Jerry J. Morelli, age 97, resident of Closter for over 60 years, passed away at home on Saturday, January 31, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of the late Nora (nee Gallagher).  Loving father of Gerald and wife Marilyn of Old Tappan, Maureen D’Ercole and husband Frank of Norwood, Kevin and wife Norma of Cresskill and Richard and wife Patricia of Boca Raton, FL.  Cherished grandfather of Colleen McGowan and husband Matthew, Brian D’Ercole, Kristen Dockendorf and husband Christopher, Lori Ryan and husband David, Gerald Morelli and wife Barbara, Matthew, Janine, and Jennifer Morelli, Gillian, Sam, and Sean Morelli and Shauna Meyer and husband Mike.  Adored great-grandfather of Matthew, Caitlin, and Ryan McGowan, Frankie and Victoria D’Ercole, Connor, Melissa and Lilly Ryan, Matthew and Jonathan Morelli, Ryan, Alex, and Jackson Meyer.  Dearest Uncle of Marie McMahon, as well as many other loving nieces and nephews.  Also survived by his dear friend Betty Corvino and his caretakers, David Figueroa and Marianne Collins.  Predeceased by his sisters, Rebecca, Rose, Josephine and Matilda.  

A proud WWII veteran of the US Army, Jerry belonged to the Closter American Legion Leroy Meade Post 111.  He was a plumber for Local 1, NY, NY for over 35 years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.  Visitation is Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Closter Ambulance Corps., 72 Ruckman Road, Closter, NJ 07624 would be appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Anthony R. Mazzarella, 77, of Tappan, formerly of Long Island City, Queens, passed away at home on Saturday, January 24, 2015.  Loving husband of Deanne (nee Pelio).  Cherished father of his three children; Michelle Racca and husband Marcello of Tappan, Daniel Mazzarella and Bethziada of Middle Village, Queens and Kris Mazzarella and husband Kenneth Kugaczewski of Tappan.  Adored grandfather of Francesca and Daniel.  Dear brother of Mickey, Andrew, Elizabeth, Gabriel, Josephine and Anne.  Predeceased by his first wife Frances Toal.

Tony was a hard-working Restauranteur who owned The Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City for over 35 years, as well as many other businesses over the years.

Tony served as a member of the American Cancer Society, Queens Division.  He was the founder of the Patty Fund for Childhood Cancer, and together with his many friends, for over twenty years, has helped ease the pain and suffering of children with cancer.  Tony started an annual July 4th block party that raised thousands of dollars for the benefit of cancer patients.  Other events like Jail and Bail, and bachelor and bachelorette auctions were held at the Crab House all for the benefit of The American Cancer Society. Every year he would host a Christmas party for kids with cancer. The rule was any of Tony’s friends had to come dressed in a costume to help with games for the children.  It was a great event.

 

Tony was instrumental in the development of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Manhattan where cancer patients and their care givers can stay free of charge while undergoing cancer treatment.  Through his efforts a day room for kids was funded at Hope Lodge.

 

He helped with many programs for children with cancer at Schneider Children’s Hospital such as funding for chairs that turned into beds so parents could stay with their children at night, and cheerfully colored hats for kids that were losing their hair from treatments, just to name a few, .

 

In recognition of his commitment to finding a cure for cancer, Tony was honored with the American Cancer Society’s St. George Medal, which is the highest and most prestigious award for outstanding service and leadership in the fight against cancer.

 

The Sunnyside Lions Club honored Tony with an award as a “Knight for the Blind” for helping to raise money for a guide dog named Grieco in memory of Vinny Grieco.

Tony was a member of the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation and served during Mario Cuomo’s term as Governor.  Anthony was a member of the New York State Boxing Commission, Treasurer of the Ring 8 Veteran Boxers Association and the driving force to establish a New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in Queens.

When illegal drugs were a major problem in western Queens, Tony with Father Costello, called for a “Walk on Crack” to raise public awareness about the dangers of crack cocaine.

 

Tony started the Golden Mittens as way for young kids to focus and learn skills by encouraging physical fitness as a way to work with kids to not use drugs.

 

Tony was instrumental in Golden Glove events throughout Queens to raise money for the Patty Fund.

 

He was well known and well-liked by politicians who would seek Tony’s advice and guidance on many community issues.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 11 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan.  Visiting hours are Thursday 2-4 and 6-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 132 West 32nd Street, NY, NY 10001 (800-227-2345).

Edward J. Governale, 85. Of Northvale, formerly of Bergenfield, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.  Beloved husband of Theresa (nee Amorosso) for 58 years.  Born July 9, 1929 to the late Francis and Katherine Governale.  Loving father of Katherine Diore and husband Joseph of Dumont and Marie Menti and husband Peter of Dumont.  Truly devoted and loving grandfather of Lauren and Kristian Diore.  Dear brother of George Governale and wife Joan of Harrington Park and brother-in-law of Sam and Joan Amorosso, Charles and Elaine Amorosso and Ceil and Frank Rampolla.  Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his brothers; Andrew and Helen, Anthony and Geraldine, Joseph and Josephine, and Frank and Dolores and sisters; Pauline and Andrew Pesenti, Rose and Matthew Hilliard and Ann and Cleland Martini.

Ed was a US Army veteran of the Korean War.  He was a letter carrier for the Bergenfield Post Office for 37 years.  He also worked for Bergen County Special Services and with his brother at Governale’s Deli in River Edge for many years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.  Visitation is Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale 201-767-3505.

Memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, or the Leukemia Research Foundation, www.leukemia-research.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Josephine D. Novak (nee Taborelli), 95, a longtime resident of Old Tappan, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.  Beloved wife of the late Emil, daughter of the late Joseph and Louisa Taborelli, dearest sister of the late Oliver Taborelli.  Loving mother of Roger J. Novak and wife Gail of Cape Coral, FL, Dennis G. Novak and wife Christine of Harrington Park and Gail Fournier of Gettysburg, PA.  Cherished grandmother of Heather, Jennifer, Kathryn, Roxann and Robin and great-grandmother of Kaylie, Gavin, Leah, Matthew, Kristopher and Nicholas.  Dear sister-in-law of John Novak and Joan Taborelli.

Josephine was an active, founding member of the Old Tappan Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary.  She was an accomplished seamstress cheerfully sewing clothing and crocheting sweaters and blankets.  She worked at Deluxe Cleaners in Northvale.

The family thanks the staff at Memory Care of Park Ridge for their kindness and compassion to Josephine over the past 9 1/2 years.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) would be appreciated.

A funeral service will be held Monday, 1/26 at 11am at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale 201-767-3050.  Visitation will be on Sunday, 1/25 from 2pm to 5pm.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

 

Frank A. Bocchino, Sr., 86, of Jefferson Twp., formerly of Norwood, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2015.  Beloved husband of Carol (nee Morone).   Cherished father of Cheryl Lucious and husband Monte of Norwood, Karen Elliott of Gloucester, MA, Michelle Spafford and husband Dennis of Inverness, FL, Frank Jr. and wife Laura of Norwood and Mark and wife Melba of Norwood.  Adored grandfather of seventeen and great-grandfather of twelve.  Dearest brother of Michael and wife Marianna of Brick, and Joseph of Little Egg Harbor.  He was predeceased by his wife Betty, brother Charles “Chubby” and his wife Joan sister, Barbara Caruso and her husband August and son-in-law John Elliott.

Frank was a master plumber who owned Michael F. Bocchino and Sons Plumbing in Norwood.

Frank dedicated his life to the fire service.  He was President of the NJ State Firemen’s Association from 1994-2003 after having served as executive and vice-president for many years.  He was a 63 year life member of the Norwood Volunteer Fire Department where he was Chief 1971-72, Firefighter of the Year in 1977 and was proud to be their chaplain for many years. Frank was also a life member of the NJ State Exempt Firemen’s Association, where he was also past president and the NJ/NY Firemen’s Association.  Frank was an active parishioner of Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood and was a Eucharistic minister.  He served in the National Guard from 1946-53.  Frank was also one of the founders of Little League Baseball in Norwood.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.  Visiting hours are Thursday 2-4 and 6-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale 201-767-3050.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the NJ Firemen’s Home, 565 Lathrop Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005 would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Ruth M. Austin(nee Misener), R.N.,  92, of Norwood, NJ, died January 12, 2015.

 

She was born June 3, 1922 in Halifax, N.S., Canada, the daughter of Alfred and Margaret Misener.  She grew up in NYC and Baltimore, MD, and was a graduate of the University of Maryland Nursing School.  On December 16, 1943, she married Edwin J. Austin.

 

She worked as a nurse at Western Electric, Baltimore, MD;  Camp Quinipet, Shelter Island, NY; Pascack Valley Hospital, Westwood, NJ; Chemical Bank, NYC, and retired from Mercedes-Benz, Montvale, NJ.  She held office in the Palisades Nurses Association and also the Bergen County Nurses Association.

 

She is survived by her son, James Austin, Phoenix, AZ;  daughter, Joan Abbate, Old Tappan, NJ; grandchildren, Michael Abbate, Upper Saddle River, NJ, and Christine Austin, Chandler, AZ; brother, Allan Misener and wife, Joyce, West Melbourne, FL; sister-in-law, Clara Misener, Timonium, MD; sister-in-law, Jean Pfister, Southampton, NY; many nieces and nephews, and devoted grandpup, Casey.

 

She is predeceased by beloved husband, Edwin J. Austin; her parents, Alfred and Margaret Misener, Baltimore, MD; brother, Arthur (Harry) Misener, Timonium, MD; daughter-in-law, Sharon (Sherry) Austin, Berthoud, CO.

 

She enjoyed her many travels, Army reunions, TRC Women’s Group, and socializing with family and friends.

 

Visitation will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ 201-767-3050, on Friday, 1/16/15 from 2-4 and 7-9 and Saturday, 1/17/15 at 10 AM  with the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Reformed Church, 292 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ 07675.

 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Maria Apostole

Visitation Tuesday 2-4 and 6-9 PM

Funeral Service Wednesday 10:00 AM at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tenafly, NJ.  Interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

John J. Walko, 90, of Northvale, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2015.  Beloved husband of the late Irene D. (nee Sebest).  Loving father of Janice Sopko of Ringwood, Mariann Vetere and husband John of Andover, MA and John J. Walko, Jr. and wife Laura of Escondido, CA.  Adored grandfather of Julie, Kevin, Matthew, Adam, Mark, Andrew and Joseph.  Dearest brother of the late Margaret Marchiarullo.

Before retiring, John was a supervisor for the United States Postal Service in NYC.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 16 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven, Hawthorne, NY.  Visiting hours are Thursday 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 196 Firenze St., Northvale, NJ  07647, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

William J. Torr, 71, of Northvale on Jan 2, 2015. Beloved husband of Wendy and father of the late Billy.  He will be dearly missed.  Memorial service will be at a later date.  Pizzi Funeral Home

Vincent R. Rinaldi, Sr., 79, of Norwood, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2015.  Vincent is survived by his children; Denise DeMarzo and husband Vincent of Old Tappan, Vincent Jr. and wife Denise of Norwood, Peter and wife Lisa of Old Tappan and Karen Horan and husband Chris of North Bergen.  Loving grandfather of Kristin Favaloro and husband JoJo, Danielle Gutierrez and husband Chris, Vincent Rinaldi III and wife Alison, Peter Rinaldi and wife Adrienne, Tricia Towey and husband John-Paul, Lauren Talian and husband Alex, Matthew Rinaldi, Devin Riordan and husband Stephen, Michael DeMarzo and Skylar Horan.  Great-grandfather of Christopher, Giuseppe, Taylor, Peter, Ellie and Hudson. Beloved brother of the late Lucille, Marie and Carol.  Dear companion of Fe Siao.  Also survived by his ex-wife Arline Rinaldi.

Vincent founded Rinaldi Transportation in Closter 46 years ago.  A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview.  Visiting hours are Wednesday 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale 201-767-3050.

In lieu of flowers please donate online to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at themmrf.org or by phone at 203-229-0464 or by mail to:

Multiple Myeloma
Research Foundation
383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor
Norwalk, CT 06851

www.pizzifuneralhome.com