Archives for October 2022

Jean Marie Theresa Powers, of Congers, NY, formerly of Ringwood, NJ passed away in the quiet and comfort of her family’s home on Friday, October 28, 2022.  

Beloved sibling of Mary Beth Powers and husband Andrew Berkowitz, Christopher Powers and wife Patricia, Michael Powers and wife Teri, Katie McNamara and husband Michael, and Tim Powers and wife Dawn. Cherished Aunt ‘Gigi’ of Morgan, Christopher and wife Erika, Jack, Aidan, Patrick, Kearsten, Sean, Connor, Raymond, Tess, Kayleigh, Katie and Claire. Jean Marie is also survived by many loving Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends. 

Jean Marie grew up on Cupsaw Lake in Ringwood, attended DePaul Catholic and the Culinary Institute of America. A skilled chef and baker, friends and family looked forward to her Irish soda bread each year around St. Patrick’s Day. Blessed with an amazing work ethic, Jean Marie maintained a dual career track in hospitality and real estate sales. Most current work highlights included Giants Stadium, Del Arte Restaurant, Time Hotel, and The Adamo Group. Jean Marie enjoyed global travel but could often be found at the Jersey Shore. She was a loyal fan of the NY Rangers, NJ Devils, NY Yankees and Giants. Above all, Aunt Gigi was unconditionally devoted to her family, especially proud of her nieces and nephews. 

Jean Marie is predeceased by her loving parents, Theresa C. Powers (nee Dougherty) of Bronx, NY and Michael C. Powers, of Inwood, NY and is survived by her step-mother Nancy McGrath Powers of Greenwich, CT. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, November 4th at 12:30 PM at St. Catherine’s RC Church, 112 Erskine Road, Ringwood, NJ with interment to follow at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ.   

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jean Marie may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation,  St. Jude’s Hospital and United Hospice, New City, NY. 

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joe Osinchak : – “doc,” “osch” – born 09/20/1937 at Fountain Springs, Pa. He was raised in the hard coal-region town of Morea Colliery, Schuylkill County, Pa. He graduated from Mahanoy Township High School in 1955 and was the first family member to enter college. He received his A.B. degree from Susquehanna University in 1959, majoring in Biology and Chemistry. A Dean’s list student, he went on to graduate school in the Department of Anatomy at Duke University, where he received the Phi Beta Kappa award. He was granted the Ph.D. degree in 1964 and was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship to continue his work on the electron microscopy of neurosecretory neurons in the brain.

Joe entered the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York as an Interdepartmental Fellow and also taught neuroscience in the Anatomy Department. He then accepted an Associate Professorship at the City College of New York Department of Biology and served as its Director of the Electron Microscopy Program. His teaching responsibilities included vertebrate histology and introduction to the neurosciences. Many Biology Honor students were sponsored and other science graduate students were assisted in their application of electron microscopical techniques. He served as pre-med advisor and, as a Full Professor, contributed to the development of the College’s BioMedical Program, in which he served as Director of the Neuroscience Section for many years.

While at Susquehanna, he met the love of his life, Sandra Marie Meyer, a Liberal Arts major, and they were married just after graduation in 1960. A devoted family man, his children include Suzan Marie Jeantheau (Richard), Joanne Elaine Lawson (Robert), Kathleen Ann Schroeder (David), and Kristine Diane Willats (Jeffrey).

Nine grandchildren include: Claire and Rebecca Jeantheau; Kayla Stiles (Lawson), Kevin and Jodie Lawson; Henry Schroeder; Lauren, Steven, and Megan Willats.

Joe managed to attend every high school volleyball game. He loved the outdoors,  both fresh and saltwater fishing, and was a grand slam winner while OBX billfishing. Fascinated by crafts, from traditional pysanky egg-dyeing at Easter to woodworking projects, he loved stained glass, and dabbled in paper-making, photography, painting, and a variety of artwork techniques. Especially fond of gardening, he constructed an attached home greenhouse to work with those  hard-to-grow varieties.    

He suffered from a combination of cardio-pulmonary problems. A memorial service will be scheduled by family members at a later time. A donation to your favorite charity would be appreciated.

A strong woman is the lifeline of her family. She carries within her the power to endure pain and the courage to sacrifice. She has the power to create and nurture life. She is indeed the epitome of love and sacrifice. -Aarti Khurana

We are sad to announce the passing of Norma Mattiace (nee Boyd) the matriarch and lifeline of our family. Mrs. Mattiace, of Closter and formerly of Bergenfield, passed away at the remarkable age of 93 on October 27, 2022. Mrs. Mattiace was predeceased by the love of her life, Nicholas Mattiace, who she was married to for 66 years until his death in 2013. Mrs. Mattiace was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother and the lynchpin of the family. Mrs. Mattiace is survived by her five, beloved children and their spouses: Linda & Tony Zappulla of Forked River, Nicholas & Barbara Mattiace of Hillsdale, Steven & Suzanne Mattiace of Old Tappan, Lisa & Kevin Battell on Emerson, and Lori Mattiace & Pete Mucciolo of Hillsdale. Norma was the cherished grandmother to Kimberly, Cheryl, Jill, Nicholas, JoAnn, Lisa, Melissa, Sara, Daniel, Kristian, Olivia, Zachary, Kassidy and Kamryn, and great-grandmother of Paul, Julia, Joseph, Nicholas, Connor, Tyler, Gracyn, Evan, Matthew, Ella, Maelyn, Charlotte, Jack, Riley and Nicholas.  

Mrs. Mattiace is very proud of her roots having been born in Hamilton, Bermuda where she spent her formative years with her four siblings and mother before moving to New York City at the young age of 16. She is survived by her sister Ruth of Toledo, OH, and predeceased by her siblings Robby, June, and Betty.

When Norma’s kids were young, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist because this was the norm for the era. But even by the standards of the era when her children grew up and to this day, Norma was an exceptional wife and mother. If a person has a good mother in their life, they should be considered lucky, we are beyond blessed because we had an amazing, resilient, and caring mother/grandmother/great-grandmother who led by example. She dedicated her life to her family, and for that we are all eternally grateful. There are not enough words to do Norma justice, but a testament to her life and legacy lives on in all those she leaves behind who have been loved by this truly remarkable woman.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, October 31st at 10 AM at St. Pius R.C. Church, Old Tappan with interment to follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly. Visiting hours are Sunday, October 30th from 2-5 at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Ivanna Giselle Linares Figueroa, age 6, of Spring Valley, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was the precious daughter of Iris Linares Figueroa and Nery Alas. Cherished sister of Matthew, Kristel, Elian and Nery, Jr. Ivanna is also survived by many loving relatives and caring friends.

Visitation will be Friday, October 28, 2022 from 7 PM at Assemblies of God Bible Institute, 11 Division Avenue, Nyack, NY. Her burial will take place on Saturday morning at Mount Repose Cemetery, Haverstraw, NY at 10 AM.

Joan Marjorie Braca (nee Sinanis) passed away peacefully on October 24^th, 2022. She was born in Inwood, NY on Jan 30^th, 1929.  Joan was predeceased by her Mother and Father, her brothers Bill and Bob and her husband Ray of 50 years.   She is survived by her son Greg, daughter Christina , daughter-in-law Tina, 6 grandchildren ( Kevin, Christopher, Amanda, Kayla, Marisa and Jenna ) and 5 great grandchildren ( Amina, Emmy, Malcolm, Audrey, and Gregory ) 

Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma, she was the most kind, patient and loving person in the family and we are all blessed to have had so many great years and memories with her.  She was born in a different generation where values, toughness, integrity and family meant everything.   She taught us all so much and will always be with us. 

Visitation is Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Augustine’s RC Church, New City, NY with interment to follow at Loescher Veterans Cemetery, New Hempstead, NY.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Humane society

Bernadette Anne O’Donnell (nee McGarry), 85, of Tappan, NY for over 50 years, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.  Bernadette was born in Rathowen, Ireland, the youngest of eight children.  She loved her country home and lifelong friends and family.  Bernadette graduated from University College Dublin and became an English and French High School teacher.  In addition to teaching, she spent time with her own sisters and their fellow nuns of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny in Ferbane, Co. Offaly.

While a teacher, she met her beloved husband, John Joseph.  After an international courtship, they were married in St Mary’s Church in Rathowen on July 1, 1967 and made New York City their home before moving to Tappan.

Bernadette was a kind, caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and dear friend.  She was happiest and at her best when caring for others, quick with a kind word and a helping hand.  No matter the situation, she was always putting others before herself.  She will be fondly remembered for her soft smile, kind spirit and wonderful meals.  The mashed potatoes were perfect, and you couldn’t say no to her Irish scones or another slice of her apple pie. If you were a friend of the O’Donnell family, you were family to Bernadette, and always welcome. 

A devout Catholic, Bernadette went to mass daily, prayed the rosary, and offered up her day in prayer.  She made many special friends at daily mass, who shared in each other’s joy and helped in times of need.  She was especially at home at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish. 

Bernadette was predeceased by her husband John and her cherished son, John (Kathleen). She was the devoted mother of Maryclare Ouderkirk (John) of Blauvelt, NY and Neil O’Donnell (Meghan) of Rye, NY.  Proud grandmother of John (J.J.), Johnny, Liam, Sean, Devon, Timothy and Ryann. Dearest sister of Philomena Rooney and the late Maureen, Peggy, Mel, Patrick, Eamon and Michael McGarry.  She is also survived by her loving sisters-in-law, Bridget and Catherine. Bernadette delighted in time spent with her beloved extended family the Cassanos, McGowans, McGarrys and Rooneys. 

Visiting hours are Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 2-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 120 Kings, Highway, Tappan, NY with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernadette’s memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org.

Paul Albert Moncalieri, 80, of Bergenfield, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Beloved husband of Princene (nee Aita). Loving father of Paul and wife Donna and Timothy. Proud grandfather of Jenna, Haley, Ashley and Dawson. Dearest brother of Janet. Also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Paul was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired from the Englewood Fire Department where he served for over 25 years. Paul lived life to the fullest and will be remembered as a fine, generous and fun man and a great Elvis impersonator.

Visiting hours are Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 1-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Joseph Capria Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on October 4, 2022 at the age of 89 years . Born in Newark, NJ on July 9, 1933, Joe lived most of his life in Clifton and in Old Tappan, NJ.
Joe attended Clifton High School and later Seton Hall University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. Joe then proudly served in the US Army where he was stationed with the 2nd Medium Tank Battalion, 3rd Armored Division at Ayers Kaserne as part of the US Army’s Occupation Force in Kirch Goens, West Germany.
Upon returning from military service, Joe continued his education and began teaching science, first at Clifton High School and then at the Sayreville Middle School and Sayreville War Memorial High School. After a distinguished career that spanned over 35 years Joe retired in 1996.

Joe was then able to fully indulge his love of travel, participation in clubs such as the Old Tappan & Rivervale Seniors, Sons of Italy, Canal Society and other organizations, while socializing with his beloved wife Gloria. An avid country music fan, Joe would always have “Hank” playing in the background. Joe and Gloria extensively travelled throughout the country and the world on numerous trips. If the couple was not away on a trip, you could find them off here or there in Joe’s prized Corvette. As a couple, Joe and his wife were involved with numerous community services and activities such as feeding the needy or participating in town committees. They were also highly involved with their church, St. Pius X.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Anne and his son Joseph III. Joe is survived by his loving wife Gloria, his daughters Donna and her husband Ken of Washington Township, NJ, Linda and her husband Jim of Marlboro, NJ, and Michelle and her husband Ed of Cedar Grove, NJ. Joe was especially proud of his five grandchildren Alexis (Nicholas), James (Jacqueline), Jaclynn, Nicole and Ryan and their significant others Joseph and Allie.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM at St. Pius X RC Church, Old Tappan, NJ with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations can be made in Joe’s name to American Heart Association.

Vincent R. Forma, 79, of Chestnut Ridge, NY, formerly of Old Tappan, NJ and Brooklyn, NY, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Arlene (nee Bonanno). Loving father of Vincent G. Forma and his wife Kathleen of Harrington Park, NJ and Robyn Armao and her husband Anthony of Park Ridge, NJ. Proud grandfather of Charlotte, Annaliese, Gabriella and Vincent M. Dearest brother of John, Richard Formichelli, Barbara Monaco and the late Philip and MaryAnn.

Vince began his career in the 60’s as a Principal of Forma Securities. He later worked for many years in the mortgage industry where he established himself as a reliable business partner and expert in his field. He was always active, loved playing softball in the Old Tappan Men’s League, bowling and going to the gym. He was also a diehard Yankees fan. A beloved uncle to fourteen nieces and nephews, he was famous for his meatballs and always ready with a joke. Vinny’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10 AM with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

Those who wish may make a donation in Vincent’s memory to the Michael J. Fox foundation www.michaeljfox.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com