the mortgage industry where he established himself as a reliable business partner and expert in his field. He was always active, loved playing softball in the Old Tappan Men’s League, bowling and going to the gym. He was also a diehard Yankees fan. A beloved uncle to fourteen nieces and nephews, he was famous for his meatballs and always ready with a joke. Vinny’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10 AM with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

Those who wish may make a donation in Vincent’s memory to the Michael J. Fox foundation www.michaeljfox.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Bendul, Thomas Richard Jr., age 81, of Northvale, formerly of Emerson, passed away on September 24, 2022. He was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, the only child of Thomas Richard Bendul Sr. and Francis Bendul (née Daly). His Aunt Kathryne “Kitty” Weiner was also a second mother to him. Thomas was surrounded by family until his passing.

He met his beloved wife of 54 years, the late Patricia Bendul (née O’Brien), at Shady Lake in West Milford, NJ, 70 years ago. They married in 1962 and started their family in Emerson, NJ.

Devoted father of Scott Bendul and his wife Christine, Keith Bendul and his wife Kathleen, Mark Bendul and his wife Jeeyoun, Glenn Bendul and his wife Esther, Kristine Bendul, Denise Bendul, and the late Michele Bendul. Cherished grandfather of Kimberly and her husband Andy, Erin, Michael, Kayla, Daniel, Yehna, and Geena. Great-grandfather of Charlotte. Cherished cousin of John Rogers and Barbara McGuire and brother-in-law to Beatrice O’Brien and Eileen Patterson. 

A true family man, Thomas was deeply involved with his children and grandchildren, be it bicycle racing, motorcycle riding, sporting events or dancing—Thomas was always there with Patricia. Beyond his own children, Thomas served as a father figure to many, including his grandchildren, family friends, and extended family.

He was also a Life Member of Emerson Volunteer Fire Department. During his tenure with the fire department, he was instrumental in running various events— a true testament to his love of community. Having adopted 4 children from Korea, Thomas and Patricia represented a deeply-woven social fabric that inspired their strong sense of belonging both in their family and their community.

Tom, who was known to have the gift of gab, will be remembered as always telling jokes. He was able to make friends everywhere he went, and his kind and social character is what made him a father figure to those around him.

Since Patricia’s passing six years ago, all Thomas wanted was to be with her again. They are now dancing together again in heaven with their daughter, Michele.

Following his wishes, the family will hold a private cremation on September 27th, 2022, followed by a celebration of life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care in Elizabeth, NJ, where Tom was cared for during his final days, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Nicholas Spadaccini, Sr., 87, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Frances (nee Soldano). Cherished father of John and his wife Lisa of West Nyack, NY, Denise Lampone and her husband James of Orangeburg, NY and Nicholas Jr. and his wife Rene of Pearl River, NY. Proud grandfather of John and wife Cindy, Jennifer and husband John, Nicholas and wife Maria, Deanna and husband Tim, Gregory and Chrissy, James, Christopher and wife Kelli, Joseph and wife Jessica and Thomas. Adored great-grandfather of Sophia, Liana, Johnny, Adriana, Julianna, Vincent, Joseph, Anthony, Brielle and Madelyn. Dearest brother of the late Isabella Bagnaturo and Marie Swain.

Nick was a marble setter and retired from Local 4, NY, NY after 40 years of service.  He was an active member of Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176, Blauvelt, NY since 1968.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 9:30 AM with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.  Visiting hours are Friday, September 16, 2022 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Gaetano DeVincenzo, “Guy”, 75, of Tappan, NY, passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Born in Italy to the late Vito and Angelina DeVincenzo, he was predeceased by his sister, Francesca Pio and brother, Vincent DeVincenzo.

Guy is survived by his beloved wife, Doreen (nee Ruggiero); his cherished children, Marc and Angela and her husband Jeff Mayer. Proud grandfather of his “Best Buddy”, Luca. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and friends.

Guy owned Shearling Selection, an outerwear company in the garment district of NYC for many years. After retiring, he became Deputy Commissioner of the Environmental and Engineering Department for the Town of Orangetown for 10 years. He was a man of impeccable style, was highly respected by all who knew him and was successful at anything he put his mind to. He was also co-owner of Il Calcio Restaurant in Harrington Park, NJ and was instrumental in bringing soccer to the United States, especially starting the famous Cosmos soccer team. He loved his community and gave back in so many ways, as a coach, Community President of the Orangetown South Central School System and always advocated for student rights.

Above all, Guy adored his family as they did him. He will be dearly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com