William Herbert Falkenstern, son of the late Robert and Mary Falkenstern, passed away on November 19, 2023 at the age of 72.  His years-long battle with cancer showed his courage, strength and love for life and family.  Despite the challenges he faced, he always stayed strong until the end.

Bill grew up in Norwood, New Jersey.  He attended Northern Valley Regional High School, Old Tappan where he played baseball, football and wrestled. He was named a multi-sport All County Athlete and inducted into the Old Tappan Sports Hall of Fame.  In Norwood, Bill settled down and raised his family with the love of his life, Liz.  The two celebrated 50 years of marriage in January of this year, and together had three children.  He was the beloved father of Jody Acevedo and husband Harold, Billy and wife Jessica, and Mary and husband Evangelos Farmakis.  He was a cherished “Papa” to William, Shane, Enzo, George and Dimitri.  He was the dear brother of Robbie and wife Terry, John and wife Mimi, Mary and husband Wayne, Terry and husband Ben, Katie, Judy and husband Michael, Dorothy and husband Michael.  Bill is also survived by his many adoring nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.  

Willy was a loving family man, a relentless hard worker, a coach, a craftsman and an artist.  A master stone worker, he ran his own masonry business and stone yard with his son, and he was also a talented and prolific visual artist.  In addition to art, he loved spending time with his grandsons, family and friends, fishing, going to concerts and attending sports events.  Bill will be remembered for his quick wit and one liners, as well as his big heart and smile.

A wake will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ between 4:00-8:00 PM.  A Funeral Mass will be Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Harrington Park, NJ.

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

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John Vincent Saccoccio of Oakland formerly of Norwood.  John passed away suddenly on 11/17/2023 at the age of 58.  John is predeceased by his father, Elio Rocco Saccoccio, survived by his life partner Deborah Seabrook, his son Nicholas, mother Jeanette, and his siblings James(Coleen) of Northvale, Joseph(Nancy) of Norwood and Janine Foschino(Anthony) of Norwood.  He will be missed by his nephews, nieces, step-children, extended family, friends and his special little girl Emma.  

John was a union roofer, loved the outdoors,  motorcycle rides, fishing on LBI, but most of all enjoyed good times hanging around his fire pit with his love, Debbie.  

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ 07647.  Visiting hours are Mon. Nov.20, 2023 from 5pm-8pm. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.

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It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Esmerida Gladys Manfugas (nee Rivas), passed away on November 14, 2023.

A former resident of Teaneck, NJ, formerly of Hallandale, Florida, Esmerida was born in Antilla, Cuba on December 14, 1931, to Maria Rodriguez and Raul Rivas.  Esmerida was married to Gabriel Manfugas in Holguin, Cuba in 1954 and immigrated to America with their young sons, in 1967.  She was a talented designer, seamstress and proprietor of the Manfugas Bridal Shop in NYC.  Esmerida’s entrepreneurial spirit enabled her to help support her family by designing wedding gowns and women’s formal wear well into her late 70s. She most relished caring for, spending time with and enjoying her extended family, particularly her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Predeceased by her loving husband Gabriel and her youngest son Angel.  Survived by dear sisters Zoila of Cuba; and Maria of Wisconsin.  Cherished mother of Gabriel and his wife Lauraine of Palisades, NY.  Proud grandmother of Nicole and husband Jonathan of Brick, NJ; Javier and wife Karolyn of Hannover, Germany; Benjamin of NYC; Stephanie of Palisades, NY; and Christopher of NYC.  Adored great-grandmother of Luis, Alexis, Isabella and Ida.  Loved by nieces Margaret, Laura and Carol.  

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ 07647.   The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, NJ  07647 on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11:30 am.  In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to Cabrini Immigrant Services, 701 Fort Washington Avenue, NYC, 10040.  212-791-4590  Ext. 100. 

A private burial will be held at the Rockland Cemetery, in Sparkill, NY and will be at the convenience of the family.

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Peter J. Hubbard, 74, of New Milford, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Cherished father of Dana, Dara, Jeffrey (Donna) and Jason. Proud grandfather of Mackenzie, Christopher and Peyton. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Antonina Hubbard and his fiancé, Kathleen Hefner.

Peter owned a taxi company for many years before retiring. 

Visiting hours are Friday, November 17, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 12 Noon with entombment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

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

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Connie M. Smiriglio (nee Greco), 69, of Bardonia, NY, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. She was the beloved wife of Salvatore Smiriglio and the loving mother of Paul and sister of Louis Greco and the late Susanna Greco.

Connie was a devoted wife and mother, was hard-working, intelligent and caring. She worked for Honeywell International in its many iterations for over 40 years. She was a parishioner of St. Francis Church, West Nyack and was a member of the Romanesque Lodge 2198, Blauvelt.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi RC Church, West Nyack with entombment to follow at Ferncliff Mausoleum, Hartsdale, NY.

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Robert Brunell passed away peacefully in his home November 5, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois shortly after he relocated to New York where he met the love of his life, Doris. Attending Maritime Training Academy in New York City led to his career as a radio operator for the Merchant Marines during World War II in 1944. Robert was commissioned as the Communication Chief Radio Operator for the Armed Forces.  His duties placed him on Atlantic crossing convoys on the Victory Transport Vessels, Rich Mountain and Sinclair HC. The destinations were to Liverpool, London, Neisse, and Palermo as part of the heroic effort to uphold freedom throughout the world.

However, his primary devotion was always to his family, his predeceased wife Doris, his adoring daughter Barbara Anne and his remarkable son-in-law Albert. Robert treasured his grandchildren Dr. Samantha DeMauro -Jablonski and Dr. Christopher DeMauro, as well as, their devoted spouses Dr. Mark Jablonski and Dr. Sara Bonamo-DeMauro. Robert eagerly awaited daily updates about his Great Grandchildren  Madeleine, Vivienne, Clementine, Oliver and Julian Robert, celebrating their ongoing adventures and achievements. Robert was an avid skier, golfer, photographer, angler, gardener, and a devoted follower of his family’s sporting events.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Pizzi Funeral Home at 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, N.J. 07647. Visiting hours are Thursday, November 9^th from 4-7 PM.

Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church, at 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, N.J. 07647 at 9:30 AM on Friday morning November 10^th. Interment will follow at the Redeemer Cemetery, 90 Chapel Road, Mahwah N.J. 07430

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude www.stjude.org or The March of Dimes www.marchofdimes.org.

Dad, Grandpa Bob, has left behind so many cherished memories, lessons and values that will remain in our hearts forever.

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Marcia Helen Glackin, born Marcella Helen Zannis, age 92 of Tappan, NY passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023. She was born on September 4, 1931 to Demetrius James and Mary Zannis. Raised
in Washington Heights, New York City, she had six brothers and sisters. It was in the school yard of PS 132, while playing ping pong, that she would meet the love of her life. Harry. It was love at first sight for him, and from that day on Harry would make sure he was at Marcia’s side every minute he could.
Marcia held many jobs growing up including being a stock girl at Messenger’s Dress shop and a sales person at a chocolate shop where she would sneak tastes of the expensive candies that were meant for customers only. She worked the money room at Macy’s and as a dental assistant. It was while working at Allstate Insurance company as a switchboard operator that she got a call from Harry who proposed to her over the phone while serving in the Army in Germany. They were happily wed for almost 73 years. Marcia was a profound storyteller. She either had you totally captivated or peeing in your pants from laughter. She was known for her gift of storytelling, mischief, fun and generosity. She was the auntie that taught you how to stick bobby pins in the electrical sockets to watch them go flying across the room or how to melt Hershey’s Kisses and fling them out the window to stick to the building across the way. She was the parent who let her children melt crayons on the heater to watch them melt and create endless color patterns. Most of all, she was the person who both family and friends went to confide in. Often people spoke of her as their second mother because she made people feel welcomed, loved, and listened to. Even when she and Harry moved from Washington Heights to Tappan their home remained a refuge for family, friends, and neighbors. In Marcia’s house all were welcome. and all wanted to be there because they knew it was a place of joy, laughter, good food and fun – a place where you felt comfortable and at home.
When Marcia wasn’t caring for her family you could find her in her back yard caring for her garden. She had a deep and abiding love for gardening that was evident to anvone who visited her home. Her green thumb was legendary and her garden was a testament to her passion for nurturing life. She could make even the most ordinary flower bloom with extraordinary beauty. Her colorful garden mirrored Marcia’s vibrant personality. Whether it was a bouquet of fresh-picked peonies, well-tended roses, or a vegetable patch that produced an abundance of goodness, Marcia had a knack for making the world a more beautiful and bountitul place. One could say she had a knack for bringing both plants and humans back to life. Marcia’s kindness and generosity knew no bounds. and she touched the lives of many with her love and care. One knows she is now partying with her daughter, Chryse, her sisters, Cleo, Dee, and Katie, her brothers Bob, George, and Nicky, her Mother and her Yia Yia as well as George Barry, Nick Nickolaus, Maria Zannis and Jack. She is survived by her husband Harry Glackin, son and daughter-in-law Scott and Eileen Glackin, daughter and son-in-law Marialice and John Morgan, grandchildren Madelene DeLeon (Kris), Carl Marshall, and Dylan Morgan, and great-grandchild Milla Ziegenfuss.

Visiting hours are Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

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Benedict A. LoScalzo, 79, of Barnegat, NJ, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023.  Beloved husband of 57 years of Anne Marie (nee Lombardi).  Cherished father of Marie Rose Zara and her partner Chris, Benedict and wife Maria and Anthony and wife Jennifer.  Loving grandfather to Bianca, Nicole and her fiancé Brett, Andrew, Jillian, Benedict and Salvatore.  Dear brother of Joseph LoScalzo and his wife Mary and brother-in-law of Theresa and Frank. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Kathleen Giarnella and Maryann Vecchio.  He is also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Benedict worked in the finance department at Lenox Hill Hospital and then NYU Medical Center for many years before retiring.

Ben was a marathon runner and in later years enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing softball. He was an amazing chef and loved nothing more than cooking for his family and friends. 

Visiting hours are Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Benedict’s RC Church, Bronx, NY with interment to follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Vincent W. DiChristina, 42, of Palisades, NY, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Beloved son and step-son of Marino and Patti. Dear brother of Joseph and his wife Laura and uncle of Angelina, Joseph and Gianna. He was predeceased by his mother, Carol Ann. Also survived by so many loving relatives and wonderful friends.

Vincent was a Police Officer with the New York City Police Department for 16 years. He loved traveling and living life, enjoying the Jersey shore, Lake George, motorcycle outings and spending time with his friends and family.

Visiting hours are Monday, October 30, 2023 from 2-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.

Amelia T. Brackenbury (nee Weinschreider), 85, of Old Tappan since 1977, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Milton and her son Mark. Cherished mother of Scott and wife Jennifer of Harrington Park, Teresa Angelakos and husband Peter of Emerson, Jeannette Kammlott and husband Robert of Norwood, Andrew and wife Debbie of Oakland, Catherine Brackenbury of West New York. Adored grandmother of 14 and great-grandmother of two. Dearest sister of Marie Ottomanelli and her husband Nick and the late Edward Weinschreider. She is also survived by many other loving relatives and dear friends. 

Amelia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She was the sweetest, kindest and most selfless person anyone could ever know.  Amellia had a strong Christian faith and lived a life in service of Christ.  She was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church, Old Tappan and a member of the Old Tappan Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, October 30, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan. Visiting hours are Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Amelia’s memory may be made to either

St. Pius X RC Church at 268 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan NJ 07675 or

The Old Tappan Fire Department at 231 Old Tappan Road Old Tappan NJ 07675

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