Robert Joseph Zerr, 89, of Norwood, NJ passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Beloved husband of Joan P. (nee Townsend). Loving father of Lisa Allgood and James P.T. Zerr. Proud grandfather of Meredith Allgood, Tyler Zerr and wife Nichole, Carly May and husband Chad, Ashton Allgood and great-grandfather of James Robert Zerr and Lilly Margit Zerr.

Robert was a US Coast Guard Veteran. He was a plumbing and heating contractor and worked for William Beck and Sons in Englewood, NJ. Robert loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer and skier and was an instructor for both. He enjoyed playing at Old Tappan Golf Course.

He was the first to lend a hand to anyone and could fix anything. He was admired by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Geraldine Guidera DeGruccio, 84, of Norwood, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 7, 2025. Beloved wife of Anthony DeGruccio. Loving mother of Robert Guidera and Michelle Guidera and stepmother to Charles DeGruccio (Kathy), Michael DeGruccio, Mary Schneider (Paul) and John DeGruccio (Nichol). Adored grandmother of John (Reiko), Carly (Tom), Christina (Laura), Ellen, Olivia (Nick), James (Rebecca), Thomas (Jess), Joseph, Jake, Anthony, Nikos, Stella, Daniel and Johnny and great-grandmother of Ruby, Eleanore and Rome. Dearest sister of the late Jean Capuano, Barbara D’Angelo and Marilyn Remy.

Geraldine worked in accounting, first for her father’s companyMaeCar Realty in Fort Lee and then Primac Courier. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother andwas a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, Northvalewhere she and Tony were Eucharistic Ministers. Geraldine served her community for 9 years on the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was a past Captain.

Gerri was our golden girl. We don’t think there will ever be another wife, mother, grand/great-grandmother and friend on this earth who doted on her loved ones like Gerri did. She lovedanimals and her dog’s “Lady” were the luckiest of all. She loved to cook, bake, fish, golf, shop, play cards and even rode motorcycles! She will be remembered for her epic food spreads, pasta and meatball dinners and jazzy style, but most of all the love she had for her family and friends. She will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know her… until we meet again on the other side. 

Visiting hours are Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, would be greatly appreciated.

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Carol Ann Racca (nee Apuzzo), 83, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Beloved wife of 60 years to Michael Racca. Loving mother of Michael Racca and his wife Lauren, Jennifer Banks and her husband Patrick. Proud grandmother of Chloe, Christian, Lila and James. Dearest sister of John Apuzzo.

Carol Ann began teaching in Harlem in 1961, she continued her career at Franklin Ave Elementary School and then Pearl River High School for many years. A devout Catholic, she was a parishioner of St. Catharine’s RC Church, a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas as well as the Tappan Seniors and the Pearl River Retired Teachers Association. Carol Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 7, 2025 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY with entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol Ann’s memory may be made to the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer, www.tommyfund.org , the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www.michaeljfox.org, or the charity of your choice.

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Vincent D’Esposito, 84, of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Marie (nee Ingulli). Cherished father of Grace Vallone and her husband Robert, Maria Urrea and her husband Alex, Vincent D’Esposito and his wife Kimberly and Christopher D’Esposito and his wife Jennifer. Proud grandfather of Matthew, Anna, Robbie, Sarah, Nicholas, Joseph, Christa and Samuel. Dear brother of Lucille Gherardi and the late Louis D’Esposito.

Anyone who knew Vincent knew that he was a man of God whose faith was his guiding light. He raised his family as parishioners of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Northvale, NJ and devoted countless years serving in ministry at Maranatha Church of the Nazarene in Paramus, NJ. Most recently he was sharing his love of the Lord as a member of Bethany Church in Washington Township, NJ. Vincent was also the proud author of 3 books which included his memoirs and journey with the Lord. It was important to him to share his insight and spiritual guidance with all who were part of his life.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 14, 2025 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Bethany Church, 605 Pascack Road, Washington Twp, NJ 07676 would be greatly appreciated.

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Linda M. Grove (Piana) of Congers, NY, formerly of Norwood, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025 with her family by her side. Born in Englewood, New Jersey on November 1, 1941, Linda was the eldest daughter of the late Charles and Marie (Frosco) Piana and a graduate of Northern Valley Demarest High School. For many years, Linda worked in the travel industry, opening Travel Corp. of America in Aliquippa, PA in 1983.  She transitioned from travel to serve the Boroughs of Norwood and Rockleigh as their building department secretary through retirement. 

She is survived by her sister, Sandra (Piana) Grassi and husband Joseph of Northvale, NJ.

Also surviving are her three children: Thomas Grove of Darlington, PA, Charles Grove and his husband Brooks Aylor of Philadelphia, PA, and daughter Kristine (Grove) Hayden and her husband Keith of Congers, NY. Dearest Grandmother of Emily (Grove) Walker and husband Michael of Amelia Island, FL, Charles Hayden of Lake Placid, NY, and Timothy Hayden of Congers, NY.  Dearest Great Grandmother of Noah, Nathan, Levi, and Jeannette Marie Walker.

She was also very loved by her many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  Linda was an avid animal lover and was passionate in her support of dog rescue. She also enjoyed traveling the world and making excursions to Broadway for her love of musical theater. Sharing musicals with younger generations brought her great joy.  She will remain forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to your local dog shelter or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

James Bruce Ewings, 88, of Montvale, NJ, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday evening, February 2, 2025, with his devoted wife Rose (nee Forker) and their dog Belle by his side.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on March 29, 1936 and grew-up in Park Ridge, NJ

Jim enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and was a RA12444 256 Corporal Regular Army in Germany where he found his true calling in intelligence, military police, and special weapons and was honorably discharged in May of 1955. Jim continued w his education and attended college at night, while he worked and raised his family.  Jim’s true calling and passion was working for The State of New Jersey Borough of Montvale Police Department as a Police Officer and became Captain of the Montvale Police Department of Montvale, NJ before ending his many years in law enforcement and retiring.

During Jim’s retirement he loved to play tennis and was a member of the North Jersey Regional A’s Restorers Club, Bergen Amateur Radio Association (call sign K2FJ) and the Montvale Emergency Management Ham Radio.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved parents Joseph and Caroline; his wife Gisela and their children Dotty, Patty and Jimmy. His Brothers Dick, Bob, Fred, Sister Angie, his Brother-in-Law Clarence and Niece Phyllis. His buddy and father-in-law Charles “Pop” Forker, his beloved Son-in-Law Michael A. Casenta, Daughter-in-Law Karin Connors and lastly his Grand Daughter Melissa Klemer who recently passed away on New Year’s Eve.

Jim and Rose together enjoyed their family and friends. Jim was the Cherished husband to Rose, father to Colleen Connors-Casenta (partner Jim); Daughter-in-law Patty Ewings-Williams (husband Bob); Grandson Joe (wife Dana); Great-Grandfather to Tyler James; Father to Robert Connors (wife Maria) and his daughter Jessica, and Great Grandfather to Leila and Bella, His Grand Daughter Shannon Connors-Gregson (husband Dalton) were recently married on December 22, 2024 who came up from Florida to have a small wedding in New Jersey due to Papa’s failing health. He was so proud to see her so happy in her wedding dress on her special day. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

James was a true gentleman who put more into the world than he took out. A godly gentleman who exhibited humility, kindness, honesty, generosity, courtesy, respect for others, a willingness to serve, and a commitment to living according to biblical principles. In summary, that is who James Bruce Ewings was.

We are grateful to Fr. Wojciech Jaskowiak Pastor and Maria Hellrigel of Our Lady of Victories Church in Harrington Park, NJ.  Lastly, Mike and Pam Pizzi of Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ. Who are the embodiment of compassion and have guided our family during the most difficult times of our lives. Love and Peace the family of Ewings and Connors-Casenta.

Visiting hours are Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 1-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park, NJ.

Selena M. Piazza Giuliano, 65, of Norwood, NJ, passed away at home on Thursday, January 30, 2025. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Giuliano, her parents, John and Marie Piazza. Dear sister of John Piazza, Jr. and his late wife Barbara. Loving niece of Nancy Lombardo and cousin of Joseph Lombardo.

Selena was a gifted with musical talent that was passed down from her parents, John and Marie. She sang at many local churches over the years, but most recently enjoyed being part of the parish community as Cantor at Our Lady of Victories in Harrington Park, NJ. Selena was also a hairdresser for many years at various salons. Selena was a beautiful woman inside and out and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Selena’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories, Harrington Park with inurnment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of Victories Church, 150 Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ 07640 in Selena’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

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Frank Pawlowski, 90, of Northvale, NJ passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025 after a long illness. He was born at home on January 1, 1935 in Hoboken, NJ to the late John and Helen Pawlowski, and proudly stated that Frank Sinatra’s mother, Dolly Sinatra, delivered him as a midwife and suggested his name. Frank was the fourth of seven siblings growing up in the Depression Era.

Frank was married to the late Erna Pawlowski (nee Gress) for 49 years up to her passing in 2005. He was very proud that he raised twin boys and a daughter and loved his 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren (with one more on the way in Feb).

Frank was extremely proud of his 3-year enlistment in the US Army, 101^st Airborne Division, which resulted in him being station at the 38^th parallel in Korea during the later years of the war. The highlight of his deployment was when he was selected to dine with Marilyn Monroe during one of her tours, because ofhis exceptional conduct as a soldier.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Frank embarked on a 25-year career at The Ford Motor Company in the Mahwah assembly plant followed by a 33-year career with the US Post Office, retiring at the age of 81. At the Post Office, Frank quickly rose the ranks from carrier to Post Master of the Alpine branch. He was also President of the local association of postal supervisors, known as NAPS. On the side, he was a licensed real estate agent.

Frank was a go-getter and was always looking to improve himself. He had a keen focus on driving to his goals that advanced his situation, so he could be the best provider for his family. He was friends to everyone and was always seen wearing a suit and tie. Frank enjoyed reading history books and watching documentaries, especially those pertaining to WWII. He loved the Frank Sinatra song “My Way” and had a strong relationship to the lyrics as he felt it described the challenges and successes in his life. He was very proud of his Polish heritage and was quick to display it, but was always an American first. Frank religiously attended services at St Anthony RC in Northvale. Frank was always busy and tookgreat pride in impeccably maintaining the outside of his home and his Ford/Lincoln vehicles. 

Frank will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

Funeral services were private.

Frances Tabacco, (Marino) 84, of Blauvelt, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Francesco (Frank) Tabacco, with whom she shared 62 beautiful years of marriage, creating a home filled with love, warmth, and cherished memories.

Frances was the adored mother of Michele Bottari and her husband Michael, and her son, Anthony Tabacco. She was a proud grandmother to Christina who was the light of her life.  She is also survived by her dear siblings, Joseph Marino, Susan Niksa and her husband Roman, and her late brother Elio “Al” Marino, along with his wife Anna Rose, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Born in Sicily, Frances immigrated to America at the age of nine with her mother and siblings. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom, raising her family in the Bronx before settling in Blauvelt in 1979. Frances found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including shopping, cleaning, and, most of all, spending time with her family and loved ones.

Frances will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who was deeply loved and brought joy to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Visiting hours are Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10 am at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY with entombment to follow at Ascension Mausoleum, Airmont, NY.

Barbara Struss, 85, a lifelong resident of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025. She was the cherished mother of James Struss and his wife Donnel. Proud grandmother of Jynell and Donovan. Loving sister of Catherine Schryver and her husband Warren and the late Louis Struss, Jr. Also survived by her beloved dog Molly.

Barbara worked many years at Colorforms in Norwood and Ramsey before retiring.

Visiting hours are Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 PM with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com