December 23, 1988 – April 1, 2020

Paul left us on April Fool’s Day in what was his most epic show of poor comedic timing yet. Always the first to make others laugh, even at his own expense, the irony will surely have us shaking our heads and saying “Oh, Paul!” for years to come.

Paul was a Closter native and graduate of Northern Valley Demarest (his kindness and charm served him well). He was a member of the Varsity Bowling Team partly for the love of sport, but mostly to spend more time with his best friend Matt eating bowling alley pizza. Although seemingly impossible, Paul brought every girl to prom and always got them home by curfew. Moms loved him! He had a childlike curiosity, an aversion to settling, and a slight case of A.D.D., which led him to various academic and professional endeavors. He ultimately found his niche as a Veterinary Technician and became New Jersey’s own, less famous, certainly less wealthy, but more adorable version of Steve Irwin through his daily animal posts.

One would be hard-pressed to find a picture of Paul without a smile, holding a baby, posing with a puppy, or locked in an embrace. To understand his personality is to understand each of the traits he truly embodied and the lessons he learned from those who made the most profound impact on his life:

Those he has since rejoined

(Pop-Pop) overwhelming amount of charisma, contagious laughter, and he really let Paul run with the ‘only grandson’ schtick, much to his sister and cousins’ chagrin (Nanny) love of art… which he found in the form of tattoos (Grandma) love of beer and calling on Dad for favors (Mom) tenderness and his first lesson in the brevity of life (Momma G) taught him that even through suffering, optimism and laughter are not only possible, but necessary.

Those who are left with his memory

(Dad) unwavering dedication to family, boundless love, quick wit, humility, and good looks (Kim) taught him that sometimes we learn more about humanity from those who aren’t human and encouraged his passion for helping animals (Kathleen “Loon”) taught him the ultimate expression of selfless love and faith, ever-willing participant in his jokes, gave him the luck of the Irish and a smack on the head when necessary (Molly) strength through adversity, tough but ever-present love, advocacy, an indescribable bond, took the heat off him (that one time) as the ‘trouble-child’ (Jasmin) the purest form of his love and happiness, Paul’s first experience with the awe of life and desire to protect his loved ones, taught him that whimsy should not be bound by age (Matt) fierce loyalty, unending levity, laughter, and shenanigans, taught him that sometimes the best brothers are the ones we choose.

Paul’s passing in the time of quarantine adds the touch of drama and shroud of mystery befitting his departure. Until we can come together again for a Celebration of Life, please pray for Paul and the Bodrato, Sharpnack, Kearns, Aballi, and Oliva families that will forever feel this void.

Carlos H. Fusillo, 70, of Old Tappan, died on Monday, April 6, 2020. Beloved husband of Clara (nee Puccio). Loving father of Jessica DeMarco and husband Michael, Brian Fusillo and wife Rebecca and Natali Freeling and husband Nicholas. Proud grandfather of seven grandchildren. Dear brother of Dr. Jose Fusillo.

Before retiring Carlos owned and operated an auto repair shop in Westwood. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Old Tappan.

A memorial service will be celebrated at a later date.

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Piero Rossi passed away on April 5, 2020.  A loving husband, adoring father, devoted uncle and friend to many, he fell victim to COVID-19 complications.

Piero was born in Pisa, Italy in 1943 and moved to the United States when he was 23 years old.  Known for his exceptionally innovative thinking, Piero founded an international manufacturing business, Index Manufacturing, in Northvale, NJ with a sales force in the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico.  Piero proudly ran his company, with his wife, Francine, until his retirement in 1999.

He was known for his MacGyver-like inventions and his love of adventure.  If there was something that interested Piero, he had to try it including skydiving and cattle driving.  He loved to sing.  If there was a microphone in the room, Piero would find it, singing his heart out the only way he knew how – His Way.  He was an avid traveler with an infectious personality, making friends wherever he went.  Who else would generously pay $2000 for a salami at a golf outing to support the Pearl River Rotary?  Our Piero would.  He will be remembered for his million-dollar smile and his overwhelming generosity.

Piero leaves behind his loving wife Francine (Veralli), his devoted daughter Renee (Morgan), along with his extended family, which includes many adoring in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless treasured friendships.  He was loved by many, and he will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Top Gun…until we meet again.

It is with great sadness that the family of Joey Grassi announce his sudden passing on March 24 at the age of 48. Joey is survived by his children Joseph and Olivia, his parents Sandy & Joe Grassi of Northvale, his sisters Anne Marie & Sandra, his brother in law Frank, his nieces Emily, Grace, Shelby and Amelia and his nephew Anthony. We pray that he will forever Rest In Peace. Visiting hours will be Monday, June 22 from 6-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale. A memorial mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 23 at 11 AM.

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James G. Mazzo, 88, of Harrington Park, formerly of Norwood, died on Saturday, April 4, 2020. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Merolla) for 67 years. Devoted father of James G. Mazzo, Jr. and wife Janice of Ridgewood and Joanne Spadaccini and husband Frank of Norwood. Proud grandfather of Alicia and husband Thomas, Brandon, Zack, Lena and Jake and great-grandfather of Audrina, Frankie and Tommy. Dearest brother of Julia Tracy and the late Rocco Mazzo.

Jim was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War. After getting discharged from the Navy he became a heating contractor for his father’s business, Leardon Boiler Works in New York City. After 25 years, Jim took over the business.  He later passed the business on to his son. 

Jim served on the Board of Adjustment and Council for the borough of Norwood, as well as the Norwood Volunteer Ambulance Corp.

Due to the current world health crisis, funeral services are private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Quest Autism Program, www.questnj.org.

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John P. Lally, 90, of Old Tappan, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Beloved husband of Eileen (nee Turnbull) for nearly 62 years. Loving father of Jack of Old Tappan, Patrick (Marita) of Monroe, NY and Kim Halman (Douglas) of Tenafly, NJ. Proud grandfather of Matthew, Coleen, Joseph, Michelle, Daniel and Ethan. Dearest brother of the late Brendan, Marguerite Reilly, Joseph and Eugene.

John proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Northvale VFW. He worked for Volkswagen in Orangeburg, NY for over 30 years before retiring. He was an incredibly loving and affectionate husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed.

Due to the current world health crisis funeral services will be private; donations to JDRF in John’s memory are appreciated.

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August “Gus” D’Ercole, 86, former Mayor of Norwood passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Beloved husband of 64 years to Gloria (nee Marino) Devoted and loving father and father-in-law of Denise and Vincent Rinaldi, Deborah and Kenneth de Graaf and Suzanne and Ray DeBiasa. Cherished grandfather of Kristin Rinaldi-Favaloro and her husband Jojo, Danielle Rinaldi-Guiterrez and her husband Christopher, Vincent Rinaldi and his wife Alison, Daniel de Graaf and his wife Anna, Ashley de Graaf-Buckley and her husband Brian, Christy de Graaf-Plescia and her husband David, Raymond and Christopher DeBiasa. Proud great-grandfather of Christopher, Giuseppe, Gianna, Cole, Francesca, Vinny and Joseph.

Gus was predeceased by his sisters Adeline DiRienzo, Josephine Maschi, Phyllis Prodigo and Lucy Lissi. Survived by his beloved sisters and brothers Marie DiBlasio, Anna Fleury, Carolyn Everson, Lawrence, Frankie, John and Joey D’Ercole, their families and all of his many nieces and nephews.

The proud son of Carmela (nee Grassi) and Frank D’Ercole, Gus worked from the young age of 8 on a farm which he would eventually turn into D’Ercole Farm and Garden Center in Norwood. Everyone knew “The Farm” where customers would walk in as strangers and leave as family.

His love for Norwood naturally led him to become active politically. Gus served as a councilman for 3 years, the Board of Adjustment for 15 years, the Planning Board for 20 years and ultimately Mayor where he proudly served for 20 years.

A gentleman in every sense of the word, Gus was admired and loved by many. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. 

Due to the current world health crisis, funeral services are private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Frances Pedoto (nee Battaglia), 90, of Norwood, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020. Beloved wife of the late James “Puffy” Pedoto. Cherished mother of Elaine Danno and husband Paul of Norwood and Janice Perfetto and husband John, also of Norwood. Dearest sister of the late Mary Marini, Josephine Cambareri and Anthony Battaglia. She is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

Frances was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed cooking for her family. She retired from Fleming H. Revell Publishing Co. in Old Tappan and later volunteered her time at the Buckingham Rehab in Norwood. She was also a parishioner of Immaculate Conception RC Church in Norwood.

Due to the current health crisis, a memorial mass will be celebrated in her memory at a later date.

Those who wish may make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

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Peter Dowd, 91, born December 5, 1928 in Lislea, County Longford, Ireland, formerly of Woodside, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Beloved husband of the late Mary. Loving father of Anne and husband Kevin O’Brien, Peter and wife Margaret and Caroline and husband Vincent Mongelli.  Adored grandfather of Roán, Niall, Declan, Maebh, Jack and Nora. Dearest brother of the late John Joseph Dowd and Patrick Dowd.

Before retiring, Peter worked for the NYC Board of Education. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Woodside.

Due to the current health crisis, a memorial service will be celebrated at a later date.

Those who wish may make donations in Peter’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Simone Evans (nee Filiatrault), 95, formerly of Harrington Park and Westwood, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020. Simone was predeceased by her husbands, Philippe Sirois and William Evans, her sister Jeanne Gauthier, her son Mario Sirois, and son-in-law Mark Randall.   She is survived by her children, Claude Sirois and wife Barbara, Jocelyne Glielmi and husband Carmine, Jr., Michele Randall and Norman Sears, as well as her daughter-in-law Josephine Sirois and longtime family friend Kathy Hill.  Cherished grandmother of Jennifer (Howard), Laura (Timothy), Christopher (Stacy), Eric, Daniel (Christina), Amy, Brian (Kaitlyn), Sean, Jessica and Max. Great Grandmother of Samantha, Brayden, Riley, Amanda, Haley, Kyleigh, Leo, Dean and Asher.   

Besides being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Simone worked for SMA Fathers in Tenafly for 13 years. She loved to crochet, loved animals and enjoyed music, arts and crafts.

Due to the current health restrictions, the funeral will be private. A memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Those who wish may make a donation in Simone’s memory to Dementia Society of America.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com