Irma Ursula Schmuck, nee Dreger, passed away on Monday, August 19th, after a lengthy illness, at age 96.

Beloved wife, mother of two, friend of many, Irma’s life spanned continents, and nearly a century. Born on June 22, 1928, in the free state of Danzig, now Gdansk, Poland, Irma lived a happy life with her family. Under the threats of war they fled their home to relative safety in western Germany and then, resolved to seek a new life in New York following the end of the war.

She met her husband Edward Schmuck at work on Wall Street. They married in 1954 and moved to Northvale, New Jersey in 1957.

Irma, a homemaker, with her beautiful bright blue eyes, created a warm, loving and supportive environment for her family, extended family, neighbors and friends. She maintained a beautiful home and filled it with love.  One of her biggest joys was having the whole extended family for meals, especially for holidays.  She found happiness in making others happy and no place did that show more than around her table. No one walked away hungry; rather, after having seconds, thirds plus her homemade desserts, they walked away too full! The family holiday photos show Irma with a big smile, reflecting the joy she received from serving her family.  

Perhaps her biggest joy came when she became an Omi.  She considered it a blessing to be able to help care for her grandchildren whenever she could.

After the busy years of raising her family, her service extended to her friends and community. She was an active member of the women’s group, the quilting group and the soup kitchen staff of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she was appreciated in fellowship for her good cheer, kindness, and, of course, her delicious baking. She also became the friend who “could still drive”, helping many to run errands, get to church and various appointments.

She is survived by her sons, Ed (Alexandra) Curtis of Harrington Park, NJ, and Ron (Lisa) Curtis of Dunwoody, Georgia; her five grandchildren, Peter (Catherine), Jessica, Misty, Emma, and Max; and one greatgrandchild, Cora. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ed, her parents, Emma and Reinhold Dreger, and treasured siblings Kurt, Christel and Ida.

Funeral arrangements are through the Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Closter, NJ on Thursday, August 29^th at 11 am with a graveside service immediately following at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkhill, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the American Red Cross or Emory Integrated Memory Care in Atlanta, GA.

Gail D. Kovacs-Felici, 72, of Emerson, NJ, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024. Beloved wife of Kevin A. Felici. Cherished sister of Michael Kovacs and Barbara Phillips and her husband Kenneth. Loving step-mother of Kevin Felici, Jr. and his wife Brandy and John Felici and his wife Kim and step-grandmother of Joshua, Katlynn, Harli and Jordyn. She is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

Gail graduated with a Master’s Degree in Accounting Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She most recently had been working at Lakota Summer Camp in Wurtsboro, NY. 

Gail loved to give back to her community and was an active member of the NJ State Federation of Women’s Clubs, where she was past treasurer. She was a Registered Parliamentarian, a 4-time descendent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, treasurer of the Emerson Senior Center, past president of the Emerson Women’s Club and was part of the Lead East Car Show for over 20 years. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory to the NJ State Federation of Women’s Clubs, www.njsfwc.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

James P. Barry, a Washington Township, NJ resident, was peacefully called home to Heaven on August 7, 2024. Born the eldest child of Rita (nee Corcoran) and James J. Barry in the Bronx, NY in 1954, and later moved to Bergen County N.J.

A dedicated educator, James earned his B.S. from William Paterson College and his M.S.Ed. along with multiple advanced degrees and certifications in psychology and counseling, from Fordham University. Answering God’s call to the religious vocation he felt as a young man, James pledged his life as a Tertiary to become a lay member of a Catholic Third Order.

All who knew James will remember him for his unwavering devotion to his family, his church, his students, and elderly patients in his spiritual care. He was cherished for his quick-witted humor, impeccable memory, and his delightful enthusiasm for traveling the world.

James began his teaching career at The Epiphany Catholic School in Cliffside Park, NJ, and later returned as the school principal until its closure in 2004. As a trained psychologist, he served as a guidance counselor to the students at Immaculate Heart Academy High School in Washington Township, NJ. For the past 20 years, he served as an Educator and Spiritual Counselor at PeaceCare St. Ann’s and St. Joseph’s in Jersey City, where he was often the last person to hold their hands and pray with the young and elderly patients he loved.

James was predeceased by his parents, Rita and James, and his beloved little sister, Eileen Frances. He is survived by his sister, Rita Barry-Corke, her husband Mark Corke, and nephew Sam; his brother, Wayne Barry, his wife Regina Barry, and niece Danielle Eileen. He is also survived by many cherished cousins.

Funeral services have been arranged at Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ.  Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 688 Ridgewood Road in Washington Township, Bergen County on Tuesday, August 27 at 11:00 am. In remembrance of James, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Catherine Marie Adams (nee Sparta), 65, of Elkton, MD, formerly of Cliifside Park, NJ and Norwood, NJ, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Brian R. Adams. Loving sister of Peter Sparta and wife Rose, Scott Stern, Donna Lanza and husband Thomas and Mildred Boles and husband Brian. Dear sister-in-law of John Adams and wife Janet and Jennifer Crawford and husband Derrick. Cherished aunt of Chris, Kerri, Nathan, Hailey, Austin, Justine, Jillian, Kevin, Deryk, Amiya and “her girls”, Gianna, Dylan and Gabby. Catherine is also survived by her beloved dog, Oliver.

Family and frineds will be received on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 3-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Catherine (Cathy) Comer passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024 in Yardley, PA at the age of 80. 

Cathy’s radiant smile and beautiful personality were contagious, and she embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, unwavering loyalty to her family and friends, and an unending generosity to everyone around her.  She treated everyone like family and always put everyone else’s well-being before her own. 

Cathy was the beloved wife of the late Wayne Comer and dear sister of the late Vincent Forcina.  She is also predeceased by her parents, John and Julia Forcina.  Cathy is survived by her loving daughter, Lauren and son-in-law, Derek.  She is also survived by her grandsons, Christopher and Jack, her two favorite little buddies of whom she was very proud.    

Cathy left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless happy memories that will live on in each of us, and she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. 

A special thank you to all of the staff and care partners at Artis Senior Living of Yardley for the endless love, respect, and tender care they provided Cathy over the last two years. 

Visiting hours are Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 10 – 11:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to research a cure for Dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

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Carole M. Finning (nee Schultz), 88, of Tappan, NY, passed away at home on Sunday, August 11, 2024.  Beloved wife of the late Robert R. Finning.  Cherished mother of Peter and wife Peggy of Rockville Centre, NY, Robert of Randolph, NJ and Richard and wife Wendy of Orangeburg, NY. Adored grandmother of Skyler and husband Adrian, Patrick, Daniel, Kevin and Jeffrey. Dearest sister of Cynthia Morici and husband Joseph.

Carole was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She worked as an administrative assistant for Tappan Wire Company, as well as the South Orangetown Central School District.  She was a loyal parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan, and a member of the Altar Rosary Society.

Visiting hours are Friday, August 16, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery. Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carole’s memory to the charity of one’s choice would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Lidia Acosta, age 103, of New York City, passed away on Friday, August 9. 2024. Lidia was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States when she was 62 years old.

She was the beloved mother of Adalgisa Acosta and her husband Juan Mejia, Marianela Diplan and Carmen Alvarez and her husband Claudio Alvarez. She was the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Lidia loved to dance and was an amazing cook. She was a devout Catholic, never missed Mass and faithfully prayed every night. Lidia was very astute, observant and sharp. She was a very lively spirit – full of joy, wise, understanding and always quick with a joke. She loved to play bingo, too.

Lidia was the glue of the Acosta family, a unifier and mediator and she will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan at 1 PM. Interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Juvenal Lawrence Marchisio, 83, a devoted family man and admired community leader, passed away peacefully at his home in Franklin Lakes, NJ, on Friday, August 9, 2024. Beloved husband of Adele (nee Cartledge). Cherished father of Juvenal and wife Dayana, and Christina Kent and husband Steven. Proud and loving grandfather of Christian, Brooke, Charlotte, and Matthew. Dearest brother of Rosina Mo and husband Vito, and Margaret Romairone and husband Carlo. 

Juvenal was a distinguished attorney and partner at Monaghan, Monaghan, Lamb, and Marchisio, LLP in NYC, where he was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and the community. He proudly carried forward his family’s legacy, championing the progression and rich contributions of Italians in the United States. He subsequently held leadership positions at both the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the American Committee on Italian Migration (ACIM), the latter of which was founded by his late father, Juvenal P. Marchisio, shortly after World War II.  He also proudly shared the fact with those close to him that he received the designation of an Italian Count from the House of Savoy, Italy.

Juvenal was also very active in local organizations for his beloved town of Rockleigh. As Chairman of the Planning Board and Head of the Sewer Authority in Rockleigh, he was passionate about preserving the town’s integrity and unique natural beauty. In his personal life, Juvenal found joy in the simple pleasures of gardening, fishing, skiing, and cheering for his NY Giants. His love for the outdoors was evident in the many hours he spent at his treasured spot on Core Sound in North Carolina, where he delighted in boating, fishing, clamming, and scalloping.

Juvenal will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his charitable spirit, his devotion to his family and friends, and his fondness for the community and nature. The values he embodied will be remembered by all who crossed his path.

Visiting hours are Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 10 AM, with a graveside service to be held at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery, Flushing, NY at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Juvenal’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Kathleen Kenny (nee Rogers), of Margaretville, NY, peacefully passed away  on Thursday, August 8,2024 at the age of 92.  Kathleen has left this earth to join her beloved husband Tom and begin a new dance.

Kathleen leaves behind her loving daughter, Kathie and son-in-law, Scott Feeney. She was the proud grandmother of Catherine, Aidan and Danny all of Norwood, NJ. Kathleen was a loving and caring Aunt and friend to many.

Thank you to the Fox Trail Memory Care in Cresskill for your care, love and support with my Mom for the past two years and to Amediysis Hospice for their care and support.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ.

John Hughes Oakes Jr., born October 11, 1955, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, tragically passed away in the early evening of August 1, 2024. He leaves a legacy of kindness and devotion to his community. Growing up in Edison, John was a multi-sport athlete known for his athletic prowess, good looks, and overall good character. John attended JP Stevens High School, where he excelled in sports before continuing his basketball career at Montclair State University.

After college, John pursued a career as a professional billiards player, even competing several times at the World Open. During this time, he met Linda, his former wife, with whom he built a beautiful family, including their children John, Christine, and Lisa.

John naturally passed his athleticism to his children and became known as Coach. He coached town teams, travel teams, and AAU basketball, treating each player like his own child.

In later years, John moved to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where he spent the next 20 years. He cherished the friendships he made, enjoyed playing in various pool leagues, and enjoyed his walks through his community.

As a devout Christian, he never missed his Saturday 5:30 p.m. mass. He was a parishioner of Precious Blood of Christ in Pawleys Island and Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet. 

Many felt John’s generosity and love for others, and his physical presence will be deeply missed. However, he will continue to watch over his loved ones. 

As his high school coach once said, John had a gigantic heart.

John is predeceased by his parents, Effie and John. He is survived by his son John, daughters, Christine and Lisa, son-in-law Ryan and granddaughter Mila Adrianna Also survived by his former wife, Linda.

He played a significant role in rebuilding Every Child Counts – a nonprofit school for children with learning, development, or physical disabilities after Hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco, Bahamas. ECC was near and dear to John’s heart. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to this worthy cause at

www.everychildcountsabaco.org

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Helena RC Church, 950 Grove Ave, Edison, NJ. Burial will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia in, NJ.

The mass will be livestreamed through the St. Helena website.

A Memorial Service in South Carolina to celebrate John’s life is planned for a later date.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com