Archives for November 2023

Robert Brunell passed away peacefully in his home November 5, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois shortly after he relocated to New York where he met the love of his life, Doris. Attending Maritime Training Academy in New York City led to his career as a radio operator for the Merchant Marines during World War II in 1944. Robert was commissioned as the Communication Chief Radio Operator for the Armed Forces.  His duties placed him on Atlantic crossing convoys on the Victory Transport Vessels, Rich Mountain and Sinclair HC. The destinations were to Liverpool, London, Neisse, and Palermo as part of the heroic effort to uphold freedom throughout the world.

However, his primary devotion was always to his family, his predeceased wife Doris, his adoring daughter Barbara Anne and his remarkable son-in-law Albert. Robert treasured his grandchildren Dr. Samantha DeMauro -Jablonski and Dr. Christopher DeMauro, as well as, their devoted spouses Dr. Mark Jablonski and Dr. Sara Bonamo-DeMauro. Robert eagerly awaited daily updates about his Great Grandchildren  Madeleine, Vivienne, Clementine, Oliver and Julian Robert, celebrating their ongoing adventures and achievements. Robert was an avid skier, golfer, photographer, angler, gardener, and a devoted follower of his family’s sporting events.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Pizzi Funeral Home at 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, N.J. 07647. Visiting hours are Thursday, November 9^th from 4-7 PM.

Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church, at 199 Walnut Street, Northvale, N.J. 07647 at 9:30 AM on Friday morning November 10^th. Interment will follow at the Redeemer Cemetery, 90 Chapel Road, Mahwah N.J. 07430

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude www.stjude.org or The March of Dimes www.marchofdimes.org.

Dad, Grandpa Bob, has left behind so many cherished memories, lessons and values that will remain in our hearts forever.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Marcia Helen Glackin, born Marcella Helen Zannis, age 92 of Tappan, NY passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023. She was born on September 4, 1931 to Demetrius James and Mary Zannis. Raised
in Washington Heights, New York City, she had six brothers and sisters. It was in the school yard of PS 132, while playing ping pong, that she would meet the love of her life. Harry. It was love at first sight for him, and from that day on Harry would make sure he was at Marcia’s side every minute he could.
Marcia held many jobs growing up including being a stock girl at Messenger’s Dress shop and a sales person at a chocolate shop where she would sneak tastes of the expensive candies that were meant for customers only. She worked the money room at Macy’s and as a dental assistant. It was while working at Allstate Insurance company as a switchboard operator that she got a call from Harry who proposed to her over the phone while serving in the Army in Germany. They were happily wed for almost 73 years. Marcia was a profound storyteller. She either had you totally captivated or peeing in your pants from laughter. She was known for her gift of storytelling, mischief, fun and generosity. She was the auntie that taught you how to stick bobby pins in the electrical sockets to watch them go flying across the room or how to melt Hershey’s Kisses and fling them out the window to stick to the building across the way. She was the parent who let her children melt crayons on the heater to watch them melt and create endless color patterns. Most of all, she was the person who both family and friends went to confide in. Often people spoke of her as their second mother because she made people feel welcomed, loved, and listened to. Even when she and Harry moved from Washington Heights to Tappan their home remained a refuge for family, friends, and neighbors. In Marcia’s house all were welcome. and all wanted to be there because they knew it was a place of joy, laughter, good food and fun – a place where you felt comfortable and at home.
When Marcia wasn’t caring for her family you could find her in her back yard caring for her garden. She had a deep and abiding love for gardening that was evident to anvone who visited her home. Her green thumb was legendary and her garden was a testament to her passion for nurturing life. She could make even the most ordinary flower bloom with extraordinary beauty. Her colorful garden mirrored Marcia’s vibrant personality. Whether it was a bouquet of fresh-picked peonies, well-tended roses, or a vegetable patch that produced an abundance of goodness, Marcia had a knack for making the world a more beautiful and bountitul place. One could say she had a knack for bringing both plants and humans back to life. Marcia’s kindness and generosity knew no bounds. and she touched the lives of many with her love and care. One knows she is now partying with her daughter, Chryse, her sisters, Cleo, Dee, and Katie, her brothers Bob, George, and Nicky, her Mother and her Yia Yia as well as George Barry, Nick Nickolaus, Maria Zannis and Jack. She is survived by her husband Harry Glackin, son and daughter-in-law Scott and Eileen Glackin, daughter and son-in-law Marialice and John Morgan, grandchildren Madelene DeLeon (Kris), Carl Marshall, and Dylan Morgan, and great-grandchild Milla Ziegenfuss.

Visiting hours are Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 2-5 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com