Archives for July 2023

David DeSena, 89, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023 peacefully with his wife Rosalie and loving friend Christopher Hayden by his side at the NJ Veterans Home at Paramus.

David was born and raised in Fairview, NJ and resided in Old Tappan, NJ for 54 years.

David belonged to St. Pius Church in Old Tappan. David was respected and loved by many. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He will be missed by the multitude of friends he and his wife had made along the years.

David served in the US Air Force (1950-1954) and was a respected Veteran. He served as a NJ Port Authority Police Officer (1954-1963). Before retirement in 1992 David worked for the NJ Transportation System.

David is survived by his loving and devoted wife Rosalie, his sister Ruth Brenner, six nieces and nephews and two God children.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 9-10 AM. Inurnment will follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Township, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of David to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org and to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

December 4, 1935 – July 25, 2023

William “Bill” Porter, affectionately known to his family and friends as “Chick”, born
December 4th, 1935 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, NY as the seventh of twelve
children to parents James Edward and Isabel Porter.

He attended New York City public schools and was a graduate of New York University
and the University of Illinois. Following a family tradition of military service, Bill
enlisted in the US Navy. Upon graduating from basic training as the sailor with the
highest grade point average, he received the Honorman award recognizing his academic
excellence and leadership skills.

In 1954 Bill was assigned to the Quartermaster training school and graduated number
three in his class. He was very proud to have served as the captain of his ship’s basketball
team winning the Auxiliary Fleet Championship.

In December of 1956, Bill joined Citibank as a part-time mail room messenger while still
completing his college degree. In 1958 he became a full-time employee working at the
World’s Fair branch until the branch’s closing in 1964. He then went on to spearhead
the bank’s management training program serving several branches as the Operations
Officer followed by Branch Manager, Assistant Vice President and ultimately Vice
President. Bill was the first African American to manage Midtown Manhattan and Wall
Street branches as Vice President.

In November of 1981 he moved on from his post at Citibank to become the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Municipal Credit Union. At the time MCU had only one
branch, 10 employees and 99 million dollars in assets. When he retired 25 years later
MCU had 10 branches, 500 employees, several hundred ATM locations and 1.4 billion
dollars in assets.

In addition to his numerous professional accolades Bill was a faithful parishioner at Saint
Anthony’s Catholic Church in Nanuet, NY. He was widely known as an outstanding
orator whose powerful voice grasped the attention of those in his presence. Bill was a fan
of all sports, particularly tennis, golf and bowling. Moreover he was the ultimate New
York sports fan and was ever grateful to witness each New York team win a
championship during his lifetime. His love for the New York Knickerbockers was
unparalleled. As a long-standing season ticket holder you could find him in Section 119
Row E donning vintage orange and blue. The New York Knicks even honored him at
center court to recognize his loyalty and tenure.

Above all Bill adored his family. He lived for his daily phone calls with his daughter
Carole and daily visits with his son Rashid. He spoke fondly of his grandchildren’s
accomplishments. Bill’s love for his wife Marianna was undeniable. They traveled the
world together, some of his favorite locations being Hawaii, Alaska, South Africa and
Asia. As a devout Catholic, visiting the Vatican was the pinnacle of his European travels.
Bill was known to frequent the Caribbean where he and his wife hosted the biannual
“Cruising With The Porters” family reunions, most recently just 2 weeks before his
passing in July 2023.

He leaves to mourn his wife Marianna, daughter Carole Ann (Gerard), son Rashid,
daughter-in-law Lisette, grandchildren Christina, Gene, Christopher, Aminah, Samiyah,
Ahmad, Aza, and great-grandchild Curtis Gene. Sisters Florence (Gerard) Spooner,
Margaret (Henry) Porter, Patricia (Leon) Cooke, and a host of nieces, nephews and
friends.

He is predeceased by his son Gene, siblings James, Robert, Charles, Louella Gordon,
George, Isabel Lewis, John, and Matthew.

Bill received numerous awards in his lifetime for his various achievements.
Below is a list of awards and affiliations he was particularly proud of.

Awards and Commendations

• Credit Union Executive Society Hall of Fame
• AACUC Peter Crear Lifetime Achievement Award
• Commissioner’s Award City Workers Basketball League Board of Directors
  Recognition Award
• Superintendent of NY State Banking Dept. Citation and Resolution
• Harlem YMCA “Black Achievers in Industry”
• District Council 37 Women’s Committee Special Award
• Omega Psi Phi Outstanding Citizen of the Year
• Men’s Caucus – Brooklyn Community Awards
• International Dynamic Educational Association Man of the Year
• The Central Brooklyn Partnership
• Boy Scouts of America Award
• NYC Partnership Summer Program Award
• Central Baptist Church Achievement
• Mid Manhattan NAACP Humanitarian
• Certificate of Appreciation Enrico Fermi Junior High School

Affiliations and Memberships

• Chairman’s Club Credit Union Executive Society
• American Management Association
• New York University Alumni Association
• Former Treasurer Bed-Stuy Chamber of Commerce
• Former Chairman Bed-Stuy Boy Scouts of American and the Gordon Institute

Visitation is Monday, July 31, 2023 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, 36 West Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY with interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

The family will share memories on Monday at 6:15 and they can be viewed through the livestream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/william-porter-livestream-family-memories-aqfd497btdr86j0quulb

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

June Covert (Hagedorn) 88, of New Port Richey, FL, formally of Harrington Park and Dumont, NJ, passed away on July 14, 2023. She was born to Ewald and Irene Hagedorn in Dumont, NJ where she grew up with her three sisters.

June is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, William Covert; her three children; William Covert Jr. (Andrea), Darlene Bellizzi and Beverly Messina (Al); her six beautiful granddaughters; Alana Bellizzi, Ashley Lepore, Tricia Covert, Samantha Covert, Melissa Messina and Amanda Messina. June was loving GiGi to her seven handsome great grandsons; A.J. and Mikey Lepore, Rocco Bellizzi, Roman and P.J. Rodriguez and the late Kashton Rodriguez.

June is predeceased by her son in law; Michael Bellizzi, daughter in laws; Kathy Covert and Joanne Covert as well as her sisters; Ann, Jean and Doris.

June was a great wife, mother, athlete and role model. She loved to vacation and cruise the world with the love of her life, her husband Bill. They met in high school and built a beautiful family and legacy together. Their love for each other was amazing to behold.

She loved her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

A graveside services will be held at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 1 PM. www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Paul Louis Previdi, 67, of River Vale, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Devoted father of Jessica Vara and her husband Scott and Megan Previdi. Proud grandfather of Liliana, Emma and Weston. Loving brother of James Previdi and Cathy Smith and her husband Rick. He is also survived by his former wife Donna Previdi as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his beloved golden retriever, Emily.

Paul was a supervisor for Orange & Rockland Utilities for over 20 years. He also was a jeweler for many years. Paul enjoyed the game of golf with his son in law, Scott, loved going to the gym and was a huge fan of the NY Giants and NY Yankees.

Visiting hours are Saturday morning, July 15, 2023 from 9-11 AM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 11 with interment to follow at Pearl River Cemetery, Pearl River, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donation in Paul’s memory may be made to Hi-Tor Animal Care Center, www.hitor.org.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Anthony John Pinto, 79, of the Bronx, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023. He was predeceased by his loving parents Paul and Santina Pinto. Cherished brother of Paula Fasulo and husband Andrew. Beloved uncle of Santina Russo and husband Michael, Maria Lucas and husband Michael, Christa Goldmann and husband Steve and Paula Cipolli and husband Stephen. Proud grand-uncle of nine and great-uncle of six.

Anthony was a talented hairdresser for many years at Hair Venture in Scarsdale, NY. He adored his family and was a fun and wonderful uncle. He loved game shows and crossword puzzles and enjoyed volunteering his time to benefit children with disabilities.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 12 noon with interment to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Lillian F. Previdi (nee Zerbo), 93, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023. Beloved wife of the late James J. Previdi. Cherished mother of James Previdi of Haverstraw, NY, Paul Previdi of River Vale, NJ and Cathy Smith and her husband Rick of Pearl River, NY. Proud grandmother of Michael, Andrew and wife Kayla, Nicholas and wife Claire, Jessica and husband Scott and Megan. Adored great-grandmother of Liliana, Emma, Ryan, Weston and Adam. Dearest sister of the late Joseph Zerbo, Jr. and loving aunt of Michael Zerbo and his wife Missy. Also survived by her treasured daughters-in-law Jeanette Previdi and Donna Previdi.

Lillian was a devout Catholic and a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale. She loved the NY Yankees, trips to Atlantic City and time spent with family and friends. She will be remembered for her renowned Sunday family dinners and will be missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Friday, July 7, 2023 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or to Joe Raso Hospice, www.unitedhospiceinc.org, would be greatly appreciated.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Alberto Caballero, 90, of Harrington Park, NJ, formally of Puerto Rico, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023 at CareOne The Cupola, Paramus, NJ from complications of Alzheimer’s.  Loving husband of Ellen King.  Devoted father of Mildred Pearson of Amarillo, TX, Ramon Caballero of Brandon, MS and Tomas Caballero of Wenatchee, WA. He is predeceased by his first wife, Ana Caballero, and brother, Tomas Rice.   He is survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Alberto was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1956 he joined Ernst + Young (EY) as a Certified Public Accountant. He joined Laventhol and Horwath CPA’s in 1959, where he was admitted to Partnership before being transferred in 1978 to Los Angeles.  In 1980 he joined Deloitte in New York City as a Partner.  Later in life, he graduated from Fordham University Law School, and passed the New Jersey Bar.

In the past, he served as Director, NY State Society, CPA’s; Treasurer, Hispanic National Bar Association; Treasurer, NY Chapter, Adirondack Mountain Club; Treasurer, Arts & Business Council; Senior Warden, Trinity Episcopal Church, Cliffside Park, NJ.

Funeral services will be private.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Margaret J. Brennan (nee Galligan), “Margie”, 87, of Norwood, formerly of Bergenfield, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Beloved wife of the late James P. Brennan. Cherished mother of James and wife Terri of Narragansett, RI, Patrick and wife Nancy of Las Vegas, NV, George and wife Virginia of Havertown, PA and Maryanne Dillon and her husband Thomas of Ramsey. Proud and devoted grandmother of James, Thomas, Kieran, Aleen, Maggie and Brigit. Dearest daughter of the late Bernard (County Cavan) and Kitty Galligan (County Mayo) and sister of Thomas Galligan and the late Kay Collins and Mary Ruehl.

Margie grew up on 133rd Street in Vinegar Hill, later moving to 175th Street in Washington Heights. She often shared fond memories of growing up with her cousins in New York’s Irish neighborhoods. She graduated from Father Young Academy and worked at Manufacturer’s Trust, where she caught the eye of a young Jimmy Brennan. They married in 1959 and bought their first home in Bergenfield, NJ where they spent the next thirty years raising their family.  Jim and Margie were active parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Church.

Margie was a teacher’s aide at Mt. Carmel School in Tenafly for over 30 years. She also was co-owner of the Bergenfield School of Irish Dancing, where she taught hundreds of children to dance for over 40 years. She later enjoyed teaching adults to dance at Fox Hill in Norwood. Her love of Irish music, dancing, and culture were central in her life, and she took great joy in keeping these traditions alive in the next generation, as well as in her own.

In their later years, Margie and Jim moved to Norwood, NJ and joined St. Anthony’s parish in Northvale, NJ. They enjoyed their time living at Fox Hill Manor, where they kept busy on committees organizing the various holiday parties.

Margie will be dearly missed by her many family members and friends, but her spirit, love and laughter lives on. Slán go fóill!

Visiting hours are Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050, www.pizzifuneralhome.com ). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah.
The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the livestream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/channel/margaret-j-brennan-funeral-mass-bkjuy9wl90lxnzgohki5

In lieu of flowers, donations in Margie’s memory may be made to Covenant House in New York City https://ny.covenanthouse.org .