Archives for December 2022

Pasquale Scarano, 90, of Emerson, NJ, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Pasquale was born on June 23, 1932 in San Vito, Grumo Nevano, Italy to Giuseppe Scarano and Filomena (nee Chiacchio). He moved to New Jersey in 1962. Beloved husband and best friend of Jeanne Ann (nee Frassa). Cherished and proud father of Joseph Scarano and his husband William, Phyllis Kollar and her husband Chris, Kathy Owens and her husband Dustin, Ronald Peterson and his wife Christine and Gene Peterson. Loving grandfather of Morgan, Meaghan, Ashley, Christopher, Sabrina, Lauren, Shayla, and Ethan. Adored great-grandfather of Noel III, Gabriel, and Madeline. He is survived by his dearest brother Dominic, Maria Grazia, and Anna and was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister.

Patsy was a chef by trade and had worked at Jerry’s in Fort Lee and The Fireplace in Paramus. He had also operated New Roma Gardens in Teaneck for many years. For the past 20 years, he worked at America Oggi in Norwood until retiring at 85. Patsy was also a 4th Degree Knight at Our Lady of Victories Council of the Knights of Columbus.

He looked forward to his yearly trips with family, winemaking, and cooking for his family and friends. He was a kind and gentle person who loved everyone, with his doors open to family and friends preparing meals for all he welcomed. He touched many people’s lives and will be sorely missed. Until we meet again, we will forever keep you in our hearts.

Visiting hours are Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 2-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 10 AM with interment to follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Gail Maier, 69, of Harrington Park, NJ passed away on December 25, 2022. Gail was born on February 4, 1953 in Paterson, NJ to the late Marco Marino and late Elizabeth Clarken. She moved frequently during her childhood, but made lifelong friends in each place that she lived – a trait that would continue throughout her life. Gail graduated from Northeast High School in St Petersburg, Florida in 1971, and in her early twenties moved from Florida to her parents’ home in Hillsdale, NJ where she worked as a legal secretary. 

Soon after moving to New Jersey, Gail met her future sister-in-law, who introduced her to Edward Maier on a blind date. Gail and Ed married in 1982 in a backyard ceremony at their newly purchased home in Bergenfield, NJ. They welcomed their first daughter, Marissa Leigh Maier, on September 24, 1984 and their second daughter, Emily Rebecca Maier, on July 13, 1987. The Maier family moved to Harrington Park, NJ in 1992, where Gail would be an engaged and vivacious member of the community for the next thirty years. Gail poured all of her love and considerable energy into raising and educating her two daughters. Her family was her greatest source of pride. She highly valued education, and achieved her associate’s degree while raising her young family. Gail loved books and reading. She worked part time at the Harrington Park Public Library, and later accepted a full time job at the library in Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan. She returned to work part time at the Harrington Park Public Library following her retirement from Northern Valley. 

Gail and Ed welcomed two sons-in-law, Jonathan Walsh (who married Marissa in 2008) and Frank Arena (who married Emily in 2010) and four grandchildren, Levi (11), Paige (8), James (7), and Patrick (5). Gail’s children and grandchildren are her most beloved legacy and she affirmed her love for them with her words and her actions every day of her life. She was a unifying figure within her family and maintained close relationships with relatives living across the country. Her caring and empathy extended far beyond her family, evidenced by the many, many friendships that she cultivated and kept.

Gail was immensely active, and enjoyed hiking with her friends and her family. She loved to cook for her family and passed her love of cooking to both of her daughters. Gail was a magnetic, loving person who valued human connection and had many cherished friends. She will always be remembered as an adored wife, mother, and friend. 

Visiting hours are Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Room to Read.

https://www.roomtoread.org/literacy-girls-education/

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

David Ference, 52, of Saddle Brook, NJ passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 9, 2022.  He leaves behind his beloved wife Heather Rothschild, loving parents Joan and John Ference, his sister Lisa Hammond and her husband John, and his brother John Ference.  He was the cherished uncle of John and Jillian Hammond. 

David was an HVAC technician for Tri-Tech Energy in Boonton, NJ.  He grew up in Kearny, where he played baseball and loved skating on the frozen meadowlands in the winter.  He was a member of the Boy Scouts Troop 2 in Kearny.

David loved cooking for his family and friends with his barbecue smoker, making an endless supply of ribs and pulled pork among other things.  He was also proud of his garden, spending summer evenings watering and tending to his plants while watching the Yankees play, delivering his abundant tomatoes and basil to all. 

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale.  Services will be held on Saturday, December 17th and will be private.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

John F. Flahive, 82, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away at home on Monday, December 19, 2022. Beloved husband of Marie (nee LoVecchio). Loving father of John Flahive and his wife Kerry also of Harrington Park. Proud grandfather of Margaret, Mary and Molly. Dear brother of James Flahive and wife Marietta. John was predeceased by his first wife Eileen and his precious son Thomas.

Before retiring, John was a pressman for the NY Times for many years. He was also a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park.

Visiting hours are Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 23, 2022 at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Victories with interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Planz, Josephine Marie, 93, of River Vale, N.J. formerly of Harrington Park, passed away on December 14, 2022 in Seminole, Florida.

 She was born in Bronx, New York on May 2, 1929 to Ambrose Rocco and Katherine (Spolnecke) Terp.  Josephine married Robert Charles Planz on November 7, 1948.

Beloved wife of the late Robert.  Devoted mother of Denise Katherine Cornell and her husband John of Stony Brook, N.Y. and Suzette Alice Mckeon and her husband Kevin of Stony Point, N.Y.  Cherished grandmother of John Christopher and Robert Charles Cornell and Kevin Brian and Mathew Andrew McKeon.  Cherished great grandmother of Harper Rose and Anders Christopher Cornell and Madeleine Violette Cornell.

Beloved sister of Mary Catherine Jankowski and her husband Chet of Southfield, Michigan.  Cherished Aunt of Leigh Ann and the late Michael Chester Jankowski.

Jo worked at Equitable Life Assurance in N.Y.C. after graduating Southold High School in Southold, N.Y.  She worked there until her first child was born, and when she left Equitable they had to hire two people to take her place. 

After having her children, she became very involved with the School P.T.A., church functions, and working with disabled children. 

Jo was a volunteer at Pascack Valley Hospital gift shop, and received an award recognizing her time spent there.  She was an avid Bridge player, and also enjoyed:  water skiing, fishing, hunting, crafts, painting, and sculpting.

Jo, also loved to travel with Bob – China, Italy, Switzerland, Israel where they floated in the Dead Sea, and Southold!  One of their favorite Island’s was St. Maarten, where they vacationed annually with their children, grandchildren, and friends!  It was a wonderful family time, which will always be Remembered With Love!

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday – January 7^th, 2023 10:30 A.M.

at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale, N.J. with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, N.Y.  Viewing is the same day 9:00 – 10:00 A.M. at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, N.J.

 www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Nevio “Joseph” Mattessich, 79, of North Palm Beach, FL, formerly of River Vale, NJ, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Beloved husband of Joann (nee Piccinich). Loving father of Marilyn Mattessich, Lucy Disney and her husband Carlo and Nevin Mattessich and his wife Valerie. Adored grandfather of Mariah, Julia, Nevin and Audrey. Dear brother of John Mattessich and Maryann Saric and her husband Mirko.

Nevio was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was an IT professional on Wall Street in NYC for many years. A devout Catholic, he was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church and a 4^th Degree Knight of the Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus Council 9021.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 11 AM at St. Pius X Church, Old Tappan with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Township.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, www.bcan.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

James J. Mulligan, 85, of Palisades, NY, cherished husband of Beverle (nee Zawalich), passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022.  He was a loving father to James J. Mulligan, Jr., Christopher Mulligan and Deirdre Hart and her husband Thomas. Proud Pop Pop to Victoria, Thomas James “TJ”, Mackenzie, Kevin, Chelsea and Olivia. Dearest brother of Kathleen Blake and her husband Vincent, John Perring-Mulligan and his wife Peg, and youngest brother Bernard Mulligan. Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. 

Jim was born and raised in Manhattan NY and stayed there until he moved his family to Rockland County in 1973. Jim was a US Army Veteran. He was an electrician for IBEW Local 3 in NYC before retiring to enjoy time with his family.  Jim and Beverle were active in Marriage Encounter for 25 years throughout Bergen County and parts of Rockland County.  Jim was an avid fisherman and could often be found fishing at the Piermont Pier or any spot along the Hudson River. Most of all he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed dearly.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, December 21, 2022 form 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Tappan, NY with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Giustina Giannantonio, 67, of Tappan, NY, formerly of Palisades Park, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Giustina was born in Imola Bologna, Italy on November 6, 1955 and came to America in 1959. She was the adored daughter of the late Anthony and Jenny (DeCarlo) Giannantonio andthe beloved wife of the late Nicolangelo “Nick” Giannantonio, the loving mother of Nicola Giannantonio and Anthony Giannantonio and his wife,Morgan, and the cherished grandmother of Andia, Layla, Antonio, Luca, and Nico. Her very special cousin, Peter Longo, who was like a brother to her, survives Giustina. Peter’s wife, Peggy, and the Longo family, Giustina’s mother-in-law Andia Giannantonio and in-laws Gino Giannantonio, Lena Giannantonio, and Rosa Giannantonio Serino and their families, and her beloved dog, Sully, also survive her. Giustina was a secretary to the principal at Palisades Park Junior/Senior High School for 37 years before retiring in December of last year. Her favorite hobbies included piano playing, drawing and painting, card making with the Stampin’ Up! Sisters, jewelry making, visiting Italy, going to the Jersey Shore, visiting the casinos, watching HGTV and Hallmark Mysteries, feeding her family, and of course, being a doting grandma to her five grandchildren. Our hearts are broken. She is so loved and deeply missed. Visiting hours are Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 9 to 10 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Madonna Church on the Hill, Fort Lee, NJ at 11 AM with interment to follow at Madonna Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.bcrf.orgwww.pizzifuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann Lowney (nee Russell), 80, of Norwood, NJ and Laughlin, NV, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022. She was the beloved wife of Neil. Loving mother of Susan O’Brien and husband Sean and Julie Falkenstern and husband Scott. Proud grandmother of Allison, Kelsey, Luke, Megan, A.J. and Ryan. Dear sister of George Michael Russell and wife Lynn and the late Rosemary Russell.

Pat was a secretary at Immaculate Conception Church in Norwood for 25 years and retiring to Laughlin, NV.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 6-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Edward Joseph Coughlan, 77, of Rockleigh, NJ, passed away at home on Friday, December 9, 2022. Beloved husband of Lorraine (nee Ciccarelli) for 47 years. Loving father of Kevin and his wife Alexandra and Andrew and his wife Evelyn. Proud grandfather of Jackson and Sean. Dear brother of Helen Dennehy, Nora DiMaggio, Rita Coughlan, Ann Coughlan Brown and the late Maureen Murphy and John Coughlan.

Edward was a US Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired as a manager of gas operations for Con Edison in NYC. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Immaculate Conception Council 9021 and the Optimist Club, both in Norwood.

Visiting hours are Monday, December 12, 2022 from 4-6 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward’s memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, wwwt2t.org or Ascend Hospice, 1600 St. George Ave, Suite 312, Rahway, NJ 07065 www.ascendhospice.com.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com