Jane Frances Byrne (nee Bourke), 85, of Norwood, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Beloved wife of Thomas E. Byrne. Cherished mother of four sons; Paul and wife Kristine, Christopher and wife Joann, Daniel and wife Eileen, Brian and wife Katie. Proud grandmother of Mike, Tommy, Megan, Caitlin, Ian, Kiera, John, Aidan, Liam and Delaney. Dearest sister of Thomas Bourke and wife Judy, Ann Rossburg and husband Charles and the late Marion Bourke, Patricia Howe and Margaret Michaud.

Jane was the fourth of six children and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend……A cancer surviver, a traditionalist who took pride in her family above all else.   She loved Irish music and was religious about Fordham University’s Ceol na nGael radio program on Sunday afternoon. 

The Claddagh ring depicts her personality best: Loyalty, Friendship and Love.  She was loyal to her faith, her family and her friends above all else. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception, 211 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ.  Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY. 

The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the livestream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/jane-frances-byrne-nee-bourke-memorial-mass-ybpx4o9mslkf7kqqdtzm

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory can be made to:

The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Development Office, PO Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961 and would be greatly appreciated.

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Oliver Patrick Fitzgerald of Harrington Park, New Jersey passed away surrounded by family on February 24, 2025.  He was 87 years old.  Born in Ventry, Ireland he was the son of the late Patrick and Ellen Fitzgerald, brother to Ned Fitzgerald (late), Maive (late), Peg (late), Kathleen (late) and Siobhan.  Oliver was raised as a farmer tending soil, herding cattle, and building anything needed with limited resources and equipment in order to provide food and shelter for his family.  At the age of 19, Oliver immigrated to the United States where he faced limited employment opportunities, so he enlisted with the US Army to expedite a pathway to citizenship.  During this time, Oliver met his future brother-in-law (and another Irishman), Daniel Clavin who soon became his best friend.  Dan just happened to know a nice Irish woman named Rosaleen and thought it would be a great idea to introduce them.  On April 11, 1964 Oliver married the love of his life and as he said the rest is history.

Oliver and Rosaleen spent most of their lives raising their five children in Harrington Park, NJ.  He worked for FINK Baking Company in NYC for the better part of 35 years.  For years, he worked nights leaving his house every night at 1 AM no matter the weather. He would then come home where most afternoons he was a devoted coach for the Harrington Park Soccer Team. He spent many years teaching players not just about the skills of soccer, but also about the importance of working hard and providing your best effort and mindset both on and off the field. His home was open to anyone who wanted to enter, shown by the snacks he kept in the garage fridge, the makeshift wiffle ball field in the backyard, and an above ground swimming pool for kids to stay cool during the summer months.  Oliver also created a workshop in his garage where neighbors  would always notice him working on various projects or repairs.  Upon retirement, Ollie became a full time grandfather spending much of his time with his 14 grandchildren watching cartoons, eating ice cream, napping in the sun or reading books.  On occasion, he was known to sneak a grandkid or two out of daycare to spend extra time with them under a strict “don’t tell” policy. Every one of his 14 grandchildren had a second father with him and he will never be forgotten.

Oliver raised his family with Irish and Catholic roots, where the best holidays are Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and of course St. Patrick’s Day – the only day where his children were allowed to take off from school.  He volunteered at his local church (Our Lady of Victories) performing upkeep and partnering with the great Sister Elizabeth Holler to provide / deliver food donations to those in need during the holiday times. 

Oliver was not a man of many words but when he did speak, it was with wisdom and value.  When he spoke, all would listen for we felt we would be better learning from what he had to say.  He was also a man of great resilience and strength, even with his physical limitations which placed all sorts of challenges in front of him on a daily basis.  But he still persevered and adapted as his goal was not to put anyone out of their way providing him with assistance.  He was quite a simple and humble man who never wanted any recognition or praise for anything he did. Ollie said that when he passed we should “not make a fuss” over him. Well too bad dad, you will be praised and recognized for the legacy you have left behind because you were a man of great worth.  May you now rest and let heaven care for you, and may God hold you gently in the palm of His hand – You Will Never Walk Alone.

Oliver was predeceased by his wife Rosaleen and is survived by his five children, Catherine Fitzgerald (Kevin Tobias), Geraldine Buratti (Paul Buratti), John Fitzgerald (Alicia Fitzgerald), Brian Fitzgerald (Laura Fitzgerald), Deirdre Fitzgerald (Gregg Fein); his 14 Grandchildren – Pamela Decker, Jacqueline Cid-Paz, Michael Longobardi, Katie Buratti, Nico Longobardi, Enrico Longobardi, Paul Oliver Buratti, John Fitzgerald, Megan Fliegel, Lucas Buratti, Jenna Fitzgerald, Kenneth Fliegel, Matthew Fitzgerald and Samantha Fitzgerald; and his 3 Great Grandchildren – Cecilia Decker, Jolene Decker & Luciana Cid-Paz and 2 more babies on the way (Nico and Jacqueline). He also leaves behind his sister Siobhan Cussen (who he remained close to until the end) and his in-laws, Kathleen and Daniel Clavin, Maura and John Murray, Margaret and (late) Frank Riina, plus many cherished nieces and nephews. 

Family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4-7pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. Mass will be offered on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10am at Our Lady of Victories Church in Harrington Park, New Jersey. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association https://www.apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ or The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation  The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation | Paralysis Foundation

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Tracey A. Ferraro (nee Nelson), 64, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Beloved wife of Christopher. Cherished mother of Christopher and his wife Gabrielle and Chelsea Massood.  Proud grandmother of Genevieve, Everly, Michael Theo, and Emersyn.  Dearest sister of Rick Nelson and wife Deborah and Christopher Nelson and wife Maryann.

Tracey enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and children.  She loved to cook, bake, and shop.   She cherished time and making memories at the Jersey shore.  She loved to relax with her glass of Rosé.

Visiting hours are Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tracey’s memory to Holy Name Foundation at https://www.holyname.org/foundation/

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Anthony Dante Passero Jr.,  98 years old born, May 2, 1926, passed away in Wakefield Rhode Island on Saturday February 8, 2025 in the evening. 

Anthony lived a long life and created the American dream for himself and his family. He was born on the lower East Side of Manhattan to his immigrant parents during the depression. He entered kindergarten not speaking the language. He skipped two grades and graduated early. Joined the service and served in both World War II and the Korean War. After his discharge he earned a scholarship to college and started working as a machinist helper for the City of NYC. He worked himself up the ranks and for the last 20 years of his career, he was the Mechanical General Foreman for the Board Of Education of NYC. 

He had a great family life being one of seven close siblings, who spent time together with all their families. He was the most positive and optimistic man with many friends. 

He enjoyed making wine, cooking and gardening. His hobbies were building furniture, listening to opera and studying history. 

His parents were Anthony and Anna Passero. His siblings were Emily, Joseph, Diego, Nicholas, Philip, Mary and Vito. He was married to Rachel Passero (Cuttito) and had three daughters Anna Rose Spearman, Jeanne Henthorn and Nina Fiasconaro. His grandchildren are Frank, Coleen, & Anthony Ross, Jillian and Elaina Henthorn, Lance and Nicholas Fiasconaro and many great and great-great grandchildren. He has followed his siblings beside Joseph, his wife, daughter Jeanne and grandson Nicholas to heaven.

There will be a Morning Vigil at the hall Of St John the Baptist Church in Piermont, NY on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 9:15 AM – 11 AM with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11 AM. Burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. 

In lieu of flowers donations to Meeting Street.Org would be appreciated, which his beloved grandson Nicholas was a big part of.

LYNCH – Maurice, 57 died Saturday, February 15, after a courageous medical battle. He fought the good fight with dignity and grace.

Maurice was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish. Maurice is predeceased by his parents Margaret “Peggy” and Patrick Lynch, and beloved brothers Denis and Rev. Thomas Lynch. Maurice leaves behind four loving brothers: John Joe (Dolores), Patrick (Margaret), Timothy (Mary), Kevin (Maureen), his girlfriend Nadine and many loving nieces and nephews: Lara, Kerry Ann, Timothy, Laura (John), Patrick (Erin), Robbie (Ellis), Jillian (Terence), Aedan, Kevin, and Michael. He was a great uncle to Audrey, John and Brigid.

Maurice attended Mount Saint Michael High School in the Bronx and Iona College.

Maurice worked in the Financial Services Industry for over 30 years. He finished his career as the North American Head of Global Operations for Computershare.

Maurice will be greatly missed by family and friends here and from Ireland. He enjoyed time spent at the Jersey Shore with family and friends.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 21, 2025 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Aedan’s RC Church in Pearl River, NY, with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maurice’s memory can be made to Edward Cardinal Egan Pavilion, 5655 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10471.

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James J. Healy passed away suddenly on February 14, 2025 surrounded by his beloved children. James was born in the Bronx on January 18, 1938 to Michael and Beatrice (O’Neill). He was a member of the Gary Owen’s and proudly wore #57 playing football for them. After high school he served in the Army and was stationed in Korea. On January 26, 1963 he married the love of his life Anne McCart who predeceased him in 2012. He worked hard all his life to provide for his family. Jim and Anne never forgot their South Bronx roots and their lifetime friends, gathering every year for a reunion. Together they raised three children Margaret (GaryVan Huben), James (Denise), Laurie (Brian Wiese). Jim was a wonderful father but a spectacular grandfather to Anne and Christopher Van Huben, Catherine and Elizabeth Wiese, Lanie and Jillian Healy. 

He is also mourned by his sister Anna Borucinski along with countless friends and neighbors. It’s doubtful that anyone in his neighborhood hasn’t had something fixed by him. 

He was predeceased by his parents, wife, brother Timothy Healy, sisters Margaret Garrison and Beatrice Howfield, and grandson Michael Van Huben.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan, NY with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

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Robert Joseph Zerr, 89, of Norwood, NJ passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Beloved husband of Joan P. (nee Townsend). Loving father of Lisa Allgood and James P.T. Zerr. Proud grandfather of Meredith Allgood, Tyler Zerr and wife Nichole, Carly May and husband Chad, Ashton Allgood and great-grandfather of James Robert Zerr and Lilly Margit Zerr.

Robert was a US Coast Guard Veteran. He was a plumbing and heating contractor and worked for William Beck and Sons in Englewood, NJ. Robert loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer and skier and was an instructor for both. He enjoyed playing at Old Tappan Golf Course.

He was the first to lend a hand to anyone and could fix anything. He was admired by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Geraldine Guidera DeGruccio, 84, of Norwood, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 7, 2025. Beloved wife of Anthony DeGruccio. Loving mother of Robert Guidera and Michelle Guidera and stepmother to Charles DeGruccio (Kathy), Michael DeGruccio, Mary Schneider (Paul) and John DeGruccio (Nichol). Adored grandmother of John (Reiko), Carly (Tom), Christina (Laura), Ellen, Olivia (Nick), James (Rebecca), Thomas (Jess), Joseph, Jake, Anthony, Nikos, Stella, Daniel and Johnny and great-grandmother of Ruby, Eleanore and Rome. Dearest sister of the late Jean Capuano, Barbara D’Angelo and Marilyn Remy.

Geraldine worked in accounting, first for her father’s companyMaeCar Realty in Fort Lee and then Primac Courier. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother andwas a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, Northvalewhere she and Tony were Eucharistic Ministers. Geraldine served her community for 9 years on the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was a past Captain.

Gerri was our golden girl. We don’t think there will ever be another wife, mother, grand/great-grandmother and friend on this earth who doted on her loved ones like Gerri did. She lovedanimals and her dog’s “Lady” were the luckiest of all. She loved to cook, bake, fish, golf, shop, play cards and even rode motorcycles! She will be remembered for her epic food spreads, pasta and meatball dinners and jazzy style, but most of all the love she had for her family and friends. She will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know her… until we meet again on the other side. 

Visiting hours are Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, would be greatly appreciated.

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Carol Ann Racca (nee Apuzzo), 83, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Beloved wife of 60 years to Michael Racca. Loving mother of Michael Racca and his wife Lauren, Jennifer Banks and her husband Patrick. Proud grandmother of Chloe, Christian, Lila and James. Dearest sister of John Apuzzo.

Carol Ann began teaching in Harlem in 1961, she continued her career at Franklin Ave Elementary School and then Pearl River High School for many years. A devout Catholic, she was a parishioner of St. Catharine’s RC Church, a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas as well as the Tappan Seniors and the Pearl River Retired Teachers Association. Carol Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 7, 2025 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY with entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol Ann’s memory may be made to the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer, www.tommyfund.org , the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www.michaeljfox.org, or the charity of your choice.

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Vincent D’Esposito, 84, of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Marie (nee Ingulli). Cherished father of Grace Vallone and her husband Robert, Maria Urrea and her husband Alex, Vincent D’Esposito and his wife Kimberly and Christopher D’Esposito and his wife Jennifer. Proud grandfather of Matthew, Anna, Robbie, Sarah, Nicholas, Joseph, Christa and Samuel. Dear brother of Lucille Gherardi and the late Louis D’Esposito.

Anyone who knew Vincent knew that he was a man of God whose faith was his guiding light. He raised his family as parishioners of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Northvale, NJ and devoted countless years serving in ministry at Maranatha Church of the Nazarene in Paramus, NJ. Most recently he was sharing his love of the Lord as a member of Bethany Church in Washington Township, NJ. Vincent was also the proud author of 3 books which included his memoirs and journey with the Lord. It was important to him to share his insight and spiritual guidance with all who were part of his life.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 14, 2025 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Bethany Church, 605 Pascack Road, Washington Twp, NJ 07676 would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com