Breck Paul Benja, 76, of Hackensack, NJ and formerly of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

The son of Emil and Bette, Breck was born in Jersey City and grew up in Englewood cliffs and a graduate of Long Island University. 

Breck was the long-devoted husband of the late Gail (nee Eisenberg). Loving father of Breck J. Benja and his wife, Carol of Hackensack, NJ and son Eric Benja of Red Bank, NJ . He was the extremely proud grandfather of Blake, Brandon and Gavin.

Breck, the owner of Cambell & Gardiner in Lyndhurst, NJ, was a second-generation licensed customs broker.

He was at heart a family man, devoted to spending time with his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life.  Breck was also the dear friend of Christine Pappavasilou. A devoted poker enthusiast, Breck was a good friend to his many fellow players over the years.  Breck will be dearly missed by all.

Visiting hours are Monday, January 22, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 10 AM at First Reformed Church of Palisades, Fort Lee, NJ with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. www.pizzifuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Breck’s memory may be made to First Reformed Church of Palisades, https://www.frcpal.org/giving/

Louis (Lou) Thomas Alloro, 77, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Beloved husband of 60 years to Leslie (nee Cioffi). Loving father of Lisa Weber of Oradell, NJ, Christine Alloro of Palm Springs, CA and Louis Joseph Alloro of Los Angeles, CA. Proud grandfather of Michael, Casey, Maxwell and Luca, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Louis was predeceased by his beloved son, Todd, son-in-law Michael Weber and sister Julie Alloro. 

Lou was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in New Milford, NJ where he met the love of his life, Leslie. They proudly celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last August.

A sharp dresser and generous man, Lou loved to live big. He enjoyed cooking, gambling and taking epic adventures around the world. He loved spending time with family and friends, and at his best was telling jokes and stories or crafting poems that were sure to have you laughing out loud.

A successful entrepreneur, Lou owned and operated Bonded Basement Waterproofing for over 50 years in Bergenfield, NJ (you may have seen him driving around town with his “NO H20” license plate). 

He was clever, wise and witty, and was sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. As the heart of our family, he will forever be loved and missed. 

Join us in honoring his life. Visiting hours are Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or The Mike Weber Sr. Memorial Foundation (www.GoTeamWeber.com).

Peter A. Grawehr Sr., beloved by so many, left this life on January 13, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Katherine (nee Egan), his children and their partners: Patty & Frankie McGee, Peter & Colleen Grawehr, Brian Grawehr & Tim Dorman; and his grandchildren Jack, Shay, Quin, Rowan, and Casey, in-laws, Pegi and Bob Whited and Susan Egan-Leary. His family was his ultimate joy.

The youngest of four children, Peter was born to August and Anastasia Grawehr in Boonton Township on August 14, 1939. His late siblings Theodore, Bernie, and Rita, and his late sister-in-law, Ellen, welcomed him into his heavenly home. He is survived by cherished in-laws Helen Grawehr and Rocky Tironi and by many nieces and nephews.

He is very proud of his 14-year sobriety and the network of support he was a part of.

Aside from just wanting to be around his family, he loved to crochet blankets, read, watch the Yankees, bake birthday cakes, be of service to others, and lector at church. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Norwood Food Pantry.

Visiting hours: 4pm-7pm on January 17, 2024 at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ

Funeral Mass: 11am on January 18, 2024 at St. Pius X at 268 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ

Madeline C. Taccetta (nee Esposito), 94, of Tappan, NY for over 60 years, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Taccetta. Loving mother of Joseph P. Taccetta and wife Teresa, Diane Vogt and husband Steven and Christine Mercurio and husband Anthony. Adored grandmother of Nicole, Danielle (Brett), Peter John (Shari), Jessica (David), Joseph, Amanda (Stephen), Anthony and Jenni (CJ). Cherished great-grandmother of Lucas, Piper, Dakota, Dylan, Matthew, Jojo, Lexie and Oakley Belle. Dear sister of the late Anna Wilson.

Madeline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Monday, January 15, 2024 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC, Tappan, NY with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Danielle Marie Elisabeth Bibb, 33, of Harrington Park, New Jersey, died peacefully at home on January 7, 2024. Danielle is the beloved daughter of Daniel Lawrence and Gabriele (Higgins) Bibb, of Harrington Park; and adored sister of Devon Bibb (George Valdivia) of Westwood, New Jersey and Diana Bibb of Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

Danielle will be greatly missed by her many aunts and uncles, Ann and Michael Higgins of Norwood; Antoinette (Gentile) Barila of Harrington Park; Gwynne (McEwen) Barila and the late Charles Barila of Harrington Park; Susan (Bibb) and Robert Markisz of the Bronx; Barbara (Bibb) Carns of Annandale, Virginia and her cousins Charlie Barila and Victoria (Hubbard) Barila of Ellenton, Florida; Kristina and Jaclyn Barila of Harrington Park; Christopher Markisz of Sausalito, California; Kathryn (Markisz) Fox, Donald and Adele Fox of Wilmington, North Carolina; Emily Carns (Jarrod Lewis) of Arlington, Virginia; Jessica Carns of Richmond, Virginia; and Joseph Carns of Warrenton, Virginia. She was the beloved granddaughter of the late Marie (Gentile) and George Higgins of Harrington Park, and the late Doris (Spohr) and Lawrence Bibb of Verona.

Danielle attended Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, graduating in 2008.  She continued her studies in the Honors Program for non-fiction writing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW).  She was passionate about both writing and reading.  In 2010, as a representative of UNCW, Danielle was published in the journal Sanctuary of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.   For the past ten years Danielle has been employed by Westwood Ophthalmology in Westwood, New Jersey as a surgical coordinator.

Danielle was an accomplished chef, creating gustatory specialties for her family on an almost daily basis, and on holidays, treating her extended family members to her five-star meals, prompting one of her aunts to encourage her to become her personal executive chef.

Her most cherished traditions included vacations to the beach with family to the Outer Banks in North Carolina and regular excursions to Disney World where she and her sisters were frequent visitors and personal friends of Mickey and Minnie.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14 from 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, New Jersey 07647 (Tel. 201-767-3050) https://pizzifuneralhome.com

A memorial service will take place the following day, Monday, January 15 at 11:00 AM at The Community Church in Harrington Park, 1 Spring Street, Harrington Park, New Jersey (201-768-2457) https://cchpchurch.org

In lieu of flowers, donations in Danielle’s memory may be made to Give Kids the World through the link below:

https://www.gktw.org/#

Arthur H. Williams, 93, of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. Beloved husband of Sally (nee Gennaro), loving father of Gerylanne Kramer and her husband Steven and proud grandfather of Jonathan, Matthew and Daniel.

Arthur married Sally, the love of his life on April 5^th1959 and they spent 64 wonderful years together . Sally and Art were inseparable, whether it was playing golf on different courses around the country, spending time with friends and family, or attending church together every Sunday.

Art was not only an amazing and dedicated husband, he was also a loving father and grandfather. He was always there to provide support, advice and even an occasional joke to his beloved daughter Gerylanne, his son-in-law Steve, and his devoted grandchildren, Jonathan, Matthew, and Daniel.

Everyone who spent time with Art loved him dearly. His kindness, wisdom, and warmth impacted everyone’s lives and made each day a blessing for those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Arthur was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War serving beginning in 1953, first in the 45^th infantry  and then in the 145^th Field Artillery. He was honorably discharged in 1960

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1 PM at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur’s memory may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com                                                                                                     

In Memoriam: William John Lenskold

William John Lenskold, 87, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor (nee Rakowski), devoted father, proud grandfather, dear friend, and a legendary athlete. Bill, as he was affectionately known, left an indelible legacy of love, dedication, exceptional athletic achievements, and a profound commitment to serving others, shaping the lives of those around him.

Born on August 18, 1936, in Newark, NJ, Bill’s journey began as an accomplished high school athlete, highlighting unparalleled talent in track and field events in his hometown of Bloomfield. His prowess on the track earned him a scholarship to Manhattan College, where he continued to shine, lettering in track events throughout his four-year collegiate career. In 1957, Bill was part of the nationally acclaimed relay team that won the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Track and Field Relay Championship at the University of Pennsylvania. In recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments, Bill was elevated to the Bloomfield Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of sports.

In 1960, Bill married his college sweetheart, Eleanor, and together they celebrated 64 years of marriage. His love and commitment to his family were unwavering, evident in the deep connections he shared with his children, William and his wife Adrienne, Kenneth and his wife Elyse, Andrew, and his wife Lisa, and Kristan Gallitano and her husband Peter. Bill was also a proud grandfather, cherishing moments with Brittany and her husband Michael, Kaitlyn, Megan, Emma, Matthew, and Colin.

Bill spent his entire career in education, teaching and coaching scholars and athletes at the high school level and college level. For 29 of his 38 years in education, he contributed to the Northern Highlands High School District, blending his passion for education with his love for sports.

Bill was a multifaceted educator, coaching various sports teams, serving as the Student Activities Account Manager, and presiding over the Northern Highland Educational Association for four years. He was also an essential member of the negotiating teams. His dedication extended to the Business Education Department, where he was the first to teach computer programming. Bill’s commitment to education earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and students alike. Bill also instructed at the collegiate level as Adjunct Professor at Bergen Community College and Essex Community College.

In addition to his educational achievements, Bill served honorably in the Army Reserve from 1958 to 1965, embodying the principles of honor and sacrifice. His time in the military reflected not only a sense of duty but a profound commitment to values that permeated every aspect of his life.

Bill’s coaching of Varsity Football at Dwight Englewood High School was recognized and appreciated, highlighting his ability to inspire discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Bill’s commitment to service extended beyond the classroom and sports field, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched.

Before his tenure as Mayor, Bill served as a Northvale, NJ Councilman, contributing to the local governance and representing the interests of the community. His dedication to public service was evident, laying the foundation for his subsequent role as Mayor from 1974 to 1978, where he brought his characteristic dedication to the community, working tirelessly to enhance the lives of Northvale residents.

Outside of his professional life, Bill was an avid golfer, winning in 1999 the prestigious Yale Beinecke Golf Invitational Tournament alongside his son Ken. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, children, and grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for generations. Bill’s life was a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a deep love for others. He not only coached athletes but also coached individuals through life’s challenges, leaving a lasting impact on their character and resilience. His passion for education and belief in the pursuit of knowledge as a pathway to personal growth inspired generations of students.

As an advocate for higher education, Bill instilled the importance of academic growth and career development in all his children and grandchildren. His influence will continue to resonate in their pursuits of knowledge and personal growth.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass in memory of Bill will be celebrated on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to Boys Town at www.boystown.org.

Bill’s spirit, dedication, and love will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his life inspire us to embrace the values of perseverance, kindness, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, and to celebrate the extraordinary athletic accomplishments that defined his legacy.

For more information, please visit www.pizzifuneralhome.com.

Helen Donnelly (nee Reiss), 87, of Northvale, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Fred. Devoted mother of Joann D’Ercole and husband Michael, James and late wife Lizette, Fred and wife Laura and the late William. Loving grandmother of Michael, Billy (Drew), Jamie (Mike), Alyssa, Christopher, Jimmy, Jade and Freddie. Proud great-grandmother of William, Ryan and Morgan. Loving sister of the late Margie and John Martini and Dorothy Stewart. Dear sister-in-law of Kenneth Stewart and aunt of Susan (Tom), Ginny (Glenn), Kenny (Cynthia) and the late Kathy.  Also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Helen was a talented artist who loved mastering different arts and crafts and loved teaching those skills to her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spoke her mind and always kept her family laughing. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Visiting hours are Friday 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Istvan “Steve” Bauer, 77, of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Glendale, Queens, NY, passed away at home on Friday, January 5, 2024. Beloved husband of Susan (nee Altner). Loving father of Stephanie Marshall and her husband Corry and Nicholas and his wife Kristy. Cherished grandfather of Grace, Dorothy, Diana,and Nicole. Son of the late Mihaly and Etelka Bauer. Dear brother of Mihaly Bauer and the late Sandor Bauer and brother-in-law of Gizike, Katalyn and the late Etelka. Brother-in-law to Caroline and Steve Crawford, Deborah and John Cappiello, Bernadine Altner, Laura Altner, Helaine and Daniel Saccente, Karla Altner, Jacob and Kathleen Altner, as well as uncle and great uncle to many. He loved his dogs, but he especially loved his grandchildren. They were his everything.

Steve led an incredible life, one that wasn’t easy. Growing up in Budapest, Hungary, he saw the rise of Communism, and what it did to his beloved country, narrowly escaping death when the Russians invaded in 1956. Determined and tenacious (one might say stubborn), Steve crawled over the border through a minefield in 1966 to escape from Hungary. From there he spent a year in a refugee camp in Capua, Italy before joining his cousins Maria and Ferenc “Frank” Bauer in Glendale, NY. A trained cabinetmaker, he went to work as a roofer and carpenter when coming to the United States.  The opportunity to work as a carpenter brought him out to Massapequa, NY and is where he met his wife Susan.  He later partnered with Istvan “Uncle Steve” Klug to start Glendale Roofing & Carpentry in Queens, NY where he worked until he retired. His kids, and likely anyone else in the car driving around Queens, were a captive audience in pointing out Glendale Roofing & Carpentry’s lasting craftsmanship on roofs and houses all over Queens.  He worked seven days a week to put his kids (and Susan) through college, and was immensely proud of their accomplishments. 

In his free time, he bowled each week in leagues in Queens for many years, sometimes taking his kids to tag along and beg for arcade money.  He was an ardent fisherman, from Baja to the Jones Beach Pier, where he developed a fishing technique utilizing roofing insulation to make floats and using the tide to get to areas other fisherman couldn’t. Besides bowling and fishing, he was quite resourceful and was an original “recycler.” 

Despite being a dog-lover, he seemingly had nine lives. He survived escaping Hungary. He survived a tumor the size of a fist in his heart that was hanging on by a thread. He survived debilitating Guillain-Barre disease. He was stronger than a bull, and he lived the American dream and will be missed.

Picture is of Steve the day he became an United States Citizen.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A short service and shared memories will be at 8 PM during visiting hours. Funeral procession will leave from Pizzi at 11:45 AM on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Donations may be made in his name to Carry the Load – https://www.carrytheload.org/donate/

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Emily Rose Hodgdon (nee Cavalli), 88, of Montvale, NJ, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Marvin Hodgdon, Sr. Loving mother of Cynthia Brockmann and her husband Mark, Anthony Hodgdon and the late Marvin Hodgdon, Jr. Cherished grandmother of Kimberly Brockmann and her husband Daniel Baker and adored great-grandmother of Alexis Baker. Dear sister of Lorraine Daube and the late James Cavalli, Gloria Cerbasi and Madeline Italiano.

Emily was a waitress at the New City Diner for many years where everybody knew and loved her. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and baseball, but most of all she loved her family.

A graveside service will be held at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 10 am.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com