LaVina Blum (nee Fisher) 89 of Northvale, NJ formerly of Harrington Park, NJ and Johnstown, NY passed away at home on Wednesday, April 19,2023, surrounded by her loving family. It was a beautiful spring day with the lilacs in bloom and the smell of crab apple blossoms in the air.  
 

LaVina was a loving mother of Steven Blum and wife Ellen, Reneè Binder and husband Matthew, Daniel Blum, Bridgit Carroll and partner John Saunier, and the late Russell Blum and wife Carol. Proud grandmother of Tim (Audrey), Nicolas (Emi), Geoffrey (Leah), Scott (Alexis), Alyssa, Samantha, Ashley (Antonio), Katelyn (Michael), Alexandra, Joshua, Oliver, Jacob, and the late Lesley (Bob). Cherished great-grandmother of Olivia (Luke), Mason, Linkin, Russell, Isabella, Alder, Brielle, and Amari. Dear sister of the late Robert Fisher, Warren Fisher, and Curtis Fisher. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends.  

LaVina (aka The Hat Lady) volunteered with the Harrington Park Ambulance Corp before moving to Northvale where she lived for 41 years. She enjoyed working for different businesses in the area when in 1992 she became the head Milk Lady at Norwood public school where she was recognized for her 25 years of service. During that time, she was also a crossing guard at Charles DeWolf school in Old Tappan. The kids looked forward to seeing what costume she would wear each Halloween. They were never disappointed. 

LaVina was a friend, mom, grandma to anyone in need. While living in HP you could stop by at any given moment and find a crowd raiding her fridge or swimming in her pool. She always had things to do, places to go, people to see and would normally grab a grandkid or 2 for an adventure, especially garage sale-ing. Her love for a sweet treat, a good book, wildflowers (snip snip), and a great game of cards will never compare to the love she showed her family, her church (Trinity Reform), and her community. She will be missed by all and live on in the hearts of those lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be around her. 
 

The Celebration of Lavina’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 1-4 PM at the Norwood American Legion Post 272, 480 Broadway, Norwood, NJ and can be viewed through the livestream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/celebration-of-life-for-lavina-mae-blum-j5caosnefrrmdcjcf3dd

Donations to the Closter Nature Center in Lavina’s name would be greatly appreciated. www.closternaturecenter.org 

Felicia Risolo (nee Coniglio), 96, of Tappan, NY, formerly of the Bronx and Manhattan, passed away at home on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Felicia was predeceased by her beloved husbandTullio Risolo, her parents Salvatore and Felicia Coniglio and her brothers, Andrew and his wife Olga and Louis and his wife Mary. She was the devoted mother of Barbara DeCarlo and her husband Carl and Michael Risolo and his wife Yolanda. Proud grandmother of Stephanie, Carl, Jessica, Michael, Jason and Andrew and great-grandmother of four great-grandchildren.

Felicia was an assistant to the president at the Better Business Bureau in Manhattan for many years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

John “Jack” Finnegan 82, passed suddenly on Saturday April 8, 2023, with his wife Joan by his side. John was born November 22, 1940, in Liskea, Williamstown, Co. Galway Ireland, one of 10 siblings. 

He immigrated to the United States in 1959 where he built his life, served proudly in the United States Army, and became a Commercial Plumber and a member in the International Union Local 1 retiring in 2002 with more than 50 years membership.

Married the love of his life Joan (nee O’Keeffe) in 1966 in the Bronx, New York and few years later, moved to Chestnut Ridge, New York, where the resided for about 32 years until retiring to Ormond Beach, Florida for the next 21 years, where he enjoyed traveling, sunshine and golf.

Jack was a cherished husband, devoted father, and tremendously proud grandfather. He was always quick with jokes, loved reading, enjoyed watching sports, his sons playing football and baseball and most recently his grandson Kieran’s pitching while at Oswego State University. However, all things golf was his true passion in his later years.

Jack is survived by his wife Joan, son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Eileen Finnegan, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Brendan Cunningham, grandson Kieran Finnegan, granddaughters, Maura, and Emma Finnegan, along with his siblings Mae, Bridie, Jimmy, Eamon and Peter and a host of extended family in the United States, Ireland, England and Scotland.

Jack is predeceased by his beloved son John Denis, and Jack’s siblings, Shelia, Pat, Martin, and Margaret.

Jack will be remembered for his work ethic, his humor, laughter, and kind ways.

A mass of the Celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Tappan NY Saturday May 6^th at 11:00 a.m.

A viewing will be held at the Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ on Saturday May 6^th from 1 to 4 pm.

Interment will be San Lorenzo Cemetery, The Holy Family Columbarium in St. Augustine Florida.

Jack will be forever in our hearts and will eternally remain the love of our lives.

Yolanda C. “Toni” Cross (nee Scriffignano), 97, of Norwood, NJ, entered into eternal life with our Lord on April 21, 2023, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born February 16, 1926 to Filippo and Grazia.  Beloved wife of the late George L. Cross. Devoted mother of Philip Cross and wife Gerilynn, Jonathan Cross and Maria Cross. Proud grandmother of Meaghan and husband John, Jonathan and wife Samantha and Bryanna and husband Trevor. Loving great-grandmother of Finn. Dearest sister of the late Peter, Frank, John, Thomas, Mildred, Louise and Carol.

Toni graduated from Columbus Hospital School of Nursing in Newark, where she served as an operating room nurse. She was a dedicated parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood where she was a Eucharistic Minister, song leader in the choir and a member of the Pre-Cana team. She also was an avid bowler.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/yolanda-c-toni-cross-funeral-mass-pjlud0t90lvofgornsgd

In lieu of flowers, donations in Toni’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www.michaeljfox.org or the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, www.jewishhomefamily.org would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joan Riccardi (nee Massa), 90, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Riccardi. Cherished mother of Linda Shlemon and her husband Brian and Denise Bigelow and her husband William. Proud grandmother of Christopher Shlemon and wife Kayla, Jessica Shlemon, Allison Shlemon, Ryan Bigelow and wife Sara, Joseph Bigelow and Davis Bigelow and great-grandmother of Abigail Shlemon. Dearest sister of Barbara Testa.

Joan was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church and an active member of the Northvale Senior Center for many years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 12 PM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Joan’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Lynne M. Pontillo (nee Malmed), 67, of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, April 21, 2023. Beloved wife of Peter W. Pontillo. Cherished mother of Bret and wife Jess and Lucas and partner Julia. Loving daughter of Gail Williams and her husband Bert and dear brothers Foster Malmed and wife Terri and Glenn Malmed and wife Marianna. She was predeceased by her father Howard Malmed. Lynne is survived by many relatives and friends. She also loved her dogs, Jackson and the late Shasta.

Lynne was an Art Director for NBC and WPIX for many years before retiring and then teaching art at Dwight Englewood.  She was a proud graduate of Penn State and was a founding member of the Bergen County Charity Classic.

Visiting hours are Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lynne’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 

https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift, to support breast cancer research.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Frank Negri, 79, of Valley Cottage, NY, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Anne (nee Ciuffo). Devoted father of Deborah Mazur and her late husband Michael of Congers, NY and Frank A. Negri and his wife Michelle of New City, NY. Proud grandfather of Michael, Anthony, Frank, Joseph and Thomas.

Frank was a police officer for the NYPD, working in the 34, 44 and retiring out of the 50. He was also a US Army Veteran. Frank was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid fisherman and loved fishing and boating. He will be missed.

Funeral services will be private.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Frances A. Slavik (nee Greenbaum), 96, of Bergenfield, NJ, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Milan.  Loving mother of Richard Slavik of California, MD and David Slavik and his wife Margaret of Dumont, NJ. Proud grandmother of Michael and his wife Janelle and Christopher. Dear sister of the late Doris Ilovichny. Also survived by her niece, Susan Farley and brother-in-law, Daniel Slavik

Frances was a devoted and loving grandmother and cherished her time with her grandsons. She belonged to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in New Milford for many years.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 10-11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Service will be celebrated by Rev. Lisa Holliday at 11 AM with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support Metastatic Breast Cancer Research and Awareness, www.metavivor.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joseph (Joe) A. Mancini, 73, of Northvale, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 3, 2023. Beloved husband of Debbie (nee Minutoli), devoted father of Joseph, dear brother of Louis Mancini and his wife Sharon. He is also survived by many loving relatives and friends as well as his loyal sidekick, Kenji. 

Joe studied the martial arts from the time he was a young boy.  In 1973 he traveled to Japan to study Karate with Sensei Obata of Keio University and upon his return enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War.  He graduated jump school at Ft. Benning Georgia, becoming a Paratrooper assigned to the 509th Airborne Combat Team in Verona, Italy.  There he joined the elite recon platoon and served with Nato until he was honorably discharged in 1976.

His mastery of the art of Karate led him to open and operate the Academy of Self-Defense in Teaneck, NJ, where he met his wife.  He eventually passed down the ownership of the school and began to work for the USPS in Teaneck as well as serving as the Court Officer for the Borough of Northvale.  His and his son’s long involvement in the Boy Scouts of America led Joe to eventually become Scout Master for Troop 124, encouraging his son and other members to earn their Eagle.  Because of his knowledge in dealing with the DAV, he began to dedicate his time to assist other disabled veterans with their benefits.  He also became an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. 

Visiting hours are Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A graveside service will be held at Garden of Memories, Building 4, Washington Township at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com 

Russell J. Chiandusse, 74, of Mahwah, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, March, 29, 2023. He is survived by his children, Jillane and Brian (Liz); sister, Jeanne Greco; grandchildren, Alexi, Nixon, Jovie, Pippa and Maddox; and nephews and niece, Kevin, Darren (Danielle) and Kim. He was predeceased by his parents
Joseph and Lillian and his brother Joseph “Butch”.

Russell had owned and operated the IHOP Restaurant in Ramsey for 23 years. Prior to that he owned Carvel in Ramsey and was an executive at Volvo in Rockleigh. He was a loyal Yankees fan and loved animals, especially his cherished pets Sandy, Puppy and Kitty.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A
Funeral Service will be held Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11 AM at the funeral home with interment to
follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com