Amy Elizabeth La Rocca, 57, of Valley Cottage, NY, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Robert and Barbara La Rocca. Survived by her loving brother Robert Joseph La Rocca, as well as many dear relatives, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Amy was a librarian for the Suffern Free Library for 20 years and her public service extended to other libraries throughout the Rockland County Library System for 21 years before that. She will be remembered always by all who loved her, knew her, worked with her, or who benefited from her years of service as a patient, kind, dedicated, and loving soul.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Amy’s memory may be made to the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association.

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Lourdes Porta (née Lopes), aged 72, of Naples, FL, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion as the beloved wife of Ilario Porta for 50 years and as the mother to their four children.

Lourdes was the cherished mother of Florence Vitale and her husband Thomas, Beatriz Negron and her husband Joel, Elizabeth Porta and James Schoenleber, and Augustino Porta and his wife Mia. She was a proud and doting grandmother to Gianna, Joseph, Angelo, Jace, Ava Maria, and Matteo. She was predeceased by her parents, Maria Pacheco Lopes and Orlando Lopes, and is survived by her four sisters, Aurora, Cristina, Soraia, Monica, and her brother Tadeu, along with their families.

In 1974, during a visit to see her cousin in the United States, Lourdes met her future husband and the love of her life, Larry. They settled in the suburbs of Bergen County, NJ, where they provided their children with a nurturing and joyful upbringing, filled with summers of poolside fun and trips across the East Coast, as well as to Brazil and Italy. Lourdes’ greatest accomplishment was to provide her family with her “American Dream”. She was exceptionally proud of both her American citizenship and Brazilian heritage. Cooking was her love language, and she was renowned for her exceptional culinary skills. She expressed her affection by showering friends and family with her culinary creations at every opportunity.

Lourdes enjoyed a fulfilling career at Valley National Bank in Northvale, where she was highly regarded by colleagues and customers. After retiring, Lourdes and Larry relocated to Naples, Florida. There, she spent her days gardening and cooking, and she enjoyed a vibrant social life that included dining, strolling, beach days, and other social activities. She cherished her time with a group of friends she affectionately called her “Sand Sisters”. 

Lourdes always found the silver lining in even the most challenging situations, spreading her positivity to family and friends both near and far. Her outlook provided perspective to others and inspired many to persevere through their own challenges.

Throughout their 50-year marriage and her 25-year battle with cancer, Lourdes received steadfast support, both physically and emotionally, from her husband, Larry, who many decades ago affectionately nicknamed her, in Portuguese, her native language, his “little angel”. Their love will endure for eternity.

Lourdes’ warmth, kindness, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. As she often said, “Enjoy the journey!”

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Garden of Memories in Washington Township, NJ. Following the service, the Porta family will receive family and friends to gather and pay their respects at Taverna on the Green, 314 Paramus Rd., Paramus, NJ, from 12:45 PM to 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lourdes may be made to lustgarten.org, a foundation dedicated to advancing research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Mary Ellen Graham (nee Grandolfo), 74, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024. Beloved wife of George. Cherished mother of George and his wife Kasey, Michele Clancy and her husband Doug and Kevin and his wife Stefanie. Proud and devoted grandmother of Lori, Allie, Peter, Lila, Nolan and Miles. Dearest daughter of the late Rose and Joseph Grandolfo and sister of Joseph Grandolfo and the late Eugene Grandolfo.
Funeral services will be private.
Those who wish may make a donation in Mary Ellen’s memory to Our Lady of Victories Church, Harrington Park, NJ.
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Robert V. Terraciano, 79, of Franklin Lakes, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Maldini). Loving father of Jennifer Cassedy and her husband John of Boston, MA and Brian Terraciano and his wife Lori of Whippany, NJ. Proud grandfather of John, Max, Matthew and Reagan. Dearest brother of Frances Fenton and husband John and the late Barbara Harder.

Bob was a systems analyst for SunGard Securities Finance in NYC for many years before retiring. He was an active volunteer and supporter of Eva’s Village Community Kitchen in Paterson, NJ.

Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Elizabeth’s RC Church, 700 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff, NJ on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 10-11 AM.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Eva’s Village, www.evasvillage.org, or to the charity of one’s choice.

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Robert Henry Koch, 78, a lifelong resident of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.  He was the devoted father of Allison Koch and her husband Peter Ubriaco, and David Koch and his wife Danielle.  Proud and loving grandfather of Evangelina, Alexander, Willem, and Joni.  He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Kathryn Koch, and his sister, Sr. Charlotte Koch.  Bob is also survived by many loving relatives and cherished friends.

We will miss him most for his lifelong expertise in being handy and restoring practically anything, or more recently taking on the role of being a doting Grandpa and Pop-Pop.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 24, 2024 from 5-8 PM and Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 10-11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11:30am at Old Tappan Cemetery, Old Tappan, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry’s memory may be made to the Franciscan Sisters of Peace, or to Hackensack Meridian Health, www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/donate.

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Michael Frederick Wiseman, 43, of Carlsbad,CA and formerly of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on May12, 2024. He was the beloved son of Dyann O’Connell, and Fred and Jane Wiseman.  Loving brother of Jenny Waggenheim and her husband Dan, Matthew Ryan and Geoffrey Ryan and his wife Lauren.  Proud uncle to Lyla, Kaitlyn, Megan, Liam and Mackenzie. Michael is also survived by his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Michael was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan and received his MBA from Iona University.  He was an avid sportsman, playing basketball and baseball through high school and rugby in college. He later enjoyed playing golf, training for triathlons, playing guitar, and dabbling in stand-up comedy.  

Michael worked as a successful financial advisor for 19 years and was admired by his colleagues and clients for his insightful advice, hard work, and dedication.

Michael’s generosity and kindness touched the lives of many. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear.  His sense of humor and infectious laughter brightened even the darkest of days.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 21,2024 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 22,2024 at 11:00am at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flower, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Research Hospital.

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Ramon “Moncho” Negron, 67, of Winter Haven, FL and formerly of Northvale, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2024.  Beloved husband to Carmen Negron for 48 years.  Loving father to Joel Negron and his wife Beatriz, Jared Negron Andino and fiancé Sean, and Noemi Perez and her husband Damian.  Cherished grandfather to Damian Perez, II, Joseph Andino, Emily Andino, Celicia Andino, Angelo Negron and Matteo Negron.  Loving son to the late Juanita Hernandez.  Dear brother to Agustin Santiago, Norma Osorio, Jose Santiago, late Elba Hernandez and late Milagro Santiago. Admired by all of his nieces and nephews.

Ramon, born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, will be remembered as the life of the party.  The door to his home was always opened and he loved having a reason to cook up a feast.  His happiness was fed by everyone else being happy.  He left a mark with everyone he connected with through his countless humor, infectious laughter and humble smile.  You could always find Ray tending to his beautiful garden while listening to music.  While he will be missed by so many, we celebrate his life through memories of how amazing and funny he was. 

Visitation will be Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4:00pm until 8:00 pm, at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11am at Madonna Church On The Hill, 2070 Hoefleys Ln, Fort Lee, NJ 07624 with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

John Christopher Freemyer, 65, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. He was the beloved son of the late James and Anna Freemyer. Loving brother of James Freemyer, Patricia Nims and her husband Nyle and Mark Freemyer and his wife Valerie. Cherished uncle of Emily, Matthew, Elizabeth, Christopher and Nicole. Also survived by his loyal companion, his dog Enzo.

John, a graduate Manhattan College, started his career with IBM while continuing his education, earning his law degree from American University. He opened his private practice in Bethesda, Md, then moved it to Ridgewood, NJ, to be closer to family and friends. John cherished most, his lifelong friendships with his childhood friends and of course, his family.

Visiting hours are Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy at https://www.foundationforpn.org/

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Paul Jason Buongiorno, 33, of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. He was the cherished son of Priscilla Scioscia (nee Becker) and her husband Mark and Perry Buongiorno and his wife Karen. Loving brother of Perry Buongiorno, Jr. Adored grandson of Canela Becker (late husband Alfred). Zelda was his cherished greyhound.
He is also survived by his proud aunts and uncles; Jan and Charlie Siolos, Alexis and Sal Esposito, Paul Becker, Peter and Patti Buongiorno and Patrick and Arpie Buongiorno. Dear step-brother of Anthony Scioscia, Steven Scioscia, Mark Ciccarelli and Nicole Silcher. Paul is also survived by many loving cousins and friends.
Paul was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan and Montclair State University. He had been working for ICON International in Stamford, CT as 1st Associate Client Media Director.
Visiting hours are Monday, May 6, 2024 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 10 AM at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tenafly with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to a greyhound foundation.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Lena Maria Foley “Lee” (nee Dell’Anno), 88, of Orangeburg, NY passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday April 28, 2024. Beloved wife of Bartholomew R Foley “Bart”. Loving mother of Kim Henderson (late Richard), Robin Foley, Robert Foley (Damaris), Maria Saparata (Thomas), Richard Foley, Jennifer Semon (Matthew), Jason Foley (Karen), Keisha Foley (Sharon) and Erica Bachleda. Cherished grandmother of Leana Foley, Thomas “T.J.” and Christian Saparata, Matthew and Nicholas Semon, Alexa Foley (fiancé Joseph), Dylan, Kyle and Kendyl Foley and great grandmother of Kristina Melanson, Mia Bachleda and Olivia and Jack Lyness. Her sister Gloria Dunnigan as well as several dear nieces and nephews survive her. She was predeceased by her parents Filippo Dell’Anno and Maria D’Agostino as well as her brother Victor Dell’Anno and sister Rita Barone.

Lee was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother (“Vava”).  Lee was born at St. Vincents Hospital in Greenwich Village, NYC.  She married Bart in 1954 at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Manhattan and accompanied him to Georgia and Kentucky while he was serving in the U.S. Army as an M.P. during the Korean War. After Bart was deployed to Korea, she set up a beautiful home in the Bronx for her growing family. 

Then moving to a new home in the Eastchester neighborhood of the Bronx and caring for her family she became interested in the services of Catholic Charities. She began taking foster infants in to the home.

In 1968 the family moved to Orangeburg, where she has lived for the rest of her days.  At this time, she started taking foster children from St. Dominic’s Home in Blauvelt, N.Y.  During the next few years four of these children were adopted into her family. Bringing our family to 9.

Lee was the ultimate animal lover and rescued many animal over the years.  The phrase “Would not even hurt a fly” was coined with her in mind.

After raising her family, she was in search of a new career and purpose. She attended Rockland Community College in Suffern graduating with honors with a degree in Nursing.  She worked at Rockland Psychiatric Center, Blauvelt for about 20 years caring for patients.

After retiring she spent many happy hours tending to her plants and gardens as well as enjoying her koi pond and going to her country house in Copake, NY, spending treasured time with her family.  

She was a long-time member of St Catherine’s Church in Blauvelt, N.Y.  

Visiting hours are Tuesday April 30, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:30 AM at St Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY with interment to follow at Loescher Veteran’s Cemetery, New Hempstead, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations in Lee’s memory may be made to Hi_Tor Animal Shelter, www.hitor.org or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, www.jdf.org 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com