Depietri, Marian (Cookie), a loving mother, grandmother and resident of West Milford, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on September 2nd, 2021 at the age of 80. Marian is survived by her children, Robert and John Depietri; Daughter-in laws, Kathleen Depietri & Diana Depietri; and her grandchildren, Christopher, Anthony John, Alexa, Robert, Tara, Michael & Emily. She is predeceased by her beloved husband and son, William F. Depietri and William Depietri. Marian was born in New York City to William and Anna Cody, sister of Elenor, Veronica and William. In 1958, she married the love of her life, William F. Depietri. In 1960, 1961, and 1963 respectively she welcomed her three handsome sons, who were the most important part of her life. She raised her children in New York City (Innwood) and moved to West Milford, NJ in 1973. Marian was a devoted mother and avid runner back in the day. She enjoyed spending time with her family and adoring her grandchildren. She is known for her quick-witted humor, which was inherited by her grandchildren as well. A mass will be scheduled for a later date.
Everett, Karen M. (Hague), 69, passed away September 1, 2021. Born in Paterson to David and Olive (Moody) Hague she was raised in Butler and resided in Haskell for the past forty years. She was a graduate of William Paterson College, and began a career as a school teacher which concluded at Butler High School. She is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years Jack, her two children Travis Everett of Jefferson and Margot Denaxas of Vernon, her mother Olive Hague of Haskell. She is also survived by a brother Keith Hague and a sister Karol Visaggio both of Haskell as well as her grandchildren Liam, Ava and Iris. There will be visiting hours Wednesday September 8th, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale. A funeral service will be held Thursday 10 am. There will be a private cremation. Karen loved spending time traveling with Jack, reading, and seeing her grandchildren. Karen was an advocate for the Alzheimer's Association. She was a devoted member of the Midvale Methodist Church. Karen loved West Highland Terriers and Christy was by her side until the end. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
Favorito, Guy, 59, passed into eternal life on September 24, 2021. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was raised in Fair Lawn and then resided in Butler. Guy was employed by the Bergen County Parks Department since his graduation from High School until he retired. Guy volunteered at the North Jersey Animal Shelter and summer camps for the disabled. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, spending time in Cape May and being a member of the congregation of Beth Israel in Wayne. Guy was an incredible loving and kind person who was loved by many, especially his cat, Luvy. Beloved son of Shirley and James Breen, Guy was predeceased by his dad, James and nephew, Brian. Loving brother of Shirley Ann and husband Nino, Jimmy and wife Bettyanne, Trisha and husband Bill, Dan and wife Christine. Uncle to Matthew, Anthony, Danielle, Joanna, Michael, Kaitlin, Will, Kyla, Madison, Caiden and Grayson. Adored great uncle to Addison, Hadley,Gage, Mackenzie and Aaron. Memorial service and burial were private. Donations to honor Guy’s memory can be made to: NJCAS (North Jersey Community Animal Shelter), 23 Brandt Ln, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403
Giannantonio, Michael John, 71, of Hewitt, NJ. He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born in Englewood, NJ, Michael was a resident of Hewitt for 40 years after relocating from Bergen County where he spent the first 31 years of his life. He was a loving husband to Carol for 51 years, devoted father to 3 sons and Pop Pop to 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Michael was an avid fisherman and spent many days fishing on Upper Greenwood Lake or on trout streams in Upstate New York. He was predeceased by his Father, Michael John and Mother, Helen. Survived by his Wife Carol, sister, Margaret, three sons - Todd, Michael and Anthony along with their spouses Eileen, Coleen and Melissa, 9 grandchildren, Ashley, Alyssa, Allison, Destiny, Emily, Anthony, Kimberly, Sean and Erika and 3 great grandchildren, Anthony, Mila and Liv. Donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital on Michael’s behalf would be appreciated. Private services were held for immediate family at Richard’s Funeral Home in West Milford, NJ.
Haligowski, Odette - How Odette loved her roses. Anyone who came to her front door was welcomed with their beauty and fragrance as well as the cup of coffee that was simmering inside her house to share. As autumn ended the roses’ summer journey, Odette Chaves Haligowski has made the marvelous journey to the rose garden in heaven! We will miss her, but with the comfort of the family that Odette surrounded herself with…Odette Chaves grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She was a Brazilian girl; her mom Olivia and dad Olegario emigrated from Brazil. Her brothers Lindy, Ozzie, and Albert, with Odette, had an imaginative childhood together…Odette met and married her sweetheart Henry “Hank” Haligowski, a WWII sailor who swept her off her feet. They made their home in Carteret, New Jersey where they nurtured three daughters, Theresa, Louise, and Laura…Odette was a working mom, as a deli clerk, an employee at the clothing factory Damsel, a sales person at Grants and Sterns, but her greatest achievement was as a teacher’s aide at the Gateway Village School where she shared her fun and love with handicapped teens…Time passed by and Odette’s daughters Theresa married Jimmy, Louise married Kurt, and Laurie married Wayne. Adding to the blessings were Odette’s grandchildren, Diana, Abby, Suzanne, Grace, Sara, Zane, Tracy, and Renee…Odette’s family tree continued to grow, Diana married Jared, Abby married Matt, Suzanne married Phil, and Grace married Pat… And Odette’s most precious gifts, her great-grandchildren, Hayley, Naomi, Jameson, Leanna, and PJ!!...truly the loves of her life!..Odette had friendships that lasted through many cups of coffee at home and at the workplace, Jenny, Marie, Alice, Joanne, Nancy, Lucille, Margaret and Angel, the Decker Family and all the neighbors on White Way…so many to mention, all great friends…Holy Family Church in Carteret was the reminder to Odette that God always had a spot for her and her children and Odette thanked God for everyday he gave to her…Even though Odette’s earthly journey ended on Monday, September 27, her true and grace-filled adventure has just begun…to see her sweetheart Hank, her mom and dad, and her two brothers, who we can be sure, all welcomed her to heaven with a bouquet of roses!...To all who read this tribute to Odette, love your mother, be thankful for your mother in all ways, delight and make memories today and tomorrow...and Odette, you have returned to God, to the garden, to the beauty of the roses!!
Hatzel, Barbara L., 74, of Parsippany, NJ on September 1, 2021. Born in Clifton, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Lillian Maguire. Barbara was a self-employed insurance agent at F.M.C. Insurance in Paterson, NJ. Surviving are one son, Russell of Riverdale, NJ and a daughter, Loran Booker of Indianapolis, IN. Also surviving are seven grandchildren. Visitation will be at the Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457 on Saturday, September 4 from 3 to 6 PM. Family funeral service will start at 3 PM Saturday. Private disposition.
Johansson, Harold, 89, of West Milford on Monday, September 27, 2021. Beloved husband of Carol (Sanborn) Johansson. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Harold and Sarah (Deacon) Johansson. A long time resident of West Milford, he was employed as a carpenter for W. J. Scully in New York for 42 years and a member of Local Union 257 in New York. Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, James (wife, Linda) of Sowell, NJ, Michael (wife, Susan) of Vernon, NJ and John Bossolt of West Milford. William was predeceased by a son, Robert and a sister, Doris Deacon. Seven grandchildren also survive. Private disposition. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 2, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 1911 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, NJ 07421 at 10 AM. Please consider a donation to the church in Harold’s name.
Jordan, Rudolph, Jr., age 84, of Hardyston passed away September 14, 2021. Born in Paterson to Rudolph and Evelyn Jordan he lived in West Milford before moving to Crystal Springs fifteen years ago. Rudolph was a baker for the former Grand Union Supermarket before retiring. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting and gardening. Beloved husband of Carol (Dickert) Jordan, loving father of Sandra Card and husband George, John Jordan and wife Tamera, David Jordan and wife Carolynn. Grandfather of Dana and Michael Card, James McMahon and Ryan Jordan, great-grandfather of Gianna Card and Thomas McMahon. Predeceased by his two brothers James and Otto Jordan. Visiting hours on Sunday September 19, 2-5 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road West Milford. Funeral mass Monday, September 20, 10 am at Our Lady Queen Of Peace Church, Hewitt. Interment is private.
Kearney, Daniel “Dank, D3” Patrick of West Milford lost his life in a car accident on Friday, September 3rd, 2021. He was 19. He shared a birthday with his second sister and is the second youngest between his four siblings. Daniel was attending school at Passaic County Community College, studying business with an anticipated graduation of December 2022. He was a proud and devoted employee of Greenwood Small Craft Marina. Daniel is known largely for his big, red Dodge pickup truck many saw around town as well as the 1968 Volkswagen Dune Buggy he acquired two and a half years ago. In spite of his antics, Daniel was able to get his Buggy running. He made sure to share the joy from his accomplishments with everyone around him. Daniel has a smile that is infectious. His ability to bring others up through acceptance, understanding and comfort is more than incredible. Daniel is survived by his mother and father, Susan Castellano of West Milford and Sean Kearney of South Amboy and his three sisters, Sara M. Kearney, Samantha L. Kearney, and Amy J. Kearney of West Milford. Daniel also leaves behind many relatives and friends who he considered his family. Daniel was preceded in death by his older brother, Patrick James Kearney. May the boys be reunited in peace. Visitation on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Lumley, Taylor James, age 34, of Millville, NJ, bounced off the planet and into the arms of God on September 28th, 2021. Taylor was born in Goshen, NY. As a child, we watched his smile soften tense rooms and tough hearts. His presence would erase the gray in your day with no words spoken. The volume of young Taylor's sports knowledge made adults question their statistical retention and all the NY teams had an unwavering young fan. TJ attended high school at Warwick Valley and Pine Bush. He soon realized his passion for construction and the skills to fuel it. Armed with a stellar work ethic, abundant love, and a toolbox, he took his show on the road. Countless towns in New York and New Jersey plus sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and points beyond contain stead fast traces of his handiwork. At one tough point in his journey, Taylor met God at a bus stop. This connection revealed that his passion and abilities could also rebuild, repair, and refresh the hearts and souls of humans. He was a leader, counselor, and friend to many that passed through Adult & Teen Challenge of NJ. The human projects did not stop there. Friends, family, co-workers, and strangers were disarmed with his wide smile, then enveloped in peace from the tranquil breeze that always followed him around. Comedy, charm, compassion, hope, mercy, grace, and love sit next to a hammer, saw and measuring tape in his burgeoning collection of tools. Soon, his work on humanity surpassed his inanimate construction projects. The work was completed with his eyes on God and the service was reliable, good, and faithful. Taylor is survived by his father James, mother Roxanne, brothers Adam and Billy, sister Elisa, three nephews, three nieces and a slew of cousins, family, and friends. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 6th, 2021, at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Rd, West Milford, NJ from 6 PM. to 8 PM.
Miller, William W., 82, of West Milford on Friday, September 24, 2021. Beloved husband of Rosalie (Longo) Miller. A resident of West Milford for the past 54 years, William was the son of the late Charles and Rosina (Blenica) Miller and was employed as a machinist for Heisler Machine and Tool Co. of Fairfield, NJ. Surviving are one son, Scott of Dallas, TX, one brother, George of Moscow, PA and six grandchildren. William was predeceased by a daughter, Tracey Van Vielt and a sister, Joan Domenico. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Hewitt, NJ at a later date. Disposition is private.
Schaefer, Carolyn T. (Hageman), 68, of Godwin, North Carolina, formerly of Hewitt, NJ died on Thursday, September 7, 2021. Carolyn was born in Sussex, NJ. Beloved wife of the late Thomas K. Schaefer. She was the daughter of the late William J. and Caroline (Listwon) Hageman. Previously employed as a deli manager for many years at A & P Food Stores in NJ. Carolyn was an avid bowler on many leagues and member of the Jetset and Golden Agers of West Milford. Surviving are a son, Kenneth T. Schaefer of Hewitt, NJ and daughter, Paula L. Mosier of Highland Lakes, NJ. Three grandchildren, Kimberley R. Curving, William T. Mosier, Lilly M. Mosier and 1 great grandchild, Scyerus A. Curvin. Also surviving are siblings, JoAnn Hodorovych, Billies Myers, Ann Grantham and William Hageman. She will be forever loved and remembered. Memorial visitation: Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480, Saturday, September 18, 2021, 3 to 7 PM. Funeral services are at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elks BPOE Lodge 2236, 1860 Union Valley Rd, West Milford, NJ.
Smerak, Margaret Ann (Verrengia), 74, of Port Murray, NJ (formerly of Wayne, NJ) passed on September 8, 2021. Dearly loved wife of Lance Smerak. Mother to Brent and Keith (Agatha) Smerak. Grandmother to Juliana and Zachary Smerak. Sister to Anthony (Gwen) Verrengia. Born in Paterson, NJ, she was the daughter of Anthony and Florence Verrengia. Marge enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, gardening and landscaping, taking art classes, painting with watercolors, cooking, going on road trips and visiting the beach. Visitation on Monday, September 13th at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale NJ from 4-7 PM. Funeral Mass at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church 318 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock, NJ 07440, on Tuesday, September 14th at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice of NJ in Marge’s name would be very appreciated by the family.www.karenannquinlanhospice.org.
Storzum, Walter J., 64, of Lincoln Park passed away September 16, 2021. Born in Newark, NJ, to the late Walter and Teresa Storzum, Walter was a truck driver for David Zuidema Septic Service, Midland Park and also served in the U.S. Army. Beloved husband of Diane (Post) Storzum, loving father of Tara Storzum of Lincoln Park, Roger Storzum and wife Shelly of Oakland. Also survived by his sisters Cathy Storzum, Valerie Lee, Nancy Storzum and Patti Storzum. Grandfather of Nicholas, James and Elsie Storzum. Predeceased by his sister Janice Lydiksen. Memorial visitation Tuesday September 21, 4-7 pm with a service at 6:30 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 4 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale.
Terhune, Marlene (Guthrie), 67, of West Milford, lost her long battle with cancer on September 20, 2021. She passed peacefully surrounded by family. Marlene was born in Paterson and raised in Glen Rock. Here she met her soulmate and future husband, Craig Terhune. The couple married in 1974 and moved to West Milford, where they raised their three children and spent the remainder of their lives. Marlene started her career in 1974 with Armstrong as an administrative assistant. After taking time off to raise her kids, she jumped back into the workforce as an aide at Holy Name Friary. Marlene transitioned to the West Milford Parks & Recreation Department, where she remained until her retirement in 2017. She held a variety of positions at the Rec Center, though the P.R.I.D.E. program always held a special place in her heart. Marlene and Craig loved cruising Greenwood Lake on their boat most quiet summer nights, eating lunch at the Breezy or Yesterdays in Warwick, spending weekends hosting dinner and sleepovers with family, enjoying coffee or a cocktail on the deck, watching crazy shows about people living off the grid and taking overnight trips to unchartered destinations. After the devastating loss of her husband in 2019, Marlene began volunteering at the Queen of Peace Food Pantry and the West Milford Animal Shelter. She found a new passion in helping cats that were yet to find their forever home. Marlene will be remembered for so many things: her love of Jaws, Jurassic Park and King Kong movies (which she could watch endlessly); Halloween and all things spooky; a taste for Twizzlers and seltzer. Most importantly, though, she will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, loving nature and her ability to find the good in everyone. To her children she became more than a mom, she became a best friend. To her grandkids she was a kind and listening ear. To her husband she was everything, as he was to her. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Easterbrook and her husband Thom; her daughter Jenn Terhune and her partner Dan Verdello; her son Joe Terhune; her brother, Randy Guthrie and wife Diane; her sister, Judy Sofio; her grandchildren Alexis, Michael, Elyse, Colin and Jack; her great-grandson Jayden as well as 3 nieces and 2 nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Evelyn (Peppe) and Morris “Joe” Guthrie and her husband, Craig Terhune. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 25 from 2-5, with a service beginning at 4 at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road West Milford. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the West Milford Animal Shelter Society in her name.
Touw, Matilda “Midge”, 86 of Hewitt, NJ on Monday, September 13, 2021. Beloved wife of the late William Touw. Born in Paterson, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Francis (Evelina) Scialla. Midge was employed as a supervisor for the US Census Bureau in New York City. A resident of West Milford for 54 years, Midge was an 18 year member and past President of the West Milford Board of Education. Surviving are three sons, William of West Milford, Robert (wife, Katherine) of Lafayette, CO, Brett (wife, Susan) of Highland Lakes, one brother, Charles of Belmar, NJ, one daughter-in-law Christine. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Predeceased by a son, Brian in 2009. Visitation at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480 on Wednesday, September 22, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral Mass on Thursday, September 23 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 1911 Union Valley Road, Hewitt at 10:00 AM. Private disposition.
Valerie, Robert G.Jr., 67 passed away September 16, 2021. Born in Queens, NY to Robert and Jean (Rodrigues) Valerie, he resided in Hewitt, NJ for the past forty one years. Robert was an I.T. Manager for Titanium Industries, Rockaway, NJ. Beloved husband of Deborah (Lipinski) Valerie. Loving father of Robert Valerie III of Hewitt, Joseph Valerie of Toms River and Kelly Jean Valerie of San Francisco, CA. Brother of James and Andrew Valerie, Joyce Robertson, Patty Rudge, Nancy Pinto and Jean Ann Bertoni. Also survived by his three grandchildren, Robert IV, Madison and Alexander. Memorial visitation on Thursday, September 23, 4-7 pm at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford. Interment is private.
Zimmerman, Elmer Jr., on September 3, 2021 was called home to be with his Savior, Jesus. He was a friend to all, an avid sportsman with a love for tennis, pickleball and basketball. A man of exceptional character who praised God for each day of his life. He was born in Tyrone, PA. He graduated from Shelton College in Ringwood, NJ. with a BA in Education. He received his MA in guidance from William Paterson with additional studies at Montclair, Seton Hall and Fairleigh Dickinson University. He began his teaching career as a 4th grade teacher in Ringwood and went on to West Milford High School as a guidance Counselor. His love of sports was exhibited in his many years of coaching basketball and tennis for West Milford and in 2018 was inducted into West Milford’s Hall of Fame as coach and winning team. Elmer was a faithful and active member of Green Pond Bible Chapel in Newfoundland, NJ. He loved singing in the choir and worship team and enjoyed coaching in the Upward Basketball program. He will be sadly missed by his family who adored him. His loving wife of 54 years, Beverly, Son, Mark Zimmerman of Morris Plains, NJ, wife Tara. Daughter Beth Heinzelmann of Vernon, NJ. His precious young grandchildren; Brady, Brennan and Brooke Heinzelmann of Vernon and Derek Zimmerman of Morris Plains. A man of character, friend to all who knew him and whom he kept in touch with on a regular basis. In lieu of flowers, donations to My Brother’s Place and Solid Rock Day Camp would be appreciated. He also would have wanted donations to go to his grandchildren’s college fund as well. https://www.mybrothersplace.com/donate/ or http://www.solidrock.camp/get-involved/support/ Grandchildren funds can be sent to C/O Beverly Zimmerman 30 Windsor Rd. West Milford, NJ 07480. A memorial service is scheduled for September 11, 2021 at Green Pond Bible Chapel, 1083 Green Pond Rd. Newfoundland, NJ 07438 at 11:00 AM.