Dec, Henry J., 86, of Pompton Lakes on Friday, January 15, 2021. Beloved husband of Katherine (Kirz) Dec. Born in Jersey City, NJ he was the son of the late Benjamin and Mary Dec and a resident of Pompton Lakes for the last 63 years, moving here from Wayne, NJ. Henry was employed by Novartis in Morristown, NJ as a packaging and shipping specialist and was an Air Force veteran. Surviving in addition to his wife are four sons, Paul J. (wife, Laraine) of Clarks Summit, PA, Brian R. and Steven V. and Michael H. (wife, Laura) all of Pompton Lakes. Three grandchildren, Victor, Adam and Amanda also survive. Friends may call at the Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ on Thursday, January 28 with a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Church, Pompton Lakes on Friday, January 29 at 10:00 AM. Entombment at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ will follow.
Dietz, Gloria Karen (Guthrie), 74, of Pompton Lakes NJ (formerly of Haskell NJ, Wayne NJ, and New York City) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 23rd, 2021. Loving mother of Christine, Richard, and Robert Dietz, mother in-law of Katie and Arendina. Loving sister of Ellen DeMio and Linda Laspada. Sweetest Nana to her grandchildren Morgan, MacKenzie, Irene, Katelyn, and James. She is survived by the father of her three children Robert Dietz (Sr.). She was predeceased by her parents Charles and Gloria Guthrie, and her brother Charlie. Gloria was employed by Wayne Public Schools, retiring after a very fulfilling 25 years doing something she truly loved. She also spent many years part time at Bradlees bringing back fond memories for all that she interacted with. Gloria was always filled with love and compassion which she offered unconditionally to her family and friends. Most certainly, we will miss her warm touch, her affectionate heart and the comfort of her loving arms. Gloria, we will miss you deeply and we will keep you in our hearts forever. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday January 27th, 2021 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale NJ, 07457.
Durfos, Daniel Andrew, 75, of West Milford, New Jersey died at home January 4, 2021. Daniel was the son of J. Frank and Anna Tyukody Durfos and was born in Detroit, Michigan near the end of World War II. Dan's father was serving in the U.S. Army at the time of his birth. Dan graduated from Fair Lawn High School (1963) in Fair Lawn, N.J. and later received both a Bachelor of Science Degree (1969) and a Masters Degree (1971) from Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Dan worked for The Grand Union Company for 29 years and during his time with Grand Union, Dan worked in New Jersey, Maryland and Upstate New York. He came back to Grand Union’s headquarters where he eventually became the seafood buyer/merchandiser for the company. Daniel married Donna Williams, who he met while attending Clemson University. They celebrated 49 years of marriage on June 26, 2020. Dan attended Cornerstone Christian Church in Wyckoff, N.J. where he served for many years with Servant's Heart Ministry. Servant's Heart Ministry is a non-profit organization whose values state that they show up with a heart for others and a willingness to take on whatever comes their way and give their best to serve the community. Dan loved art and was a gifted potter who enjoyed working with his fellow mudders. He is predeceased by his parents. Surviving in addition to his wife, Donna (Williams) Durfos are his daughters, Jennifer Bowden of Newport, N.C. and Alison Kuehn and her husband, Frank, of Rockaway, N.J.; 2 grandchildren Jason Gergler and Amaris Kuehn; one brother, Timothy Durfos and his wife, Joyce, of Fair Lawn, N.J.; 1 niece, Jody Rue and 1 nephew, Brian Durfos. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 9:30 A.M - 11:00 A.M. with the funeral service following at 11:00 A.M. at Cornerstone Christian Church Chapel located at 495 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff, N.J. 07481. In light of COVID pandemic guidelines, all visitors and attendees will need to wear a mask for the service and use the designated pews in the chapel for appropriate social distancing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Servant’s Heart Ministry. A donation can be made on the Servant’s Heart website. Visit https://servantsheartnj.org/donate/ . Arrangements by the Richards Funeral Home, West Milford, NJ.
McDonald, Penelope Mary (Penny) on Wednesday January 20, 2021 a loving Mother, Grandmother, and friend to so many, passed away peacefully at Valley Hospital Medical Center. Penny was born in New York City to the late Mr. and Mrs. Christos Katsaros and resided most of her childhood in Cliffside Park, NJ. She married the love of her life at a young age and stayed in Bergen County while working in the city as a National Training Director for I-Natural Cosmetics on Park Ave. When her two children were born she left the city to take care of them and then eventually went back to sales when the kids went to school becoming a Training Director in a large Tupperware company. That didn't seem to keep her busy enough so she went back to school. Graduating from Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ with a degree in History. Her knowledge of history and all things politics was quite extensive and a real passion of hers. Besides sales and history Penny enjoyed coaching cheerleading at St. Lukes for 8 years followed by Don Bosco for 10 years. Some of her other interests were her love for the theatre, sports (NY Giants), being a huge part of St. Mary’s parish in Pompton Lakes, NJ. She never missed a 10:30 mass on Sunday while most Sundays being a Eucharistic Minister. Her most favorite times and proudest accomplishments though were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There is absolutely nothing in the world she loved more then spending time with family. Penny is predeceased by her Husband Frank E. McDonald, son Frank C. McDonald, and sister Josephine Alonso. She is survived by her son Scott V. McDonald and Ellen McDonald of Pompton Lakes, NJ. Four grandchildren; Scott C. McDonald and wife Marisa McDonald of West Milford, NJ. Kevin McDonald of West Milford, NJ. Jacqueline McDonald of Pompton Lakes, NJ. Nicholas McDonald of Pompton Lakes, NJ. Two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 17 Pompton Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ. Burial immediately following at Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, NJ. Repass will be private due to the current pandemic circumstances.
McKinnon, Paul “Buzzy”, a loving husband and loving father passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 4,2021 at the age of 66 at home. Buzzy is survived by his wife Kim McKinnon; his daughters Amanda McKinnon, Kaitlyn Diaz and Meaghan Vargas; along with his son in laws Jimmy Gobla, Jose Diaz and Jeff Vargas; his mother Elaine Shultis; his son Paul Bonomolo; 4 siblings; and 6 grandchildren. He is predeceased by his stepfather, Richard Shultis and his father, Paul McKinnon. Buzzy was a devoted husband and proud father who lived a life full of love and laughter. He loved a quiet day hunting from his tree stand, the loud pipes on his Harley and most of all of his family. Buzzy made friends instantly, he had a magnetic personality that welcomed everyone. He didn’t know the meaning of the word “no”, if anyone called and needed anything from a friend to talk to or needed a hand, he was already on his way. He participated in many motorcycle fundraisers to help those in need. His favorite was the Breast Cancer run he did yearly with his friends. He definitely liked the part of putting a large neon pink bra on his handle bars. Along with his lifetime of accomplishments he was a firefighter in the town of West Milford. He worked as the Smoke Rise Maintenance Director for 25+ years. He beat prostate cancer and Covid-19. Buzzy made an amazing impact on everyone he crossed paths with, was a mentor to many, and just loved the ride called life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Arrangements entrusted to the Richards Funeral Home, West Milford, NJ.
Russo, Michael Anthony, 23, on Sunday January 10th, 2021 our beloved Michael passed away suddenly. Michael was born to Mario Russo and Kristen Russo in Neptune New Jersey. At the time of his passing he resided in Hewitt and Brick New Jersey. He was a 2015 graduate of West Milford High School. Michael’s passion was helping people and was why he became an EMT in 2014. Michael worked as an EMT for many companies and was a volunteer EMT with Upper Greenwood Lake and West Milford First Aid Squad. Michael loved fishing, hunting and was loved by many. He was very caring, loving, outgoing, funny and smart. His unselfish devotion to the welfare of others came from his heart. Michael is survived by his loving mother Kristen (Hahn) Russo, Father Mario Russo, his wife Melinda Russo, his sister Lisa Massa, his brother Robert Hahn and his wife Kristen. His beloved uncle Anthony Russo, his aunt (Deet) Ruth Russo, his beloved Grandmother Dawn Embree Hahn and his Grandfather David Garber. His nieces and nephews Jocelyn, Connor, Landon, Addison and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his Grandmother Maryanne Russo, Grandfather Mario Russo and Great Grandmother Antoinette Nardone. May Michael rest in eternal peace for ever and ever. Amen. Visitation on Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 3 - 6 PM at the Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Milford First Aid Squad or Upper Greenwood Lake Ambulance Corps, Please limit your visit with the family due to attendance restrictions.
Willever, Charles Allen “Al” of Ringwood, NJ peacefully departed this life on January 16, 2021. His beloved soulmate and wife of 60 years and 9 days, Eva (Dransfield), was by his side. Their beautiful life together was an inspiration and example to so many others. Al was born in 1941 and raised in Wayne, New Jersey with his two brothers Richard and George. Al was the owner and operator of R&W Tree Experts, of Wayne, a business he proudly inherited from his father and passed on to his son, Jim. They worked together for over 40 years. Al was an inherently peaceful man who loved nature, which he appreciated through many hikes, bicycle rides, kayaking, and days at the beach. Under their care, Eva and Al’s home became a beautiful oasis of flowers, birds, and gardens. He was also a craftsman of the highest order, spending countless hours in his garage and workshop. Over the years he built and remodeled several cars, but his family and friends will remember Al as a master carpenter who could make anything by hand. Al had the ability to solve or fix any problem. Whenever help was needed, he was there without question or hesitation. Above all else, Al loved his family and ice cream. He was a doting grandfather who never missed a band competition or soccer game, and cherished his only granddaughter. Al and Eva together raised two children, James (Lorraine) of Wayne, NJ and Suzanne Brattelli of Philadelphia, PA. He is also survived by his two brothers Richard (Mary) of Pompton Plains, NJ, and George (Carol) of Blairstown, NJ; grandchildren Daniel (Christina) Willever, Cory Willever, and Eva Brattelli; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by their two infant daughters, Linda and Lori, and his parents, Al, Sr. and Elizabeth. A funeral mass is planned for St. Mary’s Church, Pompton Lakes, NJ, followed by a burial at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.