Barbanti, Dorothy E., 94, of West Milford on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Born in Brooklyn, NY she was the daughter of Jean L. and Sophie Barbanti. Dorothy was employed as a para legal for the firm of Cravath, Swaine and Moore in New York City for many years. Survived by two nephews, Matthew and Christopher Barbanti, both of AZ. At the request of the family, all services and interment are private.
Busteed, Irene M. (Vincent) age 92 passed away January 20, 2022. Born in North Hornell, NY to the late George and Harriet Busteed she resided in Pompton Lakes, NJ since 1956, was a homemaker and parishioner of St. Mary's Church. Irene had an interest in art and enjoyed painting pictures, and was an excellent baker. Beloved mother of three sons, Leon, Vincent and Donald Busteed. Loving grandmother of Misty, Michael, Lisa and Patrick. Great grandmother of Michael, Matthew and Charlotte. Predeceased by her husband Leon in 2007. Visiting hours Tuesday, January 25 from 3-7 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale. Funeral Wednesday 11 am at the funeral home with interment to follow at Pompton Reformed Cemetery, Pompton Lakes.
Christofi, Alice B., 79, of West Milford on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Beloved wife of Anthony Christofi Sr. Born in Paterson, NJ to the late Hans and Irene (Grabor) Glaeser. A homemaker, Alice has been a resident of West Milford for the past 3 years, moving here from Oakland, NJ. Surviving are a son, Anthony Jr (wife, Cheryl) of Fair Lawn, NJ, two daughters, Wendy Baglieri (husband, Paul) of Oakland, NJ, Allison Battinelli (husband, Tony) of Hewitt, NJ, one brother, Richard Glaeser of NC. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Taylor & Carly Christofi, Brittany Baglieri, Emily Johansmeyer, Paige Kontrafouris, Faith Terramoccia and Anthony Battinelli IV. Four great grandchildren also survive. Visitation at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford on Sunday, January 30 from 1 – 3 PM. Funeral service at 2:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to st. Jude Children's Research Hospiat (www.stjude,org) would be appreciated. Private disposition.
Dondero, John Anthony, 93, passed away January 7, 2022. Born in New York, N.Y he lived in Palisades Park, NJ before moving to Riverdale, NJ twenty years ago. John was a motorman engineer for Port Authority Path trains in Jersey City before retiring. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. Beloved husband of Anthonette (Savarese) Dondero of Riverdale. Loving father of Linda Cobb, husband David of Wharton, John Dondero, wife Chris of Franklin Lakes, and Thomas Dondero, wife Danielle of Gettysburg, Pa. Grandfather of Lauren, Danielle, Stacey, Thomas and Amy. Great Grandfather of five. A memorial visitation and service will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ
Hartshorn, Ruth Elizabeth (nee Grisbach) on Tuesday, January 25th. 91 years young. Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Robert Hartshorn. She is predeceased by her parents May and Roy Grisbach, her daughter Susan and her sister Betty L. Vierling. She was the devoted and loving mother to Edward (Beverly) and Laura Murphy (Thomas). She was the adoring grandmother to Eddie Hartshorn (Zelda), Amy Bakay Millis (Richard), Kristina Bakay (Joseph Brewin), Brigitte Bakay Hannaway (Craig), Candace Hartshorn Kellum (Chip) and Jay S. Bakay, Jr. (Michele). Step Grandmother to: Christopher (Elizabeth) and Cheyenne Kellum. She was the treasured great-grandmother to Hayley Schwartz and Jason Kellum, Olivia and Noah Millis, Lily and Christopher Harrigan, Mason and Violet Brewin, Ruby and Finnegan Hannaway, Audrey and Dylan Bakay. Ruth was born and raised in Englewood NJ and later moved to Cresskill with her parents where she then settled with her husband and children. She often spoke of her wonderful childhood and great times with her sister Betty, her cousins and longtime friends Emily and Marie. To know Ruth, was to love her. She lit up the room, was kind, approachable and made friends with literally everyone she met. She had an amazing sense of humor and she had a way of knowing when you needed a laugh or a shoulder to cry on. She was compassionate. She was the life of the party. She was a teller of stories, an expert snuggler and a willing book reader to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over 30 years ago one of her grandchildren gave her a nickname and has ever since been famously known as Curly by all who know her best! She was a devout Catholic, a Rosarian and loved working at the food pantry at Queen of Peace Church. Going to mass on Saturday night with her friends was one of her favorite things to do. In her younger days, she had a career in banking but her most treasured job was working as a receptionist at her favorite hair salon where she made more wonderful friends, created so many memories and kept up her love of getting her hair done weekly (thank you Karen)! Of late, she enjoyed sitting in the lobby at Bald Eagle Commons with her friends and chatting up a storm. She made friendship there that really touched her heart. So, dear Curly – The sun may cast a web of gold or the clouds may blanket the earth. Grandfather ticks in time with the clock – but in our hearts, you will rise in the morning. A void may live and stretch its wings and that void is ours to own. That void is the love we just lost, and like you, will eternally live on. Visitation on Tuesday, February 1 from 3 – 7 PM with prayer service at 5 PM at Richards Funeral Home West Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations to West Milford First Aid Squad, PO Box 387, West Milford, NJ 07480 or your favorite charity would be appreciated.
Hoebert, Jacobus "Jake", 97, of Whiting, NJ on Monday, January 12, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Adriana Hoebert (deJong). Born and raised in The Hague, Holland. Jake was forced into slave labor by the Germans during World War II. He immigrated from Holland in 1953 with his wife and young daughter Yolanda and begin his life in Ridgewood, NJ working multiple jobs to make a new life for his family. In 1955 he had a son Glen. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Pompton Lakes, NJ and later to Riverdale, NJ where he resided for approximately 20 years. Jake was employed by PSE&G for 25 years. After retiring he and his wife moved to FL for a short while but ultimately returned to Whiting NJ. Jake loved soccer, music, his wife's cooking, laughter and his family. Beloved father of Yolanda L. Klein, Pompton Lakes, NJ, Glen W. Hoebert and his wife JoAnn, Riverdale NJ. Beloved grandfather of Anna Pskowski and her husband Matthew, Long Valley, NJ and Carli Buniewski and her husband Ryan, Mansfield, NJ. Beloved great-grandfather of Olivia Grace and Luke William Pskowski. Visitation on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 2 - 4 PM at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale with a funeral service at 3 PM. Family requests that everyone wear a mask.
Hooper, John J. “Jack”, age 82, passed away January 27, 2022. Born in Passaic, NJ to the late Robert and Helen Hooper he resided in Haskell for the past fifty-seven years. Jack was also preceded in death by his sisters Margaret Duffy, Anna Mae Bausch; and his brothers Robert Hooper and Gregory Hooper. He worked for many years as a truck driver for Poly Molding in Haskell and proudly served his country in U.S. Air Force, stationed in Chandler, Arizona. Beloved husband of Barbara (Caloway) Hooper, loving father of Barbara Ann Krawczuk, Laurie Falcon, Marianne & her husband Anthony Belfiore and Toni Ann Hooper. Devoted grandfather of Danielle, Joey, Tyler, Nick, Anthony III, Matthew, Christopher, Samantha and Ava. He also leaves behind his canine pal Jack. He enjoyed listening to country music, especially Hank Snow. Jack was a very caring person with a huge heart and was known for helping anyone who needed it and asking nothing in return. He also loved his horses (a cowboy at heart), dogs of all kinds and feeding the birds. He cooked the best deep fried bacon and loved snacking on Jelly Belly Jelly Beans and was always drinking Pepsi. He woke up most mornings singing or whistling. He loved to talk to everyone and would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He enjoyed telling stories about his life and family. Jack loved to talk about how he met his wife, their first date, his dog Dukie and his travels in Arizona. Jack’s greatest joy in life was being with his family, especially his “Bride” of 57 years, Barbara, and his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and visiting their ponies Rain, Snow and Fire. Jack met Barbara, the love of his life, outside of a diner. Barbara and Jack dated for about 4 years before marrying in February, 1965. His wings may have been ready but our hearts were not. He will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. We love you to to moon and back. God has gained a very special angel but our hearts are forever broken and longing to see you again. A committal service of Jack's cremains will be held Saturday, February 5th at 10:45 AM at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation in his name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 18105 or at www.stjude.org.
Kelty, James D. Sr., 90, of West Milford on Monday, January 17, 2022. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the beloved husband of Dorothy (Rusen) Kelty for 67 years and was employed as an Iron Worker for Local Union 580 in New York City working on the World Trade Center. A Navy veteran he served from 1948 to 1952. Loving father of James Jr. and Christopher and his wife Mariann Kelty of West Milford, a sister, Anne Laveglia of Beacon, NY, and adoring grandfather to three grandchildren, Lauren Marie, Christina, and Janea Lynn Kelty. He was the loving brother-in-law to Joan and Frank Moley. He was also the proud uncle of many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Tinker. Visitation on Wednesday, January 19 at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford from 2 – 6 PM. Funeral mass on Thursday, January 20 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Hewitt, NJ at 10 AM. Interment at St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery, West Milford.
Margolin, Rose, 87 of Pompton Lakes passed away on January 13, 2022, after living for three years with family in Mansfield Township, Warren County, NJ. Originally from the Bronx, Rose had the good fortune of meeting husband, Stephen Margolin, while hitchhiking in Greenwood Lake, NY. They married some 63 years ago and moved to Pompton Lakes to be close to family and raise their children. Rose is survived by her husband of 63 years, Stephen Margolin, children Diane, Andrew, and Andrew’s wife Diane Moutenot Margolin, and grandchildren Margie, Grace and Sally Weiner, and Emily and Jack Margolin. Rose was buried at Cedar Park Cemetery on January 16, 2022. Should anyone want to make a donation in Rose’s name, we suggest supporting your local food bank. Or you can send a check made out to the Pompton Lakes Public Library to 333 Wanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.
Petruzelli, Joan D., (Cassidy), age 95, passed away January 22, 2022. She was born in Jersey City, NJ to the late Joseph and Dorothy Cassidy. She has lived in West Milford for the past twenty years, formerly of Clifton and Wayne. Mrs. Petruzelli was employed by the N.J. Department of Education prior to her retirement. She was a voracious reader and life long fan of the NY Mets. She is survived by her daughter Joanne Burghoffer and husband Wendel, her son David, sister Janet Cassidy, grandchildren Eric and Michael Burghoffer and Caitlin Smith, and five great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Anthony Petruzelli and brother Paul. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank Allie Holmes for providing years of care and companionship for Mrs. Petruzelli. Visiting hours will be on Saturday, January 29th from 2-5 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford. Prayer service at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association-Greater NJ Chapter: https://www.alz.org/nj. Due to weather conditions, visitation will now take place on Monday, January 31 from 4 - 7 PM.
Ramsey, Paula I., 90, of West Milford, NJ on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Donald W. Ramsey. Born in Frankfurt-AM, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Wilhelm and Ida Oberst. Paula was employed as the head cook for the West Milford High School. Surviving are a son, Tim of WV, a daughter, Lillian A. Fitzgerald (husband, Jim) of Hewitt, NJ, a brother, Robert (wife, Gisela) of Germany. Pre deceased by a sister, Klara Jakobi in 2020. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Kathleen & Erin Fitzgerald, Shannan Fasino and Leah & Luke Ramsey. Memorial visitation on Thursday, February 3 from 3 – 6 PM at Richards Funeral Home, West Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 203, Roseland, New Jersey 07068.
Rogers, Joan A. (Mitidiere), 87, of Pompton Plains, NJ passed away January 11, 2022 after a long illness. Born in Brooklyn NY, Mrs. Rogers was a graduate of Hofstra University and the Adelphi University Graduate School of Business. She was a social worker for Nassau County Social Services prior to starting a family with her beloved husband of 66 years, Charles Rogers. She lived for many years in her hometown of Lynbrook, NY, where she was an active volunteer with the Lynbrook School System and in her adopted home of Montville, NJ, where she was active with Cancer Cares, The League of Women Voters and the Montville Senior Center. She is survived by her husband as well as her two daughters and their husbands, Sharon Rogers (Evan Pappas) of Forest Hills, NY, and Patricia Cunningham (William) of Darien CT, as well as her three grandchildren, Evan, Dylan and Melina. She was predeceased by her beloved mother and father, Joseph and Margaret Mitidiere as well as her sister, Peggy Seidler. Visiting hours Friday 10:30 – 11:30 AM at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ. Funeral service at 11:30 AM with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.
Roth, James A., 79 of West Milford passed away Monday, January 31, 2022. James was born in Westfield, NJ. He was a loving husband, devoted father and a grandfather who will be greatly missed. He worked for the 3M Company for 40 years before retiring in 2007. He was very proud of his employment there and retired as the East Coast Infrastructure Manager at the Parsippany, NJ facility. He also served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he was an enlisted military policeman. He enjoyed working on cars, playing golf in his younger years and spending time with his family. His love for his family always came first above all. James is survived by his wife of just shy of 58 years, Jean Roth; son, Jason Roth of Ringwood NJ; son, Todd Roth and wife Leslie Roth of Jackson NJ; grandchildren, Nicole Villipart, Colin Roth, Sydney Roth and Gabriella Ladines-Roth. Visitation on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 12pm to 4pm at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, New Jersey. Private disposition.
Streicher, Alfred J. Jr., 87, of Kinnelon passed away January 19, 2022. Alfred was a self employed owner of Apollo Electronics, Butler. He was predeceased by his wife Florence in 2019. Beloved father of Alfred Streicher III and wife Margo of Sparta, Barbara Anzman and husband Charles of Danville, Pa., and Robert Streicher. Brother of Leo Streicher, grandfather of Amy, Adam, Stephanie and Hannah. Great grandfather of Alice. At the request of the family funeral services and burial were private. Arrangements entrusted to Richards Funeral Home, Riverdale.
Storms, Gerald A.,68, of Warwick, NY passed away January 18, 2022. Gerald was the former director of the West Milford Department of Public Works, West Milford, NJ before his retirement. He was an avid fisherman. Beloved husband of Deborah (Deerkoski) Storms. Loving father of Gerald Storms of Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Brother of Donald, Ronald, Kenny, Earl and Renee Storms. Predeceased by his parents Earl and Lucy (Kitchell) Storms and his brother Robert. Memorial visitation Tuesday, January 25, 4-7 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the your local wildlife conservation. Please adhere to wearing masks at the visitation.
Stevenson, Dirk A., 55, of West Milford on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Beloved husband of Sharon (Genovese) Stevenson. Born in Paterson, NJ to Ida (Felio) and the late Richard Stevenson he repaired furniture as a self employed specialist. Dirk was a long time coach and equipment manager for the West Milford Junior Football Association. Also surviving are a son, Troy A. of West Milford, a brother, Richard O. of Hinesdale, NY and a sister, Carrie C. Stevenson of Goshen, NY. Predeceased by a brother, Brian W. in 2007. Visitation on Thursday, January 27 from 3 – 7 PM at Richards Funeral Home, West Milford. A prayer service is scheduled for 5 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Weckback, Lynn, 64, of Pompton Lakes passed away suddenly on January 3, 2022. Lynn taught English and language arts in the Passaic City school district for twenty years. She loved her students. She was the beloved wife of Barbara, and loving step-mom to daughter Nicole. Lynn loved her cats and was an avid photographer. Lynn was bigger then life. She is survived by her wife Barbara of 26 years, step-daughter Nicole and her boyfriend Adam, her Aunt June Casaleggio, Uncle Gene Casaleggio and his wife Terry, cousins Eugene and Michael and their children, sister-in law, Patty and husband Michael Lombardo, and their children Anthony and James. She is predeceased by her parents Edward Lynn and Thelma (Casaleggio) Weckback. Visiting hours Saturday January 8, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale. Private interment.
Williams, Raymond, Gerard, 92, on January 12, 2022. My father was in New York City. He was an only child. The family moved to Wanaque, NJ, and my dad grew up on the adjoining grounds of his parent's business, Fountain Spring Lake. My dad loved to swim and he played basketball during his high school years at Butler H.S. He joined the Navy when he was 17, after serving for 2 years, he pursued a degree in Physical Education at NYU. Prior to his senior year he met and married my mom, Eileen. He never finished his degree as the financial responsibility to provide for his expectant wife forced him to drop out. His working years were spent as a hard working plastics factory laborer. Around 1954 my parents moved into what was to become the family home at 1305. At one point there were 7 children in that one bathroom,3 bedroom ranch on Lincoln Ave in Pompton Lakes! (Current status: Stephen, 69; Stephanie, 67; Mark, 64; Kathy, 62; Julie, 59; Timothy, 54; Jonathan, deceased, would have been 48). As a young family we attended Riverdale Bible Church. My parents were first generation Christians. When my mother was pregnant with my sister Stephanie, the Spirit led her to a Methodist minister in their neighborhood, who shared the Gospel message and my mother received the Lord as her personal Savior. My father came to the Lord a little while later through the preaching of Billy Graham. When my brother Tim was born, the struggle to care for a severely handicapped child hampered our family's church life. However, there were long stretches when neighbors and later on, state paid helpers, relieved my parents on Sundays so that they could attend services. At that time they were attending Hawthorne Gospel Church. My parents were the primary caregivers to Tim until 12 years ago when my mom was 75 and my dad 80. Tim is an epileptic and has the developmental ability of a 9 month old. It was not easy, to say the least, to care for Tim, however, it was equally difficult to relinquish their duties and to place him at the Eastern Christian Children's Retreat. But the clock was ticking, physically they just couldn't do it anymore. Around two years ago my father's health failed. He has been bedridden for those two years. The Lord has upheld his spirits, even enduring the death of my mom. He was a beautiful soul who was at peace. My visits with him included reading a Psalm, singing hymns and prayers. After a while he would always say, "Jule, you can go now, I don't want to keep you from what you need to do." My dad was the exemplified selfless love. Visitation on Friday, January 21 from 10 -11 AM at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ. Graveside service and burial to follow at Mount Rest Cemetery, Butler, NJ. The family requests that all attendees wear a facial mask.