Christopher J. Keating III, “Skeeter”, 63, of Norwood NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Christopher J. Jr. and Mary Elaine Keating and his sister, Mary E. Keating. He was survived by his step-mother, Eleanor Purdy Keating and brothers, Wayne and James Purdy and wife Laura. Loving uncle of Michael and Justin. He also was a part of a loyal chosen family, from coast to coast. 

Chris “Skeeter” grew up in Norwood, NJ and was a pillar of the community. He attended Catholic School, Northern Valley High School and Bergen Community College for his associates degree. Chris spent 25 years as a custodian in the Northvale Public Schools. During that time, he touched many lives and his memory will be kept alive by all the coworkers, kids and parents that he came in contact with. He was a very dedicated employee that took pride in knowing the job was done correctly. He recently retired from St. Thomas Aquinas College and was planning on a full life of adventure in retirement. 

Skeeter was like clockwork and you could tell time by him. He never hit the jackpot in the lottery but he hit the jackpot in life with the community that surrounded him. People will be telling “Skeeter” stories and use his sayings for many years to come. He was a firm believer in supporting our troops. He was the guy at the cemetery that would fix all the flags for veterans. He was also a “Son of the Legion” and proud of being the son of “Christopher J. Keating Jr.” who served in WWII and was part of “The Greatest Generation”. 

Skeeter loved motorcycles and old cars. He loved lending a helping hand whenever he could. He had a heart that was full of love and he wasn’t afraid to show his love. His quirky knowledge and consistency was his charm. Anyone who was fortunate enough to call him family or friend can say they hit the lottery. 

As “Skeeter” would say, “God Bless America and God Bless our Troops”.  He would say to everyone, be happy and be true to those you love.

Visiting hours are Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 9 – 11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale with a funeral service at 11 AM.  Interment will follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.  

Donations may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice in memory of Chris’s beloved Dutchess.  

Daniel F. Ludwig, 61, of Norwood, NJ, passed away at home on March 4, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.  He will be so very missed by his best friend and wife, Cynthia (Cindy), son Joseph (his buddy), daughter Danielle (his little sweetheart) and his future daughter-in-law Cheyanne Taefi (his kiddo). His family was the most important thing to him and he loved spending time with them.  This was always shown by his open-door attitude and love to celebrate all his family’s milestones with a party at their home.

Dan was born on December 11, 1962, to Eleanor and Henry Ludwig. The youngest of five children, he is survived by his brothers Edward (Kathleen), James (JJ), Joseph (Christine) and his sister Ann Marie.

He attended Seton Hall University and graduated with a BS in Accounting.  Dan started his career at Coopers and Lybrand, then worked for Sony. He passed the CPA exam and went on to continue his career at Stryker Corporation in various financial roles.  After 20 years there, Dan announced his retirement.

Unfortunately, his disease had different plans.  Dan was determined to beat the beast. For over 9 years, he put up one hell of a fight. His strength was an inspiration to all who knew him.

He will be missed but remembered for his love of golfing, spending time on his boat fishing with his friends from Grand Bay Harbor and rooting for the New York Yankees.  Dan loved a good Manhattan and the toast that went along with it. 

CHEERS to a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend!

Visiting hours on Tuesday, March 12 from 4-7 at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at 10:30 at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan, NJ.

The funeral Mass can be viewed through the St. Pius X website and through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass-for-daniel-ludwig-ckedwjxwouzlpcqeapmg?_gl=1jrkw8j_gaNDg0MDg3MjYxLjE3MDkzOTE5NjE._ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcxMDI1NDc1NC4yLjEuMTcxMDI1NDg5OS4wLjAuMA

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Dan’s memory to the Norwood (NJ) Food Pantry or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Chinnamma Thomas, 80 years of age, passed away on Saturday March 2, 2024 at Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, NJ.

She was born April 30, 1943 to the late Kuruvilla Varghese and the late Mariamma Varghese of Thettivila Kizhakkethil House, Kudassanad, India. Chinnamma is the eldest of 6 children, Marykutty George, Ammini Varghese, late Omana Varghese, George Varghese (Raju) and Doly Thomas. She married Thomas Varughese (Thomaskutty) of Thattayil House, Puthencavu, Chengannur in June 1974 and had two children, Bindu and Binu. She was a loving wife and beloved mother.

After completing her high school studies at Adoor Government High School, she attained her nursing degree at Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore. She started her career as a staff nurse at Government Hospital, Manama, Bahrain and later worked at Aramco, Saudi Arabia. She immigrated to the US in 1977 and worked at various hospitals including Elmhurst Hospital and St. John’s Hospital in Queens, NY and St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan, NY. 

Chinnamma was very devout in her Christian faith and was one of the earliest members of St. Mary’s Malankara Orthodox Church, Jackson Heights, New York. 

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation/Wake 4:00pm – 8:00pm on Thursday, March 7, 2024 Pizzi Funeral Home120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07647

Pizzi Funeral Home

Funeral Service & Burial 10:00am on Friday, March 8, 2024 St. John’s Orthodox Church of Rockland, 331 Blaisdell Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962

Interment Tappan Reformed Church Cemetery 32 Old Tappan Road, Tappan, NY 10983

Carlos Eduardo Forero, 95, of Fair Lawn, NJ, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024. Beloved husband ofthe late Aurora (nee Ramos) Forero. Loving father of Cilia Galasso and her husband Vincent. Proud grandfather of Valeri Mattessich and her husband Nevin, Christine Galasso and Natalie Galasso. Cherished great-grandfather of Julia, Nevin Vincent and Audrey. Carlos was an Auditor for PSE&G for many years before retiring. He was a parishioner of St. Anne’s Church in Fair Lawn. Carlos was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved traveling the world, enjoying good food and meeting new people. Watching soccer and supporting his favorite team Real Madrid was a pastime, as well as following politics and listening to music. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11 AM at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

Arrangements by Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Harve Moroz, Jr., 56, of Cooperstown, NY, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024. He was the beloved son of Jean DeMarco, brother of Keith Moroz and Danielle Moroz . He is also survived by many dear uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Harve was an accomplished chef and loved food and feeding people. He most recently a chef at The Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown. Harve enjoyed being outdoors, hiking and volunteering to help others.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 2-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your local food pantry in Harve’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Charles H. Sonzogni, 95, of Old Tappan and Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ, formerly of Demarest, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Charles was born March 7, 1928 in West New York, NJ, the son of John and Minnie Sonzogni. He grew up in Palisades Park, NJ with four brothers, John, Ronald, Norbert and Robert.

Charles was a registered Pharmacist and owner of Hudson Drug of Cresskill for over 40 years. He was a sponsor of many Cresskill recreation teams including the Little League, Men’s Softball, and Men’s Bowling Leagues. He was also a member of UNICO National and the Knights of Columbus.

Charles is survived by Nancy, his wife of 71 years, his five children, Kathy, Mark, Jayne, Judy and Sandy, 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and his brother Norbert “Bibby”.

It was Charles’ wish that funeral services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lustgarten Foundation, www.lustgarten.org, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, would be appreciated in his memory.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Linda A. Volk (nee Gibson), 76, of New Milford, NJ, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Beloved wife of the late James Volk. Loving mother of Scott Volk and wife Bethany of Woodcliff Lake and Laurinda Ochse and husband Daniel of Northvale. Adored Blamma of Cassidy, Ryan and Jason and “second mom” to Kristen and Matt Caronia. Dear sister of the late George and Natalie Gibson.

Linda was always the first to lend a hand when anyone asked. She loved the art of washing dishes and the magic of doing laundry. She enjoyed spending time with the family and watching them grow. She was passionate about reading mystery and cowboy books. She took pleasure in her daily walks with her friends and their monthly dinners. With hope she will be going to Elvis concerts in her afterlife.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. Funeral will be Wednesday at 10 AM at the funeral home with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s memory may be made to Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Ronald Albert Lucas was born in Coleraine, County Derry, Northern Ireland on June 1, 1942 to Albert Dunlop Lucas and Leonora Treadgold Lucas.  As a  young man, he was a first class radio officer in the British Merchant Marines who obtained his certification from the Queen.  His occupation took him all over the world and he loved traveling and exploring new cultures.  He also bravely searched  for oil and gas in the Middle East and Alaska…. sometimes spending days alone and having food helicoptered in.  Once he moved to NYC, he worked for Western Union where he was solely responsible for the security of the Federal Reserve’s financial transactions, in addition to many other duties.  After that, Ronald was a proud, long-term employee of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.  He was an electrician who also specialized in electronic maintenance.  He also owned several Irish bars in NYC.  

He is survived by his loving life partner, Vicky Besserer. He was a loving father to Ronald Daniel Lucas, Erin Noelle Lucas, and Erika Mariel Lucas.  He was a proud grandfather to Noelle.  He is also survived by his ex-wife Nell Lucas, and loving brother, Frank Lucas.  

Ronald was the quintessential outdoorsmen… he loved hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, camping, and exploring the world and nature.  He was enterprising, adventurous, hardworking, loyal and loving.  He was a free-spirit, independent thinker, animal lover and environmentalist.  He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians where he had fond memories and friendships. Ronald will be greatly missed and loved by his family and friends.  

A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Kathleen “Kathy” Gershon, wife of the late Theodore “Ted” Gershon, mother of three, and grandmother of seven, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the age of 75, surrounded by her children in the home where she raised them.

Born in Jersey City, NJ in 1948, Kathy was the eldest of five children with a large and loving circle of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and neighbors.  Her family later moved to Northvale, NJ, where her father was the Mayor and held other political offices.  In Northvale, Kathy attended Nathan Hale School and later Northern Valley Regional High School, where she made friends she kept until the last days of her life.  A “Chatty Kathy” who was also an interested and thoughtful listener, Kathy made lasting friends wherever she went.

At Jersey City State College, where she trained as a teacher, Kathy met Ted, a fellow educator who shared her knowledge of politics, commitment to justice, and love of family.  Ted may have been the only person in New Jersey who could match her gift for storytelling.

Kathy and Ted married in August of 1969 and went on to have three boys, Brian, Michael, and Jason. Kathy took on parenting with a characteristic mix of enthusiasm, fierceness and love. She was deeply involved in her sons’ schools and in every other aspect of their lives. 

Kathy was also an adoring and hands-on Grammy. She had a knack for soothing a fussy baby and was just as captivating to toddlers. As her grandsons grew, she marveled at their accomplishments and shared with them her love of food and drink, the beach and the ocean, and traveling. Kathy and Ted were fixtures on the sidelines and in the stands, cheering on the next generation in all their endeavors. 

Kathy and Ted had a grand romance, loving nothing more than spending time with one another, playfully arguing over who had the “talking stick.” They traveled far and wide together, both for Ted’s work and for pleasure, and they enjoyed spending time with their families and with their large and diverse circle of friends. Kathy and Ted were often found in their backyard or kitchen table, surrounded by family. Kathy was a great home cook and consummate hostess, making everyone feel welcome and cared for. Every Thanksgiving at Kathy and Ted’s was a feast for the ages.

Kathy volunteered for numerous charities and causes over the years, including the Hyacinth Foundation, where she supported people with AIDS in her community. Kathy and Ted were both active in the Democratic Party, attending several presidential conventions. Kathy was a longtime member of St. David the King Catholic Church in West Windsor, NJ.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother and father, James and Gladys McGuire, her sister Noreen McGuire Prettyman, and her brothers-in-law E. Barrett Prettyman and Louis Sheffler. She is survived by two sisters and one brother, Nancy Sheffler of New York, NY, Louise (Thomas) Quinn of Sparta, NJ, and James (Stephen Coy) McGuire, Jr. of Provincetown, MA; three children, Brian (Carol) Gershon of Medford, NJ, Michael (Kate Greenwood) Gershon of Kensington, MD, and Jason (Tiffany) Gershon of Essex, VT; seven grandsons; two nephews; and two nieces.

Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ. A funeral service will be held at noon at Saint Anthony Roman Catholic Church, Northvale, NJ, with burial to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

Donations in her memory may be made to:

West Windsor Volunteer Fire Co #1, 153 South Mill Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550

Mercer Street Friends, 151 Mercer Street, Trenton, NJ 08611 (www.mercerstreetfriends.org)

George Thomas Ross of Northvale, NJ died peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 63 years young. He was the beloved and devoted husband of 27 years to Jill Ross (nee Saydah). Loving brother of Mark Ross (wife Monica Sehr Ross) of Northvale, NJ , Donald Ross (wife Christine D’Arecca Ross) of Westfield, NJ and Thomas Ross (wife Jeannie Wesel Ross) of Closter, NJ.  Loving son-in-law to Joyce Saydah and brother-in-law to Gerard (wife Judy), JoAnne Saydah and Jennifer Saydah.  Cherished uncle of Samantha, Bradland and wife Emma, Thomas, Brianna, Dylan, Julia, Catherine, Colin & Claire Ross, Erika & Rob DeMarzo and Michelle, Mary, James, Theo and Dani Saydah

George, along with his twin brother Mark, owned and operated Ross Brothers Landscaping and Excavation for 37 years. He was hardworking and dedicated and will be missed by all who worked with him and especially by his poker and golf friends.  He kept his humor until the end and his smile will be missed by all who knew him.

Visiting hours are Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale with a service to be held at 12 PM. Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or other organization for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com