Archives for March 2021

Haxhi Gashi, 86, of Nanuet, NY, formerly from Albania, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 7, 2021. 

Beloved husband of 65 years to Sanije. Loving father of Mithat Gashi (and his wife Meryeme) of Nanuet, Luan Gashi (and wife Shukrie) of New City, and Ilber Gashi  (and wife Vjollca) of Huntersville, North Carolina, Drita Nerguti (and husband Haxhi) of Fairview, NJ, and Anila Selmani (and husband Tomorr) of Cresskill, NJ.  Proud grandfather of  13 grandchildren (Anisa, Visar, Suzanne, Adriana, Bekim, Arlind, Blerim, Erna, Arber, Lindita, Siera, Dardan, Merita), and four great grandchildren (Drini, Blini, Riti and Muço); beloved brother of Remzije Guri (of Albania). Haxhi was predeceased by his brothers Ramiz, Gani, Qemal, and sister, Zelfie. 

Haxhi was one of the last survivors of the communist internment camp of Berat, Albania.  His family opposed the communist ideology. For this reason, Haxhi’s  home was burned and destroyed,  his property  confiscated and the Gashi family was deemed as enemies of the state.  At age 11, Haxhi and his family were sent to a concentration camp in Southern Albania -where many children, and the elderly died of malnutrition and lack of medical attention.   After decades of persecution by the communist regime, in 1986, Haxhi escaped from communism with his wife and children and settled in the land of freedom — the United States. 

Those who feel comfortable are invited to pay their respects in person on Wednesday, March 10th  from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). 

A Funeral Prayer will be celebrated Thursday starting at 9:00 AM with burial to follow at 11:00 AM at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa.

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

George Kittan, 90, of Northvale, died Friday, March 5, 2021. Beloved husband of Johanna Maria Kittan (nee Moncalieri). Loving step-father of Jeanne Ann Scarano (nee Frassa) and husband Pasquale and Marie Rose Peterson (nee Frassa0 and late husband John. Cherished uncle of JoAnn Perry, Jeannette Criscione and Linda Hirst. Adored grandpa of seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

George was a proud US Army Veteran of the Korean War and belonged to the Northvale American Legion where he was past commander and the Northvale VFW. He retired from the Tenafly DPW. George will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services were private.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Nicholas A. Repole, 81, of Demarest for 48 years, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, March 5, 2021.  Beloved husband of 58 years to Geraldine (nee Troy). Cherished father of Anthony Repole and fiancé Cookie and Theresa Repole and fiancé Skip. Proud grandfather of Peter Scott and Nicholas Anthony. Dear brother-in-law of James and Frances Troy. Loving uncle of John and Carol Troy and their sons, Salvatore and James.

Nick was a Banquet Manager at the Astorian Manor in Queens, NY for over 40 years before retiring. During that time he was fortunate to meet people from all types of cultures and would often say he didn’t have to travel the whole world because he experienced so much while at work. Whether he was meeting politicians, dignitaries, celebrities, law enforcement, clergy or everyday people, he prided himself by going above and beyond with great attention to detail for every customer. He had a love for people and creating spectacular events for them.

Nick’s attention to detail was displayed in his beautiful carpentry work in and around his home, as well as his children’s homes. His hobby of carpentry led to an amazing creation of a Dept. 56 Village he built.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and also enjoyed time with his friends at the Norwood Senior Center and Northvale Golden Agers.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 10 at 9:30 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee.

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

John T. Merriman, 88, of Norwood, NJ, formerly of New Milford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 4, 2021 surrounded by his loving children. He was born January 16, 1933 to the late John T. and Christine (nee Larsen) Merriman in Washington Heights, NY. Beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (nee Dugan), who was the love of his life. Devoted father of Robert Dennerlein and wife Carla, Jean Marie Petro and husband Christopher, William Merriman and wife Jennifer and Richard Merriman and wife Traci. Proud grandfather of Rob, Mary Kate, Kristen, Sara, Jessica, Kelly, Emily and Patrick. Dearest brother of Elizabeth Gallagher and husband James, William Merriman and wife Christine and the late Robert and Michael.

John was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War. He attended Marquette University on the GI bill and was awarded the distinguished Wall Street Journal award for Finance. After graduating from Marquette, he worked for the NY Telephone Company for his whole career before retiring in 1989.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, John loved time spent with his family and was the proud patriarch. He spent many summers vacationing with his children and grandchildren on Long Beach Island.  In his spare time, he followed the stock market, completed Sudoku puzzles and always made time for a good joke.   He enjoyed Friday night pizza with his gang and poker with his buddies. He will be fondly missed by all who knew him.

Visiting hours are Monday, March 8, 2021 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory to Holy Name Hospice,

http://www.villamarieclaire.org/InMemoryof

would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

On Friday March 5, 2021 Carmine Loiacono passed away at age 95. Carmine was born on October 27, 1925 to loving parents Anna and Nicholas Loiacono. He served in the Navy as a Pharmacist’s Mate from October 1943 until his discharge in April 1946.

He ran a Broadway Theatre for 40 years and was a proud member of Local 751. He served the union on the Executive Council for over 20 years.

Carmine married the love of his life, Frances Butts in 1954. Frances predeceased him in August of 2014. Carmine is survived by his children, Gordon (Elaine), Ann and Nicholas (Susan), his grandchildren, Nicholas (Lindsay), Victoria (John Howe), Christopher and Brittany. Also, his great-grandchildren who called him GiGi, the delights of his life, Nicky and Stella Loiacono and Siena and John Howe.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, March 9, 2021 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Actors Fund Home, 155-175 W. Hudson Avenue, Englewood, NJ  07631, www.actorsfund.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

On Wednesday, March 3, 2021, Jaesup Choi (최재섭), devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 67.  

Jaesup was born on December 20, 1953 in Gangwon-do, South Korea.  When he was young, he moved to Seoul. After graduating from college in Seoul, Jaesup married Kyunghee Ahn and together, they moved to New York City in 1981.  They had two daughters, Marie and Jane, and the family moved to Harrington Park, NJ in 1987.  Jaesup received his MBA from St. John’s College of Insurance in 1983, where he graduated as valedictorian of his class.  He worked as an insurance executive for many years.  

Jaesup loved hiking and found peace in the mountains.  Near home, he often hiked in Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains.  He reached the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Mount Everest base camp, and returned time and again to some of his favorite places: the Canadian Rockies, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon.  He enjoyed traveling around the world.

Jaesup had a generous spirit and cultivated lifelong friendships.  He had a strong moral compass and was meticulous in all aspects of life.  He found refuge in the Korean Catholic Church and volunteered much of his time to St. Joseph’s Korean Catholic Church, Korean School of New Jersey, Beautiful Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.  

Above all, Jaesup was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He loved and supported his wife, children, and grandchild unconditionally.  He showed his love through sharing life lessons: never live more than 30 minutes from your place of work, live within your means and avoid debt, be generous with the people you love.  

In death, Jaesup is reunited with his mother and grandmother whom he loved deeply.  He is survived by his wife, Kyunghee, his daughters, Marie and Jane, and his granddaughter, Olivia.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be holding a small, private funeral mass at St. Joseph’s Korean Catholic Church.  Friends are welcome to come and say goodbye at a socially-distanced, outdoor memorial on Saturday, March 13 from 11am-4pm at the Choi family home in Harrington Park, NJ.  In lieu of flowers and gifts, we welcome contributions in memory of Jaesup Choi to St. Joseph’s Korean Catholic Church or the National Park Service.

William J. Bauer, 84, of Northvale, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis (nee Nespoli). Loving father of Joyce, William and Frank.Dearest brother Patricia Janovic (Ray), James (Cathy), Richard, Kathleen Klauer and the late Albert (Alice). Beloved uncle tomany nieces and nephews.

Bill was a US Air Force veteran and belonged to the American Legion. He owned and operated Bauer Plumbing and Heating in Northvale for many years. He was a member of the International Order of Red Men Half Moon Tribe 283, Northvale, He was a past member and exalted ruler of the Montvale Elks. He was also a Northvale councilman. He was an avid golfer and sportsman. And a die hard New York Giant fan.

A celebration of life may be held at a later date.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com  

Ninfa A. Rugnetta (nee Tocco), 88, of Manchester, NJ, formerly of Tappan, NY, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021. Beloved wife of Joseph. Cherished mother of Josephine Heller and husband Steven of Lords Valley, PA, Anna Ratner and husband Edward of Dumont, NJ and Rosalie Frustaci and husband Bruno of North Dartmouth, MA. Proud grandmother of Stephanie, Joseph, Joseph, Rebecca, Nicholas and Christine and great-grandmother of Thomas, Isabella, Gracie, Carmine and Ha’ani. Dearest sister of the late Vito Tocco.

Visitation will be Friday, March 5, 2021 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Louis M. Mores “Buddy”, 75, of Northvale passed away on February 28, 2021.  Louis was born on March 12, 1945 in Englewood, NJ to Agnes and Donald Mores.

Louis was the beloved father of daughter Lisa Conner, grandson Bryce (aka Pop Pop’s “little Buddy”) and son-in-law Fox; son Paul Mores, daughter -in- law Christina and grandsons P.J. and Nate.  “Buddy” was a loving brother of Elizabeth Salerno and the late Hannah Moat and a caring “Uncle Buddy” to his niece and nephews Donald, Michael, Bobby, Kathy and Steven.  Louis is also survived by Cynthia J. Giordano, mother of his children, who remained a friend throughout his life. Louis was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Agnes Mores.  

Lou grew up in Bergenfield on Willow Street where lifelong bonds were formed. He attended St. John’s Elementary, Bergen Catholic and Seton Hall University.  Lou was a resident of Northvale for over 45 years and an active member of St. Anthony’s Church. He was in the National Guard during the Vietnam War.  For 15 years, Lou was a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker in Closter where he helped many of clients find their dream home.  Prior, he worked as a Purchasing Director for the McDonald’s Corporation in Bloomfield. There was a good “McDonald’s story” Lou would tell!

Lou “Buddy” loved life and to laugh, he enjoyed his time with family and friends.  As the little brother “Buddy”, he cherished his sisters Hannah and Elizabeth and they were very close knit.  In his early years, you would see Lou tooling around town in his chocolate Trans Am blasting his music, going to concerts, movies and baseball games with his kids, volunteering at the St. Anthony’s carnival and enjoying life.  He always loved his golf, and you could catch him watching a PGA tournament with a good plate of crackers and cheese.  In his later years, spending time with family and friends was most important, and his grandchildren brought him happiness, especially his “little Buddy” Bryce. 

Lou was a double lung transplant recipient and was given the gift of life.  Lou was courageous and a fighter, overcoming the odds many times to keep going. The lung transplant gave him 10 more years of holidays, birthdays and time with friends and family… a true gift.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Lung Transplant team at Columbia.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Louis’ memory toward a fund for lung transplant major research initiatives as well as education for young doctors to become transplant specialist at Columbia. https://joinus.cuimc.columbia.edu/participant/Louis-Buddy-Mores

Those who feel comfortable are invited to pay their respects in person on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 9-11:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201.767.3050).  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 12 PM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com