Ralph S. Passante, Sr.
April 3, 1942—January 27, 2020

Ralph S. Passante, Sr., of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away in the early hours of Monday, January 27, 2020, after a brief illness.  He was loved and respected by all who met him, and he made the world a better place with his presence in it.  

Dad was born in Weehawken, NJ, on April 3, 1942, to the late Martha (née Marino) and Ralph F. Passante, and was raised in North Bergen, NJ.  As the youngest son of a proudly Italian family, he early on developed the meticulous cooking skills and sophisticated palate for which, years later, he would be renowned among his friends.  

Basketball was his passion.  He was an All-State player at Memorial High School in West New York, NJ, and continued to excel at St. John’s University in Jamaica, Long Island.  He coached at Holy Trinity School in Fort Lee, NJ, St. Cecelia High School in Englewood, NJ, and Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, NJ, as well as multiple travel leagues.  He was never happier than when enthusiastically cheering on his players or his grandchildren at a game.  

Dad owned and operated Royal Printing Service in West New York, the company founded by his father in 1932, for 57 years, proudly building on the family legacy with his sons (and my brothers), David and Kevin.  His reputation was unmatched for integrity, honesty, and character, and many of his business associates also cherished him as a friend.  

He enjoyed traveling the world with my mother, as well as entertaining at home with great food and company—no one ever refused one of his invitations.  When he wanted to relax, he loved nothing more than going fishing on his boat, and he found joy in nature: feeding and watching the birds in the backyard, or growing fresh vegetables and herbs in his garden.  

Dad’s generosity was legendary, as was his compassion, especially for those less fortunate than himself, and he selflessly supported his community with his time, money, and talents.  No one ever had a better or more loyal friend, and my parents’ marriage was the best role model anyone ever saw.  

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years (and partner of 61), Lucia (née Witt); his sons, Ralph, Jr., of Old Tappan, David (and Madelyn), of Harrington Park, and Kevin (and Allison), of Norwood; his grandchildren, Nicole, Nicholas, Christopher, Julia, and Alexander; his sister, Betty Stevens, of North Bergen, and numerous other relatives and friends.  

Theodore Hesburgh said, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother,” and by that measure—and innumerable others—there has never been a better husband, father, and human being than my Dad.  He was as fine a human being and as exemplary a member of the community as has ever lived.  We love you, Dad, and will miss you always.  ️

Visitation:
Saturday, February 1, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Vainieri Funeral Home
5923 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Bergen, NJ 07047

Sunday, February 2, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Pizzi Funeral Home
120 Paris Ave.
Northvale, NJ 07647

Funeral:
Monday, February 3, 10:00 a.m.
St. Pius X Church
268 Old Tappan Rd.
Old Tappan, NJ 07675

Interment immediately following:
George Washington Memorial Park
234 Paramus Rd.
Paramus, NJ 07652

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to one of the following worthy organizations, which have great personal meaning to us:

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus
561 Seventh Ave., Suite 701
New York, NY 10018
https://www.nycgmc.org

CASA for Children of Bergen County
One Bergen County Plaza, Suite 334
Hackensack, NJ 07601
www.bergencasa.org
”Donate Now”
(Select-“I would like to dedicate this donation”)

The V Foundation for Cancer Research
14600 Weston Parkway
Cary, NC 27513
https://www.v.org/home

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Angelo Marchiano, 89, formerly of River Vale, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his sons on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.  Beloved husband of the late Aurelia for 42 years.  Proud father of four sons, Joseph and wife Jessica, Thomas and wife Lisa and Michael and wife Emily, all of Old Tappan.  He was predeceased by his precious son, Steven.  Adored grandfather of Gianna, Joseph, Ava and Sofia with another due in February.  Loving brother of the late Thomas, Marie and Mario.

Angelo was a US Army veteran of the Korean War.  He worked for Volvo in Rockleigh for over 25 years before retiring. He then took pride in raising his four sons, especially being able to provide for Steven through those difficult years. He will be fondly remembered for his quick smile, comforting words and flashy style. “See you later, Babe!” – Angelo

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Twp.  Visiting hours are Thursday 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale.

www.pizzifuneral home.com

Helen E. Niven, 83, a resident of Spectrum For Living in Closter, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020.  Helen was the beloved daughter of the late Archibald and Jessie Niven and loving sister of the late Jessie Policastro, Hugh Niven, Archibald Niven and Dorothy Havlicek. She was a cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews and will be especially missed by her entire Spectrum family.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Spectrum For Living, 210 Rivervale Road, Suite 3, River Vale, NJ 07675, www.spectrumforliving.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Todd C. Schuster, 76, of Northvale, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020. Todd was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mildred Schuster. He was a beloved and loyal friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Todd was a master fabricator and was instrumental in the early days of AMA Superbike racing with BMW and American Honda.  After years of working with race teams, Todd opened his own shop, Precision Specialties in Tappan, NY. He was also a member of IATSE Local 1 in NYC.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 5-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Todd’s memory may be made to the Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

James J. McManus, 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Beloved husband of the late Emily. Cherished father of Lorrayne Hubert and her husband David, Patricia Cordero and Shelah Maldonado and her husband Isaac. Proud grandfather of David, Jenny, Raelina, Raul and Luke. Dearest brother of Joanne Hanlon and Maureen Lally (Ira).

James was a retired electrician and unionist who marked 64 years of membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 3. He regarded the work on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge as his favorite and most outstanding accomplishment, closely followed by the 1964 World’s Fair and 50 Varick Street. At the time of his death he was a member of the Catholic Council of Electrical Workers and a member of the Bronx Acorn Club. He was also the Press Secretary for the Westchester Mechanics Association. Jim was born in the Unionport section of the Bronx. After graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1956 he, like his father and grandfather, entered the electrical apprenticeship of IBEW Local 3. Jim was also a member of Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council 6925 and the IBEW Local 3 Retirees Association.

Visitation will be Monday, January 20, 2020 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 21 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ with interment to follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to benefit the St. Anthony’s Church Food Pantry, 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, NJ 07647.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Thomas F. Deitmaring, 71, of Norwood, died on Monday, January 6, 2020.

The son of the late Dr. Francis A Deitmaring and Marion E Deitmaring (née Herrmann); beloved husband of the late Barbara S Deitmaring (née Carlson) and adoring father to Melissa and Robert.

Tom was born in Jersey City, NJ and grew up primarily in North Bergen, New Jersey. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University he served in the US Merchant Marines where he was stationed in Africa.

He worked as an auditor for the Defense Contract Audit Agency for over 40 years while giving generously of his time and financial expertise to the causes and organizations he supported.  

Tom had a passion for fishing, photography, cars and German Shepards. He was the Treasurer of the Northern New Jersey German Shepard Club for many years. He served as Treasurer of the New Jersey Wave Swim Team. He also served on the School Board of Immaculate Conception School lending years of financial experience to the budget process. As a member of the Immaculate Conception School Parent Guild, he provided logistical support for many of the school fund raisers.

Tom was known for his dry wit and the twinkle in his eyes.

He will be missed by many for his ability make people laugh.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 1 to 2 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A memorial service will be held at 2 PM.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Herbert George Flavell, 86, of Hallstead, PA, formerly of Kearny, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.  Beloved husband of the late Eleanor for 57 years.  Devoted father and father-in-law of Kathleen and Briant Bodrato of Northvale, Karen and Patrick Flavell-Boney of Northvale, Cynthia and the late John Demmer of Northvale, and Michael Flavell and Robert Flavell, both of Hallstead, PA.  Cherished grandfather of Nicole and her husband Shawn, Meghan and her husband Michael, Shawn, Shane, Ashley, Jordan, Erin, Christopher, and Jenna.  Adored great-grandfather of Andrew, Tyler, Shaelynn, Avelynn, Alyonna, Matthew, and Mikayla.  Dearest brother of Marion Dekoyer, George Flavell, Claire Flavell, and the late Dorothy Lowrey and Margaret Moore.Herbert was a USMC and US Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a letter carrier for the USPS in Kearny, NJ for 33 years, and served the union as shop steward for many years.A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale (201-767-3050) with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.  Visiting hours are Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM.www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Marie Garro (nee Mezzacappa), 81, of Blauvelt since 1968, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Salvatore “Sonny” Garro. Beloved mother of John Garro of Blauvelt and Marc Garro and his wife Tracy of Blauvelt. Cherished grandmother of Anthony and wife Marissa and Taylor. Dearest sister of Angela Santorelli and husband Sal, Ann Mezzacappa, Anthony Mezzacappa and wife Robin and the late Nicholas and Joseph.

Visiting hours are Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 10, 2020 at 10 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Edwin “Ed” V. Westman of Sparkill, NY passed away peacefully on January 5^th, 2020. He was 81 years old. Born on June 23^rd, 1938 and raised in The Bronx, he was the son of Anna Johnson and stepson of Artie Johnson. In 1956, he graduated from Evander Childs High School and went on to work for Verizon. Ed served in the US Army from 1958 through 1964. In 1964, he joined the New York City Police Department and retired 20 years later, in 1984. He then went back to finish his career with Verizon, where he retired from the company. His post-retirement days were spent driving the school bus for his local school district.

Ed was married to Amelia “Millie” (Clark) Westman for 45 years until her death in 2003.

He is survived by his wife, Judy DiToma and they shared an adventurous 15 years.

Ed is also survived by his two sons, Clifford, wife Mary; and Glenn, partner Joan. Ed has nine grandchildren: Cassie; GySgt USMC Max, wife Colby; Patrick; Taylor; Fiona; Cole; Kyle; and Kate.  He also has a great-grandchild on the way.

Ed was a true outdoorsman and loved to hunt. He spent many weekends hunting in the Catskills with his two sons. An avid sailor, Ed was a dedicated member of the Hook Mountain Yacht Club, where he was an award-winning sailboat racer.

When he wasn’t on his sailboat or hanging out at the boat club, you could find him in the kitchen, probably cooking up a mean Seafood Fettuccini. Known by many as “Chef Ed,” he loved spending time roaming the grocery store aisles.

A longtime resident of Sparkill, Ed volunteered with the Sparkill Volunteer Fire Company. He was also an active member of the Pearl River Gun Club; the American Legion; and the Pearl River United Methodist Church.

He taught his children and grandchildren to work hard, be respectful and honor the service of others. Ed will be missed dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11^th, 2020 at Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, New York 10965.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pearl River Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, New York 10965 or Family House University Place, 5001 Baum Boulevard, Suite 545, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Clara Bordador, 90, of Norwood, NJ, passed away with her loving family at her side on Friday, January 3, 2020.  She was the cherished mother of Editha McHugh and her husband Keith of Norwood.  Proud grandmother of Christina Quagliana and her husband Michael and Ryan McHugh and his wife Bernadette Gorczyca and loving great-grandmother of Evan and Leah Quagliana . Dearest sister of Nena, Pining and the late Dulce and Ety.

Clara was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood.

Visiting hours are Sunday, January 5, 2020 from 6-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations in Clara’s memory may be made to Immaculate Conception RC Church, 211 Summit St., Norwood, NJ 07648.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com