Archives for January 2019

Deacon Richard G. Hodges, 90, went home to our Lord on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Richard was a loving husband of 61 years to Vivian Marie Hodges (deceased 2/22/2008), a faithful father to Dawn Marie Hodges and Karen Vanderbeek of Toms River and Mark Richard Hodges of Keyport, and a devoted Grandfather to Matthew Joseph Hodges of Harrington Park and Andrew Richard Hodges of Jersey City.

Richard was a resident of the Old Tappan Community for 61 years and a charter member and Deacon at the St. Pius X Community of Faith. Over the years, Vivian and Dick were very active in the formation and leadership in the Christian Family Movement, Cornerstone and Marriage Preparation ministries at St. Pius X and active participants of the Cursillo retreat program. Richard served as a Merchant Marine during World War II and in the Army during the Korean War.

Deacon Dick was a comfort for those going through difficult times. He had strength of kindness others admired. He held many life rafts for others who waded into the deep end during their journey to faith. Richard wants us all to remember, “When the spirit of Christ in me responds to the spirit in Christ in you, then the ground between us becomes Holy Ground!”

The viewing will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ from 6-8 PM on Friday January 4, 2018. The funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Church. 268 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ at 11 AM on Saturday January 5, 2018 with a viewing in the church from 10-11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Deacon Dick would be most appreciated to assist with his medical care giving expenses. Please address to: Dawn M Hodges, 33 Saint David Drive, Toms River, NJ 08757.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Mary Karanikitas (nee Missailidis), 84, of Northvale, passed away on Tuesday,  January 1, 2019.  Though she lived in Northvale for many years, she took great pride in  saying she was raised in Brooklyn. Beloved wife of Konstantinos “Gus”. Loving mother of Sophia Karanikitas of Mount Laurel, NJ and Lukas Karanikitas and wife Kristine of Northvale. Cherished grandmother of Alexander and Lilly Anna. Adored sister of Stephen Missailidis and wife Fay and the late Cleopatra and Alexander. Dearest aunt of Frances and Anthony Ward-Smith, Michael and Kiki Missailidis and Despina and Nektarios Logakis as well as many other loving relatives here in the U.S. and Greece. Beloved honorary grandmother to Nicholas, Courtney and Gavin Cortright.

Mary was a brilliant student in her youth having graduated high school in just 3 years. She was a member of the Northvale Golden Age Club.  Most of all Mary will be remembered for her sweet and gentle nature. 

A Service will be held at Ss. Helen and Constantine Greek Orthodox Church, West Nyack, NY Friday at 12 noon with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY. Visiting hours are Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers donations to “Mass General Hospital -Faustman Research.” Please include “Cure Diabetes Now Fund” in the memo line. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Rachel Lerch (nee Milhaupt), of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Bergenfield, NJ, passed away at home on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Survived by daughter Ann Lierman of Ringwood and son Robert of New York and grandsons A.J. and Steven and granddaughter Rachel. Husband Clarence Lerch died February 12, 1980. Prior to her marriage was a Deputy Clerk in the Circuit Court in Wisconsin and did court reporting. Married Clarence and lived in St. Louis until 1960 when his company transferred to this area. Since 1974 she was a church organist in many parishes: St. John’s, Bergenfield, St. Pius X, Old Tappan, and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Tappan, NY. (Also was organist for many years at Holy Trinity, Newark, Madonna, Ft. Lee, St. Brigid’s, North Bergen and St. Rocco’s, Union City.)

A member of the Catholic Daughters for many years – and their organist. She was very active in three Rosary Societies and organized trips to Broadway Shows for 30 years (sometimes having as many as five buses.) On the Parish Council at St. Pius X for many years and was their Recording Secretary; on the Local Board of Assistance in Old Tappan for many years.

A member of the Old Tappan Golden Age Club and was their secretary for many years. She was in a number of bridge clubs, which she enjoyed very much. A lover of animals – she boarded dogs and cats for many years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. Visiting hours will be Thursday 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rachel’s memory to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi Breadline, 135 West 31st St, NY, NY 10117 or your favorite charity.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Kevin Peter McGurl, “Wheels”, 61, of Northvale, died December 29, 2018. Beloved son of the late Hugh and Mary McGurl. Cherished brother of Marie Shanahan and partner Veda Andrus, Joan Hostnik and husband Charles and Stephen McGurl and wife Elizabeth. Adored uncle of Ryan, Alyssa, Michael, Emily, Connor, Farrell and Liam, his Godson. He was a great-uncle to Bradley Aodhan McGurl. Also survived by his cousins Pat, Jean, Steve, Ed and Kevin and many cousins in Ireland.

Kevin was a Technical Analyst with Volvo, BMW and Land Rover/Jaguar for over 30 years before retiring in 2015.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a veteran’s organization would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com