Karen Elizabeth Folk, 72, of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Capistrano Beach, California, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.  Beloved sister of Jeanne Weinberger.  Loving aunt of Michael Hendrickson and wife Morena Candida.  She was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Lorraine (nee Kaufer), and her sisters Lorraine Hendrickson and her husband Carl and Virginia Folk.

Karen lived in Capistrano Beach, California for over 30 years before moving to Old Tappan, NJ.  She worked as a project manager in communications for many years.  Karen enjoyed traveling, long walks outdoors and animals.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be private.

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Ruth M. Giarratano (nee Crahan), 87, of Tappan, NY, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Edward. Devoted mother of Diane Walker and husband Jeff, Linda Moffitt and husband Dan and Donna McManus and husband Brian. Proud grandmother of CJ, Bobby, Brian, Emily, Tommy, Kristin and Abbey. Dear sister of the late Lawrence and Joyce Crahan.

Ruth grew up in the Bronx, where she lived next door to her future husband.  They settled in Tappan, NY and shared a life of love for more than 60 years.  After raising her 3 daughters, she resumed her career, working as an administrative assistant for several local businesses. 

She loved hosting family and holiday celebrations and made the best eggplant parmigiana.

She enjoyed playing cards, watching game shows and participating in the Jeopardy and bingo events at her assisted living home.  She was an avid NY Yankees fan.

Her greatest joy was being “Nana G” to her seven grandchildren, and she spent countless hours caring for them.  She had a wonderful sense of humor which she kept throughout the challenges she faced these last few months.  She will be deeply missed.

Visiting hours are Friday, March 13, 2026 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

Donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to Montefiore Nyack Foundation, Nyack, NY. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Hee Won Hong, 90, of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Norwood, NJ, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Sung Chu Hong. Cherished mother of Haerhim An, Jung Eun Hong and the late Jung Ki Hong. Proud grandmother of Rachel An, David An, Samuel An, Philip Han, Peter Han and Daniel Hong. Dear sister of Heesik Park and Moonja Park.

A Funeral Service will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM. There will also be a service on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10 AM and then final prayers at Cedar Lawn Crematory at 11:30 AM.

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Dominick J. D’Alisera, 47, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Beloved husband of Lindsay (nee Arouesty). Proud father of his two year old son Jack. Loving son of Patricia and the late Dominick.  Dear brother of Frank and wife Megan, Nicholas and wife Jeannine and Vincent and wife Danielle. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Dominick’s life was dedicated to community service. He was a police dispatcher for the towns of Piermont, Haverstraw, Spring Valley and most recently, Ramapo. He was a life member of Volunteer Hose Co. No. 2 in West Haverstraw as well as life member of the Haverstraw Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Dominick was a member of the Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176 in Blauvelt.

Visiting hours are Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 1-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dominick’s memory to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org, would be greatly appreciated.

Mary J. Ernst (nee Piombino), 86, of Norwood, NJ since 1968, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 surrounded by her family. She is the adored daughter of the late Joseph and Carmela Piombino. Beloved wife of Robert W. Ernst. Loving mother of Marie Rowe and husband Kevin, Robert Ernst and wife Laura, Joseph G. Ernst and wife Donna and the late Joanne Murtha and her husband Tim. Proud grandmother of Rebecca and husband Dave, Nicole, Evan, Alex, Derek, Brian, Kaitlyn, Justin, Kaylie and Brendan. Cherished “GiGi” of Logan, Trevor, Austin and Cole. Dearest sister of Anna Haytas, and the late Antoinette Calabrese, Jean Piombino and Jerry Piombino. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Carol Thrunk and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Mary worked at the American Can Company in Jersey City where she met her future husband Bob. They moved to Norwood where they raised their family and made many long-lasting friendships that they treasure to this day. Mary’s greatest joy was her family and being a part of all the family gatherings. She will be forever missed.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend and always enjoyed cooking delicious Italian meals for them. In her youth, she enjoyed the beach, reading, horseback riding and spending time with her older siblings.

The family will gather at Immaculate Conception RC Church, 211 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 10 AM with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Hospital, www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

June 13, 1934 – February 26, 2026

Francine Elizabeth Ferrara (née Tozzi), of Old Tappan, peacefully passed away amongst her loving family on February 26, 2026. Francine was born in June of 1934 in the Bronx, New York. 

Growing up in the Bronx, Francine attended school and enjoyed playing with her friends in the neighborhood. She was like a second mother to her younger sister, Joan, and the two shared a special bond throughout their lives. 

Francine went on to attend Hunter College on a full scholarship where she received a degree in teaching. Upon graduation, she began her career as an elementary school teacher in Westchester County.

She met the love of her life, Eugene Vincent Ferrara  in the 1950s. They wed in April of 1961 and lived in Yonkers, NY. In 1963, Francine and Eugene settled down in Dumont, NJ to start their family. They raised three children – Vincent, Lisa and Eugene – in a loving and caring three-generation home, as her husband’s parents and her mother also resided there.

A devoted mother, she put her career on hold to raise her children. Once her kids got a bit older, she returned to teaching and worked in the Dumont school system. Thanks to Francine and Eugene’s nurturing and guidance, all three children went on to successful careers and grew families of their own. Throughout their long-lasting marriage, Francine was a supportive partner to Eugene and his endeavors as he started his own engineering firm – JMA Consultants – where she worked after her retirement from teaching. The business is family-run to this day (by their son Eugene, and grandsons Nicholas and Christopher). 

After 30-plus years in Dumont, Francine and Eugene moved into a new multi-family home in Old Tappan, NJ that Eugene designed and built in 1997. She shared the home with her devoted son, Vincent, his wife, Elizabeth, and their children; becoming the second three-generation home Francine tended to. Later in life, Vincent and Elizabeth both provided a great deal of care to Francine and were always there for her. 

Over the years, their home would become the spot for countless holiday celebrations, birthdays, family reunions, cherished meals and traditions – especially her family assembling in Francine’s kitchen for bagels after Sunday mass at St. Pius X in Old Tappan. 

Throughout her entire life, she held her family most near and dear to her heart; but she also was proud to make many friends along her life’s journey. Her family and friends would describe her as loving, generous, attentive and witty.

In her adult life, Francine enjoyed spending time with her friends and family at her house in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. She was also an avid explorer, as she sailed aboard many Royal Caribbean cruises alongside her children and grandchildren. While at home in New Jersey, she was a fixture at the 10am Sunday mass at St. Pius X. She loved to read out on her deck and by the pool – as she always loved having her grandchildren and their friends over for a swim. During her long life, Francine established several longstanding Ferrara family traditions that will continue to be passed down, such as the annual gathering in Grandma’s kitchen for the preparation of the season’s Christmas cookies and struffoli. 

Francine was predeceased by her dearest husband of 37 years, Eugene Ferrara. She is survived by her beloved children; Vincent and his wife Elizabeth, Lisa Guzzo and her husband Joseph, and Eugene and his wife Maria; her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Nicholas and his wife Katherine, Christopher and his fiancé Ryan, Gabriella and her husband Nicholas, Michael, Rachel, Regina and Thomas; and her great grandchildren, Bethany, Vincent and Anthony, whom she loved very much and lit up her smile and brought her much joy in the latter stages of her life. Francine will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visiting hours are Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11 AM at St. Pius X RC Church, 268 Old Tappan Rd, Old Tappan, NJ with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

Donations in Francine’s memory to St. Pius X Church, 268 Old Tappan Rd, Old Tappan, NJ 07675, www.spxot.org or Blythedale Children’s Hospital, 95 Bradhurst Ave, Valhalla, NY 10595, www.blythedale.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Margaret Leslie Cooke (nee Brown), 84, of Old Tappan, NJ (formerly of Northvale, NJ) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 surrounded by her family.  Leslie will be remembered for her upbeat, fun-loving personality and her deep devotion to her family.

Leslie was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1941 to the late George and Margaret Brown (nee Crowley).  Leslie was raised in Teaneck, NJ and loved her years there forming many lifelong friendships.

Leslie married her late husband Daniel Cooke in 1960.  They moved to Northvale where they raised their five children, Daniel (Susan), Brian (Maryrose), Michael (Kimberly), Donna (Andrew) and James.  She had an especially close relationship with her brother in law and sister in law, Charles and Christine Cooke as well as her nieces, Wendy (John) and Debbie (Bart). Through the years in Northvale, Leslie was active in the St Anthony’s school, rosary society, taught CCD and was a former member of the Northvale Ambulance Corp.  It was at St Anthony’s where Leslie & Danny formed their wonderful circle of friends, Bill & Mary McGurn, Jack & Madeline Simons, Fred & Rosemarie DePhillips, Russ & Pat Kennedy, Jules & Jean Loh, Al & Marion Paolillo and Al & Jackie Amend otherwise known as “The Idle Wild Gang”.  They enjoyed many dinners, beach days, vacations and celebrating all their kids milestones.

Leslie was a talented musician and served as the organist at St Anthony’s Church for over 50 years until her retirement in 2019. Many of those years as a volunteer before she was hired on full time as the Music/Choir Director and also served as the Director of Religious Education for many years.  Leslie played for almost every mass, wedding and funeral for all those years. Leslie also worked as a secretary for many years at Pyrometer in Northvale and later at Hanleigh in Pearl River.

Leslie adored her nine grandchildren, Anthony, Thomas (Chrissy), Katie, Shannon, Lauren, Brian (Ali), Sean (Maura), Erik (Nicole) and Emily and one adorable great-grandson, Declan.  She also leaves behind many other nieces, nephews and extended family.

A wake will be held on Friday, February 27th from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be held at St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 199 Walnut St, Northvale, NJon Saturday, February 28th at 10:00am. Leslie will be buried beside her husband, Danny, at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to St Jude Children’s Hospital or the Northvale Ambulance Corp.

Vincent “The Tailor” Squillace, 87, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026.  Beloved husband of Carolina (nee Cordileone).  Loving father of Donna Arencibia and her husband Luis and Lisa Semenick and her husband Alex.  Caring grandfather of Nicholas, Luis, Mia, Zachary and Sonny.  Proud brother of Nino, Carmella and Mimmo and the late Gregorio, Maria, Francesco. He was loved by many nieces and nephews. 

Vincent was born in Calabria, Italy before immigrating to the United States of America.  He began his career as a business owner and tailor in Englewood Cliffs, NJ before owning and operating Vincent’s Custom Tailor and Tuxedo in Closter, NJ for over 25 years.  He was also a proud member of the Italian American Societies and an active parishioner of St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ.  Above all, he loved his family.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 4-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ.  Entombment will follow at Madonna Cemetery and Mausoleum, Fort Lee, NJ.

Donations in Vincent’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

PLEASE NOTE SERVICE TIMES HAVE CHANGED AGAIN.

September 3, 1938 – February 19, 2026

Larry J. Grassi, 87, of Norwood, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on February 19th, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. Larry will be remembered for his kindness, patience, and his unwavering habit of putting others before himself.

Born in Harlem, New York, in 1938 to Angelina Mancuso and Joseph Grassi, Larry moved to Norwood with his family in 1944 to join their relatives, the D’Ercoles. He enjoyed a happy childhood spending time playing on the farm alongside his cousins and 12 siblings. Even in his final days, Larry was still reciting his brothers’ and sisters’ names all in birth order:

• Lucille Zangara (Ziggy)
• Frank Grassi
• Joseph Grassi (Sandy nee Piana)
• Sally Ann Koza
• Anna Marie Grassi
• Camille Reid (Archie)
• Maria Coppola (John)
• Geraldine Devlin (Ronnie)
• Jeannie Catapano (Lenny)
• Natalie Coppola (Mary Lou)
• Angela Warren (John)
• Diana Grossman (Glenn)

In early adulthood, Larry spent a number of years living at sea on oceanographic research vessels. He travelled the world to places like Japan, Hawaii, and Spain; he transited the Panama Canal numerous times and climbed the famous 12,389-foot Mount Fuji.

After returning to Bergen County, Larry married Elaine Rourke (d. 1989), and in Norwood raised three sons – Lawrence, Stephen and Michael. Larry was a mainstay of the community, serving as an officer and life member of the Norwood Ambulance Corp. He was one of the founding coaches of the Norwood youth soccer program and was a Scout leader for years. He owned fuel and service stations in Norwood and Closter, where he was known for providing 24-hour towing with his 1947 GMC tow truck—often charging friends little to nothing for the help.  Larry, Elaine and the boys were members of Immaculate Conception Church.

Larry later worked for the Northern Valley Regional and Norwood Public School districts, eventually retiring as a maintenance supervisor. Even in retirement, he stayed active as a crossing guard at Blanch Ave and Summit St, where he made it a point to know every child by name. He enjoyed great times with friends at his weekly poker and bocce games, and was lucky enough to find a great group of men who shared his unapologetic culinary taste, becoming a member the “Chicken Liver Lover’s” club.

For the last 20 years, Larry shared his life and experiences with his companion, Patricia Jackson. Together they enjoyed gardening, trips to Atlantic City, cruises and spending time with friends.

Larry is survived by his three sons, three daughters-in-law and ten grandchildren:

• Lawrence Grassi and wife Karen Latimer of Ridgewood; children Madelyn, Serena, Lorelei, Charles, and Shane.
• Stephen Grassi and wife Lyzzette (nee Jugo) of Norwood; children James and Daniel.
• Michael Grassi and wife Tracy (nee Anastasi) of Harrington Park; children Noelle, Alyssa, and Mikey.

Affectionately known as Pop Pop by his grandchildren, his unconditional love will stay with them always. His root beer floats, anecdotes and his making of spontaneous gourmet breakfasts will be forever missed.    

This wonderful man leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility and generosity.

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Service Information HAS CHANGED

• Visitation is Tuesday, February 24 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ
• Funeral Mass Wednesday, February 25 at 10AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood, NJ
• Interment Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Norwood Volunteer Ambulance Corp, P.O. Box 8, Norwood, NJ 07648, or

Safe Routes to School https://saferoutespartnership.org/

Peggy N. Douvres, of Norwood, passed away on February 10, 2026, a month after her 99th birthday. Peggy will be remembered for her unwavering strength, kindness, and deep devotion to her family.

She was born in Las Animas, Colorado, in 1927 to Louise and Ed Nicklos, the daughter of a true American cowboy. Her Dad, Ed, was a farmer and rancher and she spent her early years living on the ranch. The Colorado cowboy culture was deeply ingrained in her, and she proudly carried the resilience of her western roots with her throughout her life. She forged her own path at a time when such independence was uncommon, attending the University of Colorado Boulder, where she majored in Voice and Violin, pursuing her love of music while carving out a life defined by determination, hard work, and courage. She taught high school music in Arvada, Colorado,  Alamogordo, New Mexico, where she met her husband, who was stationed in the Air Force, and then Port Jefferson, New York.

She married Nicholas Douvres, the love of her life, at the Greek Cathedral in New York in 1966 and they moved to Norwood, NJ, where they grew their family with the birth of their daughter, Amanda.

Peggy continued her teaching career in Wyckoff, New Jersey until she retired to be a full-time grandma. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Norwood, where she served on the Session, the Board of Deacons, sang in the choir and taught the children’s choir. She loved music, crossword puzzles, Siamese cats and chocolate.

Peggy was predeceased by her husband Nick and her sisters Kathryn and Rita. She is survived by her daughter Amanda Groenendaal and husband, Cris, her granddaughters, Melanie and Jess, who were the loves of their grandma’s life, her nephew, Ted Beatie and niece, Kathy Emanuilidis.

Visiting hours are Saturday, February 28th, from 10:00-11:00  at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale with a funeral service at 11:00 and internment to follow at  Westwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.