Thomas Knutson Eiken, 80, of Northvale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Born September 19, 1944, Tom grew up in the Highbridge section of the Bronx NY. A proud New Yorker, he often reminisced about the NYC street games he loved playing like stick ball, skully and off the point. He graduated DeWitt Clinton High School in 1962.

Tom proudly served his country in the US Army from 1965-1967. 

In 1970, he married his beloved wife, Diane (nee Campinelli) during a NYC Valentine’s Day snowstorm. In 1975 after seeing the park-like property on Wildwood Road, Tom moved to Northvale where he raised his treasured daughters Suzanne and Denise. 

Tom was a 1977 Mercy College graduate. A highly skilled Carpenter in Local 257, he retired in 2004. Tom went on to serve as Commander of the American Legion Post No 366 in Northvale and was often seen enjoying weekday mornings with fellow members. Proud of his Norwegian Heritage, Tom enjoyed actively tracing his family tree back many generations and instilled the pride of family history with his daughters and grandchildren, Cassandra, Allison, Jack, Andrew, Jessica, and Katie. 

Tom will be remembered as a devoted Husband, beloved Father and Grandpa.

A celebration of life will be held at the Northvale American Legion, 190 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ on Saturday May 10th at 12 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory to the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 196 Firenze Street, Northvale, NJ 07647, would be greatly appreciated.

Blanche O. Hartophilis (nee Kourany), 87, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025.  Beloved wife of the late Michael Hartophilis. Loving mother of Georgene Griffin and husband Brian, Russell Hartophilis and wife Claudia, and Jackie O’Neill and husband Don.  Adored grandmother of Samantha, Ryan, Andy, Connor and Cooper.  Caring sister of Janet Kourany-Sterba and husband Jim.

The family will gather for visitation at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 9 AM to 10 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Blanche’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Frasse, 60, of Hackensack, NJ, formerly of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025.  Cherished son of Sarah and the late Howard Frasse. Dear brother of William and John. Loving father of Paulina, Nicholas and Alison. Also survived by many loving cousins.

Tom owned Frasse Landscaping Design in Norwood for many years. He was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School – Old Tappan.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11 AM at Church of the Holy Communion, 66 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to your favorite charity.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Christophe Lafontant, beloved son, brother, godfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 41.

Born on July 13, 1983, Chris was a true fighter in every sense of the word. Diagnosed with heart failure at six years old and later with the rare genetic condition myofibrillar myopathy, Chris endured more physical hardships than most could imagine, including two heart transplants, a kidney transplant, respiratory failure, a tracheostomy, and years of progressive muscle weakness.

But Chris never let his illness define him. Through his relentless spirit and hope, he made it his life’s mission to raise awareness for myofibrillar myopathy, fundraise for research, and create a sense of community for others facing this rare disease. He published a memoir, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives, sharing his journey of resilience and survival, and created a documentary, It Started with the Heart, produced by Sugar Beach Digital, further telling his story and inspiring others. He also built a large social media following under the name “1 Man 3 Hearts,” inspiring thousands who proudly became part of what he called the “Heart Train.”

Despite overwhelming challenges, Chris lived with courage, humor, and, most of all, heart. He believed deeply that life could be beautiful no matter the obstacles, and he lived that belief every day.

He leaves behind a family who loved him beyond measure, including his mother, Jennifer, and her longtime partner, Mitch; his father, Claude, and his wife, Natalia; his brothers, John and his wife, Gita, Claude and his wife, Tara, and Fabien; his sister, Isabelle, and her husband, Joe; and his beloved nephews and nieces, Leo, Dominic, Aleks, Vanessa, Juliette, and Cora. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Paris.

Chris’s spirit, resilience, and compassion will live on in everyone he touched.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 2, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 211 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ. Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

The funeral mass can be viewed via the livestream link below: https://boxcast.tv/view/christophe-lafontant-funeral-mass-hv4yurnqcelfoix4uler

Chris taught us all that while life may break the body, it could never break his spirit. His was truly unbreakable. 

Donna L. Nucera (nee Cappuccio), 69, passed away on April 20, 2025, surrounded by her family.  She is survived by her son, Frank and his wife Lisa, and her grandchildren Skylar, Nicholas, Brooke, Ava, Madison & Riley. She is also survived by her life partner, Brian Danziger, who she cherished and who was her biggest supporter.  They found each other at a widow’s support group and developed a true love and adoration for each other. 

She was greeted in heaven by beloved grandson Vincent Nucera and her late husband Marc.

Donna grew up in Long Island and moved to Northvale to raise her own family. She worked for Rinaldi Transportation and cherished her time driving the school bus.  She was also a dedicated member of the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps for many years.
She later moved to Budd Lake to be surrounded by nature and animals which she loved,  especially dragonflies and her beloved cat Lucy. While there she worked for West Essex Schools. 

Donna had a fiery spirit and always tried to search for the good in the world.   She adored her family & will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  

Concetta Antonina Saglimbeni Restifo
June 12, 1928 – April 16, 2025

Concetta Antonina Restifo was born on June 12, 1928, in the beautiful hilltop town of Limina, Sicily, a place that shaped her soul and to which she remained devoted throughout her life. She was a proud daughter of Sicily, a land of tradition, strength, faith, and family.

A unique woman for her time, Concetta was sent to a special school and became a teacher, a rare and wonderful role in her small town. She carried that wisdom and love of learning throughout her life, always guiding her family with devotion and clarity.

She was courted from afar by her beloved Filippo Restifo, the man who would become her husband and soulmate. Their love story was one of enduring devotion and joy — a sacred bond that lasted a lifetime.

With courage and hope, Concetta immigrated to America aboard the Andrea Doria, arriving in New York and forever remembering the moment she saw the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of dreams fulfilled, and sacrifices honored.

She took immense pride in her family’s immigrant legacy. Her uncle, Antonino Salimbene, affectionately known as Zio Nino, helped found Union Local 731 in New York City, a labor institution that still stands today. Her father and uncle were also among the immigrants who began the cherished tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a piece of American history she held close to her heart.

Concetta worked for over 25 years at Brooks Brothers, but her true life’s work was her family. Her home was a haven, filled with food, music, laughter, stories, and unconditional love. She lived every day anchored in her Roman Catholic faith, praying multiple rosaries for anyone in need, and offering herself in quiet, generous service to others.

She loved being outdoors, traveling — especially to Aruba and her beloved Italy — reading, writing, sharing memories, and finding joy in life’s simplest moments.

Until the very end, Concetta remained a storyteller, a teacher, and a guiding light. She was the embodiment of resilience, a woman who stood firm in her faith, overcame life’s hardships with grace, and always gave glory to God. Even in her final days, she gently told her family, “I’m good,” fighting with dignity and gratitude until her final breath.

She has now reunited with her beloved husband, Filippo, her eternal companion, in the peace of Heaven.

She leaves behind a family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each a living reflection of her love, faith, and spirit. Her family was her greatest pride, her deepest joy, and her most beautiful legacy.

She is survived by her loving children: Gaetana Restifo-Stampone and her husband Nicola Stampone, Sebastian Restifo and his wife Elvira Restifo, and Josephine Rufa and her husband Vincent Rufa. Her cherished grandchildren: Maria Vanessa, Emanuele, Filippo, Laura, Andria, Christine, and Daniel. Her treasured great-grandchildren: Natalie, Vincent, Vanessa, and Milania.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Cateno Saglimbeni and Giuseppa Manuli, and her dear sister, Rosaria Saglimbeni, and brother-in-law, Antonino Campagna.

Her life was full of beauty, strength, and perseverance. She lived with unwavering love and deep faith. And though she lived nearly a century, it still does not feel like enough time. She will be missed beyond measure — and remembered fondly.

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Funeral Services

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, from 2:00–9:00 p.m. at:
Pizzi Funeral Home
120 Paris Avenue
Northvale, NJ 07647

A final viewing will take place on Tuesday, April 22, from 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at:
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church
120 Kings Highway
Tappan, NY 10983

Interment will follow at:
Ferncliff Cemetery
280 Secor Road
Hartsdale, NY 10530

Following the interment, all are welcome to join the family for a repast at:
Il Portico
89 Main Street
Tappan, NY 10983

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In Lieu of Flowers

The family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Concetta’s life of faith, family, and selfless love.

Alice Theresa Gereghty passed on to God’s eternal love on Tuesday, April 8. She leaves behind her loving multi-generational family of nieces and nephews, as well as her lifelong best friend Karen Growney and family who love Alice as their own. Godmother to many, Alice will be remembered as the person who always acknowledged each person’s birthday and life markers. She made sure we all felt loved.

We are certain that Alice has been greeted in heaven by her loving parents, Sybilla and George Gereghty. It must be noted that she also has surely been welcomed by her cousins, Mike, Joe, and Gabe, who grew up with Alice and treated her like a little sister. From the stories she told, she was never responsible for the trouble they usually found themselves in.

Alice was an avid golfer until a bad back halted her participation in, but not her love for, the game. She enjoyed sports and reveled in betting with her friends and family on both college football and NFL games.

Born in Jersey City on September 26, 1938, Alice grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey, where she resided her entire life. She taught kindergarten in town at the George White School, thus inspiring the call to service for many children who became our community’s civic leaders. Alice was the long-reigning Snow Queen of the school because of her uncanny ability to anticipate when snowfall would deter safe travel—or when the show must go on. Such an honor could only be eclipsed by her devotion to the art and skill of teaching, including her achievement well after her retirement: when in her late seventies, Alice completed her doctorate in Early Childhood Education with Rutgers University.

A wake will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ, 07647, on Tuesday, April 15, from 4pm to 7 pm. Mass will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 69 Valley Street, Hillsdale, NJ, 07642, on Wednesday, April 16, at 10 am, followed by burial at Westwood Cemetery.

Frank Ferraro, 78, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025. Beloved husband of Regina (nee Boggiano). Loving father of Frank and his wife Jennifer and Craig and his wife Jennifer. Proud grandfather of Mia, Ella, Brett, Dylan and Mason. Dearest brother and brother-in-law of Elaine and Michael Presutti, Judy Colonna and James (deceased) and Jane Ferraro.

Frank owned and operated Ferraro Moving and Storage in Fairview, NJ, a family business for over 100 years. He was a Life Member of the Northvale Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Omega Club of Cliffside Park.

Visiting hours are Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 1-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A prayer service will be held at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Donald F. MacKenzie, 95, of Tappan and Seneca, SC, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Catherine (nee Cervone). Cherished father of Donald Jr. and wife Lorrie, John and wife Lorraine, Debra Monaco and husband Lloyd, Joyce MacKenzie, Karen Bell and husband Peter and Kathleen Jo Maloney and husband John. Adored grandfather of 19 and great-grandfather of 14. He was predeceased by six brothers and two sisters.

Donald was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War. He retired after many years in the family automotive dealership and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Donald was an avid reader and enjoyed history, gardening and woodworking.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne. Visiting hours are Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Rd., Seneca, SC 29672.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved wife and mother, Melissa Marks. She passed at home on April 3, 2025, at the age of 68, surrounded by family. We will remember her tremendous heart and caring for others, creativity, love of music, and passion for all things cooking.

Melissa was born on October 14, 1956 in New York City, to Bernard and Estelle Marks. When Melissa was a baby, their family emigrated to London, England, where she predominantly grew up. A child of the 1960’s, Melissa listened to artists from the “British Invasion” and Motown. Melissa loved to dance and sing, even if off-tune (which she acknowledged).

At the age of 19, Melissa returned to New York, where she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in textile design. Melissa then worked at The Cloth Company, selling fabrics to commercial businesses. Melissa later met her husband Harry, while living in the Morningside Heights neighborhood adjacent to Columbia University. After 7 years together, the two married and eventually their children, Natalie and Paris were born. 

While pregnant with her daughter, Melissa graduated from CUNY Hunter College, where she studied Anthropology. Her pursuit of learning would not end there. Even while juggling the care of two young kids and a household, Melissa put herself through night classes at the Institute for Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School). She diligently earned a culinary certification and honed her skills to become and wonderful cook and baker.

She is survived by her husband, Harry, and children, Natalie and Paris.

Melissa is predeceased by her father, Bernard Marks, mother, Estelle Marks, and sister, Adrienne Marks.

Melissa’s family will have visitation on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 PM at the funeral home with a burial service to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, NY. 

The family will sit Shiva that evening, at their home, and invite you to celebrate Melissa’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please mail donations to the Humane Society of Bergen County (221-223 Stuyvesant Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071) with a memo of, “in memory of Melissa Marks.”