Adamkiewicz, Thomas A., 78, passed away July 20, 2022. Born in Jersey City to the late John and Sophie Adamkiewicz, he's resided in Hewitt since 1970. Thomas owned and operated West Milford Taxi and was a member of the Upper Greenwood Lake Ambulance Corps for fifteen years. Loving husband of Lillian Peselli, beloved father of Charles and wife Carol of Hewitt, Donna Conklin and Brett of Oak Ridge, Cindy Feuss and husband Derek of Fredon. Brother of Gene Adamkiewicz of Hackensack. Also survived by three grandchildren Ashley, Heather and Clover, four great grandchildren Gavin, Dana, Samuel and Trina. Predeceased by his first wife Edna Adamkiewicz, his twin sons Thomas and Robert, his daughter Lori, and his sister Terry Ritter. Visiting hours Thursday July 21, 4-7 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 14440 Union Valley Road, West Milford.
Bauer, Roland, age 95, of Pompton Lakes, formerly from Haledon, died on Saturday July 16, 2022 at the Health Care Center in Bloomingdale NJ. Born in Paterson NJ he was the son of late August and Margaret (Van Dam) Bauer of Haledon NJ and was the proprietor of Bauer’s Sunoco Service Station for over 80 years. An Army veteran, he was also a member of the Pompton Lakes Police Reserve in the early 50s. Surviving are two sons, Stephen (wife, Debra) of Newport NC and Kevin (wife, Barbara) of Pompton Lakes. Also surviving are 3 grandchildren, Lauren (husband, Jason) Dyer of Winfield, NJ, Kelly Bauer of Hubert, NC and Sara (husband, Robbie) Scanlon of Pownal, VT and 3 great grandchildren, Kevin and Faith Dyer and Finley Scanlon. A memorial visitation will be held on August 5, 2022 from 6 to 8 PM at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Hospice Foundation, 2120 L Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037.
Blair, Terrence H., 63 of West Milford, NJ on Friday, July 1, 2022. Beloved husband of Mary (Robie) Blair. Born in Clifton, NJ, he was the son of the late Herbert and Roselyn "Pat" Blair. He was a resident of West Milford for the past 35 years, moving here from Nutley, NJ. Terrance was employed as a kitchen/bathroom designer for U.S. LBM Co. of Pinebrook, NJ. Surviving are a son, Timothy Patrick Blair of TX and a daughter, Jamie Ann Blair of NC, two brothers, Dennis and Kevin, two sisters, Kathy Vassallo and Patricia Bair, all of NJ. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Gabriella Rose and Ayden John. Visiting on Thursday, July 7 from 3 to 6 PM at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford. Private disposition will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terrence's memory to the American Heart Association at National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.
De Vito, Louis, 84, passed away July 26, 2022. Born in Naples, Italy to Nino and Rose De Vito he came to the United States in 1955. Louis was an Electrical Engineer for Bendix Aerospace. He served in the Air Force attaining rank of Captain. Louis was active in the West Milford P.A.L. coaching soccer, and also coached fencing and soccer at West Milford High School. Beloved husband of Irene (Mills) De Vito, Loving father of Janis De Vito of Morristown, NJ and Stephen De Vito of Saylorsburg, P.A. Also survived by his two granddaughters Maya Burton and Casey Rose De Vito. A memorial gathering will be held Thursday, September 8th, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford.
Felber, Mary 'Arlene" peacefully entered into Eternal Rest on July 26, 2022 . She was surrounded by her loving daughters Mary Kate Felber of Oceanport, NJ and Susan Walsh of Vernon, NJ. She was born to Edward and Helen Callahan of Totowa , NJ She just celebrated her 89th birthday. Arlene was active in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in West Milford, NJ for many years before moving to North Cape May, NJ. She was a brownie leader for many years. She was an avid animal lover. Arlene was predeceased by her husband John “Jack” Felber, a sister Catherine Callahan and a brother Edward Callahan. She is survived by her daughters Susan Walsh and Mary Kate Felber, her partner Peter Montella, younger brother Robert Callahan and his wife Edetha Callahan, three grandchildren Ryan DeValue, Josh DeValue and his wife Jennifer DeValue ,Christen Heintz and her husband Charles Heintz, five great grandchildren Charles, Joey, Ava, Rylee and Grace who were the light if her life. Visitation will be at Richards Funeral Home in West Milford, NJ on Monday August 1, from 2-4 pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Hewitt, NJ on Tuesday August 2, 1at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa NJ.
Fit, Florence, 69, of Hewitt, NJ passed away July 31, 2022. Born in Jersey City to the late Frank and Constance Antine, Florence lived in the Hewitt section of West Milford for over 30 years. Florence is survived by her beloved husband Richard, and sons Richard Jr. of Hewitt, NJ and Steven of Highland Lakes, NJ. Florence is survived by her sister, Patricia Seader of Dunellen, NJ, her sister in-law Janet Antine of Brick, NJ, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Florence was predeceased by her father, mother, and brother, Robert Antine. Visiting hours are August 8, 10 am to 12:30 pm with a prayer service at 12:30 at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ. Interment to follow at Cedar Heights Cemetery, West Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
Grotz, Gustav Carl Jr., (aka Gus, Gussie, Carl, Mr. Carl, Boy, Poppy) of Riverdale, NJ went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 23, 2022 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. He passed in his home with his dog and BFF, Maxwell surrounded by peace, love and joy. He was 74 years old. Born in Paterson, NJ, he is survived by his daughter, Carrie; cherished dog, Maxwell; sister, JoAnn; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Diane; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sue; brother and sister-in law, Otto (Lou) and Judy Mett; nieces Rachel (and Matt) Pelissier, Laura (and Eric) Schwartz, Jennifer (and Chuck) Lafferty, Cait (and George Henderson); nephews, Dave (and Monika) Grotz, Bill (and Gabbie) Grotz, Steve (and Amy) Mett; and twelve 2nd nieces and nephews. Carl was predeceased by his parents Gladys and Gustav Grotz Sr.; wife, Donna; sister, Carol Grotz; brother-in-law, Norman Kaufman; and nephew, Paul Grotz. Carl and Donna met when they were teenagers and Carl was a member of the Future Farmers of America. They wed in 1971. Carl worked at a gas station, Continental Can and C&C Cola. He and his wife also worked a second job cleaning offices at night for several years. Carl started working for the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in 1978 and retired 2011. His last title was Supervisor in the Bus Unit Inspection and Investigation Department. He also snowplowed for the State DOT whenever they needed him. He was a very hard and dedicated worker who would never turn down overtime and rarely called out sick. He would do anything to provide for his family. Church was his second home where he had many life-long friends. He served as an usher, sang in the choir, helped in the kitchen, taught Sunday School and visited the sick and elderly to name a few. He also completed Bible School with mostly A’s. Anyone who knew him, knew his love of Jesus and for helping others. One time he was working in Jersey City he saw a dog running loose. He parked his car and chased the dog until he was able to catch him, falling down a few times doing so. The dog needed food and care so he adopted the dog and named him Lucky. Many other stray animals became part of the Grotz family. He enjoyed hiking with his dad and brothers, including collecting arrow heads. He enjoyed camping and vacationing with his wife. He also enjoyed antiquing, doo wop music, flea markets, target shooting and eating out with friends and family. He was very good with home repairs especially electrical and plumbing. He kept all his vehicles in tip top shape. He was a man of great integrity. Carl’s heart broke when his wife passed in 2010 and he was never the same. He did become very close again with his sister, JoAnn (who was also widowed). They would talk on the phone daily, help each with chores and projects and attend Grief Share regularly. They leaned on each other as they did when they were children. As the Alzheimer’s progressed his heart broke again when he could no longer drive safely. His family helped him to enjoy his last months with love, joy, laughter, family, friends, music and angel named Joy and Jesus and the goal of passing at home. The goal was met. There will be no wake and burial will be private per Carl’s request. In lieu of flowers, please consider doing a good deed for someone (Carl was a big tipper and even tipped the gas station attendants), working on a broken relationship with yourself and/or a loved one, or a donation to alznj.org. A Celebration of Life “Memorial Service” has been finalized for Saturday, October 8 at 10 AM. at Friendship Hall, 525 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. All are welcome to attend. Coffee/Tea and Poppy’s favorite desserts will be served.
Kurz, Charles F., 77 of Hewitt, N.J. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Beloved husband of Nancy (Heins) Kurz. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., grew up in River Edge, N.J. Married and became a resident of Hewitt for 44 years. An Army veteran. Charles was employed by the Port Authority of NY/NJ as a structural maintenance inspector and retired in 1999. He was a part time dispatcher, court officer, and a special police officer in West Milford for 36 years and a member of the Upper Greenwood Lake Ambulance Corps. Surviving are his wife and his two sons, Charles Richard and Scott William both of Hewitt, NJ. and one grandchild, Shay Penelope Kurz. Visitation will be at the Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 4 - 7 pm with a graveside service on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:30 am at Cedar Heights Cemetery, West Milford.
Reuter, Shirley E. (Hewitt), age 95, passed away July 4, 2022. Shirley was born in New York City. She was a long time resident of Riverdale, N.J. where she was a member of the Woman’s Club and also a member of the Riverdale Bible Church. In her later years she moved to Eldred, NY with her husband Ken, where she was responsible for having the Highland Senior Center built. In November 2017 they honored her by naming the center after her. Beloved mother of Kenneth and Patty Reuter of Wantage, Walter and Phyllis Reuter of Forked River, Brian and Wendy Reuter of Orange. Loving grandmother of Christopher and Marta Reuter, Brian and Teresa Reuter, Jeffery and Jennifer Reuter, Brenda and Oran James, Mark Reuter and Dani. Loving great-grandmother of Krista, Jestina, Mariah, Astrid, Roxana, Marco, Liam, Dezmond, Ryan, Simari. Predeceased by her husband Kenneth Reuter and granddaughter Mandie Reuter. Visiting Monday July 11, 2-6 PM at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale. Funeral service Tuesday, 11:30 AM at the funeral home with interment to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, Butler.
Van Hooker, Phyllis (Copley), 86, of West Milford, NJ passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Born in Auburn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Loren and Margaret (La Roe) Copley. She attended Maryville College in Tennessee as a music and pipe organ major. Phyllis was employed as a seamstress for FABS Fabrics of West Milford, and was a member of the West Milford Presbyterian Church where she was the choir director and church organist for over sixty years retiring in 2017. Beloved mother of Pete Van Hooker of Colorado, Scott Van Hooker of West Milford, Sue Van Hooker of Franklin, NJ and Todd Van Hooker of Netcong, NJ. Also survived by her brother, Richard Copley of Oneonta, NY and a sister, Ellen D. Casey of Hewitt, NJ, ten grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband James in 2011 and her sister, Marilyn Rath in 2021. Memorial visitation on Friday, July 22, 5-7 PM at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford. Memorial service at West Milford Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 23, at 11:00 AM.
Weaver, Tracy M. (Ulrich) of West Milford, NJ passed away on July 27, 2022. She is now reunited for eternity with her beloved son, “baby” Roger. Tracy was also the loving mother of Emily (Kenny) and Jonathan, as well as, her wonderful bonus sons William (Courtney) and Matthew (Courtney). Tracy is survived by her devoted husband, William J. Weaver. She also leaves behind her dear parents, Laura Ulrich (nee Zumbo) and William Ulrich (Sylvia). Tracy was predeceased by her stepfather, Ray Hilton. She was a caring sister to Kim (Tom), Tara (Dave), Bob (Kristine), Andrew & Leigh. Tracy adored all of her nieces and nephews and they loved her dearly. Everyone that met Tracy loved her and she will be missed by her many friends. The dash between the date you are born and the date you pass represents your life and what matters most is how we spend our dash. Tracy lived her life to the fullest in her 52 years! She was a dedicated mother first and foremost. Tracy treasured the time she spent with all of her children and her husband. She enjoyed volunteering alongside Bill at the Elks, with the Beautification committee and also for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. She also enjoyed bowling, especially when she beat Bill! Tracy loved watching the Yankees, going to hear live music with her friends & watching her nephew perform. She loved spending time with her family whether it was shopping or taking trips with her mom and sisters, celebrating Noche Buena with her family or hanging out with her kids, nieces & nephews. Tracy loved working at Shear Dimensions because of all of her wonderful coworkers. To honor Tracy, make time for the people you love. Spread joy wherever you go. Perform random acts of kindness. Leave the world a better place like she did. Please join us to celebrate Tracy’s life on Sunday, July 31 between 1:00pm-4:00pm. Her family has requested that everyone dress casually and wear bright colors. Burial will be private.
Wiltshire,John Thomas, 79, of West Milford, NJ passed away on July 5, 2022. He passed away at home due to a chronic medical condition surrounded by his family who loved him deeply. John was born in Brooklyn, NY to Lillian and John Wiltshire. He grew up with his sister, Virginia Zaccaro, and two brothers, Gary Wiltshire and Joseph Wiltshire. His hobbies included torturing his siblings and parents with practical jokes, his dry sense of humor and general wayward shenanigans. Brooklyn was never the same after John and his friends, Johnny Downes and Victor Thompson were let loose into the neighborhood looking for fun. While on a great adventure with his friends, John stopped into a diner to grab something to eat. Joanne Malaska was his waitress at the diner that day and John knew he found the love of his life. Joanne and John were married in 1967 and they settled in West Milford. John worked for a bank before going to college to get his degree in Business. He went on to work for Arneson Electric and then became an auto parts sales rep for international and American companies. As if they weren’t busy enough John and Joanne had four daughters, Erin Ross, Shannon Smits, Megan Andersen, and Tara Riley. Not only did these girls inherit their mother’s stunning beauty, but they enjoy entertaining their family and friends with their father’s penchant for cunning wit. As a family they enjoyed traveling the country in their camper, fishing and hiking. In addition to Joanne, Erin, Shannon, Megan and Tara, John is survived by his sons in laws, Steven Ross, Eric Andersen, and Jason Riley and by his grandsons Patrick Smits, Sean Smits, Ryan Ross, William Ross, Liam Andersen, Cody Andersen, Declan Andersen, Cole Riley, Jake Riley and Finn Riley. The funeral service will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on Saturday, July 9th at 10 am. There will be visitation at Richard’s Funeral Home on Friday, July 8th from 4-8 pm. John’s preferred charity organizations were St. Judes and the Veterens.