Joseph A. DiBlasio, 94, of Closter, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Beloved husband of Ida (nee Bongiovanni). Cherished father of Linda Hanlon and her husband William of Saddle Brook, Diane Amodio and Paul of Waretown and Karen Dooly of Westwood. Proud grandfather of Vincent, Danielle, Gianna, Ashley, Kevin, Kristopher and Keith and adored great-grandfather of Madison, Dorian, Fiona, Abigail and Brendon. Beloved son of Josephine and Salvatore Di Blasio.  Dear brother of Rose Lotterman and the late Frank, Victor, Anthony, Ralph, Salvatore, Jennie, Fina, Suggie, Alex, Edward and Sally.  He is also survived by sister-in-law Marie DiBlasio as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joe was a US Navy Veteran of WWII the youngest of eight brothers serving during the war. He was member of the Cresskill American Legion Post 21 and the Knights of Columbus Post 520.  He retired from the United States Postal Service after 38 years of dedicated service where he served as general manager of the New York International and Bulk Mail Center in Jersey City. He was honored by the Department of the Army with the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. The highest award given to a civilian for his personal commitment and actions providing outstanding support to the Department of the Army’s mission as the single Manager for Military Mail.  He then enjoyed being a ranger at the Bergen County Golf Course in Rockleigh for many years.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church, 20 Legion Place, Closter, NJ 07624. A gathering of family and friends will take place before the Mass from 10 to 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory to St. Mary’s Church would be greatly appreciated.

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Eileen Theresa Allen (nee Laffey) of Park Ridge, NJ, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Charles E. Allen. Devoted mother of Eileen McDermott and husband Paul of Norwood, James Allen and wife Linda of Howell Twp. and Robert Allen and wife Patricia of Norwood. Adored grandmother of Colleen (Nick), Paul (Kim), Meghan, Sean, Michael and Ryan. Cherished great-grandmother of Hunter, Rose, Danielle, Thomas and Michael.

Eileen worked at Callahan’s Jewelers in Closter for 22 years before retiring at the age of 90. Prior to that she was a production scheduler for Burroughs Corp. in Park Ridge for many years.

Visiting hours will be Monday, February 24, 2020 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Eileen’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

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Barbara Ann Piazza, daughter of the late Bill and Lila Campbell, passed away on February 19. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and brilliant heart.  Her intelligence, kindness, and gentle strength earned her a successful career in nursing and the respect of her colleagues.  She loved dancing, the colors teal and mauve, “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” dolphins, seashells, the beach, fishing, farmer’s markets, and just spending time with loved ones.  

Aside from countless cherished friends, Barbara is mourned by her husband John Piazza; daughter Brynn Beekman; daughter Kerry Heinrich and her husband Rich; step-son Brian Piazza; brother Bill Campbell and his wife Vicki, Bill’s daughter Heather and son Billy, and their families, and Vicki’s daughter Kristen and her husband John; sister-in-law Selena Piazza and her late husband Tom; in-laws John and Marie Piazza; aunt Nan Lombardo and her son Joseph; aunt Betty Woods and her late husband Joseph; late aunt Patty Van Hook and her late husband Richard; late aunt Regina Woods and her late husband Richard; cousin Lynne Kolb and her husband Steve, and their family; cousin John Woods; cousin Joseph Woods; cousin Frankie Woods; cousin Michael Woods and his wife Virgilia; cousin David Van Hook; cousin Cheryl Desruisseaux; cousin Mary Heisch; cousin Richard Corthell and his wife Sandy, and their family; dogs Sweetie and Sky, and Babe the cat.

She now joins her beloved sister Susan.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 24, 2020 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park, NJ. 

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           Catherine Marie Sprague, nee Green, of Norwood, died on February 18 in her home of 66 years surrounded by her family.  She was 91.

            Catherine was a humble servant of the Lord.  She devoted her life to her large family.  She was a loving and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She calmly managed the chaos of seven active children and a spirited German Shepherd.  Her gentle and selfless spirit will live on in those she loved.

            Catherine was born in the Bronx on July 17, 1928, to Frank H. and Catherine N. Green.    Catherine grew up in Dumont as the eldest of four children.   She graduated from St. Cecilia’s High School in Englewood where she met the love of her life, Allan W. Sprague of Haworth.  They married on November 11, 1950, and resided in Teaneck.  

            Catherine attended business school and worked at a bank in Manhattan.  In 1954, Caltherine and Al moved to Norwood where they raised their seven children.  They worked tirelessly raising money for the opening and operation of Immaculate Conception School in Norwood from which all their children graduated. Catherine found the time to volunteer  as a Girl Scout leader and  served as  president of the Rosary Altar Society of Immaculate Conception Church in Norwood.   Catherine was an avid bridge player, gardener, and enjoyed spending time on Long Beach Island with her family.  Catherine traveled extensively, including epic trips to Ireland, Israel, and Alaska.  

Catherine was predeceased by her parents, and by her husband (1997) and her daughter, Margaret Rose Sprague (1995).

Catherine is survived by her two brothers, Joseph F. Green of Toms River and Robert J. Green and his wife, Barbara, of San Diego.  She was predeceased by her sister, Catherine A. Green, a School Sister of Notre Dame, and her sister-in-law, Anne Green with whom she shared a friendship which began in high school.

Catherine is survived by six children:  Michael, and his wife, Julie, of Norwood; Stephen, and his wife, Margaret, of Roanoke, Virginia;  Judy Sprague of Jacksonville, Florida; Jerry, and his wife, Sally, of Cape Coral, Florida; Eileen Sprague of Norwood; and Mary Sprague of Norwood.

Catherine (Grandma Smirkems)  is survived by nine grandchildren:  Caitlin (Ryan) Stephenson, Karalin Sprague, Kelsi Sprague, Elizabeth (Leif) Wood, Deborah Sprague, Hannah Sprague, Sarah (Steven) Smith, Robert Hammer, and Christian (Jessica) Sprague.

Catherine ( GG)  is survived by eight great-grandchildren:  Zachary, Rya, Eowyn, Connor, Beatrice, Galilee, Bernadette, and Owen.  She is survived by 23 nieces and nephews.

Catherine also is survived by her devoted  and long time caretaker, Carole Meisse, whom she introduced as her “co-worker.”  The family thanks Catherine’s three daughters for their years of dedicated and loving care which allowed mom to remain in her home throughout her illness.  

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 21, 2020, from 4 – 8 p.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale.  A funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 211 Summit Street, Norwood, on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 10:00 am followed by burial at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkill, New York.  

            In lieu of flowers, Catherine’s family requests that you consider a donation to the School Sisters of Nortre Dame, Care For Senior Sisters, Development Office, 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897-3898.  A donation may be made on line at www.amssnd.org.

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Rina Romanelli, 95, of Dumont, NJ, formerly of Fresno, CA, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2020. Rina was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Mary Romanelli, her brothers, Pat Romanelli and Sam Romanelli and her sister Sara DeRosa. She was the beloved aunt of Maryanne Chiavelli and Bob and Debbie Romanelli as well as many other loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday 10 – 11:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:30 AM at funeral home with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

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Matthew G. Keefe, 52, of Park Ridge, NJ, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020. Matt was predeceased by his parents James and Jeanne and his brother Thomas. He is survived by his sister Jeanine of Tappan and brother James of CA. 

Matt spent most of his career working at Liberty Travel as a Voice Telecom Analyst from 2005-2018. 

After that he spent most of his time fishing in many of the NJ reservoirs and waterways, and of course attending many great concerts. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 17 at 10:45 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers donations in Matt’s memory can be made to 

www.defenders.org  or www.riverkeeper.org.

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Teresa Mosca (nee Lore), 95, of Old Tappan, formerly of Fort Lee, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Al. Cherished mother of Harry Mosca and his wife Mindy of Old Tappan.  Adored grandmother of Al and Louie. Dear sister of Clara Braney, Dominic, Anthony and the late William, Joseph, Bart, James, Philip, Mary Pignotti and Dolly Melione. Dearest aunt of many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 10 AM at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee. Visiting hours are Tuesday 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

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        Cecelia R. Harlan, 87, died on February 5, 2020 at Thorpe Village in Sparkill, NY.  Cecelia was born April 21, 1932 in Nyack, NY, to George and Amelia (Havey) Lediger.  She grew up in Orangeburg, NY, and graduated from Congers High School, Congers, NY.

          Cecelia spent her entire life as a loving wife and mother, caring for her children and grandchildren, as well as helping her many friends and neighbors. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time at the Thorpe Senior Center in Sparkill. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, the Catholic Daughters, Court St. Anne, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, all in Piermont, NY.

          Cecelia is survived by two sons, Edward G. Harlan of Wesley Chapel, FL, Br. Michael Harlan, O.F.M., of St. Francis Friary, New York, NY; three daughters, Brenda (Robert) Caputi of Middletown, NY, Terri (Paul) Dertinger of Pearl River, NY, Clare (Paul) Starink of Tappan, NY, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  Cecelia is also survived by her son-in-law, Alex Tyszczenko of Chestnut Ridge, NY, sister-in-laws, Joan Lediger of Pearl River, NY, and Mary Clifford of Sparkill; several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

          In addition to her parents, Cecelia was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward J. Harlan, her son, Kevin Harlan, daughter, Cecilia Tyszczenko, her sister Mary Van Zilen, and brother George Lediger.

          The family will receive friends on Monday, February 10, 2020, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at St. John the Baptist Church, Piermont, NY at 11 am, with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

          In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Cecelia’s name to the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, Advancement Office, 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976, or the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province, Office of Development, 144 West 32^nd Street, New York, NY 10001-3202.

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Ralph T. Grieco, 100, of Palisades, NY, formerly of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Anne, and his daughter Susan. He was survived by his devoted son Anthony Grieco of Palisades; his adoring daughter Bernadette, her husband Jerry Kuperberg and their son Michael James of Orangeburg. Also, his sister Rose Cassara of Staten Island, 99 years young.

Before retiring, Ralph was a foreman for ConEd in NY, NY for many years. Later, he loved spending time at home with his family and their beloved dogs, gardening and barbequing; and later traveling the world with Anne. Ralph was an active parishioner at Saint Anthony’s RC church in Northvale.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY. Visiting hours are Sunday 5-7 PM and Monday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

Mass cards or donations to The Humane Society of The United States in lieu of flowers would fulfill Ralph’s wishes.

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Jac Perring Gnirrep, 84, of Richfield Springs, NY, formerly of Northvale, NJ passed away on February 3, 2020 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Jac grew up in Palisades Park, NJ. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business and Education from William Paterson Teacher’s College and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. After teaching in the Palisades Park School System for a number of years, he became the assistant business administrator and then business administrator for the Teaneck School System, which he retired from in 1982. Since then he enjoyed a full and endlessly busy retirement, living in the house he himself built in Upstate NY, using his many talents to fix any and all things that were in need of repair, and becoming a proud member of the Richfield Springs community.

Jac was predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara (nee Bade), his son Glenn, his parents and his brothers Tom and Bill. He is survived by his children Barbara (Mark), Jac Jr. (Patty), Gary (Sandy) and Judy (Vince). He is also survived by grandchildren Jessica (John), Kristen (Matt), Mary (Jeff), Joseph, Jac III, Amanda, Kim and Elliot, as well as 8 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his dear friends Tim and Karena Proctor, the extended Proctor Family, and his beloved beagle, Shiloh.

The family would also like to thank the supportive staff at Basset Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Sunday 12 – 3 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale with a funeral service to be held at 3 PM. Interment will be private.

Donations in his name may be made to the ASPCA.

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