John J. Verdigi, Jr., 86, of Marco Island, FL and Northvale, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.  Beloved husband of Frances (nee Accomando).  John was predeceased by his sons, Joseph and John III.  Loving father of Joanne Campora and husband Tom and Jill Rovito and husband Ron. Proud grandfather of Dawn (John), Ashleigh, Jaime (John), Jessica (Pete), Taylor (Zach), Melanie (Steve), Joey (Kristen), Michele, Ronnie (Joanna) and Gina. Adoring great grandfather to Adriana, Valentina, Isabella, Averie, John, Aiden and Calhoun. Dear brother of Joan DiSpagna and husband Vinny and the late Joseph John.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Barbara and his daughters-in-law Meg and Cathy.

John was a veteran of the US Navy.  After graduating from City College of NY, he continued his electrical career which began with his father.  He owned and operated Ken-Jil Electric for many years before retiring to Marco Island.  John was a member of the International Order of Red Men Half Moon Tribe 283, Northvale and the Lions Club, Closter.

Visitation is Monday, October 4, 2021 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetary, Sparkill, NY.

The funeral mass can be viewed through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/john-j-verdigi-funeral-mass-247881

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Evelyn Maio, 98, of Tappan, NY, formerly of the Bronx, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.  She was a loyal and devoted church worker.  Evelyn was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters and is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 10 – 11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ with a service to be held at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

James Francis Muggeo, 66, of Northvale, NJ, formerly of Naples, FL and Woodcliff Lake, NJ, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Adored brother of Deborah Juneja and husband Surinder and Susan Polles and husband Thomas. Cherished son of Mary Muggeo and the late Francis Muggeo. Loving father of Amy Bingamon and husband Chaz and Tausha Christensen and husband Eric. Proud grandfather of Justin and Tyler. Dear uncle of Thomas, Kaitlyn and Zoe.

Jim was the first graduating class of St. Joe’s High School in Montvale, NJ and received a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Southern Florida. He was a plumber in Naples, FL. Upon retirement he moved back to NJ and enjoyed being a school crossing guard in Harrington Park.

Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Dear Jimmy,

You were always a kind soul. You wanted for nothing and gave anything to anyone. You were always so kind and loving, the two of us were inseparable – you were always my best friend. I remember when you went off to college and I would wait to see your red Buick to come down the road and pull into the driveway because that meant that I would get another one of your big hugs and a kiss. I always loved those.

Throughout our lives, you would tell us to keep our circles small and to love each and every one of them – you would always be in my circle. I always waited for you to be able to tell you how much I loved you in person and to get another big hug and a kiss. This time when you came back, I knew that you were home. I’ve cherished every single day of our lives together and it is with a broken heart that my best friend and hero, you are no longer with us. I will always love you so much for every single minute of every day, please continue to show me your love and strength.

You will always be my brother.

Love you,

Susan

Dear Jimmy,

My dear brother, I have always loved you with all my heart and soul for now and for eternity. I will cherish our memories and continue to love you forever. Please always send me a sign that you are watching over us.

I love you forever and ever,

Debbie

Richard B. Conway, 57, of Pearl River, NY, formerly of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Beloved father of Richard Liam, Shauna and Else. Cherished son of Richard J. and the late Sheila. Dearest brother of James and Sean. Also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

Rich worked his entire career in the elevator industry as a union member of Local 1 where he had many friends and co-workers who respected him. He had a passion for music and loved spending time outdoors with his family and friends and especially loved hiking.

Visiting hours are Sunday 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 11 AM St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich’s memory may be made to his surviving children.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Robert L. Bechner, 72, of Palisades, NY, passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.  Survived by his daughters, Erin Bechner and Lori Mastrogiacomo; his brother, Br. Anthony J. “Buddy” Bechner; a grandson and his ex-wife, Roanne Fogle.

Bob graduated from Iona College in 1971. He was a police officer for the Port Authority and retired as Lieutenant after over 30 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Port Authority Lieutenants Benevolent Association and the Drum Major for the PAPD Pipe Band.  A devout Catholic, Bob was an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church where he was a member of the parish council.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to United Hospice of Rockland, www.unitedhospiceinc.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Thomas J. O’Connell, Jr., 84, of Tappan, New York, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021. 

Tom was born in New York City on March 24, 1937 to Thomas and Margaret (Clark) O’Connell. He grew up in Bayside and attended City College. Tom began his career working as a technician at Bell Laboratories. He then worked for AT&T, steadily advancing in management roles. After his retirement from AT&T, Tom worked for several years as a consultant for overseas satellites. 

In 1960, Tom married his beloved wife Beverly (nee Buchner). They met at a dance and were quite the rug cutters in their day. Tom was a devoted and steadfast husband, caring for Bev through many years of illness with Multiple Sclerosis. Together they had 4 children: Kathleen Maher, Brian O’Connell (partner Anne Starke), Suzanne Lucido (husband James) and Kerry Castro (husband Noel). He was especially proud of his grandchildren Kelly Yam (husband Philip), Jenna Maher, Rachel O’Connell, Alyssandra O’Connell, Thomas Lucido, Matthew Lucido, and Emma Castro, and he treasured the time he spent with them. Tom is survived by his dear sister, Maureen Wiley, and was predeceased by his beloved sister, Anne Wall. Tom is also survived by many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including Eddie McLaughlin, his best friend of over 80 years.

Tom was a man of quiet integrity – tall, not just in stature at six-foot-four, but in values and honor. He had a sharp, inquisitive mind and a great sense of humor, yet he was never above telling corny jokes. He respected nature and was an avid bird watcher. He loved woodworking in his basement shop and created many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family. Tom enjoyed traveling and made certain to explore as far and wide as possible while Bev was still able. His scenic photographs captured many special places and memories. Tom was the anchor of his family, full of quiet and astounding strength to the very end. 

Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, New Jersey. A casual reception will follow at the Lucidos’ home at 35 Germonds Road in New City, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the National Park Foundation, Rockland Audubon Society, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Cecilia Santiago (nee Gonzalez), 87, of Cliffside Park, NJ, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Loving wife for 56 years of Jorge Santiago. Beloved mother of George Santiago and his wife Rose Gramuglia-Santiago of Norwood, NJ and stepmother of George and Gloria Santiago of Fairfield CA and the late Janet Santiago-Frajdenreich.  Devoted and cherished grandmother of Hailey and Natalie Santiago and Delia Liza Santiago-Materese, her husband Chris and their children Ruby and Janet Materese . Loving sister of Victor Gonzalez (Anita) of Florida; Gabrielle (Chabella) Gonzales of Spain, Antonia Gonzalez – Santamaria (Julian) of Spain, Lines (Raul) Gutierrez of Spain, the late Beatrice, Candido Gonzalez, Aurelio Gonzalez and Tina Fernaldez-Cos Cherished and proud Godmother of Dr. Henry Fernandez-Cos, MD (Marlen) of North Bergen, NJ  and Dr. Carmen Klohe (Egon) of Fort Lee, NJ and many nieces, nephews and grand- nieces and grand-nephews.   

Cecelia was born in Spain and moved to Cuba in her early teens and worked for the American Embassy in Cuba until moving to the United States in the early 1960’s.  Affectionately called “Tata” by her adoring family, Cecilia loved to shower everyone with gifts, hugs and kisses.  From their early days in Cuba when Henry and Carmen were children to Henry’s years in medical school, and Carmen in graduate school, Tata provided unconditional love, support and encouragement.  Hailey and Natalie were the loves of her life.  She was beyond proud of them and never hesitated to let them know that she loved them beyond measure. Cecilia was the absolute most adoring and devoted mother and mother-in-law who made her children feel loved and cherished . 

 Our beloved Tata—mother, grandmother, Godmother, aunt, and friend will be greatly missed and her memory will forever be a great blessing to everyone that knew this amazing woman!

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace RC Church, Fairview on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 9:30 AM. Entombment will follow at Flower Hill Mausoleum, North Bergen, NJ.

Arrangements by Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

October 14, 1929-August 23,2021

Nicholas Langella, 91, formerly of Rockleigh, Northvale, and Old Tappan, passed away on August 23, 2021. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Julia (nee Volpe), his brother Sabatino and his sisters Roseanne and Lucille. He is survived by his sister Josephine, sons Frank and James, grandchildren Michelle and Nicholas, and great grandchildren Victoria and Julia.  As per his wishes, funeral services were private.

Nick was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran and received the honor of a Victory Medal.  He was stationed off the coast of Italy and in the U.S.  He received an honorable discharge in 1948 and settled into civilian life.

A hard worker his whole life, he was the VP of logistics at Holiday Fair, a handbag manufacturer in Jersey City.  Upon retirement, he purchased the former Gulf station in Norwood and was a fixture there for many years.  Many people knew they could rely on Nick to help out in any emergency.

Dedicated to public service, Nick served as a Councilman in Old Tappan and then Rockleigh for 18 years.  He served the Borough of Rockleigh in various capacities for 27 years.  He was a member of the Sewer Authority, volunteer fire department, Planning  Board, Council and ultimately Mayor.  He was proud to have been inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame for Volunteer Service.

In 2002, Nick was elected Mayor of Rockleigh as a write-in candidate at the age of 73.  He served 2 terms.  He remained an active member of the Northern Valley Mayors’ Association for many years, often reaching across the aisle to promote cooperation and shared services among the towns.

The residents of Spectrum for Living held a special place in Nick’s heart.  He played a key role in establishing the Rockleigh location and it was one of his proudest achievements.

He earned the nickname “Saint Nick” as he was Santa for decades to the children of Rockleigh and the residents of Spectrum.  He used to arrive at the Borough Hall for the town Holiday party on a horse drawn antique fire carriage dressed as Santa to the delight of children and adults alike.  He played Santa for the Spectrum residents for the final time at the age of 90 years old.

Those who wish to honor Nick may make a donation in his memory to www.spectrumforliving.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joseph Shamoun, 86, of Tenafly, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Beloved husband of Mary. Proud father of Kathy Shamoun, Lena Shamoun and Daniel Shamoun. Cherished grandfather of Ronin and Bowie.  

If you were lucky enough to know this bright soul you were touched by his boundless heart. Joseph knew how to love. He loved people –all people. He cared deeply for friends, his employees, people he never met – distant relatives of friends, anyone struggling under oppression. He loved life and nature and making things grow with his tender attention. He arrived to America in 1967 and grew a business, never compromising his old-world quality in his craft. With his kind nurturing he grew herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables in his garden sanctuary. He grew a family. He especially loved his family. He died peacefully in his home, knowing he was loved, with a hint of a smile on his face.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Mark’s Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, 55 W. Midland Ave., Paramus, NJ on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 10:30 AM.

Arrangements by Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJwww.pizzifuneralhome.com

Catherine Croce (nee Ricci), 93, of Norwood, passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021. Beloved of the late Peter Croce. Loving mother of John. Predeceased by eight brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be Friday, September 3, 2021 from 12 – 1 PM at Pizzi Funeral; Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A funeral service will be held at 1 PM at the funeral home with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. www.pizzifuneralhome.com