Bateson, Robert “Bob” Joseph, 94, of Wake Forest passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020 from Covid. He was born in Patterson, NJ and moved to Wake Forest 4 years ago. He is the son of the late Robert and Stella Casne Bateson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie Bateson and a son, Robert Peter Bateson, granddaughter Lisa Bateson, and his sister Gladys Haberl. He is survived by three children, Barbara Kwiatek and husband Walter, Brooks Bateson and wife Nancy and William Bateson and wife Jackie and eight grandchildren, Trina, Brooks, Paige, Justin, Jessica, Billy, Bobby Jr. and Kimberly. At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 23, 1943 and was a veteran of WWII. He was a China Marine who served in Okinawa for the 6th Marine Division. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest. After returning home from the war, Robert started his 56 year career in the movie theater business and loved every minute of it! Over the years, he was a member of various organizations including The Pompton Lakes NJ Chamber of Commerce and President of the St. Mary’s Church Senior’s for many years. Bob joined the Lakeland Marine Detachment #744 in Pompton Lakes NJ in 1990 and served as Commandant for the Detachment for 9 years. While enjoying his time with the Detachment, Bob made many friends and was named “Marine of the Year” twice, served as Chaplin, was the Grand Marshall in the Memorial Day Parade, was awarded “Lifetime Member” of the Marine Detachment, and helped to erect the Marine Memorial in Pompton Lakes. Bob loved his wife of 60 years, his children and his grandchildren dearly. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. And as Frank Sinatra said,

“I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and ev’ry highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way”

A committal service will be held on Thursday July 16, 2020 at 11AM in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery 58 McLean Blvd. Paterson, NJ 07510.  Face coverings are required. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church COVID-19 Relief Fund 834 Durham Road Wake Forest, NC in Bob’s name.  www.richardsfuneralhome.com    

Lavandowski, Charles R. 79, passed away on July 2, 2020. Born in Passaic to the late Charles and Mary (Cuoco) Lavandowski, he resided in Wayne, NJ with his wife of 58 years, Jean (Conklin). Charles worked as a Union Laborer for Local 519 in Boonton, NJ. Anyone who knew Charles loved him and knew of his love for fishing. He had an amazing way of bringing laughter and love to his family, friends, and anyone he came into contact with. Charles is survived by his wife Jean, his two daughters, Laura Lane and her husband Daniel and Karen Esa and her husband Lou both of Wayne, his brother Bob Lavandowski of Upstate NY, Three Grandsons, Danny Lane and his wife Laura, Joe Lane, Anthony Ares and his wife Rosemary and six Great-Grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 7, 2020 from 3PM-5PM at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike Riverdale, NJ. Additional services are private.

Loeffel, Richard, 67, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020.  Born in Jersey City, Richie spent most of his life in West Milford where he owned and operated Loeffel’s Waste Oil Service for 40+ years.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Sallyann (Mahoney) of 45 years and two daughters Erica Lamphear (Bryan) of Hardyston and Dana Devery (Chris) of Vernon.  He was also the proud Pa to seven grandchildren Delaney, Kyle, Nicholas, McKenna, Taylor, Connor and Cooper. He is predeceased by his parents Marguerite (Myslik) and Harold Loeffel as well as many beloved friends.  He also leaves behind his big sister Denise Loeffel of Florida and his niece Sara Bloomer of Wantage. Richie was loved by many and a friend to all.  He will be missed by his grandchildren who adored him.  

Miele, Corinne, 80, a long term resident of West Milford, NJ and beloved kindergarten teacher, died peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She was born to Dr. Maurine Martin and Dr. Harvey Spencer of Wellsville, NY. She was a 1958 graduate of Wellsville High School. Corinne graduated from Grove City College in PA where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1962. She was a Sigma Theta Chi sorority sister and was on the synchronizing swimming team.  She dedicated her life teaching in West Milford for 30 years, touching the lives of many children, until she retired in 1999. Corinne lived life to the fullest through her children and grandchildren, through traveling, sailing and scuba diving. She enjoyed fitness and nutrition, bird watching, musical theater, beautiful sunsets and singing in the choir at the United Methodist Church. She was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, warm-hearted sister and aunt, and loyal friend. She loved helping people and was a huge donor to St. Jude Children's Hospital. She was a passionate reader and was concerned with global warming and polar bear extinction. She will be remembered for her kind gentle soul along with her caring selfless character. Her beautiful blue eyes and contagious smile lit up the room wherever she went. Corinne was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her devoted daughters Terri Lynn Beitel of San Diego, CA and Stacey Conklin and her husband Robert Conklin of Vernon, NJ, her 2 grandchildren Jonathan and Taylor Conklin, and her sister Susan Ford and husband David Ford of Delaware. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of cards or flowers, please consider donating to WorldWildlife.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.

Milligan, Steven C., 73, passed away July 11, 2020. Born in Ringwood to his late parents Melvin and Bernice Milligan (Morgan) he lived there all his life. He worked for Ringwood Borough in the Department of Public Works.  Steven was an Army veteran proudly serving in Vietnam. Beloved husband of Roberta Milligan (De Freese), father of Matthew Milligan,  Steven C. Milligan Jr., and  Evelyn Hettle. Brother of Bruce Milligan,  Ava Milligan and Jeanine Mann. Grandfather  of seven. Predeceased by a brother Michael Milligan and sisters, Brenda De Groat, Babette and Rhonda Milligan. All services are private under the direction of Richards Funeral Home, West Milford.

Nantz, Bruce Paul, on Sunday, July 5, 2020, cherished and loving father of Chelsea Nicole Nantz and Derek Tyler Nantz, passed away at the age of 65. After a 16-month battle with brain cancer, Bruce passed peacefully in his log cabin in West Milford, New Jersey surrounded by his pets and loved ones. Bruce was born in New York, NY to William and Louisette Nantz. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1979 from Ramapo College, where he studied philosophy. After college he worked as an optician for over 40 years in Bergen County, New Jersey, during which time he started a family with the birth of his daughter, Chelsea, in 1987, and his son Derek, in 1991. Bruce was a philosopher and a writer of essays and short stories. He loved being in and connecting with nature, and his writing reflected this. Bruce was a skilled photographer, and was adept at capturing the beauty and story of a moment, whether photographing friends and loved ones at his cabin on Lindy’s Lake, or scenes in nature he came across while hiking or traveling. But what most defined Bruce was his relationship with music. He was a profoundly gifted blues guitarist, captivating the Wednesday night blues jam crowd for years at Mexicali Blues Cafe in Teaneck, NJ. Bruce was also an avid collector of music, curating numerous 24-hour digital music playlists in a variety of genres and styles. Bruce was predeceased by his father, Bill Nantz and his beloved Great Pyrenees, Buck. He is survived by his mother Louisette Nantz, his two children Chelsea and Derek Nantz, his brother Christopher (Jack) Nantz, and his soon-to-be son-in law Christian Saffran and step-granddaughter Alorah Saffran. Viewing and services for Bruce will be held at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Rd, West Milford, NJ on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 from 2-4 PM, with a spiritual service starting at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, Bruce has asked that donations be made to the West Milford Animal Shelter or any environmental group in his memory.

Richards, Beverly (nee Palkow), 81, of Green Pond, NJ and Jupiter, FL, passed away at her home in Green Pond, NJ, on Monday, July 13, 2020. Born in Orange, NJ, she was raised in Parsippany and graduated from Butler High School in 1957. She was married to A. Lee Richards for 63 years, who predeceased her on February 12, 2020. They raised their family in the Riverdale area, with Green Pond as their home for over 30 years. She was a vibrant, loving and enthusiastic wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She cherished time with her family above all. Everything she set out to do, she accomplished with tenacity, determination and a zest for life. She made her house a home and among her many talents, was a master knitter and seamstress. A lifelong energetic and active volunteer, she organized and supported numerous charitable and social events over the years. She was a past member of the Riverdale Woman’s Club, and active member of the Green Pond Woman’s Club, Green Pond Chapel Club, Green Pond Yacht Club, Green Pond Tennis Committee and Who’s New (FL). An avid tennis player, she was a member of the Jupiter Ocean & Racquet Club and played on several teams in Florida and New Jersey. She enjoyed playing mah-jongg, bridge, and attending book groups. She loved to travel and enjoyed many journeys with her husband throughout the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. She is also predeceased by her grandson, Nicholas Schivito. She is survived by daughters Audrey Haluza, husband Bryan of Reno, NV, Brenda Schivito, husband John, Sr. of West Chester, PA, and son Bryan Richards of West Milford; grandmother to John Schivito Jr., Christopher Haluza, Hayden and Valerie Richards. Visitation will be held at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ, on Friday, July 17, 2020, from 2 to 5 pm (in compliance with current Covid-19 restrictions). Funeral services will be private with interment at Pompton Reformed Church Cemetery in Pompton Lakes. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Green Pond Chapel, PO Box 123, Newfoundland, NJ 07435 or Angels Against Addiction - The Nicholas Schivito Foundation at angelsagainstaddiction.org would be most appreciated.