Christophe Lafontant, beloved son, brother, godfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 41.

Born on July 13, 1983, Chris was a true fighter in every sense of the word. Diagnosed with heart failure at six years old and later with the rare genetic condition myofibrillar myopathy, Chris endured more physical hardships than most could imagine, including two heart transplants, a kidney transplant, respiratory failure, a tracheostomy, and years of progressive muscle weakness.

But Chris never let his illness define him. Through his relentless spirit and hope, he made it his life’s mission to raise awareness for myofibrillar myopathy, fundraise for research, and create a sense of community for others facing this rare disease. He published a memoir, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives, sharing his journey of resilience and survival, and created a documentary, It Started with the Heart, co-produced by Sugar Beach Digital, further telling his story and inspiring others. He also built a large social media following under the name “1 Man 3 Hearts,” inspiring thousands who proudly became part of what he called the “Heart Train.”

Despite overwhelming challenges, Chris lived with courage, humor, and, most of all, heart. He believed deeply that life could be beautiful no matter the obstacles, and he lived that belief every day.

He leaves behind a family who loved him beyond measure, including his mother, Jennifer, and her longtime partner, Mitch; his father, Claude, and his wife, Natalia; his brothers, John and his wife, Gita, Claude and his wife, Tara, and Fabien; his sister, Isabelle, and her husband, Joe; and his beloved nephews and nieces, Leo, Dominic, Aleks, Vanessa, Juliette, and Cora. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Paris.

Chris’s spirit, resilience, and compassion will live on in everyone he touched.

Visiting hours are Friday, May 2, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 211 Summit Street, Norwood, NJ. Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

The funeral mass can be viewed via the livestream link below: https://boxcast.tv/view/christophe-lafontant-funeral-mass-hv4yurnqcelfoix4uler

Chris taught us all that while life may break the body, it could never break his spirit. His was truly unbreakable. 

Donna L. Nucera (nee Cappuccio), 69, passed away on April 20, 2025, surrounded by her family.  She is survived by her son, Frank and his wife Lisa, and her grandchildren Skylar, Nicholas, Brooke, Ava, Madison & Riley. She is also survived by her life partner, Brian Danziger, who she cherished and who was her biggest supporter.  They found each other at a widow’s support group and developed a true love and adoration for each other. 

She was greeted in heaven by beloved grandson Vincent Nucera and her late husband Marc.

Donna grew up in Long Island and moved to Northvale to raise her own family. She worked for Rinaldi Transportation and cherished her time driving the school bus.  She was also a dedicated member of the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps for many years.
She later moved to Budd Lake to be surrounded by nature and animals which she loved,  especially dragonflies and her beloved cat Lucy. While there she worked for West Essex Schools. 

Donna had a fiery spirit and always tried to search for the good in the world.   She adored her family & will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  

Concetta Antonina Saglimbeni Restifo
June 12, 1928 – April 16, 2025

Concetta Antonina Restifo was born on June 12, 1928, in the beautiful hilltop town of Limina, Sicily, a place that shaped her soul and to which she remained devoted throughout her life. She was a proud daughter of Sicily, a land of tradition, strength, faith, and family.

A unique woman for her time, Concetta was sent to a special school and became a teacher, a rare and wonderful role in her small town. She carried that wisdom and love of learning throughout her life, always guiding her family with devotion and clarity.

She was courted from afar by her beloved Filippo Restifo, the man who would become her husband and soulmate. Their love story was one of enduring devotion and joy — a sacred bond that lasted a lifetime.

With courage and hope, Concetta immigrated to America aboard the Andrea Doria, arriving in New York and forever remembering the moment she saw the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of dreams fulfilled, and sacrifices honored.

She took immense pride in her family’s immigrant legacy. Her uncle, Antonino Salimbene, affectionately known as Zio Nino, helped found Union Local 731 in New York City, a labor institution that still stands today. Her father and uncle were also among the immigrants who began the cherished tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a piece of American history she held close to her heart.

Concetta worked for over 25 years at Brooks Brothers, but her true life’s work was her family. Her home was a haven, filled with food, music, laughter, stories, and unconditional love. She lived every day anchored in her Roman Catholic faith, praying multiple rosaries for anyone in need, and offering herself in quiet, generous service to others.

She loved being outdoors, traveling — especially to Aruba and her beloved Italy — reading, writing, sharing memories, and finding joy in life’s simplest moments.

Until the very end, Concetta remained a storyteller, a teacher, and a guiding light. She was the embodiment of resilience, a woman who stood firm in her faith, overcame life’s hardships with grace, and always gave glory to God. Even in her final days, she gently told her family, “I’m good,” fighting with dignity and gratitude until her final breath.

She has now reunited with her beloved husband, Filippo, her eternal companion, in the peace of Heaven.

She leaves behind a family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each a living reflection of her love, faith, and spirit. Her family was her greatest pride, her deepest joy, and her most beautiful legacy.

She is survived by her loving children: Gaetana Restifo-Stampone and her husband Nicola Stampone, Sebastian Restifo and his wife Elvira Restifo, and Josephine Rufa and her husband Vincent Rufa. Her cherished grandchildren: Maria Vanessa, Emanuele, Filippo, Laura, Andria, Christine, and Daniel. Her treasured great-grandchildren: Natalie, Vincent, Vanessa, and Milania.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Cateno Saglimbeni and Giuseppa Manuli, and her dear sister, Rosaria Saglimbeni, and brother-in-law, Antonino Campagna.

Her life was full of beauty, strength, and perseverance. She lived with unwavering love and deep faith. And though she lived nearly a century, it still does not feel like enough time. She will be missed beyond measure — and remembered fondly.

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Funeral Services

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, from 2:00–9:00 p.m. at:
Pizzi Funeral Home
120 Paris Avenue
Northvale, NJ 07647

A final viewing will take place on Tuesday, April 22, from 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at:
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church
120 Kings Highway
Tappan, NY 10983

Interment will follow at:
Ferncliff Cemetery
280 Secor Road
Hartsdale, NY 10530

Following the interment, all are welcome to join the family for a repast at:
Il Portico
89 Main Street
Tappan, NY 10983

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In Lieu of Flowers

The family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Concetta’s life of faith, family, and selfless love.

Alice Theresa Gereghty passed on to God’s eternal love on Tuesday, April 8. She leaves behind her loving multi-generational family of nieces and nephews, as well as her lifelong best friend Karen Growney and family who love Alice as their own. Godmother to many, Alice will be remembered as the person who always acknowledged each person’s birthday and life markers. She made sure we all felt loved.

We are certain that Alice has been greeted in heaven by her loving parents, Sybilla and George Gereghty. It must be noted that she also has surely been welcomed by her cousins, Mike, Joe, and Gabe, who grew up with Alice and treated her like a little sister. From the stories she told, she was never responsible for the trouble they usually found themselves in.

Alice was an avid golfer until a bad back halted her participation in, but not her love for, the game. She enjoyed sports and reveled in betting with her friends and family on both college football and NFL games.

Born in Jersey City on September 26, 1938, Alice grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey, where she resided her entire life. She taught kindergarten in town at the George White School, thus inspiring the call to service for many children who became our community’s civic leaders. Alice was the long-reigning Snow Queen of the school because of her uncanny ability to anticipate when snowfall would deter safe travel—or when the show must go on. Such an honor could only be eclipsed by her devotion to the art and skill of teaching, including her achievement well after her retirement: when in her late seventies, Alice completed her doctorate in Early Childhood Education with Rutgers University.

A wake will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ, 07647, on Tuesday, April 15, from 4pm to 7 pm. Mass will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 69 Valley Street, Hillsdale, NJ, 07642, on Wednesday, April 16, at 10 am, followed by burial at Westwood Cemetery.

Frank Ferraro, 78, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025. Beloved husband of Regina (nee Boggiano). Loving father of Frank and his wife Jennifer and Craig and his wife Jennifer. Proud grandfather of Mia, Ella, Brett, Dylan and Mason. Dearest brother and brother-in-law of Elaine and Michael Presutti, Judy Colonna and James (deceased) and Jane Ferraro.

Frank owned and operated Ferraro Moving and Storage in Fairview, NJ, a family business for over 100 years. He was a Life Member of the Northvale Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Omega Club of Cliffside Park.

Visiting hours are Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 1-4 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A prayer service will be held at 4 PM.

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

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

Donald F. MacKenzie, 95, of Tappan and Seneca, SC, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Catherine (nee Cervone). Cherished father of Donald Jr. and wife Lorrie, John and wife Lorraine, Debra Monaco and husband Lloyd, Joyce MacKenzie, Karen Bell and husband Peter and Kathleen Jo Maloney and husband John. Adored grandfather of 19 and great-grandfather of 14. He was predeceased by six brothers and two sisters.

Donald was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War. He retired after many years in the family automotive dealership and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Donald was an avid reader and enjoyed history, gardening and woodworking.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne. Visiting hours are Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Rd., Seneca, SC 29672.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved wife and mother, Melissa Marks. She passed at home on April 3, 2025, at the age of 68, surrounded by family. We will remember her tremendous heart and caring for others, creativity, love of music, and passion for all things cooking.

Melissa was born on October 14, 1956 in New York City, to Bernard and Estelle Marks. When Melissa was a baby, their family emigrated to London, England, where she predominantly grew up. A child of the 1960’s, Melissa listened to artists from the “British Invasion” and Motown. Melissa loved to dance and sing, even if off-tune (which she acknowledged).

At the age of 19, Melissa returned to New York, where she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in textile design. Melissa then worked at The Cloth Company, selling fabrics to commercial businesses. Melissa later met her husband Harry, while living in the Morningside Heights neighborhood adjacent to Columbia University. After 7 years together, the two married and eventually their children, Natalie and Paris were born. 

While pregnant with her daughter, Melissa graduated from CUNY Hunter College, where she studied Anthropology. Her pursuit of learning would not end there. Even while juggling the care of two young kids and a household, Melissa put herself through night classes at the Institute for Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School). She diligently earned a culinary certification and honed her skills to become and wonderful cook and baker.

She is survived by her husband, Harry, and children, Natalie and Paris.

Melissa is predeceased by her father, Bernard Marks, mother, Estelle Marks, and sister, Adrienne Marks.

Melissa’s family will have visitation on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 PM at the funeral home with a burial service to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, NY. 

The family will sit Shiva that evening, at their home, and invite you to celebrate Melissa’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please mail donations to the Humane Society of Bergen County (221-223 Stuyvesant Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071) with a memo of, “in memory of Melissa Marks.”

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Emilia “Meel” Metz (nee Todero) of Norwood, NJ, formerly of Ridgefield, NJ, on Monday, March 31, 2025 at the age of 92. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, as she rejoined the departed who loved her in life.

Meel was born on September 8, 1932 at Margaret Hague Hospital, the only child to Victor Todero and Felicia Todero (nee Picardi). Raised in Hell’s Kitchen, she married her high school sweetheart James Metz in 1952. They spent the next 57 years devoted to each other through adventure and hardship. Meel is survived by her two beloved daughters Susan Metz Corbo and Kellyann Metz-Acquafredda, her devoted sons-in-law, Emanuel and Emanuele, and her adoring grandchildren, Christopher and Raven.

Following her husband’s return from serving in the Korean War, Meel was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She spent two decades raising her daughters before returning to work as an administrative assistant in Palisades Park, NJ. She loved card games, clams, cannolis, and Virginia Slims (at least until the late ‘80s). She wasn’t what one would call a “natural homemaker,” but she had a remarkable knack for making anyone and everyone feel welcome in her home.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 4–7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 199 Walnut St, Northvale, NJ. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hackensack, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Meel’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

www.pizzifuneralhome.com

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas E. Byrne of Norwood, NJ.   Mr. T., as he was affectionately known within the family, passed away peacefully at the age of 87.  He was a devoted husband, father, and friend.

Thomas was born to Mary and Thomas Byrne, proud Irish immigrants who instilled in him the values of hard work, family, resilience and always being on time. He carried these principles throughout his life resulting in a merit scholarship in high school requiring him take several trains each day from Queens to get to Bishop Loughlin in Brooklyn. Next step was Manhattan College before starting his career at General Motors in New York City where he met love of his life Jane Bourke Byrne.  He moved on to building a successful career at IBM while always prioritizing family above all else.

He was the beloved husband of the late Jane Byrne, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship. Her recent passing left a deep void in his heart, and now they are reunited in peace.  A loving and devoted father of four sons;  Paul and wife Kristine,  Chris and wife Joann,  Daniel and wife Eileen, Brian and wife Katie.  Proud grandfather of ten;  Mike, Tommy, Megan, Caitlin, Ian, Kiera, John, Aidan, Liam and Delaney.  Dearest brother to the late Joan McCrann and husband Michael.  

Thomas held season tickets for the NY Giants starting in 1962 and enjoyed tailgates and games with his boys.  A lifelong Yankees fan with fond memories of attending a series game in every Playoff Round as well as World Series with his sons during the 1990’s.  He continued his love of watching the Yankees and discussing baseball with his grandchildren.

A celebration of Thomas’s life will be held on Friday, April 4^th, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church,  211 Summit Street Norwood NJ at 11:00 am . Burial will follow at St Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the charity of your choice in his memory.

Though he is no longer with us, Thomas’s legacy of love, generosity, and family devotion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, now forever by Jane’s side.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed through the livestream link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/thomas-e-byrne-funeral-mass-glj5nw7fqfosdhs8khuz

James J. Clark, 92, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away at home on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (nee Stanton). Cherished father of three sons; James J. Clark, Jr. and wife Louise M. Gorman, Gerald S. Clark and wife Regina Wimberger-Clark and William F. Clark. Proud grandfather of James G. Clark and wife Naz, Madeline Moyer and husband Zach, Katherine Clark and Sarah Clark.

James was a Marketing Manager for IBM in NYC for 30 years. He was a devoted parishioner and usher at Our Lady of Victories Church, Harrington Park and was a member of the Lions Club. James also enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball in Harrington Park for many years.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park.

www.pizzifuneralhome.com