Archives for May 2023

John A. Pietanza, 92, of Tappan, NY, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. He was born in Bari, Italy and was predeceased by his parents, Giuseppe and Isabella Pietanza. Beloved husband of the late Regina (nee Diorio). Loving father of Joseph and wife Kathleen of Pearl River, NY, Louis and Celia of Staten Island, NY, Lisa Spadaccini and husband John of W. Nyack, NY and Angela Mitard and husband Jacques of Blauvelt, NY. Proud grandfather of Regina (Mark), Irena (Alvaro), Katherine (Josh), John (Chelsea), Dominique (Matt), Johnny (Cindy), Jennifer (John), Gregory (Chrissy), James (Danielle), Angelica (Rocco) and Margaret. Adored great-grandfather of Gabriel, Caleb, Jude, Lola, Luca, Johnny, Adriana, Julianna, Vincent, Joseph, Zachary, Archer, Eleanor, Evelyn, Dominic and Alessia. Dearest brother of the late Vincenzo Pietanza. Also survived by his sister-in-law Antoinette Pietanza.

John was a US Army Veteran. He worked in the garment industry in NYC as a dress pattern maker for many years before retiring. John was a member of the Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176 in Blauvelt, the Orangetown Senior Center and was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed volunteering at Birchwood Elementary School in West Nyack where he was a “Foster Grandparent”, serving with Meals-On-Wheels, caring for his lawn and loved music, especially Frank Sinatra, and knew all of the lyrics of his songs.  He will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours are Friday, June 2, 2023 from 3-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan with burial to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Holly Marie Conway, 24, of Norwood, NJ passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 28, 2023.  Cherished daughter of James and Charlene. Loving sister of Emma and Mae.  Adored granddaughter of Marie and Larry Nilsen, Richard J. Conway and the late Sheila.  Dearest niece of Judy and Michael Sheffield, Debra Bailey, Sean Conway and the late Richard B. Conway.  Loving cousin of Megan, Kaitlyn, Brendan, Richard Liam, Else and Shauna.

Holly was a loving daughter, sister and friend.  Her love for her family and her fur friends was unmatched.  Holly was a beautiful girl and her memory will live on in all who were blessed to have her in their lives.

Visiting hours are Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 4-8pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10 am at Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Holly’s memory may be made to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland,NJ 07436. www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Carolyn Galdi, 60, of Orangeburg, NY and Tuckerton, NJ, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Beloved mother of Kristen Hook and her husband Robert, Joseph LaBarbera, and Jenna LaBarbera. Cherished grandmother of RJ, Jackson and the late Trevor. Dearest sister of William O’Rourke, Diane Tyson and her husband Bob and Gail Krone and her husband Rob. Loving aunt of Amanda Krone and Ryan Krone.

Carolyn was a dedicated teacher for over 20 years at Teaneck Community High School. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and loved dancing, the beach, live music and animals. She will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 11 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or the ASPCA, www.aspca.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Leonard Diehl, 94, of Palisades, NY, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. He was married to his wife Irene (nee Albrecht) for 63 years and was the beloved father of Stephen and the late John Diehl. Dear brother of Dorothy Diehl.

Lenny served his country as a US Navy veteran of the Korean War from 1950-1954. He spent most of his time on troop and equipment transfer ships and even a little time as a cook. From the Navy he went on to serve his community as a New York State Trooper in Orange County, NY. Then he transferred to the New York City Police Department and eventually ended up serving over 20 years in the New York City Fire Department Engine;/Ladder 52 in the Bronx. He always loved swimming and served as a lifeguard from Coney Island to some of the local pools where he taught Life Guarding classes and gave swim lessons.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10 – 11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A service will be held at 11 AM with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

James J. Puliatte “Deacon Jim”, 78, of Norwood, NJ, entered into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. He was the devoted husband of Elaine C. (nee Cavalli). Beloved father of Jennifer Brunet, Justin, Jonathan and his wife Stacy and James and his wife Brianne. Proud and loving grandfather of James, Alex, Sara, Ella, AJ, Avary, Austin, Maverick and Atlas. Dearest brother of Rosemary Misstretta and her husband Peter. Also survived by many other loving relatives and cherished friends.

Jim was a Roman Catholic Deacon ordained on June 12, 1977.  He served at Immaculate Conception Church in Norwood for many years and most recently was at St. Joseph’s Church in Demarest. He owned and operated Bruno Ravioli in New York City and Hackensack before retiring. He was a graduate of St. Cecilia’s High School and Fairleigh Dickinson College and attended Broadcasting School.

Jim dedicated his life to serving others. He adored his family, his community,the parishes he served and most of all, his God. He will be truly and dearly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 19, 2023 from 2-7 PM at St. Joseph RC Church, 573 Piermont Road, Demarest, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Joseph Church with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.  Deacon Jim would want others to benefit from your kindness.

A beautiful tribute from the 35th Anniversary of Jim being a deacon can be viewed through this link:

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Inez Irma Vinelli

1927-2023

Inez Irma Vinelli nėe Mattiaccio, passed away peacefully at home in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in the company of Laura, Ron and devoted son-in-law Kurt Graf. Beloved mother of Richard Vinelli (Maryanne), Ronald Vinelli (Jacki), Laura Vinelli-Graf (Kurt) and the late Robert Vinelli (late Anna) and Michael Vinelli (Gloria). Proud grandmother of Dana Spohler, Michelle Harm, Gary and Robert Vinelli, Vince Sal and Ross Valenza, John and Lauren Mascolo, Danielle Iacovino and Anthony and Christopher Vinelli. 

Born in New York City and raised in the Bronx, Inez was the youngest of five children, the only daughter of Lauretta Menna and Antonio Mattiaccio, immigrants from the province of Campobasso, Italy. Inez was deeply devoted to her parents.  She was a lover of all animals, especially her dog Lulu.  She was an elegant ballroom dancer and could make any dance partner look great on the dance floor. Throughout her long and blessed life, Inez remained close with her four brothers, their families, and with an extended  family of 14 aunts and uncles and 34 cousins.

Inez knew tragedy when illness took her first husband, Joseph Wasp, soon after their marriage. Inez recovered and made a new start in 1956 when she married Michael Vinelli, a machinist with Sperry Gyroscope.  In 1964, the Vinelli homestead moved to Tappan, NY where, both Michael and Inez owned and operated Vinelli’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. Michael later had a vending business until his death in 1990.  

Thanks to Inez’ warm, welcoming nature and her excellence as a host, chef and baker, for half a century Inez’ home in Tappan was a magnet for her family and the good friends she made in Rockland.

In 2020, Inez relocated to Las Vegas to be with Laura and Kurt who cared for her with the same sort of affection and care that Inez gave her family over the course of a long, giving life. She will be sorely missed.

Visiting hours are Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi FuneralHome, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07647.

Funeral procession from the funeral home on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10 AM with entombment at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale, NY 10530.

Lynne Christine Diorio (nee Niebergall), 67, of Hillsdale, NJ, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home on Friday, May 12, 2023. Beloved wife of Robert A. Diorio. Cherished mother of Peter Gandolfo (late wife Zadia), Angela Gandolfo and Peggy Shedden (husband Randy). Adored daughter of Natalie and the late Werner Niebergall. Proud grandmother of Kassandra, Haylee, Christopher, Phoenix, Austin, Vasago, Bella, and Alex (deceased). Loving sister of Peggy Pieroway (husband Robert), Cliff Niebergall (wife Cindy), Derek Niebergall (wife Sherri), Paul Niebergall (wife Christi), Werner Niebergall (wife Angela), Pamela Legaspi, (late husband Richard), Ariela Fillis (husband Jeremy), Debra Rendon (husband Raul), Fred Niebergall, Alan Niebergall and Steven Niebergall (wife Claudia).  Dear sister-in-law of Theresa Diorio and the late Richard Diorio (wife Angela). Also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Lynne was an administrative assistant for the Borough of Fort Lee for over 20 years. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park, NJ and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories Church, Harrington Park with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lynne’s memory may be made to birthright.org, lifecall.org or csi-usa.org.

It is with great sadness that the Kupi Family announces that our beloved Alban Gani Kupi, born on March 11th, 1971 in Kruja, Albania passed away on Thursday, May 11th 2023.

Alban is survived by his loving wife Zylfija, his two children, Ariana and Adrian whom he adored, his devoted sister Aida, as well as the extended Kupi Family.

The wake will take place on Saturday, May 13th from 2 pm-7pm at the Pizzi Funeral Home: 120 Paris Ave, Northvale NJ 07647.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, May 15th at the Pizzi Funeral Home at 10 am where they will proceed to Rockland Cemetery: 201 Kings Highway, Sparkill, NY, 10976.

It is with heavy hearts that the Caggiano family announce the passing of its patriarch, Michael. He went to be with our Lord and Savior on the morning of May 10th, passing peacefully at Holy Name Hospital. Michael is survived by his two sons, Michael Peter, and his wife Meredith and daughters Ava and Gia, and Stephen, and his wife Casi and daughter Alexandra Marie, sister-in-law Linda, as well as nieces, Laura Ann, Kathleen, Tracy and Catherine, and nephews Michael Anthony, Kenneth and Brian. Michael was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Carol.

Michael was born in 1936 in Bronx, NY to Laura Caggiano (née Petti, née DeLisi) and Vincenzo Caggiano of Benevento, Italy. Tragically, he lost his father only 6 months later and was raised by his devoted mother and doting aunts and uncles, of which there were many. Along with his older brother, Anthony, he led an adventurous life, which included many games of baseball, stickball and the occasional fisticuffs with the neighborhood kids, which he relished almost as much as playing shortstop.

Michael loved baseball most of all and honed his ability at the sport, eventually advancing to the northeast farm leagues where he predictably played shortstop. His mother was afraid for his safety and feared injury from the sport, considering it a game for ruffians. Due to her concern she refused to attend any games until one big game that my father pleaded with her to attend. She acquiesced and was witness to my father being knocked out cold after being hit in the head by a line drive. That was the first and last game that his mother would attend.

Michael served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in Heidelberg, Germany. His mathematical and technical ability caught the attention of his commanding officer who promptly assigned him to the base’s ENIAC computer that Michael used to decode North Korean military communications. His work most assuredly saved many lives.

Michael started his career as a messenger for Wall Street brokerage firms, ferrying stock certificates between financial institutions. Eventually, he identified a business opportunity amongst the Paperwork Crisis in the 1960s, which predated wide scale computerized trading and electronic stock delivery. His innovation in this field was paralleled only by Ross Perot, who abandoned the effort during EDS’ ownership of duPont, Glore Forgan. Michael admitted that Ross had the drive and the talent, but underestimated the size of the challenge to computerize Wall Street.

Michael sold his first company shortly thereafter. After a brief period of semi-retirement, he created Security Pacific Clearing Corporation in 1979 as a division of Security Pacific Bank in Los Angeles, CA. This effort eventually became the Sequor Group, which operated until the bank was sold to Bank of America in 1991. Post-sale, Michael enjoyed a long and well-deserved retirement.

Michael’s passion was golf and he enjoyed countless rounds with great friends and business associates. He was in his natural habitat on the golf course and the clubhouse, where he enjoyed playing cards with his golf buddies. He cherished the sport and the relationships that it introduced and helped foster.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 12, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Jean Marie Saro (nee Bruttomesso), 57, of Northvale, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023. She was the beloved wife of Peter Saro. Cherished Mother of Anthony Saro and Kristin Golding and her husband Daniel. Adored daughter of Kathleen Bruttomesso and the late Frank, Sr. A very proud Grandmother, “Gigi” of Savannah. Dearest Sister of Frank Bruttomesso, Jr. and his wife Sugie and Aunt of Henry and Frankie.

Jean Marie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Her family was her life and she will be missed by all. She was an executive assistant to the Bergen County Clerk in Hackensack for many years.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com