October 14, 1929-August 23,2021

Nicholas Langella, 91, formerly of Rockleigh, Northvale, and Old Tappan, passed away on August 23, 2021. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Julia (nee Volpe), his brother Sabatino and his sisters Roseanne and Lucille. He is survived by his sister Josephine, sons Frank and James, grandchildren Michelle and Nicholas, and great grandchildren Victoria and Julia.  As per his wishes, funeral services were private.

Nick was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran and received the honor of a Victory Medal.  He was stationed off the coast of Italy and in the U.S.  He received an honorable discharge in 1948 and settled into civilian life.

A hard worker his whole life, he was the VP of logistics at Holiday Fair, a handbag manufacturer in Jersey City.  Upon retirement, he purchased the former Gulf station in Norwood and was a fixture there for many years.  Many people knew they could rely on Nick to help out in any emergency.

Dedicated to public service, Nick served as a Councilman in Old Tappan and then Rockleigh for 18 years.  He served the Borough of Rockleigh in various capacities for 27 years.  He was a member of the Sewer Authority, volunteer fire department, Planning  Board, Council and ultimately Mayor.  He was proud to have been inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame for Volunteer Service.

In 2002, Nick was elected Mayor of Rockleigh as a write-in candidate at the age of 73.  He served 2 terms.  He remained an active member of the Northern Valley Mayors’ Association for many years, often reaching across the aisle to promote cooperation and shared services among the towns.

The residents of Spectrum for Living held a special place in Nick’s heart.  He played a key role in establishing the Rockleigh location and it was one of his proudest achievements.

He earned the nickname “Saint Nick” as he was Santa for decades to the children of Rockleigh and the residents of Spectrum.  He used to arrive at the Borough Hall for the town Holiday party on a horse drawn antique fire carriage dressed as Santa to the delight of children and adults alike.  He played Santa for the Spectrum residents for the final time at the age of 90 years old.

Those who wish to honor Nick may make a donation in his memory to www.spectrumforliving.org.

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Joseph Shamoun, 86, of Tenafly, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Beloved husband of Mary. Proud father of Kathy Shamoun, Lena Shamoun and Daniel Shamoun. Cherished grandfather of Ronin and Bowie.  

If you were lucky enough to know this bright soul you were touched by his boundless heart. Joseph knew how to love. He loved people –all people. He cared deeply for friends, his employees, people he never met – distant relatives of friends, anyone struggling under oppression. He loved life and nature and making things grow with his tender attention. He arrived to America in 1967 and grew a business, never compromising his old-world quality in his craft. With his kind nurturing he grew herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables in his garden sanctuary. He grew a family. He especially loved his family. He died peacefully in his home, knowing he was loved, with a hint of a smile on his face.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Mark’s Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, 55 W. Midland Ave., Paramus, NJ on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 10:30 AM.

Arrangements by Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJwww.pizzifuneralhome.com

Catherine Croce (nee Ricci), 93, of Norwood, passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021. Beloved of the late Peter Croce. Loving mother of John. Predeceased by eight brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be Friday, September 3, 2021 from 12 – 1 PM at Pizzi Funeral; Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A funeral service will be held at 1 PM at the funeral home with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Olga Jimenez passed away peacefully on Sunday August 29, 2021 at the age of 101 at 6:15 AM. Respected and revered by many as their “Abuela,” she remained devoted to the Holy Trinity and the Blessed Virgin Mary and hoped to rejoin her deceased husband, siblings and other loved ones.  Born on December 1, 1919, Olga was the first of 10 children of Felix de la Torre and Ofelia Nordelo, enjoying her childhood on their farm outside of Moron within the province of Camaguey, Cuba.  

As an adult, Olga and her husband, Juan Jimenez, left Castro’s Cuba in 1959 with their 14-year old daughter, Nancy. They resided in Manhattan, where Nancy soon met and later married her husband, James Patrick Towey, in 1964 at age 20.  After being widowed on June 9, 1970, Olga lived most of her remaining life within the growing family of her daughter and son-in-law.  That family ultimately included her three grandchildren; James Judge Towey, Michelle Lee Pizzi and her husband Robert, and John-Paul Towey and his wife Patricia, followed  by nine great-grandchildren; Tyler & Jaclyn Pizzi; Kyle, Brooke, Madison and Connor Towey, Taylor, Penelope and Dylan Towey.  Olga is also survived by many nieces and nephews all who she adored dearly.

Like Olga, her siblings also eventually left Castro’s Cuba to reside first in NYC before moving to NJ and then FL.   Olga is survived by two brothers, Rodolfo de la Torre and Esteban de la Torre, and predeceased by brothers, Felix de la Torre, Rolando de la Torre and Armando de la Torre, and sisters Aida Morales, Ofelia Dolores Gonzalez, Luz Marina Garcia and Zoila Fernandez.

Visiting hours are Friday, September 3, 2021 from 3-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10 AM at Our Lady Victories RC Church, Harrington Park, NJ with interment to follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, family & friends are asked to consider donating in Olga’s memory to Covenant House or any charity of their choice.     

Phyllis Lorraine Mockler, 86, of Elmwood Park, NJ, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Beloved daughter of the late Robert Mockler Sr. and Hazel Mockler (nee Zoller). Loving sister of Robert Mockler, Jr.(deceased) and wife Gisela Fisher Mockler, Richard Mockler (deceased), Arthur (deceased) and wife Janice Mockler, and Ronald and wife Barbara (deceased) Mockler. Cherished aunt of Todd Mockler (deceased), Jeffery Mockler (deceased), Tara Mockler Snow, Kristel-Lynn Mockler, Michelle Mockler and Robert Mockler.

Burial will be at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 1:30 PM.

Those who wish may make a donation in Phyllis’ memory to the charity of their choice.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Christopher J. DiStasio III recently passed at the age of 64.  Cherished son of Barbara Camhi & Christopher J. DiStasio Jr. Loving brother of Donna & Bill Meringer, Michelle & Anthony DiStasio & Diane Beckwermert. Grandson to the late: Anna & Joseph Palma, Mildred & Christopher J. DiStasio Sr. Dear nephew of Jackie & Eugene DiStasio, Debbie & Jimmy Mizeski & Ann Lee & Karl Dettloff. Beloved uncle to Peter D. Beckwermert, Emily Beckwermert ,  Lisa & Santiago Wer, William & Jackie Meringer, Cynthia Meringer, Anthony DiStasio Jr. & Richie Benites and great-uncle to 6, soon to be 7. Also survived by many loving cousins and dear friends.

Chris started playing golf at an early age, and won numerous tournaments.  Chris loved to advise other golfers on how to improve their game.  He was always happy and lived life to the fullest. Chris was a 3^rd Degree member of the St. Thomas More Council 2188 in Westwood.

Special thanks to the Carnazza family & Chris’ many friends for your prayers & support at this difficult time.

Mass will be held at:
St Joseph’s Catholic Church,
120 Hoboken Road,
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Saturday August 28, 2021 at 12:00 PM

Wake:
Knights of Columbus
40 Crest Street

Westwood, NJ
Tuesday August 31, 2021 from 7-9 PM

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Lilia E. Marrero (nee Lopez), 78, of Northvale, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021. Beloved wife of Tony. Cherished mother of Debra Swerdlow, Luis Marrero and wife Kristina and David Marrero and wife Jaime. Proud grandmother of Matthew, Kenny, Josh and Danny. Dearest sister of Luis Lopez and wife Luisa and Ruben Lopez and wife Aida.

Lilia was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. In addition to being a loving and dedicated grandmother, she loved gardening and reading a good book.  She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 26 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

Those who wish may make a donation in Lilia’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

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John Lawrence Ramsay of River Vale, NJ, entered into rest on August 19, 2021 at the age of 92. John was born February 7, 1929 in NYC to the late John and Helen Rowan Ramsay. He was the beloved husband of Leona Ramsay (predeceased) and Jane Ramsay of River Vale, NJ. He is survived by his step-son Karolis Laugalys, daughters Kathryn Occhipinti and husband John, Christine Ramsay, Judith Helmke and partner Walter Hedding, Jacqueline Johnson and husband Daniel, Maureen (Moe) Simes (predeceased) and husband Irwin, and twelve grandchildren and ten great grandchildren he adored and who lovingly called him ‘Poppy’. 

John is also survived by three brothers, Richard Ramsay and his fiancé Gail of Estero, FL, Gerard Ramsay and his wife Regina of Estero, FL, Lawrence Ramsay and his wife Kathy of Tinton Falls, NJ, his sister-in-law Linda Ramsay of Port Jervis, and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Kathryn Badecker, brother Robert Ramsay and brother William Ramsay.  

John retired from Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River, NY after 40 years of dedicated and celebrated service. He also dedicated 25 years of service to Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, NY where he enhanced his lifelong love of horses, and enjoyed some of his happiest days at his farm in upstate NY.  John is remembered as a beloved family man, friend and colleague, and he will be missed by all with whom he crossed paths in his near century long lifetime journey. 

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2021 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Aug 25, 2021 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Mercy RC Church, Park Ridge, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Thomas J. Fallon, of Palisades, NY, passed away at his home in the early morning of August 18, 2021, under the loving care of his family.

Tom was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1938, the eldest son of Thomas J. and Margaret Fallon of Rockwell House, Dromahair. Tom was always a lover of animals and a natural athlete. He was a jockey in his youth who rode at the famed Ballsbridge, Dublin, and he made the Leitrim County Gaelic Football team, playing in Croke Park Dublin during the All Ireland Championship of 1956, to the great pride of his hometown.

In 1957, he emigrated to New York. Tom proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning to America, he opened several pubs in the New York City area where both his hard-working personality, his infectiously joyful Irish accent, and his friendly charisma made him a success where ever he went. Tom always enjoyed keeping busy. Even after he retired, he never stopped moving, never stopped meeting new people, and he took pleasure in doing small acts of goodness for others.

Tom continued to be avid follower of sports, keeping tabs on the success of Irish athletes, and cheering on the successes of his own children and grandchildren.

But Tom’s greatest joy was always his family. He is survived by his adoring wife of 49 years, Bridget Fanning Fallon, and his three daughters: Angela Parrish and her husband Christian and their three children, Fallon, Quinn, and Rory, Caroline and her husband Nicklaus, and his youngest, Dawn. Tom is the beloved brother of Eamon Fallon, of Highland Falls, New York, and Vivian Fallon, of Palmerstown Dublin, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends across the world.

Tom Fallon was full of life and he will remain an unforgettable force to all who were blessed to know him. He was a man who had a kind word for everyone, and to meet Tom was to immediately become his friend. He is sorely missed already.

Visiting hours are Friday, August 20, 2021 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan, NY. The funeral mass will be live-streamed and can be viewed through the church’s website: www.olshtappan.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Margaret A. Fazzone (nee Parisi) 72, of Cresskill, NJ, formerly of Little Italy in NYC, where she was born and raised, passed away at home on Sunday, August 15, 2021.  Beloved wife of the late James J. Fazzone. Loving mother/grandmother and so proud of her children and grandchildren: Roni Fazzone, Bobbie Pennisi; Samantha, Stephanie, and Domenick Pennisi. Cherished daughter of Robert Parisi and the late Stella Parisi.

Real estate agent in Forest Hills,NY.   Loved to travel.  

A lady with impeccable taste in decor and fashion. Magic in the kitchen( God will ask her to make her gravy).  Quick witted with very funny humor. Fighter and Survivor. She was so beautiful and illuminating like a shooting star.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM with a funeral service to be held at 1PM. The wake and service can be viewed through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/margaret-fazzone-648079

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com