Archives for September 2020

Joseph Laurence O’Brien, 29, of Emerson, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

Joseph was a beautiful and gentle son, brother, uncle and friend to many. His shy smile, kind heart, sharp intellect and understated sense of humor brought laughter and happiness to everyone he met. 

Joey was a talented cook, though his favorite meals were those made by his mother. Our favorite memories were spent around the dinner table together as a family. 

A lover of the outdoors, Joey grew up camping and fishing with his father and brother in Montauk and enjoyed snowboarding with his sister in New Jersey, Vermont and Colorado. Most recently, Joseph discovered a passion for golf and spent much of his free time at the range or on the course with his father.

A graduate of Montclair State University, Joseph held a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. 

Joey was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was thoughtful and it counted. His intelligence, clever wit and high-pitched belly laugh could light up a room. 

Joseph is survived by his loving parents, Laurence and Anita O’Brien; his sister Halley O’Brien, her husband, Joseph Hession and their beautiful son, Miles; his brother and best friend, James O’Brien, as well as his many aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends and his cat, “O.G. Pigs”, whom he adored.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends on Thursday, October 1st. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital at http://www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Katherine M. Holder (nee Morrison), 87, of Norwood, formerly of Northvale passed away on September 27, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband Paul W, son Paul O., daughter Susan, son-in-law George Sheridan and brothers Robert and William Morrison. Devoted mother of Deborah Sheridan, Laura Donnelly and husband Frederick, Mark and wife Valerie and Michael and wife Tina. Proud grandmother of Erin Raia (Andrew), Kelly Sheridan, Lindsay Soto (Alejandro), Bryan Tecchio (Leigh), Katie Tecchio, Frederick Donnelly III, Paul Holder, Jessica Holder, Michael Holder, Jr. and Colin Holder and great-grandmother of six. Dear sister-in-law of Jean Morrison.

Katie was a teacher’s aide for 33 years for the Bergen County Special Services in Rockleigh. She was a member of the Sparkill Senior Center.

Visiting hours are Sunday 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Katie’s memory may be made tt Norwood Emergency Medical Services, PO Box 8, Norwood, NJ 07648.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Edward S. Giarratano, 86, of Tappan, NY for 54 years, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 27, 2020. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Crahan) for 61 years. Devoted father of Diane Walker and husband Jeff of Harrington Park, NJ, Linda Moffitt and husband Dan of Orangeburg, NY and Donna McManus and husband Brian of Lynbrook, NY. Proud grandfather of Caitlin, Bobby, Brian, Emily, Tommy, Kristin and Abbey. Dear brother of the late Marie, Jean, Josephine, Connie, Joseph and Danny.

Ed was a US Army Veteran and was a branch manager for Apple Bank for Savings in NY for many years before retiring. He was an avid Yankees fan and shared his love for baseball with his wife and children.

Funeral services will be private.

Donations in Ed’s memory may be made to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church or United Hospice of Rockland.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Roseann Vetter (nee Staropoli), 64, of Westwood, formerly of Northvale, NJ passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020. She leaves behind her beloved partner Douglas Wingerath, son Mark, daughter Kristen Gorman, son-in-law Brian, and love of her life grandson Owen.

Roseann was predeceased by her brothers, Phil and Matt. Additionally she leaves behind her brother Paul and her sister Frances Staropoli Friend. She leaves behind her brothers-in-law Rudy Friend, Bill Reysen, Jim Gentles, sisters-in-law Tina Staropoli, Sandy Staropoli, Elizabeth Gentles, Kia Lynn Kangas Staropoli, Christy Reysen and her many nieces and nephews.

Roseann served the Norwood Board of Education from 1996 through 2016.

She enjoyed the many cards, visits and day trips offered by her friends and family.

Visiting hours are Friday 5-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, consider making donations to PrionAlliance.org in Roseann’s memory.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

John Michael Farry, 49, of Tappan, NY passed away on September 25, 2020. Serving as a Detective for over 20 years, John was a proud member of the NYPD most recently assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force. A doting father, John loved his daughter more than anything in the world and she will continue to carry his love “to infinity and beyond”.

John is a Life member of the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan and a former volunteer with the South Orangetown Ambulance Corps.

John is survived by his daughter, Emma, his parents Richard Farry and Jean Darcy. Other family members include Patricia Paris and Chris, Dan, Kyle & Katelyn Fuller.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

To honor John’s life and memorialize his passing, in lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider the NYC Police Foundation (nycpolicefoundation.org) or the First Responder Childrens Foundation (1strcf.org).

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Therese A. DiSalvo (nee Passarello), 89, of Old Tappan, formerly of Northvale, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband Raphael, son Stephen, brothers Nicholas and Archangelo and son-in-law William. Beloved mother of Debra DiPiazza and husband David of Ramsey and Lisa A. Winans of Old Tappan. Proud grandmother of Vincenzo and wife Laura, Christopher and wife Teresa and Cara and husband Michael.

Therese was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She was a talented artist, had a beautiful singing voice and loved animals, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, September 29 from 6-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc., 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Daniel Brady, 82 of Blauvelt NY, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2020 surrounded by his adoring family.  Dan was born on January 1, 1938 to Daniel and Sarah (Mellon) Brady.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Elizabeth Brady (Keenan) earlier this year. 

Danny was proud of his Bronx roots.  He attended St. John Chrysostom Grammar School and St. Helena’s High School.  After High School, Danny proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS Coral Sea.  He went on to graduate from Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY.

Danny enjoyed a 42 year career with Con Edison where he formed life-long friendships.  He was involved in several volunteer activities with Con Ed including the Special Olympics and he spent many Thanksgivings feeding needy families in the Bronx. After retirement, Danny stayed involved by organizing Con Ed retiree picnics, the Troubleman’s Ball and other activities.

He was a big sports fan and enjoyed watching the New York Mets and New York Giants.  He loved coaching his daughter’s softball and St. Catharine’s CYO basketball teams.  His granddaughters will always cherish the memories of having their Papa cheering them on during their soccer and basketball games.

Dan loved nothing more than spending time with his family.  He couldn’t wait for the next poker game with the boys, his daily outings with Liz, going out to dinner and taking family vacations to Aruba.  He loved the simple pleasures in life, like making sure he was in front of the TV every Friday night for Blue Bloods.

Danny was a dear friend to many and was always willing to help when needed.  He was an active member of St. Catharine’s in Blauvelt where he served as a Eucharist Minister for many years.

Beloved father to his 3 girls, Elizabeth Robinson (Daniel), Jean Marie Mohr (Richard) and Mary Santapaola (Salvatore).  He was the proud Papa of Elisa Mohr and Anna Robinson who were the lights of his life.

Danny is also survived by his sister Alice Henry, sister-in-law Josephine Brady, sister-in-law Maureen Brady, sister-in-law Ann Madden, brother-in-law Kevin Keenan (Barbara), sister-in-law Ann Keenan and many nieces, nephews and cousins all of which he adored.

He is predeceased by brother John Brady, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Dolores Brady, sister Mary Egan, brother in-law Edward Henry, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Matthew and Barbara Keenan, brother-in-law James Madden, brother-in-law John Keenan, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary and Joe O’Brien, brother-in-law and sister-in-law James and Eileen Keenan, sister-in-law Margaret Keenan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Thomas and Patricia Keenan, brother-in-law Francis Keenan.

The Brady family would like to extend extreme gratitude to United Hospice of Rockland and Danny’s caretaker, Rebecca, these last few months.  Rebecca is a gentle and caring person who has become part of our family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Danny’s name to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane New City NY 10956 or St. John Chrysostom Grammar School, 1144 Hoe Avenue Bronx, New York 10459 (Attention Sr. Mary Elizabeth, Principal). 

Visitation will be on Friday September 25, 2020 from 3pm-7pm at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale NJ 07647.  Burial will be private. 

A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Danny and Liz’s life will be held at a future date.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Pasquale Chiarello, 90, of Orangeburg, NY, formerly of Englewood Cliffs, NJ, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020. Beloved father of Cheryl Ann Alviar and husband Florante of Yonkers, NY, Gail Marie Chiarello Fish and husband Alan of Bellevue, WA, Patrick R. Chiarello and wife Gina of Bellevue, WA and Dawn Marie Chiarello and companion George Hamann of Yonkers, NY. Proud grandfather of Taylor, Jonathan, Grayson, Corinne, Samantha, Patrick and Matthew.Loving brother of the late Anthony, Theresa Rappa and Peter. Also survived by his dear companion Micheline Asaro.

Pat was a US Army Veteran of WWII. He was a cement mason for Local 780 in NYC for many years before retiring. He belonged to the American Legion John M. Perry Post, Sparkill, NY, the Northvale VFW and the Northvale and Sparkill Senior Centers.

Visiting hours are Sunday 1-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.  Funeral Mass will be Monday 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with burial to follow at Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, New Hempstead, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Charles C. Pecoraro, 84, of Blauvelt, NY, formerly of Tappan, NY, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2020. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Stella and his cherished son Charles C. Pecoraro, Jr. He is survived by his children, Michael Pecoraro, Janet Pecoraro-Iorio, Margaret Ann Lyons and Lisa Luther (husband Tom). Proud grandfather of Michael, Alyssa, Nicholas, Jason, Francesca, Michael H., Lauren, Christopher, Marisa, Cara, Brandon and William and great-grandfather of Salvatore, Christopher and Madison. Dearest brother of James (wife Maria), Carl and Joseph.

Charlie was a self-employed entrepreneur. His family was his pride and joy and he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. Charlie was an avid sports fan and loved playing golf and hanging with his “brothers” at the Blauvelt Sons of Italy Lodge 2176.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ.

Arrangements by Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Louis Henry Siracusano Sr. of Edgewater, NJ, formerly of Rockleigh, NJ, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2020.  He was 78 years old.

Born on July 19, 1942 in Corona, NY, he was the son of Luciano and Mafalda Siracusano. Lou is survived by his beloved family, his son Louis Jr. and wife Laura, daughter Mariah, sister Lela Gabrielli, brother-in-law Steve, mother of his children Theresa Siracusano, and his loving six grandchildren Louis III, Leigh, Lyndsey, Christopher, Victoria and Lucian. He is the beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Brooklyn Tech High School in 1960, Lou went on to receive an Associates degree in Electronics from Bronx Community College.

Lou co-founded Video Services Corporation (VSC) with his friend and business partner Arnold Ferolito, which started out of a garage in 1975 and developed into a highly successful company when sold in 2000.

He mentored young entrepreneurs at Brooklyn Tech and often spoke of his joy in creating businesses and solving problems. A true entrepreneur, Lou innovatively created many businesses over the years. He emphasized the importance of “mutual trust and respect,” and noted that his success could not have been possible without the loyal team of partners and employees he worked with for many years.

Lou has received numerous awards for his business and philanthropic efforts including “Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist”, “Ellis Island American Legend”, and “Excellence in Communications and Engineering” from WLIW-TV Channel 21. He served on the Foundation Board of Directors for Good Samaritan Hospital.

Lou loved competitive sports, from playing golf with his family and friends, to watching the Yankees and NY Giants.  He was happy whether it be competing on the golf course, Thursday night cards with the guys or on the Black Jack table. He also loved a good laugh and would often watch his favorite comedy shows: Hogan’s Heroes and The Honeymooners.

Most recently, Lou enjoyed watching the boats along the Hudson River and looking at the beautiful Manhattan skyline.

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 20^th, 2020 from 3pm to 6pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave. Northvale, NJ 07647. Mass will be on Monday, September 21^st, at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Parish, 199 Walnut St. Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lou can be made to the Sano Foundation, c/o Lou Siracusano, Jr., 260 Union St., Northvale, NJ 07647.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com