ENZO PALOMBIT
Enzo Palombit, of Emerson, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. Beloved husband to his childhood sweetheart Dolores for over 62 years. Enzo passed peacefully in the company of his loving family. Loving father to his children: Emilia Palombit, Anthony and his partner Jeffrey Benevedes, Joseph and his wife Elaine, and Dolores DeAlba and her husband James. Loving grandfather of Joseph and Kelly, Nicole and Fran, and Bobby. Predeceased by his parents, Aldo and Emilia, and his two sisters, Antoinette Avon and Ortensia (Nina) Hunsicker. Born in Cavasso Nuova, Italy, he came to the United States at age 6. He grew up in the Bronx, N.Y. Enzo was a resident of Emerson for over 55 years. Enzo was a great athlete and an avid sports fan. He coached in the Emerson Little League Baseball for over 15 years, mentoring hundreds of young men. The Little League 12-year-old Emerson Baseball Team he co-managed was the first team ever to win the Bergen County Championship. He delighted in his children and grandchildren. A First Degree Knight in Our Lady of the Assumption Knights of Columbus, he was a devout Catholic. He loved music, dancing, and singing, and played the accordion and the harmonica. A man ahead of his time, Enzo was an artisan in every sense of the word. A professional expert in design and senior mechanic in the terrazzo business for over 19 years, he changed professions working in the computer programming field. The family received their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Feb. 20. The Funeral Mass celebrating Enzo’s life and faith was held at Church of the Assumption in Emerson on Feb. 21. In lieu of flowers, the Palombit family has requested donations be made in Enzo’s memory to the “Emerson Parents for Athletes” c/o Emerson Junior-Senior High School, 131 Main St., Emerson, NJ 07630.
RICHARD FAIRCLOUGH
Richard G. Fairclough, 71, of Montvale, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the Bronx, N.Y. to Frederick and Lillian Fairclough. Beloved husband of Barbara J. Fairclough. Devoted father of Christine, Keith and Matthew and his wife Suzi and “Baggy.” Dear brother of Joseph Fairclough and his wife Joan. Loving grandfather of Katie Jean and Grant Richard. Dear brother-in-law of Chip and Terese Cannon. Cherished uncle of Gena, Tracey, Andrew, Kelly Ann, Gregory, Joe, Preston, Alexandra, and Brandon. Before retiring he was the chief financial officer for St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville. The family received their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Feb. 18 and 19. The Funeral Mass celebrating Richard’s life and faith was held at Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River on Feb. 20. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Richard’s name to the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 204, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.
GEORGE M. LAVATELLI
George Michael Lavatelli, 76, of the Township of Washington, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. Beloved husband of the late Gail (nee Kababik). Loving father of JoAnn Lavatelli and her boyfriend Paul Ripoli and George Lavatelli and his wife Jean. Dear brother of Patricia Lankpoop and her husband Calvin. Born with music in his blood in Englewood. He lived in Palisades Park and Fairview before moving to Washington Township in 1988. George’s lifetime passion for R&B vocal group harmony (“doo wop”) was fulfilled as an avid founding member of United Group Harmony Association (UGHA) in the 1970s. He often performed locally with his vocal group, the Bon-Aires, who had previously recorded three singles for Rust Records in the mid-60s. His commitment to music continued in 1978 as a self-made businessman when he and a partner bought the Relic Record Shop on Main Street in downtown Hackensack. Through George’s tireless efforts and many friendships, Relic became an important destination for record collectors and fellow rhythm and blues enthusiasts from all over the northeast. George was also widely known as a “Mr. Fix-it.” Whether it was duct tape or a complex contraption, he could fix just about anything and would drop everything to help a friend in need. He will be sorely missed by family and friends far and wide. Visitation was held at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Feb. 19. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George’s memory may be made to Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ 07631. You can also visit www.bergenpac.org/support-bergenpac/donate to donate.
FRED DeROBERTIS
Fred DeRobertis, 77, of Westwood, passed away on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018 surrounded by his family. Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Elaine (nee Toomey); his children Jeanne-Marie Kardell and her husband Jeffrey, Jennifer Menziuso and her husband Peter, and FJ and his partner Joe Stauble; his grandchildren Caeley, Claudia, Rachel, Parker and Emma; his brother Edward and his wife Peggy as well as his nieces and nephews. Fred was a beloved art teacher and a supervisor of related arts at Pascack Valley High School for 36 years. His passion for art continued after his retirement, creating hundreds of masterpieces in various mediums. He will be remembered for his beautiful gardens, creativity and all around loving personality for those around him. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Feb. 16. A Mass celebrating Fred’s life and faith was held at St. Andrew’s R.C. Church in Westwood on Feb. 17 followed by interment at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood.
FREDERICK MESSNER
Frederick R. Messner, 91, of Woodcliff Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Beloved husband of the late Violet for 66 years. Devoted father of Steven Messner of Albany, N.Y.; Lynne Messner of Derry, N.H.; Kenneth Messner of Jersey City; and Katherine (Kate) Messner of Hudson, N.H. Called “Opa” or “Far Far” by his five grandchildren, Fred also enjoyed three great-grandchildren. He was a U.S. Navy veteran (World War II). An advertising and marketing communications professional by trade, Fred served at the VP level for a number of major New York agencies including McCann-Erickson and the Poppe-Tyson arm of Bozell, Jacobs, Kenyon and Eckhardt. Past president of the Business/Professional Advertising Association (B/PAA, now BMA) at the international level, Fred was voted agency executive of the year by both the New York and New Jersey chapters. He spoke, taught and authored books on marketing communications for nearly seven decades, owning his own agency: Messner Marketing Communications, where he is succeeded by his son, Ken. Fred was also a member of ASCAP and composed music ranging from pop standards to classical chamber music. In his later years, he employed his significant musical talent teaching piano students of all ages on the Steinways in his music room. Fred and his beloved wife Vye loved the arts and were frequent theater and concertgoers throughout the greater New York area. Fred served on the board of Palisades Virtuosi, a classical music ensemble. Fred and Vye also traveled the world together, enjoying the cultural offerings of other countries throughout their long marriage together. Visitation was held on Feb. 24 at the Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc. in Park Ridge, followed by a funeral service at Christ Lutheran Church in Woodcliff Lake. Interment in George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.
EYELYN FINN
Evelyn T. (Dobbins) Finn, 91, of the Township of Washington, passed away on Feb. 20, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born and raised in Jersey City, graduated from Holy Family Academy in Bayonne, and then from the Berkeley School in New York City. She worked at Newsweek Magazine in Times Square and became involved in the war by helping and joining the organizations supporting the war effort. She met Jim Finn, a young lieutenant in the Army who went in on “D” Day, who was then finishing his education and working. They married and went on to have five children and Jim became a partner in the engineering firm of HNTB. Evelyn loved being involved in local projects and there were many. However, the Finn family was her pride and joy! Evelyn had a true zest for life; whether traveling the world, zip lining in Costa Rica at age 80, elephant and camel riding, dancing, playing tennis and bridge, belonging to the Red Hat Society, but most important were her lasting friendships. Her sense of humor never waned. She was always available for family, friends and even those she didn’t know, volunteering as a driver for those in need, and serving as a eucharistic minister. Evelyn resided in the Township of Washington since 1963. She is survived by her children Deirdre and Ron Romanowski, Bob Finn, Jack and Darlene Finn, Kerry and Steve Bartosik, and Jim and Debbie Finn. Grandchildren Troy, Maura, Brian, Kori, Brett, Whitney, Kendall, Kyle, Shawn, Kelly, Kasey, Connor and great grandson Rylan. Pre-deceased by her husband, James F. Finn, and daughter-in-law, Dawn Finn. The family received their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. The Funeral Mass celebrating Evelyn’s life and faith was held at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Township of Washington, with interment following at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. While we are saddened by her passing, we feel blessed to have had her in our lives for so long. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.
ANNA DINELLI
Anna Dinelli, 75, of Hewitt, NJ, formerly of Park Ridge, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Anna is survived by her beloved husband Serge of 52 years; her children Gabriella Rasulo and her husband Michael, Diane Reagan and her husband Patrick, and her son Dino; her grandchildren Nicole, Jaclyn, Tyler and Lexi; her siblings Salvatore Luciano and his wife Linda and Lucky Luciano and his wife Renee, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her five brothers and her sister. Anna was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother that worked selflessly for her family. She was a lung transplant recipient in 2011. Anna proudly nationalized as a U.S. citizen in the 1980s, coming from Italy in her youth. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Feb. 19. A Mass celebrating Anna’s life and faith was held at Our Lady Of Mercy R.C. Church in Park Ridge on Feb. 20, followed by interment at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Anna’s name to the Sharing Network of NJ, 691 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974.
LEROY MARADA
Leroy A. Marada, Sr., 91, of River Vale, formerly of Ridgefield Park, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. Leroy is survived by his dear wife of 70 years Eva (nee Veramachek); his children Leroy Jr. and his wife Joyce, Claude and his wife Mary, and Wendy Kelly; his grandchildren Leanne, Mark, Steven, Claude II, Luke, Elizabeth and James; his seven great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members. He is predeceased by his brothers and sister. Leroy left high school and went straight into the Navy to honorably serve during World War II. Upon his return he spent his career repairing automobiles and his free time down the Jersey Shore boating and fishing. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Feb. 20. A Celebration of Leroy’s Life was held at Becker Funeral Home followed by interment at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood.
MARILYN GIBSON
Marilyn M. Gibson, 87, of the Township of Washington, passed away on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. Beloved wife of 57 years to the late Aural “Al” L. Gibson. A devoted wife and mother, Marilyn enjoyed a secretarial career, first in a medical office and then for the Westwood Regional Schools. She was a long-time parishioner and choir member of Grace Episcopal church. She also enjoyed participating in activities with the Washington Township Golden Seniors and the Westwood High School Parent Music Group. Marilyn enjoyed the company of friends and family. She was loved and will be missed by her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. She is survived by her son Thomas and wife Kimber of Ridgewood; her daughter Lynn M. Glynn and husband Thomas of Cheshire, Connecticut; her daughter Jean Monnecka and husband Jerry of Ringwood; her son James and his wife Nicole of Ridgewood; and her 10 grandchildren Thomas, Michael, Brian, Kristine, Kyle, Nicole, Melissa, Jason, Jerry and Madalyn. She was predeceased by parents, Walter and Marie White of Ridgefield and by her sister, Dorothy DiVincenzo, also of Ridgefield. Family and friends were received on Feb. 16 at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. Requiem Eucharist was held on Feb. 17 at Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood, followed by burial at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Grace Episcopal Church, 9 Harrington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675 would be appreciated.