Archives for September 2022

Bendul, Thomas Richard Jr., age 81, of Northvale, formerly of Emerson, passed away on September 24, 2022. He was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, the only child of Thomas Richard Bendul Sr. and Francis Bendul (née Daly). His Aunt Kathryne “Kitty” Weiner was also a second mother to him. Thomas was surrounded by family until his passing.

He met his beloved wife of 54 years, the late Patricia Bendul (née O’Brien), at Shady Lake in West Milford, NJ, 70 years ago. They married in 1962 and started their family in Emerson, NJ.

Devoted father of Scott Bendul and his wife Christine, Keith Bendul and his wife Kathleen, Mark Bendul and his wife Jeeyoun, Glenn Bendul and his wife Esther, Kristine Bendul, Denise Bendul, and the late Michele Bendul. Cherished grandfather of Kimberly and her husband Andy, Erin, Michael, Kayla, Daniel, Yehna, and Geena. Great-grandfather of Charlotte. Cherished cousin of John Rogers and Barbara McGuire and brother-in-law to Beatrice O’Brien and Eileen Patterson. 

A true family man, Thomas was deeply involved with his children and grandchildren, be it bicycle racing, motorcycle riding, sporting events or dancing—Thomas was always there with Patricia. Beyond his own children, Thomas served as a father figure to many, including his grandchildren, family friends, and extended family.

He was also a Life Member of Emerson Volunteer Fire Department. During his tenure with the fire department, he was instrumental in running various events— a true testament to his love of community. Having adopted 4 children from Korea, Thomas and Patricia represented a deeply-woven social fabric that inspired their strong sense of belonging both in their family and their community.

Tom, who was known to have the gift of gab, will be remembered as always telling jokes. He was able to make friends everywhere he went, and his kind and social character is what made him a father figure to those around him.

Since Patricia’s passing six years ago, all Thomas wanted was to be with her again. They are now dancing together again in heaven with their daughter, Michele.

Following his wishes, the family will hold a private cremation on September 27th, 2022, followed by a celebration of life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care in Elizabeth, NJ, where Tom was cared for during his final days, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Nicholas Spadaccini, Sr., 87, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Frances (nee Soldano). Cherished father of John and his wife Lisa of West Nyack, NY, Denise Lampone and her husband James of Orangeburg, NY and Nicholas Jr. and his wife Rene of Pearl River, NY. Proud grandfather of John and wife Cindy, Jennifer and husband John, Nicholas and wife Maria, Deanna and husband Tim, Gregory and Chrissy, James, Christopher and wife Kelli, Joseph and wife Jessica and Thomas. Adored great-grandfather of Sophia, Liana, Johnny, Adriana, Julianna, Vincent, Joseph, Anthony, Brielle and Madelyn. Dearest brother of the late Isabella Bagnaturo and Marie Swain.

Nick was a marble setter and retired from Local 4, NY, NY after 40 years of service.  He was an active member of Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176, Blauvelt, NY since 1968.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 9:30 AM with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.  Visiting hours are Friday, September 16, 2022 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Gaetano DeVincenzo, “Guy”, 75, of Tappan, NY, passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Born in Italy to the late Vito and Angelina DeVincenzo, he was predeceased by his sister, Francesca Pio and brother, Vincent DeVincenzo.

Guy is survived by his beloved wife, Doreen (nee Ruggiero); his cherished children, Marc and Angela and her husband Jeff Mayer. Proud grandfather of his “Best Buddy”, Luca. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and friends.

Guy owned Shearling Selection, an outerwear company in the garment district of NYC for many years. After retiring, he became Deputy Commissioner of the Environmental and Engineering Department for the Town of Orangetown for 10 years. He was a man of impeccable style, was highly respected by all who knew him and was successful at anything he put his mind to. He was also co-owner of Il Calcio Restaurant in Harrington Park, NJ and was instrumental in bringing soccer to the United States, especially starting the famous Cosmos soccer team. He loved his community and gave back in so many ways, as a coach, Community President of the Orangetown South Central School System and always advocated for student rights.

Above all, Guy adored his family as they did him. He will be dearly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Victor T. Polce, 97, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Beloved husband of Renee (nee Canton). Cherished father of Victor M. Polce and his fiancé Becky Baxter. Loving grandfather of Jackie and her husband David, Stephen and Veronica and great-grandfather of Chase and Brooks. Dearest brother of Nellie Gaulin, Mary Cascone and the late Mario, Hugo and Tino. Also survived by his Godson, Robert Gaulin and wife Patti and many cherished relatives and friends.

Victor was a US Army Veteran of WWII.  He was a parking garage operator in NYC for many years before retiring in 1997. He was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church, Old Tappan and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Renee, especially to her native France.

Visiting hours are Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, September 9, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Pius X Church, Old Tappan, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, www.globaldownsyndrome.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joan Marie Fiorello (nee Carrara), 89, of Atlanta, GA, formerly of Lake Grove, NY, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Fiorello. Cherished mother of Dr. Joan Fiorello Beaulieu and her husband Dr. Nicholas Beaulieu. Proud grandmother of Nathan and Madeline. Dearest sister of Michael Carrara and the late Carol Bertolotti, Vincent Carrara, Jr. and Carl Carrara.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. For many years she was a teacher’s aide in Long Island public schools.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 11 AM at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Maria Lydia Gentile, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Born in Naples, Italy, came to Ellis Island and settled in the Belmont Section of the Bronx. She lived in Dumont, NJ since 1968.

Predeceased by her mother, Maria DeAngelis, her son, Nicholas Gentile and her former husband Nicholas Gentile. Loving mother of Lisa Austin and her husband Patrick and Frank Gentile. Adored grandmother of Jessica Mulligan, Nichol Gentile, Frank Gentile and Patrick Austin. Proud great-grandmother of Gianna, Anthony, Angelina and PJ. Dear sister of twin, Adele Zagaria and Anna Marra.  Also survived by her companion, George and many loving nieces and nephews.

Lydia was a hard-working independent woman. She worked at Pathmark (Acme) in Bergenfield for 32 years and was loved by all.  She worked numerous other jobs throughout her life.

She was a member of the Dumont Swim Club, the Golden Age Club and loved playing Bingo at the Dumont Senior Center. Lydia attended many functions at the Knights of Columbus in Dumont. She loved going to Atlantic City with her friends and enjoyed time basking in the sun in West Palm Beach, FL and watching football on Sundays.

Lydia loved her family and was the most loyal person you could know.  She was everyone’s Nonna and always put others before herself and had a smile for all.

She will be greatly missed by all.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, 102 Park Street, Haworth, NJ with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Twp., NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com