Archives for February 2021

Johanna Maria Kittan (nee Moncalieri), 100, of Northvale, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 15, 2021. Devoted wife of George Kittan. Loving mother of Jeanne Ann Scarano (nee Frassa) and husband Pasquale of Emerson NJ, and Marie Peterson (nee Frassa) and late husband John of Emerson, NJ. Proud “Nanni” of seven grandchildren, Ronald (Christine), Gene, John, Michael (Odessa), Johanna (Scott Sr), Joseph (William) and Anthony (Melissa). Adoring “Nauni” of seven great-grandchildren, Scott, Eric, Jenna, Sabrina, Shayla, Courtney, and Nicholas and great-great grandmother of Rylinn. Cherished sister of  the late Paul (Lillian),  Madeline (Dante), Victor (Jane) , Eugene (Winifred),  Charles Alfred, Charles Albert (Dorothy), David (Madge), and Virginia. Treasured cousin of Patrick Ruggiero (Seeta).  As the last living elder, she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Johanna was born on Philadelphia Avenue in Northvale, NJ, on November 3, 1920 to Virginia (Spiratelli) and Anthony Moncalieri. She was a graduate of Parisian Beauty School and worked as a hairdresser in various salons until her retirement. She was also well known for her radiant smile and friendly personality while she waitressed at various establishments. 

Johanna was an active member of the Northvale Maguire Senior Center for many years. Early on, she organized rummage sales, pot-luck dinners, and donated beautifully crocheted hand-made items for fundraisers.  Later, she ensured donations from local eateries and delivered them weekly. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Anthony’s RC Church in Northvale, NJ. Johanna was also the President of the Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post 366, in Northvale NJ. 

Johanna was honored as the oldest living lifelong resident of Northvale at the Northvale’s Centennial Celebration.  She was presented a plaque of recognition by the Mayor and Council.  

Johanna enjoyed travel, having seen many states and various countries around the world. She enjoyed cruises and visited several islands. During the summers, she spent most of her time at her vacation home, with her children and grand-children, on the Jersey shore for more than 40 years.  She also enjoyed her evenings at the casinos playing the slots. Her hobbies included cooking, preparing home-made ravioli for her family to enjoy, baking delicious cheesecake and “dark-secrets” with her sister Madeline, as well as singing tunes while playing her organ.  

The pride she felt for her family was unfailing. She loved to hear of their accomplishments and would brag to anyone who would listen! A kind and gentle soul, Johanna always saw the good in others. She was uplifting and made friends easily.  Johanna was always ready to lend an ear, or more, to anyone in need.  

Johanna, affectionately known as “Hanna,” will be deeply missed and never forgotten by her family and all who knew her. She will be kept in our hearts forever. 

Those who feel comfortable are invited to pay their respects in person on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Johanna’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children PO BOX 863765 Orlando, FL, 32886.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Eleanor Grace Ludwig (nee Devine) of Norwood, NJ passed away peacefully in her home on February 24, 2021. She was born in Niagara Falls, New York. Beloved wife of the late (2009) Henry F. Ludwig for 61 years. Devoted mother of Edward Ludwig and wife Kathleen of Naples, FL, Ann Marie Ludwig of Norwood, NJ, James Ludwig and wife Jean of Milton, DE, Joseph Ludwig and wife Christine of Oak Hill, FL, Daniel Ludwig and  wife Cindy of Norwood, NJ. Loving grandmother of Michael Ludwig and wife Julia, Kevin Ludwig and wife Kerry, Joseph and Danielle Ludwig and Kaitlin Clark. Loving great-grand mother of Poppy, Dylan, and Skylar Ludwig.

She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and  Ella (Porter) Devine and brothers, Edward and Joseph Devine.

Eleanor grew up in the Bronx, NY. After graduating high school, she went to business school and worked for Mutual Life Insurance. In 1953, she and her husband Henry built a home in the “country” and resided in  Norwood, NJ, ever since.  She was a faithful friend and neighbor.

She worked as a Norwood school crossing guard for over 32 years; a job she took great pleasure in, having many treasured conversations while watching the families grow during her tenure. She also worked for many years as a member of the PTA, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Norwood Fire department and a parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church.

She cherished spending quality family time at the beach, as well as in her backyard swimming pool.

Eleanor was an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing meals with her family and friends.

She was devoted to her family and supported each of her children as they matured and they were blessed with her love. She and Henry loved to dance and attend special gatherings and celebrations.

Eleanor was always there for family and friends with her beautiful smile and kind way. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is at peace with her Lord.

The family plans to hold a service to celebrate Eleanor’s life on a future date.                                                    

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norwood Food Pantry located at the Church of the Holy Communion, Norwood NJ. www.thechurchoftheholycommunion.com

We are sad to announce that Doris Seery Healy, 90, of Pearl River, died on Friday, February 18, 2021. She was loved and cherished by many. She was born in New York to parents Ralph Seery and Florence Klein on November 22 nd 1930. Doris is predeceased by her husband Timothy Healy, survived by their son Michael Healy and Grandmother of Chelsea, Dylan, Tyler, Griffen, Justin and wife Tamara and Great-Grandmother to their son Aden. Doris is survived by brother-in-law, James Healy and sister-in-law Anna Borucinski (Healy) as well as many beloved nephews, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews. She is predeceased by sisters-in-law Margaret Garraston (Healy), Beatrice Howfield (Healy), Anne Healy (McCart) and brothers-in-law William Garraston, Paul Howfield and John Borucinski.
Doris met her husband Tim Healy and then in September of 1950 they were married at the Immaculate Conception Church in Queens. Initially they lived in Huntington, LI before moving to Boston Corners, NY where she and Tim spent most of their lives.  In 2009, Doris and Tim started spending some time at their condo in Pearl River, NY and moved there permanently around the year 2016.  Before her son was born, Doris worked as a typist at Western Electric. Then sometime in the 1980’s Doris returned to the workforce as a Sales Associate for Macys.
Doris was a master crotchet artist and won awards for her beautiful pieces. She created her own designs and put so much love into all her stunning and intricate work. Doris gifted so many of her amazing creations to loved ones, many newborn babies, family and friends. A woman of many talents Doris used to fish! She and Tim would go out on their boat fishing often. Doris also nurtured thriving gardens to grow vegetables.
Doris was also a world traveler. Her family was originally from Hungary and in her younger years, Doris traveled all through Europe. She and Tim enjoyed many trips and cruises both together and with their family. Doris was happy in the later years of her life as she lived peacefully in Pearl River. On any given day she loved nothing more than “coaching” the Mets and Giants from her recliner. She was a sweet and feisty woman who will be remembered with love.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 26 th at 10:30 AM at St. Aedan’s RC Church, Pearl River with a private entombment to follow at St. Anthony’s Mausoleum, Nanuet. For the safety of the family and those attending mass, please be mindful and wear required masks, maintain social distance. There will be a recording of the services through the link below:

Emilie Arciso Salio-an, 80, of Baguio City, Philippines, a native of Bontoc, Mt. Province, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, NJ at 2:30 pm. She is survived by her loving husband Julio and affectionate daughters Angie and Cheryl, attentive son-in-law Jeffrey, doting grandchildren – Jhuelian Kyle, Ione Robyne, Cherwai Jan and Dale Zachary, beautiful sisters Cynthia and Georgina and kind in-laws, nieces, nephews and apos.

Emilie was well loved by her church family at the Church of the Holy Communion in Norwood, NJ and the Church of the Holy Resurrection in Baguio City. She was a very engaged ECW member for decades who attended Episcopal Church conventions here and abroad. She is very much remembered by friends and family for her jovial spirit, her elegant and classy style, assertive dispositions and strong faith.  Emilie’s motherly yet practical advises, her open-handed giving and self-sacrificing  deeds, her passion for teaching and her graceful dancing are among the attributes she will always be fondly remembered for. The family will forever cherish the love and support she unconditionally provided, including her unyielding certitude to the Lord.

Visiting hours are Friday, March 5, 2021 from 4 – 8 PM and Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). Emilie will be buried at Pyramid Memorial Park, Benguet, Philippines.

Friday’s 5 PM Service can be viewed through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/friday-visitation-for-emilie-arciso-salio-an-589768

Saturday’s 5 PM Service can be viewed through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/saturday-36-visitation-for-emilie-arciso-salio-an-359452

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joyce M. Pizzi (nee Malinowski), 75, of Naples, FL, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021. Devoted wife of Anthony R. Pizzi. Loving mother of Gregg and husband Edward of Miami, FL, Michael and wife Pamela of Northvale and Robert and wife Michelle of River Vale, NJ. Proud “Mamoo” of four grandchildren, Jessica, Anthony, Tyler and Jaclyn. Cherished sister of Denise Hecht and husband Steven and the late Arlene Bremson. Also survived by her mother-in-law Rosalie A. Pizzi and many other loving family members.

A funeral director with a degree in pastoral counseling, Joyce, along with her husband, Anthony, owned and operated Pizzi Funeral Home for 40 years before retiring to Naples. She took pride in her children, grandchildren, profession, and community and was known and loved by many for her compassion and selfless service in comforting those in grief.

Joyce was born in Hackensack, NJ, on May 16, 1945 to Mary (Gianquinto) and Joseph Malinowksi and grew up in Lodi. She attended Katherine Gibbs School and subsequently graduated from the American Academy MacAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City (Magna Cum Laude) where she also taught the course: ‘Death, Dying & Bereavement.’

Joyce graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) and went on to receive her Master of Science in Family Counseling, completing her thesis on the ‘Value Of The Funeral Ritual.’ In 2016, Joyce was inducted into the STAC Alumni Hall of Fame.

Joyce was a member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Northern Valley Rotary Club, Woman’s Club, Romanesque Lodge, and Sons & Daughters of Italy. She belonged to Rockland Country Club in New York and Vineyards Country Club in Florida.

Loyal and giving to a fault, and always ready to listen or lend a helping hand, Joyce will be deeply missed by her family and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Those who feel comfortable are invited to pay their respects in person on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

The funeral mass can be viewed thorugh the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/joyce-m-pizzi-funeral-mass-883480

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s memory to Spectrum For Living, 201 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675, www.spectrumforliving.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

James P. Brennan, 85, of Norwood, formerly of Bergenfield, passed away at home on Monday, February 15, 2021. Beloved husband of Margie (nee Galligan). Cherished father of James and wife Terri of Narragansett, RI, Patrick and wife Nancy of Las Vegas, NV, George and wife Virginia of Havertown, PA and Maryanne Dillon and her husband Thomas of Ramsey. Proud and devoted grandfather of James, Thomas, Kieran, Aleen, Maggie and Brigit. Dearest son of the late George and Ann Brennan, and brother of Julia, Michael and the late Ann, George, and Thomas.

Growing up on the West Side of New York in Hell’s Kitchen in the 1950’s, Jim graduated from Immaculata High School, taking a job at Manufacturer’s Trust, where he met his beloved Margie.  He also worked for many years at the Diner’s Club and retired from the Metal Lathers Local 46 Union.  After their marriage in 1959, they bought their first home in Bergenfield, NJ where they spent the next thirty years raising their family.  Jim and Margie were active parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Church.

In Bergenfield, Jim was the owner of Brennan’s Pub, where he enjoyed bringing people and friends together in the traditions of his Irish heritage. He was an avid golfer and a member at Old Tappan Country Club, as well as a die-hard fan of the New York Football Giants, and a member of their Season Ticket Holder Hall of Fame.

In their later years, Jim and Margie moved to Norwood, NJ and joined St. Anthony’s parish in Northvale, NJ. They enjoyed their time living at Fox Hill Manor, where Jim kept busy on committees organizing the various holiday parties.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 26, 2021 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050, www.pizzifuneralhome.com. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah.

Those who wish my view a livestream of the funeral mass on Saturday, February 27, 2021 through the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/james-patrick-brennan-funeral-mass-698610

For the safety of the family and all guests, please be mindful and wear required masks, maintain social distance, refrain from physical contact, and be brief while visiting. Jim will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him, and the Brennan family is very grateful for the love and support from all of their family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Covenant House in New York City https://ny.covenanthouse.org  or VNA Hospice Care in Englewood, NJ https://vnahg.org/support-hospice .

Forrest Stevens Davis Jr.

“Steve”

73, of Northvale, NJ, formerly of Paterson, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Beloved husband of Lesley Beach-Davis. Beloved father of Jason Davis and Tammie Stark. Proud grandfather of Nicolas and Madeline. Dearest brother of Deborah Walters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 2-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Barbara Sparta (nee Heiser), 79 of Norwood, NJ for 50 years, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Vincent. Loving mother of Cathy Adams and late husband Brian of Elkton, MD, Peter Sparta and wife Rose of Little Ferry, NJ,  Donna Lanza and husband Thomas of Norwood and Mildred Boles and husband Brian of Rockaway, NJ and step-mother of Scott Stern of Island Heights, NJ. Proud “Mimi” of grandchildren Christopher and wife Kerri, Gianna, Dylan and Gabrielle and great-grandchildren Nathan, Hailey and Austin. Dear sister of Elizabeth Diamond and the late Frederick.

Barbara was a court administrator for the Borough of Norwood and also worked for Rinaldi Transportation for many years. Barbara was an active volunteer on the Norwood Ambulance Corps. She was a founding member and past-president of the Woman’s Club of Norwood-Northvale and also belonged to the Norwood Senior Center.

Visitation will be Monday, February 22, 2021 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

Those who wish may make donations in Barbara’s memory to the Woman’s Club of Norwood-Northvale, 180 High Street, Northvale, NJ 07647.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Gertrude Sarno (nee Ruberto), age 96, of North Bergen, passed away Monday, February 15, 2021 after a brief illness. Born in 1924 to parents Michael and Maria Ruberto, Gertrude was one of six children.

She was predeceased by her husband Henry (1983), daughter Michele Rasmussen (2018) and granddaughter Jessica (1991).

Gertrude is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Anthony and Lucille Sarno, son-in-law Gary Rasmussen, grandchildren Brad Sarno, Kimberly Sarno, Jennifer McDermott (Edward) and great-grandchildren Giuliana, Victoria and Ava.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 22, 2021 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Fatima RC Church, North Bergen with entombment to follow at Fairview Mausoleum. Visiting hours are Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

John Zuccaro, 89, of Tappan, formerly of the Bronx, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021. Beloved husband of 65 years to Lucille (nee Porcelli). Loving father of Michael Zuccaro of San Diego and Steven Zuccaro and his wife Stacy of Tappan. Proud grandfather of John and Julianna, who were the light of his life. Predeceased by his loving brother Michael Zuccaro.

John was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a foreman for the NYC Housing Authority for 27 years. Upon retirement he then owned and operated his own pest control business, J & E Exterminating, for many years. John was an active member of the Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176, Blauvelt and the Knights of Columbus, Piermont Council. He was also a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Tappan.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 19, 2021 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday  at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery.

Please strictly adhere to proper social distancing and no physical contact, for the safety of the family and all guests.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com