Archives for November 2022

Margaret Ann McTigue, 60 of Miami Florida passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 after a brief illness. Cherished daughter of Terence G. McTigue and the late Mary V. McTigue. Beloved sister of Terence and wife Liz, Mary (McTigue) Donohue, Kevin and wife Sharyn and Barbara and husband Bill Berrigan. Loving and proud aunt of Jimmy, Brian, Taylor, Kelly, Ciara, Fiona, Shannon, Brendan and Ryan. Also survived by many loving relatives and dear friends. She is predeceased by her mother, Mary Veronica McTigue; maternal grandparents Margaret May McCann and James Lawrence McCann and paternal grandmother Bridget McTigue.

She was born on July 14, 1962 at Fitch Memorial Hospital, Bronx, NY. The family moved to Rockland County and she attended St. Paul’s School in Valley Cottage, NY and graduated from Rosary Academy High School, Sparkill, NY June of 1980. A Bachelor of Science in Education and Gerontology was awarded from Saint Thomas Aquinas College in January of 1985 and was the first of several degrees Margaret would earn. She valued education and believed in continually expanding her knowledge and skills in order to be of greater service to others and to help them lead more productive and fulfilling lives. A Master of Science in Education from Long Island University, Sparkill, NY in June 1988 was the next feather in her cap! Being the over-achiever that she was, Margaret then earned a Master of Art in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University, Dobbs Ferry, NY in January 1998. Not only did she earn four degrees but she was at the top of her class each time!

Margaret was a Mental Health Care Professional and cared deeply about her work. She worked at Abbott House and ARC of Westchester where she put everything into her consumers. She moved to Miami over a decade ago and most recently worked as a Counselor of Student Services at the J.C. Bermudez Doral Senior High School. As someone who devoted her life to the care of children, families and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it was an honor to have her article, “A “Heroed Generation” The Challenge of Caring for Both a Child with an ASD and Aging Parents.” published in Autism Spectrum News in 2009.

“Margie” had a knack for remembering everything and could always be counted on to regale a crowd with her keen memory of a notorious story or provide valuable family history that most had forgotten. She remembered what was important about you and to you and made sure to reach out accordingly to make sure you felt special. In keeping with her kind, generous and empathetic nature, her corneas were donated in order to give sight to someone in need. Her nieces and nephews brought her so much joy. She took every opportunity to shower them with love and affection. She loved them as if they were her own. Her passing has left us with a tremendous void in our family but we will celebrate her and all the good she brought to this world. 

Visiting hours are Friday December 2nd from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Queen of Peace Chapel in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY with interment to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society. 

Sheila Simon passed away on November 24th 2022 after a courageous battle with sickle cell anemia. She was born on November 11th, 1948 in Trinidad. She was one of eight children. She was an amazing daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and great aunt. She is survived by her son, Brian and his wife Lysely Fermin, her brother, Gonsalvo “Claudie” Coker and her sisters, Auster James and Geraldine Patrice. She was the proud grandmother of Aedan Fermin. Beloved aunt to the Coker, Mitchell, Patrice and Shamku families. She was dearly loved by the Palenos who became her family away from Trinidad. She adored her friends at the Franklin Street Villas.
Sheila has lived in New Jersey since 1988. She was a nanny for over 20 years. In her retirement, she was a receptionist at a local senior activity center. She was kind hearted and loved giving back to her church and community. She enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking and gardening. Sheila touched the lives of many and will be truly missed.
Please join us to celebrate her life on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 10:30am (Eastern Time) at the Community Gospel Church, Northvale, NJ, 07647. The service will also be live streamed on facebook @CommunityGospelNorthvale. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America at https://www.sicklecelldisease.org in her honor would be greatly appreciated.
“Life has been exciting with its ups and downs and in-betweens, but I love it.”

Lenora “Margie” Gavalas (nee Doyle), 91, of Alpine, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ and Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Beloved wife of the late John Peter “Petey” Gavalas. Cherished mother of Lenora, Stephen and Jeffrey. Proud grandmother of John Michael, Cameron and Cory. Dearest sister of the late Joan Baker and Jack Doyle.

Margie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family, the NY Yankees and especially her beloved dogs, Kimmy and Mikey. She will be missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Margot Gindert (nee Rosinger), 91, of West Milford, NJ, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late Anton. Loving mother of Marguerite Virgintino and her husband Michael of Tappan, NY and Maryann Waibel and her husband Kenneth of Pompton Lakes, NJ. Cherished grandmother of Emily, Danielle and Jenna. Dear sister of Rosemarie and the late Gretel and Lisa.

Visiting hours are Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 12-2 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Michael J. Quinlan of Monroe, CT, died 11/17/22 at Bristol Hospital (CT)after a long and courageous battle with several serious health issues.

Michael was born February 7th, 1954, the fifth child of the late John J. Quinlan of Trumbull, CT, and the late Marie T. Quinlan of Nyack, NY. 

Step-son of the late Dorothy Stark Quinlan of Trumbull, CT, Mike was also pre-deceased by one sister, Jeanne (Phil) von Stein, and is survived by siblings: Patricia (Steve) Elkins of CA; Laura (Bill) Nieschalk of SC; Marie (Steve) Curry of NH; John (Trudy) Quinlan of VA; Mary Jo (Tom) Hanks of TN; Ann (Richard) Carpenter of CA and Maureen Quinlan of CT.

In addition, Michael is survived by three step-siblings: Paul Stark formerly of NY; Barbara Stark of NY and Dee (Tom) Willett of CT, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from coast-to-coast. And one precious aunt, Kim Leitner, of SC.

Michael never married, but he enjoyed many happy hours with dear friends: Carl Rychlik; John Csordas; Carson Leikam; Heidi Miller and Mike Fleming. He had a sweet closeness with Tatlyn Johnson. He enjoyed many holidays with cousin Kathy (Chip) Duane and her family, in NJ.

Mike grew up in Nyack, NY., attending St. Ann’s School and Nyack High School, where he played ice hockey, graduating in 1972. From 1972-1975, Mike attended Rockland Community College and Iona College in New Rochelle, where he also played hockey.

Mike served as a volunteer firefighter for the Nyack Volunteer Fire Department for several years after graduation from high school. 

Mike transferred to SUNY in Fredonia, NY, in 1976. There, he studied international banking, earning a B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1979.  At Fredonia, Mike enjoyed playing on the intramural softball team. 

After graduation, Mike worked for many years at Croll-Reynolds Engineering Company (CRECO) in Trumbull, CT as a Purchasing Manager.

Michael also enjoyed his part-time jobs at Trumbull Car Care Convenience Store and, most recently, his treasured position at Big “Y” World Class Market in Monroe, where Mike served as a cashier. He truly loved his employers, his co-workers and his customers.

Michael enjoyed high-performance cars and owned several, which were his pride & joy. 

He was a proud, actively devoted member of the NE Chapter of Buick Gran Sport Club for 30 years.

A highlight of Michael’s life was being able to attend the Nyack High School Class of 1972 50th Reunion this past summer before his hospitalizations began.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 21st at 1 PM at St. Ann’s Church, 16 Jefferson St., Nyack with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkhill, NY for family and friends – followed by a gathering of family and friends at The Mountain House Restaurant in Sparkhill at 4:00pm.

A future Celebration of Life will be held at a date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: SWIM ACROSS THE SOUND; 2819 Main Street; Bridgeport, CT 06606.

Maria Capparelli (nee Veneziano), 70, of Norwood, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Beloved wife of Vittorio. Devoted mother of Caterina Segura and Alexander, Gina Cocioppo and her husband Marc, Alessandro Quinteros and her husband Walter and Francesca Vasques and her husband Manuel. Adored grandmother of Jesse, Anthony, Maria, Tatiana, Raymond, Gabriella, Mateo, Monica and Vittorio and great-grandmother of Giovannamaria. Also survived by five brothers and sister and many other loving relatives and friends.

Maria was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and was a talented cook. Together with her husband, she owned Vittorio’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Englewood.

Visiting hours are Monday, November 14, 2022 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery, Englewood.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Aristedes “Aris” Epiphaniou, 95, of Tenafly, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Beloved husband of Georgia (nee Aroti). Loving father of Katina Epiphaniou, Voula Solonos and her husband George and John Epiphaniou and his wife Dawn. Proud grandfather of Georgiana and husband Ian, Nicholas, Jonathan and wife Francesca, Marissa, Katerina, Emma and Ava and great-grandfather of Isabelle.

Aris emigrated from Karavas, Cyprus as a passionate fisherman in 1954. He was a proud American, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who worked hard as a chef to support his family. Aris loved to dance, throw parties, and tell stories to anyone who would listen.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will gather at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, 353 E. Clinton Ave, Tenafly, NJ at 10 AM on Monday, November 14, 2022. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Aris’ memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, or to The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, where he was a proud member of the parish.

Angela Josephine Holuba (nee Randazzo) 101, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died on October 25, 2022.  She was born on January 5, 1921 in Jersey City, NJ, the youngest of 4 children and a first-generation American.  She married the love of her life, Stanley Holuba on June 24, 1945. Together they built Stanson, a private label detergent manufacturer and raised two sons together, Stanley and Robert.   After her first husband’s passing and 41 years of marriage, she married Frank Montalbano in 1988 and enjoyed another joyful 16 year marriage until his passing.  She was a longtime resident of Closter, NJ and a devout Roman Catholic.  Holuba Hall, the indoor football practice facility at Penn State University, was named in honor of her late husband Stanley and funded by Angela’s philanthrophy.  Her vibrant personality, quick wit, big laugh, generosity, and love of food and cooking will long be remembered by all who knew her.

Angela, the matriarch of the Holuba family, is survived by her devoted son, Robert Holuba of Palm Beach, Florida and her beloved grandchildren Lauren Holuba, Robert Holuba, Frances Holuba Lanzone, Jack Holuba and Kurt Holuba.  Over the past twelve years, she has thoroughly enjoyed her eight great grandchildren, Alexander, Charlotte, Grace, Tristan, Haven, Tripp, Delaney and Gisella Mia, drinking countless cups of pretend tea and instilling in them her love of Italian family traditions.  She was predeceased by her son Stanley Holuba, husbands Stanley Holuba and Frank Montalbano, sisters Nancy Marcello and Sadie Angelo, brother Salvatore Randazzo, her father Salvatore Randazzo and her mother Mariannina Piscitello.

Angela is buried with her late-husband Stanley Holuba in George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ.  Any condolences may be sent to Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ and any contributions in her name can be made to ProMedica Hospice Memorial Fund at www.promedicaseniorcare.org/giving

Joseph E. Fernandez, 83, formerly of Northvale, passed away on Friday, November 4, 2022.  Beloved husband of the late Joan E. (nee D’Allesandro). Loving father of Joseph S. Fernandez and his wife Crystal and Lesley J. Fernandez. Cherished grandfather of Jennifer and the late Joseph G. Dearest brother of Edward Fernandez and his wife Ronnie.

Joe was a construction manager for Tishman Construction in NYC. He was a member of the Northvale Fire Department and was past president of the Old Tappan Men’s Golf Club.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. Joe will be entombed with his wife Joan on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at St. Catherine’s Mausoleum, Wall, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to The Valley Program, 200 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ  07648.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Rita Mae Young (nee Fitzgibbon), 80, of Northvale, NJ, formerly of Bogota, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.  Beloved wife of William James Young. Loving sister of Maureen D’Onofrio and her husband Henry and the late Carol Kelly. Cherished aunt of eight nieces and nephews.

Rita was an office manager for Buck, Seifert and Jost in Norwood, NJ for many years. She was also an active parishioner of St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com