It is with great sadness that we fondly remember Hugo Benedetti, 79, of Northvale, NJ, a master carpenter by trade, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. 47 years ago, Hugo and his wife Nelly emigrated to the United States to start the next generation of Benedetti’s.  He is survived by his beloved wife Nelly (Cuneo). Devoted father of Karen Benedetti-Colter and her husband David Colter of Roebling, NJ, Jenny Rousos and her husband Antonios Rousos of Lebanon, NJ and Keith Benedetti and his wife Elizabeth Benedetti of Northvale. Proud grandfather of Dominic, John Paul, Luke, Gianna, Lucia, Dean, Gabriella, Sebastian and Roman. Dearest brother of Nilda, Ubaldo & Alberto Benedetti

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, 199 Walnut Street Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hugo’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation (200 SE 1^st Street Suite 800 Miami, Florida 33131)

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

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  Arthur Adelson, 85, of Tappan, New York, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. Arthur, was born in 1934 in the Bronx, New York, the son of Jack and Cecelia Adelson. He was beloved husband of Carol N. Adelson (nee Eggleston), who survives at home. He is also survived by and was devoted father of three daughters, Valerie Watnick and husband Donald of New York City, Kimberly Algert and husband Peter of Palisades, NY and Wendy Finning and husband Richard of Orangeburg, NY. Arthur was a proud grandfather, who is survived by ten grandchildren: Sydney; Caley; Skyler; Emily; Michael; Patrick; Tory; Zachary; Hayley; and Jeffrey. 

      “Artie,” as he was known, graduated from Taft High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from John Jay College.  

      Artie proudly served his country as a U.S. Army from 1957-59. He then joined the NYC Police Department and served for 22 years. Artie later owned and operated Porta-Soft Water Softening System Company in Hillsdale, NJ. In addition, in 1977, he served as a U.S. Forest Ranger in Yellowstone National Park, an honor and an experience often recalled to friends and family. 

      Artie was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend — always willing to help a neighbor in need. He was known at home and in the neighborhood as the “Chief Fixer,” as he could fix anything. His sense of humor and “gift of gab” were highlights of his gregarious personality. 

      The family will receive friends on Friday, December 20 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ(201-767-3050). A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 11 AM at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkhill, NY with full military honors.

      In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NYC PBA Widows and Children’s Fund, ℅ Patrick Hendry at the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10004-2400. 

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Mary Margaret Veras, 86, of Tenafly, formerly of Alpine, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Harry George Veras. Cherished mother of Virginia Veras of Edgewater, Patricia Brigley and husband Keith of Old Tappan, Ellen Bellet and husband Wayne of NYC, Harry G. Veras and wife Maryann of Rumson, John Veras and wife Bethanne of Closter, and Mary Ayoub and husband Sam of New Milford. She was the very proud grandmother of ten grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her parents, John and Helen and her brother, Jack.  Mary was an RN who earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1954 and pursued her profession throughout her life with deep devotion and dedication, caring for others always with kindness and compassion.  

Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and loved spending time with her family more than anything. Mary’s children and grandchildren already miss her beyond words and now send her back home to God and into the arms of her beloved Harry. She will be missed by all for the kindness, gentleness & sweet loving care she always showed to all around her. 

Visiting hours are Tuesday, December 17th from 4:00 – 9:00 at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 18th, 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.  Entombment to follow at Hackensack Cemetery.

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Augusta M. Gerstmayr, 97, of Norwood, formerly of Englewood and Bennington, VT, and originally from Lauingen-Donau, Germany, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Bernhard. Devoted mother of John and wife Pamela of South Woodstock, VT, Bernhard, Jr. and wife Charlotte of Northvale and Linda Jarvis and husband Michael of Northbridge, MA. Cherished grandmother of Amanda Melander (Mark), Emily Strehle (Paul), Julie Kelly (Brad), Bernie Gerstmayr (Renee), Andrew Gerstmayr (Andrea), Patrick Jarvis (Katie), Christopher Jarvis and Emily Jarvis. Proud great-grandmother of 13 great-grandchildren. Dearest sister of JoAnn Gauerke and aunt of Bettina Rickenbach.

Augusta worked at the Florence Shop in Bergenfield for over 30 years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and playing Scrabble.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11:30 a.m., St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old Tappan Public Library, 56 Russell Ave, Old Tappan, NJ 07675 or the Valley Hospital Foundation, 223 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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Sandra Saunders, 81, of Tappan, began her most recent journey on Friday, November 29, 2019.  Born Sandra Edelstein on November 28, 1938, in the Bronx and raised in Queens, she married her love Robert Saunders on June 26, 1958.  Bob and Sandi had celebrated their 60^th anniversary last year and they spent more than 50 happy years in their family home in Tappan, NY.  Devoted wife of the late Robert Saunders, adored and appreciated mother of Sharyn Wander of Sugar Loaf, NY, Cynthia Flood and husband Terrence of Chester, NY, cherished grandmother of Heather, Vicki and Brianna, beloved daughter of the late Leo and Rhoda Edelstein and dear sister of Philip Edelstein and wife Maxine of Delray Beach, FL, she leaves behind nieces and nephews whom she held close to her heart.

Throughout Sandi’s years, her thirst for knowledge and belief in the intangible drove her to acquire many doctoral degrees of both metaphysical sciences and alternative whole body wellness techniques.

These beliefs and practices were indeed her passion and she felt compelled to enlighten and empower those whose paths she crossed.  Recently a resident at Sunrise of Old Tappan, she enjoyed the new audience with whom she happily shared her positivity, wisdom and truths. 

This amazing individual was at her core, the quintessential wife, mother and friend…  selfless, always loving, always generous and always encouraging.  The loss of her beloved Bob last year left such a deep unfillable hole, that it was simply necessary for them to be together again.  We feel grateful for the time we were allowed with her.

A service will be held for friends and family on Sunday, December 15, at 12:00pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07646.

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Phyllis Ruth Cavalli (nee Grappo), 75, of Orangeburg, formerly of the Bronx, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Sergio Cavalli. Loving mother of Sergio P. Cavalli and his wife Kelly of Tappan and Janelle Cassidy and her husband Nick, also of Tappan. Adored grandmother of Kiersten, Gabriella, Gia, James and Julianna. Dear sister of the late Carole Grappo.

Phyllis was a school aide at the Bronx Science High School. She was a member of the Blauvelt Senior Center.

Visiting hours are Monday, December 9 from 6-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, December 10 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan with interment to follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx.

Donations in Phyllis’ memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

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Funeral Mass Saturday 10 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church, Closter, NJ

Interment Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Travis’ memory may be made to: Fresh Start Recovery Center, 15886 Gaither Road, Suite B, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

After a long and tremendous battle with cancer, Thomas C. Giuliano, 65, of Norwood, passed away peacefully in the loving company of his wife, Selena Piazza Giuliano and daughter, Tessa Royer on December 4, 2019.

Preceded in death by his father Pasquale, Tommy is survived by his mother, Duff, wife Selena, daughter Tessa, grandchildren Rowan and Anna and siblings Matt and Kathy and their children.

Thomas was a graduate of Regis High School and Niagara University, leading to a career in finance and the car business. He loved to dive into his work and excel in excellence his entire life.

A devout Catholic, Tom sang with various Schola Cantorums throughout the Tri-State. He also was an extraordinary lector at Our Lady of Victories in Harrington Park.

Visitation is Sunday, December 8 from 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park.

Tom had a tremendous love for animals. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to your local animal rescue and shelter.

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Anna M. Gizzi (nee Greco), 101, of Westwood, formerly of Norwood, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2019, 9 days short of her 102^nd birthday. Beloved wife of the late James G. Gizzi, Sr. “Gene”. Loving mother of Mary Elizabeth Baranich, Joseph Gizzi and James G. Gizzi, Jr. She was predeceased by five sisters and one brother. Cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Anna was a seamstress for the ILGWU for many years before retiring. She was an active member of the  McGuire Senior Center, Northvale, the Riley Senior Center, Westwood, Northvale VFW Ladies Aux and the Friendship Club of Mt. Zion Church in Westwood. Anna was very creative and talented. She loved people and life and enjoyed arts and crafts, knitting and crocheting and donated many of her blankets and booties to local hospitals.

Visiting hours are Thursday 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A funeral service will be held Friday 12 noon at the funeral home with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan.

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Cynthia Padva (nee Mazzilli), 84, of NYC, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2019. Beloved wife of Henry “Hank” Padva. Loving mother of Susan Padva and wife Jill Salvino, Tracey Schryver and husband Matt, Robert Padva and wife Jen and Rona Narkis. Adored grandmother of Gaby, Francesca, Caroline, Jake, Abby and Amanda and great-grandmother of Mathilda. Beloved sister of Lisa Helfand and husband Gary. Loving aunt to Danielle, Jessie and husband Tom and Josh and wife Katie.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, December 4 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-77-3050). Interment Thursday 11:30 AM at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leukemia Society of America, www.lls.org or the MS Foundation, www.msfocus.org. 

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